Go from Ordinary to Extraordinary

"Sometimes God doesn't give us the whole route at the beginning of the trip." Author Unknown

There was a time in my life where God used an ordinary lady to accomplish something extraordinary!
It was back in 1992 or around then and I was living in Jacksonville, FL.  I was working with a temporary service and was given the job of a phone operator in a small temporary service industry.  I was trained to cover the front desk while  the permanent administrator was on vacation.  The young woman was showing me how the phone system worked along with her responsibilites,and I was doing pretty well. Then, she said one thing  that changed  the course of my life.  "Whatever you do, DO NOT hang up on the owner or she will fire you." 
Well sure enough, yep you guessed it, I hung up on her and got fired.

I was distraught. I was a single mom with two kids to feed, and at that time, it was a good paying temporary job. Well, when I woke up the next day, I went and "prayed." I 'told' God what I needed, what happened (as though he didn't know) and then made a decision to allow him to guide me.
I dressed for the day as though I was going to work, took the kids to school and was ready to show up for duty. 
I heard this inner voice say, "go to the nursing home."  I found the nursing home close to where I lived and walked in.  I was greeted by the Office Administrator. I told her how crazy this is going to sound, but I am here to meet someone and I don't know who. She said the residence were coming in for excercise and game time, and I was welcome to stay. There was a woman who was bedridden placed to the left of me.  She began talking to me by asking the question "what is the lesson is for today?"  I didn't have one for her.
I told her she was here to play games and exercise. She said she loved playing games, but she wanted a lesson.

Her name was Ruby. Ruby invited me to her room, and we had a great time getting to know each other. She told me how she had gotten her nails and hair groomed and was getting ready to meet Jesus.  I told her a little about me. After an hour of us talking, I was asked to leave.

The next day, I was dressed and ready for duty. I spent my morning in prayer with Jesus eager to know what  I was going to do for that day. I was given instructions by God to prepare a lesson. I was told to go to Wal-Mart and get a plant, an empty planter, seeds, and soil.  I asked God how I was going to buy these things since I didn't have any money.  He quickly reminded me I had jeans in the trunk of my car to return.  So off I went to exchnage the clothes and bought the items.

Next, I went back to Ruby.  As I walked into her room, she asked me "Did you just see Jesus walk past my room, I hope he's coming for me."  I told her "all I know is we have a lesson today." Ruby's brown eyes lit up when I told her that. 'Oh Good," she exclaimed. I proceeded by telling her the story of the Parable of the Mustard Seed in Matthew 13. I told her by God's word that he was well pleased with her. We discussed how the seed sown in good soil will be nourished by the water that is poured out on it, Jesus' water. God led me to tell her that the seeds she had sown of sharing her faith and her Jesus were changing the lives of many, and he was well pleased. This is the visual of the planter, the seeds and the soil.  The plant, which was a yellow daisy, was the visual of how someone's life had grown as a result of her planting the seed.  She was so excited and so humbled by it. She claimed she saw Jesus at the door of her room. I didn't know what to say, I felt the prescence of Jesus, and I knew I had to leave.  I left the daisy, and took everything else. I never returned to the nursing home.

Years had passed and I met the administrator one day here in Palatka. We struck up a conversation, and I asked her if she remembered me. She told me,yes, and was about to tell me more, when we were quickly interrupted. I  never found out if Ruby went home that last day I was with her, but I know she is with with the Lord Jesus now.

If you think that Jesus cannot use you to accomplish extraordinary things, you are wrong. He wants to use you by showing you how he can use an ordinary person like you.

I encourage you to get dressed and show up for duty.  Today, ask God what you can do you for him and then be sensitive to what you hear. If it agrees with scripture, Christian theory, and meets the needs of others, you are listening to the right voice.

Lord, I ask you to use this story to accomplish your extraordinary work using someone ordinary. I pray their faith will grow and they will continue to sow some seeds. I pray your relationship with them will grow like a yellow daisy and one day they will hear you say "well done, good and faithful servant."

A Letter from Jesus about Christmas...

*This was sent to me via email and I have often wondered what Jesus would say about Christmas. Have you ever wondered?  Please read this and leave me your comments.

