Life Struggles

I pretty much get along with everyone all the time. I have friends that are completly different from each other in all sorts of ways. I love them all dearly. I love people in general. I have a very forgiving heart. I cannot stand conflict. I don't hold grudges. I am a peacemaker.... That is why it is making me crazy that I cannot get along with this one particular person. I want to get along with them. I have the desire.... This person I am talking about can be the nicest caring person ever~ and yet this person can be so controlled by mean thoughts and hateful motives that it makes me nuts! The odd thing is, the person is not necessarily this way to me, but quite obviously is this way to others. I see it, and I cannot stand it. I have made effort to point some of it out, but they see nothing at all that they have done wrong. It makes me have really not nice thoughts.

Have any of you ever had a situation like that? It is hard at times to keep yourself disciplined to be nice, let alone holy! I feel like I have tried everything, and I am lost as to what to do. My husband tells me, "you just can't change some people, so you need to quit trying." He is right about that. BUT..... I didn't think I was trying to change the person, but maybe he is right about that too. Maybe I am trying to make this person be someone I can get along with instead of figuring out how to deal it and keep my own sanity.

I have prayed and prayed about it. I have failed many days of "loving the unlovable". I know that God is refining me and making me to be more like what He wants, by putting this in my life. I know that I obviously have not learned the lesson yet, as it keeps coming up.

It is amazing to me that I can allow one person to grate against me so much and yet I have overcome huge obstacles to be where I am. I am just going to ask you guys to please be praying about this with me. I just have to lay it out there, and lay myself out there and confess that I am truly struggling with this. I am sure that Satan is loving the emotions and feelings I am having. That alone should be great motivation for me to get past it! You know what.... maybe I will make that my focus. Everytime I have to deal with this person~~ and I feel those feelings creeping up on me~~ I will tell myself that I am child of God, and I refuse to allow Satan any glory.

I always feel better after being able to write and rationalize.

The Bridge..... Christ is our bridge, our way over. Please watch this to the end. Based on the movie, MOST www.mostthemovie.com

old post, timely reposting

Thursday

I really wanted to write something tonight... but now I feel blank.I am feeling somewhat out of sorts and a little awkward about some things in this world. I know God is good, and he does all according to His purpose,and it is for good as well.... but sometimes I feel sad about stuff that is going on. I have felt that way today.

Somebody decided life was more than they could bear, and so a tragedy occurred today. A tragic tragedy, and it makes me sad. I have prayed a bunch about it today. At one point I was just totally stopped in my tracks and an overwhelming need to pray for this family fell upon me. I have to have faith that God will hear my cry and wrap them in His arms. I have to have faith that good will overcome evil. But even sitting here right now, I can't make my tears stop.

Even though I trust God, I am overwhelmed with sadness. Not only for them, but for all who suffer...who have had the grief of a broken heart. I know that I have been there. It seems things will never again be normal when you are at that spot.You know what was amazing about today though ?

I came home and the devotion for today was titled, Christ grieves with Us.

It spoke of John 11:35 "Jesus wept". It goes on to say that "Those two words are full of rich meaning. It's comforting to know that our Savior has such a tender heart. When we are at our lowest, Christ sits with us, holds us, and weeps with us.

"Even though I still feel sad, I feel better. I feel better not only that God gave me this verse today of all days...but I especially feel renewed to know that Jesus wept...he understands. The pain of others loss was felt by Him, and he displayed it openly to them, He grieved with them. He did not stay in His grief, but he certainly allowed it.

Take a moment today and reach out to those who are suffering... say a prayer for those who are hurting, say a prayer for this family...lift them up to the One who understands pain and suffering more than all of us, to the One who grieves with us..... and let Him calm their heart. I love you guys!

