Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Today's Bible Verse

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8


(New International Version)

Saturday, December 1, 2007

1 John 4:8

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:8 (New International Version)

Monday, November 19, 2007

When Change Is Painful

We are pressured in every way but not crushed, we are perplexed but not in despair.

2 Corinthians 4:8 Holman CSB

When life unfolds according to our wishes, or when we experience unexpected good fortune, we find it easy to praise God's plan. That's when we greet change with open arms. But sometimes the changes that we must endure are painful. When we struggle through the difficult days of life, as we must from time to time, we may ask ourselves, "Why me?" The answer, of course, is that God knows, but He isn't telling...yet.

Have you endured a difficult transition that has left your head spinning or your heart broken? If so, you have a clear choice to make: either you can cry and complain, or you can trust God and get busy fixing what's broken. The former is a formula for disaster; the latter is a formula for a well-lived life.

A thought to Jump Start Your Day

Pain is the fuel of passion - it energizes us with an intensity to change that we don't normally possess.

Rick Warren

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Galatians 6:8

The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

(New International Version)

*I have seen many things in my life and have lived to please my own sinful nature, but all of that is behind me now and I praise God for that. It's been a long journey, but well worth it. I'm in a much better place now.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Laughing With Life

Since I can remember, I have always let life get the best of me... always worried, always fretted and stressed out with things that were out of my control, to the point of getting sick. I was very unhappy in life. I can remember days of depression being a constant companion in my life, day in and day out.

It wasn’t until 2005 when I had my awakening that I realized that there are many things in life that I don’t have control of…and the fact that I had to learn the difference as in the Serenity Prayer. There is nothing in life that is worth the aggravation, the stress, the unhappiness and miserable existence that is brought on from all the worrying. God granted me the serenity of accepting the things I couldn’t change and the courage to change the things I could and most importantly, He gave me the wisdom to know the difference.

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful worldas it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things rightif I surrender to His Will;That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with HimForever in the next.
Amen.

Yes, I still think about things, yes, I still tend to worry about things, I’m only human, but… I don’t let it control me to the point of getting sick, being unhappy and miserable in my days or to the point of “dumping” on others around me. On occasion I will fret and stress over things, but I have to remind myself that I need to turn things over to God. As my blog title states: “Whatever it is, God is bigger”. I have since, learned to “Laugh with Life”. I’m not trying to make light of serious issues, the criticalness of certain situations in life, but worrying, stressing, fretting and consuming myself with doubt and fear over things out of my control is not going to fix things any quicker.

So in my devotional reading today, I was enlightened with the following words:

Laugh with Life:

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 15:13 NIV

Laughter is medicine for the soul, but sometimes, amid the stresses of the day, we forget to take our medicine. Instead of viewing our world with a mixture of optimism and humor, we allow worries and distractions to rob us of the joy that God intends for our lives.

So the next time you find yourself dwelling upon the negatives of life, refocus your attention to things positive. The next time you find yourself falling prey to the blight of pessimism, stop yourself and turn your thoughts around. And, if you see your glass as “half empty,” rest assured that your spiritual vision is impaired. With God, your glass is never half empty. With God as your protector and Christ as your Savior, your glass is filled to the brim and overflowing…forever.

Today, as you go about your daily activities, approach life with a smile on your lips and hope in your heart. And laugh every chance you get. After all, God created laughter for a reason…and Father indeed knows best. So laugh!

A Thought to Jump Start Your Day

If you want people to feel comfortable around you, to enjoy being with you, then learn to laugh at yourself and find humor in life’s little mishaps.

Dennis Swanberg

Friday, November 9, 2007

Releasing My Child into God's Hands

Yesterday, about 3:30 pm, I received a call from my oldest son, I was still at work and was right in the middle of assisting one of our resident Psychiatrists with some urgent computer needs. I told my son that I would call him back as I could not speak to him at that moment. Time went by, and I'm still assisting the resident Psychiatrist at least half an hour, and at 4:10, I received a text message from my son that he was being taken to the hospital for stitches.




Well, being a mother, I panicked and my heart dropped! Understand too that this is my 26 year old son, and is very well known for skateboarding. I knew that his brother and a friend were visiting him in Austin and somehow I just knew that it had to be a related injury to skateboarding or his work, (I was leaning more towards the skateboarding though). Needless to say, I had to call him immediately and find out the details to his trip to the hospital and the seriousness of his injuries.




My son kept trying to tell me he was OK, while at the same time, explaining to me that as he was coming down a half pipe, he lost his balance and fell face first, shattering his right prescription eyeglass lens, which resulted in cutting him up by his eyebrow, scrapes around his face, bruises I'm sure as well. I was cringing and feeling, literally, his pain. I was being a "mommy"... My son finally had to pass the phone to his friend so that he could ease my worries. Needless to say, I did have a few words with God at that moment, but I went home that evening and lifted my children in prayer.



Lord, I come to You in Jesus' name and give my three children to You. I'm convinced that You alone know what is best for them.

You alone know what they need, I release them to You to care for and protect, and I commit myself to pray for everything concerning them that I can think of or that You put upon my heart.

Teach me how to pray and guide me in what to pray about. help me not to impose my own will when I'm praying for them, but rather enable me to pray that Your will be done in their life. Thank You that I can partner with You in raising them and that I don't have to do it alone.

Monday, October 22, 2007

Fault-Finding and Judging Others

For one of my daily readings today, I was enlightened with the following:


I'm slipping when I begin taking another person's inventory, not mine.

~ Anonymous

It seems so much easier to live someone else's life than it is to live our own. We can see someone else's faults much more clearly than our own. We can tell someone else how to correct a character defect, and not work on our own. It is easier to take someone else's inventory than it is to take our own. These are all clues to why we have had so much trouble in our lives.

These things are all danger signs. Our very best thinking got us into this Fellowship. Most of us earned our seats around the table by totally mismanaging the affairs of our lives. We have enough on our plates trying to sort out the will of our Highter Power in our own lives. We have no business trying to run anyone else's.

If I persist in trying to live another person's life, I am likely to stop my spiritual progress. Let me remember to keep tabs on my own faults and let others take care of their own.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Sharing with others...

The decision to share with others may not make sense to the world. We share out of obedience to God's Word; it says we are to help others. We accept the needs of others as our own. Anyone who gives willingly receives a blessing that comes only with true love. God will honor your attitude more than the amount.

" '. . .to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me. . . to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'"(Matthew 25:40,44 NASB).

Monday, September 17, 2007

Sick and Tired

Sick and tired of being sick and tired.

~Anonymous

We find that our Higher Power is doing for us what we can't do for ourselves. We have given up being "manipulators and operators" to become "true cooperators." We have hope for a better tomorrow.

The sick and tired existence of being sick and tired has finally come to an end.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Day by Day with God

Our world is in a state of constant change. God is not. At times, the world seems to be trembling beneath our feet. But we can be comforted in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father is the rock that cannot be shaken. His Word promises, "I am the Lord, I do not change" (Malachi 3:6 NKJV)

Every day that we live, we mortals encounter a multitude of changes - some good, some not so good. And on occasion, all of us must endure life-changing personal losses that leave us breathless. When we do, our loving Heavenly Father stands ready to protect us, to comfort us, to guide us, and, in time, to heal us.

Are you facing difficult circumstances or unwelcome changes? If so, please remember that God is far bigger than any problem you may face. So, instead of worrying about life's inevitable challenges, put your faith in the Father and His only begotten Son: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). And rest assured: It is precisely because your Savior does not change that you can face your challenges with courage for this day and hope for the future.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Todays thoughts

Usually, I'll give the Thought for the day, here today I find myself blogging about two seperate thoughts, but both play hand in hand with one another...

