Reflections on Becoming

Power Thoughts

2012-08-07T06:30:00.000-04:00

God sure doesn’t mess up on the timing of things and how long things last.

So thankful I can run back to the truth to find comfort and peace when everything feels everything but!

Wishing you a beautiful and blessed day!

Another Bump in the Road

2012-08-06T06:30:00.000-04:00

Life has a way of taking you down roads you never expected to be on.

It has a way of leading you on unpaved territory and bumpy terrain.

Sometimes, it simply feels exhausting.

Sometimes, it feels like the bumpy roads will never end.

Sometimes, it feels like the path will never become straight.

Sometimes, it feels like everything is going to fall apart all at once from the constant shaking of the roots of your soul.

But God.

When I feel like the bumps are too much and making me sick to my core…

He is still present, loving, patient, faithful, and waiting for me to remember…

That the very blessings I have prayed for and even been waiting for might be found along the bumpy roads I must travel.

When I can’t navigate the road ahead, I can let go knowing He is right there leading the way.

I forget that. I lose sight of His goodness despite my circumstances and I begin to get antsy inside for peace. But the peace I want is not the peace He is offering. It can’t be found in my circumstances or situation. It can only be found in Him.

I need to be reminded over and over again through each bumpy path, that His grace is sufficient for me and He is more than enough.

I need to let Him be that. I need to stop resisting what He has offered and not look to find something that can’t be found outside of Him.

I am tired of the bumpy path that has been set before me the last two years. I am in desperate need of smooth and fresh paved roads. But until I am content in Him alone. I have a feeling the road may never get less turbulent.

Are you content despite your circumstances?

Are you willing to travel the road no matter how bumpy it gets knowing He has already gone before you and it will all turn out OK? Because He loves us and isn’t finished the good work He has begun.

Oh ye of little faith. Faith and hope are in the unseen things. It is impossible to please Him without faith.

Time to be still and let Him be God – even when I can’t see the good in my circumstances I can rest in His goodness and love for me.

Care to join in being still and counting our blessings in prayerful surrender to His will?

Eat MORE

2012-08-01T05:00:00.000-04:00

TRUTH!!!!!

I am taking a deep breath before I begin this post because it has been written in my mind now for a few weeks. If it were not for my photography business and keeping in touch with some dear friends around the globe…I would have deleted my FB account just from the sheer nonsense I have seen blasted all over it.

At the moment I’m talking to all of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Why are we fighting a battle that is not ours? Our battle is to fight against our own sin. We are to deny ourselves daily and pick up His cross. We are to love above everything else. Not judge (lest we be judged). Not point out the sins of our friends, family, and neighbors. Nope. Not our job. We are to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Who I should remind us all that He regularly hung out with the prostitutes, lepers, and the least of these. He didn’t shun anyone. Nor should we. He welcomed the thief on the cross into paradise with Him. We are to follow Him and do as He did. We are to HATE the sin but LOVE the sinner.

We need to be examples of the truth so many try to beat over the heads of their friends and family with all over social media. How will they know we are His??? BY OUR LOVE!!!!

Now tell me someone please???? How is our fighting this battle helping anyone love more?

You want to fight a battle worth fighting??? Go speak up about abortion, human/sex trafficking of minors and women. Go link arms with those on the front lines of these horrific modern day SINS!!!!!

Going to eat at a fast food chain today is NOT going to change what is happening around the world or make one bit of difference in eternity. Nor, is it going to show anyone that you are right and they are wrong. Nor, will it prove that you and I are followers of the ONE and only true and living GOD who LOVES them too.

I will NEVER be convinced that this is a cause Jesus wants us fighting. VOTE for men and women who honor the bible. VOTE for men and women who stand for the TRUTH. But don’t try and pretend your vote for a businessman and his right to say what he wants will change a thing in this lifetime. It won’t. Because if you believe that then you need to stop shopping at several HUGE chains and NOT buy gas from some of the biggest suppliers in this country. Because they are pro-choice and involved in modern day slavery.

LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SIN..

What does love look like in action? Sacrifice what you want for someone else. Give up being right to do what is right. Give up getting your way to do His way. Give up being heard to listen. Give up fighting for loving!

Last week I saw this video on FB and thought, “How many will simply agree with this video because they don’t know the truth?” Sad fact is, many of you reading this post will watch this video and might walk away agreeing with it. If you agree with any of it, agree that she makes ONLY one good point and that is we have to live out our faith fully and not just when it is easy to do it. We must stand up for truth and that is exactly what I’m going to do before you watch the video which is SOOOOO far from it.

But before we get to the video, I need to address a few points in it:

#1 NO where in the bible does God say that any of the sinful marriages are traditional or to be what we follow or how we live. He does the exact opposite and punishes those in the Old Testament for going against what He said and asked of them.

#2 Using the bible out context is NEVER good theology and will NEVER end in truth. It ends in a bunch of passion for a cause which often times like this have ZERO effect on furthering the KINGDOM.

#3 In the beginning, God created…Adam and then Eve. He created them to populate the Earth. He created marriage. It was done His way from the beginning. Man and woman. You don’t have to like that fact or agree with. But it doesn’t change the truth. You want to be mad about that, take it up with God. Because arguing amongst each other won’t do anyone any good. It just soaks up time, energy, and zaps all of us of love.

#4 Whether anyone likes what he said, he has a right to freedom of speech and to run his business in a way that works for him. If you are going to hold him to a certain standard then you better be ready to do it with 100’s of other businesses much worse than his personal beliefs. Funny how state representatives are trying to fight his business coming into their towns, yet they willingly allow abortion clinics to open, have human trafficking going on all around them, and are very aware of the children being sold for things I get sickened to think about.

#5 This woman wants us (believers) to act like what we believe in. OK, that is what the owner did. He is living out his faith whether it is popular or not…because he believes in the truth and is willing to fight for it. You want to be angry at him for that? Sure doesn’t make any sense to me. Believers lets show them we will fight for what we believe in, but our actions. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, and LOVE some more all over the place. Go ahead out for your fast food meal and while you are there spread around some LOVE! Don’t give her or anyone else for that matter another opportunity to say negative things about the TRUTH! Because you and I are to be living it out. We are the reason she has a video up in the first place…if it were not for our constant hypocrisy, there would be NO fight to fight. We would be winning the world over by HIS LOVE!

I could go on and on but enough has been said. Praying for hearts to turn back to God and be still, so that His love can win this battle right where it begins…inside each of us!

As you watch her rant, remember the truth and go SPREAD IT!!!!!

Any comment that is full of hate or disrespect will be deleted before anyone can read it. So, keep your negative comments to yourself. Speak truth and love or please remain silent. Thank you!

Wishing you all a LOVELY day!

When I Reach Out…

2012-07-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

I found this on Pinterest and love it!

Reaching for His hand today!