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

the workplace

I tuned into a program titled "David Jeremiah" yesterday. It is in one of those amazing ways that God works in your life that I happened to see the program. Multiple things had to fall into place correctly for it to happen. I took some notes on his sermon, and want to share them with you guys. If any of you are struggling in your workplace, tired of your job, or fed up with co-workers.... I think this will speak to you.

notes from Living a Life of Productivity by David Jeremiah, aired Dec 30, 2007 Eph 6 : 5-8, 2 Chronicles 15:7, Luke 10:7

As a Christian, you must be willing to accept in faith the job you have as the will of God. You must look at it in those eyes. God has given you all of your skills, and has put us where we are at an given time-- for that task--for a reason. For that reason alone you should be doing your "job" with all of your heart.

Instead of complaining about your job and grumbling about your co-workers, you should be thanking God that He has blessed you with a job. Unemployment is high, people are suffering..YOU are blessed to have provisions.

The job you do is as important as any job. It does matter where it falls on the pay scale or ton the social scale. It is directed by Him, and you are representing Him in it. Do your job as a gift to God. Your job is God's gift to you~ what you do with it is your gift to God. If things are so bad that you cannot represent God in a pleasing way in your workplace, talk to Him and see if it is where He wants you to be.

You do not work for the boss of your company, for any supervisor, or manager. You work for God. He is watching how you carry out these duties day by day. When you are there just putting in time, it will make your day twice as long. If you are doing it for the glory of God, it will make it the shortest day ever!

We, as Christans, should not be caught up in others work ethics or work habits. No matter what they may be... They should be concerned with their own representation, and shining that light onto others. We cannot just say what the word says, we must DO it. In doing so we can lead others to the same life. If we don't show this, what are we giving them to desire of what we have? You should have integrity regardless of the circumstances. People should see a difference in you and not have to KNOW you are a Christian, but by your actions, you should stand out. Spiritual rewards are much more valuable that any paycheck you will ever receive.

Your attitude at work, and towards work is your attitude to God.

GOALS

So, How many of you have set goals for this new year? I set a goal last year, that I am going to continue to work on this year, as I am far from reaching it.

I have other goals as well. This one particular goal that I set though, is being authentically Christian... It still escapes me at times. I find myself getting so close to God, and being as I should...and then~ I fall back down again. When I look at my life compared to a year ago, it is much more in line with God's desire. I know that I can never each perfection, but I should be able to be authentic in all situations..no matter what!

The other day at work, I was not too authentically Christian. I was very authentically human though.
I allow myself to be pulled into such pettiness. I want to rise above it, and many times I can. There are times though that I fall right down to their level. I have been focusing alot on the book of Jude this past week. I believe that God gave it to me at this time to remind me that though there are grumblers, and those who stir up trouble and cause divisions.... We have to have mercy but show caution when we are around these people. We cannot allow ourselves to get sucked in. I have been doing just that.... allowing myself to be sucked in. I say allowing, because even though it is human nature, at some point my spiritual nature has got to be given control of my human nature. Instead, I determine when/what is going to guide me. This has to stop, and in all situations I have to get my guidance from God.

A friend of mine jokingly told me to just be sure to ask forgiveness later. Another friend then said, " As Paul said in Corinthians... so do you just going on sinning...." Immediately the Holy Spirit convicted me of what I was doing..what I was saying. I did ask forgiveness, and I am sure that God will forgive me as well as deal with me accordingly for the childishness. He will also expect me to repent and learn from the situation.

Second Corinthians 4:8-9 says: "We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;"
Jesus said in John 15:18-19: "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."

I read this earlier today; "The enemy will put pressure on you when you attempt to reach your goal. But you can handle it. Jesus did. You are in good company. In fact, you are running with the best. He has already warned you. If they persecuted Him they will persecute you."

So yeah, I am keeping that goal... it is a "roll -over" goal, that I intend (through the power of the God) to have even more control over next year.

Situations may arise in which you are unable to figure out what to do. We all have encountered this at one time or another in our lives. When you are walking in the Word and by the Holy Spirit you have divine, inside information to meet your goal. If you are steadfast, standing through the persecution, deliverance is at hand. You can obtain your goals.

