Full of Joy

I'm coming to your now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within in them. John 17:13

"I'd make more mistakes next time", said 85-year-old Nadine Stair when asked what she would do if she had her life to live over again. "I'd relax. I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I would take fewer things seriously. I would take more chances. I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers. I would eat more ice cream and less beans. I would perhaps have more actual troubles, but I'd have fewer imaginary ones. You see, I'm one of those people who live sensibly and sanely hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I've had my moments, and if I had to do it over again, I'd have more of them, In fact, I'd try to have nothing else - just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day. I've been one of those person who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle and a raincoat. If I had to do it over again, I would travel lighter than I have. If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances, I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies."
In his final prayer, Jesus prayed that his disciples would experience the full measure of his joy-now. He prayed for us to have his joy in the middle of rush-hour traffic, screaming kids and a darkening world. He doesn't want us to wait for heaven to be full of you.
Jesus' joy has a divine purpose: to real him. He desires to fill us with overflowing joy, to proclaim his victory to the world over life's worst conditions-even in the face of hurricanes, plagues, terrorism and nuclear disaster.
But as Nadine tells us, joy flows from a foundation of truth. so many times we focus on imaginary troubles. But Jesus reminds us that joy comes from knowing the Father through the son. as you reflect on your life, whether you're 18, 38, 48 or 88, choose to live in fullness of you by taking the time to pick more daisies....and by living each moment fully aware of God's love for you.

This was my devotion today from the Women's Devotional Bible - I had to share as it really touched me. Well I'm off to take my shoes off.....

Halloween

Well another Halloween has come and gone, but I still have the candy to show for it - lol.

Helen had a great time this year deciding to dress up as a Mad Scientist - yep her idea not mine.




David just loved being Spiderman. He loves it so much, we're still wearing the costume.



Halloween is a great time not only for dressing up and getting candy, but for talking to our kids about the evil in our world and about Satan. I had a great talk with Helen about what was acceptable in our family and in the eyes of God and what wasn't. I was able to talk about Satan and how he attacks us all through the year not just on one specific day and how as children of God we have nothing to fear from him.

Counting Down

Okay there are officially 29 days to go before my sister gets here and I'm starting to get excited. I love Thanksgiving and Christmas, but this year will be extra special because I'll have her here celebrating with us. I've not had any of my family here for the holidays and the last time I spent Christmas with them was in 2000 so I'm sure you can see why I'm exited.

We've got so much catching up to do and so much to put into 36 days that it is certainly going to be run, run, run. She has never met David so this is going to be fun and basically we're trying to put 4 years into those 36 days. It has been 2 years since I've seen her and it'll be probably another 2 years or more before we get to see her again.

For now I'm not going to dwell on the fact she has to go home. For now I'm going to embrace the excitement of her coming, the excitement of planning for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Paul & I are also celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary with a service at church so I've got that to get organized as well. So hang on to your hat we're in for one heck of a ride.

What's important?

A very good friend of mine has had a really tough 2008. It has been filled with much joy and much sadness, but she and her family have certainly been and inspiration of living the faith.

It is terribly painful to see someone our love slowly leave this world for the next, yet there is so much anticipation and joy. We feel guilty because we pray the Lord will take them home and away from the pain. We feel great anticipation in knowing that soon they will be whole and without suffering, enjoying the joy of seeing our amazing Saviour. We are filled with so much sadness knowing that soon we won't have our loved one with us here on earth and sometimes we're not ready to say goodbye because we still have too much to say.

When we have a loved one that is preparing to meet the Lord we are given the gift of being able to say all that needs to be said. We are able to say "I love you" and "I'll see you again" and "Good-bye for now". We need to be thankful for that.

Unfortunately we sometimes take it for granted that our friends and family will always be here or at least for today so sometimes we forget to say what's important today putting it off till tomorrow. We get so caught up in life that we forget to say and do whats important. We get caught up with the job, the house, the washing, the cooking, all that stuff that isn't really all that important. What is important is that we take the time to let our family and friends know how we feel about them. We need to take the time to not only tell them, but show them.

Take the time today, because we don't know God's plan and we don't know when He is going to call any of his children home.

Illusion and impression

Every day we make choices, some good and some bad. Sometimes we make a choice we believe in only to realize that it was only an illusion of something we are trying to achieve.

