Jesus Loves You

Today, as I was driving to work, I felt like Jesus was telling me..

Tell everyone you meet today, that I love them...

At first, the task felt daunting.... It seems as soon as I become comfortable with reaching out, He propels me to reach out in a new way....

At first, I was a little frightened...but I remembered that fear is Not of God...

My coworkers....most already know that I have taken a stand for Christ...
I have shared blog posts with a few...and we have often had engaging discussions and I tell them of the many things that Jesus is doing in my life...

He has had me reach out to a few in various ways....

A few of my coworkers are a little mean...on the rude side..I never know if they are joking with me...or if they see someone they can pick on....
either way, I wonder if it has anything to do with my stance for Christ...

Jesus loves you...When it is spoken...it sounds rather simple...but it speaks an immense truth..

I told a lady at the gas station the other day that Jesus loves her..She kindof made some sort laughing noise..I couldn't really tell how she responded...
I think so many people don't know what to think...Jesus has been abused by so many....People who have been hurt by a "Christian"...often blame Christ for their pain.....
Jesus is mocked and ridiculed...So it's not always easy to look someone in the eye or send an email that says, Jesus loves you..
But it is true..It is the one fact that we can hold onto... It was we can embrace to claim the freedom that is ours...

I don't want to become content with not reaching out...i want to grow..to expand....it's sometimes hard in a work environment where Jesus isn't really talked about... I am finding that Jesus is treated as taboo in the workplace....

It's really sad.... I sometimes see people at work with Bibles...but not many ever talk about Him...
Lately, however, there have been some curisoity that has been aroused by my stand for Christ..
It has allowed me to witness in varying ways...
But I know that I want to one day reach a point of confidence where I can go up to everyone I meet and it becomes the norm to say, "Jesus Loves You."
If nothing else, it reminds them that there is more. It reminds them that there is more to this life than what we can see with the eyes...Perhaps, then they will search...or they will remember a Man they used to know ....a long, long time ago...
Maybe thier eyes will be opened..with just three little words, Jesus loves you.

what's so scary about that? Love. Love is the most brilliant and blessed thing of all. Love is the reason He died so that we may live...so that we might have hope in an imperfect, sinful, sometimes very difficult world...

Today, i was a little afraid but I send some emails....I kept it simple..Jesus loves you.
Nothing more really needs to be said. When I come back to work, I'll send out a few more...and then a few more....
We can only conquer fear when we stare it in the face and say, "NO!" You will not hinder the works that He has called me to...
we are living in a lost world....People need to know one thing...Jesus loves You.

If you are reading this post, rest in the fact...That Jesus Loves You.
Nuff said.

What are your Dreams?

What are your dreams?
What motivates you?
What song lives inside you that is dying to be set free?

My dreams came to life when I found Jesus
He showed me the world in color

Jesus wants our dreams to see life..
He wants us to excel and succeed...
but success doesn't always come through the mighty dollar
Sucess comes through loving and living...
learning to separate ourselves from darkness
and truly learn to walk in Light...

He wants us to thrive
to use our creativity to motivate others toward goodness and purpose...
He wants us to inspire...
God is Good...
He is the source of dreams...

MY dream is to one day be a full time mother..to travel around the world with songs and love...sharing His light...His love..
My dream isn't to be rich...but to be humbled in giving...
My dream is to see the beauty of His creation...admiring the sunsets of Sedona, smelling the ocean.....
My dream is to fulfill the destiny that He has given...that is my dream....
What is your dream?

Disappointed in Televangelism

Last night I couldn't sleep so I turned on the t.v...
I don't watch much t.v...with the exception of the news..

As I was scanning the channels...I came across a televangelist...
He was offering dvds ...3 for $99 ....
I couldn't help but cringe...
Really?
It seems like these people always have a hand out.....Somehow I don't see Jesus panhandling in the streets....I see him giving...

Yet televangelists, who are supposed to represent Him...always seem to be devising new ways to get money....It's like they try make Jesus a business...
It's rather sad..

Give your money to the poor, the orpans and widows..
Please don't send your money to money hungry preachers...

Random Act of Kindness Ideas

Just a few ideas to spread His Light...

1. Pay for the person's coffee behind you in the Starbucks drive thru...or lunch

2. Hold the door open for someone

3. adopt an elderly person at the nursing home

4. write a letter to abused and neglected children at temporary shelters

5. Donate food to a local foodbank...or....cook a huge meal and invite an underprivaledged family over for dinner

6. Sew a blanket for a newborn

7. Donate Christian children's books to reading programs

8. Volunteer in prison ministry...write letters, or get involved in programs like Angel Tree or Mommy Reads, that connect children to incarcerated parents

9. Donate toys or Bibles to children's homes

10. Offer to clean someone's home or wash thier car

11. Leave some flowers on a strangers car with a note telling them that they are special and loved


Just a few ideas.....insert your own...what are your talents that you could offer?

visit this site for more ideas:

http://www.randomactsofkindness.org

Ask Jesus to go with you wherever you go, and in whatever you do..
the key, however, is to go...to not sit idle...and just go..

Beautiful places

One day I thought I heard Him telling me that if I would sell my car and give the money to help the poor, He would take me into beautiful places.





The knots came. The knots that often arise when He tells us things that we don't want to hear.


This is something that I have struggled with. I actually struggled with anger for a short time over this request.





I had worked hard for my car. It was mine. I was proud.


But God has a way of teaching us that we aren't meant to be proud.





I guess I had to work on mentally letting go of the car...


around the time of the earthquake in Japan, I noticed how people's cars were floating in the waves, piled and heaped like rubble.





People's cars looked so insignificant in light of all the tragedy. What is a car? or any "thing" for that matter?





As I "let go" of the car, I felt like Jesus gave it back to me....I felt like He just wanted to show me that I that I ought not to be proud.





Pride seems like something so harmless. But what is pride? Isn't pride what keeps us selfish, greedy, and corrupt?



If everyone had less pride and more humility, thinking of others as better than themselves, imagine what a peaceful world we would live in...





Jesus also taught me sharing...What does it mean to love your neighbor? He showed me that love is exemplified through sharing.





Beautiful Places. How I long for "beautiful places." Every time I act in love, He brings me into a beautiful place. Of the heart. Of the mind. One day, He will bring me into physically beautiful places. Places that abound with natural beauty...





I told Jesus, Jesus, If you really want me to sell my car....Please send me some confirmation. Send me someone to confirm this....But I wonder if He will..





Should He need to? I don't think so....isn't that what faith is? To listen to His voice and still know that you will be provided for and taken care of?





