Friday, May 29, 2009

You Raise Me Up ♪

Isn't this precious. . . . .

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

The King James Bible Stands!

Are they not the cutest ever!? This is Bethany and Elijah Waters. They go to my church, and they sang at the Beggar's Meeting 2009. They did a great job! Enjoy!



seriously, this family is one of the most musically-inclined families I have ever met. They all play guitar. The oldest girl plays the piano amazingly. The oldest boy plays every stringed instrument imagineable (almost). They all sing. But most of all, they all love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, and mind. They're truly amazing!

The Henson's...!! :)

I'll post more about these wonderful people later.... but just listen for now!




This is the kind of singing I love. I love the Hensons. I loved Micah. Micah wrote the song the ladies are singing (below) - it's titled: "All That Matters". Micah went home to be with the Lord in Fevruary 2009 - he was only 29 years old. But God makes no mistakes - and God was ready for the face-to-face company of His servant Micah. Micah wrote alot of the songs this dear family sings. The Henson's come to our annual Old Fashioned Tent Revival every summer, and visit throughout the year - Mrs. Henson and the 3 "kids" would sing (Kim is at the piano, Micah with the guitar, Renae singing like the angel that she is) and Mr. Roger Henson would preach - what a man! He has a constant "tear in his voice" - he preaches with a tender heart for the lost and for the Lord. Truly, they are some of the greatest people and Christians I have ever known. All the pianists at my church are constantly saying that it's our life long ambition to be able to play the piano as well as Kim Henson one day! ;) I love this family dearly, and thank the Lord for their unwavering, faithful testimony to the Lord! I am blessed to know them.
Anyways.... without further delay - enjoy the kind of music I love and was raised on. These CD's are constantly blaring in my car as I cruise down the road....! ;)













And here's a repeat for you....!! You just can't sing enough about Jesus. You can't praise Him enough. You can't love Him enough. You can't serve Him enough. But if I had but one breath I'd use it to praise Him with, because He's all that matters!!

Mark & Liz Rogers

These two wonderful people come to our church on occasion. Mrs. Rogers is one of the craziest, funniest, sweetest, godly, most beautiful women you will ever meet. She spoke at our ladies' "Day of Refreshing" just a couple months back - what a blessing she was! Mr. Rogers is an evangelist that travels the country and plays the piano just beautifully. And then it's quite obvious that they both are gifted with the ability to sing. They have two small children, a girl and a boy. What a wonderful blessing it is that these godly people are apart of mine and so many other lives. If you'd like to check out their ministry in greater detail, click here.


































Sunday, May 24, 2009

Happy Birthday To Me ♪

So today is my birthday! I am 21 years old now. Just a number. Another year older. But it's a day for me to celebrate the life the Lord has given me. I am so thankful that I am not walking through this life alone though --- I have Almighty God on my side, and He loves me!

So here I am on vacation in Texas with my brother as he visits his biological family. I'm currently sitting on "my" bed, sipping on a Dr. Pepper (MmMmmm....! Oooooo.....! Ahhhh....!!!), watching Jasmine (my brother's youngest half-sister) playing her online game "Impressive Title" (and I'm not really sure how it happened, but I got suckered into creating an account on there too - which WILL be deleted by the end of the night, I can assure you of that). Earlier today I went to church with the family, which (in my opionion) was a great way to spend my 21st birthday! After church, we drove back to the house, where I helped Jasmine feed the COWS (Zeth and Jasper)!!! *yuck!* :X Yesterday, when I helped her feed the cows my brother was outside shooting a gun, and it spooked "my" cow and it just about trampled me! And then after it was all done eating and I was untying it, that bad-breath, hunk of steak sneezed all over my legs. *GROSS!!!* Scott and his biological mother killed a momma scorpian with eggs on its back the other day. For some reason, the giant toads like the pool and we found 7 of them stuck in the filter one morning (dead, of course - and smelly).

