In my weakness He is strong.

Hello all I am checking in I hope to do more in the upcoming weeks as I finish getting packed and moved. Two weeks ago a tragedy happened and I am telling you it is something I hope we will not ever have to endure again.  From a mom's perspective it is heart wrenching and from my child's perspective it is the end of the world devastation. My sons kitty crawled into the dryer because I left it open no one noticed her in there the clothes were still damp so I told my daughter to run it. my son found her the next morning. The heart wrenching scream that came from him I replay over and over in my head it haunts my dreams and the pain he has had to endure breaks my heart even more. My daughter blames herself because she started the dryer but, in fact if anyone is to blame it is me. I know I know it is a horrible accident but, I still blame myself. This kitty was gotten for my son to help him grieve the loss of his last kitty. If I could protect my children from all the hurts in the world I would and if I could go back and make sure the dryer was closed and no kitty was in there it would be done in a heartbeat but, I can't. I can't change the past I wish I could.....I have a saying in my house I can't is not an option but, in this case it is reality. God has many lessons in life that will hurt us, break us and hopefully make us stronger and rely on Him more. My kids blamed God at first but, I told them God did not do this to her it just happened. I have to say that sinner nature tends to make us humans blame God for everything bad that happens in life and I am here to tell you that God is not to blame. God wants us to draw near to him in the good times and in the bad. So as we enter this new year look to God for everything peace, comfort, joy, provision and lessons to be learned look at 2012 as a new beginning a new chance to deepen the relationship with our Father. I do not make resolutions they are made to be broken I make goals they are made to be met. I do not know where God will lead me but, I am prepared to follow. Where ever I wind up it is where I am supposed to be. Through tragedy we find strength if we lean on God. It is getting easier and I know the pain will lessen in the weeks to come and in my weakness He is strong. May God Bless you all.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas 

When things look grim...just GRIN!!!

It has been a bit since I posted but, tada here I am today woohoo. I wanted to post about a dream I had last week or the week before I really can not remember when I had it but, here it goes. I was in a city going somewhere and there was a lot of people everywhere some gangs  were all around and other people too. I was walking along knowing I was going into danger but, I was not afraid I looked danger in the face and smiled at him. I just knew there was someone watching me ready to protect me and keep me safe so I marched right on through and held my head high. this dream came when I really needed it to right now in my life I have comfort knowing God is watching me and He knows where my family will go and where we will live. I am frustrated yes but, I am not afraid I am unsure of what is going to happen but, I am sure that God is in contrrol and He is walking along side of me. As we walk into Christmas I am holding my head up and smiling at the world and saying you will not get me down I will NOT let you. I have had a lot of things happen this year from my physical well being to my spiritual well being from having a solid roof to possibly a tin one and as we close out the year I am working on staying strong and positive not only for me but, my family as well. I know that God will walk with us and at times carry us He will not let go so therefore neither will I. Merry Christmas Everyone.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

The lessons in Life should be Life lessons!

I have to say that being here for less than two years I have accumulated to much stuff. It is a tad bit overwhelming to go through it all and have to pack and stack and throw away. I am sure that God is with me every step of the way and by the time Christmas break arrives my goal is to have my entire house completely packed except the necessities and Christmas...although Christmas is a necessity in this house. My kids are taking it better than I expected they are being real troopers I am thankful (yes I know November is so last month) that we can pull together as a family and get through this. I am really hoping and praying that in the end we are not fighting like cats and dogs (we all know how they get along) and will have a bond that will make us stronger as a family. There is no easy way to describe how I am feeling about all of this but, disappointment is a huge emotion right now I never in my wildest nightmares ever thought I would be in this position again yet, here I am and this time I am really trying to stay positive. I do have more peace about it even through the tears that have been shed. The only thing different about this time around is this I am trusting God to walk us through and I am determined to not let this get me down I will not go back to that dark dreary place I was in before. It is no fun being in a place of feeling abandoned and alone and like the world and God were both against me. The fact is,  they weren't against me at all at least not God. He was for me and with me and walking right along side me but, I was to busy being selfish and angry to see that. The way I see it the lessons in Life should be just that Life lessons not something we have to be continually taught we expect our kids to learn lessons with out repeating ourselves so why should we expect God to repeat Himself? The answer we shouldn't we should be teachable and I think if we allowed the lessons to be learned and kept them learned we would not have to go through the trials that we do. The world is our Classroom and God is our Teacher allowing Him to teach will help us get through this school of life so much easier then if we fight it and try to do things our way. I want to be teachable so to this situation I say BRING IT!!!! and may God find me willing to learn all He wants me to learn.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Where are you looking?

Let me just say before I begin that there are 23 days until Christmas and the Spirit is beginning to ring through the air and I am loving it. Also my internet is all wonky and I may not be able to post everyday until I get it all figured out but, when we move I may not have it all then we shall see. I see people around me struggling so much it is heartbreaking to see. I wish I could hug them and squeeze them and call them George....okay I know NOT everyone's name is George but.....the reason is when I need someone to do that for me I have someone and it is so wonderful to know that all I have to do is ask and some big loving arms will wrap themselves around me and give me peace. That is not always the case with some they tend to blame the owner of those arms and run away from Him. I am not perfect I make mistakes and some are BIG ones but, The One person who will offer me the truest comfort is not to blame. In some cases it is our own fault because of choices in others well.....circumstances beyond our control but, they are also due to choices just not ours. What it all comes down to is this Life is all about choices we have a free will and God will not force us but, Ladies and Gentlemen life will NOT be any easier if we continue making the wrong ones. God will guide us and walk us through any trial but, if we do not know, trust, rely on, or seek Him it will be a long hard (harder than normal...but, what is normal?) journey. I am still learning this one with my most currant circumstance but, I am taking a leap and trusting that God has something much better for me and my family. I am working hard on not letting it get me down if I let this get me down I will be on a downhill spiral and that is one ride that is not amusing or fun so, I am looking up and I want to encourage others to as well. Looking up you see so much more and the beauty will be enjoyed in such a way that it will amaze you. Yes I know it is winter dark, gray and gloomy but, there is beauty in it look for it, and while you are looking for the beauty you will be looking up......

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

I need to Lean just a bit more.

I got some news today that is not very pleasant. We rent our house and have been told that due to the landlords splitting up and other things between them we now have 60 days to move. The problem? We do not have money to move on and I may be losing my unemployment at the end of December and our income will go down. I am confidant however that God has something in store (at least I hope so I am trying to be confidant) God allows trials and as we go through them we need to lean on Him to give us the strength to make it through, and as we rely on Him we grow and it can be a good thing. I have to say I am not looking forward to this time but, I am determined to be positive and smile the blessings that God has for my family and I will be I am sure something incredible and THAT I am looking forward to. I am thankful for my friends and their support one friend reminded me today that it was only temporary and I can get through it even if we have to live in the trailer again....it came to pass and I will cling to that. I am also reminded that I need to chat with God continually in the good times and in the bad because He wants constant communication with His children with that I leave you this....Cling to God and His word He will always get you through any circumstance and that is just way cool...

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Humble....

I went to Bible study tonight and I was reminded that I need to be humble....I have come to the conclusion that I need to want to be humble or learn the hard way by having God make me humble....I do not know about you but, I am liking the easier of the two. There are times unfortunately  that I need to learn that lesson and it is a very humbling experience (pun intended). King Nebuchadnezzar had to learn the hard way and he thought that he could do and say as he pleased and found out that his dream really was gonna happen and trust me I would never want to go through what he did EVER....granted my hubby says if I want salad I can go dump dressing on the grass and eat that but I am thinking even with dressing the grass would be ummm just EWWW! But that is what O'l Nebby  had to eat and smell and and okay you get it I am sure.....right? I suppose my point is I think when we have lessons to learn God gives us a chance to learn it on our terms and if we don't well then it is on His terms....His terms guarantee that we will learn the lesson and hopefully never have to take that class again....Beth Moore talked about life lessons tonight and I am telling you I am thinking that learning them for life is the best way to go because regoing through all that stuff just to get what God wants us to see is not something that sounds exactly pleasant. Humble thy self in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up....isn't that the way it goes? makes sense to me. Being humble makes us teachable and being teachable makes us able to teach and we are here to lead, teach, live as God wants and learn. I want to be taught so I can teach Lord help me to be humble and show me what you want me to see, do and learn.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Just checking in....