Living Above the Daily Whine

Do everything readily and cheerfully - no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breat of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimps of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night.

Phillipians 2:14-15 MSG

Because we are imperfect human beings, we often lose sight of our blessings. Ironically, most of us have more blessings than we can count, but we may still find reasons to complain about the minor frustrations of every day life. To do so, of course, is not only wrong; it is also the pinnacle of shortsightedness and a serious roadblock on the path to spiritual abundance.

Are you tempted to complain about the inevitable minor frustations of everyday living? Don't do it! Today and every day, make it a practice to count your blessings, not your hardships. It's the truly decent way to live.


A Thought to Jump Start Your Day

The purity of motive determines the quality of action.

*To follow that daily thought, I couldn't help but follow with
this next one, as I mentioned, they go hand in hand.

More Opportunities Than We Can Count

Everything is possible for him who believes.

Mark 9:23 NIV

Whether you realize it or not, opportunites are whirling around you like stars crossing the night sky: beautiful to observe but too numerous to count. Yet you may be too wrapped up in the daily grind to notice.

Take time to step back from the challenges of everyday living so that you can focus your thoughts on two things: the talents God has given you and the opportunities that He has placed before you. God is leading you in the direction of those opportunities. Your task is to watch carefully, to pray fervently, and to act accordingly.

A Thought to Jump Start Your Day

Unbelief keeps us livng beneath the possiblities that God dreamed for our lives.


*I have noticed that myself and many people around me complain about the minor frustrations of every day life and we tend to forget all the blessings we have been given, and the many opportunites that God has laid before us. Stop and take a few steps back, look around, things could be so much worse.

Which reminds me, I love the new song by Mandisa...

Verse 1:Been a hard one, Been a bad one
Been a tough one, Been a sad one
It's been one of those days that keeps chipping away at my heart
Nothing new here, It's what I do here
its a stereotypical day, in the life
I'm surrounded by all of the pain and the strife
but I know it's alright, woah oh

Chorus:Cause it's only the world i'm living in
It's only today i've been given
There ain't no way i'm giving in
Cause it's only the world (only the world)
I know the best is still yet to come
Cause even when my days in the world are done
There's gonna be so much more than only the world for me

do do do do do do do do do, yeah its only the world

Verse 2:Anybody can you hear me?
Do you feel me? I mean, do you feel me?
I know I'm not the only one wearing the weight in this world
We got problems (said it's alright)
Just remember (yeah, it's alright)
Take a good look around we're just stuck on the ground for a little while
Don't it make you smile

Chorus:Cause it's only the world i'm living in (Yeah)
It's only today i've been given(Yeah)
There ain't no way i'm giving in
Cause it's only the world (only the world)
I know the best is still yet to come
Cause even when my days in the world are done
There's gonna be so much more than only the world for me

do do do do do do do do do, yeah its only the world
do do do do do do do do do, yeah its only the world

Bridge:Heaven is a place where the tears on every face will be wiped away
And I can't wait to go, but for now it's enoughto know
This is only temporary this is only, Yeah, Alright!

Chorus:Cause it's only the world i'm living in
It's only the day i've been given
There ain't no way i'm giving in
Cause it's only the world (only the world)
I know the best is still yet to come
Cause even when my days in the world are done
There's gonna be so much more than only the world for me
Cause it's only the world i'm living in
It's only today I've been given
There ain't no way i'm giving in
Cause it's only the world (only the world)
I know the best is still yet to come
Cause even when my days in the world are done
There's gonna be so much more than only the world for me
(So much more than only the world, yeah)

do do do do do do do do do, yeah its only the world
do do do do do do do do do, yeah its only the world


Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Being A Container - Holding Space For Others

We have all been called upon at one time or another to help a loved one through a difficult time. When the help required consists of concrete actions, such as running errands or making phone calls, we know what to do. But sometimes we are called simply to hold space for the person as they go through whatever they need to go through. They may need to express anger or grief; they may need to talk or be silent. They may need us to hold their hand; they may need us to give them time alone. Whatever the case, when we hold space for someone, we offer ourselves up as a container for the overwhelming feelings they may be encountering due to their circumstances.

When we offer ourselves in this way, the more centered and grounded we are, the better. Our steadiness allows our companion to lean into us for support, as our presence provides an environment in which they can be free to move. We can also help by being responsive, allowing them to dictate the flow of action from talking to not talking, from anger to grief, and back again. By being aware and open, we can help them confront their feelings when that feels right, and back off from them when they need a break. Holding space requires humility, conscientiousness, and the ability to step out of the way, to honestly understand that this is not about us.

When we love someone in this way, we provide a space in which they can simply be. Able to feel what they need to feel without worrying about how they are being perceived. We can provide this offering in person, over the phone, or even from a distance, through meditation. However we do it, when we hold space for someone in need, we are offering a gift of the highest nature.

Sunday, August 5, 2007

Scattering Seeds of Kindness

As I woke up this morning at 5:55 am, I found myself praying for my children, I will always follow my prayer for my children with a prayer for my family and their families... how often, though, do we forget to pray for our friends and their families, thier trials and tribulations? We think of them as we go through our day, but how often do we put them in our prayers or thank God for their friendship and for bringing them in to our lives? They are a blessing indeed.

In all my years, I can count on one hand my true friends... I'm blessed. This week alone, I have seen a few friends of mine go through some trials, let downs, disappointments, grief even.

A woman at work that I greet every morning as we go to the dining room and get ready for our day, lost her mother yesterday. Her mother lives in Columbia, she was told that she was gravely ill and not improving. She was not in any situation to pull the money together ($1,200.00 in american money) to go and be by her side. The Gangrene had already taken her leg, up to her knee... they realized after the amputation that it had taken a life of its' own in the rest of her body. All I could do was offer my prayers to her and her family and if it was any comfort, I gave her my cross pendant. My prayers go out to her family and friends.

I have recently, I say recently, but... in 2005, I gained a Best Friend off of MySpace. She has truly been a blessing for me as I now have someone that I can turn to on my days of trials and tribulations for comfort and understanding, I can only hope that I can show "trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, kindness, understanding, forgiveness, encouragement, humor, and cheerfulness ".

There are two other friends that have still stayed in touch and remain very dear friends since my days of being a school bus driver in 1998. Then I have another dear friend that we have been friends since Grade School. We don't talk every day, or once a week, but we know that the other is there when we really need eachother. We speak maybe once a month to every other month. So with that in mind... I leave you all with todays Daily Devotion.


Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10 NIV

What is a friend? the dictionary defines the word as "a person who is attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard." This definition is accurate, as far as it goes, but when we examine the deeper meaning of friendship, so many more descriptors come to mind: trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, kindness,
understanding, forgiveness, encouragement, humor, and cheerfulness to mention
but a few.

How wonderful are the joys of friendship! Today, as you consider the many blessings that God has given you, remember to thank Him for the friends He has chosen to place along your path. May you be a blessing to them, and may they richly bless you today, tomorrow, and every day that you live.

A Thought to Jump Start Your Day

A person who really cares about his or her neighbor, a
person who genuinely loves others, is a person who bears witness to the truth.

Anne Graham Lotz

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Our Problems = God's Opportunities

Here's a riddle:

What is it that is too unimportant to pray about yet too big for God to handle? The answer, of course, is: "nothing." yet sometimes, when the challenges of the day seem overwhelming, we may spend more time worrying about our troubles than praying about them. And, we may spend more time fretting about our problems than solving them. A far better strategy is to pray as if everything depended entirely upon God and to work as if everything depended entirely upon us.

