Looking Forward not Back

My Heart is Breaking:(

2010-02-12T16:33:00.003-05:00

So today, I get a tweet from someone I follow that asks everyone to pray for this girl. He linked to a video. I actually follow her blog and it has saddened me! This girl has been battled life with CF(cystic fibrosis) and has not been well for weeks. She was informed this morning that her days are numbered! WOW! Makes me wonder why she hasn't received her transplant? Why hasn't God allowed for her to live longer? These are answers that we will never get! It frustrates me! I have had a rough day! Been praying for a new path for Mike and I. Been praying for a better job. Mike had an interview but didn't get the job! I was wallowing in my own self pity then I watched this video! Makes me to realize that our life is GOOD! Yes, God will provide in His time and not ours but I do sometimes feel like I have been forgotten! But to be told that your final days are here, WOW! WOKE ME RIGHT UP!!! I don't fully understand why people have to be born with CF! I don't understand why some have to die. I had a dear friend who died of CF years back! He had just had a double lung transplant and got to live with NEW LUNGS free of the gunk that he had lived with all of his life! He got to go skiing without having problems breathing. He lived about 11 months(can't remember the exact months)with NEW LUNGS! God gave him that FREE breathing time before He decided it was time for him to GO HOME with HIM! We don't know where life is going to take us but we do know that GOD will get us through!!

I leave you with this link to this wonderful story of a girl who, no matter what she is dealing with, can give LOVE!!! Pray for her! Pray for her family!

http://65redroses.livejournal.com/134498.html

Is Ignorance Bliss? BY: Leslie Nease, She Speaks! Graduate

2010-01-15T20:20:00.000-05:00

"Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship Him as God or even give Him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused." Romans 1:21-22 (NLT)

Devotion:

A wave of regret swept over me as I looked up the nutrition information on the pumpkin muffin I'd just consumed. It had a whopping 530 calories, 20 fat grams and 80 carbohydrates! Stunned, I wondered why I would ever want to know this information? Why did I look this up? Now I wouldn't be able to eat my pumpkin muffin in good conscience!

Ignorance is bliss. Or is it?

If I didn't know this nutritional information I would eat the muffin thinking that because it contains vegetable, it must be good for me! I mean, honestly - have you tasted one of these? But the truth is, eating a pumpkin muffin every day for the rest of my life might lead to some serious consequences. Heart disease, obesity, lack of energy and diabetes could be in my future. Now that I'm in the know, I can't deny the potential negative affects this could have. I have a responsibility and a decision to make, whether I like it or not.

Similarly, it used to be easier for me to pretend God wasn't real--hell was made up and evil was something I could elude. But when faced with the reality that there is a God who I am accountable to, there is a hell, and evil is present; I knew I had some decisions to make. Instead of living in denial, I accepted that ignorance is not bliss and it was not doing me any favors. So I started to search for truth about God in the pages of His Word.

Scripture is the one place where we can be sure we will find all we need to know about God. However, many folks try to figure out God without the Bible; they want a god on their terms. This reminds me of diets that promise extreme weight loss while eating whatever you want without exercising. We would be in denial if we believed those promises. To lose weight, you have to know the nutritional value of food, work out regularly, and not eat pumpkin muffins every day! It's a conscious decision to daily invest in our health and there are no short cuts.

Denying God's existence is not going to change the fact that He is there either. Ignorance is not bliss - it is ignorance.

God makes Himself known to us through His Word. He says, "I Am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5, NIV). We must make a conscious decision daily to invest in our spiritual health through learning about God through time in the Bible. We must connect and remain with Him. With God's Word lighting our path, we are armed with truth, so we can make informed decisions that will help us grow, not lead us into deception.

Dear Lord, I pray our minds and hearts will be opened and softened to the truth of Your Word. Help us embrace it and learn, grow and walk in the freedom of knowing that You are real and You desire a relationship with us. I pray we will take Your hand as we walk through this life. Instead of living in ignorance, may we walk forward, realizing that Your Truth is what sets us free. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Pierced By the Word by John Piper

Perplexing Proverbs by Susanne Scheppmann

For more encouragement check out Hold It Up to the Light

Application Steps:

It's important that we surround ourselves with people who will be truthful with us. Having godly, honest friends can ensure we have the accountability and tools to grow in our faith.

Spend some time in prayer and in God's Word, asking Him to reveal any areas of your life you may be living in denial or deception. Be ready to respond to what He may reveal with humility and a desire to grow.

Reflections:

Is there a scripture that you find difficult to believe? Have you prayed and asked God to reveal the context and the reason He included this scripture in His Word? Spend time digging into different Bible Commentaries found on various websites to help understand God's Word.

Can you think of a time in your life when you believed ignorance was bliss?

Power Verses:

Proverbs 4:13, "Take hold of my instructions, don't let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life." (NLT)

Psalm 119:105, "Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." (NLT)

Your New Identity BY: Sharon Jaynes

2010-01-14T19:33:00.000-05:00

Today's Truth:
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

Friend To Friend
There's a game that I've played many times at conferences and retreats as an icebreaker activity. Each person has the name of a famous or infamous person taped to her back. The women in the room walk around giving each other clues about who they "are." "You always put off worrying until tomorrow." "You had so many children you didn't know what to do." "You were the queen of soul." The point of the game is to figure out your identity. Once you guess correctly, you take a seat.

As I watched the women play that game, I was struck with its similarity to real life. Many times we determine our identity, by what others tell us about ourselves. You are so smart. You are a loser. You are so pretty. You could do anything you set your mind to. You are so ugly. You are so fat. After a while, those messages determine how we see ourselves, whether true or false. It is only a mature person who realizes that just because a person perceives you a certain way, doesn't make that perception true.

One of the greatest blessings of becoming a Christian is receiving a new identity. In the Bible, when God touched and changed a person's life, many times He changed his or her name. He said, "You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow" (Isaiah 62:2). Saul became Paul. Abram became Abraham. Sarai became Sarah. Jacob became Israel. Simon became Peter.

Likewise, when we accept Christ, God gives us a new identity and a new name. If we want to know our true identity, we need only look in the mirror of God's Word to discover it. It may be different from what you've heard others say about you, but which do you think is more accurate? Who do you think has a better perception of who you are, your Creator, or other creatures just like yourself? If you are a Christian today, the following verses describe your new identity.

My Identity in Christ

* Matthew 5:13 I am the salt of the earth.
* Matthew 5:14 I am the light of the world.
* John 1:12 I am a child of God.
* John 15:1,5 I am part of the true vine, a channel (branch) of Christ's life.
* John 15:15 I am Christ's friend.
* John 15:16 I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit.
* Romans 8:17 I am a joint-heir with Christ, sharing His inheritance with Him.
* I Corinthians 3:16 I am a temple of God. His Spirit dwells in me.
* I Corinthians 12:27 I am a member (part) of Christ's body.
* 2 Corinthians 5:17 I am a new creation.
* 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 I am reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation.
* Ephesians 1:1 I am a saint.
* Ephesians 1:3 I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places.
* Ephesians 1:11 I am sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit who has been given as a pledge of my inheritance.
* Ephesians 2:10 I am God's workmanship created in Christ to do His work that He planned beforehand that I should do.
* Ephesians 4:24 I am righteous and holy.

That is a lot to put on a nametag, but that is your new identity. Neil Anderson, in his book Victory over the Darkness notes, "The reason so many Christians are not enjoying the maturity and freedom which is their inheritance in Christ is because they hold wrong self-perceptions. They don't see themselves as they really are in Christ. They don't understand the dramatic change which occurred in them the moment they trusted in Him. They don't see themselves the way God sees them, and to that degree they suffer from a poor self-image. They don't grasp their true identity."

In that paragraph, Dr. Anderson described me perfectly. For the first twenty years of my Christian walk, I had no idea who I was, what I had, or where I was in Christ. As God opened my eyes to the truth, I realized that how I saw me and how God saw me were in stark contrast to one another. I came to a crisis of belief…who was I going to believe? And that, dear friend, is the same question you need to ask yourself.

Let's Pray
Dear God, I thank You that I am a new creation in Christ. I admit that sometimes I feel just like the old me and act like the old me, but I believe by faith that I am brand new. Thank You that my identity is based on my position in Christ rather than my performance on earth.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Do have any labels from your past that are in conflict with what the Bible tells you about who you are as a child of God?

Look at the above verses. Do have a difficult time believing the truth about who you are?

Now here's the big question. Are you going to believe what others have told you in the past or are you going to believe God?

Now, go back up to the list of verses again and read them to yourself aloud.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's devotion. Is this something that you have struggled with in your Christian walk? Let's talk… http://www.sharonjaynes.com/blog or www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes.

More From The Girlfriends
Someone once told me that faith is believing that God tells the truth. But many of us don't know the truth about who we are in Christ, what we have in Christ, and where we are in Christ. If you would like to learn more about your true identity as a child of God, read Becoming Spiritually Beautiful - Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes by Sharon Jaynes. Also, on Sharon's books and resource page, you can find a laminated card of verses about your true identity in Christ to tuck in your Bible for quick reference!

The Colors of Emotion BY: Susanne Scheppmann

2010-01-13T21:56:00.000-05:00

"This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything." 1 John 3:19-20 (NIV)

Devotion:

My feelings scoot across the emotion spectrum. Some days are happy days. Other mornings I don't want to crawl out of bed—I just want to wallow in misery and depression. I sigh and say to my husband, "I have the blues today."

I guess you could say I am a "colorful" person. Maybe you are too. Have you ever found yourself saying something like …

· I am feeling blue today.

· I am so angry; I'm seeing red.

· I am green with envy.

· I am in black despair.

Often our emotions are not based on reality, but on a temporary perception of reality. The prophet Jeremiah wrote, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9, NIV). I don't always understand why I feel the way I do. My moods could result from weariness, hormones, or an unexpected surprise.

Fortunately, although our hearts are deceitful and trick us into colorful emotions, God is bigger and stronger than our weak hearts. Our key verse states, "This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything (1 John 3:19-20, NIV; emphasis added). This makes me shout aloud, "Hallelujah!"

We still hold some responsibility, however, for our thoughts and emotions. Proverbs 4:23 instructs, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" (NIV)." How do we do this? We should take care about the books, movies and television that we allow to influence our thoughts. Listening to gossip, rumors and discontent from friends can certainly stir up negative feelings as well.

