march 30th, 2011

I confess.

I apologize deeply for missing a whole week.

I have a lot of stuff going on, and I just can't make the time to write every day.

I am going to start writing when I possibly can. It might be everyday, or I might skip a day or so.

Bare with me and my strange thing of a life!

Hope you enjoy!

Today is a day I will talk about friendship. Friends come and go, but your true friends will be there throughout every step of your life. If you take advantage of the ones that love you, you will regret it more than anything. Be thankful and loving towards your friends. Stay truthful and never stab one another in the back. We all to some extent have someone or some people that we do not particularly like, correct? Shouldn't we all love everyone? Despite our differences we should all get along and accept one another for who we are. I have a difficult time biting my tongue at times, and I seriously need to work on that. I tend to spit out hurtful words to someone and later on I completely regret it. We all are God's children, and we should respect him by loving one another. Everyone. Not excluding one person or a few. Everyone. I've seen "friends" go behind one anothers backs and just do some cruel treatment. It's awful, and it's sad. If we all just try each and every day to give a stranger a smile... you would be surprised at how much that might boost someone up.

This past Sunday I served at Fifth Street Ministries. It is a homeless shelter in Statesville. I've been there a few times before, but I had never served the people food before. It opened my eyes to see how thankful they were for each and everything that they had. My sister was a greeter, (can you believe my sister got assigned as the greeter? Perfect job for her) and she asked everyone how they were. One lady was approaching the line, and my sister asked her, "How are you ma'am?," and the lady replied with one word..."Blessed." It opened my eyes to the highest hills. The people that were there were as sweet as can be, and trust me... You WILL be expected me back to serve. Not to make myself to feel better, but to see those smiling faces. I was awakened on Sunday at how truly blessed I am. I have a loving family and friends that truly care about me. I have a roof over my head each and every night. I have heat, and a warm bed to sleep in every night. The essentials that I have... I take for granted everyday. Thank everyone for all they have done for you. Especially thank your parents. We all take them for granted way more than we should. Thank God for being blessed. He truly is our Father, and we should love him and thank him for everything he does to impact our lives.

I am truly blessed.

Blessed. I. am. blessed.
Thank you Lord.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.

march 22nd, 2011

?

The question mark is because I cannot think of a title for this post. 

There is an individual that I know that constantly asks people to attend his/her church. If these people don't come or attend when asked, this person gets mad. Is that right? I am totally against it. I do think it's okay to ask people to come to your church; however, you cannot get mad and say they aren't a true Christian because they don't come to YOUR church. It's wrong, and you are sinning when you are judging. How do you know your way is the right way? You don't, and neither do I. Do not walk around being boastful. God is the only one that knows the right way. 

Judging is wrong, and all of us do it (some more than others). Are you one that judges another person because they are not your exact religion? It's hard to understand, but you shouldn't judge because you are being judged at the same time. Be respectful, and do not get angry with another person because they choose not to attend your church. That does NOT make them not a Christian. 

Do NOT come in between of someone and their relationship with God. That is between her/him and God. Not you, her/him, and God. Just those two. You have your relationship with him, and so do they. Would you like if someone came up and started questioning how your relationship with God is? Even if you attend church regularly and you have a strong relationship with God. That is wrong, and I don't think anyone should put down another person for their relationship with God. 

Think before you go and start getting angry with someone. Think before you act. Are you being a true child of God for judging? I think not. 

God is right, and he is the only one that knows the exact way for everything. Don't assume your way is the only way; therefore, don't be boastful and cocky. You are on the same level as everyone walking across the world. Don't think of yourself higher than someone else. We are all children of God, and he loves us all equally. 

That's that.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.

march 21st, 2011

In Honor of my Grandmother, Patty Witherington

This is my step-grandmother technically, but my biological grandmother died when my mother was a teenager. Since I never met my biological grandmother, Grandpatty is the only grandmother I know. My grandfather Pat Witherington loves this woman, and the love he has for her is just truly magical. He passed last year, and I admire Grandpatty's strength over the past year. I am sure it is tough for her because that was her best friend and lover. She's so fun to be around, and I love her. 

