I'm back

Well, it's been a long time, hasn't it? With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I haven't found much time to get on here and blog. Of course with the new year nipping at my heel, it's time to make a resolution to continue with my blogging and to try not to take month long sabbaticals! There is much to write about but I'll just start with this for now and write more later. It's time to look back on all that happened in 2008 and to look forward to all that is to come in 2009.

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

Elf Yourself

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Boys & Girls for Jesus

When I was growing up we used to listen to the Children’s Bible Hour on the radio. I really remember hearing it Sunday mornings while we were getting ready for church. Uncle Charlie and his cast really made an impact on me and that’s why I think so fondly of them even now. I remember the opening song, “Boys and Girls for Jesus”. I used to get their kids devotional called, Keys for Kids. I actually still have one! As I was walking down memory lane the other day, I decided to look up the Children’s Bible Hour on the internet and lo and behold I found it! Not only is their ministry thriving today but you can also take a step back to the days gone by. They have a link where you can actually listen to the older radio programs on your computer! The other cool thing is that they have the old programs on CD’s that you can buy. I just thought this was such a neat thing and really got me excited! I love how I can go back and hear things and experience things that I did as a child and experience them again as an adult.

If you have kids or if you remember listening to the Children’s Bible Hour, go back and check their website. It’s exciting to see what they are doing now with technology and the new devotionals and story times for kids.
http://www.cbhministries.org/home.php

wholly to you

This is a song that I've enjoyed ever since I heard it. It's really a prayer and testimony of what I strive for in my Christian walk. To give myself wholly to God and allow Him to use me in the way that He sees fit...less of me...more of Him!

All I have, all I am
And all I ever hope to be
I give it all, all to You
Watch and see, I will be true


Chorus:
Lord Jesus, You are Holy
Lord Jesus, You are Mighty
And I give myself wholly to You


All I've said and all I've done
Has been erased by Your blood
And I am amazed by Your grace
I raise my hands and praise Your name


Now I stand alone before
You and Your kingdom, Lord
And I want to see Your blessing through
Less of me and more of You.

The song should start on it's own...if not you can play it here.

thinking outside the box

At Christmastime, it always seems that people get too much or get things that they don't need or want and we end up spending so much money during a season that should be focused on our Lord Jesus Christ. As we approach Christmas I've received a couple of catalogs for gifts outside the traditional Christmas box. Instead of getting another tie for your dad, another cookbook for mom, another toy for the kids, why not think outside the box and give a gift that will benefit a person in need? World Vision is one organization that allows you to do something truly unique. You can actually buy chickens, goats, cows, a water well, or even help sexually exploited girls. You can check out their website at www.worldvisiongifts.org

The other program I've heard about this year is WorldCrafts. Since I attend a Southern Baptist Church, I've just recently become familiar with this. The Women's Missionary Union sponsored a WorldCrafts event at our church. This organization goes to villages that are poor and desolate and they facilitate a way for their handmade goods to be sold thus bringing income to their village. There are some beautiful crafts that would make excellent Christmas gifts. Their website is www.worldcraftsvillage.com

Think about it...think about doing something different this Christmas. Even as a family you could decide that instead of spending money on things that will end up in a garage sale or Goodwill, you can take that money and invest it in something that will mean so much to a person or family in another part of the world.

Philippians 4:6-7

Great passage...different versions.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Don't worry about anything. Instead, tell God about everything. Ask and pray. Give thanks to him. Then God's peace will watch over your hearts and your minds because you belong to Christ Jesus. God's peace can never be completely understood. (NIRV)

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.(MSG)

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.(NLT)

my soul must sing

Don't you just love to sing praises to the Lord? Being a person who loves to sing, that is my main form of worship. Every time I sing I try to make it a time of worship with my Savior. It doesn't just have to be on Sunday's during service. Worship happens all week long. I praise the Lord when I'm driving, when I'm getting ready in the morning or even when I'm cleaning house. God is so wonderful, amazing and truly beautiful and my soul must sing to Him for all He has done!

He Knows My Name

It's so comforting to know that God knows each of us individually. He knows our thoughts, our dreams, our struggles and He cares! This is a great song with an encouraging message.

Encouragement for Today

A great reminder as we move forward as a country...GOD IS IN CONTROL!

Ten Truths That Will Still Remain After Today...

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.

GOD WILL STILL BE CONTROL!

hearing for the first time

We tend to get used to singing the same songs and hearing them played over and over again that we often just tune out to the words. I know I've done that with a lot of songs. Especially if they are played a lot or sung a lot. Yesterday in church we sang "Shout to the Lord". That is a song I've heard hundreds of times and have probably sung it that many times as well. It became one of those songs for me that I just sang and rarely thought about. Yesterday I felt as if I was hearing it and singing it for the first time. I was so thankful that the Lord used that song to touch my heart once again. The line that stuck out to me the most was "I sing for joy at the work of your hands...nothing compares to the promise I have in you." Wow. When was the last time you genuinely sang for joy at the work of God's hands? It's a challenge to all of us to really sing from our hearts and mean what we sing. We shouldn't just sing because others around us are singing and people might look at us funny if we stand there not opening our mouth. We need to be coming into the presence of the Lord with a heart of worship and truly meaning the words that we sing. I know a lot of you have heard this song just as many times as I have. I would encourage you to listen to it again. In a moment of meditation, close your eyes, listen to the song and think of the amazing privilege we have in praising our Lord.

have you had your devotions today?

