My Prayer

Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day ("who really ought to get a job") is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.Heavenly Father, remind us each day That of all the gifts you give us Lord, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity.
Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.Working for God on earth doesn't pay much......but His retirement plan is out of this world.

Part of Being Human...

I have to say.. I haven't found much motivation to write lately. I have been in somewhat of a slump these past few weeks. I've had a lot on my mind, and for some reason, that makes me so unmotivated to do anything. The past couple of days I have been revived at the thought of having my bible study tonight. I have definitely neglected my time with Jesus during this slump. I think I may just be overwhelmed at the thought of the things I must do and the places I must go. It's time for a vacation to really get away from all the stresses/day to day boredom and just fix my focus on the Lord. I have to admit it's been a little lonely too. Satan is trying to get at me. I need to make sure he doesn't have his way anymore. I have to stomp out that devil and reclaim the joy that only God can bring. That consistent joy that is present no matter what my circumstances may be.

Lord, forgive me for neglecting my time with you. I know that it's because I've taken my steady focus off of you and I've put them on what I don't have. I love you Lord. Help me to stay focused on you. Fill me with your spirit and help me to stay strong through this time when I'm doubting myself. Thank-you Lord for being my constant friend and for always being there. I love you Lord.

He knows...

Psalm 139
“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do…You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!.” (vs. 1-3,5-6)

What powerful words! I know that so many Christians are disappointed and even fearful after the results of the elections last night. Don't fear friends. We have a God who has spoken. We have dedicated hours of prayer to this election and God's will has been done. Yes, there may be some tough times ahead for everyone, but that dosen't mean we should fear or be upset. God is on the throne and we have the victory in the end. God knows the bigger picture. WE must draw even closer to him and allow him comfort us and keep us under his wing. Take time today to spend a few or several moments with your creator. He wants to spend time with you. He created you to worship him. He wants us to lean all of our cares on him. ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE WHO LOVE THE LORD. It's time for christians to rise up and pray and stand up for what we believe in. We need to stand up now more than ever and be strong in our faith and in our convictions. WE will be attacked. God is bigger than all of this. Take heart. God is alive and well. He is working in all of this. We have the vicotory.

A friend sent me these verses and it's a call to accept the will of God and even to pray for those we don't agree with..

Check out this passage from Prov 24:21-22 (notice the play on “change”)

21My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:
22For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

No need to fear..

You know what to do!!

*'Twas the night before elections* *And all through the town* *Tempers were flaring* *Emotions all up and down!* ** *I, in my bathrobe* *With a cat in my lap* *Had cut off the TV* *Tired of political crap.* ** *When all of a sudden* *There arose such a noise* *I peered out of my window* *Saw Obama and his boys* ** *They had come for my wallet* *They wanted my pay* *To give to the others* *Who had not worked a day!* ** *He snatched up my money* *And quick as a wink* *Jumped back on his bandwagon* *As I gagged from the stink* ** *He then rallied his henchmen* *Who were pulling his cart* *I could tell they were out* *To tear my country apart!* ** *' On Fannie, on Freddie, * *On Biden and Ayers!* *On Acorn, On Pelosi'* *He screamed at the pairs!* ** *They took off for his cause* *And as he flew out of sight* *I heard him laugh at the nation* *Who wouldn't stand up and fight!* ** *So I leave you to think* *On this one final note-* *IF YOU DONT WANT SOCIALISM* *GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!*

Happy Halloween Y'all!!

coping

OK.. i'm tired!! Do you ever just need a day to just rest? I do! I've decided the way that I cope with being very tired and having too much on my mind is by just laying.. laying and doing nothing.. as I think about it, everytime i've been sad, overwhelmed or just tired.. i just lay down and watch some TV all night.. I need one of those nights real bad. I keep forgetting and misplacing stuff.. I'm not sure when that night will occur, but I know that it better come soon!!

A road trip would be good too.. any takers?

Vote For McCain!

