Cherish

I was checking Facebook Monday morning and I saw a post that I had to reread like 3 times because it took me my surprise. A dear friend of mine had lost her dad and it was a total shock to everyone. Ashli lives in Columbus and her family is here in Lima. She had talked to her dad after Super Bowl and a couple hours later he had a heart attack (that's what I've been told). Ashli has always been very close to her parents so I can only imagine the pain she and her mom are feeling.  

This is a reminder that we never know what will happen in the next minute, hour or day so we need to cherish all the hours and days we have with the friends and family we care about. We need to stop putting off calling this friend or rescheduling that lunch with your sister because you have to many "chores" to do. Our time here is precious so lets make sure we are arranging our lives to acknowledge this. Lets try not to get caught up in life and running the rat race that we forget what is important.

Dirty Clothes

At only 14 years old, Flavia struggles to hold together a life that's falling apart. Her mother is dead. Her father is gone. Flavia is faced with caring for her siblings with little food, no medicine, and just one item of shredded clothing each. Today, you can help children like Flavia who live in dire circumstances. 

"I only have this dress," Flavia says. "I don't like looking dirty, but I would have nothing to wear if I washed it." 

In impoverished areas like Flavia's community, dirty clothing can be the difference between sickness and health. Even life and death. 

Flavia and her brothers and sisters have contracted terrible skin rashes from their clothes. And what they wear, often without proper shoes, leaves them vulnerable to influenza, parasitic infections like worms, and a host of other terrible diseases. The closest medical center lacks adequate medicine to treat the community. 

I believe God, through His mercy, has given us a way to help children like Flavia. Leading companies have donated clothing and medical supplies to World Vision.So your gift multiplies 11 times in impact to help ship and distribute these items to children in needaround the world. 

Your generosity will help children suffering right now. Please join World Vision in our efforts to mend their lives today. 

Thank you for your compassion and your love. 


~I received this email today from World Vision. Please consider helping these poor children. They need your love and compassion more than ever! Maybe you can sponsor a child for $35/month? Or give a one time gift? Anything and everything helps=) Look around you and see how blessed and fortunate you are.....if that child or children were in your shoes...think how lucky 
they would be compared to their situation now...


www.worldvision.org

Why Doubt?

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. John 14:29
Peter starts off well, takes a few steps, and begins to sink.
Jesus asks, "Why did you doubt?"
I pause and ponder, "Who did Peter doubt? Jesus or himself?"
And it seems there's a whisper in response...
Same thing.
What I mean is this...
I no longer live but Christ lives in me. Galatians 2:20
I'm still quick to protest, "But I have so many weaknesses!"
And then I remember that every promise given and every truth declared was for us, all of us, and none of us have it together.
Our humanity isn't too much for God.
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it's the Lord's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21There is nothing God can't do through a heart fully surrendered to Him.
Nothing.
Lead an entire nation through a desert.
Knock down a giant with a single stone.
Fulfill His purpose for your life.
Let's believe that in us, through us, in spite of us...
With God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26
What does this sound like in our everyday lives?
"This seems impossible for me. But nothing is impossible for the God who lives in me. That means all things really are possible for me too. I can do this with Him."
Now that's good news!
Can I get an "amen" and a "woo-hoo" too?
--by Holley Gerth

Really?!

-STUPID stupid b---h. does she still get paid? it was horrible to boot. GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!

-Apparently, Christina had her copy of the lyrics delivered by a Shipment of Fail. As Bugs Bunny would say, "What a maroon."

-no big deal. most don't know the lyrics, but shes really ugly now

-What else do you expect from a stupid skank

-Stupid Whore

-she sucks

-reinforces WHY, WHY did this broad EVER become ANYTHING w/ voice------the hair also looked like an over cloroxed floor mop----but, hey, Dallas----YOU DESERVE IT------when you get rid of Rick Perry, maybe things will perk------your karma sucks-----

-That's the best you can expect from a brainless Bimbo. lol

I went to check my email on Yahoo and I clicked on the story about Christina Aguilera messing up the National Anthem and these were just a very few of the comments left about the story! I don’t think there was one nice thing (well maybe one or two) said about her or her performance  and there are over 9000 comments (almost 10,000 as I continue writing) in like 2 ½ hours!

I don’t understand how people can be so harsh? I admit it wasn’t the best singing but does she really deserve such comments? Don’t we all mess up? Don’t we all fail at times? Would you want someone to ridicule your mess-ups and mistakes?  Wouldn’t you want forgiveness and acceptance?