The past couple of days I’ve really been thinking about my grandparents. I didn’t know my mother’s parents well but I was blessed with knowing my father’s parents. They lived not too far from where we lived. We actually could ride bikes to their house!

All of my grandparents have passed on but they have left behind an amazing godly heritage. I am so thankful for the Christian values that my grandparents instilled in my parents and my parents in me. We called my dad’s parents, Nan & Pop.

I want to take some time and write down some memories I have with Nan & Pop.

I remember as a child going over to their house and sitting on Nana’s lap. Even as I grew she would want me to sit on her lap. I told her I would break her (because she was the tiniest thing) but she insisted even as a teen to sit on her lap.

I remember when my parents went away on a trip, I stayed at Nan & Pop’s. I actually think I had pneumonia or some other ailment during that time. They always took such great care of me.

I remember the organ that sat in their back room. This was the organ my dad played in church. I would go back there, turn it on and play. Also in that back room we did a lot of reading…Nan had those wonderful Bible story books…they were Arch story books. We would sit and read together and one of the highlights was getting recorded on the tape recorder! As a child I loved hearing myself or others on tape. What technology!

Another memory I have are playing games…Pop loved Chinese checkers and Tri-Ominos. We had a blast playing those games. They also had a Bugs Bunny puzzle that I loved to put together…I actually still have it!

Often times I would eat at Nan & Pop’s. Nan would make pot roasts and potatoes and served salad with her homemade 1,000 island dressing. I would help her set the table.

Pop was a great gardener. I loved smelling all the magnificent roses that Pop grew.

These are some wonderful memories and I’m so thankful I can still remember them but there is one thing that I remember most about my grandparents….they were amazing godly people. They were faithful in church, faithful in prayer, faithful to each other, faithful to their family, faithful to God.

There is one thing that Pop used to do every time he saw me and I know he asked it of other family members as well. He would ask, “Did you have your devotions today?” I can’t tell you how many times as a teenager I would make some response up. I think I did that because I didn’t want to disappoint him but at the same time why lie about something like that? We are all human and we all have days when we don’t spend time with the Lord. We should strive for that daily relationship continually. It wasn’t until later, as I matured, that I really appreciated Pop asking that question and to this day I really miss hearing it. I think Nan & Pop would be pleased to see where I am with the Lord today. I can’t wait to see Nan & Pop again when we are reunited in heaven, praise the Lord! I just can’t wait to tell Pop how much I appreciated him asking that question of me and how much it has influenced my daily walk with the Lord.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4

HE IS ABLE

A couple of songs for you today. On my walk this morning I was reminded of a good song that I haven't heard in a very long time. The lyrics go like this:

He is able, more than able
to accomplish what concerns me today.
He is able, more than able
to handle anything that comes my way.
He is able, more than able
to do much more than I could ever dream,
He is able, more than able,
to make me what He wants me to be.

You can search for the song and play it here.


As I was searching for the song on youtube I found this other song by the same name. It's actually a song I used to sing as a special in church. I haven't heard this song in years as well. It was so encouraging to hear again. Interestingly enough the song is sung by one of my favorites, Whitley Phipps. He just has the most magnificent voice. The ironic thing is that he is singing this amazing song filled with unbelievable truth on the Oprah Winfrey show. Of course this was many years ago but to see this Oprah show of yesteryear and compare it to what her show is now, the two are very different.

Here's the video clip:

turning back the hands of time

I must say as I’ve gotten older I’ve become one of those people who long for the “good ‘ol days”. I know I still have a lot of life left to live if God has that for me but as I’ve aged I’ve experienced more. As a child, I remember feeling so safe and secure. I recall being able to play outside and riding my bike all over…I would walk over to the school across the street and play on the playground. I even remember as I got a little older, walking down to the drug store and grocery store! Some of those things kids can’t do today because of the world in which we now live. The thing I long for the most when I look back is the innocence. I hear people that are older than me talking about more innocent times when they were growing up and really those days were more innocent.

Things weren’t talked about as widely as they are today (i.e.: teen pregnancy, homosexuality, abortion, etc). Nowadays we fight over these things. We stand firm in our beliefs on these topics whichever side it may be. We vote on these issues. We look to leadership who believe the same things we do. Life seems to have gotten more hectic as the years go on. I know there is nothing new under heaven. Nothing is a surprise to God and shouldn’t be a surprise to us.

There are days when I wish I could turn back the hands of time. Go back to my more innocent days when I didn’t have the realm of knowledge I do today. But where does that put me? As nice as it would be go back to those days it is our future that has the hope and promise! I know during these days of uncertainty it doesn’t seem like there is a lot of hope but God does promise that to His children.

During this election period I just keep reminding myself that God is in control regardless of the outcome. People are scared. They want someone to save them and to make everything better. Neither of the candidates can do that only Christ can! Christ came so that we could have life and live it abundantly. Christ promises us that His plans are the best for us…they are plans to prosper us and not to harm us. What great truth! Why do we as Christians often forget this?

Christians can certainly get caught up in the “woe is me” feelings…the economy is crashing; our nation is headed into a socialist society, etc, etc. But remember…Christ already came to set us free! He has been and always will be in control. As we count down the days to Election Day, let us not stop looking to the one who holds our hope, who holds our future. May we earnestly go to God in prayer, asking, begging for His mercy on our nation.

