tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23987615444305050202024-02-19T08:18:33.720-08:00You're Not AloneAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-56300403038877957822016-07-19T09:27:00.004-07:002016-07-19T09:27:33.098-07:00Lightning but no Thunder
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">The other day we were driving home and in the distance, we saw a lightning storm but heard no noise.
The song, “Same Power” by Jeremy Camp, was
playing on the radio, and I felt
empowered and like I had the strength to fight an army. The words spoke to my heart, and I started calling on the power that lives in my son and me; the power of Jesus in
us. I prayed for my son J.J. like I
never had before. I prayed that the
power that lives in him would trample the lies and destroy all the strongholds
in his heart. This morning as I sit here
in the waiting room for my mother-in-law God spoke to my heart again. The fact that I couldn't hear the thunder and
just saw the awesomeness of the lightening storm reminded me of the verses found in </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">1 Peter 5:8-11 (NIV)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: calibri;"><i>8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls
around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him,
standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers
throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God
of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have
suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and
steadfast. 11 To him be the power forever
and ever. Amen.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">Yes, we are fighting a battle in this world, and the devil wants to destroy us, but
all he can do is prowl like a roaring lion. I remember
a zoo visit many years ago, where I saw this power lion behind a thick glass enclosure and his roars muffled. God is our protection and shield
from all that tries to harm us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: calibri;">When I saw the lightning
storm I was in awe. Usually, I get nervous
during a storm because of the loud thunder, but there wasn’t any sound this
time. All I saw was the beauty and the power.
As we drove, I watched the night sky
lite up. The lightning bolts were
constant and numerous. What a spectacular
sight. I pictured my son and his heart
as I looked at the storm brew. I know
that he is having a battle going on in his heart, and I was praying for the
power of God that lives in Him to take control; and for him to let it. Like verse ten says, “ And the God of all
grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a
little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” I know that God will restore J.J. and make
him strong, firm, and steadfast. As I
wait for that day, I will continue to battle in prayer for him and put my trust
in God and let his power in me give me peace.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-14747579998328954362016-07-01T22:31:00.000-07:002016-07-02T10:27:41.432-07:00Where's GodDay 5
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Morning came early. I
was hoping to sleep in because my daughter Shannon had the day off, but I laid
there not wanting to face the day. My
husband sent me a song by Steven Curtis Chapman, Something Beautiful. That blessed my heart and gave me strength to
get out of bed. I then went on Youtube
and started praising God and praying for my son. I felt peace and even had a little
smile. The song, "Ever Be", by Aaron Shust has
been playing in my mind, especially the verse, “Your praise will be ever on my
lips, ever be on my lips, I will sing praise, I will sing praise,” so I looked it up and
was singing it in my heart. A friend of
mine Wendy, my daughter, and David were planning to go see the movie Finding
Dory at 11:25am. As Shannon and I were
sitting in the front room the front door flew open and in walked J.J. Oh how my heart leaped with Joy thinking he’s
home, he’s home, he’s home, but he quickly said that he came to get his things. Rip, there went another piece of my heart. He hurried to his room and started scooping
things into his college hamper bag, grabbed his pillow and started collecting
some of his art work he was working on.
He told me he took the bus here and I wasn’t sure how he was going to take
all of his things with him. He has a replacement
Fitbit come in the mail and he kept asking for it. I had my daughter text Joe, so he knew
that J.J. was getting his things. He
called and asked to talk to our son. Joe
talked to J.J., I wish I could have heard what he said to him. I heard bits and pieces though. He had his laundry bag packed and again asked
for his Fitbit, so I gave it to him. He
was in such a hurry. David kept trying
to get his attention, he was so excited to see his Uncle J.J. As J.J. was finishing getting his things
my husband called and told me not to let him take anything and I said, “What
good would that do?” J.J for some reason
took his blanket out of the bag and put it back on his bed. He ended up leaving his
drawings, then he walked out the door. I
followed him out and told him that he didn’t need to go. He kept saying he would be back but not right
now. I don’t know if he meant it or was
saying that to ease my heart. He gave me
another big tight hug and then started to walk away. David who is two ran after
him calling J.J. J.J. stopped and looked
down at him and David looked up staring at his uncle. Shannon came and got David and away J.J. went. I wanted to chase after him, but I knew I
couldn’t do anything to make him stay.
With gut wrenching sobs I came inside and just fell on the coach. You could tell Shannon was hurting and so was
little David. I know he feels the
tension and he misses his uncle. It
was time to go to the movie. I had to
get out of the house because the walls felt like they were closing in. We went to the
movie which helped, but J.J. was still on my heart. The movie was over and we came home. My husband came home early and I heard the
door and heard a man’s voice so I came running from the kitchen thinking it was J.J.
and he had come home, but it wasn’t him.
Joe asked me why I came running to the door and I just fell into his
arms and we both cried. The rest of the
day I have been battling hard and kept having panic attacks, thoughts of what
if’s and I should have started plaguing my mind again. I haven’t cooked dinner at all this week, so
I started beating myself up saying that I was a bad mom. The walls kept closing in on me, so I ended
up going to Wendy’s to get dinner thinking the ride would help, but all along I
kept thinking that I wouldn’t be buying J.J. dinner so what was he going to
eat, and then my mind started going down memory lane. My heart grew heavier and heavier and I found
myself in a complete panic. Joe and everyone
else went to bed early so I sat in the front room trying to calm myself down,
but it didn’t work. I took a hot shower,
but that didn’t help either. I found
myself rocking back and forth singing, “Your praise will forever be on my lips….”
Over and over. I felt so alone and felt as God had abandoned me. I felt like I was being punished for all the
bad decisions I had made. I was becoming
desperate and even thoughts about going to the hospital came to my mind. I grabbed my cell phone
and posted that I was having a break down on the praying group I am in and that
I needed prayer for peace for myself and J.J. to feel God’s presence. Not even a minute went by where people
responded and as I sat there and watched prayers come my way the panic eased
and I felt better. I decided to come and
write down my thoughts, so I could get them out. Someone from the group messaged me and
encouraged me. I guess my daughter Shannon was
having a hard time sleeping too, because she sent me a video that made me smile
a little. My heart is still heavy and my
eyes are swollen, but I know that my son and I are being held up in prayer. “God
I know You can hear my every cry and I know Your there. Please let me feel your presence and calm my
heart. I pray that You meet J.J. right
where he is and that he will feel Your presence also. I pray that You break down his pride and fill
his head with Your truth and replace the lies that the world is telling
him. God show Him the way back. God I really don’t know what to pray. My mind feels like it is in a fog and my entire
body feels heavy, God give my heart and body rest.
Be with all those who love J.J. that their hearts will be comforted too. Be with little David and calm his heart. God guide me and my husband on what we should
do and give us the strength to do so.
Bring people in my son’s life to speak Your truth to him and take him
away from those who fill his head full of lies.
God bring him back to You and quickly.
Thank you God for the prayers of many, watch over them and theirs as well. Be with my girls who are away and prepare
their hearts so when they come home to find their brother no longer here that
they will be comforted. God I pray for
Your prefect will and to find peace in my heart.”</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-74527772909650489752016-07-01T22:25:00.001-07:002016-07-02T10:13:55.099-07:00Hope and Heart Break<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Day 4</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">When I woke up on Thursday my heart was troubled as if I
should go and see my son. I battled back
and forth and with each tug one way or the other my barely beating heart ripped
even more; I didn’t think there was anything left. I posted the question on a prayer page that I
am apart of and got many responses and a phone call from the lady who created
the page for her son who is now recovered.
She encouraged me and I made the decision not to see him, not because I didn’t
want to but because I felt that he was using me to bring him his things. I messaged him on Facebook that I loved him
but couldn’t meet him. My husband Joe
called and told me to go so I could gage where he was, so I gladly agreed. I watch my grandson David during the day so I
had to take him with me. My son J.J.
gave me an address and I thought it was to the home he was staying, but no it
was to a Starbucks :( I went and met him and gave him a big hug. It was good to see him. We sat down and I felt the room full of
strangers close in on me. I felt that
all eyes were staring at us. I couldn’t
hold my tears in. I told him that I didn’t
bring his things and that he has a home and his things would be there if he
came home or came and got them himself. He was a little upset and told me it
would have been easier for him if I brought them. Sure it would be easier for him, but not me. I told him that I couldn’t help him leave. We talked and it was uncomfortable. I felt myself starting to have a panic
attack. People were noticing that I was crying and I know the guy with his back
turned to us sitting beside us was intently listening. I shared my heart with him and asked him if
this is what he truly wanted to do and was still willing to give up everything
to pursue his choice, and sadly he said yes.
He kept saying he would be home, but not yet. He kept saying he didn’t feel comfortable
there anymore. I believe he isn’t
comfortable anymore because he was caught in a lie and didn’t want to live
by our rules anymore and is filled with shame. I told him again and again that his dad and I loved him,
but we don’t and will never support what he is doing. David was getting fussy so I suggested that we
take a walk and get something to eat, so we did. We walked a couple of shops down and ate at a
burger place. We sat outside this
time. We talked more and he kept saying
that he didn’t want to come home because he said my husband threaten him. I told him to stop it and he knew that wasn’t
true. I told him how heartbroken his dad
is and how much he has cried and misses him. When I was telling him those
things J.J. teared up. My heart was absolutely
breaking</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">. There was a lot of awkward silence and you
can tell neither one us was comfortable.
He kept asking me what time it was and how he hoped we would have been
able to sit and talk like we did just a few days before. It is crazy how things can change in such a
short amount of time. David was getting
fussy again and I didn’t know what else to say, but I didn’t want to leave
because I didn’t want to say goodbye. I
knew I had to so I got up, he walked me to the sidewalk and he hugged me
tight and I him. We told each other that
I love you. He kept hugging me and
wouldn’t let go, but he finally did and at that moment it felt like he took my heart
with him. Oh how it hurt to walk
away. I pushed David in his stroller to
the car weeping the whole time. I sat in
my car crying and praying. When I was
able to wipe my eyes enough to start the lonely journey home I started to pull
out and out of the corner of my eyes I saw J.J. sitting outside of the
Starbucks watching me. He looked so sad
and I just wanted to grab him and take him home, but I couldn’t so I kept on
going. I had to pull it together because
I had my precious grandson in the car who kept asking, "where J.J. go." You can tell his little heart was hurting as
well. He and J.J. are buddies. He has already been missing my two youngest
daughters Sydney who is 14 and Sarah who is 11.