No Greater Love

Merry Christmas!

May we all take a moment to reflect and rejoice on what we are celebrating. May we never forget the sacrifices made on our behalf to have the freedom to celebrate... and never forget the unending love our heavenly Father has for us, that He would sacrifice His Son for the love of us. He came so that we might come to Him. It wasn't required, it wasn't demanded, it was done out of love. It is totally our choice, our own free choice to accept the gift He gave.

If you feel hesitant, or unsure of what it all means, call me! Email me, leave me a random comment. I may not know the answers, but promise to help you find them. I just have to ask you, what have got to lose by giving Christ a chance? He will accept anyone, anywhere, anytime. No one has a greater love for you than God!

Grab the Hand of God

When life is unfair, we HAVE to remember that God is available! But we have to ask, and then act accordingly. I was reading a book today that explains that life is unfair sometimes... BUT, God gave us particular scriptures to forge through those times and look onward. He also has never requested that we go it alone. The key is relying on His strength and His promises. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has plans to prosper us, not to harm us... He has plans to give us a hope and a future.
The plans God has for us cannot be thwarted by anything. Be willing to open your heart, to listen... to stand back and look at the situation. Then, grab God's hand and take Him up on His offer to help you!

The Book of God

You know, I was thinking today just how fortunate I am! It seems easy to sometimes see all these things whirling around flying by us so fast we feel we cannot keep up! You know what though? God is in control. I was listening to a song today, I can't recall the artist... but the song repeats over and over, "What a Faithful God have I...What a faithful God!" I LOVE that song!! It so inspires me and just makes me raise my hands to the heavens!! We do have a faithful God. For years upon years, He has been faithful and true. He wants what is best for us and has been guiding us to it since the beginning. The sad thing is, we as a nation....never seem to learn!

My husband and I have been reading a book called The Book of God, it is a novel of the Bible. It is awesome. I have learned so much....just having it in a format that I could understand better and keep track of has been great. ( It could never replace reading your Bible, mind you) I was a little nervous at first, as I do not want to be reading anything that is someones version of the Bible. This is not in that category!! We have been reading it when we are in the car or going to bed at night, whenever we can.... It has been just been a nice thing to do together.

But anyway.... So far we have read about the promise God made Abraham and Sara.... About Issac and Esau and Jacob. Jacob's long journey for a wife. We have read about Jacob's son, Joseph and the drought. We have read about Moses and the plagues, and the journey out of Egypt. We have read how the battles have been fought and how wonderfully God has been with them in winning the battles and winning the land. We have read about what happens when you disobey God, and what happens when you obey. It has been terrific!

In each chapter it begins by talking about the things that are going on and how the people have forgotten how God delivered them, the things they have endured with Him and how He has led them and taken care of them. They forget all of this and then it seems nothing is going right at all, so THEN they call on God. I have just been amazed at how much in all of these years, how humans have stayed so much the same! We know the rules, we know what happens when we obey and when we don't. We know what wonders God is capable of, and yet we try to control it all. It seems like after all these thousands and thousands of years, we would have learned how it all works. But NO, we haven't learned it yet. It is amazing and sad at the same time.

I wish so bad that Greg and I had a week off together that we could read and read this book! By the way, It is written by Walter Wangerin, Jr. He lives here in Indiana.

The following is by Philip Yancey ( if you can't trust Philip, who can you trust?) "Walter Wangering has accomplished a feat of imagination and faith. What a modern paraphrase does for the words, sentences, and paragraphs of the Bible, Wangerin does for its underlying narrative. He does not analyze, or commentate~ he renders. It is told with exciting detail and passionate energy... low comedy, high drama, gentle humor and awesome holiness.... imaginative and yet meticulously researched.

Sometimes You Have to Turn OFF the Words!

