How do you know when it is time to bring in a new member of the family? I am not talking about a pet, an in-law, or a friend of the boys. I am talking about the need to bring into your family a 16 year old girl that has very few choices in life. It is a sad situation, but at least she feels she has a home here when she needs it.
Can you believe a 16 year old needing a home when her parents won't be parents to her, when she doesn't feel safe at her grandmothers home and when she has no one else to take her in.
My son and I want to scream at her to let us take care of her, but she won't hear our calm and loving voices. I am so brokenhearted by this situation and I don't know what to do other than be an open door for her.
She is a new member of our family, only thing is, she hasn't realized it yet.
Struggling to be a lady of Proverbs 31,
Dannett
Monday, June 15, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Understanding Life
My son has a friend who is going through a difficult time. We are trying to be there for her, but she doesn't believe she deserve any help from anyone. I have to wonder how a mother and a father can put a child through what she has been put through. It is a very sad and more than that it is heartbreaking to see how much she is suffering.
She has fears, real fears for real horrible events that have happened to her. She suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms, is all alone and struggling with work, school and her life.
She needs to have some one to love her, protect her, and care for her. But, part of the problem is, she doesn't think she deserve it. She doesn't think she deserves to have someone love her, protect her or care for her.
I don't understand how parents can treat a child in this day and age as they are treating her. I don't understand how parents can do that to their child.
I know it is a shortcoming on my part to not understanding that others are not coming from the same background as I do. I need to ask for some help from God to spend more time praying for help for this family instead of becoming upset by the situation. I need to pray to God for protection of this sweet girl. I need to pray for healing for this family. I need to keep my family willing to help anyone who needs help in any way that we are willing to help them. Do as God asks us to do.
If you are willing, please pray for this sweet young girl and her family. You can call her Rachel, not her real name, but the name means princess. And this young girl is God's own princess.
She has fears, real fears for real horrible events that have happened to her. She suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms, is all alone and struggling with work, school and her life.
She needs to have some one to love her, protect her, and care for her. But, part of the problem is, she doesn't think she deserve it. She doesn't think she deserves to have someone love her, protect her or care for her.
I don't understand how parents can treat a child in this day and age as they are treating her. I don't understand how parents can do that to their child.
I know it is a shortcoming on my part to not understanding that others are not coming from the same background as I do. I need to ask for some help from God to spend more time praying for help for this family instead of becoming upset by the situation. I need to pray to God for protection of this sweet girl. I need to pray for healing for this family. I need to keep my family willing to help anyone who needs help in any way that we are willing to help them. Do as God asks us to do.
If you are willing, please pray for this sweet young girl and her family. You can call her Rachel, not her real name, but the name means princess. And this young girl is God's own princess.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Nothing but the Truth
There are times when a normal event going on in your body suddenly alters and you are no longer in the normal range but things are slightly off. You don't realize it right away, it slowly sneaks up on your and then you realize that the changes have been occuring for a while, but you just figured that was normal. Then all of a sudden you realize that this sudden change that was slow for you to realize is possibly the sign of something more serious.
You simply begin to realize it could be more and then you put off investigating it. You may try to remember something about it, even write it down, but then you think it could be something serious or worse yet, you can make an appointment wiht your doctor to check on this only to be told that it is normal for someone your age and not to worry about it.
So you put it off for a bit more time. Then it becomes more noticable, annoying, in the way, inconvenient and so on. You decide to make an appointment. You go to the appointment only to realize that if you would have come in several months sooner it could have been taiken care of, no problem.
But here you are, still suffering with it and still inconvenienced by it and the process that is long and filled with hurry up and wait is still having you hurry up and wait. IT is something that is common in people your age, however, it doesn't need to continue for long lenghts of time.
This is much like our relationship with our God. We know there is something wrong, and instead of bringing it out in the open, it is kept hidden in your heart and it continues to cause you pain. It continues until you want ot scream out, "Just take it away God!" But God won't just take it away. Not until you bring it to God and hand it over, completely over to God. And like the medical process that often takes placed later in the process, it is a hurry up and wait. You have to hurry up and get rid of it for God to bring forth the resolution we hope for in our lives. We have to wait upon his time, we have to wait till he determines "it is time".
Even Jesus had to wait for God's plan unfold. He had no more control than we do in his situation. I am certain Jesus would have loved to say, "Ok God, I will die on the cross, but get it done quickly. The beatings, the walk with the cross on my shoulders is overrated. Just have them arrest me and then up I go on the cross. Quick as can be". But God's plans were different from our plans, they were different from Jesus's plans. Jesus said to God on the cross 'why have you forsaken me'. I am sure Jesus would have loved to pass on over the feeling of despair, guilt, sin, shame that our sins caused him. But without Jesus feeling what he felt, would the pure satisfaction of his becoming a risenSavior mean as much to us, to him, to his heavenly father.
Sometimes there is nothing better than having the truth. But the truth hurts. It hurts to know that we could have saved yourself months of pain, aggrevation and inconvenience if we would have just asked ourselves the right question about our medical issues. Just like we could have been saved years of pain if we would have asked what our real sin is we needed to repent of and ask for help for from God. If we would have been willing to share wiht God nothing but the truth.
Struggling to become a lady of Proverbs 31
Dannett
You simply begin to realize it could be more and then you put off investigating it. You may try to remember something about it, even write it down, but then you think it could be something serious or worse yet, you can make an appointment wiht your doctor to check on this only to be told that it is normal for someone your age and not to worry about it.
So you put it off for a bit more time. Then it becomes more noticable, annoying, in the way, inconvenient and so on. You decide to make an appointment. You go to the appointment only to realize that if you would have come in several months sooner it could have been taiken care of, no problem.
But here you are, still suffering with it and still inconvenienced by it and the process that is long and filled with hurry up and wait is still having you hurry up and wait. IT is something that is common in people your age, however, it doesn't need to continue for long lenghts of time.
This is much like our relationship with our God. We know there is something wrong, and instead of bringing it out in the open, it is kept hidden in your heart and it continues to cause you pain. It continues until you want ot scream out, "Just take it away God!" But God won't just take it away. Not until you bring it to God and hand it over, completely over to God. And like the medical process that often takes placed later in the process, it is a hurry up and wait. You have to hurry up and get rid of it for God to bring forth the resolution we hope for in our lives. We have to wait upon his time, we have to wait till he determines "it is time".
Even Jesus had to wait for God's plan unfold. He had no more control than we do in his situation. I am certain Jesus would have loved to say, "Ok God, I will die on the cross, but get it done quickly. The beatings, the walk with the cross on my shoulders is overrated. Just have them arrest me and then up I go on the cross. Quick as can be". But God's plans were different from our plans, they were different from Jesus's plans. Jesus said to God on the cross 'why have you forsaken me'. I am sure Jesus would have loved to pass on over the feeling of despair, guilt, sin, shame that our sins caused him. But without Jesus feeling what he felt, would the pure satisfaction of his becoming a risenSavior mean as much to us, to him, to his heavenly father.
Sometimes there is nothing better than having the truth. But the truth hurts. It hurts to know that we could have saved yourself months of pain, aggrevation and inconvenience if we would have just asked ourselves the right question about our medical issues. Just like we could have been saved years of pain if we would have asked what our real sin is we needed to repent of and ask for help for from God. If we would have been willing to share wiht God nothing but the truth.
Struggling to become a lady of Proverbs 31
Dannett
Friday, May 29, 2009
A Child's Success, A Parents Pride
How much do we have to do with our child's success in life? I mean we teach them to do many different things, we teach them right from wrong, we teach them to read and we teach them to cook, clean and work with money. We teach them responsibility, accountability, and we teach them to be nice. But how much do we have to do with our child's success in life?
Our children have to find their own way in life but as we instruct them to be a certain way, do they follow that way?
I began their school careers telling them that they needed to set aside time to study each day and find a great learning environment in which to study. They currently don't have those study habits. They do have very good grades, are very intelligent, but their success isn't because I enforced the rules of when and where to study. Their success in school is because I set the groundwork and I let them (to some extent) feel the responsibility of their choices.
I know for certain that I can not take credit for their success, I can only say that I have tried to do all that I can do. It is ultimately up to them to take what was given to them and make something of their lives.
I feel comfortable with this as I know this is how things are suppose to be done. How? This is how God has done it with me. He has taken many different routes to share with me what I need to know and what I need to be doing. It is up to me to bring into fruition what God wants me to do, what I am suppose to do, or what needs to be done.
It is up to me to accept responsibility for what I do with the information and whether or not I am able to follow through with what God wants me to do. Have you? Have you accepted responsibility for what you do? Have you accepted responsibility for what we need to do with the information that God has given to us? If not, when?
Struggling to become a Lady of Proverbs 31
Dannett
Our children have to find their own way in life but as we instruct them to be a certain way, do they follow that way?
I began their school careers telling them that they needed to set aside time to study each day and find a great learning environment in which to study. They currently don't have those study habits. They do have very good grades, are very intelligent, but their success isn't because I enforced the rules of when and where to study. Their success in school is because I set the groundwork and I let them (to some extent) feel the responsibility of their choices.
I know for certain that I can not take credit for their success, I can only say that I have tried to do all that I can do. It is ultimately up to them to take what was given to them and make something of their lives.
I feel comfortable with this as I know this is how things are suppose to be done. How? This is how God has done it with me. He has taken many different routes to share with me what I need to know and what I need to be doing. It is up to me to bring into fruition what God wants me to do, what I am suppose to do, or what needs to be done.
It is up to me to accept responsibility for what I do with the information and whether or not I am able to follow through with what God wants me to do. Have you? Have you accepted responsibility for what you do? Have you accepted responsibility for what we need to do with the information that God has given to us? If not, when?
Struggling to become a Lady of Proverbs 31
Dannett
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A Teenagers Mom
I have to admit that as a mother of a teenager, I have had to do less parenting than when they were younger and it is a lot easier to parent a teenager than it is a toddler or primary school age child. Yet, there are less problems and disciplining that I have to do.
I have to admit that I love my boys so very much. But I was strict with them; bedtimes, snack schedules, types of snacks, cleaning their rooms, learning to do chores, homework, manners, treating others with respect, and so much more.