What we see as problems God sees as opportunities. And if we are to trust Him completely, we must acknowledge that even when our own vision is dreadfully impaired, His vision is perfect. Today and every day, let us trust God by courageously confronting the things that we see as problems and He sees as possibilities.

A Thought to Jump Start Your Day

We are all faced with a series of great opportunities, brilliantly disguised as unsolvable problems. Unsolvable without God's wisdom, that is.

Monday, July 30, 2007

Grace Period

A very dear friend of mine passed this along to many of her friends, her son wrote this and it was very enlightening for me personally...


~~~~
Written by JRandolph

In personal finance, a grace period is defined as the period during which no interest is charged on a credit card. Or, it is the additional period of time a lender or insurance policy issuer provides for a borrower to make payment on a debt without penalty.

Now, let's take a look at the definition of grace. Webster's Dictionary defines grace as divine favor, liking, good will or postponement as of a penalty or obligation; clemency.

The Word of God says in John 1:14 that "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Through Jesus Christ, we receive never-ending grace. Much like a grace period, we had a debt that we could not pay and Jesus stepped in and took care of our bill. Instead of us having to make that payment, it was made for us. We faced a penalty, but through God's "divine favor" (grace) we were spared from having to pay for our sins. We have been granted clemency through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. We were once all prisoners, but we were pardoned by a God who loved us so much that he allowed his son to die for us.

It is almost unbelievable how much God loves us. His grace and never-ending favor for His children is truly mind blowing. So remember today that as a child of God, His grace pours down on you. No matter how much you screw up, He forgives you and loves you. His grace is sufficient and His love is never-ending.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Spiritual Awareness

I made my journey very clear from the beginning of this blog, how I found myself on this journey since 2005. In this journey, I have run in to a few reading materials to help me in my journey. Here is one that I found very helpful in confirming what I just recently realized. I have not allowed myself to "simply be". I have continued to look back and forward constantly to see where I'm going or where I've been... Hopefully this can be of some enlightenment for others.



In order to be more spiritually aware, set aside time to strip away the unnecessary traidition or dogma and in an ultimate distillation the truth will be found.

Spiritual awareness or spiritual awakening is the process by which we begin to explore our own being in order to become whole and reunite our spirits with our physical bodies in a commonality of purpose.

No matter whether you are just starting on your serach or have been an invertebrate traveler on the spiritual awareness path, the answers you seek have always been with you. Perhaps in your seeking spiritual awareness you have been seduced by a process and simply not allowed yourself time to become aware. Put aside all restrictions and limitations and allow yourself to see your spirit. It is you, there, awaiting your rediscovery.

Stop! Be Still! Listen to your heart and the love you have for self and others and know your truth.


More here:
Spiritual Awareness
From Phylameana lila Desy

Saturday, June 30, 2007

Where Is The Joy?

Is it just me, or are there a lot of people walking around who have forgotten what it's like to enjoy life?

How many of us go about our daily lives without a single smile or chuckle, and we act like the weight of the world is upon our backs.

Our minds think about the heating and electric bill, and we wonder if we are ever going to be able to afford that vacation to Europe. As we drive back from work, we contemplate the irritating employee who seemed to sour our day, and we hold in our tensions over meddling in-laws, and neighbors that always seem to want to chat at the wrong time.

The cares and worries of the world will be with us always, but if you want joy, look upward!


"The joy of the Lord is your strength." -Nehemiah 8:10
more here

Unless we change direction, we are likely to end up where we are going.
- Chinese Proverb

*I sincerely believe that a peaceful world evolves through peaceful hearts. That is just one of my goals, to obtain a peaceful heart. Not only through prayer, but through the positive energies that I have control of.

Friday, June 29, 2007

Thought for the day

You can't run a society or cope with its problems if people are not held accountable for what they do.

- John Leo

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Is Your Life Addressing These Questions to You?

What has brought you to this place in your journey, this moment in your life?

What gods, what forces, what family, what social environment, has framed your reality, perhaps supported, perhaps constricted it?

Whose life have you been living?

Why, even when things are going well, do things feel not quite right?

Why do you believe that you have to hide so much, from others, from yourself?

Why does life seem a script written elsewhere, and you barely consulted, if at all?

Why does the idea of your soul trouble you, and feel familiar as a long-lost companion?

Why is the life you are living too small for the soul's desire?

Why is now the time, if ever it is to happen, for you to answer the summons of the soul, the invitation to the second, larger life?

Finding Meaning In The Second Half of Life - How to Finally, Really Grow Up

*I found myself picking this book up again last night. I had bought it a few months back, started reading it and either because it just didn't quite fit my "then" current situations in life, or because life got hectic, I put it aside until life slowed down enough.... Well, I picked it up again... I picked it up for a reason, and the questions that are facing me right now in my life, I have to say that they are all similar to the ones listed above.

I had recently told PC, that as much as I love to read, I rarely will sit and read through a book in one sitting. I tend to read various books at once all over a staggered amount of time. So, here I am, picking it up and attempting to read through it again.

I will say though that I do have a book at home that I picked up at the local Half Price Book Store and haven't been able to put that one down... House of Spirits and Whispers: The True Story of a Haunted House. I have always been intrigued with hauntings, spirits and such. Well, this is just a bit of my reading interests at this time.

My Journey and A Thought For Today

My journey began in 2005, and I'm finding that this is turning out to be a long journey . I knew then that it would be, but I figured (for some odd reason) that along my journey, all my awakenings would drop out of the sky and just slap me in the face, just like it was in July of 2005, but the actual awakening to many other things came around in August of 2005. It was like a light bulb went off! I'll never forget that day! I was standing in the middle of the living room when I threw my hands up in the air and said "Enough". On many occasions, I still find myself going back and reading and re-reading and reading again the following words:

A time comes in your life when you finally get it...when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out...ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying and blaming and struggling to hold on.

~~

It is something very real and well worth the fight, the struggle, the tears and even pain! Because at the end, you'll find yourself in a peaceful place...
Much to my surprise, I find myself struggling a bit right now. I'm learning that who I thought I was since High School and for the years to follow up until 2000, is someone that I can't find anymore. Maybe it's not a bad thing, if I really think about it, but my passion for art, drawing, gardening, taking care of my family is hard to attain again. These passions that made me so unique and different from anyone else, I can't get a grasp of. I don't know who to blame, really though, I can only blame myself for allowing such beautiful traits to be stripped from me. I allowed these traits to be stripped. I was naive... maybe there is another word for it, either way... I'm still struggling. I know that these traits are there. I know they are. I can't be so anxious, I know that I have to be patient and let God do his work, he has a plan and I just need to sit back and enjoy everything that he has brought my way and continues to bring my way. I love you PC... I love my new job... I love my kids....

Meanwhile...

A Plan For Today
Include God in every aspect of your life's journey, including the plans that you make and the steps that you take. But beware: as you make plans for the days and weeks ahead, you may become sidetracked by the demands of everyday living.

If you allow the world to establish your priorities, you will eventually become discouraged or disappointed, or both. But if you genuinely seek God's will for every important decision that you make, your loving Heavenly Father will guide your steps and enrich your life.

A Thought to Jump Start Your Day
God has a course mapped out for your life, and all the inadequacies in the world will not change His mind. He will be with you every step of the way. And though it may take time, He has a celebration planned for when you cross over the "Red Seas" of you life.
Charles Swindoll

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

The Wisdom of Silence

Do you take time each day for an extended period of silence?

The world can be a noisy place, a place filled to the brim with distractions, interruptions, and frustations. And if you're not careful, the struggles and stresses of everyday living can rob you of the peace that should rightfully be yours. So take time each day to quietly commune. When you do, those moments of silence will enable you to participate more fully in the only source of peace that endures: God's peace.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

I'm Not Who I Was

Just as the title states...
I'm not who I was.
If there has ever been a song to relay exactly where I have been in life and where I am now... This is it.


Tuesday, June 19, 2007

The Importance of Words

