Freedom from "Enslavement"

Galatians 4:9But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?

In the Bible there are texts that talks about us being enslaved. We were freed from Egypt but we still wanted to go back to our old ways. The comfort zones. As we do this each time we are enslaving ourselfs when Jesus has given us the keys to freedom. Why do we keep going back. This year I want to break this yoke and be freeded from things that has enslaved me. Bitter past that has enslaved me. Old pains from relationships that has enslaved me. Forgotten dreams due to low self confidence has enslaved me. Think about this today. Take a moment and think about what is enslaving you. Write them down. Make a new commitment today to not go back to those "weak and miserable principles". I choose not to be enslaved anymore.

Picking up Your Cross

Picking Up Our Cross for the New Year

Matthew 16:24

[ Take Up the Cross and Follow Him ] Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Deny himself-

What selfless things are we going to let go this year.

Once you have denied those selfless things pick up your cross. and yes it will be heavy

Follow our Savior

This is not a one time thing. This is daily we must sacrifies things of the flesh. Pick the cross up and keep going. Satan will try to put road blocks in the way. Keep your eye on the Lord and He will guide you in the direction He has planned out for you.

Footsteps....

By: Pamela Lynn Haworth

To follow our Savior

The footsteps He took

First you must read

The words in His book

Our spiritual hunger

Is so great today

Only He has the answers

Only He knows the way

Transforming and healing

True peace you will find

Walking with Jesus

Always first on your mind

Your heart will be opened

His love it will fill

Your life with true happiness

All sorrows He'll heal

Forgiveness He gave us

So we might too share

With others we meet

To tell them He cares

We need him now

More today than before

Our Savior was sent

To open the door

Our pathway to heaven

In this world you'll find

A God that is caring

So loving and kind

Kneel down and worship

Give praise just for Him

A love never ending

A new place to begin

Things to Leave Behind in 2009

Things to Leave Behind in 2009

1. Wordlessness 2. Prayerlessness

3. Unfaithfulness 4. Fear

5. Scoffers, Neagative People & Gossipers

6. Complaining & Whinning 8. Too Much TV

9. Pride 10. Unthankfulness

What will you leave behind. These are a few suggested ones. I challenge anyone that happens to read this blog to find something that they are going to leave behind. Set yourself free!! We all have an oportunity to change things. Let's make a change for the better. Hope everyone has a Blessed and Happy New Year!!

May We Never Forget!!

Thank you to all our military troops for helping this nation be what it is now. Thank You Father for the head of protection that you have put on our troops.

May we take a moment today to remember our Veterans and the soldiers that put their life in great danger for our freedom.

Thank a Veteran today!!

Amen.

May We Never Forget!!

May we never forget the the liberty and freedom that we have. There are so many soliders daily that fight for our freedom and many soliders in the past that has fought for our freedom too. May we never forget. Tuesday, is Veterans Day. If you know of a Veteran, take a moment and say "Thank You". Remember the Bible says," To give honor, to whom honor is due." I do believe that our military men and women are due this honor. Take a moment and think of all the freedoms we have in this wonderful nation. Never take it lightly! In God WE TRUST!! AMEN.

Which will you choose Faith or Fear?

Have you ever run away from something, disobeyed God, or started something and then backed down due fear?? Many of us have. I will be the first to take off my mask and admit to this one. Fear is a tactic the devil uses to hinder our faith and to keep us from accomplishing our purpose God has set for us to do. When the devil tries to put fear on you, remind him- and yourself- that you are anointed and you are a child of God. I recently read that the Greek word for "fear" means flight or running away from something. When fear comes, don't run away- don't let it stop you from going forward. Remember the devil will kill, steal and destroy. If he can paralyze you in fear then he has won the battle.


I am a living testimony of fear. Our family has been dealing with back injuries, finances, and possibilities of lay off. I decided one day that I am no longer going to give the devil power over me. I choose faith. I recently went to a Joel Olsten meeting and he talked about this too. He said that God knows the steps that are layed out before us. We will have trails. But this is a "controlled environment." He knew the problems that we deal with each and every day. It is up to us to choose how we are going to deal with these situations. The Bible says "Do not worry." God will provide. He has for along time and he will not stop now.


I was recently in Oklahoma City at a craft show and found this sign that I loved. It said " Faith is when you close your eyes and open your heart". What are you going to do today. Allow the devil to paralyze you or are you going to close your eyes and open your heart to God and let Him take care of you. I know what you are saying, " Are you insane?" Yes, insane for Jesus. Think about the fears he went through going to the cross. He knew what he had to do. Don't you think he might have been a bit fearful. But He gave it to His Father. He prayed, saying,Matthew 26:39 “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” I read a devotional recently that really has helped me and encouraged me when I am in fear. They are only three little words " Do it afraid." Whoever said that servants of faith can't do it afraid? Don't let fear keep you from moving forward into God's good plan for your life. Choose to use faith and boldness and start enjoying the freedom from fear. So what are you going to choose? Faith or Fear? I choose faith.

