Why Laugh?

Dedicated to Margaret Long and Madeline Ellis

If you are around my family much there is one element that is present at any family gathering.  Well if you count food as one, there are actually two elements present.  The one I want to focus on here, as we have entered into 2014 is laughter. There is rarely ever a shortage of laughter when my family is together.  There is no doubt there is much to be serious about in this life, but the abundant life Christ promised us isn't’ one that is void of laughter.    Do you ever wonder if Jesus laughed?  I have really no doubt that He did, because the Bible says He Christ made himself like us in every way.  When Jesus allowed Children to come to him, I believe that He allowed them to come as who they were, laughter and all.  There are some who would say that laughing with God is irrelevant, but I disagree….     Laughter makes life richer….  My mom and I laughed last night when she mistakenly gave a Hobby Lobby card to the cashier at Starbucks.  We laughed when my aunt bought groceries from Kroger and upon pushing the cart to the van the toilet paper rolled into the street.  We were not the only ones laughing then.    As a result of my being a deep thinker people often miss or overlook my fun side.  Laughter makes the hard times lighter and more manageable.  Laughter is a gift from God.  “There is a time to cry and a time to laugh.
    A time to grieve and a time to dance.” Ecc. 3:4 

A life without laughter is a life lacking something.  I’m glad I have a family that knows how to laugh.  I remember when my cousin Bill, my uncle Ron, and another family member, all ran around the pool like mad men chasing my little cousin Jack, before he dove in the pool with his nice clothes on.  If memory serves me correctly they did not catch him before dove in, and we burst into laughter.  I think we were all so amused that I don’t recall his getting into trouble for his big jump.   

Sometimes it is good to laugh at yourself.  Like the time I introduced a classmate by the wrong name to someone, as I drove away, his girlfriend asked why I called him by another first AND yes last name too. 

 Like any other gift in life if we use laughter poorly or in the wrong way at the wrong time, we can hurt ourselves and others.  No one uses laughter perfectly, all the time, but laughter is healthy for body and soul.  I want to tell you about two sisters who laugh together and have fun wherever they go and whatever they face….  One has chemo brain sometimes, and the other is sometimes suspected of possibly having slight conversational ADD.  I think this verse describes both these sisters. “

She is clothed with strength and dignity,

    and she laughs without fear of the future Prov.”31:25

    One of these women is my Aunt, and the other is my mom.  They spread the gift of laughter wherever they are, and many uplifted by their fun and optimism.  I’m blessed to have their genes.  Does someone in your life make you laugh?  I’d love to hear about them!

Merry Christmas Pictures

You may have noticed I've been more silent on this blog this Christmas than in the past as I'm processing privately rather than publicly at this time.  Please know I value each of you, and look forward to reading your posts.Merry Christmas to you from me.  I'll touch base in 2014.  I'll wrap up with Christmas pictures past and present.  Blessing to you as you Celebrate the Birth of Jesus!

1988ish my brother Pawpaw and me...

When is Thanksgiving? Doing something different this year

I have an ugly confession to make. I have not been very thankful the last couple weeks as Thanksgiving is approaching this Thursday. I don't really have a legitimate excuse. I am blessed just as I have been blessed since before I was born. Those of you who have read my blog for any length of time know that for the last several years I have. A Thanksgiving 100 list. As much as I've enjoyed this the last few years, it has become more important to me to be thankful not only by claiming a list of things I'm thankful for, but it is truly showed this and live it out. Rather than making a list this year I want to just share some brief reflections.

I'm thankful for continual forgiveness when I fail... If we confess our sin he is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteous first John 1:9

I'm thankful for and unmovable unshakable love. Though the mountains be shaken and the heels the removed my unfailing love and my covenant of blessing will not be removed from you. Isaiah 54: 10

I'm thankful for provisions only God can provide: Philippians 4:19 and my God will supply all my needs according the great riches of Christ in Christ Jesus.

I'm thankful for my family and friends: God always provides people I need at the time when I need them. I think my God upon every remembrance of you. Philippians 1:3

I am thankful for my mom's stable health…

I'm thankful that even when I have down weeks like I have recently, and I'm not vocally thankful in my words are my attitude that God's still blesses me with .underserved gifts.

I'm thankful for my dog Franklin.

I'm thankful that I live in the United States of America, even when almost daily there is something that people complain about with regard to the country.

I'm thankful for reconciliation of broken relationships that is ongoing.

I'm thankful for the privilege of the week participating corporate worship.

I am thankful for modern medicine and for Sarah Cannon research Institute in Nashville Tennessee

I am thankful for the saving of the unborn babies in 2013

I'm thankful for caring church.

I'm thankful for those who participate on my blog even when my post are sporadic.

I'm thankful for nonjudgmental people in the judgmental world.

I'm thankful for modern technology.

I'm thankful for the health issues that I don't have to endure.

I'm thankful for the people who care for me on a weekly basis.

I'm thankful for the strength of power to do things through Christ that I could have never done on my own.

I'm thankful for simple joys in life, that I'm often tempted to take for granted.

Lastly but not least I'm thankful because of Christ always have and will hope no matter how dark things may look.

I'm thankful that both in and out of season there is always reason to be thankful.

