Visualizing Your Goals

Recently I was reading about visualizing your goals in life, really seeing them and going for them. I have started doing that and I am amazed at how my life is starting to change. For me the difference is not in seeing the goal, it is believing I can get it. I am rearranging my life around my goals. These things I am accomplishing.

That has been in my mind, is do I have goals in my Christian experience. What are they? Do I want to serve God? How is my service to him? What do I want to accomplish?

I have never thought before about really setting spiritual goals. But I am interested in going for the gold. The bible tells us we run a race. I want to be running over the finish line in the race for God.

Peace that Passes Understanding.

Peace that passes understanding. I have heard that expression many times, but for me it is not always an easy one to get.

I seem to love to worry about things.

Recently, however; I had an experience that helped me understand it more.

I was in a potentially very stressful situation. It was a situation that most anyone would be in fear. But, I have been practicing learning to praise God no matter what happens. So I started praying, "God, only you know why this situation is here. I have committed everything to you in this day, so I trust you with this also. Thank you."

The remarkable thing was that, even though I should of been nervous, and fearful; I wasn't. I knew God was in control. And that gave me the peace God had planned for me.

Christmas in My House

Christmas in my home is a big deal. I have many trees all lovingly decorated and I have many parties and activities planned for friends and family. Each year I add a tradition too; so my list of chores keeps growing.

As I was preparing this year, I wondered why I am going to so much work and expense again- but the reason is simple. Christmas means so much to me, it means getting together with family and friends. It means pretty colors and making people happy.

And as I spent hours decorating I thought of the joy my grand daughters will have to see everything. I think of my daughter coming home. I think of the joy I will have to be with family; and that's why I do it.

Jesus says he is in heaven preparing a place for us. Don't you think he is working just as hard to see our faces glow; because we are his children? He will be so excited when we come home.

Limits--Or Freedoms?

Hi; Jazz here. This morning at a Bible study before church, the speaker really got me thinking. He was talking about how love fulfills the law, as the Bible says. How often do we think of "laws" as something that merely infringes on us? I do. Some laws really do infringe on us, too! Yet they're often designed to protect us, or protect others from our poor choices. Consider my ex husband for instance. He resented speed limits! He would actually tell me he could go "at least 55" and not a snail's pace slower, and he often went at least 5 or 10 miles over the speed limit. He considered the speed limit to be restrictive and an inconvenience to him.

My ex was never actually in a bad accident, by the grace of God! Yet what if he had been? What about the person laying in the hospital bed, looking forward to months of therapy--all because someone else considered the speed limit a restriction on his personal freedoms? Then does not the speed limit become a good thing? If not for the driver, then for someone else?

We sometimes look at the Bible like that. For instance, it says not to get drunk. I'm a recovering alcoholic, and I'll be honest: I LOVED drinking, and getting drunk was my whole goal with the first sip! But it's done it's damage to me, physically and emotionally. I'm still paying the price for having my first drinking binge. I still sweat bullets in the presence of alcohol, wishing I could have it. But I'm so much better off sober. SO much better off! Or take the words regarding sex outside of marriage. I wish I had listened to those! Sex, or even coming close to it with a person, can change your whole mindset and it's harder to be objective and rational about the other person.

The Bible and the laws it contains are not designed to make us miserable or restrict us. They're designed to protect us. Take it from one who's broken a fair share of them: I wish I had listened better, and I'm trying to listen better to God now! God bless; Jazz.

Keep In Prayer

In life we do not always get to pick who we associate with, and in my case; life put me with someone I just did not like. Her values, were not my values. She rubbed me in the wrong way so often, and it seemed that everything that came out of her mouth offended me. She had a bad temper. She was moody, and she was confrontational; but I had no choice if we were together. She was part of my world. So I prayed....And then I prayed.....And then I prayed.

Often it seemed that my prayers were not being heard. For months I prayed about that person, and my own stubborn heart could not release her totally to God. I wanted her to change. She still bugged me. So I kept praying.

Recently I was in a place with her, and I was able to see a part of her past. She was confronted with a situation and it became obvious that she had been in a very abusive situation, and maybe still was. I saw this woman stand and shake from fear. My heart truly went out to her. I wondered how much abuse was in her past. I felt her sorrow at being the victim.

And, it was prayer that kept me caring about her; until I could see why she was so "different". Now, I truly do care. My change of heart came because I chose to keep in prayer, even when I did not feel like it.

Always in Praise

Last night my husband and I saw the movie, Facing the Giants.