The Time is Now

I have been getting so many amazing e-mails lately that I want to share. This one is so appropriate for here and now. It calls us to pray in order to turn this election around. This e-mail really blessed me. I hope it does you too. God is in control, no matter what happens.. I will praise him.
Dear Friends in Christ,
Are you sensing that there is something different about this presidential election? I was telling someone just recently that it seems like this election is far more serious than those in the recent past. Something in my spirit is very uneasy. In the past I have felt the need to pray for different elections but I have never felt so strongly the urge to pray, and pray fervently, for an election as I do for this one. I truly believe that if the wrong person (Obama) is elected this nation will be changed forever. We may not be able to undo the things that will be unleashed during an Obama presidency. My concern about an Obama presidency is not based on politics; it is based on righteousness.
Look at any of the major moral issues (abortion, homosexuality etc.) and you will find Obama on the wrong side of the issue, and Palin and McCain on the right side of the issue. What makes this so disturbing is that the Obama team has raised far more money than McCain/Palin and the media is unabashedly supporting Obama with every story and headline they write. Currently McCain/Palin is behind in the polls and is having a very difficult time. Some in the media have suggested that the race is over and there is little or nothing McCain can do to change the outcome. Oh how wrong they are!
Let me briefly share a story I recently read in 2 Samuel Chapter 5. David had just become king of Israel and the Philistines went up to wage war against him. So David inquired of the Lord and said, "Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?" The LORD said, "Yes I will surely hand them over to you." So David went and defeated them. He said, "As waters break out, the LORD has broken out against my enemies before me." After suffering a great loss in the first battle the Philistines must have thought they now knew David defense strategy and they would be ready for him the next time, because once more the Philistines came up to attack David. So once again David inquired of the LORD, but this time the Lord gave different instructions. He said to David, "Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army." David obeyed the Lord and was victorious.
This story holds a very important lesson for us at this time. In most presidential elections a frontal assault, a face-to-face battle, is what is needed. But this is no ordinary election. McCain is trying all the normal tactics but he is not prevailing. It seems no matter what he says or does it is not effective. I am convinced this election CANNOT be won using normal methods. Just as the Lord told David to go around behind the enemy and attack him there, so we must go around the face of this election and wage war where the battle is truly raging.in the spiritual realm! The fact that the normal physical methods are not effective this time should tell us that this is a very important spiritual battle and we can only win by using spiritual methods.Prayer!
What about the sound of marching in the treetops? What is that? I have read on the Internet several accounts of fellow Christians being stirred up in their spirits to pray. Many have been drawn into times of deep prayer and weeping as they intercede for Palin and McCain. Some have woke up in the middle of the night and sensed a great need to pray, other have told of how when they heard about Sarah Palin being chosen as VP that something came over them and they wept and felt a need to pray for Her and McCain. Many others are feeling the calling and urging of the Spirit to enter into a time of fervent prayer and fasting for Palin and McCain and our nation.
What is this unusual stirring that is occurring? I believe it is the Sound of the Lord marching in the trees, calling his children to act quickly to pray and fast for Palin and McCain. Think about this, what would the marching have sounded like to David? It may have sounded like the rustling of leaves as when wind blows through them, but was this time something was different and out of the ordinary. Maybe it was like the sound of the great wind when the Spirit moved on the day of Pentecost. Also, God's people are referred to as Trees of Righteous in Isaiah 61. So the sound of the Lord marching in the treetops in David's time is a portrait of the Spirit of the Lord moving among and stirring up his children today.
So what are we to do when we sense this stirring of the Spirit? Two things, first we are to take it as the sign that the Lord is moving out in front of us. Anytime the Lord calls us to do something he goes ahead of us to prepare the way and fight for us. When Joshua returned from spying out Jericho the Lord gave him insight to see that the Lord had removed the Jericho's protection so Israel could defeat them. When the Lord calls us into battle he goes ahead of us, removes the enemy's protection, and fights for us to give us the victory. Secondly, the Lord tells us when we sense the stirring of the Spirit we are to act quickly and join Him in the battle (through prayer, fasting, praise and obedience)
This election is by no means lost. For God would not be stirring up his children all across this nation and indeed around the world, to pray, if he did not want to give us the victory in this election. And he wants us to join him in the battle. God will hear the cries of his children if we will only cry out to him with fervent, earnest, prayers for this election and this nation. If those who are being drawn to prayer by the Spirit will indeed enter into a time of prayer and seeking His face, then God will have mercy on America spare us from having an ungodly leader, I'm sure of it!
One more thought, after the last debate, so-called 'conservative' David Brooks gushed about Obama, "I thought Obama had the night he needed to have. You know, through this whole 20 month marathon, I think what struck me is how incredibly even he is. And how frankly reassuring he is. It is like you're camping, and you wake up one morning, and there is a mountain. And then the next morning, there is a mountain, and there's the next morning, there's a mountain. Obama is just the mountain. He is just there. He is always the same, he doesn't hurt himself. McCain can sometimes lob a cannonball at the mountain, but the mountain doesn't move, and the mountain doesn't care. And so I think his steadiness, his temperament has been the dramatic theme of this campaign, dramatic in being undramatic. And it was on display tonight. And the good part of the mountain is that he is reassuring and reliable."
I'm really glad he used the word 'mountain' to describe Obama. It caused me to remember what Jesus said about unmovable mountains. Jesus said, I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
And it only takes a little faith!
This election can only be won by going around the face of the election and attacking the enemy where he is vulnerable, through prayer, fasting and praise. If you hear the sound of the Lord marching in the tree tops, if you feel the stirring of the Spirit calling you to pray, then move quickly into a time of prayer, for God is moving ahead of you at that time to give us the victory. May God give us ears to hear the marching!

For My Friends...