In Ephesians Christians are commanded to be thankful regardless of season or circumstance. For those who has experienced losses, trials and continuous difficulties this may seen unfair or unreasonable, however If. We know Christ as our personal Savior is not an unreasonable demand. In fact, any other response is nothing short of ridiculous. I am thankful that God is patient and compassionate when his children struggle with the attitude of gratitude in all our days. Let's follow the example of Christ himself, and ask him to fill our hearts with the gratitude, that He is is most deserving of! If like me you find yourself in a rut and struggling to live out gratitude everyday, then this is something we need to confess, and commit to prayer, and ask the Lord for his perspective and His joy. Over the last month, there has been a practice on social media to list something you are thankful for every day for one month. While I know this is a fun game that I have participated in the past, this really isn't any different from what we as Christians are called todo on a daily basis only we do it more with our hearts and our words instead of simply posting it as our Facebook status. I hope that you and your family have a delightful Thanksgiving. Thank you for visiting please feel free to leave a few reasons you are thankful in the comments section of this blog. If you are more private in your gratitude, I respect that. I would encourage you to take inventory of what you are thankful for not only during the holiday season, but as a regular practice in your life. note I felt it was important enough to dictate this post, I'm using voice activated software so if you find uncorrected mistakes that is why. Please do your best to decipher the and send it words :-)  I will visit your blogs soon.

The Day I Got Caught!

The day I got caught… A little over a year ago, I attended She Speaks writer’s conference in North Carolina. My friend and I rode the elevator many times that weekend. The last day, I was feeling tired from all the excitement and my brain was on overload. I had met many people on the elevator that weekend, but this time was different. A woman with a large rolling backpack entered the elevator. You would think with my having a physical disability, I would have been prepared for what happened next. I tried not to stare but I couldn't take my eyes off of the physical scars that were apparent on her face. It didn't occur to me to ask her questions. I was torn. I didn't know how this woman, who I didn't know at all might respond to a question regarding something so personal. It seems as though we were on the elevator forever. The silence was killing me, and I'm sure the silence must have been making her uncomfortable as well. She broke the ice by striking up a conversation with me. One would think my being in a wheelchair all my life would make me more sensitive to situations like these.  Shouldn't I have been the one to be more tolerable and open? It was evident she wasn't seeing my chair upon talking to her. She wasn't being mean to me for staring at her. She offered to give me information about her personal testimony, and her desire to minister to others. I could not help feeling deeply convicted as we parted ways that day. I of all people should know the pain of being judged by physical appearance alone. I learned a lesson from that sweet woman that day.  I became aware of just how tempting it is to judge by appearance, even if I have been judged by the same standard. I have more understanding and compassion, not only for those who are being judged, I also have compassion for those who are doing the judging as a result of this experience.  In that moment, I had judged a woman solely on what had happened to her, even though I didn't know what that something was. This woman, to be honest I don't even remember her name now,showed me how our Savior teaches us to view those made in His image. Instead of being angry with me, because in my ignorance and curiosity I stared at her, she chose to use that as a door of opportunity to minister to me. This woman's humility is beyond anything I have seen upon the earth. As Christians, we must ask God to help us see with spiritual eyes like Jesus does. . When I came home from the conference I opened the packet of information she gave me, and I was in awe of her depth and wisdom. I was humbled by her desire to educate and inform others about her ministry. This beautiful woman inside and out could have chosen to be bitter and resentful for her lot in life. She could have chosen to be angry because no doubt throughout her life I'm probably not the first person, who  stared at her, and sadly I'm sure I won't be the last. I wonder if most of us would be so bold to allow those uncomfortable and painful moments in our lives to be a window to educate others in their own struggles and pain. I don't know where this woman is ended up. I do know her courage and strength were an inspiration to me that day. I will make a conscious effort to extend the same grace and mercy that this wonderful person did, whether I am on the side of tempting to judge another person by physical appearance, or if I am the recipient of someone else's judgment. Immediately after that encounter: the Lord brought a verse to my mind. "But the LORD said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" 1 Samuel 16:7.

We live in an appearance driven culture. It is comforting to know that we worship a Savior who sees beyond the outer appearance, and concerns Himself far more with the depth of our character and beauty of our souls! As Christians, we must ask the Lord to help us see those we come in contact with using spiritual eyes, even when it comes to that which is physical. This woman who taught me one of the greatest lessons I have ever learned, has a beautiful soul. She has even more than that, she has a beauty that is displayed through brokenness and physical scars Likewise this is the same with Jesus Christ! He bore our pain and took our scars: yet there is none more beautiful than the Savior Christ the Lord!  Have you ever had a similar exprience?

We All Need Somebody

Hello readers
it is been far too long since my last blog post. My intention is for that to stop as of today.  It is not fair for you if the reader to not have consistently when you come to this blog, and quite frankly my own lack of consistency in this area is  discouraging to me.  Please allow me to give you a brief overview of what I've been doing the last few weeks. First, in addition to my volunteer position two days a week, I have joined an online writers training program called Compel: attempted as well to join an online Bible study, but this has not worked out so well. I am loving the compel lectures offered by Proverbs 31 ministries. While I love the book  confident heart and this will be my third time to actually read it. I haven't done a a good job of interacting with the online Bible study. I honestly think that I have overcommitted myself somewhat!  I have discovered that I don't do well achieving goals by myself.last Sunday night I was given the privilege of sharing with my church the impact that our 40 day prayer challenge has had on me. God was faithful as he always is to take my weakness and use it for his honor and glory. I was deeply encouraged by the love and encouragement offered by my church family. Lately it seems God has been reminding me of how important it is to be plugged in to real genuine community. Yesterday I saw the movie Capt. Phillips. This movie in many ways illustrated the same point. The message that the captain continued to give his crew was stick together, despite the fact that they have been attacked by a ruthless enemy. This doesn't just make for good triumphal movie, it is also a deeply scriptural principle. Community happens in many different forms. Whatever the form community may come in it is essential to well-being and success.I know that 95% of the time social media gets a bad wrap, and some of it is no doubt deserved. For me though, social media has provided a sense of community when circumstances prohibited me from leaving my house.  King Solomon in Ecclesiastes stresses the importance of community and knowing that one is not alone. If we are attacked and we have no one to support us, then we are no doubt doomed to fall prey. If we have community, then even if we fall – it will not be fatal. Those who support us can't help us to get back up and run the race again. 9  "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."  Ecc. 4: 9 – 11

