Friends that want to hang out

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

2010 Resolutions


Every New Year - I always have the same resolutions.... Lose weight... spend more time with my family.... get more organized.... cut more coupons.... be more frugal.... track my mileage.... start my taxes early.... and almost every year I blow it.... or I don't meet my expectations...

This year I have decided to not make it about ME.... but others. Yes, I still have my "to do" list and I will accomplish them one day.... but my resolutions.... my desires will be serve to others.... to make myself available.... to offer a helping hand.... to Glorify Him in all I do and make it about HIM not me......

2010 Resolutions

1. Volunteer at least once in a convalescent home.
2. Help in my kids' school.
3. Pass out socks to the homeless.
4. Carry a brown paper bag filled with non-perishable food in my car to pass out to the people holding signs - I will work for food....
5. Read my Bible everyday.
6. Journal every day.
7. Go on at least one missions trip.
8. Help a family in need
9. Be transparent
10. Be forgiving.... tolerant.... and more patient..

I pray that God will help me to accomplish the above list - I pray that He will make my heart and mind more obedient to His Desires...

What's On Your List?

Happy New Year~!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

To Love No Matter What


Have you ever just wanted to give up on someone? Have you ever gotten so tired of the constant subtle rejections that you just want to lash out? Have you ever felt like you have given your all to this person (s) and no matter what you say... no matter what you do.... nothing matters? This is how I sometimes feel - sometimes I just want to lash out and ask them "Why?" "Why do you want to be indifferent? Why do you act like I don't matter?"

This Christmas I was hurt once again by yet another indifferent snub - I don't think this person goes out of their way to hurt me - I do believe this person does not know how to love unless there are conditions... I do believe this person is afraid to be vulnerable... afraid to put themselves out there.. And in that fear they hurt others..... I can't control the way this person feels or acts... I can't control the hurt that I feel but I can control the way I react.. I can control what I say and what I do.....

The Bible tells us to love one another.. to forgive one another... The Bible does not tell us to give up after a certain amount of time... the opposite in fact.

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22

We love because he first loved us. Those who say, "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.
1 John 4:19-21

God does not give up on us..... In my quest to be closer to God.. a follower of Christ I need to keep loving.. keep trying to break down those barriers.... To love no matter what -

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Be Inspired #1


Autistic Boy Becomes Basketball Hero

This is an amazing story of an autistic boy who loved the game of basketball - this story is so touching that you the coaches get all choked up talking about it. Had to share on my first "Be Inspired" blogs.


Monday, December 21, 2009

The White Envelope


I received this story about fifteen years ago and every Christmas season I share it with others - We need to stop and remember the purpose of this season... Merry Christmas and God Bless each and everyone of you. Love to you. Kelly


It's just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so.

It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas. Oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it, overspending, the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma, the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't think of anything else.

Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way. Our son, Kevin, who was 12 that year was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended, and shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church.

These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in the spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes. As the match began I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler's ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford. Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge defeat. Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, "I wish one of them could have won," he said. "They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them." Mike loved kids, all kids, and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball and lacrosse.

That's when the idea of his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years. For each Christmas, I followed the tradition, one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on. The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning and our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents. As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn't end there.

You see we lost Mike last year due to dreaded cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning, it was joined by three more.

Each of our children, unbeknown to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down the envelope. Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us

Author Unknown

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Thinking About Mary


Breath of Heaven - The Story of Mary....

During this time of year I often wonder what Mary was feeling during her pregnancy... Her fears... her worries... Think about it.... Here is a young girl - betrothed to a young man named Joseph - they were not married yet - he finds that she is pregnant..... the small village they lived in saw that she was pregnant. Think of the whispers... the judgment... Think about how she must have felt - knowing that she was carrying the Son of God - the wonder... the awe... it is so difficult to grasp...




Friday, December 18, 2009

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever


The other day I went to dinner and an ornament exchange at a very dear friend's home. There were seven of us women - women who worship together... pray together... and learn from each other....
After dinner, we all sat down to listen to the The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I had never heard the story before... and I am so happy I did.... I truly believe everyone should hear it...
I have always known that Christmas was Jesus' birthday.. I have always known that He was the Son of God... but I always envisioned the birth to be much like what we see on TV... A beautiful and well rested Mary gazing at her quiet baby boy... Then immediately after the birth came the three (3) wise men.... Did you know that the Bible does not say how many there were? Did you also know that they did not show up at His birth but a few months.. possible a couple of years afterwards...?
This book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever shows the story of Jesus' birth from a different perspective... This story is about some very rough kids who fell in love with baby Jesus.... The real Jesus... The real Mary... and brought Him the best gift of all.... their hearts and more..
Discover The Best Christmas Pageant Ever this Christmas... Below is a mini movie I found on Youtube - enjoy and may you and yours be Blessed by the Best CHRISTmas present of all - our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.





Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Too Religious....


I recently met a very dear and sweet girl - I had been looking forward to meeting her for quite a while... She had joined our family a few years ago and lives across the world from us.... We connected on Face Book a year or so ago and finally met face to face last week.... It was love at first sight for me.. What a joyful woman she is....

She was very apprehensive about meeting me... On Face book - I will post some of my blogs or pictures.. I will talk about my faith and praises.. I am very open about my relationship with God - I believe because of my Face Book postings - this adorable girl was afraid to meet me - wondering how "religious" I was.... Wondering if I would be scary.... judgmental... Bible pounding... Evangelical.... the unknown is scary...

I believe that the world view in many ways has made "religious" people look bad..crazy... because we choose to live the "uncommon life". By the "uncommon life" I mean we choose to use the Bible as our basis for right and wrong... That does not mean we are here to judge.. that is not up to us. But we are to love one another... We are to follow God's law.... His word.. Because many of us do not agree with the "liberal world view" we are looked at as haters.... but that is not true... at least for me and those I know well..

