It's time to let go...

...of the baggage

I saw this video and thought it made a good point, what do you think? What are you holding onto?

'Tis the season...

....of love (and chocolate)

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Listen...

... for His voice
Oh, no, His voice wasn't in a bush burning

It wasn't in a rushing wind
It was still
It was small

Be still & listen

Get in Category 3...

...give!

Unless you are cut off from all forms of media, (and if you're reading this, I know you're not) you are probably in one of the following two categories:

1. Super excited that Christmas is coming, making your list, shopping, putting up your tree, planning Christmas Eve with your family, pulling out your Christmas CD collection, driving those in the next category insane!!

2. Super agitated that Thanksgiving isn't even here yet and we're already talking about Christmas, I mean Halloween wasn't over before the store had out the Christmas decor and now there are pre-Black Friday sales, c'mon!

Well, I'm here to form a third category for you!

3. Hallelujah! Christmas is coming and I am living in abundance because the Lord sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for my sins! I have more than I need and I am super excited to give back this year at Christmas!

Now, I know there are some of you out there who want to be in category 3, but don't know where to start in the "giving back". Maybe you just don't know of anyone in need or don't "trust" charitable organizations. You know, I actually have people who come to me during the holidays and ask if I know of a charity or organization they can give to at this time of year, even those who do not recognize the true meaning of Christmas (you know the part about "I am living in abundance because the Lord sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for my sins!").

Well, I'm here to help! Over the next several weeks, I intend to introduce you to some ministries and some people who I know and love who are serving others in a real and tangible way!

An article I recent read by Drs. Oz and Roizen over at Success Magazine has this to say about helping other:

Almost every study of longevity indicates one secret that makes people healthier and happier: helping others. Some research shows a 60 percent decrease in mortality figures among those who help others; they’re aided by what’s called the “helper’s high.” Specifically, it’s the dignity, the joy, the passion and the purpose of helping others that have these beneficial effects, whether you’re helping another person quit smoking, building a home for a family in need or mentoring a child at school.

So, if you want to find JOY in the season of giving and LIVE LONGER, stay tuned!

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In my own little world...

...it hardly ever rains!

But lately, it seems everyday is a tropical depression! If you've had a conversation with me in the last three weeks, I'm pretty certain I have mentioned Satan's attack on my life. But this is not about the devil. This is about me! Well not exactly, but I wish it was...

You see, the past three weeks I've just wanted to give up. Give up on my job, my church, my youth group, my business, some of my friends, most of my family and just stop, stop everything that I've been doing. Whoa! Did I just say that out loud? Well, the scary thing is, my husband said the same thing yesterday morning. Now if you know either of us, you are probably already thinking, "give up? you don't have that in you". Well the truth is, that's the truth! We aren't built that way and neither are you!

After this Sunday morning conversation with my husband about "giving up", we plugged in a Joyce Meyer CD series called "I am Determined!" on the way to church. The next four days continued to be a challenge. Then the craziest thing happened. Here's the short version:

Coming out of a committee meeting at church, my pastor and I noticed someone walking down the road. It was around 8:45 pm, so it was dark. We hung around in the parking lot chatting and suddenly heard a very loud banging sound. "BANG! BANG!" The person we saw walking was trying to break out my car window with the two of us standing 100 feet away! I was livid! For the next hour, we dealt with K-9 officers, police reports, the whole shebang! Before it was over, we were laughing about it, but I still felt violated.

The weird thing was that the next day, I woke up relieved. The weight of the world had been lifted from my shoulders. I can't explain it, but its as if that one final attack from Satan was the deciding factor for me. You see he banged and banged on my window and it never broke. The door is bent and the window is scratched but the "barrier" never broke!

For weeks Satan banged and banged on my life, I was bent and scratched, but I never gave up!

Joyce Meyer said, "People who are called to greatness meet great challenges. He (God) never promised us it would be easy. In fact, He guarantees us adversities in His Word. He also promises to be with us through difficulties, to fight on our behalf, to strengthen us to overcome any obstacle we confront, and to give us the ability to overcome them under one condition— that we never give up."

In my own little world, it hardly ever rains,
I’ve never gone hungry, always felt safe
I got some money in my pocket, shoes on my feet
In my own little world
Population: me

Truth is, it's not about ME!!

