"Be transformed" Romans 12:2

The Women

2009-09-18T04:35:00.002+07:00

I have been wanting to see this movie for some time and finally I did....

Here's the thing....
Life is full and I've been so blessed!
This movie made me think of all the women who have been in my life -

I am so thankful for you all....
Past
Present
Future

I wish we could have watched this movie together..

2 things that really I absolutely loved:

"The Vault" Steeling that one!
&
The moment when Meg Ryan and Annette Bening are sitting on the steps outside;
when Meg says, " It feels like when you lose an arm or leg and you have... you know that phantom feeling.." and she begins to cry. Then, Annette says, " Oh I know it is hard.. I know you miss him".
Then Meg says, "No, not him... I miss you! "

For all those who have come into my life and for whatever reason: a move, relocation, job changes... that is how I feel about you...

I hope you know who you are!

I love you ~

Abiding, Pruning, Sin.....

2009-06-04T07:33:00.001+07:00

These last few months of studying in John has been so good. It has taken me some time to really get through it but now that I'm finished I really feel I've grown in my understanding of what the Lord has been doing in my life these 4 + years.

Pruning....

It's something we know is necessary for trees to bear fruit. Interesting that the Lord uses Pruning as an illustration for us, as we try to grow in our own understanding of Bearing Fruit in Christ and striving for maturity in Him.

Several things discussed in this little book have really made sense. It is cool to actually be able to read something and say, " Oh that's what I've been going through" . Or like Dwayne, said, " This is what I'm going through now." Mind you, we all are in out of the pruning process. It's really never ending for us as believers.

This week the Lord has brought some real closure to some things and allowed me to see that pruning was necessary to allow me to grow in ways I would not without being pruned. I've also realized for the first time what it means to produce fruit more abundantly. I've been producing but to yield more than what I have done in the past - Pruning is necessary. It's not always easy to go through that process. I've also realized that sin has played a part in some of the less fruitful times of my life. What I mistook for the Desert experience was partly true but I was in the desert because of sin... not because of other reason. We often hear people say it feels like I'm living in a drought. God just doesn't seem near..I've been there... what I realized was that Sin was yet again the cause of my feeling so alone. I had to recognize what it was I was doing or the thing that I was holding on too so tightly that I wouldn't allow the Lord to complete His work in my life.

Interesting enough in SECRETS OF THE VINE, by Bruce Wilkinson, he shares that sometimes we confuse pruning for discipline. When discipline occurs it usually has consequences attached to it. We can confess our wrong and forgiveness is given but sometimes we have to allow for the consequences to pass before we can see the end to the situation. There is no fruit being produced when sin is present. The only way to end the discipline is to stop sinning and ask for forgiveness. Unfortunately, most people don't even recognize their own sin but cast blame on others rather than accepting their own responsibility.

When Pruning is taking place there is always pain involved. Usually your doing something right because your growing and maturing. Your producing fruit in the Spirit but the Lord sees your Potential ( which I think is so beautiful) and so He prunes your life, so that you can become more fruitful. There isn't a sin involved. Usually it's a you issue. Maybe your holding on to something or trying to do something on your own. ( This could become sin but maybe it's not to that point.) Our response ought to be to trust in the Lord and seek His kingdom. Seeking after His will . Allow God to have His way in your life and walk in Obedience to what it is He's asking of you.

It's been a special study for me. I see the Lord using this to heighten my awareness of Him at work in my life. Now when something happens or I sense something changing - I immediately think. Lord, is there a sin in my life or is this your hands gently pruning my life.

" In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing , you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory. 1 Peter 1: 6:8

I pray you abide in Christ in ways you've never experienced before and that you experience His gentle pruning that causes you to grow deeper in love with Him which will then produce
lasting, ever lasting fruit that will not perish but will then grow and multiply.

Here's to living and abiding in Him.

The Vine....

2009-05-07T11:46:00.002+07:00

John 15

I want you to read this passage of Jesus talking to the disciples and he talks about abiding in him and bearing fruit.

It shouldn't surprise me how the Lord brings topics up again, and again, and again.

Bearing fruit and living at peace with men has been just 2 topics that the Lord continues to refine in my life.

This study in John though has been so meaningful and I've been touched so deeply. I pray you will read it. I'll share a bit of what I've been pondering and chewing on tomorrow. :)

Moving on...

2009-04-17T06:47:00.002+07:00

I think pictures have the power to evoke emotions and bring to mind stories from our past or dreams of where we hope to go. Our daughter is getting married in less than one month. This is one of their engagement pictures. When I saw it I thought of several things.

Two things caught my attention right off the bat. First was how Kayla and Nick are on different tracks but yet still heading in the same direction. How true it is that sometimes those we walk along with are heading in the same directions but we may be on different tracks. If we are fortunate enough to have people in our life that we can speak frankly with, talk openly with, and share all our thoughts and feelings with we are blessed. The second thing that caught my eye was how Kayla and Nick are holding hands. It's so true with life that as we walk along our own track it's so much easier when someone else walks with us. It's especially hard to do that for long by yourself.

I am so thankful for all the people in my life who have held my hand along the way and have walked through life with me. Even those who chose not to have anything to do with me now. We once walked and held hands, helping one another along life's journey.

I'm grateful for you all....

Especially my family ~ My beloved!

Eternity ~ Life ~ Hope

2009-02-27T22:34:00.002+07:00

I hate when I haven't blogged in a while and it seems like that is happening alot lately. I'm just too tired to really have time to sit and write. I love blogging though and I pray that as the summer moves into sight I'll have more and more time to blog and get back to writing again.

In the mean time though I'll just pop in and pop out as time permits.

This month has brought some serious changes to our family. Our Daughter's boyfriend Nick, asked for her hand in marriage! So they are engaged now and a wedding is planned for May of this year! :) I am very excited for her and Nick. They both love the Lord and desire to serve Him.

Our work among our Men and Women in Uniform, US ARMY, is going well. We stay busy but it's been good. Just two days ago I was able to share with a young woman and she believed. It was a blessing to me that the Lord allowed me the privilege of leading her to the Lord. I am so excited for her!

That is the reason for the title... Eternity, Life, Hope.....

She now has all three and so much more!

To God Be the Glory!

Fun in the snow

2009-01-01T01:15:00.002+07:00

What a great time with the kids. Dwayne and I as apart of their Christmas gift took them on a skiing trip. It was the first time for the kids to go snowboarding and the first time for Dwayne and I to ski in over 20 years. Nick was the only one who had recent skiing experience.

We laughed and had a great time. We even took the kids snowmobiling which was a first for us all.
We enjoyed our time together but it was just too short!

Happy New Year to you all!

The Day After ~

2008-12-27T01:26:00.002+07:00

No, it's not a movie or even a book. It's just the day after Christmas. I love reflection and having the ability to look back and think about how things have gone either for the day or for an event. Christmas is so different in the states then when we lived overseas. It's not that it is different in a bad way it's just different. For instance, overseas it's just another day for most people in China don't really celebrate Christmas. More and more people are but still the vast majority do not. There aren't any holidays off from school or work and there is no special music playing. No rush to buy that special gift or that feeling of being bombarded with JUNK. No fattening foods or stress in thinking did I get everything I needed to get.

Instead, it was relaxed and the focus was on giving parties in hopes of sharing the True meaning of Christmas. It was calm and full of joy. It was refreshing to not see a Santa Claus on every store front ringing a bell or turning on the t.v. and seeing advertisements for that special gift.

This year as I reflect back on Christmas Day and the days leading up to it, I have a smile on my face. It wasn't just like being overseas but it was nice. It was calm and full of joy. It makes all the difference when we keep our focus on the true meaning rather than all the hoopla of shopping and stress of buying....

I received the greatest gift I've ever received in Christ Jesus and while it is nice to remember what God did for us all during this holiday season - one thing we must remember is that His gift keeps on giving. I hope you were able to share it with someone during this holiday season!

If not, make plans now for next year. Think about what you could differently and plan it out. Make it happen and be bold to share with others what a special gift you have in Christ Jesus!

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T07:03:00.002+07:00

It is Christmas Eve the snow was falling earlier this morning but now it has warmed a bit and it's mixed rain and sleet. I can't hardly believe how fast this month has come and is about to go. However, I want to enjoy this special time of the year as we celebrate the Birth of our Savior.

I'm so very thankful for so much this year. I am reminded of the greatest gift ever given by a Loving and Caring God who wanted to provide a way for us all to live eternity with Him.
He did this by sending His Son, Jesus Christ to live a life of true sacrifice for all who would believe.

Salvation is truly a precious gift. I can't help but be a bit sentimental about all that God has done for me....

I just thank the Lord for calling me into His Family and for giving me such a precious gift in His Son, Jesus Christ!

Merry Christmas Everyone

It all starts with....

2008-12-24T00:35:00.002+07:00

What we think!

I have been reading a devotional with my husband, Dwayne, this year and it's been such a good book I wish everyone would buy it and read it. Every day there is such a good word to walk away with. This month there have been so many good things to ponder and to re-examine.

One of the areas where I feel the Lord has really grown me in is in the area of Disciplining how I think. You know the verse that says, "Take every thought captive".

Isn't it cool how we can look back over the year and see the ways the Lord uses situations, events, and people to teach us lessons.

I never really realized how out of control my thought life was until I had a huge break down in communication with someone who I thought was a very dear and close friend. It was so painful to hear her say very hurtful and attacking things about me that it really did cause me step back and evaluate who I was. I take my friendships very seriously. When I call someone a good friend it really is because I have found that person to be someone who I feel betters me and causes me to want to be a better person. I do not use that word very often and I can truly count on one hand the number of GOOD friends I've had over the years.

I realize that friends even though they are good sometimes are for a season. I can think of several Good friends I've had during different seasons of life that had I not had them I think I would have had a hard time making it through that season of life. They were a great source of comfort, encouragement, strength, wisdom, sounding blocks and most importantly helped correct my wrong thinking.

It is never easy to be blind sided though and to hear someone say things about you and to hear them attack you. I guess as I look back on this event now I am thankful for what it has produced in me. I can honestly say that it allowed me to see what kind of person I was being without even realizing it.

What kind of person is that, you ask?

Well, it's the kind of person who see something happen and assumes the worst not in every event but with a select group of people. Assumes that it was meant for harm. It's the kind of person when something happens tries to see the positive but rehashes the event over and over which eventually blows it out of proportion.

I had been doing this with a handful of people in my life. Mostly those who I wanted a closer friendship with but it wasn't reciprocal. I tend to want deep friendships and have a hard time accepting it when people don't want that with me. I mean I think I'm a pretty nice person. :)
Actually it goes a bit deeper than that but thats another blogging moment. ;)

Anyway, the Lord used this event to really teach me how important it was to let things go and not dwell on them. To allow an event to happen without obsessing about it. To not think more deeply about what was said nor think I could even really understand what the other person meant or intended to say. I had to learn not to read more into what was being said than what was actually being said. MAN IT WAS HARD! Two things I had actually allowed to get totally out of control are : Assumptions, Presumptions....

But in this situation that actually drug on for years... finally - I was able to say, Okay. I can't make people want to reconcile. I can't make people believe the truth or accept my apologies, I can't make people understand or see the situation from my point of view and I surely couldn't make people believe the best about me.

However - I could do all those things for them. I could reconcile and say Your forgiven, I could believe the truth and accept their apologies when the time came that they offered it. I could be willing to understand and see the situation from their point of view and I most definitely could believe the best about them.

It has changed how I see conflict - how I perceive people and their actions.

It has made me wish I had learned this lesson years ago.....

Because friends really Good friends ~
are hard to come by.

Walking as Wise men

2008-10-30T21:13:00.003+07:00

"Therefore, be careful how you walk not as unwise men but as wise"
Ephesians 5:15

Since moving to Washington, Dwayne and I have had a hard time sleeping. Well, we sleep but it seems we are up before 3am every day. It's been this way since our arrival. As fatigue began to set in we kept asking the question "why". It's been hard to figure out. Usually if the Lord wakes us up we know He's prodding us to pray for someone or something. There were times we prayed but really neither one of us really felt that was the cause of us waking up. After a full month we finally feel we know why.

It's becoming apparent to us the road Father has called us to walk. It's not one that we haven't walked before but it has been a long while since we have walked this road. Have you ever hiked before? If so, maybe you can identify with us. When you hike you sometimes hit different terrain. If you aren't use to hiking on gravel you will soon start feeling the pain in your feet. If you have your feet become calloused and don't hurt so much.

We feel we have hit a new kind of road. It's been a bit bumpy and we have some blisters and now the Lord is beginning to shed some light on how we ought to train in order to be victorious. It doesn't however, mean that we don't have alot more training to do. But this is the lesson for this week. And might I add our morning still come very early however, rest is finally coming in those few hours we do get! Thank you Lord!

In short: I was prodded to go back to studying the word based on impressions from what I felt the H.S. was trying to teach me. Being Careful in my walk. So I began studying scripture that dealt with this. As I was studying this Dwayne was doing another study which led him to Ps. 119. As we shared what the Lord was teaching us in our study time at the start of the week on Sunday, we began to see how Father was teaching us both the same thing but in different ways. How cool is that! :) It was confirmation to us that we were on the right path and that Father was doing something exciting.

Don't you just love how when we seek the Lord for wisdom He answers.....

Job hunting

2008-10-09T06:17:00.003+07:00

I really wish that job hunting was as easy as going to an orchard and picking an apple.

Alas~ it is not!

I've been working on sending out resume's and doing interviews but so far nothing. It's been discouraging since I started looking. Mind you its only been 2 weeks but man it feels like a month. I definitely want to wait for the right one but there are moments when I think. We have 3 kids in college and I'm about to go back myself.... Hellow- it's not cheap and I need a job! ;)

However, I know the Lord is caring for us and we aren't really in need of me working I just want to help in the load. Especially this year while I wait to get into nursing school. I should hear though in the next month if I am accepted into one of the schools here.

Again, I find that the Lord is stretching me in new and different ways.

anyway- here's to job hunting - I have a job fair I'm going to on the 15th. Lord willing- I'll be offered a job!

Here's Pray'n for something to sweet to fall in my lap!

Time Away

2008-10-07T05:25:00.002+07:00

Where to begin?

I guess the best place is to start now. The Lord saw fit to call us to serve in a new capacity. Dwayne is officially, Chaplain Hughes. He is serving our men and women in the Army. In one year we went from reaching the lostness of Asia to now reaching and ministering to our very own... men and women in the Army.

We were thrilled to hear our first duty station was going to be Fort Lewis, Washington. We love the outdoors and so this seems like a great fit for us. We have loved it so far and have enjoyed settling into our home.

More to come later.

It feels good to be back to writing. I am sorry for having gone missing but I'm back!

Giant Red Woods

2008-03-06T19:16:00.003+07:00

Dwayne and I traveled to California this past weekend and we had a good visit with some pretty neat folks up in Bakersfield, California. We had a few hours on Saturday once we arrived and we went to see the Red woods. It was just amazing. Here's the thing though, we have never left home without a camera until this trip! We could not believe it. So these pictures aren't near as good as they could have been had we had our digital cameras. However, they did capture the moment!

We had a good time ~

Back from a trip

2008-02-16T10:51:00.003+07:00

It's been a good month but I've not had much time to post. I'm in school full time and trying to manage work with travel too. I am not sure when I'll post again here but if you come by just pop over to our family blog. I'll likely be posting there each week ~ time permitting. :)

have a great weekend!

Random

2008-01-16T19:19:00.000+07:00

I know it's about time I had something fun on my blog! :) Thanks Stacey for tagging me. What fun!

Here are the RULES~

* Link the person who tagged you

* Post the rules on your Blog

* Share 7 random/ weird things about you on your blog

* Tag 7 random people at the end of your blog

* Let each one of the people know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog

Oh Yeah ~ I love absolutely LOVE me some Random!

1. I have lived in 5 different countries : China, Thailand, Hong Kong, USA, Malaysia

2. I love change and feel the urge to do some kind of MAJOR change oh about every 2 years.

3. Am an artist at the core of my being

4. Can not grow long nails so I have resorted to fake ones

5. I laugh very loudly -

6. Was once accused of having a glass eye~ ! I about dropped to the floor! * I HAD a Lazy eye* Yes I got it fixed immediately and wha la! No fake eye.

7. I shake when I feel stressed- the bouncing leg.......

Okay- those are my random and some are just down right weird! ;)

Now I'm coming after:

Life

2008-01-11T19:17:00.000+07:00

It's been a full week that is for sure. I started back to school and I'm taking 14 hours and working some 32 hours on top of it. So needless to say my day starts at 5 am and ends at close to 10pm. I'm poop dog tired! Truly, I have to ask myself am I really up for this? Of course my reply, YES!
I think the two classes that I will really enjoy is Art Appreciation and Psychology. Speech and Math will be good enough but I'm way more interested in the other two.

I look forward to a restful and peaceful weekend.

Oh we had some good rain last night and it brought with it some cooler weather. I love the cold brisk air!

Peace

2008-01-10T18:52:00.000+07:00

" Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. the Lord be with you all! " 2 Thess. 3:16

This morning as I read through 2 Thess. 3 it was a good reminder of how we as believers are to be examples to those around us. It is important to point out that Paul is speaking about believers not non-believers. He is admonishing the believers who are being taken advantage of and those who are being unruly.

The first thing he reminds them of is this :
3:5 " May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ."

For me it is a great reminder of how my attitude needs to be focused on the One who matters and that from Him I will receive all that I need, for every kind of circumstance. Love does cover a multitude of things.

So to be mindful of starting my day seeking the one who is the provider of all things!

Then Paul goes right into how as believers we ought to be disciplined. He admonishes those believers who are being swept away or affected by those who are living undisciplined lives. Paul speaks specifically of those who are not working or and are busy bodies. But I believe it can be taken even farther to those who are gossips, who are living in open sin, who are causing others to stumble by their unruly life styles. Here's the key though, Paul says you need to follow our example and be people of discipline and those who hear this admonishment - then you need to keep away from them. BUT, don't view them as your enemy, but admonish him as a brother. Do this in a quiet fashion.

Now in closing he brings us to the verse again:

" Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all."

My hope today is that I would be focused on the example I am to others. Am I living an unruly life style do I speak as to direct people to Christ or do I sound just as the lost. This verse reminds me yet again where my source of Peace is and that I need to be praying specifically for Peace in every circumstance.

Peace with you all......

Give Thanks

2008-01-09T19:00:00.001+07:00

"But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for Salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the Truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. "
2 Thess. 2 : 13-14

First ~ let me just say, my first day of classes went well. Actually first night of classes. :) It will be a challenge tonight seeing as though my classes are Psy and Speech but last night my Art appreciation and Math classes were interesting enough to keep me focused. Ofcourse it was the first night- just a flood of memories came back. Anyway- I could and I'm sure I will share some of my experiences from the classroom... Some of which will clearly show my age difference :) .

Now to the text! This morning as I was reading 2 Thess. 2 - 2 things stuck out to me and made me think about how I am doing in these areas of my life.

1. Paul writes at the beginning of the chapter giving a clear warning:
2 Thess. 2:1-3 Paul starts out by saying , I don't want "you to be quickly shaken or be disturbed either by a spirit, or a message, or a letter as if from us, in the effect that the day of the Lord has come. " vs.3 starts off as "Let no one in any way deceive you,"

It is a challenge to me to be more grounded in the end times. See, we have worked in Asia for a while and I can tell you of stories that mirror this passage. Where we would have to speak to our Asian brothers and sisters and tell them these very same words. There are false religions that preach Jesus has come and you would be shocked at how fast a new believer can be deceived.

In America our deception is much more dangerous. It is that we become complacent in our lives, we just live without concern for the lostness around us. We go to work, grocery shop, buy things for ourselves all the while there are hurting and lost people all around us. We don't share our story of God's faithfulness in our lives or speak of God but only to other believers- for fear that we may offend. The coming of Christ is at hand! He hasn't come yet- but don't be deceived by thinking either He's already here or that you have a "Long " time till that day comes.

For me today- it has challenged me to speak about God's faithfulness and to give Him the glory for all that my life is; after all Paul reminds the believers again in verses 13 and 14 of God's choice of them......

I thought it was neat too how the theme is Giving Thanks but in doing that we also Glorify our Father in Heaven. But as a direct result of Giving Thanks 2 things are fruit of that: Our faith is greatly enlarged and our love for one another grows even greater....

Eph. 5: 20 - 21 - here the admonition is to : "always give thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father. and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ."

So today as I go about the day my prayer is that I will bold and share from my abundant experiences of knowing of God's faithfulness. Pointing not to my abilities but God's faithfulness and provision for me. Giving Thanks!

I pray you too will seek for ways to point people to Jesus by giving thanks to Jesus Christ .