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town. (Amen)

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless?  Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember :
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS

Celebrate Life

Have you heard the song "Mary did you know?" There are various artist who sing this song. I enjoy
Michael English's version the most.
We never know what our children are destined for, do we?  For yourself, you don't know what you are destined for, do you? We try special schoolings, work on our desires, and  then one day it hit us what we are created to do; create and celebrate.
I am so excited about this coming year. I have made goals for myself and am looking to work at them and make them unfold. I don't know how I am going to do this, but I will plan and I will succeed.
People don't plan to fail, they fail to plan.
I use to tell people "I can't cook." The TRUTH is that I had people telling me I couldn't cook and I stopped trying. The TRUTH was that I didn't cook the way they wanted me to cook for their taste.
Now, I enjoy cooking and eating my dishes.
What are your goals for yourself to accomplish this coming year? Not New Year resolutions, but goals.
What are you going to do FOR YOU and not for everyone else?
If you can't take care of yourself, get to know yourself, and enjoy yourself.  How can you enjoy and care for others around you?
I want to encourage you to Celebrate Life; Your life.

Let God Chisel Away....

In my last posting, I mentioned crying on a turn of a dime. In my journey, I have found that it is okay to cry. Imagine that? 
I don't about you, but I've been told to "cry and get over it", or" there's no reason to cry and you need to stop".
I am almost tired of living in a microwave world that says hurry up and get it done.
God has given us emotions for a reason. He's given them  to us to help us heal, show pain, and to feel our inner most being. He even told us Jesus wept. Jesus wept for his friend Lazarus and he wept in the garden.
After you cry, do you feel relieved, refreshed, or even renewed? I did.
My crying this week, has been God showing me that I have stuffed situations down, emotions down, and he is chipping away what I've been holding onto; disappointments and loss.
This past year has been extremely difficult for me, but God has seen me through all of it. I have so much to be thankful for, but I couldn't see some of the blessings until I got rid of some of my hurts.
I don't want pity for my tears, but praise for my tears. I've heard that some people can't cry. I think that is sad because they are unable to experience a gift from God.
I don't know if you are having a hard time celebrating the season and the year past of the blessings you've received. I do know that it is okay to cry and God just wants to chisel away your hurts to bring more joy into your life.
So give yourself permission to cry, let it go and watch your eyes open up and see things in a different perspective.
May your surrender to God's desire to change you from the inside out.

"Can you hear the words that are coming out of my mouth?"

Sometimes we just say something without really thinking about the consequences.
 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21
Do we speak to give wisdom, correction, or encouragement? Before we speak will our words help or hurt someone? It is important for us to know what words we are speaking. It is important to think before we speak.
Recently, I have found myself crying and not knowing why. I will be in the drive-thru of Taco Bell and start crying: not listening to the song on the radio or deep in my thoughts. I just begin crying. I begin to ask myself, am I depressed? Is the season getting to me? Why am I crying?
So, I decided to call Hospice of the Nature Coast. The woman came on the phone and I began to cry. I just started blubbering words through my tears. She was telling me I was grieving. The lady on the phone started explaining how normal I was (think of it me normal-haha!) and I was going to be okay.
I share this because tonight I sat at a church crying and thinking that when people see me cry, what will I say?  How will they react? If I tell them I am grieving, will they then hug my neck and I start to really weep?
I had to take a deep breath and tell myself to stop crying and I will allow myself to continue crying when I get home.
Recently, in our community we have a young family loose their husband and father. We don't know what to say, what words are comforting, what words can I use to say "I am here for you and I love you." What words can I say that will get my point across that I really do understand your loss? Sometimes we can't say anything. We don't want to hurt them more than they are already hurting. We just want to put our arm around them and love on them, but don't want to infringe on their space.
Next, someone is spreading their life all over the canvas of others. We don't think that our words could be hurting someone else, or even hurting ourselves. We just want someone to listen to our pain, so we tell everyone; everything. Are our words edifying ourselves and others or are they bringing us and them down?
How often to do we listen to the words coming out of our mouths? How close do we listen to other's words coming out of their mouth? How often do we even listen and care about what we say; we just want to be heard.
So, if you see me on the street crying, just know I am okay. When you are about to hold a conversation with someone, think about what you are saying to them. Please make sure it is peaceful, loving, and edifying them or yourself.
The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
Proverbs 15:14

Lessons I've learned from Dad.