IN GOD WE STILL TRUST!

examples in overcoming

I spent some time watching videos on godtube and youtube last night. I came across two that caused some tears to form in my eyes. One is about a deaf violinist. As a former violinist myself, I think of the adversity those with a disability might encounter in order to play a beloved instrument whether it be a violin, a piano, or even in singing. This video has a powerful message.


The second is another video on overcoming challenge. Two dancers come together and show how even without an arm or a leg they can do something amazing using each others strengths. It's an amazing video to watch.


Both are a good reminder that WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!

Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." Luke 18:27

the moon and the stars, the sun and the earth and jupiter and mars

God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. Genesis 1:16

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place. Psalm 8:3

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. Psalm 33:6

I have always had a fascination with space...meaning outer space. As a child I used to love going to the Wright Patt Air Force Museum and walking through the space history area. Of course I always had to have space ice cream before I left the museum! I just had such a desire to be in space, even as a child. When I went to a planetarium, I found myself emotionally overwhelmed as I watched the presentation. A couple of years ago I saw a movie called, "In the Shadow of the Moon". It was a documentary about the lunar shuttles and the landing. I couldn't get enough of it!


I love gazing into the sky in the morning to see the sunrise and in the evening to stare at the stars and moon. It just so happens that when I walk in the mornings I've been able to see the moon still bright and high in the sky and the sunrise all in the same walk! It's been amazing. I've actually tripped a couple of times because I've been gawking at the sky and not looking in front of me.


I think the reason I am so in awe of the heavens is that not only did my Creator create it but I have such a desire to be in heaven one day. Sometimes I feel the closest to God and those who have gone before me by just gazing into the heavens. I'm just amazed at how the stars and planets hang in space at God's command. Wow!


When was the last time you gazed into the sky? Whether it be day time or night time the heavens are outstanding and that is just one facet of God's creation. I encourage you to stop and study the clouds, the stars, the sunrise, the sunset, the colors and shades...all the things that make up the heavens. Thank God for his mighty creation!

being held

I like a wide range of music, especially when it comes to Christian music. The song I'm posting today is one that has always been encouraging to me. It describes the hurts and pains that we face in life and how at times we can feel so alone. There are others in life that have been through the same trials but none compare to what Jesus went through. He faced it all. He felt all the emotions we face. He has been there and He is there now to hold us and carry us through our struggles. How encouraging to know that the God I worship and love has experienced life as man and knows what I deal with day in and day out. I hope that encourages you too.

Hold Me Now
By: Kirk Franklin

The spring of April is gone
The leaves have all turned brown
The children are all grown up
And there's no one around
I'm looking over my life
And all the mistakes I've made
And I'm afraid, afraid
Somebody told me that
You would wash all my sins
And cleanse me from the scars
That are so deep within
So I'm calling to you
If you can hear me, I don't know how
I was wondering
Can You hold me now?

You are the only one that's patient when I fall
Your angels come to save me every time I call
You don't laugh at me when I make mistakes and cry
You're not like man, you understand me

See people change
One day they don't like You
The next they do
I wish that everyone
Could love me just like You
So here I am, this sinful man
Peace won't allow
I was wondering
Can You hold me now?
I was wondering
Can You hold me now?

To every broken person that may hear this song
To every boy or girl who feels their smile is gone
I know exactly how it feels
To lay in the bed at night
And cry, and cry
Don't you worry
God is faithful and He cares
About the tears you drop
And the pain you feel, He's there
When you are weak, that's when He's strong
Even though you don't know how
Don't you worry
Jesus can hold you now

making plans

Proverbs 16:9

We make our own plans, but the LORD decides where we will go. (CEV)

We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it. (The Message)

In your heart you plan your life. But the Lord decides where your steps will take you. (NIRV)

The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. (NASB)

This verse was on my calendar for today. I can't recall ever reading this verse and truly listening to the words. I know I've read it because I've often times read a chapter of Proverbs a day. But today that verse stood out to me.

I know there are a lot of things in my life that I have a plan for. When I was younger and getting ready to graduate high school, I initially had plans to go to a local medical school to study to be a radiology technician. I wasn't accepted into the school, so I went on to college. When I entered there I thought I wanted to be a teacher and I studied that path. That door later closed. I also had a plan to get married and have a family by a certain age. These were all plans that I had created and they became desires of my heart. But in reading this passage I am yet reminded, I can plan and dream all I want but it's God that is going to direct my every step and lead me. No matter what I do, what choices I make, God decides where my steps will take me.

That is encouraging to me...to know that He knows my life, He knows my dreams and plans and He will guide me every where I go. God is looking out for me and He's looking out for you. His plans are the best and He wants to pour down His blessings on us.

I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11 The Message

Are we seeking His guidance in all that we do? Do we trust God with all our heart?

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message

it could be today

I received this devotional today in my email. It was written by David Jeremiah.

Country music artist Tim McGraw's hit single "Live Like You Were Dying" was a number one hit in 2004. It tells the story of a man faced with a terminal disease and how he chooses to spend his final days on earth: sky diving, bull riding, fishing, and mountain climbing. At a deeper level, the song's subject also begins to read the Bible and forgive everyone who had ever wronged him.