Thank You Lord for the Day may I use it to Bring You Glory!

Glorify

2008-01-08T19:52:00.000+07:00

Today starts the first day of long awaited dream. I've looked forward to the day when I would be able to go back to school and begin accomplishing my nursing degree. It's been a joy to live these last 21 years - raising our 3 kids and being given the privilege of being a stay at home mom. I have enjoyed being a partner with my husband in his ministry when it was necessary and being able to help him to accomplish his goals. Today, as I sit and contemplate what today will look like I just have to take pause and thank the Lord for this opportunity. After all it is only by His doing that we are here. Directing us and leading us every step of the way. I always find such joy in learning and I pray :) oh about 12 hours from now when I'm in the midst of re-learning math and learning to appreciate art, that I will still be smiling and thinking- Wow! I'm really in school again at 40!

I'm reading in 2 Thess.1 and today the focus for me is on how we as believers are to expect persecution and every kind of suffering. But that we can't lose sight in the why of it all.

Paul writes to the church of Thess. and encourages them to remember why suffering is necessary and why their faithfulnes
s and perseverance is a testimony to God's faithfulness and to bring Glory to our Lord Jesus. In verse 11-12 Paul writes:

" To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, So that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Thess. 1: 11-12

I was taken to Phil. 1: 21-30 - where Paul writes in verse 21: " For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain".

Suffering is apart of our life as believers.

I pray today that as we all walk this road God has for us that we will be mindful that all suffering is to produce Glory for Him and that in Him we too will be glorified, might not be here on this earth but one day we can look forward to being Glorified with HIM!

press on toward the mark........

Back to School

2008-01-06T04:52:00.000+07:00

It's going to be a hectic Monday- back to school at 40!

I can't hardly believe it is going to happen after raising our 3 kids and getting 2 off to college and our daughter graduating from highschool and going to college in the fall. It is hard to imagine that my time to go to school has come already. I'm very excited and looking forward to being student and working toward the goal of accomplishing my nursing degree. I can't wait for the nursing part to get here. My first semester starts tomorrow and I'll be taking 13 hours. I'm a bit nervous and excited.

I look forward to being a learner in new and different ways.......

Here's to learning~

Riding...

2008-01-02T02:05:00.001+07:00

We took a little trip down to Florida to visit Dwayne's family and while down there we were able to take a little ride out on the 4 wheeler. It was a nice ride in the country. I really loved this view of the road as we were riding it looked so peaceful ~ I had to capture it on film.
It's always nice to get a way to just enjoy family and to have some time to do some fun things.

My Love of Jewelry

2007-12-17T10:12:00.000+07:00

I have found something that I want to share with all of my friends in my blogging world. For those of you ladies who love jewelry I have found something that is just worthy of sharing. Lia Sophia!

I have joined the ranks of lia Sophia and wanted to just introduce you all to their line of Jewelry. If you go the web site and click find Advisor- you can type in my name "Melissa Hughes, Auburn, AL" and you will find my introduction page. If you are interested in purchasing some items let me know- I can get you whatever your hearts desire. I promise you that you won't be disappointed in any item you buy from Lia Sophia. I have found in all honesty that when I see the jewelry in person it's so much prettier than I thought it was in the catalog. This is pretty amazing because as you will see for yourself the catalog pictures are amazing. Don't let the prices scare you away! We are having a buy one piece at regular price and get 2 at half off. Here's the deal~ you pick which item is at Regular price. Now go and look for yourself. Leave me a message at Lia Sophia and tell me what you think!

Let me know if you are interested and guess what? Even if you live in Maine I can still order for you and have the items shipped directly to your door! So Don't Delay ~ Come and Check it out!

thanks for your support - if nothing else just come by and leave me a message!

Blessings!

Lights

2007-12-14T09:14:00.001+07:00

I just love to see all the Christmas lights ~ it's one of my favorite things this time of year. Now if only it would get cold and snow!

Good Morning

2007-12-12T07:30:00.001+07:00

It has been one of my highlights since being back in the states... Sunrises that is. I just love watching the sun come up and the color painted in the sky. This was taken right out side our balcony. I sit in our recliner and just love seeing what the Lord is going to do for me! ;)

Truth

2007-11-29T23:52:00.000+07:00

It's Christmas time again ~ a time for us to focus our thoughts not on the season of giving but on Christ! His coming and bringing Salvation to all in and through his Death and Resurrection.

This morning driving to work I was listening to a radio station and they were discussing how in our city of Auburn we are no longer calling the Christmas Tree that but have now called it the Holiday Tree. Now as you can imagine that is just taking the rights of some too far!

It brought something home to me in a way I think the Lord is tryin to teach me how to be more bold in my proclamation of the Gospel of TRUTH!
I'm currently reading " The Truth Wars" by John Mac Arthur. I have just started it but this is one of the very things he discusses in the introduction of the book. One point which stuck out to me was that He says, " He(God) alone defines and delimits what is true." It struck me this morning as the broadcaster was malanting about how some are taking Christ out of everything that - they are people who don't know TRUTH! They have rejected Christ God's son who is Truth. So then they are being decieved to think that they have knowledge and understanding of spiritual things but the Word of God says, " The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." ( prov. 1:7) with out a real fear of God; who HE is , one can not truly have knowledge that is TRUTH! ......

So where am I going? Well, I'm headed to the place of TRUTH! Taking a stand for TRUTH. WE are truly in an age where false teachers and false doctrines are dictating what is TRUTH! When will we ( Followers of Christ) stand up for TRUTH. AT what point will we decided- Oh now they've gone too far!

Sure Christmas has been commercialized and materialized but for some of us it still holds a very precious meaning and special tradition of remembering the Birth of our Savior. Christ !

I just had to post something today on this topic. I want to challenge us all to begin asking ourselves when will it be enough for us to stand up for TRUTH! When will we begin to make a stand and do something about our RIGHTS to have TRUTH! IT isn't about protesting or boycotting but rather a life style that says we will proclaim it at every opportunity. It's taking time to have conversations with people and when they say happy holidays we say, Oh no it's not just any holiday- It's Christmas!

We don't stand for Truth any more because sadly, we ourselves have lost Boldness to speak it!

Sunset

2007-11-29T09:16:00.001+07:00

I was driving home from work and I couldn't hardly believe the view. It was breath taking. I have to say that this picture was taken with my hand phone. I wish it was a bigger pic but you get the idea. I was struck by the sky and the power of the light bursting with color as it worked its way down the horizon.

I was just reminded yet again of how amazing Creation is and how it does point to the Creator of all...

WOW!

Thanksgiving pictures

2007-11-27T06:26:00.001+07:00

There is so much to be Thankful for this Thanksgiving season. It's taken me awhile but I finally had time to post some pics of our thanksgiving meal. Here we are preparing the meal and carving the turkey then just relaxing and watching t.v. :) I'm so blessed!

IN THE AIR

2007-11-24T06:48:00.000+07:00

Thanksgiving was just such a wonderful time. It was a full week and I'm really tired but that's what it's all about ~ spending it with family and just enjoying everyones company is what made Thanksgiving so special this year.

However, all good things come to an end. Dwayne left this morning for the airport. Okay, so I had to drive him to the airport. We got in bed by 10pm and then woke up at 2am to leave at 230am- since I was up and going I got home around 530am and Kayla was up and ready to go Christmas shopping with me. We had a good time just looking around and really we found a few good things that were at good prices.

All in all it was good!

I sure hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

It's Sunday

2007-11-12T00:18:00.000+07:00

I am sitting and reflecting on the week and thinking about all that is happening in the world around me. One thing remains firm- God and His Love for all Peoples. My friends whom I mentioned in an earlier post are doing okay. They are preparing to leave and head out of their host country. God isn't thwarted though and His work will be accomplished. The enemy just doesn't know it!

While it seems to them and many of us that the work will be slowed, what we fail to release is sometimes we do have to be moved out of the way so that the gospel can be propelled farther.

I trust that God is at work but I ask that you please continue to pray for our Brother's and Sisters around the world who are reaching out to the Lostness around them...

Pray that the Nations would be reached and that all peoples would Glorify the one and Only King of kings
Lord of Lords

Jesus Christ!

here's to His Glory and His Honor!

Turning

2007-11-08T20:03:00.000+07:00

It's that time of the year when things start to turn. All over the world things turn from good to bad, green to red, and even life to death ......

This year is no different. Today I received word that one of our friends who live overseas is dealing with having to leave the place they have called home for over 5 years. A people they love and call their own and a friends whom they have loved and shared their life with. For this family there are so many things happening. Adoption of a little girl in the balance, a son who has only known this place as home, the expectation of another baby on the way and now, having to pack and move in 10 days.

Please pray with me that this family would be encouraged, filled with peace, that the Lord would protect them and keep their unborn child healthy and see this child to full maturity, that they would be strengthened during these days, that the Lord would be Glorified and given Thanks too even a situation that seems to us as desperate and sad times.... God knows what is going on He's been at work and will continue to work in the lives of these our brothers and sisters and in the lives of the people who have yet to hear!

Pray for the leaders of this country... their location isn't important... their situation is!

Pray for the Truth to be revealed and that their eyes would be opened. Pray.... Please pray!

Esther's story

2007-11-04T07:38:00.001+07:00

I am not sure why but these last few books as I've studied them have caused me to reflect a bit on my walk. I'm no where near where probably should be as a child of the King.... I fail as a wife , mother, and friend that I can't even begin to imagine how badly I fail at being a follower of Christ.

There are times in my walk when I feel like ~ maybe I'm getting the hang of living righteously.... Right with God ! But then there are times like now that cause me to pause and take a good look at myself.

Esther's story is amazing on many levels but the one thing that really has stood out to me is that God prepared her for such a time as this ~ an orphan left to an uncle to be raised and the exiled and taken captive to a foreign land to then be sent back to Jerusalem and be apart of rebuilding the temple... I can't even imagine what she must have been thinking when she was chosen to be one of the many to go into the Kings Harem and then to be chosen out of them all to be queen? How unimaginable. Then to realize the fate of her people and to be made mindful that "maybe, just maybe you are place in this place for such a time as this" To become Made aware of the Magnitude of the situation and to know you might could be the one person God choses to use..... Then to realize if you do step out in faith to try to help that you could lose your life. Esther took all of that in and realized - she couldn't do anything without first praying and petitioning her God and seeking His favor.... then and only then would she step out and give her life if that was necessary for the hope of helping her people.

God heard her prayers and provided favor in the Kings heart....

I just pray.. that as I go about my week this next week that I would live my life in such a way that I'm mindful of what is happening around me and to be willing to lay my selfish desires down for the sake of others... so that they may have the same hope I have!

Lord thank you for the Testimony of Esther and Mordecai.... what faithful followers they were!

Esther

2007-11-04T07:23:00.000+07:00

This past week I've been studying in Esther. I'm almost fully finished with the books in the Old Testament. It's been so rich and has really caused me to want to learn more of the history of that time. I can not help but be in awe of how the Bible was written with the hands of many but inspired by one. It really is just an amazing book to study!

So I've finished Esther and there have been some key points that are worthy of noting.

Chapters 1 -2 is all about Queen Vashti and her lack of respect for the King. It caused him to look bad infront of his party and caused the princes of the land to become concerned that their women would hear of her disrespect and then do like wise to them.

I was reminded of some new testament passages and I couldn't help but think how both King Ahasuerus and Queen Vashti were honoring one another there would have never been a problem.

Eph. 5:22 " Wives be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord."
5:25 " Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her."

Eph. 6:5-10 Is all about Slaves and Masters and how they are to interact with one another but in the closing statement- verse 10 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might."

this week it was just a reminder to me how my actions to reflect on my husband and that I should consider that before I speak, before I react.

I realize that during this time it was necessary for Queen Vashti to be removed inorder for the God to work for the good of His people but never the less it is still a very good reminder to us all as couples to be mindful of how we ought to be towards our spouses.

As you go about your day- think about how you can serve your spouse and how you can express your love and devotion to him or her without using words but rather through your actions.

Blessings!

Just a thought

2007-10-19T02:06:00.001+07:00

" Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit." Says the Lord of Hosts
Zech. 4: 6
"For who despised the day of Small things?"
Zech. 4:10

Sometimes we forget who is really at work! I was reminded of that today!

When the road we walk becomes bumpy or confusing... just keep your eyes on Father!
He'll direct you and He'll lead you!

And who are we to say the small things don't matter?
What a great reminder.
In His Grip!

Consider Your Ways

2007-10-19T01:07:00.000+07:00

I am always challenged and at times blown away when I read the Word of God.

Ezra has been such a blessing to me.
I have just learned so much about the Old Testament. I know for some this may seem like a childish thing but I didn't realize that Haggi and Zechariah were written during the days of Ezra.. Oh and Esther too! HOW COOL!

One thing I realized after finishing Ezra was that God had a plan to see the Temple rebuilt. He had chosen men to help lead the people to the task. He stirred the hearts of kings to give from their wealth so that the Temple would be built. He caused nations to fear the people of God and gave strength to the men who were working on the construction of the Temple. He heard their praise and received the Glory of His people. He interviened when they became weak and fearful. He restored their vision to enable them to trust Him at His word and He spoke to them and told them that He was with them and that they needed to take Courage and not fear men. He said, " My spirit is abiding in your midst Do not Fear." Haggi 2: 1-4-

Here's what I was challenged with:

Have I given too much attention and time to my personal life and needs but neglected the things of God that are important for the spreading of the gospel?

In Ezra the people started off focused and diligent to accomplish the task. After time though they became caught up in the events around them and instead of pressing on and giving way to fear they became so fearful that they ultimately stopped working. They totally forgot why they were there and only could see their situation and it didn't have God in the midst of it at all... It was all about them! How often do I do that? I am not sure how to overcome this but one thing I think I can do is to always keep before me that it is God who has called me to the task - that is who I ought to keep my eyes and thoughts on!

I was thinking back in my life when God used supernatural events to shape my life to cause me to move in a direction that ultimately brought about Salvation to those who might not have ever heard, had that event not taken place in my life.

And finally, When I get discouraged in serving the Lord on the field, heck even now ! Do I really have the right to quit? What do I need to do to restore my courage and persevere with determination to be found faithful to what God has called me too? That is still to be answered! But what I know is that ultimately I have to learn to leave the outcome to God. Even if it means my death- my weakness, my lonliness, my...... "you fill in the blank".

Today, I just hope that you have been challenged - Remember God is AT WORK in your life to fulfill a special purpose. It may not be to rebuild the Temple but it has such significance. What are you going to do? Will you remain focused? WIll you take Courage? Will you keep your eyes on JESUS rather than on yourself? Don't give Fear a foothold. Hold on to the Hope of Jesus and to the fact that He is incontrol!

Remember!
God is with you in your Midst! Take Courage ! And Do Not be Fearful!

If Your With Us You are For US

2007-10-06T20:21:00.000+07:00

Ezra 4

It shouldn't surprise us when the enemy comes along side us and tries to disrupt what we are trying to do. It would seem as though when things like this happen that we would be on the guard but often times we are caught unaware. Maybe because we can't believe people would really be that deceiving or have such plans as to destroy us. The fact is that it happens today just as it did in the day of Ezra.

Vs. 3 summarized says that the enemies of Judah and Benjamin were being sly in trying to befriend them and join in their work to rebuild the Temple of God but it was only to confuse them and cause them frustration in hopes that they would stop.

Have you ever had that happen?

I can remember one time when we knew the Lord was calling us to do a huge project in our work among an unreached people group and it was Huge! We had been working towards this big event for 3 years. Striving to find the people where they lived, looking for ways to reach them with the gospel and then hand them one. Well, we were ready and finally the Lord gave Dwayne and I a vision to see that more than 300,000 people would receive the gospel message. It was huge it would require 13 teams coming in small groups starting in June and going to August. It would mean our team in the area would be considering the risks and with much prayer and preparation it was time to carry it out. One of our team members came to us and questioned our vision and our purpose. Dwayne and I said, give us time to pray about it and give us time to seek the Lord. It was after 3 days of praying and fasting we knew that it was the enemy putting doubt in the heart of our team members to try and discourage us and thwart Father's plan.

We went back to the call to do this project. It wasn't from us because we knew the risks and the hard work it would take to make this happen. But the Lord called out the Laborers, He provided men of god to write the Tracks and to provide us the tools to distribute them. He provided two sisters in Tennessee to fund the whole printing of over 150,000. tracts... God was at work and we had to trust Him...

We went back and told our whole team. This project was moving forward and they had to trust the Lord in this because it wasn't our plan but His......

Proverbs 19:21 says, " many plans are in mans heart but the counsel of the Lord stands forever.' this is our verse to claim when we begin to face struggles or discouragement.

The men of god though in Ezra were able to distinguish what the intent was because they knew these men were not of the Household of God. So the men told them no you can't join us or help us this is for the God's people to build. This made them mad and so they went to the King and told him of their plans.

the people however were frightened of the people over the river and the word says in 3:3 that the people of God were fearful of the people of who were living in the land by the river. So they already were fearful now they know for certain that they are out to hurt them and stop them.

Ultimately the people stop work on the temple for a time. We are going to see in Haggai as we jump over to read the accounts of what God had to do get His people back to work and see how the Lord works to encourage and give strength when we His people are fearful and have little faith.

Some of the lessons that have popped out at me in these chapters so far are:

Obedience to Authority
Obeyed the Law of Moses - today we would obey the Word of God
Gave praise and Glory to God rather than Man- They worshiped God.
In the beginning they stayed focused in the midst of fear of what lay ahead of them.
In the end they allowed fear to grip them. -

Today as I think back over Ezra 1-4 I can't help but see myself in them. I do some of these very things and I've allowed the enemy to cause me to become ineffective in what God has called me too because I am fearful!

2 Timothy 1:7 " for God has not given us the spirit of timidity (fear) but of power and love and discipline. "

May we claim those things today:
Power, Love, Discipline

Ezra

2007-10-04T23:35:00.000+07:00

It's been a good study thus far and one that has caused me to realize how important it is for us as believers to follow after the things of Christ. I am so totally amazed at the similarities between the Israelites in Ezra's day and today's modern day church. BOY, we do some of the very same things.

I have just finished Ezra and just wanted to share some of the things I found to be a challenge to me and some that were just cool to be reminded of the care our Great God goes to reach us His children.
Today I won't make this a long post ;) I'll share some each day. As I reflect on them this weekend.

One of the first things that I love about this story is that God starts out with Stirring the heart of a King. Cyrus King of Persia- 1:1 " Now in the first year of Cyrus King of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, the Lord stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of pPersia, so that he sent a proclamation throght all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying:"

This is cool because History had been written for future reference. This will be so important later on as the Israelites come under attack and they remember that Cyrus King of Persia put it in writing, what the Lord wanted done!

When I read this I was just struck by the fact that Jeremiah spoke the Word of the Lord and now God was going to fulfill that word. Imean, how often do we know the Lord is leading us to do something, we share it with others and we aren't even amazed that it happens. We just take it for granted that God put things together for it to happen.

A reminder to me that God does what GOD Promises.... it doesn't always happen though like I think or plan. On the contrary, most of the time it is due to disobedience and lack of faith that causes things to stall or faulter. Or the work of the enemy to thwart our mission. However again and again, through this story of a mission to rebuild the Temple of God. God uses every situation to draw the people to himself and uses these same situations to test their faithfulness to Him.

One thing we can count on though - God is going to fulfill His Word!

Today, I hope you will reflect on that and remember that God stirs the heart of kings to fulfill His word!

Now that's an Awesome GOD !!

Leading with a Limp by Allender

2007-10-04T06:05:00.000+07:00

This has been a good book to read. It's one of those books you read and you realize that you may have grown a lot in how you lead but then read a book like this and say, I still have A LOT more to learn.

I thought I would just share some things that his book has made me think about in my own leadership as well as just some great words of understanding for us all.

One of the things this author spends quite a bit of time on is how people deal with conflict or trouble. He says that a leader can respond to any number of issues- these are the most common issues leaders deal with, sometimes a leader can deal with more than one of these at any given time.

1. Crisis- The author says : " Leadership is about whether we will grow in maturity in the extremity of crisis." pg. 29

"Crisis serve to remind us that we are fundamentally not in control." Pg 29

Boy is that the truth!

2. Complexity - this is the only one I thought might need some clarity. This is when any situation has the potential to turn horrible real quick. Most decisions made by a leader has complex circumstances that lay just beneath the surface.
3. Betrayal - comes in many different ways. The author makes the statement that he was once betrayed by those who would get him to open up his heart and then used his very words against him and took them totally out of context. BOY do I know how that feels. Try having a friend who you think is someone who is trustworthy become the very person who listened to you share your thoughts and struggles and then use them against you.