I was blown away by these comments and the fact that they were almost all geared like this. And it is ONLY singing! I don’t understand why we judge so quickly and use such mean, harsh, unloving language? Are people acting this way because they are jealous? Insecure? Do they envy her so they pounce on her as soon as she messes up? We think that Hollywood stars have such a wonderful life and yes they have money and fame but it comes at a price. We don’t know what they face on a daily basis. We’ve never had pictures of us taken everywhere we go? We’ve never had stories made up or exaggerated in magazines about us. We don’t know who these stars are but yet we judge and criticize them like we do. Side note, I don’t know all the words to the National Anthem and yes, obviously she should know them since she’s singing it BUT people mess up!

Anyway I had to comment about this because words and attitudes like this is what hurts us as a society.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Video-Christina-Aguilera-goofs-up-the-national-?urn=nfl-317568&cp=5#comments

JOY

I have such JOY in my life these days! I feel happy all the time. When someone asks me how I’m doing and I say super or great, I mean it. I’m smiling constantly and life couldn’t be better.

Now you may think that I don’t’ have struggles or bills to pay or drama the way I’m talking (or I should say writing) but I do, well not the drama. I just see life differently than before. I have a God that loves me, supports me, encourages me and forgives me. He is always there even when I mess up or I’m not perfect.

I’m so grateful for what I have. A roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, hot water, a car to drive, clothes to wear, books to read, a wonderful family and a very loving husband. My job isn’t my dream but it pays the bills and everyone there is super. I’m so thankful for the little things and the big things.

My church family is spectacular! I love our pastor and his sermons and his bible studies. I’m growing and learning and becoming a better person every day. I’m not even close to perfect but I’m on my way;-)

I would never have guessed that I’d be back in Lima again working and living and for the time being settling down but God has a plan for me and I couldn’t be happier. Being happy isn’t about wealth, prestige, and glamour. There is so much more to life. The “things” that bring me the greatest joy are helping others and making them smile. I am truly blessed and always have been and I’d like to return the love. And when I say blessed, I don’t mean everything was given to me or I was born into money. I’ve worked since I was 15, paid for all my cars, paying for college (now and foever-haha seems that way) and so on, you get the idea. I’ve worked hard for what I have and I’ve made mistakes and I’m learning from them and correcting them. I was fortunate to have help when I needed it. My life hasn’t been easy but it definitely hasn’t been as rough as others.

I think one of the smartest things you can do is look around you and see what you have, not what you don’t have. Gratefulness will help you see things a lot differently. My parents struggled when they first got married and my mom said what helped her get through it was seeing all that they did have.

Right now, I can say that I feel true JOY all the time and this is a first. I’ve always been a happy, positive, and optimistic person but this is a whole new level.

Celebrating 30

My amazing, wonderful. loving best friend also known as my husband turns 30 tomorrow! I am so ready to celebrate this milestone in his life. I thank God every day for blessing me with such a superb man. Yes he does drive me crazy and we disagree on quite a few things but that's okay. Marriage isn't about finding another "you" but instead your better half. The half that makes you complete. The half that makes you a better person and the half that helps you see the world a little differently and helps you grow and learn.

I'm so glad I never settled and waited for the right one. We'll have struggles and we'll argue but I found the person that I'm willing to compromise with, the one that I'm willing to sacrifice for. Nathan has always loved me for me and saw me as the person I am. There's no hiding who we are. Our interests couldn't be more different but I'm happy about that. I learn more because of it.

If you're still looking for Mr or Mrs Right, be patient and don't settle. I'd much rather wait and find the right one then marry the wrong one right now. Marrriage isn't easy and it is work so doing it with the wrong one will just make it even more difficult. Enjoy being single and independent. Enjoy your time alone and your freedom. The wait is so worth it when you find the right one. The one that makes you laugh and smile and love like you've never loved before. I was never in a hurry, I just happened to find the right one when I wasn't looking. But I also gave it to God. I prayed that he would help me find the right one when the time was right. (I was tired of wasting my time on the wrong ones.) I couldn't be more happier with the one He chose for me=)

I will listen

Oh,what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
You'll never win

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over meBut the Voice of truth tells me a different story
The Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the Voice of truth
I will listen and believe
'Cause Jesus you are the Voice of truth
And I will listen to you.. oh you are the Voice of truth
   -Casting Crowns

Rest

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Two Wrongs

One of my tables tonight at work didn’t quite go so well and it wasn’t my doing but unfortunately my tip suffers because of it. From the minute the people came in the wife wasn’t very happy, they ordered the wrong appetizer and then they wanted extra sauce on their pizza but it was too much sauce. The guy gives me twenty two dollars on a twenty one and six cent check and I just bring the dollar back. I wasn’t worried about the six cents and my tip ends up being that dollar. This happens more than I would like but its part of the job so I just look at it as its more money than I came in with.

