Jesus is the Bridge

Our Pastor got me interested in author, Erwin Lutzer. I am almost finished with my second book of his, and have been very motivated to keep it in my hands. This particular book is about death, and what happens. I don't know that I believe every single things he says, but most all of it is bible based, and makes total sense to me.

A question he ask is; What is life except preparation for eternity?

He talks about death and how powerless is truly it is. He also reminds us that it is only through death that we can go to God up until the resurrection, and that He never ask us to go someplace He has not already gone himself. "Rather than Rid us of our wealth, it introduces us to riches eternal." (Lutzer, on speaking of death)

In the Beth Moore study this week she talked about death as a transition from this life as we know it, into a glorious life we have only heard about. She spoke of death as the same as basically taking a coat off..then walking on through. You just drop the coat and keep on walking with no hesitation. In the bible even Jesus himself tells us that on that day, the very day we die..we will go to be with Him. Luke 24:43 There are many other references to that same fact in the bible.
The bible also refers to dying as going to sleep. We go to sleep and then wake up in the arms of the Lord, we should not fear that. Ewrin Lutzer talks about how sometimes if is hard for us to fall asleep..if we aren't tired. He goes on to say that those who enjoy good health, a fulfilling vocation, wholesome family life~ they aren't necessarily looking forward to going to sleep... because they aren't tired, they aren't ready. They want some more time. A big reason for that is that the other side of life is unknown for the most part. We fear the unknown. Once however a person arrives on the other side...they have no qualms about staying there. They want everyone else to come!!

We get attached here to this place, but it is not truly our home. Grace in dying does not mean that we will be free from sorrow. They can bury our body, BUT they cannot bury us. Christ wept at the tomb of Lazarus, He cried out and asked for His own death to be delayed. He understands!! Grief is how we heal. It is to be expected. Your presence and your tears may bring more comfort to a grieving person than anything else. It shows them that you care. Words can't always convey that.

Romans 8:18 tells us to live with heaven in mind. The way to to do this is to learn how God wants you to live, what He desires of you. If you read the bible it is clear that God desires a relationship with each and everyone of us. He has made a "bridge" (given us a saviour) so to speak, that crosses over straight to Him. That bridge (saviour) is Jesus. Through His blood, sacrificed for us...we are reconciled to a Holy God, even though we have not personally earned it. God request that we do one thing. ONE THING, accept Jesus as your bridge (saviour). Acknowledge that you cannot cross over on your own. Start with that tiny bit of faith, and God will multiply it. When you think about the fact that we can spend eternity together and with God in heaven by having this faith, why would you not want to confess that?

As I witnessed myself first hand this week, life does not consist in duration, but donation. Live a life that is pleasing to God. Use your God given talents to live with heaven in mind. Work toward the goal and then you will be ready when He calls you home.

It's not about ME

Isaiah 44:2 " I am your creator. You were in my care even before you were born." No birth is by mistake or mishap. God custom made you. He determined your talents, He designed your body. You were made for a reason. He put you here in this time for a purpose. He has already decided how long you will live. Our lives are in His hands, and they always have been. (Psalms 139:16)

Even though we are being bombarded daily..almost by the minute, of making it "all about me", that is not what it is all about. If you spend your time focusing on YOU, and how YOU can make things better for YOU... YOU are missing all that life has to offer! You are missing God's whole plan for the universe. You do not have the capability to know what is best, without asking God's input. He created you, He knows what is best for you. He knows what you are designed for.