They are in Springfield Missouri visiting their oldest sister Stephanie. I made it home and Joe my son-in-law was home
and put little David to bed. I called my
husband Joe and told him how it went. I
know he was hoping that J.J. wanted to come home. I keep thinking that I should have just told
him to come home and made him, but I know I couldn’t have. This is my baby boy, my only son, my heart
and he is gone. I will no longer get to
see him every day. In about a
month we were supposed to drop him off at college and say see you later, but no
that’s not how it happened, he left on his own and I have no clue where he
is. The evening and night was hard. I kept fighting thoughts of despair and was
praying with my every breath. My eyes
were so swollen from crying that I took some allergy medicine in hopes it would
help. My husband and I couldn’t sleep so
there we were lying in bed talking everything through. Joe said a prayer and we eventually fell
asleep. I didn’t sleep well, our bedroom
is right next to his so every little sound I would wake up hoping it was him,
but it wasn’t. "God still holding to hope. Please give J.J. a spiritual hug for me and remind him that he is loved."</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-33294299490573601732016-06-30T07:04:00.002-07:002016-07-02T09:58:43.031-07:00Uneasy <br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Day 3</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Yesterday was a very long day. The morning started off with broken tears and
a lot of prayer. My husband kept calling
to talk things out. He is a solver and
wants to fix things. Since there is
nothing we can do to fix this situation he and I are on an emotional and
mental roller coaster ride. Emotions
were all over the place. I mainly prayed
and was trying with all my might to give it to God. Let me tell you, this is easier said than
done. I started a prayer chain and every
once in a while I would hear my message notification sound go off and I would
find that someone had prayed. Those
prayers one by one gave me strength. I
was watching my 2yr old grandson like I do every day and he was extra cuddly, so
that helped, I had to hold it together for him.
We have three little dogs and each of them had to stay by my side making
sure I was ok. As I was checking the
computer for the prayers being sent my way for our family and especially my son
I got a message from J.J. My heart
leaped with Joy, but was nervous as to what it would said. He started out with that he misses me and
loves me. I of course started to cry and
continue to read. As I read on I found
what I believe the real reason for the message, this is what he wrote, “I am
wondering if you can maybe go into my room and get my OBU laundry bag and my
watch, that fit bit should've sent me and maybe you can meet me for lunch
tomorrow and if you can bring that OBU bag and the fitbit I would appreciate it
because I don`t know when I’ll be coming home.” Ouch, my heart was saddened
again. I then had a battle stew in my
mind, should I take him his things, should I even go, or should I meet with him
and don’t bring him anything except my love and a reminder that this is still his
home and if he wants his things he would have to come home and get them
himself. As of this morning I am still unsure
what I should do. I will go and see him. I love him too much not too. He didn’t want me to tell
anyone, but I couldn’t keep this a secret, his dad; my husband has the right to
know. Joe came home and I told him of
our conversation and my poor husband was sent on yet another emotional ride of
what to do. He ended up saying, "Give him and hug from me and tell him that I love him and miss him." You see Joe is one that acts
or speaks before he thinks and wears his emotions on his sleeves. He comes across harsh, while all along
hurting inside. Yesterday after Joe had
seen me cry for what seems like two days straight and after JJ had called me to say
that he isn’t coming home, he called JJ back and told him, "Stop
hurting your mother and that now it is between you and me." J.J. took this as a threat and is using that
as an excuse not to come home because he is claiming that my husband would hurt
him. This is not the case, he has never
laid a hand on him and never will. If
anything Joe has been more lenient with J.J. than any of our other kids. Taking a deep breath and praying as what I
should do. The biggest issue we have as
the parents right now is that our son isn’t showing any remorse for the things
he has done or for all the lies. Joe
says that if J.J. would show remorse then he would do anything physically possible
to help him, and I would have to agree.
I can’t wait to see J.J. and to give him a big hug. I love him so much and I miss him. My heart hurts for him and I pray that he
figures things out soon or he will miss out on starting the future he had
planned with college and things. "Oh God,
please touch J.J.’s heart and open his eyes to the decisions he is making. Let him know what’s at stake and be able to
turn to You for guidance. I know he is
18yrs old and he thinks he understands what the world has in store for him, but
I pray that he will come back to You and home before the world eats him up. Watch over him and protect him, but God I am
still praying the hard prayers that You will do whatever it takes to bring him
back to You. May Your grace and mercy
cover him and our home."</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-78767074609121242802016-06-29T09:14:00.002-07:002016-07-02T09:51:26.540-07:00The Unknown First<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Day 2:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My heart is very heavy this morning. Last night was the first night that we didn’t
know where our son was. Every little
sound filled my heart with hope that maybe it was our son JJ and that he had come
home. So many thoughts have crossed my
mind and the what if, I should have, and self-doubt plague my soul. Every time the phone rings my heart leaps and
I pray that it is him, but when I see that it’s not another strip is ripped
away from my heart. I keep reminding
myself that even if I have a glimmer of hope, it is still hope. I know that God
knows where he is and is with him. I
have been having to pray some difficult prayers. Prayers like, “That he find thrones
everywhere he turns except for God, that he finds out quickly that the world is
not for him, but God is, that his heart will not be at peace until he cries out
to God.” This is the hardest prayer of the all, that God will do whatever it
takes to bring JJ back to Him and home.
Yesterday when he called and told me that he wasn’t going to come home
sheer worry came over my entire being. He
told me he would call me after he got off of work, so when it was time for him
to call I held my phone waiting to hear his voice, but he never called. I
finally went to bed and cried myself to sleep. I keep praying that God’s love
and truth will shine through all the lies that he is believing. It’s hard to describe how I feel. My heart feels heavy like it is a big bag of
fluid or I should I say full of the blood from my heart being ripped to pieces, and it physically hurts. It has been
rapidly beating and at times I can’t seem to take a breath. I try not to let my thoughts run rapid. My eyes are swollen and body is sore and
tired. The biggest struggle is not
having my mind go wild in thought and I am trying not to worry. This is extremely hard; I mean he is my only
son, my heart. Last night I found myself
looking through pictures of him growing up. I kept asking myself where did I go
wrong. Thoughts like maybe this is
happening because of my sins and where did I fail him. I started tearing myself
apart. I let him leave the house to go
to his Aunt and uncle’s house to give him some space. I knew deep down inside that this was him manipulating
the situation so he could leave, but I let him go hoping he would be back the
next day. I wish he could see that the
choices that he is making will only lead to destruction and he will be
hurt. I don’t know what to say or
do. I pray for wisdom and peace. Everyone keeps telling me to give him to
God. How do you do that? I feel that I have, but I still hurt for him,
worry about him, and desperately miss him.
JJ please come home!! We love you!!
I love you more than life itself and would gladly give my life for yours
not to be filled with pain. Our hearts will
always be connected. Remember you once
heard my heart beat from the inside and my heart sustained your life.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-91647728583882368392016-06-29T08:48:00.000-07:002016-07-02T09:40:59.272-07:00More Than a Tattered Heart<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Day 1</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95yzC9OQ-KHRvjrvajflWO-56VS6yB5z4YJP0sAy1YQAQvhuYVaj_bVzSx8eeu3J35NAefZfV0JrHrjbEvgHJfagHiGYBhfYl1wqaJ0jlgKjAAal4Mad94ID7Mog98NRXVsFHXlyxqoHP/s1600/brokenhearted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg95yzC9OQ-KHRvjrvajflWO-56VS6yB5z4YJP0sAy1YQAQvhuYVaj_bVzSx8eeu3J35NAefZfV0JrHrjbEvgHJfagHiGYBhfYl1wqaJ0jlgKjAAal4Mad94ID7Mog98NRXVsFHXlyxqoHP/s320/brokenhearted.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My heart has been broken more times than I can count it
seems and I have been through so many trials where I watched my heart
completely shatter. However there is a
different and deeper pain that you feel when you watch someone you love hurt,
especially when it is one of your children.
There you are watching your child’s life fall apart right before your
eyes and there is nothing you can do.
They made their choice and you are left holding the pieces of your
tattered heart. I would gladly rip my
heart out and give it to them so they won’t get hurt and would know just how
much they are loved. Last night as I
watched my son make a decision that is so destructive I literally felt my heart
break in two and then shatter. I
couldn’t catch my breath because the pain was too great and all I could do was
sob in between my mournful cries. In the
midst of my heart breaking I see my husband trying to be strong and then watch
him completely fold in half with gut wrenching cries as well. My husband is a strong man and I have seen
him cry before, but never like this. As
we watched our son walk out the door not knowing if this would be the last time
we would ever see him, we were both crushed and destroyed. This morning as I sit here my heart is barely
beating, but as of last night it will never beat the same. Earlier I went to his empty bedroom laid on
his bed hugged his pillow and cried out to God.
I wept and pleaded for God to save him from this fate that he
chose. As our son sat on the coach last night
and told us of his decision I saw that behind all the words he spoke was a
broken soul, lonely and afraid. Oh how I
wanted to go and take him in my arms and take all his pain away. Emotions were high as he told us that he was
going to choose this path and that he was willing to let go of his family if
that was what he had to do. As I am typing this it is hard to see. I cannot stop crying. How do stop a bleeding heart anyway. My eyes are so swollen with grief. I will never stop pleading for my
son. Even though it is hard to find the
words to pray I know God hears my broken heart crying out in his behalf. So many unknowns, to start I don’t know where
is, if he is safe or if I will see him again.
Oh God, please watch over him and bring him back to You. I need to trust You, so please give me the
strength so I can do so. All I can say
is help, please dear God help!! </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-7637596027326940992016-05-12T10:00:00.002-07:002016-05-12T10:16:23.838-07:00Telling my Heart to Beat Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpgBGQgzp09hKPnVu051T49i5K7-LMk7KOSQCRb1IPOzq4rYIxfmScq5Bvscob5OkaXlb4AZUKqpplPiasOGRL_CpnjtZiy9bOXwnCi1MNBjOyZc7O6hag7MsYkxga8Ch0cTkLfNKvmdH/s1600/beaded+heart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpgBGQgzp09hKPnVu051T49i5K7-LMk7KOSQCRb1IPOzq4rYIxfmScq5Bvscob5OkaXlb4AZUKqpplPiasOGRL_CpnjtZiy9bOXwnCi1MNBjOyZc7O6hag7MsYkxga8Ch0cTkLfNKvmdH/s320/beaded+heart.png" width="276" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lately my heart has been a little sad and life has been
overwhelming at times. There have been
many changes and disappointments, and to be honest it has felt like I have been
being beaten to a bloody pulp. Not just physically,
but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
I have been trying to gather all the broken pieces of my heart and glue
them back together with temporary fixes.
