Daughter of the King

I Miss My Kids!

2011-12-20T15:17:00.000-08:00

Today I was thinking about how exciting it is that Christmas will be here on Sunday. It made me think of wonderful Christmases past. This year I miss my Jason and Aubrie. It will be the first time in a long time that not all of us will be together. I am so thankful for a family that loves hanging out together.

The fact is that I saw them in August for a few hours but I miss them NOW! I would gladly exchange all of my gifts to get to have them home for the weekend.

You see, I am blessed beyond measure. I have four wonderful kids and five AMAZING grandkids and the one most over-the top bestest ever husband in the whole wide world! God has truly blessed me, so for this year I will be grateful that most of my kids will be home and the ones that won't be will be in a loving environment of their very own. I am so thankful that each and every one of my kids and grandkids know and serve Jesus, the reason for this wonderful season!

Merry Christmas and have a Wonderful New Year!

Shanin

And Whatever You Do...

2011-12-07T06:44:00.000-08:00

1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

This is found in Colosians 3:1-17 I love this passage! Man isn't God's word rich? I have read this passage many times and EVERY time it speaks to me. There is always more refining to do, isn't there? People in the world can be hateful and shoot Christians can be hateful but what is our response? The Lord has been speaking to me about taking on the offenses of others. Sometimes that can be the worst offense! Especially when it strikes close to our kids:) Now that doesn't mean that we let them off the hook but it is our job to handle it in a righteous manner! I think the key is in verses 15-17 Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were called in one body; and be thankful. How often do we catch ourselves being ungrateful? Or maybe not being ungrateful but just in a rut or routine? I have been caught in a routine! But the Lord says to be thankful. Verse 16 is awesome! Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. How can we know these things without letting the Word of Christ dwell in our heart? How do we get the Word of God in our hearts? Not by osmosis or fellowship or even the once a week Sunday Message but by reading the word! I think that is where we are so vulnerable. The enemy knows that if he can just get us "too busy" or distracted by whatever means ,(ie: sickness, christmas parties, dissension), then he might get us distracted long enough to break our pattern of daily devotions with our True Love. The One who guards our hearts and minds! The One who gives us the answers! The last verse, 17, says And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. If we just sensored our thought patterns, actions and the words that came out of our mouths with the thinking that we are doing this in the Name of the Lord Jesus...is it worthy material to be done in the Name of the Lord Jesus? Do ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus then the last line again is reminding us to give thanks to God the Father through Him. Man we must need to be reminded to give thanks, huh? It is sure mentioned alot. So today I challenge everyone to take time, dwell in the Word, in His Presence, sensor what we do, our motives and our actions and what comes out of our mouths! Is this worthy to have His stamp of approval? Then by all means do it in His Name and have a thankful heart and countenace also! Be Blessed!

Meeting Each One for the First Time

2011-11-19T09:38:00.000-08:00

I can remember the first time that I met each of my precious children. After only four and half hours of hard labor Amber was born into our lives. When Amber was born she didn't cry but she opened her eyes wide and looked around in the delivery room. The Dr. was surprised because it was so bright because of the lights yet she still was taking it all in. She was so beautiful. We were on cloud nine.

Then there was Jason. He came out so angry! He was mad that someone had interupted his life. Before he was all of the way out he grabbed my hospital gown, pulled himself up and screamed. He was upset and let the world know it:) He too was absolutely gorgeous. Again, we were on cloud nine.

Then there was James. James was upset when he was born but it wasn't an angry upset it was a little pooched out lip upset. He cried and cried. I remember hugging him. He was so sweet. Another big beautiful baby (10 lbs. 2 ounces and 23 1/2 inches long). Three for three. How could life get any better? We were truly blessed.

Then many years later I met my last daughter, Tammy. The first time I saw her I had no idea that she would become my daughter. She was beautiful. She was only about fifteen years old and she had long dark hair. I called her by the wrong name! (she still reminds me of this to this day lol) She was very sweet. We got to be her pastors first. God was so good. He knew that Tammy would be ours one day, even when we had no clue. He had this marvelous plan. To make a long story short, Tammy was grafted into our family. She added three beautiful grand children to our family. Looking back now I see all of the puzzle pieces being put perfectly into place. I think about it now...I got to be with her when she was fitted for her wedding dress, her sister, Amber was her wedding coordinator. We were there for the baby showers and later the hard times too but God was there because He placed us there...together.

Each of my kids were placed into our lives. Each of them were more beautiful than I could ever imagine. Each of them individuals but fit so well, just as God has intended. I am truly blessed. I am married to a wonderful husband, I have four wonderful kids with amazing spouses and last but not least I have the best grandchildren in the world! Thank You Father for all of my kids...if I had only not called Tammy by the wrong name the first time! LOL...oh well, I am not perfect but I am their mother:)

You get what you get and you don't throw a fit! HA Ha!

Shanin

Heroine or Victim?

2011-10-06T14:59:00.000-07:00

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:15-16 NIV

Esther, the heroine of the Jews, for her time. She had the life, right? The life of a Queen? But that wasn't her whole story. Her story began when her parents were murdered and then she was taken (by the King's guards), at a young age, from her cousin to be placed in the harem to be "trained" or prepped to see if she "was good enough" for the King to choose her to be his Queen. Oh I forgot to add that she didn't even get to keep her given name, her identity was changed too. In our world she would be considered a victim, she would spend her whole life in counseling trying to figure out why it all had to happen to "her" aka me.

Esther didn't take the victim stance. There was a purpose for her life. When the bad guy, Haman, had devised a plot to have all of the Jews killed (her people), her cousin, Mordecai, told her about the plot. She realized that if she went before the King without an invitation she could be put to death, but Mordecai reminded her in Esther 4:14, he told her that who knows but that she was placed into her position as queen for such a time as this? (Shanin's version LOL)Her response was one of responsibility, one of a heroine, not a victim...go and fast and pray for me and I will go before the King and if I die, I die...(again Shanin's translation). Esther was not a quitter. She didn't throw her hands into the air in despair. She decided to do what was right regardless of the possible consequences. She made a decision in her heart...a decision of a heroine not a victim.

The story has a happy ending in Esther. If you haven't read that book of the bible you really should. It is short and a great read!

Can we apply this to our lives today? Yes. Maybe not to the extreme of circumstances like Queen Esther but everyone has had something happen to them in their lives. How will you respond? Will you respond and live as a victim or will you choose to become victorious? Will you make a decision to do what is right or will you throw your hands into the air and yell, "I'm done! I give up!" ? If you are a christian, will you be a good witness or a bad witness? Will you choose to seek healing and see what God has planned for your life? You are chosen for such a time as this!

My life story has had some ugly chapters but let me share with you that the good has far out weighed the bad. Has it always been easy? No, but I chose to seek out healing and am I ever glad! God is my Redeemer and Deliverer! I am so glad that the Lord showed me that things could be so different for my life. I am so glad that I realized that I didn't have to live life in the pit of dispair of victim stance! He took some pretty ugly circumstance ashes and created something beautiful out of that heap.

Praying that you choose to live your life to the fullest. Your life has a purpose! You are chosen for such a time as this. Please leave the trap of being a victim behind. It is such an ugly place to live, it's like quicksand. If you want or need prayer I would be glad to pray for you. God has great plans for you and enemy would like to derail you.

It's your choice...I chose life.

Shanin

Prayer

2011-09-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

The Lord has been speaking to my heart about prayer. He speaks to me in snippets some days. He know that I can grasp it better in snippets :) There have been a few things bothering me lately. I was thinking about going to talk to one of my friends about it and He told me to wait and pray about it. He will change the situation. He is the Healer and the Redeemer and the Restorer. So that is what I am going to do about it. I am going to pray daily over the situation and watch God take care of it. He also has been challenging to increase my prayer life. I used to pray a lot more and I saw the evidence of that investment. So I am asking for God to help me to be more diligent in praying and seeking His face. Trusting and believing.

I am excited about this because I know that He will move in a mighty way. The last time He talked to me about my heart's desires was five years ago. Wow, I had no idea how God could and would move on my behalf.

We have gone through a lot of battles since then and I can look and see the battle scars. It isn't pretty. But God can take those wounds and heal them. He can restore what the enemy plotted to destroy. I am praying. I want and desire something more. I am thankful that I serve a God that can and will give me something more :) I will share more as He moves.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Eph 6:18 NIV

Praying, watching and waiting,

Shanin

It's the Little Things!

2011-09-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

Somedays it is just the little things that mean so much! Today I got to take care of three of my grandkids. I got to enjoy a cup of coffee! I get to go over to some friends' house for dinner tonight! And there will be homemade mexican food :) I am thankful for jalapeno poppers that my sweet husband is making even though he already worked eight hours cooking for others! How awesome is that? Tomorrow I get to go to church and worship! I love my worship team! I really like exclamation poiints...hee hee probably a little more than I should but I get excited easily :) I am extremely thankful for wireless internet access!!! I am really getting excited for Christmas. I am getting really, reallyexcited to shop with my girls the day after Thanksgiving! Of course on Thanksgiving day we will get to do a puzzle and this too excites me. I know that none of this is in order but I just wanted to share with you some of my happy thoughts for the day. When I really should be doing homework :P

Back to Work!

Shanin

Behold How Good and How Pleasant It Is...

2011-09-22T14:14:00.000-07:00

For brethren to dwell together in unity! DO you remember that old song? I was thinking about it today. It is an old song set to Jewish style music. When I was a kid and singing it people would get excited and clap in beat together.

That is how it feels when we fellowship or "hang out" with our family from The Bridge! Last night I taught the kids and to hear the kids run up to one another and pat them on the back or get excited and hug each other it! I love to hear their laughter and excitement to see each other. That is how it should be whenever it is time to gather! Unity! You don't have to be someone's best friend to support one another. Sometimes it is just a prayer said or an encouraging word that will minister to a person. Sometimes it can be a smile and wave from across the room, or a hug of comfort and to shed a few tears together. But there is just something special when brothers and sisters in Christ dwell together in unity!

You are an important member of the body of Christ. Do not entertain the thought that people won't miss you! You have a place. Not only will you miss out on fellowship but you might miss an opportunity to minister to a person who NEEDS you!

So resist the urge to sit home. Get up off the couch and go. We need each other. And to meet together to worship the King...there is nothing better :)

Expecting to see you soon!

Shanin

To The Ends of the Earth

2011-09-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

There is a song that we sing in church called, "To the Ends of the Earth." It goes like this,

"Jesus, I believe in You and I would go to the ends of the earth, to the ends of the earth. For You alone are the Son of God and all the world will see that You are God, You are God."

I love this song. It is done by Hillsong United. You can find it on You Tube. Anyhow...I was reading an online new article about a shooting happening in a church back east. The article was sad but not as haunting as the comments that followed. There were a few good comments reminding others to pray for the wounded and the church body and then there were the comments making fun of the people who believed in God. Their words were so filled with anger that someone believed in Deity at all. There remarks were scoffing and hateful to say the least. It wasn't the people behind the posts that upset me. What bothered me was that they scoff and ridicule the stupid people for having faith and they are the ones that are truely lost. They hurt and have no hope for anything better than life here on earth. I prayed for them. I prayed that somehow, someway that they would find the love that they are missing. The unconditional love that Jesus provides for all of us. The kind of love that I would go to the ends of the earth for...if these posts break my heart what does it do to Him? To the One who died so that they could have life and hope! I live in my sheltered world and see just a limited amount of this hurt but He sees and hears it all.

God gave this wonderful gift of free will. It is a double edged sword. You see, we get to choose to believe or not to believe. We get to choose life eternal or a death sentence. He already paid the price for this gift yet we can still choose not to accept it while the whole time cursing the very One who sacrificed to give this gift of life to us. It must cut Him deeply because the Word says that it is His desire that not even one would choose death. He provided the way for salvation for each one of us. It doesn't matter what you have said or done in the past. He died for all of that! It is called sin. Plain and simple. All you have to do is tell Him that you are sorry for what you have done and believe that Jesus is Lord, and you are saved. Done deal. He died for everyone. No one is excluded for anything. It all hinges on whether you will accept Jesus as your Savior or reject Him. That decision is yours to make. And I am praying that you choose life today.

If you ever need prayer just post me and I will be glad to pray with you and for you. You are not alone. You too can have hope and eternal life:)

Praying for you today,

Shanin

Today is the Day...

2011-09-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

I love the Lincoln Brewster song Today is the Day! It is such a joyous song. Today is the day You have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. Today is the day You have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. And I won't worry about tomorrow I'm trusting in what You say...Today is the day!

Of course we know that the basis of this is from scripture. This is the day the LORD has made;We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

We all have days when it is easy to rejoice in the Lord and then there are those days when we have to make a choice to rejoice! Remember to start looking for the little things to rejoice over on those days! We all have things to be thankful for! Go turn on some praise and worship or some Lincoln Brewster and refocus on the King. It will place everything else into perspective.

Rejoicing with you,

Shanin

O Taste and See...

2011-09-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!Psalm 34:8 NKJV

Have you ever sat down and ate the most scrumptious brownie or piece of chocolate cake? It was so rich and yummy...did you have to twist someone's arm to get them to try a piece? NO:)

That is the way our lives should be. Our lives should be so different from others that people would look and see that we have something that they need or want! If you live a sour, bitter life no one will want that! But if you live a rich and full life you will have the opportunity to share Christ!

So remember when you are out and about...think about that yummy, gooey chocolate dessert...and share you life with anyone who looks hungry :)

Tasting, Seeing and Trusting!

Shanin

Lightning

2011-08-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

While we were camping last weekend on Saturday night there was a fabulous electrical storm. I could tell that there was a storm brewing earlier in the evening so I had gotten up and put everything that couldn't get wet away. When it first started to hit, our youth and a few adults went to the top of Mt. Harrison lookout to watch the storm. Jason and I stayed behind at our campsite. We had a fire going so we did not want to leave it unattended. At first we saw a few strikes followed a few moments later by a loud crash of thunder. We oohed and awed over the fantastic light show. Then one gigantic flash of lightning happened with a thunderous boom. It was so loud and happened so sunddenly that I reached out and grabbed my husband and yelped. We decided that we had better go to the truck and watch the show from a safe location. Then came the down pour. More crashes then just as fast as it started it ended. I could see another set of clouds coming quickly. We took advantage of the break in weather to run to our tent. The lightning was even more fierce in the next storm. It was too close for comfort. One strike was so loud and bright that we could see the whole forrest from the inside of our tent! WOW!

The next day we all gathered outside. We had heard that some did not wait out the storm but left for home. The majority stayed. The youth talked about how awesome the light show was from the observatory. We all talked about how some of the strikes were way too close.

I realized at how there are a some similarities between lightning and God. Lightning is so cool at a distance. We know that it is powerful and enjoy a good electrical storm every now and then but if it gets too close it makes us uncomfortable. Some people even leave the area when it gets too close.