I've heard it said that holidays can be the toughest times for families that have lost somone close.
My dad passed away this August. He taught us the value of working with integrity and ethics, took us to church when we didn't want to go, and loved our mom, but  never showed public affection. If they did, I ignored it.
For the holidays, he and mom tried to give us what we wanted. How they did it, I"ll never know. The last Christmas I remember with my dad, was when I was 17. I didn't expect anything as far as a present. My dad, asked me one morning on our way  to school what I wanted for Christmas. I couldn't think of anything, but I liked Garfield the Cat. On Christmas morning, Garfield was waiting for me under the tree. I thought "how thoughtful and sweet my dad is."  At holiday dinners, he would say a prayer and end up crying by the time he got to "Amen." I did it this year.  He was always thankful when the family got together. I think he enjoyed having the family around him, he was at peace when we were together.
I remember him being outside with my three brothers (or two) and working on one of the two cars. He would have his gray overalls on, his glasses so he could see and work hard at getting it back on the road. I never did go outside to find out about how to work on cars, mostly because that was" a man's job."
I moved away from home when I was young. If I could go back in time, I would stay around. My parents were always there for me when  I was in deep trouble or needed something.
My dad showed me where to go when I was in trouble. When I would feel alone or in dispair, I would drop to my knees. When I was a kid, I didn't want to go to church. I had to go. The only time we couldn't go was if we were sick; that didn't happen too often.
My dad was a quiet man. After dinner, especially at the holidays, he would go to his Lazy Boy chair and fall asleep within minutes.  He would snore and mom would wake him up with a comment about it. We all thought it was funny because we would start on who else snores in the family. That was almost a tradition too.
We never heard daddy say a bad word towards anyone. To describe my dad would to say he thought on things which were noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. He was truly a hard worker, loved his family, and taught his children the same.
I can't say he was perfect, but I can say he came close from what I could . see.
The other night, at the Palatka Parade, I saw this group that clogs. It took me back to a memory of my family. When I was about five years old, my family would go square dancing. I would have to go because the baby sitters where dancing too (my brothers and sister). I wanted to learn to dance like them. My mom always looked  pretty in her outfit. She reminded me of a ballerina. I wonder what my dad thought about how she looked. They were definitely in love in all the good and bad times.
I love you daddy and I miss you. Most of all, I thank you for all of the great times you gave me. My memories are rushing in and I will close with this.
If you have someone you have lost this year, you are not alone; treasure the good times, throw away the bad and enjoy your today.

The arrows of our lives.

I, maybe you too, have been taught about the fiery darts and the shield of faith before. What I recently learned was about the fiery dart that amazed me so. 
First, the shield was large enough that a fiery dart could not touch you if you were behind it.
Second, the fiery dart was dipped into a tar like substance and lit. If this dart were to hit something past the shield, the fire would spread out.
The dart was a long arrow and was seen coming at you. It was not a short and up close and personal date, though they were used too in battle.
If the dart hits the shield, it dissipates, burns out, or quenches. 
Now in our daily lives we have unseen darts thrown at us. These darts are the devils schemes and tools he uses against us. The devil will use depression, money, adultery, people, drugs, alcohol, etc.
When the dart hits us in our lives, it will affect not just one person, but many. Think about it.
We are connected with family, friends, co-workers; someone. What we say or do affects many of whom we associate. It may cause us to lie or cheat in our relationships with others.

The fiery dart is long and it is meant for long distance shooting. It doesn't change. Isn't it just like the devil? He doesn't change his ways or his tools. If we look hard enough, we can see him coming from a mile away. We now have the capability to use our other pieces of armor. The belt of truth, speaking the words of truth into our lives. The shield of faith, believing in those words of truth we read. The shoes of peace, making peace with those we have broken relationships with, including ourselves.
I hope this encourages you to know that you have the option to fight back with some armor or you can allow these darts to overwhelm you.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm in the evil day.
 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
What do you chose to do today, will affect you and those around you.