So far I've counted at least 46 people who have wished me a happy birthday on facebook - it's so great to have such amazing people in my life! :)

Anyways, that's my update post from the very distant land that I'm in right now!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Sweet, Sweet Goodbye....*

*....For a few days anyways! :)

I don't know how much blogging I'll be doing over the next couple weeks --- after today, I have a 4-hour workday on Wednesday, then I'm on vacation for a week and a half! (Yes, I'm oober excited!)

I am going to Texas with my brother, where I will be meeting the rest of his biological family for the first time. He has been down there to visit them once before, but he asked me if I'd like to come along this time - of course I said yes!

As you know, if you've read my post titled: "I Grew In Her Tummy", I am adopted. Shortly after I started looking for my biological mother, my brother decided he would try to find his as well. and he did - about a month after I found mine.

He had a Christian heritage - a strong, Christian heritage. His "mother" was young when she had him, and since she was not married, she thought it best that her baby be raised in a home that had a mom AND a dad. So she gave him up for adoption. And I'm so glad she did - because that made it possible for him to be my brother! :)

So anyways, I'm going to Texas -- and I'm looking forward to it verrryyyyy much! My life has been non-stop since last August.... (here's a little peek):
This is a schedule of my daily, weekly, monthly life! haha! Mind you, it's a 45 minute drive (one way) from my house (or work) to church.
Sunday: Choir practice (9:15-9:30), Sunday School (9:45-10:30), Morning Service (10:45-12:00-ish), Teach 5 piano lessons (12:15-3:00-ish), Choir practice (4:30-5:30), Evening Service (6:00-7:30-ish), Music and Sound-check practice (7:45-8:80-ish)
Monday: Work (7:30-4:30), 1-hr Dinner relaxation, Homework (5:45-??)
Tueday: Work (7:30-4:30), 1-hr Dinner relaxation, Homework (5:45-??)
Wednesday: Class (8:00-1:30), Work (2:00-6:00), Church (7:00-8:30), Homework (9:30-??)
Thursday: Work (7:30-4:30), 1-hr Dinner relaxation, Homework (5:45-??)
Friday: Work (7:30-4:30), 1-hr Dinner relaxation, Homework (5:45-??)
Saturday: Piano Students (10:30-11:45-ish), Homework (3:00-??)
.....And then it starts all over again.....
BUT NOT ANYMORE...!! Because school is out for the summer! yay! :) :)

Tonight I am going out to dinner and then bowling with some friends! And then tomorrow I have a 4-hr workday! Pack. Board the plane Thursday morning, and enjoy sweet vacation untill 28-May-09! I turn 21 on 24-May-09! (which is no big deal really... it's just another number... another year older... but I'm still excited!) On 29-May-09 I'm planning on going to hear Legacy 5 at a Southern Gospel concert with some of my friends from church! And then on 30-May-09 I'll probably hang out with my BFF! :)

Yes, I'm greatly looking forward to the next 2 weeks! I return to work on 1-Jun-09. *gahhhh...!* But I don't want to think about that right now. haha!

So anyways, I said ALL that to say that I probably won't get a chance to blog much while I'm on vacation... I might get a chance to post something either today or tomorrow.... if not.... adiós. ¡véale más adelante! (that's "Goodbye. See you later!" in Spanish!) :)

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Guilty, Until Proven Innocent

I know what you're thinking: "No, no, Heather... It's 'Innocent, until proven guilty'! Not the other way around!"


Sure it is.... but just wait. I'm not finished yet.... :)

There's this thing called the "Death Penalty". Depending if the crime committed falls into the category of capital crimes (aka: capital offences), the offender has the possiblity of facing the Death Penalty (something I, for one, am completely for. It's Biblical.)

Did you know there's a Spiritual Death Penalty? It's true.

It all started in a garden long ago. There were laws laid down... and they were disobeyed. The shackles of sin were placed on Adam and Eve, and they were forced to leave the garden. The bail that was set required the sacrificing of a spotless lamb upon an altar, the shedding of blood. However, that payment would not forever sin atone - it only lasted until another sin was committed. More laws were laid down - in Exodus 20, God carved the 10 Commandments on two tablets of stone and gave them to the people; and for 2,000 years the world "paid bail" in that manner.

