GATHERING UP THE PIECES

Reminiscing about the past can bring back fond memories. Children, after they become adults. confess more things, we, as parents, would NOT like to know. The past can also remind you of struggles that didn’t end so well.  When family and friends gather at family reunions, parties, etc….. reminiscing can’t be dodged. The whole purpose of gatherings is sharing memories.  Most people enjoy sharing the past. Sharing hurtful pasts can send  many away feeling just as hurt as if it happened that very day. It may be the loss of a loved one, divorce, or domestic violence. I love my family and friends dearly but would never pry into hurtful things I know about or those I’ve only heard about, or question them about things I don’t know anything about.  I love enjoying my time spent with a friend or family member whenever we can grab a moment away from the hustle and bustle of a busy life. I like going to bed at night with a peaceful mind knowing everything that day stayed focused on the positive.

I have failed so many times when it comes to this area. I’ve had my feelings hurt too many times to count and mostly by Christians.  I’ve been personally attacked by people I thought loved me. I’ve been lied on and have been shocked the other person was believed over me. But thank you Jesus!!! I’ve been able to overcome. I am an Overcomer!!!! I’m sure I’ve done my share of hurting and many times over had to repent and ask God’s forgiveness. I will not use the famous term, “we’re only human” even though I’m very aware of that but that excuse doesn’t work with God so I’ve let it go out of my vocabulary. It’s a “cop out” phrase to make ourselves feel better for being so mean.

 I’ve put a burden on my family in the past because of dumping my pain and hurt on them. God wouldn’t allow me to approach the person who hurt me. I’ve asked about the scripture where it says, “go to him and him alone”. God has assured me “I” was not in the right mind frame to go to anyone at that particular time. I was biting nails and could say some very hurtful things. I’ve cried out to God telling him it’s not fair that they get by with it. God knows what’s best for us and his reason for our not fighting back is more important than our reason why we should fight back. God instructs us to not let our good be evil spoken of. Some people profess God but their hearts are far from him.  One thing God has showed me in my christian life is not to get involved with those who whisper and talk between their teeth. Nothing good ever comes out of that person when they do those things. I’m thankful my family has been my covering, my protector and they let me bounce off them (not always a good thing). I should say they tolerate my annoying tantrums. They don’t always agree with me but my family prays with me and they pray for me. I’ve been given  a “good talking to” from my husband and son who knows God’s word very well. I take to heart their instructions though I don’t like what I hear and at times even feel they joined forces with the other side  but I know they will not lead me astray.

I thank God for the ability to pick up the pieces in “His name” and go forward. For I have been broken and I have been shattered into many pieces. God weeds people out of our lives. I don’t mean he wants us to shun them but you should never confide in or bring this person into your inner circle of friends. They ‘ARE NOT’ doing a God service when they are cruel to you. You can pray for them but keep them at a safe distance.  It doesn’t matter what has happened in your life or who has hurt you. God will deliver you. You will be an overcomer if you trust in God and not turn to your own ways.  When I’ve been broken or abused I have a tendency to go into silence. God doesn’t allow me to talk much during this time. He knows my mouth can be my downfall.  When I’ve been questioned for being so quiet I’ve told people I’m in my desert place and God is teaching me something, he is wanting me to learn something. God has been teaching me that I’m not the easiest person to get along with. I know I can be critical and I absolutely love those who are not afraid to tell me they don’t agree with me but yet don’t get mad at me. At least I know our cards are on the table and we are communicating. We are agreeing to disagree so to speak.  I may disagree with you but I’ll still respect you for taking a stand on what you believe. I will NOT talk about you behind your back. It’s not disagreeing that is the problem. It’s how we disagree. If you’re going to be hateful and argumentive I’ll leave you to yourself. I don’t need it. Being mean to others is not my way of communicating.  Disagreeing can be done in a civil manner and still remain friends, family, or acquaintances.

It doesn’t matter what you have went through in your past or what you are presently going through. God will help you pick up the pieces and make you an overcomer through him. Open yourself up and allow him to take control. If you have never accepted him as your Savior then you should do that first then you simply need to pray and study his word. Allow God to make decisions for you. Go gather up your pieces.

FOR WOMEN ONLY

Speaking is a gift from God. At times I don’t think we really realize just how much we take being able to talk for granted. I have never, as much as I’d like to, learned how to talk with sign language.  It must be very difficult for those who cannot speak or even hear. It breaks my heart how I, myself, take having the ability to talk for granted. Speaking may come natural to you but not to everyone.

