2012 - A Time of Sharing or Not?

What are your plans for the New Year? Anything you can stay true to? Well that sounds like me. I make new resolutions each year only to fail at the majority of them. Of course my relationship with the Lord is my first priority. There is nothing to make a decision on there other than being a better servant for the Lord and finding out what he has for me to do for Him in the upcoming year. My life with the Lord is not up for questions when it comes to a new year. He's my Savior, my healer, my friend, my everything!!

Now weight loss seems to be the usual on the list of resolutions each new year. I've spoken with a lot of people over the years who desperately want to lose weight and many do only to gain back the same amount or more. I'm going to make another attempt at the HCG diet. I began it three weeks before Christmas and made an abrupt decision to stop until after the holidays. Holidays is never a good time to begin any change in your eating habits because many can't stick to it and I am most definitely one of them. If you think it's easy then you are among the very few and I'm jealous of you, lol. I will be the first to admit I love to eat. There are even times I absolutely adore what I eat. Food is not only a comfort food for me it is a joy. I know that probably isn't politically correct to say but hey I'm being as honest as I know how. The actual week I was on the HCG diet I lost 17 pounds. I lost 10 pounds the second day. I don't know what it was, fluid or fat, but it's gone. I lost 5 pounds the third day and 2 the fourth day. The fifth day I had to do some running around, paying bills and such and didn't have my HCG with me. Let me tell you if you have a very busy lifestyle keep your HCG with you. I began failing :(

What is HCG? I won't give full description here. You can look it up on the internet. In a nut shell HCG is a pregnancy hormone which combined with a daily 500 calorie diet can make a way for quick weight loss of abnormal fat (belly fat). There are loads of pros and cons concerning HCG. All I will say is I liked what I read about the pros and I know someone who has went on it, lost weight, and loves it. Unless you've been overweight you'll never understand how those of us feel who are desperate to get the weight off not only to look better but many of us are diabetics and this may be our way of being insulin free. I can't speak for anyone else but I hate taking insulin and I hate being sluggish and weak all the time. I know I'm getting older and my energy levels will slow down but I need some much needed energy I once possessed. Weight loss is my only way and I'm terrified of having gastric bypass. Please by all means research any diet you attempt to follow. I am not pushing the HCG diet nor making any health claims. I'm only sharing my experience thus far.

Now if you're wondering if I'm going to do a daily blog on here I'm just not sure at this point. Allowing all of you in my personal dieting may be just what I need to encourage me to stay on this diet. My question is, will you encourage me? I still need more time to think on this one but will publish sooner or later. One thing I enjoy about this diet is I can still have my coffee!!! That is such a plus for me. Do I hear an Amen from my coffee drinking friends and acquaintances???? If I do report on here about my last approach at weight loss I will also share what moods I'm in and what I'm going through at the time. I may turn into a coffee junkie. My son thinks I'm already there! Coffee is my "thing", flavored and non flavored.

So while I'm praying about rather to put my weight loss in the public eye or not you have a wonderful, safe Happy New Year and if you have nowhere to go or nothing to do come be with us at Gilliam Chapel Baptist Church, Clutts section, Cumberland, Kentucky on December 31 beginning at 10:00 p.m. for a "WATCH NIGHT" service. We'd love to have you with us! If you can't make it then please help me pray that I'm doing the right thing and ask God to lead me in the right direction to becoming insulin free.

Thanks for allowing me to share with you tonight as I sit here crashed on my couch after a weekend of much needed family time with my children and grandchildren. I'm at my happiest when my children are together in 'our' home. Lots of wonderful memories are shared. Even all the little dogs had an awesome time visiting together! God Bless!

Merry Christmas Jesus

Merry Christmas Jesus!! What a wonderful time of year to celebrate. Commercialism would like to draw you away from the true meaning of Christmas but we all know rather we are told it's a myth or the truth, we know the truth in our hearts. God Bless those born on Christmas. I'm sure the Lord doesn't mind sharing his day with you. Christmas is a time of celebration and thankfulness.

