Life is a Gift!!

 

I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend!  We had a wonderful time at church yesterday.  During the sermon I was reminded of several key things that I need to remember.  I love how God can show you things you need exactly when you need them!

1.  Life is a Gift! 

2.  The Purpose of my existence is to glorify God!

3.  God's divine time table is always accomplished.

4.  God has work for us to do!  Not work to earn our salvation, but work because we are saved!

5.  Eternal life is not Heaven, it is knowing God and being in a love relationship with Him!

 

 

All Your Heart

We all go through difficult times and struggles in our lives.  It is in these times that we must fully rely and trust God!  Being raised in a preachers home I learned at an early age to rely on God.  My parents always taught us to trust Him in ALL things! 
Yesterday I had the privilege to sing in a choir celebrating the Godly legacy of a true Man of God.  He loved everyone he came into contact with.  He taught us all to LOVE people no matter what!  Even when he was sick he was still preaching and caring for others.  Now he is in Heaven with a brand new body worshipping the Lord.
"God is Good all the time, All the time God is Good" -Brother Phillip Ellen
We should all strive to live our lives as examples of Christ's love.  Yes we will all make mistakes, but we are all forgiven.

 

 



Waiting......

 During my quiet time I was thinking about what it means to wait on the Lord.  This is something that I struggle with daily.  When I want something I want it right now and that is not the right way to be.  I have made many mistakes in my life, but God has always been there forgiving me and loving me before I made the mistakes.  I know we all go through some rough times in order to truly appreciate the good when it comes.  During these times we (or at least I know I do) tend to question God.  In these "why" moments we should be saying Thank you God instead of why God!  His reasons are far more important than waisting time saying why.  I know it is easier said than done.  God has taught me to Trust Him through pain and sadness and He will supply ALL my needs.  When He is the focal point of my life it is easier for me to find my way.  I am learning to be thankful not only in the BLESSINGS, but in the sad times as well.  Most importantly I must be thankful for Him.  Only in constant communication with Him and continual awareness of His presence can I remain intact and not unravel by the challenges of this world.  His presence will fill my mind with great things and remove all worry and fear!  When things don't go as I hope, I must focus my attention on Him!  Most things that worry me are not important!!

He Delivered Me!!!!

I love my devotion time.  I have started a new one on the Bible app on my phone called "God's Goodness".  I am really enjoying it. 
God is ALWAYS with me!!  No matter what I am going through He has His angels encamped around me:)  This makes my heart smile.  Not only does He want me to know He is there for me and he will fight my battles, but He wants me to fully understand it.  I think sometimes I read His scriptures, but I don't fully grasp what He is really saying to me.  I don't need to just read the verses, I need to meditate on them.  I am learning to read more slowly and let it sink in!  This particular verse reminds me of something that happened when I was 5.  I have always looked up to my sister!  I always wanted to be around her when I was younger.  I wanted her to do my hair, paying my nails, do my makeup, well I guess you could say I wanted to be her:)  That being said this particular day I wanted to ride home with her from town.  She kindly agreed and I was as happy as could be sitting in the front seat with my big sister.  On our way home I got sleepy, so I laid down with my head kinda in her lap (there was this thing called steering wheel that got in the way lol).  Anyway I remember she was brushing my hair out of my face.  That is the last thing I remember, then I woke up in the hospital.  We had a wreck and wrapped my sisters new car around a tree.  When I say wrapped I literally mean wrapped.  My sister tried to shield the glass from the windshield from me and cut her arm open really bad.  My eyes were swollen shut and I had a gash in my cheek.  I joke with my sister all of the time and say she tried to kill me, but I know with out a doubt she loves me and that wasn't the case.  Sometimes I think it was my fault because had I not gone to sleep maybe it wouldn't have happened.  That is when I am reminded that everything happens for a reason and God had a reason in the wreck.  He spared our lives!!  The police and medics said we shouldn't have survived.  They said had we not had on our seat belts we wouldn't have made it through, but that was not the reason we lived.  We lived because God allowed us to!!!  He knew one day we would come to know Him and want to work for Him. 
I am so thankful to Him for allowing us to live that day!!  I am also thankful for my wonderful family! 

Better is one day with Him!!!

My morning devotional reminded me how much better off I am with Him!!  This is something I have been raised knowing!!  The world tries to offer us things to take our eyes off of Him, but the happiness in things if this world only last for a season.  Happiness in God NEVER ends!!  His love is ALWAYS there for us!!!

Hope you have a great Monday!

He is my strength!!!!

I think its amazing how God sends you the right verse or message just when you need it!!!  I really needed this verse today!!  I struggle with letting go and letting God.  So thankful this was my Bible verse today!!  A wonderful reminder!!!

Waiting is not easy!

I love this verse!!  It has always been my dads favorite verse.  When I opened my Bible app this morning it was my Verse of the Day:)
I have always been a very stubborn and impatient person.  I am learning daily to trust and wait in God.  I am one of those people that thinks Christmas Eve is great to open presents because I just can't wait, or if I buy something for sometimes birthday a month in advance I always give it to then right then.  Patience is not easy, but just like this verse says if we wait on Him He will renew our strength!

