tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74971881073965778032023-11-16T13:22:05.778-05:00missarayMissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176684151894121025noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497188107396577803.post-82027193716845244132009-05-10T21:48:00.012-04:002009-05-10T22:00:02.299-04:00The StormsAlmost everyday I've been up here on Roan Mountain we've had massive thunderstorms. The view out of this chalet is amazing! There are several mountains directly across from where my chalet sits.<br /><br />It's interesting watching the clouds come up (and yes I said come up) and it blocks the mountain from view.<br />So if I can't see the mountain, does it mean it's no longer there? OF COURSE NOT! When the storm passes, the mountain will still be there. <br /><br />In the Christian life, we are never promised that life will be easy, in fact quite the contrary. There will always be mountains, valleys, and storms along the way.<br /><br />Tell me, are you going to sit in the valley out of fear or look forward to seeing what's on top of that next mountain?<br /><br />Will you hide yourself from the rain, or dance in it? Will you let it refresh you or be afraid of getting a little wet?<br /><br />Rain waters plants, trees, and the earth so that it may continue to grow and bear fruit. If there was never rain how could we appreciate the sun?<br /><br />Have you ever had the thought that both the rain AND the sun are needed in order to grow and bear fruit? <br /><br />May we all rejoice in both the sun and the rain.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpjKqPu7C5-W5PqE0tCsjizmxseQ2OiN1g5CLYEstOGDfzcEeUSp8xpvGzzbAf9T6Qj8TPc0hzTgVL6DJzBZsEggMNMxyVMKKDJkRiWtdAD8v-p1A6EY70x1LHTq2Jf-N0smT10v7CEY/s1600-h/100_1125.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpjKqPu7C5-W5PqE0tCsjizmxseQ2OiN1g5CLYEstOGDfzcEeUSp8xpvGzzbAf9T6Qj8TPc0hzTgVL6DJzBZsEggMNMxyVMKKDJkRiWtdAD8v-p1A6EY70x1LHTq2Jf-N0smT10v7CEY/s200/100_1125.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334379741790997346" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2z68Il3Q9HfgVh0v3hit0Atw4wA-As2mjsi4Ylt2k533urF6ML_bC9Z0pOZbHbARUIngtCDbjD98usD760yA9DG4lWV_4u-nTyGEWFCXH80X-iG33uJ5RzmBZrhY62l_2xGhcnEkrdg8/s1600-h/100_1127.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2z68Il3Q9HfgVh0v3hit0Atw4wA-As2mjsi4Ylt2k533urF6ML_bC9Z0pOZbHbARUIngtCDbjD98usD760yA9DG4lWV_4u-nTyGEWFCXH80X-iG33uJ5RzmBZrhY62l_2xGhcnEkrdg8/s200/100_1127.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334379832992472946" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbBVl4xroy8gu30n8yfSOTXYRDJ7io5_hQEI9CzGOBqCH4szIzwajcxypD1lVlpz6elTFZ1dGvq2ENThs7ZX1SpA7HJ_r6Kv6ZrnTy0Ii-8IpuxSP52hvsDj2wXwogn_l9dMHO21tYUE/s1600-h/100_1128.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbBVl4xroy8gu30n8yfSOTXYRDJ7io5_hQEI9CzGOBqCH4szIzwajcxypD1lVlpz6elTFZ1dGvq2ENThs7ZX1SpA7HJ_r6Kv6ZrnTy0Ii-8IpuxSP52hvsDj2wXwogn_l9dMHO21tYUE/s200/100_1128.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334379917542243266" /></a>Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176684151894121025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497188107396577803.post-87328940215679255782009-05-10T21:18:00.009-04:002009-05-10T21:41:39.283-04:00Vacation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFjzjEk5BmbKOvj6T5aCfzl5Rph8_E0cALZdlDWajrcInDLMDhGl2KZYa8ZFz3ZXm92I6ORsvLjCAikbCpaLzKAm4c7ZOnkgZun-FkYzfT5YInX8Dqbe066s_wgPgiGwkjilWNAX5cl4/s1600-h/100_1108.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFjzjEk5BmbKOvj6T5aCfzl5Rph8_E0cALZdlDWajrcInDLMDhGl2KZYa8ZFz3ZXm92I6ORsvLjCAikbCpaLzKAm4c7ZOnkgZun-FkYzfT5YInX8Dqbe066s_wgPgiGwkjilWNAX5cl4/s200/100_1108.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334375164318010434" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOe2GtlyTBOEGXfHr5nYWDg9hnPnr5D8EV_Q-1cLwoQxmg3uUZdDNGBQqDd42EIIXNH0GoX2RBHEda6qVNXGjQW4OGsOOozJs-hxQyVITiV0PJ2B8KKKDM-4EkSS7V5LzIjmm5vReTIY/s1600-h/100_1113.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOe2GtlyTBOEGXfHr5nYWDg9hnPnr5D8EV_Q-1cLwoQxmg3uUZdDNGBQqDd42EIIXNH0GoX2RBHEda6qVNXGjQW4OGsOOozJs-hxQyVITiV0PJ2B8KKKDM-4EkSS7V5LzIjmm5vReTIY/s200/100_1113.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334375075459573138" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBMwe5of9xHTc8peyQN26Tl0bixl6euTi0qR4juK1keE9dkSVlckZ_CtF1s2juFPTB9aStLVa8jLStQRVXMngka-egOfQNXJyAyVUOyBYM34A6txmrP0i3yIIk936Fc6JJpJ3ymZJokE/s1600-h/100_1111.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBMwe5of9xHTc8peyQN26Tl0bixl6euTi0qR4juK1keE9dkSVlckZ_CtF1s2juFPTB9aStLVa8jLStQRVXMngka-egOfQNXJyAyVUOyBYM34A6txmrP0i3yIIk936Fc6JJpJ3ymZJokE/s200/100_1111.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334374971941184050" /></a><br /><br />I went on vacation to Fairhaven Ministries 5/6-5/10. www.fairhavenministries.com<br /><br />It's SO neat up here. As soon as I opened the windows of the chalet I could hear a waterfall. Thursday I went on a hike to find it :)<br />God is so AMAZING! The falls were gorgeous and nature (God's creation) is unbelievable!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviehtEgzAAr6fB2fotBUzyEGnUam-emG3pGa2ewYYF2gY5NUkbqhJN70sbKOatDUP7VaTwzSBWm3U5OOVzFE87KU1lj77-JJwN-Ho-S2TpSggn5gA3zil_x695a3pM-AkwOv7k2YKDp4/s1600-h/100_1120.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviehtEgzAAr6fB2fotBUzyEGnUam-emG3pGa2ewYYF2gY5NUkbqhJN70sbKOatDUP7VaTwzSBWm3U5OOVzFE87KU1lj77-JJwN-Ho-S2TpSggn5gA3zil_x695a3pM-AkwOv7k2YKDp4/s200/100_1120.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334370783048193394" /></a><br />I took several pictures of different things that struck me...like a teeny tiny trickle of a miniature waterfall that reminded me of how we have the opportunity to be a huge waterfal that makes lots of noise or this little one that barely gurgles, is peaceful, but in the end helps contribute to the larger one.