Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Cherish Every Moment

There's not a day that goes by where I'm simutaneously estatic that Grant's been brought into our lives and that something might happen to him and take him away from us. I know, it's all about trusting that God's in control and He knows best. But sometimes, I can't help but sneak into Grant's room while he's sleeping so soundly and make sure he's still breathing. I cherish every moment I'm with him. I know it sounds crazy, but I've only missed two Saturdays since he was born, more than a year ago. And this Saturday, I won't be able to be with him. I miss him. I'm only the aunt. So, I can't IMAGINE the love of a mother must have.

Anyway, I write all that to say because my friend sent me a YouTube link of some friends of hers baby. She sent it to me at work. (Holy smokes, I'm glad I waited until I was home to watch it.) As tears were streaming down my face, it made me again realize how precious time is with family. With the Christmas season upon us, don't forget to stop and breathe. Remember the real reason for the season and LOVE on your family.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

What have you done today to make yourself proud?!?

Every Tuesday, I hear The Biggest Loser theme song and I feel as though I can do anything. I see people's lives literally changed before my eyes. I look at them and look at me and say, "Self, you can do this! You can lose weight just like them!" I'm so encouraged to keep on keeping on. There's a skinny girl inside me just waiting to bust out. She's always been inside, but perhaps, it was fear that kept her hidden. I can psycho-analyze myself all I want to, but until I make a conscious decision to change. I'll never change.

It all starts in my mind. If I don't BELIEVE I can do it, then there's no point. Every day, I face the raging battle inside my mind for victory over myself. I know that sounds crazy. But I know that's how Satan gets to me... alway putting me down. Trying to make me feel bad about myself. I'm sad to say, far too often I allow him to get the better of me. But no more. Do you hear me?!?

I choose again this day to CHANGE. Change so that I don't get my family's heredity diseases, such as diabetis. Change so that my body is capable of having children, should God desire to bless me with that gift. Change so that Grant won't be ashamed of me. Change so that once and for all, the person I know is inside me, can burst forth so all the world can see her too. She's an AMAZING chick, but no one ever gives her the time of day, because unfortunately people are far too focued on the outside package. Change. Not for others, but for myself. Change.

What have I done today to make myself proud? I CHOSE to CHANGE yet again today.

Gabriel

Gabriel
by Max Lucado

The following is excerpt 1 of 4 from An Angel’s Story. In this classic Christmas story, Max Lucado pulls back the curtain and imagines the cosmic drama that accompanied that very first Christmas…from the perspective of an angel.

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“Gabriel.”

Just the sound of my King’s voice stirred my heart. I left my post at the entryway and stepped into the throne room. To my left was the desk on which sat the Book of Life. Ahead of me was the throne of Almighty God. I entered the circle of unceasing Light, folded my wings before me to cover my face, and knelt before Him. “Yes, my Lord?”

“You have served the kingdom well. You are a noble messenger. Never have you flinched in duty. Never have you flagged in zeal.”

I bowed my head, basking in the words. “Whatever You ask, I’ll do a thousand times over, my King,” I promised.

“Of that, I have no doubt, dear messenger.” His voice assumed a solemnity I’d never heard Him use. “But your greatest work lies ahead of you. Your next assignment is to carry a gift to Earth. Behold.”

I lifted my eyes to see a necklace—a clear vial on a golden chain—dangling from His extended hand.

My Father spoke earnestly, “Though empty, this vial will soon contain My greatest gift.” …Handing me the necklace, He explained, “This vial will contain the essence of Myself; a Seed to be placed in the womb of a young girl. Her name is Mary. She lives among My chosen people. The fruit of the Seed is the Son of God. Take it to her.”

“But how will I know her?” I asked.

“Don’t worry. You will.”

I could not comprehend God’s plan, but my understanding was not essential. My obedience was. I lowered my head, and He draped the chain around my neck. Amazingly, the vial was no longer empty. It glowed with Light.

“Jesus. Tell her to call My Son Jesus.”

