MY WORD FOR JUNE 1 IS MESSENGER!

My word for June 1^st is MESSENGER

In February, Brendan Haas and his mother set up the “Soldier for a Soldier” facebook page.  He created this page in an attempt to trade up a toy soldier for a Disney trip.  Through a series of trades Brendan got the trip, it is what he did next that was amazing.  Instead of Brendan taking the trip he placed names of soldiers families in a hat and drew a family name.  On Memorial Day 2-year-old Liberty Hope Steele’s name was pulled out of the hat.  Liberty is the daughter of US Army Lt. Timothy Steele, 25, who was killed last August in Afghanistan.  This morning Brendan was interviewed on GMA.  ABC, which parent company is Walt Disney, gave Brendan a trip to Disney World for him and his family.  As you would guess, Brendan said he couldn’t accept.  Robin Roberts told him the trip as transferable and he could give it away.  So another family will benefit from this young mans generosity, sacrifice and thoughtfulness. 

While being interviewed Brendan said that he felt he was a messenger of God.  We are all messengers of God.  I love the sign outside our church, “Welcome to the mission field”.  We are all connected to God and every move we make is linked to him.  To be a messenger of God you must understand your role as messenger.    First you have to know God and feel His presence within you.  His spirit must live in your heart.  You can’t give away something you don’t have.  You must follow Jesus first and let Him build you into the person He wants you to be.  God will prepare you for the  “messenger” job if you let Him.  Next you have to be genuine and full of passion.  Others will know if you are truly a caring person.  They will also know when you are passionate in the message you are spreading.    When the Lord has prepared you with the first two steps he will then lead you to those who need the word of the Lord.  Be open to those that He puts in your path.  You may not understand who it is, but it isn’t for you to figure out.  You may not even realize at the time that you have reached someone that God has placed in your presence. What God is saying to you He wants to speak through you.  When being a messenger the words that are needed to hear will flow from your mouth.  You don’t have to work at it or worry about it.  God will give the words to you.  Your words will work magic.

Go out into the mission field and let God use you.  You may be the miracle that someone is praying for.  You may bring hope to someone that needs it.  Whether the situation you encounter is accidental or intentional, as long as we are working for God everyone will make a profit.   Begin today, be a messenger, head out into the mission field. 

Ask God to speak through you and give you words that are “spirit and life” (John 6:63).

Dear Lord we want to go into the mission field for You.  We know that we have to spend time with You and Your word to be your messenger.  Lead us in the direction You want us to travel to give hope and help to others.  Help us to follow through with Your plan, keeping you alive in our hearts and sharing our hearts with others.  During our journey of 2012 guide us to our mission field and continue to instruct us in being Your messenger.  

Continued reading great story: http://www.thelittlehousethatgrew.com/2011/07/on-being-gods-messenger.html

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/29/11942205-boy-9-gives-away-disney-world-trip-to-family-of- 

http://www.mediatalk.biz/messenger.htm

BE A MESSENGER FOR GOD!

PASS ON A HUG!

JESUS HUGS!

Jesus Hugs

Have you ever had a “Jesus hug”,

Do you know what one feels like?

If you’ve never had a “Jesus hug”,

I pray one day you might.

A “Jesus hug” is different,

As far as hugging goes;

It’s a little taste of heaven,

Here on earth below.

Only those who love the Lord,

Can give a “Jesus hug”

It conveys God’s grace and mercy,

And unconditional love.

Those who give out “Jesus hugs”

Always seem to somehow know

Just when you’re in need of one

To make your spirit glow.

And if you ever need one

I hope that I will see,

So I can give you a “Jesus hug”,

Just like someone did for me.

http://www.jesushugs.net/jesus_hugs.htm copyright 1996 J M McIntosh

MY WORD FOR MAY 31 IS HUG!

My word for May 31^st is HUG

Zeddie Watkins Little is worldwide known because of his fabulous photo.  He was named “the ridiculously photogenic guy” after a photographer just happened to snap a shot of him during a marathon.  A new photo has emerged and made a 28-year-old woman named Rachel well known to those in the media world.  Rachel, who has congenital emphysema, posted a picture of herself after her operation.  She had 60% of her lung removed.  There is more to this girl than just her beautiful photo.  She is a caring woman.  She is one of those girls that people just fall in love with.  Rachel explained how she was in ICU a few hours after surgery, her family had all gone home and she just wanted to talk to someone.   Rachel began to post photos and talk about her surgery and recovery on the internet. People started to go crazy.  Rachel is overwhelmed by all the attention, so many people saying nice things and wishing her well.  As Robin Roberts interviewed her Robin said something that stuck with me.  Robin said, “all of this is like a universal hug, hug from people that you don’t even know.” 