Do you remember as a kid playing in the fall leaves?? The cool air and jumpingin a pile of leaves. This sounds so refreshing to me. I am so ready for the change of weather. How about you?

Bringing in a New Season

Today at 10:34 AM was the official time for our

new season ..... Fall!!

I love this season!! I pray that as we all

step into this new season that we will learn more things

and become closer to our Father through our experiences.

Have a Blessed Day,

The Family Times Edition

Sleeepy Time

Sleepy Time!!

You start your day full of energy and refreshed

Time to hit the road and start your day

With many things to do and not enough time to get it done

Finally, you are home after that long day and then....

You are sitting there and fall over with exhaustion

It is finally Sleepy Time

Good Night:)

I feel like that poor little kitten in this picture.

Miracles!!

I am want to share something that happend Sunday at church. Lord, I pray that the people that come to this blog will read this and open thier mind and hearts to what you revealed Sunday.

First, let me ask you something? Do you believe in signs? I do. I believe that the Lord will do simple little things to reveal himself to us. Sunday at church was a day of miracles and signs. During praise and worship my mother in law and some people kept pointing to the ceiling and saying" Did you see that?" I did not think much about it at the time. Later when the pastor was preaching I saw a white feather floating down from the ceiling. Now, I need to discribe our ceiling..... it is black and where we have lights the metal is black also. Anyways, I am looking at this white feather and I am in awww of what I am seeing. I nudged my mother in law and she said she saw it also. This continued for awhile. To make a long story short this happend a total of four times during the whole service. People in the row looked back and asked if we saw anything like a white feather? We said yes!!! After service our family went to our pastor and was going to tell him what we saw. There was a lady already up there talking to him what she saw. This lady sits on the far right of our sanctuary. I over heard her explaining this and said yes that I saw this too. Come to find out our assocoiate pastor and his wife saw this too and was overwhelmed with what they saw. He has been praying for the annointing of the Holy Spirit in the church and yes you could feel it. Also, for the presence of angels and to help reveal Himself to us. I believe that was accomplished. Have you ever heard the song from Hillsong called "Still" In the begining of the song it says " hide me now ...under your wings...cover me... with in your mighty hand ... when the oceans rise and thunders rolls I will soar wth you above the storm...Father you are king over the flood ... I will be still and know you are God...." Look at the words. Hide me now under your wings ( white feathers) Even though all this happend I know in my heart that this was revealed for a reason. It may be diffrent for each person Sunday at church. But for me it revealed that to me that I am protected ... I am covered in the blood of Jesus.... and I can rest my soul in Christ alone and watch His power move. It was excitting to see all these diffrent people be so excitted with what they saw.

Here are two scriptures that I am drawn to at this time. "Jesus said to him, " If you can believe,all things are possible to him who believes." Mark 9:23

"For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways." Psalms 91:11

Think of the possibilities of God. He can reveal Himself in any way, shape or form.I am thankful for this Miracle!!

Will Praise You Through This Storm

I found this picture from an email that I got. Have a look. Isn't it amazing. If you look at the background look how calm the ocean. Compared this to what it has been with like with the Ike storm.

I am sharing this because it reminds me that even in the calms of our life the Lord is always with us. Also, when a storm comes it may be rough. High winds, pounding rain and most of all the fear are we going to make it in this storm. Remember, Jesus commnaded for the storms in the ocean to cease and be still. What happend?? Jesus gives us the authority to demand our trails and storms to cease in Jesus name. He loves us so much he layed down his life for us. So say to Ike... " Take a Hike" and be still and watch everything fall into place. God has not given us a spirit of fear ( 2Timothy1:7).

Motley Book Club

Well tonight is our first night of our Book Club. I am so excited and pray that this is something the children will enjoy. More news later.......

Time Is Ticking

Time is just a ticking away. Wow it has been about 12 days since I lasted blogged. My thoughts have been rambling and trying to escape.

Taylor went shopping with her grandmother yesterday. Grandmother knew Taylor needed some nice black shoes since she is in MCC Choir. I thought to myself that is so sweet. Then they came home. Taylor was beaming! She was so excited and wanted to show dad and I her "new" shoes. I looked at them and they were a high heel shoe. This is a one to one and half inch heel. Not too high and she is able to walk in them. Then suddenly I thought to myself what!!! Where has time gone? I have already having a hard time dealing with her being a fifth grader let alone now heels!!!!

So this time the picture I post is Mikey and Minni Mouse. These Disney characters help keep our childhood youth. This was a time that was sweet and simple. No worries. Then time creeps up and Minni is dating Mickey. So I say cherish every moment like it is the last. Be mindful of how and what we say to others. I am definitely speaking to myself.

