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.