Be Still SONday–Jonah

2012-07-08T09:14:00.001-04:00

Thursday we loaded up the kids and headed north to see Jonah at the Sight and Sound Theatre. The show was very well done and like always the props are amazing! Watching the children’s reactions is probably my favorite part of every show we see there. They barely even blink or wiggle. That is a big deal for our two youngest who can’t sit still for anything. We all agree that the underwater scene was the best. You know when the whale swallows Jonah for disobeying God.

Over and over again the actors repeated, “you can run from your troubles and all that God has asked of you, but while you are running away from this, you are heading for something that might be much worse.”

We all know that is exactly what happened to Jonah. He didn’t want to go to Nineveh. He didn’t want to offer mercy to the people who were wicked and living a life following other gods. He didn’t want to go, end of story. So he did everything he could to make up excuses why he was not going and proceeded to run away from God, and his family.

You can run, but you can never hide from God. He knows our thoughts, and will never stop seeking after us.

Psalm 139:1-12

¹You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
²You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
³You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
⁴Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
⁵You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
⁶Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

⁷Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
⁸If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
⁹If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
¹⁰even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
¹¹If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
¹²even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

That is such a comfort to me. That I can walk away, even try to run away from God, but He will never forget me, leave me, nor forsake me. His love endures even my own prideful ways.

This thought has sort of haunted me since Thursday. It has become a constant voice in the back of mind.

To which I have asked myself, “where would I go that would be better than where God wants to take me?”

Then I read the following quote:

“A consultant is someone whose wisdom we highly value and listen to, but at the end of the day, we make the final decision. That’s why they’re called consultants. Here’s the problem: God doesn’t do consulting. Never has. Never will. He does God. When we treat him as a consultant he simply stops showing up for the meetings.” ~Larry Osborne

And so it is why many will say, “I haven’t heard from God in a while.” Or, “I feel so alone.” “God, doesn’t care about me.” “He doesn’t have time for me.” “God, is disappointed in me.” “God, can’t use me.” “God,….”

Now if we honestly review these statements who is running the show? US!

We don’t hear God’s voice because we are too busy listening to our own and others in our lives.

We feel alone because we are not living humbly before God and seeking Him with our full hearts.

We begin to listen to the lies that make us feel better about our own actions and reactions to the TRUTH, the LIFE, and the WAY!

We are so disobedient that we no longer even recognize the truth and how far we have gotten away from God’s love for us.

It is His love that is asking us to be more like Him. It is His love that is calling us to do things we are not comfortable doing. It is His love that is calling us to be still and wait on Him. It is His love that is calling us to stop striving to fix things and let Him work it out. It is His love that is asking us to follow Him and lay down our own plans. It is His love that is asking for our obedience the first time with a joyful heart. It is His love. Nothing less or more. There is nothing greater than His love.

So why do we run from it with such determination.

One word: fear.

We have lost faith in who He is and His promises to each of us. We have let our hearts be deceived into believing that we can do one ounce of this life without Him leading the way.

Fear is the lack of faith.

I don’t want to be another Jonah. I have refused enough of His plan so many times that it is embarrassing to even admit it. But God. My two favorite words. He is long-suffering and will NOT give up on me. He is still calling me to Him because He loves me. Always has. Always will.

How about you? Are you living like Jonah in any area of your life? Have you forgotten that no matter what He loves you? Have you forgiven yourself and allowed God’s love in? Have you opened your heart to the truth and let it build up your faith?

If not, I pray today will be the renewing of your spirit and life. Because there is no greater power than His love and what it will do in your life and heart. I will be praying for you. Please do the same for me as I seek to renew my faith as well in Him, alone!

2012 Reflections

2012-06-21T06:30:00.000-04:00

I found this one on Pinterest and will begin doing it this coming week.

Throughout the year, simply write down memories that make you smile and stick them in a jar. On New Year's Eve, open it up and reread all of the good stuff that made the year wonderful! Love this idea!

This will be an awesome way of reflecting on all that God has done in my life and for our family!

OK, who wants to join me on doing this?

Are You Broken?

2012-06-20T06:32:00.000-04:00

I am.

Who among you can’t raise your hand to that question?

Piece by piece He continues to put me back together. Just like the broken egg Humpty Dumpty – but in this story He is able to put me (and all of us) back together again.

As I drove home last night from spending the day with five of our children at Hershey Park, I listened to this song, and sang from deep within my heart and soul…

"You said I'd have no more than I can handle
But everyday seems to be getting harder to make good
Through You, You said that I could do anything, oh anything
But sometimes, I feel like I can't do it at all

I've been knocked down and dragged around
And now I don't know which way to go
All I need is one small sign to put me to where,
Where You want me
I'm confused so I'm calling on You

Cause I, I'm broken
And I'm ready for you to pick up the pieces
Won't You direct me, hold me, accept me, and mold me
Put the fragments of my life back together again
Cause I'm broken

Somewhat embarrassed to admit this
But I wonder if it's the other, or if it's You
Is it trying to tempt me, or is it You
Who strengthens me
I'm weak, so I'm confessing to You

Cause I, I'm broken
And I'm ready for you to pick up all the pieces
Won't You direct me, hold me, accept me, and mold me
Put the fragments of my life back together again
Cause I'm broken

My pride has been bruised
I suppose that's good
My will to You, I surrender
Oh, I surrender
Cause I, I'm broken

And I'm ready for you to pick up all these pieces
Direct me, hold me, accept me, and mold me
Put the fragments of this life back together again
Cause I'm broken"

Here is the beauty in being broken and acknowledging it, He gives grace to the humble. Admitting our weakness and knowing we can do NOTHING without Him provides us with everything we need…

Praying for all of us to come to Him as we are, broken and in need of Him daily. I am in desperate need of His grace in my life and the outpouring of His tender mercies. Oh how He loves us.

Wishing you all a beautiful and blessed day!

Be Still SONday–Father’s Day

2012-06-17T00:55:00.001-04:00

I know it has been very quiet here for a while.

I have taken time to just live, laugh, and love.

I am taking time to put into action all that I have shared here.

I am taking time to be still and hear His voice as I allow Him to search my heart and life for all that will not glorify Him.

Summer officially began this past Friday for our family when my husband finished his last class this year towards his PhD. We have missed spending lots of time with him and are so excited to soak up every minute with him until school begins again in the Fall. Although he will be busy working – he is here with us each day and we can be wrapped in his love daily.

To say that is making each of us JOYFUL is an understatement!

We are THRILLED to have him home.

I am so blessed that this man is the father of our children. His love is such a treasured gift.

Our children are being given a legacy by his choices and the way he lives out all that he has learned the last five years.

They are also being shown how our love is the foundation for everything in our home. He makes sure they see us lovin’ on one another…

photos above by Jamie D. Photography

I make sure to capture him lovin’ on them too! Because it is such a gift and blessing to see their smiles when they look at a photo of them with their daddy.

