| PUSH.... |
| 04.11.05 (3:54 pm) |
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I know I haven't posted for a while, on top of being busy with ministry, I now have the flu and been sick for 5 days now. Even my daughter said I don't sound like me when I talked with her on the phone. And I am so over watching TV! So I was looking for a file on the computer, and I came across the story that is below. It was a wonderful remember for me, not to forget to do what is the most important thing in our lifes. Hope you enjoy, and don't ever forget to PUSH! A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might. So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all of his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain. Since the man was showing discouragement, the Adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the weary mind: You have been pushing against that rock for a long time, and it hasn't moved." Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man. Satan said, "Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough." That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord. "Lord," he said, "I have labored long and hard in your service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing? The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewy and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. That you have done. Now, my friend, I will move the rock." At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just a simple obedience and faith in Him. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves mountains. When everything seems to go wrong ... just P.U.S.H.! When the job gets you down ... just P.U.S.H.! When people don't react the way you think they should just P.U.S.H.! When your money is "gone" and the bills are due... just P.U.S.H.! When people just don't understand you ... just P.U.S.H.! P= Pray U= Until S= Something H= Happens |
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| I have a story to share.... |
| 03.26.05 (10:38 am) |
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I came across this story that I would like to share with you; A man talked how he had went on a mission trip, and "the custom was over there was you were not to eat with your left hand. Your left hand was reserved for personal cleaniness functions. If you were sitting at a table, and you touched a dish with your left hand, the dish would be removed from the table, with no comment from the host about the grave error you had just done. Also when presenting a gift to someone, you were to present the the gift with your right hand, with your left hand cupping the right the right hand. This is an expression being convey of that your gift is too heavy or too much for them to receive with only one hand. This is a way of honnoring your worthiness or value of your gift as they also say thank-you." The author also went on to talk about his grandmother. "while growing up, he would remember how his grandmother would express her love for him, in the use of her hands for him. While she would make him pies, cakes, or even by just cupping his face with both of her hands." What a wonderful memory he had of his grandmother's hands. As I reflected on this, I was reminded of the times I displayed affection with my hands to my daughter. To wipe her tears from her face, to hold her hand as she would try to run ahead of me when she wanted to show me that she knew how to cross the street. And the most recent one is even as a grown adult with a child of her own, she still loves it when I would take my hands and caress her long hair. I'm reminded as Easter draws near, the love of Christ displays for us in His hands. He used them to heal the sick, and feed His flock, and to take the nails that would pay the price of my sins. And let's not forget God's promise to us, that "He holds us in His righteous right hand". Tonight when you lay your head on the pillow, I pray that the Lord will show you, how it is that through what you do with your hands, in terms of loving on someone can be a expression of how much God loves them too. I pray that He will continue to use you to display His love for us and others. In ways that may include writing a note, picking up the phone and calling someone and asking how they are doing. Or maybe just to caress someone with your hand, so that they may feel the Love that God has for them. My prayer that as you are reading this, that it minister to your heart, so that you also may feel the depth of Gods love for you, for it shows in His Son's hands. Have a Happy and Bless Easter Copyright © 2004Cmbales |
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| What He did for us! |
| 03.15.05 (10:36 pm) |
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:wink: I am so sorry I haven't posted for a long time, its what I call my "busy season" time of year. The ministry I am in, is in full swing right now, (see my link for Christian Retreat) and I am up to my eyes with meetings and such. But I didn't want another day to go by without posting something about Easter. Before Mel Gibson came out with his movie of Christ, some one else by the name of Mark Eastman MD., came out with a story that he wrote called The Agony of Love. Medical Aspects of The Crucifixion:He wasn't saved when he did his research, but being a doctor of medical medicine, he wanted to find out himself, what all Christ endure when he died on the cross. And what he had found during his research, made him a Born Again Believer! So it is with this introduction I give you the Story of The Agony of Love. It's a long read, but well worth the time. http://www.khouse.org/articles/1998/113/" title="http://www.khouse.org/articles/1998/113/" target="_blank"http://www.khouse.org/article...