As Christians we are taught that sex outside the marriage is wrong and a sin. Now if a committed couple should innocently spend the night together, in separate rooms, in separate beds are they doing anything wrong? What is the impression they are giving to those that drive past the driveway and see both cars in the drive???

I go to dinner several times with a male friend and alone we end up at his home for a coffee and talk. I'm seen with him, what is the assumption most people would or could make? What am I up to and what am I doing?

As a member of my church leadership board I've made a choice and commitment not to drink alcohol. If I happen to attend cookout with many close friends who know I choose not to drink, but enjoy a non-alcoholic beer, am I wrong to drink one? Maybe, maybe not. What would someone think if they saw a picture of me drinking out of that non alcoholic beer bottle? Could they tell the difference?

I'm standing at a rowdy party, filled with secular people drinking and 'having a good time' a friend of mine asks me to hold their drink while they go get something and my picture is taken as I stubble over rough ground. That picture is then shown to any and all who will look, what is the impression I'm giving?

Now these are extreme cases, but aren't these the same things that happen to our celebrities all the time with gossip magazines and paparazzi? What do we think when we see the headlines and the pictures plastered all over the media?

As Christians we are called to live to a higher standard and we are called to sometimes make difficult choices that go against the norm. Sometimes we don't see the impression we are making, we don't see the whole picture and sometimes we are just creating a illusion for others to see. We must all look into our hearts and know that we may be able to create illusions for those around us. There are no illusions when it comes to God. He knows what we are thinking, what we are feeling and what we are hiding, from Him and from ourselves.

If we are being true to ourselves and true to God, we must look at the whole picture. We must not put ourselves into situations open to interpretations. We must turn our backs to things that can be misconstrued we must stand firm in our faith and in the knowledge that we are the bible in action. We are living examples of God's word.

Parenthood

I've had a pretty crazy time of it of late and all because of life. Things seem to always be crazy, with what seems like very little time of peace and tranquility. Okay so who is ever going to have tranquility and peace with a 7 year old and a 19 month old boy. Well have you ever sat and held a toddler as he slept, while cuddling up on the sofa with your child that my friends is peace and tranquility. Just watching that sleeping face puts a smile on your face and fills you with peace. Knowing that this moment will be over soon and that you'll no longer be able to hold your little one does make the moment so much more special.

As a parent we experience so many emotions and sometimes in a very short period of time - lol. I can only image what our Father feels during our lives. I can image the joy and happiness He feels when we come home calling for Him, ready to embrace Him, telling Him of our great day. I can image His pain when we turn away from Him because He hasn't given us exactly what we want, when we wanted it. I know how I feel when my children get mad at me because I've said 'no' not now or 'no, that's enough'. I can image the Father's joy and pride at seeing us develop it what He has planned for us and His anguish when we take the wrong path that leads away from Him.

As a parent I have so many hopes and fears fo my children. What I find most amazing is that my biggest fear is that they turn away from the Father, they turn away from us. Whether they are a doctor, a baker, a candlestick maker, really doesn't matter what is the most important thing I can teach them is to love Lord.

What a blessing my children are to me. What teachers they are, without even knowing it. Trust me I'm failing some of the lessons they are trying to teach me, but I still work on it. I know I've a long way to go before I get the Mother of the Year award, but frankly I'm just glad I'm able to take part in this wonderful adventure. How dull and boring my life must of been filled only with myself, now the

Focus

Focus: to concentrate, a central point, as of attraction, attention, or activity

This is the definiation of focus and the very thing I'm lacking or having difficulty with lately. Now my lack of focus can in part be attributed to being physically tired. My brain just keeps wandering off because the energy needed to remain on track just isn't there and in part the reason for my lack of focus is because frankly its difficult.

I a world where the main focus is on "me" it can be difficult to stay focus on what's important which is God and His word. Job was in a situation where it would have been easy to focus on what was going on to him and around him. Let's face it not one of us would have be able to remain as focused as he did. Even Job's friends tried to change the his focus, but he remained true and keep his eyes on God.