One day I was at work and He illustrated something to show me that He would take care of me.

The way I see it, my car is a rolling beacon of Light...I have my baby booties for new moms in the back...my letters to moms considering abortion, ...

I have my letters for abused kids and teddy bears in my trunk....I have Bibles and good things..things to let people know that they are special..that they are cared for and loved....

http://letmewashyourfeet.blogspot.com/2011/03/havent-always-lived-christian-lifestyle.html

Beautiful places. I long for Beautiful places.... Read the above post...He asked me to sell some things in the past...the above post talks about my experiences...

He Holds a Needle of Light

He holds a needle of light
My heart is a canvas of flesh
I can see His hand, unwavering,
desiring to make me
His work of art
To thread together with Light
all that has been broken

I see God

I See God


In the fireflies warming the night
leaving trails of fire
in dark and quiet

In the starlight cradling the earth
swaddling the night
as day gives birth

I see God

In the laughter of my children
In the wetness of the rain
In the sweetness of the flower
In the whistle of a train

I see God

In the face of death
we stood
we stared it in the face
and in the midst of all the pain

We sang Amazing Grace

I see God

Personal Revelation

I think God may have revealed something to me about my marriage...
Yes, I have gone through hardship beyond belief

but tonight

He showed me..how I always expected it to fail..

I never really thought it would suceed, and everything I have done reflects that.. I went into my marriage broken, battered, and bruised....and I put up a wall from the beginning...

my attitude toward the marriage has always reflected that wall.....

does it change the past?
NO,

the hurts still exist...the wounds are still there...
the past holds it's own demons

Lately, He has shown me how small, simple acts of love can thread so much together...
Love builds, encouragement builds...

So is it that simple? Really? Will small acts of love and kindness rebuild all that was lost?

Am I willing to take that risk, and let down my guard?

I will pray..and seek.....I can't change my husband ...or the things he has done..all I can do is continue to Trust God with my life....
He is where I find my answers.

humbled

Yesterday, I went on a poetry frenzy..i posted many poems from my past..
but today I decided to take them off..
my past was a dark time...my poetry, although I loved the vivid images I had at the time, was dark in some ways...

I was reading over the poems and I thought,...ok, this site isn't supposed to represent me or the person I was...it is supposed to represent Jesus..

So I humbly removed my old poetry...Out with the old, in with the new....

My Hands

A person's hands reveal so much. Our hands, often contain lines that show who we are..our work shows on our hands. I wrote this poem a few years ago..and I realized how idle my hands were. So i rewrote it...Its amazing how much I know I have changed by the working of my hands..
Our hands aren't meant to be idle..our hands are meant to help...what are your hands doing?
what do your hands say about you?


My hands

My hands were starfish
Grasping the Atlantic
Reaching for the titanic
Pulling up weeds instead

My fingers were cat of nine tails
shallow roots in the ground
Planted on my hips
Idle for watching the sunset too long

And when I was nervous for love
My hands were branches
Extending, swaying
reaching out in desperation
and uncertainty
Creating a mindful of trees like
The fruit tree in Eden
I plucked

But as He changed my heart
He changed the working of my hands

My hands no longer rest on pillows of time
they tend
waving to strangers in cars passing by
catching the lint off of shoulders

My knuckles
are clasped in prayer
tiny warriors
pointed towards heaven
i breathe with my hands
and exhale words
like, "please don't let her kill her baby"
Send your rays of Light

My hands are bony
They are my mothers hands
Everyone says they are piano hands
My hands are giving hands
Cupped into baskets filled with bread
For birds

Some say that you can tell a lot about a person by their hands.
I try to see what mine say about me

They are worker’s hands
Nails in the dirt
Dirt in the nails
They are handing my son a starwars lego set
We are sitting by the ocean
One hand in the water
the other raised as a white flag of praise
and surrender
we
Search for the titanic
And find it

there are no weeds this time around
we reel in beauty
like catching fish
amazed by the working of Hands

awesome! written by me..inspired by Jesus...yay! cool poem

Volcano

Plumes of dirt
and earth
spit fire...

from depths within us
too deep to measure

we have no referent for depth
we only see the path of destruction,
the burning aftermath of heat
the trail carved by chaos..

we sometimes smell the smoke of lies,
but usually we are choked
before we see the fire

Words are like lava
Molten, seeping, living..
in that they build up.....like life that thrives in ash...
or words destroy...
like black sand
in which nothing can grow.

Our words are like volcanoes
spewing life or death
from the well within us...

We are volcanoes
When we breathe in the sun
We exhale the silversword

When we soak in the darkness
we spit out the dust...

* silversword is a flower that grows in volcanic mountains of Hawaii

Moonlight

White silk pours through
the mist of summer skies

resting softly on our faces

we breathe in the goodness of nature,
the evidence of God

the moon..
the tatoo of the sky
reminding us that Light
exists
and can shine upon
faces carved by rivers of tears

I long to paint a canvas of words

I long to paint a canvas of words,
Daisies on paper
Light on screen
living, breathing words
that show Him

clearer and deeper than reflection,
faces in a pond
images pasted on glass.
fleeting and imperfect

for those images are mere perceptions
perceived by human eye
not indicative of spiritual
Truth

I long to paint a canvas of words
carve out the visions that He has given
and place them in the hands
of the broken
the weary
and the lost

I close my eyes to this world
and another world emerges
more real than the last
A world
of Splendor and Light
where colors are brilliant
and all is Living

He gave me a Light to hold
a Light of white and gold
and Paradise is comprised of Light

Love knits the broken back together
binds the cords of emptiness
and strife
and sews peace

Love is made of Light

He showed me the size of my fire,
that thriving, glowing, living Light
that He gives...
It grows...

It is like Physics...nothing can stop it, once it
is set in motion...not gravity...no outside force
can cease or make heavy,
the Light of His Love

Love is hard to write about
It is pure, effortless, and knows no limits
It is simple...
How much can be said?

How can I, with words,
paint a canvas of the purest Light?

I can't.
I can only speak of the kalideocope of colors.
I read something written by a women
who knows Him
She spoke of stained glass
Even when it's broken,
it reflects the most brilliant of colors
The most dazzling of displays

There was once an a vast corridor of emptiness within me
a Black whole
as large as the Grand Canyon
That emptiness was comprised
of all that is dark
the things that take life,
the vortex that sucks it dry...to the marrow..
to the bone..

now there is still emptiness...onlyit is a pure emptiness
that seeks Light..that longs to be filled
with Bread of Life
and thirsts for water from the purest spring

I long to paint a canvas of words
to show Him
But I cannot

If I speak what I know,
I still can't paint His face
I still cannot resurrect
the feeling
of resting in His arms
where all is safe
and all is good...

and all is delightfully and wonderfully
simple...

