Who is Jesus to you?

“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.” Colossians 1:15

Is He the Son of God, the Son of Man, the Bread of Life, the exact representation of God? Is He the way, truth and life?

I hope you answered yes to all of the above, because Jesus is all of those. 

He also is the visible image of the invisible God-Colossians 1:15

Knowing Him is to know God. In Christ, God revealed Himself. In Christ, God made Himself in human form to be touched, seen, felt and heard. 

Jesus is God Himself, and when He added human flesh, He did it with purpose. He came right here to this tiny speck we call earth, to meet us where we are, and to show us Himself and our need for Him, all while providing a way through His death.

In Christ, God did not demand or cling to His rights as God. (Philippians 2:6) Rather He humbled Himself in the lowest manner possible. He lived as we lived, felt as we feel, laughed as we laugh, hurt as we hurt, and cried as we cry. He overcame temptation and showed us how to do the same. He made Himself available to us, He served, and did all that His Father asked Him to do.

It is through Christ we know God. It is through Christ we will one day live with God. It is through Christ we are made right with God.

“Anyone who has seen me has seen my Father.” John 14:9

How well do you know God?

For no other reason

"My heart has heard you say, 'Come and talk with me.' And my heart responds, 'LORD, I am coming." Psalm 27:8

No agenda. No because "We have to." No crisis. Not even because we need to prepare a lesson. Doing it for no other reason than because of the purest desire to be near Him, hear Him, and know Him.

Doing it, because in those moments with Him, you realize how much He did for you. How much He loves you, wants you, and desires you.

You do it because you realize in those "For no reason" moments true worship, true friendship, true intimacy, and every other need is found.

When you sit with Jesus, bask in His Word, and visit, for no reason other than your love and desire for Him, you realize the true meaning of love, in the purest form.

Have you experienced it? What is your reason?

Jesus it is my desire that all people experience the purest, sweetest, most intimate love that You offer. Give them a taste of You and Your love today. May it leave them with a desire to seek You for no other reason than because of the purest love that is found in You. Amen

Do you find it hard to follow Christ? Read the Scriptures before you answer

Many people find it hard to follow Jesus. I mean, giving up yourself, is not exactly the most popular or desired thing to do. It still isn't! But Jesus requires complete fellowship and complete devotion. We see many times throughout Scripture Jesus telling his disciples following Me requires less of you, less of your wants, and a whole lot of Me.

"Then he said to the crowd, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life." Luke 9:23-24

"He said to another person, 'Come, be my disciple.' The man agreed, but he said, 'Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.' Jesus replied, ' Let those who are spiritually dead care for their own dead. Your duty is to go and preach the coming of the Kingdom of God.' Another said, 'Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.' But Jesus told him, 'Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.' Luke 9:59-62

"You must love the Lord your God, with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' Luke 10:27

"If you want to be my follower you must love me more than your own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters-yes, more than your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And you cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me." Luke 14:26-27

"But don't begin until you count the cost-So no one can become my disciple without giving up everything for me." Luke 14:28; 33

"The man replied, 'I've obeyed all these commandments since I was a child.' 'There is still one thing you lack,' Jesus said. ‘Sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' But when the man heard this, he became sad because he was very rich.' Luke 18:21-23

We can have good intentions in following Christ, but our intentions must be followed by selfless actions that are totally sold out for Christ. 

What are some things Jesus is calling you to give up or leave behind? Maybe you can see yourself in one of these verses and you know what Jesus is asking of you. How will you respond?

Jesus I want to give You every part of me. I know the cost, I know the importance of carrying my cross. I also know I have and will fail You. I know there will be times I allow things to come in between You and me, so I am asking You to help me. Squeeze me so tight that there is no way anything can get in between us and our relationship. Amen

Altar Sunday

“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.” Proverbs 17:9 NLT


When you approach the altar, be sure your not dwelling on the fault of someone who hurt you. Instead let the Cross remind you of the love and forgiveness Christ had for you.

May that be what leads you to the altar today.

Make Jesus Your Habit

"Everyone sees it. God's work is the talk of the town. Be glad, good people! Fly to God! Good-hearted people, make praise your habit." Psalm 64:9-10

When is the last time you went somewhere other than church and heard God being talked about? When is the last time you went to work and made God the topic of conversation?

It's not common anymore, talking about Jesus. It's actually becoming rare. But that can change, and you and I can make it change. We can make Him become the talk of the town, by talking more about Him. We can make praise become a habit by praising Him everyday.

How do we make Jesus our habit? The same way we have made eating, sleeping, and drinking a habit by doing it over and over and all throughout the day.