"Betrayal always brings with it some distortion of the truth." pg. 32
"Betrayal marks the past and mars the future". pg. 32

4. Loneliness - This quote says it all ;"Leadership loneliness is far more than the state of being alone. the fact that we are set apart for a task and a calling is what deprives us of the normal fare of family and friendship." pg. 33

5. Weariness- "Weariness is really about this core struggle to hope despite the circumstances and our limitations, and not so much about stress and being tired. Will we continue to pray, dream, and fight for people when the battle looks pointless? "
pg. 35
Okay- for those of you who read my earlier post - this is where I am, weariness!

With that in mind we all have a choice as to how we respond. For most of us we have an immediate response which is often times our "fleshly" response.

In the book the author says: Ineffective responses include:

*Cowardice - let's just run from the issue. Go in a room and shut the door. Eventually the problem will go away.
*Rigidity
*Narcissism
* Hiding
*Fatalism

Effective responses:
*Courage
*Depth
*Gratitude
*Openness
*Hope

In this book he writes and says that those who stay in leadership often deal with bouts of : Flight, Doubt, Surrender, Return....

I wish I could share every bit of what I've learned from these first 3 chapters. I'm still digesting so much of it.

I know for Dwayne my husband, he never desired nor sought out the leadership he's in at this moment. It has been so hard and there have been times I can say we have reached all the above areas that Allender speaks about: flight,doubt,surrender and return. Usually the return is like a reluctant child who isn't so sure it's a good thing!

I am encouraged though and realize that alot of what we are going through is actually normal.

I'll share more as the Lord speaks to me through this book! ;)

We are lookng forward to the years ahead as we serve our Lord. Where ever, how ever and to whom ever.

Chosen By A Horse : by Susan Richards

2007-10-03T08:31:00.000+07:00

Great Book! You must read it. I don't think I've read such a well written book in a long time. It is a book about life and loving. A woman with passions and hurts a horse who chose her on one fateful night, pouring rain and fear filled. If you love horses and a story of fighting and love this book is for you.

2007-09-30T05:11:00.000+07:00

So today I've been trying to get back into my running routine and looking now at what race I want to race in this year. It looks like a spring race is going to be about the time I'll be ready for a half marathon or marathon? I'm leaving my options open:) just incase I think I'm ready for the full thing :) .

Well, here are 10 things unexperienced Marathon runnners make in their training!

enjoy!

#10 Underestimate Stretching

Many beginning runners finish a run and neglect to stretch enough or even at all. They then find themselves tight and sore and eventually with a running injury. Do not neglect the importance of stretching! Stretch within 15 minutes after every run and take your time. As you progress through training, add a few seconds to each stretch and build up to 20 seconds or more per stretch. Benefits will include less soreness, greater flexibility, longer stride, and much more. Do not underestimate the importance of stretching.

#9 Lack of Support

Many runners do not share there goal with their friends, family, or co-workers. Why not? Afraid of what they might say? Afraid you will tell them and then fail to achieve your goal? If so, that’s all the more reason to tell them! It will give you lots of extra (and needed) motivation. Fear can often be the most powerful form of motivation. Use it! They should be supportive of you. All you have to do is tell them you are training for a marathon or half marathon.

Do not feel compelled to keep them updated on your progress though. Unless they are a runner, they simply will not understand. Think of that friend or co-worker who insists on telling you about every shot they had yesterday playing 18 holes of golf. Do you really care to hear about it? I don’t! Still, tell them early on that you have decided to run a marathon or half marathon. It will work in your favor.

#8 Lack of Belief

Often, a beginning runner will start training and have a very difficult time completing their first 5-mile run. They don’t see how they can possibly run more than that, much less 13.1 or 26.2. They stop right there. Done. Finished. They CAN do it, but they can’t because they don’t think they can. Did that make sense?

“If you think you can, or you can’t, you’re right.” - Henry Ford

Choose to believe you can!

#7 Motivation

There are lots of things that can (and will) come up during training that can cause you to lose motivation. It is very likely that you will miss a run or more due to circumstances that come with life. Whether it is bad weather, illness, working late, mild injury, or whatever, NEVER lose sight of you goal and choose to see the situation as positive. Remind yourself of the feeling you will have when you achieve your goal. Do not lose motivation.

#6 Wrong Goal

Many first time runners naturally think they should set a marathon finish time goal. This is not the case. Your goal for your first marathon or half marathon should simply be to finish. If you push yourself too much, you are dramatically increasing the likelihood of injury and not even seeing the starting line. Set a time goal for your next marathon or half marathon. This may sound strange, but it is quite wise. Be smart and set the right goals.

#5 Wrong Training Program

This really relates to goal-setting. Many runners follow a program of greater difficulty because they want to achieve a certain time. Then they fall victim to injury or just can’t handle the program so they quit. Choose the right program for YOU!

#4 Starting Too Fast

Many runners begin their training and feel they can run more than the scheduled training. What do they do? They go the extra mile (or more). Sure, we were all taught to "go the extra mile" while growing up, but don’t take it literally! In any training program, there is a reason for gradually increasing mileage each week. If you feel really strong when you begin training and want to run more, PLEASE resist the temptation. By going the extra mile, you are substantially increasing the likelihood of injury. Stay with the program. Believe in yourself and the program. Achieve your goal!

#3 Lack of Knowledge

Many beginning runners decide they want to run a marathon or half marathon and just start running. No homework, no schedule, no advice, no nothing. They just start running because they think they simply need to get in shape to start training and then they will figure out the rest. In 2001, I fell victim to this one! I decided I was going to run a 26.2-mile marathon. I just started running to get into shape. One mile, two miles, three miles…I was a natural! Week 3 came along and, after running three miles, I decided I could double it and then ran six miles. The next week, I blew my knee out and was done before I even started training. While I must admit I am embarrassed to share this failure with you, I am glad to do so if you will learn from it. I’ve held up my end of the bargain! Will you do yours? Do not fail because of ignorance like I did in my first attempt. Educate yourself on training as much as you can before you begin training. If you are reading this, you are already on your way to beating the #3 mistake! Give yourself a pat on the back.

#2 Hydration

Many runners suffer from dehydration because they underestimate how much water their body needs during training. Drink during your long runs. ALWAYS weigh yourself before and after a run and get your body weight back to what it was before the run. Do this by drinking plenty of water. Your urine should be light yellow to clear. Dark yellow means you are not adequately hydrated and need to drink more water. Be smart and stay hydrated! Stay away from the hospital! Cross the finish line!

#1 Injury

Many beginning runners make the mistake of piling on mileage much too fast. Maybe they started training without even building up a base during pre-training! They notice soreness in their shins or knees and ignore it. They keep running and BAM!, it hits them. They’re done. Game Over. Be aware of the warning signs and how to treat them. Be aware that injuries can sneak up on you with NO warning. Be smart and start easy. GRADUALLY build up and take your rest days seriously. Remember how many of the other Top 10 Rookie Mistakes lead to injury. Do not let injury keep you from achieving your goal.

Here's my quote for the week:

"The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win."

- Sir Roger Bannister

Townsend-

2007-09-30T03:08:00.000+07:00

Since I have had a minor set back in my moving on - I just felt it would be good for me to get a new book and begin to really look at Me rather than someone else. It's a lesson I've learned over these, oh, 4 years. So, here's to my new read: It's alway good to learn ways to deal and cope with situations that are difficult and people too. So, that's why I'm reading this book. I think it will be good to revisit this issue and begin to take BACK control over my reactions. I'm actually looking so forward to reading it- that I'm going to finish my "pleasure" book and then start this one! ;)

"Handling Difficult People"
What to do when people try to push your buttons.

by Dr. John Townsend

Oh the joys of living life with someone other than yourself!

Moving on~

2007-09-28T09:02:00.000+07:00

Today is a mile stone for me! :)

I'm moving on~ I'm through trying and trying and trying to build a bridge of reconciliation that others are working so very hard to fully destroy.....

Life is too short to be reaching out to people who don't want to be reached.

It's like someone who is wearing many faces. Looks okay - sounds okay - but it's broken........

Being Called

2007-09-24T18:00:00.001+07:00

This is one of my favorite pictures of Justin, our middle son, who just turned 19 years old. I can't hardly believe he is that old!

Anyway, when I was studying the word yesterday in the wee hours I thought of this picture. It looks as if someone is calling him and he's looking for where his name is being called.

Today that's what I've been studying. Being Called by God.

I have often times use the word, "Called", in reference to being called by God to go into the ministry. However, the Lord has reminded me that is much more than that!

Called by Him to be His child. Sometimes in our work / ministry it is easy to use this word and mean one thing when in deed it's true meaning has a much more greater depth.

Several verses stood out to me and so I'll just share some of what has been renewed in my mind.

God- Called me to Salvation but in salvation He desires for me to then perfect holiness in the fear of God.
1 Thess. 4:7-8 says:
"For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you."

This struck me in a new way. If God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but sanctification then it should be our mission to strive to live a life that is pure. This is so hard at times to really grasp. Having received the gift of eternal life, It should mean that I desire to be like HIM! Why then do I strive so hard to do what I want?

Heb. 12:14
"Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord."

This really hit me hard. I've learned over the years that certain people are put in my life to cause me to grow up in my spiritual life and visa versa. Sometimes I want to flee from these people but what I've learned is that those who flee from conflict or confronting a situation they really aren't willing to do the work necessary to " live in Peace with all men" and maybe even on a more personal note, we don't really want to do the work necessary to live in peace with all men. Meaning, we don't want to change to make things work. Now please don't read into that and make the assumption that I think we can all get along and love eachother. I do! Well, if the Lord would return and we were made perfect, I really do believe it is possible. However, in the condition of our current situation, striving for holiness. Then, we must work hard, strive for peace with all men. What I've learned though is that it is truly possible to do this even in the midst of serious conflict. If, that is ,both people want and desire to "pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord." We have desire to do the work necessary to live at peace with all men. Which often times means we need to some work in our own lives in order to do that, it is rarely just one person who needs to change!

The Heb. 12 passage is pretty powerful. I mean, if we aren't willing to pursue peace with all men and we run away from dealing with issues that arise then we are choosing not to continue on the road to sanctification. Which is HOLINESS!

Romans 6: 22-23
"Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death."

Let me just stop there for a moment.
One of the first things we have to do is realize our own condition. Sometimes in the midst of dealing with sin we often times put or focus on others and their condition. I can't believe how many times I do this. But what a wake up call for me today! I need to realize the outcome of those things that I try so hard at times to hold on to, its DEATH! And man, I have been chosen to live a life with Eternity in mind!

"But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. "

This really spoke to me - Because, so many times the real issue is that I can't see that I'm enslaved to my own sin. I should however be claiming the freedom I have in Christ Jesus and draw from the benefit I know I have in HIM, which will result in sanctification. Ultimately, overcoming the sin issue. We have an untouched resource we often times just forget about, the Holy Spirit!

My sanctification is on going - I am sanctified in Christ Jesus but what I need to do is live that out in the day to day things.

It's really about growing to maturity in our spiritual life! It really is no small thing to be CALLED by God through Jesus Christ! The promises are endless for those who have believed.

It's just a great time to reflect on the Joy of my salvation. The overwhelming choice my God made to save me. For I have taken such a blessing and have not considered my own responsibility in living that out!

It's really about laying down our flesh. Dying to self! I should want , desire, strive for righteousness.
2 Cor. 7:1 says: " Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

For me this week, it's about realizing my own condition.
James 3:13;17-18
"Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deed in the gentleness of wisdom." " But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, and without hypocrisy. and the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

1Peter 1:14-16
"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy one who called you, be Holy yourselves also in all your behavior. Because it is written, 'You shall be Holy, for I am Holy.'"

and again: 2 Cor. 7:1
"Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness int he fear of God."

I am challenged daily in the work we do to put my flesh aside and not feed it. I'm often times ashamed when I go back over my day and see the choices I've made. How I've not chosen to be holy in moments where I could have made that choice to not conform to the former lusts!

I think for me this week it is just carefully choosing my thought process, and while I may not say the things I'm thinking/ or I may- those too are sin! So I pray that I will guard my heart against allowing my thought life to wonder in places it shouldn't and make the choice to think on these things: Phil.4:8 "Finally, brethren, what ever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."

May we all grow in our Journey of Sanctification/ Holiness!

Here's to living out what we've been Called to in Christ Jesus!

Someone elses garbage?

2007-09-14T04:30:00.000+07:00

This was sent to me from Andi. It was so good that I thought it blog worthy.

How often do you let other people's nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you're the Terminator, for an instant you're probably set back on your heels. However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly they can re-focus on what's important.

Sixteen years ago I learned this lesson. I learned it in the back of a New York city taxi. Here's what happened. I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central Station. We were driving in the right lane when all of a sudden a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his breaks, skidded, and missed the other car's back end by just inches!

Here's what happened next. The driver of the OTHER car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and he started yelling obcenities at US. Now, here's what blew me away. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was friendly. So, I said, "Why did you just do that??? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!" And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck."

Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they'll dump it on you. When someone wants to dump on you, don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You'll be happy you did. I guarantee it. So this was it: The "Law of the Garbage Truck."

I started thinking: How often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? And how often do I take their garbage and spread it to other people: at work, at home, on the streets?

It was that day I said, "I'm not going to do it anymore." I began to see
garbage trucks. Like in the movie "The Sixth Sense," the little boy said, "I see Dead People." Well, now I see Garbage Trucks. I see the load they're carrying. I see them coming to drop it off. And, like my Taxi Driver, I don't make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on.

One of my favorite football players of all time, Walter Payton, did this
every day on the football field. He would jump up as quickly as he hit the ground after being tackled. He never dwelled on a hit. Payton was ready to make the next play his best. Good leaders know they have to be ready for their next meeting. Good parents know that they have to welcome their children home from school with hugs and kisses. Leaders and parents know that they have to be fully present, and at their best for the people they care about.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let Garbage Trucks take over their day.

What about you?

What would happen in your life, starting today, if you let more garbage trucks pass you by?

Boy what a reminder for us all to not allow others to dump their TRASH in our lives.....

I use to think I needed to just say what was bothering me - and in some cases I think it is important but what I've learned over the years is to just not allow those with so much GARBAGE to be my closest and dearest friends.

I decided to post this on my transformed blog - I had posted it on our family blog but today it seemed fitting to be posted.!

love ya friend~

Choices or Opportunity

2007-09-08T20:27:00.001+07:00

I'm finishing my study of 1 Samuel and it's been so good. I just love the O.T. !

This week several things have been bouncing around in my head the words- Choices and Opportunity.

David had many choices and opportunities to take out Saul who was seeking David out to hurt him if not kill him. He was falsely accusing him of wrong doing and yet David didn't feel the need to stand up and defend himself.

In 1 Samuel 24:4

" The men of David said to him, " Behold, this is the Day of which the Lord said, to you, ' behold, I am about to give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it seems good to you."

this is the scene where Saul and his men are seeking after David. Saul needs to relieve himself and so he goes into a cave. Little did he know that David was in the cave hiding. As Saul is relieving himself David cuts off a part of his garment and chooses not not do harm to Saul. it says that , " David arose and cut off the edge of Saul's robe secretly."

I think this is a great example of the Matt. 5:44 passage that says, " But I say to You, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

David had been given the opportunity to do what was right in his own eyes and yet he chose to do no harm to King Saul. David realized that he was innocent and that he had nothing to prove and so he trusted in the lord to do His will and to trust that He would do to Saul what was needed.

I needed to be reminded of this and to remember that just because there is opportunity to do what is right in my own eyes I have a choice to Love and pray for my enemies.

Lord, may I not seek my own benefits but put others before myself!

Friends who have enriched my life......

2007-08-26T03:13:00.001+07:00

This week was a good one just busy as usual. Getting back in the states and building friendships is one of the most important things right now. I've been on Face book since Josh went to college. It was one way for me to just keep an eye on him and to stay connected. I really hadn't done much with it since it seemed most of the folks on face book were my kids ages. Well, Justin went off to college and so many of our friends kids were going off to college too that it was one way again to stay connected. I started thinking about our friends through the years and how their kids were probably on face book. I've looked far and wide to find some of our friends but sometimes it's just impossible unless you know just where to look. So anyway, I took the chance and started looking for some of our friends kids.

I found one friend- Taylor who was the daughter of some very dear friends while we were in Seminary. I found 2 girls who looked like they could be a child of Kelly and Michael Phillips. I was almost sure it was the 2nd and SURE ENOUGH it was!

I was so thrilled. :) It feels good to get reconnected with such dear people! I have missed them so much over the years. We had some good times together during our 2 year stay at Seminary and there have been so many times I had longed for their friendship again. There's just nothing like having such grounded and real people in your life.

Kelly was one of those friends. Someone who could get mad at you and yet you knew she would work to make the friendship work.... she was a dear friend and unfortunately - time and space caused us to loose connection.

I just look forward to getting reconnected and getting to catch up!

I loved the picture of these feet. I don't know why, but feet just make me think of intimate moments...

Here's to friends - I have been so blessed in my life..... to have amazing women in my life- for the good, bad and even the hurt that comes at times from friends.. I wouldn't be the person I am without the friends I've had throughout my life!

Intertwined

2007-08-24T18:29:00.000+07:00

" So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit."
Eph. 2:19-22

These last 2 weeks I've been reading through Ephesians and as I go back and connect all the things Father has been teaching me something struck me - Forgive me as I take some time to just share a bit of the last 4 years.

These last 4 years have been such a time of growing for me. I have come a full circle in grasping and getting a better understanding of what the Lord means in Hebrews 11: 13-16 and now Ephesians 2: 19-22.

I've lived in several countries now and have had the awesome opportunities to see so many come to faith and literally grow up in the Lord. I've seen them realize that they are no longer really apart of their own culture. I've sat and cried with sisters who are in conflict over not feeling apart of anything - feeling the pains of being exiled or strangers in their own land. I too have experienced this as we have returned to our "home country" and no longer feeling connected or apart of the culture I once felt so connected to.

Today as I was thinking about WHY it is that some feel this alienation and separation while others continue to feel so connected and apart of their culture..... it dawned on me that maybe that is where Hebrews 11 passage comes into play.

It is one thing to say you are a christian it is another when you live a life that is CHRIST LIKE! Just striving to live a life of Holiness will set you apart and cause you to feel the pangs of "Alienation and feeling a foreigner" in your own culture, among those you love and those you work with.

Reading Ephesians these past 2 weeks brought back to my mind the importance of making a choice daily to die to myself and to live for Christ!

God has created us with Purpose, Hope and inheritance.

We are no longer strangers or aliens but we are FELLOW CITIZENS with the Saints and are apart of God's House hold- fellow heirs with Christ.

Not only corporately but also individually. Meaning that as the Body of Christ we corporately have purpose but then we also individually have purpose.

So then what TODAY am I , are you, doing to add to the community life and the strengthening of our households?

It is so important that we all realize that Romans 12: 1-2 - we are not to be conformed to this world but Transformed by the renewing of our minds in Christ Jesus....

What today are you doing about that TRANSFORMATION? Are you being CONFORMED or TRANSFORMED? they are intertwined in some ways because we must come from a conformed mindset in order to move to a transformed mind! Moving from darkness to light!

I feel as though I'm breaking free from my cocoon and that I'm emerging in a world that is not my own but that's not a problem for me any more! For I know where I belong and I long for the day of our REUNION!

LOOKING TO HIS COMING!
Melissa.....

I Pray.....

2007-08-21T07:24:00.000+07:00

"I Pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, What are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and What is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.
These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might. "

Eph. 1: 18-19

This past week I started reading through Ephesians again. I really did it so that I could follow along with our House Church in Chiang mai. I miss them so much! It was one way to get back into the word again after getting so busy with life that I allowed my q/t to suffer. So here is what I took away from Eph. 1.

It is alway good to be reminded of our roots and adoption into the Family of God. How many times do we forget our own birth story into the Kingdom? Paul reminded me yet again of the amazing steps that God took to prepare a way for me to enter into His family!

Being Chosen, called and given purpose is just plain AMAZING!

What really spoke to me though was verses 18 and 19.

It dawned on me that my eyes had been shut ever since my quiet time had come to a complete stop. I was totally walking in my own strength and it was so evident in my "reaction" to life and the hurdles that were before me.

I wonder? Are your eyes open? Do you know what is the Hope of His Calling? What are the riches of the Glory of His inheritance in the saints (those who are born again into Christ)? Do you know what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe? And have you forgotten or have you not "seen" that these are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might?

During the week it became clear to me that I needed to REFRESH my memory of these things. To dig in the word and be reminded and to reclaim my inheritance. I hadn't lost it but I had set it aside and picked up other things that couldn't help me along the road I was journeying.