My oldest son in Kindergarten would spend forever getting out of the school because he was always talking to others and being kind. While that was good that he was being kind to others, he held up the teachers and well, me and his brother and the children I cared for in my daycare. So, Tony, his teacher and I spoke one day and I told him that if he didn't start getting ready to leave school quickly he would lose privileges at home. I asked his teacher to remind him of the consequences. The teacher was willing to help as Tony was in AM kindergarten and she had lunch and preparing for the PM class to do before they arrived. Tony actually did very well with the setting of boundaries and found he had more fun when he got outside with the rest of his class and played before everyone left.
My youngest son had speech issues when he was younger and was due to some issues while in the womb. But anyways, Andrew was between two and three years old when this issue took place. We were at a restaurant and Andrew was being rude to the wait staff. Whether you have speech issues or not, being rude is not acceptable. He was taken to the bathroom with his father to "discuss" the issue. He came back and was told to apologize to the wait staff. He wouldn't. Another "discussion" took place. When he finally apologized for being rude, the wait staff was surprised. No other parent had ever made their child apologize for being rude.
We had the same "issue" take place two more times in two different restaurants. Same process took place, but after the third event of rudeness, Andrew was no longer rude to wait staff. Still isn't, he says please, thank you and will talk to them in many other ways than just giving orders.
My oldest son went to prom last weekend. He has a girlfriend that he was going with, but also five other girls that were in his group of friends. He drove our mini van and was a wonderful date, chauffeur and friend to all the girls in his group. I received a call from his girlfriend's mother telling me how charming and wonderful he was when he arrived. He opened the car door for her, was pleasant and gracious and wonderful.
I am a mother of two teenage boys. Both are doing wonderful in school, our youngest has gotten straight A's all year long, and I couldn't feel more blessed. I know it is due to God's direction in raising our children and because we were strict with love when they were younger.
As my oldest is about to become an adult in 8 months from now, I am looking at him not as much my son I need to parent but as my son who I am fortunate to become friends with more as time goes by.
Oh, there is a fine line between what kind of friend a parent and child can become, but I truly believe that there is much to look forward too.
I am enjoying being a mother of teenagers.
Struggling to become a lady of Proverbs 31!
Dannett
I have to admit that I love my boys so very much. But I was strict with them; bedtimes, snack schedules, types of snacks, cleaning their rooms, learning to do chores, homework, manners, treating others with respect, and so much more.
My oldest son in Kindergarten would spend forever getting out of the school because he was always talking to others and being kind. While that was good that he was being kind to others, he held up the teachers and well, me and his brother and the children I cared for in my daycare. So, Tony, his teacher and I spoke one day and I told him that if he didn't start getting ready to leave school quickly he would lose privileges at home. I asked his teacher to remind him of the consequences. The teacher was willing to help as Tony was in AM kindergarten and she had lunch and preparing for the PM class to do before they arrived. Tony actually did very well with the setting of boundaries and found he had more fun when he got outside with the rest of his class and played before everyone left.
My youngest son had speech issues when he was younger and was due to some issues while in the womb. But anyways, Andrew was between two and three years old when this issue took place. We were at a restaurant and Andrew was being rude to the wait staff. Whether you have speech issues or not, being rude is not acceptable. He was taken to the bathroom with his father to "discuss" the issue. He came back and was told to apologize to the wait staff. He wouldn't. Another "discussion" took place. When he finally apologized for being rude, the wait staff was surprised. No other parent had ever made their child apologize for being rude.
We had the same "issue" take place two more times in two different restaurants. Same process took place, but after the third event of rudeness, Andrew was no longer rude to wait staff. Still isn't, he says please, thank you and will talk to them in many other ways than just giving orders.
My oldest son went to prom last weekend. He has a girlfriend that he was going with, but also five other girls that were in his group of friends. He drove our mini van and was a wonderful date, chauffeur and friend to all the girls in his group. I received a call from his girlfriend's mother telling me how charming and wonderful he was when he arrived. He opened the car door for her, was pleasant and gracious and wonderful.
I am a mother of two teenage boys. Both are doing wonderful in school, our youngest has gotten straight A's all year long, and I couldn't feel more blessed. I know it is due to God's direction in raising our children and because we were strict with love when they were younger.
As my oldest is about to become an adult in 8 months from now, I am looking at him not as much my son I need to parent but as my son who I am fortunate to become friends with more as time goes by.
Oh, there is a fine line between what kind of friend a parent and child can become, but I truly believe that there is much to look forward too.
I am enjoying being a mother of teenagers.
Struggling to become a lady of Proverbs 31!
Dannett
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Blessings From Above
I haven't written in a while. I have been busy and while that isn't a great excuse, it is the best one that I can come up with right now.
Our family has been through some difficult times and most of them had to do with finances as most of the families here in America are experiencing. In the midst of what looked like the most difficult financial situation in a while, we were blessed.
I have been writing freelance for a while now and the money is there, just not coming in quickly enough for what we needed at the time we needed.
I can't go into many details about this as the situations we faced and the results and the...... well, it is just to embarrassing to go into all the details. I don't know if I can be tranparent enough with strangers that I can't see and have no physical relationship with at this time. It is hard enough to disclose details to those who we felt needed to know.
Thing is, no matter how transparent I wasn't planning on being with you, the truth is, God already knew all of the details. I couldn't hide these experiences, details, fears and mistakes from God during this time or any other time.
I can try to save myself from embarrassment by keeping details from you, but the end result is the same. The end result is that God knows the truth and even with the truth known, God has blessed our family more than we deserve.
I cried out to God to forgive me of my sins,
He simply said, this is how it all begins.
I asked him what he meant by those words said,
He answered, it was all planned ahead.
Confused and worried in my tears I asked, what did he mean?
He lovingly smiled looking at me and stated, the sin of man was foreseen.
My precious Son who I love so much,
Was to be the sinner's crutch.
He was to die and rise again,
So in heaven you would spend,
Eternity when you bring us in,
you heart to remove your deadly sin.
You are a child of mine, forgiven and so dearly loved,
By your Father up above.
Struggling to become a Lady of Proverbs 31
Dannett
Our family has been through some difficult times and most of them had to do with finances as most of the families here in America are experiencing. In the midst of what looked like the most difficult financial situation in a while, we were blessed.
I have been writing freelance for a while now and the money is there, just not coming in quickly enough for what we needed at the time we needed.
I can't go into many details about this as the situations we faced and the results and the...... well, it is just to embarrassing to go into all the details. I don't know if I can be tranparent enough with strangers that I can't see and have no physical relationship with at this time. It is hard enough to disclose details to those who we felt needed to know.
Thing is, no matter how transparent I wasn't planning on being with you, the truth is, God already knew all of the details. I couldn't hide these experiences, details, fears and mistakes from God during this time or any other time.
I can try to save myself from embarrassment by keeping details from you, but the end result is the same. The end result is that God knows the truth and even with the truth known, God has blessed our family more than we deserve.
I cried out to God to forgive me of my sins,
He simply said, this is how it all begins.
I asked him what he meant by those words said,
He answered, it was all planned ahead.
Confused and worried in my tears I asked, what did he mean?
He lovingly smiled looking at me and stated, the sin of man was foreseen.
My precious Son who I love so much,
Was to be the sinner's crutch.
He was to die and rise again,
So in heaven you would spend,
Eternity when you bring us in,
you heart to remove your deadly sin.
You are a child of mine, forgiven and so dearly loved,
By your Father up above.
Struggling to become a Lady of Proverbs 31
Dannett
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Day After Easter
There is so much talk about Easter and the meaning of Easter, but has anyone thought about the day after Easter?
What does that mean? The day after Easter, when the frilly dresses are put away, most of the candy is eaten, the plastic eggs have all been found and the ham is well on its way to becoming a left over meal for the third meal in a row.
We listen to the preacher talk to the masses about how Jesus rose on the third day. We all shout Hosanna, Amen and He is Risen. But what about the day after Easter?
Why am I stuck on the day after Easter? I was just struck by the notion that there is something missing the day after Easter. Do we go back to our normal routine and not worry about or think about what yesterday meant to us? Do we look at the decorations and wonder when we are going to put them away until next year? Do we look at our hearts and wonder if we will put that feeling of pure joy that Jesus has risen away for another year?
Is Easter just another holiday? Do we have the wrong thoughts regarding Easter? What does Easter really mean to each and every one of us?
If you are looking for an answer, I will be honest; no answers are found with me. I am also at loss as to what the day after Easter means. I would love to say that I am just as passionate about Easter as I am the days that follow Easter. But sadly, it is not always the case.
I wish that I had the heartfelt joy that I have on Easter as I do the day after. Yesterday, Easter Sunday the weather was absolutely wonderful in Hendersonville North Carolina. Great temperature, sun shining, no strong wind, absolutely wonderful. It was a day worthy of celebrating the Risen Savior.
Today was cold, dreary, wet and overall a YUCKY day. That made me think of what I do to carry Easter throughout the year.
This is the day the Lord has made,
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Dannett
What does that mean? The day after Easter, when the frilly dresses are put away, most of the candy is eaten, the plastic eggs have all been found and the ham is well on its way to becoming a left over meal for the third meal in a row.
We listen to the preacher talk to the masses about how Jesus rose on the third day. We all shout Hosanna, Amen and He is Risen. But what about the day after Easter?
Why am I stuck on the day after Easter? I was just struck by the notion that there is something missing the day after Easter. Do we go back to our normal routine and not worry about or think about what yesterday meant to us? Do we look at the decorations and wonder when we are going to put them away until next year? Do we look at our hearts and wonder if we will put that feeling of pure joy that Jesus has risen away for another year?
Is Easter just another holiday? Do we have the wrong thoughts regarding Easter? What does Easter really mean to each and every one of us?
If you are looking for an answer, I will be honest; no answers are found with me. I am also at loss as to what the day after Easter means. I would love to say that I am just as passionate about Easter as I am the days that follow Easter. But sadly, it is not always the case.