Instead of infusing ourselves with emotional junk food, we need to nourish our minds with godly influences. For example, read the Bible, chat with godly friends, or listen to praise music. The more joyful and contentment-filled influences we filter our thoughts through each day, the more we'll experience a positive emotional state—in fact, we'll be tickled pink!

Dear Lord, grant me the ability to recognize my emotions are not always truth. I thank You that You are bigger and stronger than my deceitful heart. Teach me how to be most effective in guarding my heart from fickle emotions. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Visit Susanne's blog

Divine Prayers for Despairing Parents by Susanne Scheppmann

The S.O.S for PMS: Practical Help and Relief for Moms by Mary M. Byers
30 Days to Taming Your Stress by Deborah Smith Pegues
Here are a few tips for A New Year, A Better You

Application Steps:

Memorize the following passages to help you gain control over colorful emotions:

Jeremiah 17:9, The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? (NIV)

1 John 3:20, For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (NIV)

Proverbs 4:23, Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (NIV)

Reflections:

Do I rely on my emotions to determine the outcome of my day?

What circumstances influence my emotions?

Power Verses:

Romans 12:2, "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." (NLT)

Philippians 4:8, "Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse." (MSG)

Galatians 5:22-24, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." (NIV)

At a Crossroads BY: T. Suzanne Eller

2010-01-12T20:59:00.001-05:00

"'Who are you, lord?' Saul asked. And the voice replied, 'I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'"

Acts 9:5-6 (NLT)

Devotion:

Lysa TerKeurst was on the stage sharing a message titled "Pursuing Excellence," but the Holy Spirit was center stage in my heart. That night at the annual She Speaks Conference was a crossroads moment, one of a handful in my life where I knew that God was speaking to me and asking me to turn either right or left.

Lysa challenged the audience to put aside anything that might stand between them and God's best. That night the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit showed me something that could possibly hold me back from excellence. No big sin. No hidden motives. And yet it mattered to God.

Did it matter to me? And what would I do about it? I spent time in the prayer room that night and I left with an understanding of what steps to take.

When I returned home, I quickly realized that the battle was bigger than I thought. God had shown me that I had allowed something "harmless" to claim my time and attention, to distract me from what He was calling me to do - write more books, develop new messages, and just hang out with Jesus more.

It wasn't about trying to be a super Christian, but a discovery process. What did God have for me as His girl?

In Acts 9, Saul was on his own mission, bustling towards Damascus to arrest followers of Christ. A voice and a Light stopped him in his tracks. He fell to the ground and asked, "Who are you, lord?"

This was Saul's personal crossroad. Would he stay on the same old path, or would he stop and allow God to take control? It wasn't easy, but Saul gave over the reins of his life to God and the rest is history. Where would Saul have ended up if he had ignored the voice of God?

He was a prominent man, a Roman citizen. A man feared by many. He could have stayed on that road and enjoyed the power and prestige. Instead Saul emerged with brand new direction that led him toward his destiny. He uncovered new paths. He discovered exactly who and what God knew he could be all along.

Perhaps you've felt that holy discontent lately. Maybe you are at your own crossroads.

What helped me the most was to ask the same question Saul did: "Who are you, lord?"

I looked at my time. I looked at my dreams. I looked at my relationship with the God who loves and knows me best. What had become lord in my life?

When I answered that question, I found renewed direction. I'm so grateful for a God that will stop me right where I am and show me the way.

Dear Father, thank You for loving us enough to stop us right where we are. I am grateful that You know us. You know what we can do, and You know our weaknesses. Thank You for leading us to an abundant and full existence through You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Making It Real: Whose Faith Is It Anyway by T. Suzanne Eller

What Happens When Woman Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst

Visit Suzie's blog where she offers a giveaway of Making It Real: Whose Faith Is It Anyway and shares a devotion you can download to help you at the crossroads.

Application Steps:

If you feel the same nudge from God's Spirit Suzie did, stop and:

Ask: Ask for clarity.

Anticipate: When God speaks to us it is not to condemn, but to motivate. What does God see that you do not?

Act: Turn in the direction God is leading you.

Reflections:

According to Miriam Webster, a crossroads is a crucial point, especially where a decision must be made.

"Let a man set his heart only on doing the will of God and he is instantly free. No one can hinder him." - A.W. Tozer

"The beautiful thing about this adventure called faith is that we can count on Him never to lead us astray." - Charles Swindoll

Power Verses:

Acts 9:19b-21, "Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, 'He is indeed the Son of God!' All who heard him were amazed." (NLT)

The Three-Headed Monster Rears His Ugly Heads BY: Sharon Jaynes

2010-01-11T19:53:00.000-05:00

Today's Truth
2 Corinthians 3:4 (NIV) "Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God."

Friend To Friend
The three-headed monster of inferiority, insecurity and inadequacy can paralyze a Christian into inactivity and leave him or her sitting on the bench during the game of life … afraid to get into the game. God's desire is to destroy the monster with the truth and render him impotent in our lives. Satan's desire is to feed him with lies until he's big and strong. Who are we going to believe?

Believing who we are in Christ destroys feelings of inferiority. Believing where we are in Christ destroys feelings of insecurity. Believing what we have in Christ destroys feelings of inadequacy. What a transformation when a Christian believes the truth. She experiences a confidence makeover!

I do not want you to think I am always victorious and never struggle with the three-headed monster. He still rears his ugly head every now and then. Let me give you one example.

It was my first large speaking engagement to about 450 women about thirteen years ago. My topic was "Unshakable Confidence in Christ." Two weeks before I was to speak to the group, I attended a luncheon. Two ladies whom I did not know were sitting at my table, and they were talking about a speaker they had recently heard at the church where I would be speaking in a few weeks.

"He was the most powerful speaker I have ever heard," one said.

"I cried all the way through his testimony. Just to think, he had to live with the fact that his son was an arsonist. Oh how God has worked mightily in the family. The pastor was so moved, he asked him to speak at the Sunday night service. That is highly unusual. I don't think we will ever have a speaker that good again."

On and on they sang the praises of this mighty man of God. They used words like dynamic, powerful, electric, and eloquent. I never mentioned that I would be the speaker for their next meeting. At that point, I wasn't so sure I would be.

As I listened to the ladies, my throat constricted, the tea sandwiches clung to the roof of my mouth, and my heart pounded wildly. Then Satan, the gatekeeper for the three-headed monster, let him out.

"Who do you think you are, going to speak at this event? Listen to the caliber of people they bring in. This man came from all the way across the country. You are coming from just across town. What could you possibly have to say to help these women? If I were you, I'd bow out now before you embarrass yourself."

You know what? Even though I knew it was the enemy whispering in my ear, I started to believe him. After all, what he was saying made a lot more sense than the "Who I am in Christ" statements taped on my refrigerator door.

After the luncheon, I decided to go by the church and purchase a tape of the previous speaker, just to see what I was going to be compared to. I walked into the church, paid my $5.00, popped the tape in the console, and braced myself for the hour of power.

Nothing happened.

I fast-forwarded the tape.

Nothing happened.

I flipped the tape over.

Nothing happened.

The tape was blank.

At that moment, I did not hear the dynamic speaker on the tape, I heard God.

Sharon, you do not need to hear what my servant said to these people two weeks ago. The tape is blank because I do not want you to compare yourself to anyone else. It doesn't matter what he said. I will give you a message for these ladies. I can speak through a prophet, I can speak through a fisherman, and I can speak through a donkey.

I gave him a message and I have given you one as well. Who are you "performing" for, my child, them or Me? Do not compare yourself to anyone. You are my child and I am asking you to speak to an audience of One.

It was indeed an hour of power. I didn't bother getting my money back for the defective tape. It was exactly what I needed to hear.

So the next time Satan said to me, "Who do you think you are?" let me tell you what I said. "I am the light of the world. I am the salt of the earth. I am a child of God. I am the bride of Christ. I am a joint-heir with Christ. I have the power of the Holy Spirit. I have been delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of Christ. I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved."

Two weeks later I spoke with confidence, and God blessed us all.

Let's Pray
Dear God, I know that without You I am nothing but an empty vessel. However, because of You, I am filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and have been blessed with every spiritual blessing! I can be confident because of who I am as a child of the King. I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me!

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
When is the last time you had a case of the "I can'ts?

Where do you think those feelings of insecurity come from?

Do you believe that the power of God lives in you?

Do you think there is any incident in which God would say "I can't?"

I hope you answered no! Look up these two verses and write them down. Post them in a visible place and look at them every time your confidence begins to wane this week.

Luke 1:37

Genesis 18:14

If you are struggling with insecurity, I'd like to hear your thoughts on this devotion. Visit my Facebook page and let's chat. www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes

More From The Girlfriends
If you ever struggle with feelings of inferiority, insecurity, or inadequacy, then you'll want to study Sharon Jaynes' book Experience the Ultimate Makeover. The message of this book will help you to see yourself as God sees you!

Hoarding What You Have BY: Wendy Pope

2010-01-11T19:45:00.001-05:00

"I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back." Matthew 25:25 (NLT)

Devotion:

Reality shows are the craze today. You can watch children with problems set on the straight and narrow by The World's Strictest Parents. If you are not happy with your spouse, you can Wife Swap for another spouse while millions watch. The world is also even now invited into the private moments of drug and alcohol interventions.

One of the newest reality shows to hit the airwaves is called Hoarders. People on this show have made a lifestyle out of holding on to what they have. In Hoarders, individuals come face to face with the reality of their problem through intervention and encouragement to clear out their stuff.

Our key verse comes from a story of three servants who were entrusted by their master with his money while he was away. The first two servants pleased their master by multiplying or showing growth of what they had been given. The third servant disappointed his master. He had hidden the money, keeping it safe but also keeping it from earning interest. In other words, he hoarded what his master had given him. Why did he hoard what he had been given?

Scripture gives us the answer. The servant was afraid. He was so consumed by his fear that he did nothing. He was afraid of messing up. He was paralyzed by the thought of doing something wrong or reflecting poorly on his master. In fear, he hid the money and then gave it back.

As I pondered the events of this story my mind drew a picture, a picture I did not like. In the picture I was bowing before my holy Lord, giving back exactly what He entrusted to me, nothing more. I questioned, Am I responding to my Master as this servant responded to his master? Have I fully used or am I fully using, even developing, the gifts and talents He has entrusted to me? Am I hiding what He gave me in fear of messing up?