"For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." (James 2:10)

But I'm so thankful... because one day and angel appeared unto a little virgin girl and declared unto her that she would concieve and bring forth a son who would be called Emmanuel. The Great I Am. The Prince of Peace. The Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.
"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:7-11)

MY Savior.

And then that one atoning day came. It started off as any other - but it would end in a manner like that which had never seen before nor would be seen again.
A garden. An agonizing prayer: "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." Betrayal by a "friend". A joke of a trial. Mockery. Beatings. Scorn. A crown of thorns. The wounds. A long, long road. A Hill called Mt. Calvary! A Cross! The Blood! A storm. God the Father weeping as He turns His back on His Only Begotten Son. A voice peircing the sky: "My God! My God! Why hast thou forsaken me...?" and then moments later, the shout of victory: "IT IS FINISHED!"

Finished. Done. Complete. Accomplished. Forever.

A grave. 3 days. and my Savior arose from dead - conquering Hell and the grave, forever removing the sting of death!

"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Collosians 2:13-15)

I asked Jesus to come into my heart and save me - to wash my heart clean with His precious blood on May 2, 2001. It's as if Jesus walked into my Spiritual "jail" that day, opened the cell door, walked me out, and took my place. He had already paid the price. No more "bail". No more shedding the blood of spotless lambs upon an Altar. The Perfect Lamb of God had forever appeased the wrath of God the Father that day as He hung on the Cross on Mt. Calvary!

I'm so thankful for a Savior Who cared THAT MUCH for my soul. Where would I be if not for His grace?

It's a choice though. Jesus will not force His free gift of Eternal Life on you - you must reach out and accept it. If you never ask Him to come into your heart and cleanse you with His blood, you will have to pay for all your sins on your own. And since that is impossible, you face the spiritual Death Penalty: Hell. (Matthew 25:41, Revelations 20:13, 14)

Please don't die and go to Hell when you don't have to. The price has been paid. And Jesus is willing to save you - He WANTS to save you. (II Peter 3:9) He suffered an agonizing death for you on the Cross of Calvary so you wouldn't have to suffer for all eternity in a place called Hell forever serperated from Almighty God. Don't slap the everlasting arm away that is willing to save your soul. Please. Please.


You're guilty. Until proven innocent
through the complete cleansing of your
heart that only Jesus Christ give.


(I could tell Satan was really fighting this post the whole way through. My "copy/paste" button wouldn't work, the formatting and layout of this post kept going all weird... My thoughts kept getting all jumbled up, and I was having a hard time recalling Scriptures, etc... I have three words for that dirty, stinkin' liar: "Bring. It. On." (Ephesians 6:12)

Friday, May 15, 2009

By One, Many.

"For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." (Romans 5:19)

I don't think we fully understand the depth of this verse. What we do affects others. EVERYONE around us is going to be affected in some way - be it big or small - by the choices we make.
.

Let's take a look at a few people in detail, shall we?.... Ohhhh, we shall...!
.

Adam. The first man ever created. Eve. First woman created from the rib of Adam. God said (and I'm paraphrasing): "You can eat of any tree... ANY tree... in this garden, EXCEPT THAT one." Adam and Eve didn't ask Him why... and God didn't give them any reasons.
(just as a side note (because I know you love my little rabbit trails).... God doesn't have to give you the reason for anything in your life. He's God. He can do what He wants... without your approval. There's nothing wrong with asking God "why?"... So long as you know that you're the one that's wrong, and He's always right, everything will be ok.) Getting back on track now.... Adam and Eve were in the garden - everything was going great... and then Satan showed up [isn't that how it always goes?! Everything's fine and dandy, then here comes the snake... just in time to ruin everything....]. Had Eve obeyed God, and not bought into a lie that tree would've never been touched that day, that piece of fruit would've never been eaten, that garden would have still had two more inhabitants. But we all know that's not how the story goes....
Because they sinned... we have a sinful nature (*Gee, thanks Grandpa Adam.... *pfft*).

