STRENGTH

Thorns among the Roses...

2012-02-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

You ever wanted your life to be a bed of roses?

2 Corinthians 12

EVER HAD A THORN?

A SITUATION- A PAIN- A PROBLEM- A TEMPTATION-
A NEED- A SICKNESS- A PERSON- A BURDEN

Life is not about walking among the ROSES............... but learning to appreciate their beauty, while dodging their thorns.

Carefully handled Closely guarded Gently held

because of the THORNS.

If God didn't allow pain in your life, would you be dependent on him? Would pride take over? Would our own value be so elevated that we wouldn't need anyone else...because we got it all.......on our own. We wouldn't need comfort. We wouldn't need direction. We wouldn't long for something better, easier, less hurtful.

Where would I be if I had such a sense of ENTITLEMENT- ELITISM? Would I need a Jesus? Would I need a S A V I O R ?

2 Corn. 12 7-10

⁷ Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! ⁸ Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. ⁹And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. ¹⁰ Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Do I know that the thorn is there because God is teaching me to be dependent on HIM ALONE...his Grace. His Power. I can BEG for the thorn to be removed...............but the THORN keeps me closer to HIM.

If we could see the end all, the "big picture", the PLAN.............. would I really want that thorn removed? If the END IS HEAVEN OR HELL, I think anything that keeps me leaning on Jesus.... is more of a blessing than a hindrance.

And perhaps, I should praise him for the thorns......

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

2012-01-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

  “Be still, and know that I am God!
      I will be honored by every nation.
      I will be honored throughout the world.”

Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

What do you KNOW?

This phrase was given to me more as a challenge than as a question.

"Without a shadow of a doubt...... without hesitation..... without having to even think about it................what do you know."

"Not, what do you think, or what do you feel...... but what do you KNOW."

Here is what I DO KNOW......... My reality is relative to me and me alone. What someone else perceives as reality for me, is merely a projection of their own reality.....thus... my own perceptions are in fact - only my reality.

Confused?
in other words...........
Real knowing comes through the one who created us, loves us, saves us, KNOWS us...

The only thing I KNOW is Jesus.

I know He is the way to KNOWING.....

There are times I may feel like I know something.............but in reality, I really do not know.... anything.

Go to the one who KNOWS it all. Jesus.

"O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive
my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
You are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue You know it
completely, O Lord.
You hem me in- behind and before;
You have laid Your hand before me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

For You created my inmost being;
You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and
wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from You when I
was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths
of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in
Your book before one of them came to be."

Psalm 139: 1-6, 13-16

STRENGTH

2011-12-31T04:32:00.001-08:00

Phil. 4:13 " I can do everything through him that gives me STRENGTH"
As 2011 comes to an end, I began thinking about a New Year's resolution.
I didn't want the norm... Lose weight, save money, exercise more.....
I wanted a challenge to myself that had meaning behind it. One that would help me grow as a person, and inevitably benefit those around me.
I'm a cheesy kind of girl. Not a romantic, perhaps more a softy would be a better word. I love to create memories. The older I become, the more good memories mean to me. So a friend suggested that I pick a word. One word that would be the driving force, the reminder of good things, good times, good memories.
As I began thinking about my word, this scripture continued to come to me... Phil. 4:13. And one word stood out...
STRENGTH.
When I think of strength, I think of sturdy, strong, support, and all these are things I need in my life, but they are also things I need to be to others.
So, my challenge to myself for 2012 is this..... Strength.
Whatever that means to me at any given time, It always reminds me of the one who gives it.... Christ.
Maybe He is leading me on this journey for a reason. I'm not one to believe in chance.
In the course of this new year, I'm looking forward to understanding and reflecting on the reason this word, and this verse stood out. Life is a journey. Life can be hard. We all need strength...but mostly for me it's a constant reminder of the source.
I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me.
Let the new year begin....

it's never too late to get it back....

2011-12-13T17:09:00.001-08:00

Watch "Taylor Swift- Innocent (Live)" on YouTube

If Mary and Joseph Used Facebook.mp4

2011-12-08T06:07:00.000-08:00

Putting life in perspective....