*Thank you Pastor Terry and Pastor Kirby for your teachings on the armor** to all our Pastors, "Thank you." You are teaching someone something somewhere.

Do you know what I know?

I had a friend share with me this week "science verses God." it has me really thinking about the contrast. It was more of a science lesson than anything else. 
Most of you know, I am a follower of Jesus Christ. For me, I believe there is a God- Father God, the One Living God, maker of life, and Prince of Peace. 
Scientist need absolutes and tangible answers or reasonings. They do need faith that their projects are going to come out the way they predict, right? 
I am not here to discount anyone first and foremost! I am not here to argue any facts, so please do not write me and try to attack my thoughts because I won't attack yours. Fair?
Is there such a thing as cold? No, just the absent of heat.
Is there darkness?  The answer is no, there is only the absence of light.
Scientist say that humans have evolved from monkeys. Has anyone seen this actually done? As a human is incubated in a womb has been proven, has the evolved monkey been proven? Would someone please tell them to show us the proof as it happens and they may have more believers.

One last question, has your friend seen your brain? Yes, has your friend seen your brain?
Then, wouldn't it be more accurate to say that your friend has to go on trust that you have a complete healthy and in fact a brain. 

Okay, so where am I going with this you wonder.  Well isn't it a fact that we forget what we have learned in science class and that there are some things in life we have to trust in what we cannot see.  Just like with God, we can't see him physically and in our hearts we know now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

So what do you know? What can you not see that you trust in? Than why not give God a chance and believe in him, though you cannot see him? 

 

What do you remember the most?

Think about a person in your life that has made you feel happy. What did that person say or do? How did it make you feel?   How did you respond to it?
Now think of a person that made you mad. When you walked away from that person, how did you feel? What did he/she say or do to you?  What did you do next?

Watch your thoughts, they become your words.
Watch your words, they become your actions.
Watch your actions, they become your habits.
Watch your habits, they become your character.
Watch your character, it becomes who you are today.

Going back to the questions above, you may have forgotten what that person said or did, but I believe you remember how you felt when you walked away.
Now, how about us; you and me.
How do we make others feel? Do we make someone laugh, cry, angry or miserable when we walk away?
I'm not saying EVERY time we talk, but MOST of the time when we're with them.

I use to make people not want to be around me. I made them miserable. I was a "basement" person. I didn't like anything about myself. I couldn't look in the mirror at myself, unless I was fixing my hair or makeup. I didn't like who I was inside. I learned to "watch" myself without a mirror and learned a lot about myself as I "watched" myself.  
I made a conscience effort to change. I began changing my outward appearance first.
Cut my hair, changed my makeup style, then my clothes style. But I was still miserable.
Then someone said to me "you can change your outward appearance all you want, but it's the inside that counts. So now, I did some soul searching and changing. I had to like myself before I could love myself or others.  Now I can say " I like me" and "I love me." I know I am worth something because of my inward change. I had to learn I can't change other people, but I can help myself.
I don't know why I am sharing this with you, but I hope it will make you feel important and good about yourself. If you could change one character piece about yourself what is it? What could you do to change it? First make a list of what you want to change. Next, find some "balcony people" to help you. If your friend is miserable and complaining about life, that isn't the one to run to. I am sure you will find a cheerleader in your life to help you. I will cheer you on if you need someone.  
Have a great day and know you are seen!

Mi Amigos......

Hola mi amigo. Voy a tratar de compartir en Español e Inglés. Si usted es nuevo en mi blog, ¿me dejan un comentario que me dice sus pensamientos.?
Estoy oxidado en mi español. Por favor, perdóname ahora.
Piense en esto:
La gente no recuerda lo que les dijo o lo que hiciste, pero recordarán cómo los hiciste sentir.
Me gusta imaginar que todo el mundo llevando un signo invisible en su pecho que dice "me hace sentir importante".
Espero que de alguna manera, mi esfuerzo por ser bilingüe, hoy se ha hecho sentir importante, ya que eres para mí.
Dios los bendiga!