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Cathing Up: Family Vacation @ Lake Nantahala

To everything there is a season - Ecclesiastes 1:4

12 hours after I returned home from Honduras, we were on the road to Lake Nantahala for our annual family vacation. This is a tradition that started when Jason and I got married. For 5 years now we have been taking a week off to relax in the mountains each summer with our extended family.

We rented a nice place on Lake Nantahala on the Andrews, NC side. Most years we have outings planned for each day, but this year, we just sat back and enjoyed the lake.

It was truly a week to relax and renew! That combined with "family time" is something I needed more than anything else. The kids played and fished in the lake almost every day. I slept in everyday, started studying women of the Bible and started reading the 3rd book in the Yada Yada Prayer Group series. We watched movies and I even got a little sun!!

We did make a couple of jaunts here and there.

The first on Tuesday to fulfill another family tradition at The Fun Factory in Franklin, NC, putt-putt and go-karts are a must for our family. We also stopped in at a great Christian Bookstore.


Wednesday, we went back to Franklin for a Back 2 School concert with Shane & Shane and Mark Cahill. It was awesome! Did you know that every second 2 people die? Are you ready for eternity?


When we returned to the house Wednesday night, the electricity went out! We had been warned by the owner that is goes out briefly from time to time. Well, it was still out at 11:00 am on Thursday! Luckily the highs were in the 80s up there. But this served as an excuse for us to wander into Andrews, just the three of us (Jason, Rachel and me). We stopped at a local coffee shop with the cutest little bookstore inside. Then made our way to the local winery. Perfect little family outing. I love that my family can delight in such simple things!!



Friday, we celebrated Pop's 70th Birthday!



It was a great week, but it was great to finally get home too...

God's Power and Grace...

...I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. -- Ephesians 3:7


As I have been preparing for our mission trip to Honduras, I have been led in my Bible reading to Ephesians. One of my favorite all time verses has always been Ephesians 2:10 -"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

As I have been reading in Ephesians I have found Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians. I have been repeating it daily as my prayer for our mission team and for the people of Honduras. I ask you to join me in this prayer over the next week:

A Prayer for the Ephesians

¹⁴For this reason I kneel before the Father, ¹⁵from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.²⁰Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. --Ephesians 3:14-21

I earnestly believe that God has had this planned for me from the time He formed me in my mother's womb. From the time I was a teenager, I wanted to join the Peace Corp, but fear held me back. Not just my own fear, but the fears of my family and friends as well. It wasn't until I had a real relationship with God that I was able to overcome that fear and go on my first mission trip a couple of years ago. Can you imagine what God could have used me for if I had been obedient and in relationship with Him for all of those years?

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Attitude is a decision...

...rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; - Romans 12:12 (NKJV)

We've all heard it before, "Attitude is everything"; "Your attitude determines your altitude".

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the word "attitude" means "an internal position or feeling with regard to something else." Other words often used as synonyms are: "disposition, feeling, mood, opinion, sentiment, temper, tone, perspective, frame of mind, outlook, view, or morale."

I found this article from Dr. Ellen Duke in my Inbox recently:

Choose Your Attitude

Although we don't yet fully understand the mind/body connection, we do know that a positive attitude can:

• Help improve mood, self-esteem and sense of well-being

• Decrease depression, anxiety and hostility

• Lessen pain and other bodily symptoms

• Speed recovery

• Enhance immune function

• Extend longevity

We also know that to a great extent, our attitude is determined by how we decide to think about events. This "self-talk," whether positive or negative, is so powerful that it determines not just our emotions, but the condition of our physical and mental well-being as well.

Three simple action steps to help optimize your emotional health:

1. Acknowledge that you're in control. The great thing about your attitude is that it's yours. You cannot control what others say or do, but you can control how you react to it. Simply put, no one can put you in a bad mood unless you give them permission!

2. Be thankful. Put things in perspective. You are alive, something that billions of those before us cannot say. You have food, shelter and safety. Something that millions alive today do not enjoy. Appreciate your countless blessings!

3. Don't worry about the small stuff. Remember what's important, and ignore the little things. Focus on the larger picture and you'll find less frustration in your daily interactions with others. The things that matter most are your health and happiness and your family's health and happiness.

This prompted me to wonder what the Bible says about attitude, as I believe the Bible is the best and most trustworthy "self-help" book available to us all! I think Dr. Dale A. Robbins sums it up best in his article, "Check Your Attitude":

How To Develop Good Attitudes

1. Identify and Repent of Bad Attitudes

Acts 8:22 "Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you."

