Being Content

Phl 4:11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

Ha! That's a good one right? Being content no matter the circumstances! - who ever heard of something that crazy? I have.

My life has not been easy, and you know what? I don't mind that at all. But at first I did; I complained about everything that happened in my life, always questioning God. "Why God Me? I thought I was a good person, a good Christian, WHY ME?" That was my constant prayer.

When I came across this verse, that first paragraph was a constant thought of mine. Along with: "Its inconceivable! No one can really be content in the circumstances their in. No one."

After some growth, and A LOT of prayer I learned to really grasp this verse. I love this verse. It's an awesome reminder of what my attitude should ALWAYS be. If you wish to know more about me here is my testimony.

I want to ask you this my friends: Do you find yourself thinking: "Why Me Lord?", do you find yourself complaining about the circumstances you are in or going to be in (money, health, etc.)?

Let me remind you of this: God working in your life, so that He might work through your life. Also remember Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to [His] purpose.

Do I still struggle with being content no matter what? Of course I do. But I have to remind myself constantly that there is a greater purpose to what I am going through.

Be Still...

Hey all, I've been suffering from a bad case of Bronchitis so I've had no time (really brain power) to write something. So here is an awesome devotion for today from Streams In The Desert by L.B. Cowman.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Is there any note in all the music of the world as mighty as the grand pause? Is there any word in the Psalms more eloquent than the word "Selah," meaning pause? Is there anything more thrilling and awe-inspiring than the calm before the crashing of the storm, or the strange quiet that seems to fall upon nature before some supernatural phenomenon or disastrous upheaval? And is there anything that can touch our hearts like the power of stillness?

F0r the hearts that will cease focusing on themselves, there is "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding" (Phil 4:7); "quietness and trust" (Isa 30:15), which is the source of all strength ; a "great peace" that will never "make them stumble" (Ps 119:165); and a deep rest, which the world can never give nor take away. Deep within the center of the soul is a chamber of peace where God lives and where, if we will enter it and quiet all other sounds, we can hear His "gentle whisper" (1 Kings 19:12).

Even in the fastest wheel that is turning, if you look at the center, where the axle is found, there is no movement at all. And even in the busiest life, there is a place where we may dwell alone with God in eternal stillness.

There is only one way to know God: "Be still, and know." "The Lord is in His Holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him" (Hab 2:20).

All-loving Father, sometimes we have walked under starless skies that dripped darkness like drenching rain. We despaired from the lack of light from the sun, moon and stars. The gloomy darkness loomed above us as if it would last forever. And from the dark, there spoke no soothing voice to mend our broken hearts. We would gladly have welcomed even a wild clap of thunder, if only to break the torturing stillness of that mournfully depressing night.

Yet Your soft whisper of eternal love spoke more sweetly to our bruised and bleeding souls than any winds that breathe across a wind harp. It was Your "gentle whisper" that spoke to us. We were listening and we heard You, and then we looked and saw Your face, which was radiant with the light of Your love. And when we heard Your voice and saw Your face, new life returned to us, just as life returns to withered blossoms that drink the summer rain.

My God is Awesome!

God of Wonders


Here I am to Worship


Who Am I?

Great Faith

There have been many stories of great faith; but only one sticks out in my mind. The woman who was diseased for twelve years.


Luk 8:43 Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any,

Can you picture her pain? This is how I saw it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Abigail was in tears, twelve years was way too long to have to go through this pain. She was always in pain. The nights were filled with her agonizing screams as she clutched her blood soaked sheets. Each day was filled with doctors doing awful things to her, in hopes of healing this poor woman. Pain was her constant companion.

With her money now completely gone; she had nowhere else to turn. No more doctors, no more faith healers. No more anyone - she was all alone. Her family and friends shunned her, believing she received disease because of her sin.

"I cannot do this anymore," she said in determination. Struggling to walk because of her pain, she went into the kitchen and picked up a knife. "I cannot deal with this pain! I will not be shunned any longer!"

As she went to kill herself, she heard voices. She turned to see her neighbors talking outside; she was overhearing their conversation.

"Yes, they say he is the Messiah," said one "He is doing great miracles amongst our people! Did you see Elizabeth? She can walk!"