Lauren told us the other day that she had read an article that stated that when under stress or you are having an anxiety attack someone needs to hug you.  I thought about this and began to research.  Hugs can be found anywhere there are people and hugs are free.  All they take is a moment of your time.  There are no adverse side effects except making someone feel better.  They can be contagious and addictive.  Hugs can give someone a mental lift.  When a baby is born they are cuddled and caressed all the time.  This makes them feel secure. In 2003 the America Psychosomatic Association released a report that found hugs make people healthier.  When people hug the level of cortisol lowers, cortisol is a hormone secreted in response to stress.  There have been studies that have concluded that touch has a beneficial effect on pain, treatment of disease, as well as emotional and physical development.  Hugs help overcome medical conditions such as, osteoarthritis and depression.  Hugs can bring a sense of connection and belonging into your life. 

With all of this being said, start hugging today, every chance you get.  “Faithbook” is a good way to hug, even though it isn’t the same as physical touch, we know that when we receive a message or someone writes on our wall we are being thought of.  Even if it is a viral hug, send a hug to a friend. Write on someone’s wall, here is a hug for you today, pass on.  Hugs are a simple way to make a difference and make this world a better place.  Encourage everyone to give a hug. 

Dear Lord we know that you want us to love one another and encourage one another.  Help us to pass on hugs to everyone that we come in contact with, even if it is a media hug.  Assist us in feeling your hugs as you help us press on through 2012. 

John 13:34-35

New International Version (NIV)

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

http://beatyourdepression.com/blog/natural-cures-for-depression/healthy-hugs Healthy Hugs, November 28, 2007, by John.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Hugs:-The-Ultimate-Antidepressant&id=472199  Hugs: The Ultimate Antidepressant, Gal Baras

http://gma.yahoo.com/video/fashionbeauty-26594250/ridiculously-photogenic-girl-live-on-gma-29506351.html Good Morning America, ABC

PRAISE HIM IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM!

ANGEL BABY FISHER!

MY WORD FOR MAY 30th IS FISHER!

My word for May 30^th is FISHER

All I heard was sobbing on the other end of the phone August 3, 2011 at 5:45 am.   I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.  “Go get mom, the baby has died, go to the hospital”.  What? What was my brother telling me? No this couldn’t’ be true. What was going on?  I called him back and said, “Tell me again?” “Fisher has died in his sleep; they are at the hospital I am headed there. “ I threw on some clothes and drove to moms.  All the way over there the thoughts raced through my mind, no this couldn’t be true.  When I got to mom’s I unlocked the door and woke my mother.  She immediately thought something was wrong with me, but as I told her that Fisher had died she just began to say, “No this couldn’t happen”.   My mother knows first hand what it feels like to lose a child, my sister died at the age of 35.   The days and moments ahead were heart breaking.  To see my niece stand by the casket where her beautiful baby rests, tears rolling down her face as she holds his tiny hand and talks to him softly.  He looked like a baby doll that we could pick up and take home.  It is hard to understand death, especially when it is a baby. 

In times of adversity many find it hard to turn their emotions over to the Lord.  We are in a world of control and we want to be able to control every little step and occurrence in our lives.  Losing a child is an out of order event that brings with it much sadness.  It challenges parents to rebuild their lives with a chunk missing.  How do you fill that void?  It is through faith that enables parents to endure and recover.  When we look at David there are several lessons that we learn from him.  First David prayed for his child’s life.  Parents should pray for their children always, in bad times and good.  Parents should pray for God to watch over and protect them, and give them guidance.  The second and most important is this, when David learned of his child’s death he went to the Lords house and worshiped.  When we have spiritual confidence we go to the Lord first when adversity strikes.  God frees us to live.  David knew that he couldn’t change what had happened.  He knew that his child had gone to heaven to be with the Lord.  He knew that he would meet his son again one day.  It is when we turn everything over to Him that our life becomes easier.

How hard it must be to perform a funeral for a 3 month old. The short three months of this little ones life was completely full of experiences and love.  As we look back at pictures you can see many expressions on his face.  There are pictures and more pictures of every experience that Fisher encountered, every first.  Little Fishers facial gestures are priceless.  Pastor Toops gave words to his many expressions.  No wonder the Lord wanted little Fisher with Him.  Fisher has added character to heaven.  Little Fisher left us with many life lessons, but the most important is this; when adversity strikes don’t turn away from God, turn to God.  As hard as it is to understand there is a purpose for everything.  We will never understand the in’s and out’s of every situation, but the Lord does.  It isn’t for us to figure out.  At the end of the service we were sad yes, but at the same time we were at peace knowing that Fisher was in the hands of Lord continuing in heaven his journey waiting for others to join him.  Fisher is sitting in heaven with the Lord, where he has received his angel wings.  Our angel baby watching over every step we make, putting a smile on everyone’s face in heaven. 

Today Fisher would be “1”.  Happy Birthday sweet baby!  Spread your angel wings and fly!

Dear Lord we may not understand but we know you have a purpose.  Please be with Jackie and Hunter today as they go through the emotions of what would have been Fishers first birthday.  Comfort them and others who struggle through days asking why?  As we travel down this journey of 2012 help us to see your purpose even in the midst of the storm. 