What about you? How would you answer these questions? It is easy to think we are not good enough or that we are undeserving of God's gifts. Our negative thoughts take us captive, leading us to believe we would reflect poorly upon our Lord if we dared to multiply and grow what He has given us. Today's devotion is our intervention. Now is the time to clear out what we've been hoarding or hiding. Praise God our intervention is not dramatized in front of millions of people. We stand before an audience of One - the only One who matters.

Dear Lord, I apologize for hiding and hoarding anything tat You have given me. Help me be a good steward of everything You entrust to me. I want to be used to grow Your Kingdom. Supply the confidence I need to clean out my hiding places. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Shaped with a Purpose Workbook and companion CD by Renee Swope

Living Free In Christ CD by Wendy Pope

Visit Wendy's blog - Experiencing the Real Meaning of Free

The Gift Giver offers more encouragement on God's good gifts!

Application Steps:

In a quiet place, read Matthew 25:14-28.

Reflections:

How will I respond to my intervention?

Am I responding to my Master as this servant responded to his master?

Am I fully using, even developing, the gifts and talents God has entrusted to me?

Am I hiding what He gave me out of fear of messing up?

Power Verses:

Romans 12:6a, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." (NIV)

Colossians 3:23, "Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men…" (Amplified)

"Holiness: A Great Concept" - Heartlight Daily Verse

2010-01-10T20:50:00.001-05:00

1 Peter 1:15-16
Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

Thoughts on today's verse

"Holy" is one of those words we generally associate with the "stained glass ghetto" -- a word only "church folks" use. That may be true, but it's still a great concept. Every kid knows that you don't eat hot dogs and potato chips on china. Mom's china is reserved for "special company" or "special occasions." Hot dogs are for paper plates and every day, china is for special events. When God is calling us to be holy, he's calling us to be china -- something special just for him, and as Peter emphasizes, just like him.

Prayer:

Holy Lord, God Almighty, I come before you knowing how great the distance is between your holiness and my commonness. I thank you for making me holy through the sacrifice of Jesus and by sending your Holy Spirit to live inside of me. Please receive my life today as a holy offering to you! Through Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith I pray. Amen.'

"Never Accept Spiritual Defeat" - Time with God - Jan. 8, 2010

2010-01-08T22:25:00.000-05:00

1 Peter 5:8-10

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

Never accept spiritual defeat in your life!

It is in the spiritual battle that you have an opportunity to take major steps forward in your spiritual life. The devil will attack you, yes. "But resist him!" As you do battle with him, look what God will do for you. He will "perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you."

Martin Luther once said, "Wherever the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved."

Whenever you sense that you are being attacked spiritually, remember that it is part of a much bigger spiritual battle that is being fought throughout the world for the glory of God. Do not accept defeat as inevitable, no matter how many times you have lost that battle before.

The Lord is assuring you today that He will enter into that battle as you make godly choices.

Becoming Today BY: Amy Carroll

2010-01-07T22:34:00.000-05:00

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

Devotion:

As my plane landed, I wondered if she'd be there. The retreat weekend simply wouldn't be the same without her. I would miss her encouraging looks as I spoke and the women of her church would certainly have hearts that ached with her absence. All year I had thought about the words that she had spoken the previous fall, and I needed to ask her more probing questions.

She had a secret that I longed to know. There were many women from the group who I wanted to ask about, but as the event coordinator and I waited at the luggage carousel, I started with my most important question, "Will Ruth Clark be coming?" My heart rejoiced as I heard the reply that was given with a smile, "Ruth has had a lot of health problems this year, but she'll be there!"

Entering the room at the retreat center, my eyes searched for Ruth among the small clusters of chatting women. I found her dear, smiling face quickly and headed to greet her. She opened her arms wide, hugged me and said, "I've been praying for you all year." After asking me to wait for a minute, Ruth opened her purse, took out a well-worn pink book full of small cards and began to leaf through it. Finally, she found the card for which she had been searching, and pulled it out. On it was a black-and-white photocopy of a picture of me with my name written underneath. She explained, "Each day I use this book to remember who to pray for. I put you in my book after the retreat last year, and I've prayed for you every day."

I looked at her face, creased with crows' feet and laugh lines, the product of many wide smiles and tender glances. I took in her white hair, the walker beside her and her comfortable shoes and had a single thought—"Beautiful!"

Ruth is the woman that I want to be when age has settled onto my features and slowed my steps. Her beauty is an internal light that has grown brighter with time and experience rather than being extinguished. Knowing Ruth has changed my life and set me on a journey. When we first met, I immediately knew she had something I wanted.

After listening to this delightful woman talk for a while, I asked her, "What is your secret? How have you continued to grow in the Lord, stay positive and exude joy?" She answered quickly and confidently, "Be today who you want to be tomorrow."

Profound!

So, how can you and I apply Ruth's advice in our lives while we're still younger women? We can ask to God to reveal our own sins and flaws, repent of them and ask for His mercy to start living differently today. He's given me a very personal and specific list of where to start! I can ask God's help to stop my tendency toward complaining about difficult circumstances and develop the habit of praising Him for molding my character through trials and tests. I can ask Him for the spiritual fruit of self-control so that I resist flying off the handle in a grumpy, hormone-fueled fit for no good reason. I can ask Him to stop my free-flowing river of words and help me listen to others compassionately before I speak. I could go on, but you're getting the picture. Are you starting to make a list of your own?

Although thinking about our own aging and watching loved ones age sometimes generates fear, we can face the future with tremendous hope and faith when we know that we can begin shaping our tomorrows today. I truly believe that becoming the woman today that we want to be tomorrow is the key to becoming the woman of grace, love and wisdom in our 70s and 80s that we so desire to be.

Dear Lord, I long to be a growing, godly older woman until my very last breath. Help me to begin today in developing the character and spiritual disciplines that I'll need to follow You victoriously throughout my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

The Woman I Am Becoming by T. Suzanne Eller

Find more encouragement from other "Ruths" with the P31 Woman magazine

Visit Amy's blog-Ponderings from the Pathway

Application Steps:

Imagine yourself in your 80s. Make a list of words that you would like others to use when they describe the 80 year old you.

Reflections:

Which of my personal character traits could become ugly when magnified by age?

Have I limited God by an "I'll work on that later" attitude?

Power Verses:

Isaiah 46:4, "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." (NIV)

Psalm 71:18, "So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come." (ESV)

© 2010 by Amy Carroll. All rights reserved.

The Friendship Project by: Whitney Capps

2010-01-06T09:22:00.001-05:00

I am going to do a daily devotional for my blog this year! Hope something will speak to you as today's has me!! LOVE YA ALL!!!

"But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, 'And who is my neighbor?'

Luke:10:29 (NIV)

Devotion:

It was a room full of nearly strangers, barely friends-until that day. I asked the ladies to stand as I read from a list of life experiences. If they had lived through one of the descriptions they stood up. One by one, sobbing women rose to their feet as I read the list. They were family in name only - a family of believers from the same church gathered together for a women's retreat where I was the guest speaker.

Twelve women stood together when I asked if anyone had had a miscarriage. One woman had buried a spouse. Five came from unbelieving homes. One had lived through marital infidelity. Three had escaped relationships where they had faced verbal, physical or sexual abuse. Three ladies had struggled with depression. The list went on and on. By the time I had finished, every woman in the room was standing.

We were knee-deep in one another's junk, and yet I had never felt closer to a group of women. As we closed the session I asked them to share more about their stories at their individual tables. As I surveyed the room, women who had been strangers only minutes before were huddled around one another, embracing, sharing and weeping. God was knitting hearts together. It was a moment I'll never forget.

I am realizing that women of all walks of life crave friendships. And yet so many of us feel that we are lacking meaningful, authentic relationships. How is it that a church full of women with a common thread of faith are not friends? Worse yet, if we aren't friends, can we hope to offer authentic relationships to those who enter the doors of our churches every week?

I fear the answer is "no, we can't" unless we change and make a few necessary sacrifices.

Recently I've gleaned some life lessons from the story of the Good Samaritan. In Luke 10:30, Jesus paints a not-so-favorable picture of the religious and respectable. I wonder if He would have the same indictment of our churches today? The priest was seemingly too busy to befriend the one in need.

Can I be honest? I am regularly guilty of this sin. Before and after church my husband and I busy ourselves with the work of tending to our children, and doing the business of church. I move past people who are hurting, but I don't stop with my busyness to see their needs. I rarely get off my horse. I am the priest.

The Levite rode past the hurting man too. Perhaps he felt he was too clean to get dirty in the messy business of grace and mercy. Helping the man in need would have made the Levite ceremonially unclean. He wanted to preserve his position and place.

Let me do a little more truth-telling. I don't usually want to get knee-deep in other people's junk. If I don't get into messy relationships I avoid having to deal not only with my own junk, but other's as well. So I don't get off my horse. I am the Levite.

Here is the problem. Real relationships require time and transparency. If we want to move from being casual acquaintances to genuine friends you and I will have to share pain and joy in an authentic, sacrificial way. I believe this, but for right now it's just theory.

I'm curious. What would happen if we covenanted together to get off our high horses and got into one another's junk? I wonder if our churches would explode. I wonder if lives would be forever changed. I wonder if the Church would shed a little bit of its reputation of hypocrisy.

Want to see what would happen? It's not too late to add a New Year's resolution. Let's resolve to change lives through friendship. Let's slow down. Let's share our stories. Let's get knee-deep.

Dear Lord, give me eyes to see those in need around me, and give me the courage to respond. Father, I want to be a part of life-changing friendships by offering grace and mercy. You call us to love others as ourselves. Help me obey this all-consuming command. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

The Friends We Keep: A Woman's Quest for the Soul of Friendship by Sarah Zacharias Davis

Visit Whitney's blog today.

Traveling Together: Thoughts on Women, Friendship and the Journey of Faith by Karla Worley

Join Whitney's Facebook group The Friendship Project for more details about this campaign

Application Steps:

How can you simplify your Sunday routine to allow more time for building relationships?

With whom can you share part of your story in hopes of offering encouragement and hope?

Reflections:

Do you have genuine, edifying friendships? Why or why not?

Are you reaching out and developing new friendships with those in need around you?

