Compassion International

In case you haven't taken a little time to browse around my page, let me draw your attention to the little box just to the right of this post. Its a link for Compassion International. I think many of you are aware of this organization, but for those who aren't, take a minute to check them out. They are doing a great job of ministering to impoverished children and their families all around the world.

Sponsoring a child is pretty inexpensive when you consider all that they provide. And if you're like me, I always wonder how much of my money actually goes to helping the kids. Compassion boasts that 83.5% of all money goes directly toward the programs, leaving only 16.5% for administrative and fundraising costs. I learned about Compassion when I started reading Shaun Groves' blog (or Shlog, as he likes to call it!). He's a funny, entertaining blogger and an extremely gifted singer/songwriter. You can check out his page here. Its definately worth the click!

I'm really not trying to be a cyber-marketer but I like spreading the word about a worthwhile cause. Even if you cannot sponsor a child right now, you can still help by pasting one of their links on your own home page. They have lots of styles to choose from and one of your readers just might help a desperate child in need.

Thanks ya'll and God bless!!
(1.8 lbs lost, 26.2 to go!)

Merry Christmas!

Just wanted to take this moment to wish everyone the Merriest Christmas ever!! I've got family coming in today so I've been busy cleaning house. And now, its finally cookie time! The girls just love when we bake cookies together each Christmas. So, I'm off to the kitchen. Enjoy your time with family and friends and celebrating our gift of a lifetime, JESUS!!!
May God be with you all and bless your time together. Merry Christmas!

I've Got A Friend

So, I'm still new to this whole world of blogging but so far its been a lot of fun. Its a good way to express your feelings about God and to God. Sort of like a written prayer. Sometimes its just a good way to help myself work through a revelation. But if I wanted it to be private, I'd keep a journal. After reading so many other blogs, you can't help but hope that somebody will come around once in a while and read your own. Not for the fame, certainly not for the fortune, but maybe somebody will be touched by what I've said or have another point of view or just want to say "hey". So far, that hasn't happened much.

And then the greatest thing happened today! There's this beautiful woman whose blog I read daily. I asked her for advice on "publicizing" my blog. Hers is read by many so I figured she would know. Not only did she send me an emailed response to my question, she wrote an entire post about me. If you could have seen the look on my face! My jaw hit the floor! I'm not surrounded by many who can help me grow my faith and then God sent me Valerie Lynn. You can find her at Simply 4 God. I'm amazed at how someone I've never met, never spoken to in person and never even knew existed 3 months ago could become such a great friend.

Have you ever been that kind of friend? I don't think that I have, but I've been inspired to become one. God created people for people. We're not here on earth just to meander our way through life. God created Eve because he wanted Adam to have someone to share it all with. So who are you gonna share it with? What can you do for someone else today? I'm challenging you to practice random acts of kindness. Let me know what you did or will do, perhaps you'll inspire someone else to do the same.

And to Valerie Lynn, thank you for being my friend!

Spiritual Warfare

There are times in every life when it seems we are all alone, fighting to survive day to day. The battles aren't always the same - financial hardships, catastrophic illnesses, marital discourse. It is during these struggles we are most vulnerable. It is at our weakest moments that it happens - Spiritual Warfare.

Just like any battle, the best time to attack is when your opponent is least able to defend themselves. And when we are at our lowest valleys, Satan fixes you in his scope, and begins his attack. He fires his missles directly at your weakest links. So what do you do then?

We can choose to be defeated, but does that eliminate our troubles? Does that keep other trials from coming our way? The alternative - believe in Him, trust in Him, lean on Him. God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble." (Psalm 46:1) Trials will still invade our lives but we have a comfort that can only be found in Jesus. Its a promise that with each trial comes strength and with strength comes endurance. God: the Ultimate Personal Trainer!

When faced with struggles in life, don't just accept it as fate, see it for the war that it is. What do soldiers do when going to war? They arm themselves with the appropriate weapons. Your weapon is God's Word. But just like a machine gun, it can't be used effectively unless you take the time to learn how it works and how to use it. This means you have to study often and earnestly. The more you read the more you learn. With continued practice, the enemy will see how powerful your weapon has become. And just like an enemy at war, he will turn in defeat.

God has promised that the enemy WILL be defeated, even when our situation seems hopeless. GOD WILL BE VICTORIOUS!!! Here are just a couple of bullets for your arsenal:

"The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him." Nahum 1:7

"Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you." Psalm 50:15

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance." Romans 5:3

And finally:

"For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." James 1:3-4

When you find yourself feeling weak and vulnerable, instead of asking "why me?", give thanks to God because you are being polished and perfected. Keep your eyes focused on Him until the day comes when you will "need nothing".

Re-gifting

"God has given gifts to each of you from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you." 1 Peter 4:10

We are each given spiritual gifts by God. Some we use, some we don't. Sometimes its hard trying to figure out what they are. But thanks to the wonder of the internet, there are many "tests" that can assess your skills and personality to narrow down the list. What are yours?

Prophecy
Ministry
Teaching
Exhortation
Service
Leading
Mercy
Apostleship
Wisdom
Knowledge
Discernment
Faith
Miracles
Healing

Did you see yours? Mine are Mercy and Service. But look at the list again and think about what these gifts really mean. When we hear of gifts, most of us think about Christmases and birthdays. Things we receive for ourselves, to keep. That's what these are as well.

But if you look at what these gifts are used for, do any of them benefit you? Aren't they all used to help others? Then actually, we are just the middle men. Spiritual gifts are bestowed upon us to give to others. Rather than being the recipient, we are the giver. Think of it as "holy re-gifting"!

We already received The Spirit as our gift. We are now responsible for handing out what He has given us. Its not ours to keep after all. It must be shared or it is wasted. Like buying a present for someone and then stashing it in the closet, never to be seen by the one it was intended for. It is a gift, but one from which to learn, and then pass on to another.

So next time you thank God for the gifts in your life, think about how you are using those gifts. And just like your mama said, "you better share!"

How This All Began

A few months ago I stopped by the bookstore for a new read. Not a big reader, well I wasn't before. So I'm scanning the books when one catches my eye. No particular reason why, I was just drawn to it. It took me only about 3 days to finish it, a new personal best. About midway through it, I new I was experiencing something wonderful! Enough suspense, it was The Shack by William Paul Young. If you haven't heard of it, we must have met under that rock you're still living under. If you have read it, you're in large company.

But really, I've skipped ahead. Before this book I was just your average mom, self-employed and living apart from God. I knew Him, was born-again in 1996 but turned away to do it my way. Then this book found its way into my hands.

I couldn't get enough! It was so beautifully written, so eloquent and tender and raw. Anyway, to sum it up, it left me absolutely craving more of Him! I began praying again, and I haven't been able to stop reading and learning about Him since. Even when I was "born-again" I didn't have this insatiable appetite for His word.

Over the last few months, God has been really busy with me. Not in that sweet, subtle, gentle way... but in that let-me-smack-you-upside-the-back-of-the-head kind of way. I guess He knew that I can be a bit stubborn, so He customized His plan especially for a self-centered, fear-of-failure, procrastinator like me. I've started attending a new church, joined a Bible study group and am committed to studying Him daily. Part of my routine includes reading several blogs which led me here. I figured if I enjoy blogs so much, why not have one of my own.

I have been praying for God to show me how I can serve Him. I don't know if this is one way or not. I'm not very diligent at finishing what I start so maybe this is a challenge, a chance to show how the power of God can change people. So bear with me, encourage me, hold me accountable, and let me know what you think.