Temptation

"When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed" (James 1:13-14 NIV).

I recently woke up with a spider bite that was the size of a quarter. It may as well have been the size of North Carolina for as much as it itched! I was half tempted to scratch my arm off. That nasty bite was just begging to be scratched. But I've learned a thing or two in mytwenty-something years, and one thing I know for sure: it's best not to scratch this type of itch.

It would be like opening a bag of chips with the naive intention of eating only one (yeah, right!) I knew that if I started scratching my bug bite, it would be nearly impossible to stop. I would regret having ever started.

Super-itchy bug bites are a lot like temptations. Temptations are itchy! The call on us with urgent voices that scream, "Scratch me! Scratch me!" Yet, in all reality, a little scratch will not satisfy temptation's itch at all...it will just make matters worse. When we scratch the itch of temptation, the itch does not diminish. To the contrary, it increases.

When we resist temptation, our faith is mobilized and the muscles of our character are strengthened. Joseph was a man of integrity who did right in the eyes of the Lord, but boy did he face some temptation! You can read the detailed account in Genesis 39.

Joseph was seduced by temptation in the form of his master's wife. Mrs. Potiphar wanted her husband's right-hand man to sleep with her, and she pursued him with aggression. It was a hand-delivered invitation to sin that had itchy written all over it. But he flat-out refused.

"My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her (Genesis 39:9-10).

Temptation chased Joseph relentlessly. Oh, how he must have longed for the itching to stop! To give in would be sinful. To give in was simply not an option for this young man of character. So on the day that Potiphar's wife caught him by the cloak and begged again for Joseph to sleep with her, Joseph ran out of the house. He ran from that tempting situation as fast as his legs would carry him.

God was honored in Joseph's response.

He ran from temptation.

We would be wise to do the same.

It took all the will power I could muster to keep from scratching that bug bite. I had to re-direct my thinking to persevere through the temptation. I mentally ran from it. When we resist temptation, God is honored and our character is strengthened. What do you need to run from today?

Jesus is God

Some people worship many gods, but the Bible tells us that there is only one true living God. The Bible says that God is three Persons, but He is one God. That is something we cannot understand. The Bible teaches us about God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. They are the three Persons. God the Father lives in Heaven, but He is everywhere. He is holy and without sin. God rules over His creation. He is in control of all things. He loves everyone.Jesus is God the Son. He died for our sins and rose again. All people can have their sins forgiven if they trust in Him as their personal Savior. After Jesus rose from the dead, He went up into Heaven. Now Jesus is with His Father, God.God the Holy Spirit came to Earth after Jesus returned to Heaven. He helps people to know that they are sinners. He then comes to live in the hearts of those who trust in Jesus. The Holy Spirit also helps us understand God's Word, the Bible.God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit–they are the Trinity. They are three in one. All agree completely.

A Wives Prayer

In the name of Jesus, I cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in. I choose to be a good, loyal wife to my husband and address him with respect. I will not be overanxious and intimidated. I purpose to be, by God's grace, agreeable, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble. I will be a blessing and also receive blessings.

By the grace of God, I yield to the constant ministry of transformation by the Holy Spirit. I am being transformed into a gracious woman who retains honor, and a virtuous woman who is a crown to my husband. I purpose to walk wisely that I may build my house. Houses and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a purdent wife is from the Lord. In Christ, I have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward me in all wisdom and prudence.

Holy Spirit, I ask You to help me understand and support my husband in ways that show my support for Christ. Teach me to function so that I preserve my own personality while responding to his desires. We are one flesh, and I realize that this unity of persons that preserves individuality is a mystery, but that is how it is when we are united to Christ. So I will keep on loving my husband and let the miracle keep happening!!!

Just as my husband gives me what is due me, I seek to be fair to my husband. I share my rights with my husband.

Strength and dignity are my clothing, and my position in my household is strong. My family is in readiness for the future. The bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) I will not eat. I choose to conduct the affairs of my household wisely, realizing that wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Amen.

Scripture References-------
Matt 16:19
1 Peter 3:1-5, 8,9
Psalm 51:10
2 Cor. 3:18
Prov. 11:6, 12:4, 14:1, 19:14, 31:25-27
Eph. 1:7,8 and 5:22,33
1 Cor. 7:2-5
James 3:17,18

Chocolate Milk

OK... about the heading....CHOCOLATE MILK?....