Hope you have a wonderful day!

He Listens.......

I love these verses!  God is always there for me.  Sometimes when I dwell on myself and my problems, I should be dwelling in Him.  He will make it ALL better!!

My friend Lynn sends me Bible verses everyday.  I Love it.  It always brightens my day.  They are something like this:

Acts 27:23 For there stood by me this night an angel of God.

The key is to believe that what God says is true! Most Christians believe God will provide for others in need, but question whether he will provide for them when in need. Paul had no doubts about what the angel said. He trusted God's promise of safety. Will you do the same with the promises God has made you? It is time to step up and believe God's word concerning you. It is time to realize He knows your needs and He cares for you as much as He cares for others. Now is the time to trust God and His promises.~Tim DeTillis

Thank you Lynn!!  I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Sometimes you just need to cry.....

Have you ever just felt alone?  Well sometimes I do, but then I realize I'm NEVER alone!!  God is ALWAYS there!!  I know it may sound silly but sometimes when I feel like this it makes me feel better to just cry a little.
I think God uses these moments to draw me closer to Him.  He reminds me that I am so Blessed!  Sometimes all we need is a comforting word with a friend, a gentle hug or some laughter to make it ALL better and He can supply all of this if we just let Him. 

Psalms 116:8 KJV
For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

Give........

Growing up I was raised by the most giving parents.  They have always sacrificed for others.   Not only was my dad a preacher, but he was also a policeman.  You may think " boy she had it hard", but I wouldn't trade it for anything.  At the police department my dad ran Toys from Santa (originally we called it Toys for Tots).  I loved it!!  It taught me at a very young age that we should help those less fortunate than ourselves.  I remember one year when we had just finished giving out toys for the year.  I think it was Christmas Eve.  Anyway as we were walking out the door there was a lady outside.  She approached us and said, "Am I too late?  If you could just spare a few toys so my children could have a little something I would appreciate it.  I am so sorry I am late!  Please".  You see doing this type of thing you do run into some that are ungrateful, but then when you meet someone like this sweet lady and it makes it all worth it!!  As we stood in the parking lot my dad and I looked at each other (with a huge smile) and he said "Come in and we will see what we can do."  She sat out front and my dad and I went to the back.  We decided to load her up!!  We packed 3 or 4 (I cant exactly remember large black garbage bags full of toys and she didn't know it, but we happened to have some bicycles left.  That is very rare, because most of the time they are all gone (I believe God saved them for her:)).  When we brought the bags of toys out she began sobbing.  Then we said we have one more thing and we brought out the bicycles.  She cried and we cried and it was one of the BEST Christmas memories I have.  She didn't have a very big car, but the Lord made it big enough to hold everything.  We had already decided if it didn't fit we would take it wherever she needed us to!   I don't remember her name, but she was such a blessing!!

My mom has a Beauty Shop in Alabama City.  She had some beautiful white rocking chairs on the front porch.  About a year ago as she was opening her shop she noticed that someone had stolen the rocking chairs.  Instead of getting angry I remember her saying "Well I guess they needed them more than I did."  If you know my mother at all you would know that all they had to do was ask her for them and she would have given them to them. 

I have so many of these stories about my wonderful parents!  I wouldn't trade these memories for anything.  The next time you see someone on the side of the road with a card board sign, instead of questioning there motives give them something.  Whether it be food, gas, money etc.....I promise you will receive a blessing!!

My Comfort....

I woke up a few nights ago from a terrible dream.  It was one of those dreams that felt real.  When I woke up I was reminded of when I was a little girl and my dad would always tell me to sleep with my Bible under my pillow. I remember thinking that was crazy, but it really made me sleep so much better and took away the bad dreams.  Now that I am much older I am reminded of many things my parents taught me.  To love unconditionally, pray continuously, and put everything in Gods hands.  I may struggle and I will make mistakes, but God will always be there to guide me.  Sometimes I need to be reminded of these things I was taught at a young age.  Maybe the bad dream was God reminding me to trust Him.  So if you ever have those bad dreams try sleeping with you Bible under your pillow and praying to God for guidance:)

The Lighthouse.....

Sometimes when I think I am lost and have no where to go I remember the old song my dad used to sing "The Lighthouse".  Just like the lighthouse guides the ships safely to shore, I know my Lighthouse (Jesus) will guide me safely.  I have not always trusted Him with everything, but I am doing my best to put everything in His hands!!

Lighthouse

There's a Lighthouse on the hillside That over looks life's sea When I'm tossed it sends out a lightThat I might see And the light that shines in darkness now Will safely lead us o'er If it wasn't for the Lighthouse My ship would be no more Chorus: And I thank God for the Lighthouse I owe my life to Him For Jesus is the Lighthouse And from the rocks of sin He has shown a light around me That I could clearly see If it wasn't for the Lighthouse (tell me) Where would this ship be? Everybody that lives about us Says tear that Lighthouse down The big ships don't sail this way anymore There's no use of it standing round Then my mind goes back to that stormy night When just in time I saw the light Yes, the light from that old Lighthouse That stands up there on the hill Christian Hymn Lyrics Online© 2008 Carden's Design. All Rights Reserved.

