God came to live with us....

Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.Luke 2:19

It was anything but an idyllic, silent night on that cool Bethlehem evening when a scared teenager gave birth to the King of kings. Mary endured the pain of her baby's arrival without the aid of anything more than the carpentry-roughened hands of Joseph, her betrothed. Shepherds may have been serenaded in nearby fields by angels singing praises to the Baby, but all Mary and Joseph heard were the sounds of animals, birth agony, and the first cries of God in baby form. A high-magnitude star shone in the night sky above the outbuilding, but the manger scene was a dreary place for these two out-of-town visitors.
As Joseph laid the infant in Mary's arms, a combination of wonder, pain, fear, and joy must have coursed through her heart. She knew, because of an angel's promise, that this tiny bundle was "the Son of the Highest". As she peered through the semidarkness into His eyes and then into Joseph's, she must have wondered how she was going to mother this One whose kingdom would never end.
Mary had much to ponder in her heart on that special night. Now, over 2,000 years later, each of us needs to consider the importance of Jesus' birth and His subsequent death, resurrection, and promise to return.

God came to live with us so that we could live with Him.

Ministry of the Towel....

Jesus came to serve and to give.
It makes sense, then, to say that
God desires the same for us.
After bringing us into His family
through faith in His Son, the Lord God
sets His sights on building into us the
same quality that made Jesus distinct
from all other in His day. He is engaged
in building into His people the same
serving and giving qualities that
characterized His Son.-Charles Swindoll

Where is your Towel ? around your neck to be served or In your hands to SERVE

The Son of Man
did not come to be served,
but to serve.
Mark 10:45

Here's looking at you Kid......

God misses nothing. He's looking out for us.
He's listening to our prayers. And He is completely aware of the evil that is happening to us.
Don't ever think He has missed the evil. He sees,
and He remembers. He may be long-suffering, but
He doesn't compromise His justice..... Not only His eye
on the righteous, His face is against evil. Ultimately,
good will overcome evil. In the end God wins!
-Charles Swindoll

The eyes of the Lord
are toward the righteous, and His ears
attend to their prayer.
1 Peter 3:12

Prone to Wander......

Wherever I am--high above the sky or in the deepest ocean-nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died for us. Romans 8:39

Have you ever heard of the name Robert Robinson? I have sung his songs and read some portions of his writings but never knew his name... Last night, as I read about his life, I recognized some of myself in his experience....
If you were raised in church like I was,then you might have sung his song or heard it .. "Come ,thou Fount of every blessing,Tune my heart to sing Thy grace"....
Robert admitted,that while he love Jesus deeply ,but..At times his passion for God and his devotion ran dry, His heart was prone to wander...

In Revelation 2:1-7 In this letter, talks about their service to him and their unwillingness to tolerate evil but He said..YOU don't Love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen from your first love!....

After many years of wondering far away from God,Robert Robinson was riding a stage coach with a young lady that was shocked to find out that the words she was reading, were written by the man sitting in front of her... with tears coming down His face..She read, "Streams of mercy,never ceasing" She showed him there were no seasons too lengthy ,no distance too great for the love of God to find him,comfort him and bring him home again....

I have been in a relationship with Jesus since I was 8 yrs. old... I have been like the church in Revelation..stood against evil but did not love... I have been like Robert and wondered far from God...I have done a lot of service for God.. I thought what I did for Christ ,was what the christian life all about but in Knowing the truth of God's word, it is what He does in and through us!!( Gal.2:20) As I surrender to His will and live by His spirit, Loving becomes His responsibility!

I am forever grateful for his love and mercy..May the words of Robert Robinson be our prayer......"O to grace how great a debtor ,Daily I'm constrained to be! Let Thy goodness like a fetter, Blind my wandering heart to Thee: Prone to wander Lord, I feel it-prone to leave the God I love: here's my heart-O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.

By the Grace of God,I never want to leave of my first love for Him....

The study of David is over but God is NOT finished.....

Our Swag study of David has ended and I wanted to share with you the last blog I posted.. hopefully it will encourage you.. to devote yourself to having a Heart Like His..
Monday,December 7,2009

While the book study and blogging might be finished... God working in us to make our hearts like His..IS NOT finished !!!

This study of David's life has been an awesome encouragement to me... Showing me God's love and mercy and His faithfulness to those who love him... David's life gave me hope... That devotion to God doesn't mean PERFECTION but that God loves me in spite of my weakness and He can use me, when I devoted to Him..
Even though David made BIG mistakes and had many troubles., and even though he'd fall down and He'd get back up, he'd run and hide ... He did leave a legacy of faithfulness and a heart that was devoted to God through it all.... David allowed God to develop within HIM an authentic relationship with Him....
There is so much from this study that God has impressed on heart.. from different people, just a few are :

* Samuel- not to mourn what could have been or what I thought should have been...
* Saul- not to hide behind my baggage and waste the opportunities God has given me, not to let jealousy , angry take root in my life..
* The woman, who stopped the revolt by cutting of the head- That God sometimes ask us to do the unthinkable to help farther his kingdom and I too can stop a revolt by cutting my words!
* David- while some might just see a Shepherd boy God sees a King!, don't judge,others, God ain't done yet!! Also to worship God with a" no hold Barr", worship, focus on HIM- no matter what you look like.. Dance!! He taught me that with God, all things are possible..He showed courage even in the midst of His own fear.. Forgiveness given in the deep sin ... he was devoted to prayer, also to make sure I am not trying use someone else Armour (expectation of me or their gifts) but use what He has given me , He will uses it to slay the giants and point people to HIM!! Also, to hold on to people ,positions and things loosely, cause they are all His!! David served His generation, so how am I doing this? Even when His dreams were not fulfilled, he stayed faithful to God til the end, trusting God with it all!!! So many other nuggets in this study.. as a wife, mother, friend, a mourner, warrior, worshiper...

I am so grateful, that the God of David, is also My God... That I too, can have a Heart like His.,being wholly devoted to HIM.. because He who began a work in me will continue til the day of Jesus Christ!!(Phil 1:6)

Thank you my friends, for taking this journey with me, God has used You in my life, like Jonathan with David, You have encouraged me through what God has spoken to you... As the songs says.. I see Jesus in You and it makes me love HIM!!!..
My prayer for you is...1 Chronicles 29:10-20-...... direct their hearts to You Lord, give to them a perfect heart to keep your commandments... Now bless the Lord Your God!!!!.......