2011-12-07T14:18:00.001-08:00

http://annefightsback.blogspot.com/2011/12/he-is-in-control.html

Read about my young friend, who's faith will inspire you...

She is 28 and battling breast cancer. I love her blog title...

"Annefightsback"

When you do Change...

2011-12-07T11:59:00.001-08:00

A friend loveth at all times.... Proverbs 17:17
I've changed a lot in the past few years.... not because I wanted to, but because I had to....
I've learned from the mistakes of others, but mainly from my own mistakes....
I can't change the past, but I can totally change the future, my future.
Let me share this revelation.... it's simple, easy to remember and true.
YOU CAN NOT CHANGE SOMEONE ELSE, BUT YOU CAN CHANGE YOURSELF.
I have shared my mantra over and over, "everyone has issues." People are going to hurt, be deceived, be let down, kicked around, saddened, lonely, burdened, frustrated..... because.... Everyone has issues. And since the fall of man, we will continue to have issues while we are on this earth. [Gen. 2 & 3]
I get so blown away when someone tells me that I did something that I unknowingly or unintentionally did that hurt someone's feeling. I want to raise my hands and say..
Really....(because I am in total shock)
What are you talking about?
Do you think I did that intentionally?
What, you think you have been a totally perfect friend.... ?
I want to "defend" myself.
but......instead I say......I'm sorry.
Getting along with others is easy...... love them more than you love yourself.
I'm not perfect, unappreciative, or even mean, just for the sake of drama. I don't need anymore drama... I've had enough for a lifetime.
I want earthly relationships, but I'm not going to be lashed out at, pushed around, bullied, bulldozed, and berated... because I did something that I absolutely did "unintentionally" and hurt their feelings. I have NO desire to ever cause hurt.
Either love me for who I AM, or don't. I am better off without trying to be a people pleaser. I am better off letting those hurt and devastated by my unintentional selfish cruel acts -off the hook. Hey, here's your get out of the friendship free card.... You no longer are required to accept me for who I am... You've done your time befriending the pitiful, weak, woman that I was. Poor, thing.
I want a FRIEND to be a friend because of who I can become, not because of the devestating trials my life has had to endue. I don't want anyone's pity.
I want GRACE. I want someone to see me and realize, everybody has issues... and what people do or don't do, just forgive, extend the hand of mercy. LOVE.
Thank God, so many haven't had to experience even ONE of my life's trials on this 46 year journey.
You want to know real drop to your knees hurt, brokenness, defeat... just ask me to share....
Don't be numb to the pain of others... don't be petty.... love one another, forgive one another, look inside your own heart....Have you ever neglected by default, unintentionally said something that hurt another's feelings, or unknowingly upset someone else???

WWJD?

Sweet and Spicy Pecans

2011-12-01T05:11:00.001-08:00

Hunter's favorite Christmas snack!

5 cups pecan halves
1 cup sugar
1 tea. cinn
1 tea salt
1/2 tea nutmeg or pumpkin spice
1/2 tea cayenne pepper
1 egg white

Beat together one egg white and 1 tea. water until floffy. Stir in pecan halves and coat well.
In another bowl mix all other dry ingredients. Pour dry mixture over pecans and toss.

Spread on large lightly greased cookie sheet and bake at 325 for 20 mins.

Cool on wax or parchment paper and enjoy! YUM

Creatures of habit

2011-11-28T02:13:00.001-08:00

Whether it's food, sleep, extra activities... I'm a creature of habit.And not all my habits are productive.
I tend to overthink, over compensate, overreact, over indulge, over expose, over analyze, over infringe, over and over again.
Nighttime is my "write" time. Or should I say, the wee morning hours. I awaken somewhere between 2:30am and 3:00am and the routine begins.
Check the weather, check my email, check my facebook, read my bible, pray, read a commentary, read fellow bloggers posts.... Drink coffee.... Lots and lots of coffee...
Sometimes habits are not healthy, but this nightly ritual has proven to be very beneficial... I have found strength, inspiration, peace, joy...in the early morning hours.
I tell my friends and family, it's my God time.
What was the day before, and what is to come are reflected upon. An ending and a beginning. I like new beginnings. Fresh starts... Do overs... Second chances..