He's worth it!

Jesus there is nothing else more important than You. May You become the most talked about in our day than anything else. Amen

A Sign of His Love

"To learn you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction." Proverbs 12:1

When is the last time you desired to be taught? When is the last time the Lord disciplined you?

Well I can say if you have read your Bible lately than you have probably been disciplined, at least I hope so, because that means you desire to learn God's Word. I can say, until this life is through, we will always need to be studying and learning God's Word, and from that, there will always be correction, training, and discipline.

So let's find joy brethren when our Heavenly Father disciplines us. For we know, in His discipline, there is love and growth, plus our relationship with Christ is strengthened.

"My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when he corrects you. for the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes those he accepts as his children. As you endure this divine discipline, remember that  God is treating you as his own children...For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always right and good for us because it means we will share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained this way." Hebrews 12:5-7;10-11


Don't put off reading God's Word because you don't like the conviction or discipline. Let His discipline open your eyes to His amazing grace.

Jesus help us take a new grip with our tired hands and stand firm on our shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for our feet. May we desire to grow and learn from You more and more, thus becoming more like You everyday. Amen

Time to Strip the Weight

"Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish." Hebrews 12:1-2


Sometimes, okay most of the time, God's Word speaks for itself. It does not need to be broken down, or explained in any more detail than it already is. All that is needed is for us to store it, digest it, and then let the Holy Spirit work within us.


Jesus make this verse come alive within me. I have grown weary in running, and I know it is because of the added weight I have taken on. Forgive me for weighing myself down with sin and things of this world. Reveal to me all that needs to be stripped so I can remove it and continue to run the race. Amen

The Word

"Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105

God's Word speaks. It speaks clearly, profoundly, lovingly, and with conviction. The Lord left nothing un-turned. He made sure to cover every area that pertains to Him and to us.

He knew that when we found Him, His Word would be our source and bread of life. 

Unfortunately, many try to live on everything other than His Word, even the saved.  

I don’t know or even understand why God’s Word is not the number one read book, nor do I know or understand why it is not our go to guide.

The Lord answers every question we would ever have. He addresses every issue. From who He is, to the beginning of creation to the end of time; from parenting, to diet, to our profession, to marriage, to health, how to live, to friendships, to death, to life, in trials, temptations, and clear to every how-to.

The laws were founded on God’s Word. Who we are is found in God’s Word. Any and everything we could ever imagine or ask is found in God’s Word.

But in order for us to know all of these things, we have to open our guide to life and feast on our daily bread-God's Word.

Let's stop looking to man for the answers and start looking to the One who knows all the answers, Jesus.

Jesus thank You for Your Word. Thank You that it is our source and bread of life. May we feast on it more. May we use it everyday as our go to guide. Forgive us for taking it for granted. Amen

So

"For God so loved the world." John 3:16

I place them each on their side of the bed and then lean down to kiss each one, when he whispers, "I love you so much mommy." It startles me. These words are frequent, valuable, and random. They are never wasted always treasured. There is something about the way he says them, always using the word so. It's as though without, so, it doesn't mean as much. And he some how knows that.

So did the Lord. He expressed that in John 3:16 "For God SO loved the world."

He so loved the world. He so loves you and me. There is power behind the word so, I learned that tonight, through two people I love SO much.

Jesus thank You for showing me that every word has great meaning. Thank You for teaching me through Dax and Your Word. Amen

She can no longer have control

“Our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also share his new life.” Romans 6:6-8

It's this uncomfortable process I have been going through as I prepare for this Women's Conference. It's the deafening realization of how much Miss "Me" controls me.

He shows me how much I listen to her, give into her. She is so much a part of me; I haven't realized how much control she has had over me. 

"Who do you think you are? What do you have to offer? Why are you trying to be someone you are not? This house is always a mess; he needs to help out more.  You need a break. Spend more time for you. It's okay to be lazy. You need some new clothes, go shopping, save later. You disappoint him. You will never be good enough. Don’t feel bad for yelling. He needs to do what you want. Can you believe she acts like that? It’s not gossip, you are just concerned. Watch T.V. it’s okay, a few hours never hurt anyone.”

These are things she speaks to me, lies, dissension, self-serving, judgment, and gossip. These are things His Word reveals to me, deep in my heart; His light penetrates the dark areas of her living space. She seems to have a bigger living space than I realized.

These realities, they break me, and make her uncomfortable. His Word causes a separation between us, one that demands her to be crucified.