It's friday!!! I just want to say how thankful I am for all of my friends. I cannot express how much that I want to be there for you all at every moment of the day. I realize that I can't do this. See, I get SO MUCH joy but just helping someone.. whether it be doing something special for them and going out of my way, or simply letting them borrow something. My heart leaps when I can lend a hand in any way shape or form.. so note to all my friends.. when you need something, call me, it dosen't matter what.. just call. I get so much joy out of showing God's love to you. It's something that I try and do at least a little bit of, each and every day. When someone doesn't accept my help.. i'm sad. It espically is a sad day for me when someone simply pushes me away. Ahh.. I'm a friend person.... LET ME JUST BE THERE FOR YOU!!

I love you friends. I hope you all are richly blessed and you enjoy a beautiful weekend in the Lord.

Relying on God

I got this article yesterday of James Dobson's interview with Sarah Palin. I am so inspired by this woman and what she stands for. She's different, yes, she's not "Washington Elite".. yeah.. but who cares? Mabye it's going to take someone in the White House that is NOT "Washington Elite" to get things moving and changing for the better!! The Washington Elite have been running this country for too long.. it's time for CHANGE. Go Sarah!!!

Here are a few excerpts from the interview.. Be encouraged today. God is in control.

Trigg Palin pictured

The Alaska governor talked by phone with Dobson for about 20 minutes Monday while she was in Colorado campaigning. Dobson's Focus on the Family radio program aired the interview Wednesday.
Dobson asked whether Palin was discouraged by polls showing the GOP ticket behind.
"To me, it motivates us, makes us work that much harder," Palin said. "And it also strengthens my faith, because I'm going to know, at the end of the day, putting this in God's hands, that the right thing for America will be done at the end of the day on Nov. 4. So I'm not discouraged at all."

Palin thanked Dobson and supporters for their prayers and — when Dobson inquired about the importance of faith in her life — said: "It is my foundation, yes, my Christian faith is."

She also used terms like "prayer warrior" and "intercession" — words that might be unknown to the average listener but are common vocabulary in Pentecostal Christianity. Palin spent 20 years in a Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church, but she usually refers to her faith generically as Christian, not even evangelical.
"It is that intercession that is so needed and so greatly appreciated," Palin told Dobson. "And I can feel it too, Dr. Dobson. I can feel the power of prayer, and that strength that is provided through our prayer warriors across this nation."
She continued: "When we hear along the rope lines that people are interceding for us and praying for us, it's our reminder to do the same, to put this all in God's hands, to seek his perfect will for this nation, and to of course seek his wisdom and guidance in putting this nation back on the right track."

Describing herself as a "hard-core pro-lifer," Palin said the birth of a son with Down syndrome was "this opportunity for me to really be walking the walk and not just talking the talk. There's purpose in this also and for a greater good to be met there."
Palin said the campaign had to have faith that its message will be heard "minus the filter of the mainstream media."
"That filter has to be erased," she said. "So we have to have faith in the wisdom of the people that they'll understand what our message is. But even bigger that then, I have to have that faith that God is going to help us get that message out there."

A Woman

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . a youth she's content to leave behind.... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age.... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and... a black lace bra... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .. one friend who always makes her laugh.. and one who lets her cry... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .. eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE a feeling of control over her destiny.. EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... how to fall in love without losing herself.. EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend, without ruining the friendship... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... when to try harder... and
WHEN TO WALK AWAY... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents.. EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... that her childhood may not have been perfect... but it's over... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... what she would and wouldn't do... for love or more... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.... how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. . whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen table.. or a charming Inn in the woods.. .. when her soul needs soothing... EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. What she can and can't accomplish in a day... a month... and a year...

Love

Igot this devo through a daily devo. that is sent to me every day. I have highlighted the part that really stands out to me. I love what it has to say about loving through everything. That is my desire above all else.


This ninth commandment is not one we often discuss in detail. Of course, many of us have been taught that to bear false witness means, "not to lie." But while this is true, we will see that this commandment has a shade to it that is more precise than just telling a lie. Exodus 20:16 states “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” This ultimately requires that we maintain and promote truth. When you find out that someone has lied to you or about you, it hurts. You might worry about your reputation, or that your good name might be “dragged through the mud.” A situation like this provides an opportunity for God to use you, or for Him to receive glory by the way you handle injustice. Today, we live in a society of instant everything - everything from instant meals to instant news and information. With this is a tendency even among brethren to be to instant in judgment of others. The danger of this is bearing false witness against our neighbor. This is an important matter-important enough to be included in the Ten Commandments. In life we will confront several challenges and obstacles that remind us to love in spite of it all. In the book of Romans, Paul wrote “Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” So as Believers in Christ, we should do just this - love and forgive. When it doesn’t feel good, just love through it. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation with family, just love through it. I am a firm believer that God requires us to bear love over all other things. Love without limits.

Live this out today Friends.

No Words Can Describe...

Who's on First

I got this devo today and thought it was super important to think about.