My life has been full of them.
In these hours I come to the core of what is important.... And it always come back to one central theme, thought, emotion.... Love.
Love is the foundation of who I long to be, what I long to reflect, who Christ is... Love.
It's what I believe in more than anything else... Love exist.
So, as bad, unproductive, unimportant, some of my habits are....this God time is one habit I don't want to break.

Warped humor

2011-11-13T19:44:00.001-08:00

Proverbs 27:9 The Message (MSG) Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.

I love to laugh....

I surround myself with friends who keep me in stitches.

Laughter is the best medicine for me. I just spent another day hanging out with one of my favorite friends.

She makes life fun. And the stress of the routine, the pain of life's dissappointments, the bordem of day to day, is washed away in the tears of a knee slapping moment.

How blessed I am to have such great friends.
They don't take life too seriously, and they don't let me either...

All is well in the world over a pumpkin spice latte and a good chuckle.

One thing I can say about my friends is this.....

They have a positive outlook on life. No sorrow to deep that a smile, a wink, a laugh can't make better.

And...... That makes them the very, very, very best friends this girl could ever ask for.

Proverbs 17:17 The Message (MSG) Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.

Tales from the Dark Side

2011-11-11T08:19:00.001-08:00

I am dealing with an emotion I have been having lately.....

Anger has always been something I don't claimed rights too; fearing it would reveal it's ugliest parts within me and devour my very soul.

Anger makes me lash out, makes me cruel, makes me UGLY.

I am usually a very "in control" person and anger takes CONTROL of me. I don't like not being in control of my own emotions and reactions....

I give away my power............ and in the RAGE.... I become weak.

ANGER runs the gamut of emotions, but the outcome of it's venom is spewed upon others who happen to fall prey, or slip past unknowing, ..................the innocent get the worst of it.

It is like a side of me that I never knew existed emerges from some deep crevasse.....

Where did this ANGER come from?

FROM AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION:

Anger is an emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong.
Anger can be a good thing. It can give you a way to express negative feelings, for example, or motivate you to find solutions to problems.
But excessive anger can cause problems. Increased blood pressure and other physical changes associated with anger make it difficult to think straight and harm your physical and mental health.

I know, even God was an ANGRY God at times.... but I ain't no GOD! Guess, I need to do some relaxation, anger management type techniques and forgive myself for being less than perfect.

Here are some tips for dealing with ANGER I found:

deep breathing
visualizing
change of scenery
humor
become a better communicator
work on problem solving techniques

For now, I'm going to breathe and relax and laugh and communicate with my family better this weekend.

Gotta start somewhere!

Posted from Grace is for Sinners

2011-11-10T17:19:00.001-08:00

http://www.graceisforsinners.com/life/drunk-dial/

Now What?

2011-11-10T05:11:00.001-08:00

Ever had a season in your life where you question everything you thought was real and true? That is where I am. Seems like I have been in the "twilight zone" for so long.....
Now what?
I'm searching the Word for the answers...
Now what?
I feel such displacement.....
Now what?
I know enough about my Lord to know this...
He has the answers I don't have
Now what???
I'm believing that He will lead me.

But in the waiting.... the longing to hear Him.....I'm wondering....

Maybe my question should not be,

Now what???

But,.... What Lord???

If you're in this season, know you're not alone.
God is with you....

Ecclesiastes 3

A Time for Everything

¹ For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.

Discernment

2011-11-04T08:37:00.000-07:00

I usually don't ask for prayer, but I need my fellow believers to pray for spiritual discernment in my life.

Thank you for praying!

Robyn

Ephesians 6:18 "In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open.

Keep each other's spirits up so that

no one falls behind or drops out."