________
After I wrote this poem and after rereading several months later, I discovered something.
We can recreate Him on paper by building people up in letters. By writing words of hope to the weary. By expressing our faith and speaking life into someone's life.

Our lives are like paintings. We can recreate Him in this life by becoming His hands and feet.
I recently read an article about a Kentucky woman who goes out in the cold weather seeking out the homeless, in order to provide them with blankets. This woman has a full canvas. One day, Jesus will look at the life she painted and He will say, You painted me, here on this earth. You are a picture of what I look like.

I think of the book by Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Grey...The main character chose a life of sin. His painting, in turn was one that resembled death. Our lies and unfaithfulness paint pictures that will burn in the fire.

We are called to paint pictures of Christ with our lives. Our words of hope provide the brilliant colors. Our sacrifices ensure that the canvas is one of quality.

Are you painting a picture of Christ with your life? Or does you picture look a self portrait?
Our paintings look like the ones we aim to please.




Written by me, inspired by Jesus.. ..He is cool! :)
* Patti corbello Archer is the lady who wrote about the stained glass...www.inspiredbylove.wordpress.com

Sea Shells

Sea shells...

wavy, grands of sand live inside your ear
I put my face beside your face
the sound of sea I long to hear....

The crashing tides of ocean
glisten on your back

My sons and I...pick you up and carry you home
we put you on our shelf
You are our trophy
of a very blessed day...

a day of togetheness
a day of love, laughter, and sea

seashell,
your coat
painted by God
shiny like marbles
yet, you are humble
lying quietly
waiting to be carried
to be placed on a shelf
and admired
as God's creation

Lies

I just wrote this poem...it speaks of the hidden dangers of Lies...how lies destroy!


Lies..
the subtle echo of darkness
cloaked, as a clown, with
a smile...

but the smile is deadly
it hides a true intent,
a heart of darkness
the smile of meniacal clowns..

behind the face of laughter
are eyes of fire....
an all consuming fire that seeks
to destroy

Trust...
the pact, our bond of words
without it,
our words mean nothing...
our words are air
empty, meaningless, air...

air that sits in chimneys
stale, coughing, choking in fumes
blowing out smoke
and dust
and death

Lies..
how innocent a string of words
that have no meaning...
how innocent...our white utterances..that
we cover our mouths to try to hide...

eat this fruit, nothing will happen,
chaos ensues
lies.

Lies..
the root of the darkness
grasps the tongue, and the devil bids us speak..
Lies.

Lies. Lies. Lies. Lies. Lies.

tongues of invisible weeds
syallables in sucession
twist and thwart
around the heart
and choke out Light
that helps us grow

Lies.

subtle as a cherry falling on the ground
a cherry
plump and savory
but the inside is bitter
the taste is rot

Lies.

Lies. lies. lies. lies. lies. lies. lies.

What more do I need?

Am I not worth more...
than the flowers of the field

I have the promise of a Place
the pains of yesterday are healed

I will not be overcome with selfishness nor greed
Because I have a Savior,
What more do I need?

When I feel the needs and wants
and the world calls out to me
I shout back mightily
What more do I need?

I have a place to go
In times
when I need rest
I have the shawl of Righteousness
I wear it like a vest

I have the love
I was meant to have
I share it, humbly so..

I take His Light with me..
Everywhere I go...

I looked to man for comfort
but nothing have I found
Only in His arms of Love
Am I safe and sound


I see beauty in the simple things
The moon, the stars, the skies
I feel the love of nature
My heart is growing wise

I see beauty in the smiles
of those
I care about and lead
I love the boys God gave to me
What more do I need?

If grief wrapped itself around me
The desperate ache of woe
I have a Man that I can Trust
In His arms I can go

If everything fell apart
scattered like wind and sand
May I still see the Light above
The working of a hand

For though I grieve to think about
the times of loss and pain
I pray I find the gentle One
Whom I know will sustain

This life is but bone and blood
and in this life I bleed
But I have the next, He promised me so
What more do I need?



Written by me...Inspired by Jesus

I used to write very complex poems...often futile..but sometimes, I am finding that the simplest things are the most beautiful and the most effective.

Why the whole world should sing Amazing Grace, and why we need to make "TO DO" lists for Jesus

This is the post that mysteriously disappeared on me yesterday. I can't necessarily attribute the disappearing blog post to something meniacal...but I do know that if everyone actually did what I am going to propose in this writing, ....

Lives could be changed! Hearts could be mended! Strongholds could come down!

Some time ago, I began making "TO DO" lists for Jesus. Why is it important to make "TO DO" lists for Him?

Because He calls us to act. I find that if I don't act on the word, my life tends to stagnate. It's so easy to get caught up in our own affairs that we forget the great need of others. It's so easy to become self involved. But we aren't called to be self-involved...we are called to love.

I can see so much chaos in the world. Only a few days ago, a very dear member of our family and community was murdered. Chaos!

I have been following the Casey Anthony story. She is accused of killing her two year old daughter and hiding her little body in the woods. I cringe when I imagine Caylee's final moments. I can see her resting in the arms of Jesus, even as her mother continues her string of lies.

Yesterday was a day of peace and tears. One moment I felt an immense peace. The next moment I was in tears. Peace. tears. Peace. tears.
I couldn't decide if I was hormonal or the state of the world was just getting to me. I am sad because of the tragedy.

I'm sure everyone by now can see the state of the world. There don't seem to be many people spreading His Light and His Love. At least, that is the way it seems. I know so many people involved in lies and deception. That I am just sad.

Jesus showed me something one day..."As Christians, each of us has a Light within us, but it is up to us to share it...to spread it into the dry, dusty ground of chaos, and watch it grow...

The harvest....The harvest is watching all those hurting, dismantled, and broken lives realizing that they have hope. The harvest is seeing someone beaten down, coming to realize that they have an immense purpose. That no life is small. That we are all created in His image, and we are each called to ACT.

A few days ago, I attended the funeral for a very special woman. I wrote a post in her honor. Mrs. Mary Jeanette Duhon. The way she died was tragic. For those that don't know...she was murdered.

At the funeral, over 100 people began to sing. To sing. In spite of all the darkness, and all of the grief, we sang.

It was a beautiful moment. It was a moment when I felt Jesus' Light shining into the darkness.
IN that moment, the silent screams of chaos were muted...and all I could hear was the sound of joy.

Amazing Grace. That is the song we sang.