*I can't begin to say how much I yearn to live by this scripture. I am always seeking to be a source of encouragement to others. I have failed on many occasions, and at times, the kindness has been to a fault, so much that it has bitten me in the worst possible way. I just wish everyone could live by this, if only it were a perfect world, but it's not. There are many things in this world that I don't understand, and never will, but I will keep on living in my little world with my hopes and my dreams of someday seeing that perfect world, that is, when God is ready to bring me home.

So then, rid yourselves of all evil, all lying, hypocracy, jealousy, and evil speech. As newborn babies want milk, you shold want the pure and simple teaching. By it you can grow up and be saved.

1 Peter 2:1-2 NCV

How important are the words we speak? More important than we realize. Our words have echoes that extend beyond place or time. If our words are encouraging, we can lift others up; if our words are hurtful, we can hold others back.

Do you seek to be a source of encouragement to others? So avoid angry outbursts. Refrain from imulsive outpourings. Terminate tantrums. Instead speak words of encouragement and hope to your family and freinds, who, bythey way, most certainly need all the hope and encouragement they can find.

A Thought to Jump Start Your Day
Words. Do you fully understand their power? Can any of us really grasp the might force behind the things we say? Do we stop and think before we speak, considering the potency of the words we utter?
Joni Eareckson Tada

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Distractions in every day life...

Saint Martha

Feastday: July 29, Patroness of cooks

"Jesus loved Martha and Mary and Lazarus." This unique statement in John's gospel tells us of the special relationship Jesus had with Martha, her sister, and her brother.

Apparently Jesus was a frequent guest at Martha's home in Bethany, a small village two miles from Jerusalem. We read of three visits in Luke 10:38-42, John 11:1-53, and John 12:1-9.

Many of us find it easy to identify with Martha in the story Luke tells. Martha welcomes Jesus and his disciples into her home and immediately goes to work to serve them. Hospitality is paramount in the Middle East and Martha believed in its importance. Imagine her frustration when her sister Mary ignores the rule of hospitality and Martha's work in order to sit and listen to Jesus. Instead of speaking to her sister, she asks Jesus to intervene. Jesus' response is not unkind, which gives us an idea of his affection for her. He observes that Martha is worried about many things that distract her from really being present to him. He reminds her that there is only one thing that is truly important -- listening to him. And that is what Mary has done. In Martha we see ourselves -- worried and distracted by all we have to do in the world and forgetting to spend time with Jesus. It is, however, comforting to note that Jesus loved her just the same.

The next visit shows how well Martha learned this lesson. She is grieving the death of her brother with a house full of mourners when she hears that Jesus has just come to the area. She gets up immediately and leaves the guests, leaves her mourning, and goes to meet him.

Her conversation with Jesus shows her faith and courage. In this dialogue she states clearly without doubt that she believes in Jesus' power, in the resurrection, and most of all that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus tells her that he is the resurrection and the life and then goes on to raise her brother from the dead. Our final picture of Martha in Scripture is the one that sums up who she was. Jesus has returned to Bethany some time later to share a meal with his good friends. In this home were three extraordinary people. We hear how brother Lazarus caused a stir when was brought back to life. We hear how Mary causes a commotion at dinner by anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. But all we hear about Martha is the simple statement: "Martha served." She isn't in the spotlight, she doesn't do showy things, she doesn't receive spectacular miracles. She simply serves Jesus.

We know nothing more about Martha and what happened to her later. According to a totally untrustworthy legend Martha accompanied Mary to evangelize France after Pentecost.
But wouldn't it be wonderful if the most important thing that could be said about us is "They served"?

Martha is the patron saint of servants and cooks.

In Her Footsteps

Dorothy Day said: "If everyone were holy and handsome, it would be easy to see Christ in everyone. But it was not Christ's way for himself. Ask honestly what you would do when a beggar asked at your house for food. Would you give it on an old cracked plate, thinking that was good enough? Do you think that Martha and Mary thought that the old and chipped dish was good enough for their guest? It is not a duty to help Christ -- it is a privilege." In what ways do you serve Christ others grudgingly or sparingly? How can you serve them the way Martha served Christ, putting her whole self into it?

Prayer:

Saint Martha, pray for us that we might serve Jesus better. Help us to overcome our distractions and worries to listen to his words and be present to him this day. Amen

Thursday, June 7, 2007

It’s All For a Reason

Thanks sis...

“Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.”
(Psalm 30:5)

There probably is nothing good in this life that comes free of charge. Things of value often require sacrifice to obtain—but they are worth the cost! The Christian life is no exception. The trials you encounter from day to day may seem frustrating, but the reward is great in the end. The only problem with the whole equation is that you can’t see the end, so you’re not always sure where God is taking you or what He is trying to accomplish in your life. That’s where His grace and love come into play as He assures you of His guidance and asks you to trust Him. Who would you rather trust than God? He knows where your journey will take you and where you should go, so listen to Him and trust His plans and reasons.

A Prayer for Today

God, I know You have a plan for me that is wonderful. Give me the grace to seek that plan and trust You no matter what I see ahead. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Beyond Anger

I learned something very hard and real about myself this week. As much as I talk about showing love for all those around us and refraining from anger and living in peace, I am human and can fail even at what I try to live by, day in and day out. I never imagined that I could react in such ultimate anger, hatred and hurtful words. Certain situations have replayed in my mind, over and over again as if hitting the rewind button on a movie, only this is one scene that I wish would stop and just go away.

With my recent move, I had not found where I had packed the Devotional Book that my daughter gave me and yesterday it reappeared. Well, as I opened it this morning to read my daily devotional, I knew that I had missed several days and I was attempting to figure out what day this would be according to days in the year.

I have said it before and I will continue to claim this until the day I die, I am not perfect, I fall and stumble, but I will do all that is possible to correct my mistakes or better yet, I will do all I can to live a better life. I don’t like anger; it has no room in my life. I don’t like hatred, it poisons ones life and mind and those around you. Hatred has too many effects on a person. I don’t like being judgmental of people; I read somewhere that the more you judge, the less you love. I want to love everything in my life, everything and everyone around me, even those difficult to love. I guess I have been very judgmental in this one case, even when I thought I was being accepting. It’s hard not to judge when it involves one of your own family members and you feel deep within your heart that they are making a mistake in their life and that the road they are on is a destructive one, or one that will lead to more heartache. Forgive me Father for being judgmental in this situation.

Before getting to the right day, I opened the book to this page right off the bat, a message… maybe, but it had me reading…

Beyond Anger
Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but those who are wise will calm anger.
Proverbs 29:8 NLT

Your temper is either your master or your servant. Either you control it, or it controls you. And the extent to which you allow anger to rule your life will determine, to a surprising extent, the quality of your relationships with others and your relationship with God. Anger and peace cannot coexist in the same mind. If you allow yourself to be chronically angry, you must forfeit, albeit temporarily, the peace that might otherwise be yours through Christ. So obey God’s Word by turning away from anger today and every day. You’ll be glad you did, and so will your family and friends.
A Thought to Jump Start Your Day
Anger is the noise of the soul; the unseen irritant of the
heart; the relentless invader of silence.
Max Lucado

*I want to be a wise human being on this earth, one that will calm anger.

Friday, June 1, 2007

You Can Love the Unlovely

This scripture of the day was sent to me by my loving sister this morning. I had a difficult week-end and week as well, something that should have been a special celebration of my childs birth, resulted in nothing but anger, hate, resentment and disappointment for alot of people. I won't rehash the specifics, but know that this has been very hard on a few people.

I whole heartedly believe in unconditional love, this just makes it more real for me. I want to be one of those people that just "might" make a difference in someones life. I was hoping I could be that one in this case, I failed on Monday, and I have asked God for foregiveness and I know that I have received it, but I also know that I have to let go and let God take care of it all now. So.... in saying that, I leave you with the scripture that was sent to me.

Thank you sis, for signing me up to receive devotional email messages from Joel Osteen Ministries.

When browsing the internet for "Unconditional Love" I found the website above (click on the jpg) and the story line has me intrigued, I'll be looking for the book.

You Can Love the Unlovely

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
(Romans 12:21)

