Little Steps-Big Faith

A great anxiety

2011-02-11T11:18:00.000-06:00

Another day has come and gone, come and gone. I am having great anxiety about whether or not I will survive travel food this weekend. I am thinking that it is something I must plan for, if I fail to plan, I will fail at eating this weekend. My Family in Q-city is known for Big family gatherings with lots of food choices. This time will be no different, actually worse because it is a funeral. People will be bringing food. Lucky me! My plan is to take my 100 calorie snacks with me, I am hoping that my father will be making my turkey bacon as usual, just need to let him know about the egg white. Otherwise I will be hitting the Vee, Hy-Vee that is to get much needed items. If I cannot figure out any healthy food choices I will be hitting the Vee for sure to get an awesome salad from the bar. I know that Wendy's has 500 calorie meals. I will also search in Q-City to see what other restaurants we have in common with Como, this will help me know what to eat. So planning ahead will make this stay a lot better. I am still unsure of where I am actually staying, but I feel confident as to where I will not be staying, so that helps some. My other issue is that this is the first trip home without my hubby. It has been ages, I mean ages since I have traveled down that road alone.

Anxiety... I think that will be the word for the day. Anxiety is-feeling of worry: nervousness or agitation, often about something that is going to happen.

So what is our answer to this anxiety other then being prepared? Lets take it to the Word and see.
We see in Matthew 6:25-34 ESV

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

It also tells me in: Philippians 4:6 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything

And one more scripture just in case I am not there yet would be:
Philippians 4:13 ESV

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Okay, I have my plan, I know the word and I am armed and ready for my journey. Thank you Lord.

Never Lose Your Motivation

2011-02-09T16:04:00.001-06:00

So you see I am 9 days into my healthy living, self-control lifestyle. And already I haven't been held accountable or posted until now. What is the hold up? Am I not doing this new thing wholeheartedly? No I am not. I weighed in today at the dietician and gained 3 pounds, which is only a 1 pound difference from when I weighed in at church on January 29th, but an actual 3 pound difference since last visit. Either way it goes I must move more and portion control. I must change in my mind that I am actually missing out on something. I can't be discouraged. So the word or thought for the day is to Never Lose Your Motivation. No matter what you are doing new, focus on the motivation, not on the valleys and the mountains. So I, in exercing self-control, will stop having such a lazy spirit in this area. I will stop surrendering and giving in to that "Lazy Spirit". A lazy spirit can filter its way into so many areas of life if we let it. We can make excuses for why we don't do something. But now I am accountable for my actions, for the way I look and how I operate. As I said there will be setbacks, hiccups and road blocks. My hubby is a road block he has tried to influence me to stay in the condition that I am. Never Lose Your Motivation, not for fellowship dinners at church, not for special occasions and surely not for a loved one. Keep focused on your goal, post it on the refrigerator, dig out that picture of yourself when you was a healthy size, make a collague of places you want to take the new you. I plan to lose this extra pound to 3 pounds before Sundays weigh down weigh in.

The Message for today is Never Lose Your Motivation

Weigh Down

2011-01-26T16:29:00.002-06:00

The big Weigh Down begins February 1st, 2011.

What changes will be reported, what will be viewed by others, will their be a chance for change. I sincerely believe it is all about Self-control. I must exhibit self-control in all I do this year. Could that be why the theme that I am living my life by this year be, Rejoice Always, Pray Without Ceasing and In Everything Give Thanks. I look forward to sharing the progress and working through the good the bad the ugly of it all. All the while Rejoicing, Praying and Giving Thanks to the Father. And so the year begins a new on February 1st, 2011.

Will you be caught on the side lines or will you get in the game, be a participant?

The Strength to carry on

2010-02-16T10:49:00.000-06:00

There is a truth about Christian living which, if people knew it, would make all of life easier for them. The truth is this: Whatever trial or task comes our way in life, we will receive the strength we need to face it. There are several promises that give this assurance.

One reads, “your strength will equal your days.” (Deut 33:25) This seems to mean that the help which God gives, varies according to the tasks and trials of the particular day. God fits His blessing to our days.

When we are weak, He increases strength. (Isa 40:29)
When we are sorrowful, He gives comfort. (2 Cor 1:3-6)
When we are in danger, He grants protection. (Ps 32:7)
When we are weary, He gives rest. (Mtt 11:28)

Another of Christ’s promises reads, “My grace is sufficient for you.” (Cor 12:9) Every word of this assurance shines with brilliant light.
“My grace is sufficient for you.”

It is Christ’s grace that is sufficient. We know that He has all Divine fullness, and so we are sure that no human need can ever exhaust His power to give help!

“My grace is sufficient for you.”
It is Christ’s grace that is sufficient. If it were anything else but grace, it might not give us such comfort. Grace is undeserved favor, goodness shown to the unworthy. We deserve nothing because we are sinners, but it is Christ’s grace which is sufficient, and so we can claim it.

“My grace is sufficient for you.”
His grace “IS” sufficient. Christ is always speaking personally to the one who is in any need, and saying, “My grace IS sufficient for you.”

“My grace is sufficient for you.”
The word “sufficient” is one whose meaning expands and amplifies with the measure of the need. No need is so small that it can’t be included; and none is so great that it can go beyond the capacity of the blessing that is promised.

“My grace is sufficient for you.”
The grace is sufficient for each of His redeemed children. “For you” the promise is made..

Life lies before us, with its burdens, its duties, its responsibilities, its struggles, its perplexities. It does not come to us all at once. God breaks our years into months and weeks and days, and never gives us more than we can bear or do for the day.

If we take up the present duty or burden we shall always have strength to do it. If we do not have strength of our own, we don’t need to falter because even if the task is impossible to our ability He will sustain us by giving us all the help we need.

- J.R. Miller

Thought of the Day-2/4/2010

2010-02-04T14:09:00.002-06:00

A lazy Spirit

For too long I have been living with a lazy spirit.

I am either too tired, too busy, or just don't want to.

Either way it goes, my lazy living has not been working

It does not work for my service to the Lord and

it does not work for my physical body.

Imagine someone running around these days

spiritually and physically lazy.

The results are almost catastrophic.

How did I come to this realization

By fasting and prayer

By checking in and tuning into the Lord

instead of my Tv, instead of my love of food,

love of distractions

With me awareness is key

now that I know better

I will do better

Practically I can/ I will / I shall

1) Be in Bible Study

2) Move more

3) Eat less

4) No seconds

5) No fast food

6) Honor God

Imagine the chains that were loosed in my life.

Imagine how great God is that he allowed me

to abide this long with this lazy spirit

just waiting on me to be ready

Ready to accept who I am

Ready to know whose I am

Ready to move beyond my lazy spirit

Thought of the Day-1/4/2010

2010-01-04T15:08:00.002-06:00

Pruning

2009 was a pruning season. 2010 step into your blessing.

2009 was a pruning season because as my Pastor told us yesterday

God Is Not the Problem!

So if we were in a pruning season in 2009

a lot was cut off that was not good for us.

To Prune means:

1. to cut or lop off (twigs, branches, or roots).
2. to cut or lop superfluous or undesired twigs, branches, or roots from; trim.
3. to rid or clear of (anything superfluous or undesirable).
4. to remove (anything considered superfluous or undesirable).

I expect great things from myself and God in 2010.

I am ready for a complete, total commitment. I am done with

half stepping. I always knew God was not the problem, but

sometimes you need the word to be given from someone else in a different fashion.

I am ready to receive my training and for God to enlarge my territory.

Sure there is some residue left from 2009 that needs to be dealt with.

Awareness is the key to my change, so I trust with faith that a dedicated

fast will cleanse my system from anything that might not be of the Father.

I am claiming more financial stability as my husband and I go into

our year of increase.

I am claiming more peace on my husbands job as we go into our

year of increase.

I am claiming that I will walk totally and completely into

my giftings in our year of increase.

Unlike others I am blessed with the wisdom of years.

Unlike others I am blessed with an all-knowing Father.

Unlike others I realize and recognize that God Is Not the Problem...

Thought of the Day-12/30/2009

2009-12-30T16:16:00.002-06:00

Revelation 3:20 (King James Version)

20)Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

God invites us, he desires us to know him and for us to allow him to know us. Will you open the door before it's too late?

Thought of the Day-12/29/2009

2009-12-29T09:03:00.003-06:00

Ever so innocently, we've let our English language distort the meaning of the word church. Sometimes, that word means a place (as in I left my Bible at church). Other times, it refers to an activity (as in What time does church start). Often church is used to describe an institution (as in His behavior was frowned on by the church). While such definitions are appropriate, they miss the meaning of what church is all about.

The essence of the church is your Christian family---those people around the world who flow Christ and commit themselves to Him and to each other. When the apostle Paul wrote about the church, he wasn't talking about a building, an activity, or an institution. For Paul, the expression of church meant a personal relationship among Christians. He most often compared the church to a human body.

In a body, all the parts and details are important,and they must function in harmony.

If one member of the body is injured or sick, then the entire body suffers.
The members must operate in unison, because if they try to go in opposite directions, they won't get anywhere.
Some members are more visible, while others play a vital role on the inside, But both types are necessary. There are no small parts in the body of Christ.
If every member were the same, the body would look really weird, and if wouldn't function very well. (Just imagine a five-foot, eight-inch ear. Oh, sure you would have excellent hearing, but try driving a car that way).

the next time you go to church , don't look at the building of think about the schedule of events. Instead, look at the people. Appreciate them for who they are, what they need, and what they contribute to the "body". Then think about yourself. What is your role in the church? How do you fit into the body? Are you making a contribution to the overall health and fitness of the body?

Being part of the church means a lot more than just attending a service on Sunday morning, tossing a few coins in the basket, and shaking the pastor's hand on the way out. Being a part of the church involves an interactive relationship between people with Christ as their common bond. With that definition, you can't "walk out of the church" on Sunday morning. You are part of the body all week long.

Thought of the Day-12/23/2009

2009-12-23T15:50:00.000-06:00

The Grinches that Steal Christmas
Written by Muriel Larson

What do you think of as Christmas draws near? Do you eagerly look forward to shopping for presents — and the gifts that you will receive? Do you enjoy shopping at big stores, and seeing all the decorations everywhere? Does your mouth water when you smell the turkey and the pumpkin and mince pies coming out of the oven? Can you hardly wait to eat turkey, sweet and mashed potatoes, and corn?

Do you have any time to think of the real reason for Christmas — our Lord Jesus Christ coming as a baby, and how the angels heralded His birth — and how He came to give His life for us that we may join Him in heaven someday?

Did you ever see that animated film on television, “The Grinch That Stole Christmas”? Well, I think that there are at least three grinches that can steal Christmas from us and the Son of God.

*Number One Grinch is Santa Claus.

This one sort of makes a god out of Santa Claus. After all, “he knows when we’ve been bad or good”– just as if he were God. Younger children eagerly await the gifts Santa will bring. This tends to take their eyes and thoughts off the greatest gift ever given: Jesus. Fairy tales are nice and I enjoyed them as I grew up. But really, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ is no time for a fairy tale that presents itself as true, is it?

*Number Two Grinch is the world.

The non-Christian world has twisted the meaning of Christmas. Plays given at school used to be centered around the coming of Christ, the manger scene. Other plays like “The Grinch That Stole Christmas” have taken their place. They have stolen the real meaning of Christmas.

*Number Three Grinch is activity.

We have so much to do during the Christmas season that we have little time to think about Jesus. We have gifts to buy, trees to trim, relatives to visit, food to eat–lots of enjoyable things not wrong in themselves. But if they keep us too busy to think about our Lord Jesus then they “steal” Christmas, don’t they?

Now is a good time for all of us to determine in our hearts that we will not let the grinches steal the true Christmas spirit from us. How can we do that? During the season — and all through the year too — we can spend a minute or two each day thinking of the loving, compassionate Lord Jesus and what a difference His coming into this world has made in it and in our lives. We can praise God for the greatest gift possible, our Lord Jesus. Paul said, “Thanks be to God for his indescribably gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15, NIV).We may not be able to give the Lord Jesus Christ gold, frankincense, and myrrh, as the Wise Men did. But we can give Him our hearts and our time.

Questions: How can you cut back on activities and centre you thoughts more on the real meaning of Christmas? Tell us about one of your traditions at Christmas time that emphasizes the birth of Christ.

Thought of the Day-12/22/2009

2009-12-22T13:30:00.001-06:00

A Plea to Use the Bible Every Day
Dr. Paul Dean
How often do you go to the Scriptures when faced with a difficult decision, an ethical dilemma, or when in need of simple advice? Do you realize just how practical the Scriptures really are? Would you first consult the bible when faced with a co-worker’s question concerning a problem he’s having with his teenage son, or would you first consult an “expert,” a secular book on the subject, or another friend?
Christians no doubt are aware that the bible contains information and of course doctrine. Not only is doctrine a dreaded concept in our contemporary context, but for many, the information the bible contains, even the information with which believers are familiar, seems so disconnected from their daily lives. Few people are aware of just how practical the Scriptures really are and therefore just how useful they really are for helping us to answer every day questions or deal with every day situations.

We get a lot of bible content on Sunday. In other words, we get a lot of information. However, somehow, we are failing to connect that information to our daily living and we have not grasped the fact that the bible is something that should be with us for ready use every day and not merely put away so we’ll have it on Sunday. In his little book, What to do on Thursday, Jay Adams asks the simple question, “Can we know how to go to the bible to find help on Thursday?” The answer of course is that we can and we must.

We must be able to go to the bible to find practical help in our every day lives because if we do not, we will make major decisions without reference to God. Not only do we miss out on the wisdom that God has for us but we actually commit ourselves to futility in so doing. When we attempt to make decisions without reference to God we are actually acting independently from God in the areas of knowledge and wisdom. To do so is to have no ground or basis for what we believe in that particular instance which means we have no ground for the decision we make. The decision we make will be foolish in God’s sight in that we have gone the way of Eve: we have decided that His revelation is not good enough for us and that we know a better way. Even if we happen to make a decision that occasionally squares with Scripture, we still play the part of the fool in that we don’t know why our decision is a good one because we didn’t consult God’s wisdom for us. We merely stumbled upon a good decision in one instance by virtue of the fact that we have been created in God’s image and therefore run into His truth in our thinking from time to time.

Thought of the Day-12/21/2009

2009-12-21T13:57:00.001-06:00

Receive forgiveness at Christmas
by Rick Warren

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 (NIV)

Knowing that Christmastime is God's chosen time teaches us that Christmas is the time for us to receive forgiveness for the wrong things we've done.

God didn't send us a salesman because we don't need a product. He didn't send us a politician because we don't need diplomacy. He didn't send a scientist because we don't need more information.

God sent us a Savior because we need a Savior. If we didn't need a Savior, God wouldn't have wasted time sending one. God sent a Savior so we could receive forgiveness.

Why do I need a Savior? The Bible says that heaven is a perfect place. There's no sin in heaven; there's no suffering in heaven; there's no pain in heaven; there's no sorrow in heaven. It is a perfect place. The Bible says only perfect people get to live there. Obviously, if imperfect people lived there it wouldn't be perfect. That means I don't stand a chance of getting to heaven on my own merit.

You may be a good person, but the Bible doesn't say good people go to heaven. It says perfect people go to heaven. Not imperfect ... perfect. And none of us measure up.

So we all have a big problem. Here's this perfect place, but none of us are perfect. So God came to earth in the form of Jesus, who was perfect. I can't get to heaven on my own, but Jesus says, "I will be your Savior."