Alas I did not post again yesterday OOPS.....so I am checking in today. We had the Hanging of the greens at Church yesterday and it was so much fun to see the Church transformed for the GREATEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!!! which is only 27 days away. The post I made about Black Friday seemed to cause quite a stir with some people and, I have decided that it was okay I felt I needed to say it. I do think I made people angry and I had no intentions of doing that. Moving on Thanksgiving was really good I had a good time with my family and I got some shopping done. I did get some wrapping done too which is one part I so love to do because, I can disguise the gift and totally throw the getter of it off. As we head into the new week and people get back to the regular routine keep the thankfulness going it is a good reminder to us to be thankful everyday. I know this is suprer short but, I do have a routine as well and I must get to it have a beautiful day.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

To Black Friday or To not Black Friday but, that is NOT the question...

I posted this on my Face Book and wanted to share it here and maybe add a bit to it keep in mind I copied and pasted so it will look different Ok I have been reading posts and comments and I have made a few comments on posts and at the risk of offending someone I am going to speak up now I because I am bothered a tad little bit by some of them......so I am sorry IF anyone gets offended but I will NOT apologize for what I am about to say......Ok I know some of you do not like Black Friday it is crazy out there but, I LOVE it not all parts of it but, most of it. and that is not what bothers me what does is this.....the feeling I get from reading some of the posts or comments is this, people are talking about how the crazys are out to get the good deal and they do not care about the real reason of Christmas (pausing here) Yes that is true Christmas has been commercialized so badly and it is a stomping ground for people to go a tad nuts which I do not approve but, it happens so I deal with it....moving on, then I read how there should be people out there handing out tracks and witnessing....(pausing again) true, it would be a great opportunity to share the gospel but, to approach someone and stop them from what they are doing there to do it, is not the way to get them to listen, and some of them KNOW God...ok off we go again.....I guess the better way to say it is this, the feeling I get is some people are almost angry and want to force God down someones throat to get them to see and I do not think that is how God would want us to do this....Jesus is all about compassion, love, kindness, caring, giving and so on. The Spirit of Christmas is all of those things too and I am not seeing any of it in some of what I am reading and it makes me sad. There almost feels like anger and dare I say an undertone of bitterness and hate in there too......we are the prime example to the world of what God wants us to show and we all have to watch our actions and words if we really want to win people over.....yes BF is a shoving match for some I know I got shoved but, it is also a good chance to get good deals and there are limits on what they have so yes there is competition to get stuff that is the unfortunate part of it all. People feel they have to push their way around to get what they are there for not all shoppers are there for Christmas the big items may be something they have been wanting and BF is a good time to get it. Do not like BF? then don't go but, please do not criticize the people that do, besides waiting in line is the best time to chat with someone and tell them about Jesus and witness to them to plant seeds get them thinking my opinion is, that is the best way to reach out to people standing on their turf where they are comfortable.....sharing Jesus is showing Jesus. I am going to guess if Jesus was standing in Wal Mart during the chaos He would have been kind and loving and I want to say He probably would have helped a few people out while He was there........ok I am done now......


I feel very strongly about this I do not feel bad about enjoying BF I am on a budget too and my daughter has a Birthday 5 days before Christmas but, my actions should speak of Jesus...I helped a lady out while I was there and she told me I was the kind of BF shopper she liked it made me feel good.....


That's my thought for the day,


Crazy for Christmas

What Would Jesus Do?

It has been a really long night and day for me but, what I saw yesterday really brought home for me how commercial people have made Christmas and it has saddened me. I really wanted good deals on gifts yes but, the pushing and shoving and the cussing I heard from people was hard to see, hear and take. I am not done with my shopping I have a few things left I want to get but, I am really stressing the importance this year of what Christmas is really all about. Yes I was in my element so to speak I did enjoy the night after the shoving was done, just watching people and their reactions was tons of fun in it self. I helped a lady out yesterday and she said you are the kind of  black Friday shopper I like.....why else would I be any other way? I am not showing Jesus by being rude to people and I am not going to get any closer to what I want by causing a riot. What is the big deal anyway? Why take more than you need? Others are there for the same thing....one lady in the game section was taking 5 of everything for what? To resell on ebay? Probably. I have had to many people tell me that is why they shop, so they can turn around and make more on the product......is it fair? no but, it is what they do. There is no reason to be rude back that is not what Jesus would do so, if CHRISTmas is about CHRIST I need to show the world what that is all about. I have a challenge for you show the shoppers Jesus while you are out in this crazy time let them see God in this season. When you do even if people do not show that they notice they will and you will be DOING what Jesus would DO....Merry Christmas everyone BLESSINGS!

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Be Thankful.....

I realize that I did not make a post yesterday the first one since I started oops oh well. Today is Thanksgiving a day full of busyness and for some stress and that is ok just remember to take some time to be thankful and a moment or two for yourself so you do not stress to much. I am Thankful for the blessings God has given me and I am Thankful for my family and my friends. I just want to say HAPPY THANKSGIVING to those who are serving our country and I am sorry you can not be home with your families today, because of you we are free and THANK YOU!!!! I hope today is full of love, joy and blessings for everyone. So through the stress of cooking and black Friday shopping which is now starting on Thursday (I can not figure that one out) Have a Good day and be blessed!

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Happy Thanksgiving

I am Thankful for the rain that falls from the sky even though I get all soggy...I am Thankful for my friends that stop by and all who love me...I am Thankful for the chance to make someone smile and that for a good cause I can go the extra mile.....I am Thankful for my God above who kindness He does show and for all the love He brings and the mercy that I know....I am Thankful for the stars above that shine down so bright and for the Angels that protect me through the night....I am Thankful for the chance to sing even if off key Because God believes what comes from my heart is as pretty as can be.....I am Thankful for all the ones that have fought to make me free from the past to the future and everything in between.....I guess you can say all these rambling things the whole entire point is I am Thankful for everything......Happy Thanksgiving.......

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

just a little something.....

I know I posted about this before but I really liked it....It is a section from my book Just my opinion and I really hope and pray it touches someone's  heart somewhere out there...... P.S. because it is copied and pasted it may look a bit off.....be prepared.

With this week of Thanksgiving I am reminded of what I have and that there are those who have nothing. What I have is not a lot but, there are some with so much less and even when I get frustrated I have to admit at least I have a roof over my head, and a blanket to sleep with, and food for my table so I can feed my kids....there was a time I would have been homeless but God provided in a very lesson learning way. I have always been taught that when we pray we need to be specific and the situation I was in I thought I was being very specific but, God with His ultimate sense of humor was teaching me a well needed lesson instead and boy it took me a while to actually get it.When we were looking at being homeless I prayed to God and said I want a home that has walls facing North, South, East and West and a roof that does not leak....what did I get??? just add wheels and you have it on the nose, a twenty nine foot travel trailer it had the four walls and the roof does not leak....I call it the dreaded dream home....I THOUGHT I was being specific and well God has taught me that I need to be more so....now when I pray for my home I want to buy I am adding as many details to it as I can, so that I can make sure that what I want in a home, is what God will provide. When I ask why? God asks Why Not? It is not my place to ask God why, it is my place to trust that He knows what He is doing and, that I really will be okay. Like I said God has a sense of humor we just do not always "get it" or appreciate it like He does. God uses lessons in our life to help us to focus on Him and the telling people about Him. We need to ask God what we can do for Him and NOT what He can do for us. His name is NOT DUFUR you know....sorry side joke I lived in a small town called Dufur once and the saying was do not ask what can you  Do For Dufur but what can Dufur do for you? Yes it is funny and many people laugh go on I can pause while you laugh your head off.....all right done now? good shall we continue? Great let's go....as I was saying I believe God enjoys a good laugh once in a while, you know how we laugh at our kids? well I am sure God laughs at us too we are such funny people you know......When my family was in the trailer just so we are clear it was four people one over six feet tall and two cats and every time we moved or sneezed we bumped into someone it was cramped. I was so unhappy there and I blamed God for it but, what I did not think of is this God provided a roof for my family and I needed to make the best of it and not the worst of it and I did the latter......So back to blaming God for my situation I just knew He was punishing me and well He was not....instead of being thankful, I was resentful. Instead of knowing God was in control I fought it I would get into Tug Of Wars with God and in the end I ALWAYS ended up in the mud, FACE FIRST trust me I should have had a great complexion with all of the facials I was getting...but instead of learning I was stubborn (still can not figure out where my daughter gets it from) and dug my heels in and fought it every step of the way I made the choice (look it is about choices again) to NOT let go and NOT let God and well.....we all know where I ended up now don't we? I am determined to be thankful for what I have because it could have NOTHING and even then I would hope that I could be thankful.....I look at Job and what he went through it took strength, and courage, and will to make it through all of that and he did it. Not once did he curse God even with his friends urging him to. He stood fast, I would like to say that one day I will have the strength of Job, so I can overcome the trials that get catapulted at me sometimes. I want to be able to stand tall and never waiver in my trust in God. One day I do not know when but, With God on my side I can do all things through Christ it will happen.  It may not be today or tomorrow but there will be a day when I will stand tall in the face of adversity and I will be confidant in knowing that God is right there beside me.....I am still learning I know God is with me but, sometimes still, human nature takes control and I have to fight it to let go. As we go through this week of Thanksgiving really think about it and I bet you will find so much to be thankful for today and everyday of the year.....you know side note I like what I said maybe I will post it in my blog for the day....but remember it is just my opinion.