Of course none of these temporary fixes hold and things fall apart
again, but this time those pieces are covered with more build up making those
pieces more difficult to put together. I
am trying to get rid of the excess by forgiving those who have hurt me, make
amends with those I have hurt, and to forgive myself. Honestly, I tend to secretly hold onto things
and it is difficult for me to let go. I also
tend to bottle things up allowing my heart to harden a bit and I try to shut it
off so the pains I feel in my heart doesn’t hurt as much. The problem is after doing this for a while I
feel like I am just a shell without a heartbeat. There is this song played on many Christian
music stations sung by Danny, Gokey. “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
The lyrics are:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
You're shattered<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like you've never been before<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The life you knew<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a thousand pieces on the floor<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And words fall short in times like these<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When this world drives you to your knees<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You think you're never gonna get back<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To the you that used to be<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tell your heart to beat again<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Close your eyes and breathe it in<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let the shadows fall away<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Step into the light of grace<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday's a closing door<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You don't live there anymore<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Say goodbye to where you've been<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And tell your heart to beat again<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beginning<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just let that word wash over you<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's alright now<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love's healing hands have pulled you through<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So get back up, take step one<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leave the darkness, feel the sun<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cause your story's far from over<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And your journey's just begun<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tell your heart to beat again<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Close your eyes and breathe it in<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let the shadows fall away<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Step into the light of grace<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday's a closing door<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You don't live there anymore<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Say goodbye to where you've been<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And tell your heart to beat again<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let every heartbreak<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And every scar<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be a picture that reminds you<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who has carried you this far<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
'Cause love sees farther than you ever could<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this moment heaven's working<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everything for your good<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tell your heart to beat again<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Close your eyes and breathe it in<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let the shadows fall away<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Step into the light of grace<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday's a closing door<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You don't live there anymore<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Say goodbye to where you've been<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And tell your heart to beat again<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your heart to beat again<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beat again<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, so tell your heart to beat again <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every time I hear it played it is like a defibrillator jump starting
my heart. I have had to be resuscitated before
and it hurts, but you have to choose to keep living. This morning when I was getting the kids ready
for school and myself ready for the day I was feeling down and had a lot of
doubts going through my mind. I was
feeling defeated. When I looked down I
saw a beaded necklace laying on the floor in the shape of a heart just coming
out of the shadows in the morning light.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God is good. He and I
have a love language of our own. I love
hearts and it seems like when I am down and need some encouragement, strength,
a hug, smile…… God knows exactly what I need at the time and sends me a heart. This morning the heart came in the form of a
broken beaded necklace coming out of the shadows. I know that it sounds silly, but every time I
find a heart I am reminded of God’s love for me. To think that He knows the prefect time to send
a little hug that warms my heart.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I got in the car to take my two youngest to school the
first song on the radio was, Tell Your Heart to Beat again. Ok God, I get it, I need to start living
again and allow my heart to beat again, to feel and to love freely. I need to let go of all the things steeling
the beats of my heart and start filling my heart with those things that allow
my heart to beat freely. I need to let
go of the pain, the resentment, the fear, the doubt, anger, worries…..the list
goes on and on. I need to forgive not
only those who hurt me but myself. I
need to turn away from those things that steal my life and joy. I need to stand up for what is right and
gives life. Most of all I need to give
my heart to God with all the broken and tattered pieces, along with all the
excess build up from me trying to fix it myself. God is the great physician however, we have
to let Him have our heart so he can heal it and we have to choose to tell our
hearts to be again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Thank you God, for never giving up on me, for always reminding
me that You love me, and always giving me what I need to make it through
whatever life throws my way. Thank you
for taking all the broken pieces of my heart and life and for putting them back
together. I love you with my all and thank
you for every single beat of my heart.”<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-5594652935367026162016-03-11T10:17:00.000-08:002016-03-11T10:17:07.526-08:00Coffee Blessing
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LPlM6iA2ARAiSEnLL-xGW-3jMhjQ4wSXicQo3nT6i0krylKOW-M3Zh3XsnPKaILiGhsijWgVXb2pM5BkQWbPWQbU1uGjYgjDNknN5O5Dibeo5jCJ5omi6HiqSkkaMlJ3XFuCaue-6qUA/s1600/coffee-smil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LPlM6iA2ARAiSEnLL-xGW-3jMhjQ4wSXicQo3nT6i0krylKOW-M3Zh3XsnPKaILiGhsijWgVXb2pM5BkQWbPWQbU1uGjYgjDNknN5O5Dibeo5jCJ5omi6HiqSkkaMlJ3XFuCaue-6qUA/s320/coffee-smil.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> This morning my son JJ texted me and asked if I would pick
up Starbucks on my way home since he didn’t have school today, so I did. As I pulled up to the window to pay a
beautiful young lady with the biggest smile on her and she said that the person
ahead of me paid for me. I of course was
pleasantly surprised. I decided to pay
it forward as well and pay for the people behind me. I drove away and a wave of emotions hit
me. It was like an emotional release. Everything that I have been keeping bottled up
inside all came to the surface and I started to cry. It wasn’t little tears, but a full out
sob. Life has hit me hard lately and I
have been trying to be the strong one trying to fix everything by myself. So many changes going on in my life, health
issues, my parents, my children, work, financial hardship, our van seems to be
on its last leg (wheel), our house and the sewer backup, disappointments……. You
name it, all came pouring out. God knew
exactly what I needed and gave it to me through a kind person paying for my Starbucks
this morning. The thought that came to
my mind was, “Someone noticed me and someone cared.” I am usually the one trying to notice others,
but someone noticed me and did a simple and kind gesture that made a world of
difference. At that moment I felt like I
mattered. God once again reminded me
that He hears, He sees, He listens, He knows, He cares, and most of all He
loves. Whoever this person is that paid
for my coffee this morning, thank you. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Thank you God for once again showing me that I matter and
that you love me. My burdens are heavy, but
Yours is light. Please forgive me for
not trusting You enough to let You have all my burdens and for me trying to
handle everything by myself. You have
always provided and always will. Dear
God, I can’t tell you how much I love and appreciate all that you do for me and
my family. Right now I am in the midst
of the trials and I may not see an end, but You do. You see the big picture and as You had me
tell a friend, there is blessings in the darkness; we just may not see them.”</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-70161494203981953132016-01-01T09:39:00.004-08:002016-01-01T09:40:23.502-08:00Hello 2016<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Hello 2016</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJzfEoSKapus4m6pQ5rIi0uplQK9R_QLkRWLLgRiyLHXSN0FsLUbcH7_-uZxDOapFIQrqjeDHDsyBaQCF1JPQC3HaFw9hYJ6i6ACJIIpBO6msE40lIC464nWIeJRrrwSrYvUNugpM_4Xo/s1600/2016-new-year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJzfEoSKapus4m6pQ5rIi0uplQK9R_QLkRWLLgRiyLHXSN0FsLUbcH7_-uZxDOapFIQrqjeDHDsyBaQCF1JPQC3HaFw9hYJ6i6ACJIIpBO6msE40lIC464nWIeJRrrwSrYvUNugpM_4Xo/s320/2016-new-year.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJzfEoSKapus4m6pQ5rIi0uplQK9R_QLkRWLLgRiyLHXSN0FsLUbcH7_-uZxDOapFIQrqjeDHDsyBaQCF1JPQC3HaFw9hYJ6i6ACJIIpBO6msE40lIC464nWIeJRrrwSrYvUNugpM_4Xo/s1600/2016-new-year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> <br />
<br />
Yesterday, I ran to the store to get a few things and there were so many people doing the same thing. As I was checking out I was lucky to get one of my favorite checkers. She has gone through so much, but always has a smile on her face and never a negative thing to say. In line we started talking about the year we had and how quickly it seemed to go by. A couple months prior I had bought a gift card to give to her. For my anniversary someone gave me a gift card to the Cheesecake Factory and I enjoyed it, so I thought I would pay it forward to someone else. I didn’t know that she had just lost someone very close to her and they were going to go to his funeral later and afterwards they were planning to go out for some dessert. I handed her the gift card and she was very thankful. I didn’t realize it until after she walked away and my daughter Sarah said, “Mom that’s funny, we gave her a gift card to the Cheesecake Factory and she was buying cheesecake,”<br />
<br />
Anyway, back to standing in line talking to her. She shared how she had lost both her dad and her Uncle to various causes, and lost three teenagers in the family due to suicide. She said that you have to love yourself and I said that I was so sorry for such loss. I also said that suicide just gives your pain to someone else and she just kept saying, so true. This broke my heart and I told her that I would pray for healing for her family. We talked a bit more as she finished checking my groceries, but she had a line of people to check out, so we said our goodbyes. <br />
<br />
<br />
Today is the first year of 2016 and a chance to start new. True, but in some ways this isn’t the case. Though the circumstances we may not have any control of; however, we can control our outlook. Every year I find a word that I want to represent what I want to do or change in the coming year instead of a New Year’s Resolution. I have not found my word yet, but have several that I have been throwing around. I want my word to represent change, action, and my attitude. I also want the word to represent solid results and no more sitting on the sidelines just hoping for things to be accomplished. Most of all I want to be a testimony of God’s love to others. I want to be the change. Maybe, my word should be change?<br />
<br />
<br />
This coming year will be full of change with all my children growing up. My son J.J. will be going off to college and yet again the dynamics of our home will be effected. I have been working on so many goals that I need to accomplish, so in many aspects I need things to change. I have some of my own actions I need to work on, so again I need change. I see many hurting and in need of change, so why couldn’t I be the change they are looking for? I’m not saying I can change their situation, but I can be a light of compassion to them. I want to make a difference in this world; I want to be a positive change in this not so caring world. If anything I want to be the light of Christ. Which brings me to another thing I need to change, and that is the time I spend with my Lord and Savior. He is the only one who can give me all I need to face this coming year and get over some things from this past year, and beyond.<br />
<br />
So, here I am the first day of the New Yew and I am going to step out in faith and say that if you don’t know God as your personal Savior than my prayer for you is that you will seek Him. He said that if you seek Him you shall find Him. He is my source of all hope and can be yours too.<br />
I want to take the time to thank all of you who have in anyway shown me kindness, have prayed for me, and have challenged me. I pray that this New Year will be one of healing, success, and blessing to you all. I also want to say that if I have offended anyone or failed you in any way, I am sorry. If there is anything I can pray for you for this year, please let me know and I will add you to my prayers. May God bless you and keep you close always.<br />
<br />
Love, Trish Iiams<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-81942238172505410802015-02-03T10:09:00.003-08:002015-02-03T11:04:59.105-08:00Along Life's Road<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbqs_ZfcwFk1frElycAmuxlpd6a2OdH3NRXHD5H4EsQnhCMV_6yg62FFcqPGqgUVer8lSq60QujuP05cGxMJkC3SmJA9407CVi54rcaxAsHO7CntBSwFgxOuT58curUrMXHPwOKGP73cQ/s1600/the-road-less-traveled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbqs_ZfcwFk1frElycAmuxlpd6a2OdH3NRXHD5H4EsQnhCMV_6yg62FFcqPGqgUVer8lSq60QujuP05cGxMJkC3SmJA9407CVi54rcaxAsHO7CntBSwFgxOuT58curUrMXHPwOKGP73cQ/s1600/the-road-less-traveled.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Along life’s road there will be joy and tears. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laughter and fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along life’s road storms will come and go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will highs and lows. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along life’s road I will find roses and thorns
and when life seems to be so bleak He will be the one I seek. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along life’s road I will walk many miles up
steep mountains and through quite meadows so sweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will cross hot desert sands and face oceans
so deep and wide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best part is God
sees me no matter where I try to hide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
journey is long and at times the valleys seem to never end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will fall along the way and get hurt but it
is God’s love that mends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along life’s
road I will come to cliffs so treacherous and rivers flowing so swift that I wonder
how will I ever make it to the other side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then God reminds me that He is my guide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The cold winds will blow and the hot sun will beat me down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be vast forest where the haunting
silence is the only sound that can be found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No matter where I go I will never have to walk alone because of the love
God has shown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a comfort to know
that when life’s road becomes dreary I know that my God is always near me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I need to do is have a little faith and
trust that God will give me the strength it takes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God knows my heart and the journey I am about
to embark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is the one who gives me a
new start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus is right beside me
every step I take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along Life’s road
there will be times I feel as if I will break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But no matter what it takes God will make a way and He is there to
stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nights may be long but the
morning will come even if things look so glum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may be far from home
and feel lost and alone but I will look to God’s love to find my way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will never forget God’s love is here to
stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will be found on every road,
every path, and with me every step I take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will remember God never makes mistakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along life’s road there will be lessons to
