
moving past the broker issues to get a home of our own to "nest"
Friday, June 26, 2009
Well, alot has been going on around here. Dougs brothers started packing out back to their home states. Dan and Heidi left on Thursday afternoon with the twins to PA for a picnic and on back to MN they went safe and sound. Charles and Diane left with their kids friday morning after a fun-filled wii game here with Aunt Becky and Uncle Doug. It was really fun! We miss them ALL.
We've been having problems with mortgage brokers. We were pre-approved, but the broker our realtor suggested was trying to swindle us. Praise God for catching it early, but she recommended another one who ran my husbands credit without really asking us and declined us....for a rediculous reason. Anyways, back to the mortgage broker we origionally had last year. I'm praying these last two brokers from our realtor didn't cost us a pre-approval from the origional broker for our bank. I've heard the more your report is pulled, the lower your score. We can't afford NOT to be approved right now. I'm pregnant and REALLY in need of stability. While I'm grateful to everyone who is allowing us to stay with them, I really need a place of my own to "nest". Please pray for favor that we'll be approved next week for a home and that we'll find a home right for us in a good location.
We've decided to put our homesteading plans on hold and get a fixer upper so we can deal with the mortgage payments and be able to live life with our new little one on the way. If the preapproval doesn't happen, then I suppose we go back to renting for another year. I think I'm just jumpy because there's so much going on...but good grief, I didn't think buying a house could be so stressful. I'll be sharing the "bad brokers" name once this is all finished. Thank goodness I read fine print and get everything in writing. Not to mention the guy doesn't know an FHA from any other loan. VERY SCAREY!
We're getting ready to move to our friends house tomorrow. They offered a room to rent while we work out the kinks in the housing plans. We're hoping we don't put them out, but know this is only temporary and pray we may be of some help. Thats if I can get through the tired feelings I've been having lately. I'm exhausted! I guess this is normal for a pregnancy.
So we're still busy. I'll continue to keep you all posted as time goes on. I laugh because Gods plans are so funny. He KNOWS I need to fully trust Him for anything to work out. I'm all discombobulated and out of my comfort zone. But I feel His peace surrounding me. Praise be to God!
I pray you all have a lovely weekend.

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Strength In Numbers -Please keep us in your prayers...
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Hi everyone!

Test we took two days after the Dr. notified us (to be sure she didn't have someone elses records)
After being sick for a couple of weeks, we were pleasantly surprised ((ok, who am I talking about here...REALLY SURPRISED)) to find out from our PCP that I am pregnant after 8 years of trying.
In the same sentence, I was told the numbers were low and that the baby may not survive. Again, God has proven to be our sustainer as we had another blood test and the numbers went up from 41 to 340. I was told I'm 4 weeks and we're on track.
Instead of holding on to this, we decided after the last lab that we would tell EVERYONE we knew because as the Bible teaches us, There is Strength In Numbers - For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20
Dr.s said we could NEVER conceive. God said it wasn't so. And while nothing in life is guaranteed, we are standing on faith that our Heavenly Father will continue the good work He has already done in our lives as He created this "little miracle".
Each week is critical for this little baby. The numbers must continue to rise and the baby much continue to strengthen and grow. All while being inside mommy who is a Type II diabetic.
I am "high risk" and could also use prayers for God to continue to help me keep my readings lower than they have been and for a full term, happy, healthy baby.
Will you please keep us in your prayers throughout the next several months?
I will continue to keep you all posted.
Love in Christ,
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Just a small hello
Sunday, June 14, 2009
It's been busy, busy, busy around here. My two brother in laws came into town with their two beautiful wives and children. Doug and I are in our own little world just loving our little neices and nephews while they're all here. Especially the two newest edition...the TWINS.
We are two weeks into our planting season and already the peppers, lettuce, tomatos and squashes are starting to sprout up from the earth. PRAISE GOD! What an awesome thing to take part in....watching life as it grows.
We're still here living with my husbands gracious parents. I'd be lying if I said everything was perfect. I think when you take into consideration we all have been in tight quarters, you'd know this living arrangement, while hard, is an awesome experience that God needs us to go through. So, This week, I've decided to enjoy where He has planted me and let go of the control. Accept what cannot be controlled and look to the future.
We think we may have found THE HOME. It may not be a homestead right now....all are either WAY too far from the hospital Doug works at, or need far too much work that we couldn't afford to finish the home. So we decided to try for a smaller town outside the city limits in a cute town...nice place, and who knows, maybe the town will let us have our chicks for eggs.
In the meantime, I'll be in and out as usual. With family here, we're trying to enjoy them for what little time we have them for and look forward to many memories spent with them all in the future.
Be Back in awhile dear friends!
Love
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I Dream, I Dream of a New Home With Livestock and Children Running In The Yard. I Dream MY Dream, A Dream If God So Desires
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Today was a day FILLED to the brim with activity. My husband had the day off, so we traveled an hour away to see our Realtor to go over some things. As some of you know, we were pre-approved last year and shortly after our expiration this year, it became slightly harder to pre-qualify.
It seems almost silly, but we had some bills that while small, were outstanding from Ohio, where they (the bills) never reached us here in our new home state. Anyways, while small, I can see why they are being sticklers and can understand that paying ones bills is not only important to them, but also in Gods eyes as well. We learned our last year in Ohio through our Dave Ramsey-Financial Peace University course, that having and maintaining a budget and paying off debt IS without a doubt important to aquire a home. So, we took the new outcome with a grain of salt, bit the bullet and looked into those medical establishments whom we owed. Some I had actually receipts for and were dismissed. Others we actually owed and we looked them up, paid them off and disputed the credit report. After a couple of months, I'd say the credit report is looking spiffy-clean again and we NOW have a new mortgage broker who is a bit more reliable and trustworthy...if there is such a broker.Haha
So, we have to make another appointment in a couple of weeks with all the proof of information they need for pre-approval and we will FINALLY be pre-approved. Why a couple of weeks? Well, we had only planned to meet with our realtor and had planned to use our old mortgage broker. When all was said and done, we all felt he hadn't done enough on our behalf and wasn't worthy of our business....so we used someone she felt was trustworthy and gave us several names actually and let us figure out who was better for US not her own pocket.
We've actually liked that about her. My mom met her last year and was impressed when she showed us a home that was CUTE, but the basement foundation was buckling and said we could continue with it, but she didn't recommend it and actually recommended her contractor to look it over if we decided we actually wanted the place. Needless to say, we didn't....but there have been SEVERAL times she's pointed us in the right direction.