.
David.
A man after God's own heart. He penned the beautiful book of Psalms. He "encouraged himself in the Lord" (I Samuel 1:30). But we all know he wasn't perfect. He committed adultery, and because of that sin He had a man murdered - left out on the battlefield to defend his nation alone. And then the baby he had concieved with Bathsheba died in infancy. Because of his sinful, lustful behavior, just look how Solomon turned out: 700 wives and 300 concubines later, the Bible says he loved many strange women, and his wives turned his heart away! THIS is the guy who asked God for wisdom, above riches and kingdoms! And then there was Absalom - he tried to usurp his father's thrown, and ended getting his hair stuck in a tree and he hanged to death. And we can't forget Amnon - and he "had a friend whose name was Jonadab... and Jonadab was a very subtil man." *winner.... NOT!* That "friend" (which was also his cousin) helped lustful, wicked Amnon rape his half-sister Tamar! Do we see a trend here...?! Hello!! It all starts with one man. One sin. "What parents do in moderation, the children do in excess" (that's what my parents always told me).
.

Paul. Once called Saul. Once persecuted Christians. Was knocked off his high horse (literally) and was blinded by the Light of the World. Blinded. Forgiven. Redeemed. Transformed. Changed. He was one of the greatest apostles in the world, and he claimed himself to be the "chief of sinners" (I Timothy 1:15). What a humble man. He endured more than we could ever imagine: persecution, imprisonment, beatings, mockeries, shipwreck, exile, etc and etc. WOW! Kinda makes your "problems" seem rather small, huh? I know it does for me. Many lives were changed because of the great ministry Paul had for the Lord.
.

Jesus. Oh, how sweet the Name! Born as a baby, Almighty God "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Oh, but wait...! There's more: "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phillipians 7-11). Jesus Christ took my place, your place, the world's place - and died in our stead. He hung on my cross. He paid my debt I could not pay. He bridged the gap for me!
.

By one, many....

"No man is and island, entire of itself."
..................................................................~ John Donne

*Hmmmm....!* (T.G.I.F...!!)

· A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk I have a work station...

· How come you never hear about gruntled employees?

· If quitters never win, and winners never quit, what fool came up with, "Quit while you're ahead"?

· Employment application blanks always ask who is to be notified in case of an emergency. I think you should write: A Good Doctor.

· What was the best thing before sliced bread?

· Why do Superheroes wear tights?

· If Buzz Lightyear doesn't know he's a toy why does he stop talking when humans are around?

· If humans evolved from apes, why do we still have apes?

· Why do Psychics keep sending me spam, don't they know I'm not interested?

· What was the root of all evil before money?

· Who cut off Mickey's tail?

· If we all stopped voting, would the politicians go away?

· What seeds were used for seedless grapes?

· Isn't it scary that a doctor's office is called a practice?

· Why can't you tickle yourself (but others can)?

· How much wood can a woodchuck chuck?

· If a turtle loses its shell, is it considered naked or homeless?

· Why do we put suits in a Garment Bag and put garments in a suitcase?

· Is it possible to have a civil war?

· What happens if you get scared ½ to death twice?

· If "Con" is the Opposite of "Pro", is Congress opposed to progress?

· Is animal shampoo tested on humans?

· Why is abbreviation such a long word?

· Why do they but braille numbers on drive-up ATM's?

· Is there another word for synonym?

· When it rains, do cotton fields shrink?

· Do chickens think rubber humans are funny?

· Why do we park on a driveway and drive on a parkway?


T.G.I.F....!!!! :)

Thursday, May 14, 2009

You Are Beautiful....!!

I am just so blessed to "know" each of the wonderful people who visit my blog and encourage me on a regular basis. I created this award because I'm so thankful for each of you! I wanted to personally thank a few of you for your godly influence, honest wisdom, daily encouragement, and beautiful self! You truly are beautiful!

*drum roll, please....!*

♥ Alleluiabelle at Humble as I go - You are a constant (and I mean constant) blessing to me! Every comment you leave is refreshing in its own way! I always feel encouraged by what you have to say - I do not take you for granted! You are Beautiful!

