Christian Inspiration

Who Hasn't Had Pain?

2012-01-24T13:27:00.002-06:00

Who hasn't been hurt, wounded, rejected? Who hasn't had disappointment, unmet expectations, loss, grief? If the answer, as I suspect, is "Nobody!" then on some serious level, we should ALL be able to relate.

Then why is it that most of us think we gotta go around with a happy face and give others the impression we've never gone through anything? Or maybe we ARE going through something, why are so many of us so quick to hide it and doubt ANYONE could ever understand...as if we are the only one who's ever gone through stuff like this!

Why do we hide? Why do we weep in silence? Why do carry sadness alone? Why not lay it at the feet of Jesus?

Happy Nine-iversary

2012-01-11T15:11:00.001-06:00

This is a picture of my husband bill putting gas in the car so that we can go out and celebrate our anniversary. I can hardly believe it has been nine whole years! Sometimes it seems like only a few months ago! This day is such a blessing because we have been sick for so long. I began to wonder if perhaps this anniversary would pass us by as so many other special ocasions have done before. But now we are on our way to red lobster praise the Lord!

Where Have I Been

2011-12-17T01:19:00.001-06:00

Two people in the past couple weeks have said I have changed. That I'm not the same happy cheery girl I used to be. It seems to bring them concern. Granted my life has changed a lot. My world seems to have gotten smaller. Not as many willing friends to take me out or hang out. Not near the Human interaction I once had. I used to be able to sit with pen and paper and write 200+ names of people I knew. Most I had seen within the past few months. Now there may be a dozen. Being home a lot makes it hard to reconnect. I can't expect everyone to reach out to me. I so miss my church.

Any thoughts? Is there anyone to take me to church?

What's It To Me What They Do?

2011-10-15T15:54:00.001-05:00

Crazy friends or family who do dumb things, people I look up to who let me down, or even those I really care for who don't reach my expectations or maybe even hurt me. These are the things the devil uses to mess with my mind the most. Can you relate?

Aside from my own failings, short comings and missed opportunities, these have found their way into my thoughts and added a great deal of weight to my existence.

However the title for this note has been resurfacing from time to time over the past few days, so it seemed like the Lord was telling me it was time to write it down. Funny thing is, I haven't done a lotta writing lately. Maybe even in the past few years. I used to write all the time. Sweet beautiful, intense times alone with God. Seemed like He was guiding my pen on my journal, or keyboard. Sometimes when the tears dried, I'd read what the pen had written and be astonished and nearly, if not totally fall apart again. It was those words, I knew, did NOT come from inside me. I was merely a tool for the Lord to get the message out... to help me and others get closer to the Truth... to see things how they really were and not just how they appeared to be.

Unfortunately, what Jesus said about the "cares of this world" weighing you down and choking out the good Seed growing in your heart is true. Distractions are everywhere. Its a huge battle! Even good things can be a distraction from the Best. Especially when you let thoughts of those you care about get in the way of the Voice of the One who cares for you the most.

Jesus said this to let him know what kind of death he would die to glorify God. Then Jesus told him, "Follow me." 20 Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them -- the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, "Lord, who among us will betray you?" 21 Peter asked Jesus, "What about him, Lord?" 22 Jesus replied, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You follow me." 23 So the rumor spread among the community of believers that that disciple wouldn't die. But that isn't what Jesus said at all. He only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" - John 21:19-23 NLT

This may seem off topic, but i think its this passage that has kept coming up and possibly getting me ON topic. Every day, within us we inquire, "What about him? What about her? What about this or that?" When Jesus clearly demonstrates, frankly, that is pretty much none of my business what He does with someone else.

Many times in my life, I've been called a "fixer." I didn't really understand what that meant until recently.When I was a kid and my mom and sister would argue and shout at each other, I thought I had to be the "peace-maker." Sometimes referee. Sometimes arbitrator. Remember, "blessed are the peace-makers?" I took that literally. Later I learned that Scripture meant those who bring peace between God and Man, but that's another topic.

It just seems so natural to me and maybe even some kind of obligation when I see a hurt or a wrong, I have to do what I'm able to do to make it write! Can anyone relate? I guess I really didn't see it for what it was until the other day. My husband was talking about something that was bothering him. Just as a matter of conversation, I came back with some sort of explanation or "solution" to his problem. Maybe I didn't even think it through. It just seemed obvious. That's when he called me a "fixer." It seems he just wanted me to listen.Not "fix it!" Have you been there? I felt horrible. (Rightly so.)

That's when this theme started permeating my mind. Then there was a perceived rejection by a dear friend. Then another caught in a endless pattern of destructive behavior. Then other loved ones who did shocking and unexpected things. Still others who have no place for my input based on Scripture. (I'm too black and white.)

