Talk About Words

An Oldie

2007-11-25T08:40:00.000-05:00

Have you ever typed your name into a search engine to see what was "out there" about you? I do this periodically just for the fun of it. I did it just a minute ago and found an old post that I ended up re-reading and enjoying. I hope you get out of it what God intends to share with you through it. Here is the link....

http://sunshine-church.blogspot.com/2006/05/some-of-my-insights.html

Silence By Serving

2007-11-13T14:30:00.000-05:00

I just sent this to a friend because I felt a spiritual nudge to do so. I thought I'd share it here with you all as well.

“For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.”
(1 Peter 2:15-16)

Honoring My Favorite Marine

2007-11-11T16:18:00.001-05:00

For the past couple of days, I've been listening to my dad talk about being a Marine and being in the war in Vietnam. My dad is very descriptive when he's telling a story and he and I share a good imagination.

Daddy was telling Tim and I about one particular situation where he (as squadron leader) was trying to get his men to take cover because the explosions were getting too close to them. He said they all just stood there with their mouths open when he yelled for them to do this. He then had to pick something up and act like he was going to hit them in order to get them to move to safety. Daddy said before long, everyone was hiding somewhere and then he realized he needed to find someplace for himself to go. In a panic, he began to look around for anywhere he could fit. He said one guy hollered "Hey, Taylor! There's room in here!". Daddy said there were 3 men in that fox hole and he had to get down in there the best he could on top of the men. He said he was still sticking out some but it was better than nothing. Things were exploding all around them and every one of them missed him. He said that was just one of the many, many times that he survived. He has said many times that the only reason he is still alive is because "I had a praying mommy back home". Daddy said that the whole time he was in Vietnam, he felt like he was in a big protective bubble. He says he remembers running through this area where things were being blown up all around him and people where being shot next to him and he wondered why he was being spared.

When dad was talking about trying to get into that fox hole and there being barely enough room for him, my imagination got the best of me. I was transported to that day and time and there I was in a tearful panic trying to shove my daddy into that hole so he wouldn't be blown up.

It angers me to hear stories of what happened when these guys came home from the war. There was no thanks or respect given to them. This happened before I was born, but I'm alive and well now and I want to say THANK YOU TO YOU ALL! YOU MATTER TO ME!

My dad risked his own life because your life mattered to him! If you're not thankful for that, then maybe you should spend some time out in the trenches trying to stay alive.

My dad is a brave man and I love and respect him for what he stands for and what he fought for. God spared my dad in the war because He has great plans for him and the people's lives he would touch later in life. God knew my dad would come to Him in the future and so God waited. He waited until the time was right to call my dad to Him. Now, my dad fights in a different kind of war. This is a war on his soul. My dad is a fighter and my dad knows how to win.

See you in heaven, daddy!

The Wish Book

2007-11-10T08:18:00.000-05:00

Thursday, I saw something that always brought loads of excitement to me as a child. I saw the JCPenney Wish Book! Each year I see it either at the store or lying around in someone's house. Everytime I see this book, I forget for a split second that I'm an adult and I get so excited.

I remember when mom would bring the Wish Book home when we were little. My two sisters and I would look at every single toy in the book on every single page (except for the "boy stuff" because it was "boy stuff").

Mom told us to go through the book and circle the things we wanted and mark the circle with the first letter of our name so she would know who wanted what toy. Some of the things had all 3 letters (J.R.B.) because we all wanted the same thing. This, for the most part was a good way to guarrantee we would get it. If it was cheap enough, mom would buy 3 of them because she knew we would fight over only one. As it was, we were already fighting over who got to look at the Wish Book first and the fact that so and so already saw the book and it was our turn and so and so was taking too long, etc.

There is still a book out there that holds everything I dream of having. There are still people fighting over it, too. I like to underline my favorite things in it and go back and look at those same things again and again.

It's the bible. Let's share it!

A Child's Heart

2007-10-28T13:23:00.000-04:00

Recently, our church congregation spent time putting together shoe boxes full of clothing, toys, books, toothpaste, tooth brushes, etc. for children all over the world. This is done through an organization called "Samaritan's Purse" and is referred to as "Operation Christmas Child".

The reason I'm writing about this, is not to draw attention to something good and honorable that Christians are doing in our community, but to draw attention to the heart of a child. The heart that God wants us to have in order to enter Heaven.

My neice is going to be 7 years old next month and has always had the softest heart when it came to caring for others. I took a little time to teach my neice and nephew about what all these boxes are for and how we are trying to put together wonderful presents for kids all over the world who otherwise won't have any Christmas presents. This touched both of them very much and it was quite easy to get them to want to fill up some shoe boxes with all sorts of things. They had a blast looking for just the right things with just the right colors (as you know, color is important to kids).

When the last few boxes were being put together, there was a box that didn't have very much at all in it because there just wasn't anything left to fill the box with. My neice, without my knowing it, decided to go through her toys (that she had just received brand knew only hours before) and put those same toys in that child's box. She then proceeded to create another shoe box, without my knowing it, by adding ALL of the toys and crayons to the box, that she had brought to that night's event for herself to play with. Everything was given and given cheerfully!

What can we as adults learn from a child like this?

Matthew 18:1-4

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "

Remember Me?

2007-10-15T09:04:00.000-04:00

I have taken care of children most of my life because they are my passion here on earth. Something that has been very hurtful to me is discovering that the young children I once took care of don't remember me now that they're grown.

They have lost touch with me over the years and have forgotten all of the things I did for them when they were small. I wiped their dirty butts several times a day. I've been puked on, drooled on, peed on, spit on, kicked, scratched, hollered at, and a load of other things. I still love them ALL a great deal. As a matter of fact, I don't think any of them could ever know just how much I love them.....then AND now.

I didn't take care of these kids just so I could have money. I took care of these kids so I could raise children and love them like they should be loved. Making money was secondary to me. Quite frankly, a person doesn't do this kind of job.....at least not for long.....unless they love the kids. You take so much from kids that you would never put up with from an adult....or for that matter, any other job.

In my opinion, the most important job in the world is the care of people. This especially applies to the raising of children. If you are looking for a babysitter, be very careful who you choose because they will be the person that raises your child while you are gone. What's important to your babysitter, will be impressed upon your child. You know as well as I do that children imitate what they see and hear. Be careful. Think about the future and what kind of adult your child is going to be by the way they behave now.

The situation with so many kids not remembering me and all I've done for them in the past, reminds me of something spiritual.

How well do we remember what God has done for us?

Aren't we quick to forget? We have no idea how much He loves us because we cannot grasp the fullness of His sacrifice to gain that which was lost.......us. We don't know what it's like to give up our only son for the wreched lost ones. We don't know what it's like to love someone so much that we give up everything we have and lay down our lives to the point of death.....all the while, being made fun of and cussed at and beaten and whipped and, and, and, etc. How could we ever relate to that?

It amazes me how easily we forget things involving our salvation. It makes me wonder if we would forget Hell if we were to get a sneak peek at what it's like. It makes me wonder if we would forget Heaven if we were to get a sneak peek at what it's like. I think the problem with us, is that we don't realize the severity of our sin and exactly what we were saved from.

If we really knew how much sin cost, I don't believe we would forget. Satan likes to keep us so preoccupied with things going on around us that we don't have time to think about what Jesus did to forgive us. If Satan can make us forget that we are forgiven and going to Heaven, he'll be able to convince us of all kinds of lies, like how hopeless we are and not worth God's love or attention, etc.

God is God and we are not. God doesn't forget anything except our sin when we are washed by the blood in baptism and become a new creation. He absolutely cannot forget you! I have never forgotten one of my kids that I took care of. So, how much more will God remember us? He is God! He doesn't have anything better to do than to take care of us. We take up all of His time and that's just the way He's always wanted it. God doesn't waste His time either. The only way anyone can waste time, is to spend time doing something that doesn't matter. Everything God does with His time matters. We are at the top of His to do list and we stay there.

Don't you see? He loves you!

In Reply

2007-10-09T07:32:00.000-04:00

One of my good friends, Chris, has a blog that I read often. He just turned 30 on Monday and decided to write about it. After I replied to his post, I thought my comment might make a good post for my own blog. So here it is....

I'm glad you don't have a problem with being thirty. When I turned thirty, I didn't have a problem with it, although I have friends who did concerning themselves getting older.

I have never really had a problem with aging. I have more important things on my mind than to worry about getting fat and wrinkled. I figure, hey, it's gonna' happen whether I worry about it or not, so why worry and ruin my happy days with it all.

Thirty three was a big year for me because I couldn't stop thinking about what age Jesus was when he was crucified and how I've been given the gift of a longer ministry than He....well, on earth in a physical way.

In a sense, it's almost like being given a second chance or something. We get to stay longer and love more and help more and serve more, etc. Jesus gets to do all this through us if we will let Him.

I know Jesus longed for home with God, but I have to wonder if He would have liked to stay just a little while longer here on earth and do some more of what He began. Only He can answer that. All in all, the greatest thing in the world happened to us at the same time the worst thing was happening to Him. He died so we could live.

Hallelujah!!

It all had to be bitter-sweet for Him because it hurt so badly to be killed by the ones He was saving. But, oh how good it must have felt after it was finished and He knew what the outcome was going to be for us.

Victory was won!

Jennifer

P.S. If you would like to visit Chris' blog, here is the link:
http://soulscapenet.blogspot.com/

Encouragement For My Phamily

2007-10-06T21:57:00.000-04:00

Well, something interesting happened on David Phelps' message board in the Prayer Room. I was reading the prayer requests posted there and became so inspired to say something encouraging that I typed out the following message to everyone. I believe God gave me these words for those who need it. I hope it helps you as well.

God's gonna' take care of things. He always has and continues to do so today. Things don't always get fixed the way we planned they would, but that's because we can't see the whole picture and God can. What happens in the end is for the best according to the Kingdom of God. All we need to do is ask Him and let go of it all.

Everything that is pulling us all down now, will someday be over. It will either be over in this lifetime here on earth or it will certainly be over when we get to Heaven. There IS an end to suffering and pain. It just takes too long.......for us.

In trials, we are learning to lean on God and His abilities....not our own. We are learning who He is and what He's all about. We are learning about humility and true strength that only comes from our Father in Heaven.

We can all get through this mess that we are praying about one more day....and then one more day after that....and then one more, etc. ONLY because Jesus lives!

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Be encouraged today and everyday. Help is there in Christ Jesus and the end is near.

A Beautiful Quote

2007-10-03T16:11:00.000-04:00

This is a small part of the biography of David Phelps and I was so proud of him when I read it. I wanted to share it with all of you here. If you are interested in reading it all, please visit www.davidphelps.com and click on BIO on the right side of the screen. Enjoy!

****
The one thing David is sure of is that while being an entertainer and a minister is his vocation, his calling is to be a husband and father.

"That's what drives me," he says. "When I have to go out of town I take the last flight out and the first flight back. I'm going to have a family. I'm going to have a marriage that is solid and strong. I will not sacrifice that for any career, even one that is hopefully drawing people toward God. My ministry truly is to my family first and foremost."

That is his legacy of love.
****

Great Words!

2007-09-21T07:50:00.000-04:00

I just read these two wonderful statements on a certain forum I visit from time to time. I especially like the last one!

"Sometimes the majority only means that all the fools are on the same side."

"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her."

Ephesians 4:29

2007-09-19T08:45:00.000-04:00

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

The God Of Details

2007-09-05T08:50:00.000-04:00

Before work this morning, I decided to go to Tim's blog and do some reading. Tim is my husband, for those of you who are new here. I'm fully aware of the fact that Tim hasn't posted anything new on his blog since January this year, but I thought I would go ahead and re-read some things. Well, as I scrolled down the screen, I found myself reading everything he had posted on the whole first screen. It was as though everything was new to me and I hadn't read this stuff before. I was reading with an open mind attempting to view things in a fresh new way. I found myself enjoying what I read and being drawn closer to the author of those words. I thought to myself how beautiful this person is and how proud I am of him in how he talks about God.

It's a wonderful thing for me to watch Tim and listen to him living life and realize that he's my husband....the one God chose for me.....the one I asked God for all those years ago when I was growing up and thinking all the good guys were already taken. I was just sure that there was never going to be anyone for me. Now, I can look back on all that pain and crying years ago and see God working in my life. The theme of my life has been WAITING.

When God provided me with Tim, He gave me more than I had asked for...and I asked for detailed things I wanted in a guy. God provided the kind of teen guy He knew I would need right then.....He provided the kind of young adult He knew I would need when I was in my 20's....He provided the kind of man He knew I would need right now in my 30's and I am convinced there are more glorious things to come from God in my relationship with Tim in our future together.

God gave me a man who had never been to bed with anyone until we got married. God gave Tim a wife who had never been to bed with anyone until marriage as well. It seems that now-a-days, this is almost unheard of, but I assure you, it does happen. I am grateful to this very day that Tim is unaware of anyone else but me. He cannot compare me to anyone else because he has only experienced me. I simply have no words to explain to you what this very important thing means to me! God is so very, very good!

When something in your life seems impossible, ask God and give Him details. He is the God of details. Then, wait on Him......no matter how long it takes! That's the hard part.

If you would like to read Tim's blog, here is the link....

http://www.timsopinions.blogspot.com/

I proudly refer to Tim as "my man" because to me, he is everything good in this world all wrapped up in one person. To me, he is everything a man should be. He's mine, he's mine, he's mine!

October 11th this year will be our 10 year wedding anniversary. We exchanged classrings and became boyfriend and girlfriend on that day back in 1991 and dated for 6 years to the day. Our first house was his parents garage which Tim and his grandpas had fixed up into a very cute little apartment. We lived there for 2 or 3 years before moving to our first real house, where we live now.

I said all of this to honor my God, my husband, and hopefully give hope to those of you reading this who have given up hope of ever finding the man or woman of your dreams.

Just a little tip: God must be first.

Can God Sing In My Life?

2007-09-03T08:46:00.000-04:00

I was just watching David Phelps sing on a bunch of YouTube videos and was making comments to Tim after each one. I just told him that if I get to go to the Christmas concert in Ashland this year, I'm seriously considering not taking my camera this time. I told him that I already had a couple of pictures of myself with David and they're nothing more than pictures of me with a guy. I told him that I don't go to David's concerts to listen to David. I go to listen to God because it's God singing through David.

People don't have the capability to bring other people to their knees or to their feet. Only God has that ability. I have never personally seen and heard David sing without people standing. This has intrigued me for years and I just can't help but take notice when David sings. David has no power on his own. When people listen to the power coming from his voice, they are not attracted to David like some would like to believe. They are being drawn by the power of God and the message being sung.

I really didn't want this post to be about David Phelps. I want it to be about what can happen when a human, created by God, allows God to work through him/her. I believe people's ears are cleaned out when God speaks. How beautiful it is when God sings!

I wonder.....

Can you speak?

Can you sing?

Can you cook?

Can you sew?

Can you mow grass?

Can you do laundry?

Can you care for children?

Can you care for the elderly?

Can you weed flower beds?

What can God do with the talent He has given you? Wouldn't it be cool to find out? Now, I can't guarrantee you that people will stand at attention when you come to their home and weed their garden....or that your children will applaud you as they watch you wash their laundry.....but I can tell you that whatever you do, if you do it for God's glory, all of heaven is applauding.

You know, there really isn't any other applause I would rather have!

What would it look and sound like if God sang in your life?

Curb Your Hunger

2007-09-02T08:05:00.000-04:00

with Joyce Meyer

“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life;
he who comes to Me will not hunger, and
he who believes in Me will never thirst.”
(John 6:35)

I’ve always been a very intense person, though I’ve lightened up some over the past few years. I think it was a combination of my natural personality, the way I was raised and my early environment. I was abused in childhood. Fun was something we never really had I remember getting in trouble for laughing and making too much noise, or playing when I could have been working. I became a double workaholic with a false sense of responsibility who didn’t know she was stressed because her life was out of balance.

My husband, Dave, would never let my attitudes steal his joy. He stayed happy, no matter what. That was one of the things that finally got me to realize that I was out of balance. I didn’t realize the value of joy. God gave us a laugh for a reason, and I’ve discovered that I have to take every opportunity to lighten up instead of just being focused on work.

About 20 years ago the Lord basically told me out of Psalm 27:4 that if I didn’t spend personal time with Him, not to get a sermon to preach but just time with Him, the devil would kill me because God’s presence is a protection in our lives. I have to let God do the heavy lifting, I have to go to Him first and let Him show me what to do.

Discipline, determination, and self-will can only take us so far. We try to walk in the fruit of the Spirit. We try to behave in a godly manner. We try to change ourselves. There’s no point in starting something if we don’t first see if God wants to be involved with it and get His strength.

Every person has a God-shaped hole on the inside of them and nothing can fill it but God. No matter what we try to stick in it, nothing is going to work but God. Only God can satisfy us. People try so many things food, drink, drugs, sex, work, play but they don’t really know what they want. They don’t know why they feel bad, or why they’re overwhelmed by their weaknesses, or what they hunger for.

Sometimes even born-again Christians neglect to think about getting God involved in the details of their lives. They go to church on Sunday, but the world in which we live today needs God’s involvement on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Sometimes, more than anything else, we simply need more one-on-one time spent with God.

This Week
Spend time with God and let Him strengthen you. Invite Him to give you His thoughts on the different projects you are considering.

Prayer
“Lord, thank You for the strength of Your presence. Please help me to know Your mind and heart on those things that are on my mind and heart.”

Adapted from LIFE Today featuring Joyce Meyer and her book Look Great, Feel Great. Programs air the week of September 3, 2007.

Update from this morning's post

2007-08-23T15:44:00.001-04:00

When I came to pick Talia up from school a little while ago, she came skipping out the door yelling "I had a great day!" She also informed me that she made a friend. Later, she told me that she really made 3 friends. I would assume that the first friend she mentioned is her best friend. She says her friend talks alot like she does. I laughed and said that God matched them up pretty well and she agreed. She said that when her friend kept talking and talking, she thought to herself "You talk alot, like me! I LIKE you!" Too cute!

I reminded her of the prayer we had this morning and what she asked God for. Then, I told her that God didn't just give her one friend, He gave her THREE! Then God gave me the gift of being able to teach her how God gives gifts to those He loves. I told her that when we ask for something, He gives us what we ask for and then SOOOO much more. In a 6 year old's life, this is a wonderful example of God filling your cup to overflowing. You should have seen her face when she was realizing that God answered her prayer and gave her so very much. What a gift!

God is God and we are not. He is good ALL the time.