I am blessed, to call you my friends!
Love ya'll, Brat SWAG

Blogging

Well , I have hit the pavement running, school has started and so has work!!

My friends and I ( we call ourselves, SWAG-S.outhern W.omen A.ging G.racefully, we hope ;o)

We have been friends for a long time, we all lived in Florida and now we are up here in the Carolina's .... We get together for Fun, fellowship , girl weekends every once in a while.
Then we realize, that we all need to be accountable to each other for prayer and growing in Intimacy with God , so then we went through a book( The Shack) and Now We are going through a 90 day study of David, a Heart like His a Beth Moore study.
We went to see the movie Julia and Julia and one of us(Queen SWAG) got the idea we would each have a day where we blog about what God has spoken to us.. So while I am doing that blog, I will not be blogging on here.
I want to invite you to join us there.....swagfriends5.blogspot.com

I hope you will join us, as we take this journey together, to Have a Heart Like His!!

BTW- I am Brat SWAG ( Not sure how I got that name, only to say, it is true of me ;o)

Summer and Surrender

A lot has Happen since I last blogged.. The summer was fast and furious... While I love to travel, I am glad to be back and starting a routine.

My man and I celebrated 25 years. We able to go to Alaska. We had such a great time. The scenery, it so beautiful. After seeing the beautiful scenery, You have to say There is a GOD! But we have no idea of how big He is. Just seeing his creation of Alaska, I can't wait to see heaven.. I know it will truly be,Out of This World!!

I also, was able to go to a Deeper Still Conference, Beth Moore, Kay Author, and Priscilla Shiver. I went but I have to be honest. I felt like Why? I like them but I have been to many of conferences, so I'm not sure why I was going. I felt like I have been out of it, Not sure what God wanted me to do.. So the first night I was there, during the music, ( which I love to sing) but during this time, I was talking to God and telling Him( like He didn't know) that I did not want to sing something that I did not mean. I begged him to speak to me.. Well, He did, Kay A. stood up and began to read in the book of Hebrews. " Man, shall not live by bread alone but by every word out of the mouth of God... She cont. but the Holy Spirit stopped me with this verse and said to me, Lisa, What are you living by? Anger, Unmet expectations, fear, friends, circumstances, etc. or by His word?... He then build on that the whole weekend with the other speakers. This has been a daily reminder.. Lisa, What are you living by? I want to focus on something else or Someone else , He reminds me of ... It is by His word! I am so grateful to him for meeting me right were I am but I have to tell you, He hasn't left me there.

A while back, our church showed a video, of Penn and Teller, the illusionist, Penn had been given a Bible by a man after his show, so he blogged about it, ( they are professing atheist) he said, How much would you have to hate someone not to share Jesus with them, If you truly believe that He was the only way to Heaven. If a truck was coming, wouldn't you yell or do whatever it took to help save that person.... I ask God, Who is it that He wanted me to share with? He said Your cousins, well, I dolove my cuz, but family can be hard so I fought Him on it for about a week..

Then after He spoke to me at this conference, I told Him I wanted to take risk for Him and step out of the boat, what do you want me to do ,Lord? He said I want you to share me with your Face Book friends! I wrestled with Him for about 3 weeks. I kept rationalizing it, saying God, most of these people I met in church, they have known you longer than I have, some are pastors and all are better writers than me .Come On ,Lord, Not me! Fear set in, wondering what others would think.. God said.. What are you living by,Lisa? So I surrendered and It is amazing How He has met me every step of the way. I prayed for all who would read it, that they would know him.. I do not know what God is doing on their end but I will tell you, He who began a good work in me,WILL continue til the day of Jesus and I am Living for that!!

Children or Orphans

This summer has been crazy with traveling and Kids at home... God is still speaking to me and revealing himself to me in a new ways.....which I am grateful, He is with me and loves me!!! I will share about that later when I have more time!
Our pastor has been teaching through Gal. and this last week He spoke about living as children or as orphans. Please check out our church blog and go through the list and see how you are living.Check out nlcblog.org
Ask God to help you live as children and reveal those areas where you have lived as an orphan.. I thank Him for never giving up on me!!! Phil 1:6
Have a great summer!

I am ashamed

This past week I went to see my mom and grandma. I had a wonderful time. I realized again how blessed I am to have come from these great women. Women of faith , prayer and love, always giving themselves away.......
I have always tried to value people for who they are,Not what they looked like , did or any power they had. I kind of even at times could be prideful about it. Well, I was confronted with how far I have NOT come, I saw someone who, when I was in school was not popular, not pretty ( the world standards,) Many made fun and ignored this person.... But this week, I was faced with myself and it did not look good. God reveled my ugly side . I am ashamed that I still , Even though, if i did not say it, I thought it!! But as I watched and listen to this person, I saw God's love and a person that has Joy beyond, what the world has to offer, someone who is dependable, hard worker, pleasant, sweet spirit, loves God, family and people. In a world where people are angry at everyone and their situations. She had and has some very good reason to be Bitter and she isn't... You can see Jesus all over her .... So as I face Jesus this week. I left a changed person. I pray that when people leave me, they are changed because they see Jesus in me!

The best gift

Tis' the season.. Weddings, Graduations and Babies Oh My!!!. So I go to my favorite stores trying to find the perfect gift... which most time I end up getting a gift card.. what is up with that? Why, when I want to get the perfect gift..Cause what I like, they may not , what I need ,they may not! So letting them choose seems like the best gift....
So what has God given me? The perfect gift, The choice, Jesus or not? To choose Life or death... He brought so much to the hill of Calvary.. He brought, love without boundaries, forgiveness and acceptance, and so much more..
What do I bring? Anything I have is not worthy of Him. What would He like for me to bring?
1 John 1:9- My sins... If we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right.. Trust him? with my bad habits, selfish moods, lies, binges and bigotries, failures and fears, He wants them all.. doesn't seem like a great gift.. but He is such a Great God who does what is right! He says that without Faith (trusting Him) it is impossible to please him.. so trust him today and step out in faith and bring your gift( all of it) to Him. He knows we can't truly live with them!

Not reform but adore!!