I wish that I had the heartfelt joy that I have on Easter as I do the day after. Yesterday, Easter Sunday the weather was absolutely wonderful in Hendersonville North Carolina. Great temperature, sun shining, no strong wind, absolutely wonderful. It was a day worthy of celebrating the Risen Savior.
Today was cold, dreary, wet and overall a YUCKY day. That made me think of what I do to carry Easter throughout the year.
This is the day the Lord has made,
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Dannett
Monday, April 6, 2009
Family Fun Day
I am getting ready for my second year on the Family Fun Day committee. We plan an incredible day of fun for families with a member who has developmental disabilities. We have tons of activities planned for the day and quite a bit of work goes into the planning stages.
It is an awesome experience for me. I have worked with the developmentally disabled for so many years. I have a six year old nephew with a seizure disorder and developmental disabilities. Some of the other members of the team have children with a diagnosis of a disability. It is incredible to see their faces as they come together to put on a day just for their children and the others in the community with a diagnosis of a developmental disability.
Can I ask a favor? If you see someone with an obvious or not so obvious disability, can you look at them in the eye and say hello? Can you see all the amazing things they can do so well? Can you look at the love in their hearts and the skills that they have worked so hard in accomplishing?
What you take for granted, these families look at as a miracle. What you get frustrated with, these families see a new skill learned. What you see as heartbreak, these families see as the most incredible and perfect child. A child may have needs that are more difficult to fulfill; but will love you unconditionally.
That is what family fund day is all about. Family Fun Day celebrates the fun every family needs, the fun that every family deserves, the fun that accommodates the needs of the population that often sites on the outside trying to fit in.
If you are interested in finding out more about Family Fun Day, please contact me.
It is an awesome experience for me. I have worked with the developmentally disabled for so many years. I have a six year old nephew with a seizure disorder and developmental disabilities. Some of the other members of the team have children with a diagnosis of a disability. It is incredible to see their faces as they come together to put on a day just for their children and the others in the community with a diagnosis of a developmental disability.
Can I ask a favor? If you see someone with an obvious or not so obvious disability, can you look at them in the eye and say hello? Can you see all the amazing things they can do so well? Can you look at the love in their hearts and the skills that they have worked so hard in accomplishing?
What you take for granted, these families look at as a miracle. What you get frustrated with, these families see a new skill learned. What you see as heartbreak, these families see as the most incredible and perfect child. A child may have needs that are more difficult to fulfill; but will love you unconditionally.
That is what family fund day is all about. Family Fun Day celebrates the fun every family needs, the fun that every family deserves, the fun that accommodates the needs of the population that often sites on the outside trying to fit in.
If you are interested in finding out more about Family Fun Day, please contact me.
Friday, April 3, 2009
A Sick Child
Yesterday, my 14 year old came home from school and walked past me to lay on the sofa. "I am cold and my stomach hurts", was all he said. He is a naturally tanned child but yesterday he was white. He had a fever of 103 degrees. While every fever has its reasons and risks, you would have thought my child was dying. My concern was real and my son was definitely ill. He doesn't get sick often, but when he does; he gets very sick.
I know that my husband and I have been very blessed with healthy children. There are parents who have children with long term and critical illnesses who pray daily that the worst illness they dealt with is a short term virus. There are parents with children who have disabilities, life threatening crisis' and there are parents who are saying good bye to their children forever.
There is nothing more devastating then having your child suffer. To have a child ill to the point of dying is a traumatic event for the whole family. Can you ever recover from the death of a child or a child who has a lifelong devastating disability?
Yes, you can recover. By no means is it something that will be easy to do. Recover does not mean forget your child. It means you are able to see the future continuing even when your child is not there with you.
How can you see the future without your child? By knowing that the God who made us and takes us home with him can offer that same to you. You can live with the promise that God has given us, the promise of eternal life in heaven.
We need to also remember what God has been through. His only Son was sent to earth with real dangers to Him. Jesus was hunted by Kings, killing children two and under in the hopes of killing the young Savior. Jesus was hated by his own people. Jesus was beaten, whipped, and crucified. God gave his son as the savior of the people he created and his son was crucified. While Jesus was raised from the dead and seen by the people in as little as three days after he died, we can rest in the assurance that we too will be able to see our loved ones, our lost children in heaven.
Make sure your children know about the gift that God offers each and every one of us. Make sure as well that you are taking the lead on a real relationship with God. Whether you believe Jesus is your Savior, ask Jesus into your heart, or whatever the new catch phrase is; make sure the relationship with Jesus is there in your hearts and your children's hearts. Do it today if you haven't done so already.
Being a parent is a difficult job with lots of love for our children. Make sure you are ready for this responsibility in your heart as well.
I know that my husband and I have been very blessed with healthy children. There are parents who have children with long term and critical illnesses who pray daily that the worst illness they dealt with is a short term virus. There are parents with children who have disabilities, life threatening crisis' and there are parents who are saying good bye to their children forever.
There is nothing more devastating then having your child suffer. To have a child ill to the point of dying is a traumatic event for the whole family. Can you ever recover from the death of a child or a child who has a lifelong devastating disability?
Yes, you can recover. By no means is it something that will be easy to do. Recover does not mean forget your child. It means you are able to see the future continuing even when your child is not there with you.
How can you see the future without your child? By knowing that the God who made us and takes us home with him can offer that same to you. You can live with the promise that God has given us, the promise of eternal life in heaven.
We need to also remember what God has been through. His only Son was sent to earth with real dangers to Him. Jesus was hunted by Kings, killing children two and under in the hopes of killing the young Savior. Jesus was hated by his own people. Jesus was beaten, whipped, and crucified. God gave his son as the savior of the people he created and his son was crucified. While Jesus was raised from the dead and seen by the people in as little as three days after he died, we can rest in the assurance that we too will be able to see our loved ones, our lost children in heaven.
Make sure your children know about the gift that God offers each and every one of us. Make sure as well that you are taking the lead on a real relationship with God. Whether you believe Jesus is your Savior, ask Jesus into your heart, or whatever the new catch phrase is; make sure the relationship with Jesus is there in your hearts and your children's hearts. Do it today if you haven't done so already.
Being a parent is a difficult job with lots of love for our children. Make sure you are ready for this responsibility in your heart as well.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Turning 40
I am 40 years old today. I am surprisingly ok with this birthday. I am not afraid of grey hair. I have had grey hair since I was 20 years old. I am not afraid of aches and pains of old age, I have had those since I was pregnant with my first son. I have had so many "itis's" during the years and am in pain every day in varying degrees it is hard to imagine life with out it. I am not afraid of my children growing up and moving on, they are in the midst of their teenage years and it is inevitable that they will move on. I am 40 years old today. I am surprisingly ok with this birthday.
I have been asked if I am ok with turning 40, I have been asked if I feel any different today. No, I woke up today feeling the same as I did yesterday. I have never minded having birthdays. My birthday is the first day of spring. A time of new beginnings, hope, fresh starts and well beauty. My birthday is a celebration of these special themes.
I have been excited about my birthdays all along and will always be excited about birthday I suppose. The only thing that will get me less excited about my birthdays is my death. No, I am not being morbid. I am looking forward to a time when I know I won't have anymore birthdays. Why, because I know where I will be. I am excited to know.
As a birthday gift to you, I have to wonder if you know where you will be when you no longer celebrate a birthday. I know, I will be in heaven with my heavenly father. I will have a great time in heaven celebrating eternal life. Will you?
Happy Birthday! You can make this your birthday too. The first day of Spring can be your first day of your new life in Christ. Happy Birthday.
I have been asked if I am ok with turning 40, I have been asked if I feel any different today. No, I woke up today feeling the same as I did yesterday. I have never minded having birthdays. My birthday is the first day of spring. A time of new beginnings, hope, fresh starts and well beauty. My birthday is a celebration of these special themes.
I have been excited about my birthdays all along and will always be excited about birthday I suppose. The only thing that will get me less excited about my birthdays is my death. No, I am not being morbid. I am looking forward to a time when I know I won't have anymore birthdays. Why, because I know where I will be. I am excited to know.
As a birthday gift to you, I have to wonder if you know where you will be when you no longer celebrate a birthday. I know, I will be in heaven with my heavenly father. I will have a great time in heaven celebrating eternal life. Will you?
Happy Birthday! You can make this your birthday too. The first day of Spring can be your first day of your new life in Christ. Happy Birthday.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Today at School
I was visiting a friend at the high school my son goes to. I had to drop something off to her and we were talking. She was talking about her little girls and I was talking about my bigger boys. I saw a very pregnant teenager walk to the lunch room. I asked if she was really pregnant. She said yes, it was true.
At dinner tonight, I asked my son if she knew the pregnant girl. He asked me which one. I did a double take and asked him what he meant. He said he knew of several girls in school who were pregnant.
All I could think was, "how sad for those girls". It is really a sad ordeal if you think about it. I don't know the stories about why the girls ended up pregnant. But I have to wonder about the reasons why the girls felt the need to have sex at such an early age.
The social worker side of me wants to know what their life was like that caused them to look to another person for love and sex. Why did they feel giving away that part of themselves was so important, so necessary so soon.
I am not talking about just the sex part of the relationship. I am talking about the need to have a relationship so intimate with another person. The need to take on a role they are too young to fully understand the consequences of. The relationship requires them to take on the emotional, physical and financial responsibilities of adulthood.
A teenage girl is not always physically able to have a baby without complications. There are some physical complications common to pregnant teenagers that older mothers-to-be are not afflicted by.
No matter what they decide to do, keep the child or give the child up for adoption; the emotional toll is huge. Their childhood is over when they choose to raise the child. The remembrances of the child they gave up still affects them no matter how much time goes by.
So the question still remains; what could have happened to them to make them want to search for intimate and adult relationships? Could there have been someone who could have given them the unconditional love without such a huge price tag?
I know who that is. I know that Jesus can give them the love they need to fill up that lonely spot in their heart. Jesus can fill their needs without taking from them their childhood. Jesus give them their future.
My prayers remain for those teenage girls in my son's school who are pregnant. My prayers also go to those girls who think that having sex will bring to them all that they are needing. I also pray for the boys who feel to have sex to fill the needs inside themselves.