All of us are faced with the terminal disease called death that should keep us motivated to use our time wisely. But the Christian has an even more urgent deadline approaching: the Rapture of the church when Jesus Christ returns to call those who are His to meet Him in the sky. The Bible says that event could happen today. If you lived today as if it were your last day on earth, what would you do differently? Most important, who would you tell about Jesus? Who would you urge to repent of their sins and receive God's forgiveness if you knew that Jesus' return was just a few hours away?

The truth is, His return is nearer now than it was yesterday—and it could be today. Who is waiting for you to share the good news of the Gospel with them before it is too late?

Here is the song.

I Asked God

I asked God to take away my habit. God said, No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, No. His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn’t granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No. I give you blessing; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No. I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me. God said…Finally you have the idea.

I received this reading in an email. Click here for the link.

Standing on the Promises

Joshua 23:14

You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. (NIV)

The Lord your God has kept all of the good promises he gave you. Every one of them has come true. Not one has failed to come true. And you know that with all your heart and soul. (NIRV)

Know this with all your heart, with everything in you, that not one detail has failed of all the good things GOD, your God, promised you. It has all happened. Nothing's left undone—not so much as a word. (The Message)

My daily calendar had this verse on it today. The more I read it and mulled over it, the more it encouraged me. The fact that every one of God’s promises has been fulfilled and not one has failed is an amazing thought. That gives me encouragement today and in the days to come. No matter what happens in life God’s promises are true and we can stand firm on those promises. As I typed those last words I recalled a hymn we used to sing in church, “Standing on the Promises”. Below are the words and a video. Reacquaint yourself with that wonderful hymn that is full of truth. Through Christ, we can live victoriously regardless of the situations we face in life. Are you standing on God’s promises today?



Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

Chorus:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

a difference a hug can make

Today as I was working, one of the older ladies from our congregation came in. She was in need of a ride to the bank. She is definitely a more haggard looking woman and isn't very clean. She has a son that lives with her but he doesn't take care of her. We don't know if she eats and bathes regularly...she is in need of a lot of help. She had walked from her home to the church to look for a ride since the bank was too far. Several of the staff were gone to lunch and the pastor came in and asked if I would take her. Deep down in my heart I was hoping he would take her. I didn't know this woman and to be honest I was a little afraid of having her in my car. I know that wasn't a right attitude to have at the moment but that soon changed. We got to my car and I had to help her in as she was rather frail. As we rode to the bank we had conversation about her life. I found out that after we were done with the bank, I needed to take her home. Since I am fairly new to the area, I had no idea where the road was that she lived on! So here we were, a woman who is loosing her mental capabilities and a woman who had no idea where she was going! We really took the scenic route but after several minutes we found her home. I went around the side to her door to help her out of the car. She just laughed and apologized for the run around and thanked me for taking her. It was then she reached over and hugged me. At that moment I forgot that she was frail and unclean. I hugged her back. I left with a smile on my face and a real blessing in my heart. That incident reminded me of something. We have a choice to react to each and every situation that we are faced with every day. Initially I wasn't too thrilled with having to take her to the bank but as I took the time to listen to her and enjoy getting lost with her I remembered that she is God's creation just like I am. God loves her just as much as He loves me and I should love her as He does. What a lesson! I went back to work feeling extremely touched and blessed by the unexpected car ride.

Slow Fade

This is a great song with a powerful message. Check it out.

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

God shuffles my iPod

In the mornings when I walk, I usually have my iPod with me. When I start my walk I select “Shuffle Songs”. Even in the randomization process, I don’t believe it is totally random. I am convinced that the songs that play are meant for my ears that very morning. God has a hand in my iPod’s shuffling process. There have been many walks where a song comes on that just touches my heart in an amazing way or is a reminder of a truth that I needed to hear at that very moment. This morning that song was, “God Will Make a Way”. It’s an older chorus but its lyrics are overwhelmingly true.

God will make a way
When there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way
He will make a way!

God's Answers to Prayer

Dear Lord, help me understand, as I kneel to pray,
That You, indeed, will answer it, though there are several ways.
The first, of course, is obvious, the one we most like to receive.
If everyone got a "yes" to their prayers, it would be easy to believe.

But, Father, there are two more ways You may handle my appeal.
So, please don't let Your denial dampen my spiritual zeal.
For You alone can see beyond the benefits I ask for,
So help me take "no" for an answer, when You decide to shut the door.

And don't let me forget the third way You may answer my request,
Because You know exactly the time that it would benefit me best.
You see, the hardest answer of them all, develops true virtue -
For we develop patience, Lord, when we learn to wait on
You.

By: Beth Fisher

with all my heart

WITH ALL MY HEART
By: Babbie Mason

In this quiet place with you I bow before your throne
I bare the deepest part of me to you and you alone
I keep no secrets for there is no thought You have not known
I bring my best and all the rest to you and lay them down

With all my heart I want to love you Lord
And live my life each day to know you more
All that is in me is yours completely
I’ll serve you only with all my heart

You faithfully supply my needs according to your plan
So help me Lord to seek your face before I seek your hand
And trust you know what's best for me when I don't understand
Then follow in obedience in every circumstance

With all my heart I want to love you Lord
And live my life each day to know you more
All that is in me is yours completely
I’ll serve you only with all my heart

real praise

Have you ever thought what it will really be like to sing praises to God when we get to heaven?