Mental Breakdown

2011-10-08T14:01:00.001-07:00

It happens to the best of us. I've been there. On the verge of a total loss of your sanity. There are no words, no way to describe it.
I have awaken feeling like I'm having a heart attack. Shaking uncontrollably. Begging for the pain to just STOP. I have dug my fingers into my own flesh to feel something other than the overwhelming feeling of pain.
Depression, panic attacks, anxiety are all very real feelings, experiences that plague a greater number of people than we can even imagine.
I would beg God for relief. Take me home. Release me.....
I have heard many people, even those within the church say horrific things about people having a mental breakdown. Lord help them that they never experience a time in their life when life here on this earth just becomes to much to bear.
Jesus knew that our journey here on earth would be filled with such pain and that is why grace, mercy and love is poured out on man from our Heavenly Father.
No matter what your circumstances, no matter the turmoil within, know this.... You are not alone.
Going through an unbelievable pain in my life, thinking I could handle anything if I would just pray harder, believe and have stronger faith, is impossible. I don't have that strength. With medication and the support of those who knew what I was going through, I came out on the other side.... But, I had support. I had tremendous support. And I had Christ. It took weeks for the shaking to stop. It months for the anxiety to subside. It took time. It took prayer.
Those who know me casually would be shocked, because as one lady told me, "you got it all together.." Little did she know.
I'm writing today for two reasons. I want to share my story so others will not feel alone, because love, many walk this journey with you. And second, I want others to know.... There IS another side... Even when you can't see it or even believe you will ever reach it.
Hang on... Have hope, let those who love you help you, and let Christ carry you....i know you are so tired...know he has the strength...
An old lady once told me years ago.... "Honey, everyone has issues..."
You are not alone.
Jeremiah 29:11 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
For I know the plans that I have for have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

Trash in, trash out

2011-09-19T15:30:00.001-07:00

My mother always said to us growing up, "trash in, trash out." I never paid much attention to those words as a child, but I never forgot then either.

Somewhere around my early twenties the things my mother said when I was growing up would creep back into my mind.

"Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

Training a child in the world today may seem harder, but what about the children of Israel. The Bible is full of rebellion... Followers turning away from God. Do our children today have more pressures on them because of the media, the cultural norms, the internet?

David himself was rebellious. Jonah ran from his task....even Moses questioned God's request.

Sin has been present ever since Adam and Eve. And sin will remain present even today.

But... Even though these great men of God failed, they also became great. Just as we can become great in our time. The call is still being preached.... Go out and tell the good news...

"He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." Mark 16:15

It is my charge to tell the good news of Jesus. Share with others his saving grace and mercy... And teach his Holy Word.....

But, I need to begin at home.

5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 16:5-7

Can I TESTIFY?

2011-09-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 13

"¹ Suppose I speak in the languages of human beings and of angels. If I don't have love, I am only a loud gong or a noisy cymbal. ² Suppose I have the gift of prophecy. Suppose I can understand all the secret things of God and know everything about him. And suppose I have enough faith to move mountains. If I don't have love, I am nothing at all. ³ Suppose I give everything I have to poor people. And suppose I give my body to be burned. If I don't have love, I get nothing at all. "

When I first fell in love, it was not real. Don't get me wrong.! I loved my husband, but I had no concept of what love really was. I had an idea of love.... well, I had the world's version. You know, the white knight in shinning armor, the super-star athlete, the "top gun" pilot.... the world's warped version of Prince Charming. But here was the best part....... I got to play the princess. But how long do you think that fairy tale lasted?

........not long....

"⁴ Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not want what belongs to others."

I have learned a thing or two about patience. But, apparently God had a better lesson He wanted me to learn...

Kindness, I have pages and pages of my own thoughts and experiences on kindness........... but the only thing I know for certain is this...... it comes only through the love of God.

It doesn't want what belongs to others.... not someone's wealth, lifestyle, kids, career, or their husband or wife.

"It does not brag. It is not proud. ⁵ It is not rude. It does not look out for its own interests. It does not easily become angry. It does not keep track of other people's wrongs.

⁶ Love is not happy with evil. But it is full of joy when the truth is spoken. ⁷ It always protects. It always trusts. It always hopes. It never gives up.

