God, You're Such an Amazing God..

... is what I repeated out loud today while standing in my kitchen, crying my eyes out.
I pray daily and read my Bible, but its not every day that I am bawling my eyes out giving Him the praise He deserves. So what brought on this sudden wave of rejoicing? Back up a bit.
New Years (morning.. about 2 a.m.) I decided to start reading a book between books (a goal of mine this year is to read a lot more books). So I went to my shelf of books that have been loaned to me and picked out Max Lucado's It's Not About Me. Amazing book if any of you are looking to read something that will put you back in the place God made you to be in. It is a 150 page book and I figured if I read 50 pages at a time I would have it finished quickly. Well, I finished it today and it really helped shed light on some things that I had been hanging on to.
See exhibit A: in one of the last chapters titled "My struggles are about God" (This whole book is about everything being about God and not about me)
This was a verse that was in the chapter:
 "As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. (John 9:1-3 NIV)"

Many of you reading this know that I have a special needs child. I have never read this verse the way that I read it today. That is my story! Here I've been wondering why in the world Molli is like this and what did Ryan and I do that would have caused her to be this way? And then God said, "I made her for ME. Not YOU." Molli is such a joy to everyone who loves her and I know that God has an amazing plan for her future. I am so excited for her!
I dwelt on that passage all day and then, as I was standing at my countertop taking a drink of tea, I just started crying out to God and all I could say was "God, You're such an amazing God!!" Over and over.
It's NOT about Me
It's about God!
I love Jesus.. His Grace is amazing.

Jesus, Friend of Sinners

I have been thinking a lot about the spiritual battle going on the county next to mine here lately. For those who aren't familiar with what is going on, I will elaborate. A group of atheists from up north have decided to try and aide a fellow atheist that lives in Henderson County by making a fuss over a Nativity Scene on the courthouse lawn in Athens,TX. They want it removed and/or they want to post their own banner beside it that reads:
"At this season of the Winter Solstice, LET REASON PREVAIL. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."


Silly, I know. If someone truly did not believe in Jesus- why in the world would someone fight so hard against him? Why not just roll your eyes and walk on by? Because there is a Jesus! He loves every single of us so much that while the world was still sinning- He died on a cross for us! "Us" including the non-believers! 


I have seen a lot of hatred being slurred about on social networking sites about this matter- from Christians as well as atheists! Christian people wanting these non-believing people to "burn in hell" and to leave them and their Nativity Scene alone. Instead of showing these people Jesus, all they are showing is how easy it is for Satan to come in and ruffle their feathers!


I have been praying for the upcoming rally that they are holding this weekend in defense of the Nativity Scene. I pray that my brothers and sisters in Christ step up and step out and show the world who's face they seek. I pray that every non-believing heart be witnessed to and made a believing heart and that nobody be turned away or turned off by the foul behavior of God's people. Be lights on a hilltop.


There is an awesome song by Casting Crowns from their new album, 'Come to the Well' called "Jesus, Friend of Sinners". It has such an amazing and personal message for everybody! Here are the lyrics:

Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours

Yeah...

Jesus, friend of sinners, the one who's writing in the sand
Make the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of thieves
Let the memory of Your mercy bring Your people to their knees
No one knows what we're for only against when we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and loved like You did

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours

You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

'Cause You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours

And I was the lost cause and I was the outcast
Yeah...
You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

A Meaningful Christmas.

 I Saw this quote today on Facebook and fell in love with it:
"Whenever Christmas begins to burden, it's a sign that I've taken on something of the world and not Christ." Anne Voscamp

It's so easy to get caught up in worldly splendors during this time and even easier to get caught up in tangles of debt and stress!  This year, I have completely turned around what Christmas traditions I had and started focusing more on giving. I don't want my daughter raised the same way that I was- and that is only seeing Christmas as an opportunity to stock up on worthless junk. It's not about junk- it's about Jesus! And Jesus told us, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for  Me."
 I praise the Lord for His sweet Spirit convicting me and always putting me right back where He wants me to be so that I can lead my child in a way that honors him.


Interested in giving this year?? Here are a few of the places that I am using this year.

http://www.cometogethertrading.com/
http://www.compassion.com/
http://www.worldvision.org/m/tt1


May God bless you all!

Clothed.