"I heard he is coming to the village today, we must go out to meet this Jesus!" said the other.

She stood up and began to walk out to meet this man who they called the Messiah. "This man will heal me. He is the Messiah!" She tried to walk as fast as she could, but had to stop frequently because of her pain. "I must keep going, because he will save me. He will see me and have pity on me, and save me." Tears were running down her face - because of the joy she felt at meeting her healer and because the pain was getting worse.

She had never felt this much pain; it was as if her body didn't want to be healed. "I must continue walking, so that I can meet my healer."

As she turned the corner, she saw a large crowd of people. "It's Jesus," was all she heard over and over again.

She started to maneuver the crowds, trying to get closer to him. A strange thought popped into her head, "What if he is too busy? What if he won't heal me?" she quickly pushed that thought out of her mind. "All I need to do is merely touch the hem of his garment to be healed."

As she moved closer, she was over taken by him. She began to cry, there was something about him that made her think..."I want to be near him."

She reached out her frail hand and touched his garment...

Luke 8:47-48 ...came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped. And Jesus said, "Who touched Me?" When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, "Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, 'Who touched Me?' " But Jesus said, "Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me." Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. And He said to her, "Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace."

Set Me Free

Powerful song

Humbleness is what I long for...

Phl 2:1-4 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Humility...that's a huge buzz word these days. What does it mean to be humble? Literal definition: To be meek, not proud. Its not in our nature to be humble, I definitely know its not in my nature. You have to remember, one of the first things we are taught in school as kids is to be proud of your accomplishments, look after your own and look after yourself..because no one else will.

Pride, which is the antithesis to Humility, has been around for a while. Remember, Lucifer was thrown out of heaven, because of his pride. 1Ti 3:6 (speaking of those in leadership at church) ...not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. (Emphasis mine)

Pro 16:18 Pride [goes] before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

Pride is harmful to your soul. I know and love someone who is very prideful, he thinks he can handle anything that comes his way. Right now, he has no relationship with the Lord. He told someone close that: "he is tired of talking to someone who won't answer back"...he was talking about God.

Now, I know what you would think automatically, that's not a sign of pride. You would be right, its not. Its a sign of giving up, a sign of anger - hate even. But it started out as pride. It started out that he thought he was better at handling everything, better than God.

This young man started out wanting to know God, wanting to have that fire burn within him...but he let pride get in the way.

It was something simple, something that is normally over looked: he was proud of himself, or his accomplishments. So proud.

It didn't take long for the pride to turn to confusion (Why didn't God answer me the way I wanted Him to?); then the confusion to turn to despair (Why isn't God answering me?); and the despair to turn to anger (Fine, I will do it...since God doesn't have time). Then the anger turns into hate (I refuse to talk to someone who won't answer me).

Pride is going to keep you from having a great relationship with God, no it will keep you from having a relationship with God. Period.

There are no in-betweens with sin, you can't have it both ways (be prideful and serve God). As it says in Matthews 6:24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon..."

Pride = loving yourself.

Humility = loving JOY (Jesus, Others, Yourself)

Luk 14:11 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

God's Holy Temple

Here are some questions to challenge you today and everyday:

1Cr 3:10 -17 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation [with] gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on [it] endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Do you not know that you are the temple of God and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which [temple] you are.

These set of verses talks about what you do or have done with your life. Its a challenge and a reminder. Are you living it for the Lord? or are you living it for yourself? OR are you the type of Christian that is living below the radar?

You have the foundation (Jesus Christ), but what have you done after that? Have you been a witness? Or Have you stayed living your life the way you want to?

How have you built upon the foundation of your life which is Jesus Christ? Have you built praise-worthy things or have you built earthly things?

Here's a thought for ya: Will it pass the fire test? After all is said and done, will it matter in Heaven? This is an excellent challenge to all Christians; I know its a great challenge to myself.

vs 16 & 17 say:Do you not know that you are the temple of God and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which [temple] you are.

