You Won't Relent- Misty Edwards

I love this song too!! :-) Very powerful

It's late

I know it's late but I haven't written in a few days.  My baby girl is finally alseep so I thought I would take advantage of the time.  She is going through her clingy stage so I can't get much blogging done through the day.

Today was another "Monday". None of us wanted to get up after the holiday! We made it though, dragging nonetheless, but we made it. Today was also one of those days I wish I could do over.  Nothing bad happened, but I know I need to get back on the strong track with the Lord.  I need to get back in my Word and close, close fellowship with Him.  I feel like I am wasting so much time!  Ever have those moments?   I thank God He is a redeemer of time, but we are also responsible for the time He gives us.  We have to be good stewards of it.  I am going to stop talking about what I need to do, and just do it!  Just be it!  Be a better wife, a better mother, a better sister in Christ. Just be!!  :-)   My former Pastor taught us that. Just be what you know you need to be.  Stop talking about it, just be it! 

So yeah this post is not really about anything, just random thoughts.  Nothing really "super" spiritual to write on, just felt like writing.  I do look forward to sharing but lately I just haven't been in the blogging mood, so when it hit I wanted to take advantage of that.  Is that normal??  To all those experienced bloggers out there, do you guys have those days??   I am sure you do, it's just nice to hear you are not alone.

In spite of, God is and has been so good. I just need to get in His presence for a time of renewal and refreshing.  Seems like this time of year should be so exciting, but it's not.  Trying to get in the Christmas mood but it's kinda hard for some reason. I put out a few decorations thinking that would "do" it but nope.  I think I just need more of my Father.  You can only neglect your Spirit man for so long.  It starts feeling dry and parched and it affects everything you do and those around you.  You can only fake it for so long. 

That reminds me of a song, My Soul Longs for You, by Misty Edwards.  That's whats wrong. My soul and spirit are longing for my Father.  I know what I need to do, now Holy Spirit give me the strength to do it.  God is so awesome, how could I neglect Him. He takes time to love on me, how much more should I do the same for Him (regardless of feelings).

He has been doing some amazing things in the lives of my friends and family.  For that I give Him praise.  I will praise Him no matter how I feel.  I will praise Him because He is worthy.  It's not about me at all. It's a sacrifice and I see why. 

Well I guess that's it for now. Thanks for listening to my ramblings! I hope I didn't sound like I was complaining. Just emptying my head,  LOL.  Good night!

Things I am not thankful for!

Thanksgiving is almost here, and everyone is getting ready for the excitement, food, family or just a day of rest.

Lots of people are taking the time to list things they are thankful for this holiday season. We always take this time of year to really focus on the things we are thankful for (we should do this everyday).  The holiday of Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the Goodness of God and all the ways the Lord has blessed us!

I could follow that pattern and list the things I am thankful for, but I want to look at things different.  I am going to tell you some things I am not thankful for!! Yep there are some things I am not thankful for, and never will be. So here goes!!

1. I am not thankful for death, but I am thankful for Jesus. He died so I don't have to mourn, and if I accept Him as Lord I don't have to "die", I will only transfer to my new home when my earthly mission is complete.  Isaiah 53, Revelation 14:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:55

2.  I am not thankful for sickness and disease, I am thankful for Jehovah Rapha who is my healer and heals all of my diseases!  Exodus 15:22-26, Psalm 103, 1 Peter 2:20-26

3.  I am not thankful for poverty, but I am thankful for Jehovah Jireh, He always provides! Genesis 22:12-14, Philippians 4:19

4.  I am not thankful for confusion, but I am thankful for Jehovah Shalom, He is my peace!  Judges 6:22-24, Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 26:3, 1 Corinthians 14:33

5.  I am not thankful for the times I have felt alone or afraid, but I am thankful for Jehovah Shammah who is always here!   Ezekiel 48:35, 2 Timothy 1:7

6. I am not thankful for feeling lost, without a guide, but I am thankful for Jehovah Rohi, my sheppard, Psalm 23! I am also thankful for the Holy Spirit who never leaves my side, and is my comforter and guide. John 14:16,26

7.  I am not thankful for hard battles and trials, but I am thankful for Jehovah Nissi. He is my banner and I can run to him when the battle gets too much for me!  He is my deliverer.     Exodus 17:15, 2 Chronicles 20:14-15

8.  I am not thankful for my sin, and unworthiness, but I am thankful for Jehovah M'kaddesh, the God who sanctifies! Leviticus 20:8.   

9.  I am not thankful for unrighteousness, but grateful for Jehovah-Tsidkenu. He is my righteousness. Jeremiah 23:5-6. Thankful for Jesus too! He became my righteousness so I could be reconciled to the Father once and for all! 2 Corinthians 5:21

10.  I am not thankful for the times I feel weak, but I am thankful for Elohim. He is strong, prominent, and mighty! Deuteronomy 10:17, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

So as you see I really am thankful but there are lots of things I am not thankful for. I thank God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit for being everything I am not, doing what I can't, and loving me anyway! I pray you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful and grateful for! :-)

Why I Write

Write it girl, Week 3! Topic for the week; 

"When was the moment you first believed you were a writer?"