School Prayer

2007-08-23T09:14:00.000-04:00

I just got home from my neice's school. She was homeschooled for Kindergarten and so she has never experienced regular school until today. God help her! I am very pro homeschool so this is hard on me. I video taped everything from her standing beside my sister's car up to her going into her classroom. Her words "...but I will miss you mommy" still echo in my head. She is not my daughter but I feel as though she is. In my heart and in my mind, my neices and nephews ARE my kids. I just have to share them with their parents.

I asked God to make it so we would have time to pray about her day before school started. He provided that very opportunity! Talia and I were left alone in her classroom this morning for not quite 5 minutes. God reminded me of my request and so we took action. I asked Talia to pray about her day at school and so she did. I left the camera running. She, as usual, had a very heartfelt and beautiful prayer. For the past several days, I have been talking to her alot about what school was going to be like and that God always sends us a friend. I told her that if she asked God for a special friend, He would send one to her. This morning, she told God "Send me the friend you want to send me".

It wasn't until after the prayer was over that God reminded me what we just did together. We had prayer in school! Praise His name!

I look forward to seeing her after school today and hearing how God has answered her prayers and mine. I simply can't go through one day without thinking about and praying for my neices and nephews. They are everything that matters to me in this world aside from Tim and my own daughter.

LORD, keep them safe as they live and breathe in the world that you created and Satan attacks. I trust you to do this as I have no other hope other than you. I depend on you to be where I cannot be and do the things that I cannot do. You are my God and I am your child. I know that whatever I ask for in your son's name, according to your will, you will provide. Thank you for this and thank you, Jesus, for providing a way for us to speak directly to God and have a relationship with you! In Jesus' holy and precious and beautiful name I pray, Amen.

Matthew 12:34-37

2007-08-16T08:18:00.000-04:00

"You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
-----New International Version

I was thinking about words today and this scripture came to mind. I thought about how everyone seems to be writing these days and everyone has something to say about everything. We either blog, write novels, do public speaking, or gossip.

What are we saying? Are we wasting time? Are we wasting our words on foolishness?

Here are the same verses using the version of the bible called The Message.....

"You have minds like a snake pit! How do you suppose what you say is worth anything when you are so foul-minded? It's your heart, not the dictionary, that gives meaning to your words. A good person produces good deeds and words season after season. An evil person is a blight on the orchard. Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation."

Let us start using the time God has granted us by using words to change people's lives and send them running to the Father for love and salvation.

Perspective

2007-08-13T12:32:00.000-04:00

Remember:
amateurs built the ark ..... professionals built the Titanic.

What will God do with you? Kinda' makes you wonder doesn't it? Why don't you have a little talk with Him and find out. If you choose to accept His mission, hold on tight because you're about to go on the ride of your life!!

Quote

2007-08-12T07:28:00.000-04:00

"With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"

--Jay Leno

A Story

2007-08-11T10:17:00.000-04:00

An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots and each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water.

At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, but the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream and said,

"I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house."

The old woman smiled and replied,

"Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house."

Respect

2007-08-07T09:47:00.000-04:00

As for being a liberal woman.....I'm not one.

I love it when a guy opens the door for me. I know perfectly well that I have the capabilities to open a door all by my little self and that's enough. A man opening a door for a woman isn't trying to tell her that she is stupid and incapable of even the simplest action. He is showing her respect by allowing her to go ahead of him and making each step she takes as effortless as possible. A guy who is willing to step aside and let someone go ahead of him is allowing himself to be humbled and that, my dear liberal women, is something that you should take notice of when looking for a good man.

I was at a discount store yesterday afternoon with my neice. As we approached the entrance door, a man was coming out and only opened the door wide enough for him to squeeze his own body through before letting it close right in front of us. There was a woman with a full cart coming toward the door behind him as well. I thought to myself how rude and mannerless this guy was and how he was certainly old enough to know better. I opened the door for myself and my neice and proceeded to hold the door open for the woman coming out the door. As I was holding the door for her, I happen to notice a man and his wife preparing to come in. I decided to go ahead and hold the door for them as well. The man, noticing that I was hold the door for them, quickly approached the door and held it for his wife and allowed her to enter the store first and me to let go of the door and continue shopping. This, I thought to myself, was very nice and impressed me.

A few months ago, I went to a grocery store and began looking at the vegetables on my right. As I was looking, I heard a bunch of commotion to my left but didn't bother to look around. I heard whistling. The kind of whistling you would do if you were trying to call a dog to you. I still didn't look because I figured it surely wasn't for me. Soon after, I heard a guy's voice yell "Hey!". I still kept shopping. The next thing I knew, the guy came over to me and began talking to me. I asked him about the whistling and yelling and he said it was him......which I suspected. I told him "Oh! I didn't know you were talking to me. My name is Jennifer."

Women, never allow a guy to whistle to get your attention. Make sure they treat you like a human being.....not a dog. Let them open the door for you. Men will not respect women if we don't allow them to take care of us......even when we can do it ourselves. Don't be a lazy bum. Just be a gracious lady.

Now you know what I think.

Nothing Else But Him

2007-08-07T07:37:00.000-04:00

What if I had.......

a big house.....
a nice car.....
tons of well behaved kids....
a perfect lawn....
the nicest clothes a person could have....
a spouse that everyone else wished they had....
a huge church with tons of friends....
the ability to sing and play any instrument I wanted....
everyone knowing my name....

but Jesus didn't know me personally? Oh, He knows all about me, but just doesn't have a relationship with me. Is that His fault or mine? It's mine. Jesus doesn't push His way into someone's life. He needs invited and welcomed. Otherwise, He stays out....but nearby, just incase today you decide you want Him.

What would I be like? Would I continue to buy more things for my home and family? Would I go on more expensive trips and vacations than I had already taken? Maybe I would buy more cars just so I could have more than everyone else. Hey, I know....I could pay tons of money on great landscaping and make it so that I didn't have to do any of the work to maintain it. Maybe I could find a bigger and better church to "belong" to and get better friends in this one than I had in the past. Would I put the old church down because they didn't serve me like I think they should?

What happens when all of these things have been accomplished as well? What then? When I have done everything there is to do and said everything there is to say and thought everything there is to think, what then? What's left?

I'm still empty, that's what! There is absolutely nothing I can do to fill this emptiness inside of me and I feel like I'm just gonna' die if I don't fix it! Dear God, what can I do to make this lonely empty existance go away?!!----------Ever feel that way?

Here's the good news:

You can do nothing except come just as you are to Jesus. You see, there is nothing and can be nothing without Him. At the beginning of everything .....He is there. At the end of everything....He is there. In the middle of everything.....He is there.

Where are you? Do you see Him? Maybe you only see yourself and your problems. Maybe you don't look for Him because maybe you are scared to death of the possibility that He won't be there if you look for Him. Is this true?

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
Matthew 7:7

He is always watching you and waiting for you to come to Him. If you look for Him, He'll be there. If you knock on the door, He's gonna' open it up. If you ask Him to come into your life and just take over because things are in such a mess you just want to give up and you know He can make things new, He will do it.

You know, my Jesus is quite the servant. Only He knows how to do just what you need and He always does the job completely.....leaving nothing unfinished.

You cannot fill emptiness, in an unseen place, with things that are seen. You can only fill the unseen place with another unseen thing.......the spirit of God.

You've tried everything else under the sun. Have you asked God to come in and do His thing? I did a long time ago and I'll tell you one thing, I have NEVER EVER regretted it. I've done alot of things in my life that brought about guilt and letting God take over isn't one of them. God has a way of taking things you can't see with your eyes and making them better. I'm telling 'ya....give this thing a shot. You won't be sorry!

I read in the bible about Jesus talking about us having a mansion when we get to heaven. I personally don't want a mansion.....I don't want streets made of gold......or even to gaze upon a crystal sea. I just want to have my Jesus hold me and tell me it's all over now and nothing bad is ever going to happen to me again. Heaven is going to be eternal peace for me.....you all can have my mansion!

Too Much? Not for Him!

2007-07-24T09:35:00.000-04:00

Last week I was at church camp and had a wonderful discussion with one of my friends. We were talking about whether or not God allows us to have more trouble than we can bear. I told her that I had a hard time believing that God doesn't allow us to have more than we can handle. This is because I can think of no better way for God to get us to understand that we can not do it alone....we need Him. If everything that came our way was never too hard for us or too much for us to deal with, why would we ever ask God for help? Wouldn't we come to the realization that we can do all things through our own abilities?

I told my friend to check out www.biblegateway.com because it was a wonderful website and had a feature on it where you can type in a few key words and do a search on whatever scripture you're looking for. I just did this a few minutes ago and couldn't find the scripture that I thought I was looking for. Instead, I found the scripture that my friend and I had both apparently messed up. It turns out that the words weren't talking about trouble. The words were talking about temptation. Here it is:

1 Corinthians 10:13
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

Nowhere in the bible have I found a scripture that talks about God not allowing us to have too much trouble or too many problems.

My belief, and what I shared with my friend, is that God allows us to be in an impossible situation where we get to the point that we come to Him and say "I can't do it. Will you help me?" Then, God, gets to tell us to stand back and watch me work.

Everytime we can't and God can, our faith is strengthened and we spend alot less time complaining and worrying about bad situations.

Maybe you are having a hard time at work. Maybe your marriage is in trouble. Maybe you're having problems with your kids. Maybe you just feel like giving up altogether. Let me tell you something. This is not about work, marriage, kids or anything else you can come up with on this earth. This trouble is entirely about God calling you to be closer to Him. He's saying..... come to me, all of you who are tired and have troubles and I'll give you the rest you need. He wants to hear you talking to Him every day....in the morning, the afternoon and the evening and for that matter, all the times in between. Maybe you havn't been talking to Him much at all lately. Maybe you're having troubles because He wants you to talk to Him and actually be REAL. Is it possible that you're just been praying a bunch of words just for the sake of saying your prayers before going to bed because that's how you were raised?

God doesn't want to be on your list of things to do. Get rid of that stinkin' list and do it ALL for Him!

Job was the character that came up often in the conversation I had with my friend. Job, as you may know from reading the bible, loses everything he has to lose but still remains faithful to God. God is all he has. God describes who He is and reminds Job of who he is and who he is not. God is God and that has to be enough. Satan is granted permission to test Job by destroying everything Job had except for his life. This was to be spared because.....God said so.

God is in control of even Satan. There is nothing that happens to us here on earth without the God of all knowing about it. I believe trouble comes in order to draw us closer to Him. Let me give you an example.

When your kid is running around playing, they aren't thinking about how much they need you. When they fall down from maybe running a little too fast, they realize exactly how much they need you. They cry and if at all possible, run to you as quickly as possible. You see, they know exactly who to come to for help because they know you've helped them in the past. They trust you and have faith that you will come through for them this time as well. There may be times when you need to run to them because they are simply not able to physically move toward you. They still holler your name amid the tears of pain.

Suppose your child didn't come to you when they were hurt. What if, in fact, they went to someone else altogether? Maybe they don't go to anyone and they just keep the pain locked up inside? How can you help them?

Can you see God as the parent in this example? You are the child. How will you respond when trouble comes and you fall down?

Power

2007-07-06T08:43:00.000-04:00

For years I have heard the words "the power of prayer". I've been doing some thinking about this and have come to the conclusion that there is no power in prayer whatsoever. Praying is simply us talking to God. There is no power in our ability to speak. There is only power in God's ability to listen and answer.

If we prayed to a statue, nothing would happen because the statue has no power. People tend to think that by their great and wonderfully worded prayers, God moves. This is not the case. God moves and breathes whether we live or die. He does not need us to exist in order to maintain a meaningful life. Prayer is simply communicating with God. We talk....He listens. He talks....we listen. Prayer is give and take and full of action. All we have to do is ask our Father in Heaven and if what we ask for is what He also wants, it will be given to us.

Sometimes we ask for something we think we want or need but God can see the future and knows not to give to us what we asked for. We think He is punishing us or doesn't like us, but in reality, He is merely protecting us from our own ignorance. God always answers our prayers. Sometimes the answer is "No." No one likes to hear the word "no" but sometimes it is the best answer. "No", can be the best thing in the world if we could only see what would happen if the answer had been "yes".

There is an older country song that says something to the effect of "I thank God for unanswered prayers". If I remember right, the guy prayed that he would get to be with this one particular girl but the answer was "no" when he prayed. He is now thankful because of that answer because what he has now is so much better than what he thought he wanted before.

No matter what your answer is, be thankful, because God sees what you need and He knows that when your needs are met, you aren't going to be wanting anything else.

Two Dad's Coming Together

2007-06-23T09:20:00.000-04:00

This is my favorite picture of my dad that I've seen so far. There is just something about him in that uniform that makes me feel proud.

My dad was a marine and served in the Vietnam war before I was born. Sometimes I think about the fact that he could have so easily been killed there and I would have never been born. Dad has often talked about how the only reason he survived Vietnam is because he "had a praying mommy back home". He's told me about several situations in the war that should have killed him and that there was no other way to explain the fact that he lived through each one than to know his mom was praying for his safety.

My dad will be 62 this fall and in very recent years became a christian after many, many years of praying family and the mercy and great timing of my Father in heaven. Praise His name!!

So I personally believe that God agreed with my grandma in their many discussions about my dad and decided to let my dad live until he was ready for heaven. You see, neither one of them wanted to see him go to Hell.

You have no idea how it feels to sit down and talk to my dad now about God and Satan without him turning away from the conversation like he did most of my life. There are some beautiful sounds in this world that I can describe to you, like the violin or a baby giggling, but I could never explain to you the beauty of hearing my daddy talk to me about the Almighty God!

Changes with Food

2007-06-21T08:58:00.000-04:00

For the past several years, I have been convinced that eating the kind of diet you read about in the book of Leviticus is the right way of eating. I have also gained a great deal of criticism during that time because it is evident that most people do not believe this way. I simply read the words in the Old Test. and followed them. I have also felt alot healthier by eating this way.

As of June 11th this year, I have changed my beliefs about food. I am, however, still convinced that it is far more sensible and healthy to eat the Leviticus diet. I plan to eat pork, shrimp, etc. now but definately not like I was doing years ago. My body was not made to deal with preservatives and such like nitrates and nitrites. Therefore, the lunchmeats, etc. will not be eaten on a regular basis.

I debated on whether or not I should even tell anyone about this change because I don't want to make a big deal about it. Yet, I felt the need to tell you all about it because I have been through a wonderful growing experience and want to share it with you.

The scripture I was reading on June 11th spoke to me for the first time even though I had read it many times before. I have come to the understanding that going through the whole ordeal of *believing and obeying what scripture says no matter what anyone else tells me* was something that God allowed me to go through. I believe it was all a big test to see if I was willing to do what He says....even when family was against it.

I would go through it all again to gain what I have now.

I can go to the grocery store now and look at food that was forbidden to me for such a long time and say "I can" instead of "I can't". I am able to enjoy feeling the freedom that comes from Jesus making all things new......and clean!

Why I didn't read and understand the scripture that would set me free from restricted eating, I don't know. I guess the test wasn't over yet. You know, now that I think about it, my family that was so vocal about my eating habits have just finally started being quiet about the way I do things. Apparently, I needed to weather the storm before finding the "freedom scripture".

Here is what I was reading when it finally sunk in....

Romans 14

The Weak and the Strong

1Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. 2One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. 4Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

5One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. 8If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

9For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. 10You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. 11It is written: " 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' "[a] 12So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

13Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. 14As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food[b] is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. 15If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. 16Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. 17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.

19Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.

22So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

Footnotes:
a] Romans 14:11 Isaiah 45:23
b] Romans 14:14 Or that nothing

The nice thing about it is that I can now relate better to those who eat differently than most people. I do not look down on someone because of their decision to remove something from their diet. I respect them and look upon them as having alot of strength because by golly, it's not easy to do. When people roll their eyes or talk badly about them because of not eating pork or other things, I can relate better to how they feel now.

There is never any cause for putting someone down and making them feel less than you because of a decision they have made between themselves and God.

Isn't freedom beautiful?

Why Pray Outloud?

2007-06-11T09:30:00.000-04:00

It's important to hear ourselves asking God, thanking God and Praising God. It helps to make us humble. Think about what you're saying to Him. In the grand scheme of things, how does what you say to Him make a difference? He hears us when we are silent and when we are vocal.

Matthew 6:5-8
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."

We are warned about being vocal in our prayers to God in order to be seen/heard by other people. Does this mean we are never suppose to pray outloud? No. It all comes down to what your intentions are. Are you praying outloud so you can appear to be great in the eyes of other people or are you praying outloud because it's good to hear your very own voice asking for help from the only One who can provide it.

There is power in speaking the name of Jesus. With that in mind, does it make sense that praying to God outloud would be somewhat like confessing who God is and vocally proclaiming His power to hear and answer His children? Maybe talking to God is praising Him.

Praise His name! For He hears us and can't wait for the next time we come to Him. He loves the sound of our voices and yet, when we speak, He is really hearing our hearts. He knows if we mean what we are saying. Don't lie to Him. It hurts Him so very much. We are so very precious to Him.

Something to think about.

Home in the Country

2007-06-07T08:08:00.000-04:00

When I was little, my family lived in a church bus. Mom and dad fixed it up to be just like a huge camper so we would have somewhere to live while they built our house. If you've read this blog from the beginning, you might recall an earlier post I made about living in the bus.

Today, I want to tell you about what it was like at night during the summer. It was very hot in the bus and we all had to share a bedroom....(me, my two sisters, mom and dad). Our bedroom was in the back of the bus and mom would open the emergency door big and wide when it was a clear night. I remember just looking into the darkness of the outside as though I was camping. The moon was always bright enough that it highlighted the grass and trees and gave me a sense of comfort.

I remember looking forward to bedtime in the summer because as I lay there in the moonlit night, I heard the sounds of all God's creatures who made their home in the country. I also remember the sounds of what I have always thought was a great party. Almost a half mile away from our little home, was a large horse pasture with large barns and such. During the summer, that entire field was absolutely filled with campers where people would come from all over the country to enjoy Bluegrass music. The man who owned this place was R. W. Skeens. Every summer I would lie in bed and listen to the sounds of bluegrass music playing and people cheering. Oh, it sounded like a grand time and I so wanted to go and join in.

I never did get to go. I did however get to go to R. W.'s smaller barn where my dad could buy saddles and bridles and sorts of things. We had 2 horses (Bill and Molly) and 1 mule (Elizabeth) and my dad was a blacksmith. He made horseshoes and worked alot with horses. Daddy was always VERY stern with us when it came to teaching us about safety around horses. There were always horses and men in cowboy boots around our home. Daddy built a workshed that looked like the cutest log cabin you've ever seen. I remember watching him get the iron red hot before hitting it into the shape he wanted. Sometimes I was allowed to make the fire burn hotter by using that big acordian looking thing to blow air right into the coals. The sweat would be pouring off of my dad as he worked and it just seemed right to see him work this way.