And lastly, Christians who have lost a child have the grand and faithful promise of God’s word: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

http://www.gotquestions.org/death-of-a-child.html Got Questions?org,  How should Christian parents handle the death of a child?

http://sids.org/

WON'T LET GO!

MY WORD FOR MAY 29 IS MEMORIAL!

My word for May 29^th is MEMORIAL

Jay and I took Anna to Girls State yesterday.  I don’t think she is excited about it, but it is a learning experience and a memory in the making.  One of the delegate’s jobs before they left was to help place flags in the cemetery to recognize those who had fought for our country.  This was the leading up to Memorial Day.  Memorial day was originally called Decoration Day.  This was a day of remembrance for those who had died serving our country.  The history goes back to the women of the south who before the end of the Civil war decorated the graves of those soldiers who had died while at battle.  In 1867 a hymn was published “Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping” by Nelia L. Sweet.  Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on Union and Confederate soldiers graves at Arlington Cemetery. In 1915 Moina Michael wrote the poem, “In Flanders Fields, “ in which she began as saying,  “We cherish too, the poppy red.”  She then came up with the idea to wear red poppies on Memorial Day.  Still today the red poppies are given to all who will wear them.    Memorial Day is now celebrated the last Monday in May, which was passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971. 

For years Clint Black has been working on a mission to bring back the remains of soldiers who fought in WWII.  While working on this project he came across the picture of a little girl named Paige who wouldn’t let go of her daddy’s hand as he lined up with his fellow soldiers.  These soldiers were being deployed to Iraq and Paige knew that she wouldn’t see her daddy for some time.  The commanding officer allowed Paige to say her goodbye; no one had the heart to pull her away.  Clint Black was so inspired that he wrote the song, “She Won’t Let Go.”  Clint said, “There was just something about seeing that photo.  There in the midst of the sea of green was a little girl in her colorful dress holding her daddy’s hand.  Her mother was calling her name to come back, but she wouldn’t let go”.  This is where the song began. 

As we are sitting in our homes enjoying life, there are soldiers who are away from their homes and families fighting for our country.  God has giving these soldiers the ambition to keep His country safe.  They have gone to battle for us.  Everyday add these men and women to your prayer list, saying a prayer for their safety and also saying a prayer for their families.  Just as the little girl in the picture wouldn’t let go of her father’s hand, we should never let go of our father’s hand.  Hand in hand working together for our country. 

“You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side,ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. . . If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge- then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent” (Psalm 91:5-7,9,10)

“But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me” (Psalm 31:14-15).

Dear Lord keep these men and women safe from harms way as they enter the battlefields for us.  Help their families to stay strong and calm during the time when their loved ones are away.  Be with the children of these soldiers giving them peace in their hearts knowing that You are with them and their Mom’s or Dad’s.  We thank you for giving us soldiers that will keep us safe, just as You have kept us safe.  During this journey of 2012 please lower the number of casualties of soldiers and bring them safely home. 

http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html Memorial Day History

Read about Paige and her dad:

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Little-Soldier-Girl-Didnt-Want-to-Let-Go-63629627.html

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Little-Soldier-Girls-Dad-in-Awe-64008607.html

http://jocelyngreen.wordpress.com/2009/08/25/psalms-for-soldiers/ Faith Deployed, Spiritual Support for Military Wives

GOD WILL GET YOU THERE!

MY WORD FOR MAY 28th IS PERIOD!

My word for May 28^th is PERIOD

I am not an English major.  I do have many things on my teaching certificate, 1-6 elementary, 5-8 (math, science, history, English) and masters in reading, but to have a degree in English I do not.  I can explain to anyone the in’s and out’s of reading, the origin and the tricks of the trade, but if you ask me how to correct a whole term paper that would be scary.  I know the basics such as the different sentence formations: simple, compound, complex, and compound complex.  I can explain the basic punctuation devices, semicolon joins two complete sentences, colons are before a list, an exclamation point is at the end of a sentence to show feelings of excitement, a question mark is at the end of a sentence when the sentence asks a question and a period means stop the sentence is finished.  Other than these few things I would have to look it up or ask an English major. 

When you look at us you can say we are much like sentences and punctuation. We can be simple.  Being simple we are just happy being here, nothing fancy.  We can be compound having to always be with another person.  We can be complex, a little difficult to understand or compound complex, very unique and different from all the rest.  We can be as exciting as an exclamation point full of emotion or questioning everything around us like a question mark.  We may be like the period, making things stop, then moving on.  When we come to a period in our reading we stop for a brief moment knowing that we are at the end of the sentence.  What we have gotten out of that sentence is over.  Past sentences do help create the rest of the story.  Those sentences may help us to define what we just read, but the past sentences are over and done with. 