How do I let Christ save me? It's real simple. You admit you need a Savior. That's hard for a lot of us because it hurts our pride. We think we're a good person. That may even be true but you're not good enough. You're not perfect. We must admit, "I need a Savior. I need help. God, I need Jesus in my life. I need Jesus to be my Savior."

I was a life guard when I was younger. One thing every lifeguard knows is that you can't save anybody who's trying to save themselves.

If you've ever watched a lifeguard approach a person who is drowning, you will see the lifeguard swim out to the person and then just tread water. The lifeguard will watch the swimmer flail around until he or she finally gives up and goes limp. At that point, the lifeguard can simply put an arm around the swimmer's shoulder and swim back to shore.

It's that easy! But as long as the swimmer is trying to save him or herself, then no one can save him or her. If you grab on to swimmers before they give up trying to save themselves, they'll pull you down with them. You've got to wait until they stop trying to save themselves, then you can save them.

In the same way, God can't save you until you stop trying to save yourself. You can't have Christ as your Savior until you quit trying to get to heaven on your own effort. You have to just relax (remember 'stop being afraid') and say, "God, I don't deserve to be forgiven. I just cast myself on Your mercy." And God says, "That's what I've been waiting for. You are forgiven."

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17 NLT)

Thought of the Day-12/18/2009

2009-12-18T11:56:00.002-06:00

"He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful" (John 1:2, NIV).

Jesus spoke to His disciples and said, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

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. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 15:1-8, NIV

It seems kind of weird that we should want to go through the pain of pruning, doesn't it? It reminds me a bit of the old work out saying, "No pain, no gain." When you allow the Lord to expose dead branches in your life and to strip them away, a simple, radiant beauty remains. You become a more vibrant reflection of Him and become better equipped to bear fruit. Trust Him, friend...no matter what or whom He may call you to give up.

Are there any dead branches hanging on the tree of you?

Let's Pray
Dear Lord, thank You for Your perfect love that longs for me to be fruitful and beautiful in You. Please remove any life-less branches in my life. As the psalmist prayed: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV).

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Thought of the Day-12/17/2009

2009-12-17T09:51:00.002-06:00

Todays Word is: Opportunity
1. advantageous chance: a chance, especially one that offers some kind of advantage
2. favorable conditions: a combination of favorable circumstances or situations

Are you seizing opportunities? Ones where you are able to show Christlike behavior,

characteristics to others. Are you using the moments of strife and struggle in

a co-worker's life or a family members life to exhibit the characteristics of Christ.

People here are noticing the light that shines in me. I have been

asked on several occasions to pray about specific requests.

Shocking I have stopped in my tracks to do so.

I am seizing the opportunity.

Remembers that the circumstances in your life may be

out of your control, but the way you respond to them

should not be.

Our lives are filled with opportunities to grow and

evolve into who Christ created us to be.

Once again I ask you to chose who

this day you will serve!

Thought of the Day-12/16/2009

2009-12-16T10:54:00.002-06:00

My husband being a man of wisdom that he is has told me many times that:

"BEING HAPPY DOES NOT MEAN EVERYTHING IS PERFECT, IT SIMPLY MEANS YOU HAVE DECIDED TO SEE BEYOND THE IMPERFECTIONS."

It's amazing that when he looks at me, he sees beauty. He compliments me on my outer appearance, though when I look in the mirror some days I am unable to see beyond my imperfections.

Being happy in my marriage, being happy in my place of employment, being happy in my church, being happy with myself, has a whole lot to do with seeing beyond the imperfections.

Life is not filled with all flowers and high times, but life is filled with opportunities to grow.

You have a choice this day, whether you are to engulf yourself in how you feel, or whether to look beyond the aches, the moments of blue.

Let's remember the real meaning of Christmas... The giver of life Jesus!

Thought for the Day-December 15th, 2009

2009-12-15T11:03:00.001-06:00

We thank Minister Kathy Lewis for inspiring and co-writing todays thought.

There are a lot of ways, choices in how we live our life. We can live our lives based on how we physically or emotionally feel. Or we can live our life as one who loves and inspires. We can live our lives as today may be our last, with love and joy.

When I arose this morning, physically I did not feel well at all. I spent time on the side of the bed contemplating whether I was going to call in, which would have only been my second time since I have been with my company. As usual I made the chose to press on, I decided that this too would pass. It did pass, and I feel so much better for it. I feel better for not allowing how I felt physically to stop my day.

Minister Kathy's Words today inspired me to remember once again that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!
Please see her message below:

Keep smiling and laughing no matter what. Remember: "Happiness is based on happenings but Joy is based on Jesus" and He is the only one that can give you peace that surpassed all understanding. You can not let your current circumstances control your attitude. True and lasting happiness, however, comes from pleasing God. We cannot achieve happiness, but can only receive it through a right relationship with God, because only God knows what is really best for us, and he is the Creator and the giver of happiness.

Joy comes from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. When our lives are intertwined with his, he helps us walk through adversity without sinking into lows and helps us manage prosperity, without moving into deceptive highs. The joy of living with Christ daily keeps us levelheaded, no matter how high or low our circumstances. So hold your heads up high and remember who you are and who's you are. Have a blessed and glorious day!

Thought of the Day-12/14/2009

2009-12-14T13:24:00.002-06:00

There are times when we need to forgive someone for something they have done. On occasion it can seem so difficult…almost impossible. But we spoke yesterday in Sunday about nothing being impossible with God.

But forgiveness is not an option for you and me as followers of Jesus Christ.

Forgiveness is an act of the will. You can forgive. In fact, Jesus said that we even need to love our enemies, those who may not want peace with us.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:44,

“Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

How can you do that? Because God has done the same thing for you. In Romans 5:10 it says,

When we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son.

When you and I embrace salvation through Jesus Christ, that same love of God is poured out in our hearts. (See Romans 5:1 and 5). As a result, we can forgive those who have wronged us.

What we need to understand is that forgiveness is more for ourselves then the other person. Many times the other person does not even know that we are holding forgiveness. Holding ourselves captive and opening ourselves up to a seed of bitterness. Holding on to unforgiveness
hurts ourselves more than it hurts others.

Tis easier to open your mouth in expression to forgive to spend one day out of the will of God.
We don't have the right to hold anyone captive in this way.

Thought of the Day-12/10/2009

2009-12-10T13:16:00.001-06:00

Humility is a very important key to effective prayer. In 1 Peter 5:5-6 we read this,

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.

God resists the proud. He gives grace to the humble.

Humility, more than anything else, is an attitude of the heart that says, “I recognize I am not self-sufficient. I am open, I am teachable, I am thankful. God, I am willing to bow my heart before You and confess that I am in utter need of Your assistance.”

Contrary to what some people say and think, humility is not to be equated with lack of courage. In fact, it takes great courage for a person to admit they have need. Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is a sign of strength.

King David said in Psalm 18:35, Your gentleness (or Your meekness) has made me great. Moses was called the meekest or the humblest man on the face of the earth, and yet we don’t think of him as a weak person. He is one of the greatest leaders to ever step out of the pages of the Bible, and very few people in history have had power with God in the place of prayer like Moses did.

Jesus, our Savior, said, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart” (KJV). Friend, that ought to be one of the hallmark qualities of our lives— especially when we are praying. It is a key to effective prayer.

Thought of the Day-12/9/2009

2009-12-09T09:37:00.002-06:00

We want to thank Minister of Music Jacqua Williams for our word for today. She led us in this study last night at choir. Thus far we have covered at choir: Obedience, Worthy, Overcoming, and still to come are discipline and stewardship. Things have been heating up for the choir since we have started to study the Word of God together.

Today's word: Overcoming

Let's take a look at 1 over comer Joseph.

We really don't give Joseph all the credit

he deserves as an over comer. We use that word overcome,

overcoming and over comer without really understanding that this is a state of being

and not just a mind set or a bunch of hard work. An over comer is someone who has

been saved, sanctified, and set apart for a specific task God has in mind. Over comers also do not allow Satan to destroy or sway their faith.

Joseph was severely betrayed. He was hated by his brothers.

They sold him into slavery and then after some years had passed, a famine

hit the land. By that time Joseph was running things for Pharaoh

and when his brothers needed some food they had to ask him for it.

Now, here is where the overcoming begins. Joseph could have looked at his brothers

who didn't recognize him, and said let them starve. But he didn't. Instead he advised them to go home and get all the family and come back. When they did so he let them know who he was and fed his family so they would not starve. That's an Over comer. Joseph went through some stuff before he became the King's second in command. He was in prison yet he didn't remain bitter toward his brothers. God kept using him to dream dreams that would help Pharaoh build barns to house grain for the famine. Joseph stayed faultless in the presence of God and God raised him up for a special time in which his brothers would need his help. The brothers who had told their father that he had been killed. The brothers who sold him into slavery.

A person who will not let the past dictate who they are, how they think, or their Christlike

walk is the prime and pure example of an OVER COMER! They will remain faithful to the Lord

making their calling and election sure. They will not doubt that God has set them apart for a time such as this.

Over comers are people who have the love of the Lord. They believe all things, hope all things, endure all things, never demand their own way, and are not puffed up or arrogant. Over comers are disciples baptized by the fire of the Holy Ghost. Over comers have a peace that passes all understanding. Over comers are never bitter or revengeful. Over comers are not people pleasers. Over comers are the strong who say I will not quit singing in the choir no matter what they do to me. I am singing for the Lord and for the Lord I live and for the Lord I will die.

Are you an over comer?

An over comer has a radical faith that will allow him or her to walk on water. They have a faith that can part the Red Sea. They can pray and make the rain stop for 3 years. But they can also humble themselves to forgive, forget, and move on up a little higher using the same Faith, mercy, and grace toward others that God has so generously shown them. Over comers are people who live, breath and have their being in God's divine favor.

Other over comers you might remember are Esther, Job and Peter.

Thought of the Day-12/8/2009

2009-12-08T09:02:00.002-06:00

The Word for the day is
Link
1. a ring that connects with others to make up a chain,

or something resembling a ring in a chain
2. something that ties, connects, or relates two or more things

Yesterday we considered the importance of staying connected, of making

a connection with our Heavenly Father.

Today we look at what keeps us connected. We stay connected

by links, something that ties us to the body of Christ.

We talk about in the Word of God how there is one body,

but many parts doing different things. As we are all

apart of the body, we serve different functions.

As we serve in different capacities we form links

with one another.

I am linked to the body, as a foot I sing in the

praise choir, trying to minister in song to someone's spirit.

As a hand I am there as a minister to pray with

someone, as well as to lend a hug.

As a toe I am there to tip toe

behind the scenes in order to fill in the gaps

where needed.

I am linked to the body because I chose to be

linked. I chose to stay plugged in to what is

going on. I encourage you if you are

struggling in your walk, if you are having

trouble finding your way to get linked with

the body. A link refers to two or

more things, so you are not a link

unless you become connected.

Why not link with the Lord Most High?

The only one I know that can provide you with

what you are looking for.

Thought of the Day-12/7/2009

2009-12-07T11:43:00.002-06:00

Today's Word is

Connected

1. joined together: joined or linked firmly together
2. related: having something in common
3. with beneficial social connections: having useful business or social connections

Do you feel connected to a group or family? Do you

have a sense of belonging and significance with a particular group?

When you join the family of Christ, you belong,

you have a guaranteed inheritance. No longer are you

orphaned, abandoned or alone. You have an inheritance,

a royal priesthood. A joint heir with Christ.

A daughter of Eve or a son of Adam.

What freedom, what peace in being connected to our Heavenly

Father, of being connected to others in the body of Christ

that believe as you believe.

Staying connected is your choice,

it is up to you. Staying connected has benefits

of protection, healing, restoration. Staying

connected to the Father helps one and encourages one

to remain directed and guided by the Father.

Staying connected is your choice.

Thought of the Day-12/4/2009

2009-12-04T10:35:00.002-06:00

Word of the Day is
Resilience

Definition:
1. speedy recovery from problems: the ability to recover quickly from setbacks
2. elasticity: the ability of matter to spring back quickly

into shape after being bent, stretched, or deformed

Can we talk a minute about life, about the joys,

the sorrows, the trials and the tribulations?

Do you look at your problems as potholes,

or as an opportunity for growth?

Many times, most times, how we view,

re-act and inter-act with one another

directly affects our own progress.

I have a joint partnership with two significant, most

important, most life affirming people in my life.

My first partnership that I made was at the age of 16,

in a little church in Hannibal Missouri. I forged that day

in front of all that I love a partnership with my Heavenly Father.

I came to know him for myself, reaching an age of accountability

for my actions, thoughts and deeds. A partnership that would prove

very lucrative, should I hold up to my end of the covenant.

Should I spring back quickly after being bent, stretched and deformed

by my Heavenly Father, if I am to be resilient.

At the age of 16 God the Father had to mold me and make me,

he had to bend me, stretch me, deform me from my worldly

thinking, into the mind that He created me to be.

My second partnership that I entered into was at

a little church here in Columbia. I forged that day

in front of all that I know and love a partnership with

the man that was to be my husband. A true gift from God

given to me on December the 2nd, 2006. A partnership that

would proved very lucrative, should I hold up my end of the covenant.

A covenant made with my Father, leading and guiding the two of us the

rest of the days that we shall live.
Our marriage is one of resiliency. We are able to come together

in the face of an adversity, seek the Father and apply

a solution. With our Father's direction, my husbands

wisdom and my gift of creativity and organization

we are able to be resilient.

My husband is an only child, I am the oldest child,

the oldest grandchild on both sides of my family.

My husband is an elder, praised and highly respected

at the city gates. I am a minister of the gospel,

serving those in need with a spirit of hospitality.

I tell you all this to let you know that some resiliency was

involved in both our lives as individuals before we

came together. We are still as God created us in our

mother's wombs, we chose the path of the Father.

So, do you look at problems as potholes or

opportunities for growth? Are you resilient?

Able to bend, stretch and deform, are you

elastic springing back quickly from the setback,

trial or test.

The Word of the Lord says:

Psalm 91
1) He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2) I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3) Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4) He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5) Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6) Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7) A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8) Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9) Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10) There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11) For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12) They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13) Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14) Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15) He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16) With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Thought of the Day-12/3/2009

2009-12-03T11:25:00.002-06:00

Word of the Day-
COURAGE
quality of being brave: the ability to face danger,

difficulty, uncertainty,

or pain without being overcome by fear

or being deflected from a chosen course of action

So yesterday we were able to talk about perseverance.

Today we look at living our lives with courage.

Courage shows up in the face of a Christian

in various ways.

A christian shows courage when they walk by Faith

in the sight of uncertainty. A christian shows

courage when they are going full force serving the

Lord, then is attacked for walking in a deeper

relationship. Courage keeps you on a steady

track in the sight of danger.

I have faced danger at different points in my walk.

As a child dealing with sexual abuse, I lived with

courage.

As a teenager choosing the ways of the church

over the ways of the world, I have lived

with courage.

As an adult needing to say goodbye to my

reproductive organs, I have faced my life

without children of my own, with courage.

I have faced a life of pain with courage.

I have not been overcome by the pain

of this world. I have lived a life

of perseverance, a life of courage,

a life of resilience.

A life of courage was not a gift that I gave myself.

A life of courage was a gift given me by my Heavenly Father.

I have always sensed a strong presence in my life, I have listened

to that little voice within that directs my path. When the Word

is provided for my learning, I am aware of how it applies to my life.