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| How many red marbles do you have? |
| 02.28.05 (9:03 pm) |
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During the waning years of the depression in a small southeastern Idaho community, I used to stop by Mr. Miller's roadside stand for farm-fresh produce as the season made it available. Food and money were still extremely scarce and bartering was used, extensively. One particular day Mr. Miller was bagging some early potatoes for me. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas. I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller and the ragged boy next to me. "Hello Barry, how are you today?" "H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas ...sure look good." "They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?" "Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time." "Good. Anything I can help you with?" "No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas." "Would you like to take some home?" "No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with." "Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?" "All I got's my prize marble here." "Is that right? Let me see it." "Here 'tis. She's a dandy." "I can see that. Hmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?" "Not 'zackley .....but, almost." "Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble." "Sure will. Thanks, Mr. Miller." Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said: "There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, perhaps." I left the stand, smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys and their bartering. Several years went by each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his viewing that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon our arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts ... very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing smiling and composed, by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary, awkwardly, wiping his eyes. Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and mentioned the story she had told me about the marbles. Eyes glistening she took my hand and led me to the casket. "Those three young men, who just left, were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim "traded" them. Now, at last when Jim could not change his mind about color or size...they came to pay their debt. "We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world," she confided, "but, right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho." With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three, exquisitely shined, red marbles. Moral: We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. |
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| So Where is that Ark? |
| 02.22.05 (6:52 pm) |
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If you hadn't been watching the news lately; its been raining like crazy in California. So much for the 8) beautiful weather we had been known to have! I mean, it's not like it never rains here, but we are breaking records with the all of the rain we have been having lately. Plus we even had tornado warnings, that is very unusual in it self. So today at lunch, I was reminded of Noah, and how God foreward him about all the rain that was to come. And I picture how people laugh at him and told him he was nuts. (not in those words I am sure, but I think you get the picture!) So I got to thinking, how many times have I been laught at, because I knew in my heart that God has told me something that was far fetch to the unbeleving world?Or maybe He has told me to go do something, and I didn't cause out of fear of what others might think or say? :( Makes one wonder, what if Noah didn't listen to God? What if Abraham didn't go up to the mountain with his son Isaac, as do as God had commanded? http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genes is" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genes is" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%2022;&version=31; Or what about Esther? If she didn't listen to what her Uncle told her what she needed to do in order to save herself and her people? http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esthe r4" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esthe r4" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...:14;&version=31; I wonder how many times I fail God, because I didn't do what He told me to do, cause 1) I didn't trust Him. 2) I didn't trust myself. Or 3) I was afraid of what people might say or think cause I put God outside the box! Talk about your comforted zone! But in Job, it saids this :arrow: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=job11 " title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=job11 " target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...:7-9;&version=31; and this :arrow:http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=job11 " title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=job11 " target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...:13-15;&version=31; Talk about your kewl stuff, and what a awesome God we serve. But like you, I have my unbeliefs, and I don't trust God competely like I should. Sometimes I am just plain stubborn. How much is the blessing when we die to self, and allow the Holy Spirit to take over, so that our Father can be glorfied There was a time in my prayer life, I had asked God to use me more. Ok, I didn't ask, I cried that He will use me more. And you know they always say watch what you pray for, for you never know how God is going to answer that prayer. But I wanted to see more of God in my life. So I've prayed for Him to use me, so that I may see Him. Well, one week I was having a tough time, and I remembered that I thought I would go to church service to get refreshed and revived. Well I couldn't remeber what time the church service started, so I thought I would go and get a bite to eat and have some alone time. Well, God had different plans. As I was sitting in the corner of a fast food place, minding my own business, along came a woman, a sat down in a booth . Not facing me, but having her back to others as well. She seemed well dressed, and I thought she must be waiting for someone. So as I finished my food, I felt God telling me, to go offer my left over food to this woman. And I thought that was the craziest thing. I don't know that woman, and I am sure she was waiting on someone, and that was absurb that I would offer her my left overs. :roll: So what did I do? I got up and walk away and threw out my left overs in the trash. As I started to walk to my car, I felt God telling me " I thought you wanted me to use you?" :oops: So I did a 180 degree turn around, order what I thought the woman would like, and took it to her. I wish I could describe the look on her face. One of unbelief, ( and I thought OH OH, I goof!) But I felt I was suppose to tell her that God loves her and that He heard her cries, and He will answer her prayers. Turns out she was recently homeless and feeling overwhelm and wonder where was God in all of this. I didn't have a answer for her. But I prayed with her, and left her knowing that God hadn't abandoned her. That He holds her in the palm of His hand. And that was good enought for her. Since then, there has been many of these God divine appointments, some of them I miss :(, some of them I heeded to what God wanted me to do. And when I answer to His will, what a overwhelming blessing it has been. So my freind, I ask of you, what it is that God has been asking of you that is outside of your box? And what are you willing to do about it? :wink: |