That movie made me think about a lot of things. One of the things in the movie was that we need to praise God in everything; no matter what comes of what we have done. I like that idea. I am to be in praise to God no matter what.

Sometimes as a Christian I make the mistake of forgetting that God always is in control. Do I have problems? I need to look at those problems. Were they from my own poor choices. What if I got a ticket for speeding? Well, I can learn that there is still order in my land.

What about the things I did not chose, my gas bill for my home went up by 7%. I can praise God I have heat when it is cold.

Thanksgiving has just passed. No matter the day, I can always be in praise to God for something.

Taking Responsibility

Taking responsibility in today's world seems a lost art. Everyone passes the buck to someone else.

Recently I went to the Post Office to contest, what I believed to be a mistake by them. My package was lost.

I was told they would not be responsible. I was angry but tried to remain dignified. The Post Man told me that he would look for the package and call me, if they located my package, or if they did not.

I doubted that he would call, and thought it was just a way to get me out of the Post Office. The next day I received no call, so I assumed my doubts were confirmed. However the following day I did get a call. They still had not located my package.

I knew that must have been hard for this man to call; but admired him. He had courage to face a potientially angry person, but he kept his word.

Today, we as Christians need to follow this man's example. Do what we say, be people of honor, regardless of circumstances.

Still Running?

I had a girl over yesterday which is trying to be clean from a life of running after drugs. She is a lovely young woman with so much potiential. I hope she makes it; but often she wants something, but not enough to do anything about it.

Her life is in a mess. My heart is touched by her. She is so sweet- but unless she makes 180 degree change, her life will be full of pain, rejection and sorrow. I want to hug her, let her know how much I love her; and erase everything that has her running.

Jesus wants to do the same thing for us. Love us so much we no longer want to run after sin. Sometimes though, we are so full of sorrow we dont' even see the hand that reaches out to lift us up.

Jesus is there, can you trust yourself in His hands?

Daily Frustrations

Today I went through some real frustration. I ordered a gift for my husband off of an auction site. The gift did not arrive, and no one wants to take responsibility.

The seller says he sent it; and he does have a confirmation it came to my city; but the Post Office says he put the wrong street address on the package. So though they can not locate it, they say its not their fault. They must have delivered it to another street. The insurance on the package does not want to pay, so will not send me the forms to download for a refund.

Normally I would be so angry, and frustrated; my whole day would be ruined.

It occurred to me; sometimes we, as Christians also don't want to take responsibilities.

We blame lack of service to, "I just don't have time." We blame our lack of giving; to not enough money, when instead it is poor money management. We blame God for not answering our prayers when we have been unwilling to yield in obedience.

I hope to always be honest; take responsibility, and not play games with myself, others or God.
Because when I am responsible, I am mature. God wants mature Christians which are honest and live with an ethics system of doing the right thing, even if it cost us. Then we serve with integrity.

God Is In The Details!

Hi everyone; Jazz here. I just want to share a little something today that I've been thinking about lately: God fascinates me! I was pacing the sidewalk this morning, waiting for a bus. As I paced, I enjoyed looking at the imprints of countless leaves into the gray cement. I remembered recently learning that leaves don't just fall off of a tree. Through a chemical process deep inside the tree, the leaf is actually killed, then forced off the branch! The result may look so bleak, but it is actually helping to save the tree from possible damage by winter snows. And in the process, we have "painted" sidewalks!

I share this little tidbit, not because I'm studying plant life, but because it amazes me how very much detail God puts into the everyday world! Little things that we take for granted are still under the Lord's guiding hand. The whole world, even with all it's problems, still shouts to evidence of it's Maker. Be blessed today, and enjoy His handiworks. Jazz.

Just Get Up

I am trying to lose weight, trying maybe but falling a lot. The one thing that I have going for me is I do get up.

I think it is the same way with God. If we sin, Satan tends to tell us we are never going to make it. We are failures. We are not failures, it is just a lie of Satan.

We need to confess what we have done- then get moving.

God is in the making us new business. He is not interested in keeping us in a failure mentality. He wants us in a winning mentality. So to all winners- just get up.

Honored to Know Them

God sometimes does some really interesting things in our lives; which frankly, seem "really weird".

And that's what makes God- God, and us human.

I lead a Singles group; but I am not single- that was from God and the first weird thing he did.

In our group is the most unusual group of people, I can not even imagine how we can get along. We have rich, we have poor, we have rude and we have smooth. We have old; we have young.

What keeps us together? It's a God thing. Each person there has their faults, but each person chooses to see the good in the others.

