My #1 Priority

This school semester has been a very trying one for me. I've busied myself with idleness and I reek of worldly conformity. The past few months I have not spent much time with the Lord, aside from breakfast, lunch and dinner. We are on speaking terms, although it does not happen much either way. I want intimacy with God that I have not had in a long time. I have been completely resting upon my eternal security (Romans 6:15), and ignored God's presence in my life.

Because of this, I feel like a huge part of me is missing. I feel distant and often alone. I know that it is my relationship with the Lord that needs to be strengthened. I desire to grow closer to Him through prayer and reading His word. Please pray for me as I grow closer to the Lord that I will make that my #1 priority.

"Revive me, Oh Lord, for Your name's sake! For Your righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble." Psalm 143:11

I'm Moving!!!! Not so hot about Hotmail

I'm fed up with MSN, so I'm moving my e-mail account! Yep, look at this! I'm so tired of MSN and their anti-conservative/children/marriage views, pro-feminism, and EXTREMELY LIBERAL WAYS, and um......pro-gay beliefs! I'm moving my e-mails and contacts and ending a 9+ year relationship with Hotmail! Sigh....sometimes you have to do, what you have to do.....

I'm Anti-MSN!

**Only read the article with awareness that people are really messed up (obviously, they need the Lord). I do not agree with anything this article says, or words that are used!**

Modesty: Is it really a no brainer?

One reader of my blog said that they believe that modesty is a "no brainer". Basically, that means that there's nothing to think about in terms of modesty, it's just there. I disagree. If modesty is a no-brainer, then why do we have Christian women showing cleavage to everyone, and Christian men walking around without their shirts on? If modesty is a no-brainer, perhaps those people don't have brains (which is impossible).

More to come.....

Cute Songs on Parenting #2

She's pretty dramatic, but gets the point across well!

Cute Songs on Parenting #1

I found this first video at Growing Up Gracefully. Please keep in mind, good discipline will go a long way.

Christian Cussing is for the Foolish

The thing that prompted me to blog about cussing was discovering a fellow blogger having cussed on her blog. This bothered me tremendously, how could this happen to one who was looked upon as a lady? Truly, I was beside myself.

Growing up, I was VERY much aware of what a cuss word was and when I had said it, for some reason soap was always involved. To this day, I regard those same words as cuss words, not to be used. I'm shocked at how many Christians don't find anything wrong with cussing and use profanity regularly.

The Bible has more things to say about cussing than one thinks:

"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification that it may impart grace to the hearers" Ephesians 4:29

One day at my work several men were cussing and carrying on, another man approached them and asked them to stop, as there were women around. I've always respected that man for that. How many adults would cuss around children? Not as many. But how many of them would cuss around other adults, lots. Does graceful speaking only matter to children, or to adults as well. Shouldn't we protect one another's heart as much as a child's?

Using cuss words doesn't bring edification to anyone, neither does negative speech....something else to think about.

"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice." Ephesians 4:31

With anger often comes words we would normally not use. The Bible encourages us to put away evil speaking and anger. Using profanity to express anger, or bitterness, even pain, is wrong and needs to be quickly extinguished from our mouths, and our hearts.

"Let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints.....neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor course jesting, which are not fitting but rather giving thanks." Ephesians 5:3-4

I love this verse! Cussing is not fitting! We are saints, cussing is not what we do! Ask a wicked person if a Christian should cuss, they will say that Christians shouldn't cuss........but some do anyways. Lost people recognize that Christians are suppose to be different in their speech and actions. Are you different, or do you look like the World? Do you give thanks, or does your mouth give a stinky odor?

"So the Lord said to him (Moses), who has made man's mouth, or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing or the blind? Have not I, the Lord? " Ephesians 4:11

The Lord said this to Moses after calling Him to go to Pharaoh. Moses was afraid he would not be able to speak right, but God assured Him that He would give him the right words. God has given us a voice to speak and to honor Him with that voice. If we were created to glorify Him and to honor Him, doesn't that include with our mouths?

"Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man." Matthew 5:11

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples when they worried about eating food that came from dirty hands. When I read this I thought of parents who only shop for organic foods for their families, and who disobey the five second rule, yet who don't even realize how dirty their own mouths are. What comes out of our mouths is what is on our hearts. We who allow filthiness out of our mouths have hearts that mirror that same image.

Lastly, "Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother."

My parents didn't enjoy punishing me with soap, but they knew it had to be done. Wouldn't it be disobeying them if I went towards what they disciplined me against? I believe so.

Are you honoring your Father with your mouth. Or are you cussing up filth?

"The Bible doesn't say anything about...."

