I'll Stand

Ephesians 6:13 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.

     It was a few years ago that while my husband was driving his work truck, he was hit by a transportation bus who was attempting to turn, but instead  had hit a patch of ice and could not stop and ended up going through the intersection into my husbands lane.    The bus had several people on board headed to work, but those people (potential witnesses) were taken off the bus and loaded quickly on another bus before the police could even arrive.  Although nobody was seriously injured, one person did take an ambulance to the hospital to get checked out.  My own husband, refusing to take an ambulance, even took himself in to get checked out.  Although I am not going to give any more specific details for legal reasons, I will tell you that when the police report came out, it was written that my husband failed to yield but was not ticketed, even though he never left his lane and pulled out in front of no one.  I personally got on the scene before the police and pictures alone showed just who was at fault.  Never the less, because of the simple sentence the officer wrote, within just a couple weeks of the accident, the lawsuits began to roll in.  Our attorney told us to expect this, especially because there was no record of exactly "who" was on the bus, "people" who "said" they were in the accident started coming out of the woodwork.  Those law offices you see on TV that many would call "ambulance chasers" certainly did not help the situation.  When you begin to receive these in the mail on a regular basis telling you that people are planning to sue you for a ton of money, it can be a bit daunting.  As we walked through this, I had to continue to remind myself that God knew the situation, He knew the truth and that as His children, we had favor in this situation, yet I could not helped hear that "other" voice that kept trying to speak fear into my life and we continued to keep receiving papers in the mail.  I remembered about a year and a half after the accident, when I thought things had settled down a bit, and I was getting ready to head out of state for a week long speaking engagement, we received yet another set of "papers".  I remember kind of starting to fall apart in frustration and fear because it caught me off guard. There is nothing like that helpless feeling of knowing you are innocent, having done nothing wrong, yet you can scream "But I'm innocent" at the top of your lungs, but yet you are still expected to prove it regardless of what you think may look obvious.    Very quickly after feeling this panic reaction however, I felt the Holy Spirit remind me where fear comes from and to hold tight to what God says...not some papers.  
I often, in worship and for comfort, turn to Gods Words in the form of music.  I sat down at my piano and began to play in worship and the words just started to flow.  First of all, I was reminded of the verse in Ephesians 6:13 that reminds us that when we have done everything we can to stand our ground, just to stand firm.  I knew that this was not OUR battle, but the Lords.  I began to write, write, write, and pour out the words that the Lord placed upon my heart in a song, to remind me just what Gods word says when I felt that fear trying to sneak up on me.

"When the ways of this world threat to carry us away, and fear is all consuming, it is You oh God, that is my strength and shield: Immovable, unchangeable, an everlasting God.....and I shall not fear, cause you are near and You hold me in Your hands, and when Ive done all to stand, I'll stand.
I know I'll find You, right where I met You, You are my anchor in this storm. With Your Word upon my heart, it shelters me, oh it sets me free....and I shall not fear, cause you are near, and you hold me in Your hands...and when Ive done all to stand, and when Ive done all I can, and when Ive done all to stand, I'll just stand....."    
Anyway, that is some of it and you get the idea.  I can tell you that I have had to lean on that song a number of times since it was written, just to remind me to remain calm and stand.  Even when the above situation had passed, and not a dime spent out of our pockets due to His favor, I have relied upon this song in other situations the devil tries to throw at me.  I have recorded this particular song, and have used it in ministry to remind others as well of what the word of God says.  I think often our first instinct is to panic, jump into fear and into a mode of trying to control the situation.....tiring ourselves out with fearful actions and worry.  Worry is much like a rocking chair, where it keeps you busy but gets you no where.  I can honestly testify that I have rocked a lot of miles in my life.... none of which got me anywhere but wasted a ton of my time and energy.  God does expect us to be prepared with our FULL ARMOR ON, and to do what we need to do (without fear and worry), but to first go to Him in confidence KNOWING that HE IS GOD.  He just wants us to stand.  I think of times when I handed it all over to God only to take it back thinking that I had a better idea...which is nuts...who has a better plan than God...really?!  Instead we need to just duck and get out of the way and just stand on His Word.  I write this as a reminder to myself and hopefully it will be a good reminder to you also.  Be blessed. :)

What The Enemy Tried To Steal.....

