A Week of Birthday

I have to say, I think this is the best birthday I've had in several years. I'm not sure what made all the difference, but I definitely felt loved this year. My birthday week started last Thursday with dinner with my gal pals Mandy and Amy.

I have been friends with these girls for the past 10 years and I love them dearly. We had a great dinner together and they spoiled me with gifts, even though i begged them not to!

Wednesday was my actual birthday and I was flooded with Happy Birthday wishes via, facebook, text messages and phone calls. When I got to work I had a very sweet surprise!


My good friend Amanda sent me these beautiful flowers to work! I love flowers so I was thrilled. At work they treated me to Ichiban for lunch and it was SOO good! I was really looking forward to getting to church on Wednesday night because I share a birthday with one of the girls in my group.


This is Larissa. She is one of the sweetest girls and I love her so much. We share the same birthday and the same favorite color! I truly believe we are soul sisters! I always make cupcakes for whoever has a birthday in our group. Today we both got yellow cupcakes for our birthdays.


I got to catch up with a good friend after church and spent a couple of hours chatting. By the time I finally got home about 10:00 I was starving. I went to the fridge to see if I even had anything to eat and I found this . . .


One of my best friends and former roommates, Becky, had come and left me a cheesecake! This is my favorite dessert and I could not have been more thrilled. Notice, I had already eaten a piece before stopping to take a picture! I was so tickled. I love surprises!

Last night I was able to celebrate at P.F. Chang with another great group of friends. It rained all night long, but we didn't let that stop us from having a really great time. There is never a short supply of laughter when we are together.

I'm not sure if laughing while behind the wheel is the best option . . but we'll go with it. No night would be complete for us without a trip to Cold Stone Creamery. It;s amazing how full you can be, yet still make room for ice cream!


Our attempt to take a good picture failed us. It's hard to get one of the three of us where someone isn't doing something they wished they weren't in front of the camera. So, I will wrap up our night with this photo that I feel captures our true personalities! I love these two and am so blessed to have them in my life. They too, spoiled me this year!


I finally got to celebrate with my family today at lunch. Unfortunately I left my camera at home and wasn't able to document the party. I think my mom might have taken some pics of some of the activities so I will try to steal some from her. We had the best lunch. Grilled chicken, twice baked potatoes, corn on the cob, and of course cake and ice cream!! I received some great gifts as well! I can't believe I am 29 years old! God has blessed those years beyond measure. I feel so blessed that He hand picked my family for me before I was even born. I just can't imagine life getting much better. Thank you to everyone who made this birthday the best ever!

Praise Report

This is my happy face! We got the most amazing news on Monday! My mom is cancer free! The PET scan came back clear! She has been released for the next 6 months! What an amazing feeling. Not that we haven't stood firm on God's promise of healing, but there is just nothing like hearing it in the flesh. Just this morning I read the "faith chapter" in Hebrews (ch11), and was reminded that so many faithful men and women never actually saw their promises fulfilled, but only had a glipse of them. Yet, they remained faithful at every turn. And the Lord called them righteous! How sweet it is that He allowed us to witness a miracle in it's fullness! I can't thank all of you enough for the prayers and love you have given our family the past 9 months. Please continue to pray. And know that this miracle wasn't just for mom, it was to show His glory. That promise is true for all of us. We need to believe God to be big in our lives ,not matter what circumstance we are presented with! I can't wait to start our new ladies bible study next week. It's all about Believing God!

Remembering Tom

Today is a special day. Today my family will be remembering my grandfather Tom. It's his birthday today. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to be sad that he's gone, but simply thank God for all the wonderful years we had together. I really don't know any other man like him. He is still missed every day, but we know that He is with Jesus today. What a wonderful example he left our family with. He loved others and always put them before himself. It would take me blogging every day for the next year to share all the lessons he taught me and to share all the memories we had. But, for today I will just say Happy Birthday Tom, I love you.