Psalm 51:1-2 Have mercy on me,O God, according to your unfailing love: according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
This Psalm was written after Nathan confronted David's affair.. David is begging God to deliver him, David knows the high cost of sin, he had to be in agony over all he had done.. When sins reigns over a believer, it always separates them from God, not is relationship but in fellowship...Here David comes to God begging for his mercy, you know God welcome him into his presence.. In his presence is where we all long to be.. but sin and holy never keep the same place so how can this be? Paul talks a lot about the struggle we have with flesh and wanting to be holy and blameless before God....
I was raised with lots of rules but learned that legalism totally ignores the holy spirit and our relationship with God and others. Its focus is negative...The rules, instead of limiting our sins, defines sin..... giving our attention to sin and then we desired it more than desiring the one who we were trying to keep the rule for....The answer to having victory over sin is learning to worship... not reform but to Adore the Savior!

Green thumb, I have NOT!!!

It is spring here in NC, I love it!! Well, not all of it... like the green pollen that coats your car and everything outside,If you are like me and have your windows open it coats everything inside too!
I have been driving a lot lately and seeing all the different trees bloom and flowers, It is SO beautiful.. God knew exactly what he was doing, He is very artistic! I can see him, in his creation and It makes me love him all the more, also, Makes me smile to know that he loves color, I love color , I am trying to use them all in my house ;o)
I was talking to a woman, who really does have a green thumb. I asked her about these flowers she had , they were so pretty She told me about them and how that they moved with the sun, When the sun was straight up in the sky, they stood straight up and when it moved, they would move and when the sun began to go down, then they would follow and go down .At night they closed because there was no sun. It amazed me! I would love to tell you what she called them, she had the right technical name for them but to me they were just pretty flowers..... I know, I know, I am into the details,NOT, Sorry!
As I thought about those flowers and watched them do exactly what she said,Up with the sun and follow the sun and went down with the sun. It made me think about my relationship with Jesus.. Do I follow Him, Am I up with Him, Do I even know what He is doing around me? Or am I wanting to bloom all on my own and asking Him to come and shine on Me?
The bible says, look at creation and you will know of him... It is true, even the flowers can teach you to ....... Bloom where you are planted and Follow the Son!

Cracked Pots

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."
~2 Cor. 4:7
I love this verse, It says a lot about God and who he is ... His Ministry of grace on our lives, that he would choose to use cracked pots for his glory...
Our lives should be nothing but a visible representation of Christ.. 24/ 7. We are His ambassadors.. we never get a day off. 24/7 Ambassadors represent their country. Everything they do , say, go, how they spend their time ,reflects back on their country. So if I am God's Ambassador, I am a walking, talking 24/7 representative for Christ. Whether or not I open my mouth( which is hard for me not to open ) I am communicating volumes about my Savior..... My pastor has this great quote" What I believe about my future determines how I live today" So true...... My actions and attitudes reflect my true beliefs.. Do I worry, Am I fearful or joyful? A servant or selfish? In the ways that God has blessed me, do I use them for His glory? Am I forgiving or angry? Prideful and ???.......
Knowing these struggles.. makes this verse even sweeter to me... cause I have been all of those.... BUT this precious treasure-this light and power that now shine within us( ME)-is held in a perishable container, that is, in our(MY) weak bodies. Everyone can see that glorious power within must be from GOD and it def. not our(MY) own!!!! ANY and I do mean ANY good that you see if from HIM!!
Thank God He uses ... this pot, that many would not look at, want or use because of all the cracks it has, It is a wonder it holds anything. Some of the cracks , others made, Most of the cracks I have made myself, from bad choices along the way......
My prayer is that His glory shine all through my many cracks !
This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine.....

Happy Easter

At work, I am trying to teach my kids about Jesus and all that He did for us. I am trying to make it on a 3 year old level.. which is not hard for me, cause I am not smarter than a 3 year old! They love the part where Jesus after he arose, comes to the disciples in the upper room, says... Surprise, I am alive!!!

There has been so much confusion and pain in my life because I really did not know God.. who He is and how He works. I could have saved myself some trouble had I known His word. I believed some lies and base my beliefs and life on those lies only to find out later after getting into his word, I was WRONG!! The crazy thing is.. I hurt myself, I hurt others and pushed others away from him in my ignorance.. I thank God he has forgiven me and continues reveal himself through His word. I love what Beth Moore says. How do you recognize a lie? by knowing the truth.. So this Easter.. let's celebrate the Truth.. Let's celebrate HIM....The "I AM THAT I AM"

Psalms 9:10 And those who know Thy Name will put their trust in Thee: For Thou O Lord, hast not forsaken those who seek Thee.....

He is: The All-sufficient ONE,The Everlasting God, Lord,Master,The Lord will Provide, My Shepherd,The Lord Who Heals, The Lord is there, The God who SEES, The Lord Our Righteousness, The Lord who Sanctifies you, Peace, Creator, Banner, God Most High,Righteous Judge... and so much more!!!!

Revelation 15: 4-... Great and marvelous are your doings,Lord God almighty, Just and True are your ways, O King of ages Who shall fear, O Lord and glorify you NAME? For you alone are holy.All nations will come And worship before you, For your righteous deeds Have been Disclosed!!!

Sing a song Hope, sing along, God of Heaven come down....

If you give a Mouse a cookie or a Moose a muffin...

Can you tell I teach three year olds? I love these two books. They both show true behavior.. Well, I am not sure about the mouse or moose but definitely my behavior. If you give me a cookie, I will WANT milk and then I will NEED something else and then WANT more and then NEED , you get it ,and nothing satisfies me!
In my Life group study of the book of Mark 7:1-23- It is about the disciples not washing their hands before they eat, they were not following the traditions and then Jesus steps in and Lets the teachers of the law know it is NOT the outward but the Heart that makes one clean...."These people show honor with words but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is worthless, the things they teach are nothing but human rules" OUCH!!!........ I would love to say I would NEVER allow traditions and rules to run my life but I am guilty! I have made sure that my kids have looked the part, made sure I was at church every time the door was open . I prayed before every meal and listen to only Jesus music and I have God's word on index cards all over my house, the list could go on and on... ALL the while my Heart is far from HIM!!!
Now that my mother in law has left. I need to clean out the frig. I have no idea what is in there, SCARY..I know, I could only clean the outside and make it look so shinny and no fingerprints on it, how cool would that be? , I could put pretty magnets on it, even add a TV on the door....but would it be clean???Who would concentrate on the outside when the problem is on the inside. How silly, right?
Well, the same is true of me, when one of our friends are depressed and we say let's go shopping and buy something or eat chocolate. Someone is lonely and we say get a man, have a baby, get a job, stay busy, go to church. All sounds good at the time but they are only taking care of the outside while the inside is corroding... and smelling awful!
We are all like the mouse and moose, if only I had the cookie or muffin, then if only I had milk.... if only....trying to satisfy the outward all the while the inward is.....
Hey, Is you Frig clean?