He speaks, “To follow me, you must die to her, to self. Believe My truth, My words. She is the old you, you have been made new in Me.”

How do I Father, how do I overcome her? How do I overcome the one who has been around for so long?

“Let me expose her to My Light. I will remove her from her living space and take up residency. Believe in My truths, listen to My Words. Let me separate you from her.”

Oh Father that it would be so easy, so easy to die to her, and then to share with others how to die to their Miss “ME’s”

 “Every day you will have to die to her.  Every day, you will have to fill your spaces with My Word. Every day! I have set you free from her control.”

Do I want to die to her, to the feelings she lives by, and the distractions she uses to ignore the truth. Have I become so familiar with her that without her I am not sure who I am?

Is living in Him enough? Do I believe His truth’s and love for me? Is it possible to live off what His Word says, and not off my feelings?

YES! I can overcome this former way of life. I can overcome Miss “Me” by claiming His truth and promises for me. I can die to her every day, until she is no longer a part of me.

Jesus remove all areas of living space Miss “Me” has taken up. Expose her for who she really is. Help me to have the strength to overcome her on a daily basis. Keep me from believing her lies and giving into her feelings. Amen

Altar Sunday

Jesus as I approach the altar this morning, quiet my heart from all distractions and noise, so I can focus completely on You. I want my heart to be prepared for all You have for me to learn today. So I come asking for You to empty me of the world, and fill me with Your Word. In Jesus name, amen

The Sweetest Sound

“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways, he does great things beyond our understanding.” Job 37:5

Could it be that He speaks to us today through the thunder. As the loudness of its power woke me from sleep this morning, my mind did not just drift back to sleep, it awoke, wondering if maybe, He was speaking.

This thunder, it was heard by the Israelites on Mount Sinai. It has an awesome display of authority, power, and attention. No one can ignore it. 

I have desired to hear His voice, audibly, like those in the Bible did. At times He spoke with power and authority, at other times He spoke with a gentle whisper. Though I desire the gentle whisper, I know I give Him no other choice but to raise His voice at my crazy disobedience.

There are times I miss hearing God speak to me today, particularly because I am either expecting Him to speak in the way I want Him to, or because I fail to be still and listen. 

Either way, I know God speaks. He speaks to me through His Word and through the Holy Spirit living within me. I also know that one day I will hear His voice audibly, and I long for that day when my ears hear my Father's voice. What a sweet sound it will be.

Have you heard God speak to you lately?

Jesus thank You for speaking to us today through Your Word and the Holy Spirit. Open our ears and our hearts to hear from You as we study Your Word. Amen

Right Now!

"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, 'Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you." Proverbs 3:27

The giving of what is good requires self to be put aside. It requires taking less and loving more. 

The giving of what is good is often a right now giving, rather than a withholding for a better time.

This withholding of good can be detrimental to those whom are lost.

What is this good that should be given? Isn’t it the only thing in this world that is good-Jesus Christ?

To withhold Him from others is like Him withholding breath from you and me. It can be deadly.

To withhold this good for a better time, place or day, is to say that they will be available. Neither you nor I know if they will come to be. So to withhold the sharing of the Good News from them, for a better time, is to assume tomorrow, or the right time will come to be, thus robbing them of the gift of Salvation that is today.

For the Lord says, “Indeed, God is ready to help you right now. Today is the day of Salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2

Today is the day, right now is the time that we should offer and give good to those who need it. Today, you and I, who are filled with Christ, have the power to help, share, and offer His good.

Will you offer Him, who is good to someone who needs it today? Though not one of us deserve anything, He who loves us gave us His good, His best, His Son. He alone is deserving of all that is good, and that which is good is His Son Jesus.

You Jesus alone are good and You are worthy and deserving of all the good our mortal bodies can give. May we offer more and more of You to all who need it, now. Amen

May I

I didn't quite realize what I would be getting myself into, but the Lord did. He knew what impact would be made on my heart. He knew the minute I laid my eyes on the first picture, that my heart would break. He knew the questions that would arise in my boys as they looked with me. 

"What's wrong with them mommy? Why do they look like that?" 

"They are starving and sick." I replied "Why can't they have something to eat?" Avery asked

"Because they don't have any food." I replied

At this point, this lesson I wanted to teach, this lesson that we're blessed, we're taken care of, left me in tears this morning. I tried to show my boys that we should be giving more, doing more, complaining less, throwing away less, taking less. We should be in a state of thankfulness, humility, and contentment. 