♥ RCUBEs at Off The Beaten Trek - You are a wonderful woman! I love reading each of your posts. You share your everyday life and always have a spiritual application when you draw the punch line. You encourage me to seek Him more and be a better testimony! You are Beautiful!

♥ Kathleen Smith at Heart2Heart - When you told me you "busted through (the fence) and at times, took the fence down... (and) lived as a fence sitter and fence painter", I knew you and I had alot in common. Fellow Fence-sitter, thank you for being honest with me in your posts. Thank you for encouraging me that no matter what I do, I have a God Who forgives! You are Beautiful!

♥ Beth in NC at I Am Heading Towards My Final Destiny - You are so full of energy, so full of life, so full of love for the Lord! What a blessing! I thank you for each of the wonderful comments you have left me - you have encouraged me to draw closer to my God, because He fails not! You are Beautiful!

♥ Martha at Fly Away Birdie - Your blog is a wonderful place for me to go when I am needing something, but not sure just what. I always go away feeling blessed, encouraged, refreshed. Thank you for your comments - you are a sweetheart, and I'm glad I "know" you! You are Beautiful!

Please take this award as a token of my thanks to each of you - feel free to pass it along to other beautiful people in your life! I thank you - from the bottom of my heart - I thank you! You are Beautiful!

Here are some "beautiful" words of wisdom from people of the past:

"Beauty is not in the face;
beauty is a light in the heart."
~Khalil Gibran, (1883 - 1931)

"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful,
we must carry it with us or we find it not."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson


"A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul."
~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"People are like stained glass windows:
they sparkle and shine when the sun is out,
but when the darkness sets in their true beauty
is revealed only if there is a light within."
~Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

"Remember how in that communion only,
beholding beauty with the eye of the mind,
he will be enabled to bring forth, not images of beauty,
but realities (for he has hold not of an image but of a reality),
and bringing forth and nourishing true virtue to become
the friend of God and be immortal, if mortal man may."
~Plato, Symposium

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Something Beautiful ♥

In His time. In His time.
He makes all thing beautiful in His time.
Lord, my life to You I bring—
May each song I have to sing—
Be to You a lovely thing in Your time.


“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.”
....................................................~ Ecclesiastes 3:11

Not your time.
Not my time.
In HIS time.


Why are we so impatient? Why do we rush about and get all upset and stressed over nothing? That’s all it is really… in the light of all of eternity… this life here on earth is really *nothing*. It’s a vapor. Here today. Gone tomorrow. It's over in the blink of an eye.

But it’s beautiful. It’s a gift. It’s life.

Here’s another thought for you… no matter what your past, no matter how deep in sin you once were, no matter what people may think and say of you now… In Christ, your life is beautiful. Through God’s eyes, your life is Perfect. Through Jesus’ blood, your life is Clean. Amazing. Miracle.

No one is above falling. So before you start bragging on how great you are, take heed lest you fall. (“Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” ~ I Corinthians 10:12) And if you’re bragging about yourself in the first place… well, then… I have no words for you. The truth is, no one is great. None of us are anything good.

The Bible says:
“there is none good but one, that is, God.” (Mark 10:18b)

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10-12)

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” (Romans 7:18)


BUTTTTT..... THERE IS GOOD NEWS......!!
(I love good news…)


“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.”
~II Corinthians 5:21

Something Beautiful, something good—
All my confusion He understood.
All I had to offer Him was bitterness and strife—
But He made Something Beautiful out of my life.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Imagine Me Without You

Imagine me without You: I'd be lost and so confused.
I wouldn't last a day -
I'd be afraid without You there to see me through.
Imagine me without You: Lord, You know it's just impossible!
Because of You it's all brand new.
My life is now worth while...
I can't imagine me without You!

The funny thing about this song is that... the song describes exactly what we'd all be like without the Lord! It went way past just trying to "imagine" what it would be like:

Lost.
Confused.
Unable.
Afraid.
Worthless.
Pointless.

