Sing Your Praises!

Yesterday I shared two things on FB that I would like to share with you all as well. First:
From Charles Stanley's: Life Principles Bible (NKJV) He stated: "God rarely empties our lives of trouble and conflict. If He did, our dependence on Him would fade. He allows enough difficulty to keep us turned toward Him." A segment from Life Principle #2: Obey God and Leave all the Consequences to Him.

All too often we get caught up in the frustrations of daily life on earth, due to the ways of the world and being of the flesh. As like myself, I've been frustrated, hurting physically and mentally. Mentally over watching several family members and friends going through some really tough and painful times. Instead of taking it to the Lord and leaving it in His hands, I moaned, groaned, whined, complained and felt worse as the days went on until I came to this and what a dear sweet friend and Sister in Christ (Heather) shared with me. Thank you Heather, you are an awesome amazing woman of the Lord. You have no idea how much you helped me. Through the Grace of God!

Second:
Last night our Pastors son gave the message and talked about worship and how important it is to sing out no matter the kind of voice we have to the Lord on a daily basis. For it is true what he stated that when we sing out our praises to Him, we are filled with joy and peace. Amen! He challenged us all to daily sing our praises to Him. I do that already, but am going to really sing out and not worry about how I sound. :) I don't have a singing voice, but I know the Lord thinks differently. He deserves our praises. And so, I am going to leave you with this video with words asking Him to give us clean hands and pure hearts.

Give Us Clean Hands by Christ Tomlin. Be blessed abundantly!

I Give All Myself to You!

Wanted to share one of my favorites by Leeland featuring Brandon Heath, with you all for those that may not have heard it or like it as well. Good words. Leeland is such a talented young man truly filled with the Holy Spirit! May young people be drawn to the Lord through his music. He is an inspiration for all ages. Enjoy!



Have a beautiful, blessed weekend!

Through the Grace of God!

As you all know, I've been back and forth, write then leave for a while. I've been a part time Christian for way too long. I'm trying to fight it. So please bear with me. Don't get me wrong, I've never stopped believing or loving our Father, just...I don't know. I'm tired of struggling and praying. I've got to stay focused and stay strong in the Lord. I do know that the struggles leads to great testimonies, so perhaps this is happening to strengthen me and share the testimonies.

Today for the first time in ages; I drove around our neighborhood--since I can't walk it any more--and prayed over the homes, asking for peace and the grace of God be over each and ever family. I do know of one with abuse going on, but unable to prove it, so I'm praying. Such a joy and peace came over me while out and about. I prayed heaven down to earth. Come Lord Jesus Come! I prayed for an anointing that all may come to know Him and feel His great presence and love.

When I got home, I sat in the van and prayed over our house and asked for an anointing over it; for the enemy has some control. I ended my prayers, closed my eyes and saw Jesus up there on the cross. That's when I heard, "Don't forget your Saviours great sacrifice. Let not His sacrifice for you be in vain." That's when I knew, take control, be led by Him only. I knew then that I must become organized and do as much in the Lord as I possibly can. Get back to reading the Bible! Stop being a sluggard!

Proverbs 6:6-11
6 Go the the ant, you sluggard!
Consider her ways and be wise,
7 Which, having no captain,
Overseer or ruler,
8 Provides her supplies in the summer,
And gathers her food in the harvest.
9 How long will you slumber, O sluggard?
When will you rise from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to sleep--
11 So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler,
And your need like an armed man. (NKJV)

Yes, I've been sleeping, unaware, slipping, not doing what I've been led to do, shutting out friends and family. Why does this happen? Because we fall into a rut, into a slumber of the brain, ignorant of what's to come. Yes, eyes be opened, heart be filled, run to Him and be lifted high!

NOTE: Off the subject in a sense, but part of my getting back on track. I've come across a book that is exciting and has given me new hope and strength. I'm 100 lbs. over weight. I've been disgusted with myself for a long time. No matter what I do, I keep it on. The book is titled: "Devotions for Dieters" by Dan R. Dick. Hopefully you too can get the book and we can follow this together. I'd like to do a daily segment on this in my health site and on here. Let me know if you are interested. If you can't get the book, let me know and I'll try to get it for you. It depends on how many requests I get. The ISBN # to help you find it at a book store is: 1-59789-073-1 I'd love for you to join me in this adventure, we can be supporters to one another to shed those many or few unwanted pounds.

Definition for sluggard according to Websters Pocket Dictionary: A lazy person.

Love and blessings to all!