So back to this beautiful girl.... I could tell she was a little nervous - mostly because she was looking at me with the "deer in the headlights" expression and not talking as much as I knew she did..... I was thinking of a way to break the ice and to let her know that I was pretty down to earth... My husband gave me the best opening.... We were talking about how we were able to go on a date... and my nephew asked what we did on dates... Well, my husband said... "We get a limousine... and I said "and we have sex..." My sweet new niece - about laughed herself off the couch... Sometimes, you just got to shock em......


Wednesday, December 9, 2009

The Art Of Patience


First off - I am not a patient person... I am always in a hurry - I want everything now - I won't stand in long lines (unless I have too) - I won't wait at a restaurant more than 15 minutes (no food is worth it to me) I like many others want instant gratification... In today's world that's what it is all about, isn't it. I want it now... I get it now.... and there you go....

Years ago my mom gave me a coffee cup that said - "Lord, grant me patience and grant it right now!" Even then at the ripe young age of 21 - I lacked patience... It is not a secret that I lack the patience gene... Get me behind of the wheel of a car and you'll see me in action... I'm not a dangerous driver... but when someone who drives extremely slow happens to pop in my lane... The passengers in my car will often hear me grumble... call the driver a "Bubba" or talk about the nuisances of bad drivers on the road -

I once heard someone say "Don't pray to God for patience because He will give you something to gain patience with" I have learned that God is a patient teacher... a patient Father and yes I do believe that He gives us opportunities to learn... learn to love... learn to empathize, and learn to be patient... I think when I became a parent was my first lesson in patience.... As the years go by I find myself growing in patience... growing in tolerance... growing in understanding. I think the closer you get to Him and the deeper your relationship becomes with Him the better the opportunity to gain the ability to be a more patient person.. a more spiritual person.. a more Christ driven person..

I can give you a load of baloney and tell you that I have gained all the patience I need but that would not be truthful.. I am a work in progress. I know I have become more patient with the people in my life.... But behind the wheel... well that is a different kind of patience....

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves."
-- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Smiles From Strangers


I love this time of year- the Joy Joy Joy of the season... Today - I was walking around Target picking up some gift cards and toys for my nieces and it seemed whenever I made eye contact with someone they smiled.. I loved that... I love the smiles of strangers... The CHRISTmas Joy of others.

I believe the CHRISTmas season is a great time to be a reflection of Christ's love for us... It's a great time to show kindness.... compassion... giving.. Of course, this should be a every day thing... but there something about this season that just brings out the best in us.... The best in me...

May your CHRISTmas Season be filled with Smiles From Strangers...

Thursday, November 26, 2009

The Rule of Love


The Rule of Love

" The rule for all of us is perfectly simple. Do not waste time bothering whether you Love your neighbor: act as if you did. As soon as we do this we find one of the greatest secrets. when you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him. If you injure someone you dislike, you will find yourself disliking him more. If you do him a good turn, you will find yourself disliking him less."


C.S. Lewis (
Mere Christianity)

Jesus said in Mark 12:29-31 The first of all commandments is 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."


Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Mom, I'm Exhausted... but I'm Alive...


Yesterday my thirteen year old daughter went to skid row - Skid row is an area in downtown Los Angeles that is home to many homeless - food kitchens - homeless shelters - crime, and sadness.. She volunteered with her youth group to work in a homeless shelter - She spent nine (9) hours playing with the many children there - holding them - loving them - reading to them - and just listening to them - a friendly face - a beautiful face - a loving face - that is my daughter...

She served a Thanksgiving dinner to the families that stay there - not knowing that 150 more hungry souls were going to come in from the cold - 150 more mouths to feed than expected.... I asked her - "Did everyone get to eat?" She said "yes" I asked her "What do you think about that?" She said "I have no idea how we did it - we even had a little left over..." My first thought and I am sure you are thinking the same.... Jesus fed 4000- 5000 with five (5) small loaves of bread and two (2) fish - I know He can handle 150 more mouths to feed...

Through out the day - I received updates via text - First one - "Mom - I am at the shelter u should c the kids they're so cute! I'm in charge of games".. Next text - "There are a lot of hungry people here" Next text - "Mom - thank you" - Next text - "Mom, I'm Exhausted...but I'm alive" - Next text - "Going to In N Out on the way home Love you" Next text "I'm 10 minutes away.. come get me"

When I picked her up at the church - the first thing she did was apologize - She apologized for getting angry at the thought of her sister getting something that she wanted (she thought I was buying an IPOD touch for her sister - I wasn't it) - she apologized for acting greedy at times... She said that she saw a bunch of kids - younger than her and others her age that had nothing... and they were happy.... She learned that true happiness isn't from what she gets under the Christmas tree but what she feels in her heart..... love from her family and friends and a Lord and Savior that died on the cross so that she can live forever.....

Sunday, November 22, 2009

My Christmas List


I was driving in the car yesterday running errands and I turned the radio on and out came Christmas music! It's not Thanksgiving yet but somehow we are already in the "Holiday Season" Don't get me wrong - I love Christmas music - I love celebrating Jesus' Birthday.. I do not love the "retail" side - I do not believe the Christmas music is on the radio today because of birth of Christ but to make people get antsy to shop..... Christmas music gets us in the mood - I can vouch for that I just spent a truck load of money at Best Buy..

Today my kids gave me their Christmas want lists... they want everything from a IPod touch to IPod docks to skinny jeans to make up and the lists go on and on and on.... It amazes me how the radio and TV can help create our want lists... I know that I am a victim, my kids are victims, and I am sure most of you are victims... So I was in my car thinking about "our" want lists and the song - My grown up Christmas List came on... and I had to smile...


Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Pregnancy Crisis Center Under Attack....


Last year my husband took my eldest to a father/daughter dance. This was a special time for both of them. They were able to spend some "grown up" time together and make some great memories. Horizon Pregnancy Center was the sponsor of this night out. They were raising money for an ultrasound for their center and the medical personnel to operate it. In the past year, I have come to learn a great deal about this center.