Those who have grown up in a Christian home for all (or even most) of their life don't really have a "past" to compare our "Christian walk" to. But those who have lived in the "world" and have been entangled in deep, gross sin - and then were saved from a life of misery - seem to take their Salvation much more seriously.

Please, don't get me wrong. Everyone's Salvation Testimony is important. wonderful. unique. special. amazing.

But those who grow up in Christian homes (ok... I'll give you myself as an example: I was raised in a Christian home, went to a Baptist church all my life, have parents who were always very involved in the ministries of our church, have been involved in ministries myself, homeschooled my whole life, sheltered (for the most part) from worldliness, high standards, went to Bible College for a year, etc and etc...) tend to be more curious about what's on "the other side of the fence". We are more apt to test the waters of sin... we find it to be kind of a game: let's see how close we can get to everything that we've been forbidden from our whole lives! That's just like saying: "I'm going to run through a puddle and try not to get wet." Listen friends! If you play with fire - you're going to get burnt!
Whereas, those who have been saved OUT of a life of sin, already know what's on the other side of that fence. They've been there... they've already seen the destruction, lies, and ruin that lie beyond the shadows... So, of course, why would they want to go back?

Stupid!

What are/were we thinking?!

And, hey! I have every right to be speaking about this right now! I've been there. I've jumped the fence. You don't even want to know all of the sin I was involved in... even less than a year ago. Me! who was raised in a Christian home! Me! who was surrounded by godly influences all my life! Me! who was taught to walk the high road and keep the standards high! I willingly threw it all away.... to enjoy the "pleasures of sin for a season."

But Mercy is Great. and Grace is Amazing. and God is Good.

God is so good.
I have no other words right now....
God is so good.

"From that time many of his disciples went back,
and walked no more with him.
Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go?
thou hast the words of eternal life."
~John 6:66, 67, 68

Thursday, May 7, 2009

It's All About The Blood

Just a few thoughts on my mind......

You know....
It doesn't matter what religion you are.
It's not about what church you go to.
It makes no difference what race you are.
It matters not how old you are.

Salvation is of God. from God. in God. because of God.

Though it brings us freedom, it wasn't free.
It cost something.
It cost Someone.
It took sacrifice.
It took death.
It took the shedding of blood.

...for without the shedding of blood
there is no remission of sins.
~Hebrews 9:22, Matthew 26:28

It's all about the blood.
It's all about Calvary.
It's all about mercy flowing down that Old Rugged Tree.
It's all about grace.
It's all about sacrifice.
Redeeming love.
It's all about the blood of Jesus Christ!

Putting everything else aside, I have ONE question for you:
Are you washed in the blood?
In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless?
Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Lay aside those garments that are stained with sin -
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb...
There's a fountain flowing for the soul unclean -
Oh! Be washed in the blood of the Lamb!

Whiter than snow! - yes! - Whiter than snow!
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow!
...................................................((Psalm 51:7)

"Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
~Isaiah 1:18

There's room at the cross for you!
Oh! There's room at the cross for you!
Though millions have come -
There's still room for one!
Yes, there's room at the cross for you!

I'm so thankful that there was room at the foot of my Savior's cross for me! No one is born a Christian. No one enters this world with a God-given right to go to Heaven when they die. Being raised in a moral, Christian home isn't enough. No one can do it for you. Being baptized as an infant when you nothing about what was being done means absolutely nothing.....

Listen friend, we're back at square one here: free will. It's our choice. It can't be forced on us. It can't be prayed on us. It can't be blessed on us. It can't be bought on us. Salvation is through the precious blood of Christ - shed 2,000 years ago on a hill called Mt. Calvary.....
~~ ONCE FOR ALL ~~
.....that the world through Him might be saved!

"For whosoever shall call upon the name
of the Lord shall be saved."
(Romans 10:13)

Not "might be" saved.
Not "hope so" saved.
Not "if I never sin again" saved.
Not "if I pay money to the church" saved.
Not "if the priest prays for me" saved.
It's not about other people.
It's not about what you can do.
It's about what Jesus did.

If you've trusted Christ as your Savior,
will you do me a favor....