That's my though for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Leaning on God...

Today I am feeling discombobulated and I am not sure why....I do feel like maybe I am coming down with something and that could explain it all. I am trying to pull myself out of this oh so not a good, feeling off, really want to go to sleep because I do not feel good mood I am in. It is NOT working, let me tell you I wish it were. I am reminded that it is times like these that I need to really lean on my Father God for support, healing and recombobulation. I need to get strength from Him so I can keep going so today I am asking for God's strength, grace, mercy and healing not only for me but for all of you too. Good Night Friends.

That's my though for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Memories....

I was at a Bazaar today, I did not do to well but I had lots of fun. I took my daughter with me and she was the belle of the ball, she had so many people just absolutely LOVE her. I met a lady today who has cancer I wanted to just hold her, she has so many different types of cancer it is only by the grace of God she is still here.  Not that having cancer and still being here when the outlook is not very good is the thing I like but, the fact she looked good she was up and walking and enjoying herself that, I think is what touched me the most. It made me realize that people no matter what, can be positive and have faith even when things look grim. Today was a joy even with the disappointment, I am thankful that I got to go and spend time with my daughter and my friend. It is the little things that make the best memories and it is the little memories that we need to cling to. It has been a long day and I am tired so, Hug your loved ones and cherish every moment you have with them.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Merry Christmas 37 days early!

I have come to the conclusion that I have come to a conclusion, I just have not figured it out yet, when I do I will let you know. With 37 days left until Christmas the excitement is mounting and I am seeing more and more decorations getting put up and the soft swirling's of the Christmas Spirit are showing up. My prayer list is longer this year for I added the ones that have not grasped what Christmas is all about to it. I recently got an email about Christmas and Easter and how it is all pagan and the jist was not to celebrate it and it went on to say  that with us worshiping other pagan gods, God was not answering our prayers anymore...I DO NOT worship any other god just the 1 true God. So to that I say I do not care about what people say about it because, I celebrate both because Jesus was born and died and rose again for me and everyone else on this planet. That is reason enough to celebrate, and  JESUS is the ONLY reason nothing else.  As for God not answering prayer my opinion on that is there are not enough people praying...God has provided for me when I needed Him to and I pray for others to have their needs met God answers all prayers but sometimes the answer is no....we have to accept that and realize that when God says no He has something else planned and we have to wait for Him. It makes me sad to see so much misery that someone would want to pass it on to another person just to try to make them miserable too. I send you a challenge today tell someone Merry Christmas and spread the Spirit around you just might make them smile. Merry Christmas everyone!!!

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Do I have to???

At my age I am pretty set in how I think and how I do things and when it comes to lessons in life I am not fond of having to go back to school come on I was done with High School 19 years ago who wants to go back? Ok being young did have its advantages but.... I will always be learning with God as my Teacher there will be lessons (much needed ones at times) I need to learn and at this time one of them is learning to let my kids learn,  and there are some choices they must make for themselves I can not do it all for them. As a mom it breaks my heart to see my kids hurting my mama bear complex just rears it's head and wants to come roaring out to protect them but, there are times I have to let go and let them learn and figure out what they are going to do. It is no fun I hate feeling helpless while my child is hurting but, if I keep protecting them from everything they will not learn for themselves how to do it...I know I must sound like a broken record....there are no parenting classes to prepare us for this, there is no breathing exercise to ease the discomfort of it so How do I just let it go? God has a way of saying shhhh it will be okay...remember I am holding them they are not alone. so as I just watch and pray and hurt for my children their Heavenly Father is walking, holding and catching them when they fall. My kids have the perfect Guardian so why do I still feel so helpless? because I am human, mom, lover of my kids, fierce protector that wants to make it all better all of the time and I can not do that because I would hinder them from growing....there comes a time where I have to let go. God knows, He is there, He will walk with them. My job now is to love them, pray for them and give guidance to them while they still live at home. This is preparing them for their life and I have to accept that one day my nest will be empty and that will come all to soon. awww the lessons we must learn so difficult yet so important.....I must be taught so I can teach....

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

When Life Gives You Lemons.....

When life gives you lemons there are a number of culinary delights you can make out of them. The lemon is sour and makes you pucker up so much it makes you see things at a different angle but, add a little sweetness to it that pucker can turn into the most pleasant of smiles. I have to say when we get pelted by lemons they can leave some nasty bruises and sometimes they will drag us down. I have had plenty of lemons thrown at me and I let them beat me up to the point that I saw no point in wanting to even try. When we reach that point in our lives it is hard to want to come back from it but, God has other plans for us and when we get pelted instead of taking it we need to yell FOOD FIGHT!!!! and start throwing it all back. satan will throw anything and everything he can at us, he will play every dirty trick in the book on us just to get us to give up. As a child of God I can not let that happen it took me a long time to see that but, now I give it all to God I try to anyway it has gotten easier to do. Do I still get down? Sure but, I do not stay down, not anymore. I LOVE to cook so when I get lemons I make something sweet out of them or at least I try to. God is the sweet that takes away the tart in our lives and with lemons come challenges, with challenges comes determination, with determination comes the strength to press forward and to let God take control of the cooking and when we let go of that spoon our Teacher will whip up our lemon into something quite tasty. Don't give up We face things everyday of our lives God is our lifeline when it seems we have none. The unknown is scary that is when trust comes into play God sees and knows all so when Life gives you lemons start cooking baby!!!

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Cup of Joe?

My kids drink coffee....yes I know I am nuts but, that has already been established so that is nothing new. Anyway my son being ADHD it calms him down my daughter being 9 it hypes her up but, hey that is the teachers problem now huh...I know that sounds rude but, how many times does the school pump the kids full of sugar and then SEND THEM HOME??? ok I know it is not nice but, coffee helps her get going in the morning and that is a huge help for me. We top our coffee with Frill (whip cream) and today both kids did a face plant in it and came up all white and extra sweet. It is the little things like this morning that bring pleasure to our world. I like the happy mornings when the kids cooperate and get up and do what they are supposed to do it starts the day out right. What about having the early morning cup of Joe with God? I am thinking that even though God probably does not drink coffee, He would REALLY love you to drink your's with Him. I do that, I will get up and grab my oh so needed cup, and fill it with my oh so wonderful eggnog, and top it with that light fluffy stuff and just breath it in then, I converse with God. It starts my day on the right foot and it helps me get my kids day started right too...a little Chat in the morning makes a huge difference for the day. I need this time with God to get things into perspective, clear my head and pray for my friends and family. I can tell a huge difference when I do not pray my day just is an epic Flop!!! SOOOO Tis the season for eggnog lattes and chats with our Father....PRAYER it does a body good!