I'll tell you a little bit about her. She was the organist at my church for many years, and she retired years ago. She now sings in the choir, and I love seeing her up there with us. I would like to spend more time with her and keep her company. 

She is a special individual to me, and I wish that some day in my future that I am able to have the strength and courage this miraculous woman has. I strive to have some of her characteristics as a person as I age through time. 

Thank you Lord for blessing my grandfather with another love after his first wife had died. I have truly loved seeing them together as a couple of God, and I admire them both in so many ways. I love you Granddaddy Pat, and I miss you terribly. I know that Grandpatty does too. We all do. 

Thank you Lord for blessing me with another lovely lady to love me and be there for me as I grow into the human being that you strive for me to be. 

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.

march 20th, 2011

In Honor of my Grandmother, Nickie Crawford

This woman is my father's mother. I spend a lot of time with her and my grandfather. This woman can cook! She has the best food, and I will always remember her for that. I would love to be able to cook like she does when I get older and am able to cook for others. She is so sweet, and she always checks on everyone. For everyone she knows she sends them ALL birthday cards and thank you cards for every occasion. I don't know how she does it. I love you Grandmama with all of my heart, and I admire you for numerous things. 

She sits right beside me in the choir, and she sings beautifully. 

I love this woman so much, and she is another inspiration I have to keep moving forward living a Christian life. These dedications I am writing are to thank God individually for each one of these people that mean so much to me in my life. Thank you Lord for blessing me with people that love me and want to see me go far in life.

This woman is one of them, and I wouldn't have the love I do today if it wasn't for her. 

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.

march 19th, 2011

In Honor of my Grandfather, Bob Crawford.

Some kids my age are not very close with their grandparents; however, I see my dad's parents every single day of the week except on Saturdays. I am at their house during the school week, and I love spending time with them. I'm so fortunate to have grandparents like them. My grandpa can make me laugh at almost anything he says. He means more to me than anyone will ever know, and I always want to make him proud. He's one that I catch watching cartoons in his recliner as I walk in the door at lunch time. He has had lung cancer twice, and he wasn't expected to live these past 20 years that he has. He has strength like no one else has. I admire him in so many ways that are unexplainable. He's one of my best friends, and he always gives good advice. I love you Granddaddy. I will forever love you. 

Through his pain over the years he still continues to come to church every Sunday. I am in the choir, and I always see him looking up and smiling and me, my grandmother (that stands beside me), my sister, and my father that all sing in the choir at my church. He is always smiling, and he always lights up a room. I am doing my very best to develop a strong relationship with them because time is all we have in this world. You never know when you could lose anyone that is meaningful in your life. Make the best of the time you have, and always spend time with family. 

My grandfather is special to me in ways that I couldn't begin to explain. He was told in 1990 (I believe that is the year. I might be wrong) that he had lung cancer. They told him that he wouldn't make it till the end of the year. I was born in 1993. He's still alive today with the same spunk I'm sure he had back then! I am so thankful that he was able to live long enough to see me grow as a person. I'm so thankful that I was able to be around him this much. He has such a large impact on my life, and I wouldn't be who I am today without him. I love you Granddaddy. I love you with all my heart, soul, and mind. Never will you ever leave my heart. 

Thank you Lord for blessing me with a man in my life that I am lucky enough to call my grandfather. 

I am truly blessed with such loving people to raise me. 

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.

march 18th, 2011

He Knows.

"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him." - Nahum 1:7

This is a perfect topic for today. I haven't had the dandiest day today. I know that tomorrow is a new day, and I will forget about today. When you are in trouble or having a rough time with a situation, you should ask for God's love and guidance. He does know the people that are being selfish and only ask for their own benefits and the ones that are truly loving that love him and that need his help. Do not ask for the Lord's help if you are one that assumes if you ask you will recieve. Do not ask for the wrong reasons. Praying is a way of communicating with our Lord; however, he is not Santa. He does not accept wish lists. Neither does he put us on a good and bad list. He loves all of us equally. This is our Father, Our Lord Almighty, and help in trouble.