Yes, Dax it is hard to change what you have eaten. It is frustrating to stand in the kitchen and wonder what mommy can fix for you that will keep you feeling good. It is hard to watch you not eat. But you are not starving; you are not dying from starvation. You are blessed; you are fed and well taken care of. I want you to see that these babies above, created by the Lord, loved by the Lord, would crawl with what little strength they have to get a taste of what you have. And when you speak these words, "Mommy I will go get them and bring them to my house and share my candy."  to mommy's broken heart, I realize the biggest lesson was for me. To trust in Him. 

Could I offer you a bite to eat? Could I bring you, sweet little boy or girl that is hungry, into my home and feed you? Could I hold your sweet face and look at your frail body and say with the deepest part of love in me, that I am sorry? I am sorry for focusing only on myself and my family, that I failed to see you, out there in the world starving. I am sorry for thinking every penny should be used on what we want rather than on saving your life and showing you God's love. 

Could I stand in the kitchen and make something special for you, and then watch as you take the first bite. Might it be okay if I cry as I watch you? 

Could I offer you a second and third plate? 

I see you, sweet child, you who live in the same town as me. I see your mama's heart fill up, knowing that you will get at least one good meal when you go to school. But I see her heart break, her stomach empty as she dreads the coming of the weekend and wonders where she will find food, even a small portion to offer to you.

Might I bring you into my home and make you a warm meal and when you are finished send you and your family home with extra. Sweet woman, I see you as you sit and cradle your starving baby. I see the brokenness that pours out of you. Would it be okay if I sat with you? Would it be okay if I held your hand and the hand of your baby and spoke God's love into you?

Then might I tel you, I am sorry. I am sorry for assuming that the needs of my family and self were bigger than yours. When I know God meets our every need. I am sorry for not doing more, giving more, being present more. I am sorry Father for not doing for the least of Yours.

May this state of brokenness never escape from me, may it prompt me, move me, and encourage me and my family to do more, serve more, see the needs of you and others more.

Isn’t this my purpose? To do for You Lord, to serve those of Yours who need? Isn’t this why I have been blessed, so that I can pour out that blessing onto others? Oh Father that someone would offer help to my family if we were in need and starving. That one of Yours, who searches out those who need You, would offer Your Word to me, my family if we were lost.

May I be that one, that offers You to the lost. May I be that one that takes food to that starving and dying family. Show me where Lord. I trust in You.

Who gets it?

"The LORD your God is testing you to see if you love him with all your heart and soul. Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him." Deuteronomy 13:3--4

What part of you does the Lord get?

Does He get the best of you or the left overs?

At what part of your day are you the absolute best? Do you give that best part to the Lord, to yourself, your job, or someone or something else?

Do you save the best for yourself and then give God the other part? Cain did that. I have done that. The Israelites have done that. Have you?

Convicting? Yes! These are questions that need to be asked, they need to be addressed and answered. Answered honestly and sincerely.

God is a jealous God, "You must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god!" 

He wants and commands us to put Him first. "Do not worship and other gods besides me." Deuteronomy 5:7 “And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength."  Deuteronomy 6:5-6

Whatever we put first in our lives becomes our god. That is why these questions are so important. They will show us where Christ is. We should become mindful of these every day. We also need to examine ourselves everyday making sure we are putting God first. We need to evaluate our priorities and make sure God is first and is the motive behind all we do. We need to recognize and confess of any god we might have or are placing before Him. It is a daily process and choice.

Who will you choose? Who will get the first and best part of you?

Jesus forgive me for putting anyone or anything before You. Amen

When the imperfect love meets perfect love

It is an imperfect love made complete by His perfect love. This day is surrounded by the word love. To love and be loved, it is the desire of every heart, my heart, his heart, your heart. They all desire to be wrapped up in a perfect love. 

His love offered through His blood. That is when imperfect meets perfect and love is felt. Felt deep, deep in the vessels of a longing and needing heart. 

Shouldn't every day surround itself with the word love? Love offered, love given, to the imperfect, from the Perfect Holy God.

In this day and every day from here forth, might it be an offering of love, a giving of love, and a receiving of His love.

Might we allow His perfect love to intertwine with our imperfect love today?

“We know what real love is because Christ gave up his life for us. And so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters.” 1 John 3:16

How do we move from having self-centered priorities to Christ-like priorities?

“God said to Solomon. ‘Because your greatest desired is to help your people, and you did not ask for personal wealth and honor or the death of your enemies or even a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people, I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested.” 2 Chronicles 1:11-12

On what end of the spectrum would you say (honestly) your priorities were?