Did you ever pour a glass of milk and put some chocolate in the glass?Well where does the chocolate go?...To the bottom... right?And if you take a sip of it with out stirring it up. You might get a small taste of chocolate. But not the full taste until you stir it up...Right? Get the pictire?

Now... The Bible say in 2 Timothy 1:6...To stir up the gift of God that is with in you....in 2Corinthians 4:7 says but we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us!

OK... the analogy is this....Just like the milk ....we have a hint of God in us because we are Christians.... the Spirit of God abiding in us as a well spring of life....But when you pray and stir up the Holy Spirit then you have the fullness of the Spirit of God within you! Like Jesus said... out of your bellies shall flow rivers of living water. So we can go from "wellspring to rivers" a big difference!!!
Then you can say what David said in Psalms 34:8...O TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD!!!

Well just a little something for you to.... chew on... LOL! Let me know what you think!

GO TO CHURCH!!!!

If your wondering what to do this morning let me tell you.....GO TO CHURCH! Because you never know what your going to see or hear. It might be something you need! Or God might use you to be a blessing to someone else! It's not just about you , ya know! And go prepared Pray on the way, or sing some worship songs, and be ready to seek the Lord when you get there! Just some thoughts.
In Christ-Jesus Chick.

Salvation

And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness. (Genesis 15:6 )
This is one of the coolest verses in the Book of Genesis. It tells us about the day when Abram (later called Abraham) was "saved." Now, back in the Old Testament they did not talk about "getting saved" like we do today, but Genesis 15:6 records the day of Abram's salvation.

So, how was Abraham saved? Well, the Bible says "he believed the LORD, and he counted to him as righteousness."

What did he believe? In these verses, Abram believed that he would have descendants (children) even though at this point he was childless. But there’s more. Genesis 22:18 reveals that among those descendent would be a Seed through whom "all the nations of the earth" would be blessed.

So what does that mean? It means by faith, Abram believed God was going to send a Savior (Galatians 3:16).

In other words, Abram had faith that God would do what He promised. As a result, God counted him as righteous. Think of righteous or righteousness as being "right" with God.

That is the same way we're saved today. God says in His Word that He loves you, and sent His Son, Jesus, to die for everything you've ever done wrong. We have to believe what God says, trust Him by faith, and He will count us righteous.

So, are you going to believe it? You decide.
Believe= to put your full trust in or on something or someone

Reflection

John10:29 "What my Father has given me is greater than everything, and no one can snatch them away from the Father’s care." The Good News Bible (GNT)

This was the verse that stood out in my morning’s reading today. Jesus said this at the Festival of the Dedication of the Temple. He was walking on Solomon’s Porch. Well – what do you know about the "Festival of the Dedication of the Temple"? I would imagine that it was a gala event. It sounds as if people would have been bringing great gifts to such a Festival.

I’m reminded of how when new businesses open, even churches; some people send gifts to the business – beautiful plants, vases full of unique flowers, gorgeous plaques. There is often an ‘open house’ and the finest fruits and cakes, teas and coffees and other hors devours are served to the guests. Beautiful music, perhaps a stringed quartet or a beautiful piano are playing in the background, people dress up for the event.

And Solomon was a prominent, well-known man. Well – Here is Jesus attending the event. And he is questioned while on the Porch by other people in attendance. They ask him to tell them the plain truth about who he is – and he had already done that before the Festival began. So he said – I told you I’m the Good Shepherd – but you didn’t believe me – and then he said: "What my Father has given me is greater than everything, and no one can snatch them away from the Father’s care."

No one was bringing gifts to Jesus – but maybe this crowd wanted to know if he was the Messiah because if he was – they were going to give him gifts – because that’s what people do for people who are considered Saviors – that’s what Messiah is – Our Savior. We have no clue if the people had brought gifts – but what we do know is Jesus is perhaps a little miffed – not because Solomon is getting gifts – but because these people would give him gifts if he was somebody special. But there is absolutely no gift we can give him because he isn’t in need of anything. And he might be miffed again because the people just don’t get the message –

People are more important than things – People are the gift that God has given Jesus – There are those who think that perhaps the Authority to judge, or the authority to forgive are what’s so great about Jesus. But what Jesus says is so great, greater than even the earth, the sky, the stars, the planets, the sun, greater than the beauty of a majestic forest or the most beautiful birds in a tropical jungle or whatever you cherish in God’s creation – what is greater than everything is you and me – people – that’s what God and Jesus value over everything else that God created. And absolutely nothing – nothing – nothing can snatch them away from the Father’s care!