Dwelling on these things can really make you NUTZ!! Times like that lately is when the timeless Word rises in my heart: "Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you." - 1 Peter 5:7 MSG So, maybe you ask yourself, "Then what am I s'posed to do? Do I just act like I don't give a darn about these people who are either hurting, blind, or ignorant? Aren't I supposed to help when I can?" I ask that a lot. Sub-consciously and demonstrate it in my actions, or words mostly.

A good friend told me a long time ago, and sometimes I forget, "They only need one Savior." and "You can't be Holy Spirit Jr." Basically, "Whats it to you?" Only God can help them. Then we're back to the first question. (I was asking God this morning) What am I supposed to DO???? So graciously the Voice I'd longed for came with this gentle reminder. "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8

Isn't it just like our Beautiful God to take our jumbled up thoughts and circumstances and just make it SO simple!! What is there NOT to LOVE about Him???

Resting My Cares in Him,
Rebecca

PS I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. - Philippians 3:12-14 NLT

He Carried Me

2011-06-21T04:06:00.000-05:00

Tonight I watched The Majestic. Small town gutted by WW2 losses finds a man w/ amnesia washed up on a beach & suddenly they think he's one of their war heros lost 9yrs ago. You'd have to see that movie to see what he did for that town, when he didn't even know who he was.

I guess that got me thinking (too much) about how quickly things can happen & you can't physically do anything about it. But God can and does so often step in with ways you couldn't imagine.

During this thought process the enemy started flooding my mind w/ "what if?" type pictures of my life changing drastically...in an instant! I almost started to fear but said Jesus help me! Just about overwhelmed I turned on my Christian music. 4Him was cued up but it just didn't seem right. Scrolled and stopped on Building 429.

After about the 2nd song I knew I was rescued! It was called You Carried Me. As it played I began thanking the Lord for carrying me all through my life. So many praise worthy pictures came when I closed my eyes.

So much when I lived alone. Like when my first helper left, who I loved so dearly. I told the Lord I couldn't bare to sit at home and watch her leave the last time. The 1st new prayer meeting at church got scheduled on the same night! So we both left at the SAME time!

Then a couple yrs later, I was home alone and started having to go #2 SO bad! So bad it hurt. I prayed a lot. Knew that only Jesus could send someone cuz I didn't know anyone to call. Sure enough, after taking tylenol, piling on pillows and trying to go to sleep, the door bell rang. It was my 1st helper! Hadn't seen her in months! Honestly I was so shocked to see her I didn't tell her my need right away. Got told about it later too. ;)

There was the time my niece came for New Yrs. God sent virtual strangers to my door w/ 2 bags of groceries cuz found out she was staying. But what they DIDN'T know was the next 2 or 3 days we were snowed in. Worst blizzard in Yrs! NO one could get there. That food was what we ate!

Then came May 2008. A tornado skipped over our place. When the glass window moved I went down the hall to the windowless bathroom. Bill knew I was scared. He followed me...put his hand on my shoulder...looked at me w/ the Love of God and said" don't worry. We have angels!" At that second ALL the fear just drained out! Arby's down the street was flat. But we had no damage of our unit.

No matter what u might go through, or be in now, there might be NOTHING you can do about it. But seriously, if you can lay down your plans and your "What ifs" and your fears (worry doesn't help anyway) get on your knees and give your life and all your stuff to Jesus. Trust me. He knows how to deal with it even better that u do. What have got to lose but a little insomnia? :) If u really give it all to Him He will change things. And if u let Him...He will carry you. <3
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

How Long Will it Take?

2011-04-13T17:37:00.002-05:00

by Rebecca D Thames

Found this note over on FB and thought I oughtta share it w/ my readers here too. Not sure if you all are over there on FB or not. Hope it helps or encourages someone. See additional note at bottom.

Posted on Facebook on Friday, February 4, 2011 at 1:20pm

Last night was an especially painful one. The fact that I'm able to reach the keyboard is practically miraculous in itself. When my helper went to the store and Hubby was still sleeping, a song started to rise up in my heart. An OLD Twila Paris tune. Very simple but profound. "Oh,Lord...You have been good. You have been faithful to all generations. Oh Lord, Your steadfast Love and tender Mercies have been our Salvation. For by Your Hand we have been fed. And by You Spirit, we have been led...Oh Lord..."