I use that information to continue to mold and make the True person I am to be.

My life has meaning, my life has purpose, and I do make a difference.

I make a difference and matter only because of who I am in Christ.

In this room in which I work, I am the glue.

The glue that holds us together, the only one that can sit

and adjust to my surroundings. Adjusting in that I change the

atmosphere of the room, if I am up, the room is up, if I

am silent, the room is silent. How I am each and everyday

affects the atmosphere of this room.

No other person other than my supervisor

has the power to affect the area in such a way.

I am the glue, that stretches across all the

boundaries, personalities and such that

creates the shape of my environment.

Tomorrow we will take a look at resilience.

Leave me your comments!

Thought of the Day-12/2/2009

2009-12-02T13:38:00.002-06:00

Word of the Day is:

Perseverance

We are made to persist. That's how we find out who we are.
Tobias Wolff,
Perseverance:

1. continued steady belief or efforts,

withstanding discouragement or difficulty; persistence

Are you one that gives up, refuses to try, gets discouraged and falls

every time you hit a pothole along life's journey? Or are you

one that stands strong in the sight of adversity, telling

your pothole what is really true about your unwavering spirit?

This thought that I seek to write this day may speak to many hearts.

It may reach over the generations and talk to that inner woman or

inner man. Either way that it speaks to you, know that sometimes

I am just preaching to the choir, or trying to lift myself from the

ground beyond.

Perseverance, persistence is not an acquired trait or is it?

Can one who is adopted learn from their environment to

be self-resilient and to preserve against a world of obstacles?

Is perseverance en grained in our DNA or is it something

that we can take a class and learn?

From the time that I was born obstacles beset my life.

Being born in the seventies to a single teenage parent.

Being not white and not black in my skin tone.

Being of a different height and having different

color and texture of hair.

From the time that I was born and even before

I received an inheritance, a promise of

riches in glory. A promise of my Father's

ever present hand on my life.

When you come across two roads, you can take either road

according to the GPS to get to the same location.

But one road has wrong turns, potholes and such

that might deter you, or delay you from getting to the destination.

I must admit that I have lived a life of Perseverance.

I did however take a wrong turn. I forgot about

my own testimony for a moment, that I would

Praise Him regardless of my circumstances,

regardless of the temporary feelings.

I momentarily went down a wrong road of

despair, depression and darkness. That was

until one that I admire reminded me

of who I was and Whose I was!

I am picked on for a Purpose and I shall

Persevere, I shall be persistent in my

walk and in my talk.

Word of the Day-12/1/2009

2009-12-01T10:23:00.002-06:00

The Word for today is :

Admiration
1. high regard: warm approval or appreciation of somebody or something
was filled with admiration for her courage
2. object of high regard: somebody or something regarded with approval, appreciation, or respect

I have admiration for several people that have crossed my path in life.

I would like to share of few with you and why.

First, my choir director (Di), who against all odds

has kicked addiction and is seeking to be addicted to our

Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Di, serves in many different roles

in our church, she is a mother, a daughter, a sister, an Auntie Di, a

grandmother, a friend. The role that she blesses me in

is as a Big Sister, a mother figure who encourages me

to see myself as I am.

The second person I admire is my husband Aaron.

I admire Aaron because against all odds

he kicked his addiction, he has always been employed and loyal.

I have learned many things from Aaron and one being is for me

to be consistent. Aaron used to smoke when I first met him,

but for my health and his he stopped immediately., The

courage he had to quit cold turkey I will never understand.

The last person that I will share with you this day is,

I admire my friend Renetta, who has finally seen a

different side of herself, one that is able to share

her vulnerability. Renetta and her family

structure has always been one of strength. When I

look at her I see a strong tower, a strong fortress.

When I spoke with her on Sunday she taught me something new,

I saw tears in her eyes. I saw her praising the Lord,

and she was encouraging me in the midst of it all

to praise at all times.

I have been fortunate to have these three people in my

life and so many more that have helped to shape

who I am.

The final person I will share with you is my admiration

for Jesus and what God did through his presence.

What courage, what great sacrifice so that I

could have the opportunity for Salvation.

I have high regard, admiration, respect,

esteem, for the Lord Most High.

Our God Is an Awesome God!

Thought of the Day-11/30/2009

2009-11-30T15:01:00.002-06:00

A Word for Today
Psalm 84:10 gives us an important perspective of God’s presence,

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

When the psalmist talks about “a day in Your courts,” he is not talking about being in some building or admiring some bit of religious architecture. He is talking about enjoying the presence of God. As verse 2 of this psalm says,

My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

God is so good that just one day with Him is better than a thousand anywhere else. Just to be on the threshold, just to be on the doorstep, just to feel the slightest fringes, if you would, of the presence of God, is better than spending a thousand days anywhere else.

I think The Message Bible conveys the idea of verse 10,

One day spent in your house, this beautiful place of worship, beats thousands spent on Greek island beaches. I’d rather scrub floors in the house of my God than be honored as a guest in the palace of sin.

I encourage you today to learn to cherish the presence of God!
When the music stops our Praise and Worship has only just begun... Continue to
Praise with me, continue to Worship with me says the Most High God...

Thought of the Day-11/25/2009

2009-11-25T11:39:00.001-06:00

Todays thought: True Thanksgiving

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. --Matthew 5:12

Are you ever like the child who at the end of the day kneels by his bedside and prays, "God, thank you for not letting Mom find the candy wrappers in my pocket. And I'm glad I was able to have all the chocolate I could eat at Johnny's house today. Oh, and I can't forget to thank you for not letting Dad miss the nails I took from his workbench. Amen…"?

This attitude can characterize us as Christians sometimes. In Matthew 5:12, the Lord challenges us to look toward our hope and reward in heaven. Instead of putting emphasis on material wealth, social status, or success, Christ tells us that genuine happiness, contentment, and prosperity begin first in the heart.

There are several ways we can say "thank you" to the Lord in a meaningful and sincere way. Thank Him for the difficulties in life that have caused you to recognize your spiritual needs, to mourn over sin, and to submit to His authority. Thank Him for the joys and sorrows that have encouraged you to hunger and thirst after righteousness, to have compassion and mercy on others, to be pure in heart and holy in your lifestyle, and to be a peacemaker. Thank Him for all the things that have helped you to develop a willingness to follow His plan for your well-being.

This is God's idea and plan for true thanksgiving.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Pray that God would help you learn what being thankful is truly about. Ask Him to develop an attitude of gratitude in your heart 365 days a year. And pray that He would help you to realize that Thanksgiving is not just a day, but a way of life.

Thought of the Day-11/24/2009

2009-11-24T09:12:00.002-06:00

Today's word is:

Matthew 18:8-9 provides an important insight into how to deal with sin,

“If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.”

The eye represents the thought life, where sin is conceived. The hand represents that sin actually being carried out. And the foot is where it becomes a walk, a pattern, an entrenched habit of life, a sinful lifestyle.

When Jesus says, “Cut it off,” He is speaking of ruthless self-judgment. And He didn’t stop there. He said, “Cut it off and cast it from you.” In other words, get as far away from the source of your sin as you can.

I remember one day I walked right into a spider web. As I did, I caught a glimpse of this huge orange-colored spider out of the corner of my eye. As I hit the web, I felt it get on my neck. I started doing a war dance, hitting myself and ripping my shirt off, trying to get that thing off me.

And you know what? The moment a sinful thought lands in your mind, you ought to do the same thing, go on the warpath! Start batting that thing away! Start quoting Scriptures.

Do whatever you can to keep it from sinking its teeth into your life. As Jesus said, it will be better for you if you do!

Thought of the Day-11/23/2009

2009-11-23T11:29:00.002-06:00

Today's thought involves respect and responsibility.
Respect is defined as:
-esteem: a feeling or attitude of admiration and deference toward somebody or something
- state of being admired: the state of being admired deferentially
- thoughtfulness: consideration or thoughtfulness

Responsibility is defined as:
- accountability: the state, fact, or position of being accountable to somebody or for something
- something to be responsible for: somebody or something for which a person or organization is responsible
- blame: the blame for something that has happened

Yesterdays Sunday School lesson was on 2Peter: 1:3-15

We talked about having a responsibility in our relationship with

our Heavenly Father. Within that responsibility

we have a duty to respect the Word, ourselves and others.

I have paired these two words together today

for one reason and one reason only.

That is to give glory to God.

We might not like the instruction manual placed before

us because of how many steps it takes to get to the

end result. Some of us disregard the instruction manual (bible)

altogether. Then there are some of us that follow it

step by step, sometimes having to repeat

some steps that aren't truly clear to us.

Then there are those of us Disciples that seek

to use the instruction manual in fellowship with

other Disciples in order to learn more clearly how to work

through the steps.

No matter what type of disciple you are from 1-3,

it is important that you know that you have a responsibility.

A responsibility in your relationship with Christ. At different

times you will need to look back at the instruction manual (bible)

to see what it says about a particular step in your journey.

Some areas of the instruction manual you know quite well

while others need to be read and re-read to get what it is

saying. An instruction manual (bible) that comes in

all languages, but is your responsibility to be in relationship

with the Heavenly Father to understand how it applies to you.

Respect:comes in when you chose

to love the person, but hate the sin. We are to pray for

one another, not judge or create an environment of hostility.

When that lost sheep came home the other day, I am sure it was quite challenging

for him or her to be in the presence of such perfect people.

We need to be killing the fatted calf in celebration of them being

in the house of the Lord again.

So Lord, regardless how I feel, which

clearly does not matter a hill of beans.

I thank you that O was at church and that K was at

church. Bless them Father for standing in the fire.

I chose to honor my responsibility I have in relationship

with you and I respect other Disciples.

Thought of the Day-11/20/2009

2009-11-20T13:40:00.002-06:00

Todays Thought: How to bear another's burden
Please open your Bible and read Galatians 6:2-5.

Our quiet presence during someone else’s time of pain says much more than any words of advice. A grieving widow, for example, doesn’t need to hear our own tale of loss; she needs an arm around her shoulder so she realizes she is not alone.

Think about the times we bring our burdens to the Lord in prayer. Simply experiencing His presence lifts the weight off our own shoulders. God’s response to our pain is a clear demonstration of how important it is to make ourselves available and listen to our neighbors. No matter how inadequate we might feel, we all can share a burden by spending time with a friend who is enduring hardship.

The Holy Spirit will show us the right moment to speak, if words are necessary. That is our opportunity to share how God worked in our life during a painful period. When we give the Holy Spirit total control, He etches feelings deeply into our emotional system so we can genuinely minister to others. Hurting people grab onto kindred stories as if to a lifeline – it gives them hope to reason that since God shepherded one person through a valley of darkness, He will surely be faithful to shepherd another.

Our Spirit – developed compassion may require us to give our burdened neighbor other types of help – even material aid. It’s easy to pray for a friend or share our story with a church member, but we cannot limit ourselves to those things. If we are willing to be used by the Father, we must be open to His leading about how to offer assistance.

Question: Do you know someone that is carrying a heavy burden? How could you help, support, and encourage this person with God’s love?

Thought of the Day-11/19/2009

2009-11-19T09:21:00.002-06:00

Today's Word is:
Praise
1. expression of admiration: words that express approval or admiration, e.g. for somebody's achievements or for something's good qualities.
2. worship: worship and thanks to God

I give today an expression of admiration,

of worship, Praise unto the Father. I thank God

whether I am up or whether I am down.

I got up this morning not feeling well at all,

my right ear is still not well and I am

a little down about it all.

At this point I feel like going to my church

and laying on the altar until my

breakthrough comes.

I am afraid, but knowing that if I trust in

the Lord, I need not fear. I know that

the Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not

be in want.

I will Praise my Father whether my hearing

in my right ear restores or whether it is gone forever.

Praise is what I do....

How many times has the devil tried to physically destroy

my body and has failed. Devil you are a lie, My

Father is my healer, He sustains me, my protector...

Until I have the last breath in me,

I WILL PRAISE THE LORD!

Thought of the Day-11/18/2009

2009-11-18T09:42:00.002-06:00

Today's Word is

Obedience

1. act of obeying: the act or practice of following instructions,

complying with rules or regulations, or submitting to somebody's authority
2. church's rule: the religious authority exercised by a church,

a priest, or another member of the clergy, or the people who are under this authority

Imagine the peace and solitude found in following in obedience the

rules and regulations set forth by the Word of God.

Imagine the peace and solitude I have today, just by

letting go of Self, my selfishness of trying to hold onto

an emotion that in no way benefitted,

nor brought happiness to anyone other than the devil.

I am very thankful and grateful that I have such a

spiritual awareness that I can't remain

out of the will of God for very long.

I am amazed how receptive I am with the Word,

instructions that by the time I had completed

the Part 2 of choices, which was moments

after Part 1, that I was able to find peace

by the time I laid my head to rest.

Submitting to God's authority

is my only way to live, to thrive

against the devices of this world.

Obedience is better then sacrifice!

If I am living and walking according to his word,

then I am in line with Obedience.

If I am needing to make a sacrifice of some sort, what

did I do that I am needing to be cleansed of, when I was

not walking in Obedience.

I share again with you my favorite scripture of the month

Joshua 1:9

Joshua 1:9 (King James Version)
9)Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Thought of the Day-Part 2 11/17/2009

2009-11-17T11:19:00.003-06:00

Part 2 of Choices...

Psalm 32:8-9 (King James Version)
8) I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
9) Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

I am very fortunate that I hear from the Lord and communicate

with my Father quite frequently. I am able to communicate

in a manner which allows my spirit to be corrected

and re-directed in the right direction.

I am fortunate enough to share my hopes, dreams,

pitfalls and rough moments on this blog.

I am an example of what to do and

what not to do. With no concerns with how

people view me.

I have chosen to live my life as an example.

I have chosen to live my Life for Christ.

I have chosen...

I am thankful/grateful for his spirit that

dwells in me. A spirit that corrects, directs

and encourages me not to stay in the condition in which

I choose to be.

It is all about choice... There is sometimes, most

times life and death decision made in a choice.

I chose life, life in Christ, life of Christ, life for Christ...

I am not a stubborn mule, nor horse that has no understanding...

I know better,,, I choose better...

I choose to shake off the dust of stubbornness,

of anger and frustration...

I am thankful/grateful I have a job, that my

boss could look to me to fill in the gaps yesterday.

Some are on the streets in the rain searching, looking for a

job, wanting to have a boss to be mad at... A Co-worker

to be in disagreement with.

I rebuke myself, the complaining spirit, the anger, the bitterness,

the frustration, the frown on my face, the evil spirit.

In the name of Jesus I speak love, peace, joy,

happiness, thankfulness, gratitude...

Thank you Lord... Thank you for purging the unclean things

from my spirit this day... Hallelujah

Thought of the Day-11/17/2009

2009-11-17T10:37:00.003-06:00

Today's Word is:
Choice
1. act of choosing something or somebody: a decision to choose one thing, person, or course of action in preference to others
Think very carefully before you make a choice.

2. power to choose: the chance or ability to choose between different things
They gave us no choice.

3. selection of things: a variety of things, people, or possibilities from which to choose
a wide choice of styles and colors

Choice... God has given us a choice, free will

in every decision that we make. Sometimes,

many times I wish that humans did not have free will.

I wish that Eve would have not strayed for the

wonderful life she had and that Adam would not

have gone along with her.

I wish I lived on Little House on the Prairie,

things were so much simpler then. Sure they had their

issues, but I would like the simplicity of it all.