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| Our Fathers Love |
| 02.19.05 (6:41 pm) |
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:D I got a email from a freind of mine; and it was a link to a really cool website, so I wanted to share it with you. It sort of been touching of what I had been sharing, so I hope you enjoy it!↓ |
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| Have you every had one of those weeks... |
| 02.17.05 (9:27 pm) |
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:roll: I swear if my head wasn't attach, I would of most likely would of lose that too! It seems that anything and everything I could misplace, I have lost it and then found it, or it is still missing! From all of my keys (good thing I had a spare car key) to my shoes to my phone book. (That is still missing). Things that I just put down, I have no idea where I put it down at!:wink: And it’s not getting any better, I read that when women go though their change of life, that happens to them. But don’t ask me where I saw that at I don’t remember! :? Good thing I still remember where I work at and I know how to get there. (Or is that a good thing?) Please don’t think I am making fun of people that have a short term memory, it just is driving me nuts! And I feel like I am losing my mind. But what I am thankful for, is how in the middle of all of this, things like Christian songs will pop in my head when I am feeling stress out. Songs that remind me, how awesome God is, how he hears my prayers, and that he knows where the missing items are, and sometimes I just need to focus on Him, and he will show me where my missing items are at. (My missing keys where at my in-laws house, and don’t ask how I left them there!) But it was I gave up stressing, that is when God reminded me of where they were at. So it is during this time as well, that God was reminding me of scriptures. Like how he knows how many hairs that are on my head. Luk 12:7. And how He knows my coming and goings http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=23&a mp" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=23&a mp" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...;chapter=139&version= 31 So who I am to complain of what I am going through, so what if I am in the middle of the “Change”? (Even if I am not that old, I am not really. Trust me on this one) what matters the most, is that knows me, and He creative me, and in the mist of this, I am losing my focus on just to Praise Him. And everything else will fall into place. Sooner or later! Hey, is that where I place my shoes? :? |
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| Its a wonderful day in the neigborhood |
| 02.12.05 (12:11 pm) |
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:lol: It's a raining outside, has been since yesterday, and it;s saturday, a day to half veg, and get current on e-mails that had not been read yet, so I will caution you to only go to this link if you have a sense of humor! Hope you get a laugh out of it, and no harm intented! |
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| What has God done for you? |
| 02.09.05 (8:50 pm) |
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8) I was going though some of my folders today on the computor, and I came across this one that just reminded of Gods provisons for me and my husband when I felt I was to go to Mission School. So down below is a journal of what I had to face during some of those times and how God provided for us. Well as my schooling has ended yesterday; and I finish the night class on Biblical Counseling; I had been able to reflect back and see where God has led me the last 4 months; and this is what I would like to share with you. When God put it on my heart; the desire to go back to school; I had no idea where, when or how. But isn't that like God? Always leading us to paths where we have no idea where we are going, or how are we going to get there? So; when my husband and I prayed about me going to the School of Evangelism; we prayed about it; looked over our incoming and out coming bills; and income, and decided it looked good on paper; so why not go for it! Not knowing that my husband was going to be taking a cut in pay when he got laid off of work with another job that God had in mind; and the other things that was going to crop up as well. Needless to say; if we had any clue of the whole picture; we would not had signed me up for school! But God saw the whole picture! The first month of school was ok; no bumps, or brusies. But as I gotten more involved in the school; well things change financially to say the least. But God was right there with us. As I sign up by faith to take on additional night class ( the Biblical Counseling) that class I was able to take for free. ( the cost of the class was $90.00). Then God put it on someone's heart to sent $120 towards my tuition. And this was just the second month of schooling! Then the third month; as my husband and I was facing a deeper struggle with our finances, not only was my car registration was due on my car; but hubby's transmission decided to go out on his car as well. Plus we had no food nor money in the our checking account; to even buy food much less gas. But God knows every one of our needs; and his word says he will supply it as well; and that he did. Less that 24 hours later; we had received some money in the mail from a sister in the Lord, who God put on her heart to do so. Then it was shortly after that; 3 days before my car tags were due; God but it on someone's else's heart; not that only paid for my car's registration, but help paid for hubby to go to the junk yard and get a transmission for his car. And looking for a transmission that would work for a car that was over 20 years old would be like a needle in a haystack you say? Not for our God; hubby found one in the first junkyard he was at; with