Such a simple yet profound song of acknowledgement and praise to our God Who IS the sustainer of EVERYTHING! Just welling up inside me as that song rang out in my spirit... the recollection of last night. How many times and how many hours my precious and devoted husband worked and struggled to get me out of pain. He was so exhausted....so stressed. Seemed so little he did helped...as hard and long as he tried. So much love restrained him from simply throwing up his hands in despair. He kept trying and kept trying...till the wee hrs of the morning. It was 4 when I just couldn't handle any more of the day. He was too stressed to sleep. I don't know when he went to bed.

Remembering this today, along with the words to that song, the Lord whispered another reminder in my heart. A long time ago I was given a promise from Him, that there WOULD be arms to hold me. But I MUST remember it would be my FATHER"S Love that would flow though those arms. I took that as a Holy Promise that I would be married one day. 13yrs later, He fulfilled that promise through Bill. Last night became a powerful illustration......

How long have I been broken spiritually...perhaps in pain but too tense to even KNOW if all the attempts my Loving Father are making to heal me are working, or maybe even have gone unappreciated??? How many times has He tried to comfort me but I'm so caught up in my misery that I can't even receive it.... or maybe don't even NOTICE! How many times have I turned to a pain killer, muscle relaxer, or decongestant, rather than the One who can Actually FIX me???

Thats EXACTLY what Bill was trying to do last night. He tried and tried and used so much energy. The revelation this morning was, only GOD can "fix" me. So I prayed and asked Him to fix me. What ever that means. Now I wonder how many things need fixing that ONLY HE knows about.

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After reading that, this came to me. There are so many spiritual things broken or left unfinished. No band-aid or pill would ever cure or treat these. Today, while listening to another song, "let it rain," the prayer started from inside... "Lord rain on us and reign IN us. For without your Reign AND Your Rain we will never be what You want us to be." Now while writing this, it seems apparent that without Jesus Reigning as King and Lord and having complete Rule over me, I quite possibly NEVER benefit from His Rain, aside from a fleeting burst of pleasant emotion. So if you beg for God to "Show you His Glory" or "Let It Rain" or "Let the River Flow" and you just LIVE from weekend to weekend to get that rush... Just maybe its time to examine who's Reigning Monday-Thursday (or Sat).

What's New This Year?

2011-01-06T11:38:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year!!

Well, in 5 days, my husband and I will officially be married for 8 whole yrs! Its a real milestone for both of us, for several reasons.

In his 1st marriage, which was rather unstable, they were never together for even 1 whole yr at a time. Not to mention 8!
Eight is the number for new beginnings. (Greek definition I think)
We finally over the proverbial "7-yr-hump" that supposedly breaks up a lot of marriages.

Today, I just started to wonder, what really is new about this year. Aside from the obvious change of date that is. I mean, do you ever get to where you feel like all the days sort of run together. What is going to set this yr apart from the last, or will it just be the same, or business as usual?

This morning I heard a very inspiring message. "Words of Kindness, Source of Healing." This message by Florence Littauer gripped my heart and reminded me how important encouraging and inspiring others is.

One thing new this year, I want to make a new commitment to encourage and inspire. The program said our words of kindness are like little silver boxes with a ribbon on top. Gifts and treasures to be sure. Especially considering how many thousands of cruel, unkind or just plain sour words people here all the time. Words that drain life from them. Sometimes something as simple as a smile, or maybe a question that shows you REALLY want to know how they're doing, is all it might take to help someone through the day.

Another new thing about this year is I want to keep better track of God's blessing. I'm learning that if I'm greatful and giving thanks to God, I sure won't be able to grumble, complain, or dwell on things I might think are "wrong" in my day, or my life.

First blessing to record was a surprise visit last night. My old friend Mary was in the area and decided to stop by. Shes really sweet and I've known her over half my life, but seldom see her.

The next blessing is something that happened today. After several days of severe pain in my left side that left me nearly immobile, I was finally feeling good enough to change clothes get freshened up a bit. Hoping tomorrow will be even better. :)

So tell me, what's new about this year to you???? I'd love to here your story.

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What Would it Take? Pt 1

2010-12-28T19:42:00.002-06:00

For those of you who love Jesus and know that God is good, I'd like to propose a question that's been on my heart a while.

"What would it take for you to no longer believe that God is good?"

Would it be some deep tragedy or loss? Only God know I guess, but it IS worth pondering. Would it be bankruptcy? Divorce? Serious illness? Rebellion of your child/teen?

I know we all go through deep dark valleys but if we knew God was good on the mountain, how can he not be good in the valley. Changing where we are does not change who or what He is!

Where do you look for answers?

2010-07-28T19:32:00.003-05:00

Life is always hard for some, but others kind of float merrily along without a care in the world. Though, for most of us, that season doesn't last too long. Then we find our selves running head long into something huge we've no idea what do do about. At that point we have a few choices.