At dinner tonight, I asked my son if she knew the pregnant girl. He asked me which one. I did a double take and asked him what he meant. He said he knew of several girls in school who were pregnant.
All I could think was, "how sad for those girls". It is really a sad ordeal if you think about it. I don't know the stories about why the girls ended up pregnant. But I have to wonder about the reasons why the girls felt the need to have sex at such an early age.
The social worker side of me wants to know what their life was like that caused them to look to another person for love and sex. Why did they feel giving away that part of themselves was so important, so necessary so soon.
I am not talking about just the sex part of the relationship. I am talking about the need to have a relationship so intimate with another person. The need to take on a role they are too young to fully understand the consequences of. The relationship requires them to take on the emotional, physical and financial responsibilities of adulthood.
A teenage girl is not always physically able to have a baby without complications. There are some physical complications common to pregnant teenagers that older mothers-to-be are not afflicted by.
No matter what they decide to do, keep the child or give the child up for adoption; the emotional toll is huge. Their childhood is over when they choose to raise the child. The remembrances of the child they gave up still affects them no matter how much time goes by.
So the question still remains; what could have happened to them to make them want to search for intimate and adult relationships? Could there have been someone who could have given them the unconditional love without such a huge price tag?
I know who that is. I know that Jesus can give them the love they need to fill up that lonely spot in their heart. Jesus can fill their needs without taking from them their childhood. Jesus give them their future.
My prayers remain for those teenage girls in my son's school who are pregnant. My prayers also go to those girls who think that having sex will bring to them all that they are needing. I also pray for the boys who feel to have sex to fill the needs inside themselves.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
My Little Brother
Last Saturday morning, I received a call from my little brother. Now Brian is not really that little anymore, he is 32 years old now. He is seven years younger than me and very close to my heart. It may not seem like he is when I tell you a bit about what went on and how often we talk, but he is still my little brother.
I was seven when he was born. My mother almost lost him during the pregnancy. He had a foot problem, had to where a brace straightening out his feet. He had a reaction to the sun or something, made him pretty sick. When he was in his swing as a little baby, now remember this was back in 1976 or 1977 the baby swings weren't as wonderful as they are now. I was eight years old and trying to get my little brother out of a baby swing. It was outside on the cement patio. His legs got caught and I let go of him to get his legs unstuck, and well he hit his head on the cement. Well, he survived the fall with no lasting damage, but that was not the only time I had hurt him without meaning too.
Brian was a cute blond little boy. He was a sweet and happy boy. Until he was 11 years old. Something had happened in our home and our family was torn apart. During a time when the little boy needed his father, our father was not available. Our father had to accept responsibility for what he had done. Brian had to grow up with a family that was not only broken, it was damaged and full of lies.
While I was not at fault, I was the reason the family had broken up and broken apart. It was a very scary time for me, I was all alone. I was left to fend for myself. I was 18, while not easy, it was not as bad for me as it was for a little boy who had no father at home, a mother devastated, older brother with his own family and in the marine corp. His sister had moved from Wisconsin to Alabama and he was left to be the little boy, the man of the family and the only one who wanted everyone back together again.
I loved that boy with all my heart. I lived with guilt and pain about what he had to go through. Even with me having had suffered the most dramatically, he suffered the most in every other way. He was a troubled teen, he made serious mistakes and he still had my love.
I asked him to do for me what my father lost his privilege to do. I had no choice but to ask the only male member of my family who deserved to be asked, that was Brian. It was to walk me down the aisle at my wedding and give me away.
My father was present, he and my mother lit my families candle for the unity candle. But he was not asked to escort me down the aisle. That was the privilege of my little brother. He was 14 years old when he walked me down the aisle. He was so handsome. My future husband had not a single problem with Brian giving me away. It seemed natural and right.
Brian moved on with his life and so did I. We have children both of us. I have two and Brian has three. One he has a difficult relationship with not because he didn't take his role as father seriously, but because the mother of his son has been hurt. Not necessarily by Brian either. Brian's heart is broken by this relationship. When I talked with him on Saturday I heard the hurt and the pain of not being able to see his son.
His second son has some developmental disabilities as a result of seizures after birth. He is special to Brian because of who he is, he is a perfect son. A son that will always need to be looked after with extra care. My heart broke when Brian shared with me that they (mom and dad) look forward to the day that they retire in an RV and travel around with their son. They want him to be as independent as he can, but they plan on caring for him for his whole life.
He has a beautiful little girl. She is lively and a promise to what the future holds for Brian. The promise of walking his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day. He will walk down that aisle with a look of pride and love for this little girl who grew up too quickly for his liking.
I am so proud of him for reasons I can't begin to explain. I am sitting here crying like a baby just because I have remembered so much of him. I love him as much as I possibly can. I have realized that I have loved him with the same unconditional love that I have for my own children. I love him.
I realize that God has that same love for me no matter what may happen in my life, God is there showing me unconditional love. I hope that Brian and his family always feel God's unconditional love, and you as well.
I was seven when he was born. My mother almost lost him during the pregnancy. He had a foot problem, had to where a brace straightening out his feet. He had a reaction to the sun or something, made him pretty sick. When he was in his swing as a little baby, now remember this was back in 1976 or 1977 the baby swings weren't as wonderful as they are now. I was eight years old and trying to get my little brother out of a baby swing. It was outside on the cement patio. His legs got caught and I let go of him to get his legs unstuck, and well he hit his head on the cement. Well, he survived the fall with no lasting damage, but that was not the only time I had hurt him without meaning too.
Brian was a cute blond little boy. He was a sweet and happy boy. Until he was 11 years old. Something had happened in our home and our family was torn apart. During a time when the little boy needed his father, our father was not available. Our father had to accept responsibility for what he had done. Brian had to grow up with a family that was not only broken, it was damaged and full of lies.
While I was not at fault, I was the reason the family had broken up and broken apart. It was a very scary time for me, I was all alone. I was left to fend for myself. I was 18, while not easy, it was not as bad for me as it was for a little boy who had no father at home, a mother devastated, older brother with his own family and in the marine corp. His sister had moved from Wisconsin to Alabama and he was left to be the little boy, the man of the family and the only one who wanted everyone back together again.
I loved that boy with all my heart. I lived with guilt and pain about what he had to go through. Even with me having had suffered the most dramatically, he suffered the most in every other way. He was a troubled teen, he made serious mistakes and he still had my love.
I asked him to do for me what my father lost his privilege to do. I had no choice but to ask the only male member of my family who deserved to be asked, that was Brian. It was to walk me down the aisle at my wedding and give me away.
My father was present, he and my mother lit my families candle for the unity candle. But he was not asked to escort me down the aisle. That was the privilege of my little brother. He was 14 years old when he walked me down the aisle. He was so handsome. My future husband had not a single problem with Brian giving me away. It seemed natural and right.
Brian moved on with his life and so did I. We have children both of us. I have two and Brian has three. One he has a difficult relationship with not because he didn't take his role as father seriously, but because the mother of his son has been hurt. Not necessarily by Brian either. Brian's heart is broken by this relationship. When I talked with him on Saturday I heard the hurt and the pain of not being able to see his son.
His second son has some developmental disabilities as a result of seizures after birth. He is special to Brian because of who he is, he is a perfect son. A son that will always need to be looked after with extra care. My heart broke when Brian shared with me that they (mom and dad) look forward to the day that they retire in an RV and travel around with their son. They want him to be as independent as he can, but they plan on caring for him for his whole life.
He has a beautiful little girl. She is lively and a promise to what the future holds for Brian. The promise of walking his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day. He will walk down that aisle with a look of pride and love for this little girl who grew up too quickly for his liking.
I am so proud of him for reasons I can't begin to explain. I am sitting here crying like a baby just because I have remembered so much of him. I love him as much as I possibly can. I have realized that I have loved him with the same unconditional love that I have for my own children. I love him.
I realize that God has that same love for me no matter what may happen in my life, God is there showing me unconditional love. I hope that Brian and his family always feel God's unconditional love, and you as well.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Where Our Paths Lead
Last night my 8Th grade son, went to the high school to find out what classes he would like to take his freshman year. Our second born is vastly different than his older brother. But he has some similar traits; both of our sons knew what they were going to take before that meeting at the high school.
Our youngest son is taking some of the same classes his brother did, but he is taking classes that are uniquely suited to him. He wants to be a sports "something". He isn't quite certain if it is a sports reporter, broadcaster, physical therapist (not sure if that is still in the running), but he will be involved in sports.
He loves sports; playing, watching and fact gathering. You can ask him just about anything regarding sports and he will know it.
While much of his future is still unknown, he still has an idea of where his path is going to lead. It is much like our lives in Christ. We know where we are going, just not all the details regarding our path going there. We know that we will be going to heaven, but the path leading us here is sometimes difficult, lonely, full of hurt and blessed, comforting and full of grace.
As I sit here thinking about this son who has his whole high school career before him; I am filled with pride and love for him now and what he can be. I imagine God feels the same way about me. Filled with love and pride of what I have accomplished with his guidance.
May our travels be filled with love, grace and mercy.
Our youngest son is taking some of the same classes his brother did, but he is taking classes that are uniquely suited to him. He wants to be a sports "something". He isn't quite certain if it is a sports reporter, broadcaster, physical therapist (not sure if that is still in the running), but he will be involved in sports.
He loves sports; playing, watching and fact gathering. You can ask him just about anything regarding sports and he will know it.
While much of his future is still unknown, he still has an idea of where his path is going to lead. It is much like our lives in Christ. We know where we are going, just not all the details regarding our path going there. We know that we will be going to heaven, but the path leading us here is sometimes difficult, lonely, full of hurt and blessed, comforting and full of grace.
As I sit here thinking about this son who has his whole high school career before him; I am filled with pride and love for him now and what he can be. I imagine God feels the same way about me. Filled with love and pride of what I have accomplished with his guidance.
May our travels be filled with love, grace and mercy.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Saying All The Right Things
Last Sunday, we were in the service and the pastor made mention a person he knew that was praying and everything that the person sid in their prayer was all the standard prayer phrases usually said by the majority of people. He made mention that he lost his concentration in the prayer and began waiting for another common phrase to be prayed in this person's prayer.