I have chosen this day to hold an attitude,

one that I picked up yesterday when I was here.

I want to hold on to my anger and frustration,

I own it and it is mine and no one can have it.

Now we all see the issue with choosing to hold on to

this stubbornness.

Psalm 32:8-9 (King James Version)

8) I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

9) Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

I have allowed circumstances and my surroundings to influence my attitude. Not the

mind of Christ at all. Stuck up under a cloud of darkness by choice.

Will Grace and Mercy abound though I choose to continue

on in this sin, in this demeanor? Yes, it will abound, but

I will not continue in this manner. I know better, and I

am called to do better.

This post will be a 2-Part as I am currently

working through....

Thought of the Day-11/16/2009

2009-11-16T14:14:00.002-06:00

Today's Word is:

Grateful
1. warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received; thankful:

Grateful is a song we sing at church. A song that uses the word grateful over, and over and over, with the levels of gratefulness increasing. In this season of gratefulness and of giving thanks, how can one not consider all the trauma in the media.

Locally a deer hunter was shot on accident by a close friend, children go missing each and every day, Parents leave the country with their children while leaving the other parent void for those children. A woman attacked by an animal is now missing a face and limbs.

I am unhappy about the weather in Missouri, but have lived here for 37 years. I struggle to get out of bed in the morning, because morning is not my favorite time. I stress over having functions at our house, because people don't have the same boundaries as My husband and myself.

Everything that comes to mind that I can mention are insignificant, or things that if I wanted too I have the power to change. The tragedies in the media affect how I feel about the world around me, I am grateful and will be thankful.

Thankful and grateful that I have eyes to see. Thankful and grateful that I woke up this morning. Thankful and grateful that my days are not consumed with self.

It is my desire to be more like Christ. To look around and see opportunities to serve and not be served. Though I am not 100% of what I can be, I am grateful about who I am.

Thought of the Day-11/13/2009

2009-11-13T10:52:00.002-06:00

Todays thought involves the word:

Superstition
An irrational belief that an object, action, or circumstance not logically related to a course of events influences its outcome. A belief, practice, or rite irrationally.

How many people are running around town today, or

not running around town today because it is

Friday the 13th. There are various irrational

beliefs that my family holds, crossing the path

of a black cat, friday the 13th fears and

its a full moon drama. None might I mention

do I believe in one bit!

Some people believe strongly in their superstitions.

An irrational belief that holds no areas of truth to it.

Think how much peace one would have if they were

to invest so much of that energy into being

in right relationship with God.

If we continue to look to worldly pleasures to

satisfy, we will continue to participate in

worldly pain.

Instead of believing in irrational things,

trust God for what he has promised you.

If we continue to look to worldly pleasures to

satisfy, we will continue to participate in

worldly pain..

Thought of the Day-11/12/2009

2009-11-12T11:31:00.002-06:00

Today's Word involves

Facing life's Giants

Days ago I shared with you some of God's promises.

My favorite that day was Joshua 1:9, a promise,

a stone that I was able to use to

kill, destroy, and remove an emotional Giant.

If you did not look at those promises, I encourage you

to look back to that day on my blog.

Anyway, back to today's Word.

Facing the Giants. As an oldest child in my family

I have received various responsibilities. Chastising

my siblings being one, Hero/Savior of the family

being another trait. As the oldest you/I

feel a sense of responsibility to inform and

correct my sibling as well as my parent

when I feel they are not living up to my expectations,

to the standards I know they are capable of reaching.

Standards and traditions that have held us as a family

generation after generation.

Sometimes this is done in a complete manner

of love that takes a moment or two for

the family member to accept. How many times

has my mother told me that I am not grown. Now I am 37,

still hearing that same line. How many times have I heard

lately I am the momma. True, she is the mom

but as the oldest child, I am in charge.

We have to speak the hard truth to those we love.

How they react either brings us closer or

separates us. Giants seek to overtake,

overpower, destroy those smaller then them.

Emotional Giants, Physical Giants, Spiritual Giants,

Work Giants,,, etc... It does not matter the type of

Giant you are facing.

The solution to dealing with the Giants is all the same.

Promises from God, telling your Giants How BIG GOD IS!

Speak to your Giants, don't hide, don't retreat.

Keep your eyes on Jesus and not the water Peter,

not the water Angela, not the water ________

(insert your name).

My mother is still my mother, the one who gave me life.

I am still her daughter though we disagree, though I get

frustrated. Likewise with my siblings...

The important piece is that love abounds, love abides,

love builds a bridge.

A phone call can create a Giant.

A phone call can create peace too!

Thought of the Day-11/11/2009

2009-11-11T14:50:00.002-06:00

Todays thought is about

No Limits Living

Just think our Father knows everything. He has a book,

with my name on it, everything is written down,

planned out from beginning to end.

How many times have I gotten off track from what God intended

and he has had to make a revision to the plan. He has had to

add a lesson here and there, to correct

the wrong turn I took.

Just think our Father created everything that we see,

touch, hear and smell. It was His design that

made everything and everyone what they are today,

whether they acknowledge Him or not.

Our Father has no limits.

So lets talk about no limits living.

No limits living involves saying like "Obama"

Yes I can, or Yes We Can...

Yes you can be more and do more

than you can possibly imagine.

God has provided, given a provision for a world

of opportunities. In todays world a black child

can see someone that looks like them in

almost every area of life.

From the homeless person to the President of the United States.

There are no limits...

The plan is already laid out, the schedule intervals

where you will take time to learn the next skill to get you to

that next level is already set.

The only catch is......

You have free will, you have a choice

So Chose this day who you will serve

GOD or man...?

Self or God ?

One choice, one decision moves you from homelessness,

helplessness, to a world of possibilities.

Thought of the Day-11/10/2009

2009-11-10T14:13:00.002-06:00

James 1:5 (New International Version)
5)If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

My Auntie Angela, sent me an email today. An email that

reminded me of whose I am, whose my brother is,

whose Kel, Mecci, Taylor, Age, Laianna is.

We as adults have trouble relating to the level of

rebellion and strife that we confront in todays youth.

God has provided us a scripture appropriate

for the struggle we face.

1 Corinthians 3:6-8 (New Living Translation)
6) I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7) It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. 8) The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.

We as disciples are to plant the seeds, supply them with the tools,

the information. But it is God's hand, god's spirit that does all the rest.

If we train up these children in the ways of the Lord,

when they are old they will not depart.

This is what my auntie reminded me of, we train, we plant,

God gives the Increase as he sees fit.

Thought of the Day-11/9/2009

2009-11-09T10:47:00.002-06:00

The Word for today is
Identity
- what identifies somebody or something: the name or essential character that identifies somebody or something
- essential self: the set of characteristics that somebody recognizes as belonging uniquely to himself or herself
- sameness: the fact or condition of being the same or exactly alike

When your friends and family see you what is it that they see?

When my friends and family see me, they sometimes see

more than they want too. Sometimes they she

Angela, my angel as First Lady qualifies me. Sometimes

they see the strict sister of Andre' and Marquita that hold them

to a higher standard. Sometimes they see me as the overbearing Wife of Aaron.

Sometimes it is as Nana, strict, but lots of fun.

Sometimes it is as a Friend, faithful and loyal.

Sometimes they see me as a leader,

one who Feeds the hungry and tries to minister to

the broken hearted. One who visits and prays for the sick.

But are any of those characteristics unique to just me. I think not.

There are others who bare similar traits. So what is it that

sets me apart from the average Joe.

My identity is etched in Christ. What makes me unique

is that it is as natural as the air I breathe. I cannot, do not

exist without my Father, He is all I know.

What makes me unique is my walk, my talk,

my testimony, my mannerisms. In all the world

there is no one that is like me.

Where does your identity lie? Are you using it for the

uplifting of the kingdom? Or are you just

self seeking, self fulfilling?

Thought of the Day-11/6/2009

2009-11-06T14:28:00.002-06:00

Todays thought is about Surrender. We thank Minister Jacqua Williams for sharing her reflection with us today. I apologize I have not had time today to committ to a reflection with being out yesterday afternoon I have been swamped with extra responsibilities. But it is always a blessing to receive a Word, tresures of Life from another Sister in Christ. So below are the words Jacqua has shared with us today. Thank you for your willingness to minister the Word.!

As I watch the leaves turn gold, red, purple I am reminded that all things have to surrender in order to be made new again. God created the seasons to surrender to each other so the earth can renew itself in what we call spring.

I can say that I am definitely in the fall/surrender season of my life. I have had to let go of a lot of leaves. Some leaves are called selfishness. Some are called pride. Some are called arrogance. These leaves have to go to give way to the winter/frozen season as I lay dormant and wait for a new spring/awakening season. The question is what do I do in that winter portion of life? I build a relationship and a relatingship with my heavenly Father. That's called fellowship. We meet at the same time everyday just to chill with each other. We laugh, we cry, we hope, we hang on with diligence waiting for the word to Spring forth and awaken us to newness of life. He abides with me and I abide IN Him, quietly listening and learning. I pray for you that this surrender time will be fruitful and cause you to multiply/increase/enlarge all the territories of your life.

Thought of the Day-11/5/2009

2009-11-05T09:05:00.002-06:00

Todays word is

Stand:

a. To remain stable, upright, or intact: The old school still stands.
b. To remain valid, effective, or unaltered: The agreement stands.
c. To be or show a specified figure or amount: The balance stands at $500.
d. To measure a specified height when in an upright position: stands six feet tall.
e. To take up or maintain a specified position, altitude, or course: He stands on his earlier offer. We will stand firm.

I must confess right now, that todays word is for me.

I pray that something in it will touch you also, but I

know that it has changed me and it has only just begun.

Here are some of the promises the Bible tells us are for those who put their trust in God :

Christ accepts us : Revelation 3:20; John 6:37
God gives eternal life : John 5:24; John 10:28
God forgives us : 1 John 1:7-9; Isaiah 1:18
God is faithful to us : Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10
God comforts us : Psalm 23
Christ is always with us : Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5,6
God protects us from harm : Psalm 91; Psalm 121
God gives us courage : Hebrews 13:5,6; Ephesians 6:10-18
God gives us wisdom : James 1:5
God gives us the strength to refuse temptation : 1 Corinthians 10:6-13; James 1:12-16
God answers prayer : John 15:7
God gives peace of mind : Philippians 4:6,7
God guides us : Psalm 32:8,9

God relieves us from suffering : 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
God gives us rest : Matthew 11:28,29

Today we will look at and I will stand on Joshua 1:9

Joshua 1:9 (New International Version)
9) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

I can have peace, I can have rest. I can lay this feeling (temporary) down at the feet of the cross and trust God for all. If I were to stay in my temporary emotions, I would fall into an abyss.

I choose today to look past my nose, to look past my here and now emotion.

I am very thankful and grateful for the Word. For my Father has spoken to my heart today. I have used his Word to chase away the Giants of discouragement, fear and distress. For my Father says, "have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go"

Praise Ye the Lord

Thought of the Day-11/3/2009

2009-11-03T09:41:00.002-06:00

Today's Word is Flexible:
1. able to bend without breaking: able to bend or be bent repeatedly without damage or injury
2. able to adapt to new situation: able to change or be changed according to circumstances
3. subject to influence: able to be persuaded or influenced

Yesterday at the office we had a major crisis. We have recently changed to

an alternate shipping method which we will call fail mail. Anyway, all of our military

shipments going via fail mail had to be re-placed with priority mail. This was

a costly experience as a company, along with it being rather tedious

that my department teamed together to get those orders reshipped.

We as a team had to be flexible in getting our work completed and

being able to assist another co-worker re-place over 300+ orders,

within 4 hours time, in the meantime still providing

customer service to those that called. Many of us made the

transition rather quickly to accept the task at hand,

then there were those of us, who shall remain nameless, "me"

who wanted it to just go away. I was having a perfectly excellent,

non-busy day before the crisis appeared.

I was oh so overjoyed with the weather, more particularly

that the sun was shinning. Then there was a wrinkle

thrown in my plan, my plan not to do anything other than

my usual responsibilities. Interesting!

How so is it with the responsibilities I am given in the Word of God.

Do I listen, am I subject to influence, am I able to bend

without being broken.

I almost failed my test yesterday. If I am quite honest, I did

what I wanted to do, so yesterday was somewhat of a failed test.

The only reason it is not a total failure is that because of my acknowledgement

that my thinking was faulty yesterday.

Yesterday was a minor test and I was not successful.

Living a life of Christ is a major test, I must be successful,

it requires that I am able to bend without breaking.

That when adversity comes, I don't fall into an abyss,

but I hold my head high and press toward the mark, my

higher calling. That I dig in, take a deep breath

and am able to adapt to the circumstances.

Are you flexible for Jesus?

Thought of the Day-11/2/2009

2009-11-02T11:01:00.002-06:00

The word for the day is:

Philippians 4:13

For I can do everything through Christ

who gives me strength.

Happy Monday and thank God for the

Son-Shine.

Did you know that if you wear Jesus, you can

do anything through Christ?

I brought Jesus to work with me this morning and I

am feeling encouraged and inspired.

I have found that in my focus, if I focus

on Jesus that all things look better.

We all live in a day and age where we will have some

Mis-takes in life. We say something we did not mean

to a friend, co-worker, family member. We

take a left turn, when we knew we were to go to the right.

Mis-takes happen, it is understandable, but

premeditated sin is just wrong.

If at any moment you have plotted, decided to

do something you clearly know is wrong, that is

premeditated sin, no matter how small it is.

That premeditation just breeds more sin..

So when that little voice stirs you wrong remember

Phil 4:13

"For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength"

Thought of Day-10/30/2009

2009-10-30T13:05:00.002-05:00

Todays Word is:

Faith is taking that first step,

even if you don't see the whole staircase.

Martin Luther King

Live life on the bottom step and miss

a world of opportunities.

Climb higher and fly with

the eagles.

Life's a climb,

that can bring great expectations.

If you hang out on the bottom floor,

how will you know what you truly can do?

To run this race, to move on in

your journey, you must keep one foot

in front of the other.

Dig in deep and enjoy the climb...

Thought of the Day-10/29/2009

2009-10-29T08:51:00.003-05:00

Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast

- you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.

Eddie Cantor 1892-1964

What I most miss about my childhood is the simpleness.

No bills to pay, no responsibilities.

It seemed to be less, have it your way folks,

it was more about working together as a

community and less me, me, me.

Even on my mothers job there was

a sense of oneness among the worker's.

Frequently taking up collections to help

offset a sickness of a co-worker, a loss of a co-worker,

a life changing event of a co-worker.

Today, a lot of people seem to be fixated

on microwave living. Anything that takes

more than 4 minutes and 30 seconds to

do, we don't want to make the effort.

We are a drive through community

looking for the easy way out of every way of life.

I challenge you to go back to the mentality of

a child. Back to the newness of everyday.

Back to the enjoyment of life and exploration.

I challenge you to prepare dinner with your family.

To go to Big Momma's house for a family dinner on

a day that is not a holiday.

To stop and smell the roses. To meet your

neighbors. To develop community.

Thought of the day-10/28/2009

2009-10-28T13:05:00.002-05:00

The Word of the Day is:

Transition

- process of change:

a process or period in which something undergoes

a change and passes from one state, stage, form, …

Life is a series of stages. A series of transitions from

one part to another. There are different

valleys and mountains along the way. At some moments

we are soaring and climbing, then at others we hit

a plateau, then there are those bad moments

when things seem to drop off into an abyss.