We can:

panic
get depressed and think life is over
we can start looking for answers.

If you are smart, 3 will be your choice.

But the first question is: Where do you look for answers? Seriously, when you have a big problem, where do you turn? Many popular choices are:

Doctors
Books
Pastor/Priest
Best Friend
Fortune Tellers
Search the Internet

But often we leave one till the very last when everything else has failed us.

God......

Can you imagine with me for a moment? Pretend you're a devoted parent and your child has a big problem. And maybe by accident or unintended by that child, you discover the suffering your child has gone through. Perhaps your imaginary child needs something that is astronomical to them, but may be simple. for you to fix for them. Maybe they've wasted huge amounts of time and energy fretting, worrying and trying to change things until they give up. But if they had only come to you...if they'd just realized how deep your love went...if only they'd known that you desire to help them and deliver them from suffering.... But not until they've tried everything...exhausted all energy and known resources, they finally humble themselves and come to you.

If this scenario were real, and perhaps it IS real for some of my readers, wouldn't your heart just break? How much anguish you could've spared this precious child!! But they would not let you, or perhaps they didn't trust you. Maybe they were to "grown" too proud and independent! Wanting to "make it on their own!"

For whatever reason, in our story, they didn't turn to you, even though you were willing and able to give them exactly what they needed. Perhaps you'd been down the road they were going and all they really needed was a guide. But no. Not until the value of everything else out there was totally lost to them.

Have you been there? Has your child done this to you? Has he/she shut you out when you knew they were grieving? Did it break your heart? Maybe you did this to your parent. Thinking they couldn't possibly understand. Maybe you thought times were just too different now for them to relate. Then you had your own children. Then your heart longed to be a part of their world...but they would not.

Would you consider for a moment that this story replays itself more than a million times every single day? Maybe not in a physical family, though it IS far too common, but in a spiritual sense.

Many of you reading this maybe find your self in a spot you could've never foreseen and have no idea how to get out of. Maybe you've never even pondered the existence of God. Perhaps you've been taught He's either a myth, or maybe whatever you choose Him to be. Some say God is in everything, or maybe even IS everything.

Let's go back to our story for a moment. Could you put yourself in the place of that child? Just what if God is a Father who loves His child and has all power and recourses at His disposal. But there's only one problem. He only goes where He's invited.

What if.....

Just a thought. What if there IS an answer...what if there IS someone who can help you? What if you look every where ELSE except where your answer really is?

But just maybe you're a bit like me...you believe in God and His Father's Heart, but easily distracted by every day life. I'm the one at the top of this post. Looking to Drs, Books, Internet, Friends... Have you ever heard this phrase, "Now all we can do is pray." As if that's the last resort!

If God loves us as much as the Bible says He does, how His heart must break when we waste so much time, energy and grief looking everywhere but His Heart for what can really help us. Why do we wait 'till the very last to do what we should have done first?

Tonight as this realization hit me, my heart was overwhelmed with the grief that must be in my Father's Heart when I wear myself out and become hopeless. Its as if I've forgotten all the times He's been there and helped me all my life. (see: Time to Remember Pt 2) Yet when my husband's ill, what do I do? I talk to friends. I search Internet info on meds. I order herbs on-line. Not until nothing seems to work and hubby's still suffering I realize what I've done...again.

The tears began to flow as I cried out to my Father...in my heart falling at His feet...feeling the pain of His discounted heart...again. Why have I put Him last? Why have I not called on Him first? We might have had the answer long ago.

Where will YOU go for answers?

Mama Grizzlies

2010-07-08T13:16:00.001-05:00

Women w/ sense are rising up!
Remember November!
If you're a woman or care for one and you care what happen to this nation...please forward :-)
-Becca

http://m.youtube.com/watch?desktop_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DfsUVL6ciK-c&v=fsUVL6ciK-c&gl=US
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Mark Schultz Video - I have been there

2010-05-25T14:14:00.001-05:00

There's nothing u can go thru Jesus doesn't understand. His Love can see u thru if u only trust in Him.

Check out this YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ2jDUGcOsk

Love,
Rebecca
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Who's Captain of Your Ship?

2010-03-26T01:56:00.000-05:00

Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. -LUKE 5:5

Do u remember this story? These guys were expert fishermen. They tried their best and caught nothing! They were exhausted! Why should the even consider trying again?

Comon sense would scream INSANITY! (You know...doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different outcome.) But there WAS something VERY differrent this time. All night they worked in their own strength, by their own limited perspectives. But now, Jesus was not only 'in the boat', but He was guiding them. And unknown to them ALL of Creation was at His command. Even the fish!