.....cussing, drinking, choices in clothing......or does it? These days, many Christians feel it is okay to cuss, drink as long as you're not getting drunk, and wear clothing showing cleavage as long as it's tasteful.

As a Christian, where do you stand on the above topics? Where does scripture point you? Just something to think about.......

More to come....

"An Excellent Wife: What God's Word Says" Part 5

I really enjoyed doing this series of posts. I've always heard that the characteristics of a virtuous wife could be found in Proverbs 31, but to actually take time to look deep into what each verse really says is really a lesson to me. As times have changed and women no longer rely on servants, as their washing machine and oven help amazingly, and there are less children running about in the average home, that doesn't mean that the attributes of a godly woman should change.

Many people, Christians as well as non-Christians, have this notion that two-child families are ideal and only big families are for "weird" home-schooling families who are unsocialized, and that mother must work outside of the home so the family can be well provided for. Let's look at where the truth lies....in the Bible. Who feeds us these lies about what family life is really about, or should be about? The World, that's who. So when the question is asked, what is a godly wife? Where does one look? Well, it should be the Bible. However, as one looks at the Bible, he or she will then turn the the World. Suddenly you have this weighing game. "Hmm, the Bible says this, but the World is really like that. I don't want to be different. I chose the World." You can't! You can't be like the World! The Bible very much applies to us today. Open your Bible, dig in deep. It's amazing how "modern" it may seem, because God's Words are very much eternal.

Verse 28 says,

"Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also praises her, "Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all."

Modern: This verse makes me smile every time I read it. It's not every day that I hear of a child that truly admires his or her mom. Sure many children might "mind" their mothers, but how many of them admire them? How many little girls, or teenage girls for that matter think to themselves, "I want to be like my mother." Not very many from what I can tell. What a blessing it would be to a woman for her child, especially an adult child to say, "Mom, I admire you."

What about husbands? How many husbands admire their wives? When a man looks across a crowed room and spots his wife does his heart jump with joy and happiness as he thinks, "Oh, there she is". Does it make his heart smile to see her? An excellent wife's husband is more aware of the value she has in his life.

30) Charm is deceitful, and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

Modern: I love this verse. For some reason I always think of Zack from "Saved By the Bell." Zack thought he could knock any girl off her feet with his charm and good looks. However:

Charm is Deceitful = misleading and manipulative
Beauty is Passing = The outward beauty will get wrinkled and sag. Outer beauty will not last forever. Eek! You don't say?!?

But a woman who fears the Lord will be praised. She was created for God's glory, and that alone will be where she will find her true joy and happiness. There's nothing more important to her relationship with the Lord, and others realize that.

31) Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Modern: She fulfills her duty with such grace and honor that she is well known without any personal gratification.

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Do people know the truth about you? What do you think they say about you? Would they see a Proverbs 31 woman in you? Just something to think about......

ABC News-The Place for Liberals

I've decided, let the liberals at ABC air what they want, but I'm not taking part. ABC News will not be watched by me! Wonder why? Pay close attention, especially to World News with Charles Gibson, just watch what they air, and in the manner in which it's shown....

"An Excellent Wife: What God's Word Says" Part 4

Sorry it's been so long, I'll get back on track with verse 25:

25) Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.

Modern: I really struggled with this one. At first glance I take it to mean that her clothes are strong and she wears them with honor, meaning with high esteem and respect. Respectable clothing is most definitely what a lady should wear!

What about the rest of the verse: "She shall rejoice in time to come." Does this go along with her clothing? Any help?

26) She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

Modern: She is always ready to give godly advice. She wants to see her husband do well and is ready to give advice when asked. Her children obey her instruction as they trust her to know what is best for them.

I believe the last part is really destroyed when parents try to bribe their children so that when the parent instructs them to do something the children refuse to obey if no reward is in store. If a reward was offered and the parent doesn't uphold, which often happens in bribes, then the parent has lost the child's trust, and their own creditability. When a mother instructs her child to do something, the child should trust the mother knows what is best and obey her.

27) She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Modern: She is very up-to-date on what is going on in her home. Who's watching what on TV, or which child is feeling down. She doesn't have to depend on the babysitter's accounts to know what her children are experiencing.


Also, she is not lazy. She uses her time wisely (yikes!) and does what is necessary to remain on task! No soap operas!

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Which of these verses are do you find the most difficult?
For me it is verse 26, not wait, 27......actually it's both.

26: I think sometimes I give biased advice to tailor to the advice-seekers desires rather than what God's Word says.

27: I often don't make good use of my time, okay, I ALMOST never make good use of my time. It's really a problem for me that needs serious attention!