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Please and Thank You

I read a status on FaceBook today and it said (the jist of it at least) it is not true that life keeps throwing one thing after another but, it is the same thing over and over. I replied I hear you there but, one thing I am figuring out is, if it is one thing over and over then there is a lesson God wants us to learn and, if I want to move forward I better learn it quick but, that is just my opinion. I feel that if we keep moving over the same ground and passing the same landmarks then maybe, we need to look at the situation and wear the knees out of our pants talking to God. We get going in our life and sometimes we forget about that chat with God we need to have on a daily basis. God will lead us where He wants us to go but, first we need to learn to read the road map a little better. When we are at "school" our Teacher wants us to pay attention and sometimes when we get distracted we get put into detention until we can listen. Our sinner nature likes to kick in and we find ourselves frustrated,  worried and heart broken and we try to deal with it on our own, instead of letting it go and letting God take over. With the Holidays rapidly approaching and we kick it into high gear and our focus is dragged to everything flowing around us do not forget to hold on to the hand of God so in those overwhelming, maddening, heartbreaking, stressful and chaotic moments you can be teachable, let God show you how to maneuver around the obstacles safely so you do not end up flat on your face. I can honestly say I have had some trying moments lately and sometimes I just want to throw in the towel and give up but, I remind myself that if I did that satan would win and I do not want that to happen. I can not promise you it will be easy life never is but, I will say you can find peace in God and His embrace if you will just let go and let God catch you. I have said before God is our safety net He will never fail us even when humans do. I understand that trusting God is something our sinner nature has a hard time with but, if you can allow your heart to really trust, God can minister to you and His touch is overwhelmingly beautiful. My heart breaks for those who are hurting and I wish I could take the pain away I find that I can not but, God can, I am finding that out for myself and it has taken a really lone time. I am eternally thankful for the pure simple fact that God wants to help us all we have to do is ask. If it were not for that juicy little tidbit I would be hopelessly lost. The Bible says in Matthew 7 ASK and it WILL be given, SEEK and you WILL find KNOCK and the door WILL be opened (paraphrasing here) now I do not believe God will say yes to everything because, He has a will for our lives and if what we are asking is not in the blueprints for our life then God will say no but, I firmly believe He will say yes to resolution of problems, taking away fear and bringing peace to our hearts. Just remember when asking for something to say Please and Thank You.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

What can I give?

I found out today that the local station that plays Christmas Music 24/7 starting in November started and I am so incredibly happy about that. Some are dreading it and saying get past Thanksgiving first but, what better way to start the Holidays than with Christmas music? To let people know hey we are here what are we going to give this year?That is a question I hope a lot of people ask themselves....What can I give? instead of what am I going to get? On Friday my kids and I did operation give a flower and the residents LOVED it. the look of pure joy as they were waiting for their lunches when we handed them a flower was the coolest thing in the entire day, even the men liked the flowers. I hope as we do this every month my kids will see what giving is like and maybe they will see what they can give instead of asking what am I going to get? yes short and sweet but,

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Need prayer? Just ask and I will pray!

I am feeling tired and I do not wish to continue but, press on I must to get through this time. God is by my side He knows what is happening He will continue to walk beside me. I am on a road and the destination is unknown I have some fear of the uncertain yet, I push on. I know that this trial will pass and I once again will feel like myself but, as of now I am relying totally on my Savior, my King, my Lord, My God. I will persevere and I am determined satan will not win. Though I walk through this valley I will fear no evil because God is with me, carrying me. I know my trial is not the same as others but, it is real and big to me, I am thankful for my friends and family who pray and love me. What ever you are going through bring it to God, bring it to me and I too will pray. For God has not given us the spirit of fear, or of hardship or of hard times but, He gives us power and love to overcome. satan comes to steal to kill and to destroy do not let him win. My friends nothing is to big for God so whether it is a physical thing like mine, or financial, or with a friend or family member remember this, God wants you to come to Him. I give thanks to God, and He shall provide for all of our needs. Let someone pray for you the power of prayer is a mighty thing and I want to pray for you.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

In God We Trust!

Today is a day to say Thank You to all of our past present and future Veterans. Without them we would not have our freedom. I see the saying our freedom is not free that is so very true. As we go Our One Nation under God is becoming divided and we are not all under God anymore. It saddens me to see the violence, gangs the prejudices surrounding our country. I think Our founding Fathers never imagined that this would happen. What happened to America?  We need to stand United and strong knowing God is in our land otherwise Our Veterans fought and are fighting for nothing. No one likes war but, war happens, not everyone will like who is leading our Country so pray for them but, we are FREE because of the men and women that represent us as a nation the ones that are giving their lives the ultimate sacrifice for us. I challenge you to take a moment and say Thank You, say a prayer and keep believing In God We Trust!

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Lessons Learned

All my hard work is gone...My daughter, thinking she was helping with my story deleted it. I write a lot of times without knowing what I am writing until I am done. I can not recover my story, I am so disappointed but, I understand accidents happen, getting angry will not bring it back. I guess I can try again and maybe I will but, for the contest I am not sure if reaching 50,000 will happen. I realize that disappointments happen in life and how we handle them makes a huge difference. God does not always give us the answer we are looking for and in this case my daughter found that out. She prayed I would not find out but, I did, she was so upset I just wanted to hug her and tell it is ok. God gives us lessons in our life and in this case there is one for the both of us. I learned that getting angry will not bring it back and probably make her feel worse than she already does. The lesson I think she learned in this is God will answer prayer just not always how we want. Two very valuable lessons learned. I pray it is lessons that we will not have to relearn. Yes I could have gotten incredibly angry, rightfully so (my opinion here) but, I did not. I hope she learned that God is always there even if the answer is no. I have to say in the past I would have lost my temper and yelled to get my frustration out but, the end result would have been disastrous and that is not what I want. So I get it...I will write the book maybe not for NANOWRIMO but, it will be written and, by the grace of God it will be better then before. I love my daughter she does things that drive me crazy but, most of the time her heart is in the right place and that is all I can ask for.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Welcome to the family

During this month of Thanksgiving I am finding myself reflecting on a lot of things but, one in particular stands out among the others. In the last 20 months so much has happened in my life that has affected a lot of things. When I was in my car accident in March last year and I was injured my entire world as I knew it changed. I am undecided as to whether it is for the good or...not. I had a lot of people tell me I was faking my injuries and my hubby was one of them (let me tell you that hurt) I have to say they do not know me very well at all do they? I was getting treatments, I had to see an IME (independent medical examiner), get an MRI and by the way I am totally claustrophobic so, I had to be given a Valium, and that my friends made me higher than a kite all day long. But, it got me through the MRI oh ya and Christmas music did too, my PIP stopped paying for treatment but, there is still money that could have been paid out so now, I have medical bills in collections because I do not have the money to pay them. I had to get Physical Therapy (which DID NOT work) and stop getting treated at the end of January of this year. I have been in a lot of pain since then. In February I was officially unemployed because I am not allowed to lift more than 15 pounds, a job that I have had almost 8 years and it is gone. Let's not forget that I almost bled to death from an injection I got because I was told I needed to. After all of that I am still going now, I have been told I have RA and I have hives that are driving me NUTS....God has a plan in all of this, I have yet to see it but, I trust He does. There are lessons to be learned and I am not going to let this get to me. I am REFUSING to let satan win this. I guess my whole point is this, no matter what comes our way God is our shield always. I could have had a much worse accident, I could have more bills piling up and I could even after all the tests still have people say I am faking it. I want to say that it would not matter to me at all but, I am not sure I can say that I am human after all. What has changed? I have, and only by the grace of God. I have said in the past I am not Job, I am not strong enough, but, I don't have to be. God is my strength and He will carry me when I can not go on,. God is there for you, He LOVES you so much in fact He sent Jesus to die for you so you can live, He WANTS you. It does not matter what you have done, or where you are in your life right now. He only cares about you coming to His loving arms, and letting Him forgive you, and love you, and give you the strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Will you come to Him now? Will you let Him hold your hand? Will you allow God to give you peace? Then please pray this prayer with me. Father God, I am coming humbly to you, Please forgive me of my sins, come into my heart, fill my life with you, help me to walk with you Thank you for sending your son to die for me so that I might live, in Jesus name AMEN....Welcome to the family of God.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Allergic to sin....

I am allergic to something and I am not sure what it is. I broke out in some pretty annoying hives yesterday and I am pumping my body with antihistamines to see if it will help. It does to a point I was able to sleep last night but, this morning they seem to be popping back up and bothering me again. If they don't get better I will be going to the Dr.... To figure out what is causing it will be a difficult task and I may not ever figure it out. Sin is like hives.....when we sin it bugs us, annoys us and makes what we did very much present in our minds where we can not seem to shake it....(at least it should but, just my opinion here). It nags at us, it makes itself known and may even drive us crazy the only way to get rid of it, is confessing our sin and asking for forgiveness for that sin. Otherwise, like the hives you will scratch at it trying to make it feel better and it will only get worse. There is no pill you can take to cure your conscience, or salve that can be put on it to relieve the symptoms of sin. Sin will spread and bug us until we are either numb to it, (and that is just sad) or it drives us to our knees begging God to forgive us. If we become numb to sin then, we are out of touch with God and, unless we turn around and climb back up that mountain out of the pit we are in, chances are we wont until we do not have a thread of rope to hang on to. We make choices, we can choose to climb or, we can let go and fall.....I want to climb I like knowing I am allergic to sin....we try to stay away from things we are allergic to....I know I do anyway, what about you?