even a FLEECE seat cover under the car where the transmission was! ( and now his car purr's like a kitten!) But still; God wasn't done with blessing us yet! As I was searching where it is where I feel God wants to lead me; I felt I am to continual with my schooling. So again God step up to the plate; and my next class I needed to take to pursue the counseling I feel God is calling me in; was going to cost me another $120.00. But that has been taking care of as well and I don't have to paid for that class either. Also I forgot to mention; some one else came along side of me and gave me $200.00 to puts towards the tuition due for the third month! And last but not least, some one has also send in another $240.00 for this last month of tuition as well. And again; facing a bare cupboard; we had some one give us $40.00 in gift certificates from a grocery store. And on top of that; some one giving hubby $60.00, so we can buy each other a Christmas present as well. Please don't take me wrong; I am very human; and there was times I stress out . But to quote a song from a women's group call Mary Mary. " I can't give up now, I come to far from where I started from. No it may not be easy; the road where He leads me; but I just can't believe he brought me this way; just to leave me!" So what I want to do is to encourage you, some of you have been facing harder struggles; some of you are tired of the road you are on. Some of you feel that this road has no end. But just praise Him! And he will show you as well; the He didn't bring you all this way; just to leave you! hubby and I have no idea where my money for my mission trip is going to come from. It is less than 2 weeks away. But I have decided; that this is the season just to praise Him. satan would love to use this time to put fear and doubt in our minds. But I know that the God I love and serve; has the whole picture in his hand. And for now; I am just going to praise Him. And I pray that you can do that too! P.S; the day I left for mission trip, God bless me with $100.00, and that money got stretch for the whole month I was gone, plus hading to deal with tooth problems while I was in Mexico, providing the funds for that and a really good dentist (who wasn't save) who only charge me with what his cost was to pull a tooth and put me back on the road! What a awesome God we serve! :D :D
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| "but I am a Christian"... |
| 02.08.05 (9:10 pm) |
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One of my co-workers is out looking for a place to rent. And in where I live, not is a small feat. For one, housing is scarce; another if you do find a place is it within your price range? :roll: So my co-worker who I will call Ms. R has been searching for a while. And since she has been searching for a length of time, she is ready and prepare for what she needs. References, money for deposit, and even has a rental application all ready to hand over when she meets with the person who is the owner of the rental property. So today she took time off of work to go look at another place. And of course there was other "potential renters" to look at the house as well. But what threw her, as she was talking with the owner, and telling the person who would living with her in the house, one of the other potential renters pip-up "but I am a Christian". Ms. R doesn't have a walking relationship with Jesus. She knows that I do. But yet she feels comfortable hanging out with me, as we do lunch, or go thrift store shopping. I pray that one day she will know Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior. Please don’t get me wrong, I sympathize with this person that made that statement. I understand her pain, frustration, and just not knowing what God has plan for her. But today as I was driving home, I was reminded of 1Cor.13:4-7 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres”. The key word that comes to mind is that “not self-seeking”. We serve a God that wants us to call out to Him, in all of our issues that we are dealing with in life. I am in a ministry, and awhile back I was dealing with some health issues, and being rather prideful, and wasn’t ready to face reality, I insisted to be involved in the ministry, thinking that my health would not be an issue. Well, it was. And there was a sister in the Lord; who decided to vent about my decision, and the lack of commitment I was not able to do. And she decided to vent to others about me as well as other things, but I think you get the picture. I was her moving target, but I was not moving in the way that she wanted me to move. Well I try to talk to her, and she still wouldn’t stop. I even took someone else with me and confronted this sister, and she still didn’t listen. So instead, I let her continue what ever she was bend on doing, and I prayed for her. I asked God to help me deal with the issues I was dealing with her, the hurt of her heart that I may of cause her, and for forgiveness of my own self slightness about myself. I have come to a place where I do forgive her, and because of her wanting to vent her fiery darts at me, others saw what she was doing, and now she was asked to take a sabbatical break. God has all our battles, but only if we allow Him to have them. It seems that Ms. R. is going to get the rental. The owner of the house had called her at work several times this afternoon, with questions. As for that person that made her statement, I pray that God will give her peace. That He will show her that this place was not to where He would have had her lived. That he has better plans for her and her living situation. I prayed that she will be reminded of Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. That is something you can hold on to…… |
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| Had this ever happen to you? |
| 02.06.05 (6:51 pm) |