It is the moment of the abyss that I want to speak to today.

What keeps one from falling into the abyss and others soaring?

The only way to truly combat transitions, though they be good

or bad is to stay centered on JESUS.

One must be armed for battle, with the WORD of God.

So if you are falling into the abyss or having trouble climbing out...

Check in with the Word,,, there you will find your strength

for the transition.

Thought of the Day-10/27/2009

2009-10-27T09:42:00.002-05:00

The verse for the day is:

Every wise woman buildeth her house:

but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. Proverbs 14:1

These hands were made to serve. These hands were

made to heal. These hands were made to build up.

These hands were made to pray.

What are you using your hands for?

Are you tearing down, or building up?

They say idle hands are the devils

playground.

When you use your hands ladies and gentlemen

to buildeth your house. You are creating a

foundation for future generations. What are you

showing younger brothers and sisters in Christ

in your building?

Are you adding to the kingdom or are you

decreasing the numbers?

Thought of the Day-10/26/2009

2009-10-26T09:11:00.002-05:00

The verse of the day-

I will meditate on your precepts and have respect to your ways [the paths of life marked out by your law]. I will delight myself in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live; and I will observe your word [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it]. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.Psalm 119:15-18 (Amp)

Psalm 119 is on of my favorites. We are raised by our parents,

grandparents, church leaders, teachers, friends. Raised by them

according to a belief system. The belief system that

I was raised on is still around, but mostly

ingrained in those that are of my generation and older.

I say all that because, we know what we are taught.

I was taught the word of God and to be in

fellowship with other believer's. We can

follow the precepts, thoughts and instructions

of parents, grandparents, church leaders, teachers

and friends or we can follow the precepts of God.

Some people in our immediate group might be in line with the

precepts of God and some might not be. You can

test and see the truth by meditating on the word. If you are

in the word and of the word you will know the difference.

I hope you enjoy Psalm 119, I believe it is

foundational.

Thought of the Day-10/23/2009

2009-10-23T15:52:00.002-05:00

The word for Friday is:

Contribute

to be an important factor in; help to cause

What type of contribution are you making to your community?

Are you sucking the community dry? Or

are you giving something of significance to

make a difference in someone else's life.

As a teenager I struggled with self worth.

As a suvivor of abuse, I struggled with self image.

As a child, ackward, skinny and tall, I struggled with

self image.

How did I get over? One special mentor,

one special teacher, one consistent church leader

at a time. They made me feel important,

they made a contribution in my life.

A contribution that can only be paid in full

by my giving back to my community. I have

to live up to the examples they set before me.

I remember dreaming as a child, it happened

frequently so that I could escape the

here and now. I would dream about

when I was married and how I would have the

faithfulness and strength of Vryle and Jack Brown.

The love and compassion for people that Phil and Minnie Smith

share.

Seeing them live their lives before me, made me

who I am today.

I pay it forward...

I make a contribution of good, not because I have too

but because I must... I am an important

factor in someone's life...

I have self worth, a good self image...

A Contribution...

Thought of the Day-10/22/2009

2009-10-22T09:42:00.004-05:00

The word for Thursday is:

Blended

to mix a substance with another substance

so that the two do not readily separate,

to mix with other people or things without being conspicuous,

I have always been raised in a blended family.

Living with my grandparents at different times,

with a single mother, with being raised by the

village, church, loving neighbors

and teachers.

That is what I considered blended, so many people in the

mix that everyone was family.

My brothers and sisters are what some

would consider a half sister or a half brother

as we have the same mother, but different fathers.

Then I have recently aquired what one would call

a step-mother, step-sisters, and

step-nephew and nieces. I don't

believe in halves or steps,

either you are in or you are out.

No half people and no steps as if it is

a climb to be in relationship with my family.

I have always had and felt the hand of God on my life.

As simple and natural to me as the air I breathe.

But to really be blended with the Lord

takes time, work , effort and a

willingness on the part of the person.

To be so blended, in tune with the Lord

that no devil, no situation, nor circumstance

can't readily separate you from that presence.

Takes time, work, effort, willingness

and a committment.

One can't be mixed so well with

the Lord Most high and live the

way we live. We can't treat people

any old kind of way, we can't cheat on

our taxes or separate family and

call ourselves blended with the Lord.

Do you have a relationship

with the Father that no one can

readily separate?

Are you blended?

Thought of the Day-10/21/2009

2009-10-21T09:37:00.003-05:00

Todays Word for Wednesday is:

Purified

make something pure:

to rid something of harmful, inferior,

or unwanted contaminants,

or get rid of harmful, inferior,

or unwanted contaminants

This word touches home with me today and

reaches deep within.

When I go to the altar or into a state of prayer

the purpose is to make a petition to the Lord.

A request to be rid of something that is harmful

to ourselves.

HHMMMM... interesting. An unwanted contaminant

has taken power, residence in me. That could

cover a multitude of areas:

gossip, backbiting, fried Pastor,

fried Husband, fried Wife,

not being the person you are

called to be on your job, not being a good example

to others in your atmosphere, or something more simple or complex.

Are you entertaining a contaminant?

How do I purge these contaminants from my system?

Through prayer and petition to the Lord.

Through fasting, to going into your prayer

closet, or upon the altar.

A simply put as turning away from that wicked way!

Once you give those contaminants away,

don't infest your body with them again.

Keep your focus and your temple

pure.

Daily washing yourself with the word.

Thought of the Day-10/20/2009

2009-10-20T13:54:00.002-05:00

The Word of the Day is:

Atmosphere

mood or tone: a prevailing emotional tone or attitude,

especially one associated with a specific place or time

How easily am I affected these days by this weather?

All too easy my friends. Living in Missouri all my life

and not knowing any difference, one would think

that it would not affect me after all these years.

But I must say that my mood yesterday was

so much sunnier than today.

I have also tried my best today to keep my mouth shut,

but I do believe that changes the natural flow of things

and who I am.

So what atmosphere, prevailing tone do I want to reflect.

So if I am to have a prevailing tone, a predominant, most frequent

tone, I choose to have one of Jesus.

A tone of Faith, love and peace.

Jesus is Love and I want to be love.

I want a consistent, frequent, predominant tone

that reflects Christ to everyone. Not just those I

chose, but those God chooses.

I pray that you desire with me to change the atmosphere

to not allow this Missouri weather, Missouri people, Missouri drivers, Missouri Supervisors

to change the nature of who you are in Christ.

Thought of the Day-10/19/2009

2009-10-19T11:31:00.002-05:00

The word for today is Expectancy

Definition:

1. excited anticipation: excited awareness that something is about to happen

As a child I remember different periods of expectancy. Easter of course, Christmas,

probably the most popular time of all. But the expectancy of

a child with those two celebrations is somewhat surrounded

by half-truths provided by parents.

The Easter Bunny and Santa Claus.

Now I have no intention to debate any one's belief as far as those two are

concerned. However, I do want to mention the

expectancy factor.

The excitement, the joy, the anticipation that is to come.

Oh how it would be like to be, to have that childlike

excitement in relationship to Our heavenly Father

and the Word...

Is your adrenaline pumping, are you sitting on the edge of

your seat in anticipation? This is not something you

have to wait on, you don't have to go to sleep

then get up in the morning waiting for that gift.

The gift of Our Heavenly Father is available

each and every moment. Maybe that is why we

as a people take it for granted. We think that

our treasure will always be there.

Expectancy, what are you waiting on...

What are you looking for...

Where is your excitement and passion?

Thought of the Day-10/16/2009

2009-10-16T09:46:00.002-05:00

The Word for today is:

Center

- focus of attention:

the point that is the focus of attention

or interest the issue at the center

- influential place or organization:

a place, area, or group of people exerting control

or influence over somebody or something else

Are you focused today on past miss-takes? Are you

looking to the future, but stuck on your miss-happs.

Where is your center, your focus?

If we live in the past, if we focus on the past,

we can't look or move to the future.

Don't put your joy in this world.

But if you need a reminder, I am here to tell you

that Jesus is the Center of my Joy.

My faith, my hope, my peace,

radiates out from the Center,

the source of all.

Jesus...

If you turn your eyes off your situation

and onto the all the love

in your life, what peace you

would find.

1. My health and strength

2. The pain in my legs from working out

letting me know I am alive

3. Thank you that I have legs to move Lord

4. Thank you that I have eyes to see the

wonderful beauty you created

5. Thank you for my parents Lord

6. Thank you for my life Lord

I could go on and on for

Jesus is my Center...

Thought of the Day-10/15/2009

2009-10-15T08:56:00.002-05:00

The Word for Today is:

Anxious

The definition:

feeling nervous: worried or afraid, especially about something that is going to happen or might happen
- eager: wanting to do something very much, or in a tense or uneasy way
- producing anxiety: producing feelings of nervousness or agitation

I have degrees of anxiety. Mostly dealing with crowds and being comfortable

in my surroundings. All stemming from being a child and

not feeling the love, security and safety

that every child deserves.

As an adult I do not go into the mall, at least not unprepared.

And never will you catch me there walking the halls alone.

So I was feeling nervous, worried and insecure about what

might happen, the fear of the unknown.

How do I reconcile this?

Be anxious for nothing,

but in everything by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known to God. Phil 4:6

So this is how I find peace, I pray, and give

all glory to God.

So the next time you are in a situation of Anxiety

pull out Phillipians 4:6 and begin to pray:

Be anxious for nothing but in everything by

prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known to God.

Thought of the Day-10/14/2009

2009-10-14T11:22:00.002-05:00

The Word for today:

Prescription

When I go to the doctor and something is troubling me,

I receive most times a prescription that is designed to

correct whatever is out of whack, out of balance

in my body.

A prescription is:
- written order for medicine: a written order issued by a physician or other qualified practitioner that authorizes
- prescribed medicine: a drug or other medication prescribed by a physician or other qualified practitioner

So I already know that some of you are intuitive and can see where I am headed.

The bible is a prescription: designed by God, a written order

issued by him, the qualified practitioner.

It provides us instructions to follow, much like the pill

bottle, It gives us a print out of interactions we should

and should not have while taking the prescription.

There are answers in times of sorrow,

times of great joy,

times of pain and suffering,

times of renew and revival.

It gives us things to avoid and instructions

for staying on the path.

God has given you a prescription.

Have you taken your medicine today...?

Thought of the Day-October 13th, 2009

2009-10-13T10:28:00.002-05:00

Define:

The word of the day is Define.

- state something: to state or describe something exactly
- characterize somebody or something: to identify somebody or something by a distinctive characteristic quality or feature
- show something clearly: to show something clearly, especially in shape or outline

As I was meeting with the Ministerial Team of my church

last night, this word kept ringing in my mind.

How do I define myself? How do others define me?

Do I need a license, a stamp of approval to define Angela?

None of those three questions are important. None of those three

questions matter one bit. Why?

Because I have already received a stamp of approval.

God has approved me... God has given me his stamp..

God has assigned and predestined what my training

will be and what valleys I will experience

and what mountains I will climb.

I so thank the Lord for His plan for my life,

for choosing how I will fulfill my days

seeking and serving the kingdom.

It is not my will, not my past, not my present that

defines who I am,

What does define me is whose I am.!

A child of the Most High God.

Something no man, no woman, no mountain,

no trial, no tribulation, no trauma and no drama

can take from me.

What does define me? That I am....

a child of the Most High God.

Thought of the Day-October 1st-9th, 2009

2009-10-09T14:02:00.002-05:00

Attacks

Attacks come in all shapes and sizes. How we react comes in all shapes and

sizes as well. Attacks are sometimes the same old story, but

with a twist.

For example, how many times has my health been attacked,

always an illness that is treatable,but not curable,

only for me to come out stronger. Sure originally when

I was first attacked with my health years ago, it was the boo hoo,

woo is me tactic, but now I grow stronger with each

adversity. And this last time I was even empowered.

How so you ask? I found out that if I continue

on my path of wellness then I can improve my own health,

thus decreasing the amount of medication that I will

need to take.

Now how awesome is that. So the devil can't use my health

to get me off the path. He has tried to divide my house

and create division in my marriage,

with a temporary battle, but those times

are becoming less and less because we recognize

more so how silly we as woman and man can be in the

flesh.

So Attacks come in different shapes and different sizes.

My current battle, which has been turned over to the Lord

just now to deal with, is one of major foolishness.

Dealing with a man or woman caught up in their flesh

is an Attack...

Though my friends are attacking me unjustly once again,

I will not fall into my flesh in return. I will seek to serve

the Lord regardless. The good thing is that, I serve God,

not man. Man rushes to judgement, and women

stab you in the back, whispering in mans ear.

All in the flesh... all the while calling you FRIEND.

What can you do? FOCUS on JESUS.

Allow the Lord to be your FIRST FOCUS

Take heart that God hears/sees you

Talk to the Lord daily

Apply what the Lord tells you

Care about people

Kindly treat them as you would like

That is what my attack stands for...

Wishing you well...

Thought of the Day-September 29th, 2009

2009-09-29T14:16:00.006-05:00

The Holy Alphabet

Although things are not perfect

Because of trial or pain

Continue in thanksgiving

Do not begin to blame

Even when the times are hard

Fierce winds are bound to blow

God is forever able

Hold on to what you know

Imagine life without His love

Joy would cease to be

Keep thanking Him for all the things

Love imparts to thee

Move out of "Camp Complaining"

No weapon that is known

On earth can yield the power

Praise can do alone

Quit looking at the future

Redeem the time at hand

Start every day with worship

To "thank" is a command

Until we see Him coming

Victorious in the sky

We'll run the race with gratitude

Xalting God most high

Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...

Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

Love and peace be with you forever, Amen.

Linda Jean DarDen

Thought of the Day-September 28th, 2009

2009-09-28T16:49:00.002-05:00

Anne Frank said:

Then, without realizing it, you try to improve yourself at the start of each new day; of course, you achieve quite a lot in the course of time. Anyone can do this, it costs nothing and is certainly very helpful. Whoever doesn't know it must learn and find by experience that a quiet conscience makes one strong.

Where are you wanting to make some improvements? Me, where would I start, there are so many choices, but today I will look at Attitude. My Attitude when I drive the Van my Sunday of the month is quite poor. And I realized it, and did not try to do anything to make it better. As if serving in this way is an inconvenience to me. Crazy, Huh. Yeah that is what I said.

I am seeking the Lord in this area, and I am sure that he wants me to learn something. Another exciting opportunity to grow. I know I might sound a little sarcastic, but I am being serious.

I don't want to fill the way I do when it is my time to drive, so I must seek the Lord for an improvement in this area. First of all it is one Sunday a month, why not think positive!

So next month when it is my time to drive, I will have a new better testimony to share. I am going to start that day anew.

I want my attitude to reflect Jesus... Anything else is not okay!

Thought of the Day-September 25th, 2009

2009-09-25T14:22:00.005-05:00

Patience

In the spring time is when it happen I believe. I would sit in my car

and pray with a friend, a co-worker of mine. We would pray about

her marriage, housing, transportation, relationships.

Most life issues that we all come across at one time of another.

We built a stronger bond. You see I have known my friend since

childhood, but never really got to know who she was

until adulthood. I do believe I missed out on a

treasure, but knowing her now is a TREASURE...

Do you know what happens when women pray?

Our Father listens, He hears our every word.

The sincerity, the tears, the joy and the pain.

