Well, it's official our Clay is now a United States Soldier!
Today was Basic Training Graduation Day. From here we spend a few days with him before he enrolls in AIT in
Fort Gordon-
Augusta, GA
We Love You, Clay! God Bless You! XO
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
Giving thanks is far better than grumbling to get your way
“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord…” (Psalm 92:1)
Scripture states it, but we fail to do it. Why? Why is it that we concentrate more on negative issues than we do the positive? We are seeing this in our economy. We saw it in the election. And unfortunately, we see it in our families. Everywhere we turn, be it television, radio, even print, the concentration is on the negative. Negative news sells. It’s a known fact. It makes me sad to see the discontentment in our world. This attitude that says “it’s never good enough” has got to go.
The Bible says: "Oh that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness." Psalm 107:8-9
He (God) is the only One who can satisfy our soul. If we take notice of the many blessings in our lives, we will begin to look at life with a different view. As we come to the realization that nothing we have is our own and understand that everything we are entrusted with is His, then maybe we would appreciate all He has entrusted us with.
Thanksgiving is a time to stop and look at life, past, present, and future and reflect on the many treasures we’ve encountered in the past, those we are currently experiencing and those we will soon be blessed with. It is not the only time we should do this however, but unfortunately it is the only day many take the time to do so. Thanksgiving is and should be a daily celebration, not just a once a year feast.
I love what Melody Beattie wrote: “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
If we would realize that the blessings we’ve received, well out number the ones we’ve shared; if we’d agree that our unworthiness does not deserve the many gifts God has bestowed our way, maybe if we appreciate what we have rather than continually grumble about what we don’t , just maybe we’d be a happier generation, a more pleasant world.
Dietrich Bonheoffer is quoted as saying: “In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.”
What a shame. We, being the blessed nation that we are, have become so ungrateful. We fail to see the many joys that are set before us. Rather than looking at our children as blessings, we look on them as burdens. Instead of accepting our job as an opportunity, we see at it as a weight. We dissect our relationships, focusing on the negatives; rather than magnifying the positives. And I could go on and on. It’s sad. Life is not supposed to be this way.
We are a sick nation running from doctor to doctor, hospital to hospital because our stress levels are high and our fears are great. We smile less and cry more. We argue and fight rather than love and share. All because we are a dissatisfied people who refuse to be thankful.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Phil. 4:6
“There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.”-- Author Unknown
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)
"I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving." Psalm 69:30
The time to count our blessings is not when things are going good, instead; when things are tough. When we learn to focus on the good in life, things change and quite often what changes is us. Not so much the outcome but how we perceive our circumstance.
Willie Nelson got it right when he said: “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” "Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 106:1
“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord…” (Psalm 92:1)
Scripture states it, but we fail to do it. Why? Why is it that we concentrate more on negative issues than we do the positive? We are seeing this in our economy. We saw it in the election. And unfortunately, we see it in our families. Everywhere we turn, be it television, radio, even print, the concentration is on the negative. Negative news sells. It’s a known fact. It makes me sad to see the discontentment in our world. This attitude that says “it’s never good enough” has got to go.
The Bible says: "Oh that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness." Psalm 107:8-9
He (God) is the only One who can satisfy our soul. If we take notice of the many blessings in our lives, we will begin to look at life with a different view. As we come to the realization that nothing we have is our own and understand that everything we are entrusted with is His, then maybe we would appreciate all He has entrusted us with.
Thanksgiving is a time to stop and look at life, past, present, and future and reflect on the many treasures we’ve encountered in the past, those we are currently experiencing and those we will soon be blessed with. It is not the only time we should do this however, but unfortunately it is the only day many take the time to do so. Thanksgiving is and should be a daily celebration, not just a once a year feast.
I love what Melody Beattie wrote: “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
If we would realize that the blessings we’ve received, well out number the ones we’ve shared; if we’d agree that our unworthiness does not deserve the many gifts God has bestowed our way, maybe if we appreciate what we have rather than continually grumble about what we don’t , just maybe we’d be a happier generation, a more pleasant world.
Dietrich Bonheoffer is quoted as saying: “In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.”
