L-O-R-I

The new year is upon us and like most people I always seem to come up with some new year's resolutions. I rarely keep them and most of them are lame. Like lose weight! Ha! How many years have I resolved to that one! I don't know why I don't seem to keep them. I don't consider myself a quitter but at the same time I don't push myself all that much either.

So, I was thinking as I was driving into work how I needed a way to keep my resolutions fresh on my mind every single day and that is when it hit me MY NAME! I will take each letter from my name and resolute myself to that for 2010. So, here goes...

L - Listen... I tend to talk so much that I never listen or when I do actually shut up long enough to listen my mind is racing in a million different directions that I don't actually listen to what someone is saying. And just as with everyone else, I don't listen to/for God. Once again I ramble and talk so much that I never hear him. So, this year I resolve to LISTEN to/for my Heavenly Father.

"But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.” Proverbs 1:33 (NLT)

O - Organize... Organize my priorities. It seems that I catch myself putting work before my family, my family before God...well to be judgement day honest, I put alot of things before God. I don't study my Bible every day, I don't pray as I should and basically, I just don't spend time with my Father! He is just standing there waiting on me and I'm busy running around doing a bunch of nothing. Maybe that's why I can't hear him talk to me... So, this year I resolve to ORGANIZE my priorities and always put God first!

"We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it." Proverbs 16:9 (MSG)

R - Rejoice... Rejoice in my worship! Lately I have noticed that I am a stuffy worshiper. Have you ever thought that about yourself? I go with the crowd around me and I don't separate myself and just worship. I find myself not turning my mind from this world to focus on heaven during worship on Sundays and then I find myself not worshiping during the week. So, this year I resolve to REJOICE and worship my Savior as He should be worshiped!

"I will sing a new song to You, O God...I offer praises to You." Psalm 144:9 (Amplified)

I - Invest... Invest in other people. So many times I run through my day and I never take a moment to invest anything in someone else. I don't talk to fellow line standers about Christ. I don't invite anyone to church with me. For that matter I don't invite others to Christ which is even worse! Rahab was a prostitute who went outside her comfort zone and invested herself into two spies whom Joshua sent from an Israelite camp. Rahab's investment saved her life along with the life of her family. So, this year I resolve to INVEST in other people's lives. I will put my own insecurities aside and put myself out there...like Rahab!

"Now swear to me by the Lord that you will be kind to me and my family since I have helped you...We offer our own lives as a guarantee for your safety..." Joshua 2:12 & 14 (NLT).

What's your resolutions this year?

Beauty Out of A Mess

Sculptures...I have never really understood them nor had an appreciation for them like others do. For example, there is this sculpture in Chicago of a bean. Did you hear me? A bean! I don't get it. Then in New York you have the charging bull. Right there in the middle of the walkway you have this bull. Hmmm...I don't get it! At this very moment my child is cringing as she is reading this because she has such an appreciation for sculptures and artwork.

Although, looking at the bean and the bull I can tell what they are. Have you ever seen the sculptures that are made from steel? Or, what about sculptures made out of trash?! Those I really don't understand. I twist my head from side to side. I cock my head left to right but I still don't see what other people see. I don't see a beautiful picture...I see steel and trash!

I wonder what people see when they see me? Do they see an overweight woman with baby fine thin hair who is not frilly or girly at all? Do they see a Mom who does her best to listen to her kids and is always trying to find the line in between parenting and controlling? Do they see a wife who has been married her entire adult life? Hmmm...I wonder...

Although my life has spun out of control numerous times over the years I finally found a sculptor who was willing to take my trash and make something beautiful out of it. Oh don't get me wrong, I'm such a work in progress and He probably thinks that I am the project that will never be finished because I continue to make a mess out of things, but just knowing that my trash is in the hands of a beautiful sculptor gives me some peace. My sculptor is non other than God himself! His hands are big enough to hold my trash but yet delicate enough to place it in just the perfect way to make me a beautiful creature. He and only He can make beauty out of my mess!

"Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT).

Veils

Bridezillas, Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?, Say Yes To The Dress, Platinum Weddings, Rich Bride Poor Bride...I'm hooked! I watch them all and love them! My poor Kristina has been roped in as well and we love nothing more than sitting on the couch, covered up in blankets and watching one episode after another.

We discuss the dresses, the bridesmaids, the location, the wedding planners, the cake, the guests...just everything that we see. We talk about when Shane and I were married and what she would like for her wedding and we sigh out loud as we reminisce and dream.

But, one conversation that always is sure to get us laughing is when we talk about veils. Some of them are thick and full while others are simple and elegant. Some of them are poofy and yet others have extra long trains. The thick and full veils seem to always get me and Kristina going. "How do they see through all that tulle?" is our question. They look like bee charmers walking down the aisle. As the wedding ceremony concludes and the preacher says "You may kiss your bride" the groom begins to ramble through all that tulle and as he finally finds his bride's face he always seems shocked to finally see her face!

Alot of days I think we as Christians walk around with tons and tons of tulle over our faces. We hide ourselves instead of walking around with the freedom of the veil being torn off. We aren't sure how or what or why but we are hidden. Girlfriend we are free! That veil has been removed and in order for us to see the glory of the Lord we need to uncover our faces! I find myself hiding some days not because I don't want to see the glory of the Lord but I'm scared I won't reflect it for others. I am learning that as long as I seek Him then I cannot help but become like Him and my face will do nothing but glow with all His glory!

"So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT).

Either Ya Got It Or Ya Don't...

Snow, snow, snow...that's all I heard the week leading up to Christmas. The local weatherman said all the players were on the field. I was so excited along with the rest of the Alabama crowd. I love the snow and everything it brings with it. The peacefulness, the excitement, the inner kid in an old woman (haha), just everything about the snow...I love it! Now, don't get me wrong, I would never want to live up north where they get tons and tons of snow. I don't want to see snow from December to March but I do love the occasional white stuff strategically placed in my yard.

As Christmas day approached my hopes for a white Christmas diminished pretty quickly. The front was a little farther north and all we would get was rain. As Gabe and I drove to the orthodontist on Christmas Eve Eve we talked about how our chance of snow was gone. I began to dream out loud of what a white Christmas would be like when Gabe encouraged me, "Mom, it could still happen...a white Christmas isn't completely out of the picture."

I about wrecked the truck turning to look at him and I began to explain how James Spann had said the front was too far north and blah blah blah (like he cared what the weather man said) and then he said it..."Well, who would have thought a virgin could give birth?!?!?!"

Ouch! What do you say to that? I had nothing. I was speechless. I basically crawled back into myself and drove on to the orthodontist's office in silence. Hmmmm...who would have thought?

How's your faith lately? Mine? Well, some days I think it's pretty good and then others I'm thinking not so much! How often do we pray for God to reveal himself to us, but we don't look for him? How many times do we walk by a bush and think "Why don't you speak through burning bushes anymore?" Truth of the matter is if I walked by a bush and that thing caught fire and I heard "Lori....Lori..." I would scream and run for the hills! How's my faith? I must honestly reply...lacking!