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:x I just checked my e-mail, and in my in box was something from my bank, and a link to click on to. So I was curious to see what it was all about. The only thing that the e-mail stated was they wanted to informed me of that I should check parity of my account in a given e-mail. So I clicked on the reference link, and there it took me to a web site that looked like my bank web site. It had the secure sign logo and it had the FDIC logo. And all the bank information. But it also asked for my ATM card number, my ATM pin number, and the expiration date! I think not! But this remeinds me, acouple of weeks ago, my place of work got broken into. And we didn't realize it at first. I mean yea, we had a window boarded up. But it led into the owners office, and his doors were closed like they always are, so we didn't think nothing of it, till a hour later I realize my CD/clock radio was gone! It was a year old, and a nice one. And it seems that and the owners flat screen monitor was stolen as well. While there are computers all over the office, that is the only thing that was taken. I was pretty bum. Ok, depress was more like the word for it. And I could not understand why it bother me so much. And now as I looked back, I realize that my focus was all in the wrong place. I should of been thankful that nothing else was taken, or more damage was done to the office, to the point where we would had to close for the day, and lose wages as well. If I had to do it over again, my reaction, would be thankful for want didn't take place. Instead of allowing satan to rob me of my joy. This makes me think of the disciples. When Jesus went to Gethesemane, and He asked them to watch and pray, and instead they fell asleep. It was shortly after that our Savior went to the Cross to where He died for our sins. Can you imagetion what emotions they were going through? Only because satan wanted to rob them of their secuirty and trust. In 1 Peter 5:8 it says this So my freinds, what are you facing in your life, that satan is wanting to devour you, or rob you of your joy? In Nehemiah 8:10, it says "Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." It may be hard to focus on what is good and what is right, but I plead to you, to continue focus on the cross and trust in the Lord, for He will make everything right! |
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| I received this right as I posted |
| 02.01.05 (7:51 am) |
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Jack took a long look at his speedometer before slowing down: 73 in a 55 zone. Fourth time in as many months. How could a guy get caught so often? When his car had slowed to 10 miles an hour, Jack pulled over, but only partially. Let the cop worry about the potential traffic hazard. Maybe some other car will tweak his backside with a mirror. The cop was stepping out of his car, the big pad in hand. Bob? Bob from Church? Jack sunk farther into his trench coat. This was worse than the coming ticket. A cop catching a guy from his own church. A guy who happened to be a little eager to get home after a long day at the office. A guy he was about to play golf with tomorrow. Jumping out of the car, he approached a man he saw every Sunday, a man he'd never seen in uniform. "Hi, Bob. Fancy meeting you like this." "Hello, Jack." No smile. "Guess you caught me red-handed in a rush to see my wife and kids." "Yeah, I guess." Bob seemed uncertain. Good. "I've seen some long days at the office lately. I'm afraid I bent the rules a bit-just this once." Jack toed at a pebble on the pavement. "Diane said something about roast beef and potatoes tonight. Know what I mean?" "I know what you mean. I also know that you have a reputation in our precinct." Ouch. This was not going in the right direction. Time to change tactics. "What'd you clock me at?" "Seventy. Would you sit back in your car please?" "Now wait a minute here, Bob. I checked as soon as I saw you. I was barely nudging 65." The lie seemed to come easier with every ticket. "Please, Jack, in the car." Flustered, Jack hunched himself through the still-open door. Slamming it shut, he stared at the dashboard. He was in no rush to open the window. The minutes ticked by. Bob scribbled away on the pad. Why hadn't he asked for a driver's license? Whatever the reason, it would be a month of Sundays before Jack ever sat near this cop again. A tap on the door jerked his head to the left. There was Bob, a folded paper in hand Jack rolled down the window a mere two inches, just enough room for Bob to pass him the slip. "Thanks." Jack could not quite keep the sneer out of his voice. Bob returned to his police car without a word. Jack watched his retreat in the mirror. Jack unfolded the sheet of paper. How much was this one going to cost? Wait a minute. What was this? Some kind of joke? Certainly not a ticket. Jack began to read: "Dear Jack, Once upon a time I had a daughter. She was six when killed by a car. You guessed it-a speeding driver. A fine and three months in jail, and the man was free. Free to hug his daughters All three of them. I only had one, and I'm going to have to wait until Heaven before I can ever hug her again. A thousand times I've tried to forgive that man. A thousand times I thought I had. Maybe I did, but I need to do it again. Even now. Pray for me. And be careful, Jack, my son is all I have left." "Bob" Jack turned around in time to see Bob's car pull away and head down the road. Jack watched until it disappeared. A full 15 minutes later, he too, pulled away and drove slowly home, praying for forgiveness and hugging a surprised wife and kids when he arrived. Life is precious. Handle with care. This is an important message; please pass it along to your friends. Drive safely and carefully. Remember, cars are not the only things recalled by their maker. |
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| I have a confession to make... |
| 01.31.05 (7:42 pm) |
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I have a lead foot when I drive. Please don’t get me wrong, I am not proud of such a thing, and I always try to drive the speed limited. But get me on open road, and in no time I am doing 80 when the speed limit is 65. But I am a careful driver. I had not gotten a ticket in my whole 12 years of driving. I mean I gotten pull over. Like the time that my headlight was out. I knew it was out. And I told my husband that it was out. But it didn’t get fixed. (That’s what I get for marrying a mechanic.) Until I got caught driving when it was dark and I had no choice to but to turn on my headlights. I was trying to get home before it was dark, but I had lost track of time. So sure enough, just when I thought I was in the clear, 3 blocks away from my house. I got pulled over. As the officer got to my window, he asked if I knew if my headlight was out. I told him I did, but my husband hadn’t gotten around to fixing it! (What did you think that I was going to lie?) Well the officer had a surprise looked on his face (I am sure that is an excuse he never heard of before) ran my license, and told me to get the headlight fixed. I told him I would. Came home and told my husband what happen, after he laughed, he proceed to go down that night to fix it. And that took care of that problem. But as a Christian, do you ever think who is watching you when you least expect it? And what are you telling them about yourself? I got really blessed when the opportunity came for me to go to Missionary school for 5 months, and then got to go way down south in Mexico to practice what I was taught. http://www.horizonsd.org/scho... In this school I got to learn the culture of Mexico. What are their turn offs, what it takes to get their respect for me and my fellow classmates to be able to ministry to them and their needs. And the really cool part is we were invited to go to many churches and lead a service. It was there, that I learn what Titus 2:7-8 was talking about. "Titus 2:7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good deeds of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. 