I’ve been reading “Becoming A Titus 2 Woman”.  I don’t know at times while reading if I’m glad God put the book, on my heart or discouraged because my sins are being revealed to me.  I thought reading the Bible or God’s soft voice speaking to my spirit was how he’d reveal my sins but now I know it can be revealed in many ways. I’m pretty confident that is why God’s ways are not our ways.

Here is a paragraph from the book that tells us, as women, that our words should be edifying and not destructive: “Edifying words build up the other person. They are not a false, manipulative form of giving praise. They are spoken for the purpose of helping the other person be strong in the Lord or to be more like the Lord Jesus Christ. They may be encouraging or they may be a reproof. It depends on what would be appropriate. Such words are honoring to the Lord and have an eternal purpose and worth.” [Becoming A Titus 2 Woman, Page 37]

God expects us to be gracious in our speech and not malicious gossips. I Timothy 3:11—So must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.  We, as sisters in Christ, are to uplift one another but also reproof in a godly manner when necessary.  When attending my church I need to know that no matter what I face in my life I can confide in my Christian sisters and be reproved or motivated in Christ.  I, in turn, need to be there for my sisters in Christ. I don’t want to be found a gossip or a destroyer of another’s testimony. I think too many find joy and self gratification in speaking ill of the other.  I have become so turned off by negativity that I have to really pray and ask God to allow me to discern between someone being negative or actually hurting. I do struggle with this because, and I don’t know if you feel like this, but when someone is always negative then it affects me as a person. I feel so dragged down.

Another passage from the books says: When an older woman befriends a younger woman, she is likely to influence the younger woman’s thinking and actions. That can be good news or bad news. For example, it is bad news when the older woman leads the younger woman into heresy. It is good news when the older woman is doctrinally sound. It is bad news when the older woman rebels against the authority of her elders in her church or her husband. It is good news when she is graciously  under their authority. It is bad news when the older woman is a gossip. It is good news when she is like the “holy women of old” (I Peter 3:5) [Becoming A Titus 2 Woman, Page 31]

I know many women won’t care for that passage where it speaks of rebelling against her husband and I understand because I use to be bad for that but God has worked wonders in my marriage and where I was once stubborn, I now can speak with my husband about most anything. I’m still working on my stubbornness but I never thought I’d see the day I’d ask him, “Can you tell me what I’m doing wrong?” But I do because I want him to be honest with me and help me be the best I can be. I’m not right all the time and I want to be doctrinally sound. I want to be like the “holy women of old”.  I want my life to be of a good report. I don’t want to be looked upon as a malicious gossip. I don’t want to be marked as a “trouble maker”.  I want to be subjective to my husband. He is a great man of God and I know he will never teach me anything that is not sound doctrine. I want to be subjective to the elders of the church who knows God’s word and will reprove me or support me in times of need.  As we gain new young women in our church I want them to see me as someone they can confide in, who will pray with them when they need prayer.  I thank God for the women he is adding to our small church. These women are not only our future, they are our “today”.  This is why teaching should never end. Women should never feel like because they are to be subjective to their husbands or the elders in the church that they are not to know the scriptures as the husband, preacher, or elders know the scriptures. God holds us all accountable to know the word and not twist it to suit our situations or what we choose to believe. Jesus fought Satan with the word of God and that is how we are to fight Satan also. He is the destroyer of all things good.

I know as I continue to read “Becoming a Titus 2 Woman” the Lord will continue to reveal what I need to work on in my character, sound doctrine, and ministry. I’m learning to be humble and not rebellious. I don’t want to be “who I am” or “how I am”. I want to be “who I am” and “how I am” in God. There is too much negativity in the world and too many people who like nothing more than to drag others down or destroy their testimonies. I don’t want to be part of that. If it means being a “loner for God” then that will be me. I’m living proof that the more we, as women talk, the more we get ourselves in trouble. So don’t be a do-gooder but do good in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Thank you for allowing me to share with you one more time. May God guide you in everything you do and may your life be richly blessed each day.