The Buzzards are circling, but God's not finished with me.. Yet!!!!

Have You ever wonder why you were born in this time and not in the times of "BIG Valley ", "Little house on the Prairie" or "Happy days !!".. OK, I am a TV kid...Sometimes I can feel the air from the buzzards' wings circling around me, like when I hear the music of today and do not understand the words or see the clothing made for the younger generation and all the tech. stuff that I am so behind on! God has to remind me... He is not done with me .. yet!!!
My Grandmother is 96 years old and has often said, she is not sure why she is still here, What does she have to offer...I know, what she has to offer, she intercedes on the behalf of all of her children and grandchildren and I am a product of her prayers, I am very thankful for her and her life.
1 Peter 4:11 "If anyone ministers let him do it as with the ability which God supplies" God made me for this time and generation.. He knew what would be needed as in the past.. He knew Israel would need the law so He created Moses, and a King, He made David, He Knew.. He made Ester, Paul, and....so many more!
He knew what this world needed and He gave it, He made YOU!!
So if you are not sure why you are still here or even if you are still needed.. Take Heed.. God knew and he made you for such a time as this.. so minister as with the ability which God supplies!!
He even made those buzzards that are flying around you( you have got to love his sense of humor).... You are a designers' creation...He is not finished with you yet!!

A Magic Wand.... Please?

You know when you are a little girl, all those stories of happily ever after were awesome, on so many levels. For one you got the prince , the castle and beautiful dress!! But what I really needed was the magic wand! If I could have that, then life would be so much better... I would not have any troubles. All I would have to do is wave the magic wand and Voila... all would be better!! Dishes done, house clean, laundry finished, money in the bank, pumpkins would be my mode of transportation, Mice would be men, hummm ;o)
Well, I must admit, I would love to have a magic wand waved over me! Becoming the person God's longs for me to be doesn't happen over night. The older I get the more I understand Paul when he says.. the things I want to to do , I don't and the things I don't want to do, I do!
If I could wave the wand and then the Woman of Faith, Mary,( Martha's sister) or the Proverbs 31 Woman ,would appear. How cool would that be !
This transformation is a process of walking daily with Him. Asking him to penetrate every fiber of MY being. Surrendering to his will and allowing him to mold me, change me! And little by little the process happens!
Ecclesiastes 3:11 'He has made EVERYTHING beautiful in its time"
Have Hope, during the shaping time, He is molding you!
I don't need a magic wand. I need HIM!!!

Selective Hearing

Being a parent has brought much joy into my life, along with many other things. It has brought out the good, bad and ugly sides of me, that I did not even know I had. Our middle son,Jacob is deaf and I will never forget one day in Walmart, he did not want to listen to me so he closed his eyes, so there I am leaning into the cart trying to pry his eyes open and talk to him- wasn't funny then but now, I think back of how, I must have look crazy!

I remember seeing a Hallmark movie about a boy who was left in a town and he never spoke and everyone in the town thought He was deaf, so they all told their secrets to him and one day he was a witness and had to go to court and they all learned he could hear and speak and he could tell their secrets.... Scary!!! Now my other two kids can hear very well but at times I think they have selective hearing ..they never heard the part about clean your room!!

In Our Life group we are studying in Mark and How Jesus was ministering to people and a religious man came and ask him to come to his daughter, she was dying, On his way a woman had touched him... All the while the crowd was wanting him to help them, the disciples wonder what he was doing and then when he got to the man's house, the people were sad cause she had died. Ever Notice that Jesus never allowed the voices around him to sway him from what His purpose was? It is amazing that Jesus could ignore all of them and stick with His purpose.. So many times the" committee in my head", talks me out of things, condemns me and sometimes what People have said to me in the past has filled my head with insecurity or what I think of myself , starts to condemn me with doubts and fears... All these can and has kept me from the purpose He has called me... (Mark 5:36.. saids Jesus.. ignoring what they say.. ) WOW, Jesus had selective hearing..Not always a bad thing.. So the next time voices are wanting your attention, some good intentions and some just trying to keep you from doing what God has called you to do.. ask yourself... WWJD?..... Have selective hearing and Ignore them!!!

A truck is coming... Get out of the way!!!!

In my life group,We are study the book of Mark. I have heard all the stories before but this time I have ask God to give me fresh eyes as I study it again....And boy did He, ya got to love Him, He does hear and answer!!! This week we are studying Mark 5:21-42, A Leader of the synagogue came and ask Jesus to come to his house, His daughter was dying and on his way there, a woman who had been bleeding for years, Touched Him... In studying this, you see that both the man and the woman were desperate for Jesus.. One was religious and one was an outcast but both needed Him!!! It brought me back to what God has been reminding me over and over again..... About two Sunday's ago, we had a video clip of Penn from Penn and Teller, the illusionist. He had been given a NT bible after one of his shows, He clearly was touch by this man and He said that while he knows there is no God(he is atheist) he said that If you truly believe there is a Heaven and Hell, HOW much would you have to Hate someone not to share with them... He said if he saw a truck about to hit you, he would warn you and help you get out of the way!! I can't shake that thought from my heart and mind....So I have written the people that God brought to my heart, some are religious and some are not. I pray that God will work in their lives.. Just as these two people from two different back grounds,He was in high standards with the community and She was the Outcast, both needed Jesus.. So I need to look around, in my church , community, work and family and see who needs Jesus. While there might not be a truck coming down the road.. death is coming to all of us.. I need to step out in faith and WARN them!!!

SWAG ON !!!!