How often do we think a calling or dream is over, too hard, or maybe we're just not qualified...so we just don't step out again? Could it be we've "toiled all night" in our own strength, ideas and limited perspective? Could it be that if we ask Jesus into our boat...not as a passenger, or even co-pilot, but as Mighty Captain, that ship will finally get to its designed destination, might you finally accomplish your true purpose in life?

Now I'm not saying there still won't be storms and nights w/ no wind to fill your sails. Just that you'll never be alone or truly lost again. That is...unless you decide to take back the wheel. You see...on the wheel, there's only room for one pair of hands.

Sail On!

Love,
Rebecca Thames
-----------------------
Overcome Bias In Popular Media
Be Heard!
http://www.pyrabang.com/go/jclight

Heart Full of Praise...

2010-03-13T12:47:00.000-06:00

Pray for a heart full of praise...an attitude of gratitude.
Think about what makes us miserable. Self image? Not enough money? Don't have what others have? Worry? Fear? Illness? Bad marriage?

The list could go on and on. But I believe, and have heard from many others, that your current situation isn't what can debilitate you...its your attitude toward it.

I've heard of people, and even met one, who've even overcome CANCER w/ a possitive outlook! Jesus said, If you can only believe, ALL things are possible with God. (emphasis mine)

So lets think for a minute. Just as light cancels and drives out darkness, wouldn't praise, thankfulness and gratitude drive of things like greed, anger, self-pitty, jealousy, and any form of discontentment? Sure seems right to me.

You see, if we're busy thanking and praising God for His goodness, His greatness, His power to save, His all-sufficiency...then we're acknowledging His ability to take care of us and handle ALL our concerns.

If we're honest we'll admit that most are way to big for us to carry. No matter how hard we try. We weren't built for that kind of load. Thats why the Scripture says, Casting your cares on Him, for He cares FOR you. Believe it or not, thats worth celebrating over. Since He's doing the caring, YOU DON'T HAVE TO! :-D

Here's kinda what I prayed this morning. Maybe you might try something similar:
Dear Lord God, please wash my heart and take away all the ugly stuff. Please ignite in me a heart full of praise and gratitude. For how can anger, anxiety, worry, or fear possible live in a heart filled praise thankfulness and grattitude!? Thank you so much! Amen!

Love,
Rebecca Thames
-----------------------
Overcome Bias In Popular Media
Be Heard!
http://www.pyrabang.com/go/jclight

Trivial or Triumphant?

2010-03-02T03:58:00.000-06:00

For quite sometime I've noticed more and more, my life has been becoming quite uneventful. Some due to illness and some due to bad weather. It's just been very difficult for Bill and me to both get out of the house at the same time.

Now, he's been out on short runs for food or medicine, or to run a friend somewhere. But the last time we really went out together for a time of enjoyment to us both was 01/11/2010 for or anniversary. Praise God it was nice then. The Lord truly blessd that day.

Before that we'd had a Drs appt the Monday before Christmas. Before that I think it was Walmart sometime in November. Plus its been months since I've been to church. I hate to say it, but this is where I am right now.

All this is to say, this is the closest to a "shut-in" I've ever been since the invention of pulic transit for wheelchair people, when I was 8 yrs old!

After that we had no excuse to stay home even though my mom also was in a wheelchair. She was the oe who got us all ready to go out. No excuses. Now it seems like any old excuse will do to just stay home. Too cold, too damp, flurries possible, too warm, too windy, a little achy today, too tired... The list goes on and on.

I've wondered if my life had become rather trivial...mundane. You know, a lotta stay-at-home moms go through it...get breakfast, open the mail, pay bills, clean house, plan dinner, watch tv.... some details vary, but many lists are similar. You may through in laundry or shopping trips or something the kids need on your basic list, but primarily they're the same.

I've been meaning to write this a while now, but something crazy happenned. Bill and I both got pretty sick last Sun night...sudden, vioolent and persistant stomache flu. Pretty traumatic for both of us. Especcially when each other was all we each had.

But once again the Lord came through in ways I never expected. He sent help when we needed it most and we pretty much slept the rest of the time. Today, after a whole week, we've both been feeling maybe 90% better.

Somehow that super-down time gave me a slightly different perspective. Maybe life wasn't so trivial after all. Even though I could barely keep my tummy together half the time, I found so much joy in any little thing I could do to make Bill's life any little bit easier or more comfortable. It was a great reminder...thats my real job-tittle "Help-meet" for Bill. That's what the Lord has called me to. And I'll only be most fulfilled when I'm truly filling that role to the best of my physical, emotional and spiritual ability.