What about God? He is powerful. We love his power and his demonstrations of power as long as He is showing his lovie dovie side but oh how we all hate discipline especially when it becomes close and personal! He makes some of us so uncomfortable because we don't want for Him to address certain areas of our lives or to put it simply we don't want to change. When God shines the bright light in those areas of sin in our lives we back away or distance ourselves from the source of power. Are you someone who runs away from God when He gets too close? What do you do when you start to feel uncomfortable? He is the safe place. What will you do when He shines His brillant light into the dark places? Even when He is exposing something that you thought that you had hidden or feel as though your world is being shaken apart run to Him! Don't run away, don't go and hide. He will walk with you. He loves you. He desires great things for you. Don't be afraid...press in.

Pressing in,

Shanin

Tom...the Believer and Follower of Christ

2011-08-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

24 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:24-29 NIV

You know, I think that Thomas gets a bum rap in the christian world. He is known as "Doubting Thomas." When I read this passage what I think is that Thomas is just human. As a matter of fact let's call him Tom. Now think about it, Tom, was one of the twelve disciples. So he was one of Jesus' friends/followers. He knew that Jesus, his friend, was crucified and died a horrible death. He probably knew that they were not on the top twelve of the most popular people list either. One day his friends said that Jesus came and visited them and he wasn't dead afterall.

Okay...wait a minute...if you knew that someone was dead and you knew where he was burried (totally dead) wouldn't you be a little skeptical? I know that I would probably think, "Wow, their grief has driven them a bit crazy! They must have seen a guy who looks like Christ because I know that he is dead! I was there!" Or could it be an imposter trying to find all of the remaining twelve to cash in on a little reward money? But alive? No way, not unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side!"

Who could blame the poor guy? And how many times have you said, "Not unless I see it myself with my own eyes will I believe such in such."

But Jesus knew. He knew Tom. Jesus came and told Tom to reach right in my nail scars and touch me...believe me...it's true! I am really here! Jesus actually said, "Stop doubting and believe.” But I think that Jesus gave Tom what He knew that Tom needed. Jesus gave Tom the confirmation that yes, indeed, it is true...I have risen from the dead...it really is ME! Jesus was gracious to Tom. There have been so many people who refer to Doubting Thomas in a negative connatation but I am wondering if those very same people wouldn't have done the same thing if they were in that situation? But Jesus loved Tom enough to provide the exact evidence, of what Tom needed, to believe in Him.

After Tom touched the nail scarred hands, he immediately knew that it was true. He believed! He exclaimed, "My Lord and my God!"

Then scripture says in vs. 29 that Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

We are blessed! We have never seen Jesus in the flesh and we believe! Yippy! But I am here to tell you that even if we haven't seen Jesus in the flesh we have seen glimpses of Him. We have seen miraculous provision and miracles. We have seen His love displayed through others. I am truly blessed in so many ways. Jesus knows our needs and meets those very needs. He "knows" us by name. And I am truly thankful that He doesn't know me by "Doubting Shanin." He knows me by the name of Shanin, Daughter of the Most High. You noticed He never called Tom "Doubting Thomas." He didn't label or define him by that one moment or action. His name was Thomas, one of the twelve, His friend and follower of Christ. Thomas the believer :)

The world will label you. The enemy will try and tell you that you are a doubter, you are ineffective, a loser but our Father says that you are a son or daughter of Christ! You are victorious through Him. So proudly claim what He has provided for you, salvation, the crown of righteousness. Don't let people label you a doubting Suzy or John. You are a child of the King!

Shanin
Daughter of the King of kings

Whatever You Do, Do It With All Of Your Heart!

2011-08-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

This past weekend it was our turn to clean the church. There have been times when it was our turn to clean that I let out a sigh...you know the sigh...the one that says that you wished that you didn't have to clean that big building! Well, I was cleaning the kitchen, doing the dishes. I was thinking to myself about how many dishes there were to do this week and I would have to go home and clean my own mess. Then I actually listened to myself think these thoughts.

I got to thinking about how I should change my attitude. I started worshipping as I was wiping the tables in the fellowship hall. I was singing my lungs out, (which for those of you who know me knows that this is not an uncommon thing for me to do), and the Lord started speaking to my heart. I repented about my attitude. I then realized what a privilege it was to clean GOD'S HOUSE. Not just a church building but the place where GOD'S PEOPLE come to worship Him! I started thinking about the Levites in the temple. They were in charge of caring for the temple. What an important job yet today we look at it as an nuisance something that many "do not have time to do." What a blessing that they are missing out on! I then used that time to worship and pray for God's people. I had time to pray for our city, our school, our government. What started out as a chore to get out of the way for my day, turned out to be a blessing to me!Not only did my heart change but my cleaning changed! I didn't want to do "just what was necessary" but I wanted to clean it really good because I was cleaning GOD'S HOUSE!

Then I got to thinking about my life. If I did everything that I do with the same heart reflections as I had when cleaning God's House yesterday, how much better my life would be? So I have challenged myself to try to maintain that heart attitude and look at everything that I do as doing it for the Lord. I know that we all say that we "should" do this but how many of us really do? So I hope that this gives you some motivation to examine your everyday life. Do you do everything as an act of worship unto the Lord?

Col 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

So whatever you do, do it with all of your heart!

Shanin

Apricots

2011-08-12T14:30:00.000-07:00

This week, behind my place of employment, I found that the apricot tree had broke in half from being so overloaded with fruit! The landlord told us that we could pick all of the fruit that we wanted because he was going to just take it and burn it. So I picked a whole box of apricots. Earlier in the day I asked the Lord to help me with a cool craft for the kids. I then had the idea of making apricot freezer jam for our craft. I would tell them the story about the tree and link it to the bible story of burning the trees that are not fruitful. We are known by our fruit. I told them how the apricot tree was not going to be able to provide fruit any longer because that part would die. The whole time we were outside cutting the fruit up and preparing it for jam. We also talked about our orphanage in Uganda. The kids have such a heart for the kids in Uganda at Cornerstone. Then one of the kids popped up and said, "Could we send our jam to Uganda to the kids?" I explained that we couldn't mail the freezer jam but that we could sell the jam and send the money to help them in Uganda. They were so excited! They had a way to help. Our youth group did a car wash but our kids are going to sell the yummy jam that they made with their own clean hands.

The great commission says to Go into all of the world and preach the gospel to every living creature. We believe that our kids can be a part of that vision now, before they are grown up. And not only do they write letters to the Cornerstone Kids and pray for them but they have found a way to make money to contribute too. I am so proud of our kids. They have a ministry!

I am thankful that God provided us with apricots! I am thankful that He gave me the craft idea that launched this endeavor. I am thankful for Laurie Dickerson who was obediant to the Lord to move to Uganda and started The Cornerstone Orphanage. I am thankful for kids who are not so consumed by themselves but know that they can be world changers for the Lord not someday but now. I am so thankful that God gives me the honor of teaching these wonderful kids and for the parents that bring them to church. I am thankful for the team that teaches with me. What a big help! The list could go on and on but for now I will just end it with this. Thank You Jesus for apricots and kids that are bearing Your Fruit :)

Loving the Fruits!

Shanin

From Generation to Generation

2011-08-04T14:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend is my 30th year reunion for my highschool class. I am exicted to see old classmates and friends. Just going back to our old stomping grounds is exciting in itself. Of course I won't have enough time to do everything or see everyone but it will still be a lot of fun.

In preparation for this event I have pulled out a couple of our year books trying to jog the old memory. It has been fun to be reminded of people that I haven't seen in years. But I think one of the things that I am most excited about is seeing our friends, Dan and Linda Jackson. We will be staying with them.

We have a great history with Dan and Linda. When I was a little girl Linda taught me in Sunday School. Then when Jason and I grew up and we were married we taught their boys. Whenever we needed to talk to anyone safe they would be who we would think of and call. I have to smile because Dan and Linda have been such great mentors to us. I love it because whenever we do get to stay with them Linda always says to Dan, "Honey the kids are coming home!" I love the feeling of having someplace safe with great memories to go home to. Are we related to Dan and Linda? We are in Christ. They really are a part of our family. We are so blessed. What a great legacy Dan and Linda has shown us.

We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done. For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children; That the generation to come might know them, The children who would be born, That they may arise and declare them to their children, That they may set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments; Psa. 78:4-7

May we continue this blessing for many generations. Increasing our borders and the size of our families! From generation to generation sharing the love and testimony of Jesus. Telling our children of His faithfulness to all generations. Thank you Dan and Linda for loving, and teaching us. Thanks for having us over for all of those yummy dinners and evenings of games and laughs. Thanks for teaching us the practical things of life like couponing and how the store sale ads work :) Thanks for being faithful to God even when it was hard. You mean so very much to us.

Shanin

Rule Breaker

2011-08-03T06:18:00.000-07:00

John 5:1-14 NIV
Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”
“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.”
But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ ”
So they asked him, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?”
The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.
Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well.

I am a rule follower. I like the rules overall. If I am honest, they comfort me. But Jesus was a rule breaker, in a good way. He didn't let the "rules" confine him into a box. I think that sometimes we, as christians, let the rules confine God into a box. He is way bigger than a box! The Pharasees missed the whole blessing of that miraculous healing simply because Jesus broke "the rules" and healed the man on the Sabbath.

How often do we miss something miraculous that Jesus could do for us because we have confined ourselves or Him to the rules? I have seen God heal people that should have never walked again or by, human limitations, was to never to see again but He did it. He is GOD. He can do anything! We need to get over ourselves and step out of our box and trust Him. Let Him be God in our lives. Look for that miracle, look for the impossible. Do not let self-pity or arrogance take over and say, "He would never do that for you (me)." He would love to do more for us if we would just make room for Him in our lives! That crippled man was so desperate. He didn't tell Jesus to not heal him because it was the Sabbath and it was against the law. He got up and walked! Jesus told him to get up and he did!

So let's let God be God. Let's trust Him and look for his greatness everywhere. Do not limit His movement in your lives. Trust Him! Don't be a pharasee and miss out on something miraculous!

Be a righteous rule breaker,

Shanin

Hope

2011-03-04T15:16:00.000-08:00

20 We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice,for we trust in his holy name.
22 Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord,for our hope is in you alone.
Psalm 33:20-22 NLT

Isn't this great news? If we place our trust and hope in the Lord we will not be disappointed. I cannot tell you how this really makes a difference in my life. When things aren't always "fair" or "just" I can trust that the Lord sees it and will handle it for me. I need not to get all worked up or bitter over injustice, if I trust in Him! He can handle it without my help! And He can take care of any situation so much better than I can! Especially when I stay out of the way!

Thank You Lord that your unfailing love surrounds me and that I can place my hope in You!

Shanin

Salt

2011-03-02T09:39:00.000-08:00

“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”
Mark 9:50 NKJV

Have you lost your saltiness? Have you lost your zest or flavor for Jesus? Don't let the business of life drain the very flavor of your life out of you. But how do I stay full of life? Read the Word. Even when you don't feel anything, just do it! God will speak to you. He so desires for you to keep those lines of communication open with Him. The liar of this world will try to discourage you or even simply wear you down gradually, but keep you guard up! Read the Word, spend time with Him. I promise even if you don't remember what you just read for that moment it will come back to you when you need it! Ask Jesus to help you to understand and absorb it into your heart and mind.

Have salt among yourselves! Be at peace with each other! Fellowship with other christians! Work at your relationships and don't let the enemy plant seeds of division. As long as you maintain flavor and unity you will do great things! And God will do AMAZING things in your life. You will see!

Lord, help me not to becom bland! I want to be...

Full of Flavor!

Shanin

Excited

2011-02-19T23:57:00.000-08:00

I am excited because tomorrow I get to go worship at The Bridge. What is the Bridge you ask? It is a place where people of different walks meet together and fellowship! We like to hang out with each other even though we are all very different from each other. Why? Because we have something in common. The common factor is Jesus. He is big enough to unite us together as one big family.

If you don't belong anywhere and need a place to hang out, come visit with us! We would love to add a new family member to the Bridge. It is the place we meet where it is about connection, not perfection.

Peace Out,

Shanin

Testify

2011-02-18T15:10:00.000-08:00

“Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them . 11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities. 12 “While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now[a] send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ 19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. 21 For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me . 22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come— 23 that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” 24 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”
25 But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. 26 For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.”
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”
29 And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”
30 When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; 31 and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.” Acts 26:9-31

This was Paul’s testimony, his history. He was well educated, a Roman citizen, a murderer and persecutor of Christians. A prisoner in chains but someone who was free in Christ. Redeemed and forgiven yet a prisoner, not for murder but for sharing the gospel of Christ. Amazing.

There are things that will label you a hero in America today but if you hear from God you are labeled crazy. A person can gain fame by being on a reality tv show known for promiscuity. A person can do immoral and illegal things and maintain a position of power in our Country’s government.

Are you afraid of being labeled? Will you do what is righteous even if it is uncomfortable? Are you afraid of offending someone? Do you have a testimony? Will you take a stand? If it is for Jesus I am not afraid. He is with me. I have a testimony of redemption and I hear from God. I am thankful for his forgiveness of my horrendous past. Here I stand today redeemed and forgiven because of His sacrifice.

For Him,

Shanin

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T15:33:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to tell everyone Happy Valentines Day! It is my anniversary and I just love the holiday too! To me it is an opportunity to tell people that they are loved and valued. It doesn't have to be a spouse or someone of romantic interest. It can be a teacher, the produce person,the checker or your son or daughter!

So when you are out and about take time to wish someone a Happy Valentine's Day. Speak a kind word into their day and life. You might become the bright spot in their day.

23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth,
And a word spoken in due season, how good it is! Proverbs 15:23 NKJV

Happy Valentine's Day!

Shanin

God is Faithful!

2011-02-11T16:26:00.000-08:00

God is faithful! When everything seems to not go right, I can depend on God. He is there through thick and thin. His Word is everlasting and true. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King His love endures FOREVER! Forever is a very long time. Longer than I can fully grasp. He loves me, He will love me forever! He loved me while I was being knitted in my mother's womb. He knows everything about me! He sees my heart, the good, the bad and the ugly and He still loves ME.

The good news is that He loves you too. No matter where you are now or what you have done or will do, He loves you. He will love you forever. Will you return His love? He is the only sure thing. He is our peace. He is everything.

Just call out to Him. He can hear your cries and your heart. He is just waiting for an invitation from you. Do it. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; Acts 17:26-27 Reach out to Him today. Your life will never be the same again.

Shanin

Keeping Your Eyes On Him

2011-01-24T14:58:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had a hard time with a particular issue that seemed to rear it's ugly head at you and kind of make fun of you? I have. And at the beginning of the year I told that Lord that I was going to commit to give this certain challenge to the Lord. Then it magically got better! NOT~ it seemed to be even more in my face the first few days so I really worked hard at making this new habit of laying it at the feet of Jesus. I had this plan, whenever it got more difficult I would wear my mp3 player playing worship music. I did great for the first two and half weeks! Then last week I let it win the battle for the day. Oh how I mourned in my heart that I had lost the battle for a day but then I realized there was good news! Jesus has provided a clean slate for me to start over! I just had taken my eyes off of Jesus and let it wander back to the very thing that I was trying to give to Jesus. I was struggling for control instead of trusting Jesus to take care of me and the situation. So I prayed for help and started fresh!