He's there for all of us regardless, and I will not say otherwise. We are his children. He does know the ones that are truly being selfish and only use him when they need him. Are you going to have that kind of relationship with Our Lord? I won't. That is taking advantage of his love for us, and justice will come to each one of the selfish people at a time in their life. Develop a strong and loving relationship with your Lord, and don't take advantage of his love for you.

Do not make the assumption that if you didn't get your prayers answered that God doesn't love you. He loves each one of us unconditionally, and he has more love than any of us do. He loves us all no matter what we do. There could be many reasons why your prayers haven't been answered, and I don't know the answer to that. I am not God, and never will I claim to be him. Love him, and be thankful for his love for you. Ask in his name.

He knows all the answers.

You don't, and neither do I.
I do know to love him, and be thankful for all of the many blessings he has blessed me with. I am truly fortunate, and I tend to get out of hand and be dramatic when something doesn't go my way. I have to remind myself that the Lord is here with me, and that he has my life truly blessed. Look at your blessings when you are down. Look up and close your eyes. He's there. Always.

He loves you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.

march 17th, 2011

He Heals the Brokenhearted

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." - Psalm 147:3

Life is tough. Relationships are tough. My dad has once said to us three girls, "I will ask God why in the world he made girls and boys so different. The way the mind works on a boy and girl is absolutely and completely different. How can you expect them to get along and be married?" I just thought it was so funny. Girls and boys are very different in numerous ways; however, we should put our differences aside and get along with love.

For the people that are brokenhearted for whatever your reason may be... He will bind your wounds and heal your hearts in a matter of time. Be patient. That is a big key to this. I, myself am the most inpatient person I know. I have zero tolerance with patience. I need to work on that, majorly. I'm a young girl and yes I've had my heart broken a few times. Life goes on, and God will heal your heart within time. Do not wollow in your self-pity. Get up and move forward. Don't waste time being upset. I don't intend to sound unsympathic, for I truly am to the people that have been hurt. There is someone for everyone out there, and you won't ever know that unless you try. Being broken all the time is not healthy, and it's sad. I hate to see people that have had a bad history with relationships and they give up because they don't have hope. Life is all about taking chances, and you never know until you try. Be strong and courageous throughout your lifetime, and make your life the best it possibly can be. You only have one, make the best of it.

I was broken at a time in my short life so far, and I never felt as if I would ever see a bright day. I was having sympathy and self-pity for myself for a long period of time. One day I had an awakening that told myself to get up and move forward. It's not the end of the world. I said these very words aloud to myself in my bedroom, "You will make it. I know you can. Have hope and faith in yourself that you can." I then asked God if he would give me the strength and guidance to move forward. He did. I couldn't of done that without my Father's help. As my Father being the Lord above. Thank you Lord for picking me back up after I had fallen. For you are a true hero. I love you greatly, and forever will I praise you. Bless the brokenhearted and give them hope. Just as you did for me.

God bless everyone out there.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.

march 16th, 2011

Unconditional Love.

When times get tough in a relationship are you going to give up? Are you just going to pack your things and leave? Is it worth leaving? When you truly love someone you don't give up, and you never quit trying. When you get through hard times, that makes you stronger as a couple. Respect is the biggest thing. Love one another and treat each other with love and kindness at all times. Especially with marriage... You should never ever give up on one another. I don't believe in divorce. I don't support it, unless someone commits adultery, and in my mind and thoughts that is the only exception. You have made vows to the Lord, and you should never break those. You promised you would be there for that person through sickness and in health, and you should never back out. Never quit trying; however, never put yourself in an unhealthy relationship to start with.

Love each other, as God has loved you. Put God first, always. Never should he come second, and if you put him first in your relationship... then everything shall go smoothly. Ask him for his guidance, and love to help you be a devoted Christian couple. God has the unconditional love for each and every one of us on this Earth. Never should you treat a person with hate. Always be loving, and never hurt a single soul with hurtful words.

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong-doing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8,13


I've been told that happiness is everything. Is that true? I'm willing to give my happiness up to make another person happy. Love is strong and powerful. I have the kind of love for God and my family that is never ending. It's not as powerful as God's love for me, you, or everyone; however, I do love with passion. I love everyone, and that includes everyone that I do not know. Needless to say that at some point people irritate me, but that's human nature. I don't have any type of hatred for anyone.