I think that really hit home with me, not only in prayer but in life. I saw a lady I knew from a church I used to belong too in the grocery store. She recognized me and I recognized her. We said hi, how are you and then went on our way. That encounter left me unaffected in the sense, if I had seen her or not seen her no impact would be made. My life is neither better nor worse for the encounter. I have to ask, should it be?
In that encounter, we said all the right things. We asked about each other, greeted and departed. No real emotion, no real commitment, no real anything.
How many times do I have that kind of encounter with God? How many times do I say all the right things, but with no emotion at all. I don't show any of the real me. I don't reveal what I am really thinking, really needing, really lacking in; I just say all the right things.
I walked away wondering about what I lacked, but did the other person also feel that way? Unfortunately, there is really no way to know if she felt the same way. There is no really polite way to say to someone, hey when you said all the right things to me with no real emotions, did you feel empty afterwards? There is really no way to explain what I mean face to face with the person without possibly offending them.
So, I feel convicted about my approach to others and more importantly, my approach to God. How much has God been hurt by my saying all the right things approach. God has to be saddened by my inability to be more real, honest and loving to him.
How much has he suffered by my selfish side? How much has he wanted more from me and had to settle for the bare minimum?
I know what I have to do, it is just the matter of doing it. I know that I need to share my heart with God and more than just what I want and what I need. I need to share my real desire to be his child, loving him and learning about him and how I can live with him being in the center of my life.
I need to learn how to live the right things, not just say the right things.
I think that really hit home with me, not only in prayer but in life. I saw a lady I knew from a church I used to belong too in the grocery store. She recognized me and I recognized her. We said hi, how are you and then went on our way. That encounter left me unaffected in the sense, if I had seen her or not seen her no impact would be made. My life is neither better nor worse for the encounter. I have to ask, should it be?
In that encounter, we said all the right things. We asked about each other, greeted and departed. No real emotion, no real commitment, no real anything.
How many times do I have that kind of encounter with God? How many times do I say all the right things, but with no emotion at all. I don't show any of the real me. I don't reveal what I am really thinking, really needing, really lacking in; I just say all the right things.
I walked away wondering about what I lacked, but did the other person also feel that way? Unfortunately, there is really no way to know if she felt the same way. There is no really polite way to say to someone, hey when you said all the right things to me with no real emotions, did you feel empty afterwards? There is really no way to explain what I mean face to face with the person without possibly offending them.
So, I feel convicted about my approach to others and more importantly, my approach to God. How much has God been hurt by my saying all the right things approach. God has to be saddened by my inability to be more real, honest and loving to him.
How much has he suffered by my selfish side? How much has he wanted more from me and had to settle for the bare minimum?
I know what I have to do, it is just the matter of doing it. I know that I need to share my heart with God and more than just what I want and what I need. I need to share my real desire to be his child, loving him and learning about him and how I can live with him being in the center of my life.
I need to learn how to live the right things, not just say the right things.
Monday, February 16, 2009
A Not So Dramatic Testimony
I was in my darkest hour when I called out to my Lord. Save me Lord from my sin. No scratch that, I wasn't in my darkest hour, I was in control of my life. I was living well. My family isn't as dysfunctional as most families are. My grades were good, friends were plenty, money comes in greater than I spend. My husband is kind and loving and my children are healthy and polite. I am healthy and in control, life is good.
Ahh, my sin. It could be called pride, self-reliance, and gossip to name a few. Not enough to captivate an audience. My testimony isn't going to cause goosebumps, tears and heart felt change. Let me tell you my testimony and you can confirm my bold statement. My testimony is of no use to anyone.
I grew up going to church, I don't know if my parents had a relationship with God, but we went to church each week eager to see our friends. I heard all the rules I needed to follow and to be a good person, I followed those rules. I followed those rules and life was good.
Thou shalt not kill, I didn't. Thou shalt not commit adultery, I didn't. You know the 10 commandments, I didn't break them. Thou shalt have no other gods before me, nope not me, I don't worship Buddha or any other idol.
I felt that I had a relationship with God, but I really didn't pay attention to one key theme-the relationship part.
I went for years thinking I was a good person who didn't have a need for God. Not like those who committed real sins or those who suffered a really hard life. I mean I was living the good life. I didn't need God for me to get through one day or a hardship that came my way. I didn't have many hardships other than maybe a bad hair cut that made me mad for a few weeks. I didn't need God, I was strong and I was not like those weak people suffering. I am Strong!
I continued going to church on Sundays, and on one particular Sunday the preacher was teaching us about the Beatitudes. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those that mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
While I thought about how great those rewards will be, my stomach began to feel horrible. What's the matter with me? The preacher began to share how we have to read the Beatitudes in order to know what we will receive if we believe. He told us to turn to John 3:16-21. I turned to that passage-God so love-light comes to darkness-men loved darkness-everyone who does evil hates the light.
My mind was racing, my heart was beating fast and my stomach was killing me. But I don't do evil things. I am not perfect, but I am not evil either. I don't understand why I was feeling so ill. Maybe it was the flu or something I ate. I decided to put those thoughts aside.
A few weeks later, we learn about strongholds. I don't understand what he is talking about when he refers to all of us having strongholds. I don't do any major sins, my strongholds aren't compulsive shopping, drugs or gambling. I am able to handle things on my own.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
It is not a matter of having a horrendous and dramatic story. It's about having the strength to admit you need help from the Lord. Its not about making your sins an interesting story. It is about making sure that no matter what does or doesn't happen in your life, you need God. You need to know God and you need to submit yourself to God. Submit to God's will and not your own.
Do you know how hard it is to submit to someone you can't see when you can't see your need for Him. Everything is well and good and how do you determine you need help when you can't see that need.
That's what I struggled with the most. I didn't go to drugs, alcohol or sex to deal with things in my life. I relied on myself. Relying on myself alone was how I dealt with anything that happened. I wish I had a traumatic event that brought me to my knees and asking God for salvation. I didn't have that experience, I had a good life. I had to see my sin, my stronghold was my pride, my self-reliance and judging others. I judged what their sins were by the struggles they were going through. I prided myself on my self-reliance. I had the sin of pride. I wish I had gone to drugs or shopping as my sin. I had pride and self-reliance and how do you admit you need to give up your self in order to be made right in God's eyes.
I was still experiencing stomach aches and a racing heart every time I thought about having to give up my pride and self-reliance. I knew that I had to give it up to God. I had to let God take care of me even when it seemed like there was no reason to give anything over to God. I had to give it up and I couldn't. I had not experienced any extremely bad experience where I fell on my knees. I needed to give my heart over to God, but....
But there is no excuse for me not to give my heart over to God. Once I know that to deny God is sin, I was guilty of the worst sin ever. I knew that I needed a relationship with God and to deny that was a death sentence, I needed to repent. I needed to repent and know that I have the guarantee of eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him will have eternal life. That means that even if I never had a rebellion period, never had traumatic episodes in my life, or suffered as much as any other person, God still wants me to believe in His Son and have eternal life.
Oh God, how can it be,
That you would love a LITTLE sinner like me.
I didn't do drugs, drink or have sex with others,
I am loved dearly by my friends, father and mother.
Sometimes I think of something bad,
And at times make others feel hurt and sad.
My sins aren't as great as it could be,
My testimony isn't much for others to see.
How can I influence others to see your grace?
How can they see your love in my heart space?
My dear precious child don't you see,
My son is very precious to you and me.
He died for you and your every sin,
You don't have to suffer much for grace to begin.
Your story doesn't have to be dramatic for it to be told,
Because no matter what you go through, my grace is for you to hold.
Please note: This isn't my personal testimony, it was written to share with those who think they don't have a testimony to share. You do. Your personal testimony means as much to God as any other. The angels in heaven sang just as loudly for your salvation as they did any others. Your salvation is yours. God knew the days of your life before you were born. You are loved so dearly by God and others because of who you are and what you have become as God's child.
Ahh, my sin. It could be called pride, self-reliance, and gossip to name a few. Not enough to captivate an audience. My testimony isn't going to cause goosebumps, tears and heart felt change. Let me tell you my testimony and you can confirm my bold statement. My testimony is of no use to anyone.
I grew up going to church, I don't know if my parents had a relationship with God, but we went to church each week eager to see our friends. I heard all the rules I needed to follow and to be a good person, I followed those rules. I followed those rules and life was good.
Thou shalt not kill, I didn't. Thou shalt not commit adultery, I didn't. You know the 10 commandments, I didn't break them. Thou shalt have no other gods before me, nope not me, I don't worship Buddha or any other idol.
I felt that I had a relationship with God, but I really didn't pay attention to one key theme-the relationship part.
I went for years thinking I was a good person who didn't have a need for God. Not like those who committed real sins or those who suffered a really hard life. I mean I was living the good life. I didn't need God for me to get through one day or a hardship that came my way. I didn't have many hardships other than maybe a bad hair cut that made me mad for a few weeks. I didn't need God, I was strong and I was not like those weak people suffering. I am Strong!
I continued going to church on Sundays, and on one particular Sunday the preacher was teaching us about the Beatitudes. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those that mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
While I thought about how great those rewards will be, my stomach began to feel horrible. What's the matter with me? The preacher began to share how we have to read the Beatitudes in order to know what we will receive if we believe. He told us to turn to John 3:16-21. I turned to that passage-God so love-light comes to darkness-men loved darkness-everyone who does evil hates the light.
My mind was racing, my heart was beating fast and my stomach was killing me. But I don't do evil things. I am not perfect, but I am not evil either. I don't understand why I was feeling so ill. Maybe it was the flu or something I ate. I decided to put those thoughts aside.
A few weeks later, we learn about strongholds. I don't understand what he is talking about when he refers to all of us having strongholds. I don't do any major sins, my strongholds aren't compulsive shopping, drugs or gambling. I am able to handle things on my own.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
It is not a matter of having a horrendous and dramatic story. It's about having the strength to admit you need help from the Lord. Its not about making your sins an interesting story. It is about making sure that no matter what does or doesn't happen in your life, you need God. You need to know God and you need to submit yourself to God. Submit to God's will and not your own.