Self-Centered                           or                          Christ-like

More times than I would even care to share, I would have to say mine would be closer to self-centered. I might even put a line close to the middle, but it wouldn’t always be true.

So how do we move from having self-centered priorities to Christ-like priorities?

How do we rise first thing in the morning and give Him the first from our mouth, our heart, and our thoughts?

Does a mere mutter of, “Good morning, Lord” suffice? Isn’t the giving up of ourselves the first that should be given? Wouldn’t that move us closer to Christ-like priorities, the relinquishing of our wants and desires?

How much control do we allow the self to have over us? This giving into ourselves has corrupted our thoughts and our hearts. We spring from our beds, rushed, consumed with our lists of to-do’s, but where is He, where is His time?

This busyness it all ends and our self-centered priorities lead us away from Him.

It is possible, to have Christ-like priorities; priorities that revolve around Him, His will, His purpose, His timing, His plans, His day. But they all require the letting go of self and the putting on of His Word.

We do have time in the morning to utter more than a, “Good morning, Lord.” We are able to rise with the Sun and give Him the first of our day. In this hour there is less tainting from the World. Less demands being thrown upon us. In this hour the first and best can be given.

It is simply the choosing, the choosing to relinquish the self, its wants and desires. Isn’t that what Jesus did for us? He gave us the best of Himself. He left the place of Holiness. He left the place where perfection existed, and entered a world of imperfection and sinfulness.

He did not hold His best, His first, nor His blood, death, burial or resurrection from us. He showed us how, how to move from self-centered priorities to Christ-like priorities.

By the giving up of self! There is not a better giving than what Christ gave us. There is not a better giving or priority than the one that puts Him first at all times. It is possible, but it is choosing, your choosing and my choosing.

Accepting Christ is more than just ensuring the escape of Hell.  It is the dying of self and its wants and desires. It is choosing to center our lives around Him and not on the world or self. It is choosing to make His Word our guide, our source, our daily bread. That is what will move us closer to Christ-like priorities.

Jesus in this day may my priorities be those that are Christ-like. May they be all about You and others and not about what benefits me. Forgive me Jesus for failing to give You the first and best part of me. You deserve more than my leftovers. Amen

Altar Sunday

What does the Altar mean to you? Does it play a significant role in your life as a follower of Jesus Christ? Share your thought with me on what Altar means to you.

There are many religions that use altars, but for God's people it is more than just a place of sacrifice. The altar is a place where we can go and visit with the Lord. It is a place where most often we hear and encounter Jesus in a more personal way. 

Has your time at the altar changed you? How? Oh, I want to hear those testaments. I want to hear of how God spoke to you when you met Him at the altar. 

Why do we not go the altar more? Have we become so concerned with what others would say, that we stay in our pew? 

Why, why is the altar not full? 

I will admit there have been times I have gone to the altar and began laying my heart out before the Lord, but have felt rushed, hurried, as though the music was going to stop and I would be the only one left there. Please tell me you have felt the same way. 

I hate that feeling! I just cannot begin to tell you that this sinner, needs more than a couple of minutes at the altar with Jesus. 

Will there ever come a time when the altars are full, full of people desperate to hear from Jesus. Desperate to give Him praise? 

Jesus we need You, we are desperate for You. Show us just how important the altar is to You. In Jesus name amen

GOD WITH US

Sometimes God takes us down paths we don’t plan,

Often He brings us to hard places we don’t understand,

But He has always been there when we’ve just arrived,

So nothing we face ever takes Him by surprise.

Though storms will surely come, often more than our share,

God guides us through the waters with a father’s gentle care.

Trials and tribulations mark the straight and narrow path,

As we choose daily to follow Him not the way of eternal wrath.

Jesus, with great love and mercy, fully paid our debt for sin,

The Father robes with His Son’s righteousness all who believe in Him.

God knew before he created time and placed man with free will in it,

The hope of our salvation would only in the Lamb’s blood be writ.

He knew us before time, before creation, before the foundation of the universe.

He knows the joys and sorrow in the past, in the now and yet to be birthed,

But His faithfulness is assured, His love guaranteed, His promises very clear,

We need only be still, remember on the cross He conquered death, then never fear.

Alice Grimes

Copyright reserved

^{SWEET, SWEET JESUS}

Sweet, sweet Jesus, how I cherish Your Presence

And bask in Your radiance as I come in reverence

To bow at Your throne.

You are my Strength when mine is all gone.

You are my Friend when I’m all alone.

You are my Guide when the way is not clear.

You are my Peace, dispelling my fear.