<br /><br /><br /><br />I also saw several roots of different trees and bushes all tangled up together. How awesome! Each one is individual yet part of what looks like a huge mess...and yet that mess makes them stronger. all those roots together are stronger than one can be alone. They come from different plants, different trees, and yet together form a foundation that cannot be broken, for if you were to try to take them apart you would damage them all.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAGxHGOL_tsLFnT8RUdDf5GVGqWkii1G-CjDngr6GZiDwed6iEbb2UAbUzNplinjNfKR_lDAI2cW2xyGx4TPmnbqWknuOsuzBIyco4kEPzb9n_flZCCPSNQTemojpp1pbng1ilAIfv4M/s1600-h/100_1109.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAGxHGOL_tsLFnT8RUdDf5GVGqWkii1G-CjDngr6GZiDwed6iEbb2UAbUzNplinjNfKR_lDAI2cW2xyGx4TPmnbqWknuOsuzBIyco4kEPzb9n_flZCCPSNQTemojpp1pbng1ilAIfv4M/s200/100_1109.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334374781024864498" /></a><br /><br />As a body of Christ that must be how we look! A tangled mess...different cultures, different roots, yet all a part of the same and when intertwined together, nearly impossible to seperate.<br /><br />As the body of Christ, aren't we meant to be the same as those roots? Impossible for the world to tell where one ends and the other begins? We are strong because we are HIS...we are strong because we are all bound together by the blood of Christ.<br /><br />How can anyone question the strength that Christ has given us through being bound together, intertwined together thru HIM. To the world, those outside eyes, it may look like one big tangled mess, but to me it means even in the times I fell alone, betrayed, burned out, sad, angry, meaningless, weak and even crazy...that I am strong, not because <em>I am strong</em> but because in those times, it's not just me suffering. When I go thru those times, because our roots are so intertwined, the whole body of believers feels it too.<br /><br />When you feel the sudden urge to pray and don't know why, one of our family of believers is hurting, suffering somehow. We are not lone individuals anymore...when we become a believer and part of God's family we no longer belong to this world OR the problems of this world. We become part of God's family and if one hurts we all feel it.<br /><br />Seriously, take a look at scripture. 1 Cor 12:12-31<br />12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by[a] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. <br /><br /> 14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body. <br /><br /> 21The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24while our presentable parts need no special treatment. <strong>But God </strong> <em>(don't you LOVE when you see that in the bible)</em> But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. <br /><br /> 27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.<br /><br /><br />Isn't it amazing how we are all intertwined and connected! We NEVER are alone, God is always with us, AND he provided a huge family of support for us as well.<br /><br />I am overwhelmed by that.<br /><br />God is more than amazing!!!!<br /><br /><em></em>Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176684151894121025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497188107396577803.post-81274821084409088222008-09-21T18:08:00.000-04:002008-09-23T21:05:26.158-04:00How is it possible to have so much sadness and yet joy at the same time?My heart is broken. Today 9/21/2008 a very precious brother and friend Cody Spahr, age 25, left this world. Cody was my best friends love, her life, her husband of almost 1 year.<br />I'm happy that he's no longer in pain...he's no longer suffering.<br />I'm devastated for the loss he leaves behind in each of us that were priveleged to know and love him.<br /><br />It's so hard to understand how such a young life can be eaten up by that horrible disease cancer.<br /><br />I'm at such a loss for words, tears continually fall down my face.<br /><br />It has been such a joy to see the love between Amy & Cody, and the many amazing examples of love throughout the world for them. It's awesome to know that as brothers and sisters in Christ, that there were so many around the world who have been watching/reading www.tribesphar.blogspot.com to await news of Cody on a daily basis. Overwhelming to know that even those who've never met him were praying and joining together in love to help fight in prayer and be warriors together united in Christ to take a stand.<br /><br />I'm reminded that no matter what our difference may be, we are all one family in Christ and when 1 hurts, we all hurt.<br /><br />So for all whom I've known that I talk to on a daily basis, once a week, once a year, or only online...know from everything in my heart that I love you and appreciate you, and I'm sure that I never tell you that enough!<br /><br />Don't ever forget to let your loved ones know that you love and cherish them, for none of us are promised tomorrow<br /><br />James 4:14 (New International Version)<br />New International Version (NIV)<br />Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society<br /> <br />Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.<br /><br />Don't let a moment go by...as we've seen thru Cody and Amy's love for one another, love is truly a treasure meant for us to give unselfishly, with faith, hope, and joy.<br /><br />I love you Cody...and I know you are resting in peace at rest with our Savior in no more pain, no more tears, no more suffering. You will never be forgotten, and will forever remain in our hearts.Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176684151894121025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497188107396577803.post-16409857399295248552008-08-27T11:27:00.001-04:002009-05-10T22:07:44.109-04:00Oh the joy!So Mom and I came up to Michigan for our vacation to spend time with my oldest brother, sis-in-law, 2 nephews and new niece.