The Father bends His ear down and then

things start to happen. The plan gets perfected by him,

he looks down the list and says not right now, he looks

at us and says yes she is ready for this step.

He looks at us and sets things in motion in his time,

the training, the tools that will prepare us for

His inheritance.

It is Fall, harvest time...

My friend from a spring of Patience, sowed

love, and is harvesting a blessing.

My friend is finding balance, her blessings

have been abundant, housing, transportation,

redeeming the lost time with her husband.

I want her to remember that there is always a RAINBOW,

always a PROMISE from God.

And that though we endure, though we struggle

We grow and Ultimately Joy comes in the morning.

I love you friend and continue to pray

God's Blessings over you...

Angela

2009-09-25T14:22:00.001-05:00

Thought of the Day- September 23rd, 2009

2009-09-23T14:23:00.001-05:00

Peace be still

"And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‘Peace, be still.' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." Mark 4:39
Remember when Jesus was with his disciples on the Sea of Galilee and a storm came upon them? The lightning began to play in the wind. The sea churned, and the gentle winds turned into a cruel gale. The little ship was tossed and turned like a cork. The disciples despaired and said to the Lord Jesus Christ, Who was asleep, "Don't You care if we perish? Do something!" Jesus said, "Peace, be still," and the winds ceased and the sea calmed. This world is headed into a storm, and the spiritual barometer is dropping. Our world will not know peace until Jesus, the Prince of Peace, comes and says, "Peace, be still."

Thought of the Day-September 22nd, 2009

2009-09-22T11:36:00.002-05:00

Are you Armed and Ready

by Adrian Rogers

The Christian Warrior And His Armor
Unless we learn spiritual warfare, we're going to lose the battle. Satan counts on you not knowing that God has equipped you with weapons to defeat him.
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-11)
To war against Satan, a spiritual being, our weapons must suit the target.
"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:4)
Whole Armor, Holy Armor
What are these spiritual weapons?
1. The girdle of truth (integrity). "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth"(v. 14)Early warriors wore a leather belt. If it came loose, everything else fell apart. Truth is not just knowledge about facts. Truth is integrity in the inner person. If I could see your heart or read your mind as God does, would I be disappointed? Do you have on that belt of truth?

2. The breastplate of righteousness (purity). "...and having on the breastplate of righteousness" (v. 14).A soldier's breastplate of metal plates or chains covered his body from chest to waist to protect his heart and vital organs. A crack in the armor could be deadly. Do you have on the breastplate of righteousness? Is there any unconfessed, unrepented sin? What about dishonesty? Pride? Selfishness? There's no reason you cannot be as pure as the driven snow. Why start the day dragging around the baggage of sin when you can be clean? It's so simple. "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) Don't have a crack in the armor. You need purity when you go into battle against sin.

3. The shoes of the gospel of peace (tranquility). "Your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (v. 15).A soldier's boots dug his feet into the turf so he could stand. What gives you standing? The gospel of peace, knowing there is nothing between my soul and the Savior. I am His, He is mine, I am at peace with God. People yield to sin because they're hungry, lonely, distraught, unsatisfied, trying to find what the heart yearns for. Your heart will never rest until you find your peace in the Lord Jesus Christ.

4. The shield of faith (certainty). "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." (v.16)In the battle you must be locked onto the fact that the Bible is the Word of God. This book is the shield of faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. That's the reason there is such a battle against the Bible. The first accusation in the Garden of Eden was against the Word of God. Faith rooted in the Word gives stability. When Satan comes with fiery darts, faith, our shield, stops him. Overcome him with the Word.

5. The helmet of salvation (sanity). "And take the helmet of salvation..." (v. 17).He's not just talking about getting saved but keeping your mind protected. The head directs the whole body. Have your mind renewed, under the blood.

These are the protective weapons God wants you clothed in each day: integrity, purity, tranquility, certainty, sanity.

In the morning, run down a check list:• Do I have on the belt of truth? Do I believe truth, live truth, tell truth?• The breastplate of righteousness-is my heart pure?• The shoes of peace. Am I at peace or envying something someone else has? Is there resentment, bitterness or loneliness that I'm not letting Jesus fill?• I take up the shield of faith. Is there anything I'm doubting God about? • I put on the helmet of salvation.
Once dressed, like a solider with all his equipment, I'm ready to go. Don't leave off any piece of the armor in this battle.
If you think about it, each piece of armor is really the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Truth. Jesus is our righteousness. Jesus is our faith. Jesus is our salvation. SO what's the key to being armed and ready? Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thought of the Day- September 21st, 2009

2009-09-21T14:08:00.001-05:00

A Mother's Self-Esteem

by Karen L. Schenk

Letting go of my children has always been difficult for me. As a mother, I often fear the unknown. Each time one of my children encounters a new stage, I am confronted by a sense of inadequacy.

When my children reached the age where others began to influence them, I felt my self-esteem needed to be in check. My children's lives suddenly weren't all about what my husband and I wanted them to know. Our children were faced with choices.

My role became to guide and teach them the process they needed to make their own decisions with the understanding that the choices they made would have consequences. This is something I could only do if I maintained a healthy self-esteem, realizing that their choices, good or not-so-good, didn't determine my own sense of worth. I could only strive to be a confident mother, preparing them for life's challenges, trusting God for the results.

It's all too easy for moms, as we immerse ourselves in the task of mothering, to tie our identity and our value to our children: we meet their needs and feel needed. We encourage their successes and feel successful. They make wrong choices and we take all the onus upon ourselves.
But in doing this, our self-esteem bobs up and down, rather than being anchored in our souls. And that's not good for us, or for our children, to whom one of the greatest gifts we can give is a healthy self-confidence.

So how does a mom maintain a healthy self-esteem? Part of the answer came to me when I realized that I can either allow feelings of inadequacy to cripple me, or I can face my inner fears and embrace the changes before me.

I also realized that self-esteem must be nurtured--perhaps all the more so when you are nurturing a family. Here are seven intentional ways I've found to cultivate a healthy self-esteem as a mom.

1. Maintain strong relationships: Healthy relationships with your spouse, children, friends and family members will develop your self-esteem. These influencers in your life can serve as mentors and help you build into your children's lives. Define healthy boundaries as you nurture your relationships.

2. Personal development: Often the last person a mother makes time for is for herself. You will need to book time for fitness, reading, relaxing, hobbies and personal growth. As you make time for this, you will have more to give to your children.

3. Life management: With all the individuals in one household going in many different directions, chaos can erupt! It often seems that the mom becomes the center of this. Establish a system that will create order. It needs to be one that will work for you. Create a method that allows each person to know what is expected and when it needs to be done. A little planning ahead and sharing of responsibilities can create a smoothly-run household which will help you feel good about yourself.

4. Develop significance: Whether you are working or an at-home mom, it is easy to begin to feel as though you have little significance--and wonder if you are really making a difference. Developing a sense of significance is something that you will need to work on continually. Each season of life brings new needs. Look for ways that you can be involved in an area of your passion. Your involvement may be simple or it may be extensive, but being involved in something you see as changing lives will influence how you see yourself.

5. Develop dreams and passions: Dreams have the power to change the world. As moms we are often so busy looking after the needs of those around us, that we tend to see our dreams as a childhood memory. Take time to reflect on those things that you used to hope for and begin to pray towards seeing these dreams become reality.

6. Take time for fun and laughter: Few things will make you feel better about yourself than laughter and fun. Your family will beam as you take time to play and laugh with them (regardless of their ages). Plan events that are completely spontaneous and possibly even out-of-character for you.

7. Allow God to empower you as a mother: God desires for you to have discernment, sensitivity and wisdom. As you pray and seek God. He will give you the resources to deal with whatever difficult situations that you might find yourself in. He cares deeply about you and your children.
If your relationship with God has not been empowering you in the way that you would desire, He is willing to help you and become real to you.God wants to be our leverage in living, empowering us to feel better about ourselves, more excited about our future, more grateful for those we love and more enthusiastic about our faith.

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, God has given you His Holy Spirit to help you live life according to His perfect plan. Why not pray this simple prayer and by faith invite Him to fill you with His Spirit:

Dear Father, I need you. I acknowledge that I have sinned against you by directing my own life. I thank you that You have forgiven my sins through Christ's death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I pray this in the name of Jesus. As an expression of my faith, I thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thought of the Day-September 14th-15th, 2009

2009-09-15T10:25:00.002-05:00

From the little Book of Hope by Robert Schuller

Quote: Remember the eagle stirs up the nest

in order that the young might learn to fly!

Your trouble may be your greatest opportunity.

I have learned so much from the trouble in my life.

I have grown and I have learned to fly...

As I enter a new phase of wellness and healing

I know that the struggle will not last long.

I know that the suffering will be temporary.

I also know that no temporary pain in my body

will compare to the pain Jesus endured.

I will press on, I will make good choices

one choice at a time, one moment at a time.

I shall find my way back home...

I will fly...

Thought of the Day-Sept 10th, 2009

2009-09-10T16:14:00.001-05:00

Stay Near to God

By Darren

Are you fearful? Are you over overwhelmed?

“When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up the spoils” (Luke 11:21-22, NIV).
Why did Peter deny Jesus? He confidently declared “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” (Matthew 26:35, NIV). But only a few short hours later, Peter did the exact opposite. He denied he knew Jesus three times, just as Jesus predicted. We don’t have to imagine Peter’s sorrow. We’re told plainly that afterwards “he went outside and wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:75, NIV).
But this doesn’t answer the question of why Peter denied knowing Him. Part of it was fear: fear of losing his reputation by being associated with a man accused of being a criminal, fear of his responsibilities, fear, perhaps, for his own life. But another reason that Peter ended up denying knowing His Lord is because he was away from Him.
Peter lost sight of his Lord. It wasn’t until “The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter” (Luke 22:61, NIV) that Peter came back to his senses and realized what he had done. After losing sight of Jesus, Peter had been trying to do things on his own strength. Rather than trusting God, he was trusting in himself.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV).
Peter himself explains the immanent danger of trying to do everything ourselves God: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NIV). The apostle James advises us: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:7-8, NIV). While even the strongest of men and women are no match for Satan’s temptations on our own, with God we have nothing to fear.
We can stay near to God by reading His Word, by speaking and listening to Him in prayer, and by living in community with His sons and daughters. Stay near to God, and you will never be overwhelmed.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV).
Questions: Why do we so often give in to fear? How can we remain close to God and not be overwhelmed?

Thought of the Day-Sept 9, 2009

2009-09-09T14:56:00.001-05:00

Devoured

By Gail Rodgers

Are you overcome with worries?

Worry consumed her — the kids, the bills, talk of layoffs at work. Her stomach churned and the ache across her shoulders never seemed to go away. She knew she should trust the Lord with the challenges that shadowed her life right now, but it was so hard…so overwhelming. It was just devouring her.
Whenever we find ourselves eaten up with worry, fear, anxiety, or devoured by the pressures of the day, God tells us to take note. Being consumed is a red flag and God gives us directions for just such times.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith”(1 Peter 5:7, NIV).
There is an enemy of our souls and his goal is to devour us. God tells us to be alert. Take note when you are being consumed by something. Scripture tells us the enemy of our soul comes to kill, steal and destroy and we are to be watchful. Being consumed by fear, worry, gossip, a particular temptation or the pressures of the day will, at best, steal from you and rob you of peace in your soul and joy in the moment. At worst it can destroy health and relationships and your fellowship with the God who wants to help you.
So what do you do when you realize something is just eating you up? You resist as the scripture says. How do you resist? You begin to see worry as a call to prayer, inviting God into your circumstance to direct you and give you wisdom. You resist worry through prayer (Phil. 4:6). You resist fear through Scripture, knowing God has said that He has not given us the spirit of fear (2 Tim. 1:7). You stand firm in your faith knowing that the consuming downward spiral you find yourself in is not your Heavenly Father’s plan for you.
Think it through…Do you believe God cares about you? Write a note to God thanking Him for His love and care for you. Your worry is a call to prayer. List the things that tend to devour you. Write out your fears, concerns and burdens in a written prayer to God. Release them from your heart and mind.
Pray it in… Ask God to take the things on your list and to give you His peace in return. Be prepared to ask for His strength to resist your worries each time they threaten to overwhelm you. Exchange your worries, in prayer, for God’s peace.
Work it out…The very next time you find yourself being eaten up with worry or fear… be alert and run immediately to God. Throw your cares into His lap and stand firm in the promises of your faith. Choose this response in the face of anxiety. Use worry as a call to prayer. God will enable you to face the challenge without being consumed by it. Run to Him today.
Questions: What do you do as worry starts to take over you life? Can you give up your worries to God even when the problems overwhelm you? Why is it seemingly so difficult to give the worries over to the Lord?

Thought of the Day-September 8th, 2009

2009-09-08T16:10:00.001-05:00

Receiving Wisdom

By: Gail Rodgers

Are you struggling with decision making?

Every day we face decisions. Some are small decisions with little consequence while other decisions will have far reaching effects in our lives. Often it is hard to determine the best course of action. God promises to give us wisdom, His wisdom. He simply says:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt…” (James 1:5-6, NIV).
If you face a decision today and don’t know what to do, ask God for wisdom. Believe He will supply it. As you consider your decision ask God to help you answer these three questions.

1. Does it follow the principles of God’s Word?
Ask yourself questions such as: Would I have to compromise my integrity in any way is I went this direction? Would anyone be deliberately hurt by my decision? How would this impact the balance of my life and my family?

2. Do the circumstances fit together?
Ask yourself if the practical aspects of this decision make sense right now. What are the risks involved if I make this decision? How will this impact the financial aspect of my life? What is the worst thing that could go wrong? Could I live with that result?

3. Do I have peace?
When we think through our decisions, inviting God to impart His wisdom to us, we will get a sense of peace if we are to follow through. Pay attention to what is going on in your spirit.

Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you. He brings clarity, not confusion.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have promised me a generous amount of Your wisdom. I can’t see the right way to turn right now. I need that wisdom. I ask for Your Holy Spirit to guide me. Please help me to think through these steps and to consider all aspects of this decision. Help me to be wise in understanding what steps to take right now. Please help me to be patient and wait if things are not lining up. I look to You to guide me and help me and to give me the wisdom that I need. Thank You for Your love! In Jesus’ name, amen.

Questions: When you ask God for wisdom, how can you know that God will actually give you that wisdom to make that decision? When you pray about a situation, do you ask how this will affect the rest of my life?

Thought of the Day-Friday Sept 4th, 2009

2009-09-04T10:55:00.002-05:00

God Answers Prayer

by: Helen Lescheid

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6, NIV).

I’ve prayed for my friend for over ten years. Although we’ve had many interesting discussions about God, she seems to be no closer to accepting Jesus personally. Sometimes it seems like praying does no good.

Do you ever feel like that?
Prayer may seem so futile, but we must remember to Whom we are praying. We are praying to a God who understands the depth of personality. His Holy Spirit is working in the unconscious domain of the person’s being which, of course, we know nothing about. There is a gestation period, if you like, before there can be a new birth.

Sometimes, when I’m tempted to despair over a person, I remember my Uncle Henry. At one time, he was totally against anything Christian. He did everything in his power to discourage us from going to church. He mocked us for reading the Bible. He tried to trip us up by putting temptation in our way.

We prayed for him, off and on, for over thirty years.
In time I noticed a softening in Uncle Henry’s attitude: he began to listen to gospel programs on the radio. Then one day he told me the following story: “At night, I was coughing up blood and I was sure the end had come. And I was scared. ‘God, save me, I cried.’ I can’t tell you exactly what happened, but He came to me. I’m no longer afraid.”