So today I have victory in this arena of my life! Today I placed my mp3 player on my head and took time to read His Word and at the moment that ugly thing isn't even in my field of vision!

Is there something that you have struggled for control with in your life? Let me give you a few verses to help! At least they have helped me!
Phil 4:4-8 NIV
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things

Keep your focus on Jesus. The rest really doesn't matter and He will do such a better job of taking care of things than you ever will. You just have to surrender control to Him. Keep looking up at Him. He is faithful and on your side! He roots for us! Woo Hoo!

Got My Gaze Fixed!

Shanin

We Belong To Jesus!

2011-01-21T14:40:00.000-08:00

There is a song that we sing in church and it is titled, "Sing To The King." I love that song! It is written by Billy Foote & Charles Silvester Horne. The lyrics are awesome! The chorus goes like this:

Come let us sing a song, a song declaring that we belong to Jesus, He is all we need, lift up a shout of praise, sing now with voices raised to Jesus, Sing to the King.

Have you ever struggled with self worth? Have you ever felt unloved? If you know Jesus you never have to feel that way again. Why? Because you belong to Him. Oh you may have those days that the enemy will throw those thoughts at you but all you have to do is spend some time with Jesus to know that you are loved.

The great part about belonging to Jesus is that once you know Jesus you are part of God's family. When you are a part of God's family, then you belong to this great body of believers aka siblings, that have your back. I came from a messed up family so I missed having a family that just loved spending time together. Now I have this great family who loves hanging out and they are there if I ever need them. They have my back!

Jesus so desires to love on you. He loves you so very much. He cherishes you! So no matter how your life has gone up to this point, just take a step of faith and enter into a relationship with Him. You will never regret it.

Loving so much that I belong to HIM,

Shanin

Put on a Happy Face!

2011-01-13T07:30:00.000-08:00

14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Phil 2:14-16 NKJV

Last night I was shopping at a few different stores getting ready for my kid's class on Wednesday night(I taught on Jacob and Essau). Whenever one of the clerks would ask, "How are you tonight?" I would smile and say, "Awesome thanks!" I was surprised at the response at EVERY store. Each one would be taken back and then smile and say, "We don't hear that very often!" or "I wish that more people would respond that way!" Then it opened a door for conversation of what I was doing with what I was purchasing. I walked right through that open door and would tell them the story (the brief version) of Jacob and Essau. Each one was like a new kid in Sunday School holding on to every detail.

It made me think, people are hungry for life. They are sucked up in a busy world with very little or no hope. All they need is a smile and somoeone to tell them that they are great, or wonderful or awesome and then you have their attention. Somethng so small, so free and it only takes a moment of your time.

We should make sure that we shine like stars! Take a moment, take a deep breath and smile! You can do it! It will make you feel better! It can be a great habit! And an open door to minister life to someone in that brief moment. Hold fast to that Word of Life that we have access to and then share it that hope with others! It only takes a moment of your time and it is so worth the investment!

Shining Brightly for Him,

Shanin

My Dad is a Big Deal!

2011-01-10T14:29:00.000-08:00

22 Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. 23 But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. 24 And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”
Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 But He said to them, “Where is your faith?”
And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”
26 Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” Luke 8:22-28 NKJV

Funny how that the men that spent one on one time with Jesus and had seen Him perform miracles really wondered who He was that even the winds and the waters obeyed him however when Jesus came upon the man who was demon possessed that the demons indeed recognised who He was. They knew that He was the Son of the Most High God!

Do we know who HE really is? I spend time with Jesus yet there are days that I am still surprised when He provides miracles before my eyes! If the demons know who He is, the Son of the Most High God, when will we grasp at who HE is?

If we would fully grasp the authority He has given us just to use His Name we would be able to do so much more for His Kingdom! I love the song, How Great Is Our God, where it says, "He wraps Himself in light, and darkness tries to hide And trembles at His voice, trembles at His voice." That verse gives me so much excitement. If we were to figure out who our Dad really is we would walk around and say, "Excuse me, do you know who my Dad is? He is the King of king, the Lord of lords. He is a big deal! Don't mess with me!"

We need to spend time with Jesus so that when the enemy does challenge us that we won't shrink back but that we will say, "Excuse me but do you know who my Dad is?" We need to be confident in our Identity in Christ. We can only be confident in that identity if we have a relationship with Him.

So don't let the enemy catch you off guard. Be prepared. Invest time with the Lord. Get to know Him. Rest assured that He loves you so very much and desires for you to know Him.

Shanin

Great News!

2010-12-20T15:09:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about Christ's birth. I love it because the angels announced it to the shepherds. They were not the upper crust of society. They were stinky and poor, basically the outcast. Back in the day before Christ not everyone could be accepted or embraced in religious settings. But Jesus brought love and acceptance for EVERYONE! He wasn't limited to the poor because the rich Wisemen came to worship the new King too.

How awesome is Jesus that He would want to reach everyone reguardless of our background, history or status? I am so thankful for the birth of our Savior, Jesus. He came to us in a very humble beginning, born in the barn with the animals. He came for us all.

Thanking Him this Christmas Season,

Shanin

Amazed

2010-11-22T14:05:00.000-08:00

Today I am amazed by God's goodness. I am blessed beyond measure by a wonderful family, church and friends. I look out my office window and I see beautiful snow. I am not one who loves snow but I can appreciate the beauty of it as it falls gently to the ground. I am blessed with a great job. I am blessed with the opportunity to attend college to further my education.

Thank You Father with all you have blessed us with! Thank You for my salvation and for a relationship with You, the Almighty.

Love,

Shanin

Voting

2010-11-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

Today is voting day for our Nation. Be sure to go and place your vote. Men and women have sacrificed their lives so that we have the freedom to vote. Don't let it be something that you take for granted until that priviledge is gone.

We can never express our gratefulness to those who have given their lives. How can we ever say thank you enough to the ones our soldiers left behind? Thank you to our veterans who have given so very much of their lives so that we can have the right to vote, have the freedom of speech, and the right to own guns. I am sorry there are those who don't fully grasp how wonderful it is to be an American. What an honor to live in our Country where we can speak freely, worship in the church of our choice, own a home, and a bible if we so choose.

Voting Proudly Today,

Shanin

Western Civilization

2010-11-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

I am taking a college course titled, Western Civilization. I like my professor however I have been skeptical on some of her views and teaching capabilities. I have gotten past those obstacles and have enjoyed the class and literature.

It is funny because this class has made me embrace the Word on a different level. My teacher is obviously not a believer so her point of view is much different than my own views. I have learned more about the Greek and Roman cultures. It has helped me because when I read the bible now I see where the culture plays into it. I am excited because even though many have tried to prove the bible to be a work of fiction, historcal accounts confirms it to be true. I loved it when we started studying about the apostle Paul. My history book states that historical accounts verifies that an "event" took place on the road to Damascus that day, which changed the life of Apostle Paul. They are not for sure what exactly did happen, whether it was an accident or what, but one thing that they do know was that it was a life changing experience for this man named Paul.

Now I can hardly wait because we get to choose our topic for a comparative paper. I am choosing to do a comparative on this man named Saul, before "the event" happened, to the "new" man named Paul. I am so excited. My teacher knows nothing or has said nothing about Saul. She has talked about martyrs and Christianity and how they changed Western Civilization. I am so excited to share about this educated, born Roman citizen who persecuted and ordered the deaths of the christians. He was at the stoning of a christian named Stephen and saw a face of an angel. He later was on the road to Damascus when an event happened that rocked his world and ours too. There had to be something of substance that changed a man from the persecutor to the persecuted. So changed, that eventually the very people that he tormented and hunted, loved and accepted him as their leader and teacher.

Isn't God good? He is a life changer/redeemer. He took my college class and brought it to life for me. He added another dimension to the Word as I read it. He is the same, yesterday, today and forever. I can hardly wait to take the next semester's class, part II. I am so thankful that I serve a living God who is everywhere and in everything when I just take the time to look for Him.

In Him,

Shanin

Swords Drawn

2010-08-20T14:53:00.000-07:00

Hello!

This week started to be a challenge to me in many ways. But then I was reminded that I needed to refocus! Refocus on God and not get distracted by the surrounding circumstances. My week got much better and I was able to "see" things so much more clearly. The enemy loves to get us off track. If he can do that by throwing things at us or simply by derailing us then he has the battle won.

I am not going down that easily. I am a child of the King. The Most High is MY DAD! So I went running to my Dad and things didn't seem to be as big of a deal as they first appeared. My week straightened right out and it went so much better!

Remember, when things seems to be spinning out of control, to refocus. Realign your gaze on the Most High and everything else will be placed in perspective. Read the Word, spend time in worship and draw your sword! There is a battle going on out there. You are in the midst of the battle whether you want to be or not. Be prepared! Don't get caught off guard. Remain focused. Don't be afraid because Jesus will take care of us! We are in this together. If you see someone struggling, encourage them! Remind them that we are in a battle but we will win the war!

Swords Drawn,

Shanin

Political Position or Serving Him?

2010-08-10T15:24:00.000-07:00

42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. John 12:42-43

How sad that they believed in Jesus but they didn't confess Him as Lord and Savior. Even more sad that they loved the praise of men more than Jesus. This scripture is after the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. They were there to witness the miracles. They knew that He was the Christ. Politics happened even way back then. This portion of scripture supports the fact that you cannot serve more than one god. We are fortunate to serve the one true God. The praises of men here on earth are temporary at best but the praises of God will be eternal!

Let this be a reminder for us to pray for our rulers. I pray for them to love Jesus and recognize him as the one true God, more than they love the praises of men. That we would return to a God fearing country instead of a man pleasing country.

Lord help me to live this prayer by example. Remind me to pray for the leaders of our local government and our country's government leaders.

In Your Name,

Shanin

Caught In The VERY Act

2010-08-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience,went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her,“Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”
11 She said, “No one, Lord.”
And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and[k] sin no more.”
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John 8:7-12 NKJV

So the Pharisees caught this woman "in the very act" of adultry. They brought her up to be sentenced by Jesus. They didn't bring the other participant "of the very act" but just her. Jesus stoops down and writes in the sand. I have wondered what he was writing but obviously that wasn't so important or it would have been written in the book. But the next part of the story is very important. He challenged the accusers in a very calm manner, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” He then went back to writing on the ground and one by one they left. This is where it gets really good...

Jesus showed so much compassion to this woman. He didn't lecture her or treat her less than, He simply told her to go and sin no more. Then He spoke the very last verse in this section: "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

Not only did He not condemn her, but he set a precedent for everyone in that statement! He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life! He just told her to go and sin no more...she was not discounted for her sin. She could still be a follower of Christ! She just needed to not walk in the darkness anymore and she could have the light of life! She could be a Christ Follower! How exciting. Not only did Jesus spare her from the death sentence at that moment but He was giving her a chance for life! I love this! In their culture she would have been stoned. If you look at it just right, today was her lucky day! She got caught "in the very act" and not only did Christ spare her from a death sentence He offered her life!

I am so glad that Jesus does not disqualify us from choosing life in Him. He is so very forgiving. He wants us to choose life. For that I am very thankful!

In His Light,

Shanin

Take a Stand

2010-08-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

1 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. 2 And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
3 For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the wooden images, the carved images, and the molded images. 4 They broke down the altars of the Baals in his presence, and the incense altars which were above them he cut down; and the wooden images, the carved images, and the molded images he broke in pieces, and made dust of them and scattered it on the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. 5 He also burned the bones of the priests on their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem. 6 And so he did in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, as far as Naphtali and all around, with axes.[a] 7 When he had broken down the altars and the wooden images, had beaten the carved images into powder, and cut down all the incense altars throughout all the land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 34:1-7 NKJV

I love the first two verses in this section of scripture. It tells a lot about Josiah. He was only eight years old when he became King and he was king until he was 39 years old. Verse two is huge! He did what was right in the sight of the Lord...he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Wow. When he was only sixteen he started seeking the God of his ancestor David when he was twenty he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places of all of the idols and altars. Let's talk about that for a minute. He was twenty years old, a young man with power yet he didn't let it go to his head. He was serving God in the best way he knew how. He obviously wasn't concerned about man pleasing because at the age of twenty he did the unpopular thing and went and purged all of the high places of idol worship! Now this was not a small feat. It was not only unpopular (it was a money maker for the people too), it was a very spiritual event. Breaching enemy territory and tearing it down! I love it because he broke it up and then made dust out of them and scattered it on the graves of those who had sacrificed to them! He did not let man pleasing or fear stand in his way of serving God.

Josiah took the wealth and equipped the workers to restore the areas of worship that the past Kings had destroyed. When they found the book of the law that had been lost he had the scribe read it to him. He then realized how the past kings had not served the Lord and he fell on his face before God and mourned! He wanted to make things right in his kingdom. God honored Josiah's heart and desire to serve Him.

Josiah didn't stop there. He then took the Book of the Covenant and gathered everyone. He read it to them so they would know the Word of the Lord. But then he did something even greater...
31 Then the king stood in his place and made a covenant before the LORD, to follow the LORD, and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book. 32 And he made all who were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin take a stand. So the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers. 33 Thus Josiah removed all the abominations from all the country that belonged to the children of Israel, and made all who were present in Israel diligently serve the LORD their God. All his days they did not depart from following the LORD God of their fathers.
2 Chronicles 34:31-33

Josiah took a stand! He stood and had his people take a stand too! He made a covenant to follow the Lord and worship him with all of his heart, soul and to do what was written in the book! He didn't stop there he went and finished removing every abomination in the whole country! He took his kingdom and served the Lord...his WHOLE kingdom. Josiah was young yet he took a stand not only for himself but for his whole kingdom. I love the last verse in this chapter because it says that all his days they did not depart from following the Lord God of their fathers all because Josiah took a stand and served him with everything.

I know the youth of our church is taking a stand. Will you take a stand with us? Will you purge your whole life and household (your little kingdom) of every high place and idol or abomination and serve Him with your whole heart? Regardless of how unpopular it might be? We can make a difference if we start by taking a stand.

Standing!

Shanin

How Dare Him?

2010-08-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”
7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”
8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. 16 For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him,[c] because He had done these things on the Sabbath. John 5:6-9;16 NKJV

I am amazed that Jesus went to this place and healed a man that had been crippled for 38 years! He took time to talk to him and ask him if he wanted to be healed. The man responded with a yes and Jesus healed him! WOW! I get so excited when I think of this scene. I wish I could have been there to witness every detail. He got up from where he had laid for years and walked! What a miracle!

It's the response form the people that kill me! They were so upset because he healed him on the Sabbath! They missed it! They were so appalled by the "breaking of the Sabbath" rule that they didn't "see" the miracle that happened right before their eyes. They got offended! They took offense because Jesus didn't fit the mold.
They were hunting for Jesus, not to express their gratitude that He took a beggar off the streets and healed him, but, to kill Him. How sad. There was this great story right there and they missed it. I would want to ask this guy that could now walk, what did you see? What did His eyes look like? Were they filled with compassion? What did your legs feel like? Were they wobbly at first? Hey, do you want to run with me? I could think of a million things to ask or to look for but being offended because He healed him on a Sabbath isn't one of them!