God wants us to deal with our past much like a sentence with a period, especially a past that is full of pain, hurt, and sadness.  If you have come to a crossroads in your life, you may need to ask yourself, where do I go now?  God wants you to say, “It is time to move on!”  It is time to move past the period of pain.  Don’t question, don’t get excited or anxious, move past the “pain period” to the future that lies ahead.  Just as the past sentences make the whole story, our past helps make who we are in the future.  A future that is full of possibilities.  Don’t put a question mark where God has put a period.  Move into the new beginning that God is creating for you; God has something good in store for you. 

Don’t be afraid to keep moving on,
For what was before, now has gone,
God wants to accomplish so much more,
But we need to move forward in the Lord.
© By M.S. Lowndes, Based on Isaiah 43:18-19

Dear God help us not to put a question mark where You have put a period.  We know that our past, if full of pain, will not do us any good to revisit.  Enable us to release the past and not dwell on it any longer.   Assist us in not being bitter but being better during this journey 2012.

http://spiritualinspiration.tumblr.com/post/10781434407/bible-verses-for-moving-on-isaiah-43-18-19 SPIRITUAL INSPIRATION 

DON'T WORRY BE HAPPY!

MY WORD FOR MAY 27th IS HAPPY!

My word for May 27^th is HAPPY

One day years ago Jay asked me if you could have anything in the world what would that be?  I thought for a moment and then replied “happiness”.  He looked at me funny as if to be saying “Why that?”  I felt I needed to give an answer so I said, “When you are happy everything is good, you are happy, healthy and you smile.”  I don’t think Jay thought I would ever pull out the word happy, but that is how I feel and I still feel that way today.  If you had one wish what would you wish for?  If you could have anything in the world what would it be?  Take a moment and think about it, would you choose happiness or something else?

When you are walking with the Lord you have no other choice than to be happy.  You may go through a period of adversity that causes you some sadness, but you still rotate around to find that happy place again.  God wants us to be happy.  He grieves when we are unhappy, when we are filled with discontent.  Just as we are sad when our own children are unhappy.  Happiness comes for Godly living.  It is music in harmony with everything around you.  Happiness consists of not having, but of being.  It is not of possessing, but of enjoying.  Happiness dwells in the heart.  When happiness lives in our hearts we can dance in any type of weather, whether the sun is shining or the clouds are dripping rain.  To have everyday a happy day, everyday should be devoted to the Lord.  A day full of the presence of God will be a day that is absent of fear and grief.  We will be able to see the good in every situation.  The joy of the Lord is said to be our strength.   (Psalm 118:24) This is the day the Lord hath made let us rejoice and be glad in it, be happy and rejoice in it.  When we find joy and happiness it is easy to love others, to help others, and to give to others. 

The power of happy and love heals.  Take time everyday to have your own “Happy Hour” doing something that makes you happy.  During your journey of 2012, “Don’t worry be happy”!

Dear Lord we know that by being in your presence everyday we can’t help but be happy.  Help us to go to our happy place everyday and spend time with You.  Happiness leads to many other things in our lives being productive.  During this year of 2012 help us to have more happy times.  Assist us in always putting on a happy face. 

Isaiah 55:12 NIV "You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."

Found a “happy” website: http://spreadhappy.com/

GOD LOVES!

MY WORD FOR MAY 26th IS AUTOMATIC!

My word for May 26^th is AUTOMATIC

Last night I couldn’t sleep.  There have been many homes that have been burglarized in our small town.  I started to worry because our alarm system hasn’t been working properly and I made a mental note that I needed to call the company to come work on it.  I decided to get up and read.  As I was reading, Bella began to bark nonstop.  I didn’t think that much about her barking until I heard my car start in the garage.  What in the world?  I got up and could see the glow of my lights.  I ran to the bedroom, turned on the light, woke up Jay, and then called 911.  While we stood there my car engine shut off then started again.  Who was in our garage starting my car?  The police arrived and searched everywhere, nothing.  They were very nice and one officer said he had seen where cars with automatic starts could have a short and just start without anyone in them.  We were relieved, but also a little embarrassed that I called 911 for an automatic start.

The origin of the word automatic goes back to the Greek word automatos, “acting of ones own will, self-acting, of itself.”  This word is made up of two parts, auto meaning “self”, and “matos” meaning “willing”.  Many things in our bodies are automatic, our heart beating, our lungs breathing, and our brain thinking.  God’s love is automatic.  He doesn’t have to work on loving us.  Just as our heart beats automatically, love happens automatically for God.  He is willing to love us no matter what.  Even if we don’t deserve the love, He loves us anyway His love is automatically unconditional.  God doesn’t even have to think about loving everyone and everything.  His gear always shifts to love.  Us on the other hand are different.  Our emotions aren’t always in the correct gear, but God wants to help us shift.  He doesn’t want us to stall and be stuck in another gear.  Shift out of the hate gear and into the love gear.  In John 13:35 Jesus tells His disciples, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  To God love isn’t an option it is a gear that we need to be stuck in.  When we love, our lives drive more smoothly.  Love is summed up in this scripture; 1John 2:10 “Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.”