     I've wanted to write about this for a long time but, of  course, was waiting on the right time to do so.  From the time I was little, it seems I've grown up around boys.  For years, I was the only girl in the family amongst my brother and male cousins who lived just across the farm field and in town. All of us were close in age with me being the youngest, until several years later when I had a female cousin born - finally. ;)  Even then, however, there was quite an age difference between she and I.   These guys were my play mates for years.  Much of the time I learned quickly to defend myself physically, and know when to run.  Although I know my mother put me in dresses from time to time, I would have ditched that quickly for a pair of raggedy jeans and tennis shoes to go and play in the mud, or climb on the farm equipment at the family Tractor/ Farm Equipment Sales Business.
So for me, hanging with the boys was a normal way of life. 
 When my parents divorced, we moved, and things changed.  My brother was still around to play with, and fight with, but my dad really wasn't anymore.  Although now I know my Dad loved me as much as he knew how, (and I see this far more clearer as an adult), he had a difficult time showing me how much, as he struggled to love himself, and see past the alcohol that fogged his view.  Although another testimony in itself, a father is a girls "first love". When that first love isn't consistent, and present, its very easy for rejection and abandonment issues to form.  I struggled a lot of my life trying to please my Dad with the hopes of him putting down the bottle and instead hear him say "I love you" or "I'm proud of you".  In many ways I became an "over achiever" trying to win his attention and trying not to fail.  Its taken me years to tame down my "over achiever mode" and recognize that my Dad's struggles, and lack of attention toward me, really had nothing to do with me, but his own battles.  If I could talk to him again I would tell him I love him and that I forgive him, and that I understand now.    Although I mean no disrespect toward my fathers memory, he himself would easily admit he was not a good role model.  I'm thankful for my step-father who entered my life several years later and was the Godly Fatherly influence I needed to begin to correct my thinking about men.  Although he loved me and treated me as his own, much of the time, to a certain extent, I pushed that bond away, trying to fight so hard for my own fathers attention.  It wasn't until I was closer to adulthood that I realized the impact and patience he truly had on my life. I was then so sorry that I had wasted time pushing that bond away like I did.
Throughout school I was always a girl that had mostly guy friends.  Lots of myths about being "that girl", whatever you have drawn up in your own mind, or own experiences.  For me, much of it had to do with wanting less drama and more about athletics in my life.  I was the only girl invited at recess by the boys to play ball and was rarely chosen last when teams were picked.  I was the only girl invited to play on the football team by the coach, back in the day, before that may have been called discrimination.  For me, playing hard, rough and tumble with the boys was normal.  My brother and I have a good laugh now and then about him taking me around the neighborhood, (and we jokingly say "pimping me out") to bet the neighborhood boys that his sister could beat them up for whatever amount of money was bet.  I have to say we never lost a bet.  Not sure now whether I'm embarrassed by that or not.  Eventually, though school I found more of my feminine side and toned my beastly self down a bit, and I laugh about it now.  When I became an adult and began to dissect some things in my life that concerned me, I found the root cause was that I really felt robbed of that fatherly influence, that Godly man influence...something that was such an incredible desire in my heart.  My step-father tried and has always been there for me unconditionally, but by the point of realization and recognition of this all, I had moved out state and did not see him on a regular basis any longer. Its taken years for me restore in my own heart the relationship with him that I had taken for granted for so long, and I only had myself to blame.  When I asked to Lord to forgive me for losing so many years by allowing the enemy to steal from me what he had, it wasn't long before God began to restore my life, my heart, and my self esteem, by placing Godly men in my life.  As a matter of fact, it was my college volleyball coach, who had also been the son of an alcoholic, whom God first used to help me to see my life a bit more clearly, and that my fathers alcoholism really had nothing to do with me. 
 Over the years, as I have taken different paths in my life, I can see how God has placed Godly men in my life on purpose, to show me what it is supposed to look like, to friend me, to mentor me, to strengthen me, or to just be a blessing.   I'm incredibly blessed with a Godly husband who sees it clearly and gets it, and that can only be of God.  I have no words to describe just how thankful I am for the Godly men in my life but I can tell you when I think about it, it brings tears to my eyes.  For what the enemy stole, God has provided back into my life.  I'm reminded of the verses in Deuteronomy 30:3-13. 
 Godly men are so important to women.  The world has perverted the very thought of  these relationships, but having brothers and sisters in the Lord to me is priceless.  Its purposeful.  For me, its healing.  I have jokingly said among my husband and male counterparts "I love men!!".  Now if you heard me just say such a thing and didn't know my heart or testimony, you may be drawn to a creative, yet concerning conclusion about that statement.  ha ha.  What I guess I should be saying out loud is "I love Godly Men!!" as if to shout from the rooftop...THANK YOU JESUS FOR GIVING BACK TO ME WHAT THE ENEMY TRIED TO STEAL FROM MY LIFE.  The enemy tried to make me think that men could not be counted on, that men would abandon me and not love me for me etc..... but its a lie.  He not only gave it back to me, but I have an amazing abundance of overflow of amazing, Godly men He has put in my life and continues to do so.  He did that for me to show me...this is how much I love you as your Heavenly Father, and this is what its supposed to look like on earth.  Amen.