Our God Reigns

"Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, ,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7

How sweet is it to know that He has everything under control. It's so easy to become overwhelmed and anxious. God is telling us that the best cure for a worried heart is to turn it over to Him. Pray. Present your requests to Him, and do it with thanksgiving. I think it's hard for us to remember how blessed we are when we are worried or anxious over something. In those moments it seems like everything good just vanishes and all we can focus on is what the worry is about. We are blinded to the fact that God is still working and moving in us and around us. If nothing else in my life turned out like I thought it should, my life would still be overflowing with the most amazing blessings. It's so important to give God thanksgiving. After all, we would be nothing and have nothing if it were not for Him. Once you have done this, the peace will come. A peace so sweet it takes your breath away. It wraps around your soul like a blanket, making you feel all warm and safe inside. I love that peace. I love that God wants me to know that He loves me and He is taking care of everything. He wants us to know that there is nothing more "we" can do. It is in His hands, and what a better place for our worries to be! Letting go can be hard sometimes. I don't know why we want to hold on to things like worry, fear or anxiety . . . but we do. Let go today. Whatever is causing anxiety in your life, unneeded stress, or fear.

I love music as you can probably tell, but I have another song to share with you. I just downloaded the new Bethel Live worship album and it is great

"God I Look to You" Bethel Live

God I look to You
I won't be overwhelmed
Give me vision to see things like You do
God I look to You
You're where my help comes from
Give me wisdom, You know just what to do

I will love You Lord my strength
I will love you Lord my shield
I will love You Lord my rock
Forever all my days, I will love you God

Hallelujah our God reigns
Hallelujah our God reigns
Hallelujah our God reigns
Forfever all my days Hallelujah


I'm so thankful that He reigns and I don't!!! I have a prayer request today. Mom is going back to UAB to have a final scan. Please pray that she will experience that sweet peace today and she will hear that the scan is fine! Thank you all.

Quiet Time

There's really nothing better than having my quiet time outside in the mornings. This wasn't quite my exact view this morning, but you make the best of what you have! This week has been so nice with highs in the upper 60's and I hear it's going to reach 70 tomorrow! The best part is that I am off work! I love being outside. It somehow makes me feel closer to God. Right now in my quiet time I'm just sort of randomly reading. I need to find a better plan until we start our Beth Moore study. This morning I read some in John, and then turned to the Psalms. I found one of my favorite Psalms and once again it fills me with peace. I thought I would share it with you this morning.

Psalms 37
"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong;for like the grass they will soon wither, like the green plants they will soon die away.Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will do this; He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret, it will lead only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs at the wicked for He knows their day is coming. The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose way is upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked. For the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous. The days of the blameless are known to the Lord, and their inheritance will last forever. In times of disaster they will not wither, in days of famine they will enjoy plenty. But the wicked will perish; The Lord's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish, vanish like smoke. The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously, those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off. If the Lord delights in a man's ways He will make his steps firm; though he stumbles, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hands. I was young, and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed. Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell int he land forever. For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off; the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip. The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives; but the Lord will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trail. Wait for the Lord and keep His way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off you will see it. I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in it's native soil, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found. Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace. But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off. The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in times of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them because they take refuge in Him."

So wow, I didn't realize how long that was until I began typing. I'm not sure why I didn't just copy and paste from an online source, but it soaked in a bit more by typing it all out. SOOO much good stuff in that one chapter. I wish I had time to break it all down, but I haven't left myself much time. Meditate on His word today. See how much He loves you and at what lengths He will go to to protect you in your time of trouble. He wants us to inherit the land and dwell with Him forever. All He asks is that we stay close to Him and keep peace! Our God is amazing.

Love

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! I have always loved Valentine's Day, even though in 28 years I've never actually had a Valentine. I'm a hopeless romantic so I love the idea of setting aside a day to tell the people in your life how much you love them and make them feel extra special. Of course to me, Valentine's day isn't just about romantic love, it's about all types of love. So, for all of you singles out there, find someone you love and tell them how much today!


Since God is love, it would makes sense that He gave us the best description of exactly what love is.

" Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinth. 13: 4-8

I pray today that we would be able to love like this. Another great example of love that God gave us was Song of Songs. If you need an example of love just read a couple of chapters. There is a song by Jesus Culture called Dance With Me that is based on this book of the bible. It's a great love song. I'll leave the lyrics below. I hope everyone's Valentine's Day is filled with true love today!

Dance With Me by Jesus Culture

Behold You have come over the hills upon the mountain
To me, You will run. My Beloved, You've captured my heart

Won't You dance with me, Oh
Lover of my soul,
to the song of all songs?

With You, I will go You are my Love You are my Fair One
The winter has passed and the springtime has come

Won't You dance with me, Oh
Lover of my soul,
to the song of all songs?
Romance me, Oh
Lover of my soul
to the song of all songs.

Redemption

I had forgotten how much I loved this song until I heard it today. And, it totally says exactly what I was talking about in my blog yesterday! If you get a chance look it up and listen to it. I promise a blessing!

Redemption by Kristene Mueller

The darker the night
The brighter the day
The fiercer the fight
The stronger the faith
So I place my hope in You

The deeper sin
The stronger the blood
The more to forgive
The more reason to love
So I place my trust in You

In Your ways oh God
Redemption is so much better than perfection
In Your ways oh God

Over and over
You prove You're so faithful
Over and over
You prove Yourself a redeemer

The darker the night
The brighter the day
The fiercer the fight
The stronger the faith
So I place my hope in You

In Your ways oh God
Redemption is so much better than perfection
In Your ways oh God
Redemption is so much better than perfection
In Your ways oh God

Over and over
You prove You're so faithful
Over and over
You prove Yourself a redeemer

In Your ways I have
Redemption
So much better than perfection
So I place all my hope in You

Healing Rain is Falling Down

Thank you so much for the prayers yesterday. God heard them and poured out some healing rain!

Miss Dot's surgery went very well. They removed her knee cap and are very confident that was the source of her problems. She will be in the hospital until Monday so that they can monitor her skin grafts and make sure they are healing properly. Miss Dot is in good spirits and is so glad to finally be on the road to recovery. I know her and her family really appreciate any and all prayers!

Mom had a great report as well. The CT scan showed no signs of cancer in her chest or pelvic area. Her doctor feels very good about the results of the treatment plan. He said he has patients that are 20 years younger than her that don't do half as well as she did. He gave her a very aggressive treatment plan and she just flew right though it. What a testament to God's power working within us. When reviewing the CT scan they did find that she has a few cysts on her liver. These were on the first scan they did before starting her treatment and both her oncologist and the radiologist do not believe they are malignant. They said liver cyst are very common and do not need treatment. But, because of her history of cancer they are going to order a PET scan to rule out all possibility. This might take some time because they will have to get her insurances approval to do the scan. Please give God a shout of praise for His unfailing love and healing power. Then, lift up some more prayers that she will have peace of mind while waiting on the test and when it's time it will come back with an all clear!


Now for the part where God teaches me a big lesson! I knew from the very beginning that God has something big in store for me and my family during this trial (which honestly hasn't been much of a trial). Just when you think you've learned what you are suppose to He brings something else to your attention. At first I thought He was going to use this experience to show me what He could do in my life and lives around me if I got to a place of full faith. Believing what His word says about Him is true. Believing what He says He can do . . He will do. Believing that I am who He says I am. And all of that is true. If there is one thing me and God are always working through is my lack of faith. Since I was little i've been that person that quits when something gets hard or gives up when I get tired. I lack perseverance and endurance.