Daddy developed many good relationships with people by working with horses. I remember my favorite thing about getting to go to R. W.'s place (other than getting to "buddy around" with my dad) and that was the smell of the barn. It was saddle soap and leather and hay and horse maneur. It may sound gross to you, but it was wonderful to me.

I don't suppose you grew up living like I did. Maybe you're glad you didn't have to live like I did. I don't suppose you would ever believe that I was a happy child by living that way.....but I was.

Something I have learned is that the less I have in this world, the more I am able to enjoy living. It's simple things like the smell of saddle soap, the sounds of a banjo at night and feeling safe with the door swung wide open on a hot summer night, that make me happy.

God and Mom

2007-06-06T08:12:00.000-04:00

Do you ever find yourself wondering if what you do really matters to anyone?

When I was little, my mom would always take what was leftover after she took care of us. My sisters and I hated burned food. When my mom would burn something like a piece of fish or whatever, she would tell us "that will be my piece". I remember asking her if she liked burned food and she told me no. Although, she does enjoy really crispy food.

I also remember my mom always serving our food first. She was always the last person to sit down at the table and eat. It was more important to her that we had enough food than it was for her to have enough food. By the time my mom sat down to the table, her food was always cold. She would insist that she didn't mind it being cold.

I remember my mom always making sure our hair was fixed neat and pretty with bows and little clasps. We were always clean and dressed neatly (even if we didn't come home from school looking that way). We always dressed better than my mom. This is because my mom spent her time, money and effort on us instead of herself. My mother came last.....by choice......by love.

I don't know if my mom was thinking about the kind of impression she was making in our lives when she was doing all of these things. It always appeared to me that she did these things because she cared about us and wanted what was best. It was always very clear to me that my mom valued herself far less than she valued us as her children.

Yesterday was one of those great days in my life that God sends along to remind me that the things I do really matter to someone. No matter what you do and where you go, someone is watching and learning.

I was in the kitchen preparing food on 3 plates for my 2 neices and 1 nephew. I served the food. We all prayed, after a good discussion about why we should tell God thank you. Then I got up from the table and headed to the fridge again. Before I could make it that far, I heard one of the younger ones ask "Aren't you going to eat?". Then something beautiful happened that I never expected. My oldest neice says "She always feeds us first."

1.) A child was concerned about my hunger.
2.) A 10 year old was impacted by my service.

I felt as though God gave me a pat on the back. I really couldn't ask for anything more wonderful. God always gives the best surprises!

The sacrifices that my mom made, make me think about God. He took all the nasty junk away so I could have what was best. God gave of Himself first so I would learn to give of myself.

God sure knows what He's doing!

Virginia with Family

2007-05-22T17:26:00.000-04:00

I'm not very close to my dad's side of the family. Not like I'd like to be. I was when I was very little, but not since then. My sisters and I always spent more time with my mom's family while we were growin up. Tim and I decided to go on a trip last weekend with some of my dad's family. We went to Virginia to spend time together and look a little deeper into our family's history. Tim and I came home a day earlier than the rest of the family because Tim had to work Monday.

My dad's family comes from several different places in the world and the American indian is just one of those blood lines. My cousin, Dan, is very much into geneology and history, especially involving our family. He shares this interest with my dad and to some degree with me. I'm interested, but not enough to go read a bunch of stuff that makes my eyes cross trying to figure it all out...haha! Anyway, one of the indian tribes (or whatever you call them) we are related to is called the Monacan Indians http://www.monacannation.com/ . Saturday, I went to my very first indian pow wow. There were booths full of indian crafts you could buy and there were booths with food to eat. I tried buffalo meat for the first time and was pretty excited about it.

I saw people that had all different skin colors and hair colors that belong to the Monacan indian tribe like me and my family. It was very interesting and very different to find a part of myself that I hadn't seen with my own eyes. I am not a Monacan indian but I come from them, as well as the Cherokee indians. I'll share pictures of the pow wow at the end of the post.

Monday, my family was suppose to go to a building and look up some family stuff for the geneology that Dan does and then go to see Walton's mountain from the old t.v. show. I'm very sorry Tim and I missed it. I'm sure they'll share pictures with me. My dad's been growing his hair out simply because he can now. All of his life, he's been involved in some kind of service or work that required him to have very short hair. My dad was a marine and he just retired from working as a state prison guard. For years, dad has dreamed of having long hair "like his ancestors" and now he's finally getting it. The whole weekend, we called dad "grandpa Walton" because the hair looked similar to "grandpa's". I hope someone took dad's picture on Walton's mountain. Too bad he didn't have a pair of bibs to put on for the picture.

We also took a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway and took some pictures. My dad has always reminded me of George Washington from the side. Now, with his hair growing longer, he really reminds me of him. My cousin, Angie, decided that dad's hair was just getting out of control and put it in a ponytail while we were taking pictures of the view. With that little ponytail, I just had to take a side profile picture. Dan and Angie also saw "George" in dad and took a picture as well. There are some other really funny pictures that were taken up there and I'll share them with you later if I get "the ok" from everyone. We laughed so hard and had a wonderful time together.

We all went to Monticello together and took some beautiful pictures there. It was very strange trying to grasp the idea that I was standing in the home of the 3rd president. The THIRD president! That's an old house! I learned alot about this president that caused me to fall in love with him. The tour guide talked about his love of his grandchildren and how he would read to them, etc. We were not allowed to take pictures inside the house so I will only be able to share with you the pictures of the gardens.

We went to see where "Stonewall Jackson" was buried because Dan, as well as my dad, is fascinated with old graveyards. It was a beautiful graveyard. I found a gravestone for an "unknown soldier" and it bothered me a great deal. I took a picture of it planning to blog about it.

The "unknown soldier" graves have always bothered me. There are friends and family who never got to see their favorite soldier because he/she was killed and they were unidentifiable. It bothers me that someone could die without proper recognition so I could live today with more recognition than I deserve.

This is a picture of my dad looking at the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tim took this picture of him because dad was pretending he was an explorer. :) That's my dad! I did some cropping and changed it to black and white because I thought it looked cool that way.

This is the "unknown soldier" who died fighting for what he believed in. I want to give honor to that kind of life. I wonder if this guy's name is written in God's book of life?

This is my favorite picture of one of the indians dancing. I was drawn to the bright colors some of the indians had on. Others had darker colors and everyone just looked fantastic! It was alot of fun.

We were told that this is the oldest living Golden Eagle in the country. I wish it would have turned around so I could get it's picture from the front. It was beautiful!

This is the indians lining up to start dancing around the circle. There was an American flag, a POW MIA flag and I believe the other flag was the indian flag. I can't remember for sure. Anyway, they gave honor to anyone who had fought in any war or gave their time in the service both past and present. It was very nice. Dad and Dan both got to walk around the circle with the other indians and service men and women at one point. No one was expected to dance but could if they wanted to. Dad and Dan did not. ;)

By the way, the chief of the Monacan tribe is the guy in the middle back with a few feathers on his head. He has glasses and a white shirt. When we first arrived at the pow wow, one of the family members pointed out who the chief was and so I told Tim. Tim took a look at him (dressed in jeans and a t-shirt) and said he was a bit disappointed. I have to admit I was too. Having never been to anything indian, you tend to expect the chief to look like the chiefs you always see on t.v. shows and movies. He spoke with a southern accent as you would expect from being in Virginia.

Rule Breakers.....love them anyway

2007-05-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

I believe it's safe to say that human beings don't like rules. Most of us feel that rules are made to be broken or that true fun and excitement exist when there is reason to sneak around.

As I was listening/reading Deuteronomy 13 today, something grabbed my attention.

"The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him."

I was reminded of the fact that God makes rules/laws for us to protect us. He literally commands His children to live better, happier and more fullfilled lives. Interesting how humans still ignore His commandments. Apparently it's more fun to break the rules and live miserably. At least that's what you would think by looking around. People either don't know that there is a better way of life or they decide that they would much rather be miserable. So, here we have two reasons of avoiding God.....ignorance and stupidity. The ignorant have never even heard of Jesus and must be taught. The stupid have heard about Him and decided they didn't want Him. Both should be prayed for.

In a way, the stupid, can actually be ignorant because if they truly knew Jesus and the God I know, they would not turn Him down. It's entirely a lack of understanding.

There comes a point where mere words are nothing. Actions speak louder but never in an obnoxious way.....like our words can all too often be. If you're going to speak words, speak God's words. If you're going to show people God's words by your actions, act like Jesus. You don't need to perform miraculous acts in order to get a sinner's attention. All you have to do is love them in the face of hate.

1. Love sinners and treat them like it.
2. Live like Jesus (same as number 1.)
3. Speak when God says to speak and shut up when God says nothing. If God is not telling you what to say, chances are, it's time for you to be quiet and listen. It could be that you have a thing or two to learn from the people you're ministering to.

Take My Child....PLEASE!

2007-05-10T08:31:00.000-04:00

"If I went to a foreign country on a mission trip, and someone begged me to take their child to America with me, how could I say no? What if I HAVE to say no? I can't take them ALL with me. How can I survive such anguish?"

This has been a concern of mine considering the mission trips our congregation is beginning soon. I keep thinking about the desparation that has to go through a parent's heart and mind as they approach someone from a wealthy, free country. Desparation fuels their desire to have their children live better lives than they have themselves.

I am learning to have a heart for those parents who have a great motivation for giving up their child(ren) in order to accomplish something greater.

Interesting. That sounds like a familiar theme. It sounds just like my God. He looked down on all of His creation on Earth and had such great compassion on us. He willingly gave up His only child, Jesus, in order to accomplish something far greater. What is that, you ask? He saved us and gained MORE children through adoption!

How beautiful!

Umm.....you can't be adopted if you don't take Jesus. You have a Father who is begging you to come home to a place of spiritual wealth and freedom. Will you take His child so you can come?

Comprehension

2007-05-03T09:28:00.000-04:00

I've been going to www.biblegateway.com everyday and listening to Max McLean read one chapter of the bible to me. I love how he reads it. It just makes more sense when sentences are read the way they're suppose to be heard. He pauses in all the right places and emphasizes certain sections with a change in the tone of his voice. I have to say, I've been tempted to add many chapters to this blog because I get so much out of reading and listening that I want to share it with everyone. Although, I know that not everyone is able enjoy these things as much as me because not all of my readers are Christians and have the Holy Spirit to help them to understand scripture. I pray that you will soon be included in the family of God so you too can truly appreciate these words of Life; the bible.

It's interesting to me how after spending the majority of my life with comprehension problems during reading, that I am finally able to read something as precious as the word of God and understand it. Now, keep in mind, understanding scripture and fully grasping it, are two different things all together. I do not by any means claim to understand everything and have it all figured out. I am, however, thrilled to be able to sit down and pick up the bible and read it without feeling like I've just wasted my time trying to read because I didn't understand a stinkin' thing.

Sometimes when I get to thinking about what it use to be like to read and try to understand the bible, I end up crying.

You see, I have asked God for years to help me to want to read the bible and to understand it when I read it. I still remember when my prayer was answered. It was in the summer of 2004. Tim was going to Ohio State University to get his Master's in Library and Information Science. In order to get to see him at all while he was in school, I would travel with him to Columbus each week. I had decided to take something to do along with me since I would be stuck in the hallways for 4 hours each day we went to the college or campus library.

At first, I took a notebook, pens & pencils, magazines, and the bible. Well, I'm sure you can guess what I ended up using and not using. The bible was never opened. I did everything else but read the bible.

This made me feel really guilty and so I decided that if I was going to read the bible, I was going to have to make sure there was nothing else to do but read it. The hallways were empty and I was the only one out and about in the entire building. Tim's class was the only people in the entire building and it was pretty boring to be there all alone. I decided that I would take ONLY the bible in the building with me. I figured I would get some serious bible reading done in a 4 hour time period!

Would you believe that from that time on, I was able to read the bible and understand it? God was just waiting for me to make the decision to read His book and nothing else. Now that I can understand things I read, I actually WANT to read the bible. I can read other things now too and understand them. I just choose to read the bible first though. I have always felt that if I have time to read a book, dag gone it, it's gonna' be the words from the mouth of God.

During that summer, great and wonderful things happened. I was inspired to write songs and poetry about God (I did carry the notebook to the building with me). It was also during that summer that God spoke to me about going to China and adopting a little girl. He has never spoken to me like that before. I have always wondered what it sounded like to have God talk to you. Now I know. It makes me wonder if He has been talking to me all this time and I just wasn't listening. Kinda' makes you think.

The point of this message is:

If you are desiring to do what you know you should do with God, make it a point to remove everything else out of your way so that all you have is God and God alone. He will speak to you and....... you will hear. You can read His word and...... you will understand what He wants to show you at that particular time. You can read the same scriptures again at a later time and He will show you something entirely different that you need. His word is alive and is sharper than any two edged sword. It hurts and it heals.

Anything that gets in the way and keeps you from God, is a sin and must be removed. God has always been here and He is simply waiting for us to make the decision to push everything else out of the way and come running to Him and Him alone.

Come to Him!

Deuteronomy 8

2007-05-02T08:09:00.000-04:00

Do Not Forget the LORD

Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers. Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.

Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and revering him. For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. He led you through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. Like the nations the LORD destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the LORD your God.

(NIV Bible)

A.1.

2007-05-01T14:57:00.000-04:00

I am a big fan of ketchup, mustard, mayo, dips, salad dressing, BBQ sauce, etc. I have to say that there is nothing quite as wonderful as A.1. sauce though. That stuff just makes everything better!

At home when I was growing up, my parents couldn't afford to buy all the things that everyone else had. A.1. sauce was one of those things. I first discovered A.1. at my aunt and uncle's house. We lived next door to them while I was in Kindergarten and it was a wonderful thing for me because it was in their house that I tasted my first bit of A.1. sauce. Anytime there was something on the dinner table to eat that would normally require ketchup, A.1. sauce was present. I was always a ketchup kid and loved plenty of it on my french fries, but ever since the discovery of A.1. in my life, it's what I have every time now. I especially enjoy A.1. on steak fries. I have discovered that if I mix ketchup with A.1., it will make my A.1. last longer. It gives me the ketchup texture with the taste of A.1. and my A.1. sauce will last alot longer. It's a sad day when I use the last of the A.1. sauce.

Remember the old "Miracle Whip" commercials? "A sandwich just isn't a sandwich without Miracle Whip". Well this is how I feel about A.1. sauce. A.1. sauce and meat and potatoes have a wonderful marriage that should never be broken.

What is your favorite sauce, dip, etc.?

Faith Like A Child

2007-04-27T07:56:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Nick (my father-in-law) gave me something for Zoe (my daughter). It was a box that he had bought recently which held tags for various things. He only needed the tags but hated to throw away the box because it was so nice and sturdy. He told me that he decided to decorate it for Zoe so she could put things in it to store or display. Well, I'm sure if you know Nick, you know that the box turned out to be quite pretty and perfect for a little girl. Her name is written in calligraphy, of course, right in the center.

Anyway, after leaving Nick's house, I went to my grandma's house to pick up my niece, Talia, and take her home with me. I showed the box to her and told her that Tim's dad made it for Zoe. She, being a beautiful 6 year old, asked in complete amazment if Nick made the box itself. I smiled and said he didn't and that he just decorated it.

I was thinking about this short conversation this morning and felt moved to blog about it. I was reminded of the innocense of a child and how they will believe anything you tell them. When I told Talia that Nick made this box for Zoe, she automatically assumed that he made the box itself rather than just decorating it.....and she was amazed. This makes me think about how Jesus said .....

Matthew 18:3
And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

The very fact that a child can be told that God made a tree, causes the child to believe that God really made it ....and He made it from the beginning....from scratch.....starting with nothing and ending up with something. Why is it so hard for adults to believe? We actually have to be taught how to doubt. Did you know that?

Perhaps it was the way I worded it when I told Talia that Nick made it. Perhaps I should have just told her that Nick decorated it for Zoe. If I had done that, I wouldn't have an insight to share on this blog about faith like a child would I? I'm glad things happen the way they do. I believe that everything has a purpose and it all ties in with God's big plan. I'm just thrilled that I get to be included in this marvelous plan.

Some advice:

Don't believe what people tell you; read the bible for yourself. Never believe what Satan tells you. Always believe what God tells you. Then, act on it.

What if....

2007-04-26T09:24:00.000-04:00

What if everytime you wanted junk food, you said no to yourself and prayed to God instead? What if this is what you chose to do as a daily type of fasting and prayer?

Maybe your "thing" is drinking or smoking or chewing tobacco. What if every time you wanted to do these things, you said no to yourself and prayed to God instead?

Maybe your "thing" is reading dirty romance novels or looking at pornography or watching soap operas. What if every time you wanted to do these things, you said no to yourself and prayed to God instead?

Maybe your "thing" is laziness or lying or gossip. What if every time you wanted to do these things, you said no to yourself and prayed to God instead?

Maybe your "thing" is eating in front of the t.v. mindlessly shoving food in, not because you're hungry, but because it's something to do while you watch your shows. Maybe your "thing" is eating when you're emotionally upset. What if every time you wanted to do these things, you said no to yourself and prayed to God instead?

What kind of relationship would we have with God?
What kind of relationship would we have with ourselves?
Would we feel better?
Would we be healthier?
Would we truly learn what it means to lean on God for EVERYTHING and trust Him totally?

Losing ourselves and gaining God.....hmm.....sounds extremely hard to do but soooo worth it all.

Well, maybe I don't want to tell myself no. Maybe I want to endulge in everything my body wants and craves. I know I should tell myself no concerning the things that are bad for me, but I just don't have "the want to" that I need to break free from all these things.

What do I do about it?

Pray and ask God to make me want to want what is good for me. To make me want to pray to Him all the time. To make me able to tell myself no and be stronger and better for it.

I hope this post has encouraged you. Lose yourself and gain God.

New

2007-04-08T08:20:00.000-04:00

I woke up this morning to our clock radio blaring southern gospel music. We like to have the first thing we hear each morning be praise to God. The song this morning was one I had never heard before but one that I needed to hear. I only heard the ending of the song, but God knew that it was all I needed to hear in order to get the message. It was a group called "Legacy Five" and they were singing "Temporary Too". I couldn't tell you any of the words because I don't remember them other than the words "It's temporary too!"

Today, being Easter, I feel a different connection the Jesus' resurrection than I've had before. When Jesus was raised from the dead, He made all things new; death had lost it's victory and life won!