What a shame. We, being the blessed nation that we are, have become so ungrateful. We fail to see the many joys that are set before us. Rather than looking at our children as blessings, we look on them as burdens. Instead of accepting our job as an opportunity, we see at it as a weight. We dissect our relationships, focusing on the negatives; rather than magnifying the positives. And I could go on and on. It’s sad. Life is not supposed to be this way.
We are a sick nation running from doctor to doctor, hospital to hospital because our stress levels are high and our fears are great. We smile less and cry more. We argue and fight rather than love and share. All because we are a dissatisfied people who refuse to be thankful.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Phil. 4:6
“There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.”-- Author Unknown
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)
"I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving." Psalm 69:30
The time to count our blessings is not when things are going good, instead; when things are tough. When we learn to focus on the good in life, things change and quite often what changes is us. Not so much the outcome but how we perceive our circumstance.
Willie Nelson got it right when he said: “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” "Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 106:1
Sunday, November 16, 2008
This is the Day
What a beautiful morning! The weather is cool, crisp and sweet! God is amazing in the way that He, with just a thought or word can bring coolness to our lives. Are you in the heat of trials right now? Are you experienced a blaze of difficulty that cannot be quenched in your own power? Call on the One who is able to calm the sea and open blind eyes with just one whisper, just one touch. Why suffer? Cry out to Him today and allow him to lighten your load.
Rejoice in Suffering
“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Rom 5:3-5, NIV)
This week was rough for me. I guess I had to pay for overdoing it the week before. Monday morning I woke up not feeling like my usual self. My throat was scratchy and I felt a bit achy. I did the usual, said a prayer, took a couple of Tylenols and went about my day; my busy day! I left the house early in hopes to get a few things done before Women’s Bible Study at 9:30AM. Afterwards, I met Jim for lunch then headed for the office. I spent most of the afternoon hunched over the keyboard inputting data in the computer till my shoulders ached. I made it home that evening greeted by the list chores that had to get done, such as preparing dinner, clean-up; laundry, etc. Tuesday morning came too early as far as I was concerned. Another day of achy, tired bones followed by an evening of crash! I couldn’t go any longer. At about 5 my body told me it was time to give it up. Reluctantly, I did and got the much needed rest I’d been missing. Wednesday came and by afternoon I was finally back to normal! Praise God!
All too often we run ourselves ragged that our bodies have no choice but to let us know enough is enough. We go here and there, do this and that on a 100 mile an hour journey to nowhere. I must confess last week was a blast!
I had lots of fun and God blessed me greatly in my journeys, but I know I was too much on the go and therefore payment was due this week.
This was my schedule last week: Monday I did my usual Bible Study, work and evening at home duties: Tuesday was “Girl Talk”, work, and the usual. Wednesday I put in a full day at the office and Thursday I worked a full day as well. That evening I went to the Florida Hospital Gala which included dinner and an amazing performance by Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman. Needless to say we got home quite late. Up again early Friday, at the office till noon and a slew of errands following. First, I stopped by Samaritan’s Touch (which was and amazing testimony), took a couple of tests at SFCC; went grocery shopping, visited the bank and Walgreens, then headed home to make dinner. At six I left for a Southern Living Party at Jodi’s and returned home later than desired. Saturday the same old same old, house cleaning (always an undesirable chore), went to visit mom, prepared for Bible Study, cooked a great dinner, cleaned up and made it to bed by eleven. Rising early Sunday morning; several of my close friends and I headed for Orlando’s “The Gathering Place” church. Darlene Scheck of Hillsongs was the guest speaker and the group was ministering in concert that evening. What a night! We got home past midnight and as usual I was up early the next day eager to begin my weekly routine. No wonder I was worn out! Let’s face it I don’t know how to slow down! Relaxing is not my favorite pass time.
I’ve always been that way. I can’t sit still! So when I felt like I was getting sick, of course I chose to ignore it. Thank God I’m kin to the mighty Healer! The One that with just a word can calm any storm, He makes the lame walk, and the blind see. I am so thankful that He is the very One who gives me breath; the One that heals my sickness and calms my fears. He is the One that gives me the hope and the strength I need to make it through each day, each trial. He is always with me, He’s my closet friend. He is the One who picks me up and sets my feet on solid ground. If I know this, and I do then why do I worry and fret? Why do I fear what the future might bring? Why do I let a day on the couch get me down? If God is for me who can be against me? Why is it so hard to rejoice in my sufferings?
