We will Bend, but hopefully we won't break.

"The moon will shine like the sun,and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the Lord binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted." Isaiah 30:26 (NIV)

Mark and I were watching a program on the history channel, concerning the book of Revelation. (Of course this was after the electric came back on. Our little town saw a little bit of everything Sunday...sun,rain, freezing rain, hail and then snow flakes as big as big oak leaves that quickly gave us 7 or 8 inches of the white stuff in less than four hours. The power was out from 4:30 to 10:00 that night.) Ironically, scientist and Bible scholars are all warning we are in the "last days." Everything is pointing to the Lords return.

Before that happens I believe we will see, and live through some very unpleasant things. Is your faith tough enough to endure the hard times? There's never been a better time to read, study and know your Savior and His word than today. Strengthen your faith. Hang on to your Christian friends; all the signs of the times are pointing to this old world's end. Watch the Eastern Sky. Our redemption draws nigh! Never be afraid to really live, or die. Jesus promises to be with us through it all, if you have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior. :)

Every Believer Needs there own space...

"Each one should use the gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms."

1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

"...Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us...." Romans 12:5&6 (NIV)

The text goes on to say use whatever God has given you use it in the best way you can cheerfully, to glorify God. In short we all have jobs to do that will build and help other parts of the body of Christ grow and function at their best.

Yesterday, I went back to my surgeon for a 2 week follow up check up. In the past two weeks I've felt better and am functioning better than I have in a long time. Since August of 2008 I lost control of my bladder. I wore a patch to keep me from wetting my pants. I was taking medicines to try to clear up abscesses on abscesses in my urinary tract and bladder. I was bleeding and hurting more than most of you can imagine.

Along with that, my only bowel was strangulated between mesh, muscle and my stoma. I was literally trying to evacuate my one and only bowel. All this made ridding in a car excruciatingly painful. The tears would flow from the vibration, just traveling down the road.

Amazingly, since surgery I can ride, and walk without too much pain. Mesh and muscles were weighing on my bladder and urinary tract. I don't have to wear the pee patch anymore! Yeah Hey!! My bowel was taken out of the muscle and stoma and Dr. Binderow reconstructed it. It still hurts, but wow what an awesome relief!

I'm telling you all this to remind you, every part of the body of Christ needs it's own space to function. We can help each other by allowing the other members to function without extra pressure. No two people will do things exactly a like, that's okay! We're different for a special season, that's enough reason! We also need to remember, it's okay to let others help us when they can. But no one can carry your load for you. Just like my bladder and bowel needed relief from other pressing, overbearing parts; other believers can't be put under pressure to the point of death.

Look around you in your family, your church, and your Christian friendships; are their stresses that may lead to pain or even death? If there are, try to help fix them. Be a helpful body member. ;)

PS... I know I've overtaxed some of you with my heavy load in the past. I'm so sorry. Be blunt-let me know if I do it again. I wouldn't hurt you for anything. I love you.

But the Greatest of these is Love...

"All the brothers here send their greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss." 1 Corinthians 16:20 (NIV)

So many times in the old and new Testaments we're told to greet one another (other believers) with a kiss. Nothing, sexual or nasty just a family hello, I'm glad to see you, kiss on the cheek.

It's a proven fact that I've read many times in psychology books, magazine articles and Internet articles. Hugs and feeling love increases blood flow and stimulates endorphins that help the reasoning process. Over all love just helps you and the other person get through the day a little easier. Go ahead make someones day give them a hug!

Love is the one thing I am not stingy with. I can honestly say the more I give it, the more love is returned. Occasionally, I have extended my love to a few characters I regret giving it to. (Some took it it in a way that was never intended. So we do need to be careful.).

But, there are so many more people in my own family and close friends I wish I could hug today, but can't because of miles or other circumstances. If you're reading this and you're one of them consider yourself hugged from my heart to yours and with lots of love! :)

Stay in the Light

"Teach me O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.

Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart." Psalm 119:33-34 (NIV)

"But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice and. He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me." Psalm 55:16-18

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

It's amazing when I wash my windows how much clearer everything looks inside and outside. That's what God's word does for all our circumstance and everything in life. We can go there for clarity, guidance and comfort. It helps us see dirty parts of our lives we need to clean up with God's love and grace.

There is nothing that will ever happen to you that with God and you can not handle. You have what it takes, draw from His source, His word, and do what needs to be done. You and God can make the best of the worst, I promise. Seek His will in prayer and the Bible.

We are not promised ease, or a pain free life. We are not even promised to escape an earthly death. But we are promised Salvation from a second death, and we have a God that never leaves or forsakes us through it all. That alone is worth your devotion and love for Him. Give God the Glory Christian you never walk alone!

Our Awesome Heavenly Clan! :)

"Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord."

1 Thessalonians3: 7 & 8 (NIV)

..."May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does from you.

May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones." 1 Thessalonians 3: 12 & 13 (NIV)

When I read this I know what Paul was feeling. I've heard, and received mail from people in four different churches today. I can't tell you how much like Paul I long to be with all of them, to hug them and just tell them how much I love them. But even more than that I long to encourage them to keep growing and going in Christ Jesus! We have an awesome Heavenly Family in Christ Jesus! What a blessing and privilege it is to call you my brothers and sisters in Christ. Friendships in Christ have eternal ties that bind, and will never end.

God has blessed us beyond imagination! Praise God from Whom all blessings Flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above you heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen

We may go through trials here below, but what an awesome Heavenly Father that more than supplies all our needs according to His great riches, in Christ Jesus. Bless be those ties that bind, and thank you my dear family in God! I love you all dearly!

Family is a Wonderful Blessing!

My parents left yesterday. We had such a wonderful visit. My Mom even made me some of her southern fried chicken, which was mighty fine! We all had such a good time. :)

There is so much to learn from our parents wisdom and the lives they've lived. No life is perfect, but by walking in God's grace, love and life can be an awesome fulfilment. I really believe before we born God had a journey for each of us to take. When we walk in the Light of his word, and accept His grace, life becomes a wonderful, beautiful story that takes place over a small period of time.

Be careful with your time, it passes so quickly. Give each day to God, accept and be a part of His family plan. You're just one child in a big family with many members and gifts. Love and be loved. Forgive and accept forgiveness. (That means learn, but move on from the mistakes.) God makes everything beautiful in His time!

God Bless and keep you today and Always! Remember your Heavenly Father Loves you more than anyone on earth ever could or would, see Psalm 31!

"But I put my trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God. My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love."

Psalm 31:14 and 15 (NIV)

Happy Valentines Day

"My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet and your face is lovely." Song of Songs 2:14 (NIV)

"My lover is mine and and I am his..." Song of Songs 2:16 (NIV)

I hope you've had a Special Valentine in your life at least once! Love between two people is an awesome gift to give each other. It's multiplied beyond imagination when God is in the center of that love.

If you're blessed with that treasure take some time to read the book of Song of Solomon together. Sexual love can be very gratifying! More than sexual love I hope you can connect on a very intimate spiritual level. Why limit the splendor to physical bodies? An intimacy level, not limited to earthly pleasure can allow two souls to unite and soar in heavenly realms!

Christians should experience the most satisfying love together in Christ. We have the freedom, love and ultimate satisfaction when we unite in Christ and marriage. Grow together in Christ. Enjoy what God has given you! There's no sin in pure marital love!