This past weekend, I had the privilege of going on a trip with some friends. We call ourselves "SWAG.". meaning Southern Women Aging Gracefully.... We had a blast! I always love getting together with people but sometimes you do not know how bad you need it til you get there and then it is over and you realize how refreshed you are. This weekend, we laughed, ate chocolate, talked ,shop and ate more chocolate! OH yeah ! we made a craft to remember our weekend, Well, you win some you lose some, just kidding!! ( I am not a crafty person) but it was great to see all the different personalities come alive . While we did not have a bible study or any deep discussions. I can honestly say, I saw Jesus this weekend, in these women. I am so grateful that God has blessed me with many friends and I want to encourage you to make time for your friends. You will be the better for it!!!

Even if you are not from the south, SWAG on, my sister friend SWAG ON!!!!

Love the Souvenirs..NOT!!!

Lately , I have been trying to organize my pictures and closets . I have come across a lot of things I had totally forgot about. Duane and I have travel some before we had kids and then vacationed with the kids, We have acquire some souvenirs. I guess at the time, we thought we would like to have the souvenirs to remind of the trips but now looking at them,"What were we thinking?"....Then there are those things that have come from friends and family, who went on vacation and brought it back, saying" We saw this and thought of you .. " This is scary,Makes you wonder, What exactly do they think of us and Do they really like us? Just Kidding ( sorta)
My kids have receive the T-Shirt that said "My parents went to.... and all I got was this lousy shirt" Now , looking back at those souvenirs, some are pretty lousy...

Philippians 3:8 "All things are worth nothing compared with the greatness of Knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." In reading this verse, I wondered how many souvenirs I have acquired over the years serving Christ but not in Knowing Him. Did I go to Israel just to get my fish plate or my Nativity or was it to see the places where Jesus had been and talked about? Did we go out west to get the T-Shirt or was it to see the Beauty and wonder of God's creation? The souvenirs were not the reward, the trips were!........ I have many times serve Christ to get the praise, the fulfillment of getting results done, pride in using my spiritual gifts to their fullest...Even some of time , to think I could have God's favor through, things, people, status..... When compared to Knowing Christ, is worth nothing!!!! I have missed it.... I have been on the right road trip but focusing on the souvenirs as my REWARD, Which when it is over, I look at and wonder what was I thinking? Why did I buy into that? The reward of being a Christian is not...having money, health, beauty, fame, success. etc... The Reward is fellowship with Jesus. Walking and Talking with Him, learning about Him and from Him. Listening to His heart and pouring out yours.... He who made the universe and all that is in it.. wants to fellowship with me!! Now that is the Best Reward, why settle for just the souvenirs?

Pet Peeves

I read a Blog by a Pastor name Perry Noble and while I have never met Him, I hear how God is using Him and his ministry to reach lost people and he is so real in his blogs.. His latest one was about His Pet Peeves .... so I was thinking about mine... here goes my list:

1- Women who smoke while pregnant - I just want to smack them!!
2- People who drive slow ,in the fast lane ( WHY, People, WHY ??????)
3- People who try to control me by sweet talking me.. come on, that is my job!!!
4- Adults who talk mean to children, calling them names---Don't get me started on this one!!!
5- People who say they want to serve God but are waiting on their spouse to serve, cause they want to serve God together.. Give me a break... Do ya wait on your spouse to eat, work or think ?....
6- People who use traditions and say it is holy and from God.. Read the Bible....
7-People who Judge others and think they are right and justify everything they do
8-People who have no Mercy

OUCH!!!!! Excuse me, While I get the honking beam out of my of my own eye..... All this time,I thought I was looking at others and I was looking in a Mirror!

I bought it, I bought it!!!

I remember years ago, Marshall's had a commercial that had a lady who got to the store early and was tapping on the windows and saying ..OPEN,OPEN,OPEN!! Many times I have been at the store saying"OPEN,OPEN!!! I used to like to shop a lot. But now I go in sperts( not sure that is a word) but when I get that, Spert.. I love it!! I usually like to home shop more than anything else. I love to see the latest stuff for home decor... My tasted has changed over the years, My husband can't believe some of the things I have bought, He says he would have never bought that for me and can't figure me out!! Can you imagine, not being able to figure me out.. We have only been married for almost 25 years.. you'd think he would have some idea... but To His defense.. I have change in my style of decor. not sure what it is, I like to mix old with the new, bold colors... maybe I am shabby chic, hits traditional with a hint of modern all mixed up together and dip into all the colors God made!! Sounds good to me!!!
Hey, blame God, He made me like this.. OK, maybe the world added somethings to me.... and maybe I added somethings.. maybe I bought into some beliefs about myself.. starting when I was young.... My Parents always told me, I was the best girl in the world... My daddy loved His red-headed, freckle face girl, My mom called me sleeping beauty.. My grandparents... thought the sun ,rose and set on me.....It was a good life... I am not complaining,I loved being loved and adored by them all and truth be known, I still do!!!
But My creator, has revealed to me that I have bought into it all.. I Have believed that Life revolved around me, my comfort, my rights, my desires, my LIFE!!! You don't have to be raised by awesome parents and grandparents to believe this but for me, It lead right into.... my beliefs system. which I have lived out most of my life.... I realized How selfish I was.... I have prayed over the years not to be selfish, not to desire my rights and way! God keeps bring me back to" I would decrease., He must INCREASE", That I would get self out of my focus and focus on my Savior! Recently, God has brought this to my attention by His word, a song, and then yesterday at church.Ya think God does not want me to miss this.? I do have an attendances to miss it , if only said once..OUCH! Phil 2:2- 5 "If there is any fellowship of the Spirit,if any affection and compassion,make my joy complete by being of the same mind , Don't be selfish... be humble... don't think of yourself interest but others....Have the attitude of Jesus..This is what he spoke to me through His word.. Then I read about a minister who explains the reason why He closes his prayers with the sign of the cross..."The touching of my forehead and chest makes a capital"I" .The gesture of touching first one shoulder, then the other, cuts the"I" in half"...Isn't that what the cross does? Then I heard the song that goes something like.. Give me eyes that I might see., Give me a heart... like Jesus , yeah, " and then God decided I need to hear one more time.. Yesterday at church. Speaking about Is. 58 and how the children of Israel wanted God's blessings on their lives.. so they did all the right things. like prayers, fasting..etc. but God said.. Your knees are dirty from praying which is good but look at your hands.. they are NOT!!! And I want them dirty from Serving others, not just write a check or donate once a year but to get involve and invest in others.....
I have realized, I bought into the lie.. hook ,line and sinker.... that it was all about ME but Jesus said he came to serve not be served... It is all about HIM!!! .. Let the cross cut the"I"
This is the cure for selfishness!!