Marjorie

Dancing in Life

I am beginning to dance all over again; dancing alone at that. I am finding that it is okay to go to dinner alone, watch a movie, stay in bed, or go out shopping alone. I enjoy being around people and I want a life partner, but it's not a requirement anymore. I would love to have an opposite sex friend to go out to dinner with or watch a movie without the tension of "is this a date?" 
Why is the world so hung up on "gotta have a mate", "can't be single", or "when are you gonna get married?"
I have been married and now I know what the statement means "the world is your oyster and you are the pearl."  I can do anything I want. No one to agree or disagree with, go to eat where I want to and take my time in making that decision. I don't have to get up and make the bed if I don't want to. I can leave clothes on  the floor and no one is going to "suggest" I pick them up. (I am not that dirty-for the record.)
I look forward to seeing what is in store for me in the next minute or next hour.
I know that I am not meant to be alone in  this world, but I also know that if I go out looking for the man of  life; it won't work out; it hasn't worked out.
So for now, I am enjoying the life of dancing alone. I am dancing with Jesus now. He says he is dancing over me and he loves me. He is the love of my life. He's the one I want to love, laugh with, delight in, shop with, and cry with.
One day my prince will come, but it's not now and maybe not in this life time, but I am okay.
To those I have dated recently or in the past, thank you. I thank you for taking the time to dance with me as a partner and a friend. I am sad that it didn't work out, but it's not meant to be.
So ladies and gentlemen, enjoy your dance whatever that looks like for you.
I'm going home, putting my bed clothes on, turning on a movie, sliding my fuzzy socks on, and enjoying myself. 
God Bless,  Marjorie

A Desert Lesson

I'm reading a book by Dr. K.P. Yohannan, the founder and international director of Gospel for Asia. He is the author of over 200 books.
He along with other writers amaze me how they can take a book that is well over 2000 years old and help it to be more tasty. It reminds me of a sundae with whip cream on top and two cherries, not just one!
While reading his book "Destined to Soar," I have grown to understand my relationship with Christ a little more.
 
In the past few days I have been going through some spiritual war fare. It's kind of ironic. We go through these desert times in our lives when we think God isn't listening or we are being punished for something we did;so we go through our "sin list" and ask for forgiveness for anything we can find. We may also experience great emotional roller coasters. We may cry out to God and ask "what is wrong with me?" 
The realization and education that I have obtained in the desert is that it's a Great place to be!  It is in the desert that we are the clay in the Potter's hand (in God's hands) or we are being pruned like the Gardner at the rose bush. 
I recently asked the Lord to change me from the inside out.  From a sermon I found that I have to put on the armor of God in order to stand firm during this molding and pruning season. 
I want to be the best I can be for Christ (almost sounds like an army ad.....hmmm). I want him to cut off of me the things I don't need or what He doesn't want me to have anymore. 

So, the next time you are going through a "desert time" remember God is molding and pruning you for His glory and your work load for him. 
 
I would enjoy hearing from you. 
Have you recently gone through a "desert time?" what happened? Tell me, I'm waiting to hear.   

Your testimony

I recently had the opportunity to meet a firefighter.
He gave his testimony of how he had the fear of heights, but his family are either firefighters or police officers.
He knew what he wanted to do at the age of two.
He had trials in his life that confirmed he had the desire to save lives.
He then had to make a decision to get over his fear of heights and he worked on it.
He had to climb a ladder 120ft high, slide down it, wrap his self around the ladder and hang upside down.  He had to become an overcomer.
He now tells his story when someone ask him a simple question. 
What made you decide to be a firefighter?

My question to you is:
"what was happening in your life when God came to you?
What has he change in your life since that time?
What do you do for him now?"

Your testimony is that short, or long, story that tells others what Jesus accomplished through your trials.
You might say, "I got saved at eight years old" okay, you still go through trials and God still shows up and walks through it with you. Tell us your victory through Jesus.

What is your testimony? I look forward to hearing from you.

What to do?