Nothing will keep God from caring about people – unfortunately, sometimes we stop caring for even ourselves and for each other. But God Cares – God really cares for you and that is the message that Jesus wants you to hear. There is indeed, someone who cares, all the time. And He doesn’t want you to forget that – no matter where you are, or what you’ve done, whether you are rich or poor or middle class, if you are an A+ student or failed the class – if you are a boy or a girl, old or young, sick or healthy, God cares for you just the same. If you have a brand new Cadillac or broken down 15 yr. old beater – God cares for you just the same. If you work in an ivory tower or in a basement or not at all – God Cares For You, and no one, absolutely no one, not even the meanest person on earth can take that away from you, you will always have someone who cares!

Dear Lord, Thank you for your Living Word and for those whom you inspired to write them in a book for us to be forever reminded of your Constant Care and Love for Humanity. Give us ears so we may hear you and minds that we will understand, give us hearts to love ourselves and others as you love us. AMEN!

God's Love

And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them (Genesis 3:21).

Two attributes of God shine out in these verses; two attributes which form the backbone of the story of the Bible. First we see God's mercy. Mercy is when God doesn't give us what we deserve. To put it bluntly, Adam and Eve deserved physical death. Not only because they sinned, but as the original parents, all their children, and their children's children, etc., would be born sinful.

God in His mercy, however, spared their lives even though the spiritual connection they had with Him died. We also see God's grace in action here. Grace is when God gives us what we don't deserve.

Among other things, God gave Adam and Eve clothes of skin. The life of an innocent animal was taken to cover their nakedness and their sinfulness. In a strange way, we see God's mercy in allowing Adam and Eve to die (when they were old).

I don't want to be insensitive if you've lost loved ones--I have too, and it certainly didn't feel like mercy. But in this world full of selfish, sinful people, an unlimited life span would be too much.

Finally, God gave Adam and Eve children. Cain was born first and then his brother Abel. After Abel was killed Seth was born and then many others. Through the line of Seth, however, would someday come the one promised in Genesis 3:15, who would destroy the evil one. God's mercy and His grace are both evidences of His love for us. And since the beginning of the human race, He has been actively seeking a relationship with people including you. Will you respond?

Your Sins will be Found out...

SIN-FORGIVENESS-UNFORGIVENESS

Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?" And the LORD said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground." (Genesis 4:8-10)

This has got to be one of the most tragic stories in the Bible. The third person on the earth murders his own brother--the fourth person and the first to die (ABEL).

After Cain murdered his brother, he tried to cover it up. When God asked him directly about his brother's whereabouts, Cain wouldn't come clean. But God knew exactly what happened. But when Cain was presented with the opportunity to confess his sin, he tried to hide it.

Cain possibly could have kept his dirty little secret from his parents. Maybe covering his tracks by pretending an animal killed his brother. But even if he'd hid the truth from his parents, God knew. God always knows. No matter how hard we try to keep our "skeletons" in the closet, we can't hide them from God. And our sin always has consequences, just like Cain's.

We can't keep anything hidden from God. So, when we mess up, even if it's really bad, we need to confess it to God. He already knows what we did, so it's best to be honest and come clean immediately. For Christ-followers, God gives us a very comforting promise: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

Repent means to turn away from, turn away from your sins...

Being a kid again...

Today I had so much fun! I felt like I was a little kid again... The weather is SO beautiful out so I took the 4 wheeler out for a ride. I took the girls for a ride one at a time; they loved it.

I remember last week being a crabby butt about all the nasty mud, and the just icky ground. It was driving me crazy, and the mess, thats a different story.

Well today is a whole different story in itself...
When I took Talor for her 4 wheeler ride, I got to go a little faster than I got to with the two younger girls. So we kicked it into gear and flew! We came across a HUGE mud puddle, I asked Talor, " Should we go through the mud?" Talor replied, " YEAH! Lets do it!" So we did, we were wet and muddy from head to toe. We continued to ride through every mud puddle we saw, we were dodging into them like we were little pigs! We came back up to the house to meet the rest of the family, My husband shaking his head and laughing, he couldnt believe his eyes. We were so muddy, hardly recognizable. When I say we were muddy, I mean we were muddy. The only thing that was clean on Talor was the top of her head when she took her helmet off, LOL. As for me, I took of my bandana, and even my hair under it was wet w/ mud.