Considering how I've been feeling lately, (as you can read a small part about my situation in the previous post) today I woke up feeling like a new person. I feel as though I've had some things in my life be crucified and now, this morning, it's time to live again!

I want to thank all of you who have prayed for me like I asked you to in my previous post. I knew God was moving in my life and I just needed the strength to get through the pain of it. When God changes things in your life, it involves Him molding your heart into a different shape. This hurts. Although, when He is finished, you're so glad He had you go through it. It's kinda' like getting a shot when you're sick. It hurts for a while, but we all know it's going to make us better and we'll be glad it happened later. Just take your medicine and get well.

There is medicine for our physical bodies and then there is medicine for our souls. When your body is sick, you need a shot or a pill to make you new. When your soul is sick, you need to be washed in blood to make you new. Not just any blood. The blood of Jesus Christ. This kind of washing is unseen to the human eye, but all of Heaven and Hell see it very clearly.

Jesus is not dead. He's alive!

Disconnected But Going Somewhere With God

2007-04-03T20:23:00.000-04:00

Have you ever been through a period in your life where it seemed like no one listened to you? I have. As a matter of fact, I've been going through this for the last few years and I feel as though I'm at the climax of the experience right now.

I've been thinking about this for a couple of days now because there are certain situations in my life right now where it has become incredibly clear that I am not saying what people want to hear.

I keep thinking that this must be something that God is doing in my life. Lately, I have felt very alone, even when I'm surrounded by people. Something just isn't right and I don't know what it is. I feel very disconnected from my surroundings and the people I normally associate with.

Is God preparing me for a move to a different area? Is God preparing me to let go of the things and people I hold dear so I will only hold Him dear and no other? Is God teaching me to not worry about whether people listen to me or not because it doesn't matter as long as God is listening?

In analyzing myself in this situation, I've asked myself if maybe I talk and write to "entertain" people rather than talk and write to commune with God and teach His message to those who will listen.

I told Tim, my husband, that I feel like God is preparing me for something because "I feel so neutral......so much in limbo." It's the oddest feeling for me to have because I am someone who feels like I have to know where I'm going and what I'm going to do. It's hard for me to "fly by the seat of my pants", but you know, this is how God seems to work in our lives. He plans the whole thing and sometimes only lets you in on parts of His plan. This is simply because we can't handle knowing the whole plan right away. I have to think that we would mess alot of stuff up if we knew everything. All God tells us .......or at least all He tells me......is "Go here and do this". Just out of the blue He announces this stuff to me. I'd be a nut to say No to Him.

At the moment, I have no clue about what He's got planned for me this time, but I don't plan on telling Him No, that's for sure! I'll keep you all updated as I find out the details from Him.

Pray for me.

Play It, Man!

2007-03-31T12:36:00.000-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHC_Qyov2Xc

Check out this guy's talent! Pretty cool! Do you remember these two songs?

Carl Lemon

2007-03-29T08:58:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was the funeral of my husband's great uncle. Tim was unable to make it to the funeral but I was. I didn't know him very well at all, but what experience I did have with him was one I won't easily forget.

You see, there was a certain type of greeting he had for those of us in the younger generation. He called us "dumb kid". This, of course, sounds like he is a horrible and nasty person. I have never personally found this to be true. When he called me a dumb kid, I noticed something right away. By calling me this, he was including me in the family. I was not some outsider who dared to date and even marry his great nephew. I was someone special who deserved the same title as all the rest of the kids in his family. You are reading the blog of someone who is mighty proud to go by the title of "dumb kid"!

I never realized how much this man meant to me until I went to his funeral and heard the words the preacher used to describe him. By the time the funeral was over, I felt genuinely sad that I had never gotten to know Carl better. What I learned about him in 1 hour's time of listening to a good friend talk about him, inspired me to write about it.

Something that is very hard for me to deal with, is the fact that all these years that I have been with this family, I never realized how great a man there was just a couple of hours distance from my home. What I have learned is to never assume you know someone just because they're in your family. Take time to sit down and talk to them. Ask them what they think and listen to the answer. Truly listen to them.....with both eyes looking straight into theirs.

I learned alot about myself as I listened to the words describing Carl. I found out just how much we were alike and yet how much we were different. The words describing Carl's life inspired me to be better, live better, work better, love better and give better. I learned how to be better and I learned that being better was attainable because it was lived out right in front of the whole world to see and hear.

So, today's advice is:

BE BETTER

Tell your spouse what you need

2007-03-24T09:40:00.000-04:00

"Understanding human needs is half the job of meeting them"-Adlai Stevenson

There's a reason you hear "women's intuition" and you don't hear "men's intuition". Let me explain.

Yesterday, I had a terrible headache all day and did alot of lying around and moving from here to there in slow motion. Tim knew I didn't feel well but unless I told him exactly what I needed done and when to do it, things did not happen. Last night when we went to bed, we were lying there watching t.v. I kept saying how much my head hurt and I just kept rubbing my head and pulling on my hair for relief. I was just about in tears from the pain and decided to take some medicine for it. I asked Tim to get me some and so he did. I continued to lie there in bed complaining about my head hurting while I waited for the medicine to start working.

I lie there thinking about how I always rub Tim's head when he has a headache and how he never seems to rub mine unless I tell him to do it. Didn't he know how bad my head hurt? Can't he see that I need my head rubbed?

I then, in a typical female way, looked over at Tim and said "What do I do when YOU have a headache?"

This did not go over very well. He then told me that I didn't need to use guilt to get him to do something for me. All I needed to do was to ask him and he would do it.

It is amazing to me that you need to be direct with a man and never assume that he knows what you are thinking. You need to tell a man exactly what you want done and when you want it done. Then he will do it.

With a woman, she is ultra sensitive with what is going on around her and seems to somehow know what you need and how to do it and when to do it.

I see both of these qualities in God. Man was made in His image and therefore God contains qualities of both men and women. God has incredible intuition and knows exactly what you need Him to do, but at the same time, He wants you to be direct and ask Him to do it.

Pray!

Mere Words

2007-03-21T20:59:00.000-04:00

So many times, this thought comes to my mind. The thought that there are no words to describe God. I know I've also talked about this on some of my other blogs and maybe even this one. This is just something that intrigues me. I love words. I love knowing what their meaning is and how they are appropriately used. It is difficult for me to try and grasp the idea that God cannot be described by mere words.

If you took all of the best and most important and most beautiful words in every language ever in existance and stacked them on top of one another forming a tremendously large tower of greatness, this would not be enough. It wouldn't even be close to describing God.

God describes Himself as "I AM". He is the only One who can have the ability to choose an appropriate description and title for Himself and He chose for Himself "I AM". This .....This statement......is extremely deep and far beyond what any human can comprehend. It transcends all adjectives available to the human mind.

I looked up the word "transcend" because it was the word that popped in my head for that last sentence. When I read the definition, I knew God gave me that word to use here. I'll close this post with the amazing definition from God about Himself.

Transcend

1. To pass beyond the limits of: emotions that transcend understanding.

2. To be greater than, as in intensity or power; surpass: love that transcends infatuation.

3. To exist above and independent of (material experience or the universe):
"One never can see the thing in itself, because the mind does not transcend phenomena" (Hilaire Belloc).

Distractions

2007-03-20T09:12:00.000-04:00

You know, it's possible that Satan sends trouble our way in order to distract us. Distraction is one of Satan's best pieces of ammunition to use on God's people.

When it appears that something catastrophic is going on in your life, don't get caught up in the mess of it all. Look to God and ask Him what Satan is trying to keep you away from. Ask God to make His will for you more clear so that Satan's darts in your life will bounce right back to him. If you are wearing the shield of faith, Satan's darts can't penetrate. They only dent the shield up.

Sometimes, Christians forget to put on the full armor of God everyday. Sometimes we think we only have time to pick up a few of the pieces of armor before running out the door and into the line of fire. This is not smart nor is it helpful to anyone. I suppose thinking we are too busy to put all of the armor on each day is a distraction.......from Satan.

I was just reflecting on all of this today while in the shower. (The shower and the car are my best spiritual places to go. God can get pretty chatty with me when I am in those places....haha! You all reap the benefits of our conversations too. It's just too good to keep quiet about.)

Anyway, I was thinking about something terrible going on in my family's life at the moment. It's something that's been going on over an extended period of time and today at 9:00am things are at quite a climax. I began wondering (God talking to me here) if all this mess is just a distraction from Satan to get our attention off of the greater picture. When putting things in perspective and knowing who to blame and who not to blame, things become so much clearer. You began to see things through spiritual glasses. You see that Satan is to blame and God is not. You see that Satan is to blame and certain family members are not (at least not directly).

We all make choices. We choose to do things Satan's way or we choose to do things God's way. We often confuse things and think that doing things our own way is simply doing things our own way. In reality, doing things our own way is doing them Satan's way. This is because anything that is not God's is Satan's. Plain and simple. If we choose Satan's way of doing something, then we are definately to blame. "The devil made me do it" is nonsense unless of course you are possessed by Satan himself and he actually is making you do something against your will. Satan deceives you. He tricks you and lies to you. It's through this that we get ourselves into trouble. Simply because we believe him. Why we believe him, I havn't the slightest idea, but we always fall for the same old lies over and over again, don't we? You would think that after the fall of man in the garden of Eden that mankind would learn from their mistakes, but no. We just can't help ourselves. Humanity lives for the present....the here and now.....whatever seems right at the time, we do it. It's high time, as Christians, that we start living everyday like it's our last and like Jesus is coming to take us home in the next 5 minutes. Learn to train yourself to say NO! to Satan all day, everyday. Satan has no peace for us. Satan has no salvation for us. The only reason Satan is interested in people is to get back at God and hurt Him. Satan does not love us. He only uses us to benefit himself. That is no friend of mine!

Come to Jesus and ignore the lies and distractions!

Check this out!

2007-03-14T16:48:00.001-04:00

http://www.kids4truth.com/watchmaker/watch.html

Fanatic???

2007-03-13T16:17:00.000-04:00

Should "fanatic Christian" be a compliment?

A friend of mine says this:

"I had someone call me that once.........i said.........THANK YOU!..........i personally consider it a compliment since i don't think as a human being, i can be "fanatical enough" about my Savior even in God's eyes. i can never do enough, i can never say enough, i can never study enough, i can never be faithful enough, and i can never measure up...........i compare the word fanatic to the the words..."ON FIRE".........just my opinion!"

I found some definitions for "fanatic" on www.dictionary.com

A fanatic is....

*Motivated or characterized by an extreme, uncritical enthusiasm or zeal, as in religion or politics.

*A person marked or motivated by an extreme, unreasoning enthusiasm, as for a cause.

*A person who is (too) enthusiastic about something Example: a religious fanatic marked by excessive enthusiasm for and intense devotion to a cause or idea; "rabid isolationist"

*A person motivated by irrational enthusiasm (as for a cause);
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject"--Winston Churchill

I agree with my friend that I quoted above. I love "On Fire". Sounds great to me. I've been thinking about this fanatic thing for a while now. I thought to myself that if I had the opportunity to visit Hell and see what Jesus saved me from, I would be a fanatic for sure! I believe knowing what we are saved from is very important when it comes to understanding what God did in giving up His son, and what Jesus did in being willing to come and go through with it. I tend to think that we can never be thankful enough because we just don't understand it all. What was done for us is larger than we are able to comprehend and therefore we tend to be humans that give of ourselves in a calm and rational manner. I don't think we should go around making people think we have a demon in us, or foaming at the mouth and convulsing!....but we should definately renew our minds and hearts to tune them into how important we are to the LORD (I AM)!

There is NOTHING we can do to repay God for what He did to save us. NOTHING! but......if we can grasp the idea of it all to the best of our ability as meager human beings, we can't help but give our lives everyday to God in sheer thankfulness and desire to be with Him and say thank you with our mouths. It's inevitable for a Christian to respond in an extremely positive way when they truly understand the gift given to them. Hell is not my destiny! Whoo Hoo!!

I heard one of my favorite radio speakers say something about fanatics the other day that really stuck with me. He said "A fanatic is someone who appears to love Jesus more than I do". That's a pretty bold statement and quite honestly has the potential to cause a few people to explode about it. So, let me explain it within the context of which it was spoken. I'm sure we've encountered people who aren't serious about their relationship with God....or for that matter, have no relationship with God because they don't like Him for one reason or another. These are typically the people who call you....the serious about God Christian.....a fanatic. I know there is at least one person in my family who feels that I am a fanatic. I don't run around acting like a nut either. I simply live my life each and everyday the best I can to serve God. This particular person, doesn't. They are more interested in pleasing themselves than pleasing God. Now if you were to ask them if they love God, they of course would say YES and be irritated that you asked them. I wonder how I know this? What they say they believe and how they live their life doesn't match up. It's contradictory. So, because I'm serious about Christianity, I am a fanatic to this person.

Patience & Perseverance

2007-03-12T09:51:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine recently said "I think a lot of impatience stems from being self-centered. It's when it's "all about me," that I'm most impatient."

Oh how true!

I remember praying for patience once and God answered in this way....

I was in college and still living at home at 19 years old. I was taking a shower and my mom came in the bathroom with a proposition for me. She asked me if I would be interested in living with my great-grandma to take care of her because she was starting to need someone to stay with her full time and not just have people stop in to check on her occasionally as before. This was a huge deal to me because I had never lived anywhere but home and I had never taken care of anyone full time before. I decided I would move in with her anyway and see what I could do to help. In any case, grandma's kids could sleep alot better at night knowing someone ......who actually loved their mother.....was living with her taking care of her.

Well, things went well for the most part, but I gained a tremendous amount of patience by living with her. She was either becoming senile or she was in the beginning stages of altzheimer's disease. It was about to drive me nuts, but I stuck it out and gained something VERY precious by persevering.

I was given the opportunity, by God, to not only gain patience and the ability to persevere, but I was given the amazing gift of developing a relationship that I never had before with my great-grandma during her last year of life. Her health was good and so no one saw this coming the year before when they asked me to live with her. It was just suppose to be a full-time "babysitting" job.

I prayed for patience and I was miserable. I stuck with it learning perseverance and gained the last year of my great-grandma's life to treasure.

Scary things happen when you pray for patience, but it's worth it in the end. God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

I am loved!

2007-02-25T22:03:00.000-05:00

I am human. There is nothing in all creation that is more important than me. The ocean is bigger than me. The mountains are bigger than me. You would think, by looking at them in their greatness and beauty, that they would be more important than me.....but they're not. Jesus Christ didn't die for the ocean. He didn't die for the mountains. He died for tiny little me. I am loved more than words can express. There are no words in any language anywhere in the world that can describe how much I mean to my Father in heaven. No one else would send their only son to the earth to be killed so I didn't have to be. God saw me in my misery and filthy, muddy, nasty life full of sin and He loved me anyway!

*edit* I found a great scripture I wanted to add to this post.....

The Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep he tends. ----Psalm 100:3

Take the bible with you.....EVERYWHERE!

2007-02-24T09:59:00.000-05:00

I spend everyday in front of the computer not because I have to but because I want to. I spend a great deal of time in front of the computer not because I have to but because I want to.

The question is: Am I wasting my time while sitting in front of the computer?

As many of you know, I spend alot of my time on this website www.davidphelps.com . Many of you do not know, however, that I simply don't read the bible because I have always had comprehension problems and a short attention span. It isn't because I don't want to know what God has to say, it's just that there is something that is keeping me from doing the very thing that I know I should be doing.

Since October 2005, I have been a member of the David Phelps message board. I spend long periods of time there because of the amazing people I have come to know and love. It has nothing at all to do with David himself. I am quite helplessly addicted to being with other Christian people on this website. When I need prayer, they are there to pray. When I need to be silly, they are there to deal with my silliness and join in. When I need to talk about the concert that I just attented with David, they beg to hear all the details that everyone else in my life doesn't want to hear. One of these members has even sent a great deal of money to Tim and I to help with the adoption even though we have never met one another. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, there are people on this message board. There are members and there are also those who come and read what's going on without joining.

There is a section called "fan discussions" where we talk about all kinds of stuff.

There is a section that we fans asked to be added called the "prayer room" where we can ask for prayer about specific things and pray for one another.

There is a section called "Solomon's Porch" that I asked for after getting many people interested in doing a group bible study each day. It's fantastic if I do say so myself. Most definately my favorite part of logging on the website every morning!

Recently, there was a woman who joined David's website. Her first post was not in the "fan discussion" section. It was not in "Solomon's Porch". It was in the "prayer room" section of the website. This is where I get emotionally charged when telling people about this place.

This woman said:

I find myself here because there are a lot of kind christians here and I need prayer! I am struggling so badly right now and I don't know how long I can fight. My husband is an alcoholic and I am so drained physically, emotionally and spiritually right now, the devil is is all his "glory." I also suffer from severe depression and bipolar disorder. I am afraid and alone, please pray that I will make it through yet another storm.

Remember this was her very first post. She didn't come to the website to talk about David Phelps and his amazing voice and talent. She didn't come to the website because she wanted to act silly and talk about all kinds of stuff. She came to us to ask us for help! She wanted us...a bunch of D.P. "phans" to talk to God about her and her husband!

The issue is, you just don't know who is watching you and who is reading what you say on the internet and elsewhere. Do you?

There was a time back in the fall of 2005 that I had actually decided that I wasn't going to join David's new fan website. I thought it was dumb to do something like that. The last thing I wanted to do was go to a website where people talked about "the best singer alive" all day, everyday.

Well, look what happened! Hahaha!

I became addicted to the internet. At least I thought it was the internet. I then figured it was an addiction to David's website in general. That wasn't it either. Until just recently, I thought I was addicted to all the "phans" (as we call ourselves sometimes). But now I know that it's not them either. I had been feeling really guilty about never reading my bible. All of my extra time was spent on DP's website talking with people from all over the world.

Was it addiction? .....or......Was it God working in my life and moving toward a ministry He wanted me to work in/with?

I was talking to one of my friends on the message board about my situation and how I always seem to make time to be on DP's website but never seem to make time to read the bible like I should. I thought to myself "If only I spent as much time reading the word of God as I do talking to all these people on this website, how much better I would be as a Christian!" I wondered what I was going to do. I really, really hated the thoughts of giving up being with all of the tremendous people and yet if I was to call myself a follower of Jesus Christ, I needed to put God first and do what was right......read the bible first, then spend time with people.

Then it occured to me, why not bring the bible to the website?! So my friend and I started to posting daily scriptures on the website and people seemed to really enjoy having that done because they too were hopelessly addicted to the website and people.