What is Your Identity??

     When you meet someone for the first time, often times after giving your name, we often then exchange the career we presently may be in.  My husband informs me that this is more common in conversations with men than women and I have to agree.  
     Identity is defined as the fact of "being what a person or thing is", or as the "distinguishing character or personality of an individual." 
   It wasn't too many years ago when my daughter Kamdyn was born, I felt the call from the Lord to come and be home with her.  I really struggled with this at first because I was very immersed in my profession of teaching.  I had nearly 15 years in at the time, was coaching, and also had various leadership positions within the school on committees, and was also the team leader of the 7th grade teachers.  I'd worked very hard to get to where I was and knew that if I resigned, I would not likely ever find myself in such a position again, let alone give up my salary.  
As I was driving down the road struggling with the thoughts of this wondering what my identity would be, the Lord very clearly said to me "I want to be your Identity".  
    Its normal to identify with something or someone like a person, organization, race, religion, nationality, church etc..... to help us feel connected and give us a sense of belonging.  In the natural realm we do identify with people, places and things but we need to think about it in the spiritual realm.
Galatians 2:20 says 
"We have been crucified with Christ"  Not only did we die with Him on the cross of Calvary, but we have also been raised with Him.

Ephesians 2:4-7 says
 "but God who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with wish He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

   So according to scripture: We are seated with Christ in Heavenly places.
Unfortunately some Christians are having an identity crisis and are unaware of WHO THEY ARE IN CHRIST OR WHERE THEY ARE SEATED.  Instead of identifying with Christ, they are identifying with the problems that they are confronted with.  You can tell this because often they call themselves by their problems : Divorced, bankrupt, separated, unemployed etc...
Others identify with a profession (like I did) as a teacher, coach, salesman, lawyer etc....   A profession is not WHO they are but what they DO.  We need to change our stinkin thinkin!!!!!

2 Corinthians 5:17  "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; Old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new." 
 When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside.  He is not the same anymore, an NEW LIFE HAS BEGUN!! PRAISE THE LORD!!
Before we were in Christ, we were destined for despair, degradation, and poverty.

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Isn't that exciting??!!   
IN CHRIST IS WHERE OUR IDENTITY SHOULD BE.  IT'S IN JESUS THAT WE ARE SOMEBODY!!!