I thank God for my little Singles Group. They have shown me a sample of true Christianity. They are tolerant and supportive. They chose too see the good and help each other.

And that is what Jesus would do, and I am honored to know them.

Thanking God--Finally Walking Through HIS Door!

Hi everyone; Jazz here, with a thought I was sharing with some friends of mine tonight: sometimes when we're begging God to answer our prayers, we can't see at the time that He sometimes shows more compassion on us by NOT answering them--or by telling us that what we think we want is not good in the long run. We don't want to listen sometimes! I've heard it said that "When God closes one door, He opens another." Well, for 20 years or so, folks, I was too busy banging on the closed door to even bother with the open one!

I spent 20 years of my life trying every "conceivable" way, so to speak, to get pregnant. It got to the point where I didn't care if I went about it in a moral or immoral way, or if it was the best way for the child. I just wanted to be a mother and if God loved me, He'd grant me my wish--one way or another! I just didn't understand--His answer of "no" was so much better than what I wanted! God did a great healing miracle for me. Not by giving me a child, but by healing my heart! The gift of acceptance, and even thanking Him now, is such a greater gift than a poor child who would likely be wrecked by problems I've had that would only pass on to him/her.

I wish I had never accused God of loving me less than "mothers"; I wish I had learned to appreciate His wisdom and THANK Him years before I did. But I'm thanking Him now. Praising Him for not giving me my way after all. Now that I see the beauty of the door He HAS opened for me, I'm no longer bothering with the other door, that contains countless imprints of my fists! :) I'm enjoying GOD'S way now; hope you all do the same today. God bless ya; Jazz.

Sweet Release!

Hello everyone; Jazz here. I was out having lunch with my best friend today and did we ever talk, like old friends do! I shared something with her that she already knew, and would like to share with the reader now, something on the personal side. It's about the joy of releasing our burdens; sharing with the right person can bring such freedom!

I'm a real open person, normally. Too open! But in certain things, I've buried them as deep as I could, and held onto guilt I didn't even need, just because I was too afraid to talk to the one woman who I shouldn't ever be afraid to share with: my mama! Well, last year or so, I told her something I've hidden in my heart since childhood, and felt guilty about all my life, until being a part of my local Celebrate Recovery group. Something I didn't think she could handle. Such a deep burden, I often had nightmares, and so much guilt just for being the person I am, with severe panic disorder as far back as my childhood. Things that roll off a normal person's back sunk deep into me, and I knew it was MY problem, yet I couldn't wish it away. I felt guilt like a whip! I didn't see the girl who's brain chemistry was out of whack, a genuine physical problem. I instead saw a "bad girl" who would disappoint her family if they knew the real "me"! Oh, if I had only realized what I know now!

While in recovery for alcoholism (an ongoing process, indeed), I began to realize my panic disorder was NOT MY FAULT! And, tired of the nightmares and guilt, I told my mama something I'd buried so long--and she was not disappointed in me! She didn't think I was "crazy" even though I was not "normal" like I so wish I was! And the freedom it brought, to bare my soul, has brought me SO MUCH PEACE! No more guilt! No more of the same old nightmares. And a whole lot less shame just for being who I am!

Are you dying inside, wanting to share your heart? Are you afraid of disappointing the people who mean the most to you? I was. And yet when I finally opened my mouth and released it all, to the right person, I was freed! Yes, I still wish I didn't have a panic disorder. With all my heart, I wish that! Yet it's made me who I am today--good and bad alike! I can minister with understanding to certain people more than those who don't have my problem.

I thank God for my mom! I thank God for Celebrate Recovery, which helped me let go of needless guilt. And I thank God--oh I thank God!--for sweet release! God bless; Jazz.

God Just Smiled.

After spending two days cooking it looked like most of my guests were not coming. I was furious, besides the work was the expense.

I stomped around the house and tried to be calm, "What's the matter with people that they don't call and let me know. Now I have been cooking two days and for what!"

I screamed out at God, "I don't want to be kind, and I am sick of being the one to be walked on. It's not fair!"

God listened and let me vent. Finally I calmed down and prayed. "God I am really angry, what should I do".

"Be gracious Linda, give them grace." Grace! I was to extend grace to the people which stood me up? That made me mad too.

I went back to my duties, and the dinner was about to begin. After awhile I realized that I needed to be kind and tender. Everyone needs some kindness, and if they goofed up. I could extend grace.

To my surprise almost everyone showed up. And they out did themselves in kindness; bringing gifts, smiles and love. There generousity touched my heart

God must have just smiled down at me, "Linda, maybe you should think a little about judging people, don't you think?"