Power Verses:

Luke 10:27, "He answered: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind"; and, "Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (NIV)

Luke 10:33-34, 36-37, "But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds...and took care of him... 'Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?' The expert in the law replied, 'The one who had mercy on him.' Jesus told him, 'Go and do likewise.' (NIV)

We as Christians, should be doing whatever it takes to make more meaningful relationships! Are you ready to take on this challenge? Are you ready to get off of your HIGH HORSE and befriend those around you? I am challenging you today and for 2010, to do just that! Make the CHURCH more like a FAMILY than just a place to attend! We are all guilty! We are all hesitant on stepping out of our comfort zones! Let's make the church a place to go to be able to share with anyone there, what is going on in life! Let the CHURCH be our extended family! Why is it so hard to reach out to everyone who walks through the front doors? Why is it that we IGNORE people? Is it because we feel that we are better than everyone else? Is it because we are too busy? Is it because we just don't want to bother with them? Are you ready to be that GOOD SAMARITAN? Are you ready to have a BIGGER FAMILY!! Take on this challenge and make a DIFFERENCE! YOU COULD BE THE ONE, THE CHRIST, that someone needs!!!

CUPCAKES FOR LIFE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9TH!

2009-10-05T20:40:00.002-04:00

I am a firm believer for LIFE!! Life begins at conception and there is no ifs, ands, or buts about it! OUR FATHER CREATED US IN HIS IMAGE!! It says in the BIBLE:

Psalm 139
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?

22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

As Christians, we need to help stand our ground on WHAT WE BELIEVE!! Please join me in CUPCAKES FOR LIFE!!!

http://cupcakesforlife.com/

PRAYERS NEEDED FOR STELLAN AND ABBY!

2009-07-27T11:17:00.001-04:00

PLEASE LIFT THESE FAMILIES UP IN PRAYER! Both of their little ones are not doing well! We need to get everyone praying for them!!! THANKS!!

http://www.mycharmingkids.net

http://www.riggsfamilyblog.com/

I AM FEELING JIPPED!

2009-07-14T13:52:00.002-04:00

I know that I don't really blog unless something is really on my heart. I am feeling jipped! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE MY GIRLS! I am so blessed to have such wonderful girls who show me that a child's love is unconditional just like our love should be. I feel jipped that I didn't get to have a boy! I know, I shouldn't be feeling this way but I don't know why I am! A lot has been going on in my life that I am feeling very overwhelmed and I guess my emotions are getting the best of me. I know there are people who aren't able to have children, so I should feel great, huh? I know there are people who were only able to have 1 child, I should feel great, huh? Seriously, don't get me wrong I LOVE MY GIRLS!! I LOVE THEM BEYOND ALL MEASURE! I wouldn't trade them in for a million dollars but I feel jipped. Those of you who have had a boy and a girl, won't understand where I am coming from. Those of you who have had only children of the same sex, I don't know if you have felt the way I am feeling right now. I feel like I shouldn't be feeling this way but I am. THAT IS THE TRUTH! WHY do I feel this way? Why do I feel like God overlooked me? Why do I feel that IT ISN'T FAIR? Why do I feel like Mike's namesake is finished here? There is no boy to carry on the name for HIS family! Why oh why? It is getting harder and harder for me to rejoice with those who tell me, "Oh I am having a girl and they already have a boy"? I just want to say SO! I don't want to hear about it! I don't want to be happy for them! I know that isn't the best attitude to have but it is how I am feeling! I just want to tell them, IT ISN'T FAIR! It isn't fair that God chose you to have one of each when you need help taking care of your kids! It isn't fair that God gives you the desires of your heard and He doesn't give me the desires of MY HEART! It isn't fair that I try to do my best and follow HIM and He doesn't HEAR ME! I am just being completely open and honest right now! I know I am not the best mom or housewife or even the best Child of God. I know that I feel like God doesn't hear me! Why do I feel like there are so many more important things in life than what I AM FEELING? Some days, I just want to say forget it all and RUN AWAY as fast as I can and never look back! I wish I could explain my feelings. Only God knows the answers and He may feel that I don't need to know. He wants me to just hold on to HIS promises and not worry about tomorrow or yesterday. He wants me to just focus on the PRESENT! It is so hard sometimes to walk this life! It is so hard sometimes to take persecution from people who you thought LOVED YOU! It is a rough road to walk for the LORD! I know He didn't have an easy, happy go lucky life! HE was ridiculed! He was persecuted! He was abandoned! He walked on this earth to save us! I know all of this but I FEEL LIKE HE OVERLOOKS ME!! Why can't I just feel like things are going my way? I know that I have jumped around with my thoughts but this is a blog, a journal, a diary! I can jump around all I want to! Thanks for letting me speak my mind and not judging how I am feeling! I PRAISE GOD for giving me TWO WONDERFUL GIRLS WHO LOVE ME UNCONDITIONALLY, even when I am having a bad day! I praise GOD for a wonderful husband who will buy me a little present for NO REASON AT ALL, not that I DON'T love him if he doesn't get me things! I praise GOD for getting me through these days that I FEEL JIPPED and unheard! I praise GOD when things are rough and when things are smooth! I PRAISE HIM!!!

Here is a song to listen to just because HE IS HOLY!!

PRAY FOR STELLAN ON TUESDAY!!

2009-04-20T15:29:00.002-04:00

So Stellan is having his surgery tomorrow that has never been performed on a baby this young! PLEASE KEEP HIM IN YOUR PRAYERS!! Also, some people have decided to wear orange in supporting them through prayer tomorrow. If you feel that you want to, wear ORANGE TOMORROW!!! This baby needs as many prayers as he can get! GOD IS IN CONTROL!! Read the blog to get more details!! THANKS FOR YOUR TIME!!

LORD YOU ARE HOLY!!

2009-04-11T11:19:00.002-04:00

This video touches hearts!! Watch how these kids GLORIFY OUR MIGHTY KING OF KINGS!! Our Jesus came to this earth knowing that He was going to be sacrificed to SAVE US!! He didn't deserve one bit of what He went through but HE DID IT FOR US so that we may have ETERNAL LIFE with HIM!! THANK YOU JESUS FOR YOUR SACRIFICE! You were without blame but took the beating for US!! That is the true meaning of sacrifice! Can you say that you could really truly sacrifice like that?? I am so glad that we have a LORD and SAVIOUR that was willing to lay down HIS PERFECT life for us!! WOW! This time of year makes you think about this!! Do you know Him? It isn't hard to KNOW HIM! All you have to do is ask HIM to forgive you of your sins and live in you!! It is that easy! JESUS IS LORD OF ALL! He is HOLY!!!!!!!

Praying for Stellan, Jonah and Collyn!!

2009-03-25T11:40:00.002-04:00

Collyn is having his eye surgery as I type this. Please keep him in your prayers for quick recovery and for him to see the world the way God intended for us to see it!! PRAYING FOR YOU COLLYN!!! Below are two blogs of babies who need prayers!!

These two precious ones need lots of prayers!! Click on these buttons and it will take you to the blog so you can read their stories!! PLEASE PRAY FOR THEM!!!

LOVE

2009-01-26T11:30:00.003-05:00

So Beth did this thing at the end of her blog to see what word represents you best! She got LOVE! Well, I decided to do it also and guess what my word is LOVE! Love according to googling is as follows:

Definitions of love on the Web:

* a strong positive emotion of regard and affection;
* any object of warm affection or devotion;
* have a great affection or liking for;
* beloved: a beloved person; used as terms of endearment
* get pleasure from; "I love cooking"
* a deep feeling of sexual desire and attraction; "their love left them indifferent to their surroundings"; "she was his first love"
* be enamored or in love with; "She loves her husband deeply"

LOVE is such a SMALL word but has such a BIG meaning!! I don't see how anyone can go through life without love. Love does not just pertain to people. You can have a love for many things. I know Beth has a love for photography, Kimmy has a love for reading, Stefanie has a love for taking care of children, Michael Kidd has a love for singing and song writing, Tammy has a love for teens, Teri has a love for cooking and baking, and I have a love for teaching. These are just an example of what you can have a love for. I know that everyone I listed above has more things they love than what I stated above. I was just trying to show you that love doesn't have limits. I know that there is ONE LOVE that we all have in common, JESUS!! Jesus is the true meaning of love. HE is the only ONE who will ever be able to demonstrate true love. He came to the world to SAVE US from eternal death. He laid down HIS life so that we could know what it is to LOVE!! How many times have we ever thought about what it is to truly love someone or something? LOVE COMES FROM ABOVE! If we all live to be as close to being like CHRIST, we all have love. I sometimes ponder on, could I ever give my life up so someone else could live. That is a hard thing to grasp. Could I really do that? I say I could but since having a family and small children, I don't think that I could do that because I want to be here for my children and my husband. If GOD would ask me to give up my life so someone else could live, I would probably come up with every excuse imaginable. I mean, I would love to be sitting at the foot of JESUS, listening to His every word but what about my children. I know that HE would be sure to take care of them and to help Mike to do his best raising them and if GOD asked me to give up my life for someone else, I would probably after a long list of excuses do just that. No matter if I know the person or not. GOD knows what He is doing and HE wouldn't ask us to do something if HE didn't see we were fit to do it. No I wouldn't want to give my life up but it isn't about what we want, it is about what GOD wants!! I don't know if any of you have ever thought about this or not. LOVE! I do LOVE enough to lay down my life. Besides the example of CHRIST, here is a scripture that shows LOVE!

Genesis 22 (New International Version)

Genesis 22
Abraham Tested
1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.

2 Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."

3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you."

6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, 7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?"
"Yes, my son?" Abraham replied.
"The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"

8 Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together.

9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.

12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."

13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram [a] caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."

15 The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring [b] all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."

19 Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba.

Now there is a great example of LOVE! Abraham was willing to sacrifice his only son Isaac to show GOD that he truly loved him. Abraham loved his son Isaac and I am sure did not want to do this but he loved GOD even more. I am not really sure if all of this really ties together. These are just my thoughts when I got the results of LOVE being the word that describes me. I do believe that if GOD asked me to give up myself or anyone that I LOVE, I would do it after a long battle. After all, GOD gave us HIS ONLY SON so that we may live. Why couldn't I give up myself or someone else so that there may be others who could live to know HIM!

Hope this all makes sense. I am from this day forward going to do my BEST to show and be the example of LOVE that GOD has shown us! GOD IS LOVE!!!

Have a great day and be BLESSED!!

Your Word is "Love"

You see life as possibility to form deep connections with a few people.

Relationships are the center of your world, and you always take time to bond with those you love.

You are caring and giving. You enjoy helping those you love.

And when it comes to romantic love, you feel passionately ... even in a very long term relationship.