Last year we even found what we thought was THE home for us.....it fell through and we were disappointed. She talked with us today and said she was happy it didn't happen then, though she knew we were disappointed. She said we could have ended up with close to a 7 percent mortgage last year and now we're almost to a 4 percent. We will surely get more for our money at this point.
I stopped shortly after our visit with Susan, our realtor, and thought of how AWESOME God really is. It's easy to complain and get caught up in why God doesn't answer us the minute we want Him to. I know I get sick of hearing people say exactly as I am going to say right now......God works in HIS timing and HIS ways are SO much better than ours. Being upset about the home last year seems almost rediculous because HIS direction right this minute...a YEAR later, will save us more and help us to be better stewards with what He's given us.
He's NEVER left us where we couldn't make it. Even when we were destitute and questioning which direction almost two years ago in a state where there was no family or friends we knew until we made friends with those God planted in our lives. Even with children, it seems like He's preparing our hearts, our minds and our home to bring home HIS children.
So right now we are looking for our "dream home" in the country. I'm excited to have hens for egg-laying, goats for the milk and cheese, a garden, dogs, a fence and soon, children running around learning all God has planned for their lives. I look forward to rocking in the rocking chair on the porch with my husband as we continue to grasp the glory of our Lord and Savior and all He's given us.
We have a name for our small home and piece of soil......I also have a dream. A dream that one day may come true on our piece of land if God so chooses, that will be named and will help young pregnant mothers break the generational bonds and allow them to keep their children and make a life for them and their children while learning basic financial decisions to rid them of poverty. I won't say anymore...but it's been my dream for a VERY long time and it may take years to build, but God knows my dream and will build on it if it's His will.
In the meantime, I look forward to our home, wherever it may be, and establishing a solid foundation for God to work in our lives, our home and the children who will reside there one day.
I have MANY pictures, but still have no idea how to work my new camera. In due time ladies and gents.
Have a lovely summer and I look forward to sharing memories with you all.
Love,
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Diabetes and Adoption
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Diabetes and Adoption
Apr 17, 2009
There is an old schoolyard chant that starts out with an image of two people "sitting in a tree" and "K-I-S-S-I-N-G." This is followed by, "First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage." The natural progression of life is to find one's "soul mate," tie the knot, and then have children.
My husband and I always planned on having children. When dating, we often babysat for our older friends' kids so they could have an occasional child-free evening. Together we volunteered to work in our church's nursery. While getting my undergraduate degree, I paid the tuition bills by working at a day care. Changing diapers or wiping off dirty faces was nothing new to us.
The year I married my husband and also began graduate school was quite stressful. I was teaching a freshman writing class while balancing my own coursework. When I fell ill that Thanksgiving with a stomach virus, I forced myself to keep working, knowing that a stack of ungraded essays and several hundred pages of reading assignments were waiting for me.
As my education and teaching career progressed, my physical wellness declined. I frequented the doctor every two weeks with chronic sinus infections. I was squirting drops into my eyes constantly. I visited the restroom every twenty minutes, and I couldn't quench my thirst. My weight dropped weekly, though I was consuming well over five thousand calories a day. Despite seeing five different doctors, I was left without answers.
A year and a half after that Thanksgiving, my husband took me to the ER because I couldn't breathe. The verdict was diabetic ketoacidosis as a result of undiagnosed type 1 diabetes. My A1c at the time was 16.9, and my blood sugar was 700.
I spent five lonely, depressing days in the hospital. Brochures with titles like "Sick Days" and "Taking Insulin" were placed at my bedside. I could only stare at the glossy covers, shocked by the fact that I would forever be imprisoned by a disease I did not ask for and did not deserve.
My first diabetes nurse educator was a patient, gentle, and knowledgeable woman named Sonie who visited me on my third day in the hospital. She settled into a green vinyl chair, opened a folder, and began. I barely listened to her words, sitting cross-legged on the bed with tears streaming down my face. I must have looked terrible-yellow skin, unwashed, brittle hair, my frame shriveled to less than a size zero.
Despite my determination to hate every single person who had anything to do with my new disease, I'll never forget when Sonie softly said to me, "You can still have babies."
A year after my diagnosis, my husband and I started talking about the possibility of starting our family. I shared with him my desire to consider adoption. I had spent time researching the potential pregnancy complications that a woman with diabetes faces, a distressing list that includes high blood pressure, kidney problems, yeast and bladder infections, premature labor, miscarriages, and stillbirth. Our child could be born with birth defects of the heart, spine, or brain, respiratory distress, neonatal hypoglycemia, jaundice, and more. I learned that I had a three to five percent chance of passing the disease on to our child.
Some professionals argue that women with diabetes can have healthy babies, but there is, of course, a catch and it's a big one. The mother needs to keep her blood sugars under tight control, meaning between 70 and 140, at all times.
It wasn't just the list of complications that made me seriously consider adoption. I knew that pregnancy and childbirth meant that I might have to quit my job and make managing my diabetes my life's sole purpose. I knew that my pregnancy would be high risk from the very beginning and that the calendar for the next nine months would consist of numerous medical appointments. I also knew, deep down, that I did not want to risk my health and the health of my child, all for the sake of having "my own" offspring. When I thought about my daily struggles and how difficult they are, I could not imagine worrying all the time that the baby would be okay and perhaps subjecting my child to the ups and downs of my disease.
The choice for me to open my heart to adoption came fairly naturally, and I accepted adoption as a way to build our family early on. But, being only one half of a couple, I had to see how my husband felt. A year after my diagnosis, my husband agreed to learn more about adoption, and we headed to an informational meeting held by a local adoption agency. A month later we started our home study process, a journey consisting of paperwork, fingerprinting, home inspections, interviews, and writing checks. Our home study was completed in August of 2007, and we have been waiting for our child since then.
Choosing to adopt a child is not as easy or as glamorous as Hollywood portrays. One must be ready to face the constant questions, ranging from "Don't you want your own?" to "Why would someone give up her baby?" to "How much does adoption cost?" I worry that no expectant mother will choose us to parent her baby because of my disease. I daily ponder how I will add "mother" (and all that entails) to my list of roles: wife, teacher, and manager of a chronic disease.