Please, leave a comment under this post about when and how you asked Christ to be your Savior. I would love to hear your testimony. Then go tell someone else. The greatest gift you can give to someone is the directions to Heaven!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

A (Discouraged) Ray of Sunshine...?

"You're a ray of sunshine around this place! Everyone loves you because you're always happy and you always make people smile. You just light up a room when you walk through a door.... just like a ray of sunshine....!" Susan smiled brightly as she shared her opinion OF me WITH me.

I really didn't know what to say. I'll be honest with you: I've been very discouraged for the past few days. I haven't felt much like smiling. I haven't wanted to be around people - in fact, a dark. discrete, secret cave has sounded quite delightful lately. It's been a struggle to smile. It's been a struggle to speak kindly and try to encourage people when I MYSELF am so discouraged. I've been irritated with people... Please, don't talk to me. Please, don't e-mail me. Please, don't text message me. Please, don't call me. Please, don't look at me. Please, STOP BREATHING!! (kidding...) There are just so many means of communication for people to get ahold of me at any moment - any time of the day (...or night).

Sleep is already hard to come by for me because of my crazy, hectic schedule. BUT LATELY, it's pretty much been non-existent.

This post is not meant to be a big pity party,
whining, complaining session...
I promise.
If anything, I pray this will encourage you.

I was reading my Bible last night - just trying to find SOMETHING to lift my spirits and hopefully give me a peace before going to bed **hoping that perhaps I could sleep completely through the night without waking up several times throughout the night**. I opened my Bible up to Acts 9.... here's what I read:

Acts 9:
[1]
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
[2] And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
[3] And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
[4] And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
[5] And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
[6] And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
[7] And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
[8] And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
[9] And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
[10] And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
[11] And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
[12] And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
[13] Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
[14] And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
[15] But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
[16] For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
[17] And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
[18] And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
[19] And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
[20] And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

I'm having a hard time choosing which part is the biggest blessing to me; however, I'm going to have to say that this is what stuck out to me the most: "For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake" (vs 16). How great is it that God knows everything that will ever happen in our lives! Later on we read all that the Apostle Paul endured for the cause of Christ! I will write another post that goes a little deeper into this thought at a later time.

Even in the Valley, God is good.
ALL the time my God is good!
I'm so thankful.

I still have a Bible: my Guide to survival that brought me to this place.
I still believe the Christian's old-time conviction is the answer in this modern day.
Old Saints who are prayin' and sinners who were strayin' are recieving God's saving grace.
The Old Rugged Cross is still saving the lost.
Thank God, some things never change!

"For I am the LORD, I change not...."
~Malachi 3:6

Say Hello To Miles...!!

I would like to introduce you all to someone! Meet Miles at ...at thy word I will...!
He is a fellow Parkview-ite (meaning, he goes to the same church as I do: Parkview Baptist Church)!
He is new to the blogspot scene, but I know he will be a blessing as he shares what's on his heart over time. He is a blessing to serve the Lord with at church! Stop by his blog, be a follower, be an encouragement to him!
:)

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

The Beggar's Rags

A beggar lived near the king's palace. One day he saw a proclamation posted outside the palace gate. The king was giving a great dinner. Anyone dressed in royal garments was invited to the party.

The beggar went on his way. He looked at the rags he was wearing and sighed. Surely only kings and their families wore royal robes, he thought. Slowly an idea crept into his mind. The audacity of it made him tremble. Would he dare?

He made his way back to the palace. He approached the guard at the gate. "Please, sire, I would like to speak to the king." "Wait here," the guard replied. In a few minutes, he was back. "His majesty will see you," he said, and led the beggar in.

"You wish to see me?" asked the king. "Yes, your majesty. I want so much to attend the banquet, but I have no royal robes to wear. Please, sir, if I may be so bold, may I have one of your old garments so that I, too, may come to the banquet?"

The beggar shook so hard that he could not see the faint smile that was on the king's face. "You have been wise in coming to me," the king said. He called to his son, the young prince. "Take this man to your room and array him in some of your clothes."