In scripture, did you even notice that Christ often changes peoples identities?  They may look at themselves one way, but God told them who they really were.
Lets read about Gideon:

Judges 6:1-11

Gideon

6 The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites. 2 Because the power of Midian was so oppressive, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in mountain clefts, caves and strongholds. 3 Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples invaded the country. 4 They camped on the land and ruined the crops all the way to Gaza and did not spare a living thing for Israel, neither sheep nor cattle nor donkeys. 5 They came up with their livestock and their tents like swarms of locusts. It was impossible to count them or their camels; they invaded the land to ravage it. 6 Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the Lord for help.

7 When the Israelites cried out to the Lord because of Midian, 8 he sent them a prophet, who said, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 9 I rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians. And I delivered you from the hand of all your oppressors; I drove them out before you and gave you their land. 10 I said to you, ‘I am the Lord your God; do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.’ But you have not listened to me.”

11 The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites.

Judges 6:12 

12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”

Read Judges 7:1-25    Gideon was acting like anything but a mighty warrior, but when he finally saw himself the way that God saw him, he went on to deliver the Israelites from the Midianites.  

Read about Abram:  In the natural it was impossible for Abram and Sarai to have children but God said in Genesis 17:5 

" No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham,for I have made you a father of many nations." and in Genesis 17:15 He also changed Sarai's name to Sarah.  God's words were fulfilled when Sarah gave birth to Isaac.

Romans 4:17 says that God calls those things that are not as thought they were.  In the natural realm, what God is calling us may not exist, but in Gods eyes, it does.  We need to talk about ourselves in the same way that God does.

So what does God say about us??

2 Corinthians 5:17 - we are new creatures

2 Corinthians 5:21 - We are the righteousness of God

1 Peter 2:24 - We have been healed

2 Corinthians 8:9 - We have been made rich

Ephesians 1:6 - We are accepted

Romans 6:20 - We are free from sin

Psalm 23:4 says "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil."     I like to say "Yea though I walk through all the mess that the devil tried to put on me, I will fear no evil.  Through my identification in Christ, I can walk on scorpions and not be harmed.  I can walk on anything that tries to get in my way and come out victorious!!

ITS TIME TO STAND UP AND BE WHO GOD SAYS WE ARE!!

  When the devil tries to remind us of who we once were, where we've been, and what we've done in our past, we can throw our shoulders back and say "Don't mess with me, I am IDENTIFIED WITH CHRIST!!

Iron Sharpening Iron

     I cannot even begin to express enough how thankful I am for the friendships that God has brought into my life.  There is a quote out there about friendship " In your entire life, you can probably count your true friends on one hand".  I have to say that for me I could easily use two hands to do so.  I have a handful however that remind me of the verse in the Bible about iron sharpening iron.  The real, no matter how bad it gets, how stupid or wrong I may be, no matter time or distance, I can count on them to slap me upside the head,  encourage me, always tell me the truth,  cheer me on, and love me regardless of how dumb I might be without holding back, friendships are priceless to me and have no doubt been God ordained in my life.
       The phrase “iron sharpens iron” is found in Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” There is mutual benefit in the rubbing of two iron blades together; the edges become sharper, making the knives more efficient in their task to cut and slice. Likewise the Word of God is a ‘double-edged sword’ (Hebrews 4:12), and it is with this that we are to sharpen one another—in times of meeting, fellowship, or any other interaction.
I am thankful for the times I have come to them in tears and just needed to be prayed with, over, and for.  I'm thankful for the times I too have been blessed enough to lift them up in prayer for needs in their lives and in their families lives.  We stand together in faith because we know that there is power in His Name.  