Did you know that God loves you so much that He wants to constantly surprise you and knock you off your feet by his goodness? It's so easy for us to want to be in control. I know I do. I am constantly trying to stay one step ahead of God's plan. I am always trying to figure out what He's doing and where He's moving. And once i think I've figured it out, I give myself a big pat on the back for a job well done. Because now I can be in control of the situation . . . NOT! God has never moved in the exact way I thought He would. Never once have I been able to figure out His exact movements. I'm constantly being put in my place and shown that I don't have a clue what He's doing and that my plans are not even close to what He's planning for me. Sometimes this can set me back. I find myself getting upset or nervous when what I was thinking He was going to do, doesn't quite turn out like I thought. But, instead of chastising me for stupidly thinking I knew what He was doing. He instead, blows my socks off by how Good His plan for me is. He never lets me sit very long in a state of panic or doubt. He shows right back up and executes His plan and purpose and I am amazed!

Since May we have encountered one road block after the next with mom's treatment. Nothing serious, but just that things haven't gone exactly like we thought they might. Maybe it was a low blood count one week, or starting treatment a week later than hoped, or not hearing from the insurance company for way too long. Each time things didn't go exactly as planned it set me back just a bit. I assumed because we were believing God for healing that everything would go perfectly from there on. Instead God loves us so much that He wants to constantly show us that He's here with us. Walking every step of the way with us. That He will fix every set back. And He has! He has stopped at nothing to show us that His plans are better. His ways are higher. He is always good and faithful. I don't always enjoy the learning process. But it's at times like these where I can feel God teaching me and showing me the most amazing things about who He is . . .that I think maybe I do love to learn!!

Keep the prayers going!! Love to all.

Prayer Requests

Today I have two very special prayer requests to put out there.





This is my mom. I would love to tell you her story, but I am running late for work and wanted to just get the prayers out there. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to share more. She is having her first follow up CT scan tomorrow. She was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in May of 2010. God has been miraculous in pouring out His healing power on her. We have believed Him for healing and can't wait to see the results of the scan tomorrow. Even though we know He is faithful, I'm sure she will be dealing with some nerves going into tomorrow's scan. Please lift her up in prayer today and tomorrow. Pray that God will give her that peace that surpasses all understanding. Pray that as a family we will be bold in our faith, sharing with everyone we know, what God has done for us! James says the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective!






This is Miss Dot. (Far right in the red shirt . . . I couldn't figure out how to crop the photo). She is a very precious lady and the mother of a very dear friend of mine. She is very active in our church and is a perfect example of what it means to be a servant for the Lord. She has been battling a knee problem for the past couple of years. She has seen several doctors, but none of them have really been able to fix the problem. She is very active and because of this issue has not been able to go and do as she would like. She has recently seen a new doctor and they will be doing surgery tomorrow morning. Please lift her up in your prayers also. Pray that God will give the doctors the wisdom they need to diagnose her properly and put her back on the road to recovery. Pray for healing. Pray for safe travels for their family.

I wanted to show you who these ladies are so that when you are praying you can really visualize who you are praying for! Thank you so much for the prayers and I can't wait to report good news tomorrow night!

A Godfather is a Real Father

Today I wanted to spotlight a very important person in my life. This is my godfather Buford Smith displaying his oil paintings at our city museum. He displayed about 150 paintings and said he had at least 300 more at home. Buford is 91 years old with the heart of a 21 year old. Growing up, him and my godmother Mae were a part of our everyday lives. They treated us just like their own flesh and blood. We were spoiled just like grandchildren. Spending time at their house was something we looked forward to every week. Usually when we arrived at their house Buford was in his painting room working on a new piece. But as soon as he saw us the playing would ensue. He would ride us around on his back playing horse, let us ride behind the lawn mower in a trailer, take us through the garden to show us his prize veggies, or swing with us in the back yard. I'm amazed that he was able to keep up with us all those years ago, but the crazy thing is that he still does! Buford loves music. I always remember big band music coming from his bedroom. He is an avid ballroom dancer and has been jitterbugging for at least the past 60 years. Once he tried to teach me and Melanie how to dance by putting these footsteps all over the living room floor. Turns out we didn't make great partners. The most important thing I remember growing up at their house was that every night after supper Buford headed to his room to work on his Sunday School lesson. He probably didn't realize at the time that he was teaching us what it meant to love the Lord and have a relationship with Him. Studying the bible daily was a priority and a joy for Buford. He is a great example of someone who doesn't just talk the talk but walks the walk. You don't have to hear Buford talk about his relationship with God, all you have to do is watch how he lives his life. He is loving, honest, loyal, giving, trustworthy, and hard working. I've never heard him pass judgement on someone. He puts others above himself. He has been such a role model for me. I pray that when I'm 91 I'm still serving God and loving others as well as he is. When I think of what it means to be a "god"father I can't think of a better example than Buford.

