A Special Moment

This past weekend , Emily and I went to the movies to see " God's Not Dead " . Throughout the movie , Emily held my hand and would not  let  go . I cannot express to you the emotions that ran through me . I haven't felt a bond like that since I held her for the first time twenty-five  years  ago . 

That may seem strange to some of you , but this bond wasn't a bond of a mother and Daughter . We have had many special moments together during her growth from baby to adulthood . This was different . This felt different .

We have been to the movies a hundred times over , but we have never seen a Christian one together . We watched it as Christians and we understood the message portrayed as Christians . This bond between us was the love of Jesus . 

As a parent , there have been many times , I have felt I've failed . We feel like that , because we know our children's strengths and their weaknesses . We know what could happen if they make the  wrong  choice , if their weakness is explored deeper . 

Walking out of that theater , I felt reassurance that as long as she believes in Him , she will be fine . Even if she happens unto the wrong path , He will steer her right . I truly believe that . 

Later that evening , as I was reading a message from Charles Stanley , I found the following to be true reminders why we are Believers . The message was designed for storms in our lives , but I believe it serves for every occasion . 

1. Christ’s gift of salvation. No matter what trial we’re facing, it is microscopic next to the enormity of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. The cross was a steep price to pay, but the Savior willingly took our place in order to offer us forgiveness and eternal life.
2. Assurance of God’s love. The Lord cares for us unconditionally—that is His very character (1 John 4:16). Unfortunately, the storms of life can cause us to question this, but Romans 8:31–39 unequivocally tells us that nothing can separate us from God’s love.
3. Answered prayer. We have the awesome privilege of talking to the Father about anything burdening us—and He never grows tired of listening to His children. Our omnipotent, omniscient God is not only able to help us in any situation; He also knows the best possible way to do so.
4. A personalized plan. The Lord has a will, plan, and purpose for our lives that He will accomplish if we obey Him. No one is exempt from adversity, but we can trust God to bring good from everything He permits to come our way.

Have a Blessed day everyone . 

Putting Away The Mirror

When the Lenten season began , Jennifer Duke Lee did not give up sweets or coffee or meat on Friday . Instead , she covered up all her mirrors and gave up admiring her own image . Soon , her friends , family and bloggers followed suit . 

What a great revolutionary idea ! Our reflection is the cause of many of our setbacks . We are never happy with what we see staring back at us . We can find so many faults with our image that God spent so much time creating . 

I know the image I carry in my own head  . In my mind , I am not overweight , but quite a  svelte figure with lovely hills and valleys of apportioned size . I'm always smiling and happy and I look at least twenty years younger . 

Unfortunately , that's not what the public sees . On most days , I have a frown that naturally appears no matter how great my mood happens  to   be . My figure is that of a stack of tires rather than an hourglass . My   age ? Well , being forty-nine doesn't exactly portray a Spring chicken . 

I don't spend a lot of time looking in the mirror , but I do want others to find me attractive . Standing around and admiring my image may not be on the agenda , but the preparation takes up 
time , too . 

Just think of all the shopping we do just so we can look good. We shop for clothes , cosmetics , shoes and accessories  until we find that perfect thing for us . 

We cut our hair at the salon and get our nails done . We pluck , peel and shave to look feminine and beautiful . Men are no different , either . 

We diet , work out or give up our favorite snacks or meals so we can fit into an outfit . We wear shoes that are way too tight or high , but our legs look great . 

But . . . . 

What if we did what Jennifer Duke Lee has done  and covered up our mirrors ? What if we gave up all that time for looking great to please others or ourselves ? What if we used that time to shift our focus from ourselves  and our pleasures  . . . . 

and let Him in ?


 When the time for Easter came and we dropped the veil from our     mirrors , who would you see staring back ? I know what I want to reflect inside of me . . . fill me to the brim with JESUS .

Have a Blessed day everyone .

Throwback Thursday

Music has always been my saving Grace in times of struggle and pain . On this Throwback Thursday , I remember this story with a somber feeling of peace . Back then , many of my entries dealt with music as I was laid up in the hospital or my bed at home in pain . I wore out my CD's to where they skipped and were not playable , but those CD's got me through a very rough patch in my life .

Finding Solace

 The last two days have been very trying. My chemo has always hit me hard on the 2nd or 3rd day the worst . It has entered my joints and legs.Very difficult moving around.I can feel every nerve , every ache, every joint . This weather is not helping either .
  There is a benefit to going thru this the second time.You know what to expect and prepare yourself for it  both mentally and physically . I pull out all the tricks I learned the first time around .Last night was real hard and sleep didn't come easy . I benefited from a therapist 4 yrs ago who taught me breathing exercises , laying down in the dark with music  breathing in and out slowly . This has always worked for me.The music choice for me then and now has always been Christian. I can find no other that can lift my spirit or exclaim my feelings the way Worship music does . I recommend everyone try it but on a quieter level....softly playing.It helps so much with the pain .
  But there is one solace that has helped me tremendously and that's my Women's Group .The Fellowship I get from these women , who range from all ages , is priceless . They lift me up when I'm down .They advise me when I feel like I don't know what to do next . They encourage me  and they hold me accountable . I know for a fact , that last night they all prayed for me . There is nothing that they wouldn't do for me and I for them .
  Tonight , as I made my way to that group....my feet aching and tired as I was, I knew that even for a little while they would make me forget . We would laugh , cry and be serious .....and I could forget my pain even for awhile.Women need other women .We need to be role models for each other. We find solace in each other.
 It was Erma Bombeck that said once when asked for advice by a newlwed young woman to a successful marriage ,"Get yourself lots of girlfriends." Me ? I would add,"and join a women group."