Many take this verse to mean literally (IE: that you can't get a tattoo)...but it applies to your spiritual life. You cannot let other things "push God off of the throne in your heart" (IE: TV, children, spouse, work). Defiling the temple would be letting something else rule your heart besides God.

i can has cheezburger

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More Faithful Friday

Another Time, Another Place

More Faithful Friday

Blessed Assurance


His Eye is On The Sparrow


Via Dolorosa (an old one!) Wow I haven't heard this song in a while!


How Great Thou Art


We Shall Behold Him


"I've Just Seen Jesus" By Larnelle Harris And Sandi Patty

Faithful Friday

I know that a usual meme for Friday is Funny Friday. Well, with all that is happening to people lately, I think we need a day to remind us to be faithful. God will provide.

I think we should start with the always awesome Newsboys:


Mercy Me


Casting Crowns


Interesting skit by Silent Witness Mime troop in 2007. Its a kinda cool, basically what spiritual warfare is all about.


Who: Journey Church of Atlanta Creative Worship Team
When: March 30, 2008.
What: Body Worship to Casting Crowns - East to West.
Why: So that we may bless others with our God-given abilities. Worshiping Him with all our hearts, minds, and strength....in order to bring glory to God.


Casting Crowns


It is Well With My Soul

What is Happening People?

I decided to make this into a series. There is a lot happening in our world that should be addressed!

Teens and Sex

Last week in church, I was talking with a teenage girl and her mother. And all the teen talked about was having a boyfriend; how she wanted one but only the ugly guys want to go out with her; how she thinks its because she's so tall that boys don't ask her out. Oh by the way...she's only 14. She is 14 years old worrying about boys. I tried talking some sense into her, but she wouldn't listen. Her mother didn't stop me...but she wasn't agreeing with me either. What is up people?!

Putting aside the fact that she is 14 yrs old, I firmly believe that girls (or really any female at any age) should enjoy their youth, then later they can think about having a relationship with the opposite sex. I spent much of my teenage years and the beginning of my adult years worrying about boys. Was I pretty enough, Was I funny enough, Was I smart enough? And when I was rejected (or just didn't have a special guy), I would put myself down. Then, when I finally "had" a boyfriend, I changed myself to be the girl that he wanted.

I didn't get to live at all. My relationship with the Lord suffered so greatly. I mean look at that last paragraph...it just wasn't me!

Finally, God gave me that "smack upside the head"...He opened my eyes. I can't say exactly what happened, but my eyes were opened...and I became sad. I was sad because, I didn't let myself live. I didn't get to experience all the great things someone at that age does - because some dumb boy hurt my feelings...or I was acting like someone else. I don't want that to happen to anyone else.

What we need to do is talk to our kids. We need to stop ignoring the problem...and get down to it! I live in Maryland and heard the other day...that a 10yr old girl just found out she was pregnant. People this problem is not going to go away - it's only going to get worse! Be honest with your kids! If you are...please let me give you a round of applause! But if you are not...if you think your kids are old enough or they know better - please, please, please talk to your kids now.

Once you start talking...you will be surprised at what happens. They are will start talking back. Teenagers are a handful (boy is that ever an understatement); I know sometimes you just want to walk away and let them make their own mistakes. Please don't.

Please remember that if your kid is acting out...it's because they need some attention.

Luke 23:28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.

Lifehouse Everything Skit

Oh my goodness, everytime I see this skit....I get a tear in my eye. That God could love someone like me...even after all I have done.....no words. Pardon me while I watch again. For those who don't know this was a skit done in 2006 at Winterfest in Knoxville TN.

Being a Worry wart...

Goodness gracious am I ever the worry wart. I have a bad tendency to worry about a lot of things...not everything mind you - but too much none-the-less. This is a huge battle for me - it's something I have been working on since I was...well, able to drive. Worrying. Doubting. Fear of the Unknown.

There is not one person in this world who can say: "Nope, I don't have that problem. I don't worry about anything. My life is grand!" Seriously people, can't you hear yourself? That's a load of garbage! If you are over the age of 10...you worry - it may not be a lot but you do.

There are SO many things that are out of our control, so many things that can go wrong...how can you not worry? You worry that your dinner is going to be less than par for your in-laws; or that you wont be passing that last final exam so you can graduate; or you worry that you will get the bus late and miss your doctors appointment; or not worrying that you wont be able to pay the rent/mortgage. You see? There is always something out of your control, and therefore there will be always something to worry about.