What's Your Word?

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY MARA!

2009-01-19T09:45:00.004-05:00

It is hard to believe that it has been 4 years ago today that we were blessed with a beautiful bundle of joy. Now look at her:

She has grown from a beautiful little baby into a beautiful little girl!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BRITHDAY DEAR MARA,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

We love you and hope your day is filled with fun and exciting things!

PRAYING FOR ABBY!

2009-01-13T11:03:00.002-05:00

I had to post this! Abby needs our prayers as well as her family. This little girl was chosen to become a part of this family for this very reason. Please if you can remember, say a prayer for them. She is 4 years old and such a beautiful little girl.Take this time to watch this video and see how they are using this opportunity to glorify God and minister to others when they themselves are not sure what the future holds for Abby. Only God knows what is going to be the outcome but we can pray.

MERRY CHRISTMAS/HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!

2008-12-25T01:21:00.003-05:00

Wishing you all the very best Christmas Day!!! I thought I would take this time now to wish you all a Merry Christmas! Remember JESUS IS THE REASON WE CELEBRATE THIS DAY!! On Christmas Morning, we get up, eat a special breakfast. This year we are having Breakfast Pizza! SO YUMMY!! We then sit down around the Christmas Tree where Michael will read The Story of Jesus' Birth. After we do that, we sing, Happy BIrthday to Him. Finally, we take turns opening up our presents. It is a very nice and relaxed day for us. We don't go anywhere and we just enjoy the time we have with one another. May GOD bless you this Christmas and the upcoming New Year! Have a very happy day!

Love you all,
Connie

2008-12-03T10:45:00.000-05:00

Your Elf Name Is...

Happy Eggnog Breath

What's Your Elf Name?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2008-11-25T21:09:00.007-05:00

First of all, I wanted to take this time to wish everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! Enjoy your turkey day and be thankful for what you have. Don't eat too much! LOL! Remember to say a few of Sam's Friday funnies when you get a chance! LOL! Have lots and lots of fun with your family! Our Thanksgiving is not going to be a traditional one for us since my dad is still in the hospital and still can't eat solids. We are getting up, going to help serve at the annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner at the Salem Memorial Building. That will be from 11am to 2pm. We will then go to my sister's house for small dinner with her family and my mom. When my dad is able to eat again, we will have our BIG THANKSGIVING DINNER! There is a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving! My dad is still with us when he wasn't supposed to make it through another surgery. We are thankful for our family and friends. Many friends had prayed for my dad and still are and we thank you for that! We are thankful that GOD provides for us and we have shelter, heat and water. We are thankful that we can celebrate this day in a FREE COUNTRY! I could go on and on, I am sure you get the drift. Remember to say your thanks when you celebrate. I will be praying for Kimmy and Mike and their families during this holiday season. The holidays can be tough to get through but by GOD's GRACE, they will be able to celebrate the way their mother, wife, sister would want them to.

Here are a few pictures of the first snow with the kiddos:

This is Mara all bundled up!

This is Mariana all bundled up! She reminds me of the kid from The Christmas Story! LOL!

Mara making a snow angel.

Mariana wanted to make one too! She likes to copy Mara! LOL! She was really trying.

This is Mara helping Daddy put up our outside decorations! HE SURPRISED ME BY DOING THAT!! Thank you hubby!

p.s. I got most of my Christmas shopping done already! Thank God for the internet! We should start getting things in the mail! I am excited!

Happy Veteran's Day to All who deserve it!

2008-11-11T19:17:00.003-05:00

It has been a while. I was really trying to find the perfect poem in honor of my dad but wasn't successful! I hate when you are looking for something but nothing can be found. Then later on you run across something that would have been great well the song in this post was an example of just that.

So here is a post. I need to say a special thanks to my hubby for serving our country in the Navy years ago. I also need to say thank you to all of those who are serving our country now in such a unquestionable time. May God keep you all safe while you are out there protecting our freedom and our rights!

Now, this song has been running through my head all day!

I am so amazed at what the Lord has done in my dad. He has had 3 surgeries in the last 3 weeks and has been given life over and over. My dad has been sick for quite a while now. He has had open heart surgeries, a pacemaker put in,a trac put in for a little boost with his breathing, he keeps getting blood infections that they don't know where they stem from, he had his leg amputated in June of this year, he has been diagnosed with emphasema, he has cardiovascular disease and diabetes which is not a good thing, he had a pacemaker put and yet he is still here with us. He IS truly a walking miracle.It amazes me so much that God has chosen to save my dad over and over again when he really wasn't supposed to even make through another surgery. He has had about 5 surgeries just this year for something or another and he has been put under for them all. Each surgery lasted at least 2 hours or more. That is a lot in just one year. I have sat here in awe at the wondrous works the Lord has done for my dad! He gets to celebrate another birthday with us because God has chosen to let him live. He will be 70 years old on November 29th. He will be in some kind of rehab whether it be at a rehab hospital or a nursing home. Before all of this happened with his heart and the emergency open heart surgery, he was finally fitted for his prosthetic, so he has his leg waiting for him to learn to use. I am excited that he is still here with us yet I don't understand why he keeps holding on to life here on this earth? God must really have a terrific purpose for him although we may not see it. Let me encourage all who read this, GOD TAKSE CARE OF HIS CHILDREN, young and old! He knows what He is doing even if we don't understand. We need to always go to Him with every situation and He will lead us one way or another. I am amazed by you oh Lord!!

I think I am going to end this. I hope that this song ministers to you like it has me all day long. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

PRAISING JESUS!!

2008-10-22T13:13:00.004-04:00

Well, yesterday was a long day but with all the prayers, my dad has come through his surgery with no problem. It was just amazing. When we went there before his surgery, they said that they were replacing 2 valves in his heart, his main artery to his heart needed replaced and they were going to start a port for kidney dialysis. Low and behold, when the surgeon came out, he said he only had to do the valve that was HIGHLY infected. Let me tell you, it was soooooooo infected that when they touched it, it fell off. NO cutting it off! The doctor said that he was glad they did the surgery when they did because if they would have even waited one more day, he is not sure that my dad would have made it through it. He was lucky it didn't fall off before they touched it!! It was so amazing to hear that news. We were so relieved. My dad has miraculously made it through another major heart surgery and survived it. He was told that he probably wouldn't make it again 4 years ago when he had the valve put in. The valve was a pig's valve and they replaced it with a human valve! Isn't that quite amazing that they can use every little part of someone's body who passed on?!?!?! It is so important that you donate your body for transplanting when you pass on. You could save a life no matter the size of the part that is used! I mean, a heart valve is a small part but has given my dad another chance at life! They are able to use much more of deceased bodies than what they were able to use years and years ago. I am just so thrilled that this valve was available because of someone else's willingness to donate all of their body for people who are fighting for their lives. THANK YOU TO THE FAMILY OF THE DECEASED LOVED ONE WHO GAVE TO MY DAD! My dad has been a fighter. He is definitely a walking miracle especially for all that he has endured for the last 10 or so years! I think that he has beat the odds many times over and over! He is my hero! Thank you for all the prayers that went up on his behalf!

Now, I would like to sing to my friend on her birthday:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR BETHY,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Hope you have a fantastic birthday!

Here is a poem for all moms!

2008-10-19T00:40:00.000-04:00

A Mother's Love

This world has jewels, money, land
position, power, and mansions grand
But a mother's love more precious far,
than all these other treasures are.

A mother nurtures, guides, protects
Her teachings each child's life affects,
and when in later years they go,
away from home, and friends they know
Those teachings will provide the stay,
to keep them on the good straight way.

Though some may stray to taste the fruits,
of worldly pleasures -- still the roots
of Mother's teachings, love, and care
will some day draw them back to where,
the Savior's love can them enfold,
and fill them with a spirit bold.

So children, each and every day,
honor your mother in some way --
To show that you appreciate,
she taught you how to love, not hate.
To comfort you, to guide, to lead,
to be there in your time of need.

But best of all, -- to show the way,
that leads to home with God some day.

...Brenda Ascott Fry

God's Ways are Higher

2008-09-22T23:44:00.002-04:00

This song really hit me. I have been asking God why for over a week now regarding Michaela going to be with Him. God really does have our lives mapped out and planned for us. Enjoy this video! Along with the video are the lyrics. Read them. They really are impacting!

Song lyrics | God Speaking lyrics

In Remembrance of Michaela Brown!

2008-09-17T23:08:00.006-04:00

Well today has probably been one of the most difficult days as it was 3 year old Michaela Brown's Funeral. I just don't know how a non Christian parent makes it through such a difficult time. I know that she is up with Jesus having the party of her life! Her dad shared with us about Michaela. He said that if there was a mention of party at all, she was ready to get into the car. Such a beautiful little girl. She looked like a Princess in her casket. So peaceful! There were 3 pastors who did the ceremony. Pastor Jeff shared about this little girl loved the outdoors and bugs! She loved all kinds of bugs and critters. She was fascinated by them. Then on the contrary was such a girl! She loved to play Princess and dress up. She loved to wear pretty things. He said how she was a perfect blend of her parents. He shared at how when they were picking out the cemetary to bury her in, they found the perfect one where it was in the country and there would be lots of bugs for her. Then the other pastor, Pastor Don shared how when they went to be with the family at the hospital after she passed away. He said that he and his wife went into the room where Michaela was and that noone else was in there. He said he could feel the presence of Angels in that room and could hear them talking about how beautiful Micheala was. The Angels kept repeating it over and over to each other, Look how beautiful she is! Oh you have to see her! He said that he knew that she was surrounded by Angels!!
Now about how difficult it was. I told my 3 year old that she died the evening she passed on. I asked her if she remembered Michaela at church and she said yes. I proceeded to tell her that she died and went to be with Jesus. Well, when I was reading her obituary online, Mara said that is Michaela and then she said, she is dead. When I was getting ready to leave to go to the funeral, she asked where I was going and I told her I was going to say good-bye to Michaela and she said, I want to go say good-bye to Michaela. I know that she doesn't quite grasp the whole death thing but I wanted to share with her. I have kept asking God these past few days, why He needed to take such a young little girl and why He couldn't take someone older. I know that God has everything lined up and knows when our time is gonna come but it just doesn't seem fair! I do know that I will be praying for this family for a long time. It is going to be a long road for them but they know that GOD is going to carry them through it. Also, her dad Rick had told everyont there that in order to see Michaela again, they need to know Jesus and have Him as their Saviour! So great that he was able to do that at such a tragic time. Wow!!! GOD IS SUCH A Sovreign GOD! I hope I didn't bore you with this but I am still emotional when I have a moment to think! I pray that each one of you who reads this blog would be saved! TO ACCEPT JESUS INTO YOUR HEART IS SOOO EASY!!!