    Although I don't get to physically see these friends daily, I talk or converse with them nearly on a daily basis and am so thankful for social technology that aids in that, because the Proverb also indicates the need for constant fellowship with one another. Man was not made to be alone, for did not the Lord God say this, even before the Fall (Genesis 2:18)? How much more, then, after the Fall of Man, do we need to come together with our brothers and sisters in Christ for seasons of fellowship and prayer. Clearly this was recognized by the saints of the early church (Acts 2:42-47) who “devoted themselves” to the teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer, all corporate activities that provided opportunities for sharpening one another. The result was that they were “filled with awe” and when they met together, they praised God for the favor they found with one another.  

 The meeting of two together in the Lord’s name will always guarantee blessing. It is a means of grace that the Lord Himself promised—where two or more are gathered in His name, there He is among them (Matthew 18:20). Also, we see a similar meaning in Malachi for those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard (Malachi 3:16). When we sharpen one another in real Christian fellowship, the Lord bends an ear from heaven and is pleased. Not one word about Him which brings Him glory escapes His notice.

     Galatians 6:2-12  Speaks of bearing in one another burdens to fulfill the law of Christ.
The fragrances of divine ‘unity’ are best sensed in the relationship of David and Jonathan, son of Saul. When David was being hotly pursued by Saul, Jonathan sought David out “to help him find strength in God” (1 Samuel 23:16), which leads us onto our second point. Iron sharpening iron is an opportunity to fulfill the Law of Christ. The apostle Paul says that we are to carry and share the issues and burdens that we face daily, to lament over personal sin, advise on how best to repent of it, and rejoice over the conquest of it. This is the same “royal law” mentioned in James 2:8, where we are exhorted to love one another.
Returning to the analogy, if a knife is blunt, it still continues to be a knife, although it is less effective, less useful in the Lord’s service. Let us therefore be encouraged to spend more time together, exhorting, encouraging, praying, admonishing, sharing God’s Word, praying over God’s Word and the needs of one another, that we become sharper, more cutting in the calling that the Lord has assigned to each of us. Too often what passes as fellowship is centered on food and fun, not on sharpening one another with the Word of God. In far too many instances, the only knives being sharpened are the ones used to cut food - ha ha.
Finally, a knife that has been sharpened will also shine more because all the dullness has been rubbed off its surface. Likewise, we will shine better for our Lord if we do these things consistently. “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity” (Psalm 133:1). After all, if we are not cheering one another on in our walk and walking in truth, then we are NOT - either you are or aren't.  Therefore, “... let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another ....” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

What Kind of Runner Are You?

     As God's children, there is all kinds of discussion about running the race God has us on and that we are to keep our eyes focused on the race that is set before us. 
 Hebrews 12:1 says "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."  and 
1 Corinthians 9:24 says "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."  and there are a few others.
    When you are running a race I think it can be very easy to get distracted.  Our mind, first of all, can be a big culprit, as well as other runners, people on the sidelines, etc... so its important to keep focused on the finish line ahead and the reason you chose to run the race in the first place.  Honestly, running is not something I personally enjoy doing for fun, but I do it from time to time. God calls His children however to run with perseverance, and to throw off things that hinder.

Perseverance is defined as :  steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state,etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

     It may sound easy enough to some people, to just focus and go, right?  It is unfortunate however that we can be our own worst competitor when it comes to staying focused.  How often do we get to running the race God has us on and we begin to compare ourselves to other runners.  The focus soon turns to looking to see the path others are on.  Does their trail have better scenery, look shorter, easier?  Why does it appear that they get to stop and rest or enjoy what may look like resting for awhile, while you have encountered a hill?    Oh, and then there is the timing issue.  If it appears that someone may be getting ahead of you in the race, when maybe you think they started after you began.  When this happens, then we start to compare times and either wonder whats wrong with us, or why they are reaching the goal as what appears to be faster etc... and the "fairness" issue comes into play.  The focus then becomes no longer on the race MARKED OUT FOR US but what is actually happening, is that our focused has wavered and is causing us to stumble on our own trail. As if that doesn't seem like enough to hinder the race, what about the type of runner you are?  Along the way there are obstacles and things we have to make decisions on.  How to do handle other runners as they cross your path?  Do you speak life or death upon their race.  If they stumble, do you stop to help dust them off and encourage them to get back moving or do you step over them and keep going?  What about the spectators on the sideline, do you allow their words to affect your race?  