I have been very blessed in the sense that God has always provided for me at least a couple of genuinely sincere relationships no matter what season of life I find myself in. There are times when it takes a lot of work to get into a community where you belong and feel that you can be the person that God created you to be. The older I get, the more this become an essential need and priority to me. I'm not talking about codependent friendship, I've been down that road: and some days am still tempted to do so. I am fully aware of the fact that being in community is part of God's desire for his children. At different times in my life the sources through which I have experience community have been different depending upon the season. In the past, I have always been eager to hold on to whatever relationships or friendships God might bring them to my path. I do believe that loyalty is a good quality to have friendship, however as I have matured over the last couple of months, I have realized that it is okay for friendships to grow and change. It is even okay to maintain a friendship for a season, and not a lifetime. Trust me when I say, that everything in my being wants to protest the statement I just wrote. It is okay to want meaningful relationships in life, butI have made the mistake  ofnot allowing myself to establish the possibility of new friendship, for fear that it might somehow eradicate  or hinder the few friendships which are precious to me. I am a firm believer that we were never intended to have numerous genuine companions. I don't mean that we should not be nice to all people. The Bible says just the opposite of that love one another without stipulation. Even Jesus had special individuals in the in his life. It didn't mean that Jesus was prideful, because clearly Jesus is the perfect example of humility!While I won't list these individuals personally, it is my hope and desire that they know that they are part of my community, and they  don't need their names listed in order to be confident of this. Today I'm thankful for God's perfect wisdom in offering me community and every season and in different ways!

what ways have you found that has led to genuine community?

How do you define fellowship? I'd love to get your feedback, as I explore these questions for myself.thank you for sticking with me and I plan to be back in touch with you soon.

It's a Girl!

Last week I had a computer crash...  It is still not fully up to standard...  It has good for my sanity and mom's that she had a week off treatment.  Something exciting did happen though.  After much prayer and conviction, I have a child....  Did you faint yet?  No, I didn't give birth...  I didn't adopt.For years I have wanted to sponsor a compassion International child, but always put off, but when I could no longer avoid the fact that God had planted this desire,  I knew what I had to do. I went online and looked for children who needed sponsorship.  I know I'm not the parent, but what joy it has already brought to me to be a part of a child's life.  It went without saying for me I would choose a girl to sponsor.  I know boys need love and support too, but sponsoring a girl seemed right.  I wrote my first letter Anelis today.She is 4 from Bolivia.  I have heard Michael W Smith speak of compassion International for years at concerts, but never responded, for several reasons...  However recently every place I went something was said or done to promote Compassion.  I was concerned about the financial commitments, but once I went to the website, and I knew I would do whatever I needed to do!  Have you ever done something that turned out to be far more rewarding than you imagined?  Love to hear about it!  By the way, if you want to check out more about compassion you can here...  For me, the time was right,  and it is already a blessing!  Here

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Left behind not the movie...

True confession...  Sometimes I feel left behind..  Not spiritually really...  Let me explain.  Recently I told a friend not to forget that God had not left her out of the puzzle.  Little did I know, those words were just as much mine for the taking as they were for her.  Many of my dear friends are full time ministry, and I would never make light of demands and struggles that accompany such a role, but at times I'd be lying if said, part of me was not struggling with the idea that everyone I know is living out their purpose in life, and I'm left wondering what's next Lord.  I love working with Choices, I must I have been there volunteering since 06 and yet I can't shake the sense of restlessness I have been feeling as of late, that there is more out there for me to pursue.  Until now I have not gone public with these struggles.  I feel guilty for desiring more.  I have a great life. A great family...  Everyone is not called to be a position of leadership like Moses, I know that my gift is not in leadership.  I suppose mostly as I see people going in different directions over the years, I fear that they will outgrown my friendship and leave me behind, since my path looks very different from theirs, and at times it is isolating to me.  I pray for my friends to live full lives and to be content in where God has placed them.  it is good to be reminded that I can be a partner to them in their various ministries.  Perhaps that is part of the ministry God has for me to pour into those who are always pouring themselves out for the sake of others.  I don't really know, but I know that God has a plan for every life, and if we are honest, we are all seeking to either live out that purpose, or trying to fill the void of not living it.  We are a work in progress.  I/we must remember that it is a privilege to be part of God's master plan, and his plan is not ever incomplete.  He has invited us to be a piece in this beautiful puzzle called life!  So if you and I are ever temped to believe he has forgotten one of his children, or left them behind, remember with me that as we seek to unwrap his plans for us that He never leaves his work or puzzle incomplete.  The puzzle is always to be a reflection of The Creator...  Phil. 1:6 "He who began a good work in you, will carry it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

R-E-S-P-E-C-T for What?