I haven't Forgetten! Proverbs 31

Due to increase of work hours, I haven't been blogging as much. However, I do hope to complete my Proverbs 31 posts this week! Yes, THIS WEEK! I have them prepared, I just need to blog them! So please, come back!

Loving is hard....

Blessed are we that He first loved us......

"An Excellent Wife: What God's Word Says" Part III

continuing with verse 20.......

20) She extends her hand to the poor; Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.

Modern: She cares for those who are in need, and does not ignore their needs. She is willing to help them with what she has.

21) She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.

Modern: Her children are always bundled up for winter. She might have to wear an out-of-style coat so that her children can have new coats as they constantly out-grow their old ones.

How often I've seen children not properly dressed for the season, meanwhile their parents have coats on. (I do understand there are some children who hate coats, or insist on wearing shorts in winter, even in the snow!) I'll never forget seeing a child in a Wal-Mart in the middle of a Kentucky winter (below freezing) with only a dress too small on, not even shoes or socks on her dirty little feet. Meanwhile her parents were dressed in layers, and buying packs of cigarettes.

22) She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Modern: If she wants nice clothing she either makes them or buys them when they go on sale (now that's something I can do, the sale part anyways!) Here's a great example of a lady who should probably take some of us shopping with her great finds! See how she uses her talents to really get more bang for her buck!

23) Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

Modern: Her husband is respected by those in the community as they have never heard her say a harsh word against him. She also respects his position in the community and understands it's importance.

24) She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants.

Modern: She helps contribute to the income in some way. Often by sewing or making crafts and selling them.

Many wives contribute just by simply budgeting what she spends the household income on and by cutting costs as much as possible.

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What are some ways you help cut costs in your home to help contribute to your family's income? We could all use the advice!

"An Excellent Wife: What God's Word Says" Part II

Continuing with Proverbs 31:15.....

15: She rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants.

Modern: She wakes up early to provide a morning meal for her family, even if it is cereal and juice.

16: She girds herself with strength and strengths her arms.

Modern: She is strong. She becomes strong through chores, playing with children and being physically fit.

Personal Experience: When I started working at "The Bakery" I always had to ask for help lifting the 50 pound sugar bags. Kindly, my boss or co-worker, whoever was available, would run to my aide and grab up the bags of sugar. It amazed me because at over 50 years of age they were so strong and here I was, younger and whimper. Then the day came, the New Girl started and I trained her. Boy, it didn't take much for me to show her how I could lift that big bag of sugar! Amazing what a lady (me in this case) can get done when it's up to her to see that it gets done!

18: She perceives that her mechandise is good and her lamp does not go out by night.

Modern: I'm not completely sure about the merchandise mentioned above. I perceive that it could mean that if she sells something at market then it is made, or produced well. However, I'm not really sure.

In any cause, an excellent wife will often stay up late until things are in order.

19: She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle.

Modern: She has the ability to mend clothing (buttons, hemming, and small tears).

"An Excellent Wife: What God's Word Says."

Recently on another post of mine, Michelle commented in regards to one of my favorite books, "The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace. With this comment, Michelle asked what my opinion was for what an excellent wife would be. Here's what I have to say:

Today while at work my mind was constantly pondering, what does an excellent wife look like? What qualities does she possess? First of all, no woman is perfect, not even close. Fortunately for us, excellent doesn't mean perfect. In fact, Dictionary.com tells us it means possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; or remarkably good.

As a Christian, what God's Word says is most important. That's where I base my beliefs on what an excellent wife is like. In Proverbs, King Lemuel's Mother was giving him advice on what to look for him a wife. Although this was written thousands of years ago, God obviously found it of great importance to putting it in Solomon's heart to write down for us to read years later. By the way, EVERYTHING in the Bible is very important to us today.

As I studied Proverbs 31:10-31, I decided it best for us to study it together. Hence, I have broken this down into several posts. I do not want to take any of God's words out of context. I am giving an example of how it clearly relates to us now (if you feel I have taken something out of context, please let me know!). Let's look at verse 10:

10: Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.

Modern: The wife seeks righteousness. To her husband she is highly valued. This woman is not like the world. She is different, and she is precious, just as a ruby is valued.

11: The heart of her husband safely trusts her. So he will have no lack of gain.

Modern: Her husband can deeply trust her with his concerns. He also has confidence in her integrity, ability, and good character. Therefore, he will lack nothing when it comes to what is important.

12: She does him good and not evil, all the days of her life.

Modern: She does what helps him, and brings him up, instead of what hurts him, or his character.

ALL the days of her life.....clearly this speaks for "till death do us part". Forever!

13: She seeks wool and flax and willingly works with her hands.