This was one of her favorite songs. Her dad said that she would blare it soo loud in the car. Enjoy!

Blessed Be Your Name/Shout To The Lord

Where oh where has the wind come from???

2008-09-15T23:36:00.000-04:00

Such a crazy day here in Ohio! Like many people, we lost our electricity from a wind storm!! NO rain just wind. IT was quite CRAZY!! We are now at my sister's house because we are hearing it could be days before we get electricity. We live in an area that will probably be last to get our lights back on. Thank goodness my sister had extra room in her deep freezer and we were able to save most of our food. It stinks to be driven out of your home so we are knowing more now of how those people who deal with the actual hurricanes feel. You don't want to leave what you know and go somewhere undeterminable(probably not a word but who cares at this point?!?) We don't know when we can go back home. We thought it best to go somewhere where I can be with the girls while daddy is working. It isn't easy to keep kids occupied when there is no tv, electricity or water. Yes, we don't have water either. We have nasty well water so we have a huge water system that helps to clean up our water. It runs on electricity so therefore, no water. It ran dry today. We do have to PRAISE GOD b/c we have so trees that are HUGE!!!! and are quite iffy right now. We have had a branch hanging that our neighbor across our way helped to get down and cut it up for us. We only lost another branch and the trees are still standing. Our neighbors have a tree that is gonna be coming down and it didn't budge! If it did, it would have been in our dining room. It has been quite a day. My little ones were quite tuckered after the last two days! Hope you all are keeping safe and I am praying for electricity, what about you??!!

I have been tagged!! HEEHEEHEE

2008-09-14T00:12:00.002-04:00

. What are your nicknames?

Mommy and some people still call me Heckster even though I am married and Heck isn't my last name anymore!

2. What do you do before bedtime?
Depends on the day and my mood, I get on the computer, I watch shows that I have DVR'd, read, brush my teeth, take my vitamin. Something like that but it really does vary from day to day. Maybe I need more of a routine!?!

3. What fandom(s) are you most into at the moment?

My new laptop!!! Also, Army Wives is my ultimately favorite drama right now. I am such a TV junky! LOL!!

4. What is your favorite scent?

My kiddos right after their bath and I get lotion on them! Summertime scent is freshly cut grass, falltime anything pumpkin spicey!, wintertime, pepperment and sugar cookies baking!, springtime, the new life in the air!!

5. What videogames are you playing at the moment?

None at this very moment but Rock Band is my newest favorite! We need to have a Rock Band Night! LOL!!

6. What is your theme song?

Let Your Annointing Fall by Kathleen Carnali

7. Do you trust easily?

It depends on who it is! I try to be a trusting person but people break that trust.

8. Do you generally think before you act, or act before you think?

I try to think before I act but sometimes I will act before I think!

9. Is there anything that has made you unhappy these days?

YES, the death of a little 3 year old! Such an awful thing but I know that God has a reason for everything. Makes you treasure every little detail of the life of your own children if you have any. I am sooooo saddened!

10. Do you have a good body-image?

No way! I need to really start exercising and getting somewhat in shape!

11. Is being tagged fun?

Made me feel special! Thanks Teri!! ;)

12. What websites do you visit daily?

My email, blogs, Myspace, Salem News, ebay, Salem Hospital Baby Net

13. What have you been seriously addicted to lately?

My laptop! LOL!!

14. What kind of person do you think the person who tagged you is?

WONDERFUL!! I have only been around her a handful of times but I love her company! She is funny and kind and sweet and a great Aunt, sister and friend to many! May GOD bless her tremendously!

15. What’s the last song that got stuck in your head?

Let Your Annointing Fall since I just typed it above! LOL!

16. What’s your favorite item of clothing?

My BROWNS HOODIE, jogging pants and a comfy T-Shirt

17. Do you think Rice Crispies are yummy?

Yes, they are very tasty!! YUMMY!!! I am hungry now! LOL!

18. What would you do if you see saw $100 lying on the ground?

Pray that I don't find the rightful owner and thank GOD for handing me it!

19. What items could you not go without during the day?

Water, phone, tv, deoderant, toothpaste, body lotion, shower

20. What should you be doing right now?

I should be heading to bed so I can get up for church but I don't feel much like sleeping right now!

I’ll tag: I don't really have anyone to tag. I don't have much of a blogroll!!

Sometimes I don't understand why things happen!

2008-09-13T19:04:00.002-04:00

Today has not been a good day. I found out this morning that a little girl that is Mara's age passed away due to complications of an e-coli infection. This little one would have turned 4 next month. It all started with the parents thinking she just had the flu. When she wasn't getting better, they took her to the emergency room where she was admitted. After tests were done, they found out she had contacted e-coli somewhere. They rushed her to a Children's Hospital. Her kidneys were failing. They were going to do something this morning to get the kidneys functioning. Well somewhere along the way, she didn't make it. I don't know why or what happened but I just couldn't imagine going through a loss of a child. Every time I looked at Mara today, I would get teary eyed. Why oh why do things like this happen. I know that all things happen for a reason and that God knows the time and day of our time is up on this earth. It makes me so sad and my heart is aching for this family. When I see them, it is going to be tough to know that their little girl would be Mara's age. It has been such a gloomy day, weather and all. Please just pray for the family. God knows who they are. It is going to be a long difficult road for them but God can help them through it. They do have a little boy who will be turning 3 in a few months. I just had to pour out my heart due to this tragedy.

P.S. Teri tagged me and I promise to do her tagging but I had to get this off of my chest.

GOD IS THE COMFORTER

2008-08-08T00:03:00.002-04:00

HUMAN TRIVIAL PURSUIT~~Interesting Information!

2008-05-29T22:10:00.000-04:00

The 10 amazing facts below provide just a glimpse of the many unbelievable feats the human body is capable of.

Strange but True
Think you know everything about the human body? Check out some bizarre facts you didn’t learn in anatomy class.

1. The human brain is the world’s most powerful computer. When it comes to sheer computational strength, today’s state-of-the-art processors are still no match for the human mind. According to experts, the average brain has a storage capacity of about 100 terabytes, while the typical PC offers only a fraction of that, about 100 gigabytes.
2. The human body has roughly 60,000 miles of blood vessels. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the body’s blood vessels, which include the arteries, veins, and capillaries, would be 60,000 miles long if they were laid out end to end. That’s approximately the distance you’d need to travel if you wanted to circle the globe two and a half times.
3. The human nose can remember 50,000 different scents. Although you’d probably never want to recall that many aromas, it’s nice to know that your nose is doing its job. That said, you shouldn’t be too impressed—humans have about 5 million odor receptors, while dogs, depending on the breed, may have more than 220 million.
4. A human sneeze can exceed 100 miles per hour. People generally inhale air slowly, but when they sneeze, air rushes out of their nostrils at 100 miles per hour or more. It should come as no surprise that it’s so easy to catch colds and flu; a sneeze’s velocity enables it to propel germs up to 12 feet.
5. The human body contains about 32 million bacteria per square inch. There’s no denying it: Every one of us is basically a petri dish for armies of microscopic critters. In fact, the human body contains 10 times more bacteria per square inch than the average toilet bowl does.
6. The largest internal organ in the human body is the small intestine. Contrary to what its name might suggest, the small intestine—the portion of the gastrointestinal tract between the stomach and the large intestine—is anything but petite. In fact, if you unfolded it, you’d find it was roughly 23 feet long.
7. Three hundred million cells die every minute in the human body. It might sound like an awful lot, but it’s insignificant compared with the overall number of cells in your body. Scientists estimate that the average human body contains between 10 and 50 trillion cells, so it can afford to lose a few here and there.
8. Human stomach acid is strong enough to dissolve razorblades. According to scientists, human stomach acid is seriously powerful stuff—so strong, in fact, that it’s capable of dissolving razorblades. But whatever you do, don’t attempt to swallow one.
9. Humans produce enough saliva to fill one or two swimming pools. Saliva helps to keep the mouth lubricated and plays a key role in the digestive process. Most experts believe that humans produce between 0.75 and l.5 liters of the fluid a day, which means that during your lifetime, you’ll produce enough to fill one or two swimming pools.
10. Humans have as many hairs per square inch as chimpanzees. They might look a lot furrier than we do, but according to biologists, we have the same amount of hairs per square inch as our primate friends. In fact, when scientists at the University of Washington, Seattle, sequenced the genome of the chimpanzee, they found that humans were 96 percent similar to the great ape species.

MARIANA IS 1 NOW!!

2008-04-07T00:13:00.004-04:00

Well, it is a little late but I have been dreading doing this blog!! My BABY GIRL IS 1!!!! I have no idea where this last year has gone! Boy did it go by WAY TOO FAST!!! I love my baby girl so much and I didn't want her to turn 1! I wanted to keep her a baby! She is such a joy to have! She turned 1 March 28th! It all seemed like just yesterday that I had her! When I heard her cry for the first time even before the doctor had her out of me! When I held her for the first time. Holding her close to me and just staring at her. Just thinking about all the great plans that I want for her! I hate looking back on this past year and wondering where it has gone! I don't like how the years go by way too fast. I love the new things they do but that means they have to grow older. I am so blessed to have Mariana Bernadine Benner! She was named after her Great Grandma Benner, who neither of my girls got to meet! She was such a wonderful lady and I am so glad that I had a chance to get to know her. I have told Mike that he needs to tell the girls all about their Great Grandma. He will live her out through his stories, and boy, does he have stories to share about them!
On her actual birthday, which was on a Friday, we took her out to eat at Bob Evans in Salem. After that, we went home and baked a cake for her. We gave her a huge piece and she dug right into it! BOY DID SHE LOVE IT! Of course, a bath followed shortly behind that! LOL! We had her birthday party, yesterday, Saturday, April 5th. She was sooooo great for the whole party. She didn't get to partied out! She had as much fun as a 1 year old can have. She got lots of clothes and some toys. The theme of the party was Girl's 1st Birthday Lil' Cupcake theme! It is such a cute theme for such a cute little girl. The day went really smoothly and we kept on track with the time. You can't drag a 1 year old's party out or you will have a cranky baby! Time flies when you are enjoying it, doesn't it? I look at birthdays as a bitter sweet thing. It is sad to see them growing up but there is anticipation as to what is going to follow. She is so different than Mara, so I can't go by how Mara did things! She wants to do things HER WAY!!! I am tired and I can't think to type about Mariana! It has been a long weekend! I need to go but I do promise to share more! I just felt that I needed to share a little!