Don't Believe in Shouting? Read Your Bible

I’ve not been watching the basketball games on TV lately. By reading my Facebook wall and my son calling  to let us know, UK Wildcats moves into the Final 4. Even though I don’t watch the games, and of course it has nothing to do with my religious beliefs, many Christians do watch. Matter of fact I’ve never seen so many  get so physical with shouting and jumping up and down over the games. I have no intention of judging so please forgive me if you get that impression. I can’t help but wonder if someone can get extremely excited over a game that is here today, gone tomorrow, why they can't get that excited over a risen Saviour who is eternal and has delivered them from Hell. I’m only trying to understand. Is it because we are afraid of what others will think of us in church? Is it because we may attend a denomination where shouting or jumping may be forbidden? 

If you have a desire to shout to the Lord or jump with spiritual excitement and it’s forbidden in your church then maybe you are in the wrong church. God is so worthy to be praised. We need to regroup ourselves as Christians and know it’s ok to shout to the Lord, not for the purpose of being seen or heard from fellow Christians but because we adore Him, we praise Him with voice, we worship with movement. We need to stop being a “stick in the mud”. We need to allow God to take control of our lives. We need to re-evaluate our Christian walk and put our priorities in the right place.  

Listen I  have no problem with music. Gosh, I don’t know how to say this because  I love most  types of music. I think when music is sex related or cursing throughout the song or even play electronic games with cursing and a lot of violence then we are crossing the line in our service to God. I feel the same with TV shows or movies.  If we’d rather listen to worldly music, watch worldly shows or movies we are crossing the line in our service to God. God should be first in everything.  

Again my intentions is not to judge. However, I feel very strongly about saying what God has laid on my heart.  To be truthful with you this message is correcting my spirit also.

Again, it’s ok to shout and dance before the Lord.

Psalms 5:11  But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever SHOUT for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

Psalms 35:27  Let them SHOUT for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

Psalms 149:3  Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

Psalms 150:4  Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

We should never fear what others think of us. It is what God thinks of us that matters. We need to be focused on our Heavenly Father. 

I challenge each of you who reads this newsletter to begin a Bible study regimen. We need Bible study groups in our churches and if that doesn’t work for you then have one in your home. Gather a few friends and set one hour one day a week to fellowship and study. 

I feel very urgent in saying this to someone who is reading this newsletter. You know if it’s you. If your life isn’t where it should with God. If your life is not lined up with his will for your life then you need to correct this. Only you and the Lord can make it right again. Please don’t  put it off. Don't be afraid to shout and/or dance before the Lord. He is worthy to be praised!

A Road Worth Taking

I get so tired of complaining because I hurt all the time. My joints ache, between my joints ache, I hurt all over. I don't like the person I've become. I liked me much better when I could do more things with less effort.  I miss being the positive person I once was. I miss being with friends, laughing together, and having good times. These days I'm more secluded, going out only when I must. I don't move as much as I use to which my husband says contributes to my aches and pains. I've become a quieter person. I've become a prayer warrior. 


Praying for others is something I know I can do without being in pain. I can lift others up in prayer spiritually without hurting myself. But who in the world would want me to in this 'state' I'm in. I so enjoy being around people who are positive, uplifting, and aggressive in a good way. I've always told my children there is someone out there in worse condition than you are. We are never as bad off as we can be or as we think we are. 


Jesus Christ grew up to be tormented, abused, and mocked. His clothing was torn off him, his head was encased with a crown of thorns pushed down so hard upon his head that blood ran like a stream. He was beaten until his back was a blood bath with meat stripped exposing bone.  His hands and feet nailed to a cross and his body radically shaken as the pole was jarred into the ground. All this for what reason? All this was done so you and I could be saved. You never asked him to do this for you, you say? You should be glad he did. He did this knowing we had the free will to ask him to be our Lord and Savior or to reject him. Jesus could have came down from the cross. I have no doubt in my mind that he could've said, "ok, that's enough, I'm through." Yet he didn't. He suffered it all and why? Because of love. Love is a very special and powerful word that we in today's society abuse and use extremely loose. 


Jesus offered us a road into Heaven or a road into Hell. We have the freedom to choose what road we will take. Now who in the world wants to make a decision like that when you can come and go as you please, party hard, and have sex like eating candy (any time you want it)? Fun only lasts for a while then what? The love Jesus Christ offers is eternal. We learn so much being Christians. We learn sex isn't like candy. There is a time and place for that kind of relationship. It's called marriage! You can party with your Christian friends,  it's different kind of partying. You don't have to worry about someone getting hurt but if they do you can join in prayer asking the Lord for help.  You don't have to worry about someone overdosing. Living a Christian life brings you spiritual peace. There will be a  calming of the spirit you'll never experience any other way. Every day won't be a party nor will every day be an easy day. Your day can be approached with wisdom and knowledge as you study God's word to find out what he wants you to do that day or what you should say to others. Being a Christian isn't a scary way of life. We learn each day and yes, we make mistakes. 