“'You don’t have enough faith,' Jesus told them. 'I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.'" Matthew 17:20 (NLT)

Temporary Home

This house, that house. White walls, ugly carpet. Growing up a preacher's kid taught me to go with the flow because you never know what to expect, but the living arrangements were always the same. Every house had white walls and the carpet was always hideous. Some houses would have curtains hanging from the windows that we knew was nothing more than something that someone else had not wanted.

My Momma always had a way of coming into the house and within a day or so the house was our home. Pictures were hung, new curtains were bought, she would bake it seemed like almost immediately so that the house smelled like home. It didn't seem to matter where we went it was just always home.

Somewhere along the way we acquired this fork. I don't know when this fork came into our lives but it seemed to just appear out of thin air and it quickly became "my fork." With each move my fork made the journey and with each meal in whatever house I ate with my fork. It seemed as though no matter what happened in our lives, how upside down they were turned or how uprooted we were that fork stayed consistent in my life. I always knew that no matter where I laid my head down, what the kitchen looked like, how big or small the local school was, I always had something that never changed...my fork.

I'm 35 years old and to this day I still eat with "my fork" when I go to Momma's house. It has become quite the joke and everyone steals my fork just to watch me rant and rave but in the end I ALWAYS eat with "my fork."

No matter how old we all get we enjoy the comforts of home. We like the security, the peace of mind. The assurity that no matter where our journey started that morning we can always go home. (Or...to a fork!) But, you know what? This is just a temporary home. This is just a stopping place in our journey. We are assured that there are bigger and better things waiting on us and in my little mind...my heavenly mansion is filled with forks from here to there!

"...Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father's home. If that weren't so, would I have told you that I'm on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I'm on my way to get your room ready, I'll come back and get you so you can live where I live..." John 14:1-4 (MSG)

Christmas Ornaments

As I sat down looking at my reflection in the red ornament hanging on the tree I began to look up and down and all around at the different ornaments. Some were round balls, some were tear drops. A few were clear with snowflakes painted on them and then there was the occasional twisty ornament delicately placed in random sequence.

As I stared I started thumping the ornament with my finger and it seemed huge as it reflected off the red glass. As I thumped it would swing forward and backwards then side to side. My reflection would get larger then smaller, larger then smaller. I began to watch my reflection in other ornaments as I played with this one amazed at how different my perception was in each one. But, no matter which ornament I watched or how close or far away my face seemed none of the ornaments reflected what I truly looked like.

Just as my reflection was not accurate...my perception of others is not always correct. I have heard the statement many times "looking through rose colored glasses," but how many of us look at other people through "Christmas ornaments?" What we think we see isn't a true reflection but instead it is distorted and unusual. The only way to truly know someone is to turn around and look at them! I am so guilty of looking at someone and immediately thinking I know everything about them by the way they are dressed, the way they carry themselves, their mannerisms, the way they talk, etc. but then I become offended when someone stereotypes me! Interesting how that works, huh?

"...discover beauty in everyone...get along with everybody...'I'll do the judging,' says God..." Romans 12:17 (MSG).

Soar Like Eagles

As they take off it is as if you can see the wind underneath them. They flap their wings one, two, three times and then just soar. They dive up and down as if they are riding a wave. Turn to the left, flap again, dive down towards the earth and then take a sharp turn to the right, raise their heads high towards the heavens, flap once more and they shoot up like a rocket while the wind rushes through their wings and ruffles each feather individually.

I have watched many birds fly but none quite get to me like the eagles. They fly with such purpose and stature. They are majestic, powerful, beautiful... Eagles symbolize my idea of freedom. As I watch them I breathe in and out almost in a rhythm wishing I were one of them. I can't quite find the words to explain how I feel when I watch an eagle fly!

There is a peace that is found in eagles. Just by the way they move. I think Isaiah shared my love for eagles. I can envision him standing on a cliff watching eagles as they soared through the air riding each wave of wind that is nothing more than the breath of God. "...those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (NLT).

Life isn't about jobs and cars, houses or offices. Life isn't about how many presents are under the tree or what time you're supposed to be at your in-law's house. Life is about patience, perseverance, trusting, honoring - - soaring...

They that wait upon the Lord

Shall renew their strength

They shall mount up with wings of eagles

They shall run and not be weary

They shall walk and not faint.

Teach me Lord, teach me Lord to wait.

Hymn: They That Wait Upon the Lord

Christmastime

This was written by my co-worker, Kelli Ryan, and is just way too good not to share!

One Christmas several, several years ago we (me and Roger) were headed back to Birmingham from Atlanta. We had gone over for a Christmas party Roger's office was having, and on the way home and quite out of the blue Roger asked me what I wanted for Christmas. Now this was about a week before Christmas which surprised me because that was early for him to be asking. Oh, I’m not being too critical because he is really good at the gift thing...he’s just a last-minute shopper most of the time. Anyway, in wanting to help him out with his creative/use-your-imagination side, I said .... "Oh...I don’t know" and then added, "Really though....don’t get me anything!" Yeah, right! Now, just who would fall for that one?! Well, I’ll tell you I married no dummy and being the smart guy that he is he said, "Well how about a dog", and without any, and I do mean any, hesitation, I said "NO!".... "...unequivocally NO! We have no fence around the backyard, and I will have NO house dog!". But I sensed I probably was speaking a little more loudly and a little more harshly than I meant to so I added "...no pets right now...we’ll get one some day....you know, later on...maybe after we put up a fence." But, as far as I was concerned, that was it....END OF DISCUSSION! We got back to Birmingham, picked up the kids, and me and Abbey went shopping and left Roger and David at home. ....but could we get anything done? No!, because after an hour or so, Roger started and kept calling me on my cell phone, and he kept on and on asking when we’d be home. Well, the first time or two I was thinking "Oh, how sweet...he misses us!" but by the third or fourth time I was just thinking "What is his problem?!" I mean this is not like him....he is NOT a "phone" person nor does he usually have to know or keep up with the when’s and wherefore’s of our "travels". I mean, at the time we were a two-car/meet-you-when-we-get there family for the most part. Anyway, while I was getting agitated, Abbey was getting suspicious. The last time Roger called to see if we were "on our way" Abbey grabbed the phone and finally and boldly said, "Dad, do you have an animal there?" (...PAUSE!...).....it never crossed my mind. I mean, wasn’t it the End of Discussion! up there earlier?! So I grabbed the phone from Abbey and said "Roger Ryan, if there is a puppy or a kitten or any kind of animal at my house (... it became MY house at that point) get rid of it before I get home. Don’t want an animal! ...and I certainly don’t want to see it because if I do I will get attached to it, and I don’t want to get attached to it! Take it back!" END OF DISCUSSION! ....I think I said "bye" before hanging up???!!! But just guess what?! That little puppy almost wiggled right out of his very skin when he came running up to me when I opened that door.... like he’d known me all of his (young!) life!...and he’s loved me the very most ever since. ...the feeling is mutual! Needless to say, I got "attached", very attached, to my dog Fred! That dog has brought me such joy and delight over the years! That "present" is the very best GIFT Roger has ever given me! (... smart man, huh?!!) (...P.S. That dog is much more of a house dog than he ever thought about being a yard dog. But you figured that out already, right?!!!)