He is patient, full of integrity, kind, generous, funny, silly, understanding, joyful, forgiving, merciful, and incredibly loving with each of us. The children know deep in their heart and souls that they are loved by their daddy. They don’t question his love for them. It is a fact!

He teaches them how to swim each summer – talk about patience!

He is their greatest cheerleader and encourager!

He is so proud of them when they have faced a fear and conquered it!

He is so proud of them when they reach a goal!

He teaches them to be kind, respectful, and to treat others as they wish to be treated.

He is the leader of our home and takes great pride in his job to lead us in truth and love!

Today, we are missing his dad and will spend time cherishing many memories of how Pop-pop’s love will live with us forever! Especially through the gift of his son (my husband and their daddy)!

I could never thank God enough for the blessing of my husband and all that he does for us without ever asking for anything in return. He lives to give us more and we are grateful for all the ways he does it! Happy Father’s Day My Beloved! May this day live in your memory for a lifetime! You are loved, cherished, and treasured by each of us!

I pray you are taking time to love on the men in your life who have helped shape your heart and life! May we each be still and praise our heavenly Father for His perfect and pure love for each of us!

Be Still SONday–Sobering

2012-06-03T05:00:00.000-04:00

I’m going to share two stories – one that I pray will cause you to stop doing anything but driving when you are behind the wheel {hands FREE or let it be!}, and the other will encourage you to NEVER give up hope!

On Wednesday May 30, 9:10pm a body was shattered.

The body was that of my dear wife. She was just finishing up an evening jog with a friend when she was struck by a vehicle. It hit her and then ran over her, pinning her body beneath one of the tires.

Her friend was screaming at the driver but he was unaware there was anybody beneath the car.

Police and Emergency Medical personnel lifted the car from off her.

I was not yet aware of any of this as I was at home. Our 1 year old baby asleep in his crib.
Backtracking events leads us to the road snaking through our neighbourhood (she was only a few blocks from home), and a yield sign that was mostly ignored.

A car and an SUV had a contest of who could be more impatient, or who could text best while driving. Exactly what was going on in the two drivers’ minds I doubt we’ll ever know. But lack of concern, lack of precaution led to the accident. That we do know.

When I arrived on the scene there were dozens of people who had poured from their houses to see what was the matter. Emergency vehicles were on scene and my wife was in an ambulance.

She was alive. I asked her if she knew me and where she was. She looked into my eyes and blinked twice. Her whole body was shaking from the shock.

That’s when I noticed her wrist was snapped in half.

Her face was bloody and beginning to swell.

A couple of hours ago, after a long night of tears and waiting, we found out the rest. And there will be more to come.

Deep cuts, contusions and road rash all over her body and across her stomach.
All her ribs are broken.

There are tubes draining the blood that is gathering between her ribcage and her lungs.
Her liver and pancreas are lacerated.

Along with her wrist are broken fingers. This is her left arm. She is left handed.
She has fractured vertebrae. The worst is the T11. It’s obliterated. They will fuse the vertebrae around it with metal plates. There will metal plates holding her wrist together.

She will live.

She has many surgeries ahead and a long road to recovery. It’s uncertain yet if there will be any loss of limb function or if there will be any long term effects from concussion.

She will not be snuggling with our baby for a very long time. She won’t be doing any of the things she loves.

She loves to teach. She has a grade 3/4 split class. She was so excited to get back to them after her maternity leave and now she won’t be back for a very long time.
She loves to run. She was going to run a half marathon in two weeks.

She loves yoga.
She loves dancing.
She loves playing with the baby.

Right now she has tubes all over her, keeping her still, sedated, and alive.

Because someone couldn’t wait three seconds at a yield sign.

Because someone wasn’t paying attention as they drove a 1500 pound weapon.
I’m writing this to let everyone who is going to ask know what happened.

But I am also writing it to ask everyone who reads this to realize that as you scan these words someone is performing surgery on my beautiful darling.

Please slow down.
Please don’t text.
Please be patient.

And please remember that every time you sit in that car you take responsibility for lives you will never know except in passing. Literally.

Pass by. Pass by. Be aware and pass by.

And please, pray for my wife and especially for our little one who already misses his mommy.

We are blessed.

She is alive.
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Please share this. Please let this horrific night make difference and save lives. Please slow down and drive safe.
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http://www.canada.com/news/Pedestrian+hospital+after+north+Edmonton+crash/6704726/story.html
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**UPDATE**
There are those generous people who wanted to donate.
I was against it but when I look at my youngest son I have to swallow my pride.
This is not a request for money. This is only for the people who have already been offering.
We will humbly accept any donations, but please, if you have any needs of your own, or you would rather donate to another cause then do so. The Creator will find a way for us.
here is the link: http://www.aaronpaquette.net/?page_id=924

There you will find a donation button, a gift from me (humble as it is. A reproduction of my painting called "Returning Home" If you have prayed or sent well wishes, please accept this small token of thanks), and photos of Clarice and Liam.

A powerful quote that I read on fb last night…"The struggle is proof that you have not been defeated. God has called and anointed you to achieve your dreams and goals.” Eric S.

I Stand for LIFE!

2012-05-18T09:51:00.001-04:00

This post is important and I pray you will share it with your loved ones and friends. Pin it, Facebook it, tweet it, and help spread the word that I stand for LIFE!

I remember the first time I made that choice. I was maybe fifteen years old and just finished listening to a woman tell me a story about how I could protect myself from getting pregnant. Mind you I wasn’t doing anything that would cause me to have to concern myself with this worry or joy. But she was telling me that I could change that fact by merely coming back to her and this place if that did happen. I remember walking out the doors of this place and feeling sick to my stomach.

That feeling didn’t last long but the words she spoke have stayed with me forever.

“If that did happen, you can come back to me and this place and we will help you take care of it.”

I knew what she meant without her saying another word.

As I got older I was saddened to learn how often people took her up on those words. Now the statistics are staggering.

How many abortions are performed in the United States each year?

According to the Guttmacher Institute, there were 1.21 million abortions performed in the United States in 2008, the most recent year for which data is available. This amounts to 3,322 abortions per day.

Source: Jones, Rachel K. and Kathryn Kooistra. "Abortion Incidence and Access to Services in the United States, 2008." Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 43, no. 1 (2011, March): 41-50 [PDF]

How many abortions are performed at each stage of pregnancy?

The following table lists both the percentage of abortions performed during various stages of pregnancy, along with the total yearly abortions at each stage, based on a total of 1.2 million abortions per year.

Gestational Age Percentage Yearly Total

Less than 9 weeks 61.8% 749,232

9-10 weeks 17.1% 207,312

11-12 weeks 9.1% 110,324

13-15 weeks 6.6% 80,015

16-20 weeks 3.8% 46,069

21+ weeks 1.5% 18,185

Source: Guttmacher Institute, 2011, August. Facts on Induced Abortion in the United States.