It doesn't take a lot of energy to start something amazing, it takes focus. A small amount of heat & light in the right situation will create a spark, which in turn will create a flame and before long a raging inferno if not properly contained, controlled, focused. A single drop of water can create something as huge and magnificant as the Grand Canyon, because of it's focus and persistance.

What can we do if remain focused on the mission God has given us? This past weekend was the highlight of our LEAP week and it was amazing to see God at work. The focus of just a few people has changed the lives of many. It doesn't take a lot, it takes focus.

I'm going through a huge change in my life at the moment and things are just crazy. Frankly I'm not even sure I know which way up is, but if I focus on the Lord then I know that He'll see me through and the 'stuff' will be just 'stuff' and the important things will prevail.

Oh what a day.....

This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Today is a huge day for our church today. Today we have our school supply and clothes give away. Today is the day of our Teddy Bear's Picnic. Today is going to be amazing!!!

This has been our LEAP week at church. Check out the church website for more information. Basically this week has been a week to go out into the community and be the bible as apposed to just speaking the bible. We are commissioned to go out and spread the word, and this week we've been challenged to do that. It has been an amazing week already, but today we are going to touch lives and with the help of the Holy Spirit we're going to change lives.

My church is filled with such amazing people, such generous people, but I have to question why don't we do it all the time. We do we have to wait to be challenge by our Pastor before we step up to the plate. Now don't get me wrong I'm so thankful to be apart of this great opportunity to serve and to give, but shouldn't we be doing it all the time, not just one week out of the year????

This year has been a humbling experience for me. I don't normally take advantage of the school supply give away and only take a couple of used pieces of clothes for my daughter, but this year I've need to swallow my pride and say yes we need a back pack and yes we need some underclothes and yes I could use some extra clothes. I'm finding it difficult not to go and buy school supplies to help out with the need, but then remember I don't have the extra. There is always next year to give. This year I'll serve and bring joy to the kids at the Teddy Bear's Picnic. This year was a lesson in serving and not in giving.

I'm so excited about today. So excited that I didn't sleep well last night. I pray that the Lord blesses all the givers and the gifts. May lives be changed forever and may His light shine as a beacon of love today and every day.

Selfishness vs Serving

Lately I've been struggling with those small persistent voices that tell you that you deserve something. Those small voices that say, 'hey you've put in your hours, you deserve a break. You're fair and this is owed to you' I'm sure you know the voices I'm talking about. On Saturday morning I actually listened to those voices and started focusing on myself and not on someone very dear and special to me. I placed myself first and this person second.

Do you know what happened????

We fought!!!! We yelled!!!! I cried and experienced pain and more importantly I caused pain to others as well.

I stopped and I could feel the Lord talk to me. He told very gently this wasn't the way He wanted things to be. He made us to love and to serve. He hurt because we hurt. He held me and I realized that I was wrong and that the most important thing I could do was to put this person before me. Now this person wasn't just anyone. I had made a commitment to this person almost 10 years ago. That commitment was to love & honor this person placing him above all else. This was my husband. I had hurt him and my children by placing myself first.

There were 2 good things to come from all of this. The first and was the touch from the Holy Spirit which showed me how wrong I was and the other was the teaching moment I got with my daughter. She was very worried about us because we don't normally fight like that. I was able to use the moment to show her that as grown ups we goof up. I was able to show her that the very first thing I did was I prayed and I was able to show her how important was to listen to God and the Holy Spirit when they talk. I showed her that she is still loved and mommy & daddy still love each other and her.

I used this time to teach her that when we place ourselves first, arguments and fights happen. I explained that if I had been focused on Daddy's needs then the yelling probably wouldn't have happened. The truth of the matter is that you can't fight with someone when you are trying to serve them and have their needs above your own.

He answered: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Luke 10:27 (NIV)

This wasn't given to us as an occasional thing. We aren't supposed to pick and choose who we love. The scripture says your neighbor and that doesn't just mean the guy next door. It means everyone, the stinky homeless man, the bratty kids, the nosy lady next door. So if it is important to love a stranger, how much more important is it to place the person you've agreed and committed to live your life with.

Oh the importance of serving. It stretches like the ripple effect throughout our lives. I've learnt that it brings a peace and joy to your heart and I pray that I continue to grow in this area. Who knows maybe one day I'll actually get it right all the time, but until then I'll just keep trying.