I say this because...you are not alone. I am right there with ya!...unfortunately we all are in some way shape or form.

Matthew 6:25 - 31 says: "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, [will He] not much more [clothe] you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day [is] its own trouble." (NKJV)

This is a perfect answer to the problem of worry. Its Gods promise, that He will never leave you or forsake you - that He is always there for you. If the birds in the air have something to eat...how much more will you have? If the lilies of the field are adorned so beautifully, how much more beautiful will you be, being a child of God?

Take this time right now to look back at your life. Go through each little detail and you will see God providing for you...even in the smallest ways. Remember that day you were starving and had no money to buy food...and all of a sudden you find a $20 bill in your pocket? I have personally seen God work mighty miracles in my life just like that...God is awesome isn't He?

Wait...what is that you ask me? "I have memorized that verse and still I worry about everything!" Not a problem, again we are all human. But I will respond to that statement by saying:

Phil 4: 6-7 says: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

These verses are a help-mate, if you will, to Matthew 6:25-31. It continues to say that you should give God everything...all your requests, all your worries. Pray, seek Him out. Ask God why, go ahead I dare ya - cause He will answer you. Tell Him your scared, tell Him you can't take it anymore. Tell Him everything. What He wants is for your to get to the point of: "I can't take this anymore Lord! What should I do?" Then and only then are you ready to stop.

Phil 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.

Get ready to stop.

I went to Word Of Life Bible Institute several years ago, and in one of my classes I was taught by a man name Phil Moser (awesome teacher!). He said to memorize this verse and every time you started to worry (or have problems with your thought life), concentrate on these words! These 8 words are the basis of right thinking. He came up with the awesome idea to put these 8 words on a stop sign and memorize them! Post them up in your room (or wherever) and that way you can memorize easier by seeing them constantly. Here is an example:

During this scary time, I can not imagine anyone who is not worrying. I hope this helps you, as it helps me everyday. God Bless!

Strong Tower...

Cool video from Kutless....LOVE THEM!

The Lost One

Have you ever wondered what the prodigal son was thinking on his walk back home? What was his father thinking when he saw him? I always wonder about that....here's my take on it.

The Lost One

Aaron was hungry; he had been walking for what seemed like hours. He had taken this long dirt road a million times, but never like this. He was on his way home after years of living the way he finally wanted to - doing what he wanted, when he wanted. But now...now he held his head in shame as he walked home.

Everything on the road held a memory, a wonderful memory that only caused him pain now. There was the tree that he and Isaac would study under; there was the old barn that Abba built for the neighbors. This was harder than he thought. "How am I going to do this? What if I get rejected?" He stopped in his tracks. "What if I cannot go home? Where will I go? No," Aaron said out loud, "I will not let that happen. I must...I must beg him to let me be a servant." Aaron continued walking and thinking; "What am I doing? He's never going to accept me. I spent all of his money on harlots!" He stopped walking again.

Aaron looked at the sky, and then looked at the ground. It was full of pointy rocks, dirt and dung.

"That's it! I will get down on my knees and crawl to him; I will show him how pathetic I know I am!" He continued his walk of shame. He rounded the corner and looked down the road to his childhood home. The place that brought him warmth and comfort as a child only made him feel cold and alone. He strained his eyes to see a little man running down the road to him. "Is that my Abba?" He fell to his knees.

Abba was walking outside the house praying, as he always did at this time, for his youngest Aaron. Aaron was the rebellious one, the one who gave Abba the white hair - but no matter what Aaron did, he still loved his son greatly. Aaron left some time ago, wanting to do his own thing - Abba did not agree...but he knew he must let him make his own choices.

He never heard from Aaron directly, but knew he was OK - at least until the famine hit. No one had seen or heard from his youngest son in quite some time. Abba was fearful that he would never see his youngest again, so he did the best thing he could do...he prayed for him. He had been praying for Aaron since he left, but found himself praying even more now. "Please save my son" was all he could muster. Tears would fill his eyes, and it would hurt to speak...but he would never stop saying: "Please save my son".