Photo credit

You can read all the statistics and facts here.

The other day all those memories came flooding back to me when I saw the following photo posted on a friends fb wall.

As a child I didn’t believe in taking a life was right or even my choice. I didn’t know God as a child, teen, young adult or even in my mid 20’s and early 30’s. I just didn’t believe it was right.

I am very thankful my parents didn’t follow through with their words and beliefs, “You were a mistake. We didn’t plan on having you.” I could have easily been another statistic. My life even though it were not planned or expected or for years treated with value or worth – has extreme value and worth to God. Now it has immeasurable value to those who call me mom and to my husband (family and friends).

You see, I look into the eyes of our seven adopted children and I thank God, that their birth mothers chose to do the hard thing and carry them even without the desire to keep them. Because their lives have worth too. Great value and a purpose and a plan far greater than I will know in my lifetime.

So does every single unborn baby being carried in the womb of a woman right now, this very second. Every life has extreme value and worth. It takes courage to resist what the world says is OK, and do what is right. What is right? Protecting the lives of those who can’t defend themselves. There is always someone willing and waiting and praying to have a child of their own. We just need to help them find each other and stop the pain of a child being born and having no one to care for them. We need to stop being OK with humans killing their own and making excuses for why it is not murder. When you take a life that has been purposely given to you and you take into your hands to stop it from living that is murder.

The most amazing thing and fact is this, if you have already made that choice forgiveness is waiting for you. God, is bigger than your previous choices and His love covers a multitude of sins. There is no sin that He can’t forgive, if you are truly sorry for the choices you have made. I pray that you will go to Him today and seek the forgiveness He desires to give to you. Allow Him to soothe the places deep inside that carry the pain of your choice to take the life of a child you will never get to kiss, hug, love, and watch become who God created them to be from the very first beat of their heart.

Risen Truths!

2012-05-16T09:17:00.001-04:00

Something I love to think about is the power of His resurrection. Not just on Easter, but all throughout the year. It is our hope and power to live through this life with joy, laughter, and love.

Enjoy this beautiful video performed by friends of ours back home in PA.

Praising God for the gift of your passion to share the truth and worship Him!

Have a beautiful and blessed day friends! God, is right here to care for you and love you!

Make a Difference

2012-05-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

My sweet friend shared another wonderful devotional with me – too good not to share, enjoy and be blessed!

God gives everyone something special, so that they can make a difference.

“What’s this, Mom?” asked my six-year-old daughter.

It was late afternoon, and I was returning emails on my home computer.

I turned to see what my curious daughter had found. In the palm of her hand, she had discovered a little blue pin that I had strategically placed on my office desk. I looked at the pin, and my memory beckoned me back nearly 18 years.

I smiled in fond remembrance. “I kept this little pin all these years, honey,” I replied. And it brought to mind the day that it was given to me by Dr. Bernie Siegel.

I’d made an appointment to interview Dr. Siegel for a column; and after we spoke for quite a while, I recalled how Dr. Siegel disappeared into an adjoining room.

After a few minutes, he returned, gave me the blue pin and said, “This is for you.”

“So what does the pin say on it?” I asked my daughter. Quickly, she uttered, “It reads, ‘You make a difference.’”

“Yes, honey,” I said to her, “God has given each one of us special gifts with which to make a difference in the lives of others, and He is watching to see what we will do with those talents and abilities.”

“Can I be a veterinarian, take care of animals, and make a difference, Mom?” my daughter questioned, with wonder apparent in her voice. I nodded, yes.

She paused, and with a glowing smile, asked simply, “How else can I make a difference?”

“You make a difference by just smiling,” I answered, gently holding her hand and continuing, “What about all the notes you write and the beautiful cards you make for me?

How about when you hug me and say you love me. Those actions make a huge difference in my life.”

Her blue eyes watched me intently, as I explained, “Every time you do a kind deed for someone else, you are making a difference in their life, too.”

Likewise, your influence on other people’s lives is immeasurable. God has hand-selected you, for you’re a gift to others from God.

You are someone extraordinary, unique and valuable. So accept, love, and embrace yourself as the exquisite person that God created you to be, and go out each day and perform good and kind deeds.

Share and care generously. Mentor a young person or volunteer at your church or in your community. Pray for someone. Speak kindly. Give sincere compliments. Tell your friend and family you appreciate them. Send encouraging notes. Be there for people, listen to them talk, and offer an inspiring word to start them moving on a new path.

A friend of mine is always helping others. When I asked her why she’s always willing to make someone’s life a bit easier, she replied, “My reward is when the recipient passes along the kindness.” And by helping one another, we create a benevolent cycle and discover another truth: Our Father in heaven pours out more blessings on us, because as we cast our bread upon the water, it returns.

Have you aided in meeting someone else’s needs? Then, God will always meet your needs. “Give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38.

Did you help to cause a special dream to come to pass for another? God will make your dreams transpire, too. “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4.

Have you encouraged the discouraged? Well, if you fall down, God will send someone to lift you back up. “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7.

Remember the story about the boy who was walking along the side of the beach picking up starfish and throwing them back into the ocean. Then, a man came by and asked, “What are you doing?” and said, “There are thousands of star fish here, you can’t make a difference.”

The boy continued on, he picked up another starfish, gently tossed it into the water and replied, “I made a difference for that one.” By positively influencing even one other person, and setting a good example, you can make this a better world and benefit generations to come.

Some time ago, I heard about a gentleman named Josh Ferrin of Utah, who had just purchased his first home. After the closing, Josh walked through the front door and began looking around. Then, he went into the garage and noticed a small door in the ceiling. So he got a ladder and climbed up and there he saw a black metal box. Inside the box were bags of money and some memorabilia.

Immediately, Josh closed the box and called his wife to tell her what he had found in their new home. Since the original homeowner passed away in November, Josh called the homeowner’s son and returned the $45,000 dollars in cash that he had found.

Josh said to a reporter, “I never considered the money to be mine.” Yet, this was a lesson in goodness and honesty for Josh’s two sons that, I believe, will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

God has a future of new joys, blessings and victory ahead for you. So, every day “make a difference” in someone’s life and be prepared to reap great rewards!

Catherine Galasso-Vigorito
Nationally Syndicated columnist and author

Who is it about?

2012-05-09T07:08:00.001-04:00

I am NOT ashamed..

2012-05-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

of the truth and boldly sharing it.

I love this quote:

The word LISTEN contains the same letters as the word SILENT!

Take the time now or when you can be still to LISTEN to this powerful video full of truth:

Grab His hand. He is not ashamed of you.

He loves you so deeply. He loves you so purely. He loves you so perfectly. He loves you because He created you to know Him and love Him.

Will you put aside all that is holding you back from receiving His love today?