Amazing Grace

How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost

but now am found

was blind

but Now I see

Was Grace that taught

my heart to fear

and Grace my fears relieved

How precious did that Grace appear

The hour I first believed

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,

I have already come

The Grace that brought me safe thus far

Will lead me safely Home

When we've been there ten thousand years

Bright shining as the sun

We've no less days

To sing God's Praise

Than when we first begun.

My sister-in-law, Melonie is asking that friends and family of Mrs. Jeanette pray and fast for 21 days so that her mom's murderer will be captured.

The man's name is Joe Constance.

I am participating in the fasting, but would like others to do something else, as well.

For the next 21 days, in addition to fasting, I am going to sing Amazing Grace three times a day.

I will sing it every day until my prayer materializes..

I am praying that every time I sing this song, it somehow finds it's way into the very core, body, and soul of Joe Constance.

I pray that every time I sing...and anyone who would like join in.....I pray that the sound of our Light, the sound of the call of Jesus...will bring this man to his knees with guilt and remorse.

I pray that each time the song is sung, a thread of hurt and suffering will be loosed in the family that is facing this tragedy. I pray that with each word spoken and softly sung, the family of Mrs. Jeanette will see a little more Light...

and Each time the song is sung, the murderer will be overcome with such intense grief and remorse for his action, that he will literally fall to his knees...

I am praying that he will turn himself in and apologize to this family that needs closure.

I wish the whole world would sing, Amazing Grace. I wish thousands, or millions of people will sing, even if for one day....and believe that prayers will be heard.

I can only imagine different scenarios of how things could play out. I envision him walking in front a church one day....He hears the song Amazing Grace...and he falls to his knees...because he has heard that song before...He didn't know it.....but dozens...or hundreds...of people had sang that song every day...with the belief that the power of faith and words.....would bring him to knees in remorse....He heard the song in his spirit...only he didn't know...

That probably sounds strange....but I have an amazing faith. So whether it be fasting, praying, and singing....the true power lies in faith.

I belive in the power of prayer. I believe in the power of God. Not because of things that people have told me to believe, but because I have seen the supernatural, I have sought, and I have found. He is real. He is Love.

So why make "TO DO" lists for Jesus and what would one look like?

A TO DO list reminds us that we are not alone. A To Do List reminds us that there are others out there that need the Light of His Love. It reminds us that we aren't called to stagnate, we are called to grow..We grow by acting and doing.....It's like a small seed...our good deeds and kindness, literally make the world grow.

Darkness cannot live in Light. It wil smother. It will die. It will suffocate. The screams of choas are muted...and replaced with the gentlest, and softest of sounds....the sound of Peace.

An all encompassing and overwhelming Peace. A Peace that surpasses ALL understanding.

Here is My TO DO list for the week....

1. Last week, I wrote a letter to a cousin that has experienced much loss. This week, I need to mail that letter.

2. Order more baby booties for new moms and moms considering abortions

3. Live, love, laugh, and mourn with my family. Breath life in deep. This day could be our last.

4. Write more Blogs!

5. Write a letter thanking someone for thier kindness to me.

Today, I challenge you to sing Amazing Grace and believe that a family will heal and a murderer will apologize. Today, I challenge you to write your own "To Do" list for Him.

Store up your treasures in Heaven. Where they can't be stolen..or damaged...by rust..or eaten by moth..

Let your Light Grow.

Do it,,,I dare ya

....one more thought....for those reading this that maybe don't believe in Him...I am writing this blog, not for self recognition, but with the belief that the very face of Jesus will emerge. I have often heard the phrase, "Our life is the only Bible some people will ever read." That may well be true...so I pray that you will seek, and you will find. I hope you can read my posts and see that Jesus is very real.

I want people to know that the "narrow path", although it is sometimes difficult...it is a road that is cloaked in Beauty and Love. It is the road less traveled for a reason. Often, He will tell us things that we may not want to hear. Things that involve sacrifice. He wants us to strive to be perfect. He teaches us how to get there.

I know I have done some horrible things in my past. But I know that I am forgiven. You can be too.

Story about a Green and Yellow Bird

I am going to attempt to retell a story that was told at my church the other day. It was told by a very dear woman. I'm not going to post her name because I would like to get permission from her first.

She told a very beautiful story involving her husband and a green and yellow bird.

She spoke of how she has often prayed for her husband. He doesn't know Jesus. She has consistently and faithfully prayed for him.

The story goes something like this...I don't rembember all of the details...I may even get a few details wrong, but I recall the story's message...

Her husband was shrimping offshore. He kept seeing this green and yellow bird. He would often try to get close to the bird, but it would fly away. He repeated this several times. He tried to get close to bird. The bird would fly away.

Near sundown, the man noticed that the bird had gotten caught in a net. The man was sad for the bird. He said a prayer to God that the bird would safely be able to get out of the net.
Note: This is a man that doesn't pray.

The next morning, he went on deck for an early morning smoke break. He sat down and looked for the bird in the net. It was gone.

As he was sitting there, the bird lands on his knee, looks him in the eye, and chirps.

The bird then flew away.

I thought that was a beautiful story. To me, it showed how God hears our prayers. He heard the prayer of the lady praying for her husband. And He heard the prayer of the one who didn't know Him, but called out to Him.

The lady said her husband was amazed by the incident. He is becoming aware that there is more than to this life than what we see.

The lady at church often writes. She is going to write her version of the story. Hopefully, I can share it on my blog.

Fleeting

Fleeting

The above image is an x ray of starfish. To me, it shows both beauty and frailty.

Source of pic: http://www.life.com/

Very strange day indeed..

Today was a very strange day indeed.
First, I saw a 2 foot snake in a strange place, the 2nd floor of my workplace

then, lights kept going out in various areas I was in... lights that were directly over my head...

then, someone stopped me at work and told me that all of the fish in our firepond were dead.
So I went and checked and sure enough, there were white fish lined along the banks, floating in the water.

Then, I typed a very long, but very touching blog....I went back in later to read it and over half of it was gone. Even after I had saved it numerous times... I actually posted it..went back to read it later, and over half of it was gone....

Wait..there's more strangeness....I opened my can of soup and there was a bug in it...
ok, maybe that's not so strange...

At work we get giftcards for doing safety observations. Today everyone got a gift card but me....
There was a possible "glitch" in the system. or maybe I didn't put my points in....but I truly thought I did. I haven't forgotten since I started work in 2007

Oh, and it feels as if there is an invisible stack of bricks crushing my head.

today is just very strange indeed. Please keep me in your prayers.


Perhaps, God will soon move mightily. Yes, I believe that He will...

