One Moment Of Weakness

Have you ever gone on a diet.... and cheated.... And because you cheated you made yourself feel defeated.... and instead of jumping back on the diet you chose to blow it for the rest of the day... the rest of the week... the month... That one moment of weakness set you on a path of self destruction... This is what I believe happens when we sin... One sin - one moment of weakness - one indiscretion can create a domino effect of compounding our sin... to do more sin.. Until you are so buried... so caught up in what you are doing that it seems that there is no hope ... But all the time - your stomach - your heart is telling you to STOP... Have you ever felt this way?

Guilt is a very powerful negative emotion... I believe it is God's way of telling us to STOP!

Everyday is a new day... a new opportunity to do what is right... We can break away from sin... The decision is ours....

Hold Fast to what is right.. Hold Fast to your Father... Hold Fast to Love... Hold Fast... Don't give up...

May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.. Psalm 51:10

There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. Romans 8:1-3

Jesus said, "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:24

I Have A Question...

First off - I have to say I believe in God - I know that one day I will be with Him.... By His blood I have been forgiven... I have been saved.... I am in no way doubting this to be true.... I love my Lord and Savior with all my Heart, with all my mind, and with all my soul...

But I have a Question - maybe it's just me.... or maybe you've seen it too....

Why are the saddest people I know the most devote believers I know? I find myself at times sad but that sadness does not define my life... I try to seek happiness.... I believe through Him - I will... I do....

Are they sad because they are not with Him now?
Are they sad because they have not given their sadness to Him?
Are they sad because they just are?

I try to understand... I try to empathize - I try to reach out to them... I really do... But I find myself backing away from people who are constantly full of sorrow.... I am in no way judging them - at least I try not too.... But I have to admit this constant sadness gets so very annoying... I just want to say, "Snap out of it!!!!"

There are days that we are just weepy... I know I have many times found myself tearing up in church or when I think about His love for me... I can tear up at a commercial... at a thought... a memory... but that moment passes and I am me again... a person who tries to let God's love shine through me... and in that shine - I hope... I pray that when others see me.. They see joy and not sorrow...

What do you think believers can be so sad?

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...

Let's Be Joyful

The Joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

Consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: REJOICE! Philippians 4:4

God will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Job 8:21

"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hand," declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:12

I love love this video - can't help but cry.... I'm just a big cry baby.. I guess