Pondering and Doing

2012-05-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

…the depth of these truths and putting into action what can only bring glory to His name!

Let me hear an AMEN!!!!

Lots of wisdom to ponder and put into action. Praying for each of you this morning and asking God to give you the courage to ask Him for what He desires for you today. Allow Him to speak, listen, and then be obedient to do all that He is asking of you this day. Lay aside anything in the way of you obeying Him and trusting in Him.

Stronger

2012-05-01T07:15:00.001-04:00

I remember feeling like everything I was enduring was slowly killing me. Literally. I felt the joy being soaked from my soul. The very essence of who I was being trampled on and torn from deep within.

But it didn’t. Nor could it.

Because, I need not worry or try to resist it, stifle it, or carry it alone…

And so I can safely say, “I may not have gone where I intended to, but I am sure I have ended up exactly where I needed to be.”

I allowed yesterday to own and rule today. I struggled leaving the pain of yesterday behind. I was unwilling to truly forgive, and to let go and let God. All that did was

Every day I walked – some days quietly, some days backwards, some days I refused to move, some days I skipped and tried to go way ahead, some days I could barely take a single step, while other days I couldn’t see where I was going; they were all steps towards the path that led me to this very moment.

Oh how He loves to give us rest. When we trust in Him and lay our burdens down at His feet, He is so faithful to carry us and do the impossible.

Now doesn’t this truth just give you such peace and hope?

I have thought about this truth so much lately and it is keeping me focused on this very moment – right here – right now:

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” As well as “today if you will hear My voice.”

I’m now able to look back on all that was just one week ago and literally be in awe of His faithfulness and love for me.

One thing I would like to remind you is this -

All of these truths have made me stronger. There is a reason we all quote this, “what doesn’t kill you, will make you stronger.”

I am able to face each day now without carrying the burden of what was. I can’t change last week or month, but I can change how I react today and the amount of sacrifice I am willing to make for those I love. I know it won’t be easy…but they are worth it.

Love never fails. It always wins.

This song has always reminded me to come back to love when all else fails…because as I already said so many times before – His love never fails and will always win!

Wishing you all a beautiful and blessed day!

Doors of Opportunity

2012-04-30T10:38:00.001-04:00

I’m blessed that friends near and far read my blog and join me on this amazing grace journey. A dear friend that distance never lessens our love and appreciation for one another shared this with me today. I trust it will bless each of you who take the time to be washed by these truths.

Doors of Opportunity usually Swing Open on the Hinges of Adversity.

Spring has come to the northeast, and with the weather mild and sunny, my husband and I decided to take our children to visit the zoo. We, along with scores of other people with smiles on their faces, went through the entrance gate and canvassed exhibit after exhibit, peering in awe at the amazing creatures.

Enjoying nature's splendor, we walked up a tree-lined short path, and stopped to marvel at the natural beauty of the towering 17-foot giraffes and their offspring basking in the zoo's open woodland. One little giraffe, was sitting on the ground next to the mother, but in an instant, the baby got up and was on her feet. Then, the calf seemed to wobble and fall down. Yet effortlessly, the calf stood back up again.

My oldest daughter's hair fluttered about her face in the breeze and her blue-green eyes were wide open with curiosity, as she said to me, "Mom, with their long legs, I am surprised how quickly the calves are able to stand up."

I took these photos two summers ago of the mom and daughter giraffe – Abigail was only about 4 weeks old when we saw her.

You can see the entire set by click on the next photo.

I agreed.And at that moment, I recalled a book that I had read years ago about calves that taught me a valuable life lesson. "Well, honey," I answered my daughter, as we stood still, arm in arm, "The calves have to get up quickly if they tumble, because if they're in the wild, they can fall prey to other animals."

Continuing, I told my daughter that when a mother giraffe gives birth, she does so standing, and the calf then drops to the ground from about six feet up, and typically head first. Quickly, I assured, "The fall does not hurt the calf. However, almost immediately after birth, the mother teaches the calf, by actually knocking the baby down, to stand up on its own legs.She knocks the calf down repeatedly, for the mother giraffe wants to strengthen her little one in an effort to try to keep the calf safe for the challenges ahead."

"Mom, the calf learns to 'get up' by being 'knocked down?'" My daughter asked.

"Precisely," I uttered. And as if reading my mind, I knew she sensed what I was saying.

When we arrived home, I went into the office to skim my shelf for the book, 'A View from the Zoo,' by Gary Richman. I found the copy and sat down on my wingback chair and began to read once more how the author described the birth of a baby giraffe:

"The mother giraffe lowers her head long enough to take a quick look. Then she positions herself directly over her calf. She waits for about a minute, and then she does the most unreasonable thing. She swings her long, pendulous leg outward and kicks her baby, so that it is sent sprawling head over heels.

"When it doesn't get up, the violent process is repeated over and over again. The struggle to rise is momentous. As the baby calf grows tired, the mother kicks it again to stimulate its efforts. Finally, the calf stands for the first time on its wobbly legs. Then the mother giraffe does something remarkable. She kicks it off its feet again. Why? She wants it to remember how it got up...

"I've thought about the birth of the giraffe many times. I can see its parallel in my own life. There have been many times when it seemed that I had just stood up after a trial, only to be knocked down by the next. It was God helping me to remember how it was that I got up, urging me always to walk with Him, in His shadow, under His care."

Perhaps, you have been knocked down time and again.

Maybe, you experienced an emotional 'kick.' Or have suffered through various trials.

But let's keep in mind that the events in our lives, even the most difficult, have meaning and value. All of our experiences, good or bad, haven't been wasted. It is those experiences, molded together, that allow you to help others, to understand their pain, and shape you into the person you are destined to be. And similar to the baby calves, our challenges, obstacles and 'kicks' are a call to strengthen us, not to defeat us.

God created you with a vast inner determination and resilience. You have special gifts and abilities. Therefore, despite how many setbacks you have had, press on, daring to reach forth for your heart's desires. Stop looking at where you've been and begin to focus on where you can be today and tomorrow! Expand your range of possibilities. Go further. Don't wait. And if you stumble along the way or if someone trips you, get back up and start to move forward again. God is with you, so rest in His care, timing and sovereign purpose. It is just a matter of time before you accomplish your dreams. So boldly look with hope and confidence to the future.Victories are forthcoming, with more joys, more blessings and more rewards, in store for you.

I still wonder sometimes why the knocks and kicks in my own life are so many. But then I receive a letter from a reader who says, "I feel like you are writing these words for me," "I want you to know how you have changed my life," and "Thank you for being there..."

And instantly, with startling clarity...I know.

Catherine Galasso-Vigorito
Nationally Syndicated columnist and author

Wishing you all a beautiful and blessed day!

Be Still SONday

2012-04-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

As I look at this photo the only thought I have is this:

"…but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." -Romans 5:8

Now sit back and let these words of praise lift up to heaven…

Have a beautifully blessed SONday!