Do you know a person that ever been guilty of being so offended that they missed the bigger picture or a ministry opportunity? That is so sad. Do you know someone who has taken up the offense of someone else? The people in this story did that very thing. They were so offended that Jesus healed this man on the Sabbath that they missed the miracle! The man wasn't offended! He was healed! He was free! It was the people who got so offended over Jesus breaking a rule, that they missed the whole event. In many ways they were robbed. They missed the healing and the celebration that surrounded that even and they missed something even greater. They missed an encounter with the Savior of the world. They missed Him. They missed Jesus.

I do not want to miss even a glimpse of Jesus! I do not desire to allow an offense or someone else's offense to cloud up my focus of Him. I do not want to become so judgemental that I miss an opportunity to share Him with others because of how they look or sound. This means that sometimes I might be a little uncomfortable but that is okay. I can do it! Lord Jesus give me compassion to touch those around me. Help me not to miss a "God moment." Help me to be sensitive in the right way but not easily offended in other ways! I am excited to see what God is doing!

Looking Everywhere!

Shanin

True Hope

2009-09-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

I saw a quote today. It said that "True hope is believing God is good no matter what He decides to do."

I like that quote and I dislike that quote. I love the quote because it is true that God is good. I dislike the quote because I know that God doesn't always decide the way that I think that He should.

God is in control even when my circumstances look bleak. God is in control when my circumstances look great. I guess the real question is, "Do we trust God no matter what?"

I am comforted in knowing that God loves me so very much that He will do what is best. The best is not always in my comfort zone...but I have made a choice that I will believe in Him and His plan...no matter what. God has a way of taking the worst case scenerio and turning it into something good, not just good but amazingly good!

Remember the story of Lazarus? If you would like to read the story it is found in John 11. Jesus loved this family. He heard the report that Lazarus was very sick. Jesus didn't rush over to their house and heal him. Verse 4 says, But when Jesus heard about it he said, "Lazarus's sickness will not end in death. No, it is for the glory of God. I, the Son of God, will receive glory from this."

I have to tell you that Lazarus dies...but it didn't end there. He was all stinky because he had been dead for four days. If I was one of the sisters I would be thinking that the circumstances didn't look real hopeful to say the least. They were grieving. But they had the same advantage that we have...they knew Jesus.

He felt compassion for his friends. They didn't understand why He allowed Lazarus to die. They even questioned Him. The Word says that He was deeply troubled and that He wept. He had said from the beginning that the situation would bring glory to God.

But when I read the passage I saw one thing that caught my eye. The conversation between Jesus and Martha...Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in me and will never perish. Do you believe this, Martha?" "Yes, Lord," she told him. "I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God."

She chose to believe even after her brother died. He had been dead for long enough to start stinking. It didn't turn out her way and yet she chose to believe. She had hope in the Eternal Life Giver. She was grieved in her heart for the loss of her brother and she didn't understand but she chose to believe.

The ending turns out better than you can imagine! Jesus had them roll the stone from the grave and He prayed out loud so that everyone would hear Him and believe. He called out, "Lazarus, come out!"

Lazarus hopped out all bound up in the grave clothes. Jesus told them to unwrap him and let him go! What a joyous occassion! Now Lazarus was still stinky but I am betting those sisters were so glad that they didn't even care! He turned their mourning into dancing at that very moment.

Let me add that there was no doubt that Lazarus was dead. Jesus took the impossible and made it possible.

Do you have "True Hope"? Do you believe that God is good no matter what He decides to do? It won't always turn out the way we think it should or will but I can tell you that He will use it to bring Him glory. He will take something broken, stinky or worn out and make it like new again. I have seen Him do it over and over again. It might not be comfortable in the process but the end result is amazing. Better than we can imagine...just decide to trust Him. He loves you.

Shanin

The Summer Has Run Away With ME!

2009-08-20T08:35:00.000-07:00

It is amazing to me that I have let the whole summer fly by and have hardly blogged. My apologies. My life will soon be structured again in order to fit everything in so I should be more dedicated in blogging once more.

I am amazed that God loves me so much that He knows exactly what it takes to get me to do some things! Let me explain...I have always loved to sing and I have always had the desire to play the piano but never took the lessons or stuck to it to accomplish the skill. God knew that it would take me moving to a church with no one to lead worship or play the piano in order for me to learn. It was a crash course by God! I am so thankful (now that I have actually learned to play) that God placed me in that position so that I had to do it! That was one desire of my heart to play the piano...

Another thing that God is working in me right now is a college education. Something that I would have never pursued on my own. He has placed me in a position where it is mandatory for me to go to college and learn. I would have never had the confidence or motivation to do this on my own accord. I have to tell you that I dread going back to class next week but I am thankful for the opportunity. I was out walking the other night and I had to laugh that God loves me so much that He knows what is best for me and sometimes that is arranging my circumstances to "make" me do things that I will appreciate later.

As parents sometimes we have to make our kids do things that aren't fun or pleasant but is good for them. Example...you do not ask your child if they would rather go to the dentist or the candy store! They would choose the candy store! You make them go to the dentist...not fun but in the long run better than rotten teeth!

God loves me so much that He arranges for me do things that I wouldn't choose on my own so that I will benefit from them! It is all a part of the plan! The best part is that He loves me. Even when the enemy sets out to mess me up God takes it and turns it out for my good! God is awesome!

Shanin

I Will Trust You, God

2009-06-23T21:40:00.000-07:00

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust You. Psalm 56:3 NKJ

I don't always understand things. Sometimes I look for sense in what appears to me to be an absolute senseless situation. There have been times that no matter how hard I look I still don't get it and that is when I have to just take God at His Word.

Faith. Not at what is seen but at what is unseen. God's Word says that when I give Him my hurts or burdens that He will sustain me! When I am afraid I will trust in Him! I will to trust Him...I will make a conscious decision to trust Him.

It is easy to trust Him when everything goes the way "it should" or "my way." That really isn't faith now is it? Faith is trusting God when things are complex or scary or simply cannot make sense. When that happens run to Him! Run to His Word. Spend time in worship. Quote scripture out loud! And He will sustain us! If I trust Him, really trust Him....I won't be afraid!

Jesus, I will trust You! Thank You so much for sustaining me!

Get Ready, Get Set, GO!

2009-06-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Matt 24:44NKJ

Get ready! Jesus is coming back and we need to be ready for Him! How exciting! We have so much to get done before comes to get us. We need to spread His Word. There are so many who don't know Him that need Him.

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, [And] established my steps. Psalm 40:2 NKJ

Get set! He lifted me out of the pit and He set me on the Rock! He set me on His firm foundation! I love it because He set me on a safe place (Him) and I want to stay there in His protection and the secure place in Him!

And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 15:16 NKJ

Go! He saved us, equipped us and then instructed us! We need to go into our community, workplace and world and share His salvation with everyone! We need to live it and show them the way. We need to love the world. He loved us enough to die for us then we need to do our part and tell everyone!

Parenting is Tough, But You Can Do It!

2009-06-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. Proverbs 29:15 NKJV

Kids are so cute but don't think that they are innocent. Think about it...when you see your child look over his or her shoulder before doing something that he knows is wrong then he is not innocent! If they are "innocent" then why would they "sneak" to do something? Because they know that what they are doing is wrong!

If you do nothing to correct them it won't get magically better on it's own! You have to correct the behavior. You need to give guidance and supervision! If you are consistent in your parenting and disciplines then they will have a great start! You desire a great future for your children and it takes work. If only child birth was the hardest part! It takes energy, effort and endurance! Don't think that when they hit jr. high that you are done! Whatever you do, do not give them large amounts of unsupervised time!

We tell our parents that God gives us a promise! Leave a child to his own ways and he will shame his mom! So Mothers, know where your children are and know what they are doing! The bible doesn't lie! One of the most important things to teach your kids is that God gives us a spirit of self control we just need to exercise it! I used to tell my kids that God already equipped them but I had to teach them to use it!

I just want to encourage the parents. Parenting is a race of endurance...don't give up...finish the race! Be consistent. It pays off! Teach them God's truth and principles so that when they are older they will love Him too! You can do this! There is no greater reward than to watch your kids worship and serve the Lord when they are adults!

A Soft Answer

2009-05-30T21:18:00.000-07:00

1 A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

Have you ever had someone think that they were going to resolve an issue with someone by "confronting" them? Then they are surprised when the person is defensive? Wouldn't it be easier to come to discuss something without the confrontation attitude? There is a time for confrontation but we should try to work out things in a "give you the benefit of the doubt" attitude?

It is easy to be misunderstood in letters and emails because they can be miss interpreted...you can take one letter or email and reread it in many different tones and voice inflections and get something totally different each time you read it outloud!

Same thing in the physical world too. I have come across angry or upset before simply because I was intense about something or I have been misunderstood thinking that I have sounded funny and in realty I have come across harsh or rude. Sometimes it might not be you either...it might just be that someone has been injured in that area before or they are having a rough time and you might be the "lucky" one to say something that they take the wrong way!

I would like to suggest a soft answer approach. Does this mean that you have to let people run over you? NO! But if we can resolve things with a soft answer instead of esculating things with a harsh tone wouldn't that be better? Set boundaries, pray, take a deep breath and then speak in love.

As my mama used to always say, "You can draw more flies with honey than vinegar!

Repeat Worth Reviewing

2009-05-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

God's desire for us is for us to be healthy and flourishing and fruitful. In Matt. 12:20 it says, A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering which He will not snuff out, till He leads justice to victory. NIV The enemy loves for you to be offended so he can get you to isolate!

So what stunts our growth or separates from the vine?

I. The Offense
Like mold the offense starts to grow and spreads all over you. It's a trap! It's the trigger on the mouse trap. It robs you of your blessing while you are in the trap. However, the offense is an opportunity for growth and release. How to escape from the trap is forgiveness.

II. Admit The Offense To Yourself.
We have all been trapped and we have all trapped. In Luke 17 Jesus tells us that it is impossible not to be offended and it's impossible not to often people and He teaches that it is hard on both ends. You are not the only on that this has happened to.

III. Admit The Offense To The Other Person.
Let's state this very clearly...Admission is not accusation!!! You can never know what their motive was! Generally they were oblivious or careless or hurt. How often have you "plotted" to hurt someone? Most usually it is a misunderstanding and the enemy uses it for his advantage (to set that trap). Please make sure that your heart is right with the Lord before going to do this. LOVE needs to be your motivation. Don't go to "confront" the person...go in love.

IV. Forgive The Offense.
God forgave us for so much how can we not forgive for so little? Be mature, make the first move, right or wrong. We have to make the choice to will forgiveness. When we forgive, it releases the issue to God so He can take care of it. When we forgive that is letting the vine dresser to lift us up out of the mud. He then washes the mold off and stakes us to the vine so that we can produce fruit.

Unforgiveness cuts us off from the nutrients of the Word, Prayer, Worship and Fellowship.

V. Get Back Into The Game.
Once we get out of the mus we need to get back into the exercise of reading the Word, praying, worshipping and fellowshipping which equals ABIDING!

Pray for God to reveal any unforgiveness in your life. Unforgiveness is like poison and as it courses through your veins it kills you! Do not let the enemy plant a seed of bitterness in your life.

Ponder the Path of Your Feet, Mind and Heart

2009-05-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

20 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart;
22 For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.
23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you.
26 Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.
Proverbs 4:22-27 NKJV

The cleanliness of your heart is really an important issue. When your heart is bitter or entertains things that are not of the Lord it is only a matter of time before it spills out of your mouth and/or actions.

Just this week we were talking to a young man about some of these issues. He had been watching some things that “were just funny” but very inappropriate. We explained to him that if you “just watched” these things that it would pollute his heart and mind. It would lead to thinking and entertaining perverse thoughts. He didn’t want to “judge” these things. How sad...that is definitely a worldly thought pattern. The bible says to take every vain thought or imagination at knife point!

It is so sad how the enemy uses whatever method he can to dilute the Word of God and to pollute your thought patterns and your heart. His goal is to rob, kill and destroy. If he can take ground in your mind then he has a great advantage. He is very patient and will slowly set the trap...hoping that we will take the bait. At first it might not “hurt” us oh but it does affect us! Don’t believe the lie that a little sin won’t hurt you. It does. A compromise is a compromise. Would you eat a bowl of soup if someone had spit in it? It would just be a little spit and you could eat around it...I am betting that you wouldn’t eat from that bowl.

Ponder the path of your feet, mind and heart. Let all of your ways be established. Remove your foot from evil.

Lord help me to nip sin in the bud before it makes a place in my heart.

Some Wisdom

2009-05-26T20:57:00.000-07:00

13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;
14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor.17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her. Proverbs 3 13-18 NKJV

This speaks for itself. Jesus help me to gain wisdom and understanding....

No Sin Too Big

2009-05-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:10-11 NKJV

I am so grateful for my salvation. I love this passage because it says He died to sin ONCE for ALL. I am so glad that the God I serve is not a discriminating God. He died for all. Not only for everyone but for ALL of our sin...no matter how big or how small.

There is not one thing that if you are truly sorry, He won't forgive. He knew what we would do (and died for it) even before we did it. I have heard some say that there is no forgiveness for murder...but that isn't true. The apostle Paul (whose name was Saul before his conversion) persecuted and murdered christians before he found Christ. God not only forgave him but used him for great advancement for His ministry...not to mention writing major portions of the bible!

Because of this great sacrifice I don't want to take it for granted by thinking that no matter what I do I will be forgiven...I respect God and His mercy and grace. I am thankful that He has forgiven me much and because I love Him I want to do my best in becoming like Him. I want to be a light for others so that they too can experience this great salvation!

Striving for Excellance in Him!

Shanin

Keep the Faith

2009-05-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

17 as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations” in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” 19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 22 And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Romans 4:17-22 NKJV

Interesting...I love the story of Abraham and I have read it many times...but I never noticed that God spoke in past tense to Abraham, "I have MADE you a father of many nations." Then it says that Abraham believed in God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist AS THOUGH THEY DID! I love this! Abraham knew he was old and that Sarah was old and had never given birth, yet he did not waver at the promise of God...it wasn't about what his body could do, he already knew that they couldn't become pregnant, he based his belief on what God could do and said He would do, he was strengthened in faith! He gave glory to God to what HE was going to do then in verse 21 it says that being fully convinced that what HE had promised HE was also able to perform!

We need to be fully convinced that when God says He is going to do something that He will! God has spoken some things to my heart about what He will do when this or that happens...then when it has been a long time I get complacent instead of becoming fully convinced that HE will carry out HIS promise! We need to give glory to God about those things because if God speaks isn't that good enough? He spoke and the earth was created. So we need to be convinced that what He says is true and then we need to act faithful and be faithful and then we will be strengthened in faith too!

How do we do this? Spend time with Him....read His Word...recount all of the answered promises and prayers...give glory to Him....believe...and we will be strengthened in faith! Speak as though God has done it or is doing it!