Do you know how hard it is to submit to someone you can't see when you can't see your need for Him. Everything is well and good and how do you determine you need help when you can't see that need.
That's what I struggled with the most. I didn't go to drugs, alcohol or sex to deal with things in my life. I relied on myself. Relying on myself alone was how I dealt with anything that happened. I wish I had a traumatic event that brought me to my knees and asking God for salvation. I didn't have that experience, I had a good life. I had to see my sin, my stronghold was my pride, my self-reliance and judging others. I judged what their sins were by the struggles they were going through. I prided myself on my self-reliance. I had the sin of pride. I wish I had gone to drugs or shopping as my sin. I had pride and self-reliance and how do you admit you need to give up your self in order to be made right in God's eyes.
I was still experiencing stomach aches and a racing heart every time I thought about having to give up my pride and self-reliance. I knew that I had to give it up to God. I had to let God take care of me even when it seemed like there was no reason to give anything over to God. I had to give it up and I couldn't. I had not experienced any extremely bad experience where I fell on my knees. I needed to give my heart over to God, but....
But there is no excuse for me not to give my heart over to God. Once I know that to deny God is sin, I was guilty of the worst sin ever. I knew that I needed a relationship with God and to deny that was a death sentence, I needed to repent. I needed to repent and know that I have the guarantee of eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him will have eternal life. That means that even if I never had a rebellion period, never had traumatic episodes in my life, or suffered as much as any other person, God still wants me to believe in His Son and have eternal life.
Oh God, how can it be,
That you would love a LITTLE sinner like me.
I didn't do drugs, drink or have sex with others,
I am loved dearly by my friends, father and mother.
Sometimes I think of something bad,
And at times make others feel hurt and sad.
My sins aren't as great as it could be,
My testimony isn't much for others to see.
How can I influence others to see your grace?
How can they see your love in my heart space?
My dear precious child don't you see,
My son is very precious to you and me.
He died for you and your every sin,
You don't have to suffer much for grace to begin.
Your story doesn't have to be dramatic for it to be told,
Because no matter what you go through, my grace is for you to hold.
Please note: This isn't my personal testimony, it was written to share with those who think they don't have a testimony to share. You do. Your personal testimony means as much to God as any other. The angels in heaven sang just as loudly for your salvation as they did any others. Your salvation is yours. God knew the days of your life before you were born. You are loved so dearly by God and others because of who you are and what you have become as God's child.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Remembered In a Small Town Diner
One of our families favorite places to eat is Carolina Diner. It is a small diner with awesome food. Our family has been a frequent visitor for quite some time and we love it. The wait staff hasn't changed much since we started going, except for adding new wait staff. We recognize them and from what we found out today, they recognize us.
The waitress asked us where our youngest son was. The fact she remember us and the little guy who wasn't present tickled us. It is a great feeling when we are remembered. It is a great feeling when we are missed.
I have wondered in the past what impact I have made on others in my community and I have contact with on a regular or semi-regular basis. I have to wonder, how many times have I made a negative impact on others.
What does that say about me and my testimony if it was negative? How can I be sure that when I am remembered in a small town diner or anywhere the result is positive?
It requires me to make certain my testimony is Christ like. That I remember the words in the bible as more than just written words, but living words. Words to be lived through me and by me. The bible is a living instruction manual, teaching me what I need to know to live my life as Christ life as possible.
Will I ever be perfect? No, there will be times when I leave a not-so-good impression on those around me. But it is great to know that I can go to my Father and ask him to forgive me for those sins. I can go to my Father and ask him to teach me again what I need to know. I need to be willing to open my heart and my mind to his words. I need to be willing to change those behaviors that leave a negative impression on others. I need to, but sadly, I don't always do.
I want to be remembered by the wait staff at a small town diner in a positive manner. I want to be remembered as a Lady of Proverbs 31.
The waitress asked us where our youngest son was. The fact she remember us and the little guy who wasn't present tickled us. It is a great feeling when we are remembered. It is a great feeling when we are missed.
I have wondered in the past what impact I have made on others in my community and I have contact with on a regular or semi-regular basis. I have to wonder, how many times have I made a negative impact on others.
What does that say about me and my testimony if it was negative? How can I be sure that when I am remembered in a small town diner or anywhere the result is positive?
It requires me to make certain my testimony is Christ like. That I remember the words in the bible as more than just written words, but living words. Words to be lived through me and by me. The bible is a living instruction manual, teaching me what I need to know to live my life as Christ life as possible.
Will I ever be perfect? No, there will be times when I leave a not-so-good impression on those around me. But it is great to know that I can go to my Father and ask him to forgive me for those sins. I can go to my Father and ask him to teach me again what I need to know. I need to be willing to open my heart and my mind to his words. I need to be willing to change those behaviors that leave a negative impression on others. I need to, but sadly, I don't always do.
I want to be remembered by the wait staff at a small town diner in a positive manner. I want to be remembered as a Lady of Proverbs 31.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Jasper and Josie
Shortly after we moved to Hendersonville, our youngest son asked for a kitten. Our oldest son didn't want a cat in the house and didn't want to have anything to do with the cat once we brought it home. We went to the pet shelter and our little guy had found his kitten. Jasper, with his orange-red-yellow striped fur. I am not sure what the actual or official color is, but he has orange-red fur.
Josie is suppose to be his sister. She is grey with white patches and white paws. She was extremely little, most likely the runt of the bunch, tiny as she was. Well, we agreed to adopt Jasper, but Josie wouldn't let our oldest son move without showering him with attention. Our son bent down and began to pet Josie. He spent a lot of time with her and must have fallen in love with her immediately. Our son who wanted nothing to do with a cat for any reason looked up at his father and me. He simply asked, "Can we get two kittens"? I looked at my husband and I looked at the kitten and looked at my son. His kitten cold heart had melted, he wanted not just any kitten, he wanted the one who was desperately trying to get him to notice her.
Josie and her brother were adopted that day. Jasper knew which person in our family had chosen him. Jasper's loyalty was to Andrew. Andrew was his boy. He laid next to him, played with him, fed him, and slept with him. Jasper was his and Andrew was his boy.
The scrawny little Josie stole Tony's heart and just as her brother did she had spent all of her time and attention with Tony. She would run to the door when she hear him coming to the door. She would sit in his lap alone. She knew that he was hers and she was his.
Josie and Jasper both knew the rules that day we walked into the animal shelter. They knew that they needed to win the heart of whomever came looking for a kitten. Jasper by nature is friendlier with strangers than Josie is. Jasper looked healthy and robust for a little kitten. Josie, by all accounts was the lesser of the two kittens. Small in size, we found out shortly after arriving home, sickly. She doesn't like strangers. She will hide and wait until they are gone to come out to eat, potty or play. But that day, Josie knew her life laid in someone else's hands. She knew that she needed to step outside of her comfort zone and take that risk. That risk to show love to someone she just met. That risk to share of herself what she didn't want to lose. She wanted to be loved, cared for and taken home. She wanted to be saved from life in the animal shelter. She wanted to go where she would be loved forever.
Josie and Jasper wanted what we are all looking for. They wanted to be accepted, to be loved and cared for all their days. Don't we all have the same wants, needs and desires. We want to be loved, we want to be accepted and we want to be cared for all of our days. I know the only source of that love, acceptance and care, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God's perfect plan was to have his son come into the animal shelter (the world) and give us what we need to find him and let him know we need him to take us. The best part of all, Jesus takes us. Each and every one of is able to be adopted by Jesus. This is exciting, this is life altering and this is all we need to know that we will be loved, cared for and accepted. We are accepted no matter how sickly we may appear, he accepts us no matter what.
Do you have a desire to be loved, accepted and cared for? Go ahead and step outside your comfort zone and ask Jesus to take you with him.
Josie is suppose to be his sister. She is grey with white patches and white paws. She was extremely little, most likely the runt of the bunch, tiny as she was. Well, we agreed to adopt Jasper, but Josie wouldn't let our oldest son move without showering him with attention. Our son bent down and began to pet Josie. He spent a lot of time with her and must have fallen in love with her immediately. Our son who wanted nothing to do with a cat for any reason looked up at his father and me. He simply asked, "Can we get two kittens"? I looked at my husband and I looked at the kitten and looked at my son. His kitten cold heart had melted, he wanted not just any kitten, he wanted the one who was desperately trying to get him to notice her.
Josie and her brother were adopted that day. Jasper knew which person in our family had chosen him. Jasper's loyalty was to Andrew. Andrew was his boy. He laid next to him, played with him, fed him, and slept with him. Jasper was his and Andrew was his boy.
The scrawny little Josie stole Tony's heart and just as her brother did she had spent all of her time and attention with Tony. She would run to the door when she hear him coming to the door. She would sit in his lap alone. She knew that he was hers and she was his.
Josie and Jasper both knew the rules that day we walked into the animal shelter. They knew that they needed to win the heart of whomever came looking for a kitten. Jasper by nature is friendlier with strangers than Josie is. Jasper looked healthy and robust for a little kitten. Josie, by all accounts was the lesser of the two kittens. Small in size, we found out shortly after arriving home, sickly. She doesn't like strangers. She will hide and wait until they are gone to come out to eat, potty or play. But that day, Josie knew her life laid in someone else's hands. She knew that she needed to step outside of her comfort zone and take that risk. That risk to show love to someone she just met. That risk to share of herself what she didn't want to lose. She wanted to be loved, cared for and taken home. She wanted to be saved from life in the animal shelter. She wanted to go where she would be loved forever.
Josie and Jasper wanted what we are all looking for. They wanted to be accepted, to be loved and cared for all their days. Don't we all have the same wants, needs and desires. We want to be loved, we want to be accepted and we want to be cared for all of our days. I know the only source of that love, acceptance and care, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God's perfect plan was to have his son come into the animal shelter (the world) and give us what we need to find him and let him know we need him to take us. The best part of all, Jesus takes us. Each and every one of is able to be adopted by Jesus. This is exciting, this is life altering and this is all we need to know that we will be loved, cared for and accepted. We are accepted no matter how sickly we may appear, he accepts us no matter what.