Jesus take the Wheel, take it from my hand.( Sing it)

Living here in NC, I have heard Carrie Underwood's song.."Jesus take the wheel" over and over again, and I don't even listen to country music..
Have you ever fallen asleep at the while driving?
When I was in college, My family was driving me back after a long weekend home, it was an 8 hour trip, We left after church on a Sunday night and my uncle was driving , we all were asleep and all of a SUDDEN, we were swirling around and around til we can to a sudden stop!
Then after I was married, my husband and I made a 24 hour trip to MI to surprise his family fro Christmas, the trip was 12 hours one way( we were young and.. yes.. stupid but we were in love ;oO ), On the way back, my dear husband fell asleep and we found our self all over the road and ended up in the middle of the road with traffic stop and all looking at us. Both times God protected me from getting hurt..
I have never fell asleep driving but there have been times that I wondered how I got from point A to B and then at a light I would be jolted by the horns behind me, telling me to GO Girl!,
I didn't remember dozing off. In today's world, we are all so busy with work, kids and their lives, family, friends and church. No wonder.. the polls have shown that 67 % of women have sleeping problems and 43 % say that daytime sleepiness interferes with their daily routines.
Most of the time,I do not have a problem sleeping ,BUT.. I have found myself sleeping spiritually.. I have been going along in life, reading God's word but not even knowing what I read and serving him but not knowing why or how I got from point A to point B... I have been in his presence in my quiet time and in corporate worship and then,I have walked away and not been changed!!! How could this be? When you are in the presence of the almighty God, you should be changed! Just like when you are sleeping, when you wake up , you should be rested!

Psalm 51:1 "Be gracious to me,God according to your faithful love: according to your abundant compassion,blot out my rebellion." Now as I first read that,I rejoiced over the fact that He is faithful to love me and blot out my rebellion.( which we need to celebrate it) but as I meditated on it... God spoke to me.. His word says in Psalms 103:12.. He promises to remove our sins from east to west.. at the same time, sin leaves a scar that is real and can have a powerful impact on our hearts. In the Bible, over and over again God shows us people, who chose rebellion and bare the scare to tell the story. Eve ate the fruit and was banished from the garden, had hard childbirth and then her son killed her other son. Talk about dysfunctional family! Then David, a man after God's own heart, lost a child, conceived out of adultery, deceit and murder...There are real consequences from sin and rebellion.... The Great News is.. We are never too far from God's faithful love ,His abundant compassion and never to far from His blotting out my rebellion.. We can repent, and turn away from our sins and cling to God and his forgiveness, his mercy and Love!
We could let our wounds DRIVE us from Him or We can let Jesus take the wheel and take our hand, remembering what He has done for us and saved us from!!!

Friends don't let Friends drive or live sleepy, they point them to the ONE ,who never Sleeps nor Slumbers!!! Let Jesus take your the Wheel!

Happy Birthday, Jacob

Feb.6 1995.. God made a beautiful baby boy. On May 13th God brought that baby boy into our family and blessed our lives. I have lots of crazy stories about my kids, they are not perfect, just look at their parents and you will see why but they are all great kids, full of life, and fun, OK, I could go on and on, I always get mushy around my kids birthdays.

I was told when I was very young that I could never have children, so to have three, is such a blessing to me. While they all did not come through me... They all have my heart. This weekend we celebrate our son Jacob's 14th birthday and I can not celebrate his birthday without thinking about the woman(or at the time the girl) who made one of the hardest decisions of her life, to do an unselfish thing by giving him to a family who has been so privilege to be His parents. While I have never met this woman, We will always be bonded.. We both love this boy... I know she thinks of him on this day ... one of my prayers is, that God would comfort her and assure her that she did what was right. I pray , that one day they will met and when they do, they will both know God had ordained it all, even if it is not here on earth, that it will be in Heaven...

So today, I say thank you, to the birth mother, for giving Him life and allowing us to be a part of it . I say Thank you to God, who knew him in his mothers womb and knew this child would change this mother forever!!!

Clean or Dirty Dishes to Serve you on?

I am glad that as I write this I can honestly say I have no dirty dishes in my sink.. Now it was a different story last night but we are talking about NOW .....
I have been trying to get organized.. ( those who know me don't laugh ,God still does miracles) my pictures, in closets and under my cabinets in my Kitchen.. I have found so many things that I forgot all about .. In one of my cabinets I found many vases . You'd think I get flowers all the time looking , at looking all these vases .
I looked a these vases and remembered where some of them came from and others I had no clue.I have to say, some were cleaner than others, I think Charlotte had spun her web in some of them and it spelled 'WASH ME"!
This Morning, I was reading 2Timothy 2:20-22...In it it talks about how in houses we have dishes for company and then the ones we use daily bases.... You know the ones with the chips and cracks and maybe stained from microwaving sauce in them.... I guess ,I am confessing here!
Back to the His Word.. He talks about keeping ourselves Pure and Holy staying away from sin, that we will be like the dishes, Vases, (vessel) that are useful for the Master, prepared for every good work!
What does this look like? I asked myself... God answered Me with these thoughts.....
Love Him with a Love that surpasses anything and anyone. Respect and revere His word and understand that he has given it to me for my benefit. To Hide His word in my heart so that I am not attracted to sin and will run from evil,thoughts,words and deeds . Seek the power of the Holy Spirit to enable me to do what is right and let Christ be formed in me...Wheeew.. "No problem God"... I thought... he answered me again and said " Surrender'".. your will for mine, your way for mine, your desires for mine... your possessions for Me.... Your past, present and future for mine! Allow me to Clean your dirty dishes. Even the ones you forgot about and not sure when or how they got dirty. "Let me clean them" cause I desire for you to be a vessel of Honor, sanctified and useful for Me, to use, to Serve Others!!!

Watch out!!... Your beliefs are showing!!!