Then verse 22 comes...and it was accounted to him for righteousness. God accounted Abrahams' belief and faith in God to him for righteousness.

I never finished this blog last night because I fell asleep while doing it...then today as I was leading worship practice the Lord spoke to my heart about my songs...True are Your promises, true are Your promises, You never fail, You never fail Oh God, so we lift up holy hands, and praise the Holy One, Who was and is and is to come... God is so faithful that even when my faith starts to fade that He would breathe life on it and it reignites and starts to flame again. Thank You God that You love me/us so much that You would stir the faith inside of me to burn once again.

Don't give up...keep praying and keep the faith...most of all keep praising the One who brings about His promises! God keeps His Word...we just have to keep the faith and be obediant!

Unconditional

2009-05-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

Rom 6:10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. NKJ

Just today I was talking to someone about acceptance. My friend, was talking about not being able to measure up to her family's expectations. I explained to her that Jesus didn't want a performance based relationship. He loved her just the way that she is...He died for her sins all at once. He loved her knowing that she would make the decisions that she has made and will make in the future.

It is hard to grasp sometimes...Jesus loves us! He loves me! No matter how the world measures success and how I measure up to that...Jesus loves me! He died for everything that I have done or will do. Plain and simple yet amazing. So unlike human acceptance. The best part is that we don't have to be perfect to be loved in God's family.

Does that give us license to do whatever we want? No. We need to pursue a relationship with Jesus and become more like Him. He loves us so much that He gives us free will to choose whatever we want to do...He loves us so much that He will wait for us to return to Him with open arms. His desire is for not one person to perish. He loved and loves us so much that He died for us.

Thank you God for loving me even with all of my weaknesses and shortcomings. You have given me the most amazing gift...unconditional love. Thank You.

One Word....Faithful!

2009-05-16T21:30:00.000-07:00

Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, And fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD. Psa 31:23,24 NKJ

Tonight I heard one word when I was thinking about blogging. The word was faithful. I went and started looking up verses with faithful in it and this one stood out to me. I believe it is meant to encourage someone tonight.

The Lord will preserve the faithful! That is you! God loves you so very much and He loves that you serve Him with a faithful heart. It is the enemy that would like to tell you otherwise. The Lord sees what you are doing. He knows what you have invested and it is not in vain. He preserves the faithful!

So tonight be of good courage! He will strengthen your heart. Don't give up, just remain faithful. He will take of the rest!

A Safe Place...a Refuge!

2009-05-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

1 God is our refuge and strength,always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
3 Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
Psalm 46:1-3 NLT

No matter what we see on the news or hear on the radio or read on the internet we have the comfort of knowing that God is our refuge and strength! I love it where it says that He is ALWAYS ready to help in times of trouble! So when everyone else is freaking out about anything and everything happening in the world today we can remain calm and trust that God is big enough to take care of us...the best part is someone will notice and desire that peace that you have from knowing God.

Thanks for taking care of us God!

Pretty Feet

2009-05-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “ How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:15

I have a wonderful daughter-in-law that thinks feet are gross. Not beautiful. It is fun to tease her somedays.

Feet are important! They are listed in the bible 243 times! But in this passage they are really important! Why? Because they are on people who are bringing Jesus or Salvation to the people who don't know Jesus! Like my feet! Like me!

There are so many who don't know Jesus. They don't have hope or have a purpose in living. How sad...they need a hope and to know that there is a plan for their lives! Jesus loves them so much.

We need more people with pretty feet! Feet that bring the gospel. Anyone who knows Jesus is qualified! You don't have to have a degree or be an eloquent speaker. You don't have to be perfect either. All you have to do is to be willing to share with people the goodness of the Lord. That is so easy when you serve a God that is good!

There is one more passage that I want to share on feet.

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth--Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:2-3

You see, God delivered me out of the pit. He can deliver you no matter how deep of a pit that you might be in. Not only can He deliver you, He can use you. Everyone has something to offer, to bring if we know Jesus. He will put a new song in your mouth too! And when He does people will see the difference and will want to trust in God.

Thank You Lord for pulling me out of the pit and setting my feet firmly on You. Thanks for giving me pretty feet!

PS. See Aubrie, there ARE such things as pretty feet!

He's Everything

2009-05-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

29 “For You are my lamp, O LORD; The LORD shall enlighten my darkness. 30 For by You I can run against a troop; By my God I can leap over a wall. 31 As for God, His way is perfect;The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. 32 “For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? 33 God is my strength and power,And He makes my way perfect. 34 He makes my feet like the feet of deer, And sets me on my high places. 35 He teaches my hands to make war,So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 36 “You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your gentleness has made me great. 37 You enlarged my path under me;
So my feet did not slip. II Samuel 22:29-37 NKJ

Isn't we awesome that God is so huge that He can be everything to us? He is the light in my darkness, with Him I can face an army! With Him I can leap over a wall! Now we know that is the only way I can leap over a wall! LOL. But really He has moved "walls" in my life that I could have never gone through much less get over. He is my shield and protector! He is my Rock! God is so big that He can train me for war yet His gentleness and love is amazing. He really is everything.

I am thankful that I serve a God Who is everything to me, and not just to me. He is a one size fits all. He has perfect timing, shoot, He created time! He is the solution for every situation and problem. Verse 37 says that He enlarged the path right under my feet so that I don't slip and fall! He is right there with me. There is a song that says, "You're all I want, You're all I need, You're everything, everything." That says it all in a nutshell.

Thank You God for being everything.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-09T15:00:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to everyone who has ever loved and guided a child. Happy Mother's Day to birth mom's who gave their children up out of love. May Jesus bless you and comfort your hearts. Happy Mother's Day to people who invested in my life!

Happy Mother's Day to my mom. She is with Jesus but she left me a great inheritance! A rich legacy of eternal life with Jesus. She couldn't of given me anything greater!
Was she perfect? No. But she loved me the best she knew how. I love you mama.

Happy Mother's Day to my Aunt Pauline! She stepped into my mother's shoes when she went home to be with Jesus. I love you Aunt Pauline! You are the best Aunt that I could ever want! You said you would take me from the day I was born and for that I am grateful! I hope that I have as much spunk as you and my mom!

To everyone else...find a mom to love if you don't have one...there are many out there! Just have a great day!

A Sure Investment

2009-05-05T22:20:00.000-07:00

12 Who is the man that fears the LORD?
Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.
13 He himself shall dwell in prosperity,
And his descendants shall inherit the earth.
14 The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him,
And He will show them His covenant.
15 My eyes are ever toward the LORD,
For He shall pluck my feet out of the net. Psalm 25:12-15 NKJ

This makes sense! When you spend time with someone getting to know them and developing relationship that you would learn from them! If you invest in something it only makes sense that you would benefit from it! I heard once that if you want to become an expert in something study it for one hour everyday for three to four years. I am not an expert by any means but I do invest in my relationship with Jesus everyday. I want to know more...He wants to teach me! What better combo is there than this?

The benefit is awesome! I get to be one of His descendants! I'm His kid! How cool is that?

There is a song that we sing in church and it is called, "The More I Seek You." It goes like this: The more I seek You, the more I find You, The more I find You, the more I love You. I want to sit at Your feet, drink from the cup of Your hand, Lay back against You and breathe, and feel Your heart beat. This love is so deep, it's more than I can stand. I melt in Your peace it's overwhelming...

This song is so descriptive and loving...and it is what I desire. I want that kind of relationship with Jesus. I love spending time with Him. If you don't know Him and would like that kind of relationship I would love to introduce you to Him. If you do know Him I would like to challenge you to invest in your relationship with Him...it can only benefit you!

Dancing Shoes

2009-05-04T20:00:00.000-07:00

11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever. Psalm 30:11-12 NKJ

I have seen God pull many people out of deep pits...I have seen Him give them their "dancing shoes" but not always did they choose to put them on. Some times it's because it isn't familiar to them to rejoice or "dance". I have seen some people decide that they would rather stay in their slump than to venture into something new or to learn a new behavior. A lot of times it is painful to go through the healing process and they just don't want to go through the pain to get to the healing. They want a band aid fix but not the surgery to cut out the cancer. Let's face it, no one likes to go through the painful process but it is so worth it once you are all healed up.

God desires to deliver us! He desires to turn our mourning into dancing! He wants us to be clothed in His gladness.

I am so glad that the Lord has pulled me out of the pit and gave me dancing shoes! Was it an overnight event? No. But He was so gracious with me...did I always like it? NO! There were many times I didn't want to hear the truth but I am so thankful that He placed people who loved me enough to tell me the truth and then to walk me through the process.

Sometimes we all need a little help lacing up the old dancing shoes...but it is so much better than the mourning. Thank You God for loving me enough to reach into the slimy pit to pull me out and thank you for those pretty dancing shoes...I rejoice in serving You, the Redeemer! Now let's celebrate!

A Rich Inheritance

2009-05-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:23

Why is it hard for a wealthy man to follow the Lord? I have often thought about this passage. It is where the rich young man came and asked the Lord what it would take to follow Him.

One time when I was visiting with my wealthy uncle it reminded me of this scripture.I was walking through the beautiful home and had went and laid by the pool and ate my breakfast in the morning sunshine. It was sooooo nice. My uncle came and talked to me. He said, "Your father would have been a very wealthy man if he had of stayed here. Your old farm is worth millions now. I thought about that. I was later alone and was talking to the Lord about what my uncle had said to me. I told the Lord, "God my life would have been soooo different if my family would have stayed here!" He responded to me, "Yes, but what would have happened if you were to gain the whole world to lose your soul?" I thought about it some more...later that evening the whole family came home for coney islands. A family tradition for my Tulsa family. We sat around laughing and talking and catching up. It was fun but something was so missing. In the midst of a heavily drinking family it all made sense to me...if I would have stayed I would have gotten caught up in the lifestyle and very likely would have been just like them...without Jesus.

They didn't need God. Their money could provide for whatever they needed or wanted. My uncle was a self made man. He made who he was! He went from poor boy to rich man all on his own. He didn't have a need for God. How sad.

It made me so grateful that my family had listened to the Lord years ago and had sold the farm to a Christian Missionary who made a boys ranch. It made me so thankful that we didn't have "a lot" growing up so my mom would pray in God's provision. I did indeed have a rich inheritance. Just not the same as my other family. I have an inheritance that will last for eternity. One to pass down to my children! I am a wealthy woman! I am rich in the Lord!

Fast forward another six or seven years. I went "home" again. My uncle had horrible dementia, Alzheimer's. I had the privilege of praying for him and my aunt. No extended family around...a God appointment. I have no way of knowing for sure if they accepted Jesus but I sure hope so.You see, that day no amount of money could fix things...there was a need for God. That was the last time that I saw my family. Hopefully one day I will see them again in heaven because I took advantage of that one opportunity of need and shared and prayed. God is so good.

Good Stuff Is Going To Happen...Just Wait and See!

2009-05-01T19:43:00.000-07:00

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! Psalm 27:13,14 NKJ

No doubt...there would have been many times that I would have totally lost heart if it wasn't for my belief in the living God that I serve. I have no idea how people face the daily grind of life without Jesus. Life would be so hopeless if I thought that there was nothing but this life...no real purpose...I am confident that there is life after death and I know that I have a Hope! His Name is Jesus. He loves you and me so very much. I am fortunate because I have seen the goodness of the Lord here and there is so much more to see!

If you don't have a hope please let me share mine with you. Life is so much better when you know Jesus. Your life will have purpose!

Those of you who already know Jesus Be of good courage! He will strengthen your heart! He is sooooo good. You wait and see...good stuff is going to happen!

He Knows Me Inside and Out!

2009-04-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

1 O LORD, You have searched me and known me.2 You know my sitting down and my rising up;You understand my thought afar off.3 You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways.4 For there is not a word on my tongue,But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. 5 You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it. 7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there;If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.9 If I take the wings of the morning,And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea.10 Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,”Even the night shall be light about me;12 Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You. Psalm 139:1-12 NKJ

He knows my thoughts and every word that proceeds out of my mouth. Now that can be scary when I think of that one. Why is it that we think that we can hide things from God? But I know that we do think that some days...I need to keep this passage of scripture in my heart always. I think that would be a great filter for the tongue.

I love it because God knows me so well! He understands my heart and my daydreams! Even in my darkest times God is with me...I don't have to be afraid of the dark because He is there with me. I love it because He knows me inside and out. He is such a great God.

Testing.....

2009-04-28T14:46:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone!

Just a quick note to say that I will be back to my normal blogging in a couple of days. I am in college finals and I am cramming, working and trying to keep my head above water. I want to say PRAY FOR ME! I need it! And in the meantime I will do my part to not to quit in the final stretch of this particular race....I will finish!

Shanin

Deal Or No Deal

2009-04-24T18:54:00.000-07:00

I just watched the ending of an episode of Deal Or No Deal. The man was down to two cases. One case had $1.00 in it and the other had $1,000,000.00 in it. The offer was $416,000.00 dollars. The choice was his...Deal or No Deal? His mother was telling him to take the money. Another lady was telling him that he had the million dollar case. He chose NO DEAL! He then had the choice of trading the case that he had picked for the other case and he turned that option down. When Howie opened the case that the man had kept it contained $1.00. How awful. The man had $416,000.00 dollars and he turned it down for the chance of more. His mother was just sick. You could see it in her face.

We all say what we would do in that situation but most of us will never be in such circumstances. But all of will be in a "Deal Or No Deal" situation. It is a salvation or no salvation situation. I have heard so many people say that "As long as you lead a good life or as long as you are a good person you will go to heaven." That is so not true! There will be good people who reject Jesus who will go to hell. You see, people don't go to hell for "doing something bad", they go to hell for rejecting Jesus. No one is deserving of salvation. No one is good! We are all on a level playing field...Jesus died to give us the free choice of salvation...all we have to do is make a decision to accept it or reject it...deal or no deal.

"Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live! Deut. 30:19

Preapproved!

2009-04-22T20:49:00.000-07:00

9 As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.
10 Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Matthew 9:9-13 NKJ

I love this because Jesus wasn't afraid to go anywhere with anyone! He was the same everywhere He went. He looked at the potential in a person. Matthew was a tax collector when He called him. I love it because Jesus knew that relationship with people was important. He ate with tax collectors, sinners, and harlots. He wanted to know them and for them to know Him. He knew that everyone needed a Savior. He didn't select just the elite or the "good" people...He came for everyone! I am so glad! He came for me. It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from or what class you are...He wants to know you and you to know Him. There are no disqualifications, you really are "preapproved!" He loves you just where you are. All you have to do is to accept Him as your Lord and Savior!

Don't Panic, He's Right There With You!

2009-04-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

18 And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side.
23 Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. 24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. 25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”
Matthew 8:18;23-27 NKJ

LOL I love this passage. Why? Because it reminds me of me when I took a different look at it today. I used to think, how could they be afraid when Jesus was right there in their boat with them? But you see, just like me, Jesus told them where to go and went with them and when it got rough they thought they were going to die!