Do you have a desire to be loved, accepted and cared for? Go ahead and step outside your comfort zone and ask Jesus to take you with him.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Deep Cleaning
This morning, I did some deep cleaning around the house. I saw evidence that our poor little house needed it. I looked at the ceiling fan blades and couldn't believe how furry they were. I looked at the dining room table and buffet and there was no shine, it needed to be polished. It made me think of my own relationship with God.
I dust my house almost every week. Sometimes more than once a week, sadly sometimes less than I should. Very much like the relationship I have with God. Sometimes I have one more than a few times a week, most of the time much less.
It isn't really just the day to day bible reading, the praying, the bible study lessons that I need to do. It has a lot to do with the day by day or the minute by minute relationship with God. It is the depth of the relationship with God.
The depth is the faith that I can submit myself to Him and rest in the fact that the love He has for me is more than sufficient. Again it is the will or the won't coming back into play.
I need to remember that I need to submit daily in a new and deeper manner than the day before. If I keep building on the depth of my submission, I may be a fraction of where I need to be.
God wants us to have a deeper relationship with Him. He wants us to have a relationship with Him that compels us to want it deeper still.
Spring cleaning is not enough. We need to do deep cleaning every day of every week.
I dust my house almost every week. Sometimes more than once a week, sadly sometimes less than I should. Very much like the relationship I have with God. Sometimes I have one more than a few times a week, most of the time much less.
It isn't really just the day to day bible reading, the praying, the bible study lessons that I need to do. It has a lot to do with the day by day or the minute by minute relationship with God. It is the depth of the relationship with God.
The depth is the faith that I can submit myself to Him and rest in the fact that the love He has for me is more than sufficient. Again it is the will or the won't coming back into play.
I need to remember that I need to submit daily in a new and deeper manner than the day before. If I keep building on the depth of my submission, I may be a fraction of where I need to be.
God wants us to have a deeper relationship with Him. He wants us to have a relationship with Him that compels us to want it deeper still.
Spring cleaning is not enough. We need to do deep cleaning every day of every week.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Won't Or Will
I was sitting here thinking about what I was going to write about today. I pondered and pondered and then I remembered how much I wanted to start walking everyday. I think about doing it every now and then, but it is always too cold or raining. When it isn't raining or cold, I just don't want to go for a walk.
I am so tired of hearing about how exercise is good for you and feeling horrible when I don't. I am a smart enough person that I know if I would just do it and stop making excuses for myself, I could eliminate the whole horrible feeling stuff.
But I don't or should really say won't.
It's not simply that I don't go for a simple walk. I have reasons why I don't go for walks. The main one is the pain in my hip makes walking even standing and doing my dishes painful for me. So, I don't go for a walk.
But even on a day when my hip isn't hurting at all or as much as it has been, I won't go for a walk. Did you notice, I went back to won't.
WON'T means even if you do not have a reason for not doing something, you will not do it.
Can and can't
Do and don't
Will and won't
I looked up in the dictionary the word "WILL". The mental faculty by which one deliberately chooses or decides upon a course of action; volition. An instance of the exercising of will; choice.
So even when I need to do something I deliberately choose not to do it.
I think that I have the same issues when I am asked by God to do something or even something I am suppose to and I won't do it. It isn't a matter of not being able to do it. I simply won't do it.
How do I change my will so I will do what I should do? How do I look at will in a whole new way?
I am sad to say, it don't know the answer to that. I have been told the answers from the bible and those that have studied this issue, but the answers in my head haven't made too much of a dent in my will. I can only go back to this simple option, prayer.
I am fearful that I will have this prayer answered and I won't like the results. There's that word, won't.
I need to get busy praying right away.
I am so tired of hearing about how exercise is good for you and feeling horrible when I don't. I am a smart enough person that I know if I would just do it and stop making excuses for myself, I could eliminate the whole horrible feeling stuff.
But I don't or should really say won't.
It's not simply that I don't go for a simple walk. I have reasons why I don't go for walks. The main one is the pain in my hip makes walking even standing and doing my dishes painful for me. So, I don't go for a walk.
But even on a day when my hip isn't hurting at all or as much as it has been, I won't go for a walk. Did you notice, I went back to won't.
WON'T means even if you do not have a reason for not doing something, you will not do it.
Can and can't
Do and don't
Will and won't
I looked up in the dictionary the word "WILL". The mental faculty by which one deliberately chooses or decides upon a course of action; volition. An instance of the exercising of will; choice.
So even when I need to do something I deliberately choose not to do it.
I think that I have the same issues when I am asked by God to do something or even something I am suppose to and I won't do it. It isn't a matter of not being able to do it. I simply won't do it.
How do I change my will so I will do what I should do? How do I look at will in a whole new way?
I am sad to say, it don't know the answer to that. I have been told the answers from the bible and those that have studied this issue, but the answers in my head haven't made too much of a dent in my will. I can only go back to this simple option, prayer.
I am fearful that I will have this prayer answered and I won't like the results. There's that word, won't.
I need to get busy praying right away.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
How Do We Really Know?
I received a prayer request the other day from someone in our bible study. The prayer request was for the knowledge and the peace about an assignment. The subject was race, the issue at heart was how to respond to someone quoting a verse about not mixing races. You see, the lady from our bible study felt that God was saying she should not mix races. Her children, you see are very precious to her. They are also very precious to God.
Would God not love her or her children if they are part of her and a part of someone from another race? My question would have to be, do we not love others who are of another race? Did not Jesus come to this earth as a babe and grew to be crusified on the cross for my sins and the sins of every man, woman, and child? Did He not die for each and every race? Let's go even further back. Didn't God create every single race known to man?
God tells us in the bible that He is pleased with His creations. Isn't he pleased with the little boy and the little girl whose mother is of one race and the father another?
In the bible it tells us that Jesus is the new covenant. That once Jesus came to die for us, He became the new covenant, and all the rules in the old testiment given to the people of that time to be clean and to present a sacrifice were no longer necessary. We only needed to be made whole, white as snow, clean because of Jesus's sacrifice on the cross. No longer do we need to sacrifice an pure animal, the purest sacrifice had been made in our stead.
No, we no longer need to keep our races clean, we only need to keep our hearts as clean as we can by asking Jesus into our hearts. The God who created us, sent His son to die for us, and loves us does so not because of what race we are, but who we are. His children, there is no better title I would rather have.
Would God not love her or her children if they are part of her and a part of someone from another race? My question would have to be, do we not love others who are of another race? Did not Jesus come to this earth as a babe and grew to be crusified on the cross for my sins and the sins of every man, woman, and child? Did He not die for each and every race? Let's go even further back. Didn't God create every single race known to man?
God tells us in the bible that He is pleased with His creations. Isn't he pleased with the little boy and the little girl whose mother is of one race and the father another?
In the bible it tells us that Jesus is the new covenant. That once Jesus came to die for us, He became the new covenant, and all the rules in the old testiment given to the people of that time to be clean and to present a sacrifice were no longer necessary. We only needed to be made whole, white as snow, clean because of Jesus's sacrifice on the cross. No longer do we need to sacrifice an pure animal, the purest sacrifice had been made in our stead.
No, we no longer need to keep our races clean, we only need to keep our hearts as clean as we can by asking Jesus into our hearts. The God who created us, sent His son to die for us, and loves us does so not because of what race we are, but who we are. His children, there is no better title I would rather have.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Be Still and Know
I have a phrase running through my head today. I am sure I am not the only with this happening to me. I was told when I hear something over and over in my mind, that is God talking to me.
So, God is telling me to 'be still and know that I am God'. I have been thinking about this phrase and have been looking about things in my life. Do I want to be involved in the women's ministry at church or do I need to be involved in the women's ministry?
Do I need to be working outside of the house or should I focus on the freelance writing I am doing and Avon? Is it my desires or God's will. How will I ever know for sure?
BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.
I have worked in the home part time, full time, worked outside the home part time and full time. I enjoy being busy and I enjoy taking time to relax. How do I know what I should do?
BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.
I have practiced being still. Did that mean I didn't do anything at all? No, I pursued the freelance writing gigs. I applied for positions and I was chosen for those positions. So far, all the money that I was promised for those pieces of work have been paid to me. I was not worrying about the freelance work, I applied and applied and applied to many different projects. I received the work, I believe because I trusted God was leading me in this direction.
What about selling Avon? Was I being still then? Well, I had pondered selling Avon for a while. But the deciding factor was how many items that we use on a regular basis were sold by Avon. The prices for the products were very reasonable even before selling Avon. But, I thought about what I could pay for the products as an Avon representative and how much I could save our families budget.
I decided over three months ago that this is what I would like to do. But I felt that I needed to wait.
BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.
I was and I waited and I feel that I am being rewarded for my stillness. I took a leap in this endeavor and so far, I have been rewarded.
BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.
Can there be anything more difficult than being still and knowing that He is God? How many times do we want to be busy doing things for God? How many times do I try to get in God's way and share with Him what I would like for Him to do? If I could only learn this lesson the first time and be still.
I know that He is God. I just don't know in both my heart and my mind that He is God. I want to do for myself and cry when it doesn't work out. But as always God is there to tell me.....
"Dannie, look at me. Look not only into my eyes, but my heart. Dannie, be still honey. Know that I am God and I can do all that you need for me to do. Be still Dannie, so that I can show you how much I love you. Be still Dannie and know that I am God, your God".
Be still and know that He is YOUR God.
So, God is telling me to 'be still and know that I am God'. I have been thinking about this phrase and have been looking about things in my life. Do I want to be involved in the women's ministry at church or do I need to be involved in the women's ministry?
Do I need to be working outside of the house or should I focus on the freelance writing I am doing and Avon? Is it my desires or God's will. How will I ever know for sure?
BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.
I have worked in the home part time, full time, worked outside the home part time and full time. I enjoy being busy and I enjoy taking time to relax. How do I know what I should do?
BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.