This week has been sort of hectic for me. Two trips to Dallas Love Field Airport can stress the body and nerves out. Sin after sin can stress the heart and soul out. Even hearing of sin can and will weaken one's (who cares) heart. So this week, I've had my fill of it all.
But, the joy of it all comes through my exhausted soul craving Jesus. 
As I dropped my husband off at the airport today and got back on a busy and hectic I-35 in Dallas, I kept telling myself (in spirit) "Wow. Jesus has me covered. I am so completely safe right now." I had no panic the whole way driving home with my screaming toddler in the back. I literally felt his calming, nurturing presence on me. Almost like a warm, cozy blanket which led me to thinking about the scripture in Romans 13:14 about clothing yourself in Christ. haha! I am not sure that's what my dear brother, Paul, was talking about (Actually feeling clothed in a warm Holy Spirit blanket) But that is what came to mind.
And as I dwelt on that, David Crowder was singing through my car speakers:
"Can I lie here in Your arms
Can I lie here in Your arms
My only calm is You
Save me

Can I lie here in Your arms
Can I lie here in Your arms
My only thought is You
Save me

Can I lie here in Your arms
Can I lie here in Your arms
My happiness is You
Save me

Oh how lovely this place
To be with You
To be with You

Oh the brightness of Your face
Here with You
Here with You"

It was so wonderful to be able to cruise around Dallas with my Jesus. haha! So wonderful that I couldn't wait to get home and spend more time with Him through reading His Word and prayer. 

This is what my Saturday night looks like tonight. A nice, cozy, candlelight evening with my Bible, Books, and Savior.

Whom Shall I Fear?

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me." John 15:18-21

I have really been thinking of this verse this week as I have followed the Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani news. For those of you who don't know what I am talking about, Yousef Nadarkhani is a Muslim Christian pastor in Iran. That is HIGHLY looked down on around those parts because Islam is the main "religion". They drug him through a court-type system and gave him three chances to recant and denounce Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He didn't. So now he and possibly his family (wife and small children) are facing execution!

Had I have heard of this a year ago, I would be more furious than confident. I wouldn't have known this bible verse to think of immediately.

But, The Lord works so wonderfully through his followers. Just this week, I had my mind blown and perspective changed- Praise be to GOD. I recently switched churches (I really felt the Spirit leading to this church) and I have received personal spiritual blessing after spiritual blessing. One of many is that I can now attend a daytime Beth Moore bible study on the book of Daniel. Just This Week we went over the events that took place with Meshach, Radshach, and Abednego. "King Nezzar" (Veggietales shortened name) wanted the world to worship HIM and those who didn't were going to immediately be thrown into the BLAZING furnace. When his music played and everyone bowed down, Meshach, Radshach, and Abednego were still standing- refusing to denounce God and worship an idol! 
Here is what I gathered from Beth Moore's study of these events: Before the were thrown into the furnace, there were 3 possible forms of deliverance.
1. They could be delivered from it and not have to face it at all (God blows the fire out, or changes someone's heart..ect, ect.)
2. They could be delivered through it (Which is what happened) and they survive and their faith be refined.
3. They could be delivered by it and die and go to heaven.

This rocked my mind. I dropped so much worldly fear after this bible study meeting because, all along, here I am, scared of getting cancer, scared of flying on an airplane, scared of the WORLD. Not that now I want to go and jump in front of a bus or anything like that, but of all of those scenarios, WHOM SHALL I FEAR??

A day or two after this spiritual enlightenment, I heard the news of Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani and thought of this. I know that his heart is humbled and ready to see Jesus' sweet face (if scenario 3 is the course the Lord wants to take him on). Either way, God is so good.

Pulling, Tugging, Listening, Obeying..

I have been dwelling on this post for a few days and decided to finally share it.

For starters, I have been praying a lot about my husband and for Jesus to make him want to lead our family and to put Christ first in his life as well as our marriage.

The Spirit lead me to 1 Peter 3:1
Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives

So then I piped down and decided to stop nagging my husband to go to church and I finally decided to let God handle this because I know that He has a plan for Ryan as does he for our family.

So I continued to pray and wait..

Things are slowly progressing.. but that's a good thing. Rome wasn't built in a day, right?