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a man walking down the road. He felt immediate pity for the man, as he was covered in filth. It seemed that man had not eaten in some time....wait isn't that? He moved closer and squinted. His heart swelled as he realized "THAT'S MY SON! THANK YOU LORD!" He ran as fast as his old legs would take him. It was his son, his lost prodigal son.

Luke15:20-24 And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.' "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring [fn] out the best robe and put [it] on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on [his] feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill [it], and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.

Have you ever thought: "I can't become a Christian....I've done way to many horrible things." I know I have thought that, I was right there thinking:"God will never love me after what I have done." But you see this parable is a great picture of God's undying love for us. Earlier in the story, Aaron took his inheritance and spent it all on "prodigal" living. He did what he wanted, when he wanted. He knew he disappointed his father, he knew the shame that he brought upon his family - that's why he came back with the intention to become a servant. But his father had other ideas.

Luke 15:7 says: I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. God wants you and only you; He does not care what you have done, who you were or where you have been. He cares only about you. He wants you to see what He has to offer you.

He has this huge gift of salvation waiting for you to accept.

Or are you that person who says: "I can't become a Christian yet, I am having way too much fun right now." Take a look at those verses; the prodigal son thought that way too - but then came the famine and out went his wealth. You obviously think that there will always be an opportunity to accept Christ; but I have one thing to ask you...Who said you were promised the next 5 minutes?

Romans 3:10 As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one;
Not even me! I would never, ever claim to be righteous. I am a sinner saved by Grace. You see ALL HAVE SINNED. Yes even you reading this thinking, "I'm a good person. She's not talking to me". So sorry my friend, but I am talking to even you.

Romans 3:23 ...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...
Again, ALL HAVE SINNED! I know that there are some who say: "But I do good things, that's good enough." Well to that I answer with Eph 2:8&9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (emphasis mine)

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin [is] death, but the gift of God [is] eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Sin brings death plain and simple. Even those little white lies you tell ("Oh Mrs. Johnson, that is a lovely purple feather hat"...yea you know what I'm talking about). And the death it speaks of is spiritual death.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
God loves us so much, that before we even could even accept Him...He sent His son to die for us.

Romans 5:6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

John 10:17-18 Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.
Jesus rose from the dead, so that you may have eternal life through Him.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Jesus offers us eternal life, through Him alone. There is nothing that you or anyone else can do to get you to heaven.

Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
We must accept God's gift of salvation by faith alone.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Once we confess our sins, He will forgive them. No matter what they are, Christ will forgive you as long as you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord over your heart.

Romans 10:13 For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."
This says "...calls upon the name of the Lord.." but it does not mean simply saying Lord! It means saying Lord save me, I am a sinner. I confess my sins to you and accept you as my saviour. Come into my heart I pray.

Romans 8:35-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [Shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Once you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and saviour....nothing can separate you from His love. Nothing.

The Know-It-Alls in your life...

Have you ever come across a person who claims to know it all? No matter what the subject, they know the answer to it. And don't even think you can challenge them...uh-uh, they will sit/stand there and argue with you. You must realize that they are the smarter ones...that they are better than you! Yea, Right.

I've known a few people like that in my lifetime - all high and mighty. I laugh about it now, but back when I knew them, all I wanted to do was 'smack 'em upside the head' - as my mom would say. The last thing I wanted to do was...be nice to them. The idea of being a servant to them in anyway was perposterous! I would even go to the point of avoiding these types of people. As I have grown in the Lord, I have learned to deal with people like that. The best way really is to 'kill them with kindness'.

Phl 2:5-8: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, [and] coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to [the point of] death, even the death of the cross. (NKJV)

Such great verses to live by and really concentrate on when you come across the know-it-all. Jesus, the Son of God: "did not consider it robbery to be equal with God" (NKJV) or "did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped" (NIV). The one person who does know-it-all humbled himself by becoming an 'average joe'. He knew the extent of His power but He knew He had to be the servant of all. He took the form, of a bondservant [Definition - one who is a servant to pay off any monetary debt] so that we could live. So that we could gain eternal life.