My prayer is that as you start today- that the Eyes of your Heart will be opened and you will live out what is evident in you- The hope of His calling in your life ( remembering that what He calls you to do , He will enable you to do it) What the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. ( you need not worry for tomorrow - for He will provide for you not just in the physical sense but also in the spiritual) , What is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe, ( we are His children and He has equipped us to do what He has called us to do)

So make certain today that you prepare your heart and be aware of the things Father has for you today!

Here's to keeping the " EYES OF OUR HEART WIDE OPEN"

All we are like sheep

2007-08-05T19:32:00.000+07:00

I am back and hopefully will be on line more often now. I sure have missed blogging and posting what's been happening in my life. This weekend I spend some much needed time in the word and in prayer. I time of reconnecting after about 2 weeks almost 3 of not having much at all in the way of real study time and prayer time. It is as if I have stood in a refreshing pool and things seem just a bit more clearer. Lots of hurdles yet to overcome but I know that we have a plan and it's being directed and reaffirmed by the Lord. So we walk forward trusting that it is going to work out... these have been some real growing years!

I found this picture of sheep that we took on one of our little stops while touring Turkey. It was as random as it gets. All of a sudden this little old man walks up and jingles a bell and there out of the woods come this herd of sheep. It really was picture perfect.

I was just reminded last night that we are all sheep and I'm so thankful that my shepherd doesn't leave one behind but will leave the 99 to retrieve the one that has been lost. These past few weeks while I've seen and felt the Lord at work I've surely not felt that I've been connected with the herd. I'm going to church today with such joy! How I miss fellowship with other believers. It's been a hectic 3 weeks and I'm in great need of being filled with teaching from the word and some encouraging from other believers!

Hope you are apart of the family of Christ and that you realize that you are not alone.

Where have I been?

2007-08-04T06:46:00.000+07:00

Not on line ---- but man have I missed being connected to all my online girlfriends.

To you all, I have been reading off and on but just not blogging.. with the exception of our family blog and that is the only thing that has been sorta updated since I left asia.

Well, I hope to be back to some sort of routine so much to tell though to get all caught up on what has been going on in my life.

We have finally arrived in our apartment and while it isn't even close to being finished it is getting there. Our container arrived from Thailand but MAN everything stinks.. trying hard to get the FUNK out of it all... didn't expect that so just FYI if you ship things from overseas.. it will have a fUNKY smell... should have expected it because it is that way every time we come back- first thing we do is wash clothes. :)

anyway, seems the boxes weren't all marked properly so I have several boxes that I didn't need and there are some in the storage unit that I need. How I wish you could see my problem - the storage unit is full to the top and the boxes... are some where in there! yeah.. not such a great thought. I keep thinking Do I really need those clothes? :)

anyway, other than the usual stuff that comes with a move from one country to the other, life in general is okay.

Feeling a bit single these days - my hubby is in asia and has been there all this time working. I've still got another 6 weeks or so before we see eachother. It will be almost 2 1/2 months before we see each other. Brings back memories of our military days. Not much different being in Ministry !

I've had some amazing encounters with the Lord and he continues to meet me in special ways when I feel I just can't bare up under the pressure. I've not been faithful at all in the word these past few weeks and man do I see it in my attitude and actions. Today - while in driving I just totally lost it with the other car who parked so dog gone close to my TANK OF A TRUCK that I couldn't get out and then she was looking at me like it was my problem. UGH it didn't help that my teenage daughter " the expert driver" had more information that would make my situation all better. UGH I had to apologize to my daughter and then just pray for the lord to bare with me....

Needless to say it was at lunch when I realized, I've holding on to the line and I'm way off shore.. thank goodness I'm anchored deep but I'm in need of some help.... So, tomorrow I'm getting some routine back in my life and getting up early to meet with the Lord and do some much needed praying and studying...

This has been the hardest transition for me honestly in the way of keeping in routine with my study times. I was doing well up til about 2 weeks ago... Well thank goodness I'm anchored... :) in HIM!

More later and pics too....

blessings all.....

Provisions

2007-07-06T09:25:00.000+07:00

As we travel it is always one of my favorite points of interest- Doors.

I just don't look at doors the same any more since living overseas and seeing how the Lord works I just don't see the world the same.... It's been a wonderful 11 years and I feel so blessed to have been able to serve. I'm very thrilled about getting to back to school and work towards my Nursing degree... It is another Door opened and another opportunity to serve in new and different ways. I can't wait to see what how the Lord opens new opportunities for me to serve Him through this new skill...

I'm traveling alot this summer so I will be posting off and on.. I'll have more to write but today as you look around and see doors... I do pray that you will just be reminded of how the Lord opens and closes doors of opportunities for service. I love how Paul wrote that it was open to him a door of service.... meaning that at that time in that place... he was able to minister and see much fruit. I love how the Lord does that- He opens doors of service for us and all it requires on our part is to do what comes natural to us as believers.. share what Great and amazing things the Lord is doing in our lives!

Boy, do I have alot of that going on these days.. every day there seems to be new doors being opened and new opportunities for service!

Here's to new doors and new opportunities of service!

mel.....

His Timing is Everything

2007-06-17T09:23:00.001+07:00

It shouldn't be a surprise when Father makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him.....

This last month no really the past 2 weeks have been crazy in the way of making decisions and seeking the Lord's leading. We totally stepped out in Faith to what we felt was Father's leading and WOW how He has so blessed us. We know it is because it was HIS TIMING for this all to happen.

As you read in the last post I was pretty anxious and even nervous about what to expect and had some fear over can we really do this? Here is just how AMAZING the LORD is and How again! He has shown me - when I walk out in FAITH and in Obedience to what HE is calling us to do then HE can do what He knows is best ! :)

SO this is TO TESTIFY to GOD's Faithfulness and Goodness!

I'll be taking Justin back to get him settled into college and get his truck and other items for his first semester at college. Kayla will also be attending her Senior Year in Opelika, something she has wanted to do for a long time. And I'll be starting back to school as well to begin working on my nursing degree. :) - We won't be starting our Stateside assignment though until December. I will have to be back in China for some travel and then Thailand for some meetings so that will mean Kayla will be either having some family come up to stay with her or she will be staying with some friends for awhile.

I just wanted to highlight some of the Praises we have had these past 2 weeks. :)

1. We had our yard sale which was going to cover all our moving / shipping for our furniture to get to the states. We knew what we needed to ship them and the Yard sale will cover all but 600.00 dollars of it. THAT WAS HUGE!
* Also a first for us - everything we had in our Yard sale sold by 9am. We opened our gates at 6:45 and I couldn't believe how fast things sold. I have never seen anything like this before! IT WAS A GOD THING!

2. Kayla needed to find a home for Cody Cat as of Friday night there were no takers. We had told her the only other option was to take Cody to the vet and allow them to try to find him a home but that if they couldn't then they would have to put him to sleep. We weren't real excited about that option as you can imagine- we LOVE CODY cat. Well, Kayla made a poster and a special young lady came to see Cody. It was a match made by Father! :) She was obviously a Cat lover and took to cody bites and all.... ( cody was attacked by a big dog last week and had to have stitches... she didn't mind that at all and coddled him even more) So cody has a home as of today :)

3. Everything in our home that we wanted to haul back to the states will be crated back - that means :) we don't lift one finger to pack the stuff ( first ever for us) and we don't have to lift this stuff to put it on a truck. It will arrive in Birmingham somewhere around July 22nd and then we can arrange for them to deliver it for us to Auburn. :) Again, all fully paid - Thanks for the sales we made at the Yard Sale!

4. Thanks to Farmville Baptist Church and their care and hard work , they have found us a nice apartment to live in until another M' house comes available. PTL>.. again, Father used individuals who were obedient to His leading to provide for us.. so thank you all who obeyed what Father was asking you to do! And to Bill and his family for working with us on all the details.

I couldn't start today without saying Thank YOU LORD for all you've done... in our lives. I often feel so inadequate and not worthy of all the CARE you show to our family!

Transition

2007-06-14T22:25:00.000+07:00

Moving again!

That is my life it seems since I was little I don't think I've ever lived in one home for too long. Now that we've been overseas for 11 years we have moved 9 times and this will be our 10th. Yes.. that isn't too great!

This next move is to settle our middle son Justin into life in the states and to get our daughter settled into the states as well for her Senior Year of High School. This move is coming a year earlier than what we had planned but we really felt it was time. I've been ready to come back for our stateside assignment and Kayla was asking us to consider letting her graduate from the states. However, we just didn't have a peace about it until now.

Mind you- We didn't have a house to return to until June 08 but we stepped out and the Lord has provided.

This is where the stress comes for me... Not knowing where we are going to live and then finding out the place is "REALLY" small. I just got all nervous and anxious...

In my head I'm telling myself, " Don't be stupid! Everything is going to work out just fine. The Lord has provided a place for us to live and generous folks have asked to pay our rent for us and some have given money towards our utilities." NOW WHY would I feel NERVOUS or ANXIOUS......

I can't explain it but I just am.... I guess as much as I want to be calm about this move I am nervous and I am anxious about change.

Well, I visited my friend Kim's blog and she shared a word with all her blogging pals on Contentment. It was the word I needed to hear. It was TRUTH spoken from one's own experience. It was sharing life on life! I needed to be challenged
I don't think Kim meant it for me but God meant me to see it. He knew what my day would hold and He knew I would
reach a breaking point.

It was on contentment!
Nevertheless, each one should retain the
place in life that the Lord assigned to
him and to which God has called him."
I Corinthians 17:7 (NIV)

Same verse, different version:

"Don't be wishing you were someplace else
or with someone else. Where you are
right now is God's place for you.
Live and obey and love and believe right there."
I Corinthians 7:17a (The Message)

of course Kim shared a bit more and you can click on her site to the right and read more.

It was what I needed to hear... I just needed to be reminded in a gentle way that I was going to the place where God has planned and where He has prepared. I need to trust Him in that and be content - In the book of Psalms it says,
" He has portioned my cup"

I love that because it means God has determined what should be in my cup... How much my cup can hold and He knows me better than anyone. I've waited for the Lord to give the green light for our return for this Stateside assignment and it's taken some time - I've not always waited patiently but I've really tried hard to not push any doors open. This whole event has totally been of the Lord and HIS PROVISION!

YET I worry and get anxious.....

I just needed to be reminded in a gentle and caring way that I do need to be content with what the Lord has portioned me and to be happy..... It is odd, I have lived with no running water, with little or no electricity, with only having 3 rooms to live in and my surroundings were anything but nice.

I was so content... but it wasn't about me... it was about going to the lostness around me. ... I think this time I was / AM currently thinking more about ME and our Family and not about what the Lord is thinking about... I know HE cares about ME but I'm secure in HIM.. He knows I want what HE wants, even if I do kick and scream sometimes. :) What I needed to be reminded of is that- this move isn't about me! It's about the lostness that will be around me. If I go into it with that in mind then I know I will be content with all the LORD HAS PROVIDED.....

I am crying even now knowing that I can be content in all things.. I just have to die to self yet again....

this road is anything but easy - it's down right hard at times - yet I know it is the path for us and it's what the Lord has
Portioned......

Today, tonight as I close my eyes for rest - may the lord give me rest and may I be content in all that the Lord has Portioned me / our family!

Lord, thank you- for putting Kim in my life and for leading me to read her blog... it was just what I needed....

sleep tight all!
Mel......

ps. the picture was taken in Ephesus... I'm reminded of a quote a friend just gave me in a picture: " Bloom Where You Are"

May we not look at another flower the same !

Hebrews it's all about Jesus

2007-06-13T08:09:00.000+07:00

I haven't been able to write much lately and to tell you the truth I've really missed it. As most of you know I was able to go back to my home away from home and see what Father is doing there. What always amazes me is that when I expect to go and be used by Him, He totally choses to use the time for teaching me something either about Him or about what I should be doing.....

I've been studying in Hebrews this past year and as our House Church began to wind the study up I kind of got stuck in Chapters 11- 13.

Here is what Father has been teaching me on my Journey with Him.

" Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible" Hebrews 11:1-3,

" And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." Hebrews 11:6

" All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. but as it is , they desire a better country, that is a Heavenly one.

THEREFORE GOD IS NOT ASHAMED TO BE CALLED THEIR GOD; FOR HE HAS PREPARED A CITY FO THEM."
Hebrews 11: 13-16

This chapter has so much in it how could I digest it in one sitting. It has taken me months to really process and learn what it is that Father wants to teach me about what it means to be faithful, to have faith in the things hoped for, to have convictions of the things I know are there but yet can't see, to understand that it is by faith we gain approval and that without faith I can not please my Heavenly Father; Jesus, To realize that He is the rewarder of those who seek Him...... I could go on but for today :) I'll just post about one aspect.

Verses 13-16-

The picture is of an older lady whom we have known now for 11 years. We don't have a deep relationship with her but a casual friendship with her. She has been shared with and knows the truth yet to our knowledge she hasn't believed. It is because of these and others who have yet to hear the Name of Jesus that my heart breaks and cries out to my Father in Heaven, " Lord , Please let me be apart of bringing the Harvest in ". I know it is a selfish cry and plea but an honest one from the depths of my heart.

Chapter 11 has brought some clarity to my life since having changed roles and jobs just over 3 years ago we moved out of being apart of the harvesting to helping with the administration of how to bring in the harvest. At the time while it was hard to leave our post and pass it off to someone else, somehow there was perfect peace to walk in obedience and to trust that Father was going to use us no matter where we served or in what compacity. It was truly the hardest transition for me personally and in some ways it was a struggle for my husband. Going from sharing our faith with the lost to leading those who were believers and then to add to that white faced americans was far from being simple. There were days we would look at each other and say, I pray we never acted like that or we would say Lord, teach us from all these that we may be changed and more like YOU. Not that everyone was bad or had issues but as we all know when you begin working with and leading other Christians especially americans. We quickly realize how bad "we ourselves included" all are at getting along and loving each other. That's for another post ! The fact is that while we truly did feel called to this role and felt we had an obligation to fulfill it for the term it wasn't easy for us to just walk out of being able to witness and share Jesus with the lostness around us and then turn all our efforts in encouraging, uplifting, helping others in their work and ministry.

Now some of you might say, why stop sharing? Well, we didn't stop sharing but when your focus and work is with those like us (white faced believers) the work changes and so much the time we spend with lostness. The Lord really did begin to show us some things and teach us some amazing things but it wasn't until I started studying in Hebrews that He began to pull all the pieces together or like I love to say," He Began threading them and making them complete by weaving them together." So what I'm actually going to share with you is the finished work of all that He's been doing in my own personal struggle of understanding why sometimes we have to do work that we feel may not be where our Joy is and how we learn to have Joy in the midst of what is very difficult. Then comes the garment of Praise-

As I went back into China and had the privilege of talking with those we shared with and lead to the Lord then it became clear to me that God was at work and was going to teach me something else from Hebrews. I was at a dinner one night with some of our dear brothers and sisters and we had asked them to share their testimony of when they came to know the Lord. Each one began to share and then came one dear sister and her husband. It was sweet to hear her talk about how she first saw God's love and how by life example ( life on life living) she saw that His Love was so different from her own. She was embarrassed and ashamed to be around us ( our family) because she always felt convicted that her Love wasn't like ours. She went to ask a malaysian friend why we were so different. This opened the door for Wakmee to share about God's love and how it changes people and touches people like our helper. She shared that for months she would see us day in and day out and how even when we got mad or upset she couldn't believe how much we cared about her that we would stop to explain that while we were upset it wasn't at the person as much as at the problem. Then she said, shared how we would always pray together and no matter how mad we got we always showed love to one another. It was because of this example that she first felt God speak to her and say she was not a good person and that she needed His Love to complete her.

I sat there and cried as she told the story and I translated. I never really knew totally how much our life on life living affected her. We had shared with her and witnessed to her but what really caused her to want to know Jesus was ultimately because she saw how our life was and how much Love we had and Joy we had even in the hardest times. She talked about our son, Justin's accident and she said, she was a believer then but still she couldn't believe how much Faith we had to trust God with our Son. She wasn't married yet and didn't have kids so she just couldn't imagine trusting in God to care of her kids let alone her Justin whom she saw and loved as her own little brother. Yet, she said, this was another example of how God used us to teach her about His love and His care for His children. She said, she remembered at the Hospital how we prayed for the doctors and the staff that they would come to know God through this experience, even before praying for their son. She said, it convicted me about my selfishness...... During this time of sharing I was reminded of the beginning of Hebrews 11 when the writer talks about those men and women of Faith who walked before us. In this instance the Lord allowed me to see how these dear brothers and sisters were being reminded of our faithfulness and it was encouraging them to remain faithful. That was so humbling because in that moment I realized and confessed," Yes, Lord, I've forgotten to remember those who have worked/labored before me and to be encouraged to press on and remain faithful......"

This testimony and others shared was so convicting to hear. Yes, it was a joy to hear how Father had used us to bring so many to faith but it was still convicting as well. I have missed being hands on and living life on life with lostness. Yet these past few years have taught us so much about how to live in community and how that is so important. It is what we need to model to the church in the Big country. It is the next step....... I was reminded in reflecting upon the conversation that I had just been given a glimpse into why we had to walk these past 3 years and how important it was going to be for us to model what we have learned. Share openly our own failures and victories of these past few years and to pass on to those younger in the faith so that they will not flounder or struggle in the same ways. We have a duty to proclaim GOD's FAITHFULNESS and His provision in all situations.

How does all this fit into Hebrews 11 you ask?

When I began studying Hebrews I was learning so much about Who Jesus was and how neat it was the progression of this book from Creation to Christ to the laborers and how neat it was that CHRIST was weaved through and through..... But what struck me was that there were times in these past 4 years that I have truly wanted to quit and to just go back to the states. There have been times when all I could see was the "Grass was greener over there( in the states). When I read Hebrews 11 I was shocked back to Right thinking.... I had taken my eyes off of JESUS first of all and had focused on my circumstances. I had forgotten of the many who have been FAITHFUL in the past and forgotten to look back to their faithfulness to spur me on to do the things I know CHRIST has called me to do. And finally I had not been willing to step out in FAITH knowing that what God was Calling me to He would be faithful to accomplish. That without faith I was not going to please Him and that "just doing" the work here in Asia didn't necessarily mean that was pleasing Christ. Especially if He was calling me /us to do something else. Change is never easy especially if it means getting more education for what lies ahead.

So, this last thread is really taking all of that and weaving it together, re-learning how to step out in faith; trusting the Lord for something I can't see and knowing that He is in control of all that is seen and unseen. It is learning again, that it is by Faith that others before me gained approval and that while I am secure in my faith; rather I am faithful or not, the blessing of walking in Obedience towards completion is necessary and since I am a believer then I too am gaining approval through my own obedience and Faith. It is realizing that with or with out me God will accomplish the work. I've seen this time and time again when I have stalled out or just not been obedient I see that He calls someone else to do the job I was meant to do. OUCH! It is realizing that My FAITH isn't just a one time occurrence but should be lived out day to day and that I should desire to please my Father in heaven through my Faith being lived out in the day to day things. I have seen how the Lord has had to take me back to the beginning of our ministry and show me how He has used us and how I need to not forget that even if He choses to use me in different ways I have to trust Him and not look back at the life I once had. Keeping my eyes on the eternal things not earthly things.

So may I close with this :

Phil. 3:13-14
"Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Luke 9:23-25
"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels."

May we all be ready to step out in Faith not fearing what lies ahead nor looking back at what was but looking to the Heavens knowing that our home is not here on earth but in Heaven. May we all realize that it is Christ who is the author and finisher of all things and that it is in HIM that we do all we do and may we not forget those who have walked in Faith before us - remembering their faithfulness and sacrifices which gives us HOPE to continue on even if we can not see the fruits of our labor. May we be encouraged to do the same and to look to Christ whom we are made complete because of HIS sacrifice and love!

A Garment of Praise - To My father in Heaven, Thank you for using me and molding me into Your image!

Melissa

Goodbyes

2007-06-10T06:50:00.000+07:00

Over the past 11 years we have lived in 5 different countries, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, China, United States, China, Thailand met some amazing people, made life long friends, lost some friends but through it all we have learned so much.

What I love about life is that it is always changing. Not only is my life changing but so are all the lives around me changing. It is a rare thing to have friends in your life that will be honest to speak to you about the things on their heart and speak to you trusting that you are going to call them on the carpet if you are wrong. It is rare to have friends who invest in you rather than you always investing in them. It is rare to have friends that share not just one aspect of life with but many layers of life.

Dwayne and I have had the privilege of meeting and being apart of so many peoples lives and as a result been enriched greatly by those we may have only met once, spent a week with or month with or as in the pictures spent years with. It's been hard to lose people in our life. It's hard to realize that some of the people in your life you may not grow together but apart. However even in those cases if one choses to, it is possible to grow and be blessed from even the tough times.