God says you need to love even those people who are difficult or seemingly impossible to love. The mark of true believers is the love they have for each other and for those who are not part of God’s family. Did you know there usually is a reason that some people are very difficult to love? More than likely, part of the problem is that they don’t have enough love, which means they need your love the most of all! You have your own personality, and it probably meshes better with certain other personalities. But even with the differences between people, you can still love others with the love God has shown to you. You will be amazed how much things will change if you just take that first step of faith and love the unlovely people around you. They are desperate for love and friendship, and you might make all the difference.

A Prayer for Today

God, give me Your unconditional love for the hard-to-love people in my life. I want to show others what Your love is all about so they will be drawn to Christ. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Helping Others Wait

One of the most wonderful things that can come from learning to wait purposefully is your ability to share the art with others.


Because we are always surrounded by waiting, there are always opportunities to be one of those souls who reaches out to another, to offer understanding, light, and love.


So…


“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act”
(Proverbs 3:27 NIV).


Compassion. No one knows how to share the pain of another better than someone who’s been there. Your understanding of a friend’s anguish is real – that makes your compassion honest, sincere, and very much appreciated.


Camaraderie. It can be hard for someone to travel through her wait when she’s hurting and trying to find the purpose. You can walk with her, listen without judgment, and make her journey easier.


Conviction. When you’ve learned to wait purposefully, you’ll inspire those around you with your renewed spirit and strength. With every breath, you’ll be an example of one who has grown nearer to the Lord. And nothing will be able to shake your vision and your faith.

Women's Conference - Beauty for Eternity

Start Date: 06-1-2007

End Date: 06-01-2007

Contact Phone: 979-292-5623

Time: 6pm

Days: - Friday

Event General Phone: 979-417-8582

Location: Church of the Nazarene 801 That Way Street Lake Jackson TX 77566

Ticket Price: Free

Ticket Price: Free

Description: Church of the Nazarene invites you to their Women's Conference, "Beauty for Eternity," with guest speaker Dolly Martin.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Long Checkout line

Sometimes our days feel like one long checkout line: constantly waiting, barely inching forward, unable to see the obstacles, doubtful of a satisfactory outcome in this lifetime. And then what we're waiting for comes or it doesn't, we adjust, recover, and move on. But are we any better for the wait? Did we find the purpose the Lord had tucked so carefully inside? Did we listen to God and learn, or did we just complain about the circumstance?

Either way, when that wait is over, we shift our focus to a new wait, and the feelings are all very familiar. Again, we grow impatient. The cycle never ends. Through all the delays that we misunderstand, we never seem to get very far from where we started. We stand still on the path that matters most. The waiting is nothing more than a time of frustration.

We fail to see that every day is a chance, full of purpose - even if we're waiting.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Struggles

Everyone struggles in one way or another. It's simply a part of life and something we'll always face, regardless of how old we are. Yet as we face trials in life, what happens? Fear begins to take over. It seems as if struggle and fear go hand in hand. In fact, fear is one of Satan's favorite tools to use agains us.

When struggles hit and fear consumes, do your best to stay focused and disciplined. And never stop trusting God.


Through it all, God is always faithful.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

A FAITH THAT BREATHES...


Life. It’s filled with wonder and discovery, and it’s defined by change – as you probably know all too well. Yet for most women, change is both a comfort and a curse.

As we begin our journey into womanhood, we’re often unsure of who we’ll become, how we’ll look, what paths we’ll follow. Yet somewhere between youth and maturity, we begin to realize that life is full of uncertainty. Who will I become today, tomorrow, next week—next year?




A FAITH THAT BREATHES

…knows that if our security is in the world, we’re in trouble. The wolrd will always change, and the things we hold so tightly today may fall out of our grasp tomorrow.



…is confident that the Lord remains the same—yesterday, today, tomorrow, forever! He promises to be our guide, our stability, our hope.



…welcomes the changes that God sends our way. Strive to welcome change with open arms. Embrace it as the priceless gift that it is. Learn to stand hand in hand with Jesus and declare, “BRING IT ON!”

Saturday, May 5, 2007

Come Walk With Me...

*For the most recent postings, please scroll down. This post will stay on top until the day of the walk.

Come walk with me...

Event: NAMI Metropolitan Houston Walk
Team: Menninger Marchers
Date: May 5, 2007

I work at an in-patient mental health facility The Menninger Clinic. Menninger has been around for ages. The Clinic moved to Houston from Topeka Kansas 4 years ago. I just hired on in December of 2006, and for me, personally, it was a blessing. Life for me has been very peaceful and more sane.

When this walk came about, I had an inner calling for this, I have always tended to ignore that little voice when it has come to the good things in life. I was always about "Pushing the envelope" on the things that were on the edge. So, with all the new things coming about in my life, it's things like this that I need to start trying to do for others. Plus I get to walk with my dear friend from over at My Path.

NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families. Founded in 1979, NAMI has become the nation's voice on mental illness, a national organization including NAMI organizations in every state and in over 1100 local communities across the country who join together to meet the NAMI mission through advocacy, research, support, and education.

You can read more about them and the work they do here....

All About NAMI

The walks raise money through sponsorship of course. Much like the other organizations such as Juvenile Diabetes and the American Heart Association.

I've set a goal to personally raise $500 for the walk which takes place on May 5.

I've set up a personal page on the NAMI walk site where you can get more information about the Menninger team. You can also make a donation or even volunteer to come walk with me - if you're in the Houston area.

Come Walk With Sugar Cat

www.nami.org/namiwalks07/HOU/smedina

If you're not local but want to join a walk - go to the NAMI home page and follow the links to find a walk near you. It's a great cause and you'll feel good about yourself for participating.

Any donations are greatly appreciated.

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Peace and the love of a daughter

It's been a while since I posted... Life has been so hectic between moving PC and myself. Things are still not slowing down, even at work. I have been praying and asking God to help me slow down, not just to be able to blog, but to enjoy all that I have been blessed with in my life.

To enjoy the beautiful nature that now surrounds me now. To enjoy a good day of rain, the sounds of cars passing by, the memories of my children as they were growing up, and the moments watching PC's children growing up, watching the dogs and the cats sleep and play. Just enjoying life on more than just one night a month. So here is a posting that I posted on my other site, it relates to Peace in our life... and What God has promised us... and most of all the love of my daughter in wishing me this gift of Peace for my birthday.

Repost from Living Life To It's Fullest.

On my birthday, (back in April), PC, my lovely daughter, her boyfriend and I, met for dinner out in Houston. We went to this real nice, quaint Chinese restaurant by my daughter's work. Upon being seated for dinner, my daughter quickly presented me with a gift and asked me to open it. She was obviously proud of her gift.

I teased everyone and told them, that with my aging way, I was going to do a "grandma" in opening my gift. I remember, so many times, birthday, mothers' day, any occasion really... when mother was presented with gifts, she would very slowly and neatly remove the wrapping and any bows from the gift. During the time that she neatly removed the wrapping one piece of tape at a time and meticulously removing the ribbon or bow, the rest of us aged a year or two during the process.


I finally opened the box and found some various wonderful gifts. My lovely daughter knows how much I love coffee, I was given some gourmet coffee "Texas Sunrise" and "Hazelnut" and to go along with the wonderful coffee, a gorgeous Red Coffee Cup with white Polk-a-dots, my daughter said she was looking for a cup with alot of personality... There was also a small little suede pouch in the gift box... before opening it up, she remarked with the following:
"Mom, you have so much love in your life, that I wanted you to have "Peace".

There was a cute little ceramic cross with the word Peace on it and a card that read:

Peace

Peace I leave with you;
My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives
do I give you.
Let not your hearts
be troubled,
neither let them be
afraid.

John 14:27

Her gift of Peace in my life, that moment during dinner, will stay with me always. My kids know what I've been through in my last 10 years of life, it hasn't been very peaceful at all. In fact, there has been many turbulent storms in my past, but those storms are well behind me. There has been alot of peace in my life these last two years, and the wishes from my daughter for continued peace in my life, well... there are no real words to add to the meaning of her gift.

I love you dear daughter, I thank God for you and your brothers every day.
Peace, sweet peace! It comes with the assurance of God's love and forgiveness. It comes from knowing that you are in right relationship with him. It comes from living each day in his care.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
~1 Peter 5:7

At the heart of the cyclone tearing the sky
And flinging the clouds and the towers by,
Is a place of central calm;
So here in the roar of mortal things,
I have a place where my spirit sings,
In the hollow of God's palm.
~Edwin Markham

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Regardless...

of who we are, how we were raised or what we believe, all of us fight the silent and lonely battles of not being enough, not having enough and not belonging enough.