I know I mentioned this song in a post a while ago but I have to post it again. I heard this song when I came in from my walk and I just started singing at the top of my voice. I just have such a vision of people gathered around the throne of the Father singing hallelujah. The hallelujahs in the song bring me to tears. I get so overwhelmed thinking of the day when I get to stand before the Lord and sing at the top of my lungs in worship to Him. I just can't wait for that day!

just for fun

This weekend I wasn't feeling well. Since they say "Laughter is the best medicine", I decided to take that advice. I hopped on youtube and found some funny TV and movie clips. Feel free to take a gander when you have time. Maybe you'll find yourself laughing out loud!

I Love Lucy: The Operetta


The Court Jester: Danny Kaye


The Muppet Show: The Swedish Chef with guest Danny Kaye

what is possible

Mark 9:23

•“‘If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."(NIV)

•“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” (NLT)

•Jesus replied, "Why do you say `if you can'? Anything is possible for someone who has faith!" (CEV)

•Jesus said, "If? There are no 'ifs' among believers. Anything can happen." (The Message)

Jesus said those words after he went to go see a boy possessed by a spirit. The father wanted his son to be healed and freed. He came to Jesus and this is what the father said:

"… But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." (vs. 22)

It is after those words that Jesus replies:

“‘If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." (vs. 23)

Following Jesus’ words the father exclaims that he does believe and asks Jesus to help him with his unbelief. Jesus commanded the spirit to leave and the boy was healed!

Each of us struggle with our own “spirits”. Do we believe that Jesus has the power to do above what we could ever imagine in our own circumstance? Do we truly believe? Or do we just say we do to make ourselves somehow feel better? What is it to really believe?

There’s a saying that I have posted all over my house, car and work.

“Faith is not knowing God can, it’s knowing He will.”

I think that sums up a lot. Sure we can say, “God, I know you can work a miracle in my life, etc, etc, etc.” But to say, “God, you will work a miracle in my life”, that is going boldly to the throne of grace like we are told in scripture.

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

To me, that is showing ultimate belief not just saying yes you can but saying yes I know you will.

Here is a song that I can’t get out of my head once I hear it. It is one that I sing as loud as I can! It’s called, “All Things are Possible”. Here are the words:

Almighty God my Redeemer, my hiding place, my safe refuge
No other name like Jesus, no power can stand against you
My feet are planted on this rock and I will not be shaken
My hope it comes from you alone, my Rock and my Salvation
Your praise is always on my lips, your Word is living in my heart
And I will praise you with a new song, my soul will bless you Lord

You fill my life with greater joy, as I delight myself in you
And I will praise you with a new song, my soul will bless you Lord

My feet are planted on this rock and I will not be shaken
My hope it comes from you alone, my Rock and my Salvation
Your praise is always on my lips, your Word is living in my heart
And I will praise you with a new song, my soul will be bless you Lord

You fill my life with greater joy, as I delight myself in you
And I will praise you with a new song, my soul will bless you Lord

When I am weak you make me strong,
When I'm poor, I know I'm rich for in the power of your name
All things are possible, all things are possible

Your praise is always on my lips, your Word is living in my heart
And I will praise you with a new song, my soul will be bless you Lord

You fill my life with greater joy, as I delight myself in you
And I will praise you with a new song, my soul will bless you Lord

When I am weak you make me strong,
When I'm poor, I know I'm rich for in the power of your name
All things are possible, all things are possible

Check out the song!

VICTORY

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
I Corinthians 15:57

One of the songs that really gets me ready to face the day head on is "Victory" by Yolanda Adams. It is a very uplifting song that describes life's troubles and how we can face them with the victory that we find in Christ. We can stand on the promises of God and have victory in every situation. Feel free to watch this video and listen to the words of this song. I hope it lifts your spirits and causes you to remember the great victory we have!

I've got, got the victory
I've got the sweet, sweet victory in Jesus.
Yes I do
He is our mighty conqueror.
In him I will trust all my battles he'll fight.
I've got, got the victory
I've got the sweet, sweet victory in Jesus.
For me He died but He rose on the third day.
That’s why I have true victory every day.

Truly I've been through the storm and rain.
I know everything about heartache and pain.
But God carried me through it all without His protection I'll surely fall.
I’ve been broke without a dime to my name.
But all my bills got paid because I called on Jesus name.
You can't tell me that God isn’t real 'cause I've got the victory and that why I’m still here.

I'm not worried about material things I don’t have.
I'm just blessed cause I know that my Savior’s there.
Because I know that my blessing is on the way
I can't see it right now but I stand by faith.
I've fought many, many battles in His name.
I've held up the blood-stained banner and proclaimed.
That Jesus is the truth to the light.
Believe me when I say he will make it right.

Yeah I got the victory yeah
I got the victory yeah, yeah, yeah
And if you got the victory sing along with me
Yeah I got the victory yeah I got the victory
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Sing it with me I've got the victory

worry, worry, worry

We all worry. We all allow our imaginations to run wild. This morning I woke up thinking of Matthew 6:34:

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Matthew 6:25-34 is all about worry. If you have time check out the whole passage.

Here is another version of the verse:

"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." (The Message)

What an excellent way of putting it! I hope that encourages you today to leave your worries behind you and don't allow them to fester in your mind. That is of no benefit. Focus on God and He will bring you through whatever today or tomorrow has is store. Reading that promise makes me feel at ease...at peace...