As we think about another move and process what that means we say good byes yet again. Some of the friends we've made these last 2 years are friends we'll continue to grow and develop. Others we will have had some amazing times and will look back on the days we had together and smile and say, what a joy it was to have known them. Others we will leave and say, it's sad that we won't be able to continue to develop our friendship further. Still even in it all we smile and cry because it is never easy to realize we must yet start again to build new friends, develop new partnerships that may or may not be around in a year.

This is when I read Hebrews and say, Dear Lord, how much longer will we have to sojourn and wonder this world? How much longer dear Lord will we have good byes? But then I smile and turn my eyes Heaven ward and remember this place is not home in every sense of the word. Home is heaven ward and may I not forget that, may I be reminded daily to keep my eyes toward heaven and not set them on the things of this world. It's not meant for me to find comfort in this place or to feel at home and for that I'm so grateful to have realized. I feel more out of place in every place I go than I did 11 years ago.

I look forward to the next chapter of our lives...... This is one thing I know for sure and what I cling to in moments of uncertainty.

" My God, My Lord is the same today, as He was yesterday and will be the same tomorrow too..."

With each stone

2007-06-06T14:49:00.000+07:00

Tonight we will be celebrating our middle son's graduation. It's hard to believe and even harder to imagine that 18 years have already passed. He's lived an exciting 18 years thus far and it has been no small thing to see him get to this stage of life. However it has been all JOY. He came into the world with a bit of spunkiness and a tender heart. He's always been the button pusher in our family and knows everyone well enough to know just what buttons to push and when to push them. Leave it to Justin to take a tense moment and turn it into a moment of laughter. I have a flood of memories that come to my mind that he took the moment of stress to a moment of laughter.

He's always been full of hugs and kisses and still today loves to give and get hugs. :) Boy is that nice! He never has and I pray never does out grow his need for a MOM HUG!

When I took this picture I was reminded of a road trip we made to Lugu lake, in Yunnan Province, China. It was over 7 years ago and the road was not fully finished. As a matter a fact they were still working to pound in each rock and as we passed the workers it dawned on me that each rock has a story.

Today I am thinking back over the past 18 years of our life with Justin and the last 12 years of school that we have worked through together. I had the awesome privilege of getting to home school Justin and teach him to read. I'll never forget the first time he got it and I remember the laughs we had over spelling and the tears we had over math.....

It's been an amazing journey and I'm sad that my role is changing yet at the same time I'm thrilled for the new role I'll have in our son's life. I look forward to seeing him step out on this new road of Adulthood.....

So, here is to the stones we pound into the ground as we walk the road set before us.

May we not forget each one and the toil and labor that has gone into each one.

Happy Birthday Celebration

2007-06-01T07:04:00.000+07:00

It's that time of year again! Another year older and feeling it this morning!

Yep~ it's my birthday but it is also my husbands birthday :)

I can't think of a better way to celebrate a birthday than with the one you LOVE!

So today I've planned a night out at a nice hotel and we'll go to dinner and a movie..........

How old you ask..... well, see the picture for more details.

Alright already~ I didn't say it was representative of my age but rather it is representative of how my body feels.... :)

hope you have a great day!

Melissa

weight loss count down

2007-05-31T08:38:00.000+07:00

It has been a struggle but I am working it down! I have to say being in the Big Country didn't help my efforts. Man those noodles were great and the Crispy Cream in Hong Kong ! UGH! But I'm home now and back on to the hard work. I still haven't gotten back to running every single day but I hope to start that back this weekend!

Press on ladies and work hard.....
Melissa

returned home

2007-05-30T16:16:00.000+07:00

Returning home is something we all dream of if we have been away for a while. Like when you leave for college or when you get married and you come home for the holidays.... it's just a sweet time. This trip was a wonderful opportunity for me to take some amazing women to the place I called home for over 7 years. It was not always my physical home but it was where my heart felt at home. We lived there off and on for just over 3 years but worked there for over 7 years.

These past couple of weeks were not just amazing because I was able to go home to a place that I love but it was because I got to see the people that I love as well. Another reason these past couple of weeks were great is because of the young women who joined me on this trip. I so enjoyed getting to know them and to hear their own stories and how the Lord is working in their lives. It was great to see them touched by the lostness of the cities we went to and to see them touched by the vastness of the work and the lack of the workers. We had some amazing encounters and so many opportunities to share our Hope in Christ! I so miss getting to share and see the Holy Spirit do a work in the hearts of people. We didn't see anyone come to faith but we planted many, many seeds. We got to hear from brothers and sisters - pray with them and enjoy each others fellowship.

More on this later but I just wanted to say thank you for your prayers and for your thoughts! :)

I have so many stories to share!

Travel

2007-05-16T16:19:00.000+07:00

Hi friends,

Just wanted to let you all know that I'll be traveling for a while in China and won't be able to check email. I am looking forward to it and can't wait to share about all my experiences when I get back. :) I'll have lots of pictures too. :)

Oh I can't wait to tell you all about life there and to share what the Lord does! ;)

talk to you later- don't forget me while I'm gone!

Blessings on you all!
Melissa

Life Means So Much......

2007-05-12T17:01:00.000+07:00

picture taken in Turkey...

Days turn to weeks, weeks to months, months to years and before you realize it - Time has passed so quickly that you can't hardly believe it.

We will be finishing 11 years this July here in Asia. It's been an amazing journey and oh how I've grown through it all. I will forever be changed by the culture, the life style, the people and the experiences. Dwayne and I have over the years felt as though we have been so undeserving and obviously not worthy of the Calling the Lord has placed on us. In and through it all though we have loved almost every moment. There have been events that of taken place that I wish had never happened. Times of hardship that I wish I had handled better. Times of persecution that I sincerely wish it had been me instead of those who were dear to us. Times of frustration that I caused so many nationals and yet they hid it so well. I could go on to name so many things that I wish hadn't happened but the fact is without all these things I wouldn't be a changed person. Without them I wouldn't have grown or been stretched beyond what seemed physically , emotionally, and spiritually possible. Yet, that is how the Lord works. Through these difficult times if we so chose to learn and grow from them we are blessed with that peaceful fruit of righteousness.....

I saw this picture and was just reminded of a song that is at the present time one of my favorites. It is a reminder that each day brings new opportunities. Each day is a blessing and as today comes to a close I stop to reflect over my day and I say, Thank you Lord- for the privilege of serving you and for having been given today!

Life Means So Much : by Chris Rice "Short term memories"
(thanks Karla for sharing this cd with me)

Every day is a journal page
Every man holds a quill and ink
And there's plenty of room for writing in
All we do is believe and think
So will you compose a curse
Or will today bring the blessings
Fill the page with rhyming verse
Or some random sketchings

Teach us to count the days
Teach us to make the days count
Lead us in better ways
Somehow our souls forgot
Life means so much
Life means so much
Life means so much

Every day is a bank account
And time is our currency
So no one's rich, nobody's poor
We get twenty-four hours each
So how are you gonna spend
Will you invest or squander
Try to get ahead
Or help someone who's under

repeat chorus

Has anybody lived who knew the value of a life
And didn't He give His own
To show the worth of yours and mine?

repeat chorus

Every day is a gift you've been given,
Make the most of the time every minute you're living

Sorry but sometimes I just have to drink in all that has been in my life and realize I should not take one moment for granted... While it seems at times more than I can handle :) it is my portion from the Lord and thus.. I rejoice...

I pray as you start or end your day that you too stop to just reflect on the things that Father has blessed you with, places he's called you too, and people he's given to your care to share about Him... That we would all be fruitful and that we would say a hearty THANK YOU to the Lord our God for His call on our lives! ;)

Blessings -
Melissa

Memories of a Mother....

2007-05-11T10:46:00.000+07:00

As I read the email my sister-in-law sent I was reminded of so many memories.. so I thought I would reflect and share some of our family memories and some that are of cousins as well. :)

I can remember while living in Alabama getting a phone call from Stacy and she shared what happened with Bubs. She said, it was the grossest thing ever and believe me I cringe at the memory of her telling it to me. But it will be forever etched in my memory as one of those never to forget moments! I'm sure she will never forget it either. Well, anyway, I can't remember every detail as I am sure she can but basically, picture this but with a lizard and it isn't just to put it in his mouth but he was actually eating it! YUCK okay I said it... image be gone! :)

Oh... the JOYS of raising boys... :)

Potty training boys was pretty easy. This picture reminds me of back when we were in Seminary in Wake Forest and Justin was oh about 6 years old. He had just started Kindergarten and loved to be outside. We had a rule no playing inside if it was nice out. So the boys played as only boys can do. They had their adventures and forts and all the good things boys do.... One day, he came in and Kayla was right behind him. She was 5 at the time. She told me Justin did something really bad. I was like what did he do... ( he was always up to mischief that one) and she proceeded to tell me he had to go #2.... I was like, oh no.. did he have an accident? She was like, NO! He went to the bathroom outside... I was like, well, that is okay it happens sometimes.. She said, Not where he went! Yep, you mom's know that sinking feeling.. I said the words, I wish I hadn't said, Where did he go? She said, outside Danilyn's window. YIKES! ....

A mom's job is never pretty when it comes to potty training!

Well, this one brings back smells and the such to my mind. I have so many fond memories as kid racking the leaves and doing just this.. flying into them... What fun. Well, while we lived in Alabama when the kids were really young we had a small farm and every fall we raked the leaves and allowed the kids to play in them. One time the kids were playing with their daniel boon hats and guns that they got from the Cracker barrel probably from their grandparents :), and they were playing hard. Well, in comes Justin and Josh.. Shouting.. WE shot it ... we shot it.. I was like slow down... what did you shoot? Josh said, we hit it with our sling shots... come look they said! So out we go... there on the ground was a small mole.. knocked out cold!

The boys proceeded to tell me how they shot it and that they were hiding in their forts ( make shift leaf piles and old broken down wheel borrows) and they saw it and aimed and shot it.... I went to pick it up and up it jumped and scurried off. The boys thought they were so cool.. they talked about that mole for days and tried as they might to hit another one but they never saw another mole again! :)

This brings back several memories... The first is of Kayla and Justin- they were to mischievous kids when they played. Usually it was Justin who lead the way. The first memory is of Justin and Kayla sneaking into the frig. to sneak butter. I didn't realize this though until I went to make some Cinn. toast for the kids. Which was and is their favorite breakfast food. So they were all sitting at the table waiting and talking away... I said, uh oh... there's a problem! Somethings been eating the butter. I carried the tub into the dining room and Justin had that look he gets when he's guilty and kayla just started laughing and said, yes mommy, we ate it.. I looked at her and said, you've been eating this? And she said, yep! We like butter uh Justin? Then Justin starts in and well, needless to say, I couldn't help but smile and get grossed out all in one moment! We had a rule from that moment on... No more butter unless you ask and then I'd fix them some butter on bread.. :) that was the first thing they learned to make on their own actually.. they really loved it! Comes from the Hughes side of the family! :)

The other memory I have is when the kids would go to visit Grandma Hughes in Florida they had a drawer in the kitchen that they could play in. I remember both Kayla and Emily spending countless times in there just beating the pans and playing with all the different things in that drawer...

Great moments as Mom's and Grandma's...........

This wasn't a fond memory- I can't believe all these are about Justin but he was our most mischievous. - Well, anyway, we still tell this story all the time. There was a time when Dwayne was home and Justin was inthralled with the light socket. He kept going up to it and trying to put his fingers in it. He was only 12 months/ 15 months old. So his little fingers could have gotten a shock especially since they were alway wet from being in his mouth! So, anyway, Dwayne would go up to him and pick him up spank his hand and say no jussy... you can't touch the light socket and move him away from it. Justin would cry and then turn to go right back to that darn light socket. This went on so long that finally Dwayne was like, Can you believe this? I can't keep slapping his hand - it will be bruised.. he just won't stop! :) I smiled and grabbed the camera. We have that moment preserved somewhere in our picture collection in the states.

He did finally get distracted and no he wasn't spanked hard but he got his feelings hurt because he cried so hard.... Even as the tears were falling his last attempt which warrented his dad's out cry - justin turned to look at his dad with those big tears and reached out for that darn light socket one last time.

A moment for the Dad- never to forget that boys are hard headed.... :)

THANK GOODNESS I DON'T HAVE A MEMORY FOR THIS ONE!

I look at this though and just laugh ... Oh the joys our children bring us are too many to count!

Hope this made you reflect on the joys of motherhood, the joys of being grandparents, and the joys of being a father or grandfather...

We are blessed ~

Weigh in.....

2007-05-09T14:43:00.000+07:00

Okay so I've been thinking this for a long time and while I've finally stopped gaining weight. I have to do something about the weight I have gained. I saw this on a friends blog and thought- FINALLY` something that will motivate :) .

* Want to lose 20 lbs
* Currently weigh in at : 147 almost but not quite 148 lbs/ or 67.2 kilos Ouch!
* this is the heaviest I've been in 5 years.. I lost down to 125 lbs and kept it off for 3 years and then an injury caused me to have to stop exercising.. well, it's been 5 years and they have all crept back on... UGH!

* I love to run but I'm going to get back into Tennis - so I'm going to use , tennis, swimming and running as my cardio

here's to getting this unwanted weight off..

Won't you join us?

Melissa

Where does the time go?

2007-05-09T09:31:00.000+07:00

It seems like ages since I've posted and yet it has only been 10 days... I swear that time is on warp speed....

Well, what is new in my life? I got the test results back from my biopsy and it came back benign! YIPPY... PTL! Father is so good!

Justin our middle son graduates from High School in less than 3 weeks. Oh my- this momma's going to miss your boy when he leaves for college.

I will be traveling in China from the 17-29th of May so I'll be off line but I promise I'll have lots to share about that trip and what the Lord is doing there! I can't wait to get back in country and to talk chinese again... I so miss the people and okay the food too.....

I have to get a haircut and get my plane ticket, go to a baby shower of a thai friend who isn't a believer but named her daughter Grace.. hope to share with her again today about God's Grace..... and then it will be home to clean and prepare for dinner...

Okay so this is really a random post but I had to post something and I Promise a more meaningful post tonight! :)

love to all
melissa

Brotherly Love

2007-04-29T22:27:00.000+07:00

It's Sunday Night my time and I'm tired but I just had to post about today's study time at church. We have been studying in Hebrews this year and I have to say I'm pretty sad to be finishing it up. Today in Church it was so good to look in Chapter 13 and discuss 5 areas that we need to become proficient at in life as we learn what it means to love God and love man.....
Hebrews 13:1 says : " Let love of the brethren continue"
the question posed to us was ; How do we continue in this; love of the brethren?
these 5 areas were considerations for us to ponder as a church as we looked at Heb. 13:1-7 wow- I just love it when we take time to really process and discuss the word....

1. Hospitality (courage, receive someone from the outside, hope) v.1
2. Considerate ( visit ,going to minister to others, reaching out, serving; act as it should be) v2
3. Appropriate behavior (marriage and friendships; mind, body, soul, strength)v3
4. Grounded in our character (contentment, godliness)v4
5. Teachable ( humble, know our need, mentorship)v5-7

I was really encouraged in this today because it reminded me of how much the Lord has taught me and how I've been so lacking in some, too.

This week- I will continue to study in 1 Sam. but I want to again ponder these things and allow the Holy Spirit to continue to teach me -

The areas I've really felt the Lord speaking to me and really already doing so much work in my life is in 4; being grounded in character- contentment just this week the Lord gave me 1 Tim. 6:6 which says,
" Godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment."

Today as we talked about how these 5 areas are vital to Loving God and Loving Man; we shared how often times we forget how much they are integrated with Mind, Body, Soul, and Strength. Each one of these 5 areas need to be so integrated into our live that we really do minister fully with all our Mind, body, soul and strength...

I hope this challenges you to just be aware of these 5 things... are you being hospitable to the Lord and to those around you? Remember the passage that gives a stern warning about how much harder it is to love those who are your enemies rather than loving your brother. It's not just about being hospitable to those you know and love... it's about being hospitable to the lowly, strangers, those who are not so approachable.... Remember Abraham when he welcomed in the 3 visitors... He couldn't have known who they were and he surely didn't know what their intent was yet he served them and prepared food for them and gave from himself....

I'll share more as the Lord continues to just show me so much.. I'm still chewing on this lesson! :)

Here's to the start of a new day and a new week..

Mel......
P.S. if you want to read more on what Russell taught just click on the title " brotherly love" and it will connect you to our House church blog ..... enjoy!

Holding My Hand......

2007-04-29T06:20:00.000+07:00

This week has been one really tough week for our family. I really can't talk about all the details because it just wouldn't be right. However I can share how I felt about this week and this quote from a little book I bought says it all.

This quote is from a little book called , " A Place Called Heaven" Catherine L. Davis

" My father use to say to us, when we were children and he had to go away from home for a while,
' Children, don't forget, when Jesus takes your hand, then He holds you tight. And when Jesus keeps
you tight, He guides you through life. And when Jesus guides you through life, one day He brings you
safely home.'"

Corrie ten Boomm

This is how I felt most of this week...... What an Amazing Lord we serve.

Hope you know and realize who has a hold of your hand and that you are held tight, guided through the sometimes dangerous paths and sometimes dry and weary land. It may be a rushing river and the water is rising, just as you begin to panic you feel the tight grip and your remember who has your hand and who is guiding you through this life you were called to live.

I Pray that if you are finding life a bit hard or difficult or even just blah.... that you will stop and talk to the one who has your hand.... He's there ready to not only walk with you but to guide you safely home!

Blessings Sisters!
Mel.....

routine?

2007-04-26T22:57:00.000+07:00

That's what the radiologist said when she wanted to do 2 more extra films of a area they were watching... from my previous mammogram. Routine? yeah right!

I arrived in the doctors office and well, it wasn't just routine but necessary. I guess the poor girl meant routine in the sense that they do this often when there is reason for concern. So, they did and yep I have to have a biopsy- they found 2 micro calcification clusters and one looks benign but the other????? they just aren't sure about, thus a biopsy.

This will be my first and to be honest, I'm just a bit concerned. While I'm totally trusting in the Lord to walk with me I would be totally lying if I said I'm not a tad bit on the anxious side...... of worry. Yet I know in my spirit that isn't for me to do.. worry that is. So, today I spent the better part of the afternoon just praying and really talking with the Lord.

I do feel more at peace but just ready to have this done and the results back!

So if you happen to have my name pop into your thoughts :) Please say a little prayer that I would be at peace with the out come.......

I sure have missed blogging this past week.. but I was traveling and just got back home. I'll leave on Tuesday the 2nd for Singapore and I'll have the biopsy on the 3rd....

for most of you- it will be the 2nd in the evening your time.....

Oh I have so much to write about what the Lord is teaching me out of 1st Samuel ~

love to all

Thirteen Thursdays

2007-04-26T17:54:00.000+07:00

Thirteen Things about ~Melissa~

1. Running is not fun these days....
2. So glad to have my Dwayne and Justin back home.
3. Trying hard to lose some weight and get back into shape ( thus number 1)
4. Rain, I love the rain more than I ever knew
5. My thought for the week- Foster one or the other: GRACE OR BITTERNESS
6. Movie of the week: A life unfinished
7. song of the week: Go Light the Word, Chris Rice
8. Love the feel of grass between my toes
9. Seeing the heart of a child changed for ever
10. Giving the gift of Forgiveness
11. Pain- while the actual event isn't good coming through the event with healing brings JOY.... Boy do I feel that today
12. Tenderness of heart. I'm just thankful that our children are tender hearted towards their Creator and God.
13. For My LORD~ He has been doing some amazing things in our family this week. I am just thankful we all belong to HIM!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Purse contest

2007-04-16T20:42:00.000+07:00

Okay friends~

Here's your chance- go check out "quietromance" by clicking my post title.....

Maybe you could win this cute purse.

I loves me to win~

Ministering: giving help, serving

2007-04-15T09:44:00.000+07:00

This week as I have been studying in 1 Samuel and the Lord has been meeting me each day and teaching me so much~

Ministering- did you know it means ; giving help , serving........

I knew what it meant to minister but sometimes my thinking doesn't always match my actions. For instance, I know what it means to me when others minister to me- they serve me or speak a word into my life... but sometimes when I see myself ministering to others it is a bit warped. I don't see my role in Ministering always as it should be; meaning that my attitude doesn't match up with my actions. The Lord revealed to me this week that I sometimes have the attitude of Pride and Righteousness (not Right with God - but in the flesh, Right with myself) - This was such a revelation to me that as I went about my day- I asked the Lord to speak to me about things I've done in the name of " ministering" where I've had the wrong heart attitude. BOY was I humbled!