Freedom to LOVE!

2012-04-27T10:22:00.001-04:00

Right Where I am..

He meets me.

He holds no grudge.

His arms are always open.

His love waiting to spill through my veins and give me life.

His grace to give me strength to do what I must.

To love as I did when I chose to answer Him yes.

My love has left us all dry. Empty. My well was left without a drop to spare.

He allowed me to get to the very bottom so that I would realize I had nothing to give if it is NOT Him alone that I am giving.

The land in which I have walked and brought our children to is barren.

I was trying to feed them the little scraps of love I could muster up. I was trying to heal their pain through the weakness of my own that I have carried from learning their stories. Stories of loss, hurt, lies, abandonment, rejection, and neglect.

Deep wounds need way more than a shallow fix.

They need what I can’t give. Nor do I have the keys to unlock the pain they are holding onto.

For so long I thought this journey was just about fixing them, healing them, and doing things to make them better.

This has been all about healing the deepest places of my soul to love without walls, and to give Him before I reach for my tools that are shattered and broken. Only after walking through the deepest valley I dared to go this past week, did I see what this journey has really been about - FREEDOM!

Love is the ultimate sacrifice and it is what set us all free from the bondage of our sins.

One choice and step at a time.

I don’t have to walk hoping His love will be enough, or worry that it won’t hold me up. I can trust that He has already gone before me and has already given me everything I need to trust in Him to fill me to overflowing with His love.

I don’t have to guess what would Jesus do? I know the answer. He would give up everything to love another – to set them free and give what nothing else in this world every could – the FREEDOM to love no matter what.

I have let go of yesterday. I no longer see the pain of yesterday. Instead I see the hope in this day and what awaits each of them tomorrow.

I have stopped holding onto what went wrong and instead choosing to see what went right.

I may never live the life I imagined and it may not turn out as I had planned. And that is OK.

I have the exact life God designed for me.

When their pain gets to be too much for me to handle, and floods through these walls. I need not worry or try to run away from it. I have the lover of my soul on my side and He is standing firmly on theirs as well.

I have the freedom to love.

I have been set free from the truth.

His love is more than enough. He sacrificed heaven and willingly gave it all – for each of us to have the FREEDOM TO LOVE.

No matter what you are facing today. No matter how hard your situation seems and hopeless – never forget there is always hope. It will all work out – it always does. This too shall pass. His grace is enough. He will never leave you, nor forsake you. With God, all things are possible. No problem is too big or too hard for God. He has already gone before you and knows the way…trust Him and hold His hand as He leads you every step of the way to freedom. Keep seeking truth and relish in it! Rejoice in every bit of freedom you are given along the way and only look back to see just how far you have come.

Today, take 15 minutes to write down all the things about your family and friends that you are grateful for – all the things they do that fill you up and remind you that love is more than a feeling – it is a choice to sacrifice.

I want to share a few posts with you that have been shared with me – all in His perfect timing to show me how I am NOT alone in walking out the pain of adoption.

My precious friend Sara has a way with words that always leave me walking away a better person:

Love, Unnaturally

Fierce Love

I don’t know Jen personally but I know her heart from what she has shared here and it is good for the soul.

Wishing you all a beautifully blessed weekend!

Just Like That…

2012-04-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

I changed my mind.

Which changed my heart.

Which changed my course in life.

Which changed my dreams.

Which changed my entire life.

Just like that.

Well, after changing my mind and having it change my heart and life – I began to see how all the little steps I chose along the way were helping me truly find my way.

As I look back over the last two years and see how many of my choices have effected exactly where I am today, I can’t help but think I simply must choose once again the change I so desperately am seeking to find.

Are you following along? Sheesh nothing like a circular conversation – right? I’ll try to get to the point. Stick with me here.

And so I did it again…

That’s exactly what happened last weekend. I woke up and let all the emotions pour through me and out of me. I decided that was it, no more feeling this way and I am determined to find my way back to where I once was, but not who I once was. Because I am not that same woman I was before I faced all the challenges I have. I can’t undo any of them, nor do I want to. Every single one of them has helped mold me into the woman I am today. I may not feel fully comfortable in the me today, but I’m not choosing the steps I take or make based on feelings. I’m making them based on my faith in Him.

God brought me to it and through it. I have NO right to keep complaining to myself or anyone else for that matter about where He lead me and has me today. It is all part of His perfect plan for me – to give me a future of hope. Not in myself and what I desire. But in Him and the plans He has prepared for me that will be good for me and bring upon His glory.

The more I resist His plans, His way, and His truth – the longer I truly force myself to suffer and allow others to be effected by my selfish desires. I think in my post the other day when I shared some very raw emotions I might have mislead some of you and for that I apologize.

I do NOT believe for a second that how I have behaved or reacted to the circumstances around me was done in the best way I could have. I am not condemning myself either. I feel convicted and rightfully so. I believe in being accountable for our actions. We are serving and loved by a holy, perfect, and faithful God. How can I possibly profess I love Him and yet reject all that He says is good for me? How can I possibly say I trust in Him, believe in Him, and desire to obey Him, and yet my actions for the last six months especially say nothing of the sort?

I allowed myself to speak lies to myself and others – by sharing the negative stuff and how hard it is to raise 9 children (for me) – I was denying the truth. The truth is, it is hard. Very hard to deal with so many challenges day in and day out, over and over again. But that doesn’t mean that I should ever allow their challenges to become a challenge for me. Nor should I allow their choices to steal my joy, peace, and hope. Nor should I ever allow it to stop me from being able to give and receive love, and discipline solely in love.

The truth is I have failed. I’m not a failure. But I have failed to trust in God and His promises. I failed to do it His way. So now I’m reaping what I sowed – the pain of my pride is right before me.

But just like that – I made a choice. A better choice. My actions will match my heart and beliefs. It won’t happen or get fixed over night. But I can certainly do something every single day to make my way there and stay on the right path. Not mine. But His.

I have a choice – to bloom where I am or to die inside and never fully receive the blessings He has already given me. Am I really willing to live another day feeling that way? The answer is 100% NO!

My feelings may not match up to my faith in God for a while and I may not like His plans either. But that doesn’t change His truth, His way, and His love for me.

Just like that…I am no longer blind and I can see. Once again the TRUTH HAS SET ME FREE! My Savior is calling me, His lost sheep to come back into the pasture with Him where it is green enough, good enough, and has all I need right there beside Him.

The beauty in all of this is that I only need to seek to know Him and love Him, and allow Him to do the rest.

Come taste and see just how God good is with me…I promise you will be full to the brim with peace, joy, hope, and love.

I’ll see you in the pasture.

How Sweet it is..

2012-04-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

“FORGIVENESS IS THE GREATEST GIFT WE GIVE OURSELVES!” My precious husband.