For as long as I can remember I have enjoyed reading.  In recent years I have neglected the habit, and exchanged my passion for reading, for that of social media and pintrest,   and honestly it s disapoints  me.  Reading has been a friend to me long before I had friends.  Despite the pin above I understand that reading just isn't isn't enjoyable for some.  For me numbers makes things hard, but my ability to understand and process concepts through reading is a joy.   Today, I want to tell you a story about a book that changed a man's life, not simply because he took time to read it, but because he allowed the book to change his way of life.  Books are every where, both electronically and in print, but there will never be another book or story that potential to change a life like this one is.  There was this man named Josiah who became king of Jerusalem at eight years oldEven then, Josiah was wise enough to follow the example of his ancestor David, who though he was imperfect man loved and followed God. 8" Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the court secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the Lord’s Temple!” Then Hilkiah gave the scroll to Shaphan, and he read it.

9 Shaphan went to the king and reported, “Your officials have turned over the money collected at the Temple of theLord to the workers and supervisors at the Temple.” 10 Shaphan also told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a scroll.” So Shaphan read it to the king.

11 When the king heard what was written in the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes in despair. 12 Then he gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the court secretary, and Asaiah the king’s personal adviser: 13 “Go to the Temple and speak to the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah. Inquire about the words written in this scroll that has been found. For the Lord’s great anger is burning against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words in this scroll. We have not been doing everything it says we must do." 2 kings 22:8-13 One day the high priest informed Josiah the book of the law had been found, and that the people and nation was in violation of the law.  Josiah's heart was grieved at the reality of the disobedience, even before the predicted consequences that would be brought upon the city. seen in later verses(.....  As a result of Josiah's respect for God's commands, the just disaster  upon the city was postponed.
        Until this time people of that time had forgotten and likely simply ignored God's commands and worshiped idols, even to the point of sacrificing the children God had entrusted to his people.  The first evidence of Josiah's repentant heart and respect for God's word was the tearing of his clothes as an outward expression of a personal encounter with the word of God .  Josiah no longer had reason to only follow David's legacy, but he had discovered God's message and commands firsthand, and it made a profound difference not only for him, but in his actions; and the people he governed.  I have a confession to make, I don't have that kind of deep respect and awe for the word of God like I should.  Oh how it is my prayer that I would respond as quickly in obedience to God as Josiah did!  How amazing would it be if God's people just by taking hold of God's word, would have such respect that it would transform how we live!  After discovering the word of God, Josiah destroyed the idols of the land, unlike any king recorded in history.  We can never dismiss the influence a person who chooses to obey God.  Will our legacy of daily living be rerecorded as ones that respect or ignore the word of God? will we treasure the authority of God's word or will we discard it?  It occurs to me that the proof of treasuring or loving God's word, is not simply in whether we read it, but even more in if we choose to respond to what we read in our lives!    
         I have hidden your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11  

How can we show greater respect for God's ways in our lives?

A Dog a Miracle, and a Promise of Hope

Faith comes easier to some people more  than others.  I am one of those who struggles with choosing faith over doubt constantly.  Since my last post, I've added a new member to my family.  If you are friends with me on Facebook this is old news to you.  Franklin is my new rescue dog!

                                                         He has quickly bonded with mom, but his bonding to me has been a much slower process.  I already love him a lot, though adopting him at times has left me wondering if we did the right thing and hoping since he has been with us I think a month this weekend that he will soon become more adjusted.  He he has been a test of faith well worth the effort.  I don't think he fully understand yet, that I can't get in the floor with him or sit on the couch.

In other big news remember awhile back when I wrote that two of my  close friends whose dad was diagnosed with Leukemia?  That post well I have some amazing news!  Mike Hand has been declared Cancer Free!  He will continue his last regiment of treatment!   Thank you for your prayers!  God still does miracles!  Ps. 136.4  "   Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles.
His faithful love endures forever."  If you have prayed for Hand family and even if you haven't, you can join in the celebration, and praise God with me!  

News on my mom:

She began a new clinical trial last week for her ongoing battle with cancer.  This one is already requiring a lot more travel.  The chemo at times makes her super tired, but today she has felt well.  Please remember her and so many others fighting various forms of cancer.  Prayer has an impact upon lives.    We each have things we must overcome in life, for my dog Franklin it is the fear of being hurt or abandoned.  People have always said I've been drawn to people who are hurting, I guess the same is true with Franklin.  The bible says that as believers in Christ, we are more than victorious through the love of Christ!       37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.  Romans. 8:37.  This verse has been the hope I have been clinging to recently.  I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel as though my limitations and life circumstances are conquering me more than I am conquering these.  The truth is that trusting in God's unshakable love and goodness makes the impossible possible!  It makes the darkest valley turn to light.  So there have been three key elements to this post...  Thank God for his mighty works.  Pray with expectation, and press on with Franklin and me as I know you have battles to  conquer just like us.  Let us be victorious in our daily battles by trusting God's love to drive and empower us!  If you are waiting on God to act in situations that look hopeless to you, remember his promise with me, and know that God is always faithful in delivering on his promises.When faith is hard, God is ready to enable us to trust Him!  Thank you for stopping by and your care regarding my previous post.  Love to know if you have seen or are waiting  upon a miracle.     I am so glad to be part of what God is doing!

in Loss there is still Beauty!

