Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! I'm at work today, but hope everyone celebrates love that comes from the Creator of Love- GOD! I'm not a huge Valentine's Day fan- I personally think it's over done- too much red and pink. LOL. But some people love it! I do try to look at it from a different angle now. Last year, my dear friend and now future-sister-in-law-to-be, Bridgett (http://hoosierstamper.blogspot.com) shared a wonderful message for me to put in a church newsletter for Valentine's Day.
JOHN 3:16
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM, SHALL NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.

What the perfect Valentine! The true meaning is just that- God loved us enough to send us His ONLY SON- so that we may each someday live for eternity with Him. I don't see how an atheist could celebrate Valentine's Day- considering love- true, pure, unconditional, uncompromising, glorifying love comes from GOD.
I hope everyone has a wonderful day, as we celebrate the love that we have in Jesus that can never be separated from us- SEE ROMANS CHAPTER 8. :)
GOD IS LOVE!

This week has been eventful. My parents left for their trip Saturday evening, and the 4 siblings have been in my care since. It has been fun and eventful! I've enjoyed being off work this long, that's for sure. Makes me miss being at home like I used to. I love my job, but love being at home too. Since they've left, we've been in our usual routine of things. We went out to dinner last night and have watched some movies. It was really warm out yesterday, so everyone was outside most of the day. Today, it was been raining and cooler, so it has been schoolwork for most of the day.
I'm still doing my 40 day challenge and am loving it. Day 7 really spoke to me and taught me a lot- today I am on day 9, but wanted to share day 7 with you.

THE REASON FOR EVERYTHING

POINT TO PONDER: IT'S ALL FOR HIM

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: HOW IN MY DAILY ROUTINE COULD I BECOME MORE AWARE OF GOD'S GLORY AROUND ME?

POWER/MEMORY VERSE: FOR EVERYTHING COMES FROM GOD ALONE. EVERYTHING LIVES BY HIS POWER AND EVERYTHING IS FOR HIS GLORY. ROMANS 11:36 LB

The ultimate goal of the universe is to show the glory of God. It is the reason for everything that exists, including you. God made it ALL for His glory. Living for God's glory is the greatest achievement you can accomplish with your life. God says, "They are My own people, and I created them to bring Me glory" Isaiah 43:7 TEV, so it ought to be the supreme goal of our lives. Jesus honored God by fulfilling His purpose on earth. We bring glory to God the same way. There are many ways to bring glory to God but they can be summarized in God's five purposes for your life.

We bring God glory by worshiping Him.

We bring God glory by loving other believers.

We bring God glory by becoming like Christ.

We bring God glory by serving others with our gifts.

We bring God glory by telling others about Him.

There are three secrets about the glory of God that most people miss.

First,

when you trust Christ with your life, God puts His glory in YOU!

The second secret is,

that the more you focus on living for God's glory, the more you will be filled with joy!

The third secret is,

that if you've committed your life to Jesus, one day you're going to share in God's glory!

God repeatedly promises that if we live for His glory on earth, we'll share His glory for eternity!

Will you live for your own goals, comfort, and pleasure, or will you live the rest of your life for God's glory, knowing that He's promised eternal rewards? You may hesitate, wondering if you'll have enough strength to live for God. Don't worry. Jesus will give you everything you need to live for Him if you'll just make the choice to do it.

"Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One Who invited us to God."

2 Peter 1:3 MSG

Wonderful God, it is my deepest desire to bring You glory. Help me to see Your glory all around me today. Nothing would exist without You. It's all for Your glory!

Day 2- You're not an accident

I'm still doing the 40 day challenge! I'm at day 5. LOL. Day 2 was - YOU'RE NOT AN ACCIDENT. This was a chapter I think a lot of people should read. A lot of people get down in the dumps wondering why they're even here, what their purpose is and if they shouldn't be here. This chapter was amazing- telling how God knew the exact time we'd be born and die, down to our eye color- He took the time to make us- just the way He wante us! Wow! What an awesome God! He could have just made us all the same (funny- how most people try to look like everyone else?!) , but no, He took time with each of us and made us in His perfect way.

DAY 2- YOU'RE NOT AN ACCIDENT.

POINT TO PONDER: I AM NOT AN ACCIDENT.

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: KNOWING THAT GOD CREATED ME FOR A PURPOSE, WHAT AREAS OF MY PERSONALITY, BACKGROUND AND APPEARANCE DO I NEE TO ACCEPT?

Long before you were conceived by your parents you were conceived in the MIND OF GOD. It is not fate, nor chance, nor luck, nor coincidence, that you are breathing at this very moment. You are alive because God wanted to create you!

LORD, YOU SAW ME BEFORE I WAS BORN AND SCHEDULED EACH DAY OF MY LIFE BEFORE I BEGAN TO BREATHE. EVERY DAY WAS RECORDED IN YOUR BOOK!

PSALM 139:16 LB

God made you to love you and you are His special creation. God was thinking of you even BEFORE He made the world! In fact, that's why He created it! God designed this planet's environment just so we could live in it. We are the focus of His love, and the most valuable of His creation. If there was no God, then we'd all be "accidents," the result of astronomical random chance in the universe. But there IS a God, He made you for a reason, and your life has profound meaning! We discover that meaning and purpose ONLY when we made God the reference point in our lives.

POWER VERSE: I AM YOUR CREATOR. YOU WERE IN MY CARE EVEN BEFORE YOU WERE BORN," SAYS THE LORD.