~ Shame plays a significant and damaging role in women's lives.
~ We are all capable of overcoming shame and of helping other women and girls do the same.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Lighter Blogging Ahead

Things have been rather crazy these last two months, and this month proves to be even more crazier. My lease is up at my apartment at the end of this month, we just got PC moved in and I hope to be moved out by the 21st. I see quite a bit of late night packing and also some extra hours in at work... burning of the midnight oil is being foreseen. Doesn't help that

I'm tired already...



Therefore we do not lose heart.Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.For our light and momentary troublesare achieving for us an eternal glorythat far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen,but on what is unseen.For what is seen is temporary,but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

A thought for the day

My Troubles have a purpose, this pain is not in vain.

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

Put Yourself Out On A Limb

I know that it's easier to portray a world that's filled with cynicism and anger, where problems are solved with violence. that's titillating. It's an easy out. What's a whole lot tougher is to offer alternatives, to present other ways conflicts can be resolved, and to show that you can have a positive impact on your world. To do that, you have to put yourself out on a limb, take chances, and run the risk of being called a do-gooder.

~ Jim Henson

Monday, April 2, 2007

What is true friendship according to the Bible?

We are reminded of the principle found in Amos. "Can two walk together, except they be agreed" (Amos 3:3). Friends are of like mind. The truth that comes from all of this is that friendship is that relationship that is entered into by individuals and it is only as good or as close as those individuals choose to make it. Some one has said that if you can count your true friends on the fingers of one hand, you are blessed. A friend is one whom you can be yourself with and never fear that they will judge you. A friend is someone that you can confide in with complete trust. A friend is someone you respect and that respects you, not based upon worthiness but based upon a likeness of mind.

I am truly blessed as I have a friend as the bible describes.... Suzanne Speaks.

Who would have ever known that two people, never knowing the other existed until "MySpace" brought our paths together, would end up to be such a great friendship. She had a gift for me this morning, a book; Balancing Your Life by Suzan D. Johnson Cook.



You are one of God's leading ladies, and as such, you have a very busy life. What is the key to success? Balance. yes, blanacing the many components of your life and keeping each element rightly aligned is essential in order to be everything God created you to be. In orcer to take your place on the stage of life and keep your place in the spotlight for the long term, you will need to be strong, healthy, and whole.

Thank you dear friend, you have definitely been a blessing in my life.

I love Self Help Books, I'm an avid reader of this line of books. I could start my own library, these amongst the many craft books that I tend to purchase also. This one will be sitting on my nightstand with the others that I am reading. I have to admit, as much as I love reading, I'm a slow reader, I take my time, I hate that I don't read on a daily basis, but that is something I'm working on. Hopefully things will change once I'm moved and settled in to the new place. :)
Friends such as this dear one to me, is a great source of support when you need it most!

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Daily Wisdom

God's love for us is not the reason for which we should love him. God's love for us is the reason for us to love ourselves.
-Simone Weil

Monday, March 19, 2007

AWAKENING IV


So here I am posting the last part to my repost of The Awakening... You'll have to follow it all together at one time, it is worth every minute.


AWAKENING IV


You learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.


You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that


sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people...


...and you learn not to always take it personally.


You learn that nobody's punishing you and everything isn't always somebody's fault.


It's just life happening. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls.


Finally, with courage in your heart, you take a stand, you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you

want to live as best you can.


~ Victorya Casanova ~




My sincere and deepest love to everyone going through their own AWAKENING...

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Journey to a new beginning

Continued from A Beginning To a New Me.

I have to say that on one occasion in 2002, I fell apart completely, I was having to see a counselor, I was put on anti-depressants, sleeping pills, anxiety pills because I couldn't function after the mental anguish that I was put through in the second marriage. By the time of my awakening (2005), I knew... deep inside, that what I was feeling and what I was going through was not normal and that is when I looked for the following:

A listing of important qualities to look for as you select your support team.

SUPPORT.
You are pushing uphill, the loss you have experienced can drain you of emotional, physical, and spiritual strength. You need the kind of person(s) who will show up at your door anytime to help you.

LOVE.
You need the safety net of people who love you deeply just as you are, even when you don't feel lovable.

COURAGE.
You will encounter risk and fear. When the task looks too daunting to face, your support team will build your courage.

FEEDBACK.
You can't see yourself objectively. You need honest people who are not afraid to correct you when you are wrong.

EXPERIENCE.
Seek out the experience of others who have been through such a heart breaking relationship and know what you are going through.

MODELING.
It is difficult to do what we have never seen done. Seek out and learn from those who have recovered.

VALUES.
Your value system will guide you as you turn your life around. We learn values from others, and others support us by enforcing values. Stay close to people who share your values; stay away from those who don't.

ACCOUNTABILITY.
You need people who will monitor your progress and keep you on track.

You may already have in your life people who meet your need for support. If so, explain that you need them on your journey to recovery.

Friday, March 16, 2007

AWAKENING III

AWAKENING III

As I mentioned, this is lengthy, but very well worth it...

You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world and that you can't teach a pig to sing. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

You learn about love. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You learn that alone does not mean lonely.

You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsiblity and the importance of setting boundaries and...learning to say NO. (Tuff enough...)

You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs.

You learn that your body really is your temple. You begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin to eat a balanced diet, drink more water, and take more time to exercise.

You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear and uncertainty...so you take more time to rest. And just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.

You learn that, for the most part, you get in life what you believe you deserve and that much of life is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different than working toward making it happen.

More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perserverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone, and that's OKAY to risk asking for help.

You learn the only thing you must truly fear is fear itself...You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your own terms.

yes... more to come.... one last part.

Monday, March 12, 2007

A Beginning To a New Me

My awakening had started some drastic changes in my life; how I saw things, how I interpreted things, how I saw other people in my current life, my past and those to come in to my life.

One of the things I realized after my two failed marriages was that, no one was going to walk up to me and say here; let me take care of you. I had to break the co-dependency. It was up to me, solely me, with the help of God. All my life, I have depended on others; to take care of me and my children, to take care of the bills, to take care of the cars, the house (honey-do’s), the list goes on. This was more than an awakening for me. This started a whole new revolution for me, a whole new world, a whole new life, but most importantly… a whole new “me”.

There is actually life after divorce and broken relationships, even from someone that could be so controlling and someone that laid much insecurity in my life. Where to begin???

I really didn’t know where to start. I had to deal with being really hurt, plus figuring out the single life, plus dealing with being alone. My kids are all grown up and out of the house. It was tough, but very well worth the struggles, tears, pain and tribulations, and there was no way around it.

First off, I had to get myself connected with some real good people, people that would understand to some extent my struggle and my hurt.

Secondly, I needed to learn whatever lessons there were in these failed marriages to help me prepare for falling in love again.

I have always lived on faith and trust, always. Faith has always played a big part of my life, but I had never placed all my trust in Gods’ hands, not completely that is, until now.

One of the ways God works is though other people. Solomon Said, “Two are better than one. …If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Some of these people will just show up in your life, sent at just the right time. Others you have to seek out. They can range from professionals to a neighbor or friend.

One of my next posts will be a listing of important qualities to look for as you select your support team.

Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. And lo, no one was there.
~Author Unknown

Sunday, March 11, 2007

AWAKENING II

You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you - or didn't do for you - and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected.