I have not posted in a few weeks, and this isn't a post that will appear on my Facebook or twitter page.  This  is  not post many will applaud or click about.    On June 21st my dad passed away.  I know I didn't talk about him or write about him.  My parents divorced years ago, and I had not seen my dad in 5 years.  Though I called to check on him every so often.  His death for me was sudden and yet in so many ways was something I knew would come years before it every happened.  As you know in the last 5 years my focus has been on my mom's cancer battle and I will never regret that.  I was the last one to speak with him from here as far as I know.  My dad often would tell me that all of life,was about loss, to which I would say, but in loss you gain.  My dad was not a bad man, he was a man who loved in his own way, and on his own terms.  He was  a dreamer.  He loved me. For all the things I don't understand about his life, I know that.  When Jesus died on the cross his followers thought there hope was gone vanished without a trace, but it wasn't gone it was still ahead.  Jesus would rise from the dead, and fulfill the hope he promised. What does all this have to do with my dad?  Well, when I was young I lost my mom's car keys, and we never found those again.  Losses are strange, things you think you might not mourn, suddenly catch one off guard. So tonight I acknowledge the value of my dad's life, and who  he was.  I am thankful for for what he was able to offer me.  You see God shows me that he gives us permission to explore the losses we don't understand. And in every loss no matter the kind, there is something beautiful to be discovered, and hope to  be gained.  There is purpose and joy even I'm loss.  Tonight. I'm thankful, not because my dad lived a perfect life, but because he lived life period, and because his life is part of me, and that matters,  Have you ever found joy despite pain that caught you by surprise?  In my own way. I loved him too, and I'm thankful for the chance to have loved him as he was, for that yes was a gift I refuse to let be taken from  me.

My First time to Guest Post!

Hi friends...

   Please hope on over to my first ever guest post.....  I'm super excited, here is the link Jenn's Blog thanks enjoy!

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Have you Found Your Voice Yet?

Image source

           The image above may seem slightly humanistic to some for me, that isn't it's meaning.  I remember a little boy who wrote a book called heart-songs before passing away of an incurable illness.  I''m learning that God has entrusted me with my own voice. By the way, you know I don't mean the singing kind of voice right?  Lately, It has been  a struggle to really find the voice I have been entrusted with, instead of submitting myself to the molding of the voice God designed for another person.  If you have ever seen the TV show "the Voice," then you know often the judges will say find your own style make the song your own.  As Christians, we may find ourselves coveting or trying to copy someone  else in their God ordained path, trying to mimic other people's talent's or gifts.  I was reminded today God is not stingy in the area of his gift giving!  We need to look no further than Christ's death on the cross to see that.  We can fall into at least two traps.

One- We may see our voice and gifts and talents as inferior to others.  There are times when I feel my voice and gifts are lacking, and  inferior by comparing, and what an insult and disrespect it must bring to my Creator.  Comparison is the key word here...  Two, there are times when I/we pridefully think our gifts and talents are superior to others.  Here is sure sign we might be doing this- if we dismiss or put down the gifts, skills, and talents or become irritated with others: when their voice does not match ours.  It might be in subtle ways.   Another example, might be this is the way I am, and I don't need to examine my flaws.  I am reminded of this, when I am not willing to adjust to my new mattress, and refuse to stop sleeping on the other one, because its uncomfortable to my body.  it has been months since I got the new one.  Likewise, spiritually, I can be resistant to change, and sometimes miss the chance to grow.  Both these choices, inferiority and superiority are displeasing to God.I am guilty of both sinful perspectives.   God wants us to accept the gifts, entrusted not only to us, but to accept both the voice and gifts gives others too. For example, my God given way of viewing life, is through a heart of mercy.  It flows out in ways, I don't notice.  My mom's heart and voice exude faith and giving practical hands on service, as well as making the world a more beautiful place with her creative crafts.   All these gifts come from the Father's hand, and reflect the Father's Heart.     Where are you in the process of using your God given given voice and gifts? 
 "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10  It cannot become any clearer than this verse.  
Now for those of you still with me, I'n a day late, but I'm excited to link up with the coming alive party @ Jenn's blog
What made me come alive this week:

1. Loving on people who hurt
2. Seeing God work in and through me.
3. Church last Sunday
4. Dinner with friends and ice cream with my mom.
5. Sunshine and summer weather.
6. Seeing God work on my behalf 
7. Mom's laughter.

Everything Matters with Prayer!

  this post was written last week....  Due to hand pain I am only posting it now....

                                                                       Locate Image here

         I want to tell those of you who read this blog how much I value your feedback.  Your support from my previous post was such a blessing to me... Let me open with a question, Do you pray about your stuff?  What I'm asking do you talk to God about you daily stuff?  As a little girl, I remember thinking that God didn't really care much about the little things in my life.  I thought God only cared about sick and dying people.  As I got older, I /discovered I loved praying for others with all kinds of needs, and even become known as the prayer warrior in some circles.  Secretly, I had full faith in God's willingness to answer my prayers on behalf of others, but believed God saw my needs and wants as trivial.  The last couple of years, God has shown me that  prayer is a gift that enables me to come to Him in total dependence upon Him!  I am learning that with God there is no topic too deep or shallow for prayer.  I long to teach children this, so that they know prayer isn't just a thing to be done before dinner.  I knew these scriptures that said pray about everything, but I didn't really think it meant EVERYTHING.  As I read the Bible, I am starting to see that those who pray about everything are the people who are the most content lives  in Joshua 9 the Israelites were deceived by the Gibeon people, who requested a treaty to save there lives.  In many cases Joshua and Israel sought God before taking action.  In this case, scripture does not say or imply this here.  They did not consult God about what to do when approached by these neighbors regarding a treaty.  I cannot help, but wonder if maybe they might have assumed this decision was a no brainier, and they could use their own common sense, instead of seeking God's will in the situation.  As a result, they were deceived  I doubt they intended to violate God's plan in this mater, but they may have fallen into 2 traps.  One pride, they must have assumed they were independent enough that they already knew God's will in the matter, so they failed to seek Him on the issue.  When we assume we already know what God has to say about a matter, rather than taking  time to listen to Him,we are in danger of casually missing his direction and blessing.  A few weeks ago, I had a rather embarrassing situation which to me seemed almost too practical to pray about, but out of my own desperation, and a promoting of God's leading I prayed.    God gave me exactly what I prayed for.  Imagine if I had not accepted the invitation to bring this concern  to God. what a blessing I would have missed out on!  It is also possible to miss God's blessing when we assume He only cares about some things in our lives and not others.  I believe part of the reason I've battled anxiety in my life, is because I assumed God did not care about what troubled me, so rather rely on Him in trust, I thought I had to either worry or fix it myself.

        Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.". Phil. 4:6-7.  I admit I resented this verse in my childhood and teen years, because it was often used as a "pat answer.  We can get so focused on the do not portion of this passage, that we forget that isn't just a command, about not  worrying, but a command to pray!  We are not just told to talk with God about serious matters, we are told here to pray about EVERYTHING.  The daily things- the boring things, the silly things in life.  Does prayer matter in your life?

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Get Out Of Eygpt!

Friends

Most of the time I have a post in my head, before it ever appears on this blog,  Today  the same is true, except I don't know the ending, nor do I know how this will be received,.  I'm nervous to put it out there.  Several months ago-shortly after returning from She Speaks Writer/Speaker conference, a question surfaced in my head as I began to ask God to lead me.  I don't think that question came from me.  .  The truth is most of the pain I've carried with me through the years has been related to the academic scene.  I have little confidence in my intellect in some areas.  If you put my in a room with well educated people, I feel inferior.  It does not matter that most of my grades through my life have been above average  mostly that came from effort, not from a stellar IQ  The question was would you be willing to go back to school if I asked you to?  Please God anything you want, just not this I thought.  I told no one for months. First for fear that they would think that I'd lost my mind, worse  they might try to pressure me into a commitment. I was not entirely sure I was being asked to make.  Those of you who know me are aware that college for the time I attended, at least the latter, part was a complete nightmare in which I dropped out  I''ll spare you the details...I promise there's a lesson in all this.  Until last week, I had been a nervous wreck over trying to understand what all this means, and angry, that if the question was from God, that He would ask me to revisit an area of my life that I still  wear as a badge of shame.  As I met with a mentor recently, she reminded that I had been asked if I was willing, but had not been given further steps than that.  I looked at her puzzled...  Through tears, "Why would God ask me to be willing to do something, unless He wanted me to actually follow through?" I asked.  "Maybe it is a test of your willingness to obey regardless of the next steps."  she said.  A sense of relief swept over me in that moment.  It wasn't the first time God had asked to lay my own will for my life down, in exchange for His.  He asked me to lay my will down in the area of my mom's health, long ago; just like He asked Abraham to lay Issac on God's altar.  I did, and am  doing this daily .  I don't know when, or if God will command me to pursue a degree in the field that crossed my mind that day.  I have sincerely expressed my desire and willingness to be in God's will  even if that means going back to college.  In Joshua 5:9 God tells Joshua that He rolled away the shame of being in slavery in Egypt  .then the LORD said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away the shame of your slavery in Egypt." So that place has been called Gilgal to this day.  I admit I have never actually been to the place of Egypt, however my past with college  even 8 years later,is my Egypt. So imagine how freeing it was when I read this verse!  God has taken the badge of shame away from me, just like He did for Joshua and Israel as a nation, but imagine if  Joshua had continued to stay in his Egypt- in his mindset, even, after the Lord brought him out of bondage.  Sometimes I think the reason Israel could not get it together, is because they kept focusing on their dark past in Egypt, instead of accepting that God had rolled that shame away,  When we stay in our Egypt, symbolically, we forfeit the joy God desires  to give us by moving us to a new places in our lives.  Our own Gillgal is prepared for us, but our mindset, remains in the land of  Egypt  We all have Egypt in our lives, things that bring us shame.  For some, it is divorce, an abusive past, a one night stand, words we can't take back, how much more has the blood of Christ, removed shame from us!  How much more has Christ removed and redeemed the dark places of our lives, with the light!  Do you want to let go of Egypt with me?  It's your destiny too!  I wrote this down, so we can remember it together!  Our shame has been rolled away, the way the stone was on the day of Resurrection, but I/ we have to be willing to refuse to wear a false badge of shame in our lives!  I want to get out of Egypt: please come with me, as we embrace the fact that Christ has removed the shame from us!     .

Change is here...

Over the last year and a half there have been some small changes happening mostly on the inside of me.  I've embraced unconditional love from God,  I am becoming more secure in him.  His love and acceptance have begun to make it's way from my head to my heart, which is why I have chosen to celebrate the change as reminder of how far God has brought me from where I've been.  I believe our lives are not just a journey of our own, but are meant to inspire and encourage others.  When I began this blog years ago, the tagline was "my place in this blogging world", it was meant to be a reflection of finding my place in this world. My focus has now changed, and it is my desire to reflect that here.  So the tagline is now from Head to Heart.  So I hope you embrace the seemingly mild changes here friends, because one thing I'm learning is that change is going to happen whether we embrace it or not .    It has been good and busy birthday month that has now come to a close.
        Are you in a season of change or stillness?

Whatever season it is our lives, God wants us to invite his presence into it!  

                                                                            

When God Says "No" Do We Say Thanks or Why Not?