Recently, I have been harassed emotionally by an individual in my church. I will not name any names, for that is not right. He/She has said some hurtful things to me over a certain period of time, and I finally stepped up and said something. It hurt because I could not say anything disrespectful to her/him. I am not the type of person to disrespect an elder, for I never said anything and the situation was going on extendedly. This person has not been back to church since. I did not wish for that to happen, and I just ask for God to help this individual with whatever he/she is going through. I told myself that this is in God's control, and it's his position to forgive her/him and do what he has to do. Not me. It's not my place to forgive her/him. That's God's place. I don't understand how a person can say hurtful things to another person, and I will never understand that. I had to turn the other cheek, and I had to pray for this person. I asked God to help her/him and to give her/him the love he/she needs.

It's hard sometimes, and it takes a lot of stepping up to do to turn the other cheek in spite of someone else. It took a lot out of me to not come back with a hurtful response, but I had to take a breathe. I had to think of what God wanted me to do.

This was a rather long post, and I can truly go on for a lot longer time. I won't though. Love is a powerful thing, and I believe it's the strongest thing in the world if you treat it right. Love is not for right now, or for just a little while... it's for forever. Never ending. Unconditionally. Otherwise... it's lust. Treat someone the way that you would like to be treated, and turn the other cheek when someone is hateful. They will answer to God at the gates of heaven when their time comes. That's not your job to judge them or forgive them. Love them, and pray for them. That's what they need.

I won't say anymore, for you are probably getting tiresome of my words.

In the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.

march 15th, 2011

Anything Getting in the Way?


Do you feel as if you dedicate yourself to the Lord you will not have fun with your friends anymore? If your friends cannot accept you the way you are, then you need to get new friends. Not a single soul should try to judge you for trying to better your relationship with God and make a good Christian life for yourself. Don't be fearful; everything will be okay. If you are having a rough time with this you should stick around the people that are truly there for you no matter what. Dedication. Dedicate yourself to your relationship with God, and try to better it. If your friends are doing things that you know you shouldn't do, then don't do it. Do not follow down a path that you know is wrong. It's your life, and you have the decision of how you want to live your life. Your friends cannot make your life.

How are you going to handle situations like these? My suggestion is to get new friends if they do not accept you for yourself. I understand it is probably harder than it is said. Nothing is impossible, and you can achieve anything if you only want it enough. Take a step back, and realize how you want to live your life. If anyone is trying to take you down with them don't fall into the wrong crowd. Stand your ground, and stand up for what you believe. God will be there by your side, but only if you ask him to help you.

Talk to your friends. Possibly they will understand and accept it. You never know until you try.

It's your life, and it's what you make it. Don't let others bring you down. You have only one life to live, and you don't get a second one. Make the first and only one... your best.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.

march 14th, 2011

Put on the New Self.


"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on Earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." - Colossians 3:1-4


When you have come to the realization in life that Christ is your Father, and you should live your life for him... You should set your mind to do things for the Lord. Not for yourself, your boss, your family, or anyone. But the Lord above. Seek to do better things in his name, and try to better your relationship with him. Make yourself a better child of God, and talk to him. Change your mind setting in life. Change it from the basing of yourself to the Lord. As humans many of us are setting our lives based on Earth, and the people around us. We will soon be in the gates of heaven, and have to answer to our Father for our sins. Think before you act. Ask yourself the question... How am I going to answer to this when God asks me about it? Would you rather make the hard decision and just do what's right or just follow down the devils path? When you know what is wrong and do it anyway, that is sin. Keep that in mind. I have to do that myself, for I am a sinner. I was born a sinner. So were you.

Life is a journey, and it wasn't supposed to be easy sometimes. God knows all of our decisions that we are going to make in life, and he knows his plan for each and every one of us. It's our decision for what we decide to do in circumstances that get tough, and it's our decision with what we decide to live for. He doesn't do that for us. He would like for us to worship him, love him, and praise him in his glory. Are you going to do that? Are you going to put on your new self and live your life for him? I am. I'm working on that now. I'm working on living a better life for him. Not for myself, but to make him proud of who I am as a child of God. I am never going to be perfect, and never will I strive to do so. I always tell myself though.. there is always room for improvement. You can never stop trying, and you should never give up or lose hope.