Christmas Fudge

I am busy making Christmas fudge- the problem is that I keep sampling it.

I know it is full of fat and sugar, certainly this is not health food; but I keep at it. I am out of focus of my diet and healthy life style. I am making poor choices.

Sin, is like this fudge. It calls me but in the end, leaves me missing my goals, sorry I made poor choices; and wishing I had done something different.

God does not try to keep us from enjoyment. His call to us not to sin if for our good.

I hope I stay away from the fudge, and like wise; stay away from things God calls me to refrain from in the future.

Biography of the Famous

Tonight I watched on T.V. the biography of a famous actor. He has done a lot of things, and been very successful in his career.

As I watched this actor's life I wondered, when life is nearing its end; will he feel as if he has made an impact? What is his view of God? Does his fame impact his life and spirtuality?

Fame, fortune, success: these things pass. Will the choices we make impact eternity?

So Sick

Today I felt so sick. At one point I thought I was going to faint in the grocery store. I leaned over my cart trying to keep my focus. As my head hung I realized that maybe someone might think I was having a heart attack and try to rescue me.

I pulled myself up and prayed to God that he might get me home. Pushing my cart through the store, trying to keep steady- a fear came in me. How would I drive myself home. It was 6:30 A.M. and no one would be awake to call even to get me. So I pushed myself along praying that God would just get me home.

He did. Though I was in terrible pain I made it. I stayed sick for a good part of the day too.

Being a Christian does not mean a pain free life. But Jesus assures us he will never leave us.

I am here, safe and feeling better. I thank God he was walking along side of me in the store, and helping me get home.

Being Holy

"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15,16). Jazz here with a confession: this verse used to always make me squirm and go "WHAT?!" I always heard it as "BE AS PERFECT AS GOD"! I dont' know about you, but I'm not qualified to walk in the Lord's perfect shoes!

But if you read the verses leading up to that, it makes sense, and doesn't seem quite as scary, really. For as verses 13-16 say, "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: Be holy because I am holy."

Our job is to do our best, though we will fall flat on our faces at times. We need to trust God to do the work of sanctification--not ourselves! No, we're not perfect. None of us will be perfect until that day when the Lord returns and is revealed to the whole world! But, to God's glory and our own earthly and eternal benefit, we should keep striving for holiness, thanking God for each day and opportunity He has given us. Because of all He's done for me, I desire to walk worthy of Him, to the best of my ability. God bless your day. Jazz.

Listening to the Still Small Voice

Recently I have discovered that I did not understand the moving of God. I was raised in a faith which was very structured. Structure is not bad. I believe God wants us to be organized, and to do the things he asks us to do. But, sometimes structure can move us from the place we need to be. We become so used to it, we no longer feel God's leading.

And that is the way it had been with me. I wanted to always "know" God's will. I read a lot, prayed; but did not really wait on the Lord. Now God has changed things; more and more I am learning to listen to that still small voice; and that small voice is such a good teacher.

Sitting at the Table

Sitting around my table I listen as friends laugh, tease and send good cheer.

I watch faces light up with joy and we play games together. We are friends. Sometimes friends fight, sometimes laugh- and sometimes they just sit and listen. But true friends do share something in common. They share love. They chose to see the good in each other and they work for a common goal.

That is the way I picture the table of Jesus in heaven. Won't he too, just enjoy us being there- sitting together and enjoying each other company.

I want to sit with Jesus, and I want to sit with friends. This is what heaven is to me. Love with God.

Are You Missing?

Recently I noticed that a forum I posted to often has begun to slow down. We don't have the visitors and many members no longer sign on to this forum.

I wondered what is the problem? Where are the many fun people which I had begun to know? I scrolled back several pages and saw all of the people that no longer visited. I was lonely. Those people had been fun for me, they made me laugh. The site was fading away. A group of about 10 women now had difted to three. The conversation which once was uplifting, humorous and fun now was statistics and dull.

Why? Well, one of our main members dropped out. She was the glue in the site. Her humor and candid way of seeing life brought laughter to us. Seeing her poke fun at herself, helped us laugh at our lives.

One person changed the way the whole group went.

I wonder, do we change the world by our choices. When we no longer visit our home church, will they miss us? Yes, because we are link in someone's lives. When Jesus come, heaven will miss us too if we are not there.

Let's push to be ready to go home. Jesus wants no one missing.