Hello,

     Here I am playing blog catch up again.  I wonder how I will recap everything since my last post.  Thank you for those of you who have prayed for the Hand Humbert family.  Baby Hope is recovering well.  Todd still needs prayer and the rest of the family.  Mike Hand needs lots of prayer as takes harsh chemo.  If you want to follow the journey go to my friend Jenn's Blog she would be encouraged by your comments...  Last Saturday I had an early 30th birthday party, and I had a great time!  If you are reading this and you were there thank you....
      My life has been super busy lately, and admittedly I am at my best when I have time to be still.  At times I feel that I'm torn because I want to have a Mary spirit, but at times I wish I could be Martha, because Martha is the one people seem to value more  Martha has a check list, and before the day is over every one cheers  our world and even Christians see the fruit of her work.  They see what she spent hours using her energy on.  Do you know what I envy most about Mary?  Her world didn't fall apart because Martha was offended by her actions.  Being the approval addict in progress that I am, it is easy to want tangible affirmation.  The question is will I look to Jesus for approval already granted, or approval not certain from others    She let Jesus deal with Martha's disapproval.She didn't wilt at the first hint of rejection, but her greatest delight was to please Jesus himself.  Oh how I want this to be true of me, as it was of the Apostle Paul and others  Lk. 37-40 Let me switch gears for a minute to make the point  Num.  22 contains such precious truth in it.  Will you allow me to quickly hit some of the highlights?        Bible text here Numbers 22  Balak sends for Balaam to curse God's people in battle.  Each time Balaam seeks God, in accordance with the covenant.  God sent word each time that he would not curse his chosen people, in fact He would bless them despite years of rebellion.  As a side note, isn't that just like God to relent from giving us what we deserve and give us something far greater?      Balaam wasn't a perfect servant any more that we are, He  was at one point totally unaware of what God was doing to the degree  that God made a donkey talk to get his attention.  In the end, Balaam continued to obey God no matter what it could cost him.  In that time period, one might lose their life if they refused a person in power.  To those who know me know I've struggled for years with waiting to please people, and at times it can be a hindrance life and in faith, but the more I embrace God's no strings attached acceptance, the more it seems to point me toward a sincere desire to obey God.  I don't know about you, but sometimes in my sinful nature, I wrestle with wanting to force things to happen, instead of seeing closed doors as God's blessing and protection.  Last month, I prayed about a possible job situation, and when it because clear it would not work, I was disappointed and dejected.  You see, I forgot that I had asked God to close the door if it wasn't his will.  That's exactly what He did.  I asked Him to forgive me for not thanking Him for answering my prayer, and instead focusing on wishing his answer was yes.  It had gotten to the point that I wanted a "yes" for all the wrong reasons.  I wanted the "yes" answer, because then I'd look like Martha.  I could see myself, and others would see my work as productive, but as a sister in Christ reminded me, it not about being productive, its about being meaningful, and honoring Christ, not myself.  The world we live in has an entirely different value system than the one Christ called his followers to.  Yes, work is a biblical principle, but whether it for money or not, that should never be the entire motive for why we work, or where we get our identity from.  Yes, a job is a means to fulfill financial irresponsibility, but I have to believe God wants more than that for his children,
Have you ever thanked God for the "no's" or "Not Yet's" in your life?  Care to share?.          

What if Easter were tomorrow

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If you celebrated Easter today, I hope it was a blessed one... If you don't celebrate  it then I'm sorry to say you might be a bit bored with my post.  Of all the holidays, I celebrate, I can say Easter means more to me than all the others!  I hope you watch the video above.  Christians everywhere worshiped their living and Risen Savior today!  You know what would be even better?  If you and I woke up with the same awe and wonder tomorrow about Christ coming to earth, living a perfect life, dying in our place and becoming alive again.  I have a confession to make, most days I don't live with this amazing sense of purpose and victory my Savior has afforded me.....  Oh I long to live in such a way that declares hope to others.  How I want to give as He gives and love as He loves!

    On Thursday a dear friend of mine, her husband and 2 children were in a terrible wreck, when a deer came through their windshield and landed in the backseat.  Praise God they are alive, but their 6 month old baby has bleeding on the brain, and my friend's husband has many surgical procedures ahead, and a long road to full recovery.  Please remember them in prayer with me.  Also My friend's dad was diagnosed with Leukemia recently.  Through it all, the Hand/Humbert family clinging ever so tightly to the hope that comes from a living Savior! Only A Savior, who is worthy-Jesus Christ has made the impossible, possible friends!  What if Easter were tomorrow and every day after that?  You know what, as Christians, I think that  is as it should be!  What do you enjoy celebrating and why do you celebrate it?

Keep an Open Heart about Miracles

Do you ever find yourself searching, waiting looking expecting a miracle?   Do you ever wonder why some people seem to get theirs right a way, while others wait months even years or even until eternity at times for answers or relief?  Lately, I've had conversations with multiple people as we wrestle prayerfully and reverently with this question... Every time my mom went into remission, I thought here is it is.  The miracle we have looked for, and it was for a season in time, and I'm still thankful for it.  A road once marked with little hope, in the form of a clinical trial, was it my ideal hope dream for my mom?  Nope, in all honesty, there was a  time about 2 years ago when I wanted desperately total healing and anything else seemed unfathomable.  Do I still want and wish for total healing for my mom and others I love yes.  Right now, her miracle is slight decreasing in the cancer, and that is a miracle!    Do I believe in miracles oh yes.  I am learning to view miracles differently now, but it continues to be a work in progress.  I don't talk about it much, but on rare occasions, a very few people have said God's will is always to Physically heal people.  There are some churches who teach this very thing, I beg to differ.  God is not limited to one type of healing. Healing comes in different forms.  Healing comes sometimes, a little more every day, in the form of grace carrying a person moment by moment hour by hour.  Some miracles come in the words your condition is stable or improving when just weeks before it seems you had run out of options.  The Gospel itself is a miracle.  The fact that your reading this, and I am writing it, is a remarkable gift.  I'm waiting on miracles too, but the act of trusting and expressing thanks and praise even in waiting is in itself is a miracle.  It might not be in the time frame or form you thought it might come in, but God often changes our thinking to match his, and the fact that you and I can relate as frail human beings to the living God IS and always will be the greatest miracle in all of history.  The fact that God listened to me as I lifted up names in prayer today is miraculous.  When Christians around the globe stand for Christ, even though their lives are in danger, is the power of God's miraculous work!  Often our hearts become numb to the wonderful work God is doing, because we have closed our eyes, and chosen not to see God's fingerprints in our lives.     I'm asking God to open my eyes, to remember and praise Him for "big" and "little" miracles alike.  Will you do the same, and then lets share God's works with many around us, who need to be reminded that God Is working, because celebrating God's works, will always bring us back to his heart! 