Let the Lord change you where you are able to automatically love those who are hard to love.  Just as my car started automatically in the garage, automatically start your engine of love.  Get there quick, don’t’ let it take many laps to cross the finish line.  When you love, you will radiate the “loveglow” that God wants you to reveal to others.

Dear Lord thank you for always being in the love gear.  Many times it is hard to love, we pray that you give us the ability to love unconditionally just as You do.  We know that without loving we aren’t complete.  Help us to stay in the right gear so that we radiate your love to those around us. 

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/automatic  

http://tomgreenslade.hubpages.com/hub/When-Love-is-Automatic HubPages,  When Love is Automatic 61, Tom Greenslade

BLESSED!

MY WORD FOR MAY 25 IS QUEEN!

My word for May 25 is QUEEN

Queen Elizabeth has been at the thrown for 60 years.  Katie Couric interviewed both Prince William and Prince Harry as part of the lead up to “Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee”.  Queen Elizabeth has been at the thrown since she was 25 years of age.  This is an amazing journey.  Queen Elizabeth has met many individuals from Marilyn Monroe to Lady Gaga.  She has touched the hands of more people than we can count and has visited more countries than any of us have time to do.  Both Princes are very close to their grandmother.  “Behind closed doors she is simple our grandmother” states Prince Harry.  When Prince William spoke about their grandmother you could see the feelings he has for her.  Prince William discussed how the Queen helped him with the guest list for the wedding and also how he learned early on you don’t mess with your grandmother.  One thing in the preview that Prince William said about his grandmother was this; “My grandmother began a job at the young age of 25 when women did not have such control”. 

Women have had to occupy a largely male-dominated society, but there are women who have been given jobs that some only feel a man can do. Some were probably skeptical when Elizabeth was given the title of Queen at the ripe young age of 25.   She was handed down the job of leading a country.   A job that we can say she has done very well.   When looking in the bible the Lord gave many jobs to women.  Eve was the mother of the human race and Mary was given the most important job, that of carrying the child that would save us and enable us to be forgiven for our sins.  These two women are just two of the many women of the bible that exemplified strength and perseverance.    There are 188 named women in the Bible.  Among these women are queens, prophetesses, and leaders.  God used women in both the Old and the New Testament to advance His kingdom.  He still uses women today to help our society move ahead.   The Christian woman contains a gentle strength.  God gives His vision of this woman in Proverbs 31.  Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies".  The word virtuous means a lot more when translated into Hebrew.  The Hebrew word that God uses to set a standard for the Christian women is “chayil.”.  During Bible times “chayil” was used to describe great armies and warriors.  It means strong, mighty, and powerful.  The Christian woman’s strength develops from her relationship with the Lord.  "She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task]" ( Proverb 31:17 AMP)  Time alone with God is the source of a woman’s strength, without Him she has nothing.   Walking with the Lord a woman shines with a gentle strength, a strength that is full of a passion for God’s purpose.  

As my father got older and faced several different types of cancers he once said, “If you have to choose a female doctor over a male, choose the female she had to work harder to get there”.  Don’t ever underestimate the power of a woman. 

Proverbs 31:17

17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.

Dear Lord thank you for giving us passion for our purpose.  You have given us the drive to get the job done.  Bless Queen Elizabeth as she begins her celebration of 60 years on the throne.  Help us to reign over our throne with the gentle strength that is only visible by walking with You.  Guide us during 2012 to share our passion of life with others. 

Festivities for the Queen will begin over the weekend of June 2 to June 5.  Many things have been planned throughout the country for this formal celebration of 60 years in power.  The special “The Real Queen By Her Own Royal Family” will air on ABC May 29^th just days before the celebration begins. 

Read about women of the Bible: http://www.womeninthebible.net/

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2144810/Princes-William-Harry-sit-rare-interview-Queen-Katie-Cour  ‘You don’t mess with your grandmother’: Princes William and Harry sit down for a rare interview about the Queen and Katie Couric, Meghan Keneally, 10:48 EST, 15 May 2012

 Great website:  http://www.proverbs31.org/ Proverbs 31 Ministries

DANCE EVEN WHEN YOU THINK YOU CAN'T!

MY WORD FOR MAY 24th IS DANCE!

My word for May 24^th is DANCE

I have been surrounded by dance for several days now.  This weekend was Micki’s dance recital and this week was the last performance of “Dancing With The Stars”.  There is more to dance than many realize.   It comes natural for some and some have to work at it.  Many steps are hard to master, but there are those steps that are elementary.  The music leads the style of dance and speaks to the eye of the audience.   Dancing leads to emotions of the soul making your heart skip a beat or making your eyes swell with tears.  One thing was obvious with both Micki’s recital and the TV talent show; it takes many hours of planning.  Dances are planned and rehearsed over and over.  Some dancers that have no rhythm are taught how to make their feet cooperate and those dancers that are full of dance are taught how to perfect each step.  There is also the set, the choreography, and the costumes.  The preparation of dance is exhausting, but also fulfilling.  Both performances were very entertaining.  They left me happy and wanting to put on my dancing shoes. 