I had to stop reading and come journal in this! I am one of those people who think because it is making a deep connection with me, it will with others as well..... So I must share! This is a mix of notes and memory...so bear with me.

I am reading "Lifestyle Evangelism" by Joe Aldrich. It appears to be written in 1981 (another great second hand store find). I feel like it is speaking to me so clearly! I kept making notes and notes, and more notes.... then I just had to stop and come write.

It is explaining Christ's model of evangelism.... visualization and verbalization of truth. John 1:14 says, "The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
This verse can become our model of evangelism.
purpose: to glorify God;
strategy: to incarnate truth (to become flesh);
methodology: to be full of grace and truth.

It hit me a few minutes ago, It seriously is that simple to evangelize! Outsiders to faith are first drawn to Christians, and then to Christ! You have to be good news, before you can share good news. It is all about walking the talk. It is simply expressing what I possess in Christ by my actions and words. (visualization and verbalization, just like Christ did) It is displaying His love, righteousness, justice, and faithfulness~~ through our everyday life. It is not a special activity... it is constant and spontaneous.

Christ did not just talk about love, He loved. He didn't just preach on forgiveness, He forgave. He didn't just proclaim the necessity of justice and righteousness, he demanded it and exposed it. He lived among them. He was one of us. He was full of truth and grace. Not condemnation and legalistic beliefs, truth and grace.

I am reading this, and thinking...oh my word, I can do this! I certainly need to be working on the grace showing.... How in the world do I plan to lead another to Christ, and yet let my heart be filled with envy, revenge, or anger? What are my actions showing my fellow man?

I have to ask myself...Is this bringing glory to God; incarnating truth; or being full of grace and truth? Remember that Jesus gave us the perfect example to evangelize in John 1:14. You can study this, and should, but you also must be willing to BECOME it.

In his book, the author tells us, " The music of the gospel is the beauty of the indwelling Christ as lived out in everyday relationships in life. When the world observes this, they have heard the music. Sometimes we have to shut off the words and just play the music."

The Hebrew word for truth is emeth. The root verb means to be secure, solid, or firm. Are you representing the gospel in truth?

Love....love, one another

I saw this written somewhere to day:

"Our motives and behavior are extremely important to God."

Now this is nothing new to me, it just seems it is jumping out all around me...as I am having some difficulties in that area right now. I am aware of it. I am trying to not let it be.... I think God is just making sure I am aware of it.

I will be honest about it.....People who have bold personalities, are difficult for me to deal with. It is just the way they are, and I know... more than likely they mean nothing by it, so I don't know why I let it stir me up, but I do. I really don't think they mean what they say as hateful or condemning..... It is just a different personality, so it hard for me to understand sometimes. I am sure I again am finding false motives, and allowing those false motives to work their way into my emotions....

I also know that everything in my relationship with Christ is a process...As I become more like Him, these types of things will have less and less impact on me. Until then though, I have got to concentrate on acting in love. If all of my thoughts, words, and actions are guided by the simple commandment of love... I will keep growing each day, and get closer to the goal. Love motivates us to obey, pray, be kind and merciful, forgive, repent, and practice the other aspects of our Christian faith.

God is love. When love is the goal of our lives, God is the goal of our lives.

Imagine what the day would hold if all of us showed love like God shows for us, as we should be doing. What a peaceful day that would be!

I Know the Plans I Have for You

I was thumbing through my prayer journal, and decided to go back and look at this time last year....see what was in my mind, what I was praying about, and what all God had taken care of~

I sort of had to laugh at one entry.
If you have been reading this blog....you'll know my struggle my patience. Well, on December 5, 2006 there is a reference in my journal, that says, " Please give me the patience I need to have..it is probably the one thing I am worst at-- having patience! I always want it done snap-snap. I have improved in some areas, but in others I have far to go." Yeah, that was a year ago. So, I don't know why, but it made me laugh. It also made me feel bad that in a years time I am still working on the same thing. Then, as I sit here and write, I am thinking...man, had I just gotten the patience a year ago I wouldn't be needing it now.