Horizon Pregnancy Center is a place that women can go to when they are in a crisis pregnancy and they can get a free pregnancy test... It's a place a woman can go to hear about alternatives to abortion... It's a place where women who have had abortions can go to help the healing process... I personally know an incredible woman who has gone through this process - after aborting her child over 20 years ago - there is pain that needs to be forgiven by oneself.... I also personally know women who have aborted 10/15/20/25 years ago and the pain is real - especially when they look at the children they did give birth too..... It's a place that teaches parenting.... A place that shows love and concern for the birth mom and the baby... A place that helps to give baby supplies.

Today - I heard that the Feminist Majority Association has come to this center to protest. They believe that the Horizon Pregnancy Center is misleading because they call an abortion what it is... an abortion. HPC does not use scare tactics... HPC does not lie or mislead. They don't tell women they are not pregnant when they are so that they can delay the pregnancy.... The HPC respects the rights of the mother and they believe like I do - that a pregnancy is a baby and not tissue (Planned Parenthood's term) that needs to removed... But one thing must be understood -HPC discusses alternatives to abortion and they discuss it with honesty.. without judgment.... without anger.. and if the mother does choose to abort - HPC is there if the mother chooses to come back for loving support..... Please explain to me - "What is wrong with that?"

The Feminist Majority Association is misleading in their accusations.. They accuse ALL pregnancy crisis centers as liars..... deceivers... over the top religious.... Basically, The Feminist Majority Association is a group of women and men that believe a woman should abort their child when it's not convenient... They believe it's okay to take a life.. and they are angry that everyone does not agree with them... They are angry that others are questioning their right to kill... Their right to call a baby a piece of tissue...

What do you think? Government should fund an abortion... But not Pro-Life Centers?


Our Reality: A Look at Crisis Pregnancy Centers from RH Reality Check on Vimeo.



Friday, November 13, 2009

Christmas Tree..... Holiday Tree....


There's a poll going around facebook about President Obama calling the White House Christmas Tree a Holiday tree. The poll invites readers to vote if President Obama should call the tree a Holiday tree or a Christmas tree... This is a subject that gets many Christians worked up.... Quick to believe this to be true... Quick to vote against the tree being called a Holiday tree.... This claim is pure nonsense. The White House tree will continue to be called a Christmas Tree.... The White House will continue to celebrate Christmas - Christmas is an American Tradition regardless if Christ is in the mix or not.....

Let's say the rumor was true... Would you be surprised? Christ has been taken out of the schools... out of the government.... out of many homes..... To be a follower of Christ today is not popular.... The Bible told us this would happen..... The Bible tells us that we as followers will have to defend our faith - hold tight to our faith in Him.... We will be mocked and criticized for worshiping Him...

During this Christmas season- we need to show the true meaning of Christmas not only by our words but by our actions... We are to not get angry when a cashier tells us Happy Holidays... but use it as an invitation to say Merry Christmas back - kindly and with a smile.... We need to show love and grace - We need to knock that Christian chip off our shoulder when we hear "Happy Holidays".. Our Christian pride can be a dangerous thing.... because in that pride we are not glorifying Him.... and after all it's Christmas not Kellymas....

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

When Is It Cheating?


One of my favorite movies is Fireproof - as many of you may know - 'The Love Dare' in that movie saved my marriage.... seriously it did... I posted my 40 day journey into 'happily ever after' on my blog I've Become My Mother.... One of the things that the movie showed is how easy an innocent relationship can turn into a possible affair.... One of the many things that the Bible teaches us is that we are to bring honor to our husbands... wives.. We are to love... cherish..... We are to stay away from temptation... We are to put our spouses above all others....

"Have you not read that He who made them in the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?' So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."
Matthew 19:4-6.

In today's world - divorce is common - being remarried over and over again is common - having kids without marriage is common.... Staying married and adultery free is uncommon - isn't it strange how much the world has changed?

So my question to you is this... What would you consider inappropriate behavior... ? What do you consider cheating? When I asked this question to a few of my friends the other day - we were all surprised on how different our answers were.... It made for a great conversation..... and a lot of laughs....

Is it cheating to accept an old girlfriend or boyfriend as a friend on Facebook?
Is it cheating to look at a beautiful woman or man?
Is it cheating to have lunch with a co-worker? a client?
Is it cheating to see an old flame (innocently) and not tell your spouse?
Is it cheating to watch porn?

It kind of makes you think doesn't it??? Where do you draw the line? Or do you draw one? I'm curious - send me a comment - What do you think?

What this clip - it says it all..






Sunday, November 1, 2009

If Courage Could Be Mine


If Courage Could Be Mine

I asked you one day Father
If courage could be mine
You told me to be patient
All Virtues come with time.

I looked for her in trials
I looked for her in pain
For it was hard to see her
When comfort came again.

Never did I notice
Until the years went by
That courage had been watching
When tears did cloud my eyes.

She came upon a whisper
And held my hand in hers
Slowly she did lift me
To take away my fears.

She woke my heart up slowly
Or I would turn away
Too frightened by the picture
Of the love God gave away.

I felt my spirit growing
No fear or shadows fell
Courage was beneath me
My faith the deepest well.

I asked you one day Father
If courage could be mine
You said that it was with me
And had been for all time.
author Anne Peters.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

She's An Adult In Her Eyes....


My kids go to a Christian school - my oldest is in the 8th grade and she is learning about Evolution and Creation.... She is also in a Sunday night study learning apologetics - this is a great tool for kids to understand their faith and to defend their faith. I love seeing my kid on fire - to know God better and to love Him more....

Well - one thing that is hard to explain to a thirteen year old is that many adults will not take her seriously - not because she doesn't know what she is talking about but because she is thirteen.. She's a kid in an adult's eye - and in her own eye she's an adult....

A couple of weeks ago she came home from tennis really frustrated... I could see the tears brimming in her eyes.... You see, her tennis coach is an atheist - he believes in Evolution - not creation.. He overheard her talking about a paper she was writing for her Bible class about Evolution not making sense.... He quickly made a comment, "Why can't you believe in both?" Well my daughter thought what a great question and proceeded to tell him why.... From what the other kids in class told me - she was amazing... she had a great case.... Of course you can see where this is going..... the coach wouldn't entertain her opinion... (this was after class - not during) Not because she did not make sense but because she is young..