As "gifts" go, though, there is one even greater that I received at the tender young age of 8. It was the free gift of salvation through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We celebrate His holy birth this time of year every year, and I want to share this "gift" and celebrate this "gift" with you now.

Acrostic:

G - GOD’S ONLY BEGOTTEN SON ... John 3:16-17 - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through Him." That’s our man Jesus....God’s "only begotten Son". Through Him we have the very gospel of salvation - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."

I - IMAGINE ... we can only! I mean, what a unique birth it was! Take a look at it from these "accounts" -

Mary, God’s "favored one" (Luke 1:28). See Luke 1:26-38 - but specifically let’s look at Verses 34-35 - "And Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you , and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God.’ " Wow! How would we have responded? Mary humbly accepted - Verse 38: "And Mary said, ‘Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word.’ ..."

Joseph, the "husband-to-be". See Matthew 1:18-25, but again let’s specifically look at some verses. Verses 20-21 - "But when he (Joseph just found out) had considered this, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins.’ " ...and just what a gentlemen that man Joseph was too (...after some "heavenly" encouragement, huh?!)! Verses 24-25..."And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took her as his wife, and kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus."

The Shepherds - See Luke 2:1-20. Well, we know about them. They were just out in the field minding their own business when "lo and behold" (...literally!) "...an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them , and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terribly frightened. And the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people (...that's us!); for today in the City of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you; you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying (...those angels were a busy bunch lately!), ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased.’ " (Verses 9-14). They went, and just guess what they found?!!!.....a sweet, precious little Baby Boy. (John 1:14 - "And the Word [Jesus Christ] became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.")

...and, even though they came later, around the time Jesus was about 2 years old, let’s include the Wise Men in this cast of characters- see Matthew 2:1-23, but specifically for now Verses 1-2: "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king (another "cast member" ... the villain), behold, Magi (a/k/a "The Wise Men") from the East arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him.’ " Well, well, they have been on a "treasure hunt"...well, actually it was a "hunt" to bring "treasures" to that sweet Baby Boy whom they had already accepted as "King" without even seeing Him. (Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.").

....and it was all a part of prophecy! Take a little "trip" through the Bible (given to me by my pastor) and see for yourself....Start at Genesis 3:15 then go to Genesis 12:1-3 and then to Isaiah 7:14 and on to Matthew 1:20-23 and next to Luke 1:34-35 and finally to 1 Timothy 1:15! Wow! It was foretold!

F - FATHER ... No one gets to God the Father except through His Son. John 14:6 - "Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me." This is how we get to God...through His "only begotten Son"!

T - TITLES ... and there are many which belong to Jesus, among which are: Isaiah 7:14 - "Immanuel" - see also Matthew 1:23 - "Immanuel which translated means ‘God with us’ ", and Isaiah 9:6 - "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace". ...and in the end..."Therefore also God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." - Philippians 2:9-11. What’s in a name? Everything!...1 Timothy 6:15-16 - "...He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords; who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen." ..."I and the Father are one." - John 10:30...that’s Jesus speaking.

A GIFT!....that’s what Jesus Christ is to us!

Someone E-Mailed me a "share-it-with-everyone" INVITATION to a Party (author unknown), and I want to share it with you. "There’s a party going on" just like the song says, and we are invited!.......

You are cordially invited to ...

A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!!!

Guest of Honor: JESUS CHRIST

Date: Every day. (Traditionally, December 25, but He's always around, so the date is flexible.)

Time: Whenever you're ready. (Please don't be late, though, or you'll miss out on all the fun!)

Place: In your heart.... He'll meet you there. (You'll hear Him knock.)

Attire: Come as you are... grubbies are okay. (He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.)

Tickets: Admission is FREE. He's already paid for everyone. (He says you wouldn't have been able to afford it anyway...it cost Him everything He had. But, you do need to accept the ticket!!)
Refreshments: New wine, bread, and a far-out drink He calls "Living Water," followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!

Entertainment: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness, Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing, Power, Eternity in Paradise, Contentment, and much more!

R.S.V.P. Very Important! He must know ahead so He can reserve a spot for you at the table. Also, He's keeping a list of His friends for future reference. He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life."

The thing is - at this Party, we get the GIFT! The GIFT of Salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. So y’all come! He paid the price - it’s totally FREE! Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast." It’s the GIFT that "keeps on giving"!

...and since it is a Birthday Party, I think a song would be in order, and the children from my church once sang the most wonderful "birthday" celebration song......

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Jesus!
I’m so glad it’s Christmas.
All the tinsel and lights and the presents are nice
But the real GIFT is You!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Jesus!
I’m so glad it’s Christmas.
All the carols and bells make the Holiday swell
And it’s all about You!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Jesus!
JESUS, I LOVE YOU!

He is the "Reason for the Season"! .... "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" - 2 Corinthians 9:15.

... and this Christmas as you are wrapping your gifts and opening presents just remember that it isn't about the presents, it's about HIS PRESENCE! Amen? Amen and Amen!!

Merry CHRISTmas to you and all of yours!
Kelli

(For other Bible studies and resources, please visit www.doctrinalstudies.com - and me, there at "Kelli's Korner".)

Know It All...

Oh I can't begin to count how many days I laugh because my teenagers think they know everything. I recently saw a status post on Facebook where a Mom was encouraging her know it all teenager to get a job and get out! haha Teenagers aren't the only ones who walk around thinking they know it all...so do we adults.

I have begun to notice something about myself...I tend to not listen! I know my Momma just about fell out of her chair when she read that sentence. Momma, it's okay, growth is part of maturity...look at me...growing up! =) Okay, okay, moving on...but anyway, I realized this just the other day. I asked a question and as the person was talking I immediately started thinking to myself "What? You have NO idea what you're talking about...." And when this person was finished they looked at me like I was a moron because I had not listened to them. I asked for help, yet I didn't heed their instructions.

Isn't it funny how we go through life just thinking we know everything about everything? I found a saying several months ago and I'm not sure who the author is but check this out...

Any fool can count the seeds in an apple. Only God can count all the apples in one seed.

How true, how true!

I received an email yesterday explaining that Psalm 118 was the middle of the Bible. An exact number before and an exact number following. Chance? Nah, it's just God proving that HE is the answer, HE is the way, HE is our salvation. He is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega! We don't know anything and it's about time we realized that!

Thank God because he's good, because his love never quits.

Tell the world, Israel,

"His love never quits."

And you, clan of Aaron, tell the world,

"His love never quits."

And you who fear God, join in,

"His love never quits."

Pushed to the wall, I called to God;

from the wide open spaces, he answered.

God's now at my side and I'm not afraid;

who would dare lay a hand on me?

God's my strong champion;

I flick off my enemies like flies.

Far better to take refuge in God

than trust in people;

Far better to take refuge in God

than trust in celebrities.

Hemmed in by barbarians,

in God's name I rubbed their faces in the dirt;

Hemmed in and with no way out,

in God's name I rubbed their faces in the dirt;

Like swarming bees, like wild prairie fire, they hemmed me in;

in God's name I rubbed their faces in the dirt.