Last year I wrote about "Born to Die" because that is what Jesus' birth on earth was about. He came to die for our sins so that we could accept him as Lord and Savior. You may disagree and that's ok. Many will disagree with me. My prayer is that you come to know the truth. What a better gift for Christmas than to see the star leading the wise men to the place where Jesus lay. I've been told that on Christmas Eve, many animals bow on their "knees" in reverence to the birth of Christ. I don't know if this is true but I'd sure like to spend the night in a barn to witness such an event if there is truth to the story.

I'm not concerned with receiving gifts at Christmas. It so much more fun to give to the children. I feel gift giving is geared toward children and as adults we should focus on enjoying seeing a child's face at Christmas and watch their enthusiasm. Everyone can be a "Santa Claus" if you give from the heart. We know Santa isn't real in the sense that a man travels the earth over in one night delivering presents.I don't think we cheat Jesus by allowing our children to think there is a Santa Claus. Actually we honor the Lord by knowing he has placed a love in our hearts that has compassion on others and wants to give to others. We can teach our children that everyone is a Santa Claus by the wonderful love God has placed in our hearts. I am only speaking from personal experience and what has worked for me. I don't feel I lied to my children as they grew up. I once read a wonderful story, "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus". I explained that everyone who enjoys giving is a type of Santa Claus. Just as I taught at Easter that it's not about the egg but there are three parts to an egg just as there is three parts to the trinity of Christ. There is the white, the yellow and the shell of an egg yet it is one egg just like there is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit yet it is one Godhead. There is ways of teaching children without destroying some joyful time in their lives. You may disagree and that is ok. When my son was around five years old we were walking through a mall at Christmas. I saw him gazing at Santa with pictures being taken with children. He looked up at me and said, Mom, I know Santa isn't for real but can I go sit on his lap and have my picture taken with him? I said sure feeling content I had taught him well and he understood what I had been teaching him about Christmas. I don't feel I disregarded my Heavenly Father at all.

Many will mourn over the Christmas season because Of lost loved ones. I could do the same but have determined to focus on the joys of the season. My mother went home to be with Jesus on Christmas Eve 2007. I could get all depressed feeling cheated and question, My God, how could you take her on such a day. My mom absolutely loved the Christmas season. What a better time to go home and be with the Lord. My mother hadn't spoken for three days before her departure but around an hour before she flat lined she tilted her head to the left and said in a soft voice plain as day, "Lord, let's get out of here". I know what I heard and as much as I didn't want my mother to die I knew I was in the presence of the Lord. Angels didn't escort my mother home but Jesus Christ personally escorted my mother home to be with him for his birthday. What a time of rejoicing and grief mixed into one. The nurses tried to comfort me but I told the nurse that was in the room with me. I'll always miss my mother but I was just in the presence of God. Tears filled her eyes because she was a Christian and she understood what I was speaking about. My mother gave me the greatest gift of all by allowing me to be in my Heavenly Father's presence if for only a moment. For some reason last year was such a struggle for me at Christmas. It's not easy when we lose someone so close to us. This year I have focused on decorating inside my home like never before, not alot but more than I would normally do. I am celebrating Christmas in memory of my mother and dad who loved holidays. I've told my children everything I do this year is in memory of my parents. My dad loved poisettias so my tree is full of poinsettias. My mother loved anything to do with mangers, angels,even Santas and baked goods sitting around the house so I've done exactly that. The Lord doesn't want us to feel depressed or sad around his birthday. Let's enjoy, lets celebrate. Give a gift to someone you wouldn't normally give a gift too. I like giving gifts without the person knowing who it came from. It doesn't matter that they don't thank me. I know what I've done and the Lord knows what I've done. Giving without expecting anything in return is the one of the best gifts of all. The better gift is knowing someone has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

Thank you for allowing me to share with you today. I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. Stay safe, stay warm and drink plenty of tea, coffee, or whatever puts a smile on your face (non alcoholic of course). God Bless!!!!