Bad Choices in Her Life

My daughter is making some bad choices in her life now. She has decided she is going to do life without God. She says its more fun, and so freeing. So freeing? I understand that idea; but it pains me that she does not see that the freedom she is seeking brings a cost.

Yes, she can do things she never did before. But everything has its balance. Life is a matter of many choices and consequences. The choices will eventually leave my daughter beat up by life. She will feel pain, as she looks back and realizes the road she has chosen.

I, as a parent, can only wait and pray. I feel such grief. And now I know much more how lonely and sad our father feels. He clearly outlines our path; but sin tells us its way is so much more fun. We too- follow, and later regret these choices.

Today, may I find a clear path; one Jesus has picked for me.

Looking Through a Spy Glass

Have you ever tried looking through the wrong end of a spy glass? What happens? Things look small and hard to see.

When you look through the right end of the glass, the world looks bigger and things unable to see clearly; you see now.

I think that is how it is with God. We have our lives goofed up. We want to look through the wrong end. But, gently he turns it around and says, "Look now."

We do- and we see life so differently.

Bridging the Gap

I like contemporary services. I love the happy music, the open praise of God. But, my home church was anything but contemporary. The sermons were dull, the music from a century ago...I became restless. As I would sit in the seat; I would dream of being somewhere else.

So I left. I attended another church. It was bright and happy. I loved it.

Recently my old church contacted me. The wanted to know if I would help with a new contemporary service. I was sceptical- after all, this church had been so stanch, and pretty intolerant of change. But, I felt I should at least be supportive of their efforts. So I went with my guard up. I had not been there for two years.

To my surprise the church really was trying to address a different population. The music was cheerful; the sermons were straight forward.

They still have their traditional services too. As I sat there, I just thought.

This is how families of God should be. Working to be together; understanding each other, tolerant and praising God as family.

Truly Grateful! Hello everyone; I'm Jazz and back at it! I just want to start this first blog in forever by saying how very, VERY grateful I am to God, and to my friends and family. Just the other day, I celebrated 30 months of sobriety from alcohol. I made a cake and had a couple of close girlfriends over to help me celebrate. Mercifully, they ate my cake and made no rude comments on my cooking! With my cooking skills, that is love indeed! In all seriousness, though, I am sooo grateful to God, just for life itself! You see, if I hadn't quit drinking 30 months ago, I am almost sure I would be dead by now. Think I'm just being melodramatic? I'm not. When I was drinking, I drank like a lunatic; mixed drinks and vodka would go down my throat as if they were kool-aid, and I barely took a breath between gulps! And then there was the problem of finishing a drink: it meant I needed another one NOW! God was so patient with me, and I can't thank Him enough today! He finally persuaded me to stop drinking and now it's been 30 glorious--though often difficult--sober months! Are you sober today? Praise the Lord! Are you still working on it? TURN TO HIM. Let Him heal you. Let Him do WHATEVER IT TAKES, however long it takes. And remember to be thankful to Him, for life. Eternal life. Our physical life, too. No matter what the day brings us, life is definitely a gift! Love Jazz

In My Chair Fuming....

I sat in my chair fuming. "I am so sick of this group. I am tired of the direction it is going; how about you?"

"Oh, its alright. Maybe we should wait it out a little longer. We are part of a group you know, let's continue and see what happens" , my husband replied.

I resigned myself to spending times in a group I felt had lost its focus. To me it seemed the group was chasing butterflies while letting real solid issues disappear. I was frustrated and angry. Why should one night a week in my busy schedule be taken up in wasted time following butterflies?

Sitting and pouting I battled with myself. Why couldn't I just be humble and gracious. Why did I have to be in control. If my husband wanted to support this group- why couldn't I? Was I so immature that I could not give up an evening just to support what my husband felt was worthwhile? It was a question that I knew the answer to; one word said what it was, selfishness. I was selfish; and confronting my own selfishness; was not something I wanted to do.

I drew myself away and went before God. I ranted and raved at the stupidity of this wasted time. I told God I did not want to give up the night. Why should I have to waste this time...on and on I battled with my own self.

God had nothing to say. Why should he? He knew; that I knew what I needed to do. Why argue with someone who does not really want an answer. So God stayed with me but silently waited for my temper to cool.

Finally I hung my head, "God, I am so frustrated. I don't want to yield. I don't want to give up my time. I am frustrated with these people. But, I am willing. Please change my view. Help me to see them with compassion. Help me to support them, in whatever way I can. Let me be unselfish with my husband, and go with the right attitude. Keep my heart humble and obedient to you. Amen"

Meeting time came- I have resolved myself to do the right thing, but as we were leaving the house; I still was wanting to go back inside.