I think that thought in itself shows my struggle.

I also know that God is certainly hearing me and still working on me in this area~ as I continue to need patience in many situations that arise. I have been told that God will continue to give you certain things in your life until you learn how to handle them correctly.

Last night I decided to make a cherry cheesecake. I was trying to figure out a way to set it in the freezer so it would chill faster. As Iwas doing this, Greg walked into the kitchen. I saw the look on his face, so I explained to him that I didn't want to have to wait so long for it to be ready to eat. He just smiled at me and in a goofy voice said, "patience, hurry up.. I have got to have it now!" Then he looked at me like, so, how is that working out for you? We both cracked up.

I guess that it really all goes back to being disorganized. See, had I been organized in the first place... I would have planned making the cheesecake, and would have timed it much better. but instead at 8:00 pm last night, I decided I would make it. so of course.. I HAD to put it in the freezer so I could still eat it and get to bed at a decent hour.

Anyway, it has been fun going back through my prayer journal. Many prayers have been answered, and some I did not even realize. That is one of the things I love about keep a journal. It is awesome to be able to go back and see all the places God has been working in my life and others. It is easier sometimes to look back and see the plans God had. When you are in the midst of things going on, it can be hard to see that God is right there wanting the best for you. He is working things out as He has planned in a way that will prosper you.

Our "homework" from our Bible study this week to read Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you" Declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.

I don't think God is talking about financial prospering here, He is talking about peace and security in Him. Life everlasting. I cannot encourage you enough to begin a prayer journal and enable yourself to see where God has prospered you and planned for you in the past year. You'll be amazed.

God is in control

It is Sunday! This past week has been a very good one, filled with fellowship and an awesome time of self reflection. I am looking forward to the days ahead and doing my best to be on target with what I understand to be God's will in my life.
I say what I understand to Be God's will as I have not totally figured out how to tell if it is God's will. I have also figured out that many things have been happening that are God's will...and I just didn't understand it to be so.

I think sometimes we search too hard. We have such a desire to involve God and do what He wants...that we don't even see all these little things around us happening that are God at work. In that same instance, we forgo opportunities He is giving to us, because we don't see them as Him at work.

I am checking out a new book, it is one we are pretty sure we are going to use for the women's retreat. In it, the author has giving me new faith and assurance on my ability to evangelize. He has made me look at things in a whole new light. I have been feeling really useless in this area. Seriously struggling and yet feeling very convicted that is a direct commission to me.

This book has shown me differently, than what I was thinking of my abilities. Is it coincidence that this book has been laid before me, and with absolutely no effort on my part? Is it just happenstance that I had only recently concluded my "gift" is not in this area?
Or....
Could it be that God, as the bible states.... knew what my needs were, even before the became known to me~~ Perhaps He put me in this position to be working with this group of women..on this particular retreat...at this particular time in my life~~~~ because He knew my needs. Or maybe He was keenly aware that I would be growing into a more mature christian at this point in my life...and I would need this information.

See, I had no plans of my own to be a part of planning this retreat. I felt inadequate for one, and too disorganized for another. All I did when this was being discussed was offer to ask my cousin to sing at the retreat. The next thing I know, my name is on the list to help plan it.

We had no theme, no preconceived ideas...
Even though I could not see past my nose, God could! He makes all things work for good. He put me in this group of women because He knew I need to be there. He knew that I was going to have these struggles. He knew I would need that reinforcement. He knew that the retreat was going to be about this area. He knew that I was going to have others put into my life that were going to be counting on me to show them Christ. He knows that I may be the only Christ they see. He is in control. Jeremiah 29:11

The following is from an email I received today... Yeah, I think God is talking to me about this!