A light at the end of the tunnel . . .

This was my light after a very dark tunnel on Wednesday! I hate that I am just now getting to post, but I've been having some computer problems. Hopefully tomorrow I will have a new one! I can't tell you how much I look forward to Wednesday nights! I had a rough day on Wednesday and I kept thinking . . . "Lord, just get me through this day so that I can get to church and see my kids!" I have to admit that some weeks I come into class thinking . . . "I have no clue what I am doing this week." But, somehow God always seems to find a way to work through my awkwardness.

We started our second session with Dave Ramsey and once again I began to feel God convict my heart. I feel like I did a better job this week of not being so consumed in my "things", but tried to look at others and put their needs before my own. Having said that, I still have a long way to go. I think it's one of those things that you have to work on every day. Waking up every day thanking God for what you have but knowing in your heart that He is all you need. We read the sweetest scripture from Matthew. I've heard these verses a thousand times but once again I was hit by something new.

Matthew 25-34 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." AMEN! haha

I've really allowed myself to meditate on these verses over the past couple of days and every time I read them I feel God's love for me. I can also feel Him saying . . . "Let me handle it. Let me take care of it. Trust me to provide for you. I know what you need." How easily we forget. I love how He talks about the lilies in the field. How beautiful He thinks they are, yet we are MUCH more beautiful to Him. As a woman I think we have a innate need to feel beautiful. We might not want to admit our insecurity, but it's there. We are constantly checking ourselves to see if we match up to the standard of beauty the world has set for us. We think buying new clothes, losing a certain amount of weight, trying a new hair color or maybe some new makeup tricks will help us obtain that standard. I love that God says there is nothing you can do to be more beautiful to me than seeking me first! God is not impressed by my new outfit, my weight loss, my hairdo or my makeup. He's impresesd by how diligently I seek Him. Because when i seek Him, He says all things will be given to me! What greater love is there?

As a single woman of 28, I am constantly wondering if God has a husband for me because I want to be loved and I want to share my life with someone. But in these verses God spells out so clearly that He will love me, and He is so pleased when I share my life with Him. He also reminds me that He knows my needs. So, if I really "needed" a husband . . . He would provide!

Just a side note . . . I now have 3 followers! Thanks Becky! Also, I have gained a new addition to our Wednesday night group and I couldn't be happier! What a wonderful blessing! I hope everyone has a great weekend~!!

Writer's Block

I would love to write something inspirational today, but I'm having writer's block! I will say that God is faithful and loving and good and just! I've witnessed several answered prayers over the past couple of days and I'm continually blown away by the power of prayer! Why is prayer not always our first defense? God wants to pour His blessings upon us . . . He's just waiting for us to ask, and ask in faith! James said it best, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. " James 1:5-8

Just a side note. One of my sweet friends became engaged today! Congrats to her! I'm praying that God will bless her upcoming marriage!

Humbled

This blog is a way for me to share how God is moving in my life and yesterday He really moved! I guess I should tell some back story and hopefully you will continue to read even if this gets long and drawn out.

I always pray that God will convict me of things that are in my heart that need to be brought out and dealt with. I welcome conviction because I know that if it were up to me to point out things in my life that needed God's attention . . . . It might take awhile to get the courage to do it haha. And sometimes we don't even realize there are places of our hearts that are out of shape until we begin to work them, and then it's too late.