learn, even when the hot winds burns as the winding roads turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is there showing me the way through the
cold dark nights and through the bright blinding sun of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, I will never forget that no matter
where I go I will never walk alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
is found on every trail and in every star that shines even if it’s faint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is in the thunder and lightning that lights
up the landscapes He paints. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus knows
my joys, sees every struggle, and catches every tear that falls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows my heartaches, my dreams, and is
there when I call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is there to give me
strength and to walk with me the lengths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He will walk with me the distance even though my heart will fail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He never grows weary and times He will have
to carry me along trail. He has promised to never leave me or forsake me and He
will make my pathway clear. He will lead me and guide me and I will no longer have
a reason to fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter where I find
myself along life’s road He is there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
hears, He sees, He knows, He answers, and He cares. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Trish Iiams 2/3/2015<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-71398551537213263412015-01-01T11:20:00.004-08:002015-01-01T11:20:48.428-08:00The Word for 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-rKwR46gIN8vV2wDuHOaIOkX3tTUmkheiT1Lcti4FxtgPMkWc8iuWMO0ag-W4KTYid4V5jP00JdIQory2wiqQEdbJ2fx197WO6bTcktIiT5td4HMpB_XWihzTTCWYlVeSxsiT4MSbk-J/s1600/NO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-rKwR46gIN8vV2wDuHOaIOkX3tTUmkheiT1Lcti4FxtgPMkWc8iuWMO0ag-W4KTYid4V5jP00JdIQory2wiqQEdbJ2fx197WO6bTcktIiT5td4HMpB_XWihzTTCWYlVeSxsiT4MSbk-J/s1600/NO.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made a decision a few years ago to stop making New Year’s resolutions. Every time I did I would end up falling short and would be hard on myself. I have decide instead of making a resolution I would choose a word for the year. The word would represent what I wanted to work on in my life or a way I want to live. Last year was Focus. The reason I chose “Focus” was in this chaotic world it is easy to lose focus or focus on things that just take away joy or distract one from what is really important. I wanted to focus on growing my faith and what God wants me to accomplish and not my will. The year before that was the word “Fearless.” All my life I struggled with fear. Fear of rejection, failure, stepping out in faith and doing something new….. So I decided that I was going to live fearlessly in all I did, especially in my faith. That I wasn’t going to continue to sit on the sideline watching the world go by. I can’t say that I have come to live a completely fearless life, but I have made changes to be fearless in my faith.<br />
This year I struggled to find a word for the year. It seems like my life has been falling apart and I having been running around worrying about fixing everything. I always find myself trying to fix things on my own and find myself being consumed with worry. Worry at times become crippling and steals the joy out of my life. This past week and a half I have been out of commission with my leg hurt and I have had to depend on the help of my children and family to get things done. I have had to let go of control and trust others with task that I couldn’t do myself. For those who know me it is hard for me to accept help. I am the type that would rather do for others. <br /> Many words came to my mind that I thought I could use for my word for the year like Trust, Faith, Truth, Joy and Finish….. After thinking about it I came up with “NO.” What I mean by “NO” is No more excuses, No more fear, No more worry, No more procrastination……. just NO. <br />
For years I have battled with so many things and have so many things left undone. I always come up with excuses and I hate to admit it but I am always putting things off. I am tired of living a life where I feel like I am in limbo and just waiting for things to get done. I am tired of worrying about the outcome and just waiting for things to fall into place. This year is a year for action and to get things done. “NO” more waiting and “NO” more just getting by. <br />
As well as saying “NO” more to things that bring me down or hold me back “NO” stands for standing firm to what is true, what is good and what is righteous. This world is full of lies and compromise so along with saying “NO” to better myself I will say “NO” to what goes against my core beliefs and “NO” to compromise. I will have to stand firm even if it’s not popular and say “NO” to what others think of me. Life is too short to fill it full of worry.<br />
I know in order to accomplish my long to do list I will have to say “NO” to my excuses, fear, worry and say “NO” to the what ifs, the unknown, and let go of the what could have been. With this I have to trust and have faith. I believe in by saying “NO” I will get the joy back in my life. <br /> With all that said I choose the word “NO.” <br />
Resolutions are temporary but a heart changed is permanent.<br />
May God truly bless you this year.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-92094485978375157652015-01-01T11:16:00.002-08:002015-01-01T11:16:15.841-08:00January 1, 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">January 1, 2015.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
first day of 2015 a new page to another chapter in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As many I too have reflected on this past
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2014 went by so fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong there were moments in 2014
that seemed like they would never end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a year for new experiences, new friends and yes new trials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This past year was a heavy one it came with
many ups and a lot of downs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2014 I
struggled with finding myself and coming to terms with things of the past that
I could and will never be able to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I faced many decisions where I had to really focus on what was really
important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I failed many times but
managed to win a few rounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did some
things that I am not so proud of and yet made accomplishments that surprised
myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through trial and error I have
come to know myself better and to come to know of a God that is just, yet so
loving and patient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My entire life I
have lived in the shadows of who God wants me to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been so afraid to take chances and to
give up control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The silly thing is I
never really had control any way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
that January 1, 2015 is just another day and a beginning of a new year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last night was a night to reflect and to
celebrate but today is a new beginning, a new chance to make good, and a chance
to let go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As everyone else in the house are still asleep and the house
is silent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I can hear is the ticking
of the clock in the background and the hum of the refrigerator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is amazing where your mind can go when it
is silent and there are no distractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Though I am tired I feel encouraged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I made it through another year and have another chance to make a
difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday I was a bit down
and my heart hurt for those who were hurting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Also I was feeling inadequate and was questioning if I had made a
difference in anyone’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I am
wondering how to move forward with this New Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I already know that there are some difficult
decisions just around the corner and big changes to our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do know one thing and that is as long as I
have God in my life I will be able to face whatever may come my way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life isn’t easy and God never said it would
be but with Him it is worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My greatest desire besides having everyone come to know God
as their personal Savior is to be able to be a light in the dark world and make
a difference. God has been calling me to action and to complete some tasks and
every year I make excuses and put them off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My word for the year is “NO” which stands for NO more excuses and NO
more fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a year for action and
change. As I look to this New Year I am hopeful yet combobled of how to
approach it and what plan of action do I take. Regardless action and change are
necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Dear God let me be able to focus on You and be able to say “NO”
to the distractions of the world and the fear of the unknown that keeps me from
moving forward. Please help me let go of the “what ifs” and the “what could
have been” and just trust that You know what the future holds and that You hold
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please let me be light in this dark
world and make a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you
for allowing me to face another year and thank You for all You have given me
and done for me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dear Father please be
with those who are hurting and comfort them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dear God I pray that if there is anyone that does not trust in Your name
and doesn’t know You that they will be able to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank You again and for all the answered and unanswered prayers.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-28770115097093233332014-12-13T09:41:00.000-08:002014-12-13T09:41:51.237-08:00There is Always Hope<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTBhvBgRXbxoa1QM3kz4oBh6PKKegXy5dNSiLzXuNvmJWftllirUDJKlM4NWB3nOvon9zVgoDJBykpWdaYByM-D0Z_v905dVLQ0xYUvPs9uXI_eJ5tEwg4mVdjxMBHOms2vfZNqJGOfEQ/s1600/Hope+3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTBhvBgRXbxoa1QM3kz4oBh6PKKegXy5dNSiLzXuNvmJWftllirUDJKlM4NWB3nOvon9zVgoDJBykpWdaYByM-D0Z_v905dVLQ0xYUvPs9uXI_eJ5tEwg4mVdjxMBHOms2vfZNqJGOfEQ/s1600/Hope+3.bmp" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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This morning I made two strangers cry. The first person was at Starbucks where I was to meet up with my friend Amy and Tara. I went to get in line when a man walked up in front of me. He noticed that he cut in front of me and said sorry I didn’t mean to cut and motioned for me to move forward. I replied no that’s fine go ahead. He insisted so I did. I said thank you and asked him how he was. He said “so far today was good.” You could tell that his words did not match the expression on his face. I ended up saying, “well then I guess you’re off to a good start, but I believed that his day could only get better.” He laughed and then asked me if I was on my way to work? I said well, “I’m a Realtor and I am off to find new clients, but things have been hard.” I laughed and asked him if he wanted a card and he said yes. <br /> <br />
For some reason Starbucks was extra busy this morning so things were taking a little longer than usual. So to fill time we continued to talk. He started sharing about his life and asked me if there was any hope for him to buy a house being that he had to file bankruptcy? I of course said yes that there is always hope and shared with him the time line and things to do to rebuild his credit. At this point he had tears in his eyes. He started to tell me that he had to file bankruptcy due to medical bills for his son. His son had to have an emergency surgery to save his life, but being that it was in an out of network hospital the cost were great. I told him that I thought he was a good father and said that I would pray for him. At this point he was definitely in tears. I told him how in times of trouble we may not be able to control our circumstances but we can control our outlook. I shared my heart and he started to smile. I joked saying see the day is already looking better. By this time our drinks were ready so we would part ways. He grabbed me and gave me a big hug, said thank you and walked away smiling. About that time one of my friends showed up. My friends and I talked for a while which was just what I needed. They always have a way of making me smile. <br /> <br />
I had to run to FedEx to fax something and as I sat down to the computer to look up something this lady sat down at the computer next to me and asked me if I do Christmas cards and I said usually I do but haven’t this year. She looked really sad and worried. She started telling me that she had to postpone her surgery until January. I told her that I was sorry she was going to have to have surgery. I asked her if she didn’t mind if she could share what she had to have surgery for and she said to get a cancerous lump out of her breast. I told her that I was sorry and how scary of a time this must be for her but I believe that she is going to be ok. I asked her name and asked if I could add her to my prayer list. Without hesitation she said yes please do and I said done. She asked me what church I went to and what affiliation I was so I told her and she smiled. She then asked me to look at her Christmas card that she designed and asked me if it looked good, so I did. I told her it was prefect. I saw she had grandbabies so I shared with her that 6 months ago my daughter Shannon had my first grandchild, my grandson David. We talked about our families and we both smiled at the thought of them. Her eyes started to fill with tears and I told her to look at me and she did. I grabbed her hand and looked her right in the eyes and told her I know it is hard but don’t let worry get the best of her and that I knew that she would make it through this healthy!! I told her that it sounds like they caught it early and that I just knew everything was going to be ok. I shared with her my Breast Cancer scares and told her that she is not alone. I than took out my business card and handed it to her. I told her that I wasn’t trying to sell her anything but I wanted her to be able to have someone to talk to if she needed to. At this point she was really crying and reached in her purse and handed me her card as well. She asked me if my email was on my card so she could send me her Christmas card. I told her it was. At this point she was done with what she had to do and got up to leave. She took a couple steps away as she was wishing me well and turned back around came over grabbed me and gave me one of the biggest hugs I have ever had. She said thank you and I told to remember that she is not alone and that there is always hope.<br /> <br />
Everyone in this world needs hope and someone to care. It doesn’t cost anything but time to listen to someone. If you ask me it is time well spent. It seems like everywhere I turn I run into people desperate for hope. People everywhere are feeling alone. Trust me I know life can get very busy and overwhelming. But what I am seeing is hope is contagious. All it takes is just a little faith and maybe for someone just to care and listen. If you are going through a difficult time right now I want you to know that there is hope and that everything will be ok. I want to encourage you to reach out to someone, give a listening ear and give them a gift of hope. As I said it doesn’t cost anything but maybe a smile. <br /> <br />
I am so grateful that God is my reason to have hope because I know that He has promised me that He will never leave us or forsake us. Because of the love He has for us and for the cross we all can have hope. So my prayer is that if you don’t know God as your personal Savior then please seek Him and trust me He will meet you where you are. Your life doesn’t have to be prefect, you don’t have to have everything figured out, and guess what you are never far too gone for His love. He loves you for who you are and desires to have a relationship with you. He will be there for you no matter what and can turn our ashes into something so beautiful and all you have to do is put your trust in Him. With God nothing is impossible and He is and always will be our hope.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-2254110891590018992014-08-19T07:16:00.004-07:002014-08-19T07:17:53.639-07:00Prejudice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JMyqITDDuuCEMBxGzZOpV38xQ4Z4JAwF0zTxrkaCB59AK0bitwduDv8zUxZHbSspZyLIrr2rsm_L_VzCM36VOI78wurpYI_jMPLwJ2ayaqufrzynDamspSL2TwSODPNvuYPY1IcLcLys/s1600/WeCanHaveWorldPeace(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JMyqITDDuuCEMBxGzZOpV38xQ4Z4JAwF0zTxrkaCB59AK0bitwduDv8zUxZHbSspZyLIrr2rsm_L_VzCM36VOI78wurpYI_jMPLwJ2ayaqufrzynDamspSL2TwSODPNvuYPY1IcLcLys/s1600/WeCanHaveWorldPeace(1).jpg" height="160" width="200" /></a></div>
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I know what I am about to say will stir emotions and I’m sure there may be harsh words said back. However, I feel the need to somehow bridge a gap of understanding. The topic is on prejudice and hate crimes because of it. Please don’t get me wrong when I say this because I do not mean any disrespect of any kind. Being white I will never fully understand completely what Blacks face. Growing up I came face to face with what prejudice looks like being one of the few white kids in my neighborhood. I was teased, beat and harsh words were said to me because of the color of my skin. I am not playing victim just saying what it was like for me. I was taught to love and respect everyone regardless of race and religion. That respect was not given back by many. I grew to fear black men because of how I was treated. Over the years I have had a chance to meet black men who don’t hate and live a life of love. Their love for others replaced my fear with love for them. I have tried to teach my children that it is not the color of a person’s skin that is important but it is the character that they live by. I have made a point to live a life free from prejudice and hate. Those things are taught and we are not born with those thoughts and actions. My kids don’t see the difference in color and that makes me proud.<br />