And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you." (Mark 5:18-19 NKJV)
Jesus immediately enlists this man as a missionary by sending him back to his old friends. Notice how simple his message was: "Tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you." Sometimes we think that in order to be an effective witness, we need to have a theological degree under our belt. Not true. All that's necessary is a personal encounter with Jesus and a willingness to share the good things He has done in our lives. It's just that simple, and if a former demoniac can do it, we can too.

What is Non-Negotiable to You?

I am close to being finished with the book my nephew gave me. (Ordering Your Private World) It really has been a blessing to me in many different avenues of my life. A couple of key things that stick out to me from the book are that I need to have order in my private life so that everything else in my life falls into place.
If I am not doing well spiritually, then I may as well hang it up in all other areas. ( I have experienced this first hand and can testify..it is true!)
I have also learned that I should never, NEVER read any book, listen to any lecture, or go to church without a notebook and pen in hand. There is always going to be something I can learn! oh, I also learned it is fine if I am reading a bunch of books at once.... it shows my desire to learn!! Yippeee !!! Give me back all my books! (I may be translating that a little loosely)
Perhaps the thing that I took away from this book this most is that I AM DISORGANIZED. This pretty much falls into all areas of my life, but especially regarding time. I have had no concept of organizing my time. I either have too much time and am wasting it with unproductive stuff. Or, I have myself so totally overbooked, I cannot keep up. Step one in turning this problem around is investing in a calendar type journal. Step two is penciling in my private time for bible study and prayer before I allow other things to take up my time. I have got to learn to treat these areas of my life just as importantly as any meeting or other obligation I have. In reality they are more/most important.... yet I sacrifice them at times to fit other things in.
Certain things in your schedule are "fixed", certain things are discretionary. Personal time with God must be "fixed" time. Pencil in your family time as well, and do not veer from it. Do not let others dictate your time. What is non-negotiable to you?

In the book, the author (Gordon McDonald) tells us to look to Jesus as our example. He was under constant pressure, pursued by friend and foe alike. Every word He said was monitored. Every action analyzed. Every gesture commented on. He had no private life. He lived with the same intrusions and demands~~YET, it never appeared that way. He made sure He had the time to be alone with God. He budgeted His time. He weighed the use of time against the mission of His work, and then lived accordingly. He knew His limits.

Where your priorities are - your time will be there also.

Real Relationships

We have been fortunate to come into the acquaintance of some really awesome people this past year. What a blessing to be able to really develop a relationship with another couple and be able to totally be yourself... in everything! We both have many individual friends that are terrific..that we love to spend time with, but it is just special to have another couple to share together with. It does not matter about the good or the bad....we like them for them, and vice versa. We have a great time together, and are coming closer to the Lord as we come closer together as a group. I am really excited about this. I have never before felt so comfortable in a group setting to discuss the truly important issues of life. We joke around too.... but it is all in good faith ! It doesn't matter what we discuss each of us always have something to say, each of us are always willing to listen. We care about each other. We care about what happens to each other, and we desire to maintain the relationship. We make time to spend together, we do things for each other. We give and we take. We do not take for granted that if we do not make time for each other, if we don't talk or get together.... We don't assume the relationship will stay where it is~ nor do we think it would go any further. As I said, we give and we take.

This relationship is much like the relationship God desires with each of us. You do not just become comfortable and at ease talking to each other when it is done on a seldom basis. You don't have the deep feelings and desires to please the other person either. The more you do these things though, the closer you get and the more you want to be together. Soon the relationship becomes a part of you. The day does not seem right unless you have spoken to this person. Somehow a calmness comes about you when you are in their presence.

At first it may seem awkward... you don't know each other well. It becomes more and more natural though. It becomes deep.... It becomes a desire, a must, a way of life. Take time to talk to God today. Take time to listen to God today. As you feel ready, or prompted by Him~ ask about this relationship, take it to the next level. Just be ready, because He already is. He is ready and waiting on you.