Modern: She seeks out what she needs to operate her home, in those times it was wool and flax, which as changed a bit. She works hard with her hands to see that her home is well in order. I'm quite sure she doesn't worry about ruining her manicure.

14: She is like a the merchant ships, and she brings food from afar.

Modern: She spends time selecting the best foods she can to bring nourishment to her family. Also, she always has groceries in the home.
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Here I have provided scripture (NKJV), always read for yourself, check your sources! More next time.....

So Easy a......WHAT?!?!

Christians.....isn't there something wrong with Geico's new "so easy a caveman can do it" commercials? Doesn't this kinda go against the Truth of Creation? People, let's not get caught up in "good humor", if it's wrong, say it's wrong!

As a Christian, how do you feel about these commercials?

Tropical Depression, Not so Depressing!

PRAISE THE LORD! He gave us rain! It has been raining ALL DAY! YAY! God is so good! Remember today.... God is in control. He hasn't forgotten about us, and His timing is perfect!

"The Perfect Adoption"

Months ago a family I am close to adopted a baby from China. Over these past several months I have the joy in watching the little one grow into a sweet little child filled with so much happiness and sense of security. One look at this child will brighten anyone's day as God gave her the biggest, toothiest grin I've seen!

As time has passed, I find myself forgetting that she was even adopted! Clearly to anyone she appears Chinese, but the more I see her, the less I see Chinese and the more I see her adoptive family. I see her mother's big smile and her father's tastes for veggies-over-sweets. I also see how she captures her older brothers heart and he longs to always protect her. What a sweet, loving family they are! This got me thinking about my very own adoption. I am adopted too.

In January 2000, God called me to Himself and the adoption papers where signed! Suddenly I was filled with a great sense of security that "surpasses all understanding." God's Word says, "....but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, Abba, Father (Romans 8:15)." Just as the child begins to recognize that her Mommy and Daddy are her's forever and if she calls out to them, they will answer, God does the same for me! When I cry out, "Father", He is there! Praise the Lord that He chose me as His daughter!

Since God adopted me into His family, things have changed so much! I constantly have to examine myself. When people look at me, what do they see? Do they see the world, my old "family"....or do they see Christ, my new family? Oh how I desire to be like the small child and grow to look more like my Father!

Father.......only a son and a daughter can call their Father, "Father". Can you call God, "Father"?

Have you been adopted into God's Family?

Thank You!

Happy Memorial Day, but most importantly, THANK YOU! Thank you to those who have in the past and who are now serving our country. Thank you for sacrificing your lives for our freedom. Thank you to the Veterans from each and every fight that you saw worth fighting for.....THANK YOU!

I am NOT accepting comments on this post today.

"Not Stopping Here..."

The other day on my way home from making a delivery for work I was stopped by a train moving along the tracks. As my tires rolled to a stop behind others cars waiting I watched as the train and its cargo traveled past. Amongst the many containers being transported were military vehicles. I watched these vehicles past swiftly aboard the train with great interest. I was in awe of the perfectly constructed, almost toy-like vehicles. I wondered, where are these vehicles going? Are they going for training at the neighboring military base, or where they possibly going across the seas? As I neared my home I caught up with the train once again, and thought to myself, those military vehicles, the jeeps, humvee, and armored cars and medical vehicles weren't stopping here.....

Every time I hear a jet fly over me, I look up in amazement, then I think to myself, it's not stopping here. When I hear a gunshot in the air I figure someones hunting or practicing for the next season, but the gunshots aren't stopping here. Why do I not have to be afraid of the sound of jets overhead, or the sound of gunshots......because the explosions, the roadside bombings, the humming of tanks and humvees are not here! Do you realize that there are children in Iraq right now who wake up and go to sleep in fear? Do you realize that there are women who are afraid to travel alone in fear they may not return to their families? The sound of gunfire and explosions and cries are what the people in Iraq and those other countries hear why we in America are listening to our radios and watching our television sets.

You know something....that could be us. We could be the ones who fear silence as much as noise, expecting any minute are homes could be taken over by the enemy. Praise the Lord, however, we have men and women fighting as you sit there at your computer. The war isn't happening here because of those very people. Every single day the soldiers risk their lives so that we can be free! Thanks to those who serve, we don't have to watch where we walk, or be afraid to get into a car or shop at a crowded market.

On the other hand, do you realize that there are children in America* who wake up and go to sleep in fear because Daddy or Mommy may not come home during their next holiday leave? Do you realize that in America* there are terrified women lying in their beds at night with their children pulled tightly to them? These women are lonely and scared without their husbands, their protector and comforter, with them? There are hundreds of women across America* pregnant with children who plead and beg their husbands not to go, don't leave them, even though they know they must. Whether you want to believe it or not there are women, wives and mothers, who go away to fight so we can be safe.