It is almost enough to make me laugh out loud now at how much I thought I was making ME happy, by doing what I wanted. I got stuck in a cycle about 10 or 12 years ago, of being very ME centered. The whole thing of " I'm not happy". I need to do what I need to do to make ME happy. Let me tell you right now that the things I choose to do were stupid, and brought no true happiness to my life. They brought me momentary good feelings, that almost destroyed my life as I know it. I got so sucked into doing what made ME feel good, that became my focus. I pretty much acted like God did not even exist. It was "all about me". The thing that is most upsetting to me now, is that I kept being like this, and yet never finding happiness. I became so conditioned by society to focus on myself... I just kept right on trying to find my happiness. The thing that I had no idea of was that my happiness wasn't dependent upon me. What brings true happiness and peace to your life is a life that is pleasing to God. When I switched gears...after allowing myself to sink to despair (from all of this great happiness I was bringing myself), when I changed focus and put ME on the back burner for awhile~ amazingly I started feeling totally different. The more I did it, the better I felt. I started asking God to guide me, to show me, to comfort me. All the feelings I had so strongly desired to bring myself, God brought to me.

Focus on what is truly most important in life and your life will be forever changed. I can give you a hint, these things will not be things. They will not be status. They will not be on a social ladder or an economical ladder. They will not be something you can purchase. These things will be given to you freely and abundantly. All you have to do is receive.

Billy Joe Hicks

I received news last night of the passing of Billy Hicks. He is my niece's uncle. He was more than that to her..... he was like her dad~ he was alot of everything!

He was this super nice wonderful guy. A loving father, devoted husband, all around awesome human being.
He was perfectly fine on Monday, Tuesday...woke up with flu like symptoms... and later that day passed away.

I can't sleep. I keep thinking about them. I keep thinking about all of us.

I worry about saying stuff sometimes, I don't want anyone to think I am a nut or anything... then something like this happens, and it shows me that it doesn't really matter what people think. For the very fact that I love everyone of you~ I am telling you that you need to make sure that your life is right with God. None of us know the moment that He will call. What better example than the passing of Billy. A man in the prime of his life. A good man, an excellent man, a dedicated man, with a loving family...

I love all of you guys so much, I never want to be without you. Thankfully, God gives us that option. I am living proof of a life being in shambles, and God bringing peace and fixing it all. I just want to put that out there.

I woke up about Three this morning, and have been prompted to be praying for the the loss of Billy and for all of our family. It is now a little after four. I had no plans of writing anything, but I think God wanted more than my silent prayers.

See below for info on services.


Billy Joe Hicks 43,

Indianapolis, died January 22, 2008. Billy was born to the late Willie and Patricia Hicks on April 23, 1964. He worked at Poindexter Excavating, Inc. for 21 years as an estimator.

Billy is survived by his wife, Marla; a daughter, Amanda Hicks; granddaughter, Caitlin Hicks;

brothers, Jacky Hicks and Willie (Jennifer) Hicks; sisters, Diana Ahlgrim, Donna Hicks, Lisa (Mark) Smith, and Melissa Hicks;
nieces, Erin ( Jon), Emily, Shelby, Shayna, and Sydney; nephews, Eric, Matthew, Frederick, Ethan, and Jacob;
mother and father-in-law, Darleen and Charles Campbell; and sisters-in-law, Sondra Kramer, Laura Montgomery, and Debbie Wolfarth.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in-law, Greg Ahlgrim and Dale Wolfarth.

Services will be Saturday, January 26, 2008 at noon at Legacy Funeral Center, where friends may call from 10 a.m. until service time. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

When You Just Don't Understand

I have been asked several times in recent days about why God would allow this to happen or that to happen. I would love to be able to give an answer and bring comfort to those that are hurting..to make them immediately be able to comprehend, and not fear the circumstance. The problem is, I can't. I don't know why.

Some things just cannot be understood, they are a mystery to us~ for now. I firmly believe however that God does have a plan in things that happen good or bad. I don't think he makes things happen that are bad as a punishment of any sort, nor that he causes bad. I do think that at times he allows bad to happen, and then he uses it for good in the end. I think much of the bad that happens today is caused by poor decisions people make on their own accord. Me included. When we are not walking in the path of light...I think it is clear that the boat is going to rock. God has given us a pretty detailed guide book, that in most instances spells out how to live, yet we tend to ignore it. Satan is also in much of this. He can prod our minds....our thoughts, and lead us down a path that only causes destruction. If he sees you getting close to God, trust that satan is going to bring some hairy situations your way!
God though, can take a situation that is bad and turn it into good. I have seen this happen in my own life more than once.