8 Let your teaching be so correct that it can't be criticized. Then those who want to argue will be ashamed because they won't have anything bad to say about us." It was at one of these church services that I saw it. A little girl who looked to be about 7 or 8 years old. Watching one of my sisters in the Lord, worshiping God. The little girl was imitating my sister as she was worshiping. Lifting her arms up to worship God. The little girl was even trying to keep up as my sister was doing sign language with her singing to God. The little girl saw a woman of God, and it was priceless. It was beautiful thing to watch. The old teaching the young and not even realizing what was taking place. But my Father did, and with that I am to be ever so more careful of my every day actions. How I live my relationship with God. So as if others are watching, I that I may not help them stumble, but instead teach them of what is right. As far as my driving, I am trying to be more considered of it, watching my speed when I see the open road and the need to speed. Meanwhile, please don’t look at my driving, and if you happen to see me drive out on California freeways, and I drive past you, don’t look at what I am doing wrong, instead pray for me. As I am still under construction! |
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| Another season |
| 01.25.05 (9:12 pm) |
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This is the season for me to say good-bye to friends; so it seems. I have a very good friend who is leaving within the next week, to go and follow her dreams, and that seems to be in Michigan. Why she wants to leave beautiful California and go to arctic Michigan is beyond me, but I will miss her deeply. I have known her for 11 years. Some of those years we had our ups and downs as friendships go. But none the less, she is my best friend and when she leaves, so will part of my heart. But I praise God for the times we had, good and the bad. You know it is a funny story. How God will used the seasons in our lives, to teach us and help us grow, for the things in the future we don’t see, but He does. It was for many years, that I hadn’t seen my father. (earthly one that is). My father decided that he didn’t like the decisions in life that I was making. Like not marrying a Hispanic man, (I am half Mexican). Also for making the decision to leave home at the age of 17, only to go into a foster home. The list goes on. So he disowned me. For many years, I try to reconcile with him, but he had no part of it. Then when I had gotten saved, I prayed to God many a night, to change my father’s heart. But nothing ever changed. I didn’t understand why God wasn’t hearing my prayers, or why my cries went unanswered. I try many attempts to make it work with my father and I, but my father could be a very stubborn man. But I also knew that God can be more stubborn! I also “received a word” that God was going to heal my fathers heart, but one last attempted to try my father to see me, and I was done trying. I told God, no more, I was done. Finished. I said it will have to be up to God to move the stones that man had place in my father’s heart. But little did I know that I had some stones build up around my heart that I had to allow to move. Pride, boastfulness, self-righteousness. Yes I had allowed some bricks to settle around my heart, that I had to allow God to remove, before He could bring my father and me together. It was 6 months before my father’s passing, that he made it known that he wanted to see me. So I went. Not knowing what to expect, but I had laid it all before God. My hurt, my pain, the feeling of abandonment. And it was then that I saw for the first time, this so call giant of my father, a broken man. Some one who used to be prideful, now humble. And out of my father’s mouth, came out… “Christine, can you please forgive me of how I treated you? How I rejected you? I am so sorry, can you every find it in your heart to forgive me of how I treated you? I love you”. I said “yes and that I love him.” It was the first time in a long time that my father had been so clear in his thinking and his talking. And it would be the last time. And I was blessed. It was 6 months later that my father left his earthly body and rose up to his Creator. The bible tells us, to forgive one another, as He has forgiven us. I learn a hard lesson that day, and learn to apply in my everyday walk with God. And yes it is not easy at times, but I know that my Father knows best. So when my friend of 11 years and I had a falling out, and we lost touch with one another, I knew that when I felt the tugging at my heart to find her and to tell her that I love her and forgiven her. God had a plan. And what a wonderful plan. The next 18 months before her move, was a wonderful blessing for the both of us. God allow us to be there for one another, when he knew that we both would need it, when we needed it. To her having a roommate from hell, to me just needing a place to get away, and having her key to her condo to be able to do so. And I would not have done anything different. So now, God has bigger plans for her and I. And I know where she goes; God will continue to bless our relationship. And I looked forward to seeing her again, and hearing what God is doing in her life. Even if that means if I have to go and deal with the snow in order to do it! So tell me my friend, what season does God have you in, and what are you learning from it? |
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| What Would you do? |
| 01.16.05 (9:33 pm) |