Thinking about it now, I giggle, because I hadnt let loose like that in a loooooooooong time, LOL. As we were riding along, I felt no worries, no insecurities, no thoughts entered my head aside from the laughing and "Woo Hoos". It was a blast! It so nice to let everything go once in a while, I feel refreshed, almost new.

It was nice to take a shower and get all the mud and muck off of me. I couldnt believe how the mud was in places that werent even exposed, like under my shirt ect...LOL

Anyway God is good, and I thank Him today for the mud and muck that came from the melted snow, that I was nagging about a week ago. I felt so free and its all because of Him. It always seems to go back to God... There wouldnt be any mud, if He didnt create it, I know weather change does it, but there wouldnt be the weather change if it wasnt for Him.... Its so good to feel Him and appreciate His work, ALL of His work... Thank you Lord for ALL of your creation!

Blessings...

I am just so greatful for my children. God has blessed me with two wonderful, spunky, bundles of joy. Me, my two daughters and some friends decided to take a mini-vacation this week up to the Dells. We went to a resort, spent the night and enjoyed the water park. The water park wasnt the biggest, the room wasnt even the greatest. But we had a blast! Its funny how you can just be with the ones you love and have an awesome time. We splashed in the water, went down the water slide, swimmed in the pool, sat in the hot tub, and even skinned our knees and elbows, but we still had a blast! Just watching my babies splash around and enjoy themselves with no worries at all. My dare-devil daughter was the scaredy cat, and my usually scaredy cat was the dare-devil. Maysin was plunging down the slide like she had been doing it for years, Mykenza on the other hand wouldnt go down by herself, but... Mommy tricked her ONCE. She wasnt the happiest, but she got through it. LOL.

I found myself several times just sitting back watching my two blessings run around and splash in the water, climb the castle, and slide the slide. Thanking God for the beautiful two children he has given me, I am so greatful for them, and at one point had tears in my eyes thinking about how God gave me these two wonderful girls, they came from Him and Him only. Yeah my husband and I concieved them both, but never would have if God didnt have His hand in it...I look at all of lifes perks with a totally different outlook now; now that I have God in my life and in my heart. I have always cherished my girls, but in the last year I have appreciated them so much more. I guess when you turn your life over to God you do appreciate things more, and very differently. Atleast I do, and more and more lately I have been really noticing how I really do appreciate everything God has given me. Even if its not exactly what I want, or wanted, or even expected, He gives me what He wants me to have, there is a reason behind everything.

Sometimes we dont always understand His plan, but its His plan, and we have to accept it. Appreciate all things, its Gods perfect plan, good and bad, happy and sad, expected and more so unexpected, all things happen in His time frame and all we can do is sit back and wait to see what happens next... I love you Lord for loving me, and above all I love that you have a plan for my life, even if I dont agree with everything, and would like things to sometimes happen on my time, I do appreciate that it is your plan and things will happen in due time, and when you want them to. Thank you for my two wonderful blessings, Maysin and Mykenza, and Thank you for giving me my husband, he is perfect for me because he came from you, and soon we will have a marraige w/ you being the center of attention, you have planned it for us, so I wait patiently. I know he will give his life to you, I know it in my heart. Thank you and I love you Father. Amen.

The wonder of Gods forgiveness

Lord, tell me your ways. Show me how to live. Guide me in your truth, and teach me, my God, my Savior. I trust you all day long. Lord, remember your mercy and love that you have shown since long ago. Do not remember the sins and wrong things I did when I was young. But remember to love me always because you are good, Lord. Psalm 25:4-7


Scripture is realistic in its treatment of sin, whether in the believer or unbeliever. It recognizes that sin is a continuing problem, even for the believer. We are not forever done with sin when we are converted, because we never get beyond the reach of temptation. True, we have experienced the joy of forgiveness. We revel in the assurance that our guilt has been removed, but we are nowhere promised exemption from the lure of temptation or the possibility of sinning...