I was right on the cliff-edge, ready to fall,

when God grabbed and held me.

God's my strength, he's also my song,

and now he's my salvation.

Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs

in the camp of the saved?

"The hand of God has turned the tide!

The hand of God is raised in victory!

The hand of God has turned the tide!"

I didn't die. I lived!

And now I'm telling the world what God did.

God tested me, he pushed me hard,

but he didn't hand me over to Death.

Swing wide the city gates—the righteous gates!

I'll walk right through and thank God!

This Temple Gate belongs to God,

so the victors can enter and praise.

Thank you for responding to me;

you've truly become my salvation!

The stone the masons discarded as flawed

is now the capstone!

This is God's work.

We rub our eyes—we can hardly believe it!

This is the very day God acted — let's celebrate and be festive!

Salvation now, God. Salvation now!

Oh yes, God—a free and full life!

Blessed are you who enter in God's name — from God's house we bless you!

God is God,

he has bathed us in light.

Festoon the shrine with garlands,

hang colored banners above the altar!

You're my God, and I thank you.

O my God, I lift high your praise.

Thank God—he's so good.

His love never quits!

Psalm 118 (MSG)

Winter Snow

Chris Tomlin came to my boss' church last week to perform a concert. He brought a young woman with him who had written the song "Winter Snow" for her to perform. My boss has raved about this song and the words are very touching. Just think, He could have just appeared from nowhere a grown man in the midst of a crowd and shocked everyone! But, no, He came quiet, as a baby born in a stable surrounded by horses, cattle, sheep.

Winter Snow by Audrey Assad

Could've come like a mighty storm

With all the strength of a hurricane

You could've come like a forest fire

With the power of Heaven in your flame.

But you came like a winter snow

Quiet and soft and slow

Falling from the sky in the night

To the earth below

You could've swept in like a tidal wave

Or an ocean to ravish our hearts

You could have come through like a roaring flood

To wipe away the things we've scarred

But you came like a winter snow,

Yes, you did

You were quiet, You were soft and slow

Falling from the sky in the night

To the earth below

Oh no, your voice wasn't in a bush burning

No, your voice wasn't in a rushing wind

It was still, it was small, it was hidden

Oh, you came like a winter snow

Quiet and soft and slow

Falling from the sky in the night

To the earth below

If you find the time today...please click on this link which will take you to YouTube and you can listen to this song. Amazing, fabulous, quiet. He could have came in a rushing wind, a burning bush, with trumpets blaring but he came as quiet as a winter snow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy29mQfiavg

"...the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them." Luke 2:6-7 (NLT)

Traffic Report

Traffic, traffic, traffic...I'm not sure where you live but here in Birmingham we have traffic with a capital "T"!! About every 15 minutes or so you'll get a live traffic report during the morning and evening rush hour. Today my normal route to work was closed due to an accident with a fatality (Lord bless that precious family!) and it took me almost an hour to get to work. I had to weave in and out of side streets that aren't familiar to me and sit through one red light several times due to the amount of traffic.

With each traffic report it seemed like something new was added. The radio DJs were trying to help those of us who were lost and give ideas of ways to re-route our way. "Try 20th Street"..."Go over the mountain"...all the while I'm thinking to myself what if you're no where near the mountain?!?! Cars were everywhere and a few times patience was running thin but for the most part I think everyone just sucked it up and made it through.

As I was listening to the traffic reports I started thinking that it is nice to be able to have a heads up on stumbling blocks in your day. Too bad I don't have those for my life I thought to myself. Wouldn't it be great to have caution signs and blinking lights saying turn around, back up, or maybe over here...over here!!

The sad thing is...I do have a traffic report but due to my own sinful self I fail to turn it on and listen to it. "By your words I can see where I'm going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path." Psalm 119:105 (MSG). Honestly, I'm so convicted at this moment I really have no idea how to end this blog. So....I guess it's one of those moments in life where it's ENOUGH SAID!

Memorial

There are so many things I want to see with my brown eyes before I go to Heaven. The Washington Monument, the Statute of Liberty, the Great Wall of China, the Vietnam Wall, the Grand Canyon, a white Christmas... My list is quite long and if I sat here long enough I could fill this entire page up with things I want to see for myself. Not that I don't believe they exist I just want to be able to see it, touch it, smell it, feel it.

Memorials are really great things. They remind us of a time when something great happened. They make us stop and think for just a brief moment what it would be like if that one thing in history had never happened. What if...?

Sometimes in our lives we build memorials and monuments to various things. They aren't visible to the naked eye but they are there. Umbrellas for instance! When I see an umbrella I think about my Grannie. She had horrible skin cancers and rain or shine she had to carry an umbrella. Oh...and bread! My Grandma would make homemade bread and every time I smell bread cooking I think of her. Maybe those are trivial but to me...they are memorials. Memories of people in my life who have molded me, changed me, loved me.

Joshua built a memorial alongside the Jordan River right where they passed on dry land. He explained to the Israelites "In the future your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and he kept it dry until you were all across, just as he did at the Red Sea when he dried it up until we had all crossed over. He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever.” Joshua 4:21-24 (NLT).

God stopped the water from flowing and dried the riverbed so that his people could go across unscathed and Joshua wanted to leave a reminder to the world about God's greatness and protection. The Grand Canyon is a wonderful creation of God. It's not a man-made memorial but a God made memorial of his greatness. The Vietnam Wall is a man-made tribute to men and women who gave everything they had for freedom...their lives. What sort of memorial am I leaving behind? When my short time here on earth is finished what sort of rocks will you see? Is my memorial man-made or God made? Am I leaving a memorial at all? What about you?

Happiness v. Holiness; Believer v. Follower

I was listening to the radio this morning and turned it to the Rick & Bubba Show at just the right moment. Siran Stacey was their guest and he was sharing what he has learned from God through the tragedy of losing his wife and all but one of his children in a car accident. As the conversation progressed Rick made a statement that really got to me. He said something to the effect of God has taught me over the past two years (his 3 year old son drown in their pool at home two years ago) that happiness is not my purpose here but holiness is. He continued to say that he is no longer a believer in Christ but a follower!

As the interview continued Siran Stacey commented on forgiveness and how he had to forgive the young man who hit him and his family. He had to forgive himself. Rick and Siran both talked about how they stood at a crossroads having to decide if they were going to allow Satan to defeat them through this tragedy or glorify God with this tragedy. They talked about sin and that death is sure to come because of sin yet eternal life only comes through the death of Jesus Christ!

Honestly, today is a gut check for me. I'm thinking...Am I a believer or am I a follower? Am I striving for happiness or am I striving for holiness?

"Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found." Psalm 119:35 (NLT). "'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. '" Mark 8:34 (NLT).

Through Another's Eyes

Have you ever stopped in your tracks and looked around to see what someone was looking at. And once you figured it out did you focus on the object and try to look at it the same way they did?

I get very tickled at the difference between my children. Each of them have such a different way of looking at things. Say there was a tree in the middle of a pasture. As Kristina stood and looked at this tree she would begin to describe the color, shape and size of the leaves, the length of the branches, the height of the tree. She may discuss the roots and ask questions about how deep they were. She would look around the tree, possibly walk around to get the view from the other side. Not one single time would she look through the tree she would simply look at the tree and accept it for what it was. Nothing more, nothing less. She sees the actual beauty of the tree just as it is.