I have seen so many horrific acts of violence against the Blacks and this breaks my heart. Please forgive me for not speaking out on the matter and taking a stand against it. The issue is that as a white person how do you do that without coming across sounding racist, insensitive or that I know what it is like? I don’t agree with the hardships that the Blacks face and the acts of violence against them. My heart breaks and angers because of those things. There is an invisible line in the sand that separates the blacks from the whites and for the White people to take a stand without fear of coming across as being a racist. How do you cross that line and offer love and support against racism regardless where it comes from? Don’t get me wrong there are whites that are racist but I am not. Here is where the truth lies there is racism towards other races regardless the color of the skin. <br />
Writing this I am not giving justice to where my heart is. I don’t want there to be a separation and won’t stand for hatred no matter where it comes from. I do not support it nor will I ever. I know I will never completely understand because the fact that I can’t; I don’t come from the same culture, but I know I can try. With that said I have face racism towards myself and my family. I don’t want any person to have to deal with any form of prejudice ever. If I offended someone I am sorry that was not my intent. This world needs all cultures to come together in love and understanding. Please help me fill in the gap. That gap starts with me taking a stand against racism not only for myself but for my family by teaching my children to love not hate. <br />
Everyday especially lately I see some sort of racial comments going back and forth between the Blacks and Whites. This sickens me. Why do we continue to hate and why do we want to put blame on others. This has been going on way too long and needs to stop. I don’t want my children to face the same hatred that was shown to me and don’t want them to harbor any hate in their own hearts. My youngest and I were watching Hair Spray last night and she came to me in tears. I asked her why she was crying and she said that it was sad how people were treating each other and that she was glad that she wasn’t born then. I asked her why and she said because the black and white people didn’t get along back then and that she is happy because she can be friends with kids that are black. She then asked “mom why did people make a big deal about people being different colors, aren’t we all people?” From the mouth of my daughter Sarah “Aren’t we all people?” I told her that people didn’t understand that back then and some people still don’t understand that there is no difference today. I told her that racism is a choice and that I was proud of her for not having hate in her heart. She then asked me “why do people choose hate mom, why can’t everyone love one another because of who they are and not because of what they look like.” Let me ask the same question to everyone who chooses hate over love, why?<br />
Parents please teach your children to love and not hate. For those who harbor hate stop it. You are not better than someone else because the color of your skin. Take pride in your heritage and respect others and theirs. This is not an issue between Black and White, this is an issue of hatred towards another person because of choice. It is time to come together in love and embrace the differences and thank one another for bringing a different culture and perspective to the world.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-34797179690183026592014-07-22T09:27:00.005-07:002014-07-22T09:27:49.036-07:00My Goliath<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is amazing the things you do to protect the ones you
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember the year 2000 my
younger brother Matthew and I decided to go dancing to bring in the New
Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t remember the name of the
place I just know it had several levels and had a 70’s theme or something like
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, we started dancing and
this woman comes up and starts hanging all over my brother and flirting with
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I notice that she kept looking in
the direction of this really built guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was huge. He had to be over 6ft with muscles coming out of his
muscles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s just say he was very intimidating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well this woman obviously was trying to make
him jealous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She preceded to try to kiss
my brother. My brother of course seeing what she was trying to do kept trying
to push her away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say she succeeded
and before you know it this man starts charging Matthew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He grabs my brother’s shirt and without a
thought I go running up to this guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
I was running I jumped up leading with my elbow and hit this man across the
face with my elbow and then I jump on his back hitting him and yelling for him
to leave my brother alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point
he starts saying “ok ok ok I will leave him alone.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The security guards come over and pull me off
this man’s back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of them pulls me
aside and asked “didn’t you see the size of that man, he could have crushed
you?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the other security guard said
that he didn’t even want to have to comfort him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly said that he was going to hurt my
brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The big muscle guy’s girlfriend
runs up to him and starts to take care of him, I think I might have broken his
nose. The couple walk off and the big guy says “sorry I didn’t know he was your
brother.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was proud of myself thinking
that I saved my brother and that he would be happy that I did, but I was
wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matthew said to me “how could you
do that you’re my sister and I don’t need my sister fighting for my fights.” I
guess I embarrassed him so he had to prove a point and meet up this man later
and beat him up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kinda felt sorry for
this guy, I mean it was his girlfriend who was starting all problems. Despite my
brother was upset with me I learned something about myself that night and that
was when it comes down to defending someone I love I would do it regardless of the
obstacle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I call this my David and Goliath
story. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My younger brother is no longer with us. In August it will
be 4yrs since he passed away. As August is approaching Matthew has been on my
mind a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a fighter and fought
for those who couldn’t help themselves. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In honor of my brother I want to pass it
forward for the month of August.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>August
18<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> would have been his 38th birthday, so my gift to him I will
stand strong for what I believe and take on my fears and take on my
Goliath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been going through the
motions lately and over the weekend I decided to start living more boldly and
take chances, get out of my comfort zone, and make changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I challenge you to do the same thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What has been holding you back?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are your fears? What do you need to
change?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have realized that life is too
short and I want to live a life that makes a difference for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be a light to those who don’t know
Christ as their personal Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want
to encourage others and let them know that they are not alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It only takes one pebble thrown in a pond to
make endless ripples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be that
pebble and you can too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-32352487686443780322014-05-20T10:33:00.000-07:002014-05-20T10:33:02.788-07:00Chase
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On my way to take the kids to school I saw a plastic bag
blowing across street. This bag would turn right, left, go up and down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looked as if it was alive with its
movements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was at the stop light
watching this bag it occurred to me that at times I am like that bag blowing in
the wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are times in life that I
seem to be going through the motions and feel lifeless at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That bag certainly didn’t have life, it was
an object.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An object given life like
movement by the wind. However, this bag couldn’t determine which direction to
go or to even stop, all it could do was go where the wind told it to. How many
times in my life do I get stuck in a routine of just doing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many times do I let life events determine
which direction I should go and how many times do I go through a day on flight
mode without much thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
days where I wonder where did the day go and what did I accomplish?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Life is too short to just go where the wind blows you or to
live a life that seems lifeless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yesterday we said goodbye to a young man who in his 15yrs decided to
make his own path, to take chances, never say I can’t, and most of all made
such an impact in so many lives because he wanted to live life to the fullest
despite what the world called a handicap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Chase was a young man full of life not just an imitation of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chase was in a wheel chair, but not confined
to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During his memorial service so
many people shared about his I can do it attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This hit my heart hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was seeing pictures of him living life
to the fullest with the biggest smile on his face something clicked or should I
say inspired me. There are so many things in my life that I have put off for a
number of reason, but the biggest reason is fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chase seemed to have no fear or if he did he
was able to put it aside and make it a catalyst to say he could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the back of the program was a poem that Chase wrote that
shared his heart about being in a wheelchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was concerned about how other saw him and shared how it hurt when
others saw him different or mistreated because of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to help others so that they didn’t
feel left out or different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He believed
in himself and others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favorite
sentence in his poem was “I am strong and I have pride about being in a
wheelchair.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here I am struggling with
many things that has hindered me for years and some of them for the majority of
my life and I have let those thing define me and not me define those
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to be more like Chase and
say I take pride in what life has given me and I can do it despite what others
tell me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I said earlier fear has been a hindrance in my life. I
have fear what others think, what I think about myself, about failure, success,
and my physical limitations and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All these things have stopped me from taking a chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to be like that lifeless bag
being tossed to and fro in the wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want to live an “I can” attitude like Chase, make my own path and make more of
a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had the privilege to meet Chase at a youth camp called
Falls Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every year for about 8yrs I
have been to this camp with our youth group from church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met Chase last summer at this camp. When I
first saw him he was playing around with the other youth bugging them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to make sure he was center of
attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the day went on he singled
out my husband Joe and got a kick out of running over his toes with his
wheelchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband kept on saying
stop and finally said you do that one more time I’m tacking you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chase of course took this as a personal challenge
and ran over his toes right there and Joe tackled him to the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should have seen Chases’ eyes as Joe kept
his promise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of them went down to
the ground laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course everyone
in the room including me couldn’t believe what just happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, this was a beginning of a bond the
two of them would have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they were on
the ground they continue to wrestle a bit and laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After that point they were buds and Chase
knew that Joe wasn’t going to be treated any different than anyone else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every evening about 6,000 teens would meet for evening
services that are full of praise and to hear a message about a loving God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of the evening services the teens
had a chance to come up to the front to learn more about God, to renew their
walk or to accept Him as their personal Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The first night Chase at full speed ran down to the front. He did this
again the second night and third night. Every evening as we would meet as our
individual church in our cabins Chase was excited to share his decision to
renew his walk with Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I personally
think by the third night it was so much more. I saw this young man change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I first met him he a little angry with
life and others, but by the third night I saw peace in his heart and saw a
smile of true happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe he
finally understood just how much God loved him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The rest of the week I saw him reach out to the other students and not just
to bug them but to show them love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have been to Falls Creek many times but had never witnessed such a heart
changed as Chase’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chase was looking forward to going back to Falls Creek this
year so he could continue to give back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know that my heart and life has been forever changed by knowing
Chase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will start living in more of a
spirit of “I can” and face my fears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you Chase for caring, loving and living life to its fullest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that your life truly touch so many lives
and has made and will continue to make a difference. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In honor of Chase I cannot sit back and not
share what I believe he would want everyone to know that that is there is a God
who loves you for who you are, who can and will give you strength to do the
impossible, who will never leave you or forsake you and to let you know that
you are not alone and that there is hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I pray that if you do not know God as your personal Savior then seek Him
and you will find him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know that He
loved you so much that he died on the cross for your sins so you can be with
him for all time and eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
have any question regarding this I want you to know I am here to try to answer
any of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this life we will have
trouble but know that God has overcome the world and can help you face anything
that comes your way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that Chase knew