I'm going to post the "lost, disappearing blog tomorrow" if I can....

God Bless :)

Tomorrow I will retype the post I lost :(
God Bless

Poem for the Found

Every little smile, every precious breath

holds it's own in Time,

lives on in spite of Death.

Every kind word captured,

Every good will done

Lives in a place where there is no Night,

Nor no need for a Sun.

Let Every Memory,

Let Every Act of Love,

Remind us that there is No Strife.

Earth may have claimed a body,

But

He Has WON a Life.

Written by Me, Inspired by Jesus, Dedicated to Mrs. Janette and so many others we have lost.

Heavy Heart

I have a heavy heart today. Today was the wake for Mrs. Jeanette. I am so sad at the senseless way she died. I am heartbroken for the way she was taken from her family.
It's so tragic and so senseless. I couldn't imagine someone taking the life of my mom or my child.

I can't even begin to imagine the burden. I am so sad for my niece and nephew whose grandmother was just "taken."

I can't fathom what would go thorough someone's mind.
But I truly have no doubt that Mrs. Jeanette is in heaven. Please read my post dedicated to Mrs. Jeanette...

Tonight I grieve for her and for corruption in general.

I know so many people that openly flaunt their adulterous ways. I know so many people that talk about heaven and how they will be there....but yet, continue in ways of lies, greed, corruption and heaven only knows what else..

Do people think that heaven is a free for all? Do people think that everyone will be there? Does everyone think that if they cross their fingers and make a wish, that Jesus will say, Oh, it's ok that you lied and stole most of your life, come on in.."

Sadly, I don't think it works that way. When I walked in total darkness, I thought that if I died, I would be safe. I thought that God would have pity on such a lost, hurting soul.

He did have pity on my lost and hurting soul, but He wanted me to call out to Him while I lived.
When we die, the choice is made. There is no going back. The road stops there. What matters then is whether we abadoned our evil, selfish, lying ways and took the narrow path...or we choose the wide path, that felt right and ended in death.

I"m sad becasuse I know people openly engaged in adultery and yet they somehow believe they will make it to the Kingdom. News flash. It's not going to happen, you are playing with fire.

If I hadn't seen and experienced so much, I might be walking the wide path too....it's the easy route, but in order to truly see and understand we have to commit to doing right, to seeking His face, and to giving up that which He asks...

I'm not the type to preach "hellfire and damnation." When I went to LSU I would always see a man standing in the middle of the quad, shouting to the whole campus that they doomed to hell.
It irritated most folks because there didn't seem to be anything kind or loving about this man.
He seemed to be throwing rocks at everyone with his words.

But I've learned since then that hell is a horrible place. I know it from all that I have experienced in the realm of the supernatural. I'm not going to stand on a podium and tell everyone that fire and brimstone will rain down upon them, but maybe it is good that someone reminds people that Hell does exist.

I pity the man that murdered Melonies mother. A very harsh sentence awaits this man unless he somehow finds his way.

If people believed in Hell, everyone would think twice before murder, adultery, and lies.
America might not be going down the toilet if people believed that there was a Hell.
IF people reached for the Light, sought Him, and acted love, life would be more like a Heaven on earth and less like the Hell it is becoming.

Message to all faiths

Why is there seemingly so much "religious" hatred and intolerance?

Why?

Why do certain religions believe that thier way is the ONLY way to the Cross?

Didn't Jesus say, I am the Way, The Truth, and The Life? No Man cometh to the Father, but by me?

Jesus doesn't reside in a building or an institution.

He is there for ALL who seek Him.
ALL

My GOD is so big, that He doesn't limit Himself.

He is there for all that Knock.

He never said, "to all Pentecostals that knock, I will answer, or to all Baptists that knock, I will answer. Or to all Non-Demoninationals or Catholics that knock, I will answer."

He calls us each to knock.

I hope I don't offend anyone, I just wish that religions could come together in the ONE Man that unites us.

Are we meant to be divided? Are we meant to feel so "separate?"

Something deep inside me says that we are not.

I've learned how to break the barriers of opposing religions....

It is unimaginably simple.

It is through His Love.

I can honestly say that I truly love all people of all religions. Honestly.
I want everyone to find thier way.

I have friends and family of the Catholic faith. I rode to a funeral with a lady of Catholic faith the other day. She was one of the most thoughtful and considerate person I have ever met. She Knew Him.

My friend, Jennifer and my in-laws, Know Him.

I am not Catholic. I Know Him.

Why do we try to "change" one another?

I've had so many people attempt to convert me to their religion...

Is it not obvious that I know Him? That I love with my heart and soul?

His Word is written on my heart and mind, the way He said it would be. If every church in America burned to the ground, His Holy Spirit would still lead me into Truth...

Why?

Because I seek. Because I knock upon the door...and He is faithful to His word...
He opens it unto me.

It is a beautiful thing.

How He loves each of us. No matter what religion we are, or what church we attend.
He loves us even if we do not go to church.
He loves the crack addict. And the cocaine dealer. He wants them to come to Him.
If they Knock, He will answer. He does not limit Himself.

He does not belong inside of a box. He is too big. He must sometimes feel suffocated by the ways that we limit Him.

I used to wait tables. Sometimes I would wait on Pentecostal women. They wore long dresses and had long hair. I like thier long dresses and long hair. To me, it represents modesty.
To me, it is beautiful.
I would always wonder if they looked at me different. If they judged me for my shorter hair and jeans. But maybe they wondered if I judged them....

How I wish we could could come together in love and abandon the hatred....

I have been in churches of other faiths and felt like a foreigner. I have felt hurt at comments by other "religions" that sling insults at people "not like them."

Why? Doesn't that go against everything that He taught?

The only force powerful enough to break down a wall....is love.

Simply, love.

Quotes by St. Therese de Lisieux

www.fellowshipofthemartyrs.com

"May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us." — St. Thérèse de Lisieux

"The splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not rob the little violet of it’s scent nor the daisy of its simple charm. If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness." — St. Thérèse de Lisieux

Quotes by Mother Teresa

A reporter asked Mother Teresa, "When a baby dies alone in Calcutta alley, where is God? Her response? "God is there, suffering with that baby. The question really is where are you?

We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls. Mother Teresa

If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. Mother Teresa

If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one. Mother Teresa

If you want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it. Mother Teresa

Intense love does not measure, it just gives. Mother Teresa

Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do... but how much love we put in that action.
Mother Teresa

Love begins by taking care of the closest ones - the ones at home.
Mother Teresa

Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go.
Mother Teresa ______

One of the things that I admire about Mother Teresa is that she was a walking representation of Christ on earth. Her love showed. She lived her faith. Her quotes are timless because they are born from a heart of love.