I have talked to this coach in the past and he had told me he has never gone to church - he has never read the Bible - he has never participated in any class for or against evolution - it was just what he believed and there you go...... At that time - I did not have the words - so I did not say anything... but I did find a great article that I felt was very convincing and gave it to him... Well, obviously - he either did not read it - or it did not convince him....

I have to say - that I am proud of my girl.... Her passion humbles me.... Her love for Jesus makes me proud... Her wanting to share the good news with her coach gives me hope... Now if I can get her to be nice to her little sister all will be right in my world... at least for today...

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The Burning Bush


Last weekend I was at my church's women retreat..... It started off good - well, sort of... not really..... I was sick... boy was I sick.. I tried to talk myself out of being sick but things just kind of got worse.... I ended up going home the last night and missing out on the following morning's activities.. Sunday morning... Sunday afternoon.... and Sunday night - My back was glued to the bed and couch.... I'm still not doing great..... I have a bugger of a cold....

You know when you are not feeling well and you find it difficult to concentrate on things? That is how it was for me most of my weekend.... I enjoyed the women I was with... A great bunch of girls that I am glad to know..... There were a couple of wonderful testimonies..... But the video segments about killed me... or put me to sleep... Until.. I heard the term burning bush... The author of the book Organic God, Margaret Feinburg was talking about when Moses went up the mountain and saw the Burning Bush of God... What would have happened if he just walked by and did not pay attention... If he refused to acknowledge that Burning Bush.... if he refused to acknowledge God...?

Ms. Feinburg took the "Burning Bush" analogy one step further.... How many times in our lives have we had the opportunity to glorify God (burning bush) and not do it? How many times have we spoken with someone who was reaching for help and not acknowledge it? How many times have we been too busy in our own lives to do God's work? How many times have we walked by a burning bush?

I loved that analogy - I found it eye opening..... and very thought provoking.... I know I have been guilty of walking by a few burning bushes because I did not have the time..... What if God did not have the time for me???

We as Christians have to see those burning bushes.... We need to glorify God in any way we can.... We need to make the time...... We need to acknowledge that burning bush....

Friday, October 16, 2009

God's Love Does Not Mean Acceptance


One of the things I hear often is people trying to define God into their terms... Trying to fit God into their understanding so that all is okay... because God is Love... Most of the people that say these things are not into the Word... They may have glossed over the Book... they may have been to a Bible study or two... They may even go to church on a regular basis.... But the fact remains - God is God under His terms....

God does love us - every single one of us... God has compassion for us - every single one of us.... God forgives us - but not every single one of us.. What I mean by that is - you MUST ask God for forgiveness and you MUST accept His Son as your Savior... There is NO other way - this is what I believe.... This is what the Bible teaches....

In the Bible there are Rules - I'm sure you all have read the 10 commandments.. But there are other things that God expects of us... We are to 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.

Loving your neighbor as yourself does not mean that you are to accept their sin as your own.. It does not mean that by loving someone that you turn a blind eye to their lives.... It means to love the person... but you can and should Hate the sin....

In California, the Harvey Milk Bill has been signed by our Terminator Governor - Arnold Schwarzenegger. What the bill will do is designate a day in May for the public schools from kindergarten to senior years to learn about Harvey Milk and the gay life style... Click Here to learn about Harvey Milk. I am not against this because the guy was gay.. I am against this because there are so many other good things that can be brought into the schools.. My biggest question is this: Why is it okay to have a Harvey Milk Day - (glorifying the gay life style and giving hope to the gay, lesbian, and transgender. That is the purpose of this day according to the Bill..) and not have a Christian Day?

It's NOT okay to bring Jesus into the schools.. It's NOT okay to bring God into the schools.... It's NOT okay to sit in a circle during lunch break hold hands and pray... It's NOT okay to do a book report on a Christian book without an atheist teacher mocking the student.. It's NOT okay to talk about, read about, and pray about a God that represents love, forgiveness, compassion, understanding, right and wrongs, telling the truth, and all that is good.... Why is that? But it's okay to celebrate a man who had multiple sex partners... It's okay to celebrate a man that tried to legalize marijuana... Come on..... There are so many other previous California residences that qualify far better than Mr. Milk. How about Ronald Reagan?

The Newport Beach/Costa Mesa school district voted unanimously against this bill and I am pretty sure that most school districts will... Why wasn't this Bill brought to the voters? Probably because the government knew it would be voted down in a landslide....

Many of my liberal friends have said that they are happy that the governor has signed this bill.... And my liberal friends respect the fact that I am foaming at the mouth..... and that's okay - in our friendships - we have our differences and each of us brings something new into each others worlds and thinking... but - I do have to say this....

In 1 Corinthians chapter 6 it talks about the sins that identify a person if they continue to do them.... Homosexuality is often singled out to be the "bad" one. And that is wrong - All sin is bad.. All of it - not just some of it... what about the other sins... fornication (pre-martial sex), idolatry, adultery, stealing, coveting, alcoholism, lying, and gossip.... Basically we are ALL guilty of one or more of these... but it's the ones who ask for forgiveness and try to sin no more are the ones who are forgiven....

God's Love does not mean acceptance and no matter how a person or persons want to twist it around... Going against God's rules and letting the sin define you is not going to be accepted by God.. Much of society has accepted it... but they are not God....

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Does God Exist?


Saw this today - loved it - wanted to share it...

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

I Blame Eve


One of my eldest daughter's favorite sayings is "I blame Eve" If she did not bite the apple - all of the pains of being a woman would be non-existent.. The monthly bill (cramps)..... Child birth... But I also believe that God - has given women a much larger role.... because He loves us... Because He knows that only a woman could handle what we do... Not to say that men are not great in their God given roles.... They are.... I know I would not have the life I live today if it were not for the success and diligence of my husband.