I never considered my self a writer.  NEVER. I am not a writer by nature, nor a reader by nature. Not my preconceived nature of what I had become by my own ideas anyway, but God had other plans.

I started this blog after meeting a friend on FB and she suggested I check out another blog for ideas on making money at home.  I am a SAHM of 3, so I was looking for a way to bring in a little extra income.  Blogging was one of the ideas.

I admired other blogs, but never seriously considered one for myself. I thought it would be hard and tedious. I thought you needed experience.  What in the world would I have to write about?  What would I say?  I am naturally a quiet person so talking in front of others is sometimes difficult.  I have always been quiet. I am not big on sharing my feelings and emotions.

I would envy people that had talents, that were walking in their calling. What was mine??? I am not really good at anything. I can't sew, I can't draw, I can't sing, or anything close to any of that. 

I started the blog anyway. I figured it if didn't work out I could always delete it.  I started to notice that things would come to me in the night. Profound things, things that I know my mind didn't come up with. I felt like I needed to write this stuff down, but never would. I would usually blow it off, or sometimes I would share it on Facebook, but as we know you have a limit as to how much you can write, or you would have to write a note and not many people read those.

My first post was short because I was afraid if it was too long I wouldn't have anything else to blog about, LOL.  Again God had other plans!  I enjoyed it, and amazingly I haven't run out of things to write about.  I know this is all God and take no credit because never would I have thought I would be writing anything but my name! :-)    I go back and read some of the posts and think, "WOW Lord, I know this has to be you and the Holy Spirit"!  I am honored that He has blessed me with this ministry.  The opportunity to write, to share, to encourage and to experience His grace, love and mercy through words.  I am learning about myself!  I am amazed at the things He tells me and shows me through the blogging process.  I am touched, encouraged and feel His presence every time I began to write.  I can't explain the feeling but it can be overwhelming at times, at least for me anyway.  I get excited when I think about writing. The computer has become my little sanctuary if you will. I know He will always meet me here.  

I have been able to share so many of my life experiences and gained many friends in the process.  I love it, and cannot imagine my life without blogging! 

Thank you Jesus for allowing me the opportunity to share You, to experience You, to be in awe of You through writing.  I still don't consider myself a writer. I can't see me writing a book or anything. I do consider myself an ordinary girl just pouring out my life for the Lord over the computer. A Blogger for Jesus is what I am, and I don't take that lightly! God is awesome, and I am honored to be used by Him!

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Isaiah 55:8-9

  “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
      “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
  For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
      so my ways are higher than your ways
      and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

Write It Girl, (week 3)   Follow this link to read about more bloggers and why they began to write!

Roscoe

Roscoe, yeah Roscoe.  

He is a stray dog my husband picked up a few years ago from his old job.  Roscoe was matted, hungry, tired, but happy!  Happy to be chosen, fed, and loved.  We kept Roscoe for a few days before finding him a home.  I told my husband I didn't want another dog!  

Keeland actually spilled the beans because Mark knew not to put him in plain sight, he didn't want to hear my mouth! LOL  So, I walk in the house and Keeland keeps looking out the patio window and smiling......I already knew. Roscoe was and is still happy. He roams, he's free, and he just wants to have fun!  His new owner was so happy to have him, and Roscoe was happy to be with them.  Well his owner left and Roscoe is roaming again, but somehow he always finds his way back to our house.  Just to say hello!

I know God sent Roscoe to me one night, and here's why.  I am not normally a fearful person. I try not to be anyway, but there has been an unusual amount of crime sprees going on lately.  I suppose it's due to the holidays.  While I know God is there to protect me, sometimes I let the circumstances drown that out.  Well, Mark and Keeland left one evening to go to their weekly men's bible study. *Side note* Praise God for daddies that instill righteousness in their children, especially their boys!  

OK, so they left. Kalena and I are here, Kayla is at my moms for the night.  All of a sudden this fear came over me. I started praying then I heard Roscoe outside barking.  Not really what I wanted to hear because we all know dogs bark when they see something.  So I peek out the window, nothing.  Roscoe quiets down.. I pray and praise God for protection......he barks again. Mercy! Will he please stop!! I know "things" are out there but I don't really care for an announcement.  Kalena falls asleep, (dang, my little company has conked out on me) Normally I would be glad, but I kinda wanted her awake, LOL.  I tell myself I have to get a grip and go to bed myself.  Roscoe barks again......UGH!! I try to block it out.  I crawl into bed, read my word and I began to relax. I started to think " you know Roscoe isssss here", if  "someone" does try something he will get their attention at least". I look out and he is sitting right in front of the front door! Protecting our house. Protecting me in a sense. :-)  I get back in bed, and try to fall asleep.  I hear the Lord say, "See how you began to feel so secure because you know Roscoe is here?"  "Well, I want you to feel secure like that all the time, because I AM is here ALL THE TIME"!  Did I immediately stop being afraid?  No, but I felt more at peace.  Thank you Lord! I finally fell asleep and rested. 