So I suppose through a terrible illness, perhaps the Lord has used it to teach me. Take the "trivial" or "mundane" parts of life and fit them into their propper place to compliment and enhance my role in Bill's life and my life will truly go from "trivial" to Triumph! Thank You Jesus!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
SWEETHEART!

Love,
Rebecca Thames
-----------------------
Overcome Bias In Popular Media
Be Heard!
http://www.pyrabang.com/go/jclight

Who's Responsible 4 USA's Troubles?

2010-01-15T15:01:00.004-06:00

Hi Friends! :)

My wonderful hubby just put up a post based on an article a journalist wrote called:

"545 People Rule You"

Its a very interesting read how and why the Congress and the Prez. are solely responsible for the mess our country's in. Check it out. Its a great and eye-opening read! ;-)

-Rebecca

New Year's Resolution?

2009-12-18T07:47:00.002-06:00

You may be thinking, "But we haven't even had Christmas yet!" Well, you know as well as I do how super fast time seems to go anymore. Seems like just last week we were watching the leaves change colors here in the Mid-West. But it was really well over a month ago. The Autumn colors are replaced w/ Chritmas lights and New Yrs Day is but a breath away.

Every yr practically, I hear, "Have you made your 'New Yrs Resolution' yet?" Mostly my answer is "No." because I haven't a clue what it could, or should be.

People have so many. Perhaps you've made a few in your lifetime. Lets see if any of these sound familiar: Lose weight. Spend more time with family. Exercise. Get organized. Learn a craft or new language. Read more. Be kinder. Spend more time in prayer.... The list goes on and on as I'm sure you could add a few.

But somethings been running around in my head, most likely the Holy Spirit has been trying to get a message out to prepare us for this new year. It seems many of us think that somehow everything will mysteriously change when that clock strikes mid-night as we ring in a new year. We set off at top speed to "make it happen!" But its not long, maybe a week, a month if we are determined, until we falter. Miss a day or two at the gym. Grab that doughnut for breakfast. Too sleepy for church one Sunday. Blame hormones for why you're snapping at hubby and kids again.... you fill in the rest.

The honest and possibly unbearable truth is this: The same obstacle and challenges you faced, that appeared to hold you back from "being all that you can be" on December 31st, still exist on January 1st! The only change is your awareness of them, and your attitude...somehow influenced by the calender!

Here's a tip for you. If you really want to do something different with your life, ask Jesus to come in and change you. He is the ONLY One with power to truly effect change. The Scripture says Today is the day of salvation. Not Jan 1.

So it looks like you have a choice to make. Either wait for New Years to "resolve" all your issues, and probably be disappointed and possibly even feel like a failure in a month or two, or you can call upon the Lord and ask Him to change your life....today.

Love,
Rebecca Thames
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The Ultimate Medicine

2009-11-29T03:16:00.000-06:00

Lately, I've been really struggling with anxiety issues. I really, often, have a problem admiting it because I'm suposed to be "trusting in the Lord" and being "anxious for nothing!" (Two powerful and fundimental passages in Christian daily living.)
However, I'm learning that doesn't happen on it own, or automaticly. For a while the anxiety got so bad, it started tention at home. With 2 or 3 athsma meds that are designed to rev up your system, nervousness IS a comon factor. Consequently, I got to the point I was on edge all the time that I wasn't sleeping.
The Dr decided I should try this medicine. It really floord me, because it was something my husband use to take for depression! I thought, and questioned her how this could help me. She assured me depression and anxiety are opposite ends of the same spectrum. So, reluctantly, I took the samples home and tried them.
After about 4 or 5 days, I wasn't anxious...I barely felt ANYTHING! Finanally, I decided I'd rather be anxious, than feel nothing.
So after about a week or so, after dropping one of the worst breathing meds, I stopped taking the new pills. After 2 or 3 days I cought myself heartily laughing. Sounds odd, I know, but when you haven't done it for a while, it becomes note worthy. I decided almost conclusively this med was not for me.
The past couple days I felt that

Mathew 14:30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?"

Just a few mins ago, the Lord took me to the best medicine ever....

Psa 138
5 Yes, they will sing about the LORD's ways, for the glory of the LORD is very great. 6 Though the LORD is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud. 7 Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me.

Jesus Can Touch Through You

2009-11-09T18:20:00.009-06:00

Dear Friends,

Something's been stirring in my heart for a while and almost each passing day there's another piece to fit into the picture. Several times in my life, the Love of God has become intensely more real, because He has reached out to me through another person.

Granted, there are those who tend to see visions and claim to have heard an audible Voice from God. Not ever meaning to discount their integrity, I personally believe God primarily reaches us through His Word and through the voice and touch of other people who love Him.

Here are a few examples of how God took something very simple and made a profound impact on my life.