My song today is a magnificent classical piece. I actually had this song played in my wedding. I just love it. It's such a serene and calming song. It's Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy. Many of you might be familiar with Fantasia by Walt Disney. This video clip is a deleted scene from Fantasia. Please take the time to listen to this peaceful song. I hope it will touch your heart & spirit and give you calmness in the midst of anything you might be facing today.

my needs

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

God promises that my needs will be provided. That doesn't say my wants or wishes or dreams. It says my needs and that gives me great hope in knowing that no matter what I may want, God's provision is the best and that is all I need.

Check out some other versions of this great promise:

And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Amplified)

My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need.(New Century Version)

And my God will give you everything you need because of His great riches in Christ Jesus. (New Life Version)

My God will meet all your needs. He will meet them in keeping with his wonderful riches that come to you because you belong to Christ Jesus. (New International Reader's Version)

having a heart to heart

One of my favorite times of the day is when I have a heart to heart talk with God. It may be in the car on the way to work, while I'm taking a morning walk, while I'm getting ready for the day or even when I'm swimming in the pool. I talk (outloud) to God like He is right there with me as I'm doing these various activities. It is such a sweet time for me and my heavenly Father. We have such power in prayer. I wish we really realized that. We have such power in the name of Jesus. I believe when we pray "in name of Jesus" that satan shudders. There is a quote from The Kneeling Christian that says, "Satan laughs at our toiling, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray." Prayer is our biggest defense against satan and his attacks.
We have the power on our side. Why don't we take hold of it and use it? One of my favorite songs is "In the Name of the Lord". An excerpt from the lyrics read:

When My Plans Have Fallen Through
And When My Strength Is Nearly Gone
When There's Nothing Left To Do But Just Depend On You
And The Power Of Your Name

And When We Call Upon Your Name
Your Strength Through Weakness To Show
We Can Know The Master Plan Extend The Masters Hand
When We Come In The Name Of The Lord

There Is Strength In The Name Of The Lord
There Is Power In The Name Of The Lord
There Is Hope In The Name Of The Lord
Blessed Is He Who Comes In The Name Of The Lord

Check out the song as sung by Sandi Patty. I hope it will impress upon you the power, the strength and the hope we do have in Jesus Christ our Lord!

And all things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.
Matthew 21:22

Therefore I say unto you, What things so ever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.
Mark 11:24

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Philip. 4:6

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12

Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7

I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry.
Psalm 40:1

what is it about Mark Schultz?

This week I have heard 2 songs by Mark Schultz that just made me weep. I don't know what it is about his writing ability but he has the capability of pulling at my heart strings. Go grab a tissue before you listen to these songs.

"Letters from War": At the end of the video I just can't help but weep. I've been in that position of greeting a soldier home from war and it is by far the most amazing feeling ever.

She walked to the mailbox
On that bright summers day
Found a letter from her son
In a war far away

He spoke of the weather
And good friends that he'd made
Said I'd been thinking 'bout dad
And the life that he had
That's why I'm here today
And at the end he said
You are what I'm fighting for
It was the first of the letters from war

She started writing
You're good and you're brave
What a father that you'll be someday
Make it home
Make it safe
She wrote every night as she prayed

Late in December
A day she'll not forget
Oh her tears stained the paper
With every word that she read
It said "I was up on a hill
I was out there alone
When the shots all rang out
The bombs were exploding
And that's when I saw him
He came back for me
And though he was captured
A man set me free
And that man was your son
He asked me to write to you
I told him I would, oh I swore"
It was the last of the letters from war

And she prayed he was living
Kept on believing
And wrote every night just to say
You are good
And you're brave
What a father that you'll be someday
Make it home
Make it safe
Still she kept writing each day

Then two years later
Autumn leaves all around
A car pulled in the driveway
And she fell to the ground
And out stepped a captain
Where her boy used to stand
He said "mom I'm following orders
From all of your letters
And I've come home again",

He ran into hold her
And dropped all his bags on the floor
Holding all of her letters from war
Bring him home
Bring him home
Bring him home

"When You Come Home": Is a journey through life about a mother and her child. It gets me every time.

My first day of recess
They all laughed at me
When I fell off the swing set
And scraped up my knee

The nurse called my Momma
To say I'd be late,
And when she gave me the phone
I could hear Momma say
"I'm so sorry, son.
Oh I think you're' so brave"

And she was smilin when she said:

When you come home,
No matter how far,
Run through the door
And into my arms
It's where you are loved,
It's where you belong
And I will be here
When you come home

I waved good-bye through the window
As I boarded the plane,
My first job in Houston
Was waiting for me

I found a letter from Momma
Tucked in my coat
And as I flew down the runway
I smiled when she wrote:
I'll miss you, son,
You'll be so far away

But I'll be waiting for the day

When you come home
No matter how far,
Run through the door
And into my arms
It's where you are loved,
It's where you belong,
And I will be here
When you come home

Well, I don't think
She can hear you now,
The doctor told me
Your mother is fading,
It's best that you leave

So I whispered,
I love you
And then turned away.
But I stopped at the door
When I heard Momma say,
I love you, son,
But they're callin me away

Promise me before I go

When you come home,
No matter how far,
Run through the door
And into my arms;
It's where you are loved,
It's where you belong,
And I will be here
When you come home,
When you come home.

Recent Updates!