Exodus 20:3 - (New International Version) You shall have no other gods besides Me.
(The Message) “No other gods, only me.” Ex 20:3
Remember the old Abbott and Costello skit, “Who’s on First?” For those who may be too young to remember, there are several versions on youtube.com. Abbott tries his best to inform Costello of everyone’s name and position; but with the terms used in the questions, the answers seemed, well, ambiguous. Hilarious miscommunication ensued and we all felt a bit stressed for both of the guys!
It doesn’t matter too much who is in what position in our lives until we settle the matter of who is on first. In other words, we need to know who is in first place in our lives. This issue must be settled! If anyone, or anything, occupies first place in our lives ahead of God, than our lives are out of control and out of balance. This is the gist of the 1st Commandment and God’s Original Formula for us.
The Israelites had just come out of Egypt’s polytheistic culture, where many gods were both acknowledged and worshipped; and today, we are no less bombarded with cultural choices that would compete with God’s absolute Lordship in our lives. When He has His rightful place in our lives—FIRST—He promises we will have all we need.
Matthew 6:33 - “Seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
So……who IS on first?

A Psalm

Psalm 51: 7-12

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me- now let me rejoice. Don't keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, oh God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your prescence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.

Friend People

I've recently been hit with a particular thought. When you are a friend person, and when people in your life that used to trust you and allow you to be there for them, no longer do, it's like a slap in the face. See, I am the kind of person that has no evil intentions towards people. My thoughts and my intentions are purely to love others and help them through their struggles. When those former close friends start to reject your help and bottle it all up it's like cutting out a piece of me. It's painful! This is an area that I struggle in; in realizing that their distance has nothing to do with me, but their own struggles. Sometimes all I can do is pray. When you are an action oriented (words of affirmation, gifts, cards, hugs) kind of friend, it's really really tough to sit back and just pray. But saying "Just Pray" is wrong. Prayer is one of the most powerful tools we have as Christians. It is my own human flesh that makes me desire all those extras. Maybe this is something I need to ask God to help me in. As giving to, loving on, and serving others is a large part of me, I just have to remember that there is always another side, always going to be someone that struggles in a way that I can't understand. I can't always be there and truthfully, not everyone will always want me to be. That is something that I must come to terms with. I am thankful that God is teaching me this lesson.

So Good

So i got to take the day off yesterday to participate in a fashion show to benefit the Baddour Center in Senatobia, Ms. http://www.baddour.org/. Please read about it.. it's a cool cool place. The Baddour Center is a ranch out in Senatobia Mississippi that helps people with special needs succeed in the real life. The benefit had everything from a silent auction, a fashion show, to performances by Baddour's own residents in singing and mime. I absolutely was blessed by their sweet spirits and their great attitudes. I met one girl named Ann who was a fellow model. She had so much spirit. Everyone that walked in the door, she greeted them with a friendly "Hey! What's your name?" It was so much fun to get to know her. She was so friendly and was asking my friends and I questions about ourselves. I loved that girl! There was another girl with Downs Syndrome who took a bow when we told her how beautiful she looked. She also did a twirl on the runway. The crowd loved it! Yesterday not only built my own confidence but it also went to benefit the people of the Baddour Center. They were uplifted, helped financialy and were able to share their own gifts and talents. The mission of the center is to give God the glory, and that they did. =)

The Monster of Emotion

I just got the most amazing quote from a Godly lady friend of mine. "Emotions are the most shallow part of our being." - Dr. Adrian Rogers. Wow!! If I could learn to handle my emotions with that mindset, i'd be in such a greater place!! If I could truely take that quote and believe it for myself and live that way, I would save myself trouble in the past and in the future. I would save myself heartache and not so wise reactions, or words spoken. I pray that God reminds me of that quote when I am tempted to react based on my emotions. When something stirs up your emotions, sit in it and let the emotion pass, I have learned that the more I sit on it, the easier it is to feel better about it later. And when I do this, I save myself from reacting in a way I should not, from hurting others, and I end up having a better outlook. I believe that Satan also stirs up our emotions and he has the victory when we react to them. Think about it...

Just Enough

I was just totally inspired by a lady that came into the office to talk with our pastor. She is going through chemo therapy and her story is so amazing. When she was first diagnosed, she had no signs of cancer, but as she prayed in the spirit, God directed her to rebuke cancer in her body. This made her a little worried, but she ended up hearing another word from the next day to "prepare for menopause." She made an appointment with her doctor, but was unable to see him the first time she went in. She left the office and felt in her spirit that something was wrong. She was unable to make a turn back to her office. Right after she turned around to go back to the Dr. the office manager called and asked her to be in the office in 5 min.

As the Dr. examined her, he found a small lump. He tested the lump and found cancer. The next week, her lump was gone. Throughout the beginning of her cancer, the cells were extremely hard to find, but God kept giving the Drs small enought traces for them to know what to pay attention to.