The first story is too long for this post. Simply put, I believed God had given me a promise at age 20 that one day I'd be married. "But remember," He warned, "...it is My Love that will flow through those arms." Thirteen years later, I met Bill. He came for a visit from his home in another state. We talked. We shared. We hugged. We kissed. When he went home, he instant msg'd me. He said he believed that even if nothing came from his visit, maybe God just wanted to show me His Love through his arms. I lost all composure and fled the computer in uncontrollable sobs. I knew I'd had a Divine visitation and a 13 y/o promise had been finally fulfilled.

Of course, we were married a few months later. A couple yrs ago, we had a tornado skim over the roof of our apartment. When I heard the rumble, I thought it was torrential rain hitting the West wall of our apartment. Immediately, my husband declared with unrivaled certainty, "Tornado!"

I was terrified when I saw the front window glass flapping in the wind the likes I'd never seen. I bolted for the bathroom. The only room with no windows, yet the wall bordered the front of the building and would occasionally wobble in the wind like the glass moments prior to my arrival.

This man who was so obviously ushered into my life by the Almighty Himself, is more in tune and connected with the Voice and leading of the Holy Spirit than anyone I've ever known. After my bolt for the bathroom, he instinctively came down the hall, stood in the bathroom doorway. He put his hand on my shoulder and with the most intense look of love on his face said, "Don't worry. We've got angels."

It's without a hint of exaggeration when I tell you the moment... no the second those words went from Bill's mouth to my ears, every last vestige of fear and anxiety immediately drained from my being. It was as if Jesus Himself had reached out and touched me and once again, as He spoke to the stormy seas, "Peace! Be still!"

Just a few days ago, I was having a terrible time breathing. For no apparent reason, an asthma attack just came over me and it really took my breath away. I used all my meds. I prayed. I tried to think of other things. Still the breathing episode continued.

After an hour or two of struggling, Bill came into the room where I was. I hadn't said anything. He just knew. He came in and hugged me and said, "Don't be afraid. You're gonna be fine." I'd never said I was afraid. But within a half an hour, I realized I was breathing fine.

The past 3 days, Bill has had an unusual amount of energy. Normally he doesn't. Last week he fixed the door and windows so cold winter air won't come in, he fixed up a new bird-cage for the parrot, got all the old bird-dust out of the bedroom and took oven cleaner and a chisel to the old cage. By the end of two days ago, he was in so much pain, he could barely move. But that evening he knew I needed help getting ready for bed. I didn't want him to strain. But he offered to help me, because of love. It hurts me to hurt him, but he offered and I couldn't sway him.

This bothered me until the next morning. Once again, the Lord and His perfect timing and perfect way to touch me in the most unexpected ways, hit me in the deepest part of my heart. A song came on the radio just as I was waking up. The chorus said, "Amazing love. How can it be that Thou my God should die for me?"

My husband had once again been a physical illustration of the immeasurable matchless Love of my beloved King. Though my husband risked and offered severe pain to go the extra mile for me to show his love, my Lord Jesus hung on a cruel cross, bled and DIED to offer the Ultimate Ever Lasting Love....for me. And for you.

This post is not only the grace the Lord has shown me through my husband. This is to encourage you as well. If you give your heart to Jesus and allow Him to Love through you... He will. It might not seem like much to you... a kind word... an embrace... a touch... a song... a note... a warm smile. But it might make ALL the difference at just the right moment to the one who needs it the most. :-)

Feed Your Faith

2009-11-02T18:33:00.000-06:00

Two natures beat within my breast
One is vile. one is blessed.
One I love. One I hate.
The one I feed will dominate!

Love,
Rebecca Thames
-----------------------
Overcome Bias In Popular Media
Be Heard!
http://www.pyrabang.com/go/jclight

Beautiful You - Its Really True!

2009-10-01T20:57:00.004-05:00

If you ever feel you don't measure up, or not pretty enough...if the world has given you impossible standards of what you "should" look like, please watch this video.
{see lyrics below video}

Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine
Says she wants to look that way
But her hair isn’t straight her body isn’t fake
And she’s always felt overweight

Well little girl fourteen I wish that you could see
That beauty is within your heart
And you were made with such care your skin your body and your hair
Are perfect just the way they are

There could never be a more beautiful you
dont buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you

Little girl twenty-one the things that you’ve already done
Anything to get ahead
And you say you’ve got a man but he’s got another plan
Only wants what you will do instead

Well little girl twenty-one you never thought that this would come
You starve yourself to play the part
But I can promise you there’s a man whose love is true
And he’ll treat you like the jewel you are

There could never be a more beautiful you
don't buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you

So turn around you’re not too far
To back away be who you are
To change your path go another way
It’s not too late you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights hope to forget
Can disappear they can all be washed away
By the one who’s strong can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears dry all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light He will show you truth
And again you’ll see through the eyes of a little girl

There could never be a more beautiful you
don't buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you

More Beautiful You
Johnny Diaz

Are You Held to The Past?