Unlike a pregnancy, the adoption journey has no due date. Just as with diabetes, there are no guarantees that this adoption journey will turn out the way we wish. Regardless of the emotional risks, we are happy to be on the path to our baby. While we wait for our child, I keep taking my diabetes day-by-day, trying to be healthy and strong, knowing that some day we will go from being a family of two to a family of three, happily pushing around our longed-for baby "in a baby carriage," just like in the schoolyard chant.
Source: Diabetes Health
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Hope and Strength in a worthy Heavenly Father...what Joy!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
I am SO greatful for a loving God who is faithful and trustworthy. In seeing what's happening in the world, it is easy to get caught up in the worries of this life and the woes of trials. Knowing His faithfulness and love through "the valley" however, is where strength is found for those who believe in Him.
Since my last entry, there have been plenty of things that have happened. Doug and I just came back from a weekend retreat in the Adirondacks. It was off season and wonderful to be amongst the "locals" not in the tourist areas, but with the people who live there with what seems as extremely far away from commercialism.
We were due to stay in the Inn and the owners daughter in law gave us a log cabin suite since we were only staying for a short time. God is SO good. It was a moment of spiritual renewal and a time to gather ourselves and strengthen our marriage for a short time. The dock was in walking distance and we sat by the water for HOURS just staring at the choppy water and the mountains God created. How can anyone think this beauty wasn't created by someone?
I wanted to claim the beautiful rocking chair for myself and just take it home for when we FINALLY buy our home. I spent many hours on my grams lap as she'd rock me to sleep. I SO long to rock my own children one day. In my mind, I keep saying...Lord! Please, hurry. My heart longs for a child and a home to call our own. One that I may raise as many children as you give us. It need not be through my own body....I/we are willing to be a mommy and daddy through adoption and actually knew in our hearts before we even married, that we'd most likely go that way. Not because it was the only option, but because it was our hearts desire. Learning to make due where God has placed us has sometimes been hard for me. I am always with great joy when I hear of those around us having babies and getting pregnant. I'd wish nobody the struggle, yet sometimes, I find my heart empty and sad and wish I too could give my husband a child and be able to hold him or her in my arms which I have prayed for over 8 years.
It will come in Gods timing and "woe is me" won't help the situation so I press on as only I know how...through prayer and conversations with a loving Heavenly Father.
In the meantime, we have paid almost ALL of our debts with exception to one whom is causing us problems as they continue to patch us in to India. Each time, asking for our social security number which I WILL NOT give to a foreign country. So I am waiting more details and will walk in to the "sister company" of this debtor and hope to pay the debt in full. I never knew paying a debt could be so hard!
The only other debts we'll have is for Dougs student loans and the car...which we plan to make double payments on and get that paid off by next year THEN on to making extra payments on our home mortgage once we get it.
Which comes to this little ditty....I noticed in the paper tonight that the bank we have our car loan through and the one we were going to get our mortgage through is yet again one of the BIG BANKS that needs more bailout money to keep it going. Honestly, I'm at witts end here! Nobody has ever asked us if we would like a bailout for our car loans.....or have said, Hey! Would you like a FREE home? Nope......here we are looking for the right home, the right mortgage and it seems to be taking us awhile. We were told about one mortgage that I just didn't feel right with. After much prayer and conversation with my husband, we called the realtor to ask about the difference between two loans she suggested and asked to meet with her face to face. Apparently she wasn't really all that happy with meeting face to face, because she hasn't gotten back with us.
She doesn't think we're serious enough to "jump in" without asking questions first. Sorry....A home is a debt I'm not willing to jump into. In fact, that takes several years of my husbands hard earned income and shouldn't be taken lightly at all.
SO, as we continue to look for homes ((my dream homestead is contingent now...so must not have been in Gods plan for us) I think we now have to not only search for a new realtor....but also research smaller local banks with hopes that they aren't "TOO BIG" and can handle the economic circus going on right now. One with years of experience who has refused to take taxpayers dollars and will stay afloat. Is that too much to ask? Haha
I'll keep you posted. We purchased a new Nikon point and shoot camera. Once I figure out how to upload the pics, I'll have some to show you.
I pray God blesses you all and gives you the strength you need to push through any trial.....remember to HOPE in HIM and HE will set your feet on solid ground.....no matter how bleak things look. Remember to also renew your mind and spirit in Him and take time to find the joy in life. Don't be a Martha, spending too much time on things that aren't important. Take time to spend with family and friends, play alittle and remind yourself that God is good and seeks you to find joy in Him through the little things in life.
Much love and many blessings,
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**** Happy Birthday My Dearest Husband****
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
35 Years ago, two people came together and bore a second son. One who would one day minister to the lost not by title, but by pure love for Christ.
His life wasn't always easy, with teasing and struggles here and there, but it gave this young man an eagerness to triumph through the hardships and remember who his Mighty Savior was.
He was born in the same city, lived an hour away, lived with his gram as I did and though he longed for a relationship for many years, waited for God to finally speak.
25 years later he met and got to know a wild sinner who didn't know the Lord. Someone who in her own mind, was lost and undeserving of ANY affection. It was then, this young man shared his love for his Lord by sharing a glance at his Bible with her. Later, after she came to know the Lord through a college friend and brother in Christ (Ramone), this man gave this young woman a gift she'd never had. The knowledge of Christ through a Bible He had purchased for her.
Suddenly, this quiet young man, didn't seem so much like a wallflower, but a diamond in the rough.
He stood for everything she had not known and unlike the others, fought to protect her when she needed it while seeking to pray WITH her and read Gods word to help her understand.
More and more she found that this gentle-man was liked by many and seemed to get along with everyone no matter where he was. The young girl observed from the sidelines to find that she fell in love with him and appreciated more and more all he had become in her life.
later that year, he not only became her best friend, but her husband and over 8 years later someone to cherish forever to spite the ups and downs of life.
This young boy, born 35 years ago....is the love of my life and the gift that was hand-picked by God as we were born 10 days apart, in the same city, lived an hour away, and finally, met in college. God just knew I needed him and I owe everything to God as He layed the plan not just for our lives to be bound together. But the two lives of whom became my Mother and Father in law.
As I look at my life, I can't imagine it without my sweet, patient, kind and loving husband who through good times AND bad, has never stopped loving me and whom continues to be my best friend as we share our faith and lives with others.
He is not a Pastor by trade, but he is fully used by God each day as he sets aside his own biases to love people for who they are and reach out to them as He hopes to share The Good News with the world. He is not just my husband, but a son, brother, nephew, coworker, brother in Christ, nurse, and overall compassionate man who most will find that what you see REALLY IS what you get.