Jesus Paid It All

The other day at work, I started humming this tune. I wasn't sure what it was, until at some point, the chorus came flying out of my mouth. "That's it!" I said to myself. I immediately went to Google (my favorite search engine), entered in some of the words which came to mind, and found, of course, a million different things. But, I knew it was from Passion, which narrowed it down some. Finally, after some research, I found the words. I wanted to share them:


I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow

Lord now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone
Can change the lepers spots
And melt the heart of stone

Jesus paid it all
All to Him I owe;
My sin had left this crimson stain
He washed it white as snow

It’s washed away
All my sin
And all my shame

And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
"Jesus died my soul to save,"
My lips shall still repeat

Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow

O praise the One who paid my debt
And raised this life up from the dead

We’ll praise the One who paid my debt
And raised this life up from the dead



These last two 'verses' are repeated over and over, with the crowd of thousands singing together. I hear it in my head each time I repeat these same words. May you be encouraged today.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Grown-up Christmas List

Do you remember me?
I sat upon your knee.
I wrote to you with childhood fantasies.
Well, I'm all grown up now,
But still need help somehow.
I'm not a child but my heart still can dream.

So here's my lifelong wish,
my grown-up christmas list,
not for myself, but for a world in need:

No more lives torn apart,
and wars would never start,
and time would heal all hearts.
Ev'ry one would have a friend,
that right would always win,
and love would never end:
This is my grown-up christmas list.

As children we believed
the grandest sight to see
was something lovely wrapped beneash the tree.
Well, heaven surely knows
that packages and bows
can never heal a hurting human soul.

No more lives torn apart,
and wars would never start,
and time would heal all hearts.
Ev'ry one would have a friend,
that right would always win,
and love would never end:
This is my grown-up christmas list.

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth?
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth!

There'd be...
No more lives torn apart,
and wars would never start,
and time would heal all hearts.
Ev'ry one would have a friend,
that right would always win,
and love would never end:
This is my grown-up christmas list,
this is my only lifelong wish,

This is my Grown-up Christmas List!

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

The Red Shoes

This isn't a normal post for me. In fact, if you click the below link and read, you're going to see some cuss words and some questionable material. I'm just warning you.

Ladies, if you do choose to read this. You will have just read the first chapter in a book I recommend you reading, called, "Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral". I know, weird title. But an amazing book. You'll laugh, cry and be inspired to look at and live life in a whole new way. It's one of those books which you just happen upon in the sales bin because it looks "interesting". And the next thing you know, you're immersed within its pages, not coming up for air until the last page. And on that final page, you feel as though you are different some how. As though you've changed through 'sharing' these experiences with the characters. It's just a great book. I hope you read it.

I had a day like the lady below the other day, which is why I thought to share this exerpt. I know we've all had days like this. The fact that it revolved around a desinigrating bra cracked me up, because I too had that problem. Though, mine wasn't a gaping hole. Rather, the under wire attacked me all day long. I sadly 'fixed' it with electrical tape. How sad is that?!? But come on, I know you can relate. There are other things to spend money on right now, like bills and Christmas gifts. Boy am I learning a lesson in trusting Him for my needs. But anyway, that's another post all together. On with the show. I hope you enjoy the read... I hope it makes you laugh!!

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Me and God

I watched a two hour episode of "The Waltons" on the Hallmark channel today. Boy, I love that show. I forgot what a gem is it. It's just so wholesome. I miss shows like that on TV now a days. I talk like I'm old, but you know what I mean. Then tonight, I watched this really sweet Hallmark movie on CBS, "Hollis Woods". I tell you what, those Hallmark commercials get me every time. There were a few tonight which made me tear up. So Sweet. Anyway, I heard this on the radio tonight and wanted to share the lyrics from Josh Turner. It's a simple song, but says a lot.

There ain't nothing that can't be done
By me and God
Ain't nobody come in between me and God
One day we'll live together
Where the angels trod
Me and God

Early in the morning talking it over
Me and God
Late at night talking it over
Me and God
You could say where like two peas in a pod
Me and God

He's my Father
He's my friend
The beginning
And the end
He rules the world
With a staff and rod
We're a team
Me and God

I am weak and he is strong
Me and God
He forgives me when I'm wrong
Me and God
He's the one I lean on
When life gets hard
Me and God

He's my Father
He's my friend
The beginning
And the end
He rules the world
With a staff and rod
We're a team
Me and God

He rules the world
With a staff and rod
We're a team
Me and God

We're a team
Me and God