ThanksGiving

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I don't know about you but our church has Thanksgiving Jubilee where we celebrate the weekend before Thanksgiving Day. We invite visiting preachers, singers, and community to come share a three day celebration with us. We have snacks each night and after services on Sunday morning we will have a Thanksgiving Dinner. By the time Thanksgiving Day comes around we are ready for hamburgers or something else besides turkey or ham.

But Thanksgiving, as much as we enjoy the food, is not about the food. It is time for us to recollect all the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us. Being kind to others and letting them know how much we appreciate them for the things they have done for us down through our lives. There is so much to be thankful for in this day and time. When I think back I know the Lord has blessed me with a great and not-so-perfect family and friends. Even though diabetic I'm blessed with life. I'm blessed with the ability to touch, feel, see, taste, and hear. There is so much to be thankful for and so much we take for granted. Daily I wake up grateful I can still walk. Another day of life is not to be taken for granted. I know you have lost someone close to you as most of us have. I know you can look around you and see how blessed you are. Don't take things around you for granted. Be appreciative for everything about you. You are greatly made and the Lord wants to be a part of your life so he can bless you even more.

Mom and Dad are gone now. Family has drifted apart. There are no more Thanksgivings and Christmas' like there use to be. Family gatherings doesn't take place any more like they use to. We get so wrapped up in our own lives that we don't take time for each other. I miss cooking along side my mother. We talked about almost everything when we shared those moments together. We loved to share recipes and discuss how we could make some of the foods we served a little different. Every Thanksgiving Dad did what he did best. He laid on the couch and watched the Macy's Day Parade. He would drift into the kitchen during commercials and pinch a piece of ham (we served ham and turkey back then)or grab a roll. I would always arrive early to help out and by the time everyone else arrived the house was full of wonderful fragrances and children playing. It was very very good times. Then I would lag behind to help in the cleanup so Mom and I could chat even more.

Yes, we have much to be thankful for. I want the Lord to know how much I am thankful. I want my Heavenly Father to know I'm so very grateful for what he has done and still does for me. I thank my friends for being here for me when no one else was. I thank my family for loving me during my hard times and during my not-so-perfect times.

Thank you Father for what you mean to me and for dieing on the cross for my sins.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

FINDING PEACE WITH GOD

I haven't worked in public since May 2011 due to health issues. I thought I was having problems with my hip and left leg only to find out it is my back that is generating the problems. I can't get much sleep at night. I walk the floors, can't rest, can't seem to find peace within my body. Have you ever been like that? I'm not normally whiny nor am I usually a complainer but it appears that lately I am so whiny and complaining to the point I can see the disappointment in my husband's eyes. I'm not one for pain medication so I tough it out. Tylenol or Excedrine are my pain medications of choice. Have you ever dreaded going to sleep. I have always been ready to go to bed when I'm sleepy and tired. Lately I hate seeing night time come. I hate the thought of trying to fall asleep because I know either it's going to be a difficult time going to sleep or I'm going to wake up feeling stiff and once my feet touches the floor the pain is going to return. This really messes with my head sometimes. The Lord told us in his word he will not put more on us than we can bear. I've questioned that lately. Now don't freak out, I think it's ok to question what we don't understand. When you were a child didn't you ask your mom or dad if you wanted something explained that you didn't understand or if you felt you needed more information? That is how our relationship should be with our Heavenly Father. I think we get so wrapped up in our own pain and suffering that we fail to look beyond it. We fail to reach out toward the only one who can assist us and answer our questions. When we are suffering rather it be physically, mentaly, or emotionally we fail to take notice of God's presence in our lives. We fail to realize our Heavenly Father is only a prayer away and his arms are outstretched waiting for us to walk into them. At times I think we subconciously blame God for not making our lives perfect. You know what? God's son, Jesus Christ's life wasn't perfect either. He was perfect but his life here on earth wasn't. Do you think it was? He died on the cross for your sins and mine. He was spit upon, his beard was plucked out, his clothing was gambled away. How perfect is that? I woudln't want that type of perfection in my life. When I came to the realization that Jesus Christ went through all of that so I could become a Christian I felt so ashamed of my sins. And on top of it all, when I repented of my sins Jesus Christ had mercy on me. OMG, he had mercy on me. He still loved me!!! I may not have peace in my body but I have spiritual peace and that is most important. I know through the pain, through sleepless nights I can turn to my Heavenly Father and he will be there for me. I'm never alone. My relationship with God grows on a daily basis. I don't want to turn my back on him again. I did it once years ago and it was the lonliest dark feeling I've ever went through. When I'm in pain there may not be someone here to hold me and comfort me but I can fall into Jesus' arms and find a comfort man can never give me. The lord tells us in Hebrews 13:5 ...I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. When you feel you can't take much more just remember someone else is suffering more than you are. Don't be selfish with your feelings, allow God to hold you and comfort you in a way no man can. God will bring peace into your life and you'll learn to turn to Him for your every need. I've drank my coffee for the day. I will make a pot for my evening rest, decaf of course. Have a blessed day and thanks for allowing me to share with you today.