I believe that the husband is the head of our home.... I believe that final decisions are made by the husband.. That does not mean - I am a rug and whatever he says goes.. Just as Christ is not inferior to the Father, but is the second person in the trinity, so wives are equal to their own husband. Yet in a marriage relationship, a husband and wife have different roles to the Lord. A wife's voluntary submission arises out of her own submission to Christ.
Ephesians 5:22-24 Wives, submit to your own husband, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body..

I believe that the husband who loves his wife - will treat her with the utmost love and respect... When Paul was talking about the husband's authority - he did not emphasize his authority but he did call the husbands to love self-sacrificially. Husbands are to emulate Christ's love, the kind of love that is willing to lay down one's life for another person and serve hat person even if it means suffering..
Ephesians 5:25-26 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.

Husband and wives have much different roles - I have "feelings"... He has "logic".... I can talk forever.... He can watch sports forever.. I can do several things at once... He can delegate several things at once.... I nurture... He provides a living..... I over think things and fester.... He says what he thinks.... and it's done...

But in some very odd way - these differences make us go together.. we compliment each other.. God's designs are always perfect....

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Oh, Happy Day... Oh, Happy Tears

Picture of My Sister and My Mom

Today something amazing happened... Something I have been praying for... Wishing for... Looking forward too....

Today my mom rededicated her life to Christ... Recently she has found a church where she feels connected... Where she feels welcome. I cannot tell you how excited I am... It's been over thirty-five years since my mom had anything to do with church.. I know that her faith has been on the fence.... I know that she has had a very difficult life in many areas... and today she is giving it to Christ... Oh Happy Day...

My sister, Debbie and my mom have many things in common but the top two are... They both post major life changing news on Face Book... Yep.. and they have "funny looking" dogs.. But you know what - that's okay.... What a great thing to read when I logged onto Face Book today.... Not only is my mom - my mom - She is now my sister in Christ as well... I am currently crying "happy tears" Are there any better kind of tears?

Today at 4:00 PM - I will be at Huntington Beach Pier - prayer walking... Today - with my mom's acceptance/re-dedication to Christ is exactly what I needed to get into the "Spirit"... knowing that prayer.. constant prayer... works... Right now I am ready to be the prayer warrior that God is calling me to be.... knowing in His grace and in His never ending love for us - miracles happen and prayers are answered.

This is for you, Mom.. I love you so much.....

Friday, October 9, 2009

The Meaning Of Words


I recently learned a lesson - I have probably learned this lesson several times in my life - but this time it really made me think.... more.

The meaning behind my words - may not be understood by people who don't really know me... If I write something like "It's All about me" - someone might perceive it to mean - that I am shallow. When in reality - those that know me - would perceive it as my sarcastic nature - and that something might be going on in my life that is very big... something that I am having a hard time handling.....

My sister, Tammy once said to me that she hates discussing important things via email... via letters... When there is something important to be said the best thing is to have a face to face.... Or if you can't do a face to face - then talk on the phone... Talk it out ... yell it out.... discuss it out... There is a lot to be said about the inflictions in the voice.. the huskiness of regret... or the sweetness of a gentle laugh.... Talking face to face or on the phone - can make you more vulnerable than you want to be... But sometimes we have to be vulnerable... sometimes - we have to listen to the wrongs and rights we have committed...

My goal is to be transparent - I want my words and my actions to reflect the woman that God wants me to be.... The woman I want to be.... If my words appear to be selfish - self - centered, obnoxious, hateful, or rude - Please believe that is not my intention... That is not what I want to be.... However..... if you cut me off in traffic - all bets all bets are off.. Just Kidding......


Thursday, October 8, 2009

When Your Hut Is On Fire!


The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small,
uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him.

Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to
protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One
day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in
flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had
happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief,
grief, and anger. He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?'
Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship
approaching the island! It had come to rescue him!

'How did you know I was here?' asked the weary man of his rescuers.

'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.

The Moral of This Story : It's easy to get discouraged when things
are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in
our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that
the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It
just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

The Little Jar On My Desk

On my desk - next to my computer screen is a jar with a red lid... In this jar - is my daily reminder that I want to be pleasing aroma to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The rock like items in this jar came from thousands of miles away. In an area that Jesus came from.... If I open the lid of this jar - a spicy and very distinct scent is released... Can you guess what it is?





They come from the Boswellia tree.... They are tapped from the tree by scraping the bark and allowing the exuded resins to bleed out and harden.. These hardened resins are called tears.

The lost city of Ubar, sometimes identified with Irem in what is now the town of Shisr in Oman, is believed to have been a center for these fine smelling "tears"



Have you figured it out yet? They were used to make Kohl (eyeliner), they are edible and they have been used for medicinal purposes (treating arthritis) burning this resin keeps mosquitoes away, and they are used for perfume and oils...

About 2000 years ago - they were a gift to a baby boy - Matthew 2:11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh... The Tears my friends is Frankincense...

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

The Offensive Cross



In 1934, a World War I veteran named Riley Bembry helped to erect a cross in the middle of no where... in the middle of the Mojave Desert... This cross sits on a 4,000 foot plateau -You won't find this cross on any maps... No one really knew about it.... it was erected to honor the war veterans.... It was to honor the war veterans who came to the desert to recover from severe lung diseases caused by mustard gas during the attacks in World War I.

Riley and the other war veterans who erected this cross over 75 years ago did not get permission to put up the cross and for several decades - no one cared it was there... Riley was the caretaker for this memorial until 1984 when he died. Today Henry Sandoz along with his wife Wanda proudly are the caretakers of this memorial...

Today this memorial is hidden between plywood... yep you read it right - it's hidden behind plywood... Why, you may ask.. Because the cross is offensive to some.... a very small minority - I ask why does a small minority have such strong powers.... Why does our government turn their back on the very fabric of it's conception.... Why are they so afraid to represent and show respect to Jesus Christ..?

In 1994, 1.6 million acres of desert - including the land where the cross is became government property after it was turned into a National Park.... A few years later, a resident wanted to put up a Buddhist shrine near the cross... the request was denied.... And because the ACLU - is against anything "Christian" related - they said it wasn't fair -they said if the cross is up then every other religious symbol should be able to be displayed... (it's sounds so childish to me) What angers me is that the cross isn't just about religion it's about honor - the cross is honoring the WW I vets - men and women who fought for our freedom... who fought for our country... and the ACLU is always up to the task of mocking our patriotism.. I find that so very sad..