This lady is now in chemo and the Lord has allowed her to keep her strength enough to where she is able to continue her workout routine and work her full time job. God has never promised her anything, but keeps encouraging her along the way and strengthening her faith. She is strengthened because she doesn't know all the answers, and all she can do is lean totally on the Lord. Even the Drs. can't give her all the answers because the cancer lies in the gray areas. All she can do is trust. She says fear is a daily battle, but the Lord encouraes her spirit continually. I was totally inspired by this little story.

I can relate with what she says. God has been lighting just a small part of my path and I am dependant on him more than ever! I have no idea what's in store, but he gives me encouragement, just enough, to let me know i'm on the right path and he's got my hand. All I can do is surrender and let the God who knows all, my heavenly father, be my guide. I would not survive without him!

Ask, Seek, Knock, the key to answers.

Jesus Teaches About Prayer Matthew 7:7-8

"Ask, and what you are asking for will be given to you. Look, and what you are looking for you will find. Knock, and the door you are knocking on will be opened to you. 8Everyone who asks receives what he asks for. Everyone who looks finds what he is looking for. Everyone who knocks has the door opened to him.

I read this passage last night and find it fascinating that Jesus himself spoke these words. It just shows how little faith we often show in our prayers. We just have to be persistent in what we want and continue to surrender to the Lord and to his will. It's all about walking with the Lord day by day. What little faith I have! All God asks of us is that we ask, seek, and knock. We just have to continue with our requests and the Lord hears our prayers, he is just waiting for his perfect timing. What better than to trust in than God's will and his perfect timing? He knows evderything. He knows what we are ready for and what we are not ready for. He knows ALL THINGS. Just because God doesn't open up the door the first time you knock, doesn't mean that he won't eventually..... Be encouraged today.

Nuff Said!

Republican Power!

OK. So I may be getting little obsessed, but a friend of mine sent all of these great political cartoons to me this morning and I had to share them. I have really been getting into this presidential race! Enjoy!

Family Palin

I had a free night last night and loaded my dog Asher in the car and ran errands. I was proud of myself for not spending too much money. I'm really working on not buying just to buy. =) I love shopping way too much!! Anyway.. When I got home, Fox news was on in the Kitchen and they were putting all of their focus on Sarah Palin. The more I hear about her the more I just love this woman! She is so real and so focused and so intelligent. She's also so naturally beautiful and seems to be such a great mom. An all around woman. She get's the job done, but still takes time for her family. Greta was interviewing her sister and across the board, of all the people that talk about her, have the same story. Sarah is a wonderful woman with so much to offer and we know that she has great things in store for her. Even greater things than being Governor. They also were showing footage in her home with her youngest daughter and also her husband. They were asking her all kinds of questions about how she has 5 kids and still carries on her duties. She talked about how she just does it and how her husband supports her and is comfortable with carrying out some of the domestic roles of the household. If anything, Todd and Sarah Palin are a great example of how husbands and wives should be a team. I believe the reason she is so successful is because no only is she grounded, but she has great support and love from her husband and kids. They truely are a team. That is something that has been lost in so many famalies. That's why so many are broken. I hope to have a family like that someday =)

Today's Challenge

I am taking part in Raleigh A/g's "79 Day Challenge" Day four's challenge was written by my friend Shane Ivy. It totally spoke to me and is so what God is teaching me these days and showing me to do more of. I was happy to accept today's challenge and I hope you can too!

1 Corinthians 10:31: So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (New Living Translation)
I will never forget my little league baseball coach, and his famous pre-game speeches. His coaching overflowed into life lessons that would later bear fruit far beyond the baseball diamond. I’ll never forget him telling us, “There are no spectators on this team. Everyone has a job.”
Just as each member of a baseball team has a position, each individual has a role to play in life. Our words, our actions and our attitudes all have an impact on the hearts of people around us. God has given each of us the job of sharing His love with others. There is no time to sit around watching others; our work is ongoing and has eternal consequences.
"Back each other up!"
We are all imperfect people. We will all drop a ball or miss an occasional important play, and we desperately need to know that others are in the game with us and are ready to back us up. Just as we need the support of those around us, we need to be alert enough to back up others when they need us.
"Talk to your teammates. Tell them your intentions. "
The spectacular crash of two eager outfielders going after the same ball is a perfect example of the "collision" that happens when we misunderstand the needs or intentions of others. As a player, we need to step up to the responsibilities that come our way and call out "I got it!" As a teammate, we must respect the coach's ability to assign tasks and then listen to the intentions of others.
As you head off into your world, realize that you are where you are for a reason. God has planted you to be there for your co-workers. Let every conversation and every random act of kindness happen for HIS GLORY!
Shane Ivy

Typical Male

I don't know if posting two blogs in the same day elevates me to a new obsessed status on blogger.. but I just had to share.. I was doing my normal routine of feeding my dog after work and this routine involves going into the garage which is where we also keep our new cat. Well.. Asher followed me into the garage as he always does and the cat hissed at him and arched her back. Asher started barking at the cat and there was about to be a smack down. I tried to call him and did all I could to get him to step back, but nothing worked. Finally I told him he would get a treat if he came in. "Typical Male" i said out loud. Leave it up to the male animal to back away for food. Ha! I crack myself up.