As Gabe approached the tree he would immediately ask how far away the tree was from the edge of the pasture. He would want to know specifics of its dimensions, height, possibly weight. He would inquire about the animals that lived in and around this tree. He would not notice the leaves nor the branches. He may possibly comment on how much sunlight comes through the tree and how much shade is cast on the ground from the tree. My precious Gabe would look through the tree and discuss it's potential and possibilities. Firewood? Possibly shelter? Gabe sees the tree for its potential...what it can be.

I enjoy looking at objects with both of my children at the same time. Sometimes they will begin to argue over how they see the object and other times they ponder over how the other one sees it like that. Me, I'm somewhere in the middle. If I turn my head one way I see the tree just as Kristina does but yet if I cock my head the other way I can see exactly where Gabe is coming from. The way my children look at an object is the exact way they live their lives. Kristina is careful and respectful. She accepts people, obstacles, life for what it is. She doesn't make it more than it is she just accepts it and moves on. Gabe is always looking at how to better his situation. How to help someone. The potential...the possibilities.

I heard a Christmas song this morning sung by Gloria Estefan and in one line she says "I want to see Christmas through your eyes..." This got me thinking. I wonder what the world is like through God's eyes. I know as a Mother I do everything I can to protect my children from seeing things that they shouldn't see and I know that God must do the same thing with His children. Wow! The world that He sees. The heartache He must feel. The sadness that must come over Him. The world through God's eyes...I just can't imagine.

Jesus said in John 3:12 "But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things?" (NLT). Oh what pretenders we are! So many times...I retract that...all the time we find it easier to believe fiction that fact! Lies are easier to believe than truth! You want to see the world through God's eyes? Here ya go..."For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17 (NLT). He loved us so much that He sent HIS son to save us. Could I lay my life down for you? Possibly. Could I lay my life down for one of my children? Without a second thought! Could I lay down my child's life for you...a liar, a cheater, a thief, etc.? Most definitely not!

God's eyes...a vision you and I will never be able to behold!

Reverse

As the light quickly turned to red he slammed on his brakes but still tapped the car in front of him. It wasn't a hard hit just a tap. The driver who he hit never even got out of their car. He put his car in reverse and simply backed up waiting for the light to change to green.

It had been one of those days. My friend, Harley, was a new single dad. It was his first Christmas alone and he was trying to do the whole shopping thing on his own. Crazed Moms had just about driven him to his limit and by this point he just wanted to go home. He had thrown in the towel and determined enough was enough.

As the light changed to green he hit the gas to only fly backwards ramming the car behind him! As the story goes, Harley slung his car into park, simply laid his head on the steering wheel and sat there. Thankfully there was no damage to the vehicle he hit and only slight damage to his car but what a story he had to tell. How many times do you hit someone at a redlight by backing into them? Not very many!

I don't know about you but for me I tend to back into stuff in my personal life all the time. I feel like I take two steps forward to only leap five steps backwards. Some days I feel like I take steps backwards because I'm too busy looking at what was back there in the first place. I'm too scared to look forward. To look at the unknown. I'm frightened that I will let someone down...let God down. I'm unsure of myself, my surroundings, of you. I tend to stumble over my own feet tapping things in front of me which makes me instinctively go into reverse to only slam into what is behind me. Back and forth...back and forth. But there is hope! "...focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead...press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT).

Get In The Game

As we drove down the road we rode in silence. I was completely annoyed and irritated and Gabe could tell. I had received a call at work from his school saying he had broken his glasses. Although I know that broken glasses is just a part of life it just seemed to happen at the wrong time, on the wrong day.

We drove to the eye doctor barely talking and once we both realized that he was going to have to go through the process of an eye exam the realization that he would most certainly have to wear contacts became rather clear. It would 7 to 10 days for glasses to come in and he would have to see in the meantime so contacts was the only solution to our problem. Gabe had tried contacts before and had a bad experience . The eye doctor was unable to see him so we had to pack up and head across town. On the way there I decided to break the silence and start my Mom speech for the day...

"Gabe, you are 13. It is time that you start taking responsibility for your actions and just manning up sometimes. Although you are the baby of the family you HAVE to step up and start becoming a man..." I went on and on and he seemed uninterested. Okay I thought to myself I'll try something else. "You know how in football you have to pay attention to everything around you?" I looked over at him just hoping to get a glimmer of interest and all I got was a head shake as he looked out the window with his head turned away from me. "Well, life is like that. You have to pay attention and sometimes you have to do things you don't wanna do. You have to step up, man up, and just do it. Like it or not and when that happens you have to do it to the best of your ability. Do you understand what I'm saying?" He nodded again and I thought this isn't working either! I continued on grasping at straws by this point..."Son, you gotta grow up and be mature..." He interrupted me as he turned his head to face me with a smile on his face and said "I get it Mom, it's time to get my head in the game." He got it! "Yes!" I said "Get your head IN the game...you gotta take the plunge...get in there...right now you aren't even the water boy! Help me out a little bit here!" At this point we both started laughing...not even the water boy...he thought that was hilarious! As we walked into the eye doctor's office he stopped and said "Mom, I do understand what you're saying, I got it..." And with a smile and a nod of my head we walked on in.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne." Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT).

It's about time that we run with endurance, with everything we have in us and get to work. It's time that we stop waiting on someone else to do it for us. It's time that we stop standing by watching the game pass us by. Don't you think it's time that we get our head in the game?

Greatest Lesson

As I pulled up to the red light I reached over to change the radio station when all of a sudden I was in the back seat. I could see the sky and I could feel alot of bumping and could hear crashing but I couldn't quite figure out what was going on and how in the world I had ended up in the back seat.

Once I felt my truck stop moving I slowly sat up and that is when I realized I had been in an accident. I got out of my truck, looked around and thought "Wow, that was weird." I wasn't seriously injured but rattled enough to not really know what to do or how to handle anything.

After speaking with the insurance company I was informed that my vehicle was a total loss. It was a birthday present from Shane. It was my "dream" truck and we had only made 5 payments on the truck so our feelings were quite hurt! Honestly, it was a blessing in disguise because we could not afford the payments.

As the days began to settle and we realized that we would receive enough insurance money to pay the truck off we began to start looking for another vehicle. The rental car was getting quite small and we had to do something. As Shane made his way to the car lot where we have done business for years I called the salesman and told him that I did not want a used truck. I had a brand new truck that I was driving and I refused to have a used one now. He met Shane at the door and gave him my instructions and they began to browse the new trucks. Ultimately, Shane found one, called me and upon my inspection we purchased the truck. It wasn't just like the one that had been a total loss but it was a nice truck but more importantly it was NEW!