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Do you drag your feet?

The smell of coffee is drifting in the air, the sounds of it finishing brewing is such a sweet sound. The first cup of coffee so warm and smooth just waiting to be swallowed and savored, there is nothing quite like it. Closing your eyes as you first sip it and enjoying the warmth as it coats your throat, embracing the quiet of the morning and.....then it is time to get the kids up......and the circus begins. The words every kid hates to hear "It's time to get up" and we push them and push them, they give a little attitude and finally drag themselves out of their warm cozy cocoons only, to keep dragging the appendages attached to their legs. By the time they are out the door you are well on your way to going gray or bald or BOTH.....it has struck me that with God we are a lot like our kids. He wants us to do something and we drag our feet, groan about it, complain and throw some attitude around. Unlike us God keeps His cool and "getting us out the door" may tend to be a task in it self but, God has infinite patience and He don't lose His cool. God gets what He wants and He does not take no for an answer. One difference is world war 3 never happens when God says it is time to get up, we only think it does because we are the ones dragging our feet. I do not want to drag my feet I want to jump in with both feet and say here I am God send me! Wherever He sends me I will go I may not want to but, when my Father speaks I want to listen. Do you?


That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

So no worries then?

I have been in a really bad mood....yes I said bad, I am thinking the disappointment of not getting the job I applied for had a hand in it. I also believe that satan had his hand in my crankiness and, I DON"T like that!!! This morning I prayed and asked God to help me to get out of this funk I am in. My kids felt my mood and it is not fair of me to be cranky towards them. The thing I keep telling myself and I know it to be true is, God will provide He always does. I am feeling better now and I am prayerfully hoping that I can be myself with my family today. As I ponder what lies ahead for my life and I wonder which direction God will send me, I will continue living, loving, laughing and praying for those around me and far away. Philippians 4:19 says And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (NKJ) God knows.....it is not my place to worry so I am determined not to. Christmas is 49 days away and I am so very excited, I have a bazaar coming up that I am looking forward to. God is great even when life aint good.....but, even with all the trials and problems that arise, life is always good when we have God and, I am forever thankful for that.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Hmmm The moods I am in....

I am writing a book for NANOWRIMO and it is slightly on the difficult side I am on chapter 1 and it is called oh the moods I am in and I am talking about the different moods we can experience and how they are contagious and how they can come so fast you won't know what hit you kinda like the swine flu a couple of years ago. I am going through some of the different types of moods and it has been an interesting experience to actually write about the things I have gone through and letting me out.....I have to say God has done a lot in me and I am seeing myself and the world around me in a whole new light it is kind of cool. God will always be working on me and for that I am forever thankful I am not a lost cause, the fact is no one is. No matter what we see God sees something entirely different in us. To God I am worth it and that is all that should matter but, our sinner nature shows up and we want to be worth it to the worlds standards and frankly the worlds standards are not worth it to me I want to try to live up to Gods standards which are so much higher then the worlds and so much better. In God I trust, He is the one I need to live for, His opinion is the only one that should matter yes we want to impress I know I do...every time I make a cheesecake I want it to be perfect I WANT people to like them and yes to like me....I know I am good at what I do I want to make people happy I want people to say good job but, honestly I should not want it at all but, it makes me feel good. I guess feeling good is not such an awful thing as long as I keep God as the number one in all things. God will not let me down, people will maybe not intentionally but, they will.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

A little of this and a little of that.....but just a little

I started a contest, did you know that November is National Novel Writing Month? NANOWRIMO  is a contest for those someday I will write a book writers....I have done it a few times and actually "won". 50.000 words in 30 days quite the accomplishment the prize? Knowing you finished the contest and either have a completed book or an almost completed book. I Love to write and I started my book so we shall see where it goes from there. I am praying for the hand of God to guide me in all of my writings. I am thankful that God is a a merciful God and full of grace so He can show me those things, so I can turn around and show them to my family...AKA my kids. Everyday I am in awe of what God does for us from the little things to the HUGE. This year I want to give back, I want to help someone or give something and hopefully make the Holidays better. Operation give a flower is coming next Friday, I am excited for it my kids seem to love talking to the people and making them smile. It says in 2 Corinthians that God loves a cheerful giver, this month and next giving is what I am going to try and do. I know this is short and sweet and all over the place but I ask that you be thankful and give it does a heart good.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Love....do you have it?

Today I am thankful that God controls my life, He knows my future, He knows what is around the bend that I can not see. Why worry about the unknown? Worry is letting God know you are not quite ready to trust Him (just my opinion). As I ponder that and drink my peppermint mocha flavored coffee I am wondering what to write again and, Love pops into my mind. There are different kinds of love but, one particular type jumps up and waves its letters and yells PICK ME!!!! So I am. My daughter has been having a hard time at school. There is the new girl who asked her to be friends and K really does not want to. I told her that God wants us to love everyone even if we do not want to. Philia Love~is the kind of love which makes us wish to support others in their good or bad (yes I know I said bad) times. My understanding is this is friendship love or brotherly love.Ok ok I know I said 1 but, another love pops also and I can not resist it, I have to talk about it too. Agape Love~ is unconditional love, I believe this is the love we should strive to have for others because God loves us unconditionally but, I understand it can be hard to achieve this kind of love, especially with so much hate in the world today (again just my opinion). So what kind of love do I teach K and my son H to have? Well I am thinking both should be taught but, they will be the ones to choose. For now I think I will teach the Philia Love or (my word for it) Friendship Love. In 1 John 4: 7-8 it says Beloved, let us love on another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (NKJ) So if God is love, then we must have love for others it seems clear to me, in order to truly be in God we must love and sometimes that is just so hard to do.....sinner nature rearing its (dare I say ugly?) head. It is a commandment though in John 13: 34-35 it says A new COMMANDMENT I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (NKJ) As a parent it is my job to teach my kids what they need to know with the help of God and I believe this is an important lesson to learn. All of the hate and violence in the world that surrounds us tends to overrule any love out there. I have to look at myself and ask Do I love? How can I teach my kids to love if I do not love myself? I issue a love challenge to you go out into your world (that is where you live or work) and find someone to love whether it is Agape or Philia your choice.. Love is a choice no one can force us to love, even in our marriages or in our families we have to choose to love even when we do not feel it. So I must look at myself and fix in me the way I love so I can teach my kids to love, as for K we will keep praying for the new girl and hopefully prayerfully achieve love for her too.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

God is the same Yesterday, Today and FOREVER!

As I start today I am remembering my cousin, she was my best friend and only a year older then me. She passed away 5 years ago today. I am saddened because I miss her but, I am rejoicing because she is dancing with the Angels. I will always remember her in my heart.

The Christmas lights are coming nicely I got my candy cane lights up yesterday and today we do the porch I am loving it oh so much. This morning it is below freezing and we will be walking to school in it. I love my walks on a crisp clear mornings they always make me feel alive when I am done. Christ is like that too, when we accept Him into our hearts The feeling of being alive is all to real and it sends tingles all through me. when I am worshiping I feel like God is hugging me and that is the best feeling in the world. God is always there He will carry us through hard times, especially when we think we can not go on. There are so many things in this world that change nothing of this world is guaranteed BUT, (and yes that is a BIG one) God ALWAYS STAYS THE SAME He will never change. God is the 1 constant we can count on and I am truly grateful for that. Hebrews 13:8 says Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and FOREVER. (NKJ). as we go through life and changes are swirling around us remember our solid rock and hold on to Him for your life.

That's my thoughts for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Month of Thanksgiving....

As we enter November the month of Thanksgiving Let us remember the weary and down trodden and hold them up in prayer like Colossians 4:2 says Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful (NIV). I am Thankful for the blessings God has given to me and my family I challenge you to be thankful for something everyday in November and see how you feel at the end of it. In Psalm 100:4 it says Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; Give thanks to Him and praise His name. (NIV) When we come with a thankful heart we can see the work of God's hand more clearly (just my opinion) and appreciate what we see. It saddens me to see homeless families, lonely people and angry people, they need someone to love them enough to show them God. I want my life to reflect what what Colossians 3:15-16 says.....Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. (NIV) Being thankful is something we do willingly and from our hearts if we do not have a willing heart then we do not have a thankful heart (just my opinion again). I find life in general more pleasant when I have my heart in the right place...sure I have times when I am not real happy, especially when it seems like one bad thing after another is rolling in like relentless waves but, keeping my eyes on God and thanking Him for what is going right (what my idea of right is anyway) I have found myself at peace. Give thanks with a grateful heart everyday and pray for those around and see what God has in store.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

What a day...