Be Eternally Grateful

Psalm 100 NIV

1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before Him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
It is He who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise His name.
5 For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations.

We should be in constant worship with Him. How often do you call the one who saved us? Is it only to make 911 calls to Him; or do you call on Him to give Him thanks and glory as well? Remember, our Father wants us to come to Him at all times; not just when we are in trouble. He wants us to be in constant conversation with Him; in the Word learning His commands and obeying.

A man very strong in the Lord once told my husband to say, "Good morning Father God, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit" when you wake up and pray. Before you even get out of bed. Greet Him first thing in the morning. Make Him the first thoughts of the day.

This morning I woke up extra early which lately is strange for me. It is nice though, as I've been asking for help in changing my ways. I praise God for the change. What was amazing was the fact that I was singing a song in my mind and when hubs alarm went off, the song I was singing was on the radio! "I will rise when He calls my name; no more sorrow; now more pain. I will rise on eagles wings; before my God; fall on my knees..." That's when I knew, get up! I knew to pick up the Bible first thing this morning; reflect on our Pastors message this past weekend which has been constantly on my mind, and read. Behold, I was led to Psalm 100 after reading some of the Scriptures our Pastor had used in his message to us.

I love being in the presence of the Lord. We have been blessed and prayers being answered abundantly. Praise God! All the glory is His and His alone.

Often times we think He's not listening and not answering our prayers. He is, just not always in the way we would like them answered; for He knows what is best for us. Give Him your full trust and faith, give Him of yourself whole heartedly and be amazed and blessed.

I just read an inspiring story written at Back to the Bible by Elizabeth Elliot. It really makes one take a step back and look at life and how we interpret it. Things may seem bleek and dreary, but is it really? You can go here to read the story:
http://www.backtothebible.org/index.php/devotions/authors/elisabeth_elliot.html

Due to copy righted material, I was not able to post the actual story on here. The story is titled: In a Hospital Waiting Room. Be lifted!!!

New Blog

I came across a great blog through a comment left by one of the editors of TheWISDOMWALL; Jason. Thank you Jason for introducing me to your great site! It is a blog of inspirational quotes and writings. I promise you won't be dissapointed. Go check them out at: http://www.TheWISDOMWALL.com Enjoy.

Children of Abuse, Neglect...

This is a subject that has been weighing heavy on my mind for some time. I wanted to right about it before, but knew it wasn't the right time, now it is. I've been mulling this over all day with how to approach this subject. There really is no easy way, no easy words, just cold, hard facts. This will come across as harsh for some, but if so, perhaps it's telling you to sit back and really take a close look at your life. It will hit home for some, and I pray it does some good. If it changes the life of just one child, then it's done some good, but hopefully it will change the lives of many children; for children truly are a gift to all.

I ask myself, where did we go wrong with our children? Where did we fail them, and then I'm reminded that something has transpired between now and then. Some parents of today have turned their worlds upside down. Note; I had started to say all, but not all are this way, many have kept the values they were taught, and learned from their parents mistakes. But some...they are lost.

I've seen where children are living in filth, not being fed properly, being neglected, verbally and/or physically abused, being treated like an object and not a human being. I've seen kids given everything they want, apparently to make them feel wanted and loved. I've seen kids that are told, "Oh I love you so much, you mean everything to me," and then turn around and yell at them, turn away from them, and expect them to fend for themselves. Kids that are expected to show respect, but receive very little to none. The list goes on and one. Kids that are left to fend for themselves, feel neglected and rejected, but keep loving their parents, as they don't know any better. They try to cry out their fears and their hurts, only to be ignored, as their hurts and "real" needs aren't important.

What is wrong with this picture? What is wrong is parents are so wrapped up in themselves with they work, and are tired, don't feel good, etc. etc. They feel sorry for themselves and just don't have time to provide for and give their children what they need. "Clean my house! I don't have time!" "Spend time with my kids, work on their homework with them, play with them, I don't have the energy, I'm tired, I don't feel good, you just don't understand!" I've heard it all, and I'm tired of hearing it.

It seems that some today are expecting to have the world handed to them on a silver platter. I work, and just don't have the time. Let me tell you, we have been there done that. We worked, and many of us hard jobs with less pay that what you all get today, and we still managed to do things with our kids, we still provided for them, we still gave them a "safe and clean" environment even though we were tired, hurting, and not feeling good. Wake up! Quit feeling sorry for yourselves! You have children; you chose to have them, they didn't chose you; they didn't chose to be brought into the world.