Go Sarah!

I stayed up late last night watching the Republican nominee for VP, Sarah Palin, make her speech. She was wonderful!! Even the people who the news shows brought on to be a critic, praised her. I had tears in my eyes at points. The most tearful moments were when she talked about her family and how real she was! She inspires hope and she is so genuine. I truly believe that Senator John McCain has a far better chance of winning the presidency now. If Sarah were running for president, I'd sure vote for her. I heard Hillary is fuming! ha! There were moments I saw such a passion and strength in her eyes. I have heard that Sarah attends an A/G church. That passion is different than what I've seen in the past.. it must be the passion that comes from the Lord. Go Sarah!!

ANTM

The new Cycle of America's Next Top Model starts tonight!!! Two hour premier!! Woo HOo!! I have an odd obsession with this show.. i'm addicted. It's coming close to being a god in m life. I have to figure out how to tape the whole two hours tonight cause we don't have tivo. =( I'll figure something out.. I will not allow this show to come before going to church. (as much as I want to). I should not be confessing these things.. oh, but I do.

My first bible study went so well last night. You can read more about it on forexcellence.blogspot.com. I'll be postin' a link on here soon. Love you friends!!!

"Good Mornting!"

I just love Tyler Perry's Madea! "Madea's Family Reunion" was on yesterday and I really wanted to sit down and watch it, but I was able to catch one scene that has the most valuable advice to women. It's about when your man is hasslin' you or any person at that matter and what you should do. You get up and you cook breakfast.. and greet him with a friendly "Good Mornting!" Dilligently watch over those grits and when them grits get nice and firey and get to bubblin' away.. you pour them in his/her lap just at the right moment. If they are really botherin' you, then put your frying pan in the other hand and smack him/her in the face with it. Then you can switch off.. grits, pan, grits, pan. Ha!! I think the Devil needs a little grits/pan action! ha! How fun if this could actually happen!

Strength for the Weary

I woke up this morning with a feeling of desperation.. an empty feeling.. i was like.. "Ahhh i'm single and feeling it!!" ha! What a horrible way to start the day .. huh? I don't even know how and why it hit me, but it hit me with a vengeance. I guess it's just one of those things (and this is a good thing) where I just plain don't know what else to do. I don't know how to make it happen for myself so I have to rely on God fully to drop that man into my life at the right time. I get so so weary in waiting.. espically when there seems to be no hopefuls floating around. When my faith starts to fade, I am reminded on the verse: Fix your eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Praise God for that! I don't even want to pray for what I desire, but for what God desires for me. God has assured me over and over again that he has that perfect guy for me, but there is still work to be done, both in him and in me. God even gave me a verse the other night about this man. God revealed to me, through that verse, what this man is dealing with and how God is working in his life and how I must pray for him, even though I don't even know him. I write him letters in a journal, which I will present to him on our wedding night. I can't wait!!

AS I was praying for my anxiety about being single God led me to Hebrews 12. I will write some of it, but I encourage you to go and to read the whole passage. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, espically the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance, the race that God has set before us. WE do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith." My faith does get weak, but God just encouraged me through this passage that he is there and I just have to keep my eyes on him. I am weary at times, but through God's strength, I am made strong.

Sacrifice

God has been bringing Abraham to my mind so much lately as I grow in my faith. Hebrews 11:17-19 says "It was by faith that Abraham offered his son Issac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God's promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Issac, even though God had told him Issac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted. Abraham reasoned that if Issac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead."

Abraham's faith is an example to us all. He was willing to sacrifice his own son to obey God. He was willing to give it all up. God wanted to test Abraham to see if he would obey and do such a difficult thing, kill his own son. Abraham had waited so long for this son and finally he was here.. only to be sacrificed?! After God saw Abraham's willingness, he blessed Abraham and made him the father of many generations to come. Abraham's line experienced their share of difficulty, but God always came back to bless them. With sacrifice comes a blessing. Why even second guess God when he tells us to do something.. no matter how difficult, he always has a purpose, and the outcome is above and beyond what we could ever hope for or imagine.

I want faith like Abraham. I want to be able to step out and sacrifice for God no matter what the cost. Sacrifice and suffering only prepare us for the amazing life that God has in store. I can't wait to see what comes out of my sacrifices and my hardships. It's only just begun! I am standing firm on the promises that God has for me. I am confident that he will see every good work that he has begun in me to completion. I just have to put all of my focus on him.