When Mark finally arrived, Roscoe was gone. I thank God for allowing a little scraggly, matted dog to look out for me, but I thank God more for being the ultimate protector that never leaves!!  Praise God! Bless Jesus!  I never have to be afraid and neither do you.  :-)

2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

  

Psalm 91 The Lord—the One We Trust

  He who lives in the safe place of the Most High will be in the shadow of the All-powerful. I will say to the Lord, “You are my safe and strong place, my God, in Whom I trust.” For it is He Who takes you away from the trap, and from the killing sickness. He will cover you with His wings. And under His wings you will be safe. He is faithful like a safe-covering and a strong wall.

  You will not be afraid of trouble at night, or of the arrow that flies by day. You will not be afraid of the sickness that walks in darkness, or of the trouble that destroys at noon. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand. But it will not come near you. You will only look on with your eyes, and see how the sinful are punished. Because you have made the Lord your safe place, and the Most High the place where you live, nothing will hurt you. No trouble will come near your tent.

  For He will tell His angels to care for you and keep you in all your ways. They will hold you up in their hands. So your foot will not hit against a stone. You will walk upon the lion and the snake. You will crush under your feet the young lion and the snake.

  Because he has loved Me, I will bring him out of trouble. I will set him in a safe place on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will take him out of trouble and honor him. I will please him with a long life. And I will show him My saving power.

2011 - Growth

Thought this was pretty cool! From The Gypsy Mama! For five minutes we write, no editing, no thinking about it. Just write!  Today’s topic is Grow.

Go.

Ok here goes! Just write. Ok....

2011 Has certainly been a year of growth for our family.  Last year I lost my grandmother (was not expecting it), I had a baby (was not expecting it, lol)  my husband lost and got another job, my children changed schools, we changed churches (we were there for 10 years) I started this blog, I reconnected with my dad after 10 yrs, and the biggest of all, I left my job to be home with my babies, we have 3! WHEW!!

I have seen God move in so many ways this year by all of these changes.  The most important thing I learned is that God doesn't change.  He knew everything that would happen and prepared us all for it. God is just awesome like that.  He never changes!

Through it all I have felt the stretching and pruning that comes with growth.  I guess you call them growing pains!  Boy have I felt them! It may not always feel good at the time, but in the end you appreciate all the changes.......at least I know I do.

God has shown Himself this year, and I can't wait to see what He is going to do next year! Whatever happens I know He is already there waiting for us! Be blessed  :-)

Malachi 3:6

"I am the LORD, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed".

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

STOP.

READ MORE POSTS HERE! 

GO

I heard a message tonight that opened my eyes. 

I didn't know they were closed.........until tonight.  

I want to live out this faith, live out my Jesus.  With no apologies, just radical living.  What will He ask me to do?  I don't know, but I await the answer.  I want Him to be in me so deep that my body exudes His heavenly fragrance.  Not for my pleasure or glory, but for His!  I want to stop being afraid because if His love is really in me, it cast out all fear.  

My ministry is here, my ministry is now.  It's not in the sweet by and by.....it's in the present.  It's waiting on me to act, to move, to do, to go.  My ministry is my home, my family, my neighborhood......and its waiting!

Sweet Jesus engulf me in your love so that I may live out this life for you.  We sing the song " I Give Myself Away" but how much have we given away??  A snippet here, a snippet there?  Jesus doesn't want a snippet, He wants it ALL.  The lost don't need a snippet of Jesus, they need all of Jesus!  They die and go to hell every second, but we eat the Word and sit on it.  We are spiritual pigs wallowing in our own mud.  While they die........

Someone saved me from the flames, now I must make it my duty to be a light and a witness to the walking dead.  I was a dead women walking once, but someone snatched me from the flames.  Will I do the same??  Am I too afraid to get burned??  I shouldn't be.  If he can save Daniel from the lion's den, and the firey furnace surely he can help me too. 

Jesus forgive me......for my apathty,  my empathy,  my wallowing.  

No, I want to be burned.  Burned for Jesus!! Light a fire under me so that my feet can't be still.   My feet must go to do your work!

Jesus I write for you.....I care for my children for you......I love my husband for you.....I smile at a stranger for......YOU.

Make me uncomfortable (did I  just say that?)  Yes flesh, I did! MAKE ME UNCOMFORTABLE JESUS (I said it again)! 

Forgive me for wasting time! I am here Jesus.....use me!

Romans 10:9-10   If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 

Mark 16:15   And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.