Again, Happy Birthday Doug. May God bless your day, guide your steps, and may others see Christ through you in Jesus Mighty name I pray....AMEN

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It's getting closer...
Saturday, April 25, 2009
I've been praying for awhile now for a few things. Aside from continued love, guidance, wisdom and growth from my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, of it's utmost importance I assure you. I have also been praying for a home of our own with a bit of earth to grow things, as well as children to fill the home.
Throughout the years God has been everso faithful to me as I walk this life of mine through good times and bad...or should I say trials ((I have many blessings to count)). I can't begin to tell you fully where I've come from, how I got here, and where He is planting me, though I can tell you not ONCE has He ever forsaken me. EVEN when I'm at my lowest and get frustrated with Him because I can't hear Him or wish He'd speak sooner, or even when I falter to sin and fall prey to fear and anxiety. He's STILL been there walking me through EVERY bit of life with me. Never thinking twice of His love for me when I don't meet His or my own expectations.
Anyways, We've been searching for a home for over a year now and recently moved in with my gracious mother and father inlaw with hopes to be in a home by fall. I had no idea it would take this long and we're still needing to get REpreapproved now. We have seen one home that I've fallen absolutley inlove with within the past week. I'm unsure if we'll get there in time before someone else grabs it up, but I can just see a sign outside from the local woodworker with a name of "Abundant Harvest Homestead" on it. Circa 2009. It's homey and just oozes comfort and family, even though it's not really in the area we'd like it to be in near friends and family. It IS close to Dougs employer while also being just outside the city. I am praying for Gods will in this. He knows our desires and while I'd LOVE this little home with land, only HE knows if it's the right one for Abundant Harvest Homestead.
Once we get settled into a home of our own, we will follow through with adoption plans with hopes to adopt a child/children with whom we've prayed for, for over 8 years. We also pray for the birth parents too. What a hard thing to do. One mother gives up her child, while the other receives the blessing . Neither would happen without Gods hand and the mothers heart to sorrowfully give up her child. Maybe in one case or another, the mother unwillingly gives up the child, but can no longer give their child what they need to survive or the structure they need to thrive. Either way, it can't be easy for a mother to give up her child. I couldn't imagine the pain, yet I've endured my own pain, pain much different than a woman who can give birth. Though I know in Gods time and place, I'll receive my reward in heaven whether I hold that child in my arms or not.
I can't say it's easy to focus on Gods plan all the time. Though I'm sure everyone some time or another goes through it. However, more and more I am starting to find my place in Him even when I'm impatient. Waiting on the Lord isn't easy, but it certainely is rewarding and a sign of strength and perseverence in a Heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally and while doesn't promise us a life of no pain, but promises us a home in heaven with MANY ROOMS and is a Father to the Fatherless.
So as I wait upon the Lord for this new season in my life, I am grateful to our Lord Jesus Christ for walking with me in each new day, as I move forward to be His disciple and as He guides me through the storms of life.
May you walk continually with Him and in Him, may you find faith through the storm and may you have strength in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as you live for Him in Jesus name I pray....AMEN

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Faith Building in Consistency, Loving the Lord and Finding Joy Where He has placed me.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Matthew 7:22-23
Hello everyone!
This week has been full of fun-filled, merciful and loving moments touched by God.
As many of you know, we are living with my mother and father inlaw who have been kind enough to allow us to stay with them as we look for a home of our own. Wowee, I had no idea what an experience "home-shopping" can be. We don't want to live IN the city, but we need some place just outside the city with easy access to the main road in order for my husband to get back and forth to work at the hospital. It has proven to be an interesting experience. The homes in our area haven't really been affected so much from the housing bubble. I suppose that's good for some, but Holy Cats! Houses are pretty pricey around here. ESPECIALLY just outside the city limits. People are looking outside the city limits and they are looking for smaller homes.
My husband and I differ on what type of home, however, we're pretty much in agreement with the areas. Though we're open to 3 different counties just outside the city limit we have a few areas we'd like to find a home so we're close to family, friends, and FINALLY a church home we'd like to call our own after searching since we moved back here the summer of 07'.
Now we're seeking more information on first time homebuyers programs. That too, has become confusing. We are working on good stewardship for the most part, and each program looks good, but the realtors and mortgage brokers who think we should take the programs THEY suggest, we have a hard time figuring out which ones are the right ones for US. Taking their word for it is hard because they benefit from these first time homebuyer programs. Who can we trust? Well, in God we put our trust. So we are asking for HIS guidance, protection and wisdom to help us discern which is the right mortgage for us that will allow us to be good stewards with what HE gives us.
This past weekend we went to our new church where God just spoke to me through His Word. The topic was "We CANNOT grow in the word if we do not have devotional time each day with God".
Consequences of NO Devotion time daily with God are:
1. You Won't Grow
-without regular devotion in Gods word, we won't be able to say "NO" to sin because we won't be able to fight it WITHOUT Him, without the SOLID FOUNDATION of His word and His strength.
-We'll continue to whine, quit, argue and fight under pressure or frustration as "spiritual babies" and never grow into "spiritually mature" adults.
-If we don't grow, we continue to need constant "mothering" or discipline
2. You won't mature
-Gods word says we need "milk" which is HIS doctrine
-It's hard to make decisions if we have no discipline or have the means to lie on the foundation in times of trouble. (as my old pastor used to say, "No ROOT, No Fruit")
-If we sloth along thinking "Sundays are our only time with God and we are spiritually grown", we miss out on things in His word that are Exciting Truths. I know many people would say, Bek, come on, NOTHING is exciting in reading that HUGE book you call a Bible. But if you actually read it for what it IS and KNOW that it's the Living, Breathing Word of God, then you AND I will see there are some exciting Truths within Gods word. ONE is that through His blood that was shed.....(Jesus') We are saved from Hell and go to Heaven. It's NOT about how good we are, rather, that we admit we have sinned and make mistakes and NEED Jesus' and seek to walk with Him each day for the rest of our lives.
NONE of us are perfect, but by golly if our Lord and Savior didn't stand in for that awful violent abuse for us and shed His blood for us, It wouldnt matter how much we try, but we wouldn't get to be in heaven. JESUS bridged that gap lovingly for us.
3. You won't be Effective
-If we don't have daily devotion with the Lord, we won't be "equipped".