In The Quiet of the Morning......

I love waking up in the morning and looking out my window!  Even though it has been raining for the last few days I love to watch it.  To me the rain is so relaxing.  Usually I have to share my window time with our babies.  They love it as much as I do.  It reminds me to be thankful for all my blessings and not to avoid the present because I am worried about the future.  Sometimes I get so overwhelmed with what I'm doing I don't enjoy the blessings that God has given me.  If I devote my life to God and focus on serving Him I will have no time for worry!  Today I just want to Thank Him!! 

Thank you Lord for the Blessings you have given me!!!

I love this song.  I just wanted to share it today.

Blessings by Laura Story

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we have faith to believe

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the achings of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise



Pray Blessings!!

Have you ever been driving and a car keeps passing you or flying up behind you?  Well I have and my human nature takes over and I immediately say I hope they get a ticket.  The Lord convicted me of this recently.  Instead of praying for them to get a ticket I should be praying for their safety!  You never know why they are in a hurry.  I need to learn not to jump to anger and just Pray Blessings!!

The Beautiful Sun

As I look at the beautiful sun, I think of how awesome it is to have someone love me that created that sun!  This also reminds me to Trust Him and not be afraid.  I will let Him be my refuge!

Isaiah 12:2 (KJV)

Behold God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

He wants me to be thankful for ALL things good and bad.

"When you criticize or complain, you are acting as if you think you could run the world better than I do." (Page 111, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)  That is such a true statement.  I know it is human nature to complain, but I am going to try to remember this and not complain so much!  (I know my hubby will appreciate that lol!)

Isaiah 6:3 (KJV)

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

When something unexpected happens talk to God about it.  He will ALWAYS listen.

Psalm 112:7 (KJV)

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting the Lord.

You can not store up quality time with God.  You have to spend time with Him daily.  To know His will we must spend time with Him.

It's Not About ME

This is what I have to remind myself daily.  Last night while at our youth global focus service the speaker reminded us that we need to ask God what he wants us to do with our life.  This really hit home with me.  Anybody that knows me, knows that I have always wanted a house full of children, either by having my children, or adopting my children. The past couple of years that has been all I think about, pray and dream about.  Last night I was reminded that if it is Gods will it will happen.  I'm not saying this will be easy, but I know with God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.   Right now I just love on my nieces and nephews,  the babies at our church, the youth at our church and of course my sweet kitties.  God has truly blessed me!  Whatever is your will God,  I will wait on you!  I am reminded of this song-

John Waller
While I'm Waiting :
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Please pray for me that I will do His will!!

Rain......

       Many times when the forecast calls for rain, I tend to not like it.  (terrible English I know).  I wish it could be bright and sunny everyday, but that is not my decision to make.  God allows everything to happen for a reason.  Sometimes we have to go through rainy days in order to appreciate the bright sunny ones.  We need to look at the rain as God pouring down his blessings on us.  Maybe rain is when Heaven is overflowing with Blessings and God decides to share them with us in the form of rain.  Good always emerges from any situation God allows us to go through! 

This is the day the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

If we only thank God on the bright sunny days, we will miss out on so many blessings!

                                              

"Bring The Rain"

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray

Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty

- MercyMe

A True Survivor

This is my friend Venecia Butler.  She is a Cancer Survivor!  She has been diagnosed with cancer over 3 times.  God has done an amazing work in her life.  She has an amazing spirit and positive attitude!  Laughter is the best medicine and V finds a way to make others laugh all the time.  She speaks at Ladies Conference's all around telling her story of how God has brought her through these difficult times.  The picture below is one of the many times she has given her testimony.  You will notice the chair she is sitting in.  She takes that chair to her speaking engagements as a reminder God still has so much in store for her!  You see God used this chair to show her that he was going to do a mighty work through her!  I will not tell you the story of the chair.  Let her tell you, invite Venecia to your church and listen to her amazing testimony!  She has written her first book "I Have To Get Some Things Off My Chest"  to be realeased in the Summer 2013.

V pouring her heart out to approx 40 young ladies!

Venecia Speaking at Solid Rock.

This is the T-shirt you can purchase to show your support for Venecia.  CRAP means "Cancer Really Annoys People".  That is also another story you need to hear from her!

I love you Venecia and am praying for you everyday!!  Thank you for reminding me how precious life is and how wonderful friendship can truly be.



How to contact Venecia:
(256) 452-5145

Pray for Bro. Phillip

Please Pray for Bro. Phillip!!

 Bro. Phillip Ellen is a great man of God.  He was recently diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. We are praying for healing!  Please join us in prayer!

t

Praying for Boston

Praying for Boston!!!  Praying for our country!