Casting Crowns Video

2008-02-26T22:42:00.002-05:00

WOW!! This song has just reminded me that no matter what differences we have with one another, we are to work together like the body works together! This world has become so judgmental that people are hurting!! Are we as the body of Christ, reaching out to the hurting? Are we teaching those that don't know the way? Are we stepping out of our comfort zone and welcoming everyone that walks through our church doors? Or do we just stay amongst our circle of friends and stay where we are "safe"? As Christ's followers, we should know and understand that we are SAFE in HIS ARMS especially when we are doing HIS WORKS! Lately, I have been trying to examine myself and trying to see what it is that GOD wants me to do. I have been sitting dormant ever since I had my oldest daughter, Mara. I know that I haven't been doing the Lord's work like He would like me to do. Life is full of choices. We have the right to choose on a daily basis what we are going to eat, wear, drink and who we talk to. GOD does not force us to do anything that we don't want to do. He gave us that free will! Why is it that we don't make the choices to LIVE FULLY FOR HIM??? Is it because we are too "comfortable" and don't want to extend the comfort to others that are in need of comfort? I don't know where GOD IS TAKING ME! I don't know what HIS exact plans are but I do know that I am going at them with full speed and wanting HIS WILL TO BE DONE in my life and my families life. My life hasn't seemed complete for years and I know that the completeness is coming! GOD has MANY WONDERFUL THINGS IN STORE for not only ME but all who believe in HIM!!! He is our Alpha and Omega, The First and Last, The Beginning and The End! He is our Comforter and Healer!! I want to be the part of the BODY of CHRIST that reaches, teaches, that LOVES UNCONDITIONALLY!!! I want to be the part of the BODY that CHRIST would have me to be!! Life is too short to just be sitting dormant and not moving! I am so ready to get into MY PART OF THE BODY!! Are you ready for that? Are you ready to put yourself out there? I am!!HERE I AM LORD, SEND ME!!!! Let me be used of you and through you!! Give me the confidence that I need to go forth! Thank you LORD for CHOOSING ME!!! Well, I am done rambling. I hope this song ministers to you like it is me!!GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

LIFE IS ROUGH when you are going through a tough time

2008-02-21T22:38:00.004-05:00

Well, my dad has been a walking miracle for many, many years. He has gone through 2 open heart surgeries, cancer removal of the colon area, stints placed in his heart, arteries replaced in his legs and cancer on is ear lobe. So yes, he has been on borrowed time for quite a long time. I believe that he had his first heart attack when he was only 42. A few weeks back, he was acting strange and saying bizarre things. He was confused but then he would be fine. Very weird! So my mom made an appointment for him to see the doctor because she believed he either suffered a stroke or was starting into alzeheimers. They went to the doctor. The doctor ordered bloodwork and an MRI. The MRI showed that he didn't suffer a stroke and that he isn't in the early stages of alzeheimers. Good news, right? WRONG!! The doctor informed my mom and dad that my dad's brain is shrinking. Sounds strange to me. How can your brain shrink? Well, my dad has the hardening of the arteries disease. This has caused many of his problems. His arteries build up with plaque and the only way to get rid of it is by surgery. His last leg surgery, they had to use an artificial artery because he had no more useable arteries in his legs. They previously were able to take a part of an existing artery and replace the bad section. He has had that done sooooooo many times that they couldn't do that anymore. I know, this all seems technical. Trust me, I haven't understood a lot of it!!! Because he has this disease, the arteries to the brain are becoming defected in that I believe that the blood flow to the brain has decreased which is causing his brain to shrink. Crazy isn't it? My husband made the comment that they say we only really use 10% of our brain so why does it matter if his brain is shrinking. I told him that under different circumstances, I believe it wouldn't really matter but because the blood flow to the heart is slowly disappearing, I think that is why it is a problem. I don't know though because I AM NOT A DOCTOR nor do I think that I know everything. This is just my answer on the whole thing. Anyways, the doctor pulled my mom aside and said that we are to enjoy him as we can. What does this mean? Well, my dad's borrowed time is about to expire. We have no idea when or how long we have. It is really difficult for me because I hate not knowing how long. I think I would feel better if I knew that we had 1 week, 1 month, several months or a year or two. I have come to grips that my dad has been sick for a VERY, VERY long time and that he won't be here to watch my girls grow up but it has really hit me hard!!! I know that GOD's hand is on the whole thing but I want to know when! Are we allowed to know how much time we have with him? I hate knowing that Mara and Mariana will not have their "Papa" growing up. I hate that Mariana hasn't even really gotten to know him like Mara has. I hate that life has to end. I know that this is what life is all about. That we will all die someday. Some sooner than others but it is just really, really hard. In a perfect world, we would all just be taken up to Heaven without having to deal with the pain of losing loved ones. But we don't live in a perfect world! I am just praying that my dad doesn't have to suffer anymore than he has for so many years but it is hard to let him go. I want to know that he will be going to Heaven but I am not sure of that and I think that is the hardest part of the whole thing. He knows that GOD has brought him through oh so many times and he really knows that God had His hand on him before one of the surgeries that he has had but that is all I see. I know that he did ask God into his life back when he had his last open heart surgery but he didn't change his life style at all. So I just need comfort from the Holy Spirit in knowing where he is gonna be for eternity! I know that Mike and I need to have a talk with him to see. I wished that my parents would go to church on a regular basis somewhere but they don't. I know that I am rambling on but this is just soooooo difficult right now. Please, if you feel led, keep my family and I in your prayers. We really need them! Thanks for letting me get this off of my chest. May God keep you safe in HIS arms!!!

LUNCH DATE

2008-02-18T00:39:00.002-05:00

Today was a GREAT day! We all got up, got ready for church and actually made it to church before the service started!! That hasn't happened in awhile. It is just so hard for me to get moving when I know Mike is home. He takes the girls and leaves me to some nice quiet time! I LOVE WHEN HE IS HOME! Anywho, I guess the sermon was wonderful. Mike told me I need to get a copy of it. I had to take Mariana out. She was a bit fussy and so I took her out so she didn't disturb the rest of the congregation. After church, MY DEAR, DEAR friend, Aunt Kim was gracious to watch our two little princesses so Mike and I could have a date!! A DATE!!! Wow, that is such an awesome thing especially when they become so few and far in between. Kim loves any chance she has to watch the girls. She has 3 of her own boys and she married a man who had 3 boys of his own so yes, she is surrounded by boys/men!! So when I ask her if she would like to watch the girls, she almost ALWAYS answers without hesitation, YES!!! I would love to!! Her husband likes when she watches them, because it gets the itching out of her system of wanting a baby girl! LOL!!! Well, back to our date. We went and ate at Carrababas or something like that. It was good but it wasn't worth the money that we paid. It was very expensive and the thing that gets me is that Mike got this meal that had 2 chicken breasts prepared 2 different ways and fresh green beans. NO PASTA AT ALL and it is an Italian Restaurant. I got some kind of pasta with shrimp, spinach, mushrooms, chunks of tomatos and garlic. VERY YUMMY but I think the next time we have Italian, we will stick to Olive Garden! They have a much better selection and you get more for your money! Don't get me wrong, I LOVED our "DATE!!!" but would have enjoyed it more if we didn't pay so much. It is so hard to just look at spending money on a date that we could have spent on several meals at home. I had to keep telling myself that we don't do this very often. The last time we went to lunch, by ourselves, was last Memorial Day weekend and we didn't spend money. We had a gift card!! We really needed that time for just the two of us. We actually enjoyed ourselves and didn't really mention the kids at all. I didn't even call half way through our meal. Isn't that great? I am getting better at not having to check up on my kiddos while we are out. I did call when we were heading back there so she knew but that was only 1 call in 3 hours! It was so nice. I believe that when you get married and start a family that so often, couples get caught up in the kids and forget about themselves as a couple. I really believe that couples need time to just themselvesl, outside of the home. It just gives them that chance to reconnect. I had such a great day! I did end up missing choir practice again but we got back after 4pm and I couldn't just up and go to choir after being gone for that long! Well, I am gonna end now with this thought~~~~ALL YOU MARRIED COUPLES OUT THERE~~~take the time to reconnect with your spouses. Find a babysitter, who doesn't charge so you don't feel so guilty spending money on lunch/dinner without your little ones! I am soooo very grateful for Kim for being so willing to take the girls so we can have "me" time with one another!! THANK YOU KIM FOR BEING SO WILLING!!! Have a great week everyone! Let's all try to take a guess what kind of weather we have in store this week! LOL!!!

TAG

2008-02-09T23:32:00.000-05:00

Favorite Sites:
Beth's Blog
Myspace
Salem Hosp Baby Net

Challenge Favs:
Trying to decorate cakes! I have decided that it would be so much nicer to decorate your own cake than to buy one from the bakery. I am no good at it but practice is all it will take.

Guilty pleasures:
Taking a nice long hot bath when noone is up so I can just take that moment for myself. Also, the internet is my means of sanity. LOL!!!!!

Babysitting Fav.:
Besides my husband, I would venture to say Kim Linhart!! She has 3 of her own boys and her husbands 3 boys so she will gladly take my girls anytime she has the opportunity!!!

Creative Fav.:
No creativity going on in my neck of the woods!!!!

Clothing Fav.:
Now, clothing fashion for me means staying in my flannel pj's all day and not having to try to find something that "fits"! I am in the need of major weight loss so until then, PJ's are the all time favorite thing!!!

I don't have anyone to tag because I really don't have anyone on my blogspot to tag.

MARA IS 3!

