Same Post - Different Words :)

So I've had several different topics on my mind to blog about lately. Obviously I've procrastinated quite a bit. As usual.....when I sit down to write, I draw a big fat blank so this post may or may not make sense :)



In the last few weeks, conversations I've had with my hubby have really stood out. I love that I can talk to him about things that are floating around in my head and for the most part he gets what I'm trying to say and adds to it. Now, he could just be being nice but either way I feel like getting those thoughts out verbally help to process things.



From our conversations and sermons Pastor Chris has preached I've come to the realization that being a christian, or telling someone you are a christian, really has the potential to cause a good bit of harm or (hopefully) alot of good. For some people, they may encounter very few christians in their life. What that person says, does, or doesn't do is what becomes their idea of what all christians are like. Sure, we are not perfect by any means. If an alocoholic sees a "christian" drinking, would that make that person think that it might be ok? If "the world" sees us and can't really see a difference in how they are living and how you are, then what would their incentive be to become a christian? I think God is more concerned about us being holy and leading others to him than how we want to live. I don't know about you, but doing things the way I've wanted them haven't worked out real well.



D.L. Moody wrote: " It is a great deal better to live a holy life than to talk about it. We are told to let our light shine, and if it does we won't need to tell anybody it does. The light will be it's own witness. Lighthouses don't ring bells and fire cannons to call attention to their shining - they just shine."

Wow, that is pretty powerful!



Moving on to a couple of other revelations. I looked back the other day on when I became saved. I had been in church on and off my whole life, knew what I needed to do but never did it. I can recall realizing I NEEDED a saviour. I truly could not do the thing we call "life" here another second on my own. Days later I also realized there was NOTHING I could do to earn my salvation. "Isn't that crazy?" I thought. So, I know that there is nothing I or anyone else can do to get a person to accept Christ. But, we can plant seeds and be an example and I guarantee you when someone comes to the place that they need a saviour they will think of you and what you've said. I know I thought of a man that I used to work with that was a good christian example. No matter what was going on at work, no matter where the office Christmas parties were, he always acted the same. He invited me to church several times, although I never accepted. But, when I finally GOT IT, I wanted to let him know that I did and I appreciated all the kind words he spoke and the example that he was.

So after having the above conversation with Denson, we started talking about all the things that had to happen for us to be in the place we are at now. First, I wasn't a believer and the fact that God was busy working things out even when I could care less is just amazing. Second, when my "light" was turned on, luckily I had a supportive spouse and we starting growing together. Since I had been married before and didn't have that luck when I did try to do "church" - I know that mine and Denson's marriage was meant to be. We sure didn't consult Him before getting married!

One last thing, a good friend and I have started the Beth Moore study on Esther. It is amazing!! I had heard of her before but never read any of her books. Well, this study has made me a Beth Moore fan. We will start week 2 tomorrow and I can't wait! Hope everyone has a great week!

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2

Do you ever have dreams that you wish you could somehow record and go back and watch? I have and last night was one of them. I dreamed about my PaPa! It was weird but it was like I had gone back in time before he passed away and he was telling me things I needed to know to live a good life. It was like I knew he was gone but I wanted to soak up as much of what he was telling me as I could. Of course I can't remember everything but what did stick out in my mind was him telling me not to worry about the things of this world....there was nothing "here" that could make me happy. In the inside I was thinking, "Yes! I know that now and you would be so proud!" It was great to see his face and remember him. Gosh, he's been gone 14 yrs and I still miss him so much!

He was such a wise, Godly man. I wish I really could go back and ask him questions. I would ask him to tell me about his life before God and what led him to Him (my nanny has where he had written it down, we just need to find it!). I would get more details of his dream/vision of heaven. Just plain ol' advice for life.

I wish I could tell him what an impact he had on my life. Unfortunately I didn't realize it until he was gone. Really, him telling about his dream of heaven saved me. It took a long time but I never forgot it.

The things we say and do now......we never know how God will use that to impact lives years down the road.

One last thing. We had community group tonight and the 2nd scripture we read was Colossians 3:1-11. The first couple of verses said "Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." I don't think it was a coincidence that I had that dream and THEN this scripture was part of our study tonight. God is so awesome!

New Years Resolution

I have felt really convicted here lately on what I watch on TV. I have been so quick to want to get the kids to bed on certain nights so I can watch one of my shows. At the same time, I'm putting off other important things, much more important things like spending time with God.