How many times has God spoke to your heart about the direction you should go and when times got rough you cried out to Him? He was right there with you! I remembered when God called us to Burley, Idaho. I wasn't thrilled but I was obedient. We came and it wasn't easy. I remember many days when I was praying that I told God, "God, I know that You didn't call me to Burley to die and the rent is due in x amount of days...I need the rent money, Lord." He provided every time. But every time it got tough I was back calling out to Him! He was right there with me the whole time! He was the One who told us to go to Burley...He would see us through...and He has.

After God calmed the sea in verse 27, they marveled at who this Jesus could be that even the seas obeyed Him. I know who He is and even still I marvel at His greatness. He is still in the miracle business today. Do you have a storm brewing in your life? Cry out to Him and He can calm even the roughest storm

Bridge the Gap

2009-04-20T13:11:00.000-07:00

I was looking at all of my pictures today for some thing new to place as my computer background and I found this bridge. I love bridges. I like bridges of all kinds, historical, modern, rustic, covered...you name it I like it. I like this bridge because it uses giant stepping stones or rocks as the walkway and it has wooden rails to help you as you cross so you won't slip and fall. It made me think...how am I a bridge? How do I bridge the gap into our community and into people's lives? Jesus is the big bridge but He uses us to be bridges too. We should look like Him! Our churches (our body) needs to bridge the gap into our community.

What type of bridge are you and your church? Are you a big modern one? Are you a nice historical bridge? There are all types and they are all needed but the most important thing is that you are a bridge that helps bring people to Jesus!

Just a Sheep Tender?

2009-04-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees;[a] for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7

Aren't you glad that God doesn't look at our physical appearance but He looks at our hearts instead? I am so grateful that God doesn't look at just the "pretty" people and say that they are the ones who will minister or be favored! I am so thankful that God sees past what the world sees and values. He loves me for me! He knows my potential that even I don't always see in myself.

David was the youngest brother. He was normally looked down on or "pooed pooed" by his brothers, but God knew David's heart. David worshipped Him when he was alone in the fields tending the sheep. God knew David' potential. God gave David on the job training while he was tending the sheep. He killed the lion and the bear...and one day he would face the giant. God built David's faith while he was in the field tending sheep. God knew that David would be anointed King. His brothers never thought that their little brother, David, would become King...he tended the sheep!

So when you have a job like tending sheep, maybe just maybe, God might be training you for a much bigger purpose. He looks beyond what the world sees and what our eyes see...He sees our heart! Remember He knows our hearts AND our potential! He has great things planned for our future. We need to take the time wherever He places us to worship Him whatever situation we are in and know He has us there for a reason. God taught David important things while he was tending sheep. Where does God have you at the moment? What is He teaching you? I can assure you that it is all part of the plan!

Remember He looks at the heart and He sees your potential!

He is Risen!

2009-04-12T19:03:00.001-07:00

Today is the celebration of the ressurection of Jesus. I am so thankful that I serve a God who doesn't "rule" by guilt. He loves us. He desires a real relationship with us.

New life. That is what you can have in Jesus. A fresh start, a clean slate. He already paid the price for anything and everything you and I have ever done or will do. We don't have to be "good enough" you see, He doesn't want a performance based relationship He wants the real you. He already sees us where we are so why not be honest with ourselves and God? He loves us just exactly where we are and who we are. He sees the "gold nuggets" inside of us. After all He made us.

So celebrate with me today! Jesus conquered death for you and me. Join in the celebration of salvation.

Shanin

Listen Up!

2009-04-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

1 Now the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation. 2 And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see, 3 and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle[a] of the LORD where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down, 4 that the LORD called Samuel. And he answered, “Here I am!” 5 So he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.”
And he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” And he went and lay down.
6 Then the LORD called yet again, “Samuel!”
So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” He answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 (Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor was the word of the LORD yet revealed to him.)
8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.”
Then Eli perceived that the LORD had called the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10 Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
I Samuel 3:1-9 NKJ

Samuel was a boy and God spoke to him. He didn't recognize God's voice at first...he heard Him but didn't "get it". God called his name three times and he still didn't get it. Not until Eli instructed him on what to do did he recognize His voice. The important thing was that Samuel responded!

Now check this out... God did not give up when Samuel didn't recognize His voice or even respond "correctly" not even after three times! God was patient with Samuel! God is patient with us! He knows that we need instruction. He loves us.

God still speaks to us today. He loves us so much and knows when we don't "get it." If we miss His voice the first time He will speak again...just listen. Talk to Him. Ask Him, "What do You want to say to me God? Help me know Your voice." Will you "get it" right everytime? No. But keep practicing...He is patient. He is faithful. He loves His kids!

Dedicated to God

2009-04-07T14:29:00.000-07:00

18 But Samuel ministered before the LORD, even as a child, wearing a linen ephod. 19 Moreover his mother used to make him a little robe, and bring it to him year by year when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. 20 And Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, “The LORD give you descendants from this woman for the loan that was given to the LORD.” Then they would go to their own home.
21 And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile the child Samuel grew before the LORD. I Samuel 2:18-21 NKJ

When I read this today I cried. I cannot even imagine the love that Hannah had for her son Samuel and for the Lord. She kept her word that she would dedicate her son back to the Lord. It truly must have been a sacrifice. First of all she had been baren and then when God did give her, her baby boy she gave him back to the Lord for service not knowing if she would become pregnant again.

In verse 18 it says, "But Samuel ministered before the Lord, even as a child." To me that is so awesome. I have said this before and i will say it again, you are never too young to minister.

God honored His Word and God honored Hannah too. It says in verse 21 that the Lord gave Hannah three more sons and two daughters! Then it adds that "Meanwhile the child Samuel grew before the Lord."

Hannah gave her first born son, Samuel to serve in the temple where Eli raised his wicked sons in the temple yet Hannah trusted her son to the Lord. God took care of Samuel too. In the middle of the chapter describing the wicked things that Eli's sons did and prophecy against them there is one verse placed :26 And the child Samuel grew in stature, and in favor both with the LORD and men. That speaks volumes!!! God took care of the young man that was dedicated to His service. Hannah trusted God to take care of Samuel and He did. God is good.

Becoming Immune to the Stink

2009-04-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

Today at my work they evacuated my half of the building while I was gone to school. The reason was that the owner had sprayed the pesticide on the outside of the building but the fumes came inside. The reports on the effects were different depending who you spoke to but the manager decided to move our office temporarily to a different location until the fumes cleared. I guess one of the warnings said that if you can smell it then it is harmful. I guess that some of the people had gotten used to the smell and hadn't thought of it being that loud until they left the building got into some fresh air and then re-entered the building.

Isn't that how sin is? If you aren't careful you can become so desensitized to it that it doesn't bother you anymore. We need to go before the Lord daily so we can get our dose of "fresh air" so we can live in a sinful world but not become desensitized to it.

Lord help me to never to get accustomed to sin but to be sensitive to Your voice.

Don't Give Up!

2009-04-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are[a] being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Cor 4:16-18 NLT

Everything here is temporary. We need to remember that when things are going the wrong way. If we keep it all in perspective, (that this is only temporary) and our long term goal is eternal life with Jesus then we can maintain our focus! We need to take advantage of our time here! We have Kingdom business to do and accomplish! We need not to get distracted or wrapped up things that keep us from growing in the Lord! Remember we fix our gaze on things that can't be seen. Thank You Lord that even when our physical bodies get tired and worn our spiritual lives can increase and grow! So don't quit! Keep up the good fight!

He is my Rock!

2009-04-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;
He is their strength in the time of trouble.
40 And the LORD shall help them and deliver them;
He shall deliver them from the wicked,
And save them,
Because they trust in Him. Psalm 37:39-40

It doesn't say that we won't have times of trouble but it does say that He is our strength when those times come. He wil help us and deliver from the wicked and save them....and here are the key words for me...because they trust Him.

In order to trust someone you have to have relationship with them. It is easier to trust Him when you have that relationship with Him!

We need to trust Him when those tough and scary times come. We have to trust in Jesus to take care of us and not to run ahead of Him to take care of ourselves. When we keep our focus on Him the other things aren't as scary or as big! He is sooooo big!

Who else do we have to trust? There is a scripture that says, some may trust in horses and some may trust in chariots but we will trust in the Name of our Lord!

I am glad that when things get tough I can run to Him. He has my back and my front...He loves me!

Satisfaction's Secret...

2009-04-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

Tonight I thought I would share from our Wednesday night class notes. It was a great lesson...credit to my Jason, my hubby. Thanks Babe for letting me glean from your teaching!

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ[a] who strengthens me. Phil 4:10-13 NKJV

What is contentment? It's not apathy, laziness or complacency. It is independant from circumstance. You do not base your happiness on the situation around you. Happiness comes from within.

How to experience real contentment:
I. Learn to avoid comparisons!
Paul said that he learned to be content! That means we can learn to be content too!

Misconceptions about happiness are: I must have what others have to be happy...I must be liked by everyone in order to be happy...Having more will make me more happy.

The root problem: Comparing myselt to others.

II. Learn to adjust to change!
In verse 12 it says that I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound...

Types of circumstances:
-Those we can control and do control
-Those we can control and don't control
-Those we can't control

Key to adjusting: A sense of humor!!!!! Man, laughter is an awesome tool...the joy of the Lord is our strength! Don't take yourself so seriously and life will be so much better.

III. Learn to rely on Christ's power
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. vs 13

The Jerusalem Bible says it like this: There is nothing I cannot master with the help of one who gives me strength.

What do you need to master? Your attitude? Your mouth or temper?

IV. Learn to trust God to meet my needs.
Phil 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:31-33

Hosannah!

2009-03-31T19:26:00.000-07:00

Palm Sunday. We celebrate the triumphal entry on Palm Sunday. The day that the disciples went and found the colt, right where He said it would be, and He rode it into town. The people threw their coats and clothing down for Him to ride across their clothing. They waved the palm branches...the children shouting, "Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest!" He should have been riding a fine horse but instead a young donkey...the Savior of the World with the people whom He loved. The ordinary people not the elite and rich just the regular people and the kids...

I am so thankful that Jesus loves us, the ordinary people...His kids. I am excited for this Sunday to come and see the kids in our church celebrate Jesus with their Palm Branches. To worship the King...I have been picking the music and when I hear it and imagine the children in my mind waving the Palm Branches for Jesus it makes me cry. I can only imagine how He felt and He knew what was coming! Then I get excited to think how He must feel seeing His kids worship Him! Yeah...thank You Jesus for coming and dying for me...for them, for all of us....for the ordinary and the elite. Thank You for loving us...thank you for riding in on the donkey.

It is sooo Worth It!

2009-03-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. I Cor 15:58

Planted deep....immovable...always consistently abounding in the work of the Lord. How do we do this? By staying in the Word and putting one foot in front of the other. Not quitting! Keeping focused on God!

Whenever I get discouraged I think that is when I struggle with the "knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." One time I had questioned the Lord about moving to Burley because it just didn't seem to grow like I thought it should. I remember very clearly as I was leading worship. I looked out in the congregation and there was "Aunt Mary" worshipping the Lord with her hands raised. Mary is an elderly woman who didn't know Jesus her whole life. She accepted Jesus late in life through our ministry. I heard the Lord ask me very clearly..."Would you have come just for her to know me, just for one?" I replied, "Yes Lord, just for Mary...just for one."

God is so good that He would send us to Idaho just for Mary to know Jesus....now I know that we have reached many more than Mary but it certainly put it in perspective for me! He knows how I work! He ministered to my heart. It so blesses me so to see Mary worship Jesus! Her salvation alone makes me to know that my labor is not in vain!

We need to take time to reflect on the victories that the Lord has given us. It encourages us and reminds that our labor is not in vain.....it is worth it all even if we only get to lead one to Jesus. Thank You Lord for giving me the honor to lead people in Your Salvation.

Out of the Box

2009-03-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: I Cor 12:4-7

I am so glad that I serve such a big God that He ministers in many ways in different people! He gives us different gifts! One God but many avenues of ministries.

We, as humans tend to put God in a box. Actually it isn't God who is in the box. He isn't limited either! We need to poke our heads out of our box, (that we try to put God in), and look for God moving and ministering! We need to pray and seek God to see if He would have us minister in a way that will reach people out of our comfort zone.

Remember there are diversities of gifts but the same Spirit! Different ministries but the same Lord! So how do you know? Does it line up with scripture? Because God will not go against His Word. Is the ministry producing fruit? Does it profit the body of Christ?

Lord Jesus, please help me not to limit You and Your ministry. Expand my view of You and help me to be open to where You would lead me! Thanks God! I love You!

An Escape Plan

2009-03-25T20:54:00.000-07:00

12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape I Cor. 10:12-13

I had a friend many years ago who told me something that I would never forget...it truly was a piece of wisdom that I have kept close to my heart. I had asked her how someone could cheat on their spouse especially when both of them were Christians. She told me as soon as you think it can never happen to you or that you would never do that (no matter the situation or sin) then be very careful because that is just where the devil wants you! It's a trap!That is when or where he will trip you up! Vs 13 says no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man! It is the ordinary everyday stuff that can trip you up especially when you get comfortable and unguarded!

The good news is that the bible says that He will always make a way of escape when we are tempted! God is faithful! Cry out to Him when you are tempted! He will provide a way out! Whew! An escape plan...be aware, and when you feel like nothing can trip you up that is when you are vulnerable. When you find yourself surrounded by temptation stop and pray. Cry out for help and the Deliverer will provide the escape plan for you! The bible says to flee or to run when temptation comes! Don't hang out around it!

Thank you Jesus that You know our weaknesses and that you have planned a way for escape for us. Help me be aware of the enemies traps and help me walk circumspectly! I love You Lord!

Good News!

2009-03-24T15:17:00.000-07:00

29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayers of the righteous.
30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart;
good news makes for good health. Proverbs 15:29-30 NLT

I am so excited that God hears our prayers! He is so faithful to answer our prayers. We are what I like to call "prequalified" not by anything that we have done but just simply because He died for us and we accepted His gift of Salvation. It grieves my heart when I hear people say, "God doesn't answer my prayers." He always answers them...it isn't always yes, but He will always give us an answer. God loves to spend time with His kids. The question is "Do we like to spend time with Him?" Do we listen for His answers? Do we work to keep the lines of communication open? Are we keeping our hearts clean?

In verse 30 it talks about a cheerful look brings joy to the heart. I think a cheerful outlook and good report (or news) brings joy to the heart! So sometimes I have to go and look for the good report because I might just not be "seeing" the good stuff. The Word of God is full of great reports!

The other day I was in the car and the old song "Whose Report Will You Believe" came to my mind. I started singing it and it says whose report will you believe...we will believe the report of the Lord! For His report says I am free His report says I am healed...you get the gist of the song...anyhow it stirred my heart up! I got so excited! You know the devil is a liar and he would love for us to buy the lie but if we go to our "good report" it reports the truth! The good news!

When we share good reports it stirs others too! Whenever I pray for someone lots of times I will share about good reports that God has done before and it stirs my faith and their faith! So share good reports! Do it for yourself and for others!

Whose report will you believe? We will believe the report of the Lord!

He Loves Me As High As The Heavens!