Sweet, sweet Jesus, how I depend on Your faithfulness

And delight in Your robe of righteousness,

Exchanged for my rags.

You are my Comforter whenever I grieve,

You are my Truth when Satan would deceive.

You are the Source of all heavenly Wisdom,

You are the only Way into God’s Kingdom.

Sweet, sweet Jesus, how I cling to Your cross,

Knowing without it all would be lost,

All men forever undone.

Alice Grimes

Copyright reserved

Loved

“It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him.””…So the LORD God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep. He took one of Adam’s ribs and closed up the place from which he had taken it. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib and brought her to Adam. At last! Adam exclaimed. She is part of my own flesh and bone! She will be called woman, because she was taken out of a man. This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” Genesis 2:18, 21-23

Ten years ago I began a relationship with a dark haired, brown-eyed beauty! I really liked this man; he was sweet, funny, different, and driven. I loved those things about him. It didn't take long for me to realize that I was his missing rib. When God revealed that to me I melted. I knew he was it; he was the man I was going to spend the REST OF MY LIFE WITH! That made me giddy, excited, and joyful. 

I love this man; he loved me for exactly who I was. I didn't have to be someone I wasn't. I was accepted, adored, and soon loved by this man I knew I was to be with. I knew he would take care of me forever. I was his helper!

This man and I are now going on 10 years of being together and are about to celebrate 9 years of marriage. WOW! 

Though I have failed miserably as his helper, I love him, adore him, need him, desire him, and never want to go a day without him. He is my best friend, my biggest supporter, encourager, and he is my lover. 

I love him, I love him, I love him.

I want to be the best for him that he is for me!

I am so proud of who he has become over these last ten years. I cannot tell him or express to him how much he has transformed into a wonderful man of God. He is an incredible child of God, daddy, husband, son, brother, friend, and coach.

He has a heart bigger than Texas for kids and people. I love that the most about him! He is a servant, a hard worker, devoted, loyal, and a trustworthy man, who always lives to please God in all he says and does.

I am blessed. This man provides for us in more ways than I have ever expressed to him. I am thankful! 

Every time this man walks in the door, my heart leaps, I feel as though I can finally breathe, and am overwhelmed with joy when I see two little things scream his name and run into his arms. That never grows old! 

Nor will my love for you. It will never grow old. I am proud of YOU! I am proud of all you have accomplished! I am proud that you want every student to have the absolute best and that you settle for nothing less than that. (I think you get that from you mom) I am proud that you have always stood your ground for Jesus and have never wavered in doing what is right for Him.

I am thankful for what you have done for our family and for the lives of all these athletes and coaches. You have turned a program around in one year and it is because of your faithfulness to the Lord. Keep working by the Spirit! Keep listening to Him! No matter how many times Satan tries to knock you down, you just keep getting up and moving forward with your armor on. He can't succeed! He is already defeated!

You and I have both seen what happens when people try to accomplish things in their own human effort. Don't ever give into that. God is able to do more than any human could. God is able to turn something around that seems impossible. He is ABLE! No man is greater than God. No man doing things in their own human effort or in sin will succeed. 

I am thankful, that you always find where Jesus is, and you go there, and begin helping. Stick with Him and you will always succeed. Even if the suffering is hard and the effort seems in vain, if done in Jesus name, you will always come out stronger, successful, and even more blessed. 

Don't ever give into sin, or the corruptness of those around you. Stay strong in the Lord. Stay focused on His Word and the things of Heaven. 

I am proud of you. Blessed because of you! I am honored to be your helper. I am honored to pray for you. I am thankful to be loved by you. 

I am humbled to have been chosen by God to be your earthly wife. 

You are strong where I am weak and I will be strong where you are weak. I am better because of you, these students are better because of Jesus in you. This community is better because of Jesus in you. Keep shinning my sweet man. Don't ever let man cover the light of Jesus in you.

And remember if God can send Ezekiel into the Valley of Dry Bones and bring life into them. Jesus in you can bring life and healing to the things and places that are broken and dry too.

“The LORD took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the LORD to a valley filled with bones. He led me around among the old, dry bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground. Then he asked me, ‘Son of man, can these bones become living people again?’ O Sovereign LORD, I replied, you alone know the answer to that. Then he said to me, Speak to these bones and say, Dry bones, listen to the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Look! I am going to breathe into you and make you live again! I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.” Ezekiel 37:1-6

Jesus thank You for this man!  Protect him, cover him, be near to him, use him, and shine brightly through him. Amen

Sticking to Our Own Lanes

"Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to that path and stay safe. Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil." Proverbs 4:25

We recently had a pastor come in and speak while ours was out and there was something he said that really stuck with me.