-How in the world can we expect to share the Gospel, the VERY REASON we're here on this earth, if we don't know His word?! If we can't answer when someone asks us WHY we believe what we believe, how can we be effective disciples to be used BY God if we don't KNOW God?! If we allow others to TELL us what we believe instead of seeking the answers for ourselves and allowing God to mold us, teach us and USE us.
-Finally, we cannot accomplish Gods design for our lives if we don't care enough to daily seek Him in His word. NONE of us are perfect, that's why Jesus bridged that Gap. But it is our DUTY to be disciples unto the world with the Good News
The pastor ended saying we need consistent time with God. With consistency, we will grow, mature, and make right decisions in our OWN lives and will be equipped to impact the lives of others.
I did not jot all that down to preach to anyone. I REALLY needed my own "reminder". Sometimes I get caught up in my own daily tasks and needs, that I don't spend ANY time with God. Yeah, we've been going to church lately, and YES, I make it a point to give not just of our pockets, but of our services.....but none of that really matters if I don't KNOW Him.
Just before I started blogging, I was reading some scripture and found scripture pertaining really about "fasting" but it REALLY spoke to me again and kinda correlates with Sunday's message.
Isaiah 58
True Fasting
1 "Shout it aloud, do not hold back.
Raise your voice like a trumpet.
Declare to my people their rebellion
and to the house of Jacob their sins.
2 For day after day they seek me out;
they seem eager to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that does what is right
and has not forsaken the commands of its God.
They ask me for just decisions
and seem eager for God to come near them.
3 'Why have we fasted,' they say,
'and you have not seen it?
Why have we humbled ourselves,
and you have not noticed?'
"Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please
and exploit all your workers.
4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,
and in striking each other with wicked fists.
You cannot fast as you do today
and expect your voice to be heard on high.
5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
only a day for a man to humble himself?
Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed
and for lying on sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
a day acceptable to the LORD ?
6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness [a] will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
"If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
13 "If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath
and from doing as you please on my holy day,
if you call the Sabbath a delight
and the LORD's holy day honorable,
and if you honor it by not going your own way
and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
14 then you will find your joy in the LORD,
and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land
and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob."
The mouth of the LORD has spoken.
What I got out of that scripture reading, whether fasting, praying or devotional reading...God DESERVES more than just an hour or two on Sunday or Wed. He deserves daily devotion to Him....Loving Him, Seeking Him and HIS Authority on things such as our lives, relationships with friends and family and even with directions we seek to go such as a new job, a home of our own, children or anything else.
No, this post wasn't geared toward any one person. It's a reminder to ME to have discipline and consistency. God is more important than EVERYTHING else in our lives. HE blesses us with the children we have, the homes we have (even if they are rented) money and everything else.
Just last night, I was out with two wonderful ladies...and we were discussing conditions in Thailand and Africa as well as other third world countries. My question is why is it that each day we complain about money, places we live, work or even don't work at....yet there are families around the world that LITERALLY live in filth, lack clean water, have homes that have dirt floors and are made of raw materials barely keeping their children alive....yet we as a nation can't be satified and content with what the Lord gives me while often-times, those who have MUCH MUCH MUCH less than we do, find joy where they are and even have MORE faith in their faith in God than we do who live (for now at least) in a FREE Country where we CAN read the Bible and CAN Pray.
Wow! This post has really taken on a life of it's own, and if you've come this far, THANK YOU!
Moving on, after church, our good friends were nice enough to invite us to an impromtu party at their parents home "Thank You Heath/Baker Family" where we brought my inlaws and we had a BLAST grilling, talking, "singing" and the guys went fishing while the girls waited and my dear friend took a rest from caring for her twins while God worked in her mom as she sat and helped me work through some "spiritual" battles.
Just yesterday, I had a girls night out where we took a drive to Skaneateles, where we ate dinner at Blue Water Grill Restaurant and had Dessert in Auburn. While we talked and talked and talked the night away.
As long as this post is, I can certainely tell you it's NOT even close to the blessings God has bestowed upon me.
YES! There have been trials and hard times, but God ALWAYS seems to carry Doug and I through and give us EXACTLY what we need, when we need it. I am grateful He loves me enough to teach me and grab my hand to walk me through when I can't hear Him.
If you don't know His love today, I pray that He would speak to your heart and that YOU would come to know the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ who Loved you enough to take YOUR place so that YOU could get to heaven.
Heavenly Father, I take the time RIGHT NOW to pray for my brothers and sisters. Lord, I pray you would put your hand on them and give them strength for the road you take them on. Lord, take their hand and guide their ways. Renew their minds and spirits and grant them favor. I pray for Discernment and ask that you would take their burdens and give them joy wherever they are. Thank You Jesus for standing in OUR place as you suffered, died, and rose again...knowing that today You are ALIVE and have bridged that gap for us between heaven and hell. I pray for those who don't know You, that they would pray right now that they are sorry for the sins and mistakes they've made...KNOWING that YOu died for them and rose again so they could LIVE in heaven. That they would walk with You forever and continue to seek Your will. Father, give them HOPE and build their faith and spirit.....Give those of us who DO know you, the reminder that we should seek You DAILY in devotion through your Word so that we may Grow and spread the Good News to the world. Give us discipline, Consistency, Knowledge, Discernment, Strength, Mercy, Forgiveness and anything else you deem necessary as we grow in discipleship with You and in You in Jesus mighty name I pray....AMEN
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USGrown
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
A friend of mine just sent me an email about a gentleman who started a line of food products called US Grown. Cans, Juices, etc., that are grown in the United States, by Farmers of the United States and processed in the United States.
Some of the products are being sold in Tops stores right now, but American consumers should talk to their local grocery stores and have them stock their stores with these products to keep our farmers and the American Economy running while also keeping and creating jobs here in America.
Please talk with your grocery store Managers and Reps to ask that they sell the brand USGrown in their stores.

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Rambling in the early morning.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
So hear I am in the dead of morning. The dogs are sleeping near my husband and I am still up pondering on the next days business.
We're here. To my husbands parents. Everything we own is storing away at three different places. Friends or family. I can't begin to tell you how up and down this can be. For several months in my youth, I lived in a suitecase. While the experience was an interesting one and loaded with Gods blessings and mercy and the greatfulness I have to those who took me in and fed me not just food, but Gods word.