We have some wonderful people we have known for many years. We met them at a church we attended many years ago. We met them while going to church, yet before we had a true relationship with Christ. They stood out to both my husband and I as just really nice people. You thought of them and a smile just came to your face. Well, we lost contact with them over the years. During those years, my husband and I drifted quite a bit ourselves. We were in no way living by the guidelines God had given us. We were not "bad" people, but we were not walking in the light either.

Well, two years ago this couple lost their son, Luke, in an auto accident. We were driving to the funeral home, and I felt overcome by a need to get back into the church. I can't explain the almost urgency of my feelings. We went in to see these parents, and they brought comfort to us. They brought comfort to us!! We all cried together, but they..even in their mourning, brought hope to my heart.
Their son had recommitted his own life to Christ in the year before the accident. They knew where he was, and knew they would be reunited. They were devastated at the loss, but so grateful that he was a child of the King! That night, I laid myself out on the line with God. I wanted what they had. I have never looked back.

This was a bad thing, a sad thing, a hurtful thing..... BUT, God used it for good. I don't know how many other lives were affected by that family, but I know that my life was turned around. I was reunited with the King myself. In turn I want to bring others with me. In doing this, I honor Luke, and I honor God. I am sure that at the moment our friends learned of the loss of their son, it was not a moment of rejoicing. But, when I recently spoke with them, they were rejoicing at the possibility of how many lives have been and will be saved through their son's death.

This is just one example, there are many more, even in my own life. Sometimes God is teaching us something, or strengthening us, preparing us....testing us.
People may not be able to see any good when they are in the middle of the hurt, the crisis. However, in looking back.... you can surely see the providence of God.

Let Your Light Shine

The women's retreat at our church is coming up!! Our study is going to be one by Bill Hybel's, entitled, "Walk Across the Room". Our theme is "Let you Light Shine!" He is awesome and our retreat committee is awesome, so you are bound to have an awesome time!! Come...walk across the room and let your light shine with ours! It is Friday, Feb 15th beginning around 6ish, and will continue until Saturday around 3ish. It is going to be held at Camp Camby near Mooresville. If you can only come for Saturday, that is fine too!! Various pricing, depending upon room accommodations and full or partial retreat. I believe max price is $60.00. It is going to be fun, fun, fun!! We will have lots of food, some crafts, games, singing, a singer, being silly, and study. We are also watching the Anita Renfro DVD momsense on Friday evening!! She is hilarious! Registrations need to be in by Feb 3rd..so make sure I know if you want to go!! Email me.

Speaking Out Ministries

We have some friends, Logan and Amber Parker, that are going into the mission field to China in May. The Name of their ministry is called "Speaking Out Ministries". They both attended Johnson Bible College and that is where they met prior to being married in 2006. Both are graduating in May from the missions program of Victory Bible Institute. They are going to the Dominican Republic on March 9th for a short mission trip and are in need of some additional support for their ministry. Total support needed is $3200.00 They trust that God will provide, be it directly or indirectly. I would love to be able to help them on this endeavor. I am asking all of you to pray about this.

If you feel it laid upon your heart to contribute, please contact speakingoutministries@gmail.com They can give you details of how to contribute.

No amount is too small!!

If all of you who read this in one week would each send $5.00... They would be well on their way. They need $2174.00 by the 1st of Feb. Let's pitch in and help them achieve this goal! I believe that it is God's providence that I started this site.... it could be specifically to help them, and by doing so, helping hundreds of others. I don't know. One day the answer will be available. God Bless!

p.s. If I can get it figured out, I will post their newsletters here each month I recieve them.

Integrity

On to a new Beth Moore study.... man, has that lady been anointed by God or what!?!?!?!?

We are having a study on the book of Daniel. It is very good! This week was our second, and I could have sat through several more sessions tonight alone.