After the table left one of my other tables asked me if “that table” just left me a dollar. I said yes unfortunately and that the table next to them left me two dollars on thirty five but that’s part of the job, it happens. That couple ended up leaving me fifteen on thirty five! =)

We are all going to run into people that don’t treat us well and for the most part it’s nothing personal. It is there own issue. And then you’ll have someone come along that makes up for those mean ones. That couples act of kindness and caring warms my heart and made the night much better. I couldn’t control what happened to me or I should say my tip but I can control how I reacted to it. And yes a part of me wants to be mad but really is it going to help me? Is it going to make my life better or get me a bigger tip?

Last night I had a guy who was…I’m trying to think how to explain him…grumpy, demanding, and dominant, I think those explain him. He just irritated me and if I would have let him, he would have put me in a bad mood and again this wasn’t against me personally. This was just his personality. I’m sure we all know people like this or similar. When I was younger I would let other people’s attitudes or personalities affect my moods but I’ve learned to take a step back and realize this is just how the person is with anyone. I still keep my smile and happy attitude. For whatever reason yesterday was my day for grumpy people. I went into Pat’s Donuts and Cream and the lady there was rude and not friendly at all. Again I kept my smile.

We have to make sure we aren’t reflecting back to them what they are reflecting toward us. Two bad attitudes don’t make a right attitude. And we can possibly change their attitude by being nice or kind to them. Love always wins over hurtful words or attitudes.

Why Aren't His....

There aren't a lot of lyrics to this song but when we sang it in church Sunday it really got my attention. I'm not the best hearer (I should probably say listener but hearer is more appropriate)  you could say. I'm not always good at grasping everything the first time I hear it and I'm good at tuning things out even when I'm not meaning to. So I usually don't hear the lyrics of songs, I listen to the beat instead. But seeing the words on the screen and singing them definitely had an impact on me.

For Christians our goal is to become more Christ-like everyday. For those who believe we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us and we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We are to be helping one another, caring for one another and loving one another; not tearing each other down and competing and being vicious or selfish. We have received God's love and forgiveness when we don't even deserve it, so why aren't we returning the favor to others? Why aren't we teaching them and showing them what a wonderful God we have? I have felt God's peace, love, forgiveness, joy and I want to share it with others. I want to give them what I've been given.

It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in trying to fade into the faces
The girls teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know

CHORUS
But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat and quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances
Tells him that his chances are better out on the road

CHORUS
Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the body of Christ

CHORUS
Jesus is the way

-Casting Crowns

Benefit

Tonight I met with a small group of people from church to cultivate and grow friendships and to learn about God in an interactive way. One of the things we did was either give our testimony or mention something that God has done for us lately. The people I met with I have known for about 7-8 months now but not necessarily in a personal way. So listening to everyone tonight was in a way an eye opener.

I’ve mentioned before that we should give people the benefit of the doubt because we never know what they are going through and listening to everyone tonight was another reminder of that. One lady has been suffering from headaches and pain for some time now and I had no clue. This pain is horrible for her and she doesn’t know when it will hit her. I have never had any bad interaction with her and she is always so nice but now imagine if she had been maybe a little rude or standoffish who knows what I would have thought? (I’d like to think I’d give her the benefit of the doubt) Pain can cause us to act in ways we usually don’t and if I didn’t know she was in pain I could come up with some wild ideas why she acted the way she did when really she was just in pain and it had nothing to do with me personally.

The other thing we talked about was not “judging a book by its cover.” Meaning don’t look at someone and think they are rich or poor by the clothes they wear or the car they drive because it can be deceiving. Plus you never know when you’re entertaining an angel!

Just some things to keep in the back of your mind=)

    kellee

Patience

Guest Blogger-Kristen

I am not a patient person. I got a little better with it after I had my son, but for the most part I am not patient. I do not like waiting long, I get annoyed easily, it is definitely one of my "issues". Well I have been waiting on my car for a few months to be fixed. It is getting a new engine and a new transmission. A friend at church took it to a friend of his and he has been working on it in his spare time. A few weeks ago is when I really started to get impatient, but then I realized between holidays and the cold weather and the fact he was fixing it when he could, I realized I needed to chill. So today I have been feeling really down and blah..I don't exactly know why, just one of those days. Then Lorrie from church calls me and tells me to call her husband, (who is the one that dropped of my car). So I call him and he says he is bringing my car to me TONIGHT!!! I instantly got out of my funk, started putting laundry away that I did not want to do all day, did my make up and my hair, because I was so excited and happy! It will be so worth the wait! God answers prayers, that is for sure. :)

New Year Prayer

Lord,

There are many uncertainties in our world but what matters most will never change. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

We believe You are with us, for us, and surrounding us with Your love. So do not fear, for I am with you... I will strengthen you and help you. Isaiah 41:10

No matter what happens, You will guide us and fulfill Your purposes for us. He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

Even in hard times we can be confident that we will have victory through you. In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

We trust you will take care of us and bless us in more ways than we can imagine.