In this day and age, everything is about self. How will this help me, or how can I benefit from that? Why am I friends with this person, what are they going to do for me? With all these temptations, we need to keep these verses close to our minds and hearts. I know I do.

We will always come across those people you want to 'smack upside the head'; but instead be a servant to all. Kill them with kindness. :o)

Material Possesions

Phl 3:7-8
But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

Awesome verses that everyone should live by. All earthly things should be considered less important in comparison to the cause of Christ. Look at all the things which make you what you are and compare them to Christ. Do they bring glory to Christ or to you? Do your clothes magnify the Lord or bring bad attention to you? Does your talk glorify God or your "gossip buddies"? Does your music bring praise to His name or change your demeanor?

If it brings glory to anything else other than God, then these verses are not really working in your life. Everything should bring glory to Christ...if it doesn't it should be counted as loss. Knowing Christ is greater than any worldly thing.

God's Glory

With all that Dave and I are going through, we have really been immersing ourselves in the word. Obviously because of this we are really being blessed and I wanted to share with you something that we read.

1Cr 1:18 - 31: For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: ["I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,] [And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."] [fn] Where [is] the wise? Where [is] the scribe? Where [is] the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks [fn] foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called.] But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption--that, as it is written, ["He who glories, let him glory in the LORD."] [fn]

These verses are great reminders of Gods Sovereignty! In the previous verses (1:10-17), Paul chides them for the divisions that were occurring. People were starting to divide the church based on who was taught or really brought to salvation, by which teacher (Paul, Apollos, Cephas or Christ). Because of that fact, the following verses are Paul trying to explain to them how foolish man is compared to God.

There was a widespread misunderstanding of the Gospel message during this time. Paul was trying to show them it's not mans wisdom or cleverness that brought them to Christ, but rather it's holding/keeping them "back". You see in verse 23 it says: "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness", the Jews and the Greeks could not (or really cannot) understand because the things of God are spiritually appraised or examined (2:14). Meaning that God is the only one who can grant wisdom. God is the only one who can "save someone".

Also, during this time Greek philosophy was "running rampant". Men were just basically full of themselves, believing they knew everything - even the bible. Which translates to the people were trying to make the bible their own, by using their "earthly wisdom" to put the bible into their own words. Because of this, there was sin growing in the church. People are prideful; they tend to look up to those who are the strongest or wisest. Paul was telling them: The wise men are foolish and those who look to the wisdom of wise men are foolish as well.

Therefore God uses the complete opposite (weak or foolish) to bring all Glory to His name which therefore would break the pride of the prideful. If He did use those who are proud (or strong or whatever) He would not get the glory. Jer 9:23-24 "Thus says the Lord, 'Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises loving-kindness, justice and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in those things' declares the Lord."

Everything is done to glorify God...EVERYTHING! No matter what you are going through, God is faithful. I know that I needed to desperately hear that. I know I need to hear about God's grace and faithfulness. God is mighty and powerful. I pray that this has blessed you as it has me

Never Lose Heart

Here is an awesome devotional from Joyce Meyers' book "Never Lose Heart". It totally blessed me with all that Dave and I are going through.

Be still and Know God.

God's Word For You

Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth! - Psalm 46:10

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

One of the main reasons so many of us are burned out and stressed out is that we don't know how to be still, to "know" God and "acknowledge" Him. When we spend time with Him, we learn to hear His voice. When we acknowledge Him, He directs our paths. We need to learn to be quiet inside and stay in that peaceful state so that we are always ready to hear the Lord's voice.


Many people today run from one thing to the next. Because their minds don't know how to be still, they don't know how to be still.


For a long time I felt I had to find something to do every evening. I had to be involved and a part of whatever was going on. I thought I couldn't afford to miss anything because I didn't want anything to go on that I didn't know about. I couldn't just sit and be still. I had to be up and doing something. I was not a human being - I was a human doing.


We need to be careful to submit our ideas and plans to God, then slow down and wait. Make sure there is a sense of peace to go along with the plans and ideas. Ask the Lord for His will in your life, then be still and know that He is God.



God gives His highest and best to those whose trust is in Him. Be still and let Him show Himself strong in your life.