So as I looked deeper at the life of Samuel something stuck out to me that hadn't before.

Samuel served the Lord~ Ministered to the Lord and then the Lord spoke to him. But what strikes me as so very important is that verse 7 says, " Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor had the word of the Lord yet been revealed to him."

I use to think man how can some one serve the Lord and Yet not know Him but my thinking while it seemed right , should have been ....

While serving the Lord when will one encounter Him and the Word of the Lord be revealed.

1 Sam. 3: 1-10
Samuel finally did encounter God and God had revealed a word of the Lord to him. He was to carry this message to Eli and he wasn't to spare a word.

1 Sam. 3: 11-15
Samuel had an encounter with God and it was rare in those days. Not only did the Lord stand before him but he also gave him a prophecy to speak to Eli. In 1 Samuel 3: 15 says, " So Samuel lay down until morning. then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord. But Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli."

Here, in my opinion, is where the rubber meets the road. Our faith with obedience produces fruit. Thus, Samuel had received a word and now was asked to step out in Faith to tell this prophecy to Eli and trust that the Lord would do as He said.

He does- but not so easily. Here is the other cool thing the Lord showed me.

Sometimes when people bring things to us it is anything but pleasant. Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes it reveals sin in our lives. Other times we sometimes have to receive an angry word and not allow it to hurt us but realize that the one speaking may really be the one hurt and having the problems. Whatever it may be - Eli's response is an example for us all of a person who willingly received a rebuke with grace and chose to trust that God was working all things for Good. It was totally evident that he trusted God and that it was necessary.

1 Samuel 3: 16-18
" Then Eli called Samuel and said, " Samuel, my son."

And he said, " Here I am."

Eli said, " What is the word that He spoke to you? Please do not hide it from me. May God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the words that He spoke to you."

So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him.

And Eli said, " It is the Lord; let Him do what seems good to Him."

This conversation says so much to me as I strive to be a person who Ministers to the Lord. Who Serves the Lord!

I so want to be able to receive rebuke first from God, my lord and savior, and from man. I just think Eli possesses a character trait that says, he values honesty and integrity. He made mistakes along the way in his ministry. It was obvious because his Boys were anything but good. But it didn't devalue his devotion and love to God. He knew that God would do what was best for Him and for Israel. Thus he could receive the word from the Lord - via Samuel.

This week- I guess I was just praying all week that the Lord would continue to grow me in this way; being a person who is able to receive rebuke and discipline from HIM and others.

I am not so gracious - but I do desire to be and I do want to live a life that says I value God's discipline so much so that I am willing to receive it however it is He choses to disseminate it. Obviously when things happen our flesh sometimes rule the moment but my prayer is that I get better and better at not allowing my response to be longer than it should be and to really chose the SPIRIT rather than the FLESH response.

More on 1 Samuel later this week.......

blessings,
Melissa

Oh the things we do...

2007-04-15T08:08:00.000+07:00

The Fasting and Prayer Conference includes meals.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water." The sermon tonight: "Searching for Jesus."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say "Hell" to someone who doesn't care much about you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't let worry kill you off -- let the Church help.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Miss Charlene Mason sang "I will not pass this way again," giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Barbara remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Jack's sermons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Rector will preach his farewell message after which the choir will sing : "Break Forth Into Joy."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
----------------------------
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall.
Music will follow.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What Is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

The first rain

2007-04-12T15:31:00.000+07:00

It's been a long time since we have had rain in Chaing Mai; where we live. It's been hot and the pollution has been so bad that it makes it almost impossible for us to do too much outside. Today though was a day of true celebration. It rained, not much but enough to hear thunder and the sound was just so nice. It also helped a little with the pollution.

As I was thinking about how important water is it made me think of my life in Christ. I love this verse;

"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" John 7:38

When I see rain this is the image I have of Christ and it just reminds me that I am fully blessed with all the resources I need to live an abundant and full life. I may have a time of going through the desert but I'm full with the water of life. It was just a wonderful reminder to me of what blessings I have in Christ Jesus.

I just had to say a little prayer to the Lord saying thank you for His continued care of us even when we are already so blessed with all we should need or want. Even in a drought our grass is green, even in the midst of dust and pollution we have good health. This is the life of His children.....

Here's to Living water~
Melissa

So humbled

2007-04-09T15:59:00.000+07:00

Wow~ What a shock when I looked to see who was the winner of the Mom's moment -

I am so shocked and so humbled! What a real joy it is to share my life with you all and to read all of the "mom moments" was just a real blessing.

thank you CWO for the wonderful award and WOW ~ I actually won! :)

hee hee..... I'm so excited and thrilled...

Thank you all for coming by and leaving such nice and encouraging messages...

Blessings on you all!
Melissa

Pictures of Peace

2007-04-08T07:51:00.000+07:00

When I look at these pictures I'm just reminded of Peace! I am just amazed at the beauty Snow brings to life.

It is one of the rare moments when you stop and stand still to hear the cracking and light tit,tat of the snow as it hits the ground or as it falls of the heavily weighted down limbs.

As I wake up this morning and get ready for our Easter Sunday. I'm just reminded of the Peace that Chrsit brings to my life .

How blessed I am to have a Savior who LIVES and to know that while nature can give the feeling of peace it is only a fleeting moment in time - sure to pass with the seasons and change of weather. But with Christ there is never a change.
With Christ peace is EVERLASTING!

With Christ we are living in the midst of Peace !

I pray that His peace encamps around you today as you go about your day and as you wake for your Easter Sunday!

His Peace,
Melissa

Girl time

2007-04-07T20:48:00.000+07:00

Off on our fun adventure!

Well, it's not your typical "houseboat" but for T-land it was still good. We had a great time just the girls; out on an adventure.
We left at 10am so to get there in plenty of time to enjoy the water and sun. However, we had so much fun playing road games and laughing we missed our turn. We then turned around to ask for directions because we knew we weren't too far away from the location of these "houseboats". However, our very nice thai friends seemed to enjoy the pictures of the Houseboat brochure more than he fancied helping us find them. After a little while we smiled and thanked them for their kindness and willingness to help us and pressed on down the road in search for our final destination. Yep, the houseboats.

We saw the Dam Wall and that started, no triggered the giggles in us all when we heard one of the other ladies say, " There's the Dam Wall we should be close now!" After of course we all closed our mouths and looked up we busted out laughing because we all thought she had totally lost it. :) This moment caused a gush of memories to flood into my mind. It wasn't until I heard the girls in the back busting a gut that I realized Kayla remembered it too.

That Dam wall has so many Dam rocks it just Holding back all that Dam water..........

I know - really I do! I know what all of you are thinking..... But it was just stupid funny.... Then someone else said, What about the Dam Man who runs that Dam. I think you get the point.

We were a bit on the silly side by this time and we snapped out of it pretty fast, mostly due to the fact that we were (pause) LOST!

However, it turned a bit on the other side of silly when we saw all the elephants strolling along the hill side next to the road. We all turned from silly girls to gawking girls and the oh how sweet just flowed from our lips...

"Look he's splashing himself with dirt, oh, oh he must be hot"

" No look the little one is swinging his trunk.... bless his little heart.. " another said.

"Uh, Mom?" " I think we are really lost" said another.

" Giggle- no honey, I meant to drive an hour this way just to show you that Dam wall and these cute little Elephants." said one mom.

" Hellooooo? Mom I have to go ......." Said Kayla.

" Ah, Kayla? We are trying to go but we have to determine which way." Melissa said with a bit of - pause.

" No Mom! I have to go ! "

"Kayla, where do you have to go? "

In unison, " TO THE BATHROOM" . said the three girls

"OH- laughing out loud! Sorry, we'll stop right up here! "

So we pull of the road and try to get our bearings and then decide we must have passed it so we allowed Kayla to go .... and then we headed out.

Did I mention that we turned up a very small narrow dirt road? Oh and that it had string strung all over the trees and road? Which typically means it was blessed by the Monks. For which seemed to make us all giggle at the thought that we were driving under it and then as we passed it we accidently pulled the string down and it got stuck on our antenna. Which then caused the girls to say, we have officially blessed the trees, thanks to Kayla and they have blessed the car......

What a hoot.

We laughed more in the 3 hours of us getting to those silly "Houseboats" ... .it was just good girl time!

We had to take a long boat out on the lake about a 20 minute ride and there they were.... out on the lake. Lake houses... Hello? Don't people know what a House Boat is? I guess they didn't realize usually a House - boat means a boat turned into a House but these were really a house on the water... :)

now that is just wrong.. House boat...... that is.

We swam and had a great ole time it turned dark pretty fast but we had a great first day of our outing and we were pretty tired from all the swimming and laughing. So off to bed we went.

Lights out!

but no sleep!

more on the adventure later- hopefully I'll have pictures for you tomorrow!

*** sorry if the use of dam offended anyone.. it wasn't used in the way you think but just as a descriptive word for those things that live in and around the Dam. - sometimes we have to just have to let our hair down and laugh at how our language sounds and this was one of those moments***

Blessings!
Melissa

A growing experience

2007-04-05T07:43:00.000+07:00

I love when I have an experience that challenges me to grow and change. This last trip I made to the states proved to do that in some Amazing ways.

Below are some pictures of some new found friends! We had a great time learning about Sharpening Your Interpersonal Skills ( SYIS) and how to facilitate this workshop.

Here are my fellow trainees whom endured my many questions, processing out loud with incomplete sentences :) and who laughed with me along the journey of learning what it means to be a Facilitator of Adult Learning rather than a Teacher of Adults. :)

Now this might look strange to some but what it means is that the Teacher in us DIED! :) The need to lecture or have all the answers is dead and buried. Man- it is a freeing thing to realize you don't have to have all the answers to lead people to learning! :) So hurray for the Professor is Dead! :)

Each day we found lots of time to laugh and talk about life. This was just one of those days that we got together and discussed the fashions of today... Low waisted Jeans.. we were all laughing and sharing our personal experiences... and those of our kids! :)

These dear people were our fearless leaders! They managed to rein us in when we were getting out of control with laughter or questions. They managed to help us clearly understand "Core Beliefs" and how the fit into the workshop and helped us to begin to really understand the value of them and how to guide / facilitate others to better understand them. They laughed with us, cried with us, praised with us and even helped guide us to become better facilitators. What an encouraging group of leaders. Truly amazing people gifted in so many ways ~ I do count them as friends!

So, here's to another fantastic month of learning and experience life in new and different ways!

Check out the SYIS web site and invite ITPartners to your church for a workshop.. You will be blessed beyond measure!

A Mom Moment

2007-04-03T09:13:00.000+07:00

My Mom Moment

"Justin, don't be afraid- today you will either wake up to see Jesus or your family here on earth."

That's how my day ended on May 16th, 1999 in rural Lijiang, China. My life as a mom had been so full of joy and happiness up until May of 1999 I really didn't know to many real hardships that would cause my world to be shaken as a mom. My mom moment is really about realizing my love for my child can never exceed the love my Savior has for my child and realizing that I must be the best mom today because I may not have tomorrow to make it up.

Our middle son, Justin, was only 9 years old and was playing outside in rural China. It was rainy and cold but as usual Justin and his little sister could always find something to pass the time. On this day they were playing tag on the front steps of our apartment building. The doors going into the building were all glass and as Justin raced quickly to the finish line which were the front doors. His little sister tripped and fell behind him. In an attempt to keep him from winning she grabbed his heel which then caused a series of events that changed us all for life. He fell head long into the glass doors. CRASH! up she jumped and there was Justin sitting at the door telling his sister to run and get Alian, our helper. He pulled his arm out of the door and realized quickly he was in trouble. Blood began to pour from his wounds. Fear gripped him but thankfully a young Malaysian friend came to his aide and applied pressure. Knowing the wound was life threatening they rushed him to the nearest hospital.

We were just arriving back home from town and Josh our oldest son came running toward us yelling, "Justin's been hurt, he's at the hospital!" I quickly jumped out of the car and ran to the front of our building. There before me was a pool of blood. I knew then it was serious and all I remember saying out loud was, " Lord, I'm not sure I can handle what awaits me. Give me strength to accept what it is you have for us." I held back the panic and went to the hospital.

Justin was sitting in a room with some friends waiting for his momma to come to his aide. I'm sure in his little mind he thought , my momma will make it better. And she would assure him everything would be alright. But this time, mommy couldn't promise those things. Tears ran down both our faces as we considered the options before us. Do we go into surgery in rural china and risk death but possibly it could save his arm? Or do we wait for medical evacuation and risk both death and the loss of his arm? Nothing was more challenging than this moment as a mom. I remember thinking, "Lord, I know you have plans for Justin and they are not to harm him but to prosper him but this sure looks like harm." I had to hold firm to the truth I knew and that was sometimes harm is necessary to prosper us.... Oh I didn't want to continue on this path but that still small voice spoke to me.

"My child, I love him more than you could ever know. Do you trust me?" I feel sure only the Lord could have been speaking these words to my heart and I answered, " Oh Lord, I do want to trust you, but he's my son! My little Jussy"

The decision had to be made quickly and after talking to the doctors I decided to go to surgery. Mind you, Justin had to go through surgery with nothing to help with the pain. Yes, he endured great suffering but the Lord met us there that day on the operating table. As I stood next to Justin at one point the doctors could not get the bleeding to stop and Justin looked at me and asked me this question. " Momma, am I going to die?" I remember thinking to myself, " Oh lord, please, don't take him!" And again, I heard, " My child, trust me". I spoke to Justin that day and said to him, " "Justin, don't be afraid- today you will either wake up to see Jesus or your family here on earth." He looked at me and said, Momma- I'm sorry I fell and I said, oh honey, hopefully you'll have many more opportunities to fall again. He smiled in the midst of his pain and said, "me too. "

I bowed my head and prayed with him as he fell in and out of consciousness. The Lord showed His mercy on me that day.

It was a moment as a mom that I'll never forget coming face to face with God and feeling forever indebted to Him for sparing me the pain of losing a son. It brought my role as a mom in clear view and made me cherish every moment I'm given to be there for my kids. It has made me ever aware that today could be my only day with them. We aren't promised tomorrow so why should I live today like I have another day to make it up. I know that if tomorrow doesn't come for me or my children that we have lived today with sincerity and love.

Here's to having more mom moments!

This article is my submission to the blog challenge sponsored by Darlene Schacht , Author of The Mom Complex.

Raised to Newness of Life; Christ resurrected

2007-04-03T08:27:00.000+07:00

As we reflect on the resurrection of our Lord, write a post that celebrates life.

How does one reflect on the resurrection of Christ and not be amazed at the fact that He conquered Death by being raised from the dead. I reflect each year on the death of Jesus Christ and I am in awe of the fact that He conquered death for us all. The fact that life is a gift how much more is the gift of eternal life; death conquered. For me each year Easter brings a time of total reflection on how I'm doing in living out the life God has given me. I am challenged each year to grow and become more Christ like; to die to self and realize that my life is not my own.
My life is rich and full because of Christ. If it were not for His willingness to die for me, I would be nothing. Lost and without hope and with no real sense of true joy. But thankfully, He fulfilled His purpose and died for the sins of the world, was raised from the dead and offered to me the free gift of Eternal life; for which I willingly accepted. With that being said, I don't understand at times why I seem to make it much harder on myself than it was meant to be. In Christ I have been promised a life of Joy, Peace, Hope and of Love. It challenges me to grow in these areas as I grow to understand the sacrifice Christ gave for me.

This Easter is like all the others; a time of reflection over the past year. To see how much change has occurred in my life as a direct influence of Christ in my life. It is also a time of Hope to know that while I don't know what tomorrow holds I can stand firm in the truth of knowing that MY LORD Is NOT DEAD but Is ALIVE!

I look forward to the year ahead knowing this : " For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in (ME) will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil. 1: 6

Life is not something to be dreaded but lived with the knowledge that in Christ, death has been conquered. So we press on through the challenges set before us knowing that in Him all things are possible. (Matt.19:26)

To Life!

This article is my submission to the blog challenge sponsored by Art Bookbindery, "Empowering Writers to Self Publish."

The sound of nature...

2007-04-03T07:41:00.000+07:00

Exploring Life

2007-04-03T07:00:00.000+07:00

How many of us really just enjoy the journey before us. I know for myself it's not the easiest thing to do , enjoy the journey that is, especially when the road before me isn't in clear view.

This trip to Colorado was just so good on so many levels. I grew in my ability to facilitate learning in others. I grew in my walk with the Lord, and I grew on a personal level from deep with in. I know that all sounds deep... but it isn't really. I just love how sometimes the environment we live in can at times aid us in growing and maturing on so many levels. This trip to Colorado was one of those amazing times where all kinds of things came together for me.

I just enjoyed life in ways I hadn't in a long time. It was a good time of personal reflection, spiritual growth, and maturing in my skills as a facilitator of learning. I don't think I'll ever use the word TEACH again. I just learned so much about what it means to help others grow in their learning that I don't want to ever be a teacher of things but rather facilitate learning....

You know in reflection of life of Jesus - Jesus was a Facilitator of Learning. He asked good open questions- He rarely spoke without causing those He was speaking to, to reflect on what they were saying. He was a great facilitator in learning. When He spoke He caused others to want to draw near to hear what it was He was talking about and as a result caused people to ask themselves questions that made them want to know TRUTH.

It is just so cool to have crossed over from being unsure, sometimes scared, and even unwilling at times to want to continue on a journey where I'm just not sure where it is going to lead. To being okay and willing to say, Yes to whatever it is the Lord wants. I am not sure where our journey will lead us to next but this one thing I am certain of and that is where ever the road ahead leads I can rest assured that my Lord is walking before me......

It's not a path I've never walked before but it is hard to return to uncertainty when you've been blessed to know what the road ahead looks like.

I wonder if any of you are looking ahead and wondering what the road before will look like? I just challenge you to seek the Lord and to draw near to Him and realize that He is walking with you, before you and has your rear guard too. With that in mind it makes looking ahead not so scary...... :)

After all, we do walk in Faith- and for me personally, I'm learning yet again what it means to walk in Faith and trust the Lord in what He calls me to do!

Here's to exploring life!
melissa

Making rounds

2007-03-25T19:11:00.000+07:00

I just had to write and say what a joy it is to make my rounds to the CWO blog ring. I have so enjoyed being apart of such great people. It's so encouraging to go and read others blogs and to read how the Lord is teaching them and growing them. It's also just a joy to share in their lives. So, thanks Stacy for putting me on to the CWO blog ring. I saw it first on your blog. :) It's great how we can share things via the blog!

Have a GREAT Sunday!
Melissa

Trust

2007-03-25T09:25:00.000+07:00

As I shared a few days ago I'm here in Colorado for a meeting. I'm learning how to facilitate Sharpening Your Inter personal Skills, some know as; SYIS. It is such a great workshop especially for those of us who work with so many diverse kinds of people who come from all kinds of back grounds. It can be a challenge to learn how to live in peace with people if you aren't sure how to deal with all the diversity. Often times when we are ill equipped to handle interpersonal issues, conflicts, or problems then we tend to become judge mental, making all kinds of assumptions about people, and there tends to be a string of broken relationships in your wake.

I can personally testify that until you are willing to learn how to first admit your own issues then it is likely you won't get far in helping others along the path of discovery or will you really experience reconciliation in broken relationships. Especially in the area of dealing with conflicts, interpersonal issues and just dealing with people on a regular basis. It is inevitable that if you work long enough with people and spend enough time with them you are going to experience one of these things. So why my post today?

We had practice sessions today where we actually got to do a session practicing facilitate modules of SYIS.

One was on Trust and it was just another reminder of how often I fail in my genuine attempts of being a trustworthy friend, co worker, and neighbor just to name a few.

One of the activities was to name things that BUILD TRUST: it was so cool to see 16 people write out these and then share them with the group. Here are just a few, disclosure, sharing life experiences, honesty, care, humility, kindness, keeping confidences, the list went on.. one thing that was mentioned was that most of these are focused on the other person not on themselves. So someone who is usually trustworthy exemplifies a selfless attitude towards others. It's not all about them!

Then we went on to TRUST BUSTERS: Things that break trust. Here are some of those: sarcasm, gossip, lying, manipulation- what was meant by this was allowing other people to do all the talking and then the other person just do all the listening/ this is a form of manipulation- judging, expanding the truth, broken promises and/or appointments, being late, not fulling your word, being one way infront of some people but then being opposite when you are not around them.

The thing that was noted and I think we all can concur that it is so much easier to BREAK trust than it is to BUILD trust.

Another profound statement was : Isn't is interesting that we can break trust without even trying but you can't build trust without trying.

It just reminded me and really challenged me today to consider those I work with and to consider those I call friends, those I live in community with and even my colleague that I need to be working to build trust and to be mindful of how my actions even if they are unintentional or sometimes intentional that I need to know that I could be breaking trust or building it.