Then how is it possible for a god who hates sin and requires purity to continue having dealings with a sin-prone believer, to say nothing of permitting a deepening intimacy? The answer is that in the death of His Son, provision is made for a cleansing so deep, so radical, so continuous that a believer can walk with God in unbroken communion and deepening fellowship. Our problem is that we want to test God rather than trust in Him. We want to experiment with him rather than rely on him. We're like the boy who tests the doubtful ice, rather than skating confidently where God is leading him. What is our Faith worth if we dont trust completely? It is perfectly natural to trust in our own understandings, to rely on our own strengths, gifts, or talents ( and indeed some modern prophets tell us to do so!) But it is the walk of Faith, to trust his teaching and direction. Give him first place and let him have precedence. This is the "secret" of safe guidance and peaceful progression. Simple dependence upon Him, committing our all to Him, Obeying Him implicitly... This is how to acknowledge Him... In all our ways.

Sending a message...

When I look at certain my space pages I begin to question: Why don't Christians incorporate God into their my space pages? After all, isn't he the center of their lives? Do the number of my space friends make a person more popular? Do people actually still care about that stuff? Who cares! Who cares about any of this stuff? This life is extremely short. We have one reason to live and that is to let others know about Christ. When this short life is over we will spend an eternity outside of this world which will no longer exist. So these questions I ask of anyone who reads this: Do you choose life or death? Do you choose Christ or he who hates Christ? Put your own desires aside and begin to realize just how small we are to so many others but how big we are to Him who created us. We are important to Him and He should be important to us as well. He does not leave us. Please do not grieve him. Somewhere along the line I became disinterested in what the world loves. I started seeing life as a means to an eternity. I began liking mountains to buildings and rivers to pools. I started discovering more of the beauty that God has given to us for our enjoyment and for His Glory during our short time on earth. I started to appreciate my family more and realized that they will always stick by me and I them( For the most Part). I started to realize that I would rather have no friends than a lot of bad ones. I started to realize that I would rather sit home with my husband on a Saturday night than spend my time with people that just don't get it. Finally, I would rather be the most secluded individual and spend eternity with the Lord than live a life of fame and fortune and miss out. This world will surely pass away but the Kingdom shall remain forever and ever. Amen?

Still snowed in...

We are still snowed in, and our plans to build a snowman have been delayed. Mykenza has had a high fever since lastnight. So...I guess I am going to be forced to clean my house, LOL. Its weird how much you depend on the "outside" so much... I really have nowhere to go, because my work is closed, but since I cant go anywhere , I want to. oh well, atleat my house will get clean, and I get to spend time w/ the kiddos.

Snow, Snow, and more Snow...

What is w/ this weather? One day its getting warmer, and this snow is leaving us. And BAMB we get hit w/ a blizzard!!! It feels like its never going to end. I cant get out of my driveway, and noone can get in my driveway. My husband went out to plow it, and the 4 wheeler got stuck!!! So as we are prisoners in our own home, my daughters and I have been playing games, cooking up a storm, and watching more snow fall out of the sky... Needless to say, today is my birthday! Its ok though, I hadnt planned on going anywhere anyways, except to pick up a friend, but mother nature has spoiled those plans for a bit... My kids are excited to go out and play in this beautiful snow, we are going to tomorrow, we will be building our FIRST snowman. Maysin is almost 4 yrs old, and Mykenza is almost 3 yrs old, and we have NEVER built a snowman. Every year we have gotten snow, its either not good packing snow or its to cold out... So we are praying for a decent temperature tomorrow so we can follow through w/ our plans. My husband is back at it again trying to get the snow plowed, did I mention that my van is stuck in the middle of the driveway, I made it half way up and had to pound through the 2 ft of snow I fell 100 times, it was funny and nerve racking at the same time, but I got in the house safe, soaked too I might add. LOL. I feel bad for Jarrod, he is so frustrated, and I would imagine very cold. So I am going to make him a BIG dinner, and I have a cake in the oven, and maybe a nice cup of hot chocolate.* He needs Jesus by the way, so everyone reading this please keep him in your prayers. The Lord has touched his heart a little bit, but he doenst know Him yet, so... Im like a dripping faucet, always asking people to pray for Jarrod, LOL...But anyways, God Bless everyone and stay warm... Chow for now...

HIT SAVE!!!!

I am soooooooooo mad at myself right now. I have been on this dang computer for the last hour blogging, guess what I forgot to do? HIT THE SAVE BUTTON before I hit the edit button! Lost the whole post... imagine that.AAAAHHHHAAAAAHHHH!!!!