Look at the picture again. I always remembered Minni having worn a square heel. Look closely....... She is wearing Flats!!! Yippeee!!! Maybe there is still hope.

Food for Thought....

Food for thought....

I have been thinking bout a friend of mine at church. She shared about this year being her first year of teaching and how teachers came in to see her class list. She shared that out of at least 6-7 teachers there was only one teacher that had something encouraging to say about her students. She explained how she felt that each year ought to be a slate clean for students. Which I loved to hear!! But then she shared something that I had thought of myself but was uneasy to do this due to the church/state "rules". She shared that she was going up to the school the day before school starts ( which was Sunday) and anoint the room and the chairs and pray over her class. I loved hearing that!! I was so excited!! Then I thought what if more teachers that are believers did that. Think about the impact that could happen in the class when you have God as the center of it all. This was shared at church and the pastor was too very impressed. He offered a bottle of anointing oil for any teacher that wanted to do this too.
So this is the food for thought... What if every teacher that is a believer did this? Can you imagine the outcome that would happen? How this would help the students in the class for learning and test results. Wow!!
My challenge to you is that even if you don't have that anointing oil that you too can pray over students. You never know what is going on in their lives and they too bring so many issues and pain with them. I pray that more people would have the boldness to do what this woman has done. I pray this for myself too.
Think about it.... hmmmmmmmmmm

Whats the Secret??

Have you ever wondered what is the Secret?? I think Victoria is cruel. Don't we all end up telling each other our secrets?? I know I have but not all of them. I am wondering is it good to have so many secrets?? Isn't best to be open and honest with each other. If we do this then we don't have to worry about it. Last of all, look at this picture. Do you want to look like this poor lady? She never found out what the secret is. How sad.

Ok I am babbling due to being tired again today. This going back to school stuff is really kicking my tush. I go to bed early and I feel rested in the morning. This is after I finally peel myself out of bed. LOL!! Then it is off to work. Still have not gotten all the work done for our class room. Everything has to be finished by Thursday and I am the only one working on it. So please keep me in prayer that I get All of this work done in time. Well, gotta go for now. I am going to go and get some rest. Talk tomorrow.

I'm Tired!!!

I have been so very busy lately. School is starting back on Monday and therefore I have to help get our room and other things in order. This would have not been such an ordeal if we did not move our room and then have it move right back where we started. So I have been cleaning out boxes and JUNK!! My arms and legs are so tired and there is so much more to do. Lord give me the strenghth and patience to get this done.

Yesterday, Jason and I celebrated our 12th Anniversary!! Wow, how time flies. I got flowers and a card. It was a humorous card.

Taylor started her first day of choir. She made the MCC Choir. We are so proud of her. I was going to stay and watch practice but they said it is a district rule that we were not allowed. At first I was disappointed but then I thought.... time by myself for a hour and half. I'll take it!! So that is were my little one is at right now.

Check out my picture of my niece. Isn't she precious?? I am so proud and love her dearly.

Couch Potato

Have you ever had those days where all you want to do is lay around and do Nothing. Today it has been raining which has been nice but all I want to do is lay around and not do a thing. I have to admit this morning I did clean out my closet. Which I am glad that I did. My gosh how we as people can hang onto trash. WOW!! But now I have a clean and organized closet. I even found clothes that I did not need ( too big) or I have not used in six months or longer. So this felt good to get rid of this excess junk. Now it is time to go shopping to replace the clothes I had to get rid of.
I have been on a diet or lets just call it a "new way of eating". That always sounds better. Since I have been on this "new way of eating" I have lost weight. Which is a good thing. So now I have to replace the clothes so I will have nicer outfits for work besides t-shirts and shorts. Since I am a teacher aide I have to dress accordingly.
Well, like I said earlier that I have become a "couch potato" today. Now it is time to retreat back to the couch where it is nice and comfy.
Have a Blessed Day-

Bible vs. Cell Phone

Subject: BIBLE VS CELL PHONE
Something to think about!





I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible the way we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we flipped through it several times a day?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to our children as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled?

What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.

Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities?

And no dropped calls!

Today started early. My daughters troop helped out with Senior Fest at our near by Community College. It was fun and I think this will be something we will continue to do. It felt nice to give back and help out.

Yeah It's Friday!!!

It is finally Friday!! Wow!! We all made it. I got this picture from a friend and had to keep it. I have no idea who's child this is. Just look at this picture though. Don't you ever feel like this. You are so excited that you throw up your hands and want to jump around because it is.......... FRIDAY!!!! Ok had to get this out of my system. Wow that felt good.

YOU SAY
GOD SAYS
BIBLE VERSES
You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:16 & John 3:34 )
You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

Believe God is there for you!