Peter Eliasber, managing attorney of the ACLU in Southern California is quoted as saying, "It strikes me as sort of odd that it just happens to be in that shape. If what they really wanted to do was have a war memorial, there are hundreds of other shapes that it could be in." Okay this is me saying, "huh?" The cross was erected 75 years ago... A time in our country where God, Church, and Patriotism meant something......

So today the Supreme Court is deciding what to do - some members of Congress agreed to transfer one acre of land around the cross in exchange for five private acres around the preserve. A San Francisco, California appeals court turned down that offer, saying it failed to satisfy Constitutional concerns.... If the government allows this cross to be removed - what are the implications of the other religious imagery in our country - it's on building - other memorials.. On statues.. works of art - is our government going to destroy those too?
Embedded video from CNN Video

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Crazy Feet Are Prayer Walking To A Town Near You


Today I was wondering what I was thinking... What was I thinking to say yes to being a part of the women ministry leadership team..... I am more of a back ground kinda gal.. I love to give ideas... but I don't want to be the one putting myself out there and gasp* public speaking..... I could feel my stomach tossing and turning.... before I had to talk... but something happened.... I started talking.... but the words were not just my words... Granted I was nervous still... granted I could hear my voice shake... but the words I wanted to say came out... the words that I did not know how to say came out.. My true depth of feeling came through... my excitement on where God is leading was known... not just to the women I was speaking to but to myself.....

We had the opportunity yesterday as a team to learn how to prayer walk.. How to pray while you walk - so as not to be obvious.... One big thing I learned - do not I repeat do not close your eyes while prayer walking.. especially on sidewalks, streets, and/or stairs... it's amazing how many things there are in our community to pray for.. the people, the schools, the spiritual battles, and so much more.. Yesterday I practiced praying in the church sanctuary... at first I just welcomed God into His home.... as we were going down the pews - I started to picture different families and people groups who sit in the pews I was walking by... Suddenly my prayers started to become more specific... more detailed... more loving... more God in complete control... I was having an out loud conversation with God and it became so personal... so incredibly eye opening... heart attacking... inspiring.. and I am just sitting here writing this and one word comes to mind... awe... I was in awe of Him..

Next Sunday will be our first "Big" prayer walk.. We are going to Huntington Beach pier in Southern California... Did you know that Orange County, California is the 2nd largest human trafficking area in the United States? Huntington Beach pier is a very common place for children, teens, and young adults to be preyed on.... by the predators from the Internet.... from sex and drug dealers... and so many other scary things...

We are going to prayer walk the pier - Main Street. And if someone we pass by on our walk needs a prayer - I look forward to praying for them.. Yes, you heard it right - me - Miss I will never pray in front of people... wants to pray for strangers.... crazy things are happening.... and my crazy feet are taking me on a journey... a prayer journey... with God.... can't ask for better company .. can you?

Sunday, September 27, 2009

What I Believe - Creation vs Evolution


I believe the world was created about 5000 years ago... not a billion years ago..

I believe that God created the heavens and the earth in six days and rested on the 7th day.

I believe that a day is twenty-four hours. Half of which is light the other half is dark. Gen 1:5

I believe that there were dinosaurs in the beginning because God created all living creatures.. There are several areas in the old testament that talks about large fierce creatures... Did you know the word “dinosaur” was first invented in 1841? Dinosaurs were probably called “dragons” before that time. And the Hebrew word for “dragon” is used a number of times in the Old Testament.Job 40:15-19

I believe that non-christian scientists have a need to prove God does not exist..
Darwin himself - admitted that he could not prove his theory -


I believe today's anti-God society wants to believe in evolution because if they didn't then they would have to believe in a greater power than themselves.. scary thought - for many...

I believe that the "missing link" will stay "missing" because it does not exist.

I believe God create something from nothing... because He has...

November 21, 2009, is the 150th anniversary of Charles Darwin's book, "The Origin of Species" Kirk Cameron announced that on November 19th he and other creationist activists will distribute a special 'Species' with a 50 page introduction that explains why evolution is only a theory of a person 150 years ago and why it has never been proven... It explains why evolution does NOT make sense - my prayer is that it will soften some harden hearts.. that it will plant seeds of doubt... and that just maybe.... hopefully... someone or many someones will come to know his Savior and King....

Monday, September 21, 2009

Acceptance and Judgment


One of the things that bothers me in today's society is that if you don't accept something... if you don't adopt a certain way of thinking... then you are considered a hater... a judge..... non-christian... or a "judgmental better than thou Christian"... This way of thinking drives me crazy....

I have my beliefs and my beliefs do not necessarily go with the "politically correct" way society is today... But one thing that must be understood is this: Because my beliefs and my value system is different than some... that does not mean I judge them... it does not mean I condemn them.... it does not mean I hate them.. It does mean that I do not agree with them and I choose to live my life differently...

Acceptance and Judgment has a very fine line..

I don't believe in having kids before marriage.... but I would never point my finger at someone and judge them... I would never condemn them.. their children.. that is a ridiculous thought...

I don't agree with gay marriages.. I believe a marriage is between one man and one woman... but I would never tell a gay couple that they are wrong.. I would never place them in a defensive or hurtful position... Frankly, a very dear friend of mine married her partner of over 20 years... I love her and her partner... and in that love we respect each others beliefs... it's okay we disagree...

I don't believe in getting so drunk that you lose perceptive.... you lose rational thought.. I do believe drinking is okay in moderation... for some.. But I would never serve alcohol at my home if there was someone there fighting a drinking addiction.... because I do not believe I am being a true friend if I tempted them with something they have a hard time controlling...

I don't believe in sex before marriage... I am not going to pretend that I was innocent the day I got married... so far from it..... way way far from it... and I have had to pay the price for my indiscretions. Having to fight precancerous problems for the rest of my life because I slept with the wrong guy in college over 20 years ago... Not being able to give my husband that special gift of myself.... I hope and pray that my girls will use better judgment than I did..