In Honor of My Daughter

We have a tendency to write something in "memory" of someone after they pass away. I want to give honor while those I love are alive. Today is my daughter's birthday. She is thirty-seven today if I remember correctly, lol. I'm thinking back when she was so small, first born. She weighed six pounds and 13 ounces. What a tiny person she was. I can't remember exactly how long she was but sure it was around 19-21" in length. At that time she was the smallest baby born to my side of the family.

I'm going to share something with you that I've only shared with one or two other people. I was a backslider when I had my daughter. I had accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour when I was fifteen years old. One day I'll share with you how I know I was really a child of God then. I was going through so many family problems that I blamed God for not working everything out for me the way "I thought" it should be worked out. So I turned my back on him and took my life back into my own hands at the age of 17. There was not a day that went by that I was not aware I was living my life against the Father's will. I became very rebellious. Even though I turned my back on God and tried to live a good life on my own, temptations were worse. [2 Peter 2:20-22 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.] When I realized I was expecting a little girl I chose the name "Christina" as my way of letting the Lord know I was so aware of his presence and I still loved him. I know it may not mean much to you but it meant to the world to me.

I've worked hard at being a good mother and raising my children in a good loving home. I've enjoyed raising my daughter. She's been very special to her dad and myself. I remember stories my mother use to tell us about our own childhood. She would tell us how she would line my brothers and sisters up on the couch so she could mop the floors and they would sit there until the floor dried. My daughter was the same way. I would sit her on the couch when she was big enough to sit there by herself and I'd give her a couple of books to look at. She'd sit right there until the floor dried. I enjoyed shopping for her. The cute little dresses with bows to match. I could play with her hair all day. It was like playing with a doll. I guess in a sense we never grow up. My greatest desire for my daughter was that she grow up to be a strong woman of God and serve him for the entirety of her adult life. I can't be there to control her and I can't be there to make sure she never gets hurt or make the right decisions. Once she came to the age of accountability she became responsible for her own soul. The only thing I can do is pray for her and be there for her when she needs me.

She is now the mother of two teenage boys and my prayer for her is that she raises them in the admiration and godly fear of the Lord. I know I'm being prideful but I have two of the sweetest grandsons God could bless anyone with. I love my family.

Happy Birthday Christina. My prayer for you today on your birthday is that you are so aware of God's calling on your life and you submit to his will. You will never find true happiness without the Lord to guide you. I pray safety and health over your life. I'm proud of you sweetie! I love you forever and a day!

You're Asking Me? Are You Really Born Again

Isn’t it amazing how many claim to be “Born Again” yet they are nothing like Christ. They don’t appear to be following in his footsteps. Matter of fact they do more harm to the name of Jesus Christ than good.