As the months wore on I began to hate this new truck. The payments were too big, it was hard making that payment every month and honestly, it just didn't have the luster that I wanted in a truck. It drives nice, looks nice, is fairly comfortable but honestly...it's just a truck! Big deal! I finally came home one day and broke down and shared my feelings with Shane. I told him this just wasn't the truck and I really didn't like it and I wanted a used one! I wanted one with a smaller payment, something that would fit in our budget better! Well, as the ole story goes...Shane calls the salesman and tells him about this epiphany that I had. The salesman laughs and says "Shane, I hate to tell you this but due to the economy and the gas prices the truck that you bought can now be purchased for about $10,000 LESS than what you bought it for. Man, ya'll are stuck!"

Stuck!!!!! What?!?!? Once the dust settled and reality set in I realized what I had done...what we had done. Every single day of every single week of every single month I climb into that truck, crank it and thank God for lessons learned! See, He tried to save us from a payment we couldn't afford but since we were hard headed and had to do things our own way we are now living with the fire so to speak!

Oh how many times do we go through our lives thinking we know is best and do what we want, when we want without seeking God's guidance? I would like to say that now I seek God first every single time but that would be a lie. Many times I still get too big for my britches and think I know what's best but He always whips my tail right then and there and reminds me that He knows best!

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'" Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT). Lessons learned...He has a plan...He knows what is best for us...when are we going to let him reveal that to us?

My List

It's funny how things have a way of working out. Remember how yesterday I said that I just randomly clicked on Psalm 100 but instead I went to Psalm 24. Well...today I was lead to Psalm 100 and was amazed!

"Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation." Psalm 100 (NLT)

Our pastor challenged us this past Sunday to be thankful and to make a list off 100 things we are thankful for. My list is as follows:

1. My Jesus because when He took human form He had a choice and He chose me!

2. My husband because he lets me rant and rave without taking it personal...most of the time!

3. My daughter because even though she is growing up she still makes me feel needed.

4. My son because at the age of 13 he is teaching me patience!

5. My parents because through it all they are always there!

6. My sister because God specifically chose her just for me!

7. My house because it is a roof over my head and walls around my sides.

8. My job...even though I don't care for it very much some days.

9. My church because they always love me and they always tell me the truth.

10. The boys in my Sunday School class (3 & 4 year olds) because they teach me more than I teach them.

11. My truck because it is the biggest lesson I have ever actually learned in all my life. (That's a story for another day).

12. My eyes so that I can see the wonderful things God has in store for me.

13. My ears so that I can hear God when he speaks to me.

14. Birmingham traffic because it most definitely keeps me on my toes.

15. People who ride their brakes because maybe, just maybe they are slowing me down and preventing me from being in an accident.

16. My boss who is a wonderful Christian woman!

17. My cat because she makes me laugh!

18. My dog because she has always protected us and lets me know when something isn't right outside!

19. My co-workers who allow me to just be me.

20. My friends because they look past my faults.

21. Sumiton Christian High School because they accepted Kristina and took her in when she was at her lowest.

22. Jason because he was able to get to Kristina and help pull her out of a pit that I just couldn't seem to reach in to.

23. Alabama football because they give me good exercise every Saturday!

24. My hair because alot of women today had to put on a wig.

25. My aches because they let me know I'm alive.

26. My heart because although it isn't always in the best shape it beats!

27. Music because it gives me words when I just can't find them.

28. This blog because it allows me to speak words that otherwise would stay rattled in my head.

29. Flowers because they make me stop and take a moment.

30. Fall because watching the leaves change and then fall remind me that everyone changes.

31. Winter because it makes everything seem new.

32. Spring because the world looks as if it is waking up.

33. Summer because the sun makes me smile.

34. The beach because when I am there I feel very close to God!

35. Road trips because they make me giggle like a teenager.

36. Walgreens because they ALWAYS have my prescriptions ready on time.

37. My doctor because she is also my friend!

38. My hormone pills because they keep me from killing someone! lol (My family is thankful for this one too!)

39. My nieces and nephews because they are just them!

40. Gas prices because they remind me that when all else is falling something goes up!

41. My pastor and his family because they are honest friends of mine!

42. Ryan because he makes Kristina smile all the time.

43. Basketball because it makes Gabe try harder and harder!

44. Lynette for telling my Mom about the Neti-Pot and Gabe actually being able to breathe now!

45. Fritz Courington because he reminds me to never give up!

46. Leigh Brooks because she reminds me to just be honest and everything else falls into place.

47. Our youth pastor for keeping our youth busy and active.

48. Black Friday because it makes it feel like Christmas!

49. Co-workers who I don't seem to get along with because they make me keep my mouth shut!

50. Magic 96.5 because they play Christmas music 24/7 during the holidays!

51. Mtn Dew because it is MTN DEW!

52. Christmas tree lights because they make me pray!

53. Christmas trees because at night when the kids are asleep make me peaceful!

54. My bed because it is warm and cozy.

55. Sales because there is always a sale just when I need it the most!

56. K-Mart because they seem to have what Wal-Mart doesn't and vice versa.

57. Bath and Body Works because they make the world smell good!

58. Babies because they are the closest thing to heaven I ever hold.

59. Taco Bell because when you need a night out but you're broke they are there for you!

60. Facebook because I have been able to reconnect with people.

61. Being a preacher's kid because it has taught me to persevere.

62. Having a 16 year old because it has taught me to have faith.

63. Being a teenage mom because otherwise I would have never had children!

64. Shoes because although you and I could buy the same pair...I'll never walk in yours and vice versa.

65. Hats because they make me giggle.

66. Feathers because they are so unique.

67. Snow because I rarely get to see it.

68. Christmas because my wonderful Savior was born that day!

69. Small kitchens so that you bump into each other while fixing a holiday dinner!

70. Microwaves because you can heat and re-heat.

71. Carpet because it keeps my feet warm.

72. Hardwood floors because it gives me something to wish for.

73. The American flag because it is my heritage.

74. Soldiers because they fight when no one else will.

75. Families of soldiers because they must let go for me and you.

76. The internet because you can learn alot if you chose too.

77. Chemo because it has saved so many lives.

78. Mammograms because although they hurt like the dickens they detect breast cancer early!

79. Children's Hospitals because they care about the little things you and I never think about.

80. St. Jude's Hospital who helps families who have lost everything and still need help.

81. The Jimmy Hale Mission who give men a second chance.

82. Jessi's Place who give women and children a place to go and be safe.

83. Dr. Thacker because he has made my children have pretty straight teeth!

84. Jay because he was able to actually fix Kristina's car!

85. Dennis Auto Sales because they gave us a really good price on Kristina's car.

86. The Dollar Tree because when you are broke you can still shop because everything is just $1!

87. Christmas cards because they make my heart full.

88. Family pictures because that means your family is still together.

89. Texting because some days that is the only way I can talk to my children!

90. Pictures because they remind me of things of the past.

91. Memories because they are mine forever and always.

92. Weddings because they are about love.

93. Funerals because they remind you about love.

94. Puppies because their breath makes me say "awwww"

95. Kittens because they play with something as simple as a piece of string.

96. Paperclips because they hold it all together yet we never appreciate them until you can't find one!

97. Glasses/contacts because they allow me to see!

98. White out because it fixes my mistakes.

99. Spell check because I'm not the best speller.

100. You because you make me feel as though my words touch your lives and hearts!

What's your list?