This has been going on for about a year now....everyday. As you read earlier, we now have a brand new section just for our bible studies on the website! What a gift! Thank you God and thank you (Administrator) Mark Proctor!

The point of writing all of this is to get the word out about taking the bible with you.

I was thinking about something. What if a person was addicted to porn sites on the internet and really struggled with this. What if this same person was to take the bible with them to these websites? What would happen?

What if a person was addicted to online gambling? What if this same person was to take the bible with them to these websites? What would happen?

Wherever you go, take the word of God with you and apply it. Spread the seeds and watch God make it grow!

You Have Captured God's Heart

2007-02-14T11:24:00.000-05:00

from "When Christ Comes"
by Max Lucado

Just look at the gifts he has given you: He has sent his angels to care for you, his Holy Spirit to dwell in you, his church to encourage you, and his word to guide you. You have privileges only a fiancée could have. Anytime you speak, he listens; make a request and he responds. He will never let you be tempted too much or stumble too far. Let a tear appear on your cheek, and he is there to wipe it. Let a love sonnet appear on your lips, and he is there to hear it. As much as you want to see him, he wants to see you more.

He is building a house for you. And with every swing of the hammer and cut of the saw, he’s dreaming of the day he carries you over the threshold. “There are many rooms in my Father’s house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am” (John 14:2–3).

You have been chosen by Christ. You are released from your old life in your old house, and he has claimed you as his beloved. “Then where is he?” you might ask. “Why hasn’t he come?”

There is only one answer. His bride is not ready. She is still being prepared.

Engaged people are obsessed with preparation. The right dress. The right weight. The right hair and the right tux. They want everything to be right. Why? So their fiancée will marry them? No. Just the opposite. They want to look their best because their fiancée is marrying them.

The same is true for us. We want to look our best for Christ. We want our hearts to be pure and our thoughts to be clean. We want our faces to shine with grace and our eyes to sparkle with love. We want to be prepared.

Why? In hopes that he will love us? No. Just the opposite. Because he already does.

You are spoken for. You are engaged, set apart, called out, a holy bride. Forbidden waters hold nothing for you. You have been chosen for his castle. Don’t settle for one-night stands in the arms of a stranger.

Be obsessed with your wedding date. Guard against forgetfulness. Be intolerant of memory lapses. Write yourself notes. Memorize verses. Do whatever you need to do to remember. “Aim at what is in heaven . . . Think only about the things in heaven” (Col. 3:1–2). You are engaged to royalty, and your Prince is coming to take you home.

God Is Romancing Me

2007-02-13T09:59:00.000-05:00

I was asked a question today on the bible study message board that I participate in everyday. (located at www.davidphelps.com click on "board" and then on "Solomon's Porch")

Anyway, on one particular thread, we are talking about being romanced by God. This idea is taken from a book called "Capitivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge.

Here is what I wrote in reply to what was presented on the message board:

God gets my attention through children. When I see them, my attention is taken away from everything else.

God gets my attention through my husband. When I wake up in the middle of the night and hear him breathing next to me, I am comforted and fearless in the fact that God has provided such an amazing creature for me to enjoy.

God gets my attention through the ocean. When I see it, the size of it takes my breath away. I am face to face with something that is bigger than me and any problem I think I have. Being face to face with power and beauty like the ocean, for me, is like standing face to face with The Almighty God Himself! I still remember the first time I ever saw the ocean 3 or 4 years ago. I stood at the edge of the sand while Tim walked on toward the waves. I really couldn't move! It was hard to breathe. It was hard to speak. The ocean was so loud and yet so incredibly calming as it forced me to take notice of it. It has a loud roar that demands attention as it announces in a proud voice "I AM HERE!"

God is powerful. God is beautiful. God is "I AM". God is mine and I am His.

He Could....

2007-02-09T10:24:00.000-05:00

http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b376/JASONHEBERT/?action=view&current=RaptureMED.flv

Questions

2007-01-19T10:13:00.000-05:00

If you had a million dollars, what would you do?

If Jesus came back today, would you be happy about it and ready to go right then or would you want to stay on earth a little longer?

If you could have anything you wanted, what would it be?

Name the 5 most important things in your life.

Name 5 things that make you comfortable.

What is the craziest thing you've ever done?

Oh My!

2007-01-16T09:04:00.000-05:00

These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water." The sermon tonight: "Searching for Jesus."

Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King.

Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say "Hell" to someone who doesn't care much about you.

Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

Miss Charlene Mason sang "I will not pass this way again," giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

The Rector will preach his farewell message after which the choir will sing: "Break Forth Into Joy."

Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.

At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What Is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.

The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.

Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.

The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to "sin".

Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.

The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.

The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours"

I love "Jommies"

2007-01-09T20:54:00.000-05:00

For some unknown reason, I refer to my pajamas as "jommies". I LOVE jommies! It's pretty much my most favorite time of the day.....when I can remove everything constricting and put on the most comfortable clothes in my house. Peace on earth becomes attainable at that very moment! ;)

My jommies consist of different kinds of things. Sometimes a big, baggy t-shirt and underwear is fine. Other times I wear lounge pants and a cute little cotton top. When it's really cold out, I love to wear a sweat shirt and sweat pants and curl up between the sheets. The only thing about that is, I wake up in the middle of the night roasting hot! This is why I most often do the little cotton top thing.

I have developed a great appreciation for lounge pants. I think I could truly live in them if it weren't for the fact that I would look a bit weird and freeze to death in the winter.

What's your favorite clothing to wear? Do you like pajamas too?

Thirty-Three

2007-01-08T20:24:00.000-05:00

I'm turning 33 years old tomorrow.

I've been doing some thinking about that particular age for a while now. Really, in any other circumstance, it would just be another number to me and I would be nothing more than another year older. Whoop Dee Doo about getting older. You're reading the blog of someone who had no problems turning 30! I'm just happy my parents let me live as long as they have. ;)

So, anyway, I've been thinking about this whole turning 33 thing. Ummm.....Jesus died when He was 33. What did He accomplish in 33 years on earth in a human body? What have I accomplished in 33 years on earth in a human body? Kinda' depressing, huh? I am not really depressed about it. Not really. I'm actually happy that God brought it up to me. It truly puts things into perspective. Have I been doing more playing and goofing off than I have leading souls to Jesus? Or, how about this.....In my playing and goofing off, have I led someone to Him? Ok. Let's break it down even more. In everything I do from the time I wake up in the morning to the time I go to sleep, every single day, am I trying to do it all for HIM and not myself?

Days make up years and years make up a lifetime. What are you doing with your life? Is it still "your" life or have you let Jesus buy it with His blood yet? Who's days and years are you using....yours or His?

Kinda' makes you think, doesn't it?

Words On A Page

2006-12-18T10:18:00.000-05:00

Books. Do you read them?

Books are made up of a bunch of paper with ink all over them forming letters and words. Nothing more. Right? Wrong. There is a story and when it's read, it becomes alive! You are transported to another place and time and forget that you are actually living in the here and now. When you read books, you forget who you are and you escape the reality of this world only to experience the fantasy world of someone else's imagination.

So, what happens when you read the bible? Does it enable you to escape who you are? Are you transported to a place where only the imagination can take you? Can you escape the reality of this world?

The ink on the paper in your bible isn't any different than the ink on the pages in another book. Yet, there is something amazingly different. The words are different. I mean, really different. It's words are living. As far fetched as that sounds, it's really true. The thought of words being alive are about as rediculous as....well....I don't know what. So, what makes these words alive? God, of course! If you've ever read the first few pages of the bible, you'll notice that when God speaks, things appear out of nowhere and are created.....just by Him speaking them into existance! WOW! How easy is it for you to wrap your mind around that? Pretty difficult, huh? It sounds like something you'd see in a sci-fi movie or something.

It constantly amazes me to hear of people reading this particular book and having their lives change before their very eyes. Something happens when you read it. It's an invisible thing that happens, but the effects of the change in your life become the visible part that everyone sees. Nothing reaches up and physically grabs you like what you'd see in a movie. So you never have to worry about that stuff happening. Where the grabbing comes in, is where the living words on those pages spiritually reaches into your heart, into your soul, and into your mind and changes things around so much that you become somehow different. You won't be able to explain what happened to you, because there is no way of explaining something so miraculous...other than saying that the creator of the universe touched me!

Read these words and be changed. The bible is entirely made up of words that God spoke directly to us or through human beings to show us who He was and is and always will be. The entire book is designed to show us how we are to live and how we are to not live. Living any way other than how He says to do it, will only bring us pain and suffering. God never wants us to be in pain and suffering. This is a choice we must all make: whether we will do things our way or His way. The bible is filled with 66 books and all of them together tell a beautiful love story. The love story is about people and God and how God will do anything and give up everything in order to have us in Heaven with Him! Now that's beauty beyond anything else I can imagine!

Read the bible. God's words are alive!

Who's that man?

2006-12-17T17:54:00.000-05:00

When I was little, I always remember staring at a picture my dad's mom had hanging in her living room. It was a picture of Jesus knocking on a door.

I didn't know who Jesus was and I remember looking at him and thinking to myself:

Who's that man? Whose house is that? Why is He trying to get in? Is He coming to visit someone?

The mind of a child is just like that. Lots of questions about everything. So, what if there was no one around to tell me the answers? What if it was illegal to even speak the name of Jesus?

I was at the downtown library yesterday looking at books in the basement where they keep the children's section. There were tables set up throughout the room with special books about Christmas around the world. Without putting much thought into it, I got excited and started looking excitedly for something about Christmas in China. I found nothing. Then it occured to me. China doesn't celebrate Christmas. It's illegal to hand someone a bible in China. If you're a Christian and you live in China, you are in danger.

This bothered me grately seeing no Christmas books at all from China. I then thought about my little girl and how if I didn't adopt her and bring her to a Christian country, she would never hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and she would go to Hell. Then I thought about all the other people who will be left there when we go over to pick up our little girl. How will they know about Him? Who will tell them?

Too many people and so little time!

Christmas Survey

2006-12-17T16:05:00.000-05:00

1. Eggnog or hot chocolate? hot chocolate

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? There is no Santa.

3. Colored or white lights on your tree or house? White lights on the tree

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No

5. When do you put your decorations up? After Thanksgiving

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Potatoes of any kind

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? Going shopping the night before Christmas downtown with mom and grandma. The streets were filled with greenery and red bows hanging from every light post. It was always snowing and the sounds of Christmas music was playing on the sidewalks as well as every store we entered. There was excitement in the air and you could almost taste it!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I figured it out over the years and my parents continued to lie to me even when I knew better. Finally, I convinced them to tell me the truth. I'm still angry about being lied to all of those years. Santa is a sore spot with me, unfortunately.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes, at Tim's grandma's house.

10. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him? Growing up, my dad always convinced us to leave out some kind of healthy food for Santa. He said that's what Santa liked and he needed to keep his energy up because he had a long night ahead of him.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I love snow when it's fresh and no one's walked across the yard yet. I don't like to go out in it or drive in it. I'm not a fan of cold weather.

12. Can you ice skate? No

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? My first year of having a boyfriend and my first year of having a husband (both the same man) ;)

14. What's the most important thing about Christmas for you? Being with my family. My favorite thing at Christmas time when we're all at my grandma's house, is when all 60 some of us pile into the kitchen before eating and say a pray together. We all hold hands (over, under, around and through) making sure to not leave anyone out. We all bow our heads and in that one moment, in that single act, we are all unified and talking to the One who made us. I have a wild family and not many of them are Christians by the way they live, but I so enjoy our prayer time together because it's the only time that I am very sure that they are thinking about what life is really all about.

15. What is your favorite Christmas dessert? I love my mom's apple pie.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Driving from house to house in order to see all the family we need to see in order to share our time together. We have 5 stops we make. I love it!

17. What tops your tree? An old Hallmark angel from Tim's childhood.

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Definately giving. I really only enjoy it though, if the person is a thankful person. Someone who expects a gift and tells you exactly what they want and how much to spend, etc. really irritates me and the joy in giving is never there for me.

19. What is your favorite Christmas carol? O Holy Night.

20. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Candy canes are good broken up in white chocolate!

21. When do you take down your tree? After New Year’s Day.

Christmas with God....(and David Phelps was there too)

2006-12-12T08:31:00.000-05:00

Me with David Phelps
www.davidphelps.com

Me with Daren Streblow

http://www.darenstreblow.com/streblog/

Me with David's wife, Lori

The morning of the concert was pretty rough for me. My neice has always expressed interest in going to a David Phelps concert with me someday and so I was finally about to see to it that she got to go to one and it was last night for David's Christmas concert in Ashland, Kentucky. I have looked forward to the day I could take her for a couple of years now and I was thrilled that it was finally going to happen.

My sister called me yesterday morning to inform me that my neice was sick and said she didn't want to go to the concert because all David does is stand on the stage and scream. Now a few weeks ago, my neice had told me those very words and I was shocked because she loves to sing with him and wanted to go to the concert very much. Something had clearly "changed her mind" and I suspected it was more of a someone than a something that changed it for her. I told my sister that I really, really wanted her daughter to go to the concert so much and to just give her a few more hours to see if she felt better. There was then some discussion about who would go in my neice's place if she was still sick. It was breaking my heart to think of her not going. Even more so, it was breaking my heart that she said she didn't want to go. That just isn't my neice at all. No one I know loves to sing more than my neice and singing with David Phelps has always been great fun for her when we were together in the car or around the house playing his music.

I was so upset by all of this that I felt God telling me to ask my fellow David Phelps message board members to pray about the situation. Here is what I wrote:

" My neice is in great need of encouragment in her little young life and I know that David's music can provide that for her. She use to love to sing all the time and always asked to listen to "God music" when we were together in the car.....which meant David or the GVB. Well, lately she hasn't been singing. This concerns me a great deal. There are huge family issues going on right now and she is caught in the middle. A certain family member has been filling her little sweet head full of garbage about how she shouldn't go to the concert because "all David does is stand on the stage and scream". This is what she told me the other day and I was shocked. She always wanted to go to a concert with me and see him sing and now this? Our family is having a very hard time dealing with this particular person and it angers me that this person would turn my little sweetie against Christian music. This person doesn't want my neice to listen to any Christian music or go to anything Christian. It's a really LONG story and very much private. I'm afraid I've already told you all too much already but I'm desparate for prayer in this situation. Please, please pray hard for my neice that she will want to go and be able to go to the Ashland concert tonight! I can't think of another person in my family who needs it more than her right now. I just don't know what else to say. I don't normally ask for prayer on here. I believe this is my second time actually. When she comes tonight, please pay special attention to her and make sure she's having a great time. Will you? "

Now, my next comment on the message board looked like this:

" Sometimes God works really fast when you ask Him for something. As soon as I hit the "submit" button to post my prayer request, my sister called me and told me to listen to my neice in the shower. She held out the phone toward the shower and I heard the most beautiful sound that I've heard in a very long time. She was singing in the shower!!! Keep praying!! "

Many people were praying for my neice and have told me they will continue to pray for her considering the situation she's in the middle of. Incredible people! No wonder I talk to them everyday on the message board.

So, a few hours before we leave to go to the concert, Tim and I had to pick something up from my mom's house for a project we were working on, and my neice was there. She was playing with my nephew and having a fine time because she was obviously feeling better. Before Tim and I left my mom's, my neice came and sat on my lap and hugged me and announced with a huge smile that she would see me at the concert! I told her how happy I was to hear that and how sad I was when I thought she wasn't going to go. I told her that I wanted her to go more than anyone else....even Tim! I wanted her to know just how important she is to me and how important it is that she go to Christian concerts. Using Tim is always effective because she knows how crazy I am about Tim.

God was working.

Several message board members and friends and family met at a restaurant called C. J. Maggie's before the concert last night and ate and talked quickly before heading over to the concert. We got there just in time too because the Emcee ( a fellow message board member "PastorChrisK") was beginning to speak. I quickly said a few words to Lib, Erica, Linda B., and David's beautiful and sweet wife, Lori. This was my first time to meet Lori and it was as comfortable and pleasant as I had always imagined it would be. With David and Lori, there is never a sense of feeling like they are any better or worse than me or anyone else. People just feel like they've always known them. I feel like they are long lost relatives and it just feels right when I hug them or talk to them. Those two are always ready for handing out hugs to anyone who looks like they may need one. Their "hugging arms" come toward you faster than you can get yours around them. Always ready.

We were quickly shown to our seats and I quickly noticed how rediculously bright the spotlight was on Chris' body while he was trying to greet everyone from the stage. He did a great job and was pleased with himself that he was able to remove all Kentucky accent from his vocabulary as he welcomed and introduced everyone to Anthem Avenue, who were opening for David.

Tim played around with our new digital camera that is also a video camera. We bought this specifically for our trip to adopt Zoe from China. We were not allowed to video tape anything and we were not allowed to use a flash while taking pictures. I'm not very thrilled with the picture taking ability of this new camera. Being the smart (although blonde) person that I am.....hahaha.....I made sure we brought "old faithful", the big heavy camera, with us too. I plan to get the pictures developed today if at all possible.

I think I got a picture of me with each board member I met....INCLUDING OLEGOAT!! I am sooo happy to have met him finally! I told him that it seemed only right that he and I should get our pictures taken together for the message board to see. I asked him if it was ok if I posted a picture of him on the boards and he seemed "ok" with it. Tim took a picture of us with the new camera as well last night and it's hilarious because Olegoat is just standing there with a regular look on his face and I'm laughing pretty hard. Not sure if I'll be posting that one. I look funny it it.....but we'll see. I guess it really captures mine and the Goat's relationship.....LOL!

David sang very well last night but you could tell that he was tired and wasn't up to full energy like he starts his tours out with. Something just wasn't right on the stage. Something was on his mind and whatever it was, it was bothering him a great deal. I've been praying about it since I picked up on it. They've all been on the road for several days with way too many people crammed on the tour bus and performing for 5 straight days in different states. That's enough to make me exhausted and give others the impression that something is up. So, just know that I'm praying for you David and crew. God will take care of you. He always does. ;)

During the concert, David asked if all the children in the audience would come up on the stage and sit down in front of him while sang a song to them called "Santa Claus, Get Well Soon". I looked down our row where my neice was sitting and saw her face light up with great excitment in anticipation of her mommy letting her go. The next thing I knew, there was my sweet girl up on the same stage as "my boy", David! This is a dream come true for me and I have say that it just might secretly be one of her dreams too. Being on stage that is (with or without David). She is a true hambone and that is exactly what I call her more often than not. Lately, I've been shortening it to "Hamy". I'm a name person.