<br />Time is so precious and flies so quickly!!!<br /><br />There's Jack, a miniature look alike of his Mommy, who is now a grown up 7 years old, but still has his attachment to Bo the Bear (still surviving 7 years strong) and Bubba his blanket that has diminsished to little scraps. How quickly the day will come when he no longer takes them with him :( <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGf_B_zslPgl-wzP-O1j3rC0f5SI3csfXpQ96JfIai6c5_9kvz92tgPRx7WRu3Km9xNT92chbjrWfDim3ew2ajBjggZ3gZgSe5d9ZArrTfyb1sFxhn6eWqLSgggIahMkDX2WIlQ0wW2E/s1600-h/100_0968.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGf_B_zslPgl-wzP-O1j3rC0f5SI3csfXpQ96JfIai6c5_9kvz92tgPRx7WRu3Km9xNT92chbjrWfDim3ew2ajBjggZ3gZgSe5d9ZArrTfyb1sFxhn6eWqLSgggIahMkDX2WIlQ0wW2E/s320/100_0968.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239230682498210546" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />He loves to climb up trees, swing on the monkey bars with amazing strength, and be so courageous and strong! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4LKSxDF6jupY42BKRllot1ns2_3wW_FOae-PCEFOMNrBN0Sibt0kNDUIYxgJi1u93lShr5uWFBNNsUCjW6HKZkcjDgvMaCF8o83QgoUqFdFuoH9bqv1-TWkvr6hYvFpZMBtrVSb8m6I/s1600-h/100_0935.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4LKSxDF6jupY42BKRllot1ns2_3wW_FOae-PCEFOMNrBN0Sibt0kNDUIYxgJi1u93lShr5uWFBNNsUCjW6HKZkcjDgvMaCF8o83QgoUqFdFuoH9bqv1-TWkvr6hYvFpZMBtrVSb8m6I/s320/100_0935.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239231221883954562" /></a><br /><br />Also, incredibly smart and now addicted to the Wii thanks to Aunt Cici (me)haha<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZqzR_D4DwTFhB_ZiY1nktwFmDOhuKUtvnTIAVy2lHv15px5T1TigqtWVATzSUX48QdIPwufnJPweMblYcV2aMgtZZYVUbWOGVWa7KnKnC1oNhv5iOQGr-GZX_Z_bW0Kt5nLAqEPEweo/s1600-h/100_0956.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZqzR_D4DwTFhB_ZiY1nktwFmDOhuKUtvnTIAVy2lHv15px5T1TigqtWVATzSUX48QdIPwufnJPweMblYcV2aMgtZZYVUbWOGVWa7KnKnC1oNhv5iOQGr-GZX_Z_bW0Kt5nLAqEPEweo/s320/100_0956.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239231934187165874" /></a><br /><br /><br />There's Thatcher a miniature of his Daddy, trying so hard to be as grown up as Jack...who giggles if you even think of tickling him. Strong and courageous as well, but still fighting not to be a "little boy". Who loves to snuggle on the couch with Aunt Cici when he gets a boo boo (which is very often!). <br /><br />Thatcher, who loves his baby sister, but doesn't know what to say to her, so just looks and kisses her when he thinks no one is looking<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv-MGRa3Flv-rWL-R0igE_brNfQPDlKqbwMKaKcc7d81b7TFQG97BdClO1pbOhlkyPVI9X2sMdYIbKZaZ1NshFnzj08Egko082m-NYEqgpIOJjqxlW0VUMuTvShkiZCHKES_suQNa7_o/s1600-h/100_0955.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv-MGRa3Flv-rWL-R0igE_brNfQPDlKqbwMKaKcc7d81b7TFQG97BdClO1pbOhlkyPVI9X2sMdYIbKZaZ1NshFnzj08Egko082m-NYEqgpIOJjqxlW0VUMuTvShkiZCHKES_suQNa7_o/s200/100_0955.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239256881501953602" /></a><br /><br />Baby Margaret,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJjuB8T-4GASgLBBsNamR7Er9T3D9S6FSX9C-_vXB4qUBJjK0l9zU5WDrHnVWlgnORG15sBi6cjS7BA69RClW94229vxWH-Ldi8cGfVYvaFaGHkvm7vrE5XPDLB_SIShtc4MHwajj2Qw/s1600-h/100_0951.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJjuB8T-4GASgLBBsNamR7Er9T3D9S6FSX9C-_vXB4qUBJjK0l9zU5WDrHnVWlgnORG15sBi6cjS7BA69RClW94229vxWH-Ldi8cGfVYvaFaGHkvm7vrE5XPDLB_SIShtc4MHwajj2Qw/s200/100_0951.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239256096944496818" /></a> the picture of absolute cuteness! A perfect mixture of both Mommy and Daddy and all personality. Loves to be held and cuddled, loves her Mommy and Daddy to talk to her all the time. LOVES being center of attention! Smiles and coos and her big brothers even though they don't say anything to her, they just stare in awe. Smiles and frowns almost in the same second, and will be a force to be reckoned with once she starts crawling!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96IOwc0IkrBSjMSIehHhOYsQj80-PaUlWyC5GtW3sqfho-Z3xJYO2Adl55pvbA6sMVd87OWCTrchX6khswbQceAihyWPHVTYBLv7xRuNgqMVVKXrwndMeOCldXRYmIzP-L9-f8d9BC40/s1600-h/100_0875.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96IOwc0IkrBSjMSIehHhOYsQj80-PaUlWyC5GtW3sqfho-Z3xJYO2Adl55pvbA6sMVd87OWCTrchX6khswbQceAihyWPHVTYBLv7xRuNgqMVVKXrwndMeOCldXRYmIzP-L9-f8d9BC40/s200/100_0875.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239257191263759026" /></a><br /><br />So neat to see my big brother, who loves his rambunctious boys, and gets a soft smile and such joy in his eyes when he talks to his baby girl<br /><br />My sis-in-law, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk54PPvKIXx6d_aF-mAnpJgjCZ9jtCsIgiF-TAVMfA_MysTJOZZG_ldNpKbUtEr_lNClOc7hlo6ViZl3kSTLT4L6NyPD44BCfTqvRzleVZzG6MGfHMXU9Uxc0SJG9v8RLogJK8VLXe7AM/s1600-h/100_0959.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk54PPvKIXx6d_aF-mAnpJgjCZ9jtCsIgiF-TAVMfA_MysTJOZZG_ldNpKbUtEr_lNClOc7hlo6ViZl3kSTLT4L6NyPD44BCfTqvRzleVZzG6MGfHMXU9Uxc0SJG9v8RLogJK8VLXe7AM/s200/100_0959.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239257494264554594" /></a><br /><br />who is SUCH an amazing sis-in-law, wife, and mother. She's absolutely gorgeous. My brother really lucked out! She always makes us feel so welcome and it's hilarious to see her facial expressions when the boys have once again been wrestling and beating on each other, and inevitably someone gets hurt!<br /><br /><br />And Nana, who never wants to leave and whom I have to steal my niece away from her to have a few moments to bond with my niece. I love seeing her be so joyful and happy and at rest!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyC9FOk7BemIWDWgTa2AaEiaKL6nf-UOXGEjvjlnnVz-xJglsDhiYvxDA60PJP1v1yEtnqfAbInBMKWUZolpZr_GnhUBDXsc_TRrviMCdIJj-9rPiXZ9N-oM-6tWz7vnEEX7AM81s5EM/s1600-h/100_0924.