Mrs. Clean

It's been over 3 weeks since Dad went home to heaven and I'm only now really getting into cleaning up his old room. Helen has decided to move in there, leaving her old room to her brother. Now this is great, except that I now have two rooms to paint and get ready. Of course the biggest and most urgent is dad's.

Over the past couple of weeks I've gone into his room and sorted this or emptied that. We moved his furniture out last week as a friend and cabinet maker is restoring them so Helen can use them. Now this morning I actually started the cleaning up. I placed a large trash can in there and started throwing away the garbage. I've also started a box of garage sale stuff and yes I've also started a rather large pile of stuff I can't part with - at least not yet.

Probably my biggest and greatest find is that there were 2 painting hanging on dad's walls. To anyone else these would have been placed in the garage sale pile, but for me they are in the definitely don't get rid of under any circumstances pile. You see what makes these paintings special is that there on the back are the words 'Hand painted by Helen Bukowski' and 'Hand painted by Ronald Bukowski' What a piece of family heritage for the children. I'm going to find out how to clean them up and then I've already found the place I want to hang them. Hmmm maybe I can even put mom and dad's wedding picture close by. Going to have to think on that.

Okay so I've nothing profound to write about today, except that this has shown me that stuff is really just stuff and when we go we take nothing with us and in the long term it means nothing to us. It may mean something to those left behind, but to us it is nothing.

Little blessings bring big smiles

This past Sunday was Helen's softball picnic. It was being held at Clay's Park. As a family we were being asked to pay for our admission fee and Helen would be paid for by the club. We had the option of not paying and just going for the picnic, which is the choice I made for us. Things are a little tight at the moment so paying for us to go wasn't really an option.

Towards the end of last week I got a phone call to let us know that our tickets were in. Now here is where our blessing comes in. It would seem that Clay's Park had made a mistake and that everybody was being asked to pay the entrance price, whether they were staying or not. Well someone one had paid for our tickets - thank you. Our family would now be able to enjoy the park and all it has to offer.

We woke up to rain on Sunday and a forecast that had scattered thunderstorms in it all day. Well I made the decision that since someone had paid for our tickets we were going to as long as there was no thunder or lightening. As we left home and headed out the weather was overcast and muggy. By the end of the picnic the sun was shining and the skies were clear.

The picnic was well attended and there was plenty of good food to share. All the girls got there trophies and recognition for participating. Here is a picture of Helen with her team and coaches.

Here are a couple of pictures of the fun we had as a family.








Someone's small act of kindness had a huge impact on us. We had time as a family we wouldn't normally have. We have family memories we wouldn't have had. God's blessing aren't always huge, big things, but sometimes they are very small. Not only did the Lord bless us with the tickets to the park, through someone else generousity, but He blessed us with a beautiful clear afternoon.

Freedom

Freedom is a word that generally brings to mind war, fighting, our troops and things of that natural. Well over the past couple of weeks freedom has come to mean a whole new thing to me. The one thing that has struck me the most is no matter what freedom you talk about, freedom is not free, freedom comes with a great price.

I've recently been given the gift of freedom, but the price I and my family paid was huge. For my freedom Dad had to go home to the Lord. Now I know that he is much better off, my goodness he is dining with Jesus and dancing with his wife who wouldn't want that. For me I've lost a huge chuck of my life. As Dad's primary care giver I was with him the most, did most things for him and I miss him. We fought all the time, shouted and argued, but we loved and laughed too. To see him with my kids was something I'm going to treasure all my days. To know that David isn't going to remember him breaks my heart. For me this is the price of my freedom.

The price for my freedom is trying to make finances stretch further than ever before. Its knowing that I won't have to worry about Grandpa giving out candy to the kids at 8 am in the morning. Its knowing that I don't have to worry about them eating too many snacks while sitting and watching television with Grandpa. Its knowing that the house is emptying when we leave and that there will be no light, no television, nobody sitting up in bed waiting when we get home. Its knowing that there isn't someone waiting to ask Ellie if she won her softball game, or if she had fun at her outing. Freedom for me is knowing that there isn't someone waiting to beam with pride when he hears of one of Paul's accomplishments or when he hears Paul sing. Freedom for me is the pain in my heart as I watch my husband come to terms with the loss.

