april 30th, 2011

I need patience.

Yesterday, I had to work, it was a busy, hectic, and stressful night needless to say. I was thinking rude comments in my mind about some people that were rude to me, and I didn't speak them aloud. I wanted to say things to some people, but I didn't. I was wanting closing time to approach a lot faster than it actually was. I was becoming impatient; if you cannot tell by now that I am an impatient person as it already is. I am impatient about all sorts of things, and that is one of my flaws. I wish to become a more patient person with life, and most importantly... I will pray to become a patient child of God. 

The Lord has blessed me with many miracles in my life. I need to ask for patience in every situation that I am approached with. Everyone has a time in their lives that they are impatient (some more than others, meaning myself). 

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" - Psalm 27:14

When I have asked for God to send me patience, I have to realize that I have to do my part in receiving that characteristic. I have to do my fair share. I am quick to anger, and I need many blessings in that circumstance. I have to understand to push it aside and ignore rude remarks, and I have to keep a steady attitude and move forward. There are some things that are worth getting a little upset over; for example, if you are abused, someone you love has died, or any major, disappointing event. We still need patience and blessings when situations like this come about. We need patience for the small angers and the big angers. I have been told time and time again since I was able to speak that I am hard-headed. I need to be like the ones that are able to have anger control, and I need their long fuse. If someone does something hurtful to you or someone you love, we have to learn to forgive. We cannot just put a band-aid over the issue and be done with it; however, we have to comprehend that the healing process will take time. Forgiveness takes time, and it takes patience as well. The people that have strong patience... I admire you. 

I have thought about this over the time and there are many ways to help make yourself a more patient person. First, if you are impatient to get off of work (like myself that works in the fast food world, YAY... not) and someone comes in as you are closing ( if many do not know, I am an employee at the local restaurant in my hometown) you want to just be rude as possible, and say "Go away! I am tired, and I want to go home." Take a breather, and think how would you like if you were hungry and walked into a restaurant and had the cashier say rude remarks or have a bad attitude? It would make you feel bad, wouldn't it? I have to do that, and majority of the time I don't think about things like that. I will also make the comment, if you are thinking rude remarks, it is just the same as saying it aloud. 

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." - Colossians 3:15

Second, think to yourself how patient our Lord is with us. Remind yourself of the love that Jesus Christ has for each and every one of us. He loves us; even though, we are sinners. We make him angry at times for some our decisions and life choices ( I bet! ). I can't count how many mistakes I have made in my 17 years of living. I have barely began my life as a person yet, and I have already made numerous mistakes. God still loves me... and he still has patience for me. He has patience for all of us. Never forget his love and his patience.

Jesus Christ died on the cross for all of our sins, and he died for all of the problems and issues we may face. He put to death all of these horrid things that take place in what we call our lives. When you start to think of all the terrifying things, those angered moments don't seem so important do they? 

Remember his love and his patience for you. He won't ever lose patience for any of us. 

"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

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.

april 22nd, 2011

It's Good Friday today!

I apologize for not being on in basically a month. I have had a lot going on with school and working. Easter is on Sunday.

Good Friday is the Friday before Easter, which is the day Jesus was crucified. He died for our sins with his love for God and for us. I woke up and went to school today, and I was debating on whether to attend the local Good Friday Service at noon. I wasn't really that interested; however, I chose to attend. I would have seriously regretted not showing up. The service was very moving, and I enjoyed everything (including the Word that was spoken, the music that was sung/played, the scriptures that were read, and basically everything that was taken place). What I am getting at today is that we sometimes choose not to show up to a church event or a service, then we choose to do otherwise. I came to the realization that I do have a relationship with God; however, it isn't as strong as it needs to be.

Last Sunday was a special day for me, and it meant a lot. I was able to listen to my preacher's sermon, and it opened my eyes tremendously. It might have shaken some people up, but that is the truth and everyone in the church needed to hear it (including me). You are not considered a "good Christian" just because you do good things most of the time, you aren't a "good Christian" just because you go to church every Sunday, you are saved by the grace of God because of Jesus. If it weren't for Jesus dying on the cross we would not be alive today breathing the air that God put here for us. His love for his Father is unbelievable, and he gave us all life. We should be thanking our Lord and Jesus Christ for all they do for us. Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, so we can be forgiven. We all sin on a day to day basis. Shouldn't we at least try to lower the amount of sin we commit? I sure do try, and I understand that we were all born sinners. All of us are sinners; regardless of what anyone tries to tell you.

Let us all try to appreciate Jesus Christ as our Savior, and we all need to come to the realization that it is because of him that we are saved and not by our own deeds.

Understand that and comprehend that please; I have to do it myself as well. I always focused on what I would do to become a better Christian. When in reality it is because of Jesus Christ that I am a child of God and a saved Christian. Yes, it still matters on how I act and what I make of my life. I should still make wise decisions and follow God's commandments. Follow the Word of God, and follow his ways. Stay true and gracious to his ways. Forever he will love us and keep us close. Never are we far from his presence.

Forever will he love each and every one of us.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.

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.