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyC9FOk7BemIWDWgTa2AaEiaKL6nf-UOXGEjvjlnnVz-xJglsDhiYvxDA60PJP1v1yEtnqfAbInBMKWUZolpZr_GnhUBDXsc_TRrviMCdIJj-9rPiXZ9N-oM-6tWz7vnEEX7AM81s5EM/s320/100_0924.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239233556339090226" /></a><br /><br /><br />And fun for Aunt Cici, is waking up to hearing little giggles in the basement with me and whispers of "Do you think she's awake? hehehehehehehe"<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5T4Uy9kO3QUpqOvJ2eGxKflL8t4rl_m8Mh9wvphajdgcHcTJ093mFkyPMXy3mOmqQSL3ELiUKoy3CzNn_7bQcQhKTpCgUSoiRYJLBc54RknnQ1CakOuR8w-aC2qdD9AfAEFXIk1WBIBU/s1600-h/100_0874.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5T4Uy9kO3QUpqOvJ2eGxKflL8t4rl_m8Mh9wvphajdgcHcTJ093mFkyPMXy3mOmqQSL3ELiUKoy3CzNn_7bQcQhKTpCgUSoiRYJLBc54RknnQ1CakOuR8w-aC2qdD9AfAEFXIk1WBIBU/s320/100_0874.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239243791798087586" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LUVaGd0CMqSRieSzkCpJqN7LUz-LwwVRW1QlXywzX1ng9qlJQX54-By4kcFeTxzfho1BmpjaW47-CKoNtaIyZ4oW7qK8LoeIa5cP2V-mp2vHyytBT9foer879Hv3sEUagiLdqVPDaJA/s1600-h/100_0961.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LUVaGd0CMqSRieSzkCpJqN7LUz-LwwVRW1QlXywzX1ng9qlJQX54-By4kcFeTxzfho1BmpjaW47-CKoNtaIyZ4oW7qK8LoeIa5cP2V-mp2vHyytBT9foer879Hv3sEUagiLdqVPDaJA/s320/100_0961.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239243710364675250" /></a>Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176684151894121025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497188107396577803.post-73548725179759823482008-02-11T00:18:00.000-05:002008-02-21T00:28:01.272-05:00NOISENoise<br />I just finished watching a "Nooma" video called "Noise".<br /><br /><br />What an eye opener! There are several scriptures in the bible that talk about being still or silent.<br />Habakkuk 2:20 "But the Lord in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him."<br />Ps 46:10"Be still and know that I am God."<br />Zec 2:13 "Be still before the Lord, all mankind, because he has raised himself from his holy dwelling."<br /><br /><br />How important is it to sit in silence...to be "alone"? Even now while I write this, there is still noise all around me. The washing machine, cars driving down the street, even the sound of my own pen writing.<br />Matt14:23 "After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone."<br />Luke 5:16 "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."<br /><br /><br />Anytime Jesus needed anything...strength, rest, guidance, to be refreshed from the crowds constant need of him, He withdrew to solitude to be renewed.<br /><br /><br />From the Handbook of Bible Application:<br /><br />Solitude...<br /><br />"Solitude is important for prayer and refreshment, but will only be possible if we make it a priority. Jesus had to get up early just to get some time alone. If Jesus needed solitude for prayer and refreshment, how much more is this true for us? Don't become so busy that life turns into a flurry of activities leaving no room for quiet fellowship alone with God. no matter how much you have to do, you should always have time for prayer."<br /><br /><br />There are so many things that make "noise" in our lives. Our thoughts, our possessions. It's so important that we not let our thoughts take us captive, we are to take THEM captive.<br /><br />2 Cor 10:5 "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."<br /><br /><br />Same with our possessions...every radio, every cell phone, every computer, every camera, every thing we own has a piece of us! Have you ever had the thought..."I could never live without my ____________?"<br /><br /><br />The fact of the matter is that means we are letting those things own us! The only person/thing/amenity etc that should have ownership/possession over our lives is Jesus Christ. He is the only thing I cannot live without! "Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." Deut 8:3, Matt 4:4, Luke 4:4<br /><br /><br />In Deut the verses around it expand this idea when Moses is speaking to the people "remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these 40 years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you, man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothes did not wear out, and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Know then in your heart that as man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you."<br />( I never knew that not only did God provide a cloud by day, and fire by nite to guide the Israelites, food (just enough)to satisfy them, but he even made sure their clothes did not wear out even after 40 years, and that their feet never swelled from the 40 years of wandering in the desert...)<br />Pick back up at Vs. 17 "You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship them and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. Like the nations before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the Lord your God."<br />So what is the "noise" in your life? What is it that God has blessed you with that you have in turn let possess you or as it said in Deut. you've forgotten God is the one who provided what you have, and that has become a god in your life.<br /><br /><br />Yes it's awesome to see how far "advanced" we've become in technology,etc, but I have one question..."At what cost?"Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176684151894121025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497188107396577803.post-61189806975478350072008-01-13T18:30:00.000-05:002008-03-30T18:37:46.583-04:00Nooma video "Trees"I've started watching Nooma videos from Rob Bell, and let me just say WOW!!!!<br />These are some of the most powerful enlightening DVD's I've ever watched...you'll see me posting several thoughts on these in the future as I watch more of them. Currently there are 19 of them.