One of the things we are discussing is how there is a parallel between Babylon then (greedy, self-centered, materialistic...), and our world today (greedy, self-centered, materialistic...). I know I have said before how it freaks me out how much it is all the same now as it was then. BUT.... it does!! This is the same thing over again. I loved tonight when she explained the dream of Nebuchadnezzar. She talked about in the dream of the head of the statue being gold, the arms and chest being silver, the stomach and thighs being bronze, the legs being iron, and the feet being baked clay. This dream was a prophecy and Daniel explained it to the King. Each body area mentioned represented a world empire yet (at that time) to come and how they would rule.

These prophecies were also spoke of in the book of Isaiah and they were all fulfilled, ending with the Roman Empire in 63 B.C. to A.D. 476

What was so awesome about Beth explaining this, was that she made us aware of the fact that each item of raw material was worth less and less as it moved down the body...but, each item was stronger as it moved down the body. Beth is saying this, and I am like "yeah...okay, so?" Well, then she says that this is just like our culture today. We give up value to gain what we think is strength or to be in a stronger position. You allow your own beliefs to become irrelevant to gain popularity or position.

"We will live lives of integrity on purpose, or we will not do it all." Beth Moore

some thoughts...

After reading the devotional below, well.... it gave me much to think about. One thing that is heavy on mind right now is a friend of mine that has been going through some pretty big test. Sometimes I sit and wonder why it is happening. I wonder how she can endure it. I try to figure out what it is that is going to be made good by this. In other words, I completely forget that fact that God's hand is in it. I forget that these times can be, and many times are used to make us what our destiny... through God's eyes... is to be. Though it isn't easy to endure, she is doing it by the grace of God, by relying on God. I on the other hand, find myself running from it.

The world today is so caught up in self serving happenings, that we have forgotten~ or perhaps chose to ignore what our purpose here is. I can't even begin to cover all of that. I do know however that it is not to run from the bad, or to cower like a scared puppy. Part of our purpose to to stand up to the challenge. Face the test, and take God along with you. The bible tells us that all things are possible with God. He cannot do a whole lot though, if we aren't asking Him or allowing Him to do so. God has a plan, a purpose, a reason for me, for my life. It is up to me to take full advantage of that plan, purpose, and reason.

back to the scripture I gave a few days ago...

"He who is impulsive exhalts folly" Proverbs 14:29 "In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has." Proverbs 21:20

oh wow!! I am so excited about this class at our church. It is Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University class. This is only our second week, but I have such a different attitude already! I think my husband it dumbfounded that he could preach to me for twenty some odd years, and not get through... and then Dave comes along, and kaboom !! I GET IT. I get it, and I am excited about it. Have you ever known anyone excited to go on a budget?? I AM !! I have loved every minute of this teaching.

It is funny in a way, and real horribly tragic in another that I have not "gotten it" until now. My husband and I have been having a great time teasing about the BUDGET since this classs started. We have never had any type of "plan" before. (well, I think he has..in his head, and part of it was keeping me away from the money) I am not materialistic in any way, shape, or form. But money burns a hole in my pocket. I think if I have it, I should spend it..or could spend it, so why not just go ahead and spend it. More than half of the time I do not spend it on me. I spend it on anyone. I could meet a stranger and give them money. Actually, I have! I was in a store one time and this kid was scoping out some candy. It appeared that there was a good chance this was not something he was used to getting. I was assuming this based on various things. Well, anyway... I gave him a couple of dollars, and told him to pick something out, then I left. I did the same thing in our cafeteria one day at work. I saw this young mother, with two little ones. It seemed to me that life may have been a tad hard on them.... so when I paid for my lunch, I paid 10.00 $ extra and asked for the cashier to put it toward the mom's bill.

I do things like this ALL the time! The only thing is, they don't always benefit others. Not in the two mentioned cases, but plenty of others I have put myself in! Sometimes it teaches them that someone will take care of them, so don't worry about taking care of yourself. Sometimes it is teaching them to be impulsive. It can be very very worldly to just hand money out and have no thought about where it is going or why. I have done this plenty though...too much.