I would have NEVER of thought I'd be back living moment to moment in a suitecase again. This time though, it's slightly more comfortable. My kind and gentle inlaws moved some things aside and we have a closet, were allowed to bring our own bedding to be "homey" and even though it's hard for her, My mother in law understands my need to cook, clean, and yes, I LOVE to do laundry. We are paying rent here with hopes to help them while they help us for the next several months. I can't help but feel I need to do more for them. Mainly, keep our room clean and tidy, help with meal planning and dishes, make sure I do laundry on her off days, vacuum as needed and just give them some space and know when and where my place fits in.
I love my inlaws dearly. They are loving, kind and gentle souls. It takes great patience to live with all four of us. That's my husband, their daughter in law, and the two dogs...a Jack Russell Terrier and a Pekingese.
Here they thought they were empty-nesters and not even two years later, their middle son and his wife come trotting in the door hoping that as we help them with rent, we can save some money to buy a home of our own. A piece of earth with which to bare fruit on.
God knows the desires of my heart:
One is to serve Him. I sometimes fall short, but I seek to Be like Him and want to please Him
Another is to find that balance with the relationship with my dear husband. He too loves the Lord. God hand-picked us for each other. While we love each other so much...the differences in our communication can sometimes make things confusing....but we have NEVER given up and ALWAYS know the love we have is strong with and through Gods Covenant.
Another hearts desire is a place of our very own to root ourselves and to plant for the harvest. Get back to basics so to sey.
A child. I long for a child so much it bares pain in my heart and spirit. I have prayed and prayed and still I wait. God knows this desire. Whether through adoption, Foster to adopt or a miraculous conception, I long to have little ones in my arms to call my own. I smile and with each child in my life he plants from day to day, I just thank God for that opportunity. No, they're not my own, but I'm grateful to be near them.
Anyways, I've been in need of just expressing myself today. I still feel as though I have SO much more to talk about, but there is time.
In the end, when I feel unappreciated or don't feel like I fit much , I remember that I'm doing all things through Him and FOR Him. He knows my daily schedule and knows it's for im.
Blessings Dear Friends. Thank You for listening to me jabber on.

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Sweeten The Bitter Heart
Friday, April 3, 2009
What happens if someone suddenly approaches you with an unkind greeting or with complaint. What if a crotchety neighbor demands you cut down your tree or ask that your kids stay off their property? Do you get mad or add insult to insult?
What if that neighbors behavior is a symptom of something in their lives that maybe YOU could help with. What if you could minister to their hearts EVEN with their bitter attitudes?
My inlaws, whom we're living with, live next door and behind two women. ONE of while she can talk your ear off, gives of her heart and EVERY year without fail sends flowers for every momentous occassion in her life while the other neighbor comes off as crotchety and nosey.
One woman EVERYONE in the neighborhood seems to complain about because she leaves things kinda dumpy on her property and talks alot, but is KNOWN for her kindness and generosity. While the other just seems to complain her way into her neighbors lives.
At face value, the easiest way to deal with one neighbor is to hurry up and avoid her while with the other one, to ignore or bite back.
Would this behavior help the situation? Would it help your neighbor?
I've found that sometimes, people are in such a hurry to do their own thing, that they forget about Loving their neighbor and doing unto others as we would have done unto ourselves. Even me! We've had SO much going on in our lives that sometimes we can get caught up in US than in serving our Loving God.
Just yesterday I had decided to take advantage of the beautiful sunny day and help my inlaws gather the leaves outside. In doing so, I felt pretty good, but had decided my fair skin needed a break so after gathering two HUGE bags of leaves, I planned to go back in and continue today with my husband. All of a sudden, I hear a Psst. I looked around to find a little old woman in her backyard asking if I had planned to get the rest of the leaves by her fence. I've been working and working she said, I DO hope you will finish these. I'll even help you she offered.
I have to admit, upon first hearing her, I was pretty taken back, but kindly told the woman whom I wasn't properly greeted with, that I had to get inside quickly so I wouldn't overheat. Not without assuring her that I would be back out before daybreak to get the rest.
As I sat with my mother and father inlaw, I found out more about the lady behind me. She lost her husband and was a widow. She and her husband used to garden together and OH, at one point, they caught my husband and his younger brother as children, playing with fire under a tree and called their parents (I would have too. Ha ha)
Needless to say, I found out a little about her and then contemplated on Gods word. I'll get back to that in a little bit, but I THEN thought of the nice woman next door whom people often get frustrated with because she talks too much or stays too long at restaurants eating alone while she talks with staff and people around her. She's a friendly woman and I assume would give the shirt off her back if someone needed it. She loves life, loves God and yet, is most often spoken down to or treated with disrespect by those who don't understand her talkativeness or why she leaves her home and yard in disrepair.
She too is a widow and lost the love of her life. But she has chosen to live life, get to know others and give where she can. She remembers others in need and REALLY asks for nothing in return.
After finishing the leaves yesterday, I thought and thought about these two VERY DIFFERENT women and was reminded of the verses in Gods word where He asks that we take care of the widows and the fatherless/orphans.
"This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.' Zech. 7:8-10
Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds
out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!
Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.
Defend the cause of the fatherless,
plead the case of the widow.Isaiah 1:16-17
"Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. Exodus 22:22-23
Upon hearing in slight detail of their lives and the losses of their loved ones, I began wondering if I could help these women in some way. I don't have money and honestly, not much to offer in talent but I thought I could start by being neighborly and baking cookies like I would do in my own home for the neighbors we lived next to.
In the end, I have no "build me up" kinda story. I will not give names and honestly, it's too soon to know what these women will think or do as I offer them a bag of my baked cookies tomorrow.....but the spirit led me to pray for these women and put myself in THEIR place. For if I lost MY husband, my heart would be lonely and I would somehow find a way to talk with someone and sometimes need to "vent".
So the next time you come in contact with someone bitter, angry, talkative, nosey, etc. try praying for Gods wisdom and discernment. Look further into their hearts through Him and remember that there's a battle within the spirit and not necessarily in the flesh. Find a way to make their days brighter and maybe share some mercy that God has given you.
I'm grateful for the mercy God gives me each day. I neither deserve His love or mercy, yet He gives it freely and loves without condition EVEN when we don't deserve it.
Blessings dear friends!

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Trip Around The World***Restaurant Style***
Friday, April 3, 2009
The past few weeks, We've been traveling the world with our good friends, The Bakers.