<br /><br />We are God's trees of life, here on earth to help bring life to those around us. We are their knowledge of what good and evil really is by God's standards.<br /><br />Do we actually bloom where God has planted us or are we simply waiting in this life until Jesus comes again?<br /><br />Jesus says in John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing."<br /><br />If we are truly dwelling in Christ, being His branches becomes our 2nd nature. The branches of a tree reach out to the sun, likewise we should be reaching up to the SON. In vs. 8 Jesus says, "My TRUE disciples produce much fruit. This bring great glory to God." <br />We get so concerned with "How is God going to bless me?" that we forget that dwelling in Him and being His branches/trees to this world is not about how God can bless us, it's how He can use us to bring others a blessing.<br />"We aren't fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen (spiritual) world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms." Epehesians 6:12<br /><br />If our branches aren't reaching up to the SON to bring him glory, then how will those living in the darkness of this world ever know to go to Jeus, the sun, the SON!<br /><br />He is the light, he is our hop, he is our truth...HE IS OUR BLESSING!!!!Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176684151894121025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497188107396577803.post-34525448159389833282007-11-23T18:22:00.000-05:002008-03-30T18:30:08.061-04:00More versesJames 1:2-4<br />"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."<br /><br />Deut 31:6-8<br />"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. he will neither fail you nor abandon you."<br /><br />Psalm 91:9-10<br />"Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling."<br /><br />Isaiah 54:17<br />"No weapon formed against you shall prosper. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will comfe from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!"<br /><br />Isaiah 43:2<br />"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flames scorch you."<br /><br />Psalm 91:4-7<br />"He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler (protection). You shall not be afraid of the terror at night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you."Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176684151894121025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497188107396577803.post-82368532548105991922007-11-19T18:20:00.000-05:002008-03-30T18:22:47.754-04:00Enlightening Scriptures todayJeremiah 10:23<br />"I know, Oh Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps."<br /><br />Hebrews 10:36<br />"You need to preservere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised."Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176684151894121025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497188107396577803.post-42330399018875264452007-11-17T18:17:00.000-05:002008-03-30T18:20:48.779-04:00More confirmationsPraise God!!! He's an awesome and mighty God, who helps confirm us in our weakness of mind! More scripture was sent to me today as a confirmation!!!<br /><br />Genesis 12:1-3<br />"The Lord had said to Abram, leave your country, your people, and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you, I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed thru you."Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176684151894121025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497188107396577803.post-6862407217049584432007-11-15T18:14:00.000-05:002008-03-30T18:17:29.698-04:00ChoicesFrom "The Handbook of Bible Application"<br />CHOICES<br />Matthew 9:9-13 (reference scriptures)<br />"We can remember that right choices are sometimes difficult" When Jesus called Matthew to be one of his disciples, Matthew got up and followed leaving behind a lucrative career. When God calls you to follow or obey Him, do you do it with as much abandon as Matthew? Sometimes the decision to follow Christ requires difficult or painful choices. Like Matthew, we must decide to leave behind those things that would keep us from following Christ."Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176684151894121025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497188107396577803.post-65418539300725116762007-11-13T18:02:00.000-05:002008-03-30T18:14:31.901-04:00When God asks you to do something difficult11/13/07<br />I am called to obey God, no matter how much it hurts or how much it costs.<br /><br />When trying to figure out a difficult situation and what God was truly calling me to do, I sought counsel from God warriors, however I was still getting conflicting messages. I knew I would have to seek God directly. A phrase kept coming to my mind while I waas praying about this..."If you fail to carry out my command, I will send upon you a wasting disease." So I went online and did a search on that phrase to find where it was in scripture...here it was!...<br /><br />Leviticus 26:14-17<br />"But if you will not listen to Me and carry out all these commands, and if you reject my decrees and abhor my laws and fail to carry out all my commands and so violate my covenant, then I will do this to you: I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting diseases, and fever that will destroy your sight and drain away your life; you will plant your seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it. I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee even when no one is pursuing you."<br /><br />God also gave me more confirmations thru scriptures, and thru the preaching of His Word.<br /><br />James 2:17<br />"In the same waay faith, by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."<br /><br />Mark 9:5<br />"Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make 3 tabernacles, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."