2009-09-07T11:40:00.002-05:00

Do you know what the shortest time is?

NOW!

Just as soon as it comes, it is over and gone, never to be seen again. What was once the future becomes the past.

All we have is Now. We can never see the future. It is always ahead of us. What has already occurred is the past. It can never be changed, or altered. It is dead!

If something is dead, it no longer has a life of its own. Therefore, it can not exert any power, or influence over anyone.

Consequently, the only influence your past, or any event that has passed, can have over you is what YOU give it. That is equivalent to putting yourself under bondage to an evil task-master whom you will never satisfy.

If we reckon in our minds and can believe in our heart that Christ has saved us, not only from our past sins, but from sins against us, and see that the past is truly DEAD to us (unless we dig it up and just enjoy hanging out w/ the dead) WE ARE FREE!

To Freedom! Hope you enjoy it. ;-)

Love,

Rebecca Thames
-----------------------
Overcome Bias In Popular Media
Be Heard!
http://www.pyrabang.com/go/jclight

Faith...

2009-08-29T01:47:00.002-05:00

Faith is like radar. It always sees through the storm. There's no such thing as "blind faith." Whether faith in God's Word, or faith in evil. (Faith in evil is Fear.) Faith sees and knows. "...faith is... the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Faith works by Love. The victory that overcomes the world is our faith.

Love,
Rebecca Thames
-----------------------
Overcome Bias In Popular Media
Be Heard!
http://www.pyrabang.com/go/jclight

Dear Child...

2009-08-10T19:54:00.003-05:00

Dear Child,

When anything is broken, its never the same again. There are always memories, yet in time they lose their sting. Yet, in times of sorrow and grief, if we are willing to look up, you can see a nail pierced hand of Jesus reaching gently to wipe your tears...then you see His eyes sharing your tears. He too has been wounded...rejected..lied about...betrayed. Yet His Love took His broken heart to the Cross so He could set you free and overcome death itself and all its power to wound and seperate you from ones you love. So even though its hurts now, the Master Physician has the cure. :-)

Reaching the End of Hope

2009-06-02T17:45:00.010-05:00

When things are going smooth as silk
Just the way it ought to be
Normally not much time is spent
Considering future calamity

Testing, trials, difficulty and pain
Things we think don't apply to you and me
Until the darkness fills the sky
Sometimes we often can not see

The path to take...the road to go
So unclear's the day
You try everything you know
But can not find the way

To undo what has been done
Or mend a heart thats broken
Repairing a relationship
Or take back words you've spoken

No time machine to take you back
To undo whats been done
Only grief and tears and rain
Just waiting for the sun

Sometimes its seems you've done everything
You possibly could do
But nothing seems to help at all
Wondering if you'll make it through

Then at last you realize
As tears begin to flow
After doing all you knew
You've reached the end of hope

Hope in changing whats inside
of circumstance or self
You've tried and failed so many times
Must turn to Someone Else

You've read of transformation
Of healing and New Birth
Now it is the ONLY way
Your life will be of worth

For you know that in yourself
there's nothing you can offer
But what you need is to be re-written
By Life's All-Mighty Author

When we get to the end of ourselves
And there's nothing left to give
Then we reach past the end of hope
And let God through us Live

Problems Get You Down?

2009-03-21T21:46:00.002-05:00

I went to church Sunday Evening for the very first time since the first week in November. It'd been so long, on the way there I wondered if I'd feel like a visitor. That turned out ok, but I learned something else.

A lady named Joyce, who goes to my church, had MANY health issues last yr and almost died. Yeah, I'd had a lot of health issues, but probably never was near as close to meeting my maker as she was.

Even in recent days, when its difficult to breathe or if the pain tries to come back in my ribs, I think of Joyce. Counting her food grams and still probably on a bunch of meds stay alive.

Even though it helps me not to feel so sorry for myself to think of what someone else is going through, what helps the most is to remember the the God who created this universe, sustains us both. It also helps to remember that nothing is for nothing.

In 2 Corinthians God is refered to as "the Father of mercies," and "the God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. "

So if your problems got you down, turn your eyeballs outward. Look around and I'm almost sure you'll find someone worse off. Who knows? You may even be able to help them feel better. Then chances are very good that you'll feel better too! :-)

Love Always,

Rebecca