I believe God calls us to be runners of various types with the common goal of running His race to the very best of our ability while walking in love.  Many times we also have to turning the other cheek,  making sure we are thinking on things that are good pure....and remembering to continually forgive, forgive, forgive.  The truth is that we cannot compare our course to anyone else, as God has a very special plan for each one of us. 
 Jeremiah 29:11 states just that.  ".For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. " 
 From what you can see, you may have no idea how it will all play out and you just can't see the finish line, and that's okay as long as you continue to stay focused on the prize and stay on the path.  I'm thankful for the many things I've learned as I continue to run my race, and greatful for those runners the Lord has sent to cross my path as I have felt weary and needed encouragement as we all need from time to time.  If we can stay on the path, it is a certian victory to further God's Kingdom, and will be sweeter than any one you could imagine on your own.  

What Death Has Taught Me

     Twelve years ago today, March 8^th, 2001, my life changed forever when my husband Todd went home to be with the Lord at the young age of 35.  It seems that I only reflect publicly on this anniversary day, but the truth is, that it is a daily reflection for me.  This may be hard to believe, but not a day has gone by in these twelve years when I haven’t reflected on the loss of Todd in some way.

   I married Todd in 1997, and became wife and step-mom to Payton.  In June of 2000, Payton was joined by his sister Kennedy.  Just a few short months after that Todd became sick with what we thought was the flu….a question I still have yet to have answered.

     Sadly I have had someone actually say to me after his death, “well you were ONLY married 4 years” as if to minimize the pain involved, or to heartlessly try making the situation insignificant.  This to me was as cruel as if I went to someone who had just lost a baby and said “well you only had them for a couple days”, as if this somehow magically makes it less significant.  I guess the lesson that I took from that was that some would be better off using a glue stick, than a chap stick.

   I miss many things about Todd, but mostly I miss his sense of humor, his creativity, and his laugh.  I think of how much the children would have loved to have gotten to know him.  He would have loved them dearly, and been incredibly proud of them, as well as his nieces and nephews that didn’t get the chance to watch grow up, or with some even meet for the first time.

    I know in my heart how proud he would have been of me for so many things.  He always was my biggest cheerleader in so many ways.  He believed in me when I couldn’t find a way to believe in myself in various things.  This is why he was such an incredible teacher and his students loved him.

He taught hundreds of students in his years of teaching, which’ve grown up and moved into careers of their own.  I still get letters or see some of them from time to time who will tell me just how much he meant to them.  I do understand.

     Death is such a final thing, because we can’t go back and change things…it’s too little too late for regrets or woulda, coulda, shoulda’s, but God uses all things for His glory.   Even though Todd is gone, I’m still learning many things from his legacy.  Over the years dealing with his death and walking through that valley, has taught me to be more compassionate to others.  Loss is a difficult experience that we all must walk through but not one is the same.  I have no idea what it’s like to lose a child, a sibling, a mother, etc…. but I do know what it is like to lose a spouse.  I have recognized that everyone’s loss is in some points the same, but each loss is unique and the pain is real.  I cannot ever say that “I know how you feel” because I will never be you, nor will you be me….but I assure you, the pain is something I would not wish upon anyone.  Because of that, I grieve when someone else walks through any kind of loss and try never to judge how they react to such an experience when they move forward in life.

    I’ve learned to thank God daily for His provision.  At a time when I thought I would lose everything, let alone deal with the grief, the Lord carried me though without fail on all accounts, and still continues to do just as He promised in my life.

     I’ve learned to forgive, and be quick about it and offer love to all regardless if they receive it or not.

I’ve learned to reach for goals and the plans that God has for my life with boldness even though I can’t see the other side because this life will be gone in the blink of an eye.