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:x Yesterday I did something that really shocked some people. and they had mention to me that they could not believed that I did what I did. So it made me wonder, why don't more people take a stand of what is right. After all Jesus did, and even with anger! Where I work, it isn't the best part of town. I mean it is ok to go there during the day, but you really wouldn't want to be there alone at night. And there is a ton's of homeless people at hang out on the streets. Ok, maybe not tons, but it seems like every week there is a new face hanging out in the neighbor. And where I work, the building faces a busy street, and we have front glass windows, where we can look out and see people, traffic and yes even your everyday jaywalkers, and the police that are there giving them tickets. So it was no it was really no surprise when we saw a new person hanging out across the street. While it was getting to be a daily routine, it was no biggie. Just another homeless person. But it was getting strange, when my co-workers started to take notice, that some days this man would have a duffle bag, and nothing else, or no bag at all. Then we notice, that he was just standing there. Not asking for money, just smoking his cigarettes, and watching people. For hours at a time. Not really talking to anyone. Then we start to see him with a cell phone. So tell me, what homeless person has a cell phone? I know you are saying, some one love one is paying for his cell bill. But if you are really homeless, are you really going to keep a cell phone? Then something was really weird, when for 4 days, this man at "his spot" just standing there, in the pouring rain, with no shelter over him. Now I am no expert on homeless people, but I know in bad weather, they just don't stand in the middle of down pour of rain. With no shelter over them. Then I saw something, a transaction that took place. When there was something given and something received, between the "man" and someone else. And it was not really out in the open. but it was very clear, if you didn't blink, that something was exchange. I have nothing against homeless people, matter of fact my heart goes out to them. I too had one of my family members be homeless for a period of 6-8 months. But the sad part was I had to chose let the member be homeless, or to allow him to continue to cause havoc in my house, and take everyone else with him. So I kicked him out. At the young age of 17. And that person was my oldest son. I was raised in a home where both of my parents were hook on heroin. Thank God I nor my brothers were never born with that in our system. But from the time I could remember at the young age of 5, till up to a year or two of my parents passing, they either smoke pot, was shooting up. So when I "saw the signs" that my oldest son oldest son was getting stone, I knew I had to take a stand. Against my 1st husband wishes, I told my son, he had a choice, either go to a place to get clean, or leave. He left, and so did my heart. It was one of hardest things I ever had to do. But I did it so that my other 2 kids would realize, that I had to take stand. And while it killed me to do that to my oldest son, it would of been a lot worse if he overdosed and died, and I didn't take a stand. During that whole time he was missing, I prayed to God to send his angels to him, and protect him, and to bring him back home to me. I also reminded God of His promises that He had given me, for my son, while he was growing up, and to this day I look forward to those promises to come to past. But it was a very long 6-8 months before my son came back, and while he came back broken and bruised, he is not where I know what has been promised to me, but I still am waiting for the prodigal son to come to the end of his self. Anyway, back to my story. I overheard my boss say that she was going to call the police on the “homeless man” across the street. But she had taken a day off the other day, and there was this man, standing on his spot. Not really looking homeless, but thinking just maybe he can blend in. All the memories flooded my mind, of what if that was my kid that man was selling his stuff too? What if that was my friends kids, or co-workers? Would I want people I know, seeing what I was seeing, do nothing? Jesus had a righteous anger, when He saw people selling their wares on the streets where the temple was. And he was took a stand, and said that they will not do it there. So I decided to claim this neighborhood for Jesus. And I called the police, and told them what I had been seeing, and they are very interested to talking with this man. But it surprise me, that my co-workers were surprise of what I did. I told them, I did for their children. Cause I love them, and don’t want them to see and feel the heartache that I had deal with in this area. As far as the homeless people, well, that is a story for another time. Meanwhile, have you claim your neighborhood, work place, place where your children attend school lately? |
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| This is a New Year? |
| 01.11.05 (8:03 pm) |
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:wink: This week so far has not been good start for a New Year. I've been having back problems and it isn't going away. :roll: I started Physical Therapy this week, and I still say it should be call, "lets see how we can twist and bend you, and make you hurt some more" therapy. But I always get discourage and depress because this is a on going battle with my back. Sometimes I win, but most times I lose. :( So add to that, a fight I had with my better half, and that had me going down a path where I don't like to be. I won't bother you with my background, enough time for that later down the road,( I was once told that the reason I used to read so much Stephen King novels, was so I can forget the horrible past I came from). but I don't need much help in doubting myself and wondering what in the heck did I get myself into. But last night was different. While my other half and I hadn't talk to one another for at least 24 hours, I felt led to go through my jewelry boxes. And I must admit, I have at least 3 of them. Some good stuff, some costume, and some of it given to me by a girlfriend who was going into the mission field and just wanted to get rid of it. But as I was going through it all. I felt like a child playing dress-up. And I felt like I was given something I was never ever able to do as a child. And it was a blessing. And I even found something that meant a lot to me, but I thought I had lost it. And in the midst of all this, I felt Gods presence there with me. As if Jesus was sitting on the edge of the bed with me. Smiling at all the remembrances that where coming to my mind. It was like finding a lost bury treasure. And all of it was mine, and I didn’t have to share. And then it was seeing how much was really old stuff, and yet it hadn’t allow time to age it appearance. It was still pretty and shining, and new. Then I was reminded when I was going through what I called a “growth period” in my life where God was doing some healing of my past. At that time I had gotten into a fight with my first husband, and I had gone to a department store, hoping to find a piece of costume jewelry, something that would lift my spirits. And I was asking God, (yes I do speak to Him, but I was thinking inside my head) “Tell me Father, what do you think is the prettiest one”, and I felt He had answer me back and said, “How can there be anything more beautiful than my creation?” Stun, not sure I had