I have practiced being still. Did that mean I didn't do anything at all? No, I pursued the freelance writing gigs. I applied for positions and I was chosen for those positions. So far, all the money that I was promised for those pieces of work have been paid to me. I was not worrying about the freelance work, I applied and applied and applied to many different projects. I received the work, I believe because I trusted God was leading me in this direction.
What about selling Avon? Was I being still then? Well, I had pondered selling Avon for a while. But the deciding factor was how many items that we use on a regular basis were sold by Avon. The prices for the products were very reasonable even before selling Avon. But, I thought about what I could pay for the products as an Avon representative and how much I could save our families budget.
I decided over three months ago that this is what I would like to do. But I felt that I needed to wait.
BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.
I was and I waited and I feel that I am being rewarded for my stillness. I took a leap in this endeavor and so far, I have been rewarded.
BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.
Can there be anything more difficult than being still and knowing that He is God? How many times do we want to be busy doing things for God? How many times do I try to get in God's way and share with Him what I would like for Him to do? If I could only learn this lesson the first time and be still.
I know that He is God. I just don't know in both my heart and my mind that He is God. I want to do for myself and cry when it doesn't work out. But as always God is there to tell me.....
"Dannie, look at me. Look not only into my eyes, but my heart. Dannie, be still honey. Know that I am God and I can do all that you need for me to do. Be still Dannie, so that I can show you how much I love you. Be still Dannie and know that I am God, your God".
Be still and know that He is YOUR God.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
It's Tough Being a Woman Study
I am attending a Beth Moore study on Esther at my church. One of the main themes Beth speaks about is "It's tough being a woman". She gives a different reason why it is tough each lesson; today was about meanness. MEAN GIRLS!
Sadly, I spent time during her introduction to week three, thinking about the mean girls that I have had an experience or two with even just recently. It really was sad to think of the particular women and their "meanness". The hardest part for me was really when I think about where I met them and what we were doing when this meanness took place. We were involved with our church and our women's ministry.
That most likely has a wow factor for some, but it really isn't that surprising to me. I can't tell you how many times I have been hurt severely from a Christian man or woman. If I was doing something sinful, I would deserve to be called out on this; but the meanness came from non-sinful issues.
I think that is what is the hardest for me to accept. I find it difficult to accept that the meanness came towards me because I was trying and doing what I felt I was being led to do by God. The meanness brought into me a desire to turn from them and seek a group of women who truly desire to be, and do what God desires of her to do.
The pain I felt by losing the friendships was hard. I lost the friendships because of gossip and rumors. The gossip was the worse part of it all. The women didn't want to find out the truth. If they had, they would have to look into their own hearts and see what the truth was in them.
I pray that God will always instill in me a desire to follow His will despite the pain of losing friends and feeling alone. I want to be content in Christ and not worry about what meanness may come. I want to be able to take that chance in Christ and be content with whatever is His will.
Sadly, I spent time during her introduction to week three, thinking about the mean girls that I have had an experience or two with even just recently. It really was sad to think of the particular women and their "meanness". The hardest part for me was really when I think about where I met them and what we were doing when this meanness took place. We were involved with our church and our women's ministry.
That most likely has a wow factor for some, but it really isn't that surprising to me. I can't tell you how many times I have been hurt severely from a Christian man or woman. If I was doing something sinful, I would deserve to be called out on this; but the meanness came from non-sinful issues.
I think that is what is the hardest for me to accept. I find it difficult to accept that the meanness came towards me because I was trying and doing what I felt I was being led to do by God. The meanness brought into me a desire to turn from them and seek a group of women who truly desire to be, and do what God desires of her to do.
The pain I felt by losing the friendships was hard. I lost the friendships because of gossip and rumors. The gossip was the worse part of it all. The women didn't want to find out the truth. If they had, they would have to look into their own hearts and see what the truth was in them.
I pray that God will always instill in me a desire to follow His will despite the pain of losing friends and feeling alone. I want to be content in Christ and not worry about what meanness may come. I want to be able to take that chance in Christ and be content with whatever is His will.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Chocolate for Monday 01/26/09
Reverence "the fear of the Lord" Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
The fear being referred to in this verse is not being afraid of the Lord, but fear in the understanding of the awesome power of God. Think about this, anyone who can create the entire world in six days is deserving of our fear, our reverence.
When we bring our petitions before our Lord, we need to humble ourselves before him out of reverence. He has created the heavens and earth. He sent His son to be born as a baby and die a perfect man for our sins. Humbling of ourselves before Him out of reverence is the least we should do for Him out of reverence due Him to the Holiness He is.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
The fear being referred to in this verse is not being afraid of the Lord, but fear in the understanding of the awesome power of God. Think about this, anyone who can create the entire world in six days is deserving of our fear, our reverence.
When we bring our petitions before our Lord, we need to humble ourselves before him out of reverence. He has created the heavens and earth. He sent His son to be born as a baby and die a perfect man for our sins. Humbling of ourselves before Him out of reverence is the least we should do for Him out of reverence due Him to the Holiness He is.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Becoming a Lady of Proverbs 31 Merchandise
There are some great items at cafepress.com from our website www.ladyofproverbs31.wetpaint.com
Go to www.cafepress.com/ladyproverbs31 or for Home is Where the Hospitality Is merchandise try www.cafepress.com/homehospitality and for Heart Works Group go to www.cafepress.com/heartworksgroup
Go to www.cafepress.com/ladyproverbs31 or for Home is Where the Hospitality Is merchandise try www.cafepress.com/homehospitality and for Heart Works Group go to www.cafepress.com/heartworksgroup
At the Merchants Gate
A Lady of Proverbs 31 is someone who is providing for their family as in Proverbs 31:18.
"She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night."
My husband and I agreed that I would embark on a career path of freelance writing and working on pursuing publishing of my bible studies and fiction series. I looked over our finances and found a wonderful avenue for me to save on our health and beauty needs while bringing additional income. I have become an Avon representative. I was an Avon representative way back when I was in high school. Since that was quite a while ago, I found some great changes have occurred since then.
You can purchase your Avon products online! That is incredible and convenient. If you are interested in finding out what is new at Avon and take advantage of all the great products and incredible prices go to www.youravon.com/dannettfrey
I recently signed up as a representative and was surprised to find out that the cost to become a representative is only$10.00. I received brochures for the two upcoming campaigns, order book, sample pack, a cute bag and other items necessary for me to begin selling. I also have an opportunity to sell products off of my FREE Avon website. It is so easy to customize your page as Avon has all the work done for you!
If you are interested in becoming an Avon representative go to www.youravon.com/dannettfrey and find out just how easy it is. The incentives, prizes and earnings make this a great idea for additional income.
"She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night."
My husband and I agreed that I would embark on a career path of freelance writing and working on pursuing publishing of my bible studies and fiction series. I looked over our finances and found a wonderful avenue for me to save on our health and beauty needs while bringing additional income. I have become an Avon representative. I was an Avon representative way back when I was in high school. Since that was quite a while ago, I found some great changes have occurred since then.
You can purchase your Avon products online! That is incredible and convenient. If you are interested in finding out what is new at Avon and take advantage of all the great products and incredible prices go to www.youravon.com/dannettfrey
I recently signed up as a representative and was surprised to find out that the cost to become a representative is only$10.00. I received brochures for the two upcoming campaigns, order book, sample pack, a cute bag and other items necessary for me to begin selling. I also have an opportunity to sell products off of my FREE Avon website. It is so easy to customize your page as Avon has all the work done for you!
If you are interested in becoming an Avon representative go to www.youravon.com/dannettfrey and find out just how easy it is. The incentives, prizes and earnings make this a great idea for additional income.
Chocolate For Sunday 01/25/09
Humility-"the willingness to submit" James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
It is sometimes hard to remain humble when you have done something "good"; harder still is when you feel you did a great job. It often seems after a moment of greatness there is a series of moments when you feel small and easily embarrassed. How do we deal with moments of humility?
We have to humble ourselves even more. It is not always easy to understand what that means, humble yourselves even more. I believe we are to go to our Lord in prayer and ask Him to humble our hearts and our minds. We have to ask him to take away our pride and instead fill us with a desire to be less in order to do more for him. How can we know what He wants us to do for His kingdom, if we are only worried about our lives and how we look.
Humility is hard for everyone to learn and at times even harder to accept. But if we remain his faithful servant; he will not only show us how to be humble, he will lift us up while we are being humbled.
It is sometimes hard to remain humble when you have done something "good"; harder still is when you feel you did a great job. It often seems after a moment of greatness there is a series of moments when you feel small and easily embarrassed. How do we deal with moments of humility?
We have to humble ourselves even more. It is not always easy to understand what that means, humble yourselves even more. I believe we are to go to our Lord in prayer and ask Him to humble our hearts and our minds. We have to ask him to take away our pride and instead fill us with a desire to be less in order to do more for him. How can we know what He wants us to do for His kingdom, if we are only worried about our lives and how we look.
Humility is hard for everyone to learn and at times even harder to accept. But if we remain his faithful servant; he will not only show us how to be humble, he will lift us up while we are being humbled.
Becoming A Lady of Proverbs 31
I find it hard daily to become,
a Lady of Proverbs 31.
I try to sew a garment or two,
but the end result will never do!
I try to buy and sell,
but the mistakes I've made, I won't tell.
My children run off and make a scene,
and they look like they are never clean!
I was suppose to head out to the main gate,
But of course, today I was running late!
My husband ignores me and tunes me out,
It makes me so mad that I yell and pout!
Dinner is burned and the bills are past due,
Laundry is mounting and I lost my other shoe!
Dear Lord please, please help me,
Oh God, can't you see,
I struggling to become,
A Lady of Proverbs 31!
a Lady of Proverbs 31.
I try to sew a garment or two,
but the end result will never do!
I try to buy and sell,
but the mistakes I've made, I won't tell.
My children run off and make a scene,
and they look like they are never clean!
I was suppose to head out to the main gate,
But of course, today I was running late!
My husband ignores me and tunes me out,
It makes me so mad that I yell and pout!
Dinner is burned and the bills are past due,
Laundry is mounting and I lost my other shoe!
Dear Lord please, please help me,
Oh God, can't you see,
I struggling to become,
A Lady of Proverbs 31!
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