Over a year ago, a mom, of one of the girls in my group, won a contest and the prize was a Dave Ramsey study for youth. When she first brought it to me I sort of set it on a shelf and forgot about it. I didn't really see how it would benefit my kids spiritually. I have read his book about financial freedom and loved it, but just wasn't sure how it would work out for the youth. We just finished up the Amazing Bible Race before Christmas and really needed something to start with the first of the year. I got out the Dave Ramsey study and actually looked through it and just really started hearing God speaking to me about how bad we could all use the study. So, we started it 2 weeks ago. I've already referenced in one of my posts about how profound the study has already been just two weeks in. I know for a fact this study is what God wanted us doing at this exact time. This is why.

I would say starting in November I started having some anxiety about going to heaven. I know that sounds crazy and a little terrible, but every time I would hear a song on the radio that talked about being in heaven with Jesus I would start to panic a little. Not because I don't know that I will in fact be in heaven with Jesus one day, but that to do so I will have to leave my family. I know this still sounds silly. When we meet Jesus face to face one day the last thing on our minds will be anything about this world. But, the thought of being somewhere without my family just made my heart hurt. I am very attached to them. Some might say a little too much. haha I started praying about it immediately. Asking Jesus to show me why I was so scared to leave them. I asked for forgiveness for putting them first. I already told you about one of the activities we did last Wednesday night at youth, but I want to tell about another one. I had the kids list 10 things that they love in no specific order. Then I asked them if they had to give 3 things away to someone in need what would it be? And they had to mark 3 things off their list. Then I asked if you had to throw 3 more things into the ocean what would go? They marked 3 more things off of their list. Lastly, if someone stole 3 more things from you, what would you want them to steal? Three more things get marked off, leaving you with one thing on your list. Now, looking at the one thing left on your list . . . would you be ok living the rest of your life with only that one thing? This exercise may have been harder for me than it was for them! Of course I had God as the last thing on my list. But, I almost had a physical reaction to having to mark things off of my list. haha There were items that I did not want to give up and when I got to having to mark my family off it was really hard.

Looking at the one thing left on my list I knew God was showing me something. I'd been praying about being anxious about leaving my family and He was showing me so strongly that it's not just my family. I have become so consumed with this world. I've been choosing it over Him! I felt Him speaking so strongly to me that He has nothing to to with this world and what it can offer me. He is so incredibly much more than that. The things He has planned out and in store for me can't even begin to compare with what this world has to offer. I love my family with all of my heart. I would give my own life for any one of them. But, I could not live my whole life only having them. But, I could live my whole entire life with just my God. And not just live it . . . live it to the fullest measure. John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." This may be old news to many of you, but it's something that washed a fresh over me yesterday.

Something else that I have been praying about is meeting peoples needs. It's really hard for me to speak to people I don't know and you have to talk to people and get to know them in order to see if they have any needs in their lives that need to be met. Yesterday I was brought to my knees in humility. I was made aware of a situation that was happening right under my nose and I had no idea. But, because of someone else wanting to met her needs I was made aware of her situation. I won't go into detail to keep her identity private, but there is someone that is very close to me that has been hurting physically and emotionally for years. She doesn't have a loved one to take care of her and make sure that she gets the proper physical treatment. As I heard this story I was so ashamed. Ashamed that I've been so wrapped up in myself that I couldn't see that there was a need right in front of me that needs to be met. I know for a fact that God put this story in my lap. I've been praying for it and here it is. Now, what will I do? It's so hard knowing that there is a need to be met but you can't meet in financially. But, that doesn't mean the need can't still be met. One thing I have an unending supply of is prayers. I'm making a commitment to bathe her in prayer and let God work out the details. I am also making a commitment to get to know her better so that I can share the love of Christ with her. Can you imagine going to bed at night and not knowing that someone out there loves you and values you? It breaks my heart. As I drove home from work yesterday, it hit me that if I never get to move out of my apartment or buy a new car, that I would still be going home to luxury every day. How many things do we take for granted. How many days do we wake up always wanting more, when clearly we have way more than enough. God is obviously really working on me right now. I didn't even realize that I was materialistic or even cared about what this world had to offer. But, I forget how well God knows me and I'm grateful He's not finished with me yet.