⁸ Love never fails. But prophecy will pass away. Speaking in languages that had not been known before will end. And knowledge will pass away.

⁹ What we know now is not complete. What we prophesy now is not perfect. ¹⁰ But when what is perfect comes, the things that are not perfect will pass away.

During the course of our marriage, there have been times I have been boastful, proud and rude.... well, less than perfect. Did it mean I didn't love my husband? Did it mean I was a hateful wife? No, it meant I didn't have the kind of love that was needed . Love that only comes through Christ Jesus.

Why didn't I have this love from the get go???

¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child. I thought like a child. I had the understanding of a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

Even though I thought I knew love, God was going to let me experience real love...... even when it didn't feel like LOVE at all.

¹² Now we see only a dim likeness of things. It is as if we were seeing them in a mirror. But someday we will see clearly. We will see face to face. What I know now is not complete. But someday I will know completely, just as God knows me completely.

And so the lesson began. It has been the hardest, the most heart wrenching experience I have ever endured, and I WOULD NOT TAKE BACK A DAY OF IT!.....because I am just skimming the surface of real love .... of who is love........of my Saviour, my everything....... my Jesus.

The last verse was cross-stiched for us as a wedding gift..... what a beautiful testimony we have to share of love.

¹³ The three most important things to have are faith, hope and love. But the greatest of them is love.

Michael and Robyn Buxton

Joined together in Christ

On this 2nd day of August, 1986

Pathways

2011-08-05T18:12:00.001-07:00

In life we have many paths. If we choose them on our own....then we will pay the price of our journey alone. If we let God direct our path...we will never travel alone.

It may not be an easy road, but in the long run...it will be a journey worth taking. ~ Robyn

The Road not Taken

Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
and sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveller, long I stood

and looked down one as far as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
and having perhaps the better claim
because it was grassy and wanted wear;

though as for that, the passing there

had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

in leaves no feet had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --

I took the one less travelled by,

and that has made all the difference

MATTHEW 7:13

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it." (NASB)

the firefly broke his jar

2011-07-24T15:50:00.000-07:00

the firefly broke his jar

Now What?

2011-06-15T17:14:00.001-07:00

Ever had a season in your life where you question everything you thought was real and true? That is where I am. Seems like I have been in the "twilight zone" for so long.....

Now what?

I'm searching the Word for the answers, but they aren't coming...

Now what?

I am in such a time of displacement.....

Now what?

I know enough about my Lord to know..

In the seeking...... comes the obedience, the comfort, the still small voice....

Now what???

I'm believing that God has the answer.....

But the waiting.... longing to hear Him.....it is the hardest part....

Maybe my question should not be, now what??? But What Lord???

If you're in this season, know you're not alone.

I'm with you.... more importantly God is with you....

1 John 2:3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God[ a] is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

a letter to you tonight

2011-06-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

As always, Serena has enlighted and inspired me. I thank God for the people that have come into my life that have lifted me up through encouraging words! Be blessed today!

a letter to you tonight

Whatever You're Doing (Something Heavenly) - Sanctus Real

2011-06-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

My Robin with an i....

2011-05-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

If you have ever had a friend who inspired you to be more than you ever thought you could be, ..............consider yourself to be blessed.

I have a dear, precious friend..... to me known as Robin with an i.

Twenty years ago in college, I was sitting in Dr. "DON's Western Civ. lecture, and I looked across the room and saw this "classy" lady with long, full... (okay it was big) blonde hair, dressed to the max. At that very moment, she looked back at me and smiled. That was it. The bond was made. Friends.

And we have been friends ever since. Through thick and thin. Through marriage, college, babies, dogs, and careers...... our friendship has grown into something unique and beautiful.

We instantly became known to many as "the Robins" Robin with an i, and Robyn with a y. But everyone who was ever around us very long knew............ we were friends. We have bared our souls, cried rivers, knee slapped, belly laughed til our sides hurt, listened, consoled, hugged, and supported each other through each other's life journey.