You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that everything isn't always about you.

So you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself...and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.

You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their short-comings and human frailties...and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. You begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for...

You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown or should never have bought into to begin with.

You learn that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix.

You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.

still more to come...

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Daddy Is Driving

*I received this in an email today, and after reading it, all I could do was smile and nod my head... and share...

A speaker (Dr. Wan) once shared his experience:

While his family and he were in Europe, there was once that they needed to drive 3 days continuously, day and night, to get to Germany. So, they all got into the car -- he, his wife, and his 3 years old daughter.

His little daughter has never traveled at night before. She was scared the first night in the car, with deep darkness outside.

"Where are we going, Daddy?"

"To your uncle's house, in Germany."

"Have you been to his house before?"

"No."

"Then, do you know the way?"

"Maybe, we can read the map."

After a short pause she asked, "Do you know how to read the map?"

"Yes, we will get there safely."

After another pause she asked, "Where are we going to eat if we get hungry before arriving?"

"We can stop by restaurants if we are hungry."

"Do you know if there are restaurants on the way?"

"Yes, there are."

"Do you know where?"

"No, but we will be able to find some."

The same dialogue repeated a few times within the first night, and also the second night. But on the third night, his daughter was quiet.

The speaker thought that she might have fallen asleep, but when he looked into the mirror, he saw that she was awake and was just looking around calmly. He couldn't help wondering why she was not asking the questions anymore --

"Dear, do you know where we are going?"

"Germany, Uncle's house."

"Do you know how we are getting there?"

"No."

"Then why aren't you asking anymore?"

"Because Daddy is driving."

Because Daddy is driving. This answer from a 3 years' old girl has then become the strength and help for this speaker for the many years follow whenever he has questions and fears on his journey with the Lord.

Yes, our Father is driving. We may know the destination (and sometimes we may just know it like the little girl -- "Germany", without understanding where or what it really is).

We do not know the way, we do not know how to read the map, we do not know if we can find restaurants along the way. But the little girl knew the most important thing -- Daddy is driving -- and so she is safe and secure. She knows that her Daddy will provide all that she needs.

Do you know your Daddy, the Great Shepherd, is driving today? What are your behavior and response as a passenger, His child?

You may have asked many questions before, but can you like the little girl, starts to realize the most important focus should be "Daddy is driving?"

* I remember many days and months, where I found myself asking tons and tons of questions, wanting answers. Now I find myself being at peace and calm because I finally realized that "He is driving, I don't know the destination, but I know I am safe...

Friday, March 9, 2007

A Thought To Jump Start Your Day

I became aware of one very important concept that I missed before:
my attitude - not my circumstance - was what was making me unhappy.
Vonette Bright

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Awakening I

This is a favorite of mine and a reminder for myself as to who I am, who I need to be and what I am working towards in my new life…

Upon browsing the net... I came across this poem that seems to scream quite a bit of what my life has been in the last 9 months... I felt compelled to just share it with those around me as I know for a fact that I'm not alone in this world and that we all have our own stories...

These thoughts are lengthy, but very well worth the reading. I assure you! At the end of it all, I will direct you to the website, but for now, I'll relay the message in spurts... so much of Victorya Casanova's words have already been experienced by me, so much that I sat here and nodded and smiled. Yet, many of her thoughts and words are still to be experienced and learned and my arms are wide open to my full AWAKENING! I think I'm more than half way there...

An AWAKENING is not a short synopsis of sorts. It is something very real and well worth the fight, the struggle, the tears and even pain!Because at the end, you'll find yourself in a peaceful place...

AWAKENING

A time comes in your life when you finally get it...when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop deadin your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out...

ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying and blaming and struggling to hold on.

Then like a child quieting down after a tantrum you blinkback your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is your AWAKENING.

You realize it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, or for happiness, safety and security to magicallyappear over the next horizon.

You realize that in the real world there aren't always fairy tale endings and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you...and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.

You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are...and that's OK. They are entitled to their own views and opinions.

You learn the importance of loving and championing yourself...and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval.

more to come....

Monday, March 5, 2007

A Bit Wiser

Despite this discussion of things spiritual - I still think of myself as a very "human" being. I have the full complement of weaknesses, fears, problems, ego, and sensuality. But I think this is why we're here - to work our way through all this, and, hopefully, come out a bit wiser and better for having gone through it all.

~ Jim

Friday, March 2, 2007

Leave Your Baggage Behind

People who
rise to the top seldom
get there alone.
They seek help.

We all hate dragging a million pieces of luggage through a crowded airport. What if you had to tote a couple of suitcases, backpacks, and carry-on bags every-where you went? It would weigh you down and hold you back.

It's the same when recovering from divorce, or a broken relationship. Emotional baggage can weigh you down and hold you back. One principle for finding God's way to divorce/broken relationship recovery is to leave your baggage behind.

By baggage we mean bad stuff from the past. We've all experienced difficult events and relationships, emotional hurts, serious mistakes, tragic accidents, or loss of a loved one. Ideally, these events are resolved as they happen. But often pain is stuffed instead of dealt with; offenders are not forgiven; fears are not confronted; conflicts are not resolved, leaving us with past feelings and patterns of behavior that impact the present. That's baggage. you can be sure that some of your baggage is directly related to the feelings you face after divorce/broken relationship, and you can't be fully healed until you deal with it.

Here are five practical tips for helping you discard baggage.

1. AGREE THAT YOU HAVE A PAINFUL PAST.
Acknowledge that a terribly painful thing has happened to you, involving issues that were not resolved. If you don't work through them, they will prevent your healing. So the first step is to confess to yourself and to God that you have these issues.

2. INCLUDE OTHERS IN YOUR HEALING AND GRIEVING.
Seek from others the care and healing you need to resolve these issues. Pouring out your hurt to others who love you opens the door to comfort, encouragement, healing and support.

3. RECEIVE FORGIVENESS. Getting rid of baggage means being free of the guilt and shame of past failures and sins. God will forgive you for anything you have ever done, no matter how bad. Your past failures and mistakes may also have alienated you from certain people. You must go to them, humbly confess your wrong, and receive forgiveness. Once you know you are forgiven, accepted, and loved, you can then re-enter life and begin moving on.

4. FORGIVE OTHERS. Some of your baggage may be hurt you received from others, perhaps your former spouse/partner. You still carry pain, anger and perhaps hatred. You must forgive these people. If you don't forgive, resentment will eat away at your heart. When you forgive another, you release that person from your right to exact punishment and retribution from them. As well, you release your own baggage of pain and resentment in the process.

5. SEE YOURSELF THROUGH NEW EYES. Another kind of baggage is the distorted view of ourselves we learned in past relationship or situations. We tend to see ourselves through the eyes of others who are important to us. And depending on whether that view is positive or negative, we either feel valued or devalued. A realistic self view will be balanced, recognizing strengths as well as weaknesses and growth areas.

Find this view by seeing yourself through God's eyes, for he loves you unconditionally and values you highly. Add to this the view you get from those who love you as God does. Let this new you replace the distorted picture that has caused you such grief.

Holding on to the baggage of the past will disable your search for recovery from divorce/shattered and broken relationship. Ask God to help you leave it behind.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Guard Your Thoughts...

What is your focus today? Are you willing to focus your thoughts on the countless blessings that God has bestowed on you? The direction of your thoughts will determine, to a surprising extent, the direction of your day and your life.



Our thoughts dictate the direction of our lives. The greatest battlefield of life is the mind, and we are constantly at war for its control! If we want to live right, we must think right because how we think affects how we live.


"Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life. Don't use your mouth to tell lies; don't ever say things that are not true. Keep your eyes focused on what is right, and look straight ahead to what is good. Be careful what you do, and always do what is right. Don't turn off the road of goodness; keep away from evil paths." Proverbs 4:23-27 (NCV)