Take the responsibility that was given you. Appreciate the fact that you have these gifts that were given you to be nurtured, loved, guided and taught by you. If you can't live up to "your" responsibilities, you don't want to provide what the children need, then I ask you, please give them to someone that will give them what they need.

Now don't get me wrong, there is no "perfect" parent, and there never will be. That is impossible. I made mistakes as a parent, and wish I had done some things differently, but; I did give my kids "love," I did show them the respect I expected from them. I did teach and nurture them. I know some of my family feels I spoiled my kids; what they didn't see is that they were expected to earn their things, when they were old enough to work, the things they "wanted" they had to work for, the things they needed, we provided. We didn't give them what ever they wanted. They grew up learning to respect things, and that money did not grow on trees.

I'm so tired of hearing from some, "You made the same mistakes!" Excuse me, we were to learn from our parents mistakes and made sure we didn't repeat them with you. You were to learn from our mistakes and not repeat them. It's not a reason to make excuses. Ask yourselves; did your parents love on you? Did you parents help you learn and provide the materials for you to learn? Did your parents make sure you were taken care of and provided for, made sure you were properly clothed, kept safe, fed, and given a clean environment? Are you doing the same for your kids? If not, perhaps it's time to re-evaluate your family life. If you can't make it work, ask for help or get your children out of there and put them where they will receive it. Your children aren't toys or objects, they are precious gifts who rely on you for guidance, safety, love, and provision. Not to be treated as inanimate objects to be brought out when you "feel like" taking time for them and then putting them aside when you don't want to deal with them.

As for provision, are you providing your children their needs first, then yours and then for the wants? Or are you giving, giving, giving, wants to you all and then the needs, necessities if there is enough to do so? Your children should be provided for their "needs" first, then yours met, then if there is enough the wants, provided you are putting some of that away for those times when emergencies arise.

Further more, your parents aren't your endless bank account. They aren't there to pick up after you, taking care of your needs so you can have your fun and take care of your wants. Your parents aren't there to be treated with disrespect, to be taken advantage of, to be treated like they are just there to do what "you" want them to do. Show them respect, show them you love them. When was the last time you took the time to really show your parents you love them? And I'm not just talking words; I'm talking genuine, quality time spent with them. Words are just that. Actions speak volumes, words can just roll off.

Get rid of that attitude, my parents can get this for me, they can do that for me, oh why should I worry about this or that, mom & dad can take care of it. Well this or that is broken, mom and dad can get it for us. Don't be surprised if some day your parents don't wake up to it and stop that endless bank account. Not because they don't love you, but because they do, and it's time to do the tough love. Parents love doing things for their kids, but like you, have feelings too, and can only put up with being taken for granted for so long. Don't expect them to do the raising of your children and providing the children the nurturing they need. It doesn't work that way. They need it from you too, more so than from grandma and grandpa, uncle and auntie, etc. They need it more from their parents than any one else.

If your children are acting out, throwing tantrums, talking back, being mean to their siblings, shutting themselves out from the family, abnormally quite, anxious, etc. then step back, seriously analyze your family life with an open, honest mind and ask yourself if you are doing everything you can to provide your child/children fully what they need. Don't endow them with gifts, things they want thinking that will fill the void, you are only hurting them. Your far from helping them. If you have the mindset, "well I'll give them what ever they want and when they grow up and move out, that's when they will learn that life isn't so easy." What is that??? That is setting your children up for failure. Is that really what you want for your children? Were you treated that way? If so, then change it with your children as you know what it feels like. You know it doesn't work. If you are struggling financially because of previous mistakes, take action and do something about it. Get help.

What this article all boils down to is a request for parents of today to wake up; give your children what they need and deserve. It's not just about you, your needs, your wants, it's about your family, as a unit. Those kids rely on you, they can't fend for themselves. Quit expecting them to be little adults. Quit thinking that just because you give them something it shows them you love them. If your child is depressed, sick, unruly, angry, etc, they are telling you something. Don't ignore it. If this article has struck a nerve with you, then it's probably because the truth hurts and perhaps it's time for you to sit back and be honest with yourself.

This article is written in defense of those young ones out there needing a better home life, needing their parents to grow up and be a parent. A voice for children to their parents to please love them the way they deserve to be loved, to provide for them the things they "need" not with objects to try to fill the void, for them to live in clean environments, not in disease ridden homes. If you can't provide for your children a clean safe environment, then seek help immediately! May we provide for our children giving them the love and happiness they so deserve. They are a precious gift to be cared for. Praying for families to unite as one, once again.