Today I lit my lights...I also volunteered at my daughters school dressed as a cheer leading reindeer....it was so fun and it embarrassed her so much. All in all it has been a good day. I am a little cranky tonight because I am tired but, I realize that God is good and there is no reason to feel that way. I also got something in the mail that was unexpected and it made me incredibly happy. I must say God blesses us when we least expect it and I am truly thankful. I am tired and this is short but one last thought for now Thank God for the little things and find beauty in all things and when God chooses to bless you it will bring such amazing joy it is indescribable.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Be thankful....a tad early!

Today I am so happy to tell you that my children got baptized. I have to say that when I got baptized it was an amazing experience but, to watch my kids get baptized was truly moving. I wanted to cry tears of Joy but, I held them back. Today was altogether a blessed day full of love, joy, and God, with a serving of attitude and a side of arguments. I did get the lights put on my house today and I light them tomorrow, I am so excited to light my lights for the first time of the year. I am lighting them tomorrow because halloween is a day that I consider to be of the devil and I want to SHINE Jesus. As we wind down the weekend and we approach November I want to challenge everyone to find one thing to be thankful for everyday of November. I heard about this from a friend and I decided to try it. I believe, if you are thankful for something everyday you will see things in a new light. Psalm 28:7 says The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song. Give thanks to God when things are going good and especially when they are not, maybe just maybe you will find yourself with a happier heart. I will start 2 days early I am thankful that God has enough confidence in me to raise my kids, hopefully the way He wants me too and, that I have the strength to follow through on consequences when they are needed....I hope! I find myself second guessing myself and wondering if I am doing this or that right and, I think at times that I am the WORST mom EVER!!! I have looked up some verses in the Bible and in Deuteronomy it talks about if your child is rebellious and does bad things they stoned them (paraphrasing here A LOT) but, in Psalms 127 it says that children are gifts from God, they are I fully agree but, they can so totally be a handful as well. it says in Proverbs 29:15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. I find myself sighing and wondering why God chose me for this task? Then I am reminded at how much joy I get from my kids, frustrating times and all. I would never trade them for anything so I take a big breath and let it all out I give them to God and we continue our journey through life. I am also thankful for the best parenting handbook  EVER written.

That's my thoughts for the day,


Crazy for Christmas

Actions and Consequences...

Today was a busy day I got up and cleaned up the house and then went to get my mom to come visit and be at my kids baptism tomorrow. We were going to the pumpkin patch but, alas my very strong willed and very opinionated daughter got in trouble and I cancelled it.....for both of them. Yes I know I am a mean mom but actions have consequences and so I had to give a punishment to her. As believers we need to realize every action we do has a consequence and it can be good or not so good.....if we have a problem with someone, we need to go to that person and talk to them if we don't then the only one getting hurt is us because we let it eat at us. That is the consequence of avoiding something that could be healed. if we lie even small ones there are consequences and it is breaking the 9th commandment. There is a record of all our actions good and....you get the picture but, the good thing about some records is...they can be erased.  Jesus paid for all of those actions on the cross and we have been forgiven all we have to do is ask. I have forgiven my daughter but, she still has to learn now that how she acts can and will get her into trouble. I pray that the lessons I teach my kids now they will carry with them...(at least the good ones). I know this is short and sweet but, it is all I have to say today I am excited about tomorrow.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Giving...NOT...Getting!

The chill in the air is a crisp reminder that winter is indeed coming, there are 2 days left until I get my Christmas lights put up and, I am very excited about that one. The time of Thankfulness, Joy and Reflection will soon be upon us, with those times there will be sadness, loneliness and frustration. So many people from the needy to the not so needy experience the last three of that list. It breaks my heart that so many view the Holidays with dread for what ever reason. We should be celebrating not crying, Jesus was not sent to Earth to bring sadness, He was sent to bring Joy, Love, Kindness, Peace....LIFE. My goal is to try and show at least one person the Joy of the season, the reason we have it and why I live it year round, with the hope of helping them see Christ. The gift of giving does not have to be extravagant, to see someones face light up with one kind gesture is beautiful. The other day there was a brother and sister in the grocery store, he was looking at squash when I walked in and asked me what they were so I told him. We got behind them at the checkout and I asked what are you doing with the squash? He said my mom is sick and I want to make her squash soup.....the cashier said that will be $1.51 the look on his face was pure devastation, he said it says .39 cents....the cashier said that is per pound. The boy hung his head and walked away my heart went out to him and his sister, I told the cashier I will get it. The cashier looked so surprised and a look of Joy came over his face, almost like he thought WOW there are good people in the world...He smiled really big and said here, you give it to them. I took the bag and handed it to the kids digging for more money I said here you go. The boy looked at the cashier (I think for approval) and he smiled the most wonderful smile, the most grateful smile and his sister was speechless. Both kids looked like it was Christmas morning and they got their mom the best gift ever. They both said thank you and left the store. My daughter then took her change and found the can that is out for a little boy who needs a new heart, she smiled at me when she dropped the money in the can. When I was driving away we saw them again, they were waving wildly and smiling and saying Thank You. That my friends, is what it should be about everyday, giving what you can either of yourself or, if you can, help someone at the store. The Holidays should be a happy time not because of what we get but, because of what we give.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Moving slow feeling spiritually sluggish? Try God!!!

I am not functioning properly this morning, I took a muscle relaxer last night that the Dr. prescribed and I do not like how drugged I feel now. I am moving very slow and my mind feels sluggish so don't even try to think about thinking. Sin is like that, when we sin we should as believers "feel" it. It should make us feel bad and spiritually sluggish (just my opinion) we should not like how sin makes us feel. I know some may say well that is not that bad...or they have sinned far worse than I have....sin IS sin big or small it is all the same in Romans 3:23 it says for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (NKJ) It does not say some have sinned it says ALL have sinned. Isaiah 64:6 says But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away. (NKJ) I am a sinner saved by Grace.....it is simple as that. I am thankful to God that He has grace, mercy, love, compassion, forgiveness for what we do and understanding, with out all of that, we would feel like we are fully drugged up all of the time with the worst possible drug there is (just my opinion...again). With God we are FREE and that is a wonderful feeling.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

The best of me is you.....

I got some news yesterday that has shaken me down to my core. I wanted to run and hide but, I had to go volunteer at the High School and I deliberately missed my Bible study last night. I did not sleep well, I was awake by 4:00 this morning, fortunately there were no floating glow sticks to discombobulate me further (like yesterday wow). I got some lab results back and it looks like I have RA or they think I do. I am only 37 I asked my husband I am not middle age am I? He just laughed....I guess I am. The thing is even though I am tempted to cry....I feel peace seems a little strange to me but, I have to say (again) through all of the things that have been happening I have not freaked out like I have in the past. All I have to say about that is THANK YOU GOD!!! Psalm 34:1-4 says... I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall be continually in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from my fears. (NKJ)  I have friends that are praying for me and, God is good He will see me through this time. In the mean time I have decided to try and stay positive learn what I can and see what can be done naturally (some of the meds have some very ugly side effects). I have noticed that when I started this blog things have been coming at me, (Murphys law in full force) and I am thinking the devil (I do not give him respect therefore I do not capitalize any part of his name) is not happy with me. I am standing here right now and I am shouting from the roof tops...(actually I am typing quietly but, I want to shout) satan YOU LOSE!!!!!! I will not let this get me down and I will not blame God and, I will do as Psalm 46:10 says Be still, and know that I AM GOD; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. (NKJ) Yes sometimes I feel like I am falling apart but, this time I am not going to let anything get the best of me, that's all for God because, the best of me is God!

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Do you make promises? Do you keep them?