While she was on the stage, I took her picture while she sat on the side in the shadowy section away from the spotlight because there was no room left. David's own children were included in this group and performed quite adorably at different parts of the concert, by the way. During the song that David performed just for the kids, I had a hard time looking at him. I only had eyes for my sweet girl on stage and how excited she must be. At one point, I notice her looking all around the room and up at the ceiling in amazement of the beauty of the Paramount building. She then faced the crowd for a very long time and looked for where we were all sitting and watching her. Then she waved and I waved back at her with pride.

After coming back to her seat, she decided to come over and sit on my lap for the last part of the concert. She talked about being on stage and how she waved at me. I had no idea she was waving at ME. I thought she was just waving at all of us (freinds and family). She was actually waving at me. I think she understood that greatness of her position on the stage and that I couldn't go up there and share the stage with David but she could. I was on her mind as she sat up there with her cute little ponytail and waved at me as if to say "Look where I am, Jenny!". Tim said he heard her telling her mom, when she got back to her seat, something about "D..a..v..i..d P..h..e..l..p..s!" in an amazed, loud whispering voice.

You guys, I can't tell you how precious last night was to me. All I want to talk about is God and how great He is. I've said it before and I'll say it 'til the day I die....It's all about God! These concerts are not about David Phelps. These concerts are all about God and how much we are loved. That really says it all, doesn't it?

Jennifer

P.S. Pictures are coming soon!

Behold The Lamb!

2006-11-29T09:55:00.000-05:00

The best version of this song I've ever heard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPleAL5Tmy8&NR

Enjoy!

Forgiveness

2006-11-27T14:38:00.000-05:00

forgiveness:
1: compassionate feelings that support a willingness to forgive
2: the act of excusing a mistake or offense.

In the dictionary, this word is referred to as a noun. I find this interesting. It is most definately a verb!

I believe it's not until we learn how to practice what true forgiveness is, that we can even come close to understanding why and how God forgave us. Forgiving someone is so out of character for a human being and yet it's so much the very essence of what God is all about. It goes against everything we feel and it's like going through a dark cave at times but there is light and life on the other side. Forgivness is a journey for humans but God does it all at once. He's just greater than we are and so He gets right to the point. It's takes us alot more time because in order for us to forgive, we have to give up and humble ourselves.

Letting go is the hardest thing we'll ever do in our lives.

Man and Woman

2006-11-26T13:25:00.000-05:00

I have recently visited a website of a lady named Maria Toth from the UK. She has put into words something that I have been working on in my head for a blog post here, for a very long time now and I want to share it with you as well as give her website address. Enjoy your reading of her posting. I agree with every word and I'm thrilled to find another woman who thinks this same way.

Considering there are a few words in the following post that are new to me, I decided to look them up and post their definitions for you to read as well. It certainly helps to understand what you're reading in a more in depth way.

Prowess:

–noun
1. exceptional valor, bravery, or ability, esp. in combat or battle.
2. exceptional or superior ability, skill, or strength: his prowess as a public speaker.
3. a valiant or daring deed.

Pastoral:

-adj.
Charmingly simple and serene; idyllic.

http://www.inhishands.co.uk/

Gender bender!
November 11th, 2006

In my post 2 days ago the male readers became defensive over society’s understanding of what it is to be male (or female). In years gone by women were seen as the weaker sex and men the strong ones, particularly physically. Women were said to have pastoral prowess, intuition and above all an ability to multitask.

However in recent times the innate differences seem to have merged and people talk of the feminisation of men, and also of women trying to take on roles previously deemed only appropriate for males.

Dare i suggest that having pastorally aware men is a good thing, but that women trying to be equal to men strips men of an opening to fulfil their role as a man?

This morning i was talking to a nun - she’s a professor of gender and the New Testament in Nigeria. She told me that she thinks we’ve misunderstood what it is to be male and female in God’s eyes (according to scripture) and that if we re-visit it many of societies struggles may be solved!

I wonder if we make too many assumptions and generalisations with regards to gender? What is it to be male and female? Can we learn that from scripture? Mmmm. A weekend musing!

by Maria Toth

Cold Turkey

2006-11-24T11:03:00.000-05:00

I love to eat cold turkey the next day after Thanksgiving.

I can say that now that I don't live at home with my parents any more.

Growing up, I would always dread "turkey day" approaching because I knew that I would be eating turkey every day for every meal until that thing was gone! UGH! For years, I had this nervous twitch where I would turn my head to the side in a jerking motion and wink one of my eyes as I made a gobble, gobble sound.

No...not really. Just being stupid there as usual.

What's your favorite leftover dish after Thanksgiving?

Ohio State vs. Michigan Game

2006-11-18T16:52:00.000-05:00

When does a game become more than just a game? When there is hate for one another present.

I was talking to Tim today about the Ohio State vs. Michigan game that will take place later this afternoon. Actually, I guess it's going on right now. Anyway, there's been a bunch of hooplah about these two rivals and just how big and important this game really is. Tim and I watched one of those "specials" on t.v. last night about the history of these two schools' football teams and I picked up on the word "hate" a few times while listening to what previous coaches of both teams had to say as well as a few other important people. This really began to bother me because being a woman who could care less who wins and who loses in sports, I have the ability to see a game for what it really is. A game. Now my question is, at what point in our lives does it become ok to forget everything we were taught as children about how to live our lives as good and decent human beings and play a game for the sake of having fun and nothing more.

I have no issues with football. I have no issues with guys slamming their bodies into each other in order to stop them from getting the ball.....because that's what you do in football. I do, however, have a problem with people taking a game so seriously that they feel hate for the other team. Games are intended to cause people to have fun and relieve tension, not cause tension and create negative feelings toward others. Games are intended to bring people together in a non-threatening environment to possibly settle an argument or to settle a business deal....like on a golf course.

I like a good clean game. A game where the character of a person shines brightly and everyone comes away a better man.

Today, may the best team win.....even if it's Michigan.....hahahaha!

Welcome??

2006-11-08T12:06:00.000-05:00

One Sunday morning an old biker entered a church just before services were to begin. Although the old man and his clothes were spotlessly clean, he wore jeans, a denim shirt and boots that were very worn and ragged. In his hand he carried a worn out old leather jacket and an equally worn out bible.

The church he entered was in a very upscale and exclusive part of the city. It was the largest and most beautiful church the old biker had ever seen. The people of the congregation were all dressed with expensive clothes and accessories. As the biker took a seat, the others moved away from him. No one greeted, spoke to, or welcomed him. They were all appalled at his appearance and did not attempt to hide it. The preacher gave a long sermon about Hellfire and brimstone and a stern lecture on how much money the church needed to do God's work.

As the old biker was leaving the church, the preacher approached him and asked the biker to do him a favor. "Before you come back in here again, have a talk with God and ask him what He thinks would be appropriate attire for worship." The old biker assured the preacher he would.

The next Sunday, he showed back up for the services wearing the same ragged jeans, shirt, boots, and leather jacket. Once again he was completely shunned and ignored. The preacher approached the man and said, "I thought I asked you to speak to God before you came back to our church." "I did," replied the old biker. "If you spoke to God, what did he tell you the proper attire should be for worshiping in here?" asked the preacher.

"Well, sir, God told me that He didn't have a clue what I should wear. He says He's never been here before."

Keep In Mind...

2006-11-08T11:54:00.000-05:00

Romans 13:1

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

Tasting Jesus

2006-11-01T12:39:00.000-05:00

I absolutely adore this story! It truly is my favorite. I have saved this in my "encouragment" folder in my email for several years now and love to read over and over. I don't recall ever posting it on this blog in the past, so I decided to share it with you all today. Enjoy!

At the University of Chicago Divinity School, each year they have what is called "Baptist Day."

On this day each one is to bring a lunch to be eaten outdoors in a grassy picnic area. Every "Baptist Day" the school would invite one of the greatest minds to lecture in the theological education center.

One year, they invited Dr. Paul Tillich. Dr. Tillich spoke for two and one half hours "proving" that the resurrection of Jesus was false. He quoted scholar after scholar and book after book. He concluded that since there was no such thing as the historical resurrection, the religious tradition of the church was groundless, emotional mumbo-jumbo, because it was based on a relationship with a risen Jesus, who, in fact, never rose from the dead in any literal sense.

He then asked if there were any questions. After about 30 seconds, an old, dark skinned preacher with a head of short-cropped, woolly white hair stood up in the back.

"Doctah Tillich, I got one question," he said as all eyes turned toward him.He reached into his sack lunch and pulled out an apple and began eating it.

"Doctah Tillich..." CRUNCH, MUNCH...

"My question is a simple question,..." CRUNCH, MUNCH...

"Now, I ain't never read them books you read..." CRUNCH, MUNCH..

"and I can't recite the Scriptures in the original Greek.. " CRUNCH, MUNCH ...

"I don't know nothin' about Niebuhr and Heidegger.. " CRUNCH, MUNCH...

He finished the apple.

"All I wanna know is: This apple I just ate, ------ was it bitter or sweet?"

Dr. Tillich paused for a moment and then answered in exemplary scholarly fashion: "I cannot possibly answer that question, for I haven't tasted your apple."

The white-haired preacher dropped the core of his apple into his crumpled paper bag, looked up at Dr. Tillich and said calmly, "Neither have you tasted my Jesus."

The 1,000 plus in attendance could not contain themselves. The crowd erupted with applause and cheers. Dr. Tillich thanked his audience and promptly left.

"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. If you have, rejoice in the hope of the resurrection that your faith in Him brings." Psalm 34:8

Thorns

2006-10-23T19:54:00.000-04:00

7 "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

--2 Corinthians 12:7-10

I was reading this tonight at the church building after our exercise class was over and they went home. I've often wondered what Paul's thorn in his side was. Naturally, what the thorn was isn't important. What is important is how he delt with it. He went to God. Three times as a matter of fact! God's answer to Paul was giving him what it takes to endure the hardship. God didn't remove the hardship. He strengthened him with it. How beautiful is that? Makes me think of how a pearl is made from a little stone. Friction!

I can't help but put myself in this situation that Paul is talking about. I remember going to high school and taking every Home Economics class they had available in order to prepare myself for family life....being a wife and a mom. That was my dream. That's all I've ever wanted (aside from everyone going to Heaven). I spent my whole life up to my wedding day preparing myself for motherhood. In high school I had decided I was going to have 12 kids! That must be why I never got asked out on a date.

Well, my wedding day came and I became a wife. Next was suppose to be motherhood. Because that's what my plan was. I had BIG plans to show the rest of the world how do raise children correctly and be the information queen when it came to giving out advice on childbirth since I had studied it so heavily. I couldn't see my head swelling so big that it was going to burst from all of the fullness of my vast intellect.....HAHAHAHA! That's a 16 year old for 'ya! I knew what I knew and the world was gonna' hear about it, by golly. (OH MY! *roll eyes*)

Well, as many of my readers know, I have not given birth and I have been married since 1997. I asked God many times (more than Paul's 3 times) to take this problem from me. Guess what? I get the same kind of answer that Paul got. It sounds alot like this: I'm here with you and that is enough.

I have begun to feel that it was actually best that I didn't give birth. It would have created a monster......me, the all-knowing baby person. In other words, a real know-it-all jerk that no one wants to be around or listen to.

I am truly grateful to God for just telling me "Shhhh. I'm here." for so many years. Sometimes it takes a long time to calm your children down when they're upset. It took God about 6 years to get me to just relax about my "thorn". Actually, to be quite honest, it took ME 6 years to LET God calm me down. There! That's better!

So, here I am now, with the thorn still in my side. Am I destroyed? No. Am I weak? Yes but not like I was. Is God still saying He's here with me and that is enough? Yes. Do I believe Him? You better believe it! You see, when I am weak, it's then that God is strong in my life and people take notice. People are turned off when I am strong but when God is strong, people come to Him like crazy!

Thank God for thorns! They're exactly what we need!

*edit* Pearls are not made by friction. I got things mixed up concerning diamonds being formed by pressure and all. Oh well....guess that just goes along with my post huh? :)

Cinderella

2006-10-12T16:15:00.000-04:00

I have always loved Cinderella since I was a little girl. I always wanted to grow up and be just like Cinderella and wear a big poofy dress like hers and spin around alot so my dress would fly out at the sides. The prince was never that big of a deal to me when I was little. I just knew he should be there. Otherwise, who would I dance with? Oh, the mind of a child. ;)

The most wonderful thing happened to me a couple of months ago. Tim's 3 year old neice was at my in-law's house when I showed up to clean (I'm their cleaning lady). I walked into the room where she was and was attempting to have a conversation with her when all of the sudden, she just stopped and stared at me. Then, in a very awe-struck voice, she said to me "You look just like Cinderella!". OH MY! I have never felt so beautiful as I did at that very moment! Right then I actually became Cinderella and have never been closer to becoming my childhood goal than at that very moment.

I have since then reflected a great deal on that situation and wondered what it was about me that caused a 3 year old to tell me I was like Cinderella of all characters. I thought about how kind and caring and soft spoken Cinderella is. She has blonde hair like mine and blue eyes like mine. I am an adult like her and I was cleaning the house in my old clothes like her. I can think of nothing greater than to have a child look into your eyes and tell you that you look just like something great and wonderful in their eyes.

...to the flag of the United States of America

2006-10-10T20:26:00.000-04:00

"The Pledge of Allegiance" - by Senator John McCain

As you may know, I spent five and one half years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. In the early years of our imprisonment, the NVA kept us in solitary confinement or two or three to a cell. In 1971 the NVA moved us from these conditions of isolation into large rooms with as many as 30 to 40 men to a room. This was, as you can imagine, a wonderful change and was a direct result of the efforts of millions of Americans onbehalf of a few hundred POWs 10,000 miles from home.

One of the men who moved into my room was a young man named Mike Christian. Mike came from a small town near Selma, Alabama. He didn't wear a pair of shoes until he was 13 years old. At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy. He later earned a commission by going to Officer Training School Then he became a Naval Flight Officer and was shot down and captured in 1967. Mike had a keen and deep appreciation of the opportunities this country and our military provide for people who want to work and want to succeed.

As part of the change in treatment, the Vietnamese allowed some prisoners to receive packages from home. In some of these packages were handkerchiefs, scarves and other items of clothing. Mike got himself a bamboo needle. Over a period of a couple of months, he created an American flag and sewed on the inside of his shirt. Every afternoon, before we had a bowl of soup, we would hang Mike's shirt on the wall of the cell and say the Pledge of Allegiance.

I know the Pledge of Allegiance may not seem the most important part of our day now, but I can assure you that in that stark cell it was indeed the most important and meaningful event. One day the Vietnamese searched our cell, as they did periodically, and discovered Mike's shirt with the flag sewn inside, and removed it.

That evening they returned, opened the door of the cell, and for the benefit of all of us, beat Mike Christian severely for the next couple of hours. Then, they opened the door of the cell and threw him in. We cleaned him up as well as we could. The cell in which we lived had a concrete slab in the middle on which we slept. Four naked light bulbs hung in each corner of the room.

As I said, we tried to clean up Mike as well as we could. After the excitement died down, I looked in the corner of the room, and sitting there beneath that dim light bulb with a piece of red cloth, another shirt and his bamboo needle, was my friend, Mike Christian. He was sitting there with his eyes almost shut from the beating he had received, making another American flag. He was not making the flag because it made Mike Christian feel better. He was making that flag because he knew how important it was to us to be able to Pledge our allegiance to our flag and country.

So the next time you say the Pledge of Allegiance, you must never forget the sacrifice and courage that thousands of Americans have made to build our nation and promote freedom around the world. You must remember our duty, our honor, and our country

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

We have....

2006-09-28T16:14:00.000-04:00

Many of you have gotten the following prayer sent to you through email over a period of several years. Every now and then I will get it sent to me again. This time, I thought I would post it on this blog.
I don't particularly feel that this man has guts in order to say such things as he does in this public prayer. I feel that he fears only One......God.

"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good, but that is exactly what we have done.

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography
and called it freedom of expression.
We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called
it enlightenment.

Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!"

Mine?

2006-09-23T08:58:00.000-04:00

What makes something yours?

When you go shopping, you are surrounded by all sorts of things, none of which belongs to you. So, what exactly is it that happens in order to cause one of those things in the store to become yours? Obviously, you can't just take the item off the shelf and decide it's yours and walk out with it. At what point does it truly belong to you. At what point do other people look at a particular item and recognize it as being yours?

In order to have something truly belong to you, it must be given to you or you must pay for it. Sometimes it requires both. Also, the item must be available for attaining. I recently had a yard sale at my dad's house and he had a child's rocking/bouncing horse on the porch that he loves. He told me about how special it was to him and how much the grandkids enjoyed it. Then, he told me that if someone tried to buy it, to tell them it's not for sale. Interestingly enough, 2 different people asked about buying the horse. I told them it wasn't for sale and they were very disappointed. If money had been exchanged for that horse, it would no longer belong to my dad. Just like that!

So what exactly is money? What's it for? I believe that money is proof of an agreement. It entitles one person to have ownership of something that once belonged to someone else. It is like little paper documents saying that you own something and are now in charge of the care and well-being of the item purchased.

Now, a person could come and steal this item from you in order to have it for themselves, but stealing it doesn't make it theirs. Only the exchange of money or the giving of a gift will make it theirs. When something is stolen from you, you want it back and you want justice to be enforced. It's one thing if someone steals something materialistic from you and it's a different thing all together if someone steals a person from you. If someone steals your car, you try your best to get it back, but it someone steals your child, you will give your very life to have your child back. Nothing will stop you from searching for them and trying to get them back in your arms where they belong.

Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Can you see where I'm going with this?

We are God's children because He created us with His own hands and breathed His own breath into our lungs in order to give us life.

Satan caused us to sin by telling us lies and tempting us to do the very thing that God told us not to do. We are now separated from God and we are all headed to a place created for Satan and his angels called Hell. We are going there because we chose to go along with what Satan said instead of what God said. We are in big trouble and we have no idea what to do in order to get out. As a matter of fact, there is nothing we can do in order to make things right between God and us. We have no power to do this ourselves. We need someone to save us! HELP!!

God saw our terrible and desparate situation and decided to do something tremendous. He wanted us back so badly that He did something that no one else could do. He gave up His own life by dying on a cross in order to kill the rule of sin over the world. Then He came back to life, as only God can do, in order to reign over everyone and everything once again. He totally defeated Satan and his wicked, evil plan to destroy us.

You see, Satan "kidnapped" us all from God and tried to keep us for himself so he could torment us for eternity. God stepped up, as He always has and always will, and pulled us up out of the mess we were caught in so He could free us and bless us with all the riches and goodness He has stored up for His children. Hallelujah!! We are free at last!!!