this and his life certainly was proof of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">#thatissochase<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-17481412272253305622014-05-09T19:38:00.002-07:002014-05-09T19:38:20.812-07:00A New Chapter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sorry I haven’t written in a while but the last couple of weeks have been a trail of perseverance and faith. Two weeks ago I had to go to the ER and the following day I had to have minor surgery. The last few days I have been in the ER three times with my youngest daughter for serve pain. I just started working with a new company and couldn’t be happier for the switch, but with everything going on it has been hard getting my footing. I know I should be in bed but my mind is racing. Tonight was my son’s choir award banquet. As I was watching my son and the other students get there letters and awards memories flooded my mind. Many years have gone by with my children growing up, so many activities, award banquets, graduations…. I have a daughter that graduated college and is married, another one who graduated high school, is married and expecting our first grandbaby next month. Another daughter who also graduated and is busy working and finding her way. My one and only son J.J. will be a junior next year and Sydney will be in 7th and Sarah will be in 4th. Wow, where does the time go? They grow up way to fast. I am so proud of all my children and for the people they are growing up to be. I have been very blessed as a mother to have the children I do. They have been through so much in life, but they have prospered through everything that has been thrown their way.<br />
<br />
Here I am after being a stay home mom venturing out to make something of myself in the real estate business. I haven’t had a chance to get going as much as I wanted too, but family has and always will come first. As I said I am working for a new company “Your Castle Real Estate” and I am excited for this new adventure. I couldn’t be more grateful to those whohelped get me started at Metroplex Realtors. Today was exciting and a little intimidating. Today was my first companywide meeting andthere were about 250 other agents there. The last place I worked had just a handful of wonderful people. As I walked in and set down the excitement grew. I felt part of a large community all with the same goal which is to help those who want to sell their house and those who want to buy. Everyone I have met from the president on down have been so nice and helpful. This company truly cares about their clients and me a as a realtor. There is still so much I have to learn, but I am glad I am in a company that gives so much support.<br />
<br />
I want to be able to make my children proud and to be able to help give them their hearts desires, like going to college, starting their own business, traveling, and help pay for their mission trips. As I look back on my life I can see how far I have come and can see so many things I have overcome. I shouldn’t be here today and I certainly shouldn’t be able to do the things I can after the accidents. Even though I live in pain on a daily basis, I can move, I can walk, and I have breath. I will take the little things as blessings and keep moving forward.<br />
<br />
I was talking with a friend a few days ago and she wanted to hear my story. We set and talk for a couple of hours as I told her all I can. With tears in her eyes she asked me why? I didn’t understand the question, so I asked her what she meant. She said “why didn’t you give up?” All I could say was “why not keep on living?” I will be honest there were times I wanted to give up, but I couldn’t. All I could do was keeping on living day by day, moment by moment. She asked a number of other questions like how did I do it and if I could would I change anything. The answer to how was simple. I told her it was because God was there for me every step of the way. As far as the question “if I could change anything would I?” I told her no I wouldn’t change anything, because everything I have been through has made me the person I am today and without everything I have gone through I wouldn’t knowof a God that loves me and have the relationship with Him as I do. At this point she is crying hard and I shared how God loves her too. She is a believer but struggles with the idea that she is worth it. We sat there talking for a while and then I prayed with her. The funny thing is I met her because she was interested in me helping her find a home to buy.<br />
<br />
It is funny how God orchestrates encounters like that. I am thankful that I was able to share my heart and life with her. To have that conversation alone was worth all the heart ache I have been through. The things we go through in life shape the person we become. I could have very well given up, became bitter or could have lived a life of regret. Instead I want to embrace the hurts and the trials I have gone through and continue to go through so I can be a greater testimony of a God that is alive and who loves us so. In this life we have choices and I choose to live and find joy in life’s heartaches in order to help others in their time of need.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-79780536702214264852014-05-09T19:21:00.001-07:002014-05-09T19:40:37.995-07:00Journey to Motherhood<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Twenty three years ago I looked down and held my first child
for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was little I
wanted to grow up to be a mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would
pretend that my cats were my children. Of course they didn’t like the idea much.
My mom ran a daycare from the home and had become a second mom to so many
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You would think after having
all these kids come and go from our home that I would change my mind, but no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed practicing changing diapers,
feeding and playing with the younger kids. I <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right after high school I married my high
school sweet heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought that this
was going to be my happily ever after.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We would get married, have kids and the prefect home, marriage and life.
We hadn’t been married long before we wanted children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here I was 18yrs old just married for 8months
thinking I was ready to have a baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was going to school full time and working full time. My husband was also going
to school full time and working part time, but we were young and thought we
could do anything because we were in love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I ended up getting pregnant and I couldn’t have been happier and couldn’t
wait to tell my husband at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
pictured our child helping his daddy fixing the car and how I was going to be
the prefect mom with the prefect family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had no idea what being a mom really meant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My husband came home and I told him that I was pregnant. I
thought he would be so excited being that he was the one who came to me and
said he wanted to start a family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when I told him he didn’t respond
the way I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pictured me telling
him that we were going to have a baby and that he would be so happy that he
would embrace me and we would celebrate with joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That isn’t what happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him and he was angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pushed me down and said that if I wanted
to stay married I would have to have an abortion. It was an abortion or a
divorce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I heard those words I was heartbroken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t imagine my life without him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was everything to me but I knew that I
couldn’t get an abortion either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that
moment my life fell apart and I could barely breathe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With each beat off my heart it felt as if it
was being ripped out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cried and begged
him and tried to remind him just how much I loved him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me again that it was an abortion or a
divorce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him that I couldn’t kill
our baby and he said well than that’s it, it’s over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had to move back in my parents’ house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to continue with my life by going to
school and working but I became really sick with the pregnancy and had to drop
out of school and quit my job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was if
my life was over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One night as I was
sitting alone in my room the grief had become too much and I planned to take my
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as I went to go through with
it I cried to God for help and I felt my baby kick for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God had sent me an angel in the form of a
little baby girl to save my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
that moment I had hope again and knew that I had to fight for her, my little
Stephanie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a new purpose and that
was to be the best mother I could be to her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The day had come when I would meet my precious little girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a long complicated labor they placed
her on my chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was too weak to hold
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that moment I felt love like I
never had felt before and a fear of not going to be able to be a good mom to
her set in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was of afraid of making a
mistake and I thought how could I give her the life she deserves without a dad
in it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I finally was able to hold her I looked at her tiny
little face, hands and feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a mom I
thought to myself, I’m a mom. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more I
looked at her and held her in my arms my courage and determination grew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t care what I had to do but I was
going to give her the best life that I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Life hasn’t been easy but I am so grateful that I choose to give her
life and to become a mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have six kids now and with each of them my heart
grew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I met my husband now and we
had Shannon I wasn’t sure if I could love another baby as much as I did
Stephanie but when Shannon was born, again my heart grew. I fell in love with
that little girl and understood love even more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With the birth of each of my children my love grew and my mission in life
became even clearer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a mother I have
made many mistakes and have got a lot of things right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a mom is one of the hardest jobs there
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids don’t come with instruction manuals
but I do know that they need to be handled with care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though life has been hard and I wish I
could have and could give my children more I am so thankful for being a
mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn’t trade it for
anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a mom has made me understand
what love is, has taught me to pray with all my heart, has caused me to hurt
like I never thought I could, and has given me a reason to enjoy life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This Mother’s Day I want to thank my children for giving me
the title of “Mom.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to know
that I love each and every one of you with all my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am proud of each of you and pray for you every
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hurt when you hurt, cry when you
cry, celebrate when you celebrate, and smile just at the thought of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love you Stephanie, Shannon, Samantha, J.J., Sydney, and
Sarah! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With all my love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your Mother, Trish Iiams<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-73615639520290292652014-04-20T17:07:00.000-07:002014-04-20T17:07:04.104-07:00More Easter Thoughts:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br />This Easter has been different. Normally we have everyone who wants to come over and who doesn’t have anywhere else to go come to our house for Easter supper. It seems as there has been a shift in our house. There has been so many changes over the last year with the dynamites in this house with yet another one of our kids moving out. Our oldest daughter Stephanie hasn’t be<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">en home for Easter for awhile now and our daughter Shannon is celebrating Easter on her own as a married woman. As I was gathering the goodies to put in the Easter baskets it was a little sad for me. I am down to four from six baskets to fill. I know that children are meant to grow up and leave the home to make a life of their own, but that doesn’t make it easy. All my kids came to church with me this morning except for my daughter Stephanie who lives in MO. I am sure she would have been there too if she could have come. As I sat there listening to the Easter message of hope I glanced down the row with pride. My heart was filled with joy to know that as a mom along with my husband had taught our children about God. They know the true meaning of Easter. I found comfort knowing that because each of them have accepted Christ as their personal Savior I know that they truly belong to God and that no matter where they are He is with them as well. Last night I was up filling the baskets with little trinkets of goodies and small gifts. I always love seeing my children's faces when they dig through them in the morning. However, the joy they have on their faces as they look through the special little gifts is nothing like their faces were when the received the ultimate gift of God’s love. Next week is Baptism Sunday and our youngest wants to get baptized. At the age of six she was baptized on her birthday as a gift to God, but she wants to get baptized now because she understands so much more than she did. We will honor her wish and we look forward to seeing her proclaim her love for Christ to everyone who is there. <br /><br /> It is amazing where my mind goes when it is quite, which at my house there is only quite at night when everyone is asleep. All the kids are with my parents. They wanted to take them to the movies. Our house is usually full of at least 30 people or so on Easter. We have had people stay until all hours of the night. A big part of me misses this house being so full of friends, family, laughter and tears to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, but this year I needed a break. We went to church and met my parents for lunch. My dad was having a hard time as he showed me a picture of me and my older brother Michael at my daughter Shannon’s wedding. When he showed it to me he said that this picture always makes him sad and then he asked me who was missing. I said Matthew my younger brother and my dad’s eyes filled with tears. Since he passed away almost 4yrs ago it is still fresh in all of our hearts. Holidays are never the same when you lose someone you love. Sitting here I remember Matthew was the one who would cut the ham and taste test it, wrestle around with the kids and who found the most interesting places to hide the eggs. One year we had one shoot out of our tail pipe of our van and about a month after one Easter we were smelling something stinky and we looked everywhere only to find a rotten egg hidden deep in the sofa. I sure do miss him, but he is celebrating yet another Easter with the one in whom we all celebrate the reason behind Easter in person.<br /><br /> It’s true I have had a hard time getting into the spirit of Easter. I have been sad that my kids are growing up and leaving the house and I have been consumed with money and having enough of it to give my kids Easter gifts. Easter isn’t about the Easter bunny, fancy dresses or Easter traditions. Easter is about love, family, friends, and most of all HOPE! We all have hope because the fact that Christ died and rose again!! Did you here that He rose again!!! He lives, yes Jesus lives!! I may have not opened our home to those who had nowhere to celebrate Easter this year, but I still want to tell others about HOPE and about a Savior that loves them. I am sorry to those who should have been here to celebrate with us, but my heart was heavy this year and I forgot about why we celebrate it to begin with. Take time today and remember that Jesus loved and loves you so much that He died on the cross so we can be forgiven for our sins. Remember that if you put you trust in Him and accept the free gift of eternal life we will be with Him always. Remember the HOPE that is ours to take because He rose again three days after He sacrificed His life for ours so we can be with Him always!! I am sorry I let this world get to me to the point of cancelling Easter here at our home, but I am here blessed still knowing that God loves me. He loves you too!! He cares for you!! And you are not alone!! I pray that you have a blessed Easter Sunday knowing these things.</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-708089127773581602014-04-09T09:57:00.000-07:002014-04-09T09:57:07.866-07:00The Temper Tantrum <span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_53456197a9fdc4279568760">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I haven’t written anything in a
while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been sorting out so many