From then on, Uncle Henry was like a man who couldn’t get enough of Bible reading and prayer. He was a man reborn by the Spirit of God.

Are you on the verge of giving up praying for a friend or loved one? Don’t give up. You may be closer to the answer than you realize.

Father, you are still seeking and saving the lost. Help me to be faithful in praying for my family and friends. Amen.

Questions: Are you discouraged and ready to give up praying for someone? How do we know that God hears our prayers when we pray for someone’s salvation?

Thought of Day-September 3rd, 2009

2009-09-03T09:47:00.001-05:00

Come, let us bow down in worship, Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture... Today, if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts... (Psalm 95:6-8)
Noah
For one hundred and twenty years Noah preached by word and deed, against the corruption and violence of his time. He warned of the forthcoming judgment, but not one man or woman believed. For more than one hundred years the people saw the ark of rescue, but all refused to heed or accept Noah's warning, including even the workmen, who helped Noah build the boat, who heard Noah's witness and observed his godly life. Because of their unbelief they perished outside the boat they themselves had worked on. What a tragedy - so near and yet so far. Time has not changed man. God still warns people of impending judgment. He still offers rescue through the ark of salvation, Jesus Christ.

"As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man, two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day our Lord will come" (Matthew 24:37-40, 42).

"Come; let us bow down before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God..." (Psalm 95:6, 7).

Thought of the Day-Sept 1st, 2009

2009-09-01T09:16:00.002-05:00

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
Martin Luther King Jr.US black civil rights leader & clergyman (1929 - 1968)

If we don't Stand for something, we will Fall for anything.

What are you standing for today?

Thought of the day- August 27th, 2009

2009-08-27T11:56:00.001-05:00

Squeaky Clean
By Katherine Kehler

"Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7
Several years ago, we were on a cruise along the inner passage to Alaska. The scenery was absolutely outstanding and the ice fields and glaciers most interesting. We rented a helicopter, which took us to view the ice fields.

The large crevices in the ice seemed to go down for hundreds of feet. The colour of the ice was a clear, pure aqua. We were told that the ice fields become this color because the pressure and weight of many, many snowfalls, one on top of another, squeezed out all the impurities.
I thought about this and realized in order for Christians to become pure and Christlike, God must put pressure on us to squeeze out of us anything that isn't pure. There are no shortcuts to Christian maturity. Because of His Spirit within us, He never gives us more than we can bear. Christian maturity is a lifelong process.

Thank You, Lord for the times of pressure and pain that come to our lives. You are using them to squeeze out the habits, attitudes and actions that do not reflect You.

Thought of the Day-August 26th, 2009

2009-08-26T09:39:00.001-05:00

I Will Offer Up My Prayer
By Katherine Kehler

"In the morning, I lay requests before you and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:3
One version of the Bible translates the phrase "wait in expectation" as "to eagerly watch" or "I watch and wait." That verse took on a new meaning for me recently. Not long ago my four-year-old granddaughter Tabitha stayed over for the night. I usually have her stay overnight when my husband Marvin is travelling, but this time she insisted that she come when Grampa was home so he could take her fishing.

Tabitha was so excited that they were going fishing the next day. As I tucked her into bed we talked about her day and discussed what we should pray about. We decided to pray for a sunny day so they wouldn't have to fish in the rain.

The next morning, as soon as Tabitha awoke she ran to the front door and opened it wide to see if God had answered our prayer. She was eager, she was expectantly watching. She was waiting to see what God had done. I asked myself, "Katherine, when was the last time you were that anxious to see how God was going to answer your prayer?"

Children have great faith. I guess that is why Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3
Lord, You expect us to teach our children and grandchildren, and yet often their childlike faith puts us to shame. Enable us to have the faith of little children.

Thought of the Day-August 25th, 2009

2009-08-25T15:50:00.000-05:00

DADDY'S EMPTY CHAIR ~
A man's daughter had asked the local minister to come and pray with her father.
When the minister arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows.
An empty chair sat beside his bed.
The minister assumed that the old fellow had been informed of hisvisit.
'I guess you were expecting me, he said.
'No, who are you?' said the father.
The minister told him his name
and then remarked,
'I saw the empty chair
and I figured
you knew I was going to show up,'
'Oh yeah, the chair,'
said the bedridden man.
'Would you mind closing the door?'
Puzzled,
the minister shut the door.
'I have never told anyone this,
not even my daughter,'

said the man.
'But all of my life I have never known how to pray.
At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer,
but it went right over my head.'
I abandoned any attempt at prayer,'
the old man continued,
'until one day four years ago, my best friend said to me,
'Johnny, prayer is just a simple matter
of having a conversation with Jesus.
Here is what I suggest.'
'Sit down in a chair;
place an empty chair in front of you,
and in faith see Jesus on the chair.
It's not spooky because he promised,
'I will be with you always'.
'Then just speak to him in the same way
you're doing with me right now.'
'So, I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it
a couple of hours every day.
I'm careful though
If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair,
she'd either have a nervous breakdown
or send me off to the funny farm.'
The minister was deeply moved by the story
and encouraged the old man to continue on the journey.
Then he prayed with him,
anointed him with oil,
and returned to thechurch.
Two nights later the daughter called
to tell the minister that her daddy had died that
afternoon.
Did he die in peace?' he asked.
Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock,
he called meover to his bedside,
told me he loved me
and kissed me on the cheek.
When I got back from the store an hour later,
I found him dead.
But there was something strange about his death.
Apparently, just before Daddy died,
he leaned over and rested his head
on the chair beside the bed.
What do you make of that?'
The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said,
'I wish we could all go like that.'

Thought of the day-August 24th, 2009

2009-08-24T14:00:00.001-05:00

We All Make Mistakes
By Dr, Muriel Larson
When I was in eighth grade, I made what I thought was an unforgivable mistake. A spelling competition between schools was coming up, and our teacher was training some of us students to compete in it. I knew she set great hopes on me, since I was quite good at spelling.
Confidently, I went with my parents and brother to the larger school where the spelling bee was being held. As we contestants stood on the stage before the crowd, I looked at the audience and felt a bit nervous.
After several other students spelled words, I was given my first word to spell. I will never forget it! It was “search”–and I esteemed it a simple word. So off I went: “S-E-A-C-H!”
It was wrong, of course. My face flushed and felt hot as I ignominiously descended from the platform. One word–and I had failed. I failed myself, my teacher, my school, and my family who had felt sure I would be a winner. How awful I felt that night! And how slowly I walked to school the next morning. I was a loser–big-time!
Have you ever made a big mistake? That’s a silly question, isn’t it? Let’s face it: we’re only human, and we all make mistakes, and some of them real whoppers. Some of our mistakes have been so wrong that they have perhaps hurt our lives and those of others. But we can’t take them back, any more than I could do a retake on S-E-A-R-C-H.
The truth is, the Bible says we all have “sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, NIV). That’s why Jesus Christ had to come to earth to pay the penalty for our sins, that we might be forgiven and reconciled to God. What can we do about our hurtful mistakes?
Accept Christ’s sacrifice. We can make sure that we have truly received Jesus as our Savior. This wipes the slate clean as far as God is concerned. If we err after we become Christians, we can repent and ask God’s forgiveness and determine not to repeat the error.
Accept God’s forgiveness. When we do this, He helps us know in our hearts that we are forgiven. He cleanses us of all unrighteousness, and this can give us a deep inner peace if we accept this fact.
Stop fretting about the mistakes. Worrying accomplishes nothing but to take away our joy in the Lord and our testimony. If there is something we can do about the results of our errors, we can allow the Lord to show us–and then do it. For instance, we may need to apologize to someone. We may need to humble ourselves in some way. It may cost us something; but it will be worth it. (See Matthew 5:23-48 for some guidelines.)
Get on with your life. Thanks to my parents who encouraged and comforted me, I got on with my life. Eventually I became a “dealer” in words: a writer, author, composer, speaker, and teacher.
We don’t need to wallow in the past. Hebrews 12:12 tells us to lift up our hands that hang down (in despondency) and our feeble knees, and make straight paths for ourselves. Verse 13 encourages us to live in peace with all and calls on us to be holy. Christ gives us a new life!
Questions: Are you still fretting about past mistakes? What does God want us to do about those mistakes? How does worrying effect one?

Thought of the Day-August 21st, 2009

2009-08-21T16:48:00.001-05:00

When Life is falling apart

By Helen Lescheid

“Cursed is the one who trusts in man who depends on flesh for strength…he will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7,8 Application Bible).

What do you do when your life is falling apart? When adversity strikes from every side?

Jeremiah describes two kinds of responses with two striking results.
1. You can depend on friends and family to see you through it.
2. You can depend on God to give you strength and courage for every day

“If you put your trust in mere humans you’ll be like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future,” writes Jeremiah. Friends and family will want to help, but they may be as confused as you are. Instead of listening and praying, they tend to give advice and pat answers. They may judge the situation unfairly and even blame you. Very few people know how to truly help.

On the contrary, those who trust in God not only endure the heat and the drought: they stay green and flourish. Why? They have a resource within them–the living risen Lord Jesus Christ. I’ve experienced this in a very real way. Let me share with you an excerpt from my journal.
“From every side adversity’s ax is chopping into the tree (me), but it’s still standing. Why? Because the core is solid. The ax can’t penetrate it. That core is Christ Himself. Jesus Christ is my hope. Because He’s within me, I have hope. I get ragged at the edges, but my core is solid, for Christ is my core.”

We must nourish this Christ-life within us by putting our roots deep into the living water of His Word. There is no fear that the river will run dry for Christ’s resources never run out. I must guard against any obstruction, though, like bitterness or an unforgiving spirit or any other sin that will obstruct the flow of His life-giving water.

Dear God, thank you that in Christ I have all that I need not only to survive the heat and the drought, but to flourish. Thank you, also, that you meet my need in very practical ways, and You send along the right persons to help me.

Questions: What do you do when trouble happens? How is it that those who trust in the Lord can endure the heat and the pain and still flourish?

Thought of the Day-August 19th & 20th, 2009

2009-08-20T08:26:00.002-05:00

Things have been busy here, so there are times when I might have to put a couple days

together. Remember I am always looking for guest posters for my blog, especially

during the busy season.

Be Blessed....

I am still praying about health concerns for myself and for several members of my team at work.

Whisper the names in your prayers: Jeremy, Luke, Ally, Brandon and myself (Angela).

Thank you...

IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT
By Suzanne Benner

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25 NIV.)My son’s band teacher posed this question to the class: “Which is better, to play the right note at the wrong time or the wrong note but with the correct timing?” It doesn’t seem like either would be pleasant to hear, but as the teacher explained, a note – any note – at the wrong time is a much more obvious error in an orchestra than a wrong note played within the perfect rhythm of the song.
That concept was reinforced when my daughter was learning to play the violin. It was important for her to practice playing to the rhythm I set by clapping.
I think keeping in step with the Spirit is like that. It is to hear and agree with God’s timing, to walk in sync with God’s will.
It requires, first of all, admitting that I don’t have or understand perfect timing. I must therefore, be constantly referring to the one in charge, adjusting my speed to the tempo the leader has set.
It is easy to rush ahead of God, making big plans and thinking surely God will join up with my great idea.Opposite to that, but equally simple to accomplish, is lagging behind God – not living up to what we know. There will always be shortcomings in our lives, areas of sin that we aren’t aware of, but that is no excuse for not following through on the things God has already made clear to us.
~Father God, I want to feel, know, hear your heart beat. Show me how to walk in perfect rhythm to that beat – not too fast, not too slow. I know that the only way I can achieve that is to fix my eyes on You and constantly listen to Your leading.

Thought of the Day-August 18th, 2009

2009-08-18T11:16:00.001-05:00

SO HOW ARE YOU DOING SPIRITUALLY?
By Gail Rodgers

I had a friend who would ask me, just out of the blue, “How is your soul today, Gail?”It always took me back a bit and even made me uncomfortable at times. Yet when she moved away, I missed it. It had been the beginning of some great talks and prayer times.

I thought of Jean today as I read this verse, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:3).“Blessed with every spiritual blessing”!

She would say, “Are we living there, Gail?”Let’s ask ourselves that question.

Am I living today as one who has been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the Heavenlies in Christ Jesus?

If you are anything like me, the answer is probably not. Yet it is a promise I can live in because God has done it, He has blessed me this way.

But how do I receive spiritual blessing, that walking in the joy of knowing Jesus even when circumstances around me are less than perfect?

The last verse in the same chapter says, “God fills everything in every way.” The problem is not with God. He promises the blessings and the filling up.

Let’s ask ourselves this: Could it be that I limit God in my own life? Could it be that the child-like trust He calls me to have has become too grown up with cynicism and doubt?

The only limit to God’s fullness in our lives is the limit we place on offering our lives back to Him.

Today, open all the windows and doors of your “heart home”.

Tell God you don’t want to limit Him in any way in your life.

Ask Him to help you sweep out the doubt and cynicism that has created cobwebs in your heart.

Ask Him to help you clear out the clutter of a “too busy” life so you can sit with Him and hear His voice. Ask Him to help you to invite Him into every decision.

Let Him help you capture thoughts that drag you down and clear them out by replacing them with the truth of God’s Word.

Give Him all that you are so He can fill you and make you all that He created you to be.~

Father God, thank you that You have promised me “every spiritual blessing” and that you “fill everything in every way”.

Today I offer to You all that I have, all that I am and all that I hope to be. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Thought of the Day-August 17th, 2009

2009-08-17T11:48:00.002-05:00

Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - Aug. 17, 2009

Follow the Template
We tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. —Colossians 1:28

My objective never has been to have a large church; it always has been to have a biblical church and a strong church. The growth is up to God.

Not every church is going to be a large church, but every church should be a growing church. On that final day, Jesus is not going to say, “Well done, good and successful servant. By the way, how many numbers were you running?” Rather, He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

I believe the church exists for three reasons: the exaltation of God, the edification of believers, and the evangelization of the world. Another way to think of it is upward, inward, and outward.

Upward. The church exists for the exaltation of God. This idea may come as a revelation to some people who think they exist to find personal happiness. The Bible says, “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Inward. The church exists for the edification of other believers. The apostle Paul said his goal was not merely to evangelize, but to warn believers, teach them the wisdom God had given him, and present them to God mature in their relationship with Christ (see Colossians 1:28).

Outward. The church is called to evangelize the world, which is the natural outgrowth of exalting God and edifying other believers. Healthy sheep will reproduce themselves.

The church is not to emphasize one of these at the expense of the other or take them out of order. You see, we are not to customize the church. We are to follow the original template Jesus gave us.

Thought of the Day-August 14th, 2009

2009-08-14T13:30:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite scriptures happens to be Psalm 91.

Since today I am in search of peace, I think it quite appropriate

that I have chosen to share it with you as well.

Enjoy.

Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [a]
2 I will say [b] of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—even the LORD, who is my refuge-
10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Thought of the Day-August 12th & 13th, 2009

2009-08-13T09:55:00.001-05:00

Search the Scriptures

From Answers for each day with Bayless Conley
After Paul preached the gospel to the Bereans, they did something that others had not done—they searched the Scriptures.
These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts 17:11).
According to the next verse, the result of their search was that many of them believed.
Jesus said in John 5:39, “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”
I once heard a Jewish believer share his testimony. His daughter, who had become a Christian, challenged him to read through the New Testament.
He began in Matthew and was astonished to find so many Old Testament references to the Messiah being fulfilled by Jesus.
His initial reason for searching the Scriptures was to prove that his daughter was wrong, but instead, he ended up giving his heart to Christ. The Scriptures testified of Jesus!
Look for Him as you read the Holy Scriptures, and encourage others to do the same.