Some of you are still caught in the mess. You're caught because you are still trying to get out by your own strength. All the while, God's hand is reaching down to help you out, but you just won't grab on to Him.

Why?

The Word!

2006-08-30T09:23:00.000-04:00

The title of my blog is "Talk About Words" and so this blog contains words that I feel are worthy of speaking about as well as some silly stuff. Well, there is One whose words became flesh and dwelt amoung us and whose voice I obey and praise.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hxmlUWceHg

The Greatest Game Ever Played

2006-08-19T09:06:00.000-04:00

I love this movie! The only thing I would change is the "H" word and one other word used in the movie. Otherwise, it is completely clean and absolutely beautiful! So, I give Disney an A- for this one.

This movie is a golf movie. I personally have no interest in the game other than the fact that Tim enjoys playing it and so do many of my friends. Tim brought the movie home for us to watch several months ago. Needless to say, I was not excited about spending the evening watching a sports movie that would steal all of my husband's attention away from me. He seemed so excited about it and pointed at one of the main character's pictures on the front of the DVD. It was Shia LaBeouf! Our precious "Lou" (as we call him around the house). Shia played Louis Stevens on the Disney show "Even Stevens" several years ago and Tim and I became addicted to the character as well as the acting ability of Shia to completely become "Lou".

So, I decided to go ahead and give the movie a try because of "Lou". Now, let me tell you something. Never before have I found myself interested in golf and as a matter of fact, I have often told people that watching golf was as exciting as watching grass grow. This movie changed everything for me! I have talked about this movie for months and kept telling Tim that I want to own it! I am very anxious to get all the guys together sometime soon and have a big movie night watching it. I, of course, plan to be there so I can enjoy the movie for the third time (because we watched it again last night) as well as watch the expressions on the guys' faces. It will make it that much better for me because I will get to enjoy it through golf players and golf lovers.

This is a guy's movie; a sportsman's movie, but it's also a movie for me. I like guy movies as long as they're clean. This movie brought about so many emotions in me that I have fallen in love with it. It is one of the best movies I have ever spent my time watching.

I adore a character in the movie named "Eddie". On the back of the DVD case, he is referred to as "a spunky 10 year old caddy". He is definately spunky and I love it. I told Tim that I'm just glad I don't have to raise the little guy.

I think the reason I love this movie so much is because I have always been a fan of "the underdog". This movie is referred to as "the crowd pleasing underdog epic that's based on an inspirational true story.

There is so much I want to say about this movie and I really don't know where to start and stop. As I was watching it with Tim again last night, I had all these wonderful thoughts and words coming to me about the movie and I knew that I would write something about it on here and it would be great. Unfortunately, I went to bed thinking I would just write it on here today instead of last night. My words from last night are lost somewhere in my head and I can't get them back at the moment. They'll be back when I watch the movie again, though.

Good grief! Just go rent the movie and watch it! ;)

ICEE

2006-08-19T08:38:00.000-04:00

I have become quite fond of ICEE popsicles! Tim and I have only been able to try the blue and red ones since that's the only kind sold in our area. These things won't stay in the store because someone keeps buying every single box. So far, I've only found them at our local Rite-Aid pharmacy. Tim's sister told us that was the only place she was able to find them and so we kept looking for them there every time we could. Finally we were able to be there at the right time and bought only a couple of boxes. How stupid of us! They were gone entirely from the shelves the next time we stopped in. This just amazes me! I am now down to my last one. Tim has long finished off the blue ones and I have saved and hoarded my red ones and hate the thoughts of eating the very last one since I can't find anymore at the store. I havn't checked Kmart yet. I think they usually sell this stuff in cups because they have a machine. At least I think they have a machine. I figured if they had a machine, they may also sell the popsicles in one of the isles. Oh I sure hope so. How exciting?!

This is a really sad post isn't it? Hahahaha! It's so rediculous for me to get so excited over frozen water and sugar. ;)

Do you like popsicles or other frozen stuff? Tell me about it.

I Need My Dad

2006-08-07T08:19:00.000-04:00

My dad and I have something in common that my two sisters don't seem to have with him.

I'll give you an example. I think it was Friday night, when I found myself emotionally upset and I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. I just didn't feel right. I felt like something was missing and I figured that I was just tired or going through PMS. After going through this kind of feeling most of the evening, I began to cry and informed my husband "I need to see my dad." Tim just smiled, with a knowing look on his face, and said "Yes, you do." Tim's so wonderful! He is there for me when I'm going through stuff and simply allows me to go through the mess until I figure out the answer. I learn so much about myself during those times. Tim just gently guides me in the right direction and then rejoices when I find the answer. He's gonna' be a great dad, himself.

Well, I never did get around to seeing my dad that night, although it was tempting to jump in the car and go to his house and wake him up from his sleep to visit with him. When Tim and I got home from evening church services Sunday, there was a message on the answering machine from my dad! I wasn't the least bit surprised since I was having the strong feelings a couple days prior to that.

Dad felt my need and came to my rescue as soon as he could.

Dad told me, on the answering machine, that he just wanted to check in on us and talk for a while. He said "I just couldn't stand it any longer." Do you have any idea how important that makes me feel?! I told Tim that I knew he would call or show up at my door soon. I asked Tim if he knew how I knew that and he said "because you had been thinking about him". Tim has gotten use to mine and dad's relationship over the years and knows pretty much what to expect from us.

When my dad is upset emotionally, I feel it. When my dad's brother was dying in Texas and dad went there to be with him, it was emotionally draining for him. I felt my dad's emotions inside of me all the way up here in Ohio. I just kept telling Tim "My dad needs me!" Well, my dad ended up calling me that day! He opened up to me and cried and asked me to pray for my uncle.

When dad hurts, I hurt and when I hurt, dad hurts. We just sense things about one another without actually knowing what's going on. That's all I know. I don't understand why or how it works. It just does.

This makes me think about what it must be like for God and Jesus in their Father-Son relationship along with the Holy Spirit. The three of them are separate and yet they are so close to one another that they are as one being too! They are 3 in 1. Whatever one feels, the other 2 feel. My dad and I aren't THAT close but we still are moved emotionally in a very mysterious way when one of us is upset about something. Dad and I have always been this way but just since my dad has become a Christian and has the Holy Spirit living inside him, as I also do, our link to one another's emotions has increased quite a bit!

The Holy Spirit is a marvelous gift from God that draws those, who invite the Lord Jesus Christ to live inside their heart, together as though they are one. There have been many times that God has spoken to me about a certain subject only for one of my brothers or sisters in Christ to say the very same things during the same day! Sometimes God doesn't feel like I've fully heard what He's had to say on the subject and so He sends others to repeat it to me.....hahaha! I don't care how He does it, as long as He never stops giving me His attention!

"Tater" Chips and Dip

2006-08-05T10:32:00.000-04:00

This post is in honor of my good friend who goes by the username of "Olegoat". He loves "tater chips"!

I love chips! I especially love them with french onion dip. I end up eating this stuff until I get to the point that I announce "I don't ever want to eat like that again!!!!" I don't just like potato chips. I also like cheese curls and fritos. I use to only like the puffed cheese curls but now I really enjoy the crunchy ones too.

My mom's family has made a special kind of dip for as long as I remember. They mix cream cheese and green olives together with either a little milk or olive juice to make mixing easier. I prefer the olive juice. This dip is wonderful for just about anything! I eat it as a vegetable dip and chip dip. My mom doesn't even like green olives but she loves this dip.

If you try the dip recipe, let me know what you think of it at some point by posting a comment here. All comments get emailed to me directly, no matter how old the post is. ;)

What is your favorite chip?....And dip?

My Kinda' Stove

2006-07-13T16:56:00.000-04:00

This is a picture of my old stove that I absolutely adore. We have recently added some metal baskets above it on the wall to make things we use for cooking more accessible. As you can see, it has a side door where I have room to store my lids for pans as well as my baking stones. There is a wide area on the cooktop between the 4 burners. I love this space because I have room to set things without them catching on fire. I keep an iron trivet in the middle that's shaped like a cool looking sun. Our stove is a gas stove and as far as I'm concerned, I'll never own an electric stove unless it's only for the oven while still maintaining the gas cooktop.

Do you have a favorite piece in your kitchen? Tell me all about it and why you like it so much.

Does God Still Love Laurian?

2006-06-28T22:11:00.000-04:00

I am a fan of a Christian Rock singer named David Phelps as many of you know. I am a member of the message boards on his website at www.davidphelps.com and have grown to love all of the members there because of their love for God and great appreciation for great talent used properly.....and that being for God. I have never heard a voice like his before in my life and he is the only singer I listen to now because no one compares to his amazing voice and talent. It's just absolutely incredible!!!!

I have never gotten to meet David yet but I am planning to go to my first concert to meet him in December on the 11th in Ashland, Kentucky. God has used David to help pull me out of some very dark days over the years and I feel a need to meet this person who has been so willing to become a servant of God's. David is honestly the most giving person that I have ever heard of as I read what others have to say about him on the message boards. Everyone I have ever heard talk about him says the same things about him. They say how he listens to you as though you are the only one in the room. He looks you in the eye as you talk to him and he rubs or pats your back as you get your picture taken with him after a concert as though to tell you that you are cared about and loved. I have been told that there is just something different about David compared to other Christian artists. I'm looking forward to meeting this special person I keep hearing about.

Anyway, one of the members of the message board on David's website submitted a story to "Guideposts" of her experience earlier this year that absolutely grabbed my heart and hugged it! I wanted to share it with all of my readers as well because it's so dag gone great! You don't have to be a fan of David's in order to appreciate the meaning of this story. You do, however, end up being a fan of God's when you're done reading it. I hope so anyway.

Enjoy the story! Boy, I sure did!!

THE JOURNEY OF 11 MIRACLES
By: Laurian Allison Dawkins

"Well, THAT'LL teach me to try to put limits on God!!" I smiled to myself and then shot a quick prayer heavenward, "Yes, Mom. The Lord DOES work in mysterious ways! And He's got a sense of humor, too!"

It had all started innocently enough: David Phelps, the Dove award-winning tenor formerly with The Gaither Vocal Band, was going to tape live his first solo DVD and television special. The date was set for March 30, 2006 at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama. I had wanted to attend to show support of David and his message of God's love for each of us. But also, I admit, to hopefully be able to tell him in person how he and his music helped me at a time when I needed it the most.

Here in central Florida a year and a half earlier I had lost my home when hurricanes Charley, Francis and Jeanne roared through. I had been reduced to merely renting a bedroom from friends. Then six months later my mom passed over. I found my rock-solid faith starting to waiver. "How can I know You're real?" I'd pray. "How can You show me You haven't forgotten about me?" David's glorious soaring voice would always manage to pull me up when my spirits would sag, but the doubts would inevitably creep back in. Now with this concert perhaps I would find out if meeting him personally could help redeem faith. I had been searching so long for a sign.

I was flying in one day and returning the next. The entire flight I kept repeating my one simple prayer: "Please, God, let me be able to look David in the eye and, if possible, get an autograph. If You could just show me that You're still there."

The hotel's shuttle driver who picked me up listened patiently to me chattering away about this unbelievable singer and the concert scheduled for that evening. When we reached the hotel's curb, he thought for a moment and then offered to drive me by the theater for a quick preview. A minute later a young man and woman from the hotel climbed in, apparently going in the same direction. I started making small talk about how much I was looking forward to a concert tonight. Why, I was lucky enough to even get a peek right now! They both looked at each other and then smiled at me. "We're the back-up singers. I'm Carly and this is Anthony. We're going to the rehearsal." Wow! Being able to meet a couple members of David's group! I was still glowing when the driver and I returned to the hotel.

Arriving too early for check-in, I chose a seat near a grand piano in the lobby that afforded me a view of the front door and settled in with a book. Ten pages in, out of the corner of my eye, I glimpsed a man striding intently across the lobby towards the outside. I looked closer. He was talking on a cell phone. He looked familiar. HE WAS DAVID! Since I had come all this way I grabbed conceivably my only shot and yelled, "David! Good luck tonight!" He stopped talking and grinned back at me a grateful "Hey, thanks!!" And with that he was out the door. He must have so much on his mind right now yet he looked right at me! He even spoke to me! It would have been understandable if he had brusquely brushed me off or even ignored me on such a hectic day. But he didn't. I had heard of his thoughtfulness and humble character. It must be true.

It took me a good hour to calm down. People came and went in the lobby including several young men congregating by the piano when one of them reached over and hit a key. That piano could use a tune up. I made a face. "Oooo. Like fingernails on a blackboard." He was amused and then started tinkering away at the keys. After a minute the tinkering turned to jazzy riffs followed by soothing ballad-like streams and then countless other styles. This is just what I needed. The music was helping to keep me composed--no pun intended, I told myself. After too short a time my serenade ended when they left and in another few hours I was able to check in. And a few hours after that--concert time!

By the time it started the theater was packed with thousands of fans, waiting to hear THAT voice, to hear the love of God through his musical ministry. People were actually commenting on the electricity in the air. David's voice just shone into each heart there. Many were in tears. We were all in awe.

David was partway into the program when he introduced each member on stage. When he got to Jack, the keyboardist, I felt a smirk. "Ah ha!" It was my pianist in the lobby. I had met David's keyboardist and did't even know it. Most concerts are for less than two hours. David sang for four. And his voice was as strong and pure on the last note as on the first.

Out in the lobby I joined some people who had lined up in case there might be a meet-and-greet after the taping. A few minutes later David approached the head of the line and started meeting with admiring fans. Closer...closer...and then it was MY turn!

I told him how I revere his voice and performance; how very special they are to me. But as I started to tell him about losing my home and then my mom, he grabbed my hand and held onto it. I desperately struggled to find the words to convey the depth to which he has touched my life. All I could finish with was a quiet "You fill my heart." His eyes never left mine. This was not the fake sincerity of a celebrity. This was a man who truly cared at that moment for me and my sense of loss. Recovering, I asked him if he would autograph his latest CD, which he graciously signed. The mood brightened and then I noticed that he was STILL holding my hand. The man who has sung before the President of the United States actually cared enough to literally reach out to me. Maybe God was reaching out to me also--I just had to see the forest through the trees.

My time was up and I moved into the background. A man who had earlier been staying by David's side ended up moving over next to me. I had a feeling. "Is your name Jim Chaffee?" I asked. Admitting it was, he wondered How did I know that he was David's manager? He laughed when I told him that he looked like the manager type. We discussed how we both felt that David's tone in the upper registers has a brilliance to it, like a trumpet.

A woman came up behind me and asked if I had signed the journal? Go back inside and ask for it. The stage was being dismantled by the crew and the theater was empty except for a group of about thirty people down in front. I asked about it and was handed an album overflowing with loving messages. These people were "Members of the Board," I found out; passionately loyal admirers of David's work and ministry. As fans from his website they had gathered from all over the country to show their love and supprt for him this special night. They had made this album and a plaque to commorate it all. They had even taken up a collection among themselves for World Vision which David and his wife Lori fevently support. My mind raced as I had only a minute to add my message. Writing how every day I thank God for the gift of him and how he "fills my heart," I wished him and his family Love and Light.

Someone called "Here he comes!" and David found himself quickly surrounded. He gratefully accepted and looked over each keepsake. It was easy to see how deeply touched and honored he was by what all the "Phanatics" had done. It was now nearing midnight but still he stayed to take even more time with those of us by the stage. The crowd ebbed and flowed and I found myself next to Lori who was holding their two year old son Coby. "Great name!" I joked. "My name is Lauri too!"

Eventually the group started to disperse and I headed for the lobby. I was thirsty and pleased to spy a water fountain. But there was a woman ahead of me holding up a toddler boy for a drink. "By any chance are you...Grandma?" "Why, yes. I'm Lori's mom." Another one! What a way to end the evening!

Back at the hotel I kept running all the incredible encounters over and over again in my mind, savoring each friendly phrase, every warm smile. So much so that I really could't sleep. I had needed reassurance that I was still loved. And with all these messengers God had replied "You want to know HOW much I love you? This is how much!"

By morning I finally gave up and came to the lobby for an extra-early check-out. While waiting for the shuttle van I sat there grinning like a Cheshire cat. A woman standing over by the window looked my way. Embarrassed, I felt I should explain this silly look on my face. I explained how I had just attended the most wonderful concert by the most extraordinary singer I had ever heard, and how much he and his music meant to me. A knowing smile came over her as she reached out her hand, "Hi. I'm David's mother." It was about this point that I could feel the silly look turning into downright goofy. She was so kind and gracious, speaking with me for over ten minutes. A man approached. "Oh, there's my husband." Could I meet him too? "Of course!" I could just hear God giggling at me. Now even mom and dad were added to the "list."

Well, that did it. I plopped back into my chair, my head spinning. How could I convince my friends back home that within 24 hours I had spoken with ten--count 'em--ten people connected with David, including him. They'd never believe me. I could barely believe it myself!

I looked up to see a man staring in my direction. "I know you," I blurted out, "you had that really nice flag shirt last night here in the lobby. I was going to a fantastic concert. Did you go? You've gotta hear this guy!" And with that a now-familiar smile crept across his face as he extended his hand. "Hi. I'm David's lawyer."

I am Merry Brandybuck. Who are you?

2006-06-22T16:05:00.000-04:00

Merry Brandybuck

If I were a character in The Lord of the Rings, I would be Merry, Hobbit, heir of the Brandybucks and a friend of Frodo's.

In the movie, I am played by Dominic Monaghan.

Who would you be?
Zovakware Lord of the Rings Test

I am Cookie Monster. Who are you?

2006-06-21T18:01:00.000-04:00

You Are Cookie Monster

Misunderstood as a primal monster, you're a true hedonist with a huge sweet tooth.

You are usually feeling: Hungry. Cookies are preferred, but you'll eat anything if cookies aren't around.

You are famous for: Your slightly crazy eyes and usual way of speaking

How you life your life: In the moment. "Me want COOKIE!"

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

Paint!

2006-06-03T07:41:00.000-04:00

Tim is an artist and my father-in-law is an artist but, I am the one who does the painting of the walls in our home. I have the biggest canvas out of all 3 of us!

I have always loved painting. I've loved it since my little 5 year old fingers first touched the brilliant blue finger paint in my Kindergarten class.