things in my life and trying to make sense of a lot of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been going through a very fast and
trying time in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have faced
many trials in such a short time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life
keeps throwing me so many curve balls that I haven’t been able to keep up. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning Sarah who is my youngest and is nine
had a rough morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There has been an
illness running through my home and my daughter Sydney was sick through the
night and woke up with a fever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>J.J. my
one and only son was sick last week and through the weekend had a late start
today so I let everyone sleep in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
very tired after spending a long night taking care of Sydney.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to take Sarah to school after I
took J.J. to school, so she would be late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This didn’t sit well with Sarah. She thought that it was unfair that she
had to go to school when Sydney didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I explained that Sydney is sick and has a fever. Sarah stated that she
didn’t feel good either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I checked and
she didn’t have a temp so I told her that she had to go to school and that she
couldn’t miss any more school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has
had a rough year with getting sick and has been having heart issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She completely lost it and started yelling
and screaming about how unfair I was and that she hated me and everyone else in
the house, especially me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said that
she hated it here and that she wanted to live somewhere else. She keep saying
she wanted a new home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing I said
calmed her down so I got up and opened to door and told her to go. I told if
she really doesn’t like it here than go ahead and find a new home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt so small as I held that door and said
those words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course she didn’t go,
she just told me to shut up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then told
her to stand in the corner and again she told me to shut up. I walked over and
gave her a swat on the butt and told her that she could not talk to me like
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her to get her shoes on and
that we needed to take J.J. to school. Screaming and crying she got her shoes
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat on the coach and prayed for wisdom
and that she would calm down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
getting upset and I didn’t want to say something to her I would regret. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few minutes passed and she stop screaming
and crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her to come over and
talk about what just happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She came
over I opened my arms and she gave me a hug and said that she was sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her that I love her and that this
would always be her home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained
why she had to go to school and that she missed too much school already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her that I was trying to do what I
thought was best for her and I was not trying to mean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sat on the couch with me holding her for a
few more minutes until it was time to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When my mom used to say “this hurts me more than it hurts you” I thought
yeah right, but being a mom I now understand that it does hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t like seeing my kids hurt or upset in
any way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, as a parent doing the
right thing sometimes hurts their feelings and they don’t get their way all the
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I saw her so upset this
morning and when I had to give her a spanking it hurt my heart. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was sitting here processing this morning
I was reminded how it must hurt God’s heart to have to correct us, to watch us
become upset, and to hear the hurtful things that come out of our mouths towards
him and others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This hit me hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s love abounds greatly for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He truly loves us and wants what is best for
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may not like it but when all is
said and done His way is always the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In Jeremiah 29:11 He says that He has plans for us, plans to prosper us
and not harm us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a parent we do the
same for our kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They may not see us
sending them to school when they don’t want to go as something good, but we
know that their education is important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
see a bigger picture. If I have to be honest I would have to say when my
daughter told me that she hates me this morning, I have told God the same
thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told Him this when my brother
died almost 4yrs ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since then I have
told Him that I was angry at Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
telling Him those things what do you think He did?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He opened His arms and said that He loved me
any way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will never be the prefect
parent but I am so glad that we have a Heavenly Father who is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; tab-stops: 114.8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Dear Father, help me be a better
parent and to love my children with a heart like yours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thank you for loving me even when at times
I don’t deserve it, make bad choices and say hurtful things. Please help me
understand the deepest of Your love more in my everyday life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for all You do for me and for
knowing what is best.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span></div>
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-76771725129485799842014-03-22T19:54:00.002-07:002014-03-22T19:54:42.286-07:00Are you a Looky Loo?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfllApAUNJKBls29ZijuXA7hHSm_J5k4Tecao-Ga1g_DzfLQ7lZ0iSaLhnrh_SNjrsdVj8xXxHdgTQQozrBcvXVndIXc_ZLe9A3tN7qh2DbQvD1O0VfBgBsxeBhZwM569Th3ZPPbUzr7eE/s1600/images6W471TYD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfllApAUNJKBls29ZijuXA7hHSm_J5k4Tecao-Ga1g_DzfLQ7lZ0iSaLhnrh_SNjrsdVj8xXxHdgTQQozrBcvXVndIXc_ZLe9A3tN7qh2DbQvD1O0VfBgBsxeBhZwM569Th3ZPPbUzr7eE/s1600/images6W471TYD.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I just finished watching two videos. One was about a young
man texting and driving that hit three women and them struggling to live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know what happened to them or the
young man who hit them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other video
was of a young man making quilts for preemies to pay it pay it forward. He was
a preemie himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This young man also
lost his mother to cancer years later. My heart broke watching these
videos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such loss and on the other hand
hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These videos made me start thinking
about how fragile life is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the past
week I have read many post of those who lost loved ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I too know all too well how it feels to lose
someone you love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t matter how
old they were or how they died, it hurts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is never the same is it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The difference is what we do after we lose someone we love.
I believe in passing it forward, living a life that our loved ones would be
proud of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing we can do to bring
them back, but what a wonderful way to keep their memory alive by making a difference
in someone else’s life. We only get one chance in this life so why not live in
a way that would make a difference?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is
hard and people are hurting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that
I am guilty of getting so caught up in my own troubles that I sometimes don’t
even think of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is too short
to just live and just get by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would
rather make life better for someone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know there have been many of times where someone stepped out of their
own life to be there for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were not meant to go through this life alone or to keep
to ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If everyone would just
step out of their comfort zone and maybe notice someone else just think how
better life would be. While watching the video of the three young ladies who
were hit the driver texting broke my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>People were standing around watching and many of them took out their cell phones and
were taking pictures. The emergency workers had to walk around them to try to
help these young women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was even one lady who
walked up to one of the young ladies to take a close up picture of her
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How dare her!! There were a few
who stepped up and helped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One man held
the oxygen on one of the lady’s face, another gently stroked another one of
them trying to keep her calm as she came to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most of them however treated like it was a photo shoot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That made me sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How sad that there can be people who find joy
in someone else’s pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It did make me happy that there were some who stepped out of
themselves and helped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like to
believe I would have done something to help, even if was it was to keep the looky loos
away. If we don’t stand up for those who need it than who will?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry I don’t mean to get on my high horse,
but I am tired of people just standing by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Life is not just about ourselves, but about making a difference in
someone else’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong
there or times where we can’t do anything to help and need to stay out of the
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even in those moments we can have
respect for those hurting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the other hand I was touched watching the video of a
young man who suffered much loss by losing his mother at such a young age who
wanted to help others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wanted to give
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was given a quilt when he was
released from the hospital after being in one for 4months fighting for his life
after being born at 22wks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made
quilts for other preemies to comfort them and their families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How better equiped are we to give comfort or support
to someone else when we have lived through the same thing they are going
through?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My point through all of this is to encourage you to make a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Step out of your own world and give someone
the gift of hope, comfort and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remember God comforted us so we can comfort others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-73282081756631848952014-03-19T10:02:00.004-07:002014-03-19T10:02:37.405-07:00A Man of Influence
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPsA7_NWbxAdIbUcpWAxNIwwVSlEg3le6WeWEq2_WDSUhVLCgOhxKay5tNul-6I1Ftyq7jM__jCUvPC9Hfc4Mkr5xiF8z4_TIlT0wlgWptEl_K6-Q7piHgnDt6NmCBsvcYCpjYk4UygDo/s1600/imagesV9GESAF3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPsA7_NWbxAdIbUcpWAxNIwwVSlEg3le6WeWEq2_WDSUhVLCgOhxKay5tNul-6I1Ftyq7jM__jCUvPC9Hfc4Mkr5xiF8z4_TIlT0wlgWptEl_K6-Q7piHgnDt6NmCBsvcYCpjYk4UygDo/s1600/imagesV9GESAF3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">A
man of influence is what I want to be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">What
is it others see in me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
am a Father, a son, a co-worker, a husband.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear
God how can I follow your commands?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
have so many roles to play.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
try to listen to You and obey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
ask myself, who am I?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">It
seems like no matter how hard I try, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
just get by. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">What
kind of influence do I want to be? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Is
it one that glorifies God or me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">God
let me know how I should act. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Let
me make a difference and a positive impact.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
have so many things to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Am
I truly living for You?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
am pulled in so many directions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear
God I need your protection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">What
is it You want me to do?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
know that I want to live my life for You.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
get so busy trying to get all these worldly things done,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
forget where I come from.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
am a son of God and of royal birth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
have a purpose here on earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Please
God show me what you want be to be, so I can truly live.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
have so much to give.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Make
me a man, who can stand strong, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">So
others know that in your love they belong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Give
me the words You want me to say, so that they too will listen to You and obey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">God
show me what to do, so others will get to know you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Let
others see the Jesus in me so that they can also believe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">God
I want to live for You.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
want others to know that my intensions are true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Lead
me and guide me in all I do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">God
with Your help a man of influence is what I will be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yes others will see the Jesus in me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">By:
Trish Iiams<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">As
iron sharpens iron,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">So
a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Proverbs
27:17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look at my son
and I try to picture what he will be like when he becomes a man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What kind of a husband and father will he
be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a mother I can only show him so
much. I can’t help but smile when I watch my sons’ eyes as he sees his father
fix something around the house, works on the cars, or when they get ready to do
something together as father and son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
son’s eyes light up and a smile comes to his face when my husband say to him
“come on son you can help me.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My son is
full of pride and accomplishment when he comes running in the house to tell me
what they had done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my husband
strives to be closer to God I see how much it affects our home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only does my son try to follow in his
fathers footsteps, but I see our girls wanting to do the same. My heart over
flows with joy to see our family together as my husband leads the family in
prayer and bible study.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can remember a
time when my husband was not following God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was all about him and what the world had to offer him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our family was in ruins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had lost hope for our marriage and our
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prayed and prayed for God to