I can't say that I agree with all of the teaching of the Catholic church, but that's ok. We can peacefully agreee to disagree on things.There will always be disagreements in every religion. But there will always be one thing we share, and that is Jesus...
I can say that I admire anyone who can humbly represent Jesus. I admire Mother Teresa. 

I want to thank my Catholic friends for the way they represent Him.

Jen, in your unwavering commitment and faithfulness even despite the storms of life.

The Mitchells, in your dedication to your family and grandchildren and the things you do for needy and the prisoners

Robby, in your unfailing desire tht the love of Christ be known.

I think one of my greatest experiences in the Catholic Church was on an Easter Service. We each walked up to the front to kiss the cross. What a beautiful life we would live in, if we would all daily learn to kiss the cross.

A new song

I sing a song I wrote for you
Like inscense floating through the air
Through space and time
To find you where
You wait to hear of our love

I kiss the scars upon your feet
I taste the Word of Love so sweet
I breathe your spirit in so deep
That spirit lives inside of me…

chorus

And I sing a song of Praise
I long to walk in all your ways
To seek you out in all my days
I long to go where you have gone
Look on lands, you’ve looked upon
I sing a song of Praise

The mysteries of life are
so abundant in your hand
When I sing a song to you
The universe itself expands

So You take me in your arms
And You keep me from the wolves
You're my shepherd, you are my king
And to you, this song I sing.

Chorus:
And I sing a song of Praise
I long to walk in all your ways
To seek you out, in all my days
I long to go where you have gone
Look upon the lands you've looked upon
I sing a song of praise


Bridge:

When you were little,
When you were young,
I long to know, the song that Mary sung to you

When you were just an infant child
I long to see your perfect smile
What were your dream as a boy?
Did you know, that you would die?

Did you know that they would nail you to
a cross, made out of tree?
Did you know, I don’t know, but you the fact remains
You humbly died for me.

repeat Chorus:

A song I just wrote...He gave it to me...:)

Mrs. Jeanette

Today a tragedy occured in our family. My sister-in-law's mother passed away.
I can't even call it "passed away." She was brutally murdered. Her name was Mrs. Mary Jeanette Duhon. We called her Mrs. Jeanette. I didn't know her very well, but everytime I saw her, a smile lit up her face. She was beautiful on the inside and out. She was in her late forties.

Today her estranged husband decided he wanted revenge. She decided a few weeks ago that she no longer wanted to endure his abuse. Like a bird wanting to spread her wings, she flew away from him. Apparently, he wanted her back in a cage. So today, around 7:30 a.m, he took his shotgun to her home and took her life.

She is the grandmother to my niece and nephew. She is the mother to my brother's wife, my very dear friend, Melonie. I wish I had words to comfort the family right now. I can't fathom such a tragedy.

Lately, I have grown close to Melonie.

During the course of the past few weeks, I have listened attentively to her story. She has an amazing story. It makes me sad how so many amazing stories are tinted with tragedy. So often they are more than "tinted" with tragedy. Sometimes they are covered in gore.

Sometimes, it seems as if the human spirit can't rise to its highest, unless it has been beaten and broken into almost nothing.

No words can express my sorrow for Mel and her family.

I want to share some things Mel and I talked about during the past week, because even though all seems lost right now, there is still that Light.

I can see it so clearly. I know that if I was directly involved, I don't think I could see it.

I think I would be be so wrought with grief, that the Light would seem hidden. But I know that it is still there.

I was talking to a coworker last night about some things Mel shared with me. Through her story, I can see the face of Jesus. Mel's dad passed away in 2007. He died in an offshore explosion.

Mel shared a dream she had two weeks before her dad died. She told me that, in the dream, she saw Mrs. Laura Lynn Wasson. Mrs. Laura Lynn had recently lost a daughter. In the dream, Mrs. Laura Lynn led Melonie into a room. Melonie said, the room was black. Pitch black...but she could hear voices of her loved ones. She couldn't see anything. She was very confused and afraid standing in the middle of total darkness, unable to see anything or anyone around.

Finally, She found her way outside. She stepped into a beautiful garden. When she looked at her chest, there was huge beetle covering her heart. It had long feelers that had pried deep into her skin.

Mrs. Laura Lynn came to her and said, "I am going to remove this beetle. It is going to hurt, but when I take this beetle off of you, there will be no scars."

That was the dream. Mel explained how she had no idea what the dream meant.

Two weeks later, Mel's dad died. She said shortly thereafter, Jesus showed her the meaning of the dream. The dark room was the very dark place that she would face. The tragedy. The voices were the loved ones who would comfort her in her despair.

Mel asked Him about the beetle around her heart. Jesus said that the beetle represented the deep pain that she would face, but that when it was all said and done, there would be no scars. He would heal her from her pain.

Mel told me that after her dad died she was so very angry. She prayed and prayed to hear his voice in her dreams. She said one night, she saw him in her dreams. He was carrying her baby, her unborn child that she had lost in a miscarriage, and he was smiling from ear to ear. He was so happy!
I cried along with Mel, as she told me these things.

She told me about the horrible, horrible time she had dealing with everything. She told me of the immense pain she faced. There were days when she couldn't get out of bed. She said she spoke to God one day. She was ready to give up. So many people that we loved had died that year.

She said, "Show me, God. Show me Something, Please!" She opened her Bible. She said that she heard a voice telling her, "Read from the beginning." She replied, "I have the read the beginning so many times, Why should I read from the beginning?"

"Read from the beginning".

So she did.

She told me that she read until she came across the story of Noah. She said, it was then that she knew why she had to read from the beginning.

She said Noah's family were "all together" in that boat. They were all there. Safe. The winds and rain came down, but yet there they were still '"all together."

Today, as I heard about Mrs. Jeannette's murder, I was sick to my stomach. I still am. But Mel, Russell, Tori,....if you are reading this....Mrs. Jeanette is in that boat. She is there.

Please don't give up hope.

One day, you will be in that boat, as well.... That boat is heaven. It's a real place. I've seen it in my dreams. It's more real to me than a person standing beside me. I've seen so many supernatural events and occurances, that Heaven is literally more real to me than anything else.

I wrote a post several months back, entitled "all together."

The only way we can ever be "All together" is through Him. Because life doesn't end when we die.

There is more. There is so much more.

But we all have a choice. As living beings, we can choose to walk in darkness or we can choose to get on the boat. The boat is Light. On it are all things good and all things right. On that boat, is eternal life promised through Christ Jesus.