  I’ve learned not to worry too much about what others say because everyone has an opinion, and those that matter will cheer you on, and those that mind probably shouldn’t matter.

   I’ve learned to move forward because moving backward just isn’t productive for moving on with life.  I know that he would have been so proud of me for not staying in the past but making the best out of my life that I could.

   I’ve learned to sing even when I’m scared.  Todd heard me sing for the first time just a few weeks before he passed away and during the time I sang, he had tears streaming down his face the entire time, afterward telling me that it was a gift from God and that I should be using my gift and not hiding it under fear.  I’ve not stopped singing since.

     I’ve learned that legacy is important to think about as I live each day. As I live my life it’s important to be responsible enough to know that the things that I do and say, I will not only be accountable for in Heaven, but may have an effect on those here on earth.

Todd was not perfect and would laugh at such a gesture, but he did touch my life in a way that will stay with me forever.  His loss is still felt daily, especially as I look into my daughter’s eyes.  I am thankful for the time we had together, however long or short one sees it, and the fact that I know he would be proud of the person I have become, and how I have raised and continue to raise our daughter. I have no doubt he would be cheering me on and running along side me screaming at the top of his lungs to keep going - thats the kind of guy he was. J

You can read more about my testimony of loss in a previous blog post called "The Day I Lost My Husband"

http://www.divineirrigation.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-i-lost-my-husband.html

So, If The World is Going To End........

     I've heard it, you've heard it....unless you are living under a rock, rumor has it that the world is "going to end" on Friday, December 21,2012, due to the Mayan calendar not continuing.  This has people up in arms, in a media frenzy, and as usual has people talking at the water cooler and on lunch hours about what is going to happen.

    It honestly brought one question to my mind to ask you:  If the end of the world is happening on Friday, will you be heading to Heaven or Hell?  If you could know with certainty, wouldn't you want to?

Many have spent decades trying to be good enough to get into Heaven, but the truth is that no one is righteous, not one according to Romans 3:10. 
 For all of us have sinned and is separated from God, and the result of that sin is punishment. (Romans 3:23).  The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). 
 By accepting Jesus as your savior, believing in faith and His sacrifice, you can be saved from Hell (Romans 5:8).
     You many be thinking that you have done too much "wrong" in your life and you have sinned too much, but 2 Corinthians 5:21 states that God made Him who had not sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God, (or be a sin offering). 
 The only sin bad enough to keep you from Heaven is rejecting Jesus Christ.

   If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord", and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.(Romans 10:9-10).
So you are made free from the laws of sin and death according to Romans 8:1-2, because there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.

   You may feel that you have been a good person, or will try to be good, doing many good deeds  in life, and that will provide your entry way into Heaven, but its just not true.  Unfortunately, there are some good people in Hell.  Ephesians 2:8-9 says "For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.  God is not looking for works.  All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.  (Isaiah 64:6)
     1 John 5:13 says "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may KNOW that you have eternal life".  So you can KNOW!!  Wouldn't you want to know??
No amount of good works will get you one inch closer to Heaven because Jesus is the only way.  John 14:6 says "I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.
   If you would like to have hope, know with certainty where you are going to go "If the world ends", and want to start a new life, pray this prayer of confession and believe it in your heart:

I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins.  I believe that He rose on the 3rd day.  I want Jesus to be ruler of my life, and  I believe that what Jesus did makes me a new creation. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer and truly believe it in your heart, then you are saved.


     I am thankful for all Jesus has done in my life and will continue to do.  I am not concerned about "the end of the world", because if it were to happen, I know where I will be, as well as many family members and friends.  Unfortunately I cannot say that about all of my family,  friends, and people I know.  Only God truly knows what it in your heart and what you truly believe.
As for the end of the world... First of all, 2 Timothy 1:7 says "For God does not give us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."  The Bible also clearly states in Matthew 24:36 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in Heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."