Thought of the Day-August 11th, 2009

2009-08-11T10:39:00.002-05:00

Psalm 90
Psalms 90-106
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.
2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

As I battle health, tiredness, spiritual unrest.. I remember and I am reminded once

again, that God is...

Thought of the Day-August 10th, 2009

2009-08-10T11:32:00.002-05:00

Soul Food On My Table

Julia Bettencourt
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was untome the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts."

It's amazing how some folks react when you mention the words "soul food" to those people who really enjoy it. They get that longing in their eyes. Their mouths begin watering, and they begin to use wonderful descriptive words to describe the flavor, aroma, and taste of it. They get excited about the mere mention of "soul food".

Do we get that way when we hear the mere mention of God's Word, the Bible? It is our soul food and yet how many of us get as excited over that as some people do over cornbread, collard greens, or fried green tomatoes? Do we get a longing in our eyes? Do our mouths water? God's Word is full of flavor, aroma and taste. Our verse says that,

"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joyand rejoicing of mine heart..." Jeremiah 15:16

Soul food is usually considered to be the most satisfying food there is. God's Word is the most amazing soul food and can satisfy us beyond measure. Think of all of the wonderful things found in the Bible that we can feast upon. There are promises, comfort, direction and instruction, salvation, love, joy, and wisdom. The list could go on and on. The menu is full.

There is only one thing we need to do as we sit down to feast on the Word of God. We have to partake of it. We can have the most wonderful food on our table. The table can be set with the most exquisite tablecloths and napkins. The china can be the most expensive in the world. The crystal can be glowing and the silverware can be shinning. The food can look and smell tantalizing. The table can be beautiful, but if we never eat any of the food it will not fill us up or satisfy. We must eat.

Reading, studying, and memorizing the Word of God is the only way we can taste of it and we must do it daily. If we only ate physically once or twice a month we would starve. We wouldn't have anything to sustain us. The same is true with the Word of God. We must constantly go back for more. Let's take our napkins, open the Book, feast together, and see what morsels we can find inside.

How to really enjoy our Soul Food.

Desire

"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:" 1 Peter 2:2

Memorize.

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11

Meditate.

"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thoushalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thyway prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."Joshua 1:8

Study.

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the wordof truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

So, have you had some Soul Food today?

Thought of the Day-August 7th, 2009

2009-08-07T10:35:00.002-05:00

Throughout life, one does not miss any chance to hold onto the things that are really precious, if one is truly wise.
Ed Greenwood

It is Family reunion time. Last weekend we were in Tennessee with my family on my Father's side. This weekend the 7th -9th, we are here in town with my husband's family on his Father's side. Interesting...! We continue to have these reunions, and my husband and I both

are in attendance, but it is always on our Father's side that family is trying to stay together.

Though one takes travel and the other takes flexibility.. We have

a great time and are happy.

I was hard pressed to get to the Tennessee, my grandmother and her sister

are getting on in the years. Who knows if this was their last or my last.

Being with family, with your roots are so important..

Don't let the spilled milk of life stop you for being together.

I must tell you financially we did not have the money for the trip.

My mother out of the kindness of her heart gave, ( we did not ask) 350.00, so that

we could be in Tennessee making those memories with family. She did

not say it is a loan and I want it back, she gave it as a gift. Now you know

I am going to do my best to break off some money to my mom every month.

God is Good... And I thank him for mom...

Thought of the Day-August 6th, 2009

2009-08-06T11:05:00.002-05:00

WHEN GOD "DISAPPEARS"
By Marilyn Ehle

“My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you” (Psalm 42:6).

There are no mountains this morning. A strange statement from one who can never escape from the grand sight of towering, majestic, snow-capped Pikes Peak. The Peak and her sisters became my immovable anchor when we first moved to Colorado Springs. While driving around in circles, thoroughly confused in my quest for an elusive address, the mountains to the west became my lodestar, pointing me in the desired direction.

Of course, the mountains didn’t disappear overnight; they were merely hidden by an unusually thick morning cloud cover. Rational thinking overcame my initial emotional -- and faulty -- conclusion that the mountains had disappeared.

How similarly I conclude that God has disappeared when I walk through difficult times and do not sense His presence or leading. I didn’t curl up in fear this morning when I couldn’t see the mountains; instead I confidently drove to my appointment along the route I knew from experience would take me to my destination.

When God is hidden from my sight, it’s time to remember His past leading and drive on in faith. When the clouds lift, I will again clearly see my Guide and Friend.

~ Father, thank You for Your never-changing presence… even when I can’t see You. Help me in my often faltering walk of faith.

Whether you're in a painful place or a promised land, remember that God has led you safe thus far, and He is with you now.

Thought of the Day-August 5th, 2009

2009-08-05T14:13:00.002-05:00

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.
Helen Keller

Don't lose your focus. Your happiness, your path or plan does not

depend on another. It does however depend on an

inheritance, given only by our Heavenly Father...

Don't let the hiccups of life get you down, for you just might

miss the rainbow.

Isn't it nice that our promises in life have nothing to do with us...

And everything to do with God...

Whether it be a hiccup or a pothole, keep pressing forward..

Praise the Father whether you are happy or whether you

are sad...

Thought of the Day-Aug 4th, 2009

2009-08-04T09:33:00.003-05:00

Exhaustion.... I am tired, so today our encouragement comes from another source.

I Surrender! Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth1 Peter 3:10-11 “Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, here’s what you do: say nothing evil or hurtful; snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you’re worth” (MSG).

Friend To Friend “I’m done with it! This battle just isn’t worth fighting! I’m tired. It’s hopeless.” As I listened to my girlfriend verbally bleed from her wounded heart, I silently lifted up a prayer and asked God for wisdom. Her pain was real. Her troubles were not imaginary. She was desperate. She wanted a way out of the maze of disappointment and betrayal she had gotten lost in. Out of the strong undertow of angst that had swept away her hope. Out of the darkness that had covered her life and taken her captive.

No easy answers flooded my mind. I had no slick, three-point “sermonette” to offer her. I’m not a therapist. I don’t even play one on TV. I’m just a Christian girl who tries to be there for her friends. So, I didn’t feel wise or brilliant that day as I gently, but confidently said: “I think the only way to win this battle is to surrender.”

Not to the problem, but to the solution. Not to the conflict, but to the resolution. Both the solution and the resolution are found in the same nail scarred hands. In order to win in any earthly struggle or relationship battle, we must put away the weapons of our wounding words, and set aside the arsenal of our angry actions. Then with knees to the earth, we must raise a white flag in surrender…to the King.

What do we need to surrender? Our pride and expectations…our gripes and lamentations…our calculated manipulations…our righteous indignation…everything.
In order to live victoriously and win the battles we face in life, we’ve just got to surrender our flesh to the Spirit.

“Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing” (1 Peter 3: 8-9) MSG.
On the battlefield of war, when we raise the white flag of surrender, we lose. But on the battlefield of life, when we surrender, we win – if, and only if we surrender to God and not to our circumstances. We cannot control the variables beyond our own responses, but God will surely bless the woman that walks in obedience to Him.

In a public address titled “Absolute Surrender,” Andrew Murray said: “God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him. The condition for obtaining God's full blessing is absolute surrender to Him.”

Are you ready to wave that white flag? Blessings await you, friend.

Let’s Pray Lord, This is such a tough one! My life is complicated. It is very hard for me to relinquish control, yet I know that You are calling me to do just that. Help me to surrender my life into Your hands. Please dissolve my resentment, anger, fears and frustrations. Help me to choose Your ways, so that I can obtain the full blessings of absolute surrender.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn Take a moment to thoughtfully consider what barriers exist in your heart that keep you from being willing to surrender.
Pray that God would crush those barriers for His purposes.

Thought of the Day-Monday August 3rd, 2009

2009-08-03T11:02:00.001-05:00

Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King was a man of great Faith...
Abraham Lincoln a man of great Faith....
Barak Obama a man of great Faith...
If we have no Faith, no belief in anything, we fall prey to anything.
What do you believe in????
I believe in God, and there in lies my Faith

We took our Expedition on the trip to Tennessee,

great faith for we traveled over 1000 miles

without incident, I had Faith in God...

I thank him for travelling grace...

Thought of the Day-July 30th, 2009

2009-07-30T11:24:00.002-05:00

Thankful....

I am thankful today for a number of reasons:

1. For life, my husbands and mine

Our brake caliper locked up or came off, due to a missing bolt, which in turn locked up

our right tire. Suv would not move forward, only backward...

We had just came off 70 from a trip to Sedalia... It could have been us,

killed, badly hurt, or harming another driver.

2. For friends...

So many saw us on the side of the road, stopped to ensure that we were fine.

3. Honest Business people

The tow truck man mentioned that we needed to thank the

Lord above for our lives, because he is the only reason that

we were alive and well last night.

4. The simplicity of mechanical issues

something simple as a bolt replacement is

going to cause our Suv to be repaired.

The new Rotor still intact, the new brake shoes,

still intact.

What an awesome God and there are still Good hearted

people in the world...

Did I mention that the tow was free,

and the driver Dale, today, a day later

when he did not have to

replaced the bolt and put the tire back on for us on his

own time, out of the goodness of his heart...

We don't deserve the Love...

But God gets all the glory!!!

Thought of the Day- July 29th, 2009

2009-07-29T10:28:00.002-05:00

What shall one say?

Psalm 90:1-2

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.

2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from

everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You are my dwelling place, from birth to 37 years.

I will keep my focus...

Thought of the Day-July 28th, 2009

2009-07-28T11:25:00.002-05:00

As I was looking at Robert Schullers "Little Book of Hope" today, I came across this quote:

"Life's not fair, but God is good. Life throws us a disappointment.

And God responds by giving us encouragement."

If I focus on how bad things are with the SUV, how bleak my world would be.

Don't get me wrong it is sad, frustrating and stressful.

But I choose to report on How big my God Is, instead of the alternative.

I trust in the Lord...

I will praise him whether the SUV runs, whether the van gets fixed,

I will praise him...

I will not, shall not, won't base my praise, my happiness

my satisfaction with this worldly life on

an emotion...

I will not waiver....

In thee I trust oh Lord...

Thought of the Day-July 27th, 2009

2009-07-27T15:29:00.003-05:00

What can I say today, that might make sense. Something that could inspire the late reader in this Merry Monday.

Things have been so busy at the office today. I am hoping that I will have time

to research my vehicle options, as my Suv is in need

in need of 1800+ dollars of work.

It was strongly recommended that we not drive it to the Family

Reunion 7 hours away.

So I am looking into my options and trying not to include

not going in my choices, but we all know it is a choice.

So how am I finding peace with the whole situation?

Matthew 6:31-34

31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

I will trust the Lord, for I have tasted and see that he is good...

Thought of the Day-July 24th, 2009

2009-07-24T14:15:00.002-05:00

I had completely forgot about the thought of the day. I got sidetracked I guess, but no one seemed to miss it or inform that I had gone AWOL. Makes you wonder, does anyone read it anymore...?

From Robert Schuller a quote:

We learn courage when we face danger;

we learn patience when we endure

suffering; we learn tenderness

when we taste pain.

I have been fortunate enough to have life experiences

that have taught me all the above.

Today at work we had this experiment. We decided to vote

a team member off the island. Why?

I thought it would be fun...

Until...

I was the one voted off.

Makes one think... Then

I decided that I am comfortable with myself and

my approval comes from the Lord...

I am glad that He would not vote me off.

Thought of the day-July 23rd, 2009

2009-07-23T10:00:00.002-05:00

Never let a problem become an excuse.

Robert Schuller

How many times have I heard my pastor say that he does not want

to be a problem oriented person. That he wants to be solution

oriented. Well to be that solution oriented person, one must

focus on the solution and not how big the problem may be.

In saying that how Big is my God in the situation.

Is the God that made the Heavens and Earth, able to

provide aid to me, to bring about a solution

that I cannot see.

Yes, God can do all things. If we focus on excuses,

we hold ourselves captive, we put not only ourselves in a box,

but we put God in a box, saying oh so clearly that he has limits as to

what he can do in us and through us.

I don't know your walk, your experiences, I can only

attest and speak on what I know to be true.

What I know to be true is my only solution I need

is J-E-S-U-S. For he is the key that unlocks

doors that no man can close.

Much love and Happiness~

Angela

Thought of the Day-July 31st, 2009

2009-07-20T18:46:00.002-05:00

The character of a man is known from his conversations.
Menander

Greek comic dramatist (342 BC - 292 BC)

Is your character one of integrity, blameless and pure....?

Or is your character filled with gossip, backbiting, spite,

envy, strife, ugliness...

You have a choice, change your atmosphere or allow your

atmosphere to change you...

Thought of the Day-July 31st, 2009

2009-07-20T18:39:00.003-05:00

Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything good in the world.
Helen Keller

If I stay in self, in self centeredness, in self loving, or self loathing.

I do not grow. I cannot focus... I cannot move...

But if I focus on things outside myself, a healing takes place...

I realize that it really is not all about me...

And someone else has greater pain, greater suffering...

I get greater growth and maturity, when I get out of self...

Thought of the Day-July 22nd, 2009

2009-07-20T18:34:00.002-05:00

Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.
Helen Keller

I have a mission statement for my life. That is to PAY IT FORWARD...

For so many times I have been given treasures from people in my life.

I can think back to my youth, the mentors, teachers,

Elders and Deacons that impacted my life.

The treasures, seeds they planted in me, grew food in my adulthood.

It is because of those seeds that I am who I am.. That and the grace,

forever hand of the Lord in my life. I always sensed a higher calling.

I always held myself to a higher standard.

Today I give back with my gift of hospitality as well as my heart to serve.

I am forever grateful and will pay it forward until the day I shall die...

Thought of the Day-July 21st, 2009

2009-07-20T18:17:00.003-05:00

Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.
Helen Keller

We overcome suffering, be it physical, mental or emotional suffering.

It is in my suffering that I have learned.

I have learned to be patient in areas through suffering.

I have learned to love in areas through suffering.

I have learned to endure in areas through suffering.

Through suffering my character has grown stronger, purer, more dedicated,

and more understanding.

Without suffering, without seasons and various journeys of life, I would

not be the woman of integrity that I am today...

Thought of the Day-July 20th, 2009

2009-07-20T11:29:00.001-05:00

REST

From: Answers for Each Day - July 20 with Bayless Conley

Today, I want to go back to the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19. In verses 5-6 we read,

Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again.

Notice that in the midst of his crisis, Elijah rested and ate. He took care of his body.
Some of the crises you experience come because you are sleep deprived and you don’t eat right. And you know what? Your body, your soul, and your spirit are all tied together. What you do to one affects the other two. It affects the whole.

We are intricately woven together. And the wisest thing you can do when you get into a crisis is just give your body a rest, because it affects every other part of your life.

When you are exhausted and physically weak, it is easy for everything to be blown out of proportion. When you are tired, it can look like your whole world is falling apart when it really is not. It is like Mark Twain said, “I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.”

You and I do need to rest. If you are in the midst of a storm today, make sure not to neglect the rest you need.