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:17


Are you putting on your new self anytime soon? Need help with encouragement? If so, I am always here for anyone in times of comfort. The Lord can do a much better job than I; however, I am here for anyone that needs encouragement. Never give up, and never lose faith.

Life is a roller-coaster ride, and you have to learn how to hold on along the way. You might throw up, and you might scream... but never... ever... give up.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.

march 13th, 2011

HE Has Overcome the World

I will first start off saying that God has overcome the world. Not us. Not me. Not you. God has overcome the world. These verses came from our sermon today at church. We are reading through John to build up through Easter. This is one of our topics. I loved the church service today, and I will say that off the bat. In our sermon today Preacher Scott stated words that were so very true, and it touched my heart. Thanks Scott! It is not us that have changed the world or overcome the world, for God has overcome the world. This world is his. Not ours. We are his children.

"...In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart I have overcome the world." - John 16:33


The Lord Our God does marvelous things, and we should not put ourselves on the same level as him. We will never be at his level. Impossible. He is the Father and Creator. He loves us all unconditionally, and this is his world. My preacher also made the comment that he hates to see churches say they are overcoming the world in their church house. They cannot overcome the world, for God is the only one that can do that. It isn't our world to overcome; it is his.

Never forget who's world you're living in.
It's not ours.
It's his.

Live in his name, and glorify his name.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.

march 12th, 2011

Are you a Christian for doing this?

For some believe that if you don't cuss, murder someone, rob a bank, go to church regularly, or cheat you are a true Christian? Is that true? Yes and no. It isn't just these things that make you a good person for God. It takes much more than that. Do you judge someone that cusses and relate that to their relationship with God? In my opinion, it is not good to cuss. I don't judge people that cuss, but then again I do not like to be around people that do. There are numerous people across the world that cuss and are dedicated Christians. We all have bad habits and possibly that is their bad habit. Are you one to judge a person in their wrong acts? You are not, and neither am I. Judge and be judged. Someone's relationship with God is their business, and you shouldn't try to manipulate someone's faith, nor should you try to criticize it either.

The way to be a dedicated Christian... is to develop a relationship with God. Pray, Love, and Abide in his ways. Spend time with our Lord. Thank him for your blessings, and ask for help and guidance in times of trouble. Are you going to judge someone and assume that you are better? We are all equal, and the Lord loves us all equally for no matter what we do in life. He loves me just as much as he loves a man sitting in a jail cell. We are his children, and he created us ALL in his image.

You are never perfect enough to try to strengthen your relationship with the Lord. Remember to never judge someone for their wrong acts, for you should be judged when you do something wrong. God is our Father, and you should live your life for him. Live in his name, and try to live your life bettering yourself as a child of God.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.

march 11th, 2011

What Does Tomorrow Bring?

Do any of us wonder what tomorrow will bring? Do we stress over what our future holds? A lot of us do. I know a individual that stresses over his/her job on a daily basis. I will not name names, but it's someone that is very close to me, and I hold them very dear to my heart. I tell them and remind them that God's plan is between you and him. You shouldn't plan too far ahead for God's plan will be interrupted. This is something that is very hard to control, but it's possible. Whenever you are wondering what your profession will be later on in life and you stress over it and constantly think that you should know everything about your future... you are wrong. You don't know everything that is going to happen in your life; it is all a mystery. You haven't let your life be in control by God. You need to have faith in him, and give your life over to the Lord. Because I have the faith in the Lord above, I have no worries about what my future will bring. It's in his hands, and I have no doubt that my life will be nothing but what God wants it to be.

"Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit" - yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." - James 4:13-17


Do not stress over what your future holds. Everything will fall into place after you have the faith you need in Jesus Christ. Be courageous, and never have any doubts in our Lord. He has your life in the palm of his hands regardless of you wanting it to be that way or not. He has your soul, and your heart. He created us, and he will never let us down. You have to believe in him, and your life will forever be grateful if you do so.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.