God Bless you, Mel. God Bless you, Luke, Rebecca, Micah, Tori, Russell, Diane, and all those affected by this horrible death.

My prayers are with you and I am here for you if you need me. Love you!

http://letmewashyourfeet.blogspot.com/2011/04/all-together.html

I just read Mrs. Janette's facebook posts. Lately, she had been so happy and so grateful to God.
In her posts, she frequently counted her blessings. She was so beautiful on the inside and out.

I learned from my brother that Mrs. Janette's last word was, "Jesus." Of all the thousands of words in the English language, she knew the One that could offer her hope. I can see Jesus in her final moments, answering her call,
I can see Him picking her up, putting her on His back, and saying, Come away with Me, my love. Come away....and then He placed her upon the boat and took her into heaven.

God Bless you, Mrs. Janette.

The problem of evil

I read this from a website I found surfing the net some time ago... I thought it was beautiful...I didn't write it, but obtained permission ...

Does Evil Exist?(There is a rumor that Einstein was this student. He was not! Whoever it was.. Nicely done!)


The university professor challenged his students with this question.


"Did God create everything that exists?


A student bravely replied, "yes! He did!""



God created everything?” the professor asked.


"Yes sir", the student replied. The professor answered,


"If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists and according to the principal that our works define who we are, then God is evil".


The student became quiet before such an answer.


The professor was quite pleased with himself and boasted to the students that he had proven once more that the Christian faith was a myth.


Another student raised his hand and said, "Can I ask you a question, professor?""


Of course", replied the professor.


The student stood up and asked, "Professor, does cold exist?""

What kind of question is this? Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?"The students snickered at the young man's question.


The young man replied, "In fact, sir, cold does not exist. According to the laws of physics, what we consider cold is in reality the absence of heat. Everybody or object is susceptible to study, when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (- 460 degrees F) is the total absence of heat; all matter becomes inert and incapable of reaction at that temperature. Cold does not exist. We have created this word to describe how we feel if we have no heat.”


The student continued. "Professor, does darkness exist?"

The professor responded, "Of course it does".


The student replied, "Once again you are wrong sir, darkness does not exist either. Darkness is in reality the absence of light. Light we can study, but not darkness. In fact we can use Newton's prism to break white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color. You cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn't this correct? Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present."


Finally the young man asked the professor. "Sir, does evil exist?"


Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course, as I have already said. We see it every day. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil."


To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself.

Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God.


God did not create evil. Evil is not like faith, or love that exist just as does light and heat. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart.


It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light."


The professor sat down.

It is a rumor that Einstein was that student. HE WAS NOT!

The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it .- Albert Einstein*

I got this from http://www.john33.com/,

Sweet, Sweet Boy

Yesterday I wrote about a boy named Riley Choate. He endured so much abuse and died as a result.
Today I walked into a gas station and I saw a little boy. He looked maybe 5 or 6 years old. He had a very sweet face. I looked at him and wondered, "How many little Riley Choate's are there walking around?" They don't hang signs around the necks of abused children. They don't carry around scarlet letters that say, "Hey, Help me, I'm being beaten every night or molested every other day by a family member." Yet, we know they are out there.

I approached this sweet, sweet boy in the gas station. I immediately felt the love of Jesus pouring through me, I wanted to simply reach out and hug this little boy. But we simply don't do that in our society. Someone might have me arrested. It's a sad fact that lines of right and wrong have been blurred.

So I patted him on the head, smiled, and said, "Hello." He smiled back. I engaged him a little banter. He was so precious.

I felt a love for his mother, as well. She was friendly. She was young, but I could see that her teeth were black. She was talking to someone and cursing. I don't know why but I felt a little sorry for the boy. I don't judge his mother. I want the best for them. I only hope that the boy is getting the love he needs and deserves. How many little Riley Choate's are out there? How many do we encounter on a daily basis but never know the truth about the horrors of their little lives?

How many? I told the little boy that Jesus loved him. He kindof followed me around the store. Or maybe I followed him..I don't remember.

He watched me the whole time I was there. His little eyes followed me around. I showed him attention. I told him how cute and sweet he was. I told him that Jesus loves him. Hopefully, he'll remember those small things if one day he ever feels that hope is lost.

I said a prayer for this sweet, sweet boy.

Today, reach out in love. Small acts of kindness can make a huge difference.

Another inspiring blog

I love reading Patti's posts...
http://www.inspiredbylove.wordpress.com

I come bringing baby booties and bears

For the past few days, I found myself slipping into depression. Once again, I find myself looking at my situation with 'human eyes." When I look at my life, through human eyes, I get very depressed.

I listened to the lies that things will never change. People will never change.
I found myself slipping into the mindset of "hopelessness."

As I was beginning to become aware that I was slipping into negative thought mode, my aunt sent me a text:

The text read, "It takes the power of God to release us from negative, locked in thinking. It takes true guts to leave the ruts that you are living in" from PJ

It's strange how my aunt rarely sends me texts, but when she does, the message is "dead on."
Sometimes, it's hard to release the "negative thoughts, " but, like all things, I find that when I let them go, there is a true peace.

Someone spoke some hurtful words to me the other day, and I let it get me down. I let it define me. I even began to find myself feeling extra sensitive to the words of others, letting even the slightest thing or word, affect me negatively.

My mom spoke something and, even though she meant no harm, I took it with an attitude of extreme sensitivity. I responded inappropiately. I was kindof ashamed the next day because I realized how much my mom does. She relentlessly works in the garden to provide food for her family. She tirelessy works. She homeschools my oldest boy, Cade while I work to pay off student loans. She is a true hero. We haven't always seen eye to eye, but maybe I never tell her that I do appreciate the things that she does. Mom, if you are reading this, I do appreciate you...and love you.

I guess we all respond differently to things. The altercation with my husband from earlier in the day, caused me to put up a wall. I guess I thought I was protecting myself by defending myself from other's words. Words can do so much harm.

I am friends with a girl on facebook. Her husband recently left her for another woman. He carried on for quite a while, leading her through a maze of lies. I get so angry when I read her posts. Not at her, of course. I sympathize with her...I am angry at her husband. I am angry at lies. I am angry at selfishness and adultery. When I read her posts, my first instinct is to lash out at my husband. Lash out for the lost trust. Lash out for the lies. So much in this life doesn't seem right or fair sometimes. So so much.

So for the past few days, my heart had been a little heavy. Not overwhelming heavy, but I found that I had to continually lean on him and offer my tears in prayer. As I was in the midst of all of this "heaviness.."........