I used to think that the bible said that money is the root of all evil. About two years ago, I learned that the LOVE of money is the root of all evil. To save money or to be wise with your money is not hoarding your money or being "evil". It is actually quite the opposite. It is biblical to do so.

I am all about this class! It is totally made for people like me, who are dorks about money. As if tommorow is never going to come (which one day it won't) I have never given a second thought to saving a dime. Now I am well on my way to having a serious "emergency fund", plus a savings, plus grocery money, plus bill money, plus pocket money, plus...most importantly, perhaps... HAIR money!! I have more money to plan how to spend than I ever have, or at least is seems that way having it all written out on paper. I also am quite fortunate that my husband has always been a "cash basis only" person. We are blessed to have no credit card debt at all. I am getting control of my money instead of it controlling me. I can still give other people money and do good things with it, but it will be on a more limited basis, and it will have a tangible cap that I can see.
Dosen't the bible say something about a fool and his money parting....

What's Changed?

From "Streaming Faith Devotionals"

To someone who wasn't sure what all changed when you become a new creation in Christ...because they couldn't SEE the difference in themselves when they looked in the mirror. written by Rev. Alan Riley

The truth is a lot changed, it just wasn't as readily apparent as he wanted it to be.

Here's what changed: God gave me a new heart. I found it a whole lot easier to be patient and forgiving with people because I was now aware that I had been forgiven.
He gave me new desires. I found myself wanting to spend time with Him in prayer, to study His word, and to hang out with other followers of Jesus.
He gave me a sense of meaning and purpose. As I began walking with Christ and growing in him, I began to realize that He did indeed love me and have a plan for my life. The thing about plans is that they are more apparent after they've been realized. Looking back, I clearly see His leadership, guidance and protection over my life since that day.
He gave me a new destination. I was a good kid before I came to know Christ. I never beat anyone up, committed a crime or hung around with hoodlums. But there are lots of good people in hell because they depended on their good works to get them into heaven. After I came to know Him, my eternal destination was heaven.

When you come to faith in Christ, God makes you new from the inside out, where it really counts. You might look the same, but you are not the same person. All things are new!

I can attest to that!! God Bless, I pray for your heart to be opened to
these truths. The worse thing that can happen is to not even bother finding out if it is true. Research it for yourself, do your own little experiment ! xoxo M

"He who is impulsive exhalts folly" Proverbs 14:29

"In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has." Proverbs 21:20

more on these proverbs later............

Who are you Hanging out With?

Today I had the privilege to spend time with one of my children. What a blessing to take the day and just hang out. Sure, there was plenty for me to do otherwise... but none of those things could have left me with the feelings I have this evening after I spent the entire day "hanging" with him.

I love getting reconnected with my kids after having some time apart. I miss them being here 24/7. I never thought the days would come again, when I could just do anything I wanted. Having two children barley more than a year apart took alot. Now, that those growing up years have passed... it seems it was all way too fast. I have all the time in the world to do what I want, the thing is~~ that is not what I want anymore.

I was writing in my prayer journal a little bit ago, and it occurred to me how God must feel when we spend our time with Him. When we give Him our undivided attention. It has to be something real close to what I felt today with my own child. Everything just seems right in the world when the people you love are doing well and your relationship with them is flourishing. I was thinking how God must just smile when we pray, or when we read His word...or serve Him in any way. What warmth it must bring to His heart. What a longing He has for His children, All of his children....but perhaps mostly for the one that is gone astray. The one that doesn't visit anymore. I can only believe that as much as each of us having a relationship makes Him feel, it makes Him even more desire one with those that have not accepted Him into their lives. Any parent wants to know that their child is well and things are looking great for their future. Why would God be any different? I think He really misses us horribly when we go our own way. I think it breaks His heart and when we don't talk to Him, when we don't listen to Him. I would imagine this to be twice as tough when we claim to have Him as our Lord, and yet don't show that by anything we do. As a parent though, I also know.... no matter what, His love will not leave. When we make the decision to do what is right, when we re-establish the relationship~ He is going to be there, with open arms.