Every culture on earth dances, it’s a universal act of joy and celebration.  Dancing is also very contagious.  In the Old Testament dancing was an expression of rejoicing or religious enthusiasm because of a victory or an accomplishment.  The Psalmist used the term dancing to express joy and to praise God.  Dancing is basically three expressions, which can remain separate or intertwine.  These expressions are interpretive, choreographed and spontaneous.  We can take these three words and relate them to our dance with the Lord.  Much of our dance is how we interpret the word of the Lord.  It is our individual belief in Him.  We understand and follow through with what the Lord is saying to us through scripture.  The Lord choreographs our life.  He has our dance of life planned.  We sometimes don’t like the choreography and we want to change it, but when the Lord has developed our dance we should learn the steps.  Some parts of our dance may be spontaneous.  These segments have a natural feeling.  They occur without force or cause.  We like to be in rhythm with our dance of life.  The steps flow and give the expression of love and peace. 

Instead of walking with the Lord dance with the Lord. You may not like the music our choreographer gives you, but if you dance with Him the rhythm of life will flow through you.  Keep in step with the Him during 2012.

Dear Lord teach us how to dance with You during 2012.  Make our steps in rhythm with You.  Help us to lead others to Your word that will make their dance more in tune with Yours.  We know that we won’t enjoy every dance that You give us, but it will prepare us for the grand finale. 

QUOTES ON DANCE:

I am a dancer.  I believe that we learn by practice.  Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living.... In each it is the performance of a dedicated precise set of acts, physical or intellectual, from which comes shape of achievement, a sense of one's being, a satisfaction of spirit.  One becomes in some area an athlete of God.  ~Martha Graham, c.1953

Dancing is the poetry of the foot.  ~John Dryden

You can dance anywhere, even if only in your heart.  ~Author Unknown

Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another.  ~Author Unknown

Tidbit of information:  Of the 27 biblical references to dance, danced, dances or dancing, some 19 are positive in that they refer to expressions of either joy or worship; while only 6 are negative, referring to heathen or seductive dancing; and two references are neutral.

Scripture about dancing: http://bonasdancesite.homestead.com/DanceinBible.html

http://www.praise-and-worship.com/worship-dance.html Worship God Through Dance,

http://prayercentral.net/inspire-me/think-about-it/are-you-dancing-with-god-today/ Are You Dancing with God Today?

DANCE IN THE RAIN!

YOU HAVE A GIFT!

MY WORD FOR MAY 23rd IS TALENT!

My word for May 23^rd is TALENT

In December of 2010, my next-door neighbor at school, Mrs. Becky Conrad, went to be with the Lord.  I had never had this happen to me. It was very difficult for everyone at SHS.   I was blessed however with the sub that was placed in her room, Mrs. Avery.  Mrs. Avery and I became fast friends.  One day while walking into school she stopped me.  Mrs. Avery told me that she had placed me on her prayer list at church.  She explained to me how their prayer list works.  It is spread around the world everyday and you aren’t taken off the list until you request to be taken off.  I asked her why she had put me on the prayer list.  Mrs. Avery said this, “You are a great motivator, you have a talent, but you are wasted here.  You have many more people that you can touch and reach with your gift.  I have watched how you interact with the students and their parents.   There are more people that you can help”.  At the time I had no idea where her insight came from nor did I believe her, but now 2 years later I do. 

When I began this page I had no idea who I would reach or who would benefit from my writing.  Even though I can’t see who the individuals are, unless they like my page, I can see where the people are from that view my page and how many views I receive a day.  I have ranged from 1 to 1287 views; these people are from 10 different countries, twenty different cities in the United States, and several different languages.  One gentleman that liked one of my posts was William Cuong from Ha Noi, Vietnam.  William was a street kid in Hanoi.  He started studying in a disadvantage youth school.  William was employed at a local restaurant but he still had his dreams of opening a CAFÉ shop.  His personal journey is hard, but he won’t give up.  William opened his business in 2010 and in his brochure he placed his writing piece of his journey of life and his dreams entitled “AWAY”.  William’s main goal is to enlarge his business and continue to help street/poor children. 

William has a talent; his writing talent and his goal to never give up have gotten him noticed.  God gives us talents and strengths.  Many people have fear, fear that they won’t be accepted or that someone won’t like their work.  Others just give up and quit never reaching God’s goals for them.  How do you think God feels when we don’t use the talents that he has blessed us with?  He created us with natural abilities and strengths.  God will lead you to where you need to be.  Don’t be scared to use the talents that you possess.  God is looking for available people who are ready to multiply their talents and work for Him.  God speaks through us with our talents.  Each of us is a gift; when we are unwrapped we have different talents to share.  The Lord wants you to push out the talents He has given you so that His will and purpose for your life may be fulfilled.