You know, it really doesn't matter if you support this war or not, it doesn't change the facts. We owe a lot more to those who serve our country then a yellow bumper sticker or a plead that President lets them come home. We owe them our prayers and our support. We owe them a "thank you" and kind words. We need to be there for their families too. I challenge all Christians who read this blog:

When you see Hummer going down the road (yes, even the fancy ones that those opposed to the war often drive :/ ) pray for those who drive the military vehicles.

When you hear a gunshot, pray for the soldiers on foot.

When you see a jet fly across the sky, pray for those in the Air Forces.

Then praise the Lord that's it's not stopping here!

We don't support the war because we want to, we do it because we HAVE to! So pray for President Bush every time you hear someone put him down. Pray that God would give him wisdom. President Bush is a Christian, does God not hear his cries too?

Thank you to those who serve this country*! May you have peace in the Lord today! Ya'll are my Heroes!

In Memory of


SSgt. Christopher N. Hamlin
1983-2007

*America has a host of other countries with deployed troops fighting along side our troops. These countries include United Kingdom, Poland, Canada, Australia, and Denmark. Thanks to NEOCounter I can view how many vistors my blog has had from all countries, I know you're reading, so.......let me hear from you! If your country has troops deployed, let me know (I accept anonymous comments ;) )

Where Have I Been?!?!

I suppose it's rather annoying to visit my blog only to see that my last post was weeks ago! Oh dear friends, I have so much to write to you about!

This past week after school finals were over, I was able to leave town for four days to visit with my family in Florida. My beautiful sister, Casey was graduating high school! This was a wonderful time to be with my family, but oh how I have missed my blogging friends!

During my time off my mind has been going constantly on things I want to write about next. Here is a list that has been on my heart to "write home" about:

"Cleaning out, Shaping up, and Fixin' up God's Temple....ME!"
"The Perfect Adoption"
"Not So Hot about Hotmail"
"Not Stopping Here...." - Supporting Our Soldiers
"Christian Women Voting"
and "My Boss"

Hopefully, you'll come back soon and check my blog for updates!

Being Straight with God.

I am pleased to announce that I have passed MATH 1111! Praise the Lord! As some of you may know from one of my last posts, I use to suffer terribly from Math Anxiety, no kidding! Since I started college in 2003, I have been through five remedial math classes to FINALLY make to it college math. Now, four years later, not only did I make it to college algebra, but I passed with a wonderful "C"!

I'm sure you're thinking, a "C", you call that good? Yes, it is good! I was afraid I was going to fail! Through a lot of prayer and asking God to help me pass this class, I finally got honest with God:

"God, I know that you can perform miracles, and Lord, that's really what I'm asking for. I beg you Lord, please give me the knowledge I need to pass this test (my Final). Lord, I'd really need to pass this test, and I know that you can help me. In the end Lord, you're in control and I am not. Father, you know me. You know what I need more than I know what I need. Please Lord, do your will. You plans are perfect, so no matter what happens I will still love and trust you."

I studied the whole night before and felt somewhat comfortable with the majority of the practice problems. I went to the school on test day very nervous. Five minutes before the test I was preparing to study my note cards and as I went to grab my index cards from the passenger seat of my car the whole stack slid to the floorboard. I reached towards the floorboard to pick up the cards and God said, "You don't need them, just go." I thought for a second, but I didn't test God, so I went. Early this morning when the grades were posted online, I saw the results and fell to my knees in praise.....My God how GREAT you are!

This week God reminded me that there's nothing too big or to small that we shouldn't trust Him for. God is so faithful to us when we truly trust in Him. How often I say I believe, but do I really? I was amazed this week at how God met my needs after He saw that I was willing to trust Him, no matter what the end result was. Sure, this miracle looks petty up to a life being saved from cancer, or what-have-you. But this proves that God wants us to seek Him even in the small stuff.

Do you find yourself only giving God the "big stuff"?

"I cried out to God with my voice....and He gave ear to me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord." Psalm 77:1

In all things....seek the Lord!

This is the day!

Happy May 5th! Yippee! YAY! WooHOO! What's so special about ToDaY?!?! Oh, you didn't know? THIS is the DAY that the LORD hath MADE! Another day to enjoy God's Creation!
"This is the day the Lord has made; We will REJOICE and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24

Have you thanked the Lord today?

7 Me-Me

I've been tagged! Now I have to list 7 random things about myself! There's only one problem! In order to complete the rules, I must have friends! I really only have a couple blogging pals.... perhaps I'll have more later.