All through my life, I have often referred back to that wonderful day in Kindergarten when we were allowed to get messy with paint. Different kids got different colors of paint squirted on their large pieces of white paper. Mine was a deep, bright blue. It was beautiful to me! When the paint was placed on my paper, it was in a large heap. The very fact that I had to mash my fingers down into the small hill of paint was wonderful! It squished between my fingers and plopped down onto the rest of my little hand. I was in love!! I remember this day so well! I remember exactly how the paint felt on my hands and how all of the rest of the class was finished with their masterpieces way before me. The teacher and her assistant came over to me and carefully convinced me that my picture was beautiful and that I was finished. Who knows how long I would've sat there swishing my hands and fingers from side to side....hahaha!

There are times, even now, when I open a fresh can of paint in order to paint the walls, that I secrety want to plunge my hands down into the beautiful, thick, creamy stuff and wiggle my fingers around and rub them together.

I really love paint!

By the way, my mom still has my picture that I painted in Kindergarten.

What do you enjoy?

A Treat For You

2006-06-01T16:54:00.000-04:00

If I'm not mistaken, I think this picture comes from a movie that a certain blog reader of mine enjoys. I thought of this particular person when I saw it and thought I'd post it on here for them.
I'll never forget a particular year at bible school when they dressed up in a "roman soldier" costume in order to entertain the kids. I was on my way into a classroom to help with a group of kids when I looked to my left and saw this particular person doing a very familiar "gallop" from the movie I'm referring to. This person didn't know I was watching because they thought they were the only ones in the auditorium at the time. I laughed so hard and told them about it later. They didn't mean for anyone to see it and became a little embarrassed about me seeing them.

Anyway, you know who you are and I thought of you when I saw it and decided to give you a treat! I didn't use your name because I didn't want to humiliate you publicly. I did want to share the story though.

If I'm wrong about the movie reference, let me know.....only if you want to blow your cover.

What Is A Man Like?

2006-05-29T08:58:00.000-04:00

I was reading a blog this morning of someone I admire. His name is Patrick Mead. I especially enjoyed reading his insights about how men are to be and how important it is to teach your sons to be the same way.
Please take the time to read what he has to say about this. To me, it explains what a real man is. I believe with all of my heart that my husband is one; A real man.

Thank you, God for your answer to my years of praying for the man I have been given my you. He's everything I asked for and so very much more!

http://tentpegs.blogspot.com/2006/05/framework-for-sons.html

The Smurfs!

2006-05-25T15:46:00.000-04:00

When I was little, my sisters and I were crazy about the Smurfs. My mom still has the gazillion little smurf figurines that we use to smurf with in the dirt, in the snow, etc. They were the most loved and smurfed with of all of our toys. Anytime the cartoon was on, we were there smurfing it. We always smurfed over who was going to be Smurfette and Papa Smurf when playing with the little dolls. So, mom and dad smurfed 3 Smurfette dolls an 3 Papa Smurf dolls so they could enjoy the sound of us not fighting.......well, .....not fighting over the smurfs anyway.

What was your favorite cartoon when you were just a little smurfling?

Where was I when.....

2006-05-19T15:08:00.000-04:00

I just found out that I was.....

27 years old at the time of the 9-11 attack on America
25 years old on the first day of Y2K
23 years old when Princess Diana was killed in a car crash
21 years old at the time of Oklahoma City bombing
20 years old when O. J. Simpson was charged with murder
19 years old at the time of the 93 bombing of the World Trade Center
17 years old when Operation Desert Storm began
15 years old during the fall of the Berlin Wall
12 years old when the space shuttle Challenger exploded
10 years old when Apple introduced the Macintosh
9 years old during Sally Ride's travel in space
7 years old when Pres. Reagan was shot by John Hinckley, Jr.
5 years old at the time the Iran hostage crisis began
2 years old on the U.S.'s bicentennial Fourth of July
not yet 1 year old when President Nixon left office

This got me to thinking about where I was and what I was doing during those years. The list above sounds so negative because it's a list of terrible things (most of them) that happened during my lifetime. When I look at the ages listed, I see what good things were happening in my life during those times.

2 years old--I was the only child and my parents were both living in the same house.
5 years old--I started Kindergarten and had a crush on a boy named Jeffrey.
10 years old--I went to girl scout camp for 2 weeks without my parents.
12 years old--My mother finally let me shave my legs for the first time.
17 years old--I was baptized and started dating my husband.
19 years old--I moved out of the house for the first time and graduated college.
21 years old--I worked in a daycare center and fell in love with tons of children.
23 years old--I got married.
27 years old--We had lived in the first house we bought for one year.

Are You Still There?

2006-05-18T08:09:00.000-04:00

I was just reading Darcy's (one of my dear friends ) blog about her little girl from China. She was giving everyone an update on how Elizabeth was doing with various things and one thing in particular grabbed me and I wanted to blog about it.

"She is daring to just walk off, but will look behind her shoulder just to make sure I am still around."
This quote makes me think of a relationship with God. He tells us to trust Him and so while we're out in the world living, it's nice to know we can look over our shoulder and see our Father is still around.

Elizabeth has 4 teeth now and Darcy says she likes to gind them together.
"She still tries to grind them once in a while, but when she does, she immediately looks at me and waits for my comment on it."
When we do something wrong, does it make us think of God and what He would say about what we're doing? Do we look to Him and wait for His comment on the situation?
Some people call this a conscience. I call it God, the perfect parent.

If we are a child of God, it will matter to us what God thinks about what we are doing. We will seek His discipline and His approval. We will always look for Him in every situation to make sure He is still there. The reassuring thing is that we will ALWAYS find that He is STILL there!

Question

2006-05-17T16:22:00.000-04:00

Is there a particular day of the week that is hard for you?

I've noticed that I feel like crying for no reason at all on Wednesday. I've also noticed that Sunday is my most difficult day to control my mouth.

Send Me Lord....Here Am I

2006-05-10T19:51:00.000-04:00

I have a heart for the hungry, the thirsty, the homeless and the hurting, lost souls of the world.

I wish I didn't because it hurts me so badly.

Tim and I send money to organizations that take care of these problems around the world as often as we possibly can. To some, we send money on a monthly basis and others we send money in large chunks periodically.

Today we got a letter in the mail that broke my heart and brought tears to my eyes. The letter was from James Robison-Mission Feeding. In the letter he told a story of something that happened recently in Angola. The report that was sent to James and his wife Betty, was about something that the staff said they wouldn't believe if they hadn't seen it with their own eyes. Just before the feeding of the masses began, a man named Bruce Jacobson saw a young boy reaching down and cupping in his hands little mounds of dirt. Then to Bruce's horror, he watched the little boy begin to eat the dirt!!

Bruce told James "James, I'm not talking about children who are playing in the dirt and might put a little in their mouths. I watched this little boy pick up handfuls of dirt repeatedly as if trying to dull his hunger pangs. I knew if there was any way we could begin regular feeding in this village, it needed to be moved to the top of the list."

James says that he personally has never seen a child eat dirt to satisfy his or her hunger pains, and honestly, prays he never does.

If you would be willing to use God's money in such a way as to feed people who are this hungry, please go to James Robison's website to find out how this money can have a TENFOLD IMPACT this month!!

http://www.lifetoday.org/site/PageServer?pagename=out_missionFeeding

I want to do mission work. I feel the call to go.

Knowing My Father's Knock

2006-05-05T17:08:00.000-04:00

A little while ago, I was proofreading a post on a different blog of mine when I heard a familiar knock at the door. I wasn't expecting anyone and I never get any visitors. Yet, I said outloud in a low voice "Daddy??". My dad has a particular kind of knock with a certain rhythm to it and he has always done it this way. I don't remember ever paying close attention to what kind of knock different people have so it was strange when I instantly heard a sound that made me think of my father.

I went to answer the door and discovered that I was correct in my assumption of it being my dad at the door. He greeted me with a hug and a kiss and said "Hello, Goot!" as he always does. (Goot is a nickname he has called me since I was born. He told me a few years ago that this word meant "good" in German.) Dad said he just wanted to come over and check on me to make sure I was o.k. Then, he complimented how cozy my little house is and I gave him a quick tour of my daughter's room with the latest positioning of the furniture (which I constantly change around). He smiled as he looked around the room and touched her furniture. We then walked outside and finished our conversation as he got in the truck to leave. As he pulled away, he waved to me with a smile and blew kisses at me until he was out of sight.

This makes me think of God and what a wonderful loving father He is to me.

My heart is the door to my soul and God knocks on it everyday. Unfortunately, I don't answer the door as often as I should. Yet, He still continues to knock. He just wants to check on me and make sure I'm o.k. When I open my heart (door), my Father (God) greets me with hugs and kisses and compliments on anything I've done right. He calls me by my name. The name He knew before my parents did. He looks to see what I've done to prepare for my daughter. He smiles with pride as he looks around the room. God doesn't leave my heart unless I push Him out the "door". God loves to have my constant attention, so He chooses to stay and blow kisses to me and wave with a smile on His face. God is just crazy about me because I am His daughter and He loves me. He is always there to protect me and to discipline me when I need it. He leaves me love notes in the form of people (especially little people) all the time. Sometimes I am too busy doing stupid things to notice these love notes but that doesn't stop Him from sending them.

Do you know your Father's knock? Will you answer the "door"? He loves you, you know!

The A-Team

2006-05-03T13:28:00.000-04:00

Tim and I have re-discovered our love of watching the 1980's show The A-Team, recently. I have always enjoyed the interaction between Murdock and Mr. T! Last night's show was funny because Mr. T had been injured and needed blood of a rare blood type that only Murdock could give. Mr. T threw a fit and didn't want Murdock's blood because he was afraid he would become crazy. Mr. T referred to Murdock's blood as "crazy juice"!

Did any of you watch The A-Team?

Make-up

2006-04-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

My 8 year old neice was following me around the house one day last week talking to me about anything and everything that happened to cross her mind. We eventually ended up in the bathroom together where I decided it was time to put my make-up on. She watched me carefully as she spoke. Then critiqued the job I did on my eyeliner, saying it was a little crooked. I agreed with her and told her it didn't matter that much because we weren't going anywhere. She then looked at me and said with a somewhat disgusted look on her face "Why do you even wear make-up? You're pretty without it." After a comment like that, I wasn't sure what to say other than thank you. So, I did tell her thank you and then I gave her my best answer as to why I put that stuff on my face. The best I could come up with was the fact that I just enjoy doing it. She then informed me that I have always told her that she is pretty without make-up and doesn't need to wear it. She always "turns the tables" on you...haha!

So, be careful of the advice you give to others. You just might find it being used on you! Don't dish it out unless you're willing to take it yourself. There's something to live by! Kinda' sounds like the golden rule, huh?!

Something you may not know about me is that I have always wanted to be a make-up artist in the theater. I would love to turn a young person into an old person or a beautiful person into a monster. OK, I don't REALLY want to do this. I just want to add make-up to people and fix their hair to drastically change their looks. This stuff fascinates me! As a teenager, I use to stand in front of the mirror practicing various make-up tricks on my own face just for the fun of it. So, yes, I was standing in front of the mirror like all other teenage girls do, primping. But what was to come out from in front of the bathroom mirror wasn't to be looked at as beautiful! HA HA HA! Or shall I say "BUWAHAHAHA!".

Anyone Home?

2006-04-07T14:11:00.000-04:00

I clean houses for a living and today I cleaned for the parents of one of my friends. They are in the process of moving into a new house and have all of the large pieces already moved. They asked me to come and do some final clean-up work where the furniture had been setting as well as a few other little things.

Well, I showed up this morning at almost 10:00am to see the house completely empty of furniture. I expected this, but it still gave me a funny feeling to see the house empty. They built the home themselves many years ago and it's been a little emotional for them to have to leave their home.

As I worked in each room, I stopped for a while almost expecting to hear the sounds from long ago. In the kitchen, the sounds of meals being prepared. In the dining room, the sounds of forks clanking against dinner plates while the chatter of the day's events are shared. In the bedrooms, the sounds of bedtime stories being told or the cries of a child after having a nightmare. In the bathroom, the sounds of a hairdryer from the teenager primping in front of the mirror for way too long. The garage, the sounds of someone getting their first car. The entryway, the sounds of someone's first date coming to the house to pick them up for the evening.

In the closets, I pictured prom dresses mixed in with baby clothes too precious to get rid of. Old school banners from days when sports were everything. In the yard, I pictured games of tag being played with the sounds of laughter being carried by the wind. In the basement, the sights and sounds of many parties with friends watching movies and eating way too much pizza.

It was sad today. A home for some has now become just a house to others. The life is gone and the building remains. A house is not a home without the ones that live there. For now, the house is asleep. It awaits the next family to cross it's threshold. Then, at that very special moment, you can once again listen and hear the sounds of a home. For a family is there and brings life to those old walls!

"You're So Rich!"

2006-04-04T19:15:00.000-04:00

A couple of years ago, my neice began telling me how poor her family was and would announce this to me often while looking down at the floor and sighing. I knew that this was something that a small child should never have to worry about and it bothered me greatly.

It's unnatural for a child to worry about anything.

I decided to start teaching her what true riches were. This was the perfect opportunity and I took full advantage of it! I told her that she wasn't poor. She then argued with me saying that they don't have any money and that meant they were poor. So, I told her that there were different kinds of rich and different kinds of poor and that she was not poor at all because I loved her. She looked at me strangely while she tried to make her young brain stretch into spiritual thinking. I continued, as she looked at me inquisitively, to inform her exactly how rich she really was. She couldn't help but smile! She got really excited and started telling me exactly how rich I was too. She said "You are soooo rich! You know why?! Because I love you!"

This became a daily activity for us. We both had great joy in telling one another how rich the other was.

If you remember anything about your childhood, you will remember how you felt about the idea of finding a hidden treasure or maybe how you felt when you got back home from trick or treating and dumped out your loot onto the floor and just sat there looking at how much junk you rounded up.

There is something in all of us that is very childlike when it comes to being loved so much that you are considered rich in the eyes of another.

Maybe it would be a good idea to tell one another on a regular basis just exactly how rich we are. Afterall, it is The King of Kings and The Lord of Lords who loves us!

What a treasure!!

Video Games!

2006-03-16T08:02:00.000-05:00

I adore playing this game! I'm pretty dag gone good at it too. At least I thought I was until my 8 year old neice beat me a few times. Then, as if that wasn't bad enough for my video game playin' ego, I was talking to Zach, and Zane on the way home from Uno's pizza and they informed me that they could both beat me because they know short cuts on the tracks. This is not encouraging at all for me! I now cannot consider myself good at playing this game any longer. This realization will not stop me from playing the game though. I enjoy it way too much. I love being able to speed and not be given a ticket. I love being able to shoot other drivers with turtle shells and not be arrested for manslaughter. I love being able to drive wrecklessly through the grass of nicely kept lawns without upsetting the owner. Yes, I do have a wild streak in me, and it shows it's ugly face when I play Mario Karts 64!

What's your favorite game to play? It can be old or new and I would love for you to tell me all the stuff you love about it and why.

David Phelps

2006-03-05T23:07:00.000-05:00

AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2005 GMA Dove Award nomination for "Inspirational Recorded Song" ("Arms Open Wide," from Revelation)
2005 GMA Dove Award nomination for "Inspirational Album" (Revelation)
2003 Southern Gospel News Music Award, "Male Vocalist of the Year"
2002 GMA Dove Award nomination for "Male Vocalist of the Year"
2002 GRAMMY Award for A Billy Graham Music Homecoming
2002 Performance for President George W. Bush
2002 Southern Gospel News Music Award, "Male Vocalist of the Year"
2001 GMA Dove Award for the album I Do Believe
2001 GMA Dove Award for the song "God Is Good All the Time"
2000 GMA Dove Award for the album God Is Good
1999 GRAMMY Award for the album Kennedy Center Homecoming
1999 GMA Dove Award for the album Still the Greatest Story Ever Told
1988 First Place Winner at Christian Music "Seminar in the Rockies," Estes Park, CO

David Phelps is my favorite singer, songwriter, musician, etc. He is quite amazing when it comes to using his talents that God has given him. I often think about how great it would be if all people used their talents as well as David. He makes it clear that he gives his all when he does what he does. It becomes obvious that he is working for God and not for man. This fascinates me and keeps me interested in what he's doing. The more I watch him and the more I find out about him, the more I see him being real and genuine. This is a rare thing in the entertainment industry.

I am a member of his website where there is a forum to talk to other fans ("phanatic phelps phans"). I would highly recommend checking out his music by buying one or all of his CDs. If you would like to have a taste of the very wide range of styles of music and vocal abilities before you buy his CDs, you can listen to his stuff on the website as well. You can even watch some videos of him singing or just talking too. Just go to http://www.davidphelps.com/fs.php and click on "media". There will be a full list of everything he's done over the years and I assure you, you will not be disappointed if you are a lover of good music and great talent! You can't judge him by just one song because they are all different.

One song you must listen to AND watch is "No More Night"! Once you go to "media" and click on it, you will see a list of links to click on in order to either watch or just listen to his performances. Look for the little video camera next to the title "No More Night" and click on that song. Be prepared to be blown away by the power of the lungs on this boy! What a beautiful song and such a beautiful performance of it too!

Enjoy!

Who is your favorite artist?

Advice From Others

2006-02-22T08:05:00.000-05:00

Feed what you want to live. Starve what you want to die.

Garbage in. Garbage out. Bible in. Bible out.

Joy always follows obedience.

Find a man who is worthy to submit to when searching for a husband.
(The proverbs 31 woman had a certain kind of husband in order to live the way she did.)

Don't go into a relationship expecting the other person to make you happy. You need to already be happy and content, and bring that into the relationship to offer.

My Kinda' Car!

2006-02-21T09:16:00.000-05:00

As far as automobiles are concerned, the Honda Element is the one for me! I adore this car! I just can't find anything to complain about when it comes to this car. It is without a doubt the best vehicle on the road. My goodness, you can even use it as a camper for sleeping because all of the seats lie down and lock together to form a full bed. You can completely remove the back seats all together or raise them up on the sides of the car and attach them there to haul things around without leaving your seats behind. The entire interior is water proof and you can literally spray out the inside with a hose in order to clean it. Just be careful with the dash board. Tim especially loves the fact that it also has a CD player with MP3, XM Satellite radio, and a subwoofer. Just what a couple of 32 year olds need---a subwoofer. Does this scream mid-life crisis to anyone? I sure hope not....hahaha! There is leg room and head room like you would not believe! Finally! They create a car for people who actually have legs! Also, in my opinion, Sunset Pearl (orange) is the best color for the Honda Element.

Trivia # 2

2006-02-16T17:17:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture now that you know the answer.

This is a movie from 1963 . Name the movie and the actors for each quote?

"I already know an awful lot of people and until one of them dies I couldn't possibly meet anyone else."

"Well, if anyone goes on the critical list, let me know."