Once at the meeting, I enjoyed myself. I did see the people in another light. I relaxed and listened. And, I appreciated that God had again answered my prayers.

Up Again!

"They went up again!", my husband complained.

We drove by the gas pump as my husband's watchful eye scanned the prices. He is good at that. He knows gas prices all over town. I don't. I pull in where I think low prices will lurk, and I am on my way. Probably I get myself over charged and maybe am not being a good steward of what God has given me. But, my husband, on the other hand loses lots of peace by fuming over price wars.

I think a lovely thing about God is that he makes us so different, and with strengths and weaknesses that make us human.

Sometimes God just amazes me with how many wonderful and different things he does. He puts a price watcher with a dreamer. While my husband helps our budget, I help keep things fun.

Isn't it wonderful the way God does things.

Watching the Votes

I watched the T.V. as the polling results came in to the station I was frustrated. The things which I voted for were constantly being shot down. Things I felt leaned against my moral values were being upheld. A man I knew personally which was selfish, greedy and immoral took his place because he had the funds to campaign. Though what he presented about himself was totally different from the truth.
I went to be bed frustrated, angry and disappointed. All night I would wake up, “What’s wrong with people in this country? Where are values? How about accountability? Everyone looks after their own self interests.”
All night I battled my own feelings of anger and bitterness. In the morning I cried out to God about what seemed to me to be a world out of control. Was God going to be pushed right out of our culture?
As I sat praying and trying to stay steady I realized that God is still in control. Was I forgetting that he puts rulers up and he also takes rulers down. My God knew exactly what would happen. He was not losing sleep over this. Maybe he was grieved, but still in control.
Today, I need to stay in prayer; and do my part to make the world the best place I can; and just relax. God is in control. He will not be flustered by news. He will just be there, waiting for us to call on him when we are ready.

Just Won't Work!

Yesterday I was trying to publish on this site. I wrote out a blog and hit send, and hit send, and hit send. Message after message just came back as not able to publish. So my work went down the dain. In frustration I came back later and tried again- and once again, I wrote but could not publish my work.

I wonder if that is how it is for Jesus. He works and works to show us a better and happier life. But we are so busy in our lives running it our way, that he just has to keep checking in with us until we finally allow him to do his work.

Jesus, please just keep coming back. And help me to be ready to listen and do what you ask.

Walking the Treadmill.

Today I went to my treadmill and got up. I thought it would be pretty easy- but it seemed as if I was walking to the moon. Every step seemed to drag and I felt so tired. I don't know why it seemed so difficult; but I am sure it was much more difficult than normal. Usually this four mile walk is not very hard, and I breeze through- but today, it was so much effort. Many times I felt like getting off; but I did not get off. I knew that later I would regret not having my workout. My workout makes me stronger, thinner and happier.

Sometimes its the same way in our walk with Christ. It is not always easy. Sometimes it means turning off the T.V. and spending that extra time with God. Sometimes it means listening to a friend late at night; because she needs you- even though the bed looks so warm and inviting.

True Christian's I believe want to sacrifice; and to work for a relationship with God. Sometimes it is a joy to work, sometimes it is hard. But, we have a goal. We want to be like Jesus- and he was unselfish, committed and consistant.

When Temptation Falls From the Sky

I am a food addict. No question about it. And I am trying hard to learn to live my life in a different way.
Last night as I was making my husband's lunch, a bag of candy fell from the top cabnet. What's this I thought. My mouth watered up and then came the dialog,

"OH, you did not have any candy for Halloween, surely just one."

I am sure the candy bars started to speak because more and more dialog kept coming.
"Hey, what's a few bites going to do...just two"
"Oh, two little candy bars; they could easily be worked off with exercise."

Realizing the stupidity of it all, I resisted.

But that's the way it is with sin...its the unexpected that gets us. Satan is a liar and theif. He tells us anything to drag us down, and then he takes our joy away.

God is a god of love. And loving him means obeying; because that is trust. We believe that God knows best.

Nestled Back With Jesus

Today I am finally nestled back with Jesus. Its been too long. My time is a sweet time. I nestle down and read a book- maybe listen to Christian music. Sometimes I take I settle down to pray for the list of friends and family that gathers around me. When this time comes I am at peace and fill joy; just the fellowship. Sometimes it is time of growth, as I see areas that the Holy Spirit convicts me need my attention. But it is always a time away, away from the world. And it is a time to be treasured.