LOVE, PROVIDE, KEEP SAFE all the children of the world. For those of you out there that witness this sort of wrong doing going on with children, please act on it. Please make sure these kids are given what they deserve. My husband & I are going to start taking action from now on when we see children being mistreated. They don't deserve that. They deserve to be loved, nurtured, taught and guided. Let's show the children of the world, They Do Matter!

Friday's Funnies

I actually have a couple of them, but will do this one and save the other for next week. Read more funnies through Kim's blog "Homesteaders Heart" here:
http://homesteadersheart.blogspot.com/2009/12/friday-funnies-christmas-edition.html

AMAZING SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES:
1. AVOID CUTTING YOURSELF WHEN SLICING VEGETABLES BY GETTING SOMEONE ELSE TO HOLD THE VEGETABLES WHILE YOU CHOP.

2. AVOID ARGUMENTS WITH THE FEMALES ABOUT LIFTING THE TOILET SEAT BY USING THE SINK. Ewww

3. FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SUFFERERS ~ SIMPLY CUT YOURSELF AND BLEED FOR A FEW MINUTES, THUS REDUCING THE PRESSURE ON YOUR VEINS. REMEMBER TO USE A TIMER. Now don't actually do this.

4. A MOUSE TRAP PLACED ON TOP OF YOUR ALARM CLOCK WILL PREVENT YOU FROM ROLLING OVER AND GOING BACK TO SLEEP AFTER YOU HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON. :D

5. IF YOU HAVE A BAD COUGH, TAKE A LARGE DOSE OF LAXATIVES. THEN YOU'LL BE AFRAID TO COUGH.

6. YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE.

7. IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.

Have a great weekend! Remember to laugh often. Laughter truly is the best medicine.

Good Morning!

Received this in an e-mail, and thought it was so sweet. Good morning all!



Good morning!
We can pretend we are sharing a good cup of coffee (or tea, or Diet Coke or Mountain Dew while enjoying....

Good Morning Blessings
If it stops with you, then the blessing will disappear. The blessing will only keep working if it is continuously passedaround. If you are a recipient of a blessing, keep the blessing working by being the source of blessing to other people.
Good Morning !!!!
This morning when I awakened

And saw the sun above,
I softly said, 'Good morning , Lord ,
Bless everyone I love '

Right away I thought of you
And said a loving prayer ,
That He would bless you specially ,
And keep you free from care.
I thought of all the happiness
A day could hold in store,
I wished it all for you because
No one deserves it more .
I felt so warm and good inside,
My heart
was all aglow ..
I know God heard my prayers for you ,
He hears them all, you know.


^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^
^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^ ^j^

Nine angels are sent to you.
Have Faith!

Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child

My grandchildren always seem to amaze me. I love their innocence and seeing that light come on. My 8 year old grandson, 7 year old grand daughter, and 5 year old grand daughter has a great love for the Lord. They are amazing with their desire to learn more about Him. Our 10 year old grandson, wants to have a better understanding and often asks questions. It's awesome.

So lately, the 7 year old often reminds us, and occasionally the 8 year old and 5 year old do to what Christmas is really all about. "Omah, we really need to remember that Christmas isn't all about decorations and presents, even though it's fun to get presents; but it's about the birth of Christ!" I love it. She gets it.

Since coming back to the Lord almost 3 years ago, I started seeing decorations in a whole new view and try to impress that upon the children so they too can really enjoy the beauty. This year, I don't know how to explain it exactly, but the decorations all around just hold a deeper beauty/meaning. Instead of the usual, oh wow, that's pretty; oh that's neat; hmmm, that is an idea; it's Happy Birthday Jesus, this is all for you. This is all to show our love and gratitude for you. May the lights shine brightly and the festive feel for your birthday spread great joy!".

Yes, Christmas takes on a whole new beautiful, wonderful feel, when you see it through a child's eyes. I'm so grateful and thankful for such loving, sweet, wonderful grand children. They are the highlight of our lives. May all the children of the world, find peace and happiness. May they be showered with love as our Saviour and Lord has shined His great love on us. Thank you Father for giving us such loving children and grand children. You have blessed us beyond imagination. You are good all the time!

May you all experience the great blessings of Christmas through our Lord. May you be filled with His love now and always. Blessed be the Name of the Lord. Blessed be Your name, Jesus. Blessed be the Name of the Lord. Blessed be Your glorious Name!