I know there are times when I over extend myself and I am not able to keep my appointments or that I allow my work to interfere with prior engagements and even that breaks trust after awhile. There are some other ways that I'm aware of my actions and it's neat to see the growth in those areas but man Ya'll its no small thing to begin the painful work of change in our own lives. Unfortunately we tend to reflect on others problems or downfalls but to be real enough to say, no it's me.. That's when God can really work in and through us. Ever met someone who is always got an issue with someone. All they do is dredge up old junk or dwell on the words of that person. I use to do that.... I use to just waddle in junk until something happened and I was removed from it long enough for the Lord to begin showing me how wrong I was to keep my focus on them but what I really needed was to focus on me. I can't change people.. but I can change me... And then I can trust God to change others. It amazes me how much more patience I have with those I once felt in conflict with and how much more I let go. That alone has caused me to become a bit more wise with whom I lay myself bare too. Its not that I don't love them or value them but I just understand where they are and realize they aren't trustworthy enough to be given full access to who I am in vulnerable ways. That's not bad, that's healthy!

It is so cool to see growth and to come back after my first time of taking SYIS as a participant and now preparing to teach it to see how much it has affected my life and effected change in me!

I highly recommend this workshop to anyone who works with people. You won't be disappointed in the skills and knowledge you walk away with after attending this workshop.

check out their website: www.itpartners.org

So here's to personal discovery... being real with God about WHO you ARE and being willing to say, I want to change and grow and become that ........ kind of a person. ( you fill in the blank) for me today! It's a TRUST WORTHY kind of Person.

here's to being purposeful in building trust!

Mel......

Awakened

2007-03-22T14:54:00.000+07:00

It's 2am in the morning and I'm wide eyed and bushy taled. Why, you ask? I have just flown in from Thailand to Colorado for a meeting. So, jet lag has reared its ugly head. And here I am reading all your blogs and posting. What a surprise (gift from Father) to have internet here. I'm staying at St. Malo Retreat center right outside of Estes park. It is a beautiful place and wow- Colorado is AMAZING! :) * it's my first visit*

So today I'm responding to Tuesday's in "other" words...... but it's a bit late!

" It is insufficient to proclaim that the Church of God has a mission in the world, Rather, the God of mission has a Church."
~Tim Dearborn

For me personally this became a true statement after we left for Asia in 1996. But what started me to really fully understand the idea that we are all sent out and on mission with God was when a little ole lady came up to me and asked me this question.
"Dear, she said, what is the one thing you are going to miss the most?"
My response was, " This church".
She responded, " I could never do what you are doing.... leaving that is."

That caused me to ask the Lord, Why me? It was then that the Lord began to show me through reading in His Word that it was meant for US ALL. Go out and make disciples didn't mean that some went. But rather we should all be challendged to go out. Some of us get to travel to far away places but others just travel shorter distances yet they are traveling... going out in search of lostness....

What I was feeling was right, I'm not special.

I'm obedient.

When God calls us to do something that is our mission. We can either walk in obedience or disobedience.

On a personal note- I wish the word Missionary wasn't in our vocabulary.. that is the work of the enemy to decieve us into thinking it is a Kind of person... not every person! How can we change that? By correcting people and stating it like it is... We are all called to go out... and your missionary experience could be next door, in the town next to you, in the state next to you, or even across borders.

here's to being ON MISSION WITH GOD!

mel.....

Laced by Grace

2007-03-17T23:07:00.000+07:00

Ladies, I have to recommend you go on over to " Laced with Grace" to read todays devotional thought submitted by Laurel. It is just a good word for us all to be reminded of and to reflect on!

blessings- Mel.............

If the link doesn't work click on the button " Laced with Grace" on my side bar-

All in a Day

2007-03-17T22:35:00.000+07:00

These are pictures taken from the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey. In a moment of history these beautiful mosaics were covered up with plaster not to preserve the mosaics but to preserve the lives of those men who were told to tear them down and prepare the then church for a place of Muslim prayer.

What happened that day seemed best fitted for those men who had been told they would be killed if the task was not done. They did accomplish the task but the glory of what the church once was used for was only just covered up. Here are just two pictures of what lay beneath century year old plaster. They aren't even able to fully uncover /restore the mosaics due to fear that they would be forever lost. These images were places in honor of Mary, the mother of Jesus and Jesus Christ.
These mosaics were formed from the precious things of life. Gold, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and other precious gems.

As I started the day today I was reading in Revelation and reflecting on the letters to the 7 churches and how even in their day they too thought what I was thinking this morning.
" Well, today is Saturday- guess I have to do the chores and get to work".

I was challenged to think about what contribution would I make to the things of eternal value. What difference could my actions today make to future generations?

It makes my actions and my words have some significant meaning and purpose. What a relief that I can actually make my day count for something more than the mundane or insignificant.

I don't think I'll affect history like those men did back in the day when the Hagia Sophia was taken over by Muslims but maybe just maybe in my life time I'll have had some significant effect on China and maybe just maybe one day in the far future someone will have been changed by the things I did today, for all of eternity.

here's to living life with the purpose of Eternity in our sights.......

Imagine iff....

2007-03-13T11:13:00.000+07:00

Okay ladies, this is a fun game!

We had dinner with some good friends and we played this game. It was so much fun!

here's how it works.

everyone has 6 cards, you roll the dice and move to someone on the board game( all those who are playing ) once you decide who you are talking about :) you draw a card.

the card reads.... Imagineiff / ....... melissa.... were a car would she be a:
1. jaguar
2. Hummer
3. mini cooper
4. VW bug
5. Mini Van
6. Pick up truck

Everyone then makes a choice.. each person placing their cards down on the table.

Once everyone has done this then you turn over the card. those with the majority move one space. :) It is so much fun.. and it is so funny to hear what people think.. HA we laughed so hard....

I totally recommend this game...

just thought I would share something a bit on the light side :)

have a great day...
mel...

Bitterness

2007-03-12T11:38:00.000+07:00

I had to write about this because man it was a wake up call to what Bitterness can do in the life of believers.

Here's the meaning from the Webster dictionary: Having a sharp pungent smell or taste, not sweet; harsh, unpleasant, sullen, antipathy, antagonism, loathing, harshness-

Ever had any one of these feelings? I sure have. I didn't realize it at the time but I was full of bitterness. In my own situation it wasn't until I was willing to get honest with myself and realize that my bitterness towards someone else was really a reflection of what was really going on in my own heart. In James 1: 22-24 it talks about those of us ( most of us) who hear the Truth of God's word and yet we don't become doers of what we hear. James says we are " like a man who looks at his natural face in the mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was."

We dare not look long enough to see our own reflection and our own issues. But oh how easy it is to stare at another's life and pick them to pieces.

I do believe hurt is real. I believe that pain is real, too. Bitterness, however, is the result of simmering and stewing over the events that caused us hurt and pain. It is not accepting the situation and the issue but refuting it - Most of the time, at least in my own life, it is a direct result of not wanting to "own" any of the responsibility. It may also be that you/we are not willing to accept the wrong done to us or to accept that you or I may have had a part in the situation or problem. This is what James is talking about, when we are like the natural man who looks and sees himself for what he is and then walks away and forgetting what he saw - it doesn't cause change rather it is denial. This is when Bitterness begins to grow and take root in our lives.

We have all heard the saying "There are always two sides to every story". Well, I believe there are two sides to every hurt and pain. On the one side we may be the recipient on the other side we may have done either intentionally or unintentionally something to bring about the situation. How then do we work through the mess and bring clarity to the situation and hopefully restoration.

It requires us all to be willing to look at ourselves first and begin the painful duty of dealing with what we had to do with the situation. Matt. 18:15 sets a standard for us as believers how to deal with a wrong that is done or when sin is evident in the life of another brother. Going to them immediately- don't delay it only allows the enemy a strong hold and gives way to speculation and presumption.

Then it requires us to be reconciled one with another. Matt. 5: 23-24 "first be reconciled to your brother"
* How can we bring our sacrifice of praise, or our offering to the Lord if we are at odds with our brother*
This isn't always easy- but the first step is admitting a wrong and seeking forgiveness. Then you can be reconciled one with another.

The final word from Col. 3: 12-13 says: " Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you."

Forgiveness rids us of all bitterness. It is not just speaking the words of Forgiveness and then continuing to HATE or SHUN someone but when they come with a sincere heart of repentance and reconciliation it is our role as believers to do just as CHRIST has done for us.... Receive them back. Restore them....( It doesn't mean you give them full access to your heart again, or trust them implicitly but it does mean you begin to rebuild and establish unity- with God's love and His character implanted in us.. full restoration can happen!)

Why am I writing this you ask? Well, I have encountered all out bitterness like I've never seen before. I guess for me it was a wake up call to remember that I must work hard as a believer to not allow this poison to take root in my own life.

Seeing these individuals who are just full of bitterness made me all the more serious about being real first with GOD and then myself and then to those around me. Sometimes it means we get hurt but if we walk in the spirit we are promised that we will grow through even the difficult friendships.

2 Cor. 2:15-16 says " For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?

My challenge today is to work hard at living life being Clothed with Christ's : compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and peace ( Col. 3:12) and then to seek in all situations the wisdom that comes from above: ( James 3:17) "Wisdom from heaven is first pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy."

This week I've really been thinking on Col 3:12 and James 3:17 and it is so cool how the Lord knits Life into learning examples for me to grow and mature through......

I've just been all the more challenged this week as I've seen and heard of these individuals being so full of bitterness that I can't help but just pray, Lord help me not to allow the root of bitterness in my life.

I hope if you are dealing with bitterness that you will root it out and look for restoration if it is at all possible for you to do so.

May we be a sweet aroma.....

Melissa

The Road Ahead

2007-03-10T09:55:00.000+07:00

This road that lies ahead isn't always smooth. It isn't always easy to choose which way either. It seems that as the years go by we begin to see a pattern of how the Lord directs us and leads us to know which way is the right way for us to walk. This year has been full of these kinds of things. It may not even be our own road we are choosing but helping others as they seek which way is the Lord leading. Helping our children in choosing and trusting them into the care of our Lord and saviour.

It use to be that the Lord would lay things on my heart to study from His word. It's so cool that even He changes the way he parents us - according to our needs.

This week He's brought me back to some familiar ways of learning - He's challenged me to dig to understand better how He directs our path.....

Let me start with a story:

There is a young lady who is seeking the Lord's leading as to where she might go to college. She's fasted and prayed, sought counsel from others and finally came to the understanding that the school she needed to attend was her second choice. Mind you she could have chosen her first choice but for reasons she felt were the Lord's leading she submitted to the 2nd choice. It isn't a bad choice just not her first. So as she began to feel rested and comfortable with this decision two women came up to her and talked to her about this choice she had made to attend this College. They gave her more counsel and it contradicted the counsel she felt she had followed, which she felt at the time was the Lord's counsel.

All the things that these women spoke about were real concerns, would she loss a whole year of school if she decided to transfer after the first year? Would the rules at this school be confining and squelch her independence? Would she really be serving the Lord in a Christian University? Would it not be best to be in a State School where she could be a light to the lost? Is it worth saving some now to pay later? All these were concerns and these 2 ladies were just dredging them all up again.... Anxiety filled her heart and second guessing began.

Did I hear the way of the Lord correctly? Was He sending these ladies to redirect her? How would she know? How would she find peace, again?

" The mind of man plans his way but the Lord directs his steps" Proverbs 16:9

" Many plans are in a man's heart, but the counsel of the Lord stand forever." Proverbs 19:21

" Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

It is so easy to get confused as we try to search out and seek counsel in making decisions. One thing we must not do is to lose focus that our Heavenly Father is walking before us.

When we make a decision and feel sure it is the right one we must then make the choice to not "revisit" the decision making again. But putting our Faith in God to lead us and give us the peace that does pass all understanding. This can be so hard but we have to learn to entrust the Lord with all the worries we have and all the desires of our heart. He knows what is best for us and we must trust that He will do what is in our Best interest.

I can say from personal experience that it's not always easy to do but making a decision isn't just about choosing which way to go it is putting our FAITH in CHRIST that He is before us and that He is establishing our way!

Heb. 11 has always been an encouragement to me to be of good courage and to trust in the Lord. To walk in Faith and see Him provide.....

Ps. 37:23-24 says this :
" The steps of a man are established by the Lord, And He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled head long, Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand."

There is a Y in the road and we are walking in FAITH on the one which the Lord has directed us on. It isn't going to be an easy road to follow. It won't be without it's struggles or hardships. However, He is the one who holds our hand as we walk .....

May we be reminded that He is holding our hand and is walking with us on the Road ahead........

blessings sisters!
Melissa

Reflections

2007-03-08T09:49:00.000+07:00

On a day like just about every other day. We began getting ready for church. I was about to turn 20 and life was looking pretty calm for once. It was early and my parents needed to get to church because they headed up the singles department. Everyone filed in the class slowly and I was helping my parents out in the welcoming area. It was time to go in to class and there before me sat a blonde headed blue eyed guy who was definitely a fresh new face. :) I sat down and he said hello. :) Now this is where the story gets interesting. I remember coming in the room and sitting next to him. He remembers coming in the room and sitting next to me... :) Anyway, how ever it happened... we began Sunday school and ya want to know what I noticed first about this guy? Okay the blonde ( short) hair and blue eyes but that was just a ah moment. What first grabbed my attention was that this guy had good eye sight! :) lol .. that's how NOT looking I was! I had just come from a string of not so great guys and I was so ready to just let the LORD pick the next one out for me.......

Well, the story continues on and the next week he was back. This time he asked me out for lunch. It was a good day and we enjoyed each others company. So much so that he asked me to join him the following week for a flight party he had to attend. Did I mention he was in flight school at Ft. Rucker? I tried to get out of it but he was persistent. That night something happened and it was as if the Lord said, " This is Him".....

I know second date, 3rd meeting? How can that happen?........ When God spoke I was like, Nah..... I'm hearing things.. but I did hear and I did come home and shut the door and I remember thinking to myself, I could marry this guy? It seems like I told my parents but I'm not sure - if I actually spoke the words or if God and I were still having this conversation......

That night as he brought me home we began walking. Each night we closed our dates with a walk through some neighborhoods. In one yard there sat a swing facing the street and it was as if it was meant for us to sit in it and begin the journey of courting. I remember talking about tough things like raising Josh and life together. I remember thinking about what life would be like with a man who loved the Lord and who seemed so strong and well grounded in the things of God. What struck me straight away was this was the first guy I had dated who wasn't afraid to ask me the tough questions. He prodded me to dig in the word and seek truth. He prayed with me. He asked to hold my hand~! NO Kidding! I was so struck by his what seemed to be genuine care that I just couldn't help but pray and thank God for, if nothing else, allowing me to see that there were guys out there that were worth dating and that maybe just maybe I would be blessed with someone as amazing as Dwayne.....

Today, as I was washing the dishes in the kitchen I looked out the window and there sat our swing. It isn't the swing that started our long talks and journey with one another but it is precious none the less. I'm not sure if when Dwayne built this swing he was doing it in memory of the very swing we sat on and talked almost 20 years ago but Today, it reflected back to me the memories of our first walk and the journey God started us on as Husband and Wife.

I've looked at this swing for months now. Sat it in it and talked with Dwayne sitting next to me. Today- for whatever reason the Lord flooded my mind with thoughts about our beginning. It's amazing almost 20 years later, and some very difficult roads, some huge valley's and amazing mountain tops we are More in LOVE today than we were the day we married.

I am so BLESSED! Blessed beyond measure and while there have been times I've wondered what did I do :) as I know he too has said probably a few more times than I... :) God has seen us through those times and we are stronger and bound together in ways that I could have never imagined....

So Today I just wanted to reflect on how Blessed I am to have my Husband walk this journey of life with me....

Lord thank you

Blogging chicks

2007-03-07T11:29:00.000+07:00

Okay ladies, here is a fun thing you can join. Get on the Blog roll and meet some other Christian ladies who also enjoy blogging.

Here's to us Chicks sticking together! :)

blessings

Kindness; peace-loving

2007-03-07T10:21:00.000+07:00

"So as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on ( clothe yourselves) a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
Col. 3:12

" But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
James 3:17-18

Kindness: Being sensitive and sympathetic, willing to help, generous

Micah 6:8
" He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Titus 3: 3-8

" For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
But when the kindness of god our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,
He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
Whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
So that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hop of eternal life.
This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men."

Kindness should come easy to us since we have been shown the greatest kindness of all..... Salvation through Jesus Christ.

I can't believe how hard it is at times to show kindness especially when we are wronged or hurt by others. However, this is the greatest test of our gratitude to Christ. Showing that we really do grasp the kindness He has shown to us by extending that same kindness to those who may or may not in our mind "deserve" kindness.

Who were we that we deserved God's kindness?

May we all seek to clothe ourselves with the Lord's Kindness today as we engage the world around us. May we find and take advantage to show kindness to others as we live out the life God has called each of us to live.

2 Peter 1: 5-8

blessings sisters!

clothe yourselves with

2007-03-06T10:31:00.000+07:00

Compassion: pity or sympathy for others misfortune, sufferings, situations

Today as you go about your day pray for the Lord to clothe you with compassion. May He cause you to be moved as He was moved for the lost, suffering and hurting people around Him. He healed them physically, offered them salvation- Pray that the Lord would bring healing and salvation to those you have compassion for today!

"Therefore, as God's Chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Col. 3:12

I remember when we first arrived in China it was overwhelming the hurting and suffering that was set before us daily. One such person I'll not ever forget was the local bottle lady who gathered her glass bottles in broken and damaged bags. She would gather them up inside and stitch the bags closed so to keep her precious glass items safe from being damaged. This one day as I was walking back from the market with my basket on my own back, I saw her walking her three wheeled bike down in front of me. The bike is just that a bike with 3 wheels. It is a common bike used in China because it has a large wagon on the back. We had one of these bikes to carry our kids in the back and I could peddle the bike. It was much older than my bike and as a result of her heavy load and the height of the load she was pushing it. I noticed she stopped on the side of the road ahead of me to tighten down the bottles and to add a few more that someone along the way had handed her. What she didn't see was the police officer coming towards her carrying his wooden baton. He was screaming at her and motioning her to move along. She continued to tighten down her load because if she were to stop and move the bike all would be lost. She was trying to hurry and was visibly shaken by his screaming and now pushing her. She stopped and spoke to him. By this time I was standing there just 2 feet away from her. The officer saw me and he became more agitated and angry. What happened next shocked me and caused me to have compassion on this woman.
The officer pushed her down and then kicked her bike over causing all the bottles to fall all over the street. He turned to her and began screaming and telling her to get up and get her junk off the street. She tried to get up but was shaken so bad that she just froze. The crowd began to draw around us and I couldn't just stand there to allow this officer to do this to her. I was almost in tears and I just remember telling him, I'll help her get her stuff off the street. I grabbed her hand and smiled and helped her up. He was not happy that I was doing this but I told him. It was an accident that her bottles came loose...

At that moment- I realized that my compassion for her softened the officer and he just looked at her and said, I'm going away for 5 minutes and if you are still here I'm taking your bike. For those who know the police in china it isn't a small thing to have an officer to just walk away. It was Father's intervention in the situation and I was so thankful that this officer walked away.

I told her not to worry we will get it up and we worked quickly to get her stuff up off the street and she was on her way. She just kept staring at me and saying thank you... thank you. I was changed that day .......

Realizing this :

Intolerance, indifference, cruelty, and hatred are what seem to come out first because so often we begin with us rather than others.

Being selfless, causes compassion to rise up...........

May you be filled with selflessness and may compassion rise up in you today!

Melissa

How to kill your friendship

2007-03-05T16:23:00.000+07:00

" Love is patient, Love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all thins, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails; " 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

I'm not sure if anyone has ever heard of SYIS " sharpening your interpersonal skills"? If not, well it's a workshop to help sharpen your interpersonal skills:). It really is a wonderful faith based workshop that helps sharpen our skills in dealing with people. How to be an effective leader, dealing with conflict, helping others deal with conflict, ways to better handle stress and grief.

This past week I took this workshop along side my husband, Dwayne. I have to say it was a great experience. Both Dwayne and I work with a lot of different people and conflict is often apart of the life and work we do. It's not all bad, mind you, but it is challenging at times to keep instep with Father and not walk in the flesh.

This week as I go back over each chapter I'm focused on what things kill relationships.

The Lord has grown me a lot in this area. I still have so much to learn but wow, it's so nice to see that I've grown and matured in some areas.

There are still some areas that I find I still have a problem and I'm still working on changing those things that do kill relationships. Now some of you are probably thinking, " What does it mean to kill a relationship"?

Here is what I mean.