WHY GOD CREATED CHILDREN(AND IN THE PROCESS GRANDCHILDREN)
To those of us who have children in our lives,whether they are our own,grandchildren,nieces,nephews,or students...here is something to make you chuckle. Whenever your children are out of control,you can take comfort from the thought thateven God's omnipotence did not extendto His own children.After creating heaven and earth,God created Adam and Eve.And the first thing he said was"DON'T!"
"Don't what?"Adam replied.

"Don't eat the forbidden fruit."God said.

"Forbidden fruit?We have forbidden fruit?Hey Eve..we have forbidden fruit!"

"No Way!"

"Yes way!"

"Do NOT eat the fruit! "said God.

"Why?"

"Because I am your Father and I said so! "God replied,wondering why He hadn't stoppedcreation after making the elephants.A few minutes later,God saw His children having an apple breakand He was ticked!"Didn't I tell you not to eat the fruit? "God asked.

"Uh huh,"Adam replied.

"Then why did you? "said the Father.
"I don't know,"said Eve.

"She started it! "Adam said.

"Did not! "

"Did too! "

"DID NOT! "

Having had it with the two of them,God's punishment was that Adam and Eveshould have children of their own.Thus the pattern was set and it has never changed.

BUT THERE IS REASSURANCE IN THE STORY! If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give children wisdom and they haven't taken it,don't be hard on yourself.If God had trouble raising children,what make s you think it would bea piece of cake for you?
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT!1. You spend the first two years of their lifeteaching them to walk and talk. Then you spendthe next sixteen telling them to sit down and shut up.

2. Grandchildren are God's rewardfor not killing your own children.

3. Mothers of teens now know whysome animals eat their young.

4. Children seldom misquote you.In fact, they usually repeat word for wordwhat you shouldn't have said.

5. The main purpose of holding children's partiesis to remind yourself that there are childrenmore awful than your own.6 We childproofed our homes,but they are still getting in.

ADVICE FOR THE DAY:Be nice to your kids.They will choose yournursing home one day.

AND FINALLY:

IF YOU HAVE A LOT OF TENSIONAND YOU GET A HEADACHE,DO WHAT IT SAYSON THE ASPIRIN BOTTLE:

"TAKE TWO ASPIRIN"AND "KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN"!!!!!

Don't Quit

Have you ever had those days where you feel so frustrated that you want to throw in the towel?? Well, today was like that. Seems as if ever time I told my daughter to do something she seemed to be doing the opposite. Is it opposite day? I guess I missed that memo. LOL

I can remember as a kid how my family just got frustrated and threw in the towel and it was up to us to figure out the rest. This is something I don't want to do. So, I try to remember this poem that our pastor says quite often.

Don't Quit

Author Unknown

When things go wrong, as the sometimes will,

When the road your trudging seems all uphill

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit

Rest if you must, but don't quit.

Life is queer with its twists and its turns,

As everyone of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about

When they might have won, had they stuck it out.

So stick to the fight when your hardest hit,

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit!!

I don't know .... just reading that poem makes me want to stay in the game and not quit on my daughter or anything that God challenges me to do. Every day is a lesson. Nobody says raising kids is easy or life would be so too. But I believe it is the most rewarding job I can do. It may be hard but it is worth it.

She may look like me but she Sure acts like her Daddy!! Hahahaha LOL!!!

What is a Virtuous Woman?

What do you consider as a virtuous woman? What are the responsibilities of a virtuous woman or wife?? Food for thought. Proverbs 31:10-31 says: " Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, She brings food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household is clothed with scarlet. She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. "Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them. And supplies sashes for the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, And her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her; many daughters have done well, But you excel them all." Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a women who fears the Lord, she shall be praised , Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates."

Wow!! At my church we have been doing a study over being a virtuous woman. If we can apply this to our homes can you imagine how awsome this could be?? This is my ultimate goal.

The greatest tragedy, next to dying without God and without hope, is to stand at the judgement day, empty handed , having lived in a world of sinners without winning one person to Christ.

FCOP Church Creed

I did it

Oh my goshh!!! I did it!! I have been reading the book Blogging for Dummies. If you do not have this book and you blog this is a must have. I went to Borders to pick it up!!!
Also, made it back from my trip to Pampa, Texas. I survived!!!

Am I Crazy??

Am I crazy?? Leaving tomorrow to go on a road trip with my daughter. Let me say she is TEN years old now!!! She is sooooooo crazy about Hannah Montana, High School Musical and The Jonas Brothers. I am sure I will be hearing her sing her heart out as we are on the road. Lord, please give me strength so I don't completely loose my ever loving mind! Just kidding. Some of the music is not too bad. It just brings back memories........ " The New Kids on the Block". Are you following me my friend?? I remember how crazy and insane I was in those teen years.