Letting the Light Go Out

When we let our light go out, our song die, we lose hope; we open the door to the enemy. It is an open invitation to come take over and cause trouble. We then become more frustrated, distracted, make mistakes and the list goes on.

If we continue on this path, not relighting that flame, putting that song back in our hearts, times get worse. Our dark moments become even darker. Sinking further and further into that sense of hopelessness and/or wrecklessness.

What brings me to this subject. The past two days have seemed rather distant between hubby and I and I became frustrated. I tried talking to him and he stated that nothing was wrong. Now I know we are going to have our moments, but because of past history, I let that dark side creep in.

Going to Black Friday only added to the frustration with lack of sleep. Tried to sleep last night, but couldn't. Had maybe a total of a half hour of sleep, but felt good. Once I got home and sat down, fatigue set in, but I fought it knowing I had a lot to take care of. So I pressed on. Hubby seemed fairly cranky which brought on more frustration. Then we started to snap at one another.

I instantly went into panic mode thinking of the past and became angry. The reason being, I was letting the light go out. I was losing my song. The door was opening wider and wider inviting the enemy to take over. Finally when taking a shower tonight--gotta love those shower moments--it came to me what was happening. Then I heard, I want you to share this revelation with others. So here I am.

The best part; hubby and I are joking around with one another and talking to one another again. So when you feel the flame starting to go out, you are losing that song in your heart, you are feeling hopeless, grab hold of the Lord, pray, talk to Him, get in the Word and keep that light lit. Once I put that song back in, listened to the Lord tell me why it all was happening, I grabbed hold of Him, listened, put the song back in my heart, and low and behold that light is shining again. Praise God!!!

Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation--whom should I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life--of whom should I be afraid?

Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of darkness, a light has dawned.

Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

May you all revel in the blessings of the Lord!

Thankful Thursday: Thanksgiving

Psalm 95:2

Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout triumphantly to Him in song.

Psalm 100:4

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.

Psalm 116:17

I will offer You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and will worship the Lord.

Phillipians 4:6-7

Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Today is a day to reflect on all that we are thankful for. It's not just about what we are going to eat. It's not about preparing for "Black Friday." Rather it is to show and be thankful for all that we have.

I'm thankful for so many things that it would make a huge list, so I will hit the major things I am so thankful for.

First and foremost, I'm thankful that I'm blessed with the presence of the Lord. I'm thankful that some of my family is walking with Him as well and we are walking together.

I'm thankful for having such a strong, good church family. For our Senior Pastor and his family, as they are filled with the Holy Spirit and lead our family. For all the pastors and their families for always being there and helping us through our dark times and to fill us with the Word.

I'm thankful for having a loving, godly husband. He is a good leader and provider for our family. The works of the Lord in Him just astounds me each and every day. My husband has done a complete 360 degree turn around in his life through Christ Jesus. Thank You Lord! I couldn't ask for a better husband. You always provide!

I'm thankful for family and friends. Without each other, life would really be tough and boring. Family brings such joy. Watching your children grow to become adults and then have families of their own, often giving us grandchildren. Grandchildren bring such joy, watching them learn, grow, and bring much laughter. Could not imagine life with out children.

I'm thankful for all the gifts the Lord has provided us. A roof over our heads, food on the table, transportation, a good job for hubby, clothes on our backs, our health, and loving hearts.

We all go through our dark moments, and that's okay, as He is working on us, drawing us nearer to Him during our weakest moments. It's this time that we need to listen. It's this time that we should be grateful for His great works. "Bring the Rain" song; everytime I sing it with conviction, He brings the rain, and I wonder, "what in the world was I thinking;" forgetting the whole reason for that rainy season. Then the miracle forms and I'm thankful. If only we can learn to be thankful when He does "bring the rain."

I'm thankful for this day, reflecting on the first Thanksgiving. The Pilgrams and Indians coming together. What a beautiful picture that is. Let's all come together, be thankful, and pour our thanksgiving on our Creator and Savior.

Father, Thank You for all your great treasures you bestow upon us. For family and friends. For providing this time for family to come together. For the bountiful meal that is about to be set before us today. Father, I pray that you provide happiness, love and provide for those without on this beautiful day that You have provided for us. Draw those that are lost and wandering to You Father, that they might come to know of Your grace and mercy. For You are a wonderful, loving Father, always providing, teaching, and drawing us to You. I Love You Daddy! Happy Thanskgiving. In Jesus sweet and holy name, Amen.

Be blessed everyone. Have a wonderful day and pour your love onto your family and friends as He does with us. Shine with His love, grace, and mercy. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU! <3