    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.¹² I will consider all your works    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”¹³ Your ways, God, are holy.    What god is as great as our God?¹⁴ You are the God who performs miracles;    you display your power among the peoples.  PS. 77:12-14.  www.biblegateway.com 

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Since God has performed miracles in the past, we can rejoice, and trust He is still working.  We must not be narrow minded in the way we view miracles.  Embrace the wonder of what God did in the past, and trust his ways for us when we are looking for and waiting upon his miracles in our present.  For more on a day by day miracle visit  http://www.comingaliveministries-jenn.com/2013/03/joy.html My friend Jenn Hand's blog.  Please continue to pray for Mike Hand and others who need God's touch.  We all need miracles in so many areas.  Let's praise God for what He has done, and is still doing in our lives!  

Leaning the Right Way When Cancer Strikes...

This post is in honor of the Hand family, and other walking miracle people in my life, like my mom. You can lean on me, and more important, you can and are leaning on our Faithful God!  

          In high school my friends and I used this as this as a theme song of sorts.  I have always liked the song though it was popular at a time before I was born.  This song always makes me smile when I hear it.  It makes me think of  classmates and FCA gathering in our basement.  I've needed, something to make me smile this past week.  One reason is because last week I came down with Chicken Pox, and it has been painful which I didn't expect.  I went to the ER last Thursday.  That same day I got the news that my 2 dear friends who are twins- there dad had just been told he has acute Leukemia.  It was like a knife cutting through my heart as my dear shared the news.  I was not so much hurting for myself, though I love her dad so much and he and Mama Hand as we call them, have always treated me like royalty.  I would have done anything in that  moment to ease my friend's pain.  "God please not this, not cancer, don't ask this of them, don't ask them to walk this path."  I flashed back to how sick my mom was during her aggressive chemo.  I tried to sound strong for my friend, but the hurt overwhelmed me in the moment.  All I knew to do was say how sorry I was, to promise my love and prayers.  Our  friendship is one I don't worry i'll ever lose. This is rare for me in relationships.  We have made it through foreign countries, secret crushes, and more.  I also flashed back to words God gave me during one of the darkest times finding out my own Mom's  cancer was back yet again.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Prov. 3:5  I heard the verse in a sermon about a month ago, and all but fell apart for many reasons.  1. I often don't trust God and his ways, but I'm learning to more daily 2. I sometimes lean on other things or people when there are things I don't understand about life, like cancer or other disappointments in life, instead of leaning on the Everlasting Arms of God.    I have a side piece on my chair that keeps me from leaning too far on my right side.  It works so well at times that all my weight shifts to the left side at times making my body unbalanced.  In those times when I have chosen to lean on God with everything, He has never once failed me.  He has never turned me away or mocked my need for him.  He does not find my burden too heavy or my hurt too deep.  I struggle sometimes with the false idea that God sees me as insignificant, but his word says otherwise.  God invites you and me  to come to him in our brokenness.  When we choose not to lean on God we are acting in rebellion..       Like me, I bet there are things you don't understand in your life.  Guess what our lack of understanding does not justify our lack  of trust.God.  However God does understand that we are frail  The hardest thing in the world is to trust God's heart, when we don't understand his ways .  It can be done- when we lean on God.  I've seen it,  I've seen in my mom and in my best friends lives. More than that God is teaching me and has taught me, he is enabling me to lean on him.  It is not wrong to lean upon others, or let others lean on us, but if we fail to lean on Jesus most, we are not leaning the right way, and no one else can uphold us like Jesus can and does!.  Ps. 18:30 Ps.33:4. He is trustworthy!  He can be trusted with the our unknowns.  He can be trusted to fulfill his promises!  He can be trusted to forgive us, to give us hope moment by moment hour by hour.  He can be trusted when others leave us behind or leave us out.  He can be trusted when the world around us feels as if it is caving in. He can be leaned upon rain or shine, dark or light.  I want to lean the right way, which is in trusting the heart and nature of God.  Do you hear him inviting us to lean upon his Everlasting Arms?  

BUSY SIGNAL

It is a couple weeks short of being two months since my last post.  It has been a busy couple months.  I am without a personal computer which makes it hard to post...  A new computer came today, hopefully it can be setup soon!  I have family coming in this weekend.  I have recently been dealing with Carpal Tunnel and other chronic health, issues but nothing serious.  Being away from the computer has made me more prayerful which I've needed.  I miss visiting your blogs.    Mom got a good report last scan, there has been small deceases in some of the cancer, and no growth in the other areas!  Praise the Lord!  I have had a couple speaking engagements lately that by God's grace have gone amazingly well!  Also fundraising for Choices, which is near to my heart...  Hope to hear from you all... I will visit your blogs soon, Lord willing!