It's such an amazing feeling to look back and see how God is working in your life even when you might not understand at the time. He always has a plan for us. And it's overwhelming when all is revealed. Nothing is more exciting than an active relationship with Jesus! Thank you for reading another very long post. I hope God will speak to your heart the way He did to mine!

A Taste of Spring

This is the Day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! I just checked the weather channel and they said it was going to be 66 degrees today! The last Saturday in January and we are getting a taste of Spring! The bad news . . . . I have to work all day! Yuck. But I think tomorrow it's going to be nice again! I hope everyone in the south will enjoy this beautiful day for me! Love to all.

Insecure? ... Surely not me

I referenced in my last blog that sometimes I feel like my kids teach me more than I teach them. But, the real truth is that usually when I'm teaching them a lesson it's something God is directly dealing with me about. Sometimes I love that . . . and sometimes I hate that. haha As a teacher you want to be confident in what you are teaching, almost as if you have already risen above the lesson. Yet, sometimes in the middle of a Sunday or Wednesday night lesson I almost freeze up because I can hear God telling me . . . "THIS IS FOR YOU TOO! SO LISTEN UP!" When that happens I always let my kids know. If there is something that I am struggling with I want them to know I'm a real person too. I go through the same types of trials and temptations as they do. We have started a new Dave Ramsey study on Wednesday nights. At first I wasn't sure if our youth were really old enough to do a bible study on money management. But, once I started reading into the study I realized that the heart of the study is about our value. The study focuses on helping youth to find their value as a person in God alone, not in "things" or other people's opinions of us. There was an activity that we did that touched my heart sort of unexpectedly. You take a $20 bill and ask the kids who would like it. Of course everyone wants that money. Then you take the bill and crumble it up and step on it. Then ask again if anyone wants it. Still, they want the money. Then you take the bill dunk it in some water and rub some mud into it until you can hardly tell that it is a $20 bill. Ask the kids if anyone still wants the money and suprisingly they would have all taken it right out of my hand. So, I asked them why they still wanted the money after it had been through all of that and you couldn't even tell what it was anymore. My response was "because it's still $20 even though it's dirty and messed up". Exactly, it hasn't lost it's value. And that is exactly how God sees us! No matter what happens in our lives, the messes we make of ourselves. We will never lose our value. He loves us and sees us as His beautiful children. Still full of value to Him!! I got really emotional during the lesson because it's so easy for me to look at my kids and see how valuable they are. Each one is so special and has their own gifts and personalities that I can already see God at work in, but I know that that is now how they see themselves. They all struggle with insecurity. Being a teenager is hard. I remember. And that's when God turned the tables on me. He pointed out to me that I am still living the life of an insecure person. As hard as it is to admit. I still find my value in "things" and what other people say that I am. You don't just grow out of that as a teenager. I think it's a constant struggle against this world. But, the good news is that God loves us so incredibly much that in His word He left us the sweetest gift. He tells us exactly who He made us to be and just how much value He thinks we have. From now on, when I'm having a bad hair day, or freak out because I can't fit into any of my clothes, or struggle with being single, I'm going to look to these verses to remind me of how much my God values me. I hope they will touch you in the same way. It's not cocky or prideful to know that you were made WONDERFULLY by the MOST HIGH GOD. Embrace it. Let it change your life!

"Then God said, "Let us make man in our own image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female He created them." Gen. 1:26-27

Ok, i'm going to have to add how these verses speak to me. Not only did God create us in His own image, but He gave us dominion over the whole earth. Now, if He didn't see value in us and didn't trust us . . . would He have given us everything that was His? Think about that. That is incredible! From the beginning of time He loved His creation. He thought it was GOOD.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, and I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body." Psalms 139: 13-16