2009-03-21T20:19:00.000-07:00

10 He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; Psalm 103:10-13

I am so thankful that God doesn't treat us like we deserve to be treated! I am really glad that he doesn't repay us according to our sins! Not only does He not do both of those things but it says as far as the east is from the west he has separated us from our sins! YES!

He loves us so very much. He has compassion for us! God has compassion for us. He just doesn't put up with us or allows us to simply exist...He LOVES us! He LOVES ME!

I think if we could just grasp that He loves us soooo much we would live our lives much differently. He loves us as high as the heavens are above the earth...that is really high! Woo Hoo I am loved by the Almighty Living God!

This week I want to challenge you to say "God loves ME" every time you pass a mirror. Look into that mirror into your own eyes and say it....God loves ME! Then act like it! Act like God loves you....I think it will make a difference in your life. Then do one more thing....after doing this for ten days write me and let me know how it changed your thinking! Okay?

Have a really blessed week!

Don't Quit

2009-03-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

18 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Stretch out the spear that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” And Joshua stretched out the spear that was in his hand toward the city.
26 For Joshua did not draw back his hand, with which he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. Joshua 8:18;26

Joshua had experienced failure in war against Ai before this victory. He went before the Lord and asked why they lost the battle and God told him that there was sin in the cammp. Joshua then didn't ignore the sin and went on he went and searched it out and then got rid of the sin and then went back before the Lord again and this is when God says to stretch out his spear and that He would give it to Joshua's hand.

It wasn't over once God gave the promise. Joshua still had to go take the city or land of Ai. Do you think that it was easy for Joshua? I don't. It was still work, but I love verse 26 For Joshua did not draw back his hand, with which he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai.

Joshua did not turn back. He didn't quit. Joshua took God at His Word and he did his part too. When things didn't go right he went before God and found out what was wrong, he searched out the sin and dealt with it and then he didn't quit or give up until the promise was fulfilled!

Are things not going right? Have you gone before God to see what is wrong? Have you searched to see if there is sin in your "camp"? If you find sin are you going to deal with it and get rid of it? Are you going to give up or are you going to "not draw back your hand" until God's promise is fulfilled?

I want to see everything God has promised to me to be fulfilled! I am not quitting! And do you want to know the best part? God will go with me!

Just One Stone of Many

2009-03-19T21:12:00.000-07:00

21 Then he spoke to the children of Israel, saying: “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ 22 then you shall let your children know, saying, ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry land’; 23 for the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over, 24 that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.” Joshua 4:21-24

We need to set up stones so that when our children ask in time, "What are this stones?" We can tell them what God did in our lives!

So what has God done in your life? In my life I have seen God miraculously provide for us in ways I could have never figured out on my own! I have seen God heal cancer! I have seen God's hand move in many circumstances. But tonight I want to share a story to you about a man name James

In the eighties we lived in Bend, Oregon. My husband worked at the mill. Now during this time Bend was a predominately white community. There was a young man named James who came to work at the mill who happened to be black in color. My husband hit it off with James right from the start. They would tease each other and play practical jokes on one another. My husband would share with James about the Lord and then always say, "When are you going to come to church with me, man?" James never came. Well, one night on the way home from work James was jumped and beaten pretty bad by a few men. My husband was concerned for his friend. James started selling drugs because it was better money than the mill and before long he quit the mill job. We lost contact with James after he left the mill. We soon moved to the valley which was about four hours away from Central Oregon.

We thought and prayed for James often. A few years later and after we had a son that we named James, we were around the house talking about our friend James. I asked my husband, "What do you think happened to James?" He said that he hoped that he didn't get sucked into the drug lifestyle. End of the discussion and we went to bed. The next day my James and I were getting ready to go to the mall. Now my husband hates the mall and the crowds and we were leaving so that my hubby could study and write his sermon. As we were getting ready to leave my husband told us to wait that he wanted to go shopping with us! WHAT???? Yes I heard what he said. We waited and he came.

We made it to the mall and my son and I were at Kaybee Toys, my husband went to a book store. After a little bit I heard my husband yell my name. I looked out to the hall and my husband was standing smiling from ear to ear with his arm around James, our friend! He had been at the bookstore with his back facing the mall. He said that he felt a large presence standing in his space and he heard a voice whisper in his ear, "What are you doing in my store boy?" He spun around to see James smiling! He got him! LOL The very next thing out of James' mouth was, "When are you going to come to church with me man?" God is so good. James moved away and later found Jesus. He is serving the Lord. And God was so gracious to us that he let us find out that James accepted Jesus before we got to heaven! That blessed us so very much and still encourages us when we think, reminese and talk about it.

It was such a God appointment. Jason hates the mall. God arranged for James and Jason to be at the mall at the same time and for James to see Jason with us both being so far from our old surroundings and years later. A true miracle.

That is just one story of so many miracles of God in my life. One stone of many. One stone to pass down to our kids and grandkids. Take time and think of a stone that represents something that God has done in your life. I would love to hear about your stones if you would like to share them with me! We can praise God together.

Thank You Lord that you have done so many things in my life. Thank You for letting us see James once more and most of all for his salvation. Thank You for arranging that meeting this side of heaven! You Rock!

Be Bold and Strong! God is With Us!

2009-03-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:6-9 NKJ

Be strong and courageous!Do not turn from it to the right hand or the left...so how does a person do that? Well, the word tells us how in the very next verse, this book of Law shall not depart from your mouth! Meditate in it day and night. How much stronger we would be if we truly did meditate on and in it day and night? I know that when the enemy starts to try to plant seeds of doubt or fear that if I quote the Word of God it doesn't effect me like it does when I go with it or entertain it or have not spent time in the Word! God's Word is true! It is still applicable to us today!

So let's make a commitment to be strong and courageous! To not be afraid or dismayed because our Lord is with us! Wherever we go! The biggie is meditating in and on the Word and not letting it depart from our mouths!

Thank You Lord for giving me courage and boldness! Thank You for making me prosperous and blessing my life! You are such an awesome God. Thank You for Your Word too!

Worship and Rejoice!

2009-03-14T14:45:00.000-07:00

“Then you shall set it before the LORD your God, and worship before the LORD your God. 11 So you shall rejoice in every good thing which the LORD your God has given to you and your house, you and the Levite and the stranger who is among you.
Deut. 26:10-11 NKJ

This is talking about bringing the tithe before the Lord after they possessed and dwelled in the promise land which God gave them...just because God gave them the land didn't mean that the work was over. They had to possess it and then live in it and work the fields. When the harvest came they gave God the first fruits, that is where this verse comes in.

Then you shall set it before the Lord your God and worship before the Lord your God. I love verse 11 so you shall rejoice in EVERY GOOD THING which the Lord your God has given to you and your house! Man, how often do we get caught up in the work of things that we start to complain instead of rejoicing in every good thing? It wasn't easy to possess the land. Then after they possessed it they had to dwell there, plow the land, plant, weed, and water the crops and then you have to harvest.

We always get excited when we think of the harvest but in all reality, the harvest season is hard work! Long hours...I think that we tend to romanticize it. It is true that it is exciting to see the reward of your hardwork but it doesn't mean that the hard work is over. In the midst of every stage of this process we need to remember to worship, be thankful and rejoice! Rejoice for every good thing! God has given us so much to be thankful for and we need not to get caught up in the pace of our lives that we forget to be thankful for every good thing that the Lord has given us. We need to rejoice in the Lord! We need to rejoice when the Lord blesses others too.

Worship and rejoice today! Look around and take time to reflect on what the Lord has given us...big and small and rejoice! Don't forget to tithe too. He gets the first fruits not the left overs. This is of our time too. Make sure you give God your attention so that when He speaks to you, you will hear His voice.

Thank You Lord for being so faithful to us even when we are not always faithful to You. Thank You for blessing us. Thank You for giving us the land, help us live well in it and not quit...help us in the harvest. Thank You God for the harvest.

Celebrate revised edition

2009-03-08T14:39:00.001-07:00

Hey I was so tired when I posted last night so I thought that now while I am awake I will fill in some of the great details.

I said that my husband got to lead someone to Jesus but it was a great example of team work. Someone planted the seed and many of the guys watered the seed. Then yesterday at a meeting the guys had been sharing and my husband got to harvest the seed. What a great example of sowing, watering and reaping.

PTL! God is good. This makes the second salvation in a week's time. God is moving. So please remember some of you are planting, some are watering and some get to harvest but everyone plays an important role in the whole process. Don't get discouraged when sharing the faith...because even when it doesn't seem to make a difference because someone is watching! Live your life for Jesus and share when you can and pray all the time!

Keep the faith!

Shanin

Celebrate!

2009-03-07T20:19:00.000-08:00

Today I have a reason to celebrate...my husband had the wonderful opportunity today to lead someone to Jesus. Man, that means that the angels were celebrating big in heaven tonight! Yes...another life saved.

I have another praise too. I received a raise yesterday. I am thankful for a good job that God provided for me.

Have a blessed night and don't forget to reset your clocks tonight. it is time to spring forward!

Shanin

Blind Bart

2009-03-03T20:39:00.000-08:00

46 Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” 50 And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. 51 So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road. Mark 10:46-52 NKJ

I love the story of Blind Bart. First of all he cried out to Jesus. They warned him to be quiet but he yelled even louder. He was desperate, what did he have to lose? Jesus stood still and had him called! Jesus heard him...he heard his desperate cries.

I love this next part...Bart threw aside his garment and rose and came to Jesus. He threw off his garment...he stepped out of his comfort zone...he knew what he wanted/needed and he asked, "Rabboni, that I may receive my sight."

Do you realise that you need Him so much that you will cry out? Even when they try to hush your cries will you cry out even more? Will you not let anything stand in your way of Him? Will you throw off your coverings or garments, expose who you really are with all of your problems to Him? Will you ask for His help?

He will hear your cries. He won't reject you. He will heal your hurts, injuries or disabilites. He loves you...and me.

The best part I saved for last...not only did Jesus hear and heal him but Bart (who was no longer blind Bart but a new improved Bart...a new creation) followed Jesus on the road! Who knows maybe Bart got a new nickname...Roadie Bart? Or Bart, the guy that used to be a blind beggar? Or Bart the follower of Jesus?

Jesus I Believe, Help My Unbelief...

2009-03-02T20:12:00.000-08:00

23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:23-24 NKJ

Man, I am so there this week. Lord Jesus, I believe but I really need help with my unbelief...the flesh part of me. God has given us promises and there are days that I get weary in believing if they will ever happen during this lifetime. Then I *know* that God's word is true and He says all things are possible to him who believes. I believe that God can change the hearts of Kings...I believe that man cannot stand in the way of what God has planned or promised. Yes! God can do anything! He has a plan...it is so big and so detailed that I cannot even fathom how it will come about but I do know that God delivers on His promises....not in my time in His time, which is perfect!

I get excited when I look back and see where the hand of God has moved in my life. Just like Mary did when she recalled all of the things that God did for the children of Israel when exiting Egypt...she was building her faith...an angel had appeared to her to tell her of Jesus birth...how impossible was that? But it happened just as God said! So I am going to do just that tonight....

I have seen God heal cancer. I have seen God provide miraculously. I was there when God spared our lives in a wreck. I have seen God move things with His hand that only God could arrange! I have seen divine appointments! I have witnessed God's favor in action. I have seen God defend us when things looked pretty bleak. I have seen hardened hearts softened. God provided our church building and then sent people to remodel it! LOL I remember my husband saying one day we will remove this old false front and put a stucco finish on it and it will look so nice and I was thinking how will we ever have the money to do that? Guess what? It is finished...and it is beautiful. God is faithful to carry out His promises!

Thank You Lord for answering prayers and hearts desires. Thank You for delivering on the promises that You give. I can hardly wait to see how You will have it all come together... and it will be amazing because You do the impossible! I am glad that I serve the God that no matter what circumstances surround me Your Word stands true. To God be the glory.

Offended?

2009-02-26T18:04:00.000-08:00

God's desire for us is for us to be healthy and flourishing and fruitful. In Matt. 12:20 it says, A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering which He will not snuff out, till He leads justice to victory. NIV The enemy loves for you to be offended so he can get you to isolate!

So what stunts our growth or separates from the vine?

I. The Offense
Like mold the offense starts to grow and spreads all over you. It's a trap! It's the trigger on the mouse trap. It robs you of your blessing while you are in the trap. However, the offense is an opportunity for growth and release. How to escape from the trap is forgiveness.

II. Admit The Offense To Yourself.
We have all been trapped and we have all trapped. In Luke 17 Jesus tells us that it is impossible not to be offended and it's impossible not to often people and He teaches that it is hard on both ends. You are not the only on that this has happened to.

III. Admit The Offense To The Other Person.
Let's state this very clearly...Admission is not accusation!!! You can never know what their motive was! Generally they were oblivious or careless or hurt. How often have you "plotted" to hurt someone? Most usually it is a misunderstanding and the enemy uses it for his advantage (to set that trap). Please make sure that your heart is right with the Lord before going to do this. LOVE needs to be your motivation. Don't go to "confront" the person...go in love.

IV. Forgive The Offense.
God forgave us for so much how can we not forgive for so little? Be mature, make the first move, right or wrong. We have to make the choice to will forgiveness. When we forgive, it releases the issue to God so He can take care of it. When we forgive that is letting the vine dresser to lift us up out of the mud. He then washes the mold off and stakes us to the vine so that we can produce fruit.

Unforgiveness cuts us off from the nutrients of the Word, Prayer, Worship and Fellowship.

V. Get Back Into The Game.
Once we get out of the mus we need to get back into the exercise of reading the Word, praying, worshipping and fellowshipping which equals ABIDING!

Pray for God to reveal any unforgiveness in your life. Unforgiveness is like poison and as it courses through your veins it kills you! Do not let the enemy plant a seed of bitterness in your life.

Even the Wind and the Sea Obey Him!

2009-02-25T13:38:00.000-08:00

39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”[d] 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”Mark 4:39-41 NKJ

Who can this be?????? Are you kidding me? Who can this be??? They lived with Jesus, walked with Him, saw Him do miracles and then they were surprised when He spoke and the storm ceased. This makes me laugh until I examine my own life...

Even though I haven't lived with the physical presence of God I have seen Him do miracles before my very eyes. I have seen Him provide in miraculous ways. He has never left me yet when certain crisis comes up I am right there where the disciples were saying, "Do You not care that we are perishing?” How do I look at that passage and criticize them when I am guilty of the very same thing?

Jesus has spoken things to my heart and I question how they can happen yet I am talking to the very man who that even the wind and the sea obey Him! We need to remember that even the wind and sea obey Him...whenever we start to doubt or get afraid we need to say, "Even the wind and the sea obey Him...He will take care of it,,,He is in control!"

I am so thankful that He is the same yesterday, today and forever...still yet even the wind and the seas obey Him! Yeah!

Jesus Healed Her!

2009-02-22T21:50:00.000-08:00

29 Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once. 31 So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.
Mark 1:29-31

Jesus healed Peter's Mother-in-law. The next verse is important...And she served them. Peter's mom-in-law didn't sit and think, "I had better wait and see if I am really healed..." She didn't think that she should rest in case she had a relapse. She got up and served them! She took her healing and then used it. She served Jesus...probably in a practical way like getting them lunch.