She has been a source of strength and inspiration to me, a constant in my life, when other things were not so constant.
The qualities that she reflects in her day to day life, have made her a lady of integrity and honor. She is what many would call a "class act!"
Family, they say "you are born to go through life with", and friends, "you chose to go through life with"........ and I am glad to have a "Robin with an i" to be there on my journey and to allow me to share in hers.

Ever been angry at God?

2011-05-24T03:30:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 55:8-9 (New International Version) 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. 9. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

I found this scripture, I believe not by accident, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I haven't Blogged in a while....life as been busy. Our son just graduated high school. Senior pictures, senior parties, invitations, thank you notes, graduation gifts...and all this while going through a major life transition.
Because we have only one child, empty nest loomed over the joyful, proud moment of a child becoming a man. From my role as mom, to confidant, advisor, and friend. All within the time frame of about three months.

With any major life transition, it is human nature to become reflective on where we have been in our life up onto this point, and where our life is headed.

I don't do change well. How ironic that Change is the name I selected as the title of my blog. Was there symbolism there?

I have always been someone who tries to figure things out... look for the deeper meaning....search to understand the ....WHY.

Sometimes I wonder if it because of a need to control an outcome, or is it pure curiosity? For whatever reason...that is who I am.

I don't understand why some things have happened in my life. At times I get resentful. At times I get depressed. At times I feel hopeful, at times I feel hopeless.

But as I pondered on this.... I have to admit, there has been some anger as well. I'm normally a peace maker. But raging within me.....has been a torrent. A battle. A war. Why am I angry?

I read somewhere that anger is the outward emotion of inward fear. So...what do I fear most? Change.

And the one thing that is inevitable is CHANGE. So do I live in fear or do I accept that life is going to go on without help from me. I can't predict where my life is headed. And I can't control the lives of others.

But God can. I have to let go and let God. Get back to the center of who I am, who my creator is, and trust His plan and purpose for my life.
Jeremiah 29:11... For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord...

Perseverance Proven...

2011-04-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." (Psalm 62:1-2)

I have a friend who is going through a horrific time in her life.............. but you would never know it.

She is a ray of sunshine, never complaining, never without hope.....

How is this possible??? I believe it is because she believes the Holy Word of God....

Her trial...... Her perseverance..... Her HOPE.

Her attitude is contagious! Her spirit lifts those around her. She doesn't have to "preach" a word from the Holy Bible to know that she LOVES Jesus. She lives it.

She makes me look at on my own "reflection". Does my life reflect HOPE? Do others see Jesus in me? .........................or is my Spirit so negative, ugly and tarnished, that nothing comes through.... just another "Sunday Go To Church Christian"....

This special friend of mine has every reason in the world to be "BROKEN". She is losing her adult child to cancer, all the while she is taking chemotherapy for her own battle....

If she could give up her life to save her daughter, she would.........................................

But God did not ask that of her, he asked her to persevere....

and in obedience to Him, she has.

What an inspiration! What a testimony! What a faithful servant!

I am blessed to be her friend. I am blessed to be able to pray for her during this time. I can offer her my love and support, but she has given me so much more.......... HOPE.

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12for Terry and Nikki... You are in my prayers.

STRENGTH

Thorns among the Roses...

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

STRENGTH

it's never too late to get it back....

If Mary and Joseph Used Facebook.mp4

Putting life in perspective....

When you do Change...

Sweet and Spicy Pecans

Creatures of habit

Warped humor

Tales from the Dark Side

Posted from Grace is for Sinners

Now What?

Ecclesiastes 3

A Time for Everything

Discernment

Mental Breakdown

Trash in, trash out

Can I TESTIFY?

1 Corinthians 13

11 When I was a child, I talked like a child. I thought like a child. I had the understanding of a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

Pathways

Robert Frost

the firefly broke his jar

Now What?

a letter to you tonight

Whatever You're Doing (Something Heavenly) - Sanctus Real

My Robin with an i....

Ever been angry at God?

Perseverance Proven...

¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child. I thought like a child. I had the understanding of a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.