In these last days, and I do believe we are in the last days, But I have heard that most of my life. Being a parent I am more aware of evil than I was a kid or teenager or even young adult.
I have a wonderful and awesome family, but my sister and I joke about how we put the "FUN " in dysfunctional for our family. As I grow older, I realize we all are dysfunctional. It is a wonder we can even do anything with all the baggage some of us have... That is where God comes in and begins a work on our hearts and minds... leaving nothing unturned..
I have really desired to raised my kids to love God with all their heart , mind ,soul and body and love others!!! but I wonder about what they really heard me teach.
You know people can hear ya but they learn from what you really believe.. example... We believe everyone is valuable but who gets our attention the beautiful ones, the ones who are high achievers.. We say no abortion yet, we do not support crisis centers or adoption..We want to reach the un-churched , saying God hangs out with everybody but don't expect to get close to me. We say we are not a racist, but my kid is not hanging out or marrying them!
That's where our hidden beliefs speak louder than our words. We can say we believe it but when the rubber meets the road, our beliefs come out!!!
I would like to believe, it's the world way of doing it and if that were true, we could explain it away cause look who the world's father is!! But it is in the CHURCH.. The body of Christ.. We say God forgives, yet, we don't! We say Jesus came to serve but we won't, We say the church is for the broken, yet let one of the leaders be broken and we all forsake them like the plague. We say God is in control, then we worry.....
No wonder people are confused about Christ.. They always believe the hidden belief rather than the words we say....
As a wife, mother, sister, friend and leader, I wonder what am I really Teaching????

It is scary to sit and ask God to search your heart and reveal to you , what you truly believe, I have even fooled myself in a lot of areas of my life. Facing what's hidden is not easy. It is like on that show "What not to Wear" they have a mirror that the women step in front of to see the whole picture.( glad I don't own one of those). While they can see a lot, they can not see themselves as a whole, directly... We have a mirror..." God's word" to show us truth and the Holy Spirit to reveal the whole Picture, inside and out!!
In every life their is a hidden and spoken belief. The spoken belief does matter and worth getting right. But, The spoken belief can not overcome a Hidden Belief, that is wrong and based on a lie.
Hidden Beliefs shape our souls and changes lives....mine and all who I come in contact with...
Listen to the voice of Truth!!!
Watch out!! Your beliefs are showing!!!!

Wrestling

When I was growing up , I wrestled with my brother and daddy all the time. I loved it. I was not much of a sissy girl. We would wrestle until either I had to go to the bathroom or could not get up and we had to claim a winner. Well.. God blessed me....I had two boys... my oldest son loved to wrestle w/ me and he would fight with all his might. We would wrestle until whoever pinned each other down had to say.. whatever the winner wanted them too. Like... if I was the winner I would make him say " Mom, you are the BEST mom in the world and YOU ARE the WINNER!!!!"
Both of my boys would laugh and try not to say it but I loved to hear it.I know most mothers hear it a different way but however I can...... Now that I am older and can't get off the floor,and they are a lot stronger than me, we play "King of the rug," .. it is standing and pushing each other off the rug... lots easier on the joints.
I was reading in Genesis 32:24-26 , Here Jacob heard that his brother was coming to see him....(remember what he did to Esau, stole His birthright and His blessing,I'd be scared too!) so Jacob divided His men and sent them ahead- Brave man he was! I can relate to Him.
Now he was left alone...he wrestled with a "man" Jacob later name that place"I have seen the face of God" Jacob wrestle w/ Him even to the point of dislocating his thigh with just a touch. Yet, Jacob, did not give up!!! He told Him.. "I will not give up unless you bless me" ...
Then God said"you will be known as Israel " For you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed"
You know, when I am alone, I can wrestle.. thoughts, doubts, fear, shame...... But reading this. Reminds me not to give up! but hold on to God, hold on to my time alone with Him. When I am alone with Him, He can speak to me without distractions, any influences of this world. When I am alone with Him I can pour out all my stuff! I can wrestle with Him and He teaches me (by pinning me down, I say, You are the winner and the best God in the world!!! )I have more of an intimate relationship with Him and My life is changed!
So in this busy life we all lead.. take time to be alone.....Spend time with Him...All wrestling is not bad!

Thank you President Bush and Welcome President Obama

I read this prayer from Max Lucado and wanted to share it with you. but before I did I wanted to say Thank you to President Bush for serving this country. ( I know he won't read my blog) but I wanted to say it out loud . I also wanted to welcome President Obama and to say I will be praying for you and your family.......

A Letter from Max Lucado
Dear Friends, I am a pastor, not a politician, so I can only speculate as to what awaits President-elect Barack Obama. The long-lasting benefits of good choices…the fearful consequences of poor ones…complicated social issues and relentless international problems.He needs our prayers. And it’s our privilege to pray for him. The Bible says: Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God. (1 Timothy 2:2)For that reason, I invite you to set aside a few minutes on Inauguration Day, Tuesday, January 20, and ask God to bless Barack Obama and his family. Join me and urge as many people as possible to speak to God on behalf on our incoming president.Good things happen when people pray.A few years ago I attended a meeting in the White House. While standing in the State Dining Room, I noticed some words engraved on the fireplace: a message from John Adams to his wife Abigail. “I pray heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house and all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.” Here’s hoping that same prayer is offered and answered again.
Max Lucado

Loud and Often

I am reading a book by Lanny Donoho imagine "GOD"S BLOGS".
Since I start by accident, blogging, which is really nothing more than sharing what I am learning when I read God's word. Other blogs are about people's day, family, church, job, up coming events. I like reading other blogs. I like people and their stories , I guess you could say.. I am nosey! Does it help?, that I do learn from others.
In this book, he talks about God's favorite stuff He has done: Setting up the universe to spin like it does.. the red sea incident.. SURPRISE LAZARUS!! You're back!... Sent Jesus to earth!.. rolled away that stone so he could come out and show you who I really AM... created YOU in MY image(and you look good)......... It is a good book with refreshing thoughts on the life with God with a quirky author..... if ya need a book to read.
My daughter and I sing before she goes to bed, we sound pretty good.( I think) Well, in the morning, not so much singing is coming out of her, more like whining! She is not a morning person! but this morning she woke up singing "Amazing Grace how sweet the sound,"I wish you could have heard her, she added the vibrato at the end of each notes, just like they sing it on veggie tales.. When she finishes a song, we always clap loud and often and say ..well done!! great job!!! sing it one more time!!! ( We might be those parents, that their kid is on American idol singing and Simeon, Paula and Randy ask Who said you could sing? and they say My parents!!!!(Well, to us she Can sing !!!!)
In my reading ,Psalm 105:2 "Sing to Him, sing psalms to him talk of all His wondrous works!"
Wondrous works....Think about that.. He loves me, he is always near me, He hears me, His eyes are always on me. He died for my sins !!!!Wow!!! Not to mention all the other great things he has done.. create universe, red sea, raise from the dead.......
What do I do?... I sing and worship God. Loud and often, clapping and saying, Well done, awesome job! One more time!!!! I need to worship Him and I need to do it more often....
and for heaven's sake, He does deserve it!!!!!!