change him and to give me strength to stay married to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s just say God is faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God never gave up on him or our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God worked on my husband’s heart and one day
he broke and gave everything to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Over a process of time he has become a man that I am proud to be married
to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has turned his life around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our marriage and family are now stronger
because of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only are men
responsible for showing Christ to their family, but to other men as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband is part of a Men’s accountability
group where the men keep one another accountable, gives one another support,
and study the Bible together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
always comforting to know that my husband can turn to another brother to help support
him and to give him direction when he makes a wrong choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are there to praise one another for a
job well done, grieve, and help one another up when they fall.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I have been honored to see these men come together and watch
them grow into men of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To see
families grow closer as these men’s relationship with God grow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Dear God my prayer is
for men, fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers everywhere will grow to be more
like You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please let them know who they
are in You and to be an example to their families, friends, and other men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Show them they are loved and keep them
strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guide them and show them their
purpose."</i><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-53130386675541032632014-03-19T09:56:00.002-07:002014-03-19T09:56:52.775-07:00A Woman of Influence<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJ6x3eU_JikALQNRcysuGY5LP-1Znj7WAx29KFrM8JK9fYtGM2qqv61efF64vRrG-bdkR83Qc9JYPX15bxNScf6HKamakcsioohqcP3EYcb0qCYCDeRaKE1PQxPkFEeBwD-ijJRb-64rs/s1600/imagesD7DP2UV0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJ6x3eU_JikALQNRcysuGY5LP-1Znj7WAx29KFrM8JK9fYtGM2qqv61efF64vRrG-bdkR83Qc9JYPX15bxNScf6HKamakcsioohqcP3EYcb0qCYCDeRaKE1PQxPkFEeBwD-ijJRb-64rs/s1600/imagesD7DP2UV0.jpg" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
A woman of influence is what I
want to be.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
What is it others see in me?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
I am a mother, a daughter, a
co-worker, a wife.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
How is it I should live my
life?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
I have so many roles to play.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
I try to listen to God and
obey.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
I ask myself, who am I?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
It seems like no matter how
hard I try, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
I just get by. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
What kind of influence do I
want to be? <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
Is it one that glorifies God or
me?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
God let me know how I should
act. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
Let me make a difference and a
positive impact.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
I have so many things to do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
Am I truly living for you?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
I am pulled in so many
directions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
Dear God I need your
protection.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
What is it You want me to do?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
I know that I want to live my
life for You.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
I get so busy trying to get all
these worldly things done,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
I forget where I come from.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
I am a daughter of God and of
royal birth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
I have a purpose here on this earth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
Please God show me what you
want be to be, so I can truly live.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
I have so much to give.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
Make me a woman, who can stand
strong, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
So others know that in Your
love they too belong.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
Give me the words You want me
to say, so that they too will listen to You and obey.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
God show me what to do so
others will get to know you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
Let others see the Jesus in me
so that they can to believe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
God I want to live for You.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
I want others to know that my
intensions are true.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
Lead me and guide me in all I
do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
God with Your help a woman of
influence is what I will be.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yes others will see the Jesus in me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<o:p> </o:p>By: Trish Iiams<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Baskerville Old Face";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Baskerville Old Face";"><o:p><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> As a mother I
pray that I will be able to teach my children and to show them the right
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to imagine what my girls
will be like when they grow up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
kind of women, wives, and mothers will they be? What kind of impression will I
leave on them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will I show them Gods
love?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What kind of a man will my girls
marry?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe the most important
thing I can do for my children and family is to work on my personal relationship
with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The closer and stronger my
relationship with God is will reflect on my relationship with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to able to show my girls how to stay
strong in Christ, to be loving and respectful to their husbands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to show them how to be a woman of
integrity, to be humble in adversity, and how to be loving and kind to
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t do this by myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need God to show me how.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am fortunate to have other women in my life
that can help me, show me, and to direct me in the right things to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only is it my
responsibility to show my children the love of God but I need to show other
women as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been in many women
bibles studies, mom groups, and a women’s accountability
group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time we met I had to face
those ladies and come face to face with choices that I had made and decision
I made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ladies offered me support and
were there to praise me when I have done right by God. They were also there to
correct, support, and lead me when I struggled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By us being there for one another we grew closer in our walk with God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has put different people through out my
life where I had to support, be an example to, and lift up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been through many trails in my life
and by using the lessons I have learned I have been able to help them when they
have faced a similar circumstance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my children are
grown I pray that I have been a positive and loving influence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that I have been a woman of influence
that has shown the love of God to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I pray that I have lived a life so that others can see God in me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my time here on earth is over I hope
that that I was a woman of positive influence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A woman that everyone I met knew I loved God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until the day I meet God I will strive to be
a woman of Godly influence that is an example to others especially my children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“My Dear Father in
heaven I pray that when others see me they will see a woman that stands and
lives for You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that my life will
point others to You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that I will
be the kind of mother that will show my children love, honor, and a testimony
of Your love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I struggle with this and I
pray that you give me whatever it takes to live for you and to be a Godly
example to my children and all I meet.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</o:p><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Baskerville Old Face";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-78421267994626238362014-03-15T12:03:00.003-07:002014-03-15T12:04:27.882-07:00For the Good of Those Who Love Him<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxyDZWDaev2dk8sIM7oBeEEBInEEnp81fIqcFykCJUXMa0IkURjFQYdAfuz0zGE0wrymJsxH7oVdhQV40OJ-rRfx2ANQbept1RdGRVBFnid4tw9Wc4yBBn5rm93YcVA74x6soEt2gbLax/s1600/hands-holding-heart.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxyDZWDaev2dk8sIM7oBeEEBInEEnp81fIqcFykCJUXMa0IkURjFQYdAfuz0zGE0wrymJsxH7oVdhQV40OJ-rRfx2ANQbept1RdGRVBFnid4tw9Wc4yBBn5rm93YcVA74x6soEt2gbLax/s1600/hands-holding-heart.gif" height="245" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am sorry that I haven’t written anything in a few days,
but I have been facing a personal trail and I have been distracted with trying
to figure things out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a very hard decision
to make and it hurt a lot to make it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had to sacrifice what I wanted for what was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart is sad but I have peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I was going through the heart of this
trial I felt distance from God not because He left but I shut Him out. I knew
in my heart what was right, but I wanted to be in control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was focused on me and not the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He never left my side, but was there gently
loving me and whispering truth in my ears. Last night when I made the decision
to do the right thing I was nervous about actually having to do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning when I put my faith in action
and saw the result the scripture Romans 8:28 came to my mind, “<span class="text">And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who
love him, who<sup value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-28145a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></sup>have been called according to his purpose.</span>” <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God has a purpose for me and as funny as it
sounds needs me to carry out His plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe
needs is the wrong word but He chose me to His will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He created me and made me who I am to make a
difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has given me the gifts I
have and my heart to do a specific job to further His kingdom. The heart that
He created was made to reach certain people. The things I have been through in my
life good and bad made it so I can relate to those who have, are going through,
or will be going through the various things I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who better to understand than someone who has
gone through the same things that they have.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In this life we will be faced with many choices and many of
them will be difficult to make, but if we trust in God we can count on that we
will make the best decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do have
to admit that there is a little mourning of the loss of what I wanted but I
have joy knowing that I made the right decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that I have made the right choice I will
have to stay focused so I don’t get distracted again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thankful to know when push comes to
shove I know that God is there with me know matter what and if I put my focus
on Him I can face any trial and know that I will ultimately make the right decision.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Dear Father, thank you for loving me and never leaving me
even though I tried to walk away even for a little bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help me stay strong and keep my focus on you
and not the lies of the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398761544430505020.post-66959711026220710332014-03-12T16:14:00.000-07:002014-03-13T05:45:03.081-07:00Missing My Brother<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExDy3GFVGbOdGWTHJGXd7pwJ26zTBr0V5DM395H3h7cfxHM9rYVQ1LJnn93KIFU7maT0LuYMfBuFUd9Op82mVGvcOt2ND8nwunlzsPzOXc5PVSDsWz3DMp7I6fwyWaickWMBY_WMbLiCK/s1600/2013-10-08+13.05.51.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExDy3GFVGbOdGWTHJGXd7pwJ26zTBr0V5DM395H3h7cfxHM9rYVQ1LJnn93KIFU7maT0LuYMfBuFUd9Op82mVGvcOt2ND8nwunlzsPzOXc5PVSDsWz3DMp7I6fwyWaickWMBY_WMbLiCK/s1600/2013-10-08+13.05.51.png" height="320" width="175" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few years ago my younger brother Matthew passed away and
when he died I was so angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of my
anger I turned off all music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not
sure how long it was off, but I am thinking about a month or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want to feel and to honest I really didn’t
want to praise God at that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
wasn’t until one morning I was driving my kids to school and they begged me to
turn the radio on and to turn it to Klove. Reluctantly I turned it on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The song Amazing Grace my Chains are Gone, by
Chris Tomlin was playing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the
song that my kids and a friend of mine sang at Matthew’s funeral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This hit me hard and of course the tears
started flowing. My kids begged me to keep it on so I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something happened to my heart when that song
played.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was softened and healing
started to take place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt God presence
and His love overflow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dropped the
kids off at school and on my drive home I turned the radio up and sang at the
top of my lungs praising God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
hard to keep my hands on the wheel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All
I wanted to do was raise my hands up to God and praise Him with my all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t remember the other songs that played
I just remember seeing a few people glance my way I guess to see what the crazy
lady was doing, but I didn’t care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
entire world faded away and before I knew it I was home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stayed in my van sitting in the driveway
for who knows how long singing my heart out to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finally went in the house and my heart was
filled with peace and joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hadn’t felt
that for weeks. This August will be 4yrs since I lost my friend, my little
brother. My heart is still sad because I miss him more than words can say, but
I still have peace and joy in my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t think there will ever be a day where my heart will ever stop missing him and
that I wish he was still here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
think anyone ever really gets over the loss of a loved one they just learn to
live their life without them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tears
have slowed but they are still there and at times seem brand new. For the rest
of my life I will have a hole in my heart and will never be the same, but I am
so thankful that I was blessed to have Matthew as my younger brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will carry him in my heart and live my life
in a way that would make him proud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know that he wouldn’t want me to dwell on his loss but live a life that would
honor God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was one of the most giving
person that I knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He truly cared for
others more than himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He believed in
always passing it forward and making everyone he met a little bit better off
than they were before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He changed lives
for the better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is truly missed and
always loved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04090044576958546954noreply@blogger.com0