I do believe in love.... I do believe in acceptance.... I do believe that we were all created by the same God and that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.... whether you have accepted Him or not... I do believe that regardless of our beliefs and value system we must find a way to accept one another and respect our differences... and not place judgment...

Monday, September 14, 2009

Satan's Three Thoughts.



Satan's Three Thoughts He Helps Put Into The Minds Of Non-Believers

  1. Is there a God?
  2. There might be something to this God thing but it really doesn't matter to me.
  3. I have ALL the time in the world - I don't need to make a decision anytime soon...
Last Friday night in a high school not too far from me a young seventeen (17) year old football player died on the field.... No one knows the cause - he was running and all of a sudden dropped dead to the ground...

Last Sunday - a young girl was crying because of this young man.... He was her friend.... She said that he was asking questions a few weeks ago about Jesus..... this young girl felt so very guilty because she did not have time to answer his questions.... She is afraid that he never had his questions answered....

Last Sunday night - a young man was joyful through his tears because of this young football player... He was his friend.... Last Wednesday night at a youth ministry get together this football player came.... He accepted Christ as His Savior... The young man said that the football player was on fire to know Jesus.... almost desperate in fact..... Now he knows why.... Jesus wanted him home.....

Last Saturday afternoon I was at Office Depot - as I was standing in line - I heard the people in front of me talking to the cashier.... The cashier was a young man in his early 20's - he was saying something about something changing his outlook on death... I have no idea what it was he was talking about.... The lady in front of me asked him if he knew Jesus.. The cashier said "I've heard of him but that's about it" Then the woman asked do you believe in Jesus - that he exists and died on the cross for our sins.... The cashier said, "I really don't believe in anything"... The lady said that you need to know Jesus and know that he loves you.... Jesus loves you so much.... I literally saw the cashier's eyes glaze over.... I think this reaction happens more often than not... the disinterest... The lady and her husband left.. I was up next - I looked at this young cashier - I said "You know - the lady is right - you don't have all the time in the world..." This poor cashier's eyes just bugged out in surprise... I later shared this story with a friend of mine.... I told how his eyes glazed over.... She said that you and the lady planted the seeds and the rest is up to God....

There are many people who I care about that are living their lives.. Living without believing.... Living without knowing.... Living in perfect ignorance.... Thinking they have plenty of time... Thinking that all this "God Stuff" does not pertain to them.... We need to let it be know - that Satan is the Master of Deception and they do matter.... they may not have plenty of time... . Think of the young seventeen (17) year old boy... you would think that he would have had a lot of time........

Monday, September 7, 2009

Surrendering My Pain


Have you ever reached out to someone so many times... only to be rejected? Have you ever wanted to make amends and say "I'm sorry" but the person you want to say it to has turned away.... with eyes and ears closed... Have you ever been so hurt by someone - that you lashed back - only to realize that your actions and anger was not the right thing to do.... it only causes more pain..

What do you do when the person you love... you need - doesn't love or need you back? Doesn't know how to forgive.... Doesn't want to forgive.... Doesn't know how to love.... Doesn't want to love.... Do you let it fester? Do you just leave it alone? Do you keep trying? Do you turn your back too?

I am lucky to have great loving people in my world... I have encouragers... prayer warriors... sisters in Christ.... People who understand pain..... People who love unconditionally.. People who know how to forgive and forget... People who teach me about the woman, mother, sister, daughter, and friend I want to be....

This year has been a time of soul searching.... a time of letting go.... a time of being real... a time of finding the answers... a time of strengthening my walk with Jesus... a time of appreciating the people in my life..... a time of loving my husband better... a time of setting an example for my daughters.....

I recently shared my story with a person very close to me... Shared the pain I have been enduring for the past year.... How to deal with it.... How to let it go.... Her advice is something that I feel was the right answer... for me....

I need to surrender my pain to God..... I need to trust God in every aspect of my life... I need to release the one who cannot love.. cannot forgive... cannot forget.... I need to give all this to God.. I need to be humble... and admit that Jesus is Lord... that He is God and that I am not... I need to release this pain that I have been holding on to so tightly and just let Him have it.... God wants us to give Him our sadness, our worry, our hurt, and pain...

Today - I have given this person to God.... What is meant to be.. will be... I cannot control the outcome.. I no longer want to try.... I have surrendered and where that leads.. God only knows and I have my trust.. my complete trust in Him... I'm looking up......



Friday, September 4, 2009

All My Blood..


I read this story many years ago - I wanted to share it with you today.. I hope you are as blessed as I was... and still am..

ALL MY BLOOD

There was a little girl named Liza who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies, needed to combat the illness.

The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save Liza."

As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded.

He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice. "Will I start to dies right away?" Being young, the boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give her ALL his blood.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Obama - "We Are Not A Christian Nation"


I don't know how authentic this letter is - and I really don't care - What I do care about is what the letter says. - I received this letter in an email today and reading the truths in it deeply saddens me. We have a President that does not care about our country.. he does not care what our country was founded on.... he has his own agenda and it's not the American people...

April 17, 2009
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington , DC 20500


Mr. Obama:
I have had it with you and your administration, sir. Your conduct on your recent trip overseas has convinced me that you are not an adequate representative of the United States of America collectively or of me personally.

You are so obsessed with appeasing the Europeans and the Muslim world that you have abdicated the responsibilities of the President of the United States of America . You are responsible to the citizens of the United States .. You are not responsible to the peoples of any other country on earth.

I personally resent that you go around the world apologizing for the United States telling Europeans that we are arrogant and do not care about their status in the world. Sir, what do you think the First World War and the Second World War were all about if not the consideration of the peoples of Europe ? Are you brain dead? What do you think the Marshall Plan was all about? Do you not understand or know the history of the 20th century?