Many women keep these verses close to them. There is just something so sweet about knowing that God formed us and shaped us in our mother's womb. I love it how it says, "my frame was not hidden from you". In other words we didn't come out and God say . . . ummmm, I made that? yikes! Let's try again. NO, He knew exactly what He was doing when He made us. He knew I was going to have the shape I have and do you know what He said about it? He said it was WONDERFUL. Talk about getting approval. That's all you need.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered . So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10: 29-30

This is how much God values us! The smallest and cheapest of birds aren't even removed from His will. Why would you be? He knows every detail about us . . . the good and the bad . . . down to the hairs on our head. You are so significant to Him. I know in today's society so many of us feel like we just blend in. We aren't special. We don't stand out to anyone. This is a lie from Satan. God sees you. He loves you and He thinks you are very special! He says, "Don't be afraid." How could we be afraid if we know that He is there with us at every turn!

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present or the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will ever be able to seperate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 38-39

Nothing will change the love that God has for us in Christ Jesus. Jesus died on the cross while we were still sinners! Because He loves us and values us. He sees potential in us! Don't let insecurity make you feel unimportant or that you aren't good enough. Jesus showed us on the cross the depth of His love for us. Don't go another day believing that you are anything less that what God says you are. Take one of these verses, write it down on notecard and keep it with you during the day. Sometimes it takes reminding ourselves over and over. But, eventually you will get it and it will change you forever!

This is Me

So . . . this is me! My name is April and I am 28 years young. I live in a small town with almost all of my immediate family and I love it! I have two sisters and a brother and I am the proud Aunt of two nephews and a neice! I graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Psychology. After barely making it to graduation, I came home to figure things out . . . . and well, I'm still here. I can see now that God had His hand all over that move. It's funny how we can't see God at work until we stop working so hard to see it! I have been working as a Pharmacy Technician for about the past 5 years. I love my job and couldn't ask for a better boss.

Now for the most important parts of me. I love God. He is absolutley my best friend and I would be nothing without Him. I felt a call to ministry probably as early as my senior year of highschool. I was unsure of where His call would take me for many many years. My senior year of college I participated in my first Beth Moore bible study. From the moment I began the study I felt God putting women's ministry on my heart. I began to really pray and seek God about where He wanted me. I was frustrated for a long time because where I thought God was going to lead me was not at all His plan for me. I didn't want to get "stuck" in a small town where all of my former friends had moved on and I was still single and alone. It turns out that is exactly where He wanted me! I remember driving home from a friends house one day and God spoke so directly to my heart I thought He was sitting in the passenger seat! When you hear a word from God that loud all you can do is say YES! So, I finally joined the church that my family and I had attended my whole life and began to look for ways to serve. For the first couple of years I didn't really see a place for me. I tried to listen to God to see what work I could do and slowly but surely He spoke to me about our lacking youth group. It just so happened that there was a big age gap and for several years there hadn't been a need for a youth leader because there were no kids in that age group. I started watching the younger kids and knew within a couple of years they would be ready. I couldn't wait to start the youth ministry back in our church. With much help and lots of prayers we were back in business. I have now been teaching and ministering to the youth of our church for almost 4 years now! It's crazy thinking back on how God moved and worked things out according to His good plan. I love these kids as if they were my own. Sometimes I feel like they teach me more than I teach them.

In the past couple of years I've felt God leading me back to women's ministry. He definetly hasn't taken away my desire for youth ministry, but I still feel Him calling. Last year I organized a Ladies retreat at our church and facilitated a Beth Moore study on Esther. The study was a Godsend and everyone that participated received a huge blessing. I just announced that I want to do another study starting in March. I am currently waiting to see how many will be interested in participating.

I think I wanted to blog because it's kind of like writing in a journal . . . . only very public. I am more of an intravert when it comes to talking to people I don't know and that has been a challenge as a Christian when it comes to sharing my faith with strangers. I'm hoping that in some way by writing this blog it will be a ministry tool. I love sharing what God is doing in my life and I would love to hear about what He is doing in yours. I believe that prayer is powerful and effective! I would love to pray for you and ask that as you read my blogs that you would pray for me as well! More later . . .