He said, "God made a lane for each of us to run in. We need to make sure we are running in the lane He put us in and not try and get into someone else's lane."

Wow, how often do we try and step over, thinking, either their lane is better, or, that we can run and do better in their lane along with ours.

That is not our job. Our job is to stick to the lane God has placed us in. Because we all know there is a lot going on in our own lane.

Do you find yourself trying to jump in someone else's lane? Be careful, though it might look good from your lane, doesn't mean it is. You never know what all they went through in that lane to get to the point God has them now. Nor do you know if that lane has remained on the path towards God and heaven or if it detoured somewhere and really leads to sin and death.

Let Proverbs 4:25 keep you focused.

Jesus forgive me for thinking someone else's lane was better or that I could even straddle both mine and theirs. I want to focus on the lane You have placed me in and stay in it until I have finished the race. Keep my eyes focused on what is before me and keep me from getting distracted by someone else running in their lane. Amen

Lifestyle Change

“What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

One year ago, Dax had been put through tons of tests, placed on many different antibiotics, creams, etc. All hoping to cure whatever it was making him sick. One year ago we found out Dax had a cyst on his brain, could possibly have celiac disease, allergies, and had a rare mutation, which is still so rare no one knows anything about it. 

All of these things would require a lifestyle change on our part. Before Dax was sent to have a scope done, we endured two solid days of allergy testing, which all came back negative, to all of our surprise. In the meantime we were told to remove any and everything that contained gluten. This was HARD! We attempted to make this change, with little success, all to find out later his test came back negative-no celiac. That was a HUGE praise to God.

Now today, one year later, we find, that, after more blood work, more antibiotics, creams, and long nights of crying, itching, painful skin, and snotty noses. Dax has tested positive to Wheat, Milk, and Egg.

This has required a major lifestyle change. Do you know how much food contains those three ingredients? A TON!

But there is something different this time around. This lifestyle change seems more manageable than it did a year ago. Yes a lot of changes are being made in our home and at school. But these changes will be for his good and that makes it all worth it.

We feel more prepared this time around, more relieved to have an answer, and more equipped to do, what we need to, to help him.

As the Lord and I began cleaning out our pantry (and I cleaned out the pantry) the Lord revealed to me how similar all of this was to our spiritual lives.

When we become believers and followers of Jesus Christ, we can no longer continue living in the sin we were before, nor do we desire to. Just as I had to physically remove all the things that contained wheat, milk, and egg from our home, we have to remove the sins from our hearts. We have to confess and then go in a whole new direction-repent. But we must be ready for this change. And when we are ready and sincere in accepting Christ has our personal Lord and Savior, we are more prepared for all the changes that will take place. We are relieved to finally have the answer to overcoming sin, and we are more equipped to overcome temptation because of the power of the Holy Spirit placed within us. These are great changes! These changes bring healing and hope in a way only Christ within us can.

When we are crazy about serving and obeying Christ, we want Jesus to clean out our pantries (hearts). And when He does, our habits will begin to change, our friends will change, our attitudes will change, our thoughts will change and our behavior will change. And all of this will be for His glory and our good.

So today, our biggest prayer is for a lifestyle change to begin within all those lost and all those living in sin. Our second biggest prayer is that we will be able to maintain Dax’s weight, and that every one of those 4 pounds this sweet thing has finally gained over a two year period will be added to and not lost.

Jesus thank You for changing my life and the lifestyle I use to live. Thank You for the joy You have filled me with and the hope that is found in You. Jesus thank You for the answers we are finally beginning to receive on how to tend and care for Dax. Give us the discernment and guidance we need to make all the adjustments and changes necessary for him. Most of all please help Dax adapt and adjust well to this new way of eating. We praise You Jesus that we are able to manage this with a new way of eating, we are so, so thankful. We praise You and love You. In Your name Jesus. Amen

Altar Sunday

Today, as I enter the House of the Lord, I come to the altar and lay down the things in my heart that are displeasing to Him. Praying that once they are confessed and laid out before Him, my heart will be cleansed and my thoughts transformed.

For that is my deepest desire, to please, worship, and serve Him with a pure heart whose motives are the purest of purest, true and sincere.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

Where Hope is Found

"This is a true saying, and everyone should believe it: Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners-and I was the worst of them all. But that is why God had mercy on me, so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:15-16

This is the place where hope is found. Everlasting hope! Hope that brings comfort to the soul and reassurance of His amazing love.

May you find hope in Him today.