Motivation

Motivations...... It just wants to make me shake me head back and forth. Why do other people think they know my own personal motivation..or that I even had motivation? Can people not do things to just be nice? Can they not do them because it is the right thing to do? Does everything everyone does have to have a motive behind it?
I find myself doing it as well. Assuming that I know another person's intentions and motivations. Now, unless they flat out told me their exact motivation.... there is no way I can assume it and be 100% accurate, perhaps not even close to being accurate.
Today someone pulled right in front of me into a parking garage. I thought to myself, "now that was rude... what makes them think they have the right to do that? They are in such a hurry... they had to cut me off." I pulled in behind them, after grumbling under my breath. The car stopped prior to reaching the automatic ticket dispenser. A man exited the car. I was thinking..." for Pete's sake, what now? Must enjoy that I am just stuck here...waiting" As he struggled to stand up and then walk to the dispenser (due to an obvious physical deformity).... I felt about two inches tall. Though he had no idea how much it had irritated me when he pulled in in front of me.... I felt an urge to apologize for being so self centered. How dare I assume his motivation was to cut me off...and then purposely slow me down. What right do any of us have to make a judgement call on someone else when we have no idea of their motivation nor of their circumstances? Like I said, I have done it...I obviously currently still do it. However, I am going to ask God to help me and give me the right motives myself.... I want to think the best of others. I want to be forgiving and loving~ even when they do not deserve it or want it. If we have to think of a motive that someone has, can we at least try to make it a positive one? Let's build them up instead of cutting them down.

Philippians 1:10 (Amplified Bible)

So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble].

the frustrations of today's technology

My computer has been on the way out for the last few days. I have been frustrated with it, as I can typically always figure out what is going on and fix it. This time however, it has continually been very difficult for me keep it running. It may shut off at any time for no apparent reason. It may or may not reboot for me. I have taken it apart, grabbed parts from other pieces and stuck them in..I have done everything I can think of.

I have never been trained to work on computers, but that has never stopped me from doing it. We have only ever bought one computer new, that was in 1997 or maybe 1996. Too long ago for me to remember. Since that time I have been given computers...found computers on my adventures in dumpster diving...and bought a few used ones at the hospital for $50.00. I have always been able to get them running, to add memory, modems,programs, DSL components.... and then use them like nothing was ever wrong. Nothing would stop me from giving it my best try to get it going, and rarely was I not able to do it. I have even gotten to the point of fixing my friends computers and giving advice to others on how to fix theirs.

The past few days however, the computer has gotten the best of me. I was getting to the point of giving up, and even entertaining the idea of purchasing a brand new one! I came home from church and decided to give it one last try! I actually read something about what to do this time. I have never taken the time to do this before. I rely upon my own abilities and past experiences to take care of things with the computers. It is amazing when we go to a owners manual, and get the directions straight from it how much easier it makes things!

As I was messing around with the computer some more, I thought about our Sunday school lesson today~ I thought about what our pastor said about being "plugged in". I though about what he said on not only showing or appearing as we "should", but learning it, living it, knowing it in our heart and displaying in our lifestyle. God gave us His word. He has told us what to do and how, yet many times we try to figure it out and do it all on our own. (like me and the computers) We ignore the very thing that would make our life easiest to get through. Why do we do this? What is even dumber than doing is, is the fact that when we do read the manual and follow it, our life has peace and is so much easier....and we know it, yet we don't do it! As our pastor also said today, Do what you know is right. You will be challenged by others to do what they say instead of what you know to be true. This is a tool of Satan, to lurk about and cause doubt in your mind. He tries to make reality appear different than it is.

ok, ok...I am getting off on a tangent here! The point is, I have been working on computers for ten years now. It has "worked" for me at times in the past....Not following the manual, will not always work though. It becomes a guessing game. If you are not positive of what to do, you may try anything to get the results you want. Some of it may work....... for awhile.........
But why do this, when you have the life source so readily available to you?