We spent 2 whole hours in Thailand where we enjoyed the sights, sounds and flavors such as Thai Tea and Pad Thai, my husband and I just came back from spending a half hour in Mexico where we had authentic Mexican Cuisine of ReFried Beans, Guac, Fresh REAL mexican Tortillas and chicken with peppers, onions and some kind of mexican spices....and This weekend we're going to Japan for a Habachi Dinner.
In The midst of all the craziness lately, It's been good that my mind can travel to other countries just for dinner. Ha ha
I can't wait to see where else we go. Morraccan or some middle Eastern joint. Maybe a bit of Le Francais?? I'm thinking China will be our last stop around the world, because my dear friend and I would LOVE Sushi. However, our husbands aren't fans of fish OR SUSHI.
I'm looking forward to England again where I'll have Fish n Chips with mushy peas. YUM!

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Endearing Moments Thru The Chaos In Life
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Shewee! Where'd the time go?!
We're finally moved in with my generous inlaws who have taken us in while we search for a home of our own. It didn't go without a hitch though. My husband lost a chunk of his right index finger from a faulty issue with the truck ramp. As an RN, because of the type of OPEN wound, He could not work with patients so he was out of work for a week and recently went back this past Tuesday evening.
The truck agency has been wonderful thus far and the insurance adjuster was pleasant. We're hoping to get reimbursed for the time lost from his sick and personal days.
We found out that the MRI and EEG's came back clear from the "spells" he's been having for a few months since his last hospital visit. Another check off the list, but things seem to be getting scarrier and scarrier for me as my dear husband continues to have these "episodes".
I believe we've found a culprit that NONE of the Dr.'s actually tested for. He's been having hypoglycemic episodes. SEVERE ones. Dizzy spells, nausia, profuse sweating and almost fainting spells. All the symptoms He's been having. Now instead of occasionally having them, this week, he's had 3 episodes. One this past Sunday at church, the second on Monday at the hospital while having his finger checked from the faulty moving truck ramp, and another today just after dropping his dad off to have his car fixed.
Of course I was gone. I felt pretty guilty not being around to help him, but as an RN, he knew what to do. He took out my glucose monitor and checked his sugar readings. At that time it was only 73. Grabbed a glucose tab I just purchased for him for these episodes and notified me that he had another spell.
I had him call the Dr. and hopefully she'll order a Hemoglobin A1C, A 2 hour Fasting Glucose test, and a urine test. I'm not all that familiar with hypoglycemic episodes like this as a Type II Diabetic and his episodes aren't quite as harsh as my grams were as a type I. If a person goes TOO low, they get disoriented and if unnoticed could go into diabetic shock or coma. I don't see his getting that bad...but I DO wonder the underlying cause of this hypoglycemic episode he continues to have more and more each week.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a tad bit scared. I love him. God hand-picked Him for me and we just FIT. He loves me for who I am and understands me like nobody here on earth....with acception to my dear friend Andrea.
Speaking of Andrea, I trodded along with her and her paternal Aunt Sue's house who then drove us to her maternal Aunts house to help her organize things in her garage for a garage sale where all proceeds go to a father who passed on leaving 3 young children. I was humbled and blessed to be a part of it with them. She was REALLY sick with a virus too, but came out to help us organize where she wanted things.
Afterwards, we went back in and sat together. Eating lunch and looking out the window at the pond while hearing the beautiful chimes. I'm not sure those 3 women understood the role they played in my own life today. I had such great sense of peace and comfort. Talking with them, laughing with them and just taking in the fact that her maternal aunt was thanking US, but really, I was really grateful to her for allowing me to be a part of it.
Peace. God just knew exactly what I needed for my spirit. I do not deserve a thing from Him...yet not only did I receive mercy, grace and Salvation from Him, but His unconditional love and affection....His presence even when my spirit feels weak and far away from Him.
Mmm. There's nothing like a dark and dreary day inside, watching the rain fall on a pond and relaxing with other women. My Cup Runneth Over and I appreciated that today. A bit of Joy through the Storm so to sey. There is MUCH to be thankful for.

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The ***SECOND*** American Revolution
Friday, March 20, 2009
STAND UP AMERICA! Stand up and fight against dishonorable practices from local, state and federal government practices. Don't sit and wait for things to happen, Stand for CHANGE for your children, Childrens Children and for the Country YOU were BORN to Freedom which didn't come without sacrifices. God created us and we were MEANT to be where we are at this time. So STAND. Unite, and Let's Hear YOUR Voices!
Grab a FREE copy of the Constitution. READ it, STUDY it, MEMORIZE your FREEDOMS so that you are able to stand and care for YOUR families, KNOWING your God Given Freedoms.
Find Your Local NEW AMERICAN Tea Party Events,
Join the 9/12 Project Movement.
Or Start your own NON-Violent SOLUTION!
In GOD we Trust!
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Depression Cooking
Monday, March 16, 2009
I have been mesmerized by this 91 year old woman who tells HER story of The Great Depression while she teaches recipes they used back then to STRETCH meals on what they could afford.
Her stories are alot like my own grandmas and I continue to keep her recipes as well as her stories deep in my heart. I miss Gram dearly, but I'm glad she's with the Lord.
As I pack to move this week, please enjoy this little glimpse of simplicity and NECESSITY from those who've endured hardship.
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A WHOLE lotta Contemplation
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Galatians 6:1-5
Lately, I've had some time amidst the hustle and bustle to contemplate on things I've encountered. I've found myself focusing TOO much on brothers and sisters in Christ who have put too much emphasis on "turn or burn" methods who hide amongst legalistic thoughts and interpretation finding it pleasant to point fingures in the directions of the lost or even other Christians who base their lives on examples of Christ whom before they restore a sin in another, take the log out of their own eyes.
I've spent more time trying to please those types of "Christians", that I've found myself putting every other brother and sister in Christ in that little bubble and avoiding them or worse yet...complaining about how things need to change, but never actually looking WITHIN to change MY heart.
Over the past few weeks I've been doing some "housecleaning" of my own heart. One in which I get rid of the crud and focus more on God, changing MY heart, and purging the things that are lethal to my spirit instead of complaining about them.
Thus far, while it's too early to tell, I'm finding peace and coming out of a shell I never thought I'd come out from.
I grew up NEVER believing God loved me. Oh, I'd say it to everyone else....but I just wasn't sure Christ could really love ME. I was bad...didn't feel like I could be a part of this "Christian" group.