<br />Peter is speaking of being on the mountaintop with Jesus and His Glory came down upon them. It was so glorious up there on the moutnaintop, that Peter never wanted to leave God's prescence or go back down to what was in the world, he wanted to sit and bask in that forever and ever, however we are not called to stay on the mountaintop...<br />From the notes on the sermon:<br />A. The temptation is to stay in the glory and forget the people waiting below (in the valley)<br />1. As soon as Jesus got into the valley from the mountaintop experience, there was a father needing prayer and healing for his son.<br />2. The disciples who did not go up on the mountain could not do anything for the father, or his son.<br />3. This world needs us to come down out of powerful worship and minister to those in the world (those who are in the valley and have never experienced the glory on the mountaintop)<br /><br />If we keep ourselves only up on the mountaintop and away from the valley, we could miss out on blessing someone who is in desperate need of help.<br />Sometimes God calls us out of our comfort zones, our "mountaintops" so that He can bless us even more, by being a blessing to others.Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176684151894121025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497188107396577803.post-131967682362307652006-09-25T20:04:00.000-04:002008-03-30T20:26:16.925-04:00InevitableIsn't it ironic how you can be totally on a mountaintop one day and then BAM you are down in the valley again. I was just going thru all of my blogs and writing some of them down in my journal, for "just in case" and BAM I'm slapped in the face with my own words!!! In just a weeks time, I've slipped back in to a funky mood...<br /><br />I went to Asheville this weekend and hung out with some friends. Funny that one of them posted about exactly what I was feeling when with all of them...alone. Why do we feel we have to debate on who is right about what? Why try to bully our Christian brothers and sisters into "I'm right, you're wrong" so there...<br />It was SO exhausting, and I felt SO disconnected and flat out annoyed. We are supposed to encourage each other in the word, to be there to lift each other up, and help to mature each other in our faith. Instead it's "this church is awesome, and what wrong with you that you don't feel that way too." UGH! I get so frustrated with that! yes, we all have our preference of what kind of church and worship we want/choose to be a part of...just because one is different than the other doesn't make one more right than the other. If they are preaching the undeniable, infallible word of God, and not straying from it...who cares if they raise their hands in worship, who cares if the jump up and down, who cares if they don't!!!! If you have the Holy Spirit in you, then no matter what, you will know if God is in that church, be it traditional, contempory, or charismatic!<br />If God is in the house, THEN GOD IS IN THE HOUSE!!!! <br /><br />We are called to build each other up, not try to prove "this is better than that." What happened to our love, especially among our brothers and sisters in Christ?<br /><br />There's a problem when we'd rather sleep in than to go to a church on Sunday because we don't agree with one of their ministers on staff and that inhibits our ability to praise. We ought to be anxious and excited because we get to worship in the house of the Lord with fellow believers, and that we have the freedom to do so without fear of death, or exile like some countries around the world.<br /><br />May God give me back my passion for worship, whether in my house or in another house of worship. May God give me peace and keep me at peace during "debates." May God grant each of us the ability to shut our mouths, when they need to be shut! Lord help me to follow what YOUR will is, and not my own. I'm just as imperfect as the next person, may I remember that and never give up striving to be more Christ-like.<br /><br />2 Corinthians 4:16-17<br />"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our inner strength in the Lord is growing everyday. These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won't last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God's riches blessings upon us forever and ever!"<br /><br />May I daily desire to seek time with the Lord so that I will walk in His ways and not my own! How awesome that God sees my inabilities and doesn't criticize or condemn me for it, but in Him I am made strong. he understands me like no one else can!<br /><br /><br />Psalm 147:5 "How great He is! His power is absolute! His understanding is unlimited!"<br /><br />"We can never understand all about ourself, but God understands us completely. Sometimes we feel as if we don't understand ourself-what we want, how we feel, what's wrong with us, or what we should do about it. But God's understanding has no limit, and therefore He understands us fully. If you feel troubled and don't understand yourself, remember that God understands you perfectly. Take your mind off yourself and focus it on God. Strive to become more and more like Him. The more you learn about God and his ways, the better you will understand yourself." - Handbook of Bible ApplicationMissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176684151894121025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497188107396577803.post-65031493278374096362006-09-16T19:44:00.000-04:002008-04-01T23:59:51.317-04:00Lots to say latelySo...I was a bookworm today and read "Blessed Child" by Ted Dekker & Bill Bright. It's on eof those books taht really makes you aware of how much we take our raith for granted. I totally recommend this book!