Jesus use us to offer this hope to all who are lost. Amen

Friday Update

1. A HUGE PRAISE-Dana Miller, my sweet girlfriend battling cancer found out in her last check-up that the cancer is shrinking. I still get overly excited and emotional when I share this news. I can't image the sweetness that filled their hearts hearing that news. Praise be to our Amazing Heavenly Healer-Jesus! Please keep praying for Dana and her precious family.

2. God has been blessing our giving fund in more ways than I ever imagined. Thank you to all of you who have prayerfully stepped in to take part in showing love to others.

3. Women Seeking God on Wednesday Nights has been wonderfully God-filled and the Word that God is speaking has been powerful, encouraging, and even transforming. Denise South has just begun our four week series on Purpose. And it ROCKS! We would love for you to come. It is at the Belle Jim on Wednesday's beginning at 5:30. We are also in prayer about a new night so please pray God will direct us in that area! 

4. Coming in March, March 30-31 we will be hosting a Women's Conference-Overcoming the "Me". It will be a great girl’s weekend, full of God's Word, fellowship, laughter, and worship. Please be in prayer about this as well. If you would like to attend please contact me or Sue Gee at thegees@joshua2415.org for more information. We hope you will prayerfully consider coming.

5. First Baptist Women's Ministry has begun Beth Moore's newest series on James. They meet every Monday night and Thursday mornings. It is never too late to attend. For more information you can contact Sue Gee at thegees@joshua2415.org.

6. Our Women Seeking God Ministry has started a Duffel Bag ministry that provides toiletries to families and students in need of them. So far the outpouring of supplies and giving has blown our socks off! THANK YOU! This will be an ongoing ministry so if you feel lead to be a part of this wonderfully ministry please contact Women Seeking God at womenseekingGod2012@gmail.com for more information.

I cannot tell you how amazing each of you have been. Thank you to the ladies that attend our Wednesday night Bible Study for opening your hearts and taking such a huge role in all of this. You will be blessed sweet girls.

7. Please continue to pray for the East Texas Pregnancy Help Center and all that God is doing in the lives of so many women. 

8. Please pray for all the upcoming events as well. You have no idea how much we appreciate your prayers.

"For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28 

Are you having an affair?

“Then I will heal you of your idolatry and faithlessness, and my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever!” Hosea 14:4

In the world today, it seems as though affairs happen daily. It's sad, it's devastating, and it can destroy a family. But today I want to talk about an affair that is often overlooked that can be even more destructive and devastating.

The affair we have on Christ.

When we said, "I do" and gave our life to Christ, we made a commitment to Him; to love and honor Him in sickness and in health. To be devoted to Him and only Him, and to love Him with ALL of our heart, mind, soul and strength, for eternity.

But here is where the affair comes in. 

Over time our fire and passion for Christ somehow begins to fade. We become more invested in our jobs, our hobbies, our to-do lists, even others. The things of the world begin to become more appealing than our relationship with Christ.

Until eventually Christ is pushed aside and we allow someone or something else to move in.

It’s hard to think that we cheat on Christ, but it’s even harder to admit that we are doing it.

Here are some ways we can check to see if we are having an affair.

Does someone or something get more of our attention than He does?

Does someone or something get more of our time than He does?

Does someone or something take precedence over our time spent in the Word?

Do we desire the world’s pleasure more than we do His?

Do we choose to sleep on Sunday’s rather than go and worship with Jesus?

Do our hobbies or activities take the place of Him?

Does Jesus get our leftovers?

Do we run to get the help and advice of close friends rather than to Christ?

Are our thoughts more consumed with the things of the world?

Do others find us talking more about ourselves than Christ?

Do others find us spending more time doing things that are destroying our relationship with Christ rather than strengthening it?

Sweet one, we are all so guilty of cheating on Christ. We are even guilty of being naïve to the fact that we are doing it, and doing it to much.

Many of us could describe our love life with Christ like Revelation 2:5 "Look how far you have fallen from your first love!"

We have fallen away from Him, our first real love, and we have fallen in love with the things of the world. As much as I don’t want to say it we are similar to Israel in the book of Hosea.

But there is good news! Our marriage and relationship with Christ can be rejuvenated, restored, and it can flourish and grow, if we choose for it to do so. Christ will make sure of it.

How? By destroying the idols, removing the things that have taken His place, and by confessing that we have sinned and cheated on Him.

“Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for your sins have brought you down. Bring your petitions, and return to the Lord. Say to him, ‘Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer you the sacrifice of praise.” Hosea 14:1-2