I have myself in a position to make a choice. I could worry about my car, which has some major illnesses going on with it or I could cast my burdens upon my God who says He will provide for me.
I find that no matter how strong my faith is, I still feel my flesh biting at me to worry.
So what do I do? I know what I should do. My mind says "you should worry about the huge expenses you may have, worry about the "what Ifs," and feel "woa is me" syndrome.
So! What do I do? What would you do? What have you done?
I choose to be uplifted. I choose to have peace. I choose to give the devil a black eye.
I choose to be free from worry, stress and anxiety.
How you may ask? Reading what the creator of the universe has to say about His things and about me.
There are 365 places in the Bible that says do not worry, do not be anxious, do not fret.
There are 550 places in the Bible that says have faith.
It says Jesus Christ came so that I could have life and have it more abundantly.
I seek Jesus Christ and his teachings to get me through this trial about my car. I stand on the word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.
"But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Jesus Christ."

Are you trusting the Devil and His lies about needing to worry?
Are you trusting in the strong name of Jesus Christ and His word?
You have to choose. It is your choice to make. I encourage you to research your Lordship and see which one you are believing in? Is he your strong tower? Does he encourage you? Do you have victory at the end of the day? Do you have peace of mind or are you tormenting yourself over the situation?
You cannot serve both good and bad.

My Promised Land

When I walk with the creator it is like having my own promise land. It is my land with many running waters. I have brooks with rocks and guppies in it. You can hear the trickling water running up stream.  I have a waterfall. This is rushing water that sounds like a heavy shower and the water falls into a full pool of inviting water. The warm breeze, the beautiful sunset, the colorful flowers of delphiniums, mums, roses, sunflowers, marigolds and more. The grass is green and full of strength and color too. You can lie in the grass, watch the colorful sky colors change and listen to the inviting waters sound. 
My land has no place for worries, stress, doubt, pain, unbelief, infirmity, or rebellion. You can come and be replenished with strength, be in a place of refuge, and be in perfect peace.
So when you feel like you can't take one more hurt, or one more step;go to your promised land. Use your imagination and be a kid again;go ahead try it, go on. Try it.
References:Deuteronomy, Psalms, and the New Testament in the everlasting Bible. 

My Testimony

I am here to share what God has done for me when I realized I was broken and He was the only one who could rebuild me.
I was fourteen when I was yearning for God's love. I didn't know it though.
I started looking for love through sexual experiences, which turned into an addiction. 1. Addiction: the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit forming, to such an extent that it causes trauma.
Next, I became addicted to drugs and then to alcohol. I was consumed with over fifteen fears. Fear of Satan, fear of man, fear of success and failure. I dealt with suicide, abortions, abuse, and more with myself or others in my family.
I heard the phrase "Nothing changes if nothing changes." I was ready for a change.
The choices I made lead me to bondage, but God wanted to set me free. Satan didn't want me to tell his dirty lies, BUT GOD DID!
I stood up one day and said "Okay Lord, I'm trusting you to take care of me and all I have is yours." It was then that my journey of surrender began.
First: Apart from God I can do nothing. I had to admit he was the answer to my way of life. He was the only TRUTH in my life.
SECOND: I had to forgive myself by looking in a mirror. I had to take responsibility for my decisions that brought me to this place of destitute.
You can't heal a wound by saying it's not there.
THIRD: I had to humbly admit to God, myself, and another human being the details of my bad choices. I had to walk through the darkness of my life and allow God to start changing me.
I had to read his word morning, noon and night. I wrote them on 3X5 cards and posted them on my walls. I asked God questions like: WHY ME? GOD DON'T YOU CARE? GOD, ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME, DO YOU HEAR ME?
God allows what he hates to accomplish what he loves.
God loves it when I bring my hurts, anger, and questions to him.
God loves it when I get snot nose to the floor and cry "I can't take it anymore"
Now I ask you. What in my story encourages you to let go of yourself and let God change you? What do you have to lose? What are you waiting for?
Jesus loves you just as you are.