Life Is Like Coffee

This weekend , I have opted for some quiet time with the people I love . These are one of my favorite times , because during those times the outside world is shut away and only we remain . 

There are many things I love and look forward to :  like my red wine , my murder mysteries and of course , coffee . Once again , grandma Barb came through , so I hope you enjoy this link as much as I am enjoying this weekend . 

Have a Blessed day everyone . ( Double click )

like Coffee" please share it with your family and friends.

Watch "Life is like Coffee" Again

Throwback Thursday

There were many days that were just like the story below . . .  dark and brooding . I have grown a lot since then spiritually and in acceptance with my disease . 

Right now , I am in remission once again  and there are times that I actually miss my chemo time . At least , during chemo I knew I would spend a couple of days resting uninterrupted . 

It's surprising what we can handle  . At that time , I thought that was the worst chemo I ever had . Now I know that is not true . There are much worse . 

Unspoken Voices

   Today I have no witty remarks to tell you.Today I am tired.I feel every achy bone in my body and I'm tired.Today the clouds opened up in rain feeling my mood .
   I've read so many of your emails telling me of your stories....your pain. The unspoken voices of all the parents , husbands , wives , daughters , sons , aunts, uncles  , brothers , sisters ,friends , co-workers , in-laws etc,etc.Its so much easier to write it all down , because then noone will see you breakdown and cry.We are to be strong , aren't we? I am guilty of that.When people approach me I panic like that. They might see I don't have it together.
  So many stories....so many stories....so many tears . So for all of the people battling heart disease , strokes , cancer , dementia , ailing parents , a child diagnosed with Austism  or a marriage that is broken .Do not let anyone diminish your FAITH and your HOPE  because we are miracles of GOD.
  Today , kneel down and scream his name ,"Lord , where are you? Help me , I am hurting ". Pour out your heart and cry .HE is ready with arms wide open to receive you.Let HIM carry you.
  To all my hurting friends I dedicate this to you......its okay to cry.


What Faith Can Do
by:Kutlass


Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes
And make a new beginning

Anyone can feel the ache
You think it's more than you can take
But you're stronger
Stronger than you know

Don't you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do

It doesn't matter what you've heard
Impossible is not a word
It's just a reason
For someone not to try

Everybody's scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It'll be alright

Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That's what faith can do)
When the world says you can't
It'll tell you that you can

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
That's what faith can do

Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

Have a Blessed day everyone . 

Simply Financial Peace

Being a single mom , I have struggled with finances  , living paycheck to paycheck for longer than I care to admit . When I began coming to my Church , there was a class offered from Crown Financial at that time , but I was too scared to join and felt the fee was more than I could have afforded . I passed on that opportunity  and have regretted that decision ever since . 

When , almost 7 years later ,  they offered the Financial Peace University class , I grasped with both hands the chance to better my life . I didn't care how much it cost , thinking in terms of an investment rather than the emptying of my purse . 

The first night , my excitement bubble burst with a resounding 
blast . That excitement turned to fear  knowing that now I had to make this work . We all can dream big , but when it becomes a reality , we become scared of failing . We'll talked the talk , now we have to walk the walk .

My second week ,  a tsunami hit my budget with my car breaking down with unexpected repair costs . I could see my mock budget shriveling up and turning to dust as my head hung low coming out of that class . Never have I felt such a failure as I did that week . 

My third week , I went in feeling determined to make it work . I would be a success and never again would I give in to money worries . I have spent too many years riding the roller coaster of highs and lows . I had no problem saving for a rainy day , but the problem was , I needed to save for a Noah's Flood . 

Today , I am sitting on the floor , going over all these papers piled high , making a real-life budget . Not only do I have to take control of my money , but I need to take responsibility of what God entrusted in me . Who knows what week four will bring , I may fail or I may succeed , either way , I'm not giving up . 

Have a Blessed day everyone . 

Life's Principles

During my " energetic " mode this past weekend  , I came across a list of Charles Stanley's Life's Principles To Live By . There are many gifted preachers out there that I follow , but Charles Stanley is one of my favorites . Personally , I think he is a great Bible teacher . So without further delay , allow me to share with you these Life Principles .

1. Our intimacy with God 
2 . Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him
3 . God's Word is an immovable anchor in times of storm 
4 . The awareness of God's presence energizes us for our work 
5 . God does not require us to understand His will , just obey it , even if it seems unreasonable
6 . You reap what you sow, more than you sow and later than you sow 
7 . The dark moments of our life will last only so long as necessary for God to accomplish His purpose in us 
8 . Fight all your battles on your knees and win every time
9 . Trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees 
10 . If necessary , God will move heaven  and earth to show us His will 
11 . God assumes full responsibility for our needs when we obey 
12 . Peace with God is the fruit of oneness with God
13 . Listening to God is essential to walking with God
14 . God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him 
15 . Brokenness is God's requirement for maximum usefulness

Words to live by , my friends . Have a Blessed day everyone .