I delivered some of my specially ordered bears to the children at Harbour House. I had 12 bears in my car. I wasn't sure how many bears I would need to bring, but I found that they had 12 children at Harbor House that day....

When I was there, I knew that the children inside had faced some form of abuse and neglect. I knew that the children inside Harbour House had endured things that children shouldn't have to endure. Immediately, my own problems seemed pale in comparison. I knew that by deliving my little bears, I was making a difference. No matter how small, I was spreading some Light. I wrote the kids some letters telling them how much they are loved and cared for. I wanted them to have the same Hope that I have.

After I left Harbour House, I circled the city for a while looking for a place called, ABC Pregnancy Resource Center....in hopes of bringing some baby booties.

I finally found the place. I went inside armed with 20 pairs of baby booties, 20 letters from Fathersloveletter.com, and 20 letters that I wrote to mom's considering abortion.
When I was talking to the women who ran the clinic, I knew that I was supposed to be there. I was touched by the stories that they shared. They were so thankful for the baby booties. They know, how even the smallest act of love, can have a huge impact on a single life. They told me that baby booties can have a huge impact. I know they do, from experience. Ten years earlier, I sat in ABC Pregnacy Resource Center. I took a free pregnancy test. A lady came in a little room and handed me a pair of baby booties and told me that I was going to have a baby. I remembered how hard I cried when she handed me those baby booties. I was so afraid at that time. I wondered how I was going to tell my family. I had so much fear, but somehow those little baby booties helped me...
The ladies at the clinic said they often can change a mother's mind about abortion. Baby booties remind them that their babies have feet.

They showed me a picture on the wall. A beautiful, tiny baby girl smiled back with perfect innocence. They shared that the picture was of a girl whose mother was planning on aborting, but changed her mind. I nearly cried as I looked into the eyes of this baby girl. I was so thankful that her mother chose life.

We talked statistics. I learned that so many women in my area opt for abortion. Many do not even consider adoption because they have a negative perception of adoption. They simply don't want to hand thier child over to a "stranger." I guess abortion seems like an easy route.

They showed me a little room with baby clothes. Expecting parents and new moms can go to recieve parenting classes and, in turn, get to pick out some new clothes.

I nearly cried when I saw the dedication and commitmment of the women who worked there. They tirelessly work to give hope to expecting moms. They tirelessly work to change the minds and hearts of those considering abortion. They share the hope that have. They share Jesus with the women that come into thier clinic. They said that they led 3 women to Jesus the previous day alone. How amazing!

They showed me some little dolls. Each doll is modeled to look like an exact replica of a baby in the various stages of development. They say that so many women change thier minds about abortion when looking at and holding these little dolls.

After I conversed with the women who worked at the center, I ran back to car and grabbed 20 more pairs of booties, 21 more letters from Fathersloveletter.com, and 20 more personal letters.

There is such a great need! Over 800 women have gone through the doors of the clinic since January. Of the 800 women, 150 women have opted for abortion.

If my baby booties, or letters could affect one life, then my mission would have been worth it...One child. Just one saved child is worth so much.

I know that my efforts are futile. All that I do is for Him. He can change hearts. He can change minds. He can change lives. Only He and He alone. My prayer is that when women read my letter, they will see Him there. They will find a Hope in Him.

As I carried out these acts of love, something rose up within me...
This beautiful purpose and calling
His love pales everything else in comparison

by doing these small and simple things, I remembered that,
This life is not about me. This walk is not about me. It's about Him. It's about acting on the word and building the house upon the rock,
the house that is essentially "rooted" in good things.

When my heart is rooted to His very own,
my spirit is then free to soar....

Tonight, pray for a woman considering abortion. Pray for the unborn children that will never walk in the sunlight, or feel the wind across thier backs...
but will inevitably walk with their Creator and Master...

Riley Choate had a name

The other day I heard one of the most grusome stories that I have heard in a long time.
I read the story, and I wanted to cry. I've heard stories like this, but I wanted to cry for this young boy.

His name was Riley Choate. He was 13 years old. He lived with his dad and stepmother. He was abused. They kept him locked in a cage. They literally treated him like an abused dog. He was kept in diapers. He was kicked in the head until he died. His dad buried him with a Bible on his chest.

When I first heard Riley's story, I wanted to cry so badly. I couldn't cry at first. I think, as a nation, we hear so so many stories about abuse and torture that our hearts become hardened. It's sad how nothing seemingly surprises me anymore.

Later in the day, it hit me like a stack of bricks. I could see the helplessness and desperation. I could see such a darkness. Such despair. I broke down. I cried for quite a while. But I wanted to cry. I needed to cry for Riley. Riley deserves people to cry for him.

Riley Choate, I am so sorry for what happened to you.. I wish the nation and the world would shed a tear for you. Although you didn't make it in this life, I pray that Jesus takes you into His arms in the next.

I wish I could give you a decent funeral, Riley Choate..I know that your family didn't care about you...but there are people out there that would have loved you and treated you with the dignity you deserved. I wish I could give you a thousand yellow roses. Or whatever flower was your favorite. I'll ask Jesus to give them to you in Heaven...
I am sad, Riley Choate. But I will pray for your family because, now that you are with Jesus, that is what you would want.
I love you, Riley...
http://www.suntimes.com/news/crime/5294165-418/dad-stepmom-charged-in-murder-of-boy-found-under-concrete-slab.html

Where are the abused children? What can we do for them? I know there are places like temporary homes and shelters in cities and communities across the globe.
It's time to reach out and spread the light. Do it for Jesus. Do it for kids like Riley.

Riley Chaote has a name. His name means "valiant" or "courageous." I guess one would have to be courageous to endure such hardship and abuse. God Bless you, little Riley...

May you rest in the arms of your Maker

The fox

Yesterday I saw a fox cross the road.
He looked like he had been through hard times. He was very thin. He had lost much of his hair. He looked frail..and yet, he trudged on..through the grass...

I looked at that frail fox yesterday, and I somehow identified with it's plight..
I have been broken and battered. I have lived through a hard time, and yet I trudge on...
I am a survivor, like the fox.
I refuse to let the memories of yesterday get me down. My heart still beats. And like the fox, I may appear brusied and broken, but I still feel the sun on my back and the wind in my hair.
Yesterday, I was the fox....

Yesterday, was a rather discouraging day. I gave into anger. Someone had said some words that offended me deeply. I should have walked away, but I had done many things for this person and I truly didn't deserve the treatment. I guess no one is failproof. We all make mistakes. But we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and learn from our mistakes.

The next time someone offends me, instead of lashing out, I will walk away. Jesus loves me still just the same.