I dreamed of carrots and adopting kids, I was woke up again by a cat meowing and I believe I was praying for my friends and family before I was fully conscience what a night. My kids love doing devotions before bed, it is something we just started. Last nights was about making a vow to do something and following through with it. The story was about a missionary coming and talking to a class, the missionary asked can you give up one pop or candy bar a week, and give that money to help others?  Some of the kids said yes. Three of the boys were playing on a hot day and decided to get a pop. One boy said we can't, we promised to give one up and I have not done it yet. The other two said we will give up two next week and bought one. The boy was upset but he kept his promise. Promises are made to be broken....NOT!!!! If we can not keep a promise we should not make it. God keeps His promises to us, if we make a promise to someone and break it what is that telling them? In my opinion it is sending the message if you a believer is breaking your promise, what will God do? I do not want to send that message out to people so if I can not guarantee I can keep a promise I DON'T make them. it says in Numbers 30:2 If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. (NKJ) it says in Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? (NKJ) What God says He does it is that simple, So my question is this if God keeps all of His promises shouldn't we? If we are to represent God here on Earth then, shouldn't we truly represent Him? I know that I have made promises that I could not keep and, it made me feel bad especially when it comes to my kids. If we say we will pray for someone, we need to do it, if we say to someone we will help them, we need to do it. One broken promise is to many God Does what He says, I believe He expects us to do the same. How can people trust us when we tell them about God if we make a promise and do not follow through? I challenge you today review what you say, if you are not sure you can keep your word do not give it, the hurt it can cause is so not worth it!

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Thy will.....not mine.

This morning I woke up to a cats meow and instrumental Christmas music drifting from my daughters room, one was pleasant and the other....I have to admit I tried to ignore it but, I was not able to the poor pitiful kitty saying please wake up I want you to pay attention to me....How often can we say that we "meow" at God especially when we do not see things going the way we think they should. We want attention for various reasons and like the kitty we keep at it, God (just my opinion) will let us keep at it until we can fully let go of the situation and let Him have it. The longer we go the more frustrated we become, the more angry and depressed we get until, we have successfully made our lives a HUGE mess. Jesus even did not want to bear what God wanted but, He did...Matthew 26:39 says He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will". (NKJ) Jesus had a "human" moment but, it was just a moment, at this time Jesus did not have the "sinner" nature. That came when He was on the cross, when Jesus uttered the words "it is finished" is when we had the chance for ultimate forgiveness because, Jesus took our sin and shame and bore it for us. It is NOT our will but, Gods that we should desire. Paul was talking in 2 Corinthians 12 about a thorn in his flesh and begging God to remove it three times and God said NO!!! 2 Corinthians 12:9 says And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. (NKJ) Paul then goes on to say he will gladly take the infirmities and everything that comes with it for Christ because in  weakness is strength....(I paraphrased quite a bit).  I am NOT perfect I do not want to be, that would be a responsibility I could not handle but, I am learning with things in my life that God will get His way in everything. It is just up to me on how long it takes to happen.....The more we fight it the longer it takes if we surrender ourselves to God and let Him pilot our life there will be less turbulation. Buckle up Ladies and Gentlemen with God at the wheel it should be an interesting ride.......Can you say "not MY will but, Your will be done?

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

I AM A SINNER!!!!!

I AM A SINNER..........I mess up, I make mistakes, I do not always make the right choice, and yes I sometimes do things I KNOW is wrong. My Pastor said this morning when we are born we are born into a town called sin and there is only 1 way in and 1 way out......Just turn around (Paraphrased this a tad bit). The simple fact is we sin, yes I said WE...it is what we do about this problem that will determine if we see our Maker for eternity or just a brief moment to hear our sentence. I will not sugar coat it for you.....you either do as the Bible says or you don't. 1 John 1:8-10 says If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we CONFESS our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. (NKJ) All we have to do is confess and ask God for forgiveness, we need to allow God into our life so He may work in us to work through us. Some may say I have messed up to bad there is NO forgiving me, or I do not deserve to be forgiven. Let me tell you what God chooses who is to be forgiven and He wants to forgive you. Mark Lowry explained it very well to someone once who said the same thing, He asked this person if he had gotten another man's wife pregnant and then murdered her husband to cover it up??? the man said no....so I ask you, have you done that? Well King David did and God said he was a man after His own heart. God can and will use ANYONE to minister to others, He loves us so much. God gave a special gift to us His son to die for our sins, Jesus paid the price so we do not have to. John 3:16 says For God so loved the world that He gave His ONLY begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not parish but have everlasting life. (NKJ) Today is the day to start God Loves you and, He is waiting to welcome you into His loving arms. Will you ask Him into your heart and let Him forgive you? Maybe you can not forgive yourself for something, letting God forgive you may help you to forgive yourself...........

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Night before Christmas anyone?? My way....

I Love Mark Lowry's "Pipers Night Before Christmas" I have tried a time or two to write a clever poem about the night before Christmas but, I was not ever happy with how it sounded so I tossed them out. I am gonna try again......My version of what happened the night before Christmas.....

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the Country every creature was stirring including the donkey. Mary was sitting upon the poor donkeys back really wanting down so she could take a nap.

The baby was kicking and stirring inside her saying mommy it is almost time for me to arrive here. The town was ahead the end was in sight Mary started to relax and not be so uptight.

They got all checked in the deed was done the taxes are settled and those are no fun. Time to go find a place to rest only to hear we have no beds.

But, my wife is with child what can we do?? I am sorry sir we just have NO ROOM. Inn after Inn they were told the same thing  Joseph was weary and Mary was too.

Joseph helped her down as Mary said, I am so tired this can not be right, we have been looking for a room all night. The last Inn keeper over heard her and had to say, I may have SOMEWHERE you can stay...

It is not a room I am sorry to say but, I will let you sleep in my stable with clean hay. We will take it!!! how much do I pay? There is no charge for you this day.

They got settled in with the blankets and hay Mary wanted to rest it had been a long day. Rest she would not get...for the baby decided it is time for Him to come, with the old day behind them and the new one just begun.

In a field not so far away were Shepherds and sheep saying Good Night to the day, they had watched the line of people going towards town and they were so happy they were not around but, their happiness was about to be turned upside down.

For right in front of them in a very bright light  stood a whole bunch of Angels what a beautiful sight...They sang for unto you is born this day a baby lying in a manger filled with hay.

Go to the town all filled with people, go find the King it should be simple. Follow the star that is shining so bright it will be your guiding light. So to the town they went not quite in dismay to find the king that was born on this day.

When they arrived what a Glorious thing to see they could not help but go down on bended knee A King was before them so tiny and small yet, He was to be the Greatest King of them all. They Bowed and worshiped and visited all night the King that was born to save all of our lives.

That my friends is what happened on the night before CHRISTmas.....

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

God vs Culture.....

My kids told me yesterday as we were driving that the air smells like Christmas. Did you know the air can smell like Christmas? Well I have news for you IT DOES!!!!!! According to my kids anyway....I love how kids think sometimes. So now, the air smells like Christmas and, my house has for a while, I guess it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and smell like it too....There are 65 days until the Greatest Birthday EVER!!!!!

I was wondering what to write (like that is new) and now I know, I saw a picture on FaceBook and it was making fun of a culture so, me being naive like I am said, if it is making fun of something that is important to that group of people, how can we lead them to Jesus? I was then told (by people who are of that culture)  that I have to understand the culture to understand the "joke" for lack of a better way to say it. So I am ok with that, I can laugh at myself I am a quirky kind of person....I celebrate Christmas ALL YEAR and I have been called nuts, insane, crazy, you name it I have been called it. I am ok with that too because, I am ok with me (for the most part). I was also told that there must be something in my culture that I laugh at and I am not sure there is. As Beth Moore says we live in a Babylon culture we need to learn to be culturally relevant with out being spiritually irrelevant. Our lives are surrounded by an all about me, I don't care about you culture, I find nothing funny with that. In Philippians 2:3-4 says Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (NKJ) I can tell you in this dog eat dog world there are not many that do this. Romans 12:2 says And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (NKJ) it goes on to talk about abhorring evil and clinging to what is good (Paraphrasing here). God does not want us to enjoy the bad things that seem to tempt so many, He wants us to stay away from them. My question is this...then why do so many people cling to evil and abhor good? Why do people get a rush from doing bad things? Because satan is urging them on and making it ok when it is not. I think that if God had not promised to never flood the earth like He did when Noah was around, we may have had to build another Ark or two or..... Culture is culture and God is God I may not understand one and I am learning the other. What some believers may find funny I choose not to, that does not mean they are wrong to laugh, it just means they are culturally relevant without being Spiritually irrelevant and that is way cool.....