Dance with Me

The Lord invited me to dance with Him, to turn my mourning into dancing, and to feel my heart beat. I respond with these words...
What an honor, my Lord, I am truly overwhelmed by your invitation. How could it be that I am chosen to dance with the Savior of the world? Today I place my heart in Your hands and say yes to Your invitation to dance. I'm ready to move to the beat of Your heart. I am ready to dance with You all the days of my life.
Love, Your Princess
Who wants to dance again
Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp.
Psalm 149:3
Taken from "His Princess Bride" by Sheri Rose Shepherd

I want to be loved so very much and I have so much love to give. I get close to a person and run for whatever the reason is. I want to dance, I had friends encouraging me to dance. I danced a little while, but what I found was that God was inviting me to dance with Him, only Him. He is jealous for me right now. He wants me to stop and allow Him to shower me and absorb his loving and caring self around me. I am choosing to stop looking at the men in my horizontal view and dote on the Lord's love for me.

Where are you trying to find love? At the bar? At the church pew? In the park? Internet?
All the time we are looking, God is chasing us. He wants to be the love of our lives. He owns everything and give us the world. After all, he died for the world (you and me).

Slogans

Below are a few slogans that I have learned and they have been stepping stones to a better tomorrow. I don't know what you are going through, but I hope you find this to be interesting, useful, or just knowledgable.

Which one do you like the best?

Do not go where the path will lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail - Ralph Waldo Emerson quote

Be aware of what is happening and accept your part in it and then take action and change the situation.

Did they ask? How important is it? Does it matter?
Who did it? Who cares?
Familiarity breeds similarity

Keep it simple
Didn't cause it, can't control it, and can't change it
F-frustrated I -insecure N-neurotic E-extremely screwed up

F-face E-everything A-and R-recover

God brings sanity where insanity has had it's way.
False Evidence Appearing Real
Serenity loses it's priority
Change is inevitable
Growth is optional
Or suffering is optional
This I must earn time

Don't let the enemy occupy the penthouse while you're in the basement

Take what you want and leave the rest

Expectations are premeditated resentments

Listen and learn

Satan didn't make the day don't act like he did.

How to Celebrate Hunger Awareness Month | eHow.com

How to Celebrate Hunger Awareness Month | eHow.com

Who and where do you run

I grew up in the church and one would think that I knew a lot about Jesus Christ, not. I knew who to run to in time of trouble. When I was in sixth grade I was dared by a classmate to throw a match into a tin trash can. After I accepted the dare and struck the match, the classmate ran to the office and told on me. Of course, you can see what's coming.
I was taken to the Principles office and she called my parents. "OH NO!" As I waited in the Principles office, there was a bible on her bookshelf laying flat. I put my hands on the bible and began praying. My story reminds me of Psalm 91:1-2
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty, I will say of the LORD, "He is my fortress;My God, in Him I will trust"
Now to break that down. When I live close to God and draw near to him, I am in a His presence. I can trust in him and I am safe.
As an adult, I still run into the arms of the Almighty to be protected and safe. Then as soon as I think it's safe to go play again, something happens in life and I run to him.
It's okay though, He is there for me and you. he waits for us with open arms, ready to wrap His outstretched arms around us and shower us with love.
Some make think this is crazy, but it's true. I imagine a field of tall grass with wild flowers mixed in of assorted colors. I am in a sundress and I am running to Jesus with His arms wide open. I fall into His arms and feel comforted, adored, saturated in His love and He respects too.
So I leave you with these questions:
Who and Where do you run to when trouble comes to your playground?
How safe is your place of refuge?
**LORD! May those that read this find that you are the One to run to in time of need, in time of a broken heart because you are the One that created all things and knows all things before it is said or done. So let it be, Amen**

Tis The Season!