Mrs. U tagged me, so I'm choosing to tag one of my best blogging friends, Candy (Candy has a lovely blog which is currently down for some maintenance, and should be up and running soon.)

Here's how it goes: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. You need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

1.) I have 3 pets! Pup (a beautiful mixed-breed female who "found" us); Duke (a huge and goodlookin' male golden retriever), and Peaches (a beautiful short-haired tabby, often known as "Kitty"). Duke and Peaches were both adopted by us through a good friend from church. Peaches stays inside, but is let outside to roam around during the day.



2.) I use to suffer from Math Anxiety.

3.) Over the years I have taught myself not to worry about anything that happens at school like tests, homework not finished, etc. Worrying doesn't help, so I just laugh off a bad grade and try harder next time. NOTE: This isn't always good, as I sometimes don't worry when I should! ADVISORY: This technique may not work for you, WARNING! :P

4.) All together, I have 2 brothers and 4 sisters, 3 nephews and one niece. I am the most closest to my older brother, Steven (he loves the Lord :D).

5.) I was born in Georgia but moved with my family at the age of nine to London, Kentucky were my Dad and step-mom were from. At the age of 19, my heart still longing for "home", I moved back to Georgia where I now live with my grandmother and love it! The only sad thing is that a lot of my family is still in Kentucky. :(

6.) One day I want to live in an older home, no younger than the 50's. I love the character of older homes. I love big wrap around porches with rocking chairs and ceiling fans. Inside, hardwood floors and plantation shutters.....ahhh! Of course, in a dream world. In reality, I'll take what God gives me!

7.) I love the South: sweet tea (no lemon), grits and eggs (mixed), Southern accents, mild winters, miles and miles of pecan trees and cotton fields, Catfish as the Main Entree, homes dating back to the Civil War, homemade ice cream and good ole' fashion Barbecue and Hash with hot sauce!

"Whisper Sweet Deceptions in My Ear....

all the while I sin against God". Interesting statement, huh? That's what us Christians do everyday. We pretend not to notice a friend is sinning, we don't want to hurt their feelings. Or we really want to say something but we know they'll say, Who are you to tell me what I'm doing is wrong. My favorite, "I'm finding myself, who are you to judge me?" Comments like this make me want to laugh, then cry. When I point something out to a fellow "believer" in Christ, usually a Sister, it almost never turns out good, as I am "judging". Truth is, if a friend (Brother or Sister in Christ), is sinning, we need to say something. Proverbs 27:5-6:

"Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."

Our friends should be the ones we can count on to show us where we mess up, we have to hear it! In order to grow we need to be reproved.

The other day I came across a very good blog entry at The Isle of Hope. The gentleman that this blog belongs to said in his post "Judge Not", everything I've been trying to say, but he says it best (he seems to be a solid writer). Check out this post, it'll make you say, "That's a good point," it did me!

"Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid."
Proverbs 12:1 (yes, NKJ version said, "Stupid" )

I don't remember where the above photo came from, if it is yours...please let me know. Thanks!

Want a New Family?

Tune into ABC Family Channel! What do you get when you watch this channel, exactly what it advertises, "A New Kind of Family." You can get cocky children, who don't mind seeing "teenagers" in their underwear, children who see nothing wrong with drinking, smoking and dressing sexy.

And that's not all, because ABC Family Channel will also throw in examples who teach your children how to talk to you like you're nothing! Tune in now and you might just catch parents fighting and mothers putting down their husbands! All of this, in just one channel! How about it?

No? Good for you! Don't be fooled because it says "Family". Educate yourself www.abcfamily.com .

Romans 12:4 "Do not be conformed to this world..."

Christianity Interview

It's only 4 minutes long, but will have you thinking for hours. Turn on volume and watch until the end of video.

Pray for the VT Family.....

And you think your day was bad.....

Pray for the Virginia Tech family and friends of the victims.

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

Another Way the World deceives us..

How many times do we tell our children how special they are because God created them unlike anyone else? A lot, right? Then why do we spend so much time being hypocrites and comparing ourselves to others? I have a problem, and that's comparing myself to other women, especially those who appear to be in shape, because I want to be in shape. Here's the problem, I'm breaking one of God's Ten Commandments, "Thou Shalt Not Covet." The media, through television and magazines, constantly slams beauty in our faces. It's all about "the look", "the shape", "the latest/newest". But who should we base our standard of beauty on? The magazines, or what the Bible says?

1 Peter 3:3-4 is one of my favorite versus of scripture. Here Peter is saying that beauty shouldn't just come from the outward, but it should be found inside of us, in the "hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." I'm so glad that my inward self doesn't show too much from the outside, or I'd look like a monster! But praise God that He creates us precious to Himself! Another passage in the Bible tells us that "beauty is passing" (Proverbs 31:30), or fleeting. The outside of us ages, and becomes wrinkled; however, the inside is "incorruptible", and can grow more beautiful as the years go on.