“Un-forgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for someone else to die. You may be right about what hurt you, but wrong about how you are handling it. Flow in the mercy we were given.” ~ T. D. Jakes

Have you forgiven those who have trespassed against you? Have you forgiven your loved ones and especially your children for the things they did yesterday or even an hour ago? Forgive freely as you have been so graciously forgiven.

Father, thank You for the power of Your words to heal us, mend us, and to lift us up out of the mess we create. Help us to lean into Your love and let it mold us and be the driving force in all we do. Thank You for never leaving us or forsaking us. Thank You for loving us even still. Thank You for wanting the best for us and helping us to see that is Your plan no matter how we feel or what we see before us. Grant us the peace in our hearts to truly forgive and love others as You do. You alone are good, holy, perfect, and pure. Help us to be more like You in all we say and do. Thank You for loving us so well. Thank You for hearing our prayers and knowing our heart desires to honor You…even when it takes us longer than the first time You ask. Help us to do it right away, all the way, every day. We love You Lord Jesus. It is in Your name we pray. AMEN!

I have believed…

2012-04-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

The lie(s).

I made a promise to myself this year and asked many to hold me accountable for, “NO MORE negative words about myself or the life I have so graciously been given”.

Sadly, I dropped the ball and didn’t remind anyone to hold me to it.

Which opened the door for me to shovel on layers and layers of shame, guilt, and pain.

I shared a very personal story a few summers ago about how the book Shame Lifter by Marilyn Hontz effected me deeply.

Yet, the past six months have proven there were still parts of my heart that were wounded and untouchable.

Even to God.

Not because He couldn’t reach them. I didn’t open them up to Him.

Again, this only allowed the lies to speak and the truth to be hushed.

I spoke failure into my life.

I watched day after day our children struggle to become who I hoped they would be from the life God has given to them. All I saw was my failure to love them enough.

I watched day after day our children look for me to play with them more, read to them more, give them more of myself, and I couldn’t. I was empty from giving and giving and giving through the pain of adoption after adoption for the last 6.5 years. All I saw was my failure to be a joyful and loving mom.

I watched day after day their needs mount as I tried desperately to meet the very basic for myself. All I saw was an overwhelming need I could not meet. Failure again.

The more failure I faced or believed I was facing, the more fear crept into my heart and mind.

I was afraid to fail them again. I was afraid to miss the mark one more day. I was afraid to hurt them anymore.

But in my fear of failing, I never realized I was doing exactly what I set out NOT to do.

Along the way, I began to see how much this was hurting me way more than them.

I stopped enjoying the little things about them and mothering. I began to hate the small things I used to love. I stopped enjoying being needed and putting on my nursing hat to care for the latest boo-boo. I literally stopped living. I was simply going through the motions. I was so thick in the forest, I couldn’t see the trees.

Until, the motion came to a screeching halt and I couldn’t take it another day.

Oh how perfect this beautiful quote and photo by my new blessing and friend Stacee.

God, has been waiting for me to finally break. He has been waiting for me to stop fighting the life He has given me. He has been waiting for me to say, “ENOUGH!” He has been waiting for me to simply see how desperately I really need Him. It is not enough to say that I do. But to mean it and know it to my very core.

I walked deep into the valley with Him the last two weeks. Right into the belly of my fears and failures. I looked them right in the eyes and saw everything for what it really is. A lie.

I’m not a failure.

Nor have I failed our children.

Nor am I responsible for changing them.

Nor can I fix or heal them.

Nor can I make them choose the right things and desire to do them.

Nor can I honestly be everything to each of them every single day.

I am one woman.

BUT GOD!

Where I end, He is ready to meet their needs and exceed what I would ask for on behalf of them. He never asked me to be all things to them or others in my life. He simply asked me to let Him be all things.

He simply asked me to trust that He would finish the good work He had begun the moment He brought us together as a family.

He simply asked me to obey Him and do the hard things, because they are right and will reap a harvest for others to taste and see His goodness.

He simply asked me to praise Him, even when it hurt.

And that is what I have done the last few years. I have praised Him through a storm I never thought I would live to see the end of.

But praising Him wasn’t enough. I praised Him for the easy stuff and resisted the hard stuff. I didn’t want another hard day. I didn’t want another week of disciplining the same child. I didn’t want to walk through trial after trial after trial. My praises were shallow. Because my walk with Him was only ankle deep.

I don’t want praise for being a mom of 9. I mess it up every single day. I look at other moms who have 11 – 18 children and think to myself, “how are they so happy and joyful?” Which fed the lie. I allowed all the joy in others to beat me down even more. Don’t mistake my words. I love our children. I am thankful for each one. They are all part of God’s plan for my life and He continues to use them to teach me things nothing else in life ever could. Yet, that doesn’t mean it has been easy or that I have loved this path every step of the way. This path has worn me out. It has been lonely. Very lonely. I have walked down this path it seems waiting for it to finally come to end. I have wanted something that isn’t coming. I have been hoping for something different, because this has never been in my plans. So again, this path, the one I prayed for along the way, has also fed the lie. Every time I believed the lie, I resented the path and became a little more desperate for one that would bring me joy. Joy will never come when we are wishing away what we already have been given.

But God.

He wants me to have joy right here. Yes, right where I am. I just need to stop believing the lies so that I can be set free by the very truth that saved my soul.

Here are the very truths I will be telling myself every single day until the lies can no longer be heard. Care to join me?

I will remind myself of this truth as well:

The fast way to losing joy is in comparison. I’m done with that too. I don’t know the full story behind the doors of those with more children than me, and I only hear what they want the world to know. But what I know for sure is this. My joy can remain full if my heart is content in Him. It will never be full if I am looking for it in anyone or anything else. So here’s to a heart overflowing with joy and it spilling onto everyone that I truly love. Because love truly does cover a multitude of sins and our children deserve to grow up knowing they are worth the truth that saved them too!

Praying for all of you who have believed the lie and are needing to be set free by the truth today!

I am ready to walk and swim in the deep end with God. Where He will keep me close to Him and watch over me. I can trust Him, as I obey Him. I can love Him, as I choose Him and believe Him at His word.

Be Still SONday

2012-04-22T05:00:00.000-04:00

I have been silent for a while here.

I am going through the Refiner’s fire.

I will be sharing my heart as the words come.

I know I have said that many times in the last year, but now it is time to speak.

This has been one of the deepest valleys I have yet found myself walking in. A valley so low I didn’t eve realize I lead myself there. A valley so dry, my body no longer felt thirsty when I was weak. A valley so dark, the light hurt my eyes to look up into it. A valley that left me feeling so lost, I struggled too long to find my way up and out.

But God. Who loves me, never let me go. He just watched me and was waiting for me to see that I let go and didn’t even realize it.

Last night He used a fortune cookie to speak softly to my heart just when I needed it most.

“Your happiness is intertwined with your outlook on life.”