To my understanding to be a Christian is to be Christ-like. To be Christ-like a person strives to please God not man. When I was born into the Lawson family I took on some of my dad’s attributes and some of my mother’s. Jesus Christ does not have any other "ways" but being upright and truthful. He helped the poor when no one else would, he healed the sick, he was not a respecter of persons. I wonder at times if anyone even take time out to think about how Jesus Christ would feel about the cruel and provoking remarks others are getting ready to say. How can a person be so cruel and consider themselves a Christian? Matthew 7:21—Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. I think this scripture sums it up really well, don’t you.

Jesus instructed an un-named gentleman in the Bible, when asked what he should do to inherit eternal life,in Mark 10:14—One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. Jesus wanted to know what was more important to this man, him or the world. That is what he is asking us today. Are you more interested in serving the world by what you say, how you act, or what you gather or are you going to follow me knowing I’ll supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19) and give you the words to speak (Luke 21:15) in the time that you need them.

Take time today to clear it up. Are you truly born-again (living a life for Jesus Christ) or are you living religiously (claiming to be something your not because the words you speak and the actions you take does not reflect Jesus Christ).



"BEING A GOOD DAD"

Being a good dad is not hard to do if you depend on the Father to direct your path. Believe me, after raising two children I’ve learned hind sight is 20/20. Hearing your children out and not being quick to judge or discipline is a number one strong point. Reasoning with your children accomplishes more peace and harmony in the home than raising cane. I know it’s hard to do but standing your ground is what your children really want you to do. There are too many children out there that tells their parents what to do and when. No way in my household!God made the parent first, then the children came along. My husband worked third shift for 28 years and I had to be the so called villain in the family. I could not expect him to come home and correct the children when he wasn’t even around to see what they were up to. I had to swallow my pride knowing they appeared to love their father more because mom was always correcting them but deep down I know my children love me and respect me. Their dad was there for backup and would have been there for more if not working a grave yard shift. Working graveyard takes a toll on a family where children are involved but I made sure they were aware their dad would do some correcting if need be. Was this a threat? Of course not, it was the hard truth. I believe in tough love.(I'll elaborate on tough love in an upcoming blog).

Fathers are special in their own right. They are and should be the strength of the family. There is nothing like a godly father who seeks our heavenly father’s face for guidance.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

Coffee With God and Friends is back

I spend my life as Mayor these days. Time, time, there appears not to be enough of it but I know there is plenty of time I just need to organize it much better. The Lord has placed me in a place in my life where life can be confusing, decisions are prayed over and cautiously approached.

Many friends as well as family has told me I'm crazy to be this position. I understand their concerns. Many people blame the city for their own problems. Many wants the city to fight their battles for them. And when we choose not to interfere in their problems or fight their battles for them they turn on the city belittling the city for their failure in not getting involved in something that was not the city's problem to begin with.

Through the many problems we all face I'm excited to be where I am. During the campaign my only prayer was for the Lord's will to be done. Since I won the election I accept it was God's will for my life. I am on a path that leads where only the Lord knows so as the old gospel song goes, I will follow where he leadeth and I will pasture where he feedeth. I'm on a wonderful adventureous journey in my life that is being led by the best teacher in the world. Jesus Christ is guiding me and I need to be sure I pray before making any decisions concerning our city. Daily I pray for our employees, for their safety, for their attitudes, for their obedience to the me as Mayor and to the city since it's the city's money that pays them for their job.

I'm proud of the team I've worked to develop. It may not be fully where it should be but it's getting there. I depend on the Lord to guide me with decisions on my employees and the community.

Jesus has taught me me fear not him who can kill the body only but to fear Him who can cast both body and soul into hell; Rev 11:6

I'm thankful to be where I am in my life and I'm grateful to be a child of the King. The Lord has placed many wonderful strong people in my life and I appreciate them extremely. I'm learning more about my community and I know after my four year term I will be more involved in my community. Life can be what we make it as long as the Lord Jesus Christ is leading the way.

As I'm sitting here drinking my coffee, I will say a prayer for you. I will continue to pray for my city but most of all I will thank the Lord you are still in my life. You're an awesome friend.