2008-01-22T23:05:00.000-05:00

Well, the big day finally arrived. Mara has hit the BIG 3!! We had a fun day. We took her to CiCi's Pizza then to Chuck E. Cheese for an evening of fun. She had sooooooo much fun! She was worn out by the time we got home. Where has the last 3 years gone? As I stated before, I am sad that she is getting older but I am also excited. I go back every year on her birthday and think about the day we had her. So unexpectedly yet so anticipated. She was so tiny. She had her Daddy wrapped around her finger the minute I went into labor and she still does. Daddy finds it hard to tell her no often. She knows how to get to him. She loves to dance around with her daddy and to spend time alone with him. She doesn't care where they go, as long as they are alone. I tell Mike that these are the days that we have to cherish. These days that our world is the only world, will come to an end. When she grows up, she is going to try and test us. We can raise her to be the best but I know from experience that when she doesn't get the right answer or what she wants, she will yell at us and tell us that she "hates" us, that we don't love her. I know, it happens. I have heard that if your child never says I hate you, you are doing something wrong as a parent. So, these days, where we are the only ones who she comes to when she gets hurt, when she just wants to cuddle, when she just wants to play hide and seek, are slowly disappearing. I love to see Mara and Mike together. The way she looks at her Daddy, just melts my heart. The way she runs to him every day when he gets home from work means sooooo much to me. The way she just wants to be with us. I pray that we can instill in her, that her HEAVENLY FATHER will always be there with open arms just as her earthly Daddy is. That GOD is who she needs to live her life for. That God has gifting for her that HE wants to reveal to her! God is the only One who is for certain. God is the reason any of us are here. I pray that we can raise her in the way that God wants us to. I pray that I don't mess up along the line and show her any different. I KNOW THAT GOD HAS SPECIAL GIFTINGS for Mara and I pray that we can see them and nurture them in Mara. Mara is a true BLESSING from God. I know that we have only been chosen to be her parents for her time here on earth. Dear God, THANK YOU GOD FOR GIVING US MARA!!! We couldn't have picked a better little girl! We are trying our best to raise her and we are sorry for any mistakes. Please give us the guidance that we need to raise her to her FULL POTENTIAL!!! Help us to see our mistakes and to learn from them with her. We ask that you keep your hedge of protection over her each and every day. Thank you again!! AMEN!!!!

Yes, I know, I have another daughter. Mariana is such a joy to have also but I needed to just reflect on Mara since she just had a birthday. I haven't forgotten about Mariana. She will have her spotlight in 2 months. Thanks for listening to my ramblings about my little Mara!!!!

WHY?WHY?WHY??

2008-01-08T00:04:00.000-05:00

I don't know why I am an Ohio State fan!! They messed up big two years in a row!! That is all I have to say!!! They surely didn't deserve to go to the championship game!!! So very disappointed in them!!

Ringing In The NEW YEAR!!!

2007-12-31T21:43:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!! WOW!!! This year has gone WAY TOO FAST!!!! We are here at home. The girls already in bed when I really wanted Mara to stay up with us to bring in the new year she wanted to go to bed! Why?? because she hasn't the clue yet. I know that years down the road we will be able to plan a big New Year's celebration and play games all night and watch the ball drop. I am ready for the new year but I am not. My baby girl, Mara turns 3 in January and it makes me sad that she is growing up way too fast!! I don't know if I am ready for that. I have gotten a little teary eyed thinking about it today. Don't get me wrong, I am excited because with getting a year older brings new things that she will learn and accomplish before she turns 4. It seems like just yesterday, she was born, so tiny and frail. So early but so ready to make an appearance into this world. To finally meet her mommy and daddy that she has already grown to love! Just 3 years ago at this time, I thought I still had about 7 weeks left of my pregnancy so when she decided that she wanted to come exactly 4 weeks early, it was a shocker. January always makes me go back to the day that our first bundle of joy was born. The most beautiful baby that we had ever seen, cone-head and all!! LOL!! Now here it is, almost 3 years have gone by. The things that they just learn on their own. I heard time and time again, when are you going to get her potty trained and I would say, we try, she isn't ready. When she is ready, she will go. Sure enough, July 24, 2007, she just decided that it was time!!!! SOOOOO EASY when you don't pressure them to use it. She has been going since and is pretty much FULLY potty trained. We have a Chuck E. Cheese day coming for her because she has become such a big girl!! The things that they say. If you ask her, her favorite store, she would say WALMART, hands down. For a while, she would say HOME for WALMART!! So funny. Not that we spend everyday there but I guess when they recognize it just from the commercials, you know you spend more time there than you thought!!! She is still a very cuddly little girl which I am SOOO grateful for. I know that those days may come to an end where she just wants to sit on my lap and look at the magazine I am looking at or to watch TV with me. Why do they have to grow up so fast??? I know the answer lies in: THAT IS HOW GOD HAS DESIGNED US!!!! Wow, my baby will be 3, in less than 3 weeks! Then I look at our baby, Mariana. She is growing and I am not ready for that!!!Where has the last 9 months gone?? Why can't we just stop time for just a moment to stay there a little longer? I know it is because, that isn't what God intended.

Well, I pray that you all have a very BLESSED 2008!!!!! May God shine His light on you, to direct you in the way He wants for you to go!!! May He comfort you in times of sadness and rejoice with you in times of happiness, but most of all, may He fill your voids that you have not have filled by Him!!

WOW!! Christmas Eve is only 1 week away!

2007-12-17T21:59:00.000-05:00

Well, it is hard to believe that Christmas Eve is just 1 week away. Do I have all my shopping done yet? NO!!!! We have a few more to buy for our gift exchange with my family, 1 more for Mara and stocking stuffers for Mara and Mariana and I have to find something for Michael. Other than that, pretty much ready. We still have a few cookies to make. We made chocolate chip cookies yesterday. I had my junior baker helping me out. Mara just loves to help me in the kitchen as much as she can. I think she just enjoys liking the beaters or the spoon after I am done with it but I enjoy her "help". We are just making the basic cookies: chocolate chip, cut-outs and, of course, BUCKEYES, which are my FAVORITE!!!
I just haven't figured out where the last year has gone! This year seemed like it went by quicker than any other year that I can remember. I guess it is because I am getting older. Why is it that once September hits, December is here before you know it? Is it because of the cold? Or could it be that there are so many holidays from in the later part of the year? I mean, October comes with Halloween, then November with Thanksgiving then Decemeber with Christmas and New Year's Eve. I believe that because of the hustle and bustle of upcoming events to look forward to, the last quarter of the year just flies by before you know it. Mariana will be 9 months old next Friday!! That just amazes me!!!!!!! I am not looking forward to her turning 1 in a little of 3 months. I am not ready but are any moms really ready for their babies to grow up? It is just baffling at how the older you get, the faster time goes by.
Well, that is all I have to say tonight. If I don't post again before the new year, MAY YOU ALL HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Stay warm and cozy in the house and be careful on the roads if the snow continues to fall!!!

J~E~S~U~S!!

2007-12-09T23:35:00.000-05:00

Well, it is hard to believe that there is only 16 days left until Christmas! The Christmas Season really gets me to thinking about the true meaning of life. This season makes me remember more of why we are here: JESUS! That is right! He was born into this cruel world to make it a better place for us. He lived a PERFECT life where we can never do that. We can strive to be perfect, but let's face it, we will never be able to. GOD IS PERFECT! Anyway, the Christmas Season always brings up the topic of santa claus. The one question that I don't like is: when people ask my children, Mara mostly since she is going on 3: Are you ready for santa to come to your house? Santa doesn't come to our house. We celebrate Christmas for JESUS not santa. Yes, santa is a mysterious character, who somehow is able to deliver presents to millions of houses in one night? But what people fail to believe is that JESUS can do just that! He delivers the gift of new life through HIM to many people even in the same minute. Now why is it that santa gets all of this recognition when the reason we celebrate is because of Jesus' birth? Now if Jesus were taken out of this season, then there is no reason to celebrate Christmas, now is there? Jesus, many years ago, was born in a manger because there was no room for Him in any Inn. He was born to virgin Mary where she so willingly took on that role. Would you have so easily have given up your reputation to do that? Mary was definitely a special, humble woman, who didn't even think about what others would think. She was obedient! She went along with the whole thing that God has ordained. WOW!! Makes you wonder, how did she get chosen? She was chosen because of her sweet spirit. She was chosen because she was a virgin, if she weren't a virgin, it would not be the most miraculous thing that has ever happened. She gave up her body to have something happen that would never happen to another person. WOW!! It makes me sit back in awe of how this Christmas Season started with the only miracle that no one else would ever be able to experience. What saddens me the most is that people think that the most miraculous thing is this fat guy dressed in a red suit can go down a chimney and give presents to everyone who believes in him, all in one night. That is not a miracle! It is a myth that this world has gotten so accustumed to. That is why we, as a couple, decided that we would never let Christmas be about santa and getting lots of presents. We decided that Jesus would be our focus at Christmastime. We also have chose not to go all out to buy lots of gifts for our children. They will always recieve just 3 gifts from us, their parents. They will also buy each other gifts. Mike and I heard a sermon about how we celebrate Christmas because of Jesus' Birth so why do we recieve more than Jesus recieved? So we figured that we would not go beyond the 3 gifts. We wil also do the stockings just because the stockings are fun to do with buying these little things that are just cute to get. So I go back to the original thought, people kind of give a look when we tell them that we are not doing santa. Why? because santa has become the focus and not Jesus. I have heard the remarks, you are gonna take away from the mystery of Christmas if you don't do santa. THERE IS NO MYSTERY TO CHRISTMAS!!!! JESUS WAS BORN INTO THIS WORLD TO EVENTUALLY DIE JUST TO SAVE US!!!!!! That is not a mystery. People need to keep JESUS in this SEASON! Sorry for the "sermon" but I just needed to let out a little frustration with how worldly this Christmas Season has become. Let's get back to the basics of life: JESUS and ALL of HIS many WONDERS!!

Starting Something New before the New Year!

2007-12-06T00:56:00.000-05:00

Here it goes!

Well, I have read many people's blogs over the last month and decided that I would give it a try. I really enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts, although many times I felt like I was intruding because I didn't know many of the people. I guess blogging isn't so bad if you can keep up with it and that is my early New Year's Resolution: to blog and I have been challenged to read 50/08. So I actually have a goal next year. Maybe one of the books that I will read next year will be the Bible since I have never read it from start to finish.

Now about me, I am a wife and a mother of two beautiful girls. I love to learn new things about people in general whether I know them or not. I liked to be challenged so when I got the email challenging me to read 50/08, I thought, what the heck, I can do that. Not that I don't read on a daily basis anyway with a toddler who loves to read so it shouldn't be too bad, should it? Well, enough rambling for today. I just wanted people to know that I have taken on the challenge and made a challenge of my own. Have a BLESSED day in Jesus!

GOOD NIGHT ALL!