We all have verbal and nonverbal things we do as we spend time with people and depending on what we do in both these areas can determine if you are hurting or helping your friendship.

here are some of the Nonverbal:

Act sleepy, yawn
Answer your hand phone while carrying on a conversation
Not putting down your reading material while someone is talking to you
Turning away from the speaker
Not giving eye contact or staring off into space
Have your arms folded
Watching T.V. while someone is talking to you
Closing your eyes while someone is talking to you
Look bored, impatient, or roll your eyes
Move around a lot
Remain seated while the person speaking is standing ( not sure I agree with this one )
Smile or wave at someone walking by... Ouch...

Can you see yourself in any of these situations? I sure could and while most of us don't do these intentionally, we need to be made aware of these things less you begin hurting friendships before they really get going!

Verbal

Ask alot of questions but do nothing with them
Belittle or condemn the person speaking or others
Discount the problem: Oh, it's not that bad or Do you think you're making a big deal out of nothing.
Finish the person's sentence ( ouch)
Interrupt often
Keep changing the subject
Turn the subject to yourself or your problems

There are a lot of others too.

here is what the Lord has been teaching me :

Col. 3: 12 says: " Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness and Patience."

This week Let's take time to reflect on each one of these.

James 3:17 says: " But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."

Here is the thing that really hit me hard.

1. We are to clothe ourselves with : Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. It isn't an option for us but rather it is expected since we are " God's Chosen People, holy and dearly loved."

2. The wisdom that comes from our LORD and savior is : pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive , full of mercy , good fruit, impartial and finally sincere.

This made me think about how the Lord has been teaching me the importance of learning to Love everyone and accept everyone where they are -We really don't have any other option. Ever said to yourself, " not someone I want to get to know." ? If we were all honest that isn't really an option for us as Christians. Anyway, I fell really hard once in a friendship and it was a hard lesson in understanding what it means to be a faithful friend. I have hurt people in my life who I considered friends from some of these very things listed in the verbal and nonverbal " relationship killers". Was it intentional? NO- it wasn't but none the less it hurt those who were trying to befriend me or who were and still are my friends.

I guess what the Lord has brought me back to this week is this: That I am His Daughter and because of His choice of me I have a responsibility to Clothe myself with certain characteristics befitting His Child. If I do these things then Wisdom which comes from above will flow in this way: pure, peace- loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, good fruit, impartial, and sincere. I am almost certain that I would my friends would be blessed if this is the way I acted towards them at all times.

There was a situation where I have spoken what I thought was wisdom but it was none of the above. My message while it may have be true was not spoken with wisdom from above but of my flesh. Thus it caused all kinds of hurt and pain not just in the lives of others but in my life as well.

Oh what a gracious Lord we serve! I am so thankful that we have a God of Second Chances!

Repentance is a wonderful thing and Forgiveness is truly a gift of mercy!

Today, I pray that the Lord would begin to reveal to you relationships which you may have been unintentionally hurting others. I pray that the holy spirit begins to bring these things to your attention and you begin to confess them and change them.

Here's to Being Clothed with Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.....
And reaching for the wisdom from above so that it flows first: pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

blessings!
Melissa

What's next

2007-02-12T11:21:00.000+07:00

It's been a tough to decide what to do about this blog but I've decided I'm going to continue on with posting. Hopefully, I'll get back into a routine and post each week.

I just read Ruth this week and it was a good reminder of how wonderful it is to be in God's complete care. The story of RUTH is a story of REDEEMING and it made me think about a lot of things. One of the things I read about was out of Lev. and Deut. it was how God intended for Families to take care of one another and in a sense redeem them if they fell into difficult times. It was to preserve their "family heritage and name". This is what happened to Ruth she and Naomi were redeemed by their kinsmen.

The second thing I was reminded about is devotion. Ruth's devotion to her Mother-in-Law. It made me realize how much she must have seen in Naomi's life for her to want to leave everything she has ever known to follow her mother-in-law and believe in her God. To devote herself to God and to trust that He would care for her a gentile. I also think about how God saw her devotion and Faith as something worth noting in Heb. 11 and what an amazing thing that He would bring her into such an important role. Being in Christ's lineage.

For me it all came together as we were studying in Heb. 11 and finishing the chapter in our House Church. It was neat because my husband, Dwayne, used this illustration. He held a string and started it at one end of our yard and stretched it to the other end. He began by saying , the start of creation was here- and walked about 3 steps and said, here is history as we are reading it in Heb 11. Looking forward he pulled out a paper clip and said, This clip is the life of those who walked in Faith. What they did has been used to teach generations for 100's of years. How will our life of Faith effect those before us?

That really brought the life of RUTH and Heb 11 full circle for me personally. Ruth's life wasn't just a moment in history it had an effect on future history. She was the mother of Obed and he became the father of Jesse and to Jesse, David... from David's lineage we are told Jesus would be born.

Her life of faith in God was used for God's plans and it is a great reminder to me how important it is that I walk in a manner worthy of my calling.

Heb. 12: 1-2
" Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Now- that should have us all looking at our life and asking ourselves, "Why don't I just trust and obey when I hear the voice of God?" Let us strive to walk in Faith and to be an example to those around us. Fixing our eyes on Jesus and claiming nothing as more worthy than what it is He is calling us too.

May you walk in obedience today and may your Faith be sure footed, do not waiver or flounder in doing what you know Christ is calling you to. Stand firm and know that others have walked in Faith before you and have been found faithful......

Press on dear sisters!

Evaluation

2007-02-04T00:29:00.000+07:00

It's always good in life to stop and evaluate the things you are doing with your life to see if there should be any changes made.

This next week I plan on taking some time to evaluate what I'm doing and to see what if I need to make some changes to my daily grind. I have so enjoyed this blog but I've been so busy these past few months that I've not been devoting the time I need to posting. It takes time to prepare and to post each week. When I started this blog I wanted to it to be a useful tool in the lives of those who were seeking to dig deeper and to search deeper the Word of God. I guess I just need to make a decision to commit the time and resources to writing each day and week? Thus my decision to take some time to pray and seek the Lord for His further direction.

I'm going to be starting the Book of Ruth this week -

i do pray that the Lord continues to grow you and stretch you into the women He wants you to be!

blessings to you all,
Melissa

It's been WAY too long

2007-01-25T20:57:00.000+07:00

Can you tell I've been a bit busy...

I hope to begin posting again in the next week..

look for more then...

bye for now....

Hebrews

2006-11-22T06:01:00.000+07:00

Hebrews

Hebrews 1:1-4

"God, after He spoke long aog to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom he appointed
HEIR of all things,
Through whom also HE MADE the world.
And He is the RADIANCE of His glory
The exact REPRESENTATION of His nature
and UPHOLDS all things by the word of His power
When He had made PURIFICATION of sins
He SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND of the Majesty on high;
having become as much better than the angels,
as He has inherited a more excellent name than they."

I want to challenge you to read all of Chapter 1 and then come back and focus in on these 4 verses. I'll share more on the remainder of the chapter.
But the basic message as basic as I can make it is really the milk of the message. It is that we can not worship the angels or put them in a catagory with Christ. Christ is greater than the angels. It was an issue at the time of this writing because there were some who were actually worshiping the angels. It was important to establish who Christ was and to make it clear what the role of the angels are so that no one could be deceived by false teaching. Chapter 1 is about making certain we understand and put Christ in the proper place. And to realize that Angels while they are divine beings they are limited in their role and only do what the Father bids.

We are going to dig a bit deeper and get to the MEAT of this passage. Take some time to do some word studies on these 7 attributes of Christ. These things DEFINE HIM. These things GIVE HIM Position, Qualify Him if you will.

Notice the 7 things that describe Christ. Take some time to really ponder these as you go about your day and ask the Lord to show you Himself in these ways. How are you living out your life in These very specific areas.

The word says we are to be Christ like: Eph. 5:1-2 " Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in lofe , just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma."

HEIR OF ALL THINGS
okay - think about that. What does it mean to be an HEIR? What will CHRIST inherit?

HE MADE ALL THINGS
creator: Do you understand this passage. Go back and read Gen. 1, John 1:1-4
So, This is important to realize that this passage makes it clear that the Trinity is being established. God and Christ are one....

HE is the RADIANCE of HIS GLORY
What is radiance? What does it really mean to radiate? How do we as Christ's children radiate Christ Glory? What are some ways this week you can radiate Christ's Glory?
Search the word and see examples of what it means ......
Any thoughts or questions?

and the EXACT REPRESENTATION of HIS NATURE
Christ isn't just a part of but exact representation of GOD's NATURE!
How does this set Him apart from angels? What does this mean for us as believers? This really should cause us all to take WHO CHRIST is and truly have a sense of Reverence and godly Fear toward Christ and God.

and UPHOLDS all things by the word of His power.
Upholds: read and study what upholds means. How important is it for us to realize His involvement in our lives?
Do you see Christ upholding all things? Even when things seem to be spiraling out of control?

He made PURIFICATION of sins.
He is the only one who could do this. Stop and realize just what this means......
Not just for you but for the WORLD.

He SAT down at the right hand of the MAJESTY on HIGH.
He is seated at the right hand of GOD. He is not just a prophet. He is not just a teacher. Christ is the Heir, he is the Son of GOD!
He has position. So what does that mean for us as His children? How does this place us in the order of Creation. How important is our role as Believers?

Today and throughout this week : Take time to memorize these 7 things about Christ and as you go about your day ask the Lord to show you Himself in new ways.

If you want to share some of what you are learning feel free to post or to share!

Blessings on you all......

Light on the issues....

2006-09-30T08:00:00.000+07:00

It's been an interesting week. I've been doing a dual study in both Matthew and Hebrews. The Lord has been teaching me so much that it is just amazing to me to see how much He desires for me to grow and be changed.

This week one of my greatest struggles has been to overcome my road rage.... Now let me just say that it's not like I'm a crazy driver or anything just the opposite. I try to abide by the laws and rules that apply to all drivers the problem is NO ONE ELSE IS! This causes me such great distress , frustration, anger, loud outbursts, and often times thoughts I need not to be having about what I would "LIKE" to do to the offending driver......

It has been a problem that I am totally aware of and I'm very convicted about and I try very hard to be different everytime I get in the car. However, I've just not made the progress I need to have made seeing as though this is going on my 2nd year. UGH!

So what am I doing you ask? What is the Lord teaching me through my studies in Matt. and Hebrews that is helping me to overcome this sin nature!

Well, to be honest it's a PRIDE issue! I'm just not willing to DIE to SELF . One of my dear girlfriends said - it's knowing my rights and wanting them.

In my studies something that I've been amazed at is that in Matt. in the first 4 chapters it is about JESUS's arrival and the beginning of His Ministry.
When my friend shared the die to self and feeling that I have the right to drive "right" it made me think back to Christ's experience in the dessert.

The enemy came and tempted Jesus with this very same temptation in Matt. 4: 5 " Then the devil took Him into the holy city; and he had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, " If you are the Son of God throw Yourself down; for it is written,
" He will give His Angels Charge concerning You;
and 'On their hands they will bear You up, Les you strike your foot against a stone".

Here is the key point! Satan knew Jesus had the RIGHT to a kingly life. He wanted Jesus to puff up and demand that right as well. YET!

Jesus answered: " On the other hand, It is written, You shall not put the Lord your God to the test."

He withstood the the temptation to demand His right as Heir to the throne.

In Heb. 1:1-4 these passages talk about who Jesus is and how He is set apart.
1. Heir of all things
2. Creator of the World
3. He is the Radiance of God's GLORY
4. He is the exact Representation of God's NATURE
5. He UPHOLDS all things by the word of His Power
6. He made Purfication of all sin-
7. He sat down at the RIGHT HAND of the Majesty on High
8. He became much higher than the angels and His name is more excellent than they......

Yet! again, He doesn't act as though he is all those things: He in all humility humbled himself and took on the role of a slave. He is the LIGHT of the WORLD and HE is SALT!

I lack humility and I lack a servants heart! IN the end it comes down to this:

Melissa has thought more highly of herself than she ought! When I drive that car I think way more of myself then I need too and while I might be RIGHT in my thinking - My actions need to be such that I draw people to Christ and not push them away. In all honesty there is more darkness in my car when I drive then light!

And man- I just have to take control of the flesh and say - NO MORE!

So, yesterday was a real victory. My attitude was different and I really wanted to be the servant I know I can be with a heart that truly desires to serve rather than be served. Not wanting what I know is rightfully mine but to want what is going to draw the lost to my Heavenly Father so that He might receive the GLORY .

So, here's to being Light and Salt! This is my goal this next week and the weeks ahead to really transform my thinking and to renew my mind with the TRUTH of who I am and to be the SERVANT I know He wants me to be!

Lord, thank you so much for how you have really spoken to me and thank you for Your continued patience with me. It has taken me some time to really get to the root of my problem. The fact is Lord, I lack humility. I confess this to YOU and ask You to forgive me. I do want to be a useful vessel and I want to be faithful to the things You've called me to. So, Lord, continue to mold me and shape me into the woman you want me to become.

Lord, I pray for all the women in the world who are seeking You. I pray that you would work in their lives in new and fresh ways. Speak to them Lord and Draw them to yourself. I pray for Your Humility to be rooted in each one of them and that they would be humble servants willing to do whatever you ask of them. I pray for their faith to be expanded in ways that they have never been grown and that they would not just be small lights but that Your Light would be as FLOOD light to those around them and that they would truly be SALT that is full of flavor and filled with Grace and wisdom .......

Lord- thank you for your Son who is forever!
It is in His name that I pray,
the Mighty name of Jesus,
Amen............

Matt. 5: 13-20

2006-09-27T07:36:00.000+07:00

Yes it's been a while since I've posted anything of real significance. I'm just one busy gal these days and my time on the computer has been really short and I haven't had that much time to really sit down and write.

Don't worry though, I'm moving slowly... ;)

Matt. 5: 13-20
" You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lamp stand; and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish , but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished.
Who ever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and so teaches others, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven."

First today I want to focus on the first part :

" You are the Salt of the EARTH; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men."

I've been really processing this passage and in my study I've learned several things about who I am suppose to be here on this EARTH. What my role is and why THESE passages are so important and should cause us all to stop and ask some questions.

There are scripture references that help us know what Jesus is talking about when he says Salt:

Mark 9: 50
" Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves , and be at peace with one another."

Peace is a quality of Salt in our life and it is used in our relationships.

Col. 4:5- 6
"Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each other. "

Let our words be full of grace; why? So that we may KNOW how we should respond to each other.

The scripture says : " You are the salt of the earth"

Can you stop and think about that for just one moment. God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has called us out to be disciples and in doing that He has appointed us Salt of the Earth. In our lives, through our speech we bring peace and grace to men in the hope that we might preserve them.

Salt is a known preservative. It not only flavors but it also preserves. I don't think we / I take our CALL our WALK our LIFE here on earth as SERIOUSLY as we ought. We are not to just live for ourselves. We are SLAVES to CHRIST. WHY? SO that we might bring men to a saving knowledge of Our LORD and SAVIOR.

Salt in the GREEK is : HALAS- it brings: flavor, fertilizes, preserves

In Col. 4:6 it talks of our speech to be seasoned with GRACE and WISDOM.

This past week and in the weeks to come: I want to challenge you to think on how you are seasoning those around you. Are you being used to preserve to flavor to fertilize?
How are you dealing with people? How are you handling yourself in the presence of others? It isn't just for the sake of the Lost that we ought to be salt in the earth but it is also for the sake of the saints and for ourselves.

one commentary said it this way: " to be saltless (to loss your saltiness- be without grace, peace and wisdom) is to be graceless and nothing will make him profitable."
Coffman commentary said; " Salt preserves against corruption and ruin"

It is important to note what happens when one becomes tasteless.

" It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men."
I hope this week as you go about your day you are made aware of how you are the SALT of the EARTH!

Here is something to chew on: Matt. 12:33-37 in my bible the heading is " Words reveal character" If in Matt. 5:13 the word is stating that through our speech grace, peace and wisdom are used to bring others to Christ- that in essence our speech has the power to bring them to a Saving Knowledge of CHRIST - the Preservative if you will. Then it makes sense to say that based on Matt. 12:33-37 that we can actually identify the SALTY and the SALTLESS by their speech then where does that leave you or I? Are you Salty or Saltless?

You / I being disciples, children of our Lord, are meant to be salt in this world and in this we have a part of bring true peace, grace and wisdom of our Lord and savior to the Lost and to the body of Christ - There are so many scriptures that come to my mind about how we ought to handle ourselves in our speech and that we need to be able to give account of the hope within us.. That It is a sobering thought to realize that I need to tame my tongue... as James writes in James 3: 6-12.

Lord - I have taken for granted so much. Lord forgive me for the times I've not been salt to the earth. I pray that as I go about my day that I would be mindful of how I speak and that I would be intentional to be someone who speaks with grace and peace and wisdom. May what I say and do draw men to You rather than push them away from You.

Lord thank you for making me salty and using us your Children here on earth. May we be found Salty and full of flavor....
It is in Your mighty name I pray,
The Name of JESUS,
Amen................

Matt. 5:1-12

2006-09-16T09:09:00.000+07:00

MAN it's been too long since I've posted and I'm sorry for the long delays. My hubby has been traveling and it seems that this year is just much busier than last. It's all good stuff but just busy. I'll be posting today some posts and hopefully this next week I'll be back up to posting each week.

I do pray you are all doing well.

this months verse for me is Matt. 5:16

" Let your light shine before men in such a way that they see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven."

AS I've been studying Matt. 5 this past couple of weeks. One theme that keeps surfacing is that I need to walk closely with my Heavenly Father in order to be able to walk in the spirit. Matt. 5:1-12 are the words of Jesus- telling us that if we live our lives with certain "character traits" then we can know what things we will be assured in heaven.

It made me become keenly aware of my need to have my Father's heart and my Father's eyes to see situations as they really are and to respond in the spirit rather than my flesh.

My greatest desire is for my life to not be the same today as it was yesterday ( okay I put tomorrow and no one corrected me. How embarrassing..... ) . I do want to be transformed into my Father's image. I don't want to remain the same and I want my life to show How my Father is working in my life.

I truly want " my father's light to shine through my life in such a way that men will see my works and glorify My Father who is in Heaven." -

along with this is Hebrews 1:1-4 I'll post some on this in a bit but you should read it because man- Father is really teaching me some AMAZING things! :) okay so go to the SoJo's link and check out what we are studying in Hebrews.

http://www.sojoschurch.blogspot.com

Once you get there click on the Message Board. This is where our church members post their notes from what they are learning and what Russell is teaching us each week....

blessings and I can't wait to see what Matt. 5: 13-.... has to teach me... and You!

Testimony

2006-08-24T09:10:00.000+07:00

I wanted to share something with you all. I love how the Lord confirms things that I'm learning through other people. I always know that God is getting ready to do something amazing when I see that others are being challenged in the word by the same things that I am. I really call that a movement of God and we ought to sit up and pay attention when we see that happen.

Over the course of my studies I've been challenged to look more closely at some of the parables. Thus my study of the Gospels. I had shared this with a friend of mine and she also shared that she was going through the parables and just felt like she was getting ready to learn so much. Then this week at a meeting someone else shared this very same thing. I was like, wow, Lord, you must be getting ready to put us all on the same page. It is astounding to me and just so exciting to see God working in the lives of His children. I'm sure we will all be taught different things but what it shows me is that God is working and desiring to teach us all something that is going to some how come together. I know this because I've seen it happen before.

Once when I was reading through the old testament I just felt the Lord using stones as a way for us to mark our path and give praise to Him through these symbolic things. Just as He asked the Israelites to do this, I strongly felt we ought to do the same thing but today it was going to not be used as stones but as our verbal testimony. I had shared this with so many of my friends and wanted to encourage them to be bold to share with all they met the wonderful blessings God was doing in their lives. While at another meeting our leader stood up and used the same passage as the Lord had given me and shared the same thing that God had shared with me. My husband and I both looked at eachother and smiled. Because we knew at this very moment in time we were truly seeing God at work! WOW what an amazing thing. I'm sure you all have similar stories but isn't it just so very exciting to see God at work in our lives and in the lives of others?

I was just encouraged this week and I was also reminded of how we ought to support and pray for those who are in leadership over us. Even if they don't hold a spiritual role over us none the less they are there by the hand of God to fulfill His purpose.

So as you share be aware that what you are sharing may be a message to someone else that they are on the right track. So share boldly what God is doing in your life. It isn't boasting in yourself when you do this but in GOD! I often think if we shared more openly what God is doing our pride would be put down because we have to give the glory to God when we share what HE is doing in our lives. When we don't share it is robbing Him of the Glory that is due HIM. So Share boldly this week.....

Proverbs 4:23 " watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life."