2. Submit Your Attitudes to God

Bring your attitudes into obedience to God’s Word. Apply discipline to your thought life — submit your thoughts to those of Christ’s. A good attitude is a matter of faith, disregarding your feelings, with a determination to embrace God’s outlook and disposition.

2 Corinthians 10:5 "casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ..."

3. Equip And Feed Your Attitudes

Dwell on the things that God’s word tells us to — those good and virtuous things. If you dwell on the negative, your attitude will reflect the same.

Philippians 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."

Now, one of the best attitude quotes I've read recently, "When life gives you lemons, throw them back and demand chocolate!" Now, that's attitude!

Go out and make it great day, because, yes, the day is what you make it! may God bless you all!

God thinks you're cool...

"The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you; the Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace." - Numbers 6:24-26

"In other words, God’s smiling at you. Think about it. Every time you smile at someone you’re saying to them, “I approve of you. I accept you. You’re cool.” God not only approves of you, He’s smiling over you. He loves you! You need to get that so deeply rooted within your heart that nothing can ever take it from you." - Joyce Meyer

10 Principles of Prosperity

Last night, I witnessed what I consider to be one of the greatest honors in my lifetime. Our oldest daughter was baptized! I can just imagine the joy and a host of angels singing in heaven, rejoicing that another soul has been dedicated to our Lord! I can remember the feeling of relief and security I, myself, felt at the time of my own baptism and I am overjoyed that she is now feeling these same things! She will be on a journey of joy, but it will not be unclouded by temptation from Satan. It may be that he chooses to work harder in her life now than ever before, but now she has the power & the authority of Jesus Christ as her weapon! Praise God!

I wanted to share part of the sermon that the minister shared last night because it was a great message. He pointed out that we all struggle with some form of addiction, maybe we don't see it as such, but do all have something that adversely affects us. Consider this as the definition for addiction and I believe you will be able to point out at least one in your life:

"An addiction is a persistent behavioral pattern marked by physical and/or psychological dependency and tolerance that causes significant disruption and negatively impacts the quality of life"

The 10 Principles of Prosperity

Understanding the 10 principles of prosperity and applying them to your life are the first steps in your recovery from addiction.

1. If God’s against it, so am I.

• Galatians 5:19-24

2. Every sin has its origin in your heart.

• Jeremiah 17:9; Proverbs 4:23; Romans 13:14

3. It is easier to keep the heart clean than it is to clean it after it has been defiled.

• Proverbs 22:3; Proverbs 6:27-28

4. You cannot fight a fleshly appetite by indulging in it.

• Ecclesiastes 5:10; James 1:14-15

5. Small compromises lead to great disasters.

• Luke 16:10; Matthew 6:24; Romans 6:16

6. Those who do not love the Lord will not help us serve the Lord.

• John 5:18-20; Proverbs 25:15-16

7. Our sinful habits do hurt those who follow us.

• Romans 14:7; 1 Corinthians 10:23, 24

8. It is not possible to fight a fleshly temptation with fleshly weapons.

• II Corinthians 10:3-5; I John 4:4

9. We lose our freedom to choose when we give in to temptation. The consequences of our choices are inevitable, incalculable, and up to God.

• Proverbs 5:22; Proverbs 20:17; Proverbs 9:17-18

10. God balances guilt with blame. Accept the blame for your actions, and God will remove the guilt.

• John 1:9

My life has been touched by addiction in many ways, my own and those of loved ones. You can be delivered from these strongholds in your life. Prayer is a powerful thing and that's where it starts.

---
Resources found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addiction and http://www.ruhammond.com/_mgxroot/page_10766.html

His Word never returns void...

but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
--Isaiah 40:31 NIV

---
On April 9th 2010, SonGear.com is searching for one million Christians who own a Christian T-Shirt and/or hat to volunteer to participate in "One Million Walking Billboards for Christ” by wearing them for the day.** It can be ANY Christian T-Shirt ** Other billboards could include signs in businesses, on buses, internet web sites, etc. SonGear is also challenging all participants and friends who may not be able to participate, to take time to pray for this event daily as well as our leaders, service personnel, and our country from today until the event … and continue thereafter.

Will this cause others to take a step towards committing their lives to Jesus Christ? Will this help other Christians realize the community is large and supportive? Will this help those Christians who have stepped away from the Christian lifestyle to return? Will it cause someone to go home and open their Bible and read God’s Word? Will it strengthen us in our walk with Christ? Only God knows.