Princess on ice show

We went to chicago last weekend to take the girls to see the Princess on ice show. Its was AWESOME!!!! I dont know who enjoyed it better me or the girls... They had every Disney princess there, aswell as a dragon w/ real fire coming out of his mouth, and carriage w/ fireworks coming off of it. It was a great time. My mom and stepdad took us, they spoiled the girls to no end, with popcorn, cotton candy, pop, 2 different toys, that I might add were way to expensive! But we all had a great time, not only was it fun to see the show, but it is always good to see family. We had some car trouble, but I am not going into that because I dont want to spoil the story...

Humbled...

Today I had something happen to me that some of you may think I am overreacting, but I take it as a wake up call. I was pumping gas and was cold so I got back into my van, gas was done pumping, I got out and grabbed the pump and was shocked by static electricity. FREAKED ME OUT!!! Not only was I freaked out because I couldve just lost my life, but after I started to think about it, I was very convicted and humbled. I began to think and think some more, tried to talk to an acquaintance about it , but she doesnt believe in me, she just looks at me as a baby believer, so... Nothing got accomplished there, I just got more upset. I got to talk to my Best Friend/Brother about it and as always he helps me through things like this, talked briefly w/ another friend and she seems to think I am to hard on myself, that I am "so awesome". I disagree.

I dont think I am hard enough on myself, I need to raise the bars a little, I feel and have felt for some time now that God is calling me to be more like Him, have a heart more like His, an attitude more like His, be more of a role model to others. Bottom line is that I am NOT ready to go before Him, I am scared of what He would say, think, and do. My goal is to be seated at His right hand, be favored by Him. Today if i had blown up, I really dont think He would have the attitude I want Him to have w/ me.

Yeah it scared me too because I thought of my girls not having me, and that hurts me because my husband isn't saved and who would raise them to follow Christ? Not anyone in my family, they wouldn't even know the church family anymore.
I really do believe that today was a wake up call from God. I need to be more aware of my surroundings, my attitude, above all not allowing my life to be a stage, it HAS to be an altar. I can't allow my old ways to be present in my life anymore. I have to step up and step out of the bad behaviors that surround me, not allow people to act in an ungodly manner around me anymore, if I allow it to go on, I am just as bad as they are.Be careful of what your eyes see, and be careful of what your ears hear. Junk goes in, Junk comes out.

I just pray for the Lord to open my eyes to what He wants me to do, who He wants me to be, and most of all, to just help me, and to make me the Godliest of all Godly women. I want people to look at me and say " WOW, she is a Godly woman, she Loves the Lord like no other!" People know I have changed and recognize the Godliness I now hold in my heart, but so many still see the old me, and I just cant have that anymore, like I said before I have to raise the bars a little, and really make sure people see God when they look at me...

Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2Corinthians 12:9

Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your gonna get...

I am surrounded by people, a lot of lost people. People that may think they are walking w/ the Lord, but... I do not know for sure if these people are saved or not, but by looking at their lives and the way they are living, sends me different messages. Anywhere from poppin pills to getting drunk, to using foul language. What do I do? well... I am the type of person whom speaks her mind, most of the time no sugar coating. Yet still I attract these kinds of people. My Pastor says it the tattoos. Im covered. I do agree. Although I have changed, the Lord has changed me, I am His child, yet people still think I walk w/ Satan. Yes I used to party, get drunk, and even dabbled in some drugs, but anyone can change if they allow Christ in. I am at a loss as what to do w/ two paticular people in my life. I have gone through scripture, prayed, and still I am at a loss. The thing that really bugs me is how these people call themselves christians, and yet still do drugs. Just dont get it...I get mad, sad, and even sometimes encouraged. I see it as God has put these people in my life to help them, and to make me a more disciplined person. I have to be my best at all times, because even when I dont think anybody is looking, God is, and He is the only one that I need to live for, its not about me anymore. I have to be a roll model. I am coming up on my 1yr b-day as a christian, I strive to be a Godly Godly woman, I feel one day that people will look at me as one too, atleast I hope. I feel bad that people think so low of me, that I would either get them drugs, do drugs w/ them, or sell them my pain pills. I just wonder what God is doing, and why. I know its not my plan its His, I just get down on myself from time to time, it really bothers me. Stay on track, keep focused, stay in His word, dont slack, dont slip, just keep on pushin, keep on prayin...