<br />I often wonder, just like 2 of the main characters in the book, where are the modern day miracles? yes, I have seen people healed and I have known about the healing of others, But the book did open my eyes to the fact that not only are we not truly walking "in the kingdom" on a daily basis, but it is so much more of a miracle when someone accepts Christ than when a body or physical need i smet.<br />The healing of someones heart, their soul is so much more important than physical healing HOWEVER...when Jesus healed in the Bible, he didn't say "do you believe in me..." he would ask simply "do you want to be healed?" Jesus alwaays met thier physical needs and then if they wanted to believe in him, that was their choice.<br /><br />Jesus gave each one of us that walk with him that same power to meet the physical needs of those around us in order for them to know his power. But the greatest miracle of all, is when someone realizes how much they need him in their lives and in their heart and truly experience the joy of Christ coming into their lives and healing their heart, mind and soul.<br /><br />I have many friends who haven't experience that joy yet. so many think that having a relationship with Christ is not being able to "have fun" not being able to do things. It's so hard to explain how much freedom there is in having Christ in my life. The peace that I constantly have NO MATTER the circumstances. The joy that I ahve no matter what happens, no matter what comes my way.<br /><br />I'm still human and will always make mistakes. There will always be times taht I act out of my own stubborn will instead of Gods will...but I know the freedom it is to live in Christ and for Him to live in me. I know the freedom from burdens, because he carries them for me. So many of my non-Christian friends simply want to debate, and don't like that I won't argue with them. They don't realize it's not that I'm backing down. I have no need to debate or argue the issue...I know what God has brought me from, I'm a living testimony to how life sucks without Him, and how awesome it is...awesome only because of him living in me!<br /><br />PRAISE JESUS!<br /><br />Jeremiah 29:11-14 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hop and a future. Then you will call upon me and come an pray to me, and I will lsiten to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you, " declares the Lord," and will bring you back to the place which I carried you into exile."<br /><br />So many times (and I am SO guilty of this) we only read vs. 11. But how awesome the next verses are as well. It's all about getting back to the basics, about having that childlike faith from where we started. Sometimes we get so involved in doing things for the Lord, and making sure we "act" like a Christian that we lose sight of exactly what it is we have in Him. We forget the basics of simply relishing spending time with Him. We forego reading the words he left to guide us, to help us deal with our daily life.<br /><br />What happened to that fire that we first had when God delivered us? Can you remember it, when you just couldn't get enough of His word?<br /><br />One of my Favorite songs to "get my praise on" is Donnie McClurkin's "Great is Your Mercy"<br />"Great is Your Mercy towards me<br />Your lovingkindness towards me<br />Your tender mercies I see<br />Day after Day<br />Forever faithful towards me<br />Always providing for me<br />Great is your mercy towards me<br />Great is your grace"<br /><br />They sing the same lines over and over again, and I'm overwhelmed.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ODmHMKfD_iY&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ODmHMKfD_iY&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />I fail God in so many ways on a daily basis that it humbling to know and realize how much mercy God shows me on a daily basis, with every second of every day...May I never foget or take for granted who God is in my life, and what he's done not only for me...but what he wants to do for each of you as well!Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176684151894121025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497188107396577803.post-31271438264107083792006-09-11T19:36:00.000-04:002008-03-30T19:43:58.934-04:00BlessedI'm sitting here listening to one of my favorite groups Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. I'm telling ya, I'm ready have church right now, here in my living room! If you ever have the chance you ought to find the "God is Working" CD and listen to the song "More than Enough".<br /><br />It goes thru some of the names that God has been called by and reminds me that God is ALWAYS MORE than enough for me. The whole CD is so anointed and blessed. You can feel the Holy Spirit moving thru every word of every song. But back to the song "more than enough" <br /><br />"Jehovah Jireh My Provider <br />You are more than enough for me <br />Jehovah Raepha You're my healer <br />By your stripes I've been set free <br />Jehovah Shammah You are with me <br />To Supply All My Needs <br />You are more than enough <br />More than enough <br />You are more than enough for me"<br /><br />As it goes on and builds more and more...I feel the Spirit rising up in me...I become so overwhelmed that I can barely speak, sing or breathe. It never fails that every time I hear it, I'm reminded how I've been set free by the power of the Holy Spirit, never to be in bondage again!<br /><br />Hallelujah...PRAISE JESUS I'M HEALED, I'M ALIVE, I'M PROVIDED FOR AND I'VE GOT MORE THAN ENOUGH FOR ALL MY NEEDS!!!Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176684151894121025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497188107396577803.post-61108071074945837602006-09-10T19:16:00.000-04:002008-03-30T19:36:43.065-04:00ThoughtsRecently someone I grew up with got back in touch with me via MySpace. As wonderful as it is to get back in touch with people from my past, it also brings up several memories, most I'd like to not ever remember. So much from my past growing up in Louisiana is so painful for me...but it got me to start thinking as well<br /><br />So many of the people I grew up with that were my "friends" never knew the real me. It got me thinking about the friends I have now. Do I allow them to opportunity to really know me? Or do I continue to repress everything, keep a wall up to make everyone believe everything is OK?<br /><br />I remember one instance in high school going out one night with my supposed "friends." We all went to the movies. I didn't get to go often and wasn't invited often. Mainly because I had to work a lot of the time, and being raised in a single parent home with 3 kids, there really wasn't much money for things like that. Most of the times these people didn't even think to invite me because they assumed i wouldn't be able to come, but this one time really sticks out.<br /><br />We went to the movies. Afterwards, we were all going to go to someone's house to hang out. I had ridden with someone, because I didn't have a license yet. I went to the restroom after the movie, came out to find that they'd left me there. They'd forgotten I was with them. They forgot me there, and didn't even notice for over an hour that I wasn't with them. I was devastated.<br /><br />How many times are we so involved in our own personal dramas, our own personal thoughts that we've forgotten those around us. God has called us to love one another, unconditionally, without reasons, without expecting something in return...just the way that He loves us.<br /><br />How often do we ever truly care to ask someone how they really are? Many of those "friends" I had never even noticed I had moved from Louisiana until years later. Many of them, if not all, never knew how sad and lonely I was even when they were all around me. Many to this day don't know I contemplated suicide in high school several times...We always say "How ya doing?," but do we really mean it? Do we really care? Are we willing to take the time to see past the facade and the "Fine" Do we honestly love each other enough to care?<br /><br />I've grown up now and that was more than 12 years ago. I still ahve to check myself and be introspective to this day to see if when I'm listening to my friends...am I really listening? Am I looking past the surface to who they really are?<br /><br />Some verses came to mind when I look back and I look at the present. I'm so blessed that God has brought me so far from where and who I was. God has truly blessed my life and put people in my life to encourage and lift me up, and people I can do the same for! God has also given me freedom from the bitterness I once had toward those in my past.<br /><br />My favorite verse is : <br />Zephaniah 3:17"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with his love; He will rejoice over you with singing."<br /><br />God rejoices over each one of us every day! He actually takes delight in us! On the days I feel the most down, on the days when I feel alone, I simply look at that verse and am amazed at how much God loves me...insignificant me! The fact that even at my worst he takes delight in me, that he would quiet my fears, my longings, my thoughts, my lonelieness, my many many faults, and will quiet those with his great & mighty love...never ceases to amaze me beyond measure!<br /><br />"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perserveres. Love never fails. but where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perection comes the imperfect disappears." 1 Corinthians 13:4-10<br /><br />I know this is most often heard at weddings. But how awesome to be reminded of how we should love each other. Not becasue we want something from them, but simply because we love them. Love never fails...NEVER!<br />Everything stops for love. We are all imperfect, and yet when perfection (God) is there all of our imperfections disappear. How awesome to know that!!! How awesome it is to know that in God's prescence all of my imperfections disappear!Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176684151894121025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497188107396577803.post-34403341586183778262006-07-30T19:13:00.000-04:002008-03-30T19:16:37.164-04:00Alrighty now...I'm SO excited!!! I'm going on vacation Wednesday. Carolina Mass Choir is going to Jackson, MS and Brownsville, TX to do concerts. How cool is that?!<br />We are leaving early, early on Wednesday morning. It's only 20 hours to Brownsville, no big deal right?... haha :)<br />It reminds me of back in high school, all the choir trips we used to take on charter buses. I'm so so so excited! and besides, I'll be off work for 4 days and that's always a bonus!<br /> I am also excited because I'll have a roommate to share my house with soon. Her name is Melanie and she'a young lady I know from TN. She's going to be going to college over here in SC.<br /><br />HOW FUN!!!Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176684151894121025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497188107396577803.post-25302985606188667292006-07-27T19:10:00.000-04:002008-03-30T19:13:46.881-04:00Carolina Mass ChoirSo I just got back from my 1st road trip with the Carolina Mass Choir. OH MY GOSH, we had SUCH a blast! God blessed me so much on this trip. He enabled me to bond with those in the same van as me. I didn't feel self-conscious and was able to just enjoy them and laugh with them and be myself. God has given me another family to enjoy!!!<br /><br />We were bless to be able to minister in song to a church in Maryland. They were SO fabulous to us! It was so awesome to be able to just bask in God's glory while singing...and to know those around me in the choir were doing the same.Missahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05176684151894121025noreply@blogger.com0