Dear God, I Thank You for all You are doing in my life. Help me to see each day as a blessing, an opportunity to love and serve you more. When I grow weary of doing Lord, thank you for being my strength. Help me Lord to rejoice in my sufferings and to know that you are in control. I love you. Amen.
This week was rough for me. I guess I had to pay for overdoing it the week before. Monday morning I woke up not feeling like my usual self. My throat was scratchy and I felt a bit achy. I did the usual, said a prayer, took a couple of Tylenols and went about my day; my busy day! I left the house early in hopes to get a few things done before Women’s Bible Study at 9:30AM. Afterwards, I met Jim for lunch then headed for the office. I spent most of the afternoon hunched over the keyboard inputting data in the computer till my shoulders ached. I made it home that evening greeted by the list chores that had to get done, such as preparing dinner, clean-up; laundry, etc. Tuesday morning came too early as far as I was concerned. Another day of achy, tired bones followed by an evening of crash! I couldn’t go any longer. At about 5 my body told me it was time to give it up. Reluctantly, I did and got the much needed rest I’d been missing. Wednesday came and by afternoon I was finally back to normal! Praise God!
All too often we run ourselves ragged that our bodies have no choice but to let us know enough is enough. We go here and there, do this and that on a 100 mile an hour journey to nowhere. I must confess last week was a blast!
I had lots of fun and God blessed me greatly in my journeys, but I know I was too much on the go and therefore payment was due this week.
This was my schedule last week: Monday I did my usual Bible Study, work and evening at home duties: Tuesday was “Girl Talk”, work, and the usual. Wednesday I put in a full day at the office and Thursday I worked a full day as well. That evening I went to the Florida Hospital Gala which included dinner and an amazing performance by Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman. Needless to say we got home quite late. Up again early Friday, at the office till noon and a slew of errands following. First, I stopped by Samaritan’s Touch (which was and amazing testimony), took a couple of tests at SFCC; went grocery shopping, visited the bank and Walgreens, then headed home to make dinner. At six I left for a Southern Living Party at Jodi’s and returned home later than desired. Saturday the same old same old, house cleaning (always an undesirable chore), went to visit mom, prepared for Bible Study, cooked a great dinner, cleaned up and made it to bed by eleven. Rising early Sunday morning; several of my close friends and I headed for Orlando’s “The Gathering Place” church. Darlene Scheck of Hillsongs was the guest speaker and the group was ministering in concert that evening. What a night! We got home past midnight and as usual I was up early the next day eager to begin my weekly routine. No wonder I was worn out! Let’s face it I don’t know how to slow down! Relaxing is not my favorite pass time.
I’ve always been that way. I can’t sit still! So when I felt like I was getting sick, of course I chose to ignore it. Thank God I’m kin to the mighty Healer! The One that with just a word can calm any storm, He makes the lame walk, and the blind see. I am so thankful that He is the very One who gives me breath; the One that heals my sickness and calms my fears. He is the One that gives me the hope and the strength I need to make it through each day, each trial. He is always with me, He’s my closet friend. He is the One who picks me up and sets my feet on solid ground. If I know this, and I do then why do I worry and fret? Why do I fear what the future might bring? Why do I let a day on the couch get me down? If God is for me who can be against me? Why is it so hard to rejoice in my sufferings?
Dear God, I Thank You for all You are doing in my life. Help me to see each day as a blessing, an opportunity to love and serve you more. When I grow weary of doing Lord, thank you for being my strength. Help me Lord to rejoice in my sufferings and to know that you are in control. I love you. Amen.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Please Vote, It's your Right and Duty
I debated whether I should write about the big day coming up next week or not, and I guess I’ll give it a shot. I believe this election is one of the most critical in our recent history. The way we vote or don’t vote, will affect more than we realize. What I have to say to all of you is this: whichever candidate you choose is your right, but please, makes a choice, and do your duty as an American Citizen. Our country depends on it!