~~~


The mind is a garden that could be cultivated to produce the harvest that we desire.


The mind is a workshop where the important decisions of life and eternity are made.


The mind is an armory where we forge the weapons for our victory orour destruction.


The mind is a battlefield where all the decisive battles of life are wonor lost.


Author unknown




*Attitude is the mind’s paintbrush; it can color any situation.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

FAITH:

Belief, trust (Hab. 2:4: Mark 11:22). Faith in Jesus Christ is essential for salvation (Eph.2:8-10). Faith is always active: It is a commitment of both mind and heart.

A Faith Bigger Than Fear…

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.

John 14:1-2 NIV


Because we are imperfect human beings, we worry. Even though we are Christians who have been given the assurance of salvation – even though we are Christians who have received the promise of God’s love and protection – we find ourselves fretting over the countless details of everyday life. Jesus understood our concerns when He spoke the reassuring words found in Matthew 6: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…”

As you consider the promises of Jesus, remember that God still sits in His heaven and you are His beloved child. Then, perhaps, you will worry a little less and trust God a little more, and that’s as it should be because God is trustworthy… and you are protected.

A Thought to Jump Start Your Day

Worry and anxiety are sand in the machinery of life; faith is the oil.

E. Stanley Jones


Faith

1781

MarbleSanta Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi, Florence

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

A little about me

I am a Child of God

I love God, my children, my family, I love life and I love the friends that I have made here on-line and in life itself and I believe in unconditional love. I have lived an extremely full life in my 45 years on this earth. I don't live with regrets, many walk in shame and embarrassment from their past wrong doings and I have had my days of walking in shame and embarrassment, but I have repented and have asked for forgiveness for my actions and bad choices that I have made in my life. All my experiences, bad choices and actions have made me who I am today, and I thank God for the revelation of who I am on this day and who I am to be, at the end of this journey.

I have three beautiful children and have been married twice, in which those times, I have always believed that my calling from God, was to be a loving wife and mother. All of that was shattered when both marriages ended due to society's pressures, temptations and addictions. I am not a perfect woman, I have had some blame for each marriage coming to an end. I prayed each time for both marriages to be saved, nothing was changing. Little did I know that the ending to the first marriage was going to lead me down a long road full of uncertainty. All the time I prayed for God to change me, I thought it was me all along, but I found that I was the only one attempting to change. Each marriage ended, the second one left me a shell of a woman.

I fell in to a marriage that was a controlled one, it was a marriage that was based on "My way or the highway". I accepted that condition, due to my previous marriage, where there was no control on my ex-husbands part. The control that I allowed myself to live through was subtle at first, I was showered with attention, loving attention and as time went by, the control became more obvious, NEVER to abuse, but if my hair didn't look right, I needed to brush it different, I was told certain clothes didn't look right, I was told how to talk, how to communicate. I was told that my hobbies and interests would not have a place in my life because my life would be consumed by him. I was told to lose weight constantly, even at 115 lbs., it killed my self esteem, I thought I was unattractive, even at 110, even then, it was "5 more lbs". I was told that I wasn't a good mother to my children because I loved them too much. My children were my life, I was asked if I would give them up to their father (who could barely take care of himself). I couldn't do it, I had no choice but to lie at times to protect my children and my marriage. It wasn't always like this,each marriage had many great times. There were other things involved that led to the ruin of the marriage but, the control, was his addiction. I couldn't change any more...and I knew he wouldn't or couldn't, so when I prayed for my marriage to be saved, I was saved from the marriage. Twice God told me that the marriage was not a good one... I left that marriage with very low self esteem. I'm rebuilding my self-esteem as I write these words. I'm exposing myself here, only in hopes that maybe, just maybe, I can be some comfort for another woman out there. That she has worth to her, just as I do.

I continue on my journey, and I wake up every day and welcome the unknown that lays before me with open arms. I praise God for every single day that I am given.

I have been blessed with a wonderful man that has been a rock for me and of great support with my awakening... Thank you PC, I love you dearly for the endless love and support. I experienced an Awakening of sorts (with no knowledge to myself) in August of 2005, I didn't realize it until I read the poem "The Awakening" months later. The poem describes exactly what I found myself living at that particular time in my life, word for word.

An AWAKENING is not a short synopsis of sorts. It is something very real and well worth the fight, the struggle, the tears and even pain! Because at the end, you'll find yourself in a peaceful place...

I have been through the fight, the tears, the pain and still continue with the struggle on this journey of mine, but... I am in that peaceful place! Thank you Lord for the journey, the trials and the tribulations that made me the woman that I am today and for the woman that I am meant to be.

I am very open minded to all things in life, I don't judge others and don't like judgmental people. I believe in angels, I also believe that bad energy does exist and that we play a big part in creating it... My beliefs are my beliefs, I have an interest in many things that may come across as conflicting to others, but this is a free country... and in saying that my respect and full support goes to all military men/women that are out there fighting for my freedom of speech and my right to express it.

Please know there is no situation in your life that is too big for God to deliver you from. I personally know this.

I'm hoping that I can pass along some "hope" for those that face daily challenges.

This is my way of trying to make a difference in the world. 

**Update: Fast forward to April 2020 - I am God's Daughter, I belong to no one but Him. I no longer look for approval, acceptance and love from a man or from this earthly world. My bondage from Codependency have been broken through God and ONLY God! Glory to God forever!**

Why Am I Here?

May He grant you according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all your purpose.
Psalm 20:4 NKJV


"Why did God put me here?"


It's an easy question to ask and, at times, a very difficult question to answer. As you seek to answer that question, our purpose will not always be clear to us, God's purposes will not always be clear to us. Sometiems you may wander aimlessly in a wilderness of your own making. and sometimes, you may struggle mightily against God ina vain effort to find success and happiness throguh your own means, not HIS.


A Thought to Jump Start Your Day

My policy has always been to ask God to help me set goals because I beieve God has a plan for every person.
Bill Bright

Woman

Gen. 2:23

The man said,

"This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh;

she shall be called woman, for she was taken out of man."