Kickin'

I just had a thought.. not profound, not deep and wise, but simple and somewhat stupid. Do you ever just want to go up and kick someone? You don't need to tell them why.. but just go up and simply give them a little. I think if I could do that every now and then i would be a happier girl and a little less frustrated at some folks.. I could start a "kick list" if I needed to. I would love to hear your feedback.. feel free to share you kick list with me. I won't publish it.. I promise.. I'll just send warnings to those who may get a kick soon. =) love y'all!!

Lighten it Up!

Ok, so many serious blogs.. let's lighten it up a little! Doesn't my dog look like an old man. I love my prescious boy!!!

Stick with the Plan

This is SO where I am at right now. About three months ago I felt God telling me "Three Months" I had no idea what that meant,but that timeframe was a recurring theme.. Well.. God has opened several doors in my life, One to move out of the house into an apt. with another girl, and another to start a bible study and step out of a ministry that I have been involved with at chruch. sometimes we have to step out of the boat to receive the blessings that God has for us. One door can't be opened until the previous door is shut.. Here is a passage I got from my dear friend Jennifer yesterday. The timing coulden't have been more perfect...

Then Peter got... out of the boat, walked on the water... toward Jesus.
Matthew 14:28-29 NIV
Peter proved that as long as you keep your eyes on Jesus and stick to the plan, you won't go under. Notice:
(1) Before you get into something, make sure it's God's will for you! Peter said, "Lord, if it's You, bid me to come to You on the water" and Jesus said, "Come." Before you take on something like water-walking, pray and be sure God's in it. In other words, get God's plan and stick to it. (2) Don't expect everybody in the boat to go with you. Water-walking is a lonely calling; it sets you apart from those who are timid and security-minded. It also tends to bring criticism from those who think you're making them look bad by contrast. (3) If you wait for good weather you'll miss your moment. When Jesus said, "Come," they were in the middle of a storm. Face it; we'd all like the stars to line up, or some big donor to underwrite the whole project before we make a move. But how often does that happen? Peter wasn't walking on the water; he was walking on the Word! What has God told you to do? Stop waiting for ideal conditions and start doing it! (4) Don't expect a mistake-free performance. Nobody walks without fluctuation. The Bible describes its heroes in one sentence: "Whose weakness was turned to strength" (Hebrews 11:34 NIV). All the great men and women of God you admire go through sinking spells when they cry out, "Lord, save me." And do you know what? He does! And He'll do the same for you.

dedicated to Candice Carter

I think the recurring theme here on my blog is definately the fact that I am blessed with some amazing women in my life. Candice Carter is definately one of them. My dear friend is set to have her second baby girl any day now.. Candice gets frustrated when things are happeneing when they are supposed to happen.. and wow.. we all can relate with that! I just have to say how proud I am of her and how she handles the stresses in life with more grace and beauty that I have never seen out of anyone. She is my inspiration and I think the world of this amazing girl! Hang in there Candice. God has his blessing and calm just waiting for you. I love you!

Friday Night Football

The highlight of my weekend was most definately the FACS football game this past Friday night! I have been volunteering with Make A Wish the past year or so and one of our kids got to be the official captain of Friday night's game.

My friend Parul and I met Austin and his family several months ago. He was one of our first kids to interview and right away we fell in love with this adorable blonde-headed boy and his mother (who is my age) Shana. Austin is only 4 years old and has suffered with a form of Leukemia that effects his brain. Austin has tumors all over his brain and has suffered with the effects of several seizures over his short lifespan. He is doing very well now and so full of life and is so much fun.

In July, Make A Wish made it possible for Austin to travel to Green Bay and visit his favorite football team, the Green Bay Packers. Austin toured the stadium and met the full Packer's team, Including his favorite player, Brett Favre. As a sending off party, an enhancement in Make A WIsh terms, Austin was made a Crusader Football player for the day.

He arrived at the stadium to greet his team in the locker room. They did some weight training with him and then took him to the locker room where he had his own locker with his name, a football just his size, and jersey #1. Austin immediatly took off his own shirt and put his new Jersey on . Austin is a Crusader! The rest of the afternoon was his day. He ran down to the field with the team to be greeted by an announcer, cheerleaders and Crusader fans.

The team was great with him and invited him back. That's when this past Friday comes in. Austin and his family arrived at the stadium. As soon as he got there.. Austin was asking for "his team" =) He ran down with the team and was announced as the official captain of the game. He went out for the coin toss and then later hung out in the locker room at half time.

It was a magical night for Austin. He will forever be in the hearts and memories of those High School guys who have something more meaningful to look after outside of themselves. This is why I love Make A Wish. This particular situation coulden't have gone much better. To give is far better than to receive!

The Crusaders won their game. They played very well! God blessed their efforts and this stellar act of kindness to this young boy suffering with a disease that no child that young should ever have to deal with.

Simply Faith

Mark 11:22-24

"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain "Go throw yourself in the sea, and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!

It's as simple as that. Take this absolute truth and be blessed today friends.