The season is approaching for turkey, dressing, and lots of rerun movies and more. The best season movie, in my opinion, is "A Christmas Story." It's a classic comedy and drama. it wasn't until last year that I finally saw the movie "A Christmas Vacation." I laughed until I cried! Charlie Brown and that puny tree makes me belly laugh, what a great time of season that is approaching us to laugh at the crazy stuff in our lives.
Now for the true meaning of the seasons. There are a lot of things that we all are thankful for. if you aren't sure what they might be, here's my list.
A place to rest my head
Running Water
Music and movies
Food on the table
Friends
Love and laughter
Clothes on my back
My children and grandchild
And more

Friendships

I have to say, I have friends that I miss seeing and laughing with. I don't know about you, but I enjoy the friendships we have with girls or guys that time apart doesn't appear to exist. I have a friend that we don't talk for a while and then one day we connect and start where we left off. Friendships are important.
We need friends with whom we can discuss deep issues, confide in about our fears and hurts, but also laugh, play and cry with.
True friendships are characterized by grace, truth, forgiveness, unselfishness, boundaries, care and love in gigantic and mutual proportion. - Luci Swindoll
So let's celebrate! Call a friend or two (or more) and enjoy some cake, chocolate, coffee, and even some party favors. Why not? Call it a birthday party or celebrating us or you.
Sometimes we need a break from our ordinary/mundane lives and we need to belly laugh.
Jesus was a perfect example of a friend. He had 12 very special friends. There were times he celebrated with one or two and sometimes with all of them.
Jesus is or can be your friend today. He was as close as a brother for he laid his life down for you and me. He sacrificed so we didn't have to when we die.

Q
I encourage you to dance, laugh till you cry, eat some goodness in life and do it with a friend. Make a new friend and celebrate that friendship.
When you have nothing to laugh about, laugh anyway. Soon you'll feel the healing power of joy and laughter bringing new energy to your weary frustrating day. - Thelma Wells

Worship

When I first heard the term "Worship" I automatically thought "singing." I have found out that worship is so much more. Worship is a lifestyle. Worship is a way to to set your attention towards Jesus and to learn to love him, to praise him and begin talking to him.
When I was learning who Jesus was and what he had to do with me, I began listening to music. I didn't want to hear someone preach a sermon. In fact, I listened to a Christian radio station, before HOPEfm, and would turn the radio to another station when the "ministers" would come on. I didn't need to listen to that part of the radio.
Until one day, a friend asked me why I turned the channel, I was missing a "blessing" when I turned it off.
Now a "blessing" what is that?
When I worship, I receive a blessing?
I do something and I get something? WOW! "Tell me more" was my response.
So I turned on the radio and listened to the music and the words. If you miss part of the song; you miss the message.
I began listening to one "minister" at a time and found out how Jesus loves me JUST AS I AM. I am a woman. I am that doll that has a broken arm, her dress is torn, mud on her face, markings that won't come off and noone wants to love on anymore. That is noone but Jesus.
If you are broken and feel invisible. You're not.
I love you and want to share more with you.
Please leave me a comment and I will talk or listen which ever you need.
Marjorie

Your attitude determines your altitude

I confess, my attitude has been poor lately. I have been grumbling and complaining about different things I see going on around me.
Then I remembered a sermon a pastor shared last week about Paul and how he had a choice to accept or change his circumstances. He chose to accept what God was doing in his life. I suggest reading Philippians if you haven't already.
How come it is harder for us to do that? There are no perfect marriages,churches, or schools. No one lives a life free of trials, pain, sickness or death. We do not have hopeless conditiond but we become hopeless of our condition. Perhaps that is why we are called to be prisoners of hope in the book of Zachariah.
Zachariah 9:12
Come back to the place of safety, all you prisoners who still have hope!I promise this very day that I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles.
Remember 90%of what we worry about doesn't happen.
That's great news wouldn't you say?
So, I am walking through some trials and asking the Lord "Can't I run through them?" of course the answer is "No, or you'll miss the message." I will continue to press forward and have faith in that which I do not see.

If you are having troubles, I am sorry. Let me know and I will pray for the both of us. Would you pray for me too?

Thanks and God Bless,
Marjorie

Sharing our Life Story

I am so excited! I get to share what God has done for me with others this week. I get to tell my peers how he took me out of the mud and muck, cleaned me up and showed me how much he loves me!
We all have a story to tell no matter if it's good, bad, or ugly. God wants us to tell others about what is going on in our lives. If he didn't, he woudn't have given us family or friends.
God loves it when we humble ourselves before him snot nose to the floor while crying out "I can't take it anymore."
When was the last time you cried out to Abba Father?
When was the first time you shared your life story with someone?
I want to encourage you today to share it with others.