Over time things became more and more complicated. I had accepted Christ into my life. I thought dedicating my heart and life to Him and asking for forgiveness would be easy. Little did I know how hard it would be to be a part of the family of Christ. You see, the fighting over Christmas trees, Easter Eggs, Santa's. The arguing over speaking in tongues or wearing head-coverings, being a Titus 2 woman or Proverbs 31 woman......Being told I was of the Devil because I attended one church or that I couldn't clap in another because I was giving praise to anything other than the Lord.
I'm a baby Christian still, I don't know it all, but sometimes what I've seen has pushed my heart more INWARD than to share it outward because my fear is I'll be judged for NOT fitting that mold.
I think what I've seen is that there are so many people fighting over NON-ESSENTIALS and cliques WITHIN the body of Christ, that there sometimes in some churches, isn't any room for others. I guess that's where I can empathize with those who are seeking but are within the world. You see, I did not grow up in a Christian family, I drank my sorrows away in my twenties and did some pretty bad things. Even now, I watch t.v., though the Hallmark Channel and the News, I do not wear headcoverings and let me tell you, I am FAR from perfect. I DO NOT deserve Christs love....yet He has given it to me.
I have determined I cannot change everyone, but I CAN change my own hardened heart and judgements. I understand that NOT ALL Christians love to stir discention or hurt people to turn them to God. In fact, there are a GREAT MANY Brothers & Sisters in Christ who would give of themselves to help another.
Therefore, it is time for me to move forward and STOP creating a wall between Gods people ( my brothers and sisters) and those who seek to follow Christs example through Loving They Lord, They neighbor and Thy Self enough to bare witness to Christs everlasting love, the very reason we celebrate Easter....Because He suffered, Died, Arose in order to bridge the gap between my sin and the sin of others...so that we may go home to be with our Heavenly Father.
Tomorrow, if I have time, I will post an excerpt from a devotional my husband and I have been reading before bed. It's based on the Beatitudes and has really been speaking to my heart and changing the way I see things. I think it could be good for everyones heart these days.
In the meantime, I leave you with the following Scripture:
Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends, John 15:13.
Please remember that when you describe the world you don't want to be a part of, remember that some of your Christian Brothers and Sisters came out of that world and may have done some of those awful things you describe and were saved by Christ.
***Also remember that when you say Pray to your HEAVENLY FATHER, He loves you, that sometimes, people who are at the other end, may confuse HEAVENLY FATHER with an earthly father who may not have been so "heavenly". Christians have diverse backgrounds. Nobody ever says, Yay! Let me come to Christ because I'll burn in hell if I don't. Rather, When they hear of the suffering, the love of Christ who bridged that gap for the sins and mistakes we've made...that it's not in how much we DO but that we need only pray to Him for forgiveness and that NONE of us deserve His love yet He gives is freely?! Well, that's the Love of Christ and the Gospel we were put here to share.
P.S., I would like to extend my invitation to calmly and respectfully share your opinons. I WILL NOT except Anonymous HURTFUL Opinions and reserve the right to delete them. Keep in mind I have information of anyone who posts hurtful remarks through IP Addresses and WILL use them if remarks are hurtful and threatening.
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It's A Great Day To BE ALIVE. Thanks Ladies. One woman has NO AUTHORITY to Cause Discension and Hurt.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Thanks Becky for Visiting. The Song You Had On Your Blog Encouraged Me!
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. ~Hebrews 3:13
I have NEVER seen so many women come together over one person. I suppose there's more good out of this than bad. The encouragement and love I've felt over this...and even the mercy for not being as "good" as I should be about it. Its good to know that while those who love Christ know my faults, those who REALLY are different through Him, don't add salt to the wound, but add love and a bit of prayer and encouragement through my own humility. I am indeed human and those who've posted with the spirit to encourage and build up instead of knock each other down, come with the TRUE heart of Christ.
My Cup Runneth Over.

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To The Jerk From NJ Who Responded Anonymously to My Page
Saturday, March 7, 2009
I am SICK and tired of ignorant people hiding under Anonymity without having the courage to back their thoughts by their names. People who do this are Dishonorable and have ABSOLUTELY NO INTEGRITY when they post HURTFUL comments to boost their OWN EGO'S.
I am hurt and absolutely DISGUSTED by people who consider themselves women of God who pass judgement on someone they hardly know. YOU DO NOT know what my husband and I have gone threw in our lives, YOU DO NOT know what your hurtful and absolutely ASSANINE comment under anonymity did to my spirit and heart.
I am NOT a hurtful person. My husband and I have two dogs that we saved through adoption, have fostered SEVERAL teens, and I CANNOT bare children.
You hope to God I have no children?? How cold are YOU that you say such filth from your mouth and preach the Gospel. YOU my dear lady, are a hypocrite.
The video I posted of the dog......HAPPENS. Our own dog does silly things in his sleep. During a time that my husband has been sick and falling to the floor, during a time we wait for MRI'S, EEG's and other tests to come back, when we're in the process of moving, looking for a home of our own, and dealing with other harships...we have found light-hearted laughter with such videos, friends who aren't so stuck in their own fairytale idea of what "Religion" IS that they can allow God to use them and ENJOY life with laughter, humility and a kind heart.
Look into yourself dear friend because you have HATRED in your heart. You do not know us, yet you judge us and ask that God NOT give us children. We've struggled for over 8 years as I watch those around me bare children and yet STILL I enjoy what HE HAS given me....yet YOU want me to see it as God punishing me over a stupid video of a dog.
May He Forgive your attitude and have mercy on you as you HAVEN'T had for me.
May He forgive me for losing my temper at STUPIDITY hidden under Anonymity. I DO know who you are dear friend. Consider my response under your post a WARNING.
***To others, please forgive me. There is only so much I can allow or take from idiots who say hurtful things as Christians under anonymity. THIS type of crap makes me want to RUN the opposite direction from "The Church". Praise God for Christ. HE KNOWS me, my heart and understands me so much that I am able to talk to Him and cry out to Him when I continue to be knocked down by ignorant people who consider themselves "religious" yet know NOTHING of Christs Love.
If you only knew your hurtful words and the kinds of burdens my husband and I have on our shoulders you won't have said such mean-spirited things!
P.S., A Gutsy "I'm Sorry" would suffice without anonymity. Have the guts to come out of the closet and show yourself!

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*** Sharing A Little Laughter With You Today ***
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Sleeping Dog Runs Into Wall - Watch more Funny Videos
We LOVE it when our dogs dream. They bark, run and one dog even growls in her sleep. But they have NEVER done this. Ha ha

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