The prince did as he was told and soon the beggar was standing before a mirror, clothed in garments that he had never dared hope for. "You are now eligible to attend the king's banquet tomorrow night," said the prince. "But even more important, you will never need any other clothes. These garments will last forever." The beggar dropped to his knees. "Oh, thank you," he cried.

But as he started to leave, he looked back at his pile of dirty rags on the floor. He hesitated. What if the prince was wrong? What if he would need his old clothes again. Quickly he gathered them up.

The banquet was far greater than he had ever imagined, but he could not enjoy himself as he should. He had made a small bundle of his old rags and it kept falling off his lap. The food was passed quickly and the beggar missed some of the greatest delicacies.

Time proved that the prince was right. The clothes lasted forever. Still the poor beggar grew fonder and fonder of his old rags. As time passed people seemed to forget the royal robes he was wearing. They saw only the little bundle of filthy rags that he clung to wherever he went. They even spoke of him as the old man with the rags.

One day as he lay dying, the king visited him. The beggar saw the sad look on the king's face when he looked at the small bundle of rags by the bed. Suddenly the beggar remembered the prince's words and he realized that his bundle of rags had cost him a lifetime of true royalty. He wept bitterly at his folly.
And the king wept with him.

We have all been invited into the royal family--the family of God. To feast at God's dinner table, all we have to do is shed our old rags and put on the "new clothes" of faith which is provided by God's Son, Jesus Christ.

But we cannot hold onto our old rags. When we put our faith in Christ, we must let go of the sin in our life, and our old ways of living. Those things must be discarded if we are to experience true royalty and abundant life in Christ.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

What are you holding on to from your life before knowing Jesus? Whatever it is, get rid of it! God will give you everything you need ... you don't need to rely on the world to satisfy you anymore! Isaiah 64:6 says: "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away."

Tell me something.... Why would you choose to remain in your filthiness, when God is is freely offering His righteousness to us. Hosea 14:4 says: "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him."

What is that "secret sin" that you're still holding on to - unwilling to fully surrender to God because He might "mess up your life", "tamper with YOUR plans"...? Really? Let go, and let God. You could have such a rich, fulfilling life... but it's your choice. See, God will not force anything on you... just as that King did not force the beggar to throw away his old rags - but - oh! - how he wished the beggar would have! It's called a "free will".

Please, let it go....

Monday, May 4, 2009

In The Waiting....

This song has been special to me for many years now. I think the first time that I heard it was in the summer of 2003. It broke my heart because of it's truth. I was hurting. I needed answers. I needed peace. The peace that passeth all understanding. His peace. He IS Peace. The Prince of Peace. My Peace. I like this place of waiting now... because it reminds me again Who's God, and Who's the creation. Are you in the waiting....?


Pain.
The gift nobody longs for, still it comes.
And somehow leaves us stronger when it's gone away.
Pray.
I try and pray for Your will to be done.
But I confess it's never fast enough for me.
It seems the hardest part is waiting on You -
When what I really want is just to see Your hand move.

I want a peace beyond my understanding.
I wanna feel it fall like rain, in the middle of my hurting.
I wanna feel Your arms as they surround me.
And let me know that it's okay to be here in this place -
Resting in the peace that only comes:
In the waiting.

Time.
A time to let it go and just believe.
Trusting in what no one else but You can see.
Free.
Freedom from the fears that hold me in.
When I can't get beyond where I have been -
But then again the silence doesn't mean that I'm alone.
As long as I can hear that I am still Your own.

I want a peace beyond my understanding.
I wanna feel it fall like rain, in the middle of my hurting.
I wanna feel Your arms as they surround me.
And let me know that it's okay to be here in this place -
Resting in the peace that only comes:
In the waiting.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

I am Elizabeth Bennet of Pride & Prejudice! I am intelligent, witty, and tremendously attractive. I have a good head on my shoulders, and oftentimes find myself the lone beacon of reason in a sea of ridiculousness. I take great pleasure in many things. I am proficient in nearly all of them, though I will never own it. Lest I seem too perfect, I have a tendency toward prejudgement that serves me very ill indeed.

I am Elizabeth Bennet!