Unwrap yourself and let your talents pour out of the box.

1 Peter 4:10-11 
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.” (NIV)

Dear Lord we are here to serve You faithfully by using the gifts and talents that You have given us.  Help us to unwrap our talents so that we have the confidence to use them.   Work through us during this journey of 2012 directing us to share our strengths with those who need us. 

Read about William Cuong, http://www.williamcuong.com.vn/introduction.html

YOU ARE UNIQUE!

MY WORD FOR MAY 22nd IS CRAYON!

My word for May 22^nd CRAYON

In a box of crayons there are many colors.  You can get a box of 8 with the original primary colors or you can get the box that has 64 crayons in a variety of colors.  Some colors are brighter than others, some are a mix of two colors, and some show up better on certain paper.  When we try to use a white crayon on white paper it doesn’t show up, when we try to use a black crayon on black paper it doesn’t stand out, but when we use magenta and orange-yellow on white paper we have a spectacular array of color.  You can even get really embellished and have your paper sparkle by using crayons that are neon or those that contain glitter.  No matter what color of crayon you choose if you use it on the right paper you will get an extraordinary picture. 

We are just like crayons.  Each of us made by God, with many similarities but also differences.    We are different shades of color, ranging from light to dark.  Some of us are brighter than others.  Some of us like to stand out and some like to not be in the spotlight.  Just as the color yellow, some of us are like the sunshine bringing cheer to everyone’s day.  Just like the color blue, we are here to give comfort to others when they are down and out.  You may be like orange having the best time of your life.  You may be like red and white joined together to bring the color pink, like the beautiful roses that bloom in the garden.  God made us all for a reason and a purpose.

Even though we are different God made us all unique.  God made each of us to carry out His plan.  In God’s eyes we are all beautiful.  We are special because we are His children.  God loves all His children no matter what shape, what size, or what color.  We are all a unique shade of the rainbow of life. 

Dear God we know that we are all different and You have a purpose and a plan for each of us.    Help us to appreciate everyone, guiding our colors not to clash with those that are different from us.   We want to live in harmony with each other.  During 2012 we are here to love each other and live in the same box.   

Genesis 1:27 ESV   So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Jeremiah 1:5 ESV   “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Great short read, great for a lesson on “every one is different”:

http://childrensministryvault.com/ministry-lessons-ideas-training/530/life-is-like-a-box-of-crayons-back-t Life is Like a Box of Crayons (Back-to-School), Children’s Ministry Inspiration, Amy Loftis

http://www.squidoo.com/shareideas The Wisdom of Crayons: Embrace Your Color, 

GOD HAD PLANS FOR YOU!

MY WORD FOR MAY 21st IS DESTINY!

My word for May 21^st is DESTINY

Just like the tornado of 2008, this is what the past 10 months have been like.  The tornado blew in leaving us devastated and with a large mess.  Everyone joined forces together and worked to clean up the loving little town that we once knew.  Now four years later the only remnant of the storm is the changed landscaping of the tree line.  The storm blew into my life, devastated us, and left a large mess, but as a family we joined forces and cleaned up the chaos.  Now the only piece of the bad weather left is that of the memories that we try not to remember or focus on.  The storms were destined for us, but that doesn’t mean that they define us. 

Isaiah 14:27 New Living Translation (©2007)
The LORD of Heaven's Armies has spoken--who can change his plans? When his hand is raised, who can stop him?" God has a purpose for our lives we can’t change his plan.  Just like there is no way we could stop either tornado from happening, the real tornado in 2008 or our family storm.  Nothing can snatch you out of the storm.  What God gives us He gives us for a reason.  We can’t stop anything that He brings our way.   Many times we resist we try to change our destiny we try to take control.   We work overtime trying to get things to go our way.  Just as Joyce Meyer once said, “I told the Lord that I had been walking with Him for 20 years”, the Lord replied, “No Joyce you have been walking with me for two years I have been dragging you along for 18.”  No matter what our situation always remember that God is working behind the scenes for your favor. You must trust Him completely; even when you don’t have the courage to go on God knows how to get you where you are going.  God knows when you need a push, God knows what people to put in your path, God knows when the devil tries to intervene, God knows everything.  Walk with God don’t make Him drag you. 

During 2012 keep pushing towards your destiny.  God is here to shield you from your enemy.  Quit trying to figure it out.  God already has it planned for you.   Have faith and you will see Gods purpose for you, you will overcome any obstacle in your way. 

Dear Lord keep pushing us toward our destiny.  We may sometimes be reluctant or the storms of life may stop us, but we know that we must trust in You.  You are in complete control.  Help us to always remember all things are possible.  We know that You will not fail us. 

***Joel Osteen, Sunday Morning Sermon # 539

HE IS LOYAL!

MY WORD FOR MAY 19TH IS LOYALTY!