Go to your Creator tonight... tell Him that you have missed Him. Catch back up with one another. Allow Him to wrap you up in His arms and to just love you.

Talk to God about It, Give it to Him!

We are continuing to read the book titled "The Book of God". It has been a bit of a slow process, as we are keeping to our agreement of reading together. We don't have a ton of time together....so much reading gets done in the car. We have been trying to read a chapter a night, but whoever is the listener..tends to nod off~~~ We are at page 377 ( which is the equivalent of being in first Kings) . If you have ever wanted to understand the bible better, to grasp meaning from the old testament...meaning you can understand, then read this book! You can borrow my copy when I am done! I am so glad that God put it in this author's heart to write this. I look forward to getting to read it each day. I am so excited to find out what happens next!
Things have been going excellent for me at work. How miraculous when you change your own attitude, and give ownership of your problems to God, how they just seem to dissipate from taking so much of your time. When will I ever learn to just do this?? Why to I struggle and struggle with something, before I let God take care of it? Maybe my pridefulness? Maybe my need to take care of me by myself? Maybe my drive to get it done right now???? My life could be so much easier if I just gave the control over to Him. So why don't I do it? I DON"T KNOW. Perhaps it has something to do with being human. I do know that I am going to work on just that. From the time I wake up in the morning until I go to sleep at night... I am going to hang signs around my house, in my car, at work. They are just going to say, " Did you talk to God about it?" "Give it to Him." I think that it will soon become a way of life if I saturate myself in it.

Here is my list, just copy, cut, and paste....

" Did you talk to God about it?" "Give it to Him."


“Did you talk to God about it?" "Give it to Him."


“Did you talk to God about it?" "Give it to Him."


“Did you talk to God about it?" "Give it to Him."

“Did you talk to God about it?" "Give it to Him."


“Did you talk to God about it?" "Give it to Him."


“Did you talk to God about it?" "Give it to Him."


“Did you talk to God about it?" "Give it to Him."


“Did you talk to God about it?" "Give it to Him."

Blessings for the New Year!!

I am so excited about the upcoming year! I plan to make it the best I have ever had as an individual, as a wife, as a mom, as a friend....as a child of God. I feel the best I have ever felt going into a new year! I am so excited about what God may have in store for me and my family! I feel peace in my soul, my heart is light, and my desire to serve is greater than ever!

One of the things this past year has shown me more than anything at all, is how good God truly is and what an amazing difference He truly can make in your life. Even though trials have come my way... and they have threatened to knock me flat~ God has seen me through and given me even more confidence and good than the trial tried to take away. Everything isn't perfect, but I can deal with everything. I don't find myself sinking into a pit like I may have (and did) a few years ago. I can see past RIGHT NOW. I have hope for my future. I have faith in the promises that have been made to me!

Some people have a hard time believing that merely asking Jesus into your heart, can make such a huge difference in your life...but I tell you, it does! It doesn't happen over night. In time though, as you draw closer and establish the relationship offered freely to all of us.... God will lay it upon your heart to make changes.
The changes will vary in all of us depending upon what it is in your life that needs changing. It may just be your thought process. It may be much deeper. I know that I had a lot of changes to make. Many I did not even know about until after I committed my life to Him. I used to basically make fun of people telling me that God had changed their heart. I would think... "yikes!, great..another religious nut I am going to have to listen to." I am sure God was having His own laugh at me!
Then, it began happening to me.

He changes your heart, trust me. He changes your thoughts, your convictions, your vision, your ability to just love even when you don't want to. He makes changes, oh wow~~ how he makes changes.

Thanks to each and everyone of you who have been a part of this whole process while He has been changing me. Here is to the best year yet! May we all strive to be under God's will... God's plan for our lives. This year may be the last, this DAY may be the last~~
I want to live with no regrets. I hope you will join me. Have a Blessed New Year! xoxo M