Peyton Manning is Advertising Gold!

I am not a fan of sports, but what I am a fan of is Peyton Manning. I love every commercial I have seen with him in it, I can not help but laugh. I don’t know what it is, he’s just funny! In this newest spot for World Mastercard from McCann Erickson and MRM, they cast Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.

Manning visits hotels in rival cities where the Colts play this season. In each, he trades on his “nice guy” persona, interpreting the hostility of staffers in positive ways. In Boston, a hotel operator warns Manning that he’s “going down,” and the QB replies that indeed he is—to the fourth floor for a massage.



There’s also a microsite where consumers can send friends and family a customized “video pep talk” from Manning. He covers his mouth when the recipient’s name is dubbed into the message. Enjoy!

Sherri Shepard on The View

This is the what I was talking about:

History Was Made

Today history was made....well really yesterday. Today is a new day, a new direction. Being a minority, I am so happy that this has happened. It totally changes everything! Sherri Shepard on The View put it best this morning [SIDEBAR: I hate The View - but this needs to be said], I can now tell my kids - Yes you can. You can be anything you want to be.

I have lived in New York all of my life. I didn't really come across racism, but when I moved to Maryland...well it's alive and running. It's hard to witness, but I choose to ignore it and live my life - it was hard at Carey International but God got me through it. I have to admit I was getting a little discouraged with the way things are around here - wondering if I even want to raise kids in this type of environment. I mean I live in a little podunk town, where there are literally NO Puerto Ricans and inter-racial couples are rare! Every time I go shopping, I get the look - you know that look. It makes me sad though...really sad that people can be so ignorant.

Then as the election campaign was going around -- I heard some REALLY hateful things about Obama just because of his skin color. It made me even more fearful. What in the world is wrong with America??!!

Then he won, then an African American won the Presidency. I am not saying he was the right guy for the job or that he's the wrong guy. I'm just saying finally!

I don't have to worry about my kids not getting far because of their race. I can tell my kids: "You CAN become President and change the world" - finally.

My Prayer Life

Last night, I read through my old journal from 2001. I lived in New York, still at home. It was interesting to read. But one thing shocked me, I saw how I used to pray. It made me a little ashamed. My sweet husband tried to console me, telling me that in my past I was still searching for answers and that's why I prayed like that. But it didn't make me feel better. I mean, he's right though. The things that I wrote in there shocked me at how misguided I was...but does that excuse my loss of fervency in my prayer?

My prayer life now actually has been slacking - I'm changing that. But this makes me think. Have I lost that fire in me? Or has it changed? I mean I still have the fire for ministry, and I pray (just not as much as I should)...but is that enough?

Heres a thought...

I know that people have a tendency to over-react. I am one of them....actually a major one at times! So here goes my over-reaction....maybe.

Why can't we all just get along? People are just bashing each other left and right! People are so full of hate and bitterness. Its become more evident with this election. On my twitter account I was following this woman (obviously not following anymore), and she was spewing these facts - real or fake is not my point. My point is she kept going on and on! She kept saying the same things over and over and over! I thought wow, she really believes in McCain, but this is a bit much.

Now the thing that made upset and stop following her was her saying this: 'You can't call yourself a real Christian if you vote for Obama' and other garbage stating you would go to hell if you vote for Obama, your a horrible person blah, blah, blah, blah. Now thats just plain wrong! Who are you to say this? Who are you to judge lady?

It's funny my pastor talked about this subject, just this Sunday. Just because you have a conviction about something (i.e. smoking, drinking alcohol...voting for whoever) - doesn't mean everyone has the same convictions! Doesn't mean you must change the opposing convictions. You can hear the awesome sermon here.

Why do we have to make everyone believe the same way we do? Why can't we just let the Lord work in their lives? Who are we to think that we need to convince people about things the Lord has convicted us about? God gave us free will for a reason people!!!!

I personally don't drink any alcohol, but I happen to know of two Godly people who drink wine on occasion. I know several Godly people who drink socially. There's nothing wrong with that! I happen to know Christians who are voting for Obama and I know Christians are voting for McCain. I even know some Christians who do not want to vote at all (they don't believe in either candidate). I am not going to accuse any of those people for not being a true Christian, I am not going to try and guilt them into anything. I am just going to love them like Christ loves us.