Do things you hear ever stick with you and you feel like you'll never forget them? I have a few and one that keeps popping in my mind is something I heard Joyce Meyer say some years ago. She was talking about growing spiritually and that things you were able to do last year, are the same things you won't be able to the next. I have found that to be so true! I remember the first time I drank alcohol after being saved...........I KNEW that was something I could not do anymore. I think back on things that I've done and just cringe at the thought. No way could I do those things at this point in my life. But, I am so thankful that I didn't have to have it all together in order to be able to attend church and worship God. He accepts us just as we are and as a matter of fact He is the one that gives us the strength to kick bad habits. He even takes desires away for the not so good things and gives us new desires.

One of my goals this year is to memorize one bible verse a week. I had a conversation with a family member about a week ago. She was very sad and told me of an experience she had and that after that, she quit praying that God would just let her die. So, hours after the conversation I wake up thinking of the verse that says:" The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." John 10:10. I so wish I could have given her that scripture. Life is tough and is just not fair at times but we are not supposed to live a defeated life. Of course I had to look up the scripture because I did not have it memorized. With that being said I remembered a verse that says something about hiding God's word in your heart......(after searching for 20 minutes) ok, couldn't find that but maybe this is what I was thinking Ephesians 6:10-18. This talks about putting on the full armor of God. How can I do that without knowing the scripture?

Sometimes it is hard to know what God is telling us or wants us to do but the more we stay in the word and pray He reveals himself. It is so awesome how confirmation from others that have no idea what's going on can be used by God and not even know it.

So, I guess you could say I have 2 New Year's resolutions: 1.Quit watching so much junk on TV(not everything is junk but alot is)! 2. Memorize scripture.

I know 2010 will be a great year, I just know it!

Divine appointments.

Shortly after I became a Christian, I remember a friend of mine telling me that I would learn that there is no such thing as a coincidence. Oh my goodnes was he right! I look back now and see how if certain things hadn't happened I wouldn't be where I am today.

I think I've written before that I've been in situations and realized that I was supposed to be in that place at that time, no doubt. Those are the times that I KNOW just how much God is in control and just how real HE is. It's amazing how God is working in and around us and we don't always see it.

About 2 months before I found out I was pregnant with Reese, I went to the doctor for my yearly check-up. In the exam room while I was waiting, a magazine was sitting there. On the front of it was Reese Witherspoon and it said "Sweet Reese". We had already been talking about names and I just got chills....wondering if that was a sign of what was to come. The next day, Denson and I were looking at a house that was under construction. There were mirrors that were lableled with their kids names and what name was on one of them......yep, Reese! I knew that would be our baby's name.

I truly believe that the people we encounter, places we go, are no accident. Have you ever gotten the feeling you should say something to a person? I have and I don't act on it like I should. I guess in fear that the person will think I'm crazy, but I always feel horrible when I miss the opportunity. I will say I have not always gotten the response I've expected either. But, I am just the messenger and God is still at work!

I am so not good with words but I pray that God will give me the words to speak to people I encounter and the courage to not back down.

Be careful little feet where you go for it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow...

Little ones are so funny.......they want to do everything they see others do, especially their parents. Reese mocks EVERYTHING Denson does. He pretends to build houses, talk on the phone, cut the grass. He also pretends to do things I do like cook, clean, and get on to Bailey. He repeats everything he hears and I do mean everything. THAT has been a not so good reminder when you hear your 2 yr old say butt hole! Oh, and he wants to do whatever Bailey is doing, like singing, dancing, and even homework. I'm sure he'll get out of the last one when he starts school.

This last week Reese has acted like he was the one that had back surgery. It really got me thinking that what we, as parents, do really, really affects how our kids grow up and perceive things. Practice what you preach is what we should do. How can we tell our kids not to do something when they see us doing it? It makes me sad to think of children that grow up not hearing about God, seeing there parents do not so nice things, think it is ok for a man to beat a woman, have zero respect for themselves or others and many other things.

Anyone can bring a life into this world but that doesn't make them a parent. What a precious gift God has given to so many that treat the gift worse than some treat a dog. I just don't understand.

So, I think this is a challenge to me and others to be that example that some may never see anywhere else. I know I need to be a better example to my kids too. Some of the things I hear Bailey and Reese say sound just like me! Sometimes it's funny and other times I think "Wow, I sound like that?"