Refined for Excellence

I just want to say how blessed I am to have some pretty amazing women in my life as friends. I just got done reading my friend Laura's blog and the women oozes with God's love. I can't tell you how thankful I am to be in such amazing company. These women: Candice, April, Jennifer, Laura.. the list goes on and on.. are true gems who reflect God in all that they do. That is what I strive to be.

I have been reading a book by Priscilla Shirer called a Jewel in His Crown: Becoming a woman of Excellence. I have only read one chapter and I'm already inspired. In this Chapter, Priscilla highlights several women, who are Jewels in God's crown. She talks about how amazing these women are, but they aren't amazing out of nothing. They too have struggled and been in need and experienced things just like the rest of us. For example, Elizabeth Elliot, she had her heart broken. She only loved one man, Jim, and she waited about 5 years to marry him. During that time she kept herself pure and loved no other. It was only a month and ½ after they were married that he was killed in the jungle. Look at her life! She could have let tragedy bring her down, but she kept on and formed a ministry that has led 100's of people to the Lord and inspired women and men alike to live their lives to the utmost.

Wow! Hardship only refines the jewels that we are. Through hardship we are made more clear, more beautiful and more valuable. Not only that, but we are able to withstand so much more. I want to be a woman like that.

Simple Joys

I had such a great weekend! I drove over to Nashville to visit my little brother who moved there about two weeks ago. There was a bonus to this trip, my brother had a lady friend that he had met and hit it off with at camp this summer visiting him for 5 days. So.. I jumped on the opportunity to check her out. I started out the day visiting a good friend of mine, Nicole, who lives in a beautiful home with her husband and two kids. She and I have a real connection, we picked up right where we left off. I just love those kinds of friends. After a great visit with Nicole, I drove to the Nashville zoo to meet Jonathan and Sarah. The day was beautiful!! A great breeze. It's amazing what simple pleasures like going to the zoo and being in good company can entertain you and create a great memory. I really enjoyed getting to know Sarah. I am so happy for my brother and his new found interest. I wish them both the best!

AFter a wonderful weekend in Nashville, I came home to finish up house sitting. I love house sitting, but this couple was gone for two weeks and I was definately ready to get to my own house. It's tough moving between two houses.. You loose things! =)

Last night I went with the youth of First Assembly to a park near downtown Memphis. In England, we were inspired to reach out to our city. We don't want to just hand them tracks and say "Jesus loves you", we want to build relationships and show them love, simple as that. Audrey and I were able to talk with and pray with a lady named Shirley who has had her share of troubles in life. She really opened up to us and said after our prayer, a burden was lifted. That experience really lifted me up.

God has been showing me in such a real way how fulfilling reaching out really is. I could sulk in my not so ideal circumstances, but I don't. When i'm reaching out and loving people, that is when i'm the happiest. I am in my element. Nothing can bring me down. Sunday night I had a slump. But when I got back into loving people and diving into the word through prayer and spending time with the Lord, I was ok. Reaching out is the best guarantee to find joy. I pray that God continues to give me opportunities to look beyond myself and see the needs of others. That is one of my greatest desires.

Achievement

So yeah.. I'm sitting here at work sipping on my Coca-Cola. This beverage serves as my lunch/caffiene boost/happy moment for the afternoon. I went to Target for my lunch break and of course I could not leave with empty hands. I went looking for a pair of brown tights and left the parking lot with brown and black tights, 4 shirts and one pair of oh so comfortable shorts. Ahh.. the shopping addiction strikes again! Speaking of addictions.. I stayed up late, once again to marvel over the Women's all around gymnastics competition. This time I shared my enthusiasm and watched it with my good friend, newly engaged, Raegan Haser. She lost consciousness near midnight, but I stayed awake despite my fatigue, to witness some of the best women in the world compete for the gold. I must say.. I am so proud of our US girls, Nastia and Shawn. They made their events look like child's play. I was so stinkin impressed! What a great night! Back to the newley engaged friend, Raegan, I am so excited for my dear friend. I realized the other night that I could be one of those crazy bitter single girls that can't stand to hear the news of another friend engaged, but I'm happy to say that I'm not! It's all God. Congratulations Raegan! I love you!

Kickin' Back

I was inspired to do the blog thing by my good friend Jennifer Goodwin. I've alway been facinated by this "art" and it's about time I try it for myself. I have always been a journaler and enjoy making things look pleasing to the eye, so this should be fun. The true test will be if I can keep up with it amidst my musy schedule!! We shall see. This week has been a lot slower. I have been so busy.. basically non-stop with activities at church and volunteering for make-a-wish. This week i've been able to finally kick back and relax (maybe now I can get rid of this month long cold). My favorite couch potato activity for the week has definately been Women's Gymnastics and the Olympic Games. I am mezmerized! Wow.. those ladies make you feel like you've wasted most of your life and that you are totally out of shape.. love it anyway.. Go USA!! More specifically.. you gotta love little Shawn Johnson! Go Shawn! I'll be glued to the tube tonight.. cheering her and Nastia on.