Being a Christian isn't a perfect life but it's a forgiving life. We don't intentionally hurt someone then ask forgiveness. We learn how to get along with others rather Christian or non-Christian. We learn how to love one another with a love only God can give us. We learn how to  lift each other up during bad times and not stomp them into the ground. Christianity is a forgiving way. Christianity is a road worth taking . You have the promise of living in Heaven for all eternity. You can also choose to burn in Hell for all eternity too. I don't think that is the road you'd rather take, right?  Who wants to burn and be in excruciating pain for ever and ever? The Bible tells us  Revelation 14:11  And the SMOKE OF THEIR TORMENT ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night...   I wouldn't want to go there. Why would you? Forever is eternity, no coming back, final call. You don't give up anything by being a Christian. You just don't want to do the same things anymore that you use to do.  When I feel all alone I'm reminded that Jesus Christ is only a prayer away. He's there to comfort me in a way no one else can. 


Accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior will be one of the greatest decisions you'll ever make in your life. After accepting Jesus as your Savior then you can begin looking for a church that meets your needs. Look for a church that teaches you discipleship. Discipleship is an important part of being a Christian. Being a Disciple is being a follower. We must follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. We must learn to be good servants. By being a good servant you will learn to be a great teacher. 


So with my aches and pains I will continue to follow my Lord and Savior. I will be a prayer warrior and lift up those around me. It's not my place to tear anyone down. There are too many so called Christians who do that already. I want to be a supporter of those in spiritual need. I choose the road that leads me in the arms of Jesus Christ. What road do you find worth taking? 


Thank you for allowing me to share with you today. I so love writing what the Lord lays on my heart. The road I have chosen is a road worth taking. God Bless you and yours. 

HHCG DIET FINAL UPDATE

I'm glad this diet worked for so many people and wish it had worked for me but while being on the diet I had three episodes with my heart getting out of control. I have problems with an irregular heart beat and am on heart medication to slow it down. Since being on the diet my heart rate and went to 130 and 135 while at rest waking me up in the middle of the night with coughing and violently vomiting due to not being able to breath fast enough to keep up with my heart rate. Once I vomit my heart rate comes down. I was so hoping this diet would work for me but guess not. I did learn some things that worked for my body and what didn't work. I will continue to count my carbs and calories. A wonderful lady told me once it's all about calories in and calories out. Important words I must heed. Please keep me in your prayers that I will find what works for me.

HHCG DIET

Bear with me please. I'm out of town but also not feeling well. I will start back on the diet once I get back home and will start blogging again but for now I think I have a virus or something. My stomach isn't feeling well at all. I'll talk to you soon on here. God Bless you all!

DAY 13 & 14 -HHCG DIET

I don't know what is going on but not feeling well today. I think I'm going off the diet for a couple of days since I'm heading to Lexington and make sure everything is ok. The last time I went off this diet I got ill. Adding carbs back in suddenly makes a difference I think. But anyway, I didn't write last night because I felt in a daze. Have you ever had one of those days. I didn't eat a lot but what I did eat had carbs in it. My belly didn't feel so good so went to bed around 11:30 pm. I tossed and turned and finally got to my feet around 1:30 am. I began throwing up and didn't feel well at all. I hated I woke John up by my noise since he gets up at 3:00 am for work. After one round of vomiting I checked my BP and it was 198/98. I heart was racing at 135 bpm. I know your thinking I'm crazy to go on with this diet but I can't say it's the diet. Things are making sense to me now. When I consume carbs on a diet or not on a diet this is what happens to me at least once a month. I've told the doctor about it and they can't figure it out either. Our bodies are amazing how the Lord made them and I think if we listen closely they will tell us in their own way what works and what doesn't. I'm working on a list on what I ate when I became ill to see if I see a pattern. Again be patient with me. I know this diet works. I've read too many good things about it. It's not even about the 500 calories. It has to be about combination of foods we take into our bodies. More to come soon......