Just so you know there are some new additions to my blog. I added a Christmas Countdown...it's time to start thinking ahead! I also added a "Verse of the Day" feature. So make sure to check that out. You can now "Subscribe" to my posts and become a "Follower". Make sure to look for those additions on the left side of the page. As we get into fall (which of course I'm not experiencing being out in the desert) I will make some color changes to my blog. So stay tuned for more aesthetically pleasing blogging. :-)

2 amazing videos about the love of my Abba

Today 2 videos reached me...one via email and the other through a friend's blog. Both special and very touching. Both about the love of God. The one was a Love Letter from God. It's a video that encourages the heart when you need it the most. It confirms what you might already know or shows you something you never heard before. The second video, to me, was an amazing reminder. We all are broken and all have our baggage...isn't it great to know that God loves us regardless? Here are the 2 videos. I hope they minister to your heart like they did mine. I pray that through these testimonies you are reminded of the love of God. He is just waiting for you to accept it.

song of the day~September 17th

So far I like the songs that I've heard from Darlene Zschech. "Glory to the King" is one of my favorites. When I listen and sing along, it takes me to another level of worship with my King. I hope it encourages your heart and gives you a sense of the "amazingness" of our God.

You're the comforter to the lonely
The lifter of my head
I see You veiled in majesty
We cry glory,glory
We cry glory to the King


Lord,my heart cries out
Glory to the King
My greatest love in life
I hand You everything
Glory,glory
I hear the angels sing.


Open my ears
Let me hear Your voice
To know that sweet sound
Oh my soul rejoice
Glory,glory
I hear the angels sing

You're the Father to the fatherless
The answer to my dreams
I see you crowned in righteousness
We cry glory to the King
Comforter to the lonely
The lifter of my head
I see You veiled in majesty
We cry glory,glory
We cry glory to the King

before I was even born

I have a calendar on my desk that has a scripture or thought for each day. Back on September 7th there was a saying that I couldn’t get out of my head. This is what it said:

“Listen to me…you whom I have upheld since you were conceived and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs. I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you.”

It’s so amazing to me that God knew me before I even was a thought in my parents mind. When I was little I thought that I could actually remember being in heaven as a baby and actually sensing God sending me down to my parents! Isn’t that a hoot? But it’s a fantastic visual that even as a child I somehow comprehended that part of that was true. Not to say that God has all the unborn babies sitting next to him and at the appropriate time He sends them down to earth but the fact that I was known by God before I was born. Wow. How cool and amazing is that? He knew my idiosyncrasies and complex nature before I did; not only that but He still walks with me until the day He calls me home. He carries me when I can’t walk…He sustains me. Thank you, Lord!

Psalm 139 (The Message)

GOD, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand.
I'm an open book to you;
even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back;
I'm never out of your sight.
You know everything I'm going to say
before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you're there,
then up ahead and you're there, too—
your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful—
I can't take it all in!

Is there any place I can go to avoid your Spirit?
to be out of your sight?
If I climb to the sky, you're there!
If I go underground, you're there!
If I flew on morning's wings
to the far western horizon,
You'd find me in a minute—
you're already there waiting!
Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark!
At night I'm immersed in the light!"
It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to you;
night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to you.

Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I'd even lived one day.

Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful!
God, I'll never comprehend them!
I couldn't even begin to count them—
any more than I could count the sand of the sea.
Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you!
And please, God, do away with wickedness for good!
And you murderers—out of here!—
all the men and women who belittle you, God,
infatuated with cheap god-imitations.
See how I hate those who hate you, God,
see how I loathe all this godless arrogance;
I hate it with pure, unadulterated hatred.
Your enemies are my enemies!

Investigate my life, O God,
find out everything about me;
Cross-examine and test me,
get a clear picture of what I'm about;
See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong—
then guide me on the road to eternal life.

the prodigal comes home

That is the name of Michael English's newest CD. Back in my early college years I came to love Michael English. It was around that time he had his first album out and every one was listening to it. His biggest hits like, "In Christ Alone" and "Mary, Did You Know" were on his first album and those are standards even now. But Michael lost his way and ended up away from Christian music for some time. He had inner demons to battle. His website shares a little bit about this fall from grace and how he has come back to Christ.

Here is an excerpt from The Wall Street Journal review written about his book:

But his personal life was not what it should have been. When Mr. English was
only 20, he had married a pretty young Christian music groupie named Lisa.
They were both ready for a divorce a few years later, but Mr. English's
managers wouldn't allow it, worried that the scandal of divorce itself would
ruin his career. Instead, he was sent to California for a three-week therapy
session. It didn't work. In the early 1990s, just as his reputation was
soaring with the release of "In Christ Alone," his biggest hit, Mr. English
fell into an adulterous relationship with another Christian singer, Marabeth
Jordan. When the affair became public, his publisher stopped all promotion
of his records and pulled his songs off the air.

That was only the beginning of Mr. English's troubles. When his relationship
with Ms. Jordan didn't work out, he began taking Loritab, a prescription
painkiller, to alleviate his depression and his panic attacks. Over the next
several years -- as he tried to rejuvenate his career by singing straight
pop music and eventually Southern gospel again -- he plunged deeper into
drug and alcohol addiction. By 2000 he was "a grungy unwashed hermit" who
sold his performance clothes and other collectors' items on eBay to finance
his drug habit. He began taking cocaine and heroin.