Whenever the Lord heals you, you need to act on it! We need to take advantage of that healing and serve Him! We need to be thankful to the Lord! Rejoice! But whatever you do, do not let the devil talk you out of your healing! Take that healing and see where God will use you.

Excited to Serve the Healer!

Shanin

2009-02-20T15:07:00.000-08:00

Psalm 121
1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? 2 My help comes from the LORD,Who made heaven and earth.3 He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD is your keeper;The LORD is your shade at your right hand.6 The sun shall not strike you by day,Nor the moon by night.7 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul.8 The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore. NKJ

Somedays I look at the hills or mountains that our city is at the foothills of and I quote this scripture. It really is a good reminder that I don't need to look for the Calvary to save me when I have God. I don't need to look at man for answers or help when I have God. He made heaven and earth!!! Why would my problems seem so big in comparison to that? He is God who can do the impossible!!!

I am so glad that I serve the God who is in control of everything...He has a plan indeed, a plan for me! Does your life seem out of control? Don't look to the hills for help look to God but look to the hills for a good reminder of Who you serve. You serve the CREATOR of those hills and of that ocean and of that valley...there isn't anything too big for God to handle.

Thank You Jesus.

Better is One Day

2009-02-19T13:19:00.000-08:00

One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. Psa 27:4-5

dwell 2 a: to live as a resident

Awww the benefit of being royalty...you can live in the palace! How many of us take advantage of that? To truly dwell in the presence of the Most High.

So many advantages for those who do choose to dwell with the King. First of all we will get to really know Him. When you live with someone you really get to know who they really are. Intimacy. You can share secrets and inside jokes. You develop relationship. You can recognise His Voice. You start thinking more like Him when you really spend time with the King. You think about Him...

What better place to be than to be protected by The King Himself? When the enemy comes to bother you, you can say, "Do you know who my Dad is?" Oh yeeeaaahh...the advantage of being a son or daughter of the King. You can have the inheritance of the King...you can go before the throne boldly! Anytime day or night...you can inherit eternal life.

I love the song...better is one day in Your Courts, better is one day in House. better is one day in Your Courts than thousands elsewhere...than thousands elsewhere.

Enter into the Courts of the King...you are so welcome there and you won't ever be rejected...don't just be a visitor...come and live with the King.

Shanin

A Great Love Story

2009-02-14T06:46:00.000-08:00

Today I am going to suggest that you read a great love story. The book of Ruth (in the bible) is a short love story. It has death of loved ones, respect and love for her mother-in-law and then a journey to a foreign land where she finds love once again. It is a redemptive love story that everyone should read! Ruth goes to work in a field to glean food for her and her mother-in-law where she meets the land barren Boaz. Boaz is an older man who is a compassionate and caring man.

Will she find true love with Boaz? Will her mother-in-law approve of this relationship? Or will another man step in the way of this budding romance?

This is a "have to read" romance approved for any age!

Shanin

Sustaining Hope

2009-02-13T15:06:00.000-08:00

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought,Nor will cease from yielding fruit. Jer 17:7-8

I have never really "absorbed" this scripture before. It doesn't say that we will never go through a drought or hard times.But it does say that Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose hope is in Him! Because when we do go through the drought He will be with us. If our roots are planted deep in Him we don't have to fear!

I love this last part...during the "heat" our leaves will be green and we will bear fruit!!! The drought won't effect us like those who don't know Jesus. When tough times come we cling to Him! He is our source of living water! With Him we will bear fruit! Even when we are going through the desert. We won't dry up and die! He is our HOPE! He is our source of help even in the times of trouble. He is with us.

If you are going through a "desert period" and need prayer, I would be so glad to pray for you. Drop me a line and I will pray for you! Remember we have hope in Jesus. He will sustain us.

Do You Someone that is Paralyzed?

2009-02-10T15:02:00.000-08:00

1 And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. 3 Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. 4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
Mark 2:1-5 NKJ

When I read this passage this week I thought to myself...how many friends do I know that are paralyzed? Paralyzed in fear, rejection, in hopelessness? I know so many that are paralyzed maybe not in the physical but worse yet but in the spiritual. Do I, as their friend, do everything I can to get them to Jesus? Am I such a good friend, that I would rip open the roof to lower in my friend so that he or she might have healing and eternal life?

Do we as Americans do everything we can, in our freedom, to get our sick friends to the Ultimate Healer? Or are we afraid that we might “offend” someone? We should take advantage of our freedom to share Christ with everyone! Now this means with our lifestyle not just lip service. Remember we are being watched every moment to see if our lives match our Lord.

Jesus forgave the paralytic of his sins first and then He healed him of his physical disability. Let’s get the broken to Jesus so that He can save them and heal them. He can meet all of our needs according to His riches in glory! It’s our job to be “good friends” and introduce them to the One who can save and heal them.

In His Ability Not Mine,

Shanin

Featured Guest Blog - Bread Today

2009-02-09T18:38:00.000-08:00

I was reading my husband's blog today and I just loved his devotion on this passage so I thought that I would feature his devotion on my blog today! Enjoy...

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.Acts 16:25-26 NKJV

As I meditated on this passage I was struck with the way scripture connected prayer and worship with destroying the prison, opening doors and loosing the captives. These men had been imprisoned for setting a demonized woman free from her spiritual bondage that was being used to profit her masters’ wallet. They had been seized by the crowd and drug before the magistrates only to be beaten by the crowd, beaten with rods by the magistrates’ order and then locked in stocks by the jailer without any of their rights being observed.

As Paul and Silas lay in the prison on their wounded backs, they prayed and sang and their fellow prisoners were listening to them. When we worship in Spirit and in truth others are opened to the presence of the Lord. The prisoners wanted to know about a God who inspired singing and praying after being unfairly treated.

Then the foundation of the prison was shaken. As we praise and worship God we too are shaking the prison we and those around us are trapped in. We are God’s ambassadors to the captives around us. They ministered to God and the other prisoners were effected too. Worship is foundational. It changes things at root level.

Immediately the doors were opened because God is interested in getting us out of bondage and not just improving our jail. He intends to set us free not make our prison comfortable. He wants us to be moved beyond what limits us in Him even the comfort zones.

And everyone’s chains were loosed! Whom the Son sets free is free indeed. Jesus desires our complete freedom. His plan isn’t just to make our lives tolerable or better than they were. Jesus told us His plan was for abundant life now.

Freed By Worship,

Pastor Jason

It's Your Choice!

2009-02-07T14:32:00.000-08:00

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8

This is wisdom in a step by step formula when you break it down:

Step 1 Trust the Lord with all of your heart...don't leave room for any doubt or second guessing...

Step 2 Lean not on your own understanding! Boy this would seem to be a no brainer however this one is the one that can trip me up if I am not careful.

Step 3 In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Note the first part of this sentence...in ALL YOUR WAYS acknowledge Him...this is back to consulting with Him first on everything and then don't ignore Him or His advice! This is so irritating to me...ask me to do something or consult me then ignore everything that I say! If you are not going to listen to what I have to say then why ask in the first place? I can only imagine how God must feel because His direction is right on the money everytime but how many times do we ignore what His Word says or ignore His voice? After we acknowledge Him and Him being God and Lord of our lives and listen to what He says then of course He will direct our paths/ways!!! If we would only listen!

Step 4 Do not be wise in your own eyes....don't hold yourself or think of yourself above God...now I know many of you are thinking, "Oh, I would never do that!" but in reality whenever we do what we want instead of what God desires aren't we in fact doing that? Thinking that we know best? Arrogant huh? Ugly too...but sometimes the truth hurts!

Step 5 Fear the Lord. Respect the Lord! We all should have the fear of God in our hearts...sometimes Christians tend to get "buddy buddy" with God and forget that He is ACTUALLY GOD! He does desire to be our friend but we still need to never forget that He is God and we need to respect Him.

Step 6 Depart from evil. Another no brainer but how many times do we (like little kids) find out where the line is and stand with our toes right on the line? God says to depart or flee from evil. Don't hang out with it...don't entertain or flirt with sin... that is evil.

Then comes the promise: It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.

When we do things our way it is the school of hard knocks but when we do it God's way it will be health to our flesh and strength to our bones! Think about it...my way or God's way....scripture says His ways are higher than our ways...it all comes down to choice...He loves us so much that He gives us free will. We have to choose to serve Him...we have to choose if we want to do it His way or our way...then we get the consequences of our choices...life or death it is our choice.

Reflection of the Gift of Life

2009-02-05T17:48:00.000-08:00

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written,The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them. Psalm 139:13-16

Today I want to give honor to whom honor is due. First of all to my Creator, who formed me in my mother's womb. I am so glad that He knows me inside and out. I am thankful of who He made me to be. I am grateful for the days that He has fashioned for me...I may not know how many there are but I intend to enjoy everyone of them to the fullest! I want to live them in a way that when people look at me they see my Dad in me. I am thankful that He died to give me eternal life.

Second of all I want to give honor to my earthly parents who gave me life. They might not have been perfect but they loved me and did the best that they knew how. They gave me the most awesome inheritance I could have ever received...they left me a legacy that can be handed down from generation to generation...they taught me about Jesus.

Today on my birthday I am thankful for life!

No Partiality

2009-02-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” Acts 10:34-35;43 NKJV

Isn't it awesome that we serve a God who shows no partiality? It is almost hard to fathom in this world. God isn't swayed by money, status, race or class. He doesn't shun me because of my past and He isn't even embarrassed to be seen with me! How exciting is that? We are fully accepted! That is why I put the "whoever" in bold print. Whoever believes in Him is fully embraced into the Family of God. Remember...regardless of your past or where you come from He loves you!

Accepted, not rejected, with the stamp of approval by God!

God's Timing is Perfect...

2009-01-31T16:47:00.000-08:00

I thought that I would share what happened Friday night in my life. I am usually on time as a rule. Well, I had ordered pizza and I was to pick it up in "30 minutes." I was running late by about ten minutes. I went in to pick up my order and I saw a few people that I knew including one mom and her three sons. We said our goodbyes and she left. I was signing my credit slip and I heard my friend yell my name with "HELP! He's choking!" I threw my pen and paper and ran over to her son who was not breathing. I prayed and did the Heimlich maneuver on him and whatever was blocking his passages did not dislodge. I did it again (while the Pizza Hut lady was yelling should I call the ambulance?) and out came a peppermint candy and he could breathe! Praise the Lord! We were so relieved...I am so thankful that God's timing is perfect. If I had been on time I would have picked up my pizza and been gone before the candy incident happened. Now God is big enough to have done it without me being there but I am blessed that God used me in that moment... I am extremely glad that He was right there with me showing me what to do!

Thank You Lord, that Your timing is perfect. Thanks for including me in Your plan. Thank You for sparing Josiah's life and thanks for pizza too! :0)

Face of an Angel

2009-01-30T13:53:00.000-08:00

8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. 13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” 15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
Acts 6:8-15 NKJV

Verse 8 says a lot about Stephen! He was full of faith and power. did great wonders and signs among the people. Then when people started converting because of his testimony, the bad guys plotted against him with rumors and accusations. They arrested him and then set up false witnesses to lie against him. They stoned Stephen...then the very council who sentenced him to death, who murdered him, saw his face as the face of an angel...even unto death Stephen maintained his testimony...even with his face.

Later this was instrumental in Saul's conversion. You know, sometimes people say rumors or false things about you and me...what is our response? Do we maintain the testimony of Jesus or do we stoop to their accusations so worried about being wrongly accused or defending ourselves instead of keeping our focus on Jesus and the ultimate goal? When we keep our focus on Jesus things will be worked out for His Glory. Who would have thought that the murderer of Stephen would one day serve the One that Stephen was martyred for? Saul who became the apostle Paul!

There is another point to this story. Never give up praying for people's salvation. No matter if you think that there isn't a chance in the world for this person to serve the Lord, Most High. Saul was the leader of the persecution of the church! He did what he did whole heartily! I am sure that no one would have ever thought that He would one day serve Jesus. But when he turned his heart towards God, he served Him whole heartily! He went from the persecutor to the persecuted.

I have someone who I am praying for to one day to serve the Lord. (well, I have more than one...) There are times when I get discouraged but eventually I return to praying for him and his wife. He is a rich atheist. From the worlds view technically he has no need for God in his life. I want him to be in heaven with me one day. Just this last week I heard that he is attending church! Yippee! That's a start! It encouraged me to pray even more and not to give up...you see Jesus loves him even more than I do. If the God I serve can change Saul's heart then He can change any one's heart! I will then do my part and pray for the lost that God puts in my life. With God nothing is impossible!

So keep the faith! Even if you are being "stoned" to death don't waver...keep your focus on Jesus. He brings all things around to His Glory.

A Promise That is Good for Everyone!

2009-01-26T19:15:00.000-08:00

38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Act 2:38-39

I love this because "Peter said" these things to them. Remember he was the disciple who had cut off the guard's ear, he denied knowing Jesus three times and he ran to the tomb to see for himself that Jesus rose from the dead and was so excited! Peter loved Jesus, he was friends with Jesus and he was discipled by Jesus. He saw first hand of the many miracles Jesus did! Was Peter perfect? No but he loved his Lord. And Peter knew this: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

Read verse 39 one more time...for the promise is to you and to your children and to all who are afar off! His salvation is for everyone! Even for those of you who think you've gone too far or have "done" too much. He died for your sin...the price is already paid. He knew that you would do what you did before you did it! I am so excited that this promise is for everyone! Rich, poor, old, young, no matter the color of your skin or no matter what you have ever done...nothing disqualifies you as long as you repent and accept Jesus as your personal Savior and have a relationship with Him! He wants to spend time with you! He wants you to know Him. The promise is there waiting we just have to take Him up on it!

Thank You Lord for Your promise that crosses all barriers! Thank You for Loving me! I love you Jesus...You rock!

He's Alive!

2009-01-24T18:35:00.000-08:00

8 And they remembered His words. 9 Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. 11 And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened. Luke 24:8-12

How excited the women must have been. They went to take care of Jesus' body and He was alive! They went and told the disciples. Can you imagine the excitement? I can just hear the guys telling them to "Calm down! Slow down...tell us what happened." This news couldn't be true! But the next part is what I love...Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb! He went to investigate for himself...he found the linen cloths where they had been left behind...and then he left, marveling to himself at what had happened. Peter, the one who had denied Him three times...I am sure he was rethinking everything that Jesus had ever spoke to him about. Putting two and two together...

I have done that! The Lord has spoken something to my heart and I have it all worked out in my head how it's going to go down...and then it doesn't happen. I then go back and go over what was spoken to my heart and pray again. Then when it actually comes to past I then think ooohhhhh that is what He was saying to me! Oh, that is what He meant!

How exciting for Peter! His Friend and Savior was/is alive!!! The Messiah...back from the grave! Thank You Jesus! Peter marveled back then and I marvel now...Jesus spoke back then and He is still speaking today! Thank You Jesus!