Freedom is definitely something that is a joy and a gift. I didn't have a choice in whether I wanted it or not as my freedom is a gift from God. What I do with it is my choice. How I embrace it is my choice. The adjustment is hard and I'm struggling through it. A dear dear person died to give me my freedom. He didn't die in a war, but at home after an illness, but still he had to go home for me to have the freedom I now enjoy.

No matter what freedom we have we MUST be thankful for it, we MUST embrace it, we MUST enjoy it and yes we MUST pay the price. We must never forget the price or the sacrifices made.

Be the light

We laid Dad's earthly body to rest yesterday. It was an amazing service. Brenda had a message of hope and salvation for all of us. I could feel Christ there in the room and He was smiling. What a tribute it was to see all the people that had come to say 'goodbye'. My only hope is that some of them may have gotten it yesterday and realized that this is just a temporary home and that Dad is now in Heaven dining with Jesus and dancing with his wife Helen.

God is truly amazing. He has surrounded Paul and myself with so many good people that getting through this was smooth sailing. I'm still blown away by the love that surrounds us. I've not ever had the type of network of friends before. Some days it is very overwhelming. This is God's plan. We're not suppose to be alone. We're suppose to have an abundance of friends and family around us, but the world doesn't see that. The world wants us to concentrate on ourselves and everything is about me. What a lonely place that is - trust me I know, because I've been there. It hurts me deeply knowing there are so many lonely, hurting people out there that need the love of the Lord in their life. Commit to Him and EVERYTHING changes. Commit to Him and NOTHING remains the same.

Now there is a small caveat to that and that is that you do have to do something. You must live your life for Him. You must turn your back on the old life. Not the people, just the sin and that my friends can be very difficult. We live in a world that says we deserve a better life and that we don't have to work hard to get it. I'm saying yes we can have the best life, but we have to work at it. The Lord God our Father doesn't promise us a life without sorry, but He does offer us everlasting life of salvation. Knowing that God is by your side brings a peace that you won't believe. You need to trust Him. You need to allow Him control of your life. This goes against everything that surrounds us in the world.

I have to be different if I'm going to make a difference. I have to live a life that others want. I need to show people what it is like to be a Christ follower. God's word says in Matthew 5 14-16

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither
do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its
stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let
your
light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and
praise
your Father
in heaven.

This tells us what we need to do. A light on a hill, or a light anywhere attracts attention, it draws you in when things are dark. Even the smallest candle light in a dark place with let off a light that can been seen over great distances. So no matter what happens I need to let the light of the Lord shine. I just need to be me, surrender control of my life to Jesus and allow myself to shine.

A new chapter

On Sunday 29, my father-in-law better known as Dad went home to the Lord. Now I've been caring for him since his first serious hospital stay in 2002 when we almost lost him due to a ruptured ulcer and heart problems. Since them we've had many, many arguments about his diet, his exercise or lack of it, his medicines, but we've also had many times of laughter and happiness. What a journey it has been!

I've so many memories and I'm so thankful for that. I've learnt that no matter how hard things seem, as long as I lean on God there is nothing that I can't do. I've learnt that it just isn't worth sweating the small stuff. Mind you I still struggle with this one, but I'm slowly getting the message.

I think the most important thing I've learnt just in the past couple of days is that there is truly joy in the passing of a loved one. Now don't get me wrong I struggle with grief and tears, but I have a peace in my heart and yes there is joy and happiness there too. I'm so thankful Dad has gone home, because now he is truly free from all the pain, hurt and limitations of this life. It was so hard to see dad struggle with his failing mind in those last couple of days and I now know that that isn't an issue any more. He is whole, complete and just waiting for us all to join him in heaven.

So today as I get ready to go away for a day or two on my road trip I realize that I've started a new chapter of my life. I need to concentrate on what's important and let go of what's not. I need to let go of the guilt I'm feeling and embrace my new freedom because this is a gift the Lord has given me and I don't want to squander it. I don't know how this chapter of my life is going to go, or what is going to fill the pages, but I'm going to be thankful for whatever happens. I'm going to focus on God, on my husband and on my family. When it gets so hard I can't stand it, I'm going to kneel and pray because God does answer prays. God is faithful. God is loving. Look at the good things He has given me.