heard correctly, I asked God to repeat to what He said, for I was not sure I had heard His response to me. And that is where I saw my heart, and with His hand, He carve on heart, the same words he had spoken to me, and after that, He wrote out my name. Needless to say, I didn’t buy any thing that night, and I don’t look to jewelry to make me feel pretty on the outside, so the inside of me can feel the same. So, as I gently put away my boxes, and Thank Jesus for His Presence, I was reminded that there isn’t anything too big that my Father God can’t handle. And he already knows what fears I am facing, I just need to remember that He is bigger that any issue that I may be facing, and He is always there beside me, guiding me, and waiting on me to hold up my arms and cry Abba Father, for He is there. To help me with the stones that needs to be moved in my life. Cause only He can moved them. After all, wasn’t He that created stones? And if He created them, doesn’t that mean He also knows how to moved them? Better than I possible could? So my freind, what stones do you have in your life, that is causing you not to see beyond it? P.S. my better half and I did make up! :oops: |
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| Time flies on..... |
| 12.30.04 (10:10 pm) |
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:? Well, here we go, another year has gone away. And who said "Time Flies By When You Are Having Fun"? What if I don't remember having any fun? Hmmm, makes one wonder. I had to say good-bye to a co-worker today, and while I hadn't known her for a long time, I was very sad to see her go. It wasn't as if she was leaving for another job, but she is taking off for a medical leave. And while she didn't talk about what was wrong with her, you didn't have to be a rocket scientist to see that someting was wrong with her health. And it broke my heart. But something she told me, that profound me deeply. She said that she didn't want to let people to know what was wrong with her. Cause she didn't want people to go "you poor thing". She didn't want to hear about bad things, or have people feel sorry for her, cause she knows that what ever the outcome is, she is in God's hands. And that is what that is what matters most to her. She doesn't want to be around people that will bring her down, and depress her, she can easily do that on her own. But She wants to be around people that will cheer her up, and Praise God with her. Cause no matter what happens with her, where she stays around here on earth, or "goes on home", she wins either way. While she was sharing this with me, she remind me of a man I knew from a church I used to attend. I had a "falling out" with the church I been attending for a number of years, but "Babe" I had found out, had gotten lung cancer, and was not expecting to live long. And this man never smoke in his life. But any way, as soon as I heard he had taken ill, I went to go see him. ( I didn't care if I ran into someone from the church) And while he was up there in age, I never seen him as frail as he was when I saw him for what would be the last time alive. And here was this man, well season in his years, in pain, and having to sucumb to such a horrible thing. Yet the thing that I will never forget that he told me while I was there. And it was "How he praise God for giving him another day on the earth, so he can be a witness to others of God's love for him and everyone that was to be in contact with him that day, and how God found him worthy to be able to deliver such a message, and what a wonderful gift that was". Needless to say, that brought tears to my eyes. Knowing how much this man love God and was thankful for every moment he had to be on earth, in pain or not. Makes me wonder, how selfish I am when I don't Praise God enought, for the days He gives me, good or bad. For the moments, seconds, and the every day brief encounters with people that I run into in my everyday life. How I want to be able to see people through my Fathers eyes, so I can see what he sees in them, and not what the human in me sees. And to cherish the time I have with them, before he takes them out of my life. And to take these "nuggets" he gives me, and share them with others, so that they too, can see my Fathers face. Good bye "Babe" you are missed So Long Ms. J.... you will be missed And to you the reader May God Bless you all this New year and many more to come, and I pray that you will too will see others through my Fathers eyes.....
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| Merry What !?? |
| 12.20.04 (7:55 pm) |
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I seem to notice, more so this year, that every one is wanting to be politically correct, by wishing everyone Happy Holidays! What's up with that? What happen to Merry Christmas?? As I was driving to work today, I was listening to this program on James Dobson, saying the same thing. How every one doesn't offend any one, but what about offending the Christians? This is the season we celebrate of Christ's birth. And now the world is trying to take it all away. I for one, notice the Jewish holidays, and wish a Jewish person what every the occasion is, or what every it is. But have you notice....that even the schools don't do "Christmas" programs, and some won't even sing some songs that have the word "Christ" of even "Mary" in them. So stop taking the Christ out of Holidays. I hate to see what they are going to be saying for Easter! Ok, I am done I'll get off my soap box for now. And Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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| Religion |
| 12.19.04 (12:43 pm) |
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Religion; I don't why they used that word to have a group heading, it's not this is about religion. But where else can I put this? I guess I need to scope out to see what is out there, to decide if this is the place I want to me. Afer all, I am a christian, and I have a personal relationship with God, But is there I am to be? Hmmmm....time will tell. Thanks to my daughter, after reading her Blog, make me want to do this. But I won't disclose her Blog; for she gets pretty personal when she Blogs, and I don't want to "set your mind" of what kind of person I am, till I post for a while. I love to journal, but haven't done it in a long time, while it has been on my heart to do so. So how long I will keep this up, God only knows! So, I think I will stop for now, and decide what I want to journal about and what my will be the frist thing I want to Blog about. Maybe it will about Angels, maybe about my kids, maybe not. Guess you will have to come back and see for your self. Always keep them guessing is what I say! |
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