One thing that worries me is that I might not be a good example to my daughter concerning true beauty. I must always remember to watch the kind of example I put before her and how it could effect her, like the things I say, and the things I do. God does not make mistakes. When we focus on our flaws, sometimes we ought to just be saying, "God made a mistake, my hips are to big." I'm going to start evaluating how I say things concerning my body. For example: Instead of, "My hips are so big", I might say, "God gave me wider hips, but it sure does make carrying children a lot easier." There is a difference in the healthy aspects of our bodies, and unhealthy. Sometimes we know within ourselves that we need to lose a few extra pounds in order to keep ourselves healthy, and there's nothing wrong with it. It's all in the way we say it, and think it, that make us self-conscious.

God did give me wide hips; however, they do make it easier to carry things on them, and they will always be there (no matter how much I diet), and I love them!

With all that being said, as you squeeze your little one, or older one, and tell him or her how beautiful he or she is, remind them and yourself that true beauty comes from the inside. God wants us to take good care of the outside of our bodies, but our hearts are much more important.

Please look at the link below. Although I'm not a fan of their commercials of underwear clad women, I do like the meaning of their promotion.

http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.com/flat4.asp?id=6909

PRAISE GOD! HE IS ALIVE!

HE IS RISEN!

To Blow, or Not To Blow....

“Don’t pick your nose, scratch yourself, or blow your nose in public (wiping your nose is okay).”

FEEDBACK NEEDED: Okay ladies, this one wasn’t too hard for me for the most part. Since a small child I was told never to pick my noise in public, I mean really, who does that? And the scratching in public, I can see where I should probably be careful not to scratch my head, arms and elsewhere in public. However, blowing my nose?? What if a lady just has to!?! Here’s what I’m getting at:

You have a cold, you have allergies, or you just happen to be in the

South during spring time (think yellow car, covered in pollen), and

Your nose is out of control and no privacy is available! Do you:

A. Sniff and sniff until you can reach a private place to blow your nose.

B. Wipe your nose constantly with a wadded tissue in hand.

C. Say, “Pardon me,” to anyone close enough to care, before quietly, and discreetly turning away and blowing your nose. Remember, quietly!

Please answer which you think is the most ladylike. I would appreciate any opinions on this topic.

What was your favorite childhood toy?

What is was your favorite childhood toy? This is a photo of my nephew, Shane, 10, with a toy from McDonald's. This Ninja Turtle made a previous appearance thirteen years ago as my brothers' favorite toys.

"The Mouth Speaks"

Don't indulge in conversation that is harsh, bitter, critical, impatient, crude, vulgar, or unrefined.

A friend of mine and I once agreed that if we didn’t have to speak, or shall I say, couldn’t speak, then our spiritual lives would always honor the Lord. However, God chose to give me a voice. Shouldn’t I honor the Lord with what I speak and say to others?

Christian women from the beginning of times have needed desperately to fight a stereotype….gossip. Most men will tell you that their wives are gossipers, like a child telling you that their parents are nicer in public; husbands are quick to admit that a five minute phone call to her best friend will turn into a two hour gab-fest (otherwise known as “catch-up time”).

In fact, I have certain “friends” that talking to them is nothing but gossip. “What’s going on with her? Who is she with now? She’s marrying who?” Shouldn’t I be asking, “How’s your relationship with the Lord?” If I’m talking to my friend on the phone, shouldn’t I be concerned with her, not someone else?

My pastor tells us how it is (praise the Lord). He said that people, including Christians, love to see people mess up. And he’s right, because instead of me asking about someone so I can pray for them or discussing situations so I can pray, almost always, my #1 motive is DIRT. I want to know the “juicy” stuff.

Not only that, but I have found myself just wanting to “discuss” someone, their behaviors, their life, just to see if someone else agrees with me. “Am I the only one that notices that Sue raises her voice at her husband?” What does that end up accomplishing? Thirty minutes of gossiping on the other times we’ve seen Sue mess up, or her husband. Who prays for her…no one? What am I doing in reality? Possibly causing another Christian to stumble, perhaps they struggle with gossip too. I need be very concerned with the hearer of the conversation (1 Cor. 10:24).

What I learned: First of all, ladies who love the Lord are called to be different (I will say this almost in every post). This means that the things we say have got to be different from the world. Before I say anything and the words are on the tip of my tongue, I should ask myself, does what I’m about to say honor the Lord? If it doesn’t, I shouldn’t say it.