He still working on me......

I guess you could say I have always been a daddy's girl. Even when I was going through the teen years and we argue about everything, I remember saying.. I NEVER will be like you!!!!!
(I was a little drama queen, OK, maybe I am still, a little)
Well, low and behold, I am just like my Dad. Funny thing is, I love it!!!!
Every time he calls me he sings, he makes up songs and sometimes he sings old ones .. I love to hear Him sing to me... I now realize that I too, sing to my kids , family and friends when I call them, Especially if I get their answering machine. I look at it as , an invitation for me to sing to them. This last week my daddy called me and He sang an old kids song to me," He still working on me, to make me what I should be....." There truth in that kids song, My daddy is 70 years old and saids God is still working on Him. He loves God and is one of the most praying people I have ever known, My Life is a product of His Praying!!! I thank God for giving me, my Daddy.
We,as a family are still working on this crazy puzzle.I really don't think they put all the piece in the box! or someone has taken them to drive us crazy, which I would not put it pass anyone in our family.
It is funny though, my kids have tried to make some of the piece fit, my little girl said she has a pink hammer that she could use to make pieces fit , this is after she hit it a couple of times with her hands... It reminds me of my Life....So many times I have tried to make the pieces fit ....MY self with MY ways!! Did not work out well, at ALL!
God has already told me not to lean unto my own understanding but in all my ways acknowledge HIM!!!
Exodus 35:35 He has filled them with Skill....Jer. 29 :11.... He has already prepacked us with everything we need for the pieces of our life... for the purpose which He has called us!!
He knew I would be born in NC, live in Tenn, and Florida , marry , have kids.. and be back in NC. He Knew it all.... good, bad and ugly!!!
He has given me a choice.. Psalms 119:30 I have chosen the way for truth,I have obeyed your laws.... This gift of choice that He has given me.. is a hard gift.. The choice to choose .. narrow gate or wide.. small crowd or big crowd.. Rock or Sand.....
Hard to choose in the moment.. to Obey or self- gratification, to choose... servant or Boss.... to choose MY way or His...The choice to walk in faith or take control.. the choice to surrender my will for His.. the choice ....to not hide anymore and allow Him to be seen in me.....The choice to listen to lies or Truth!!!
He has given us choices, eternal choices with eternal consequences....
I worship Him because....He is still working on me, to make me what I should be.......

Kindness of a Savior

In my life i have had many people mentor me, some did it with out even knowing it and others walk with me and taught me. My mother is the one who has poured most in my life,She has mentor me in ways she will never know. She has taught me with her words and deeds. I learned more from watching her handle different situations than anything. I will always be grateful to God for allowing me the privilege to have her as my mother. But as great as mother as she is, She hasn't always been there with me.... when I went to school, when I became a wife and moved 8 hours away, then became a mother.. She could not be with me, But there was someone who has been here to mentor me through it all.
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
My dad grew up on farms , they were sharecroppers and he would often take us by the many places that his family lived. He would tell the stories , some were funny but alot stories were of major hard work , that he did as a young boy. I remember him showing us a old plow that they would follow behind the cow or mule or whatever animal they had a that time and plow up the land, it did not sound fun at all to me, so when I read this verse, I realized that I do not want to take any yoke upon me but as I have learned, that when farmers would train a inexperienced ox, they would yoke it with an experience one. The Yoke would be tighter on the older one and they would carry most of the weight.So the younger would walk along side of the older one but his burden would be light... Makes a difference in this verse now.. Jesus is saying"I will walk alongside of you, we are yoke together but I will pull the weight and carry the burden"
WOW!!!!! What kindness, a Savior who could say.. you know you made your bed, now lay in it!, you choose that road now walk it!!!, but not Jesus, he carries my sins, my shame, my hurts, disappointments, my sorrow, my confusion, my fears. I wonder how many things, He has carried, that I know not of, and given me peace when I did not know I needed it.
That is the Kindness of My Savior, that my soul finds rest in.

Things that puzzle me.. Hummmmm

I hope you have had a great start in the New Year. At our house, it has been a little hectic . Today is the start of... trying to get back on routine. For years I thought of myself as a spontaneous person , but once I am off my routine for a while I am itching to get back on it quickly, maybe it is a control thing.. Ouch!!!
I know many of people ,who over the holidays have puzzles started and when you come into their homes, you are welcome to work on it.
Well, this year we have one... our son Jacob picked it out and it has 1000 pieces!!! I would not suggest for anyone to start out this big, I think a 50 or 100 pieces is pushing it for me.
I have notice that we all look at the puzzle and work on it differently.. some walk by and grab a piece and place it right were it goes, ( I am not that one) some sit for hours and find only four pieces that fit together. It has been funny to see us all get frustrated with it and walk away!!!
Some of us never to return to the puzzle but some are up for the challenge and do it!!
With a couple of days that have gone by I can actually see the picture starting to appear, among the tiny little pieces of puzzles.
While we still have a ways to go, til it is through, it is encouraging to see the end in sight. It kind of reminds me of my life.... When I look at it , it can be over whelming and not look like much at all. Many of times people have walked away with pieces of me, I have wanted to walk away from myself too, but where would I go??
I thank God that He can be trusted... In Phil. 1:6 "He who began a good work in me will cont. it til the day of Jesus Christ." Looking through my own eyes or even eyes of another human being, I do look a mess but Looking through God's eyes.. He sees Jesus!!!!! And as Ps. 103:4 saids He.. loads me with love and mercy!!!
While, I might not see the big picture , I may only see one piece of the puzzle , I can thank God that, He never walks away from me and He going to finish what He started!!!!