Funny Thing....

My brother just said the funny thing: "people who are absentminded don't know if they farted"...my brother is awesome!

Brother of The Bride

I have a younger brother, and when I was recently married he was strangely quiet. I say strangely because he always has something to say about everything. I understood though, he was losing his sister. Well, I talk about this because I recently say this old spot from Hallmark its from Leo Burnett. This cute 2 minute spot follows the brother of the bride throughout his sister's wedding. This poor guy who more often than not, should probably just keep his mouth shut. But with a little help from Hallmark, he makes his sister's day priceless.

Oh, and did I mention this spot is among 5 spots nominated for the Commercial Emmy this year? If you haven't had the pleasure of watching it yet, check it out below. It's worth a giggle... and a small tear. Here's to all the brothers out there - younger or older.

Shopping with Mastercard

Lately I have noticed that there are not that many commercials which come with a lot of heart. Most are about self preservation, preserving your child’s health, slapstick humor, sex or whatever is applicable to the item they are selling. A fellow blogger (from my other site) wrote an article about a commercial with heart (Microsoft Makes Great Commercials). When I see a commercial with heart, I think that it should be applauded!

I saw this commercial the other day and fell in love; it did bring a tear to my eye. It’s a fairly new spot from McCann World Group. It features a woman who is wandering through a magical little shop and actually buys priceless things. "28 laughs, 9 hugs, 52 smiles, 2 contented sighs = $0. A free day to take them all in: Priceless". I hope everyone can enjoy a day to take all those things in, because nothing beats the sound of laughter. Am I right? Or am I right?

What is Happening People??

Like a fellow blogger, Pamela said on Flack Me earlier: "Please someone tell me–how many more days until the election? SIGH." This campaign is getting really strange, and to a point...scary - people are getting "verbally violent". Pamela was right; America is not as far evolved as we would like to think. I was watching the news on Friday, and could not believe me ears as I heard people scream out that Obama is a..."terrorist" or "bomb Obama". WHAT??!!

Then I figured out what the problem is (besides the definite racial issues): McCain. Like everyone in the good ole US of A, last Tuesday I was watching the Presidential debate. What I saw, put everything into perspective. It took me some time to find this clip, but here is a perfect example of the nature of the old U.S.A.






I know that recently, McCain has tried to calm down the attacks on Obama, by stating during a rally that "he indeed respected Senator Obama, and thought of him as a decent man…a family man, and that there was no need for anyone to fear him if he were to be elected president." But I think the damage has been done.

Why I Believe In Christ as My Lord and Saviour

I grew up in a Christian family. Went to church every Sunday; went to youth group on Fridays...and so on. But I didn't believe. I just went and did those things because Mom and Dad told me to. But I hated going. I was an Agnostic (DEFINITION: one who neither believes nor disbelieves in God; one who believes that there is not enough evidence either way.)

Then I entered into High School. In my Freshman year of high school, I had a tumor growing on my ovaries. The surgery caused me to miss school for one semester (about 3-4 months) - being tutored at home. Then in my Sophmore year, I sprained both my ankles (at the same time). I sprained them so bad that, I had to use a wheelchair in school for about a month. I hated it, I was humiliated because most of my "friends" thought I was faking it. I was also sexually assaulted in school. He told everyone in school that I asked for it - even after we pressed charges. In my Junior year, I developed sciatica. I had to walk with a cane for about 90% of the time that year. I missed about a month of school (sporadically), I lost all the people I called friends then. No one talked to me, I was all alone. I was depressed and all alone. I wanted to die.

During my junior year, as I was contemplating suicide, I finally realized that God was trying to get my attention. He allowed all those things happen to me, because He loved me and wanted me to learn about Him. I finally became a Christian at the age of 16. My Senior year, nothing happened.

The summer after senior year, I went on a missions trip to Portugal. That changed my life even more, I saw those people living in such filth! Yet, they found peace and strength in Christ. It strengthened my faith even more.

I believe in Christ, because He saved me so many times. Yes, a lot of things happened - but He didn't let me die.