I'll say this last thing. I think it is super important who our kids look up to and are around. They are paying attention even when we have no clue. For example, Reese picked up Bailey's bible a few nights ago and said he was Pastor Chris and he was reading the new old testament. He even prayed after the story! It was the sweetest thing he's ever done. I pray that he and Bailey always look up to people that live their life for God.

Once saved always saved?

I often struggle with this question. I find it hard to understand how self professing Christians act, and do the same things that non-Christians do. I feel I am being judgemental, and I guess I am but......my heart is burdened for them. If one truly believes that what the bible says is true we should want to make sure others KNOW the truth.

I think for the most part, people as a whole, want to believe in God and that Jesus died on the cross to save the world from sin. BUT, the following verse shows that following Jesus is not easy. Matthew 7:13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." It's just human nature to go the easy route, but that leads to destruction.

I listened to a sermon last week by David Platt that I found very interesting. It really got me thinking about the above question. I think many are being deceived that all you have to do is say a prayer, ask for forgiveness, and walk down the aisle and that's it, you're done. That is just the beginning. You are born again at the point and the holy spirit dwells in you. Your eyes are opened. I will list some of the notes from the sermon. We can profess publicly what we do not possess personally. Is is possible that one could walk down the aisle and say the right things without REALLY having it? Walking down the aisle itself will not save you.

The way of Christ is always fruitful. James 2:26 "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." I firmly believe that others should see that you are different from "the world" you shouldn't have to tell them you are different, it should show.

The way of Christ is always faithful. Matthew 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven." Being obedient to God is key.

We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. One must repent. I looked up the definition and this is what it said: Repentance is not merely a change of mind but a radical change in one's life as a whole that especially involves forsaking sin and turning or returning to God. Make a RADICAL change.....we don't keep on doing the same thing. Luke 13:5 "I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." That is pretty powerful once you come to a clear understanding of what repentance means.

I really feel like the gospel has been watered down as to not offend anyone. We can't twist and turn God's word to make it say what we want it to say. Sometimes the truth hurts. Once we realize that we have to give up the ways of the world in order to keep what we can't afford to lose (eternal life) it is all worth it.

God is just awesome!

Let me start by saying God is just awesome!!

Poor Denson has to have another back surgery. He will be having 2 fusions on November 2nd. He desperatly needs some relief and although the recovery time will be tough it will be worth it in the long run.

I know you are thinking "God is awesome....back surgery........ummm, I don't get it." So, that brings me to this..... As Denson was leaving the hospital after meeting with his doctor about the surgery, there was a little old lady with a walker that had parked her car pretty much on the ramp of the parking deck. At first Denson just kept on going and was on the phone with his Mom. He told her about the lady and she told him he needed to help her. So, Denson asks the lady if he could help park her car. She said yes of course but there weren't any parking spaces close by. She proceeds to tell him to pull his truck out of his space and then park her car there. The problem with that is a line had began to form and someone was bound to get that spot. Well, the little ond lady with her walker stood in the parking spot, shooing people away until Denson could back her car down the parking deck into his spot. She was very grateful and told him he would be a blessed man for helping her. She asked if there was anything she could pray for. He told her that he just learned that he would be having another back surgery and if she could pray for that he would appreciate it. She said he would be prayed for that night when she said her prayers.

The awesome thing is..... Denson was nervous about the surgery and rightfully so. But, God knew that and through this sweet little old lady gave him what he needed. He said he feels at peace about the surgery now. I just love it when things like that happen and there is no mistaking it was God.

*************************************************************************************
Lastly, I am just so heartbroken for a friend of mine. She has learned that she has breast cancer for the 2nd time. She beat it once and many prayers are going up for her to be healed again. After beating cancer the 1st time, she suffered the loss of her youngest son AND her Mom within the same week. She is just the sweetest person you can meet and it breaks my heart thinking of what she has had to endure. Please say a prayer for her, her name is Liz.

I know that prayer is very powerful because our prayers are heard by the maker of the universe. That is so hard to fathom sometimes......THE maker of the universe!

In the next few days I'll be posting the latest antics of none other than Reese. One story involves a pop tart and a potato peeler:) That boy has got to be the most creative (and destructive) 2 yr old I know!!

Hope everyone is having a good week!!