I thank the Lord that He sent the Holy Spirit to convict me, because boy does He ever! Almost always, as soon as I say something, I think, “oh, I shouldn’t have said that!” God’s Word says that “the beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop a contention before a quarrel starts” (Prov. 17:14). That’s the same with our words. Once we start speaking them, they take control. These words that we use can either honor the Lord, or make Him look silly.

I admit, I’m so critical of others, I can be critical of myself too, but I most certainly forgive differently. Example, when I mess up, “oops!” On the contrary, when someone else messes up, “What were they thinking!?!” Of course, when someone messes up I need to talk about it, with someone else….”what was she thinking?”

What to do now? I can never take back what I say to others, but I can work to honor the Lord with my mistake. How?

1. Ask the Lord to forgive me.
2. Thank the Lord for the Holy Spirit’s conviction. And pray that I will become more aware of my convictions.
3. Ask the other person involved directly or indirectly in the conversation for forgiveness. People are watching us, especially waiting for us to mess up. Others often realize that we’ve messed up before we even realize it. I need to humble myself and ask for that person’s forgiveness, which alone will be a great witness to them for Christ. It’s okay to show others that we mess up sometimes. As Christian ladies, we need to be able to tell our Sisters, I have failed the Lord today.
4. Commit, through prayer and accountability to change the way I speak, weather it’s crudely, negatively, critical, boastful. Constantly talk to the Lord about it, He knows! I think often I underestimate God’s love for me. But God wants us to tell Him what’s going on, even though He already knows. Also, ask close friends to keep me accountable when they hear me saying things that don’t honor the Lord.
5. Change things around.

Other: “Jane is cheating on her husband, did you know that?”

Me: “We must pray for Jane and her husband.”

Take control of your conversations!

Ladies, let’s be different from the World and stop gossip in its tracks! Whoever said being a lady meant sitting around and gossiping is wrong, being a lady should be about confiding with dear friends through prayer and encouragement.

What Does Your Face Say?

One’s facial expression can say a lot to others, without an exchange of words. God gave us great use of our faces so that others may know when we are happy, sad, excited, or angry. These past couple of days I’ve tried being very aware of my facial expressions. Do I look bored, frustrated, or bitter? If so, I really needed to readjust myself. Is my face warm and shining with the love of Christ? If not, perhaps I should change something, perhaps my heart.

The best way a lady should present herself is pleasant and kind. I tried to have a constant look of pleasantness. No, I wasn’t grinning the entire two days, but I did try to turn my lips upward instead of downward. Check this out: Wanna look better in less than one second?

Try this: Position yourself in front of a mirror. With lips closed, move your lips upward, as if smiling, until the corners of your lips go slightly up from sideways position : ] . Now, with tiny smile, try looking angry while holding this position. Hard isn’t it?

Okay, now frown, turn corners of lips downwards : [ , or even straight across

: | . Try to look angry…..oh wait, you already do!

Now ladies, I know that I’m not the only one that looks at the mirror several times a day, you know, just to make sure that my eyebrows are just where I left them earlier that morning. Try this: Walk up to a mirror several times throughout the day, naturally, just like you were walking through the grocery store or through your home. Look at your face, no, not at your teeth, but look at your facial expression at the very moment. Would you want to run into You on Aisle 10 looking like that, or would you want to meet You in the kitchen looking like that?

“Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” Proverbs 3:17

My problem is, how can I have a pleasant look on my face when I’m feeling my worse, or just got my feelings hurt? God called me to be different though. If I can’t find anything to make me smile, I’m forgetting about what He has blessed me with. Am I worse off than anyone else? No, I’m definitely not. Shouldn’t I carry myself in most pleasantness that if I am truly feeling bad, others will say, “Something must be wrong”. I really hope that people wouldn’t say, “What’s wrong with her now? Or “Does anything ever go her way.”

Do you know people like that, who are always in this state of “Blah…..”. And you wonder, do they have nothing to be happy about? I’m sad to see Christian women like this.

What I learned: When I don’t feel like looking pleasant, I’m going to ask the Lord to forgive me for negative thoughts I may be having. Then I’m going to sing in my head, “Oh Lord my God, when I’m in awesome wonder, consider all…the world Thy hands have made……..Then SINGS my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art, HOW GREAT THOU ART?”

I mean, really? God is so great, how can I not smile about that?

Ladies, we are to be more like the godly women we are called to be and present ourselves to the Lord, humbly with love, and gratitude that makes our hearts smile from the inside out.

There are “proper women” who don’t have the love of Christ in them and don’t know how to show love through the look on their faces. It is PROPER for the ladies of Christ to exhibit this love.

Now, turn that from upside down, and show the Love of Christ!