But one evening in late 2001, something happened. Mr. English was listening
to the television's drone and floating on a narcotic high when he found
himself looking down on the swollen, dirty, pathetic man he had become. A
voice told him that he "could keep heading down the road of addiction and be
dead at forty." Or he could turn his life over to God. As Mr. English
describes it, the experience wasn't like Saul's on the road to Damascus, an
audible admonition. Rather he felt a voice speaking within him. Whatever it
was, Mr. English considers the moment a miraculous one. Rolling off the
couch, he knelt down and prayerfully promised to tell the world of God's
goodness and mercy if only he might be helped to get off drugs.

The song I chose today is one of Michael English's new songs, "Feels Like Redemption". Knowing his story and hearing him sing this song really strikes a chord with me. We are all like the prodigal son, we choose to go our own way and live our life the way we think is best. We squander what our Father has given us and we end up hitting rock bottom. We realize we can't do it on our own and we need the guidance and love of our Father. The greatest visual of the prodigal son is that the father was looking with anticipation for his son to come home. What an awesome thought that our heavenly Father does the same! He waits in eager anticipation for us to come back to Him. He forgives and we are redeemed...

I know how hopeless feels
When you’re staring at the bottom of an empty hole
In my life I know how forgotten feels
Wondering if the world even knows who you are

But I’ve never known anything, felt anything
Like the love of Jesus
And it’s hard to describe what’s happening inside
But right now all I know is

It feels like redemption raining down on me
It feels like forgiveness is come to set me free
All my chains have been lifted
Cause when the hands of love touch a broken life
It feels like redemption

Now I know how thankful feels
Cause I am overwhelmed by this gift of grace
And I know how healing feels
Cause all my pain and all my shame
And all my tears have been erased

It feels like redemption raining down on me
It feels like forgiveness is come to set me free
All my chains have been lifted
Cause when the hands of love touch a broken life
It feels like redemption

Say goodbye, the past is ending
Say hello to a new beginning
No more night
The sun is shining

It feels like redemption raining down on me
It feels like forgiveness is come to set me free
All my chains have been lifted
Cause when the hands of love touch a broken life
It feels like redemption

I cried out to the Lord, He heard my cry
He healed my heart and He touched my life
It feels like redemption

So say goodbye, the past is ending
Say hello to a new beginning
Feels like
Feels like redemption

2 for the price of 1

I have always liked Keith Green. My earliest memories of listening to him are through my brother. My brother had his albums and would play them in his room. The album cover that is pictured here is one that my brother would actually hold up in front of his face and he would move around to the music! It was pretty funny and I guess you probably had to see it to think it was humorous. But those are fond memories I have. When I rediscovered this album,"For Him Who Has Ears to Hear", I downloaded it to my ipod. I couldn't listen to it enough! It has so many wonderful songs on it that are full of truth. The songs that I've picked today are "You're Love Broke Through" and "When I Hear the Praises Start". They both are beautiful songs with words that are so poignant to me.

"You're Love Broke Through": This song is a wonderful picture of how Christ comes and transforms our lives when we come to know Him. People continually search for something to fill the voids in their life. If they would only realized the only one that can fill that is Christ. It's as easy as just asking Him!

Like a foolish dreamer, trying to build a highway to the sky
All my hopes would come tumbling down, and I never knew just why
Until today, when you pulled away the clouds that hung like curtains on my eyes
Well I've been blind all these wasted years and I thought I was so wise
But then you took me by surprise

Like waking up from the longest dream, how real it seemed
Until your love broke through
I've been lost in a fantasy, that blinded me
Until your love broke through

All my life I've been searching for that crazy missing part
And with one touch, you just rolled away the stone that held my heart
And now I see that the answer was as easy, as just asking you in
And I am so sure I could never doubt your gentle touch again
It's like the power of the wind

Like waking up from the longest dream, how real it seemed
Until your love broke through
I've been lost in a fantasy, that blinded me
Until your love, until your love, broke through

"When I Hear the Praises Start": When I started to listen to this song again it really became quite an emotional song for me. One day as I was driving home I was looking to the mountains and the sun was just glistening over top of the vista. This song came on and I felt God saying these words to me. I didn't realize until just today when I found this video clip that Keith Green wrote this song because he heard those words from God. In essence God wrote it for him. I just felt such an overwhelming love and peace when I was listening to this song in my car...just weeping as I thought of Christ wanting to rain down upon me blessings that would fill my heart! Seeing no stain on me because I am His child and He knows me...
Wow!

My son, my son, why are you striving
You can't add one thing to what's been done for you
I did it all while I was dying
Rest in your faith, my peace will come to you

For when I hear the praises start
I want to rain upon you
Blessings that will fill your heart
I see no stain upon you
Because you are my child and know me
To me you're only holy
Nothing that you've done remains
Only what you do for me

My child, my child, why are you weeping
You will not have to wait forever
That day and that hour is in my keeping
The day I'll bring you into heaven

For when I hear the praises start
My child, I want to rain upon you
Blessing that will fill your heart
I see no stain upon you
Because you are my child and you know me
To me you're only holy
Nothing that you've done remains
Only what you do in me

My precious bride, the day is nearing
When I'll take you in my arms and hold you
I know there are so many things that you've been hearing
But you just hold on to what i have told you

For when I hear the praises start
My bride, I want to rain upon you
Blessings that will fill your heart
I see no stain upon you
Because you are my child, and you know me
To me you're only holy
Nothing that you've done will remain
Only what you do for me

May these songs be an encouragement to you as they are to me.