Fast forward to Sunday Morning
I am sitting in a combined Sunday School class listening to Mr. Milliorn talk about the Spirit leading you and the reason we were there that morning is because God called us and we listened and obeyed His calling. Then he gave his testimony of how and when he was saved. My heart was overwhelmed for him. I had tears behind my eyes ready to well up. It was such a wonderful, touching story to have heard on how God called him and impacted his life so greatly. I then began to think of my husband.. and I wished so much that He were there to hear that story. But then I reminded myself that God has a plan.
Then as I am in the sanctuary, the preacher's wife was saying her "Hi, how are yous" to me and then she asked if my husband were at work this week.. I guiltily looked down and shrugged "no.. He's at home.." then went back to my pew and started dwelling on the upcoming "Courageous Living" sermon that was about to be brought to us. I, once again, sat there wishing so much that Ryan was there. The music had started, I was staring at the projector screen, reading, and singing the hymns when suddenly a bible plopped down beside me and someone hurriedly sat down beside me.. IT WAS RYAN! Tears immediately filled my eyes. I said a prayer of thanksgiving and gave all of the glory to God who ever so deserves it. He listens. He SEES my heart. He knows this wretched soul inside and out.. but still He loves me.

The sermon was great, by the way. And when we got home from Church that day, Ryan told me of his "inconveniences" that he had that morning when he was trying to sleep in. Our glass door (which has always been a pain and needs to be fixed) came off the latch in the wind, so it was swinging and making all kinds of wretched noises, forcing him to get up (Kudos to God). And then He decided to come to church.

God is good all the time. All the time GOD IS GOOD.

Jesus Juke?

Before I explain my post's title, let me clearly state that while I do attend a Baptist church, I do not consider myself a Baptist- I am a born again, child of Christ.
No religion, just Jesus and my relationship with Him.
And I believe that For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

That being said, allow me to elaborate on the term "Jesus Juker".

Jesus Juke:
Verb- Spiritually reprimanding someone you don't know, and having no right to do so.

Jesus Juker:
Noun- Someone who Jesus Jukes.

We have all done this at some point in our lives.. butting our heads in, guilt tripping someone for the music they listen to, clothes they wear, faces they make, churches they attend, food or drink they consume..
This is not a new issue.. it's been going on forever.

What troubles me is- why do we do this??

Are we not called to encourage one another? Build each other up? My Bible tells me so.

I am just as guilty of doing this as the next person is.

I first learned the term "Jesus Juke" last March while doing a Bible study on the Book of James led by Mark Hall (Lead singer of Casting Crowns). What led him to share this term is that he posted a silly picture of his band making "gangster" faces- joking around with his friends- and a lot of people (including myself) thought it to be funny.. but then there were the others- who did't. "You're of the world!" "That's not pleasing to the Lord" "I'm finished listening to this band.."
Jesus Juking.
Well, then the tables turned- the people that thought it was funny started Jesus Juking the people who were Jesus Juking in the first place! "It's people like you who give Christians a bad name" "Mind your own business" "Quit being so rude!".

WHOLE LOT OF JESUS JUKING

I've had a few experiences like this.. and I have been guilty of doing this, too! Today it happened, except I was the one being juked. I didn't like it, I thought a lot of negative thoughts- and then in my mind I STARTED JESUS JUKING THEM BACK! Why do we do this? Why do we have have to have SEPARATE Christian faiths? Why can't we all be His hands and feet so His Body can move??

Father God, please forgive me for the times I stumble and fall on my face, the times I am not faithful, the times I cause stumbling. Thank You for always convicting me and straightening me back out. I am a constant work in progress, but you always prove to be faithful in Your love for me.

Thank You.

VICTORY in Jesus

A lot has been going on in my life the past two and a half years

two names stand out

Jesus and Molli

I have grown so much closer to Jesus since Molli entered my world and I am so thankful to be able to see and feel the Lord's love and blessing every single day!

It has been a pretty rough and tough season.. but by staying faithful to the Lord and being persistent in my pursuit of Him while trying to raise a two year old with physical delays due to Spina Bifida- I have been able to find JOY in the midst of heartache.

Molli walks now.. by the way. Not independently-yet.. but all she has to do is hold on to my fingers for balance support.

We had quite an eventful day! She walked all the way through Brookshires to the bakery to get a cookie and the baker man was so happy for her- he gave her a butterfly ring!

THEN.. she walked into Grammy's house for the first time ever! Grammy was happy to see her!

This verse in this old hymn always stood out to me.. now even more so:

I heard about His healing, Of His cleansing pow'r revealing. How He made the lame to walk again And caused the blind to see; And then I cried, "Dear Jesus, Come and heal my broken spirit," And somehow Jesus came and bro't To me the victory.

Amen and AMEN

Spare the rod.. Spoil the Child.

No. This isn't about child abuse.

Although I do believe in spanking.. this is not about me spanking my child.

It's about God "spanking" HIS.