Psalm 24

As I drove into work today I was thinking about my heart. I was thinking about it's condition lately. I was thinking about being tired and tired of being tired. I was thinking about Thanksgiving and then Christmas. Putting up the tree(s) and decorating the house and the yard. I was thinking about work today and how I can't wait for 5:00 tomorrow. I was thinking about how this is the first holiday that Kristina wants to share with her boyfriend and how weird that is for me. I was thinking of how to make it all work. I was thinking about what ingredients I need for the sweet potato casserole I need to make and how Kristina wants to cook a dish this year too. I was thinking about giving Gabe the task of rummaging through our building outside to find an extension cord that I couldn't find last night using only the light of a flash light. I was thinking...

As I sat down at my desk and began to think about what I was going to type on my blog today I just randomly clicked on Psalm 100 and then stopped before I could even read it as my eyes wandered up to the calendar that is posted directly in front of me. November 24th...24....24.... so I closed Psalm 100 and opened Psalm 24 and boy did I need Psalm 24. Just when I'm thinking and thinking and thinking my sweet Lord brings me back to where I need to be....

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.

The world and all its people belong to him.

For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas

and built it on the ocean depths.

Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?

Who may stand in his holy place?

Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,

who do not worship idols

and never tell lies.

They will receive the Lord’s blessing

and have a right relationship with God their savior.

Such people may seek you

and worship in your presence,

O God of Jacob.

Open up, ancient gates!

Open up, ancient doors,

and let the King of glory enter.

Who is the King of glory?

The Lord, strong and mighty;

the Lord, invincible in battle.

Open up, ancient gates!

Open up, ancient doors,

and let the King of glory enter.

Who is the King of glory?

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies —

he is the King of glory.

Psalm 24 (NLT)

These Are The Days...

November 23rd...October 31st...these two days were supposed to be very prominent days in my life. I was 12 months pregnant (or so it felt like) when I my eyes opened on November 23, 1992. The doctor had told me from day one that November 23rd would be THE day and at 18 years old I figured they knew more than I did so I lived for this day. It was just like the day before...nothing happened. As I laid down in bed that night I was still pregnant. Kristina was not in my arms and I thought to myself "I'm going to be 30 years old and still pregnant with her!" I was being punished...I JUST KNEW IT! But, as has been her nature since she took her first breath...she does things in her own time. When she's ready, when she's comfortable. So, she came six days late and made her grand entrance on November 29th.

As October 1st approached I began to countdown because I just wasn't too sure how much longer I could handle waddling around with Gabe. I had always heard that the pregnancy of a girl and a boy are very different and I agree. I think boys just suck the life right out of you, literally! Each day was a struggle and a triumph just by waking up and making it through the day. I wasn't quite sure how in the world I was going to make it to October 31st and then just the thought of a Halloween baby made my stomach hurt. Not that there is anything wrong with October 31st I just didn't want my precious Gabriel born on that day. As the days drudged by I began to realize that he wasn't going to wait. And, just as he has done his entire life, he had to come early. To this very day Gabe must be first in line, take his plate first, and carries the weight of the world on his shoulders if he finishes 2nd. So, in Gabe fashion, he made his grand entrance on October 12th....three weeks early!

Instead of November 23rd and October 31st being absolute blessings in my life, November 29th and October 12th are. But, the funny thing is...November 23rd and October 31st still take my breath away. Funny how what you think doesn't mean anything ends up meaning more than you ever imagined. After all, isn't every day the day the Lord made? "This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 (NLT).

We spend so much time focusing on what we think is important that we often miss out on what actually is. I love my children's birthdays. Each year I cry over their impending adulthood and beam with pride over their accomplishments. I giggle as I look back at pictures and realize how much they have changed and are changing. I make sure to have a talk with them each about where they've been, where they are and where they're going. But...there is just something about the day that was supposed to be. It is something that I sort of hold close to my heart all on my own. Maybe its a day between me and the Lord. I don't know. But, every day is THE DAY because the Lord made it! Each day is a building block on who we are going to be tomorrow. Each morning is a clean slate and each night is a lesson learned. These are the days...

Not Always The Way You Thought

One day Saul said to David, "Here is Merab, my eldest daughter. I want to give her to you as your wife. Be brave and bold for my sake. Fight God's battles!" But all the time Saul was thinking, "The Philistines will kill him for me. I won't have to lift a hand against him."

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David, embarrassed, answered, "Do you really mean that? I'm from a family of nobodies! I can't be son-in-law to the king."

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The wedding day was set, but as the time neared for Merab and David to be married, Saul reneged and married his daughter off to Adriel the Meholathite.

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Meanwhile, Saul's daughter Michal was in love with David. When Saul was told of this, he rubbed his hands in anticipation. "Ah, a second chance. I'll use Michal as bait to get David out where the Philistines will make short work of him." So again he said to David, "You're going to be my son-in-law."

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Saul ordered his servants, "Get David off by himself and tell him, 'The king is very taken with you, and everyone at court loves you. Go ahead, become the king's son-in-law!'"

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The king's servants told all this to David, but David held back. "What are you thinking of? I can't do that. I'm a nobody; I have nothing to offer."

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When the servants reported David's response to Saul, he told them to tell David this: "The king isn't expecting any money from you; only this: Go kill a hundred Philistines and bring evidence of your vengeance on the king's behalf. Avenge the king on his enemies." (Saul expected David to be killed in action.)

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On receiving this message, David was pleased. There was something he could do for the king that would qualify him to be his son-in-law! He lost no time but went right out, he and his men, killed the hundred Philistines, brought their evidence back in a sack, and counted it out before the king—mission completed! Saul gave Michal his daughter to David in marriage.

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As Saul more and more realized that God was with David, and how much his own daughter, Michal, loved him, his fear of David increased and settled into hate. Saul hated David.

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Whenever the Philistine warlords came out to battle, David was there to meet them—and beat them, upstaging Saul's men. David's name was on everyone's lips. 1Samuel 18:17-30 (MSG)

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So...has that ever happened to you? Have you ever made a plan and then it back fired on you? How many times do we think we know how to handle a situation to only find out that we are on the losing end? Yep, I raise my hand on that one! I wish I could add to this story with some wonderful insight but I can't. I think the story says all it needs to say all by itself. My only question is...which one are you...Saul? or David?

And There Ya Have It

A few weeks back work was crazy! We had a case that was coming up for trial and the case was ten years old so there was a lot of records, pleadings, letters, and just papers everywhere. We were copying pictures and blowing up exhibits, scanning and placing documents on CDs for trial when all of a sudden the case settled. Thank you Lord it settled! My attorney laughs all the time at me when a case settles because I just jump up and down like Jim Carrey did in Liar Liar and scream "Settle! Settle! Settle!"

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After the dust settled down a little bit my attorney gave me the most precious gift, a copy of The Message. Oh I know a lot of people may frown on that but I just love that version of the Bible. I am able to understand it and it reads like the book that it was intended to be. I'm not a college graduate nor am I any type of scholar and I have so much junk floating around in my head that I need something that is straight to the point and makes perfect sense to me and The Message does just that.