God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

We give each moment and every day to You. Most of all, we give ourselves too.

Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 5:10

Amen.

--by Holley Gerth

Angry Birds

Is anyone impatient like me? I’m playing a game on my phone, Angry Birds and yes I am addicted but that’s not the point. And you could say it is a puzzle game, makes you think. Well if I can’t complete the “puzzle” I get the urge to run and ask my husband for help, he is playing it as well on his phone. And so far I have only done this twice out of like over a hundred “puzzles” but I get the urge about every 15. For some reason I’m all about getting things done quickly, like it’s a race and it’s not. (Just one of my issues to work on;->)

So moving on to reach my point. I will play and play and think I’m never going to complete the “puzzle” and you know what sooner or later I do! All of a sudden all the pigs have been squashed and I won that stage. And it’s so funny because after each difficult one, that I think I’m never going to pass, I get this feeling of triumph and accomplishment. It’s funny what perseverance will get you. So whatever is going on in your life keep persevering because one day all the pigs will be squashed and you’ll be moving on to the next stage.

Cold Bags

Nathan and I did some shopping at Meijer today and I try to be green when possible so I bring in my own “shopping bags.” When we were living in Florida we got two really nice sturdy cold bags from Fresh Market. They keep your cold or hot items the way you want for up to 4 hours which was perfect for us since we had haul our  groceries back to the island which was always a fun process.

On our way out of Meijer today a lady stopped me and asked where I got my cold bags from. She like how sturdy they were. We told her and I asked if she ever got online and she said she didn’t get on the computer. We walked away then and I looked at Nathan and said “We should give her one of ours?” And Nathan knows me so well so he said yes. So I went back and gave her one. She asked if I was sure and did I want any money for it. I didn’t. I just wanted to help one of God’s children. I can easily get another one, easier than this woman could.

I write this story not for props but to show that I do what I preach, you could say. I write about helping others and I ask you to dig in your pocket and in your heart to help someone else and I want you to know that I do it too. I’m not here trying to get others to give their money and time but yet I don’t. I just want to create a better world for everyone. A world where we reach out and help others and show that we care, whether we know each other or not

Cloth Diapers

http://www.poppielane.com/2011/01/1000-cloth-diapers.html

As I've mentioned before I'm big into helping those less fortunate. One of the blogs I follow wrote about orphans in Ethiopia and the need for cloth diapers. The blogger Lauren is adopting a boy from Ethiopia and saw first hand what they lacked. Another couple Lauren met started a Facebook page...
http://www.facebook.com/pages/1000-Cloth-Diapers-for-Ethiopian-Orphans/174888662553553
On the page they posted: Despite their hard work though, some supplies remain desperately short in number. One of the biggest needs is cloth diapers. Some orphan homes were so short that they had to reuse disposable diapers or not use diapers at all. While we can't meet every need, we can supply cloth diapers for these wonderful children.

We take for granted the things we have here in America. We can easily jump in the car, head to the store and pick up diapers when needed. We can easily throw cloth diapers in the washer when needed. Most things that we need are at our fingertips. We are a blessed country and so I'm asking you to help those less fortunate. Those who just happened to be born not in the U.S.A.

Plank

Luke 6:41-42 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

5K

I’m so excited! I’m signing up to do a 5K in March with the proceeds going to help with a guy’s medical expenses. I don’t know anything more than that but I’m excited to help. This will also make me get in shape. I’m slim but definitely not in shape.

I’m sure most of us SAY we’re going to start exercising but we never do. So this 5K is a motivator to get to the gym and to start running again. I did track, soccer and cross country in school so I’m familiar with running but it’s been a LONG time since I’ve done it.

If you’re struggling with starting a dream or goal find something that will make you do it. That’s what I’m doing=)

Continue

Continue in the things that concern Him;
He will continue to take care of the things that concern you.

Continue to give Him all that is yours;
He will continue to give you all that is His.

Continue to wait upon Him;
He will continue to be faithful to you.

Continue to seek His highest;
He will continue to give you His best.

"Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Do everything as I say, and all will be well!" Jeremiah 7:23 NLT

-Roy Lessin

Advice....

Galatians 5:13-15

“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command:

‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other