And that child would be me.


Yesterday, at Sunday School, we were in Romans and James and we were discussing why we judge, why we gossip, and how wrong we are to do those things and why.

*SMACK!*

Romans 14:1
Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.

SMACK!

Romans 14:4
Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

SMACK!

Romans 14:10
You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister[a]? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.

SMACK SMACK!

Yeah.. my head was reeling and my heart was pounding out of my chest.
Conviction. Conviction. Conviction.

BUT, with conviction, thanksgiving soon follows.

This morning, while praying and reading my bible in my car, God sent me to read out of Hebrews.

Hebrews 12:4-8
In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.


WOW!!

I am so thankful for the spiritual "spanking" I received yesterday for two reasons:
1.) I needed to get my heart right and needed to know I was wrong.
2.) Confirmation. God IS listening and watching.. and I AM HIS CHILD.

I love Jesus.. Don't you?

JOY.

This past week has been one of those weeks where God has put so much in my path to remind me of one specific thing: Joy.

My devotionals, bibles studies, everything has either told me to have joy or reminded me of joy.

I love how He is so "hands-on" in my life. He puts things before me to build me up so that when I suffer a blow of some sort- I can easily handle it and remember Who is holding my hand.

I am doing a Bible study on facebook that Mark Hall (lead singer of Casting Crowns) is doing via facebook video everyday. And it has been a serious blessing. We are studying the book of James.

‎"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

That verse speaks to my heart on so many levels!

I have really been dwelling on it this past week.. and counting all of my blessings and taking joy in the trials that I have faced- because truth be told- I got through them all with Jesus' help! That perseverance did in fact strengthen my faith!

Yesterday, I got a little agitated by a news report that I saw about a little boy with Spina Bifida. His uncle had fabricated him some pretty awesome wheels out of a bumbo seat and some plastic tires. However, the reporter's words were "He smiles constantly.. though given what he's been through.. he has every reason NOT to.. He has Spina Bifida." That really got under my skin. I am sure she meant nothing by it.. but it still made me feel offended. Molli has EVERY reason to smile. She has a family who loves her, friends who adore her, and a Savior who died for her! How can we not smile?? How can we not have JOY?

Father God, I find so much joy in your love. Help me to spread that love and joy so that everyone will know You. I love You!

Being an "Activist for Jesus"

God has really been putting this on my heart these past few weeks so I decided to share it with you all!

People ,in general, always tend to fight for what they think is right or what is or is not needed in their communities. As I Christian, I pray that I can and will fight for what is REALLY important.. and that is being my "brother's keeper" so everyone will know the love of Jesus Christ.

Occasionally, I consider myself somewhat of an "activist". Elections and local issues- I am always right there on the scene trying to help get the word out and fix things. But when it comes to my faith.. am I out there working and pleading as hard for people to know Jesus as I am for people to vote against worldly issues? I'd like to think so.. but it is definitely not the case. I understand that jobs, homes, and communities are important.. But without Jesus they're NOTHING. I am not saying it is wrong to stand up for what you believe in.. But I am asking that you search your hearts and ask for God's direction.. and to simply step back and see which of the two you're putting more focus into: Serving your community.. or serving your God?

I pray that I will be more active in my faith and share God with as many people as He puts in my path! Thank You, Jesus! You are the ONLY thing worthy of praise.

I Must Go Through the Valley

My precious little baby girl got her first set of wheels today and I had so many mixed emotions! I hate to admit that I am not as strong as I'd like to be when it comes to hiding my emotions regarding my baby. I love her so much and want her to be as happy as can be (and she is-unless we rob her of a balloon or two lol)! I am so happy for her.. yet there is that bittersweet feeling of "I can't believe my baby is in a wheelchair".
Satan was working hard on me this afternoon as I watched her therapist and daddy set her up in her new stander. I could not help but cry. My friends were texting me telling me how happy I was supposed to be.. and I was.. but that devil would not leave me alone with depression and self-pity.
This afternoon, I was driving to Canton, and I was dwelling on everything that had happened and how horrible I felt for letting the devil push me around like that.. and then my ears suddenly tune into my car stereo and I hear:
"yes I must go through the valley to stand upon the mountain.. Yes i must go through the valley to stand upon the mountain.. YES I MUST GO THROUGH THE VALLEY to stand upon the mountian of God."
So then I started bawling my eyes out and continueously saying "Thank You Jesus!" and praising God.
I love how God is CONSTANTLY reminding me that He is with me.