But we do know that His Word never returns void, and this opportunity will counter some of the anti-Christian messages that are out there. If you have any feedback on things that happened as a result of this event, Songear would like to compile them and put them on their site.

Holy Week - The Tale of an Almighty Hero

"It's official, my favorite week of the year has begun! Today my Hero came into town on a donkey to die for my sins!! Thank you Jesus!"

This is my favorite time of year! I always like to reflect on exactly what happened the week that Jesus suffered and died for my sins. I've wanted to post the details, but haven't taken the time, so I was excited to see that Carmen from the JoyFM posted this today -

"While many of us are familiar with Holy Week, we may not all know the specific time line of the week. - The point being:

He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5

Sunday, March 28th - Palm Sunday
2 mile journey to Jerusalem from Bethany, where Jesus stays each night

Monday, March 29th
Jesus protests financial transactions within the temple; argues with chief priests

Tuesday, March 30th
Jesus predicts/announces the date of his execution; debates with religious leaders; responds to question about greatest commandment

Judas contracts to betray Jesus

Wednesday, March 31st
Jesus warns against religious leaders, calling them hypocrites and snakes;
From Mount of Olives, Jesus mourns Jerusalem's rejection and pending destruction

Thursday, April 1st - Maundy Thursday
6:00pm-11:30pm
Last supper with disciples - Passover meal

11:30pm
Garden of Gethsemane - Jesus waits for his arrest

Friday, April 2nd - Good Friday
1:00am-1:30am
Confrontation in Garden and Jesus' Arrest

1:30am-3:00am
Trial 1: Annas, former Jewish High Priest for 16 years - Jesus receives initial physical abuse

Trial 2: Current Jewish High Priest, Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin Court - Jesus bloodied by abuse

3:00am-5:00am
Imprisonment at Caiaphas' palace

5:00am-6:00am
Trial 3: All the Jewish elders, including the High Priest, scribes and whole Sanhedrin. They decide to ask the Roman government to kill Jesus

6:00am-7:00am
Trial 4: Hearing before Roman governor Pilate, who declares, "I find no guilt in this man."

7:00am-7:30am
Trial 5: Hearing before Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great, who had jurisdiction over Galilee. Jesus refused to answer any questions so Herod returned him quickly to Pilate

7:30am-8:30am
Trial 6: Pilate repeatedly tried to release Jesus but the Jewish leaders continued to object. Pilate physically tortured and beat Jesus beyond recognition seeking to satisfy the Jewish leaders. However the Jews demanded that Jesus be crucified. Pilate resisted but eventually gave the order to execute Jesus

8:30am-9:00am
Pilate's Roman soldiers take Jesus into the court ("Praetorium") and enjoy mockery and continued torture, including driving thorns into his skull

9:00am-12:00noon
Jesus forced to carry his own cross, then actual crucifixion

12:00noon-3:00pm
Momentous final 3 hours on the cross

Some of the things that Jesus spoke from the cross:

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
Jesus is talking about his executioners because they do not understand or know that Jesus is God.

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Jesus (quoting a line from the Jewish scriptures) cries out at a moment in time when he is not just physically punished, but spiritually separated from God, his Father. God separates Himself from Jesus because all of the evils of mankind are placed on Jesus. This spiritual separation is the heaviest sacrifice which Jesus pays of behalf of mankind, so that mankand does not need to suffer spiritual separation from God.

"It is finished."
Once Jesus felt he had borne the penalty for the evils of mankind, he declared his mission as accomplished.

"Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
These words, spoken to a thief also being executed with Jesus, indicates Jesus' belief that Jesus would continue to live in paradise (heaven) and that Jesus can choose who will be there with him.

"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."
Jesus believes his spirit, not body, now goes to heaven with God.

3:00pm
Death
Burial

Sunday, April 4th - Easter Sunday
Resurrection! Jesus is alive!

Friends, the tomb is empty!! He is risen! And He's coming back for us. Jesus is the best do-over button we could ever hope for! His grace is enough. And His grace covers you. There's nothing that you have done - or can do - that is bigger than Jesus' ability AND willingness to forgive. In short, you can't "out-sin" the cross. He is alive indeed, but certainly not without nail-pierced hands. Those scars are for you. For me. Accept His gift. Let Him love you today. He wants nothing more. And I want nothing more for you."

I couldn't have said it better myself! Go enjoy Jesus!