The Bible states in Proverbs 8:15-18:
“By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.” NIV
Here, I believe, God is saying that He is the one who appoints the kings and rulers of the earth. He is the One who gives them the wisdom they need, (providing they ask for it). He also is saying that He loves those that love Him and to those, come riches and honor, wealth and prosperity. Does that say anything to you? Could it be possible that everything we are experiencing today stems from the fact that much of the United States, does not love and honor their Creator as they should?
“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.” Rev 2:4 NIV
We have left our first love (Rev 2). We have taken Him out of our schools, taken Him out of our homes, and yes even taken Him out of our churches and Government! What do we expect? Our energy crisis, our economy and these battles we are fighting, are all a direct result of our sinful lives. We must open our eyes and turn away from wicked ways. We must acknowledge our Creator, bow on our knees with humble hearts and ask forgiveness of our God. But, that just doesn’t seem possible in many of our eyes. The idea is so far-fetched, because of where we are as a country. But I am here to tell you that nothing is impossible with God.
“Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
Luke 18:27NIV
“For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37 NIV
Whoever is elected President of the United States for the next four years has his job cut out for him; big time. It will be no easy task.
Therefore, we must daily before the election as well as long after, be on our knees for our country. We must pray for our leaders, pray for our troops, pray for our churches and most importantly, pray for our families. We are in difficult times but that doesn’t mean our lives as we once knew them, are over.
One by one as we pour our hearts out to God, we can change the world. One by one, as we take a stand on the issues that matter most; the ones that test our morality, the ones that will keep our economy going, the ones that put God, family and country first, the ones that will truly make a difference in our lives and the lives of our children and grandchildren; one by one as we take our stand; we can make a difference.
I encourage you, I ask, even beg you-make a difference for the better. Before you enter the Polls this Tuesday, ask God for wisdom as to how you should cast your vote. The Bible says that He directs the steps of the righteous and gives wisdom to those who ask for it.
“A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?” Proverbs 20:24
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5-6 NIV
Let’s all make a difference. Let’s all vote this November 4th, it’s our right and it’s our duty. May God bless you as you enter the polls, and may God bless our wonderful, America.
The Bible states in Proverbs 8:15-18:
“By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.” NIV
Here, I believe, God is saying that He is the one who appoints the kings and rulers of the earth. He is the One who gives them the wisdom they need, (providing they ask for it). He also is saying that He loves those that love Him and to those, come riches and honor, wealth and prosperity. Does that say anything to you? Could it be possible that everything we are experiencing today stems from the fact that much of the United States, does not love and honor their Creator as they should?
“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.” Rev 2:4 NIV
We have left our first love (Rev 2). We have taken Him out of our schools, taken Him out of our homes, and yes even taken Him out of our churches and Government! What do we expect? Our energy crisis, our economy and these battles we are fighting, are all a direct result of our sinful lives. We must open our eyes and turn away from wicked ways. We must acknowledge our Creator, bow on our knees with humble hearts and ask forgiveness of our God. But, that just doesn’t seem possible in many of our eyes. The idea is so far-fetched, because of where we are as a country. But I am here to tell you that nothing is impossible with God.
“Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
Luke 18:27NIV
“For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37 NIV
Whoever is elected President of the United States for the next four years has his job cut out for him; big time. It will be no easy task.
Therefore, we must daily before the election as well as long after, be on our knees for our country. We must pray for our leaders, pray for our troops, pray for our churches and most importantly, pray for our families. We are in difficult times but that doesn’t mean our lives as we once knew them, are over.
One by one as we pour our hearts out to God, we can change the world. One by one, as we take a stand on the issues that matter most; the ones that test our morality, the ones that will keep our economy going, the ones that put God, family and country first, the ones that will truly make a difference in our lives and the lives of our children and grandchildren; one by one as we take our stand; we can make a difference.
I encourage you, I ask, even beg you-make a difference for the better. Before you enter the Polls this Tuesday, ask God for wisdom as to how you should cast your vote. The Bible says that He directs the steps of the righteous and gives wisdom to those who ask for it.
“A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?” Proverbs 20:24
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5-6 NIV
Let’s all make a difference. Let’s all vote this November 4th, it’s our right and it’s our duty. May God bless you as you enter the polls, and may God bless our wonderful, America.
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