When tomorrow starts without me

When tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me:

I wish you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too:

But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand.

And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity.
And all I've promised you.
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same way
There's no longing for the past.

You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times
You did some things you knew you shouldn't do.

But you have been forgiven
And now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand
And share my life with me?"

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.

Roller Coaster Rides

Now if you know me you'll know that I'm not one for roller coasters. I enjoy watching them whiz around, but as for riding them - not me. I get motion sick very easily and once sick it can take hours to get over it so roller coaster rides are out. Besides the physical effects I really don't like to be scared.

Well my life recently, especially the past couple of days, has been nothing short of the most incredible roller coaster ride in the world. If I could bottle it I'd be able to sell and make a mint. Seriously, with all that has been happening with Dad I feel like life is out of control. The only thing that is keeping me sane is knowing that I'm not in control, but God is. With Him at the controls life is going to be okay. Now I'm not one to easily give over control of a situation, but He is certainly teaching me that there is NOTHING I can do to change things and that I just need to do what He is telling me to do. I suppose that means I just need to sit back and enjoy the ride - woohoo here comes another hill and will you look at the dip that is coming that's sure to put my stomach in a flap or is that flip.

Burn Baby Burn

The other day during our devoutions was centered around trials and difficult times. We read James 1:2-12 and this verse in particular spoke to me:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

We also read a story about a beautiful pot and what it had to go through to become that piece of art work. We learnt that the Master needed to pound the clay, spin it and shape it, it needed to be fired in a kiln, glazed and painted and fired again, but in the end the Master knew what he was doing and a small lump of clay becomes a beautiful pot.

We all need to remember that during lifes trials and during the fires in our life our heavenly Father is there with us, watching, waiting, sharing our pain. He alone knows how much we can take. He alone knows what He has planned for us. He alone knows what He is making us into. We just have to allow Him to work on us. We must be willing to go through the fire, sometimes over and over again, but in the end if we allow it we will become perfection in His eyes.

Politics

When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice.
But when the wicked are in power, they groan.

Proverbs 29:2

With all the talk of politically nominees and the up coming election I believe we have a responsibility to pray for a godly leader. As christains we are called to uphold and follow the laws of our leaders. We must pray that our leaders remember where we come from and have the strength to remain strong as they are attacked for having faith.

There is so much talk of seperating religion and state and my question is why. Why are our children not allowed to pray at school, why is a teacher fired because he has a bible on his desk and teaches the creation theory. I believe that Satan is scared and is using all his power to undermine the Lord. He has a hold on the world at the moment and unless we as christians stand strong the world around us will only become worse.

People pray for our leaders and pray for the people in influence. That is our duty and our commission.

Praise through the pain

For the last couple of weeks I've been experiencing a tremendous amount of back pain. During this time I've had little relief, but have still needed to take care of the baby, the house and Dad. Last Monday I was driving home from gymnastics and the lyrics of a song on the radio rang out and spoke to me. It was almost like God Himself was telling me the message. Here are the lyrics:

And I know there'll
be days When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to
praise You Jesus, bring the rain

This is from the song my Mercy Me called Bring the Rain.

I'm thankful that I've been able to have this difficult time because the one thing it has shown me is that I'm stronger than any pain as long as I continue to focus on Him. I'm thankful for the fact that I'm able to feel the pain, there are so many out there that can't. I'm thankful for the fact that when it gets so bad I don't think I can go on I have a beautiful daughter who hugs me, rubs my back and says 'it'll be okay momma'. I'm thankful for the many prayers that have been said on my part and for the caring that has been shown by my friends. The Lord has truly blessed me and yes even through the tears I'm going to choose to say "I will praise you Jesus, bring the rain"

Rice, rice and more rice

Well I've made it to day 2 of the Compassion Challenge. A challenge set by our Pastor at church. We were to eat like a major part of the world's population and I don't mean the western world I mean the world. Since the majority of the world's population is located in third world countries I've been eating a lot of rice and beans. Now I don't have a problem with rice and beans, I'm enjoying the food, but I miss the lasting full feeling that meat gives you. I've come to realize how important meat is to not our health, but our lifestyle. I'm thinking that after all this is over I'm going to continue eating rice and beans for lunch at least once or twice a week as a reminder of those that go without.