Oh goodness! I couldn’t even believe it said that. Especially after the week I had and the conversations I have been having with my husband for the last six months.

What is it that you are in need of today?

Whatever you need – He will supply it! All you have to do is ask.

So today, spend time being still and ask for what you need. Trust in God, to give it to you in His perfect timing and way. There is nothing to be afraid of. Nothing is impossible for Him or with Him. I only say it – because I know it to be 100% truth. I stopped trusting in that because I wanted to see it and not simply walk by faith. I got tired of waiting and let doubt creep in, and take up way too much space in my heart and mind. Right when I needed Him most, He scooped me up and dusted off all that was clouding my view. Because I too needed reminding that I simply needed to keep asking Him to be all that I needed. Not just ask for what I needed but for Him to be all that I need.

My heart is full of thankfulness. I am grateful that He remains the same – yesterday, today, and forever’n ever’n always. I am so thankful He never leaves me nor forsakes me, even when I have forsaken Him.

Friends, be still today and know that He is God. The very God who formed you in your mother’s womb and knows your heart…to the deepest part of you. He loves you perfectly and purely. This I know.

It’s Called Faith

2012-04-16T10:29:00.001-04:00

Every time I read this story, I sit and smile. Oh how I would have loved to been in that lecture hall for this…

Professor : You are a Christian, aren’t you, son ?

Student : Yes, sir.

Professor: So, you believe in GOD ?

Student : Absolutely, sir.

Professor : Is GOD good ?

Student : Sure.

Professor: Is GOD all powerful ?

Student : Yes.

Professor: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to GOD to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But GOD didn’t. How is this GOD good then? Hmm?

(Student was silent.)

Professor: You can’t answer, can you ? Let’s start again, young fella. Is GOD good?

Student : Yes.

Professor: Is satan good ?

Student : No.

Professor: Where does satan come from ?

Student : From … GOD …

Professor: That’s right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?

Student : Yes.

Professor: Evil is everywhere, isn’t it ? And GOD did make everything. Correct?

Student : Yes.

Professor: So who created evil ?

(Student did not answer.)

Professor: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don’t they?

Student : Yes, sir.

Professor: So, who created them ?

(Student had no answer.)

Professor: Science says you have 5 Senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son, have you ever seen GOD?

Student : No, sir.

Professor: Tell us if you have ever heard your GOD?

Student : No , sir.

Professor: Have you ever felt your GOD, tasted your GOD, smelt your GOD? Have you ever had any sensory perception of GOD for that matter?

Student : No, sir. I’m afraid I haven’t.

Professor: Yet you still believe in Him?

Student : Yes.

Professor : According to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says your GOD doesn’t exist. What do you say to that, son?

Student : Nothing. I only have my faith.

Professor: Yes, faith. And that is the problem Science has.

Student : Professor, is there such a thing as heat?

Professor: Yes.

Student : And is there such a thing as cold?

Professor: Yes.

Student : No, sir. There isn’t.

(The lecture theater became very quiet with this turn of events.)

Student : Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don’t have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no heat, but we can’t go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.

(There was pin-drop silence in the lecture theater.)

Student : What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?

Professor: Yes. What is night if there isn’t darkness?

Student : You’re wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light. But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and its called darkness, isn’t it? In reality, darkness isn’t. If it is, well you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn’t you?

Professor: So what is the point you are making, young man ?

Student : Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.

Professor: Flawed ? Can you explain how?

Student : Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good GOD and a bad GOD. You are viewing the concept of GOD as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, Science can’t even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing.
Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?

Professor: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.

Student : Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?

(The Professor shook his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument was going.)

Student : Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor. Are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?

(The class was in uproar.)

Student : Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor’s brain?

(The class broke out into laughter. )

Student : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor’s brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established Rules of Empirical, Stable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?

(The room was silent. The Professor stared at the student, his face unfathomable.)

Professor: I guess you’ll have to take them on faith, son.

Student : That is it sir … Exactly ! The link between man & GOD is FAITH. That is all that keeps things alive and moving.

P.S. I believe you have enjoyed the conversation. And if so, you’ll probably want your friends/ colleagues to enjoy the same, won’t you?

By the way, that student was EINSTEIN.

Be Still SONday - Time and Space

2012-04-15T05:50:00.000-04:00

Time and Space.

Are two very important components in life when dealing with any major decision.

Time to be still.

Time to wait.

Time to listen.

Time to pray.

Time to be washed in the truth.

Time to be restored and renewed.

Time to hope.

Time to cry.

Time to ask God, how, when, and why?

Time to let God, do all that you have asked.

Time to see that His way really is always best.

Time.

It is good.

Space to separate your emotions from the reality of the situation.

Space to let emotions get under control.

Space to see things for what they really are.

Space to see everything in a new way.

Space to just be.

Space to think.

Space to scream.

Space to dance around.

Space to read.

Space to pray.

Space to run and run and run.

Space to look back and see just how far God has brought you.

Space.

It is good.

That is what I have been taking the last month. Time away from sharing my thoughts here, because I needed the space to see them for what they really are…God working things for my good and His glory.

I can clearly see the direction my life is going at this very moment. What tomorrow brings I have no idea. But I know that today, my life has a purpose and I need to be sure I’m doing everything I can to fulfill it.

In order to fulfill it my only focus must be the following…

As all of you know I began my photography business over two years ago. However, one year ago we moved. Which put a huge damper on the momentum I was building and the vision I had for where the business was headed. My plans didn’t exactly work out. Then in January, of this year, I started over in our new state. I was beyond excited. Couldn’t wait to begin. Worked for months on the marketing and put everything into place to create the same vision I had before moving. Again, my plans didn’t exactly work out. Are you seeing a theme here?

So, I fought internally for weeks. I struggled to see the obvious and not so obvious going on. I tried to understand what was going on. But all I wanted was for things to work out as I hoped, dreamed, and desired. I was so frustrated. I was getting so hurt inside. I felt like I failed. I let the lies begin to build inside and began to doubt that I could really make a go of this again in a new area.

But God! He was trying to get my attention. I just needed to give Him the time and space He needed to show me that when I was ready to give up my way, His way was going to blow me away.

What gives me the greatest peace is that even when I am the one distancing myself from God, walking my own way (thinking I’m walking His)…

His love is always right there. He is so good to us. He is beyond caring, gentle, merciful, and so full of love.

And so, I begin a new journey with my business. One I have missed putting time and energy into. The I AM BEAUTIFUL PROJECT is now my focus and it is going to be everything I dreamed it could be, but so much more…because God is completely leading the way. He has shown me what it truly means to touch the lives of women (young and old), His daughters, and the sacredness of capturing their beauty – which is always more than skin deep. In the coming weeks I will begin sharing more details about it and how you can get involved. For now, I covet your prayers and ask that you remind me that time and space are always good.

Blessed to share this amazing grace journey with all of you!