Where do you get off telling a Muslim country that the United States does not consider itself a Christian country? Have you not read the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution of the United States ? This country was founded on Judeo-Christian ethics and the principles governing this country, at least until you came along, come directly from this heritage. Do you not understand this?

Your bowing to the king of Saudi Arabia is an affront to all Americans. Our President does not bow down to anyone, let alone the king of Saudi Arabia . You didn't show Great Britain , our best and one of our oldest allies, the respect they deserve yet you bow down to the king of Saudi Arabia . How dare you, sir! How dare you!

You cant find the time to visit the graves of our greatest generation because you don't want to offend the Germans but make time to visit a mosque in Turkey ... You offended our dead and every veteran when you give the Germans more respect than the people who saved the German people from themselves. What's the matter with you? I am convinced that you and the members of your administration have the historical and intellectual depth of a mud puddle and should be ashamed of yourselves, all of you..

You are so self-righteously offended by the big bankers and the American automobile manufacturers yet do nothing about the real thieves in this situation, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Frank, Franklin Raines, Jamie Gorelic, the Fannie Mae bonuses, and the Freddie Mac bonuses. What do you intend to do about them? Anything? I seriously doubt it.

What about the U.S. House members passing out $9.1 million in bonuses to their staff members on top of the $2.5 million in automatic pay raises that lawmakers gave themselves? I understand the average House aide got a 17% bonus. I took a 5% cut in my pay to save jobs with my employer. You haven't said anything about that. Who authorized that? I surely didn't!

Executives at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be receiving $210 million in bonuses over an eighteen-month period, that's $45 million more than the AIG bonuses. In fact, Fannie and Freddie executives have already been awarded $51 million not a bad take. Who authorized that and why haven't you expressed your outrage at this group who are largely responsible for the economic mess we have right now?

I resent that you take me and my fellow citizens as brain-dead and not caring about what you idiots do. We are watching what you are doing and we are getting increasingly fed up with all of you.

I also want you to know that I personally find just about everything you do and say to be offensive to every one of my sensibilities. I promise you that I will work tirelessly to see that you do not get a chance to spend two terms destroying my beautiful country.

Sincerely,
Every real American

Ms Kathleen Lyday
Fourth Grade Teacher

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Forgiveness Is Freeing...


I have learned over time that if you play the tit for tat game you are going to lose.... Having a one up on someone does not make you a winner - it doesn't make you happy... it puts you on guard for the next tit... the next tat... It does not allow you to show forgiveness... grace - it makes you buy into Satan's game... he wants discord... conflict.... tit for tat games.... he wants hate...... he wants anger...

I have learned that there are many angry and hateful people in the world. People who are looking for the tit for tat games... the one up on you games.... the I'm superior and you are beneath me games.... People who are so sad in their own existence that it makes them feel better to hurt.. belittle... and threaten others.... They remind me of the bully on the playground... I cannot help but feel sorry for these people.. because I know beneath their gruff and hateful exterior they feel helpless and sad inside.... They need to find the peace that only God can give them... They need to release all the bad that is binding their hearts... their lives.... their souls....

No one wants to live a life of pain. No one does..... But many find comfort in their anger... their hate... they may use excuses to give reason for the way they are.... They may have had an abusive parent... an abusive spouse.. friend, relative.. they are ill - they are not appreciated.. they have been abandoned.... there are thousands of reasons and excuses to build anger and hate on - it's all about choices.... We decide if we want to hate and take out our anger on others or we let it go... But the fact remains - everyone has had their share of pain... It is up to us to let go of what others have done or not done to us.....

I will never forget the death of a dear friend's dad.... her dad was an angry and often times an abusive man.. He did and said things to his daughters that no father should ever say or do.... He suffered for many years from cancer and many other smoking relating diseases.. I know that he found comfort in her faith... and in her sister's faith.... I know he found forgiveness.... But on the night he died - he was seeking forgiveness from her sister - he would not let go until he received it... When her sister told him that she forgave him and that she loved him... he became free... she became free..... Forgiving people who have harmed you.... is freeing.. It gives peace... It brings you closer to Christ and in that forgiveness and peace.. You find comfort... Her dad's death changed me... changed her it made us realize that life is so very short and I want to spend it loving others... not hating....

I love this quote about forgiveness from CS Lewis - There is no use in talking as if forgiveness were easy. We all know the old joke, "You've given up smoking once; I've given it up a dozen times." In the same way I could say of a certain man, "Have I forgiven him for what he did that day? I've forgiven him more times than I can count." For we find that the work of forgiveness has to be done over and over again....

God does not love us because we are lovable - many of us are not at times - me included - but He loves us because he loves - that is what He does.... I pray that I can become that person - the person who loves first at all times... that is quick to forgive.... slow to anger.... I pray that more people come to know Jesus and release their the hate and anger that bind them so that they can be free....





Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Blog Hop - Baby Pictures


This is my daughter Nicole when she was 3 1/2 years old. It was New Year's Eve and she was not feeling good. She got her favorite bunny blanket (my good friend Kim made it for her) - wrapped herself up and fell asleep. I just had to take this precious picture. After the picture was taken - I carried her to bed... kissed her on her warm forehead and said love you my sweet girl...... See you next year.....


MckLinky Blog Hop

Monday, August 31, 2009

Choose Your Family


Whoever does not care for his own relatives, especially his own family members, has turned against the faith and is worse than someone who does not believe in God. 1 Timothy 5:8

The old saying - You can choose your friends but you can't choose your family - is something I have heard countless times.. But we must choose our family... We must choose to love them - even when they are unlovable... We need to reach out to them even if they are unreachable...... We need to try even when their backs are turned against us.....

It is very true that the ones you love can cause you the most pain... that's just the way it is... We need to overcome the pain.. we need to let go of our pride and forgive... to love... regardless... It is a difficult thing to overcome when someone does not respond to your love.... but that is the time to continue to love and not give up.... That is not to say - that you should become a rug so that you will be walked on..... it just means you need to love... and not hold grudges... It means to become reachable... it means to be there.... when your love is received..... and hopefully returned...

Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. 1 John 2:10

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you in due time. 1 Peter 5:5-6.

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