That's my though for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

It's God's opinion that counts not the worlds....

My day started late so therefore it makes my whole morning late but, that is ok it has given me time to adjust my thoughts and attempt to get them in order and somewhat organized. We all know I am not the most organized person in most cases...give me a fund raiser or a project to do and I am all over it. As I sit here and sip my oh so good and needed cup of coffee listening to Christmas music I am pondering the events of yesterday and what I need to do today. On my list of things for today is the usual chores and making a new flavor of cheesecake for the men's dinner at Church tonight and try to figure out dinner for the family all at the same time. All that I am putting on the back burner for now to bring up what happened yesterday to my little girl at school. I pick my daughter up at school almost everyday she is almost 10 and in 4th grade she likes school for the most part but, like every girl at that age she has issues with friends and now she is becoming more aware of how she looks I am thinking she is 9 going on 16 at times. Both of my kids have what I guess people call buck teeth and will need braces (and only with God's provision will they get them). Yesterday My daughter (I will call her K) K was in music and, a girl was singing off pitch and when they got back to class K mentioned to the other girl that she was singing a bit high on one of the songs. The girl turned around and said at least my teeth don't stick out when I sing....K said it is not my fault my teeth stick out...the answer K got was "yes it is". It devastated her she was crying when she came up to me and covering her mouth and saying I want braces NOW!!! I have to say the mommy in me was fuming and saying YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL and I don't like stupid people but, the Jesus in me told her that we need to forgive mean people and love them because that is what God wants us to do. This morning I looked up some scriptures that I am going to show her this afternoon and hopefully help her see what God says about it and help her feel better....I have to say I LOVE my FaceBook friends they were so supportive and kind and that helped her feel better too. It says in Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (NKJ) As believers we need to watch what we do and say because even something we may think is innocent may not be seen that way by others. We need to hold ourselves to higher standards then the world has. In Colossians 3:12-13 it says Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you must also do.(NKJ)  We must forgive because God says so plain and simple whether we want to or not. It says in Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." (NKJ) I am thinking it means DON'T keep track God always forgives us so we should always forgive others....(just my opinion). I know that I have covered some of this before but, I can not stress enough how important it is to grasp this. How we live will teach our kids to live, if we want revenge then that is what our kids will see and learn. In this other girls case she is the "new" kid in class and I told K maybe she is unsure of herself and just wants people to like her, or maybe she was made fun of herself at her last school. I will pray for this girl and K and maybe a new friendship will form and that would be really cool....God has His ways of working on and through us I pray I can teach my kids that in everything there are ways to minister to others. I told my daughter this morning that she was beautiful and that God made her in His image and He does not make mistakes...the final thought is this we should see ourselves how God sees us not how the world sees us.

That's my though for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Defeat your Goliath....

David must have been scrawny.....the youngest of  eight sons and only the three eldest went to war....Goliath now he was a BIG man if my calculations are right TEN feet tall (or more)  for an average person that in it self is intimidating but, to have more then one Goliath? That is down right scary. We encounter goliath's in our lives everyday, it can be scary when we come across them because, they can seem so much bigger and stronger then us. David had a courage that no one else had, he had a strength that again no one else had yet, he was mocked and his brother got angry with him...his own brother that must have been hurtful and frustrating for David. Now fast forward to our time....I can think of several times in my life where I had to face goliath, and my goliath's were bigger badder and meaner and,  in some cases my goliath's won. I know goliath won because my trust in God my Father was not there, my faith had wavered and I was weary. If we keep God in our court like David did then, God who is much bigger then a ten foot giant will give us the upper hand. 1 Samuel 17:45-47 says Then David said to the Philistine, You come to me with sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in THE NAME OF THE LORD OF HOSTS, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God of Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that The Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's and He will give you into our hands. (NKJ) So no matter what battle you are fighting or what war is raging around you, hold on to the courage like David did to face what is plaguing you and to show the strength that David had to stand up and tell your goliath that you come in the name of the LORD of hosts. Ephesians 6:12 says For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (NKJ)  We can face our goliath's because we have someone bigger, stronger, more powerful then any goliath we will ever face and in God we can stand tall and confidant that even if we may lose some battles with God we will win the war.

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Distractions Distractions......

My mind is blank today.....sometimes I wake up with words running rampant in my head and other times I have to start out like I did today and the words come. Today I am not so sure what will happen I have so many distractions swirling around it makes it kind of hard to concentrate. Distractions...they take away from the important things in life and we tend to think (at least I do) oh, I forgot that!!! Oh well I will get to it later and it NEVER gets done. In this crazy, mixed up, distractable world we live in I am thinking that sometimes we let distractions organize our lives and we end up more a mess than when we started. I believe if we step back and let God organize our lives we will then have more prioritized lives. Some people like disorder or thrive off of it. I do not like it but, I am not the most organized person around I can tell you, if something is where it is supposed to be I can find it even if the junk drawer is piled high with...junk. Organized people still get distracted especially if they are going through something in their lives that turns their world upside down and makes them discombobulated. God can take your distractions away, He can help you focus on Him and He will distract you from your distractions....I do not know about you but, God is one distraction I welcome in my life. With God as your distraction the things the world throws at you will not sting as much...they will sting because we are humans with a sinner nature but, God will be right there to take those stings for you only if you let Him. My challenge to you..... let go of life's distractions that turn you inside out and let God distract you, and see how you feel then, I am guessing it may just feel a bit like peace......

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

Sarah Laughed.....

Sarah laughed.......I think I would too. In Genesis God promised Abraham and Sarah a child, they waited and waited and ok you get the picture they were OLD!!!! When Isaac was born Sarah was in her 90's and Abraham somewhere around 100 give or take a few....WAY past the age of having a kid. When God makes a promise He keeps it we may just have to wait for it for a while or a really long time but, it will come. As we walk in our lives and worship God and develop our relationship with Him we will start to get an understanding that yes indeed He will not fail and HE WILL KEEP HIS WORD to us. Where I am sitting or standing or walking or running at times, I have to trust that God will provide. I need a job, we need a home to call our own and it looks like it won't happen but, God has a plan up His infinite sleeve and at just the right moment KA-BAM!!!! its raining blessings and yes I meant to say RAINING. Sarah and Abraham took it upon themselves to fulfill the promise that God gave them and that is not what God had planned.....ya well DUH!!! When we take it upon ourselves to "provide" Gods promise to us on our own, it is bound to backfire in such catastrophic proportions that it will take a work of GOD to fix. It would have just been easier to LET GOD do it....don't you think? I love the teachings my Pastor is doing in Genesis it allowed me to see that they were not perfect they had their struggles too and it is seriously a very well played out Soap Opera, so much better than the Young and the Restless, or Days of our Lives. When we can step back and relax and let God do His thing we will find it to be a tad easier on us and our lives and the lives of those around us. God was sitting right there with Abraham when Sarah laughed and he asked why did Sarah laugh saying surely I am to old to bear a child? (paraphrasing here) He then went on to say (and I just love this part) "Is anything to hard for the Lord"? He went on to say other things but, that question sure is a doozy don't you think? Promises Promises Promises and God will keep every one of them....Sarah laughed, will you?

That's my thought for the day,

Crazy for Christmas

I am accountable are you?

I have to say it is an odd feeling to be posting so late in the day but, this weekend has been so full of blessings that I think I am ok with that. My 9 year old daughter wants to start a blog too...she wants to call it the Mini Me of Mommy.....I think that is pretty cool that she wants to do what I am doing so, I am adding on to this blog for her so I can help her with it. It got me to thinking that we as adults are examples to our kids and they like to copy what we do. In some cases that is not a good thing. I am held accountable to be a good example to my kids because, if I do something that is not right or sinful and they copy it then it is on my head until they become of age to be accountable. It says in Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. (NASB) That sounds like a good instruction to me and since it came from the best child raising manual around we should probably listen to it. I do not know about everyone else but, I mess up all of the time when it comes to raising my kids and sometimes, I wonder how God could have trusted me to raise them. I then realize that God does not make mistakes He is perfect after all and He does know what He is doing. I need to lay down myself and let God raise my kids through me....yes there will be times I take over and I will have to start again but, God being full of grace, mercy and forgiveness is patient and will continue to teach me through all my mess ups. I am excited for my daughter to start her blog she even wants to sign it Crazy for Bunny (her kitty) it should be fun to read as she gets older and matures....if she keeps up on it....I guess we shall see..

That's my though for the day,

Crazy for Christmas