My word for May 19^th is LOYALTY

Doug Weed author of “All the Presidents Children” and Lee Woodruff were discussing on CBS this morning presidents and their children.  What prompted the discussion were Cate Edwards and her loyalty to her father.  Daughters defiantly stand by their fathers.  One can look at other presidents and see the same bond.  Take for instance Chelsea Clinton.  She stood by her father basically telling the world through actions and gestures that they are family.  Another example is Andrew Johnson.  President Johnson had two children, Martha and Robert.  During the impeachment of Johnson Robert took his life, but Martha marched to Capitol Hill and demanded money to run the White House.  Also during Watergate, Nixon’s daughter Julie stood up for her father.  As she walked across campus she was spit on.  There is that famous quote, “stand by your man”.  This is what women do.  There is a strong bond between parent and child, especially fathers and daughters.  Girls always come around no matter what the transgression.  They are very loyal and when the loyalty passes they are left with love.  You can see the flip side to this in the Birney Madoff case where there were sons involved.  The sons took care of their mother.  No matter what the relationship, sons and mothers or daughters and fathers, there is a strong bond.   I learned in my child psychology classes, it is better to have had bad parents than no parents at all.  The love bond is there no matter how you are treated.   Blood is thicker than water, loyalty is a given.

There are many scriptures in the bible that discuss loyalty.  First and far most being loyal to the Lord is our number one priority.  When we are loyal to Him we will live a life of peace and love.  Our lives will be rewarding.  Loyalty is different from friendship.  Being loyal is being faithful no matter what.   Loyalty is unwavering.  Even if situations are bad, it doesn’t matter we are still committed.   Being loyal is shown in what we do not what we say.  Loyalty is in our hearts. It is open, honest and not reluctant.  It is love, true love that doesn’t change.  Being loyal may involve sacrifice. 

In our world today there seems to be many who are self oriented, personal gain is what rules relationships.  The Lord wants us to not put ourselves first and begin by putting Him first.  When we put the Lord first we will change from selfish to selfless.  We will become committed and loyal to Him.  When we are loyal we will be able to say, “That is how I feel and I am sticking to it”. 

Proverbs 17:17  New Living Translation (©2007)


A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

Dear Lord we know that our priority is being loyal to You.  We are committed to You and Your word.  Give us opportunities to show You our loyalness.  Assist us during 2012 to be faithful in the word working for You and showing You our steadfast devotion.  Thank you for adhering firmly to us even when we have been selfish. 

http://www.swapmeetdave.com/Bible/Loyalty.htm Bible Study on Character-Loyalty, Bible study courtesy of www.SwapMeetDave.com

HE NEVER GIVES UP ON YOU, HE KEEPS POLISHING!

My word for May 18th is POLISH!

My word for May 18^th is POLISH

For a wedding gift, 24 years ago, Jay and I received a silver pitcher and 4 goblets.  I have let them just sit unused.  You can only imagine what they look like now, tarnished.  I knew that there was only one person that would have the patience to polish them, my mother.  She took them home and worked and worked.  She cleaned every ornate part of the pitcher.  Both the pitcher and the goblets are just as clean as they were so many years ago.  With polishing, scrubbing, and work they are placed back in the china cabinet sparkling like they have never sparkled before. 

Do you need to be polished?  There is only one person that has the patience to work on us, scrubbing every intricate part that needs to be cleaned.  God works his magic and makes us shine.  No matter how tarnished we have become God will take on the job.  It may take Him a little while, but He has the time.  He doesn’t get frustrated with us when we dirty ourselves again during his cleaning process.  He will scrub and scrub until we are what He wants us to become.  Sometimes situations that we are in are hard to get into, but God will squeeze into every crook and crevice that needs spiritual goodness.  God loves us that much.  He wants us to sparkle and shine.  God wants others to see His work in us, so that others will have hope. 

As God is polishing and cleaning us, during 2012, we may feel uncomfortable; we may feel out of place.  While his bristles are penetrating our rough spots, have patience that this is God at work.  God is preparing us to work for Him. He doesn’t want us to be tarnished He wants us to be polished with His goodness. 

Dear Lord we know at times we are tarnished.  Please polish us to shine for You.  Only you have the patience and the time to take on our situations.  We know that you work miracles and we want you to work miracles in us.  Clean us from any impurities and leave us ready to reflect Your goodness out to others. 

Acts 14:22 (NIV)

22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

Dear Lord we know that You are continually polishing us.  Enable us to have peace as You are doing Your work causing friction in our lives preparing us to be untarnished.  We understand that this process takes a while, but You are the only one that has the patience to work on us.  Even if we are covered with tarnish keep working so that we will have joy and peace in our lives.  

Chinese proverb:  “The gem cannot be polished without friction.”

More reading on polishing:  http://thebiblemeditator.wordpress.com/2012/01/27/god-is-polishing-you/  The bible Meditator, Meditating on the Scriptures Since 1920, God Is Polishing You, Don Ruhl