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So, every day before I take the walk into my office I open up my Bible and snatch me a word and the one I got today has intrigued me. It comes from Amos 5 and it is entitled Raw Truth Is Never Popular. As I begin to read these passages I just began to think about how hard the truth is to hear. I don't know about you but I walk around in my own little bubble and I don't pay attention to much that goes on around me and when something happens and I get a big dose of reality right in my face I don't tend to like it.

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I don't really think I could add anything else to these passages so I'm just going to share them with you and I pray that you get what you need from it today because I surely did. I must say...if the writer of Amos could have started it out with "Hey Lori Goodwin...here's a little shut up juice for you..." it would have been well fitted!

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"Woe to you who turn justice to vinegar and stomp righteousness into the mud.Do you realize where you are? You're in a cosmos star-flung with constellations by God, A world God wakes up each morning and puts to bed each night. God dips water from the ocean and gives the land a drink. God, God-revealed, does all this. And he can destroy it as easily as make it. He can turn this vast wonder into total waste. People hate this kind of talk. Raw truth is never popular. But here it is, bluntly spoken: Because you run roughshod over the poor and take the bread right out of their mouths, You're never going to move into the luxury homes you have built. You're never going to drink wine from the expensive vineyards you've planted. I know precisely the extent of your violations, the enormity of your sins. Appalling! You bully right-living people, taking bribes right and left and kicking the poor when they're down. Justice is a lost cause. Evil is epidemic. Decent people throw up their hands. Protest and rebuke are useless, a waste of breath. Seek good and not evil — and live! You talk about God, the God-of-the-Angel-Armies, being your best friend. Well, live like it, and maybe it will happen." Amos 5:7-14 (MSG)

...Life...

Trials/endings - struggles/solutions - love/hate - war/peace - lost/found - high/low - here/gone - heartache/joy - emptiness/fullness - hunger/fullness - missing/complete - shallow/over-flowing - questions/answers...isn't all of that what life is about?

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I'm starting to learn more and more about myself. My tongue gets me in alot of trouble and I speak before I think. Some days my mouth is independent from my brain I do believe. I react instead of being still and I talk instead of shutting up! I mope around instead of finding the glimmer of hope and I'm always trying to figure out what I need to learn...how about you? How do you live life?

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I can remember when my babies were, well, babies and I would wish so badly that they had come with a manual so I would have a clue what to do with them. I often feel that way with my marriage even though we have been married for 17 years I am still at loss many, many days. And life, yeah, I wouldn't mind an instruction booklet for that one too. Oh wait, I've got one...check this out...

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Seize life!

Eat bread with gusto,

Drink wine with a robust heart.

Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure!

Dress festively every morning.

Don't skimp on colors and scarves.

Relish life with the spouse you love

Each and every day of your precarious life.

Each day is God's gift.

It's all you get in exchange

For the hard work of staying alive.

Make the most of each one!

Whatever turns up, grab it and do it.

And heartily!

This is your last and only chance at it,

For there's neither work to do nor thoughts to think

In the company of the dead, where you're most certainly headed...
...The race is not always to the swift,

Nor the battle to the strong,

Nor satisfaction to the wise,

Nor riches to the smart,

Nor grace to the learned.

Sooner or later bad luck hits us all.

No one can predict misfortune.

Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds in a trap,

So men and women are caught

By accidents evil and sudden.

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I like that! Pretty much answers any question that I can come up with about life. Want to know where I found that? In THE MANUAL...Ecclesiastes 9:7-12 (MSG). That's right! Friends, we walk around and wish more than anything we had instructions on this thing we call life and I don't know about you, but even when I'm studying the word I somehow fail to apply it to my life, to my daily situations, to my sin, to my happiness. I think to myself well that sure worked for them but I seem to loose the translation of how it works for me. Hmmm...Life...

98%

As I buckled my seat belt and positioned myself in the passenger seat Kristina and I began to chit chat. She cranked her car, turned the radio down (because you know it was blaring), buckled her own seat belt and put the car in reverse. We weren't really talking about anything in particular, just talking.

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As she backed up and then drove to the edge of the parking lot by the four lane highway I glanced over her shoulder to see how much traffic was coming. It wasn't too bad and as a truck whizzed past us in the lane closest to us she slowly pulled out. "You're pulling out in front of a car Kristina GET ON IT!!!" I screamed.

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She stomped the gas and slung her car into the far lane. My heart was beating ninety to nothing and I had my hands pulled up over my head. All I could think was this is gonna hurt...this is gonna hurt.

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As we approached the red light I think Kristina was sucking in air about as much as I was just trying to calm down. "Momma" she said "I thought that car was in the far lane. Just the way the truck lights were and that car's lights were I really thought that car was in the far lane!" I think she was trying to convince herself as much as she was trying to convince me!

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"You HAVE to be careful...especially at night. You need to wait until there is NO traffic before you pull out. I have to do that...I can't tell which lane cars are in at night..." I began to instruct. "Momma, I do that...98% of the time I do that!" I snickered to myself and I said "Precious, you need to do that 100% of the time...if not...there is a 2% chance that you can be in an accident and hurt yourself or better yet someone else!" We gasped for air, reached for our hearts and wiped the sweat off our brows all the way home.

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I find it interesting that we go through our lives doing what we want 98% of the time yet only looking to Christ 2% of the time. But, you let something happen, a speed bump appear in our paths and buddy we are on our knees crying out to Jesus!

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"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8 (NLT). Jesus Christ isn't the same only 98% of the time! He is the same every day, all day, yesterday, today, the next day, next week, next month, next year, next century...He is Jesus! He isn't the one changing...we are! What would our lives be like if we lived for Christ 100% of the time? How different would things be if we followed His instructions 100% of the time? How pure would our hearts be if it was filled with the love of Jesus 100% of the time? What if...?

How Deep Is Your Love?

Written by my wonderful co-worker Kelli Ryan...I loved this!!

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You know, the musical group of brothers called the Bee Gee's used to sing a song with those very words .... how deep is your love? ... and now we'll be singing that song in our heads for the rest of the day, won't we? ... but, seriously, have you ever thought about that ... how deep is your love? ... for those whom we love? Well, no matter how deep our love is, there is another love that goes very, very deep. Take a look ....

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"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of His glory, He may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through His Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, (... here it comes ....) what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." - Ephesians 3:14-19

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There it is! The LOVE of God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who not only loves us deeply but also far and wide and way up high above! WOW! Now that is .... deep!

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Acrostic:

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L - LAVISHLY ... He loves us!

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1 John 3:1 - "See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him."
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O - OVERWHELMINGLY ... He loves us!

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1 John 4:19 - "We love, because He first loved us."

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John 3:16-17 - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through Him."
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V - VASTLY ... He loves us!

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Psalm 103:8 - "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love."
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E - EVERLASTING ... He loves us!

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Psalm 118:1 - "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."
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LOVE! God's LOVE! But there is more because Romans 8:38-39 tells us this .....

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"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

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How deep is His love? Deep, sweet people, very DEEP! Amen and Amen!!

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Blessings!
Kelli
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(For other Bible studies and resources, please visit www.doctrinalstudies.com - and me, there at "Kelli's Korner".)