GOD,

YOUR PLAN IS AMAZING. THANK YOU THAT I WAS CUSTOM-MADE FOR A REASON. HELP ME TO TRUST YOUR WISDOM IN CHOOSING MY PARENTS, RACE, BACKGROUND, GIFTS AND APPEARANCE.

IN YOUR AMAZNG LOVE, AMEN.

Purpose Driven Life/40 Day Challenge

I've commited to do the 40 day Challenge of The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren. I have read bits and pieces of this book over the years, but never have read it through thoroughly. A lot of people I know have highly recommended this book and doing the 40 day challenge. It's a book I've been wanting to read for a long time, but just never made the time to. I read A LOT at a time, but for some reason, never seemed to squeeze this one in there. But I want this book to be different, not just something I read. I want to make it a daily assignment and need for me. I did day 1 last night and was immediately hooked. I've read the 1st chapter before, but never did the assignments with it. It's very basic too. I just read the chapter, then have a power/memory verse and I also have a journal that goes along with it, to write down my thoughts referring to the chapter I just read.

The 1st Day was amazing! The 1st sentence was- IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU. I love that! I love anything from t-shirts to billboards that say that. Day one really hit me that this life is not about us and ourselves- it's not about what WE want to do with OUR lives, where WE want to live or go, or be, it's about GOD. He is the Creator of Life and we are only here because of Him. It's really hard to remember that living in a world where everything is aimed at ourselves, our desires and our rights. It makes you wonder, if everyone stepped back and looked at the big picture, how different things would be. We live in a very selfish world and it's hard sometimes to remember that it's not about us- but God and His purpose- we are only here because of Him and for His purpose only. Every day or every few days- when I can- I'll type out a brief outline of my daily readings and what I've learned. Pray for me as I do this challenge. Pray that I stay focused and motivated. I hope you are Blessed and inspired as I take this 40 day challenge!

My power/memory verse for day 1 was-

For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible...everything got started in Him and finds its purspose in Him. COLOSSIANS 1:16 MSG

POINT TO PONDER: IT'S NOT ABOUT ME.

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: HOW CAN I REMIND MYSELF TODAY THAT LIFE IS REALLY ABOUT LIVING FOR GOD, NOT MYSELF?

THE PURPOSE OF YOUR LIFE IS FAR GREATER THAN YOUR OWN PERSONAL FULFILLMENT, YOUR PEACE OF MIND, OR EVEN YOUR HAPPINESS. IT'S FAR GREATER THAN YOUR FAMILY, YOUR CAREER, OR EVEN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS AND AMBITIONS. THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO SPECULATION ABOUT THE MEANING AND PURPOSE OF LIFE. ITS REVELATION. WE CAN TURN TO WHAT GOD HAS REVEALED ABOUT LIFE IN HIS WORD. IT EASIEST WAY TO DISCOVER THE PURPOSE OF AN INVITATION IS TO ASK THE CREATOR OF IT. THE SAME IS TRUE FOR DISCOVERING YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE. ASK GOD.

GOD'S WISDOM...GOES DEEP INTO THE INTERIOR OF HIS PURPOSES. IT'S NOT THE LATEST MESSAGE, BUT MORE LIKE THE OLDEST-WHAT GOD DETERMINED AS THE WAY TO BRING OUT HIS BEST IN US.

1 CORINTHIANS 2:7 MSG

Father,

AS I BEGIN MY JOURNEY, HELP ME TO REALIZE THAT BUILDING MY LIFE AROUND MYSELF INSTEAD OF YOU WILL ONLY LEAD TO EMPTINESS AND MEANINGLESSNESS. I WAS MADE BY YOU AND FOR YOU, AND I WANT TO DISCOVER MY PURPOSE IN YOU.

IN YOUR HOLY NAME, AMEN

Tribute to Pauline

Yesterday I sad some sad news. A dear friend of mine went home to her Lord yesterday. She was an elderly lady at church. I had only known her a few years, but in the short time I did, she Blessed, encouraged and inspired me so much. Pauline was so fired up for God! In every conversation we ever had together, whether it was at church, on the phone or during a visit, she'd have something to say about Jesus. She was the sweetest lady! She always wanted to know what all was going on with you and she'd always have something straight from God to tell you. My Mom and sisters loved her dearly. My little sisters loved to draw her pictures often and Pauline would hang them up on her fridge. I told Rosie she can still draw her pictures, even though she's with Jesus. Pauline was so excited about meeting Him. So even though I miss her terribly already- I have to celebrate with her- cause I know she's where she belongs- in our Savior's arms. I found out yesterday morning while I was at work. My sister called and told me. I sat there just crying at the desk and probably scared some kids that wanted a computer. But I couldn't help it. I emailed my future sister-in-law and asked her to pray for me. She emailed me some of the most encouraing words about Pauline laying her hands into His scarred hands and her knowing that all of her life, trials, ups and downs were worth it all.
Pauline- I love you dearly, darling. You will be so missed, but always remembered. Thank you for your joy- it was contagious. :) You have inspired me always to be more outgoing in my faith and to be more joyous about Jesus. You certainly had the right thing going on and in mind and you never let a chance pass by to tell someone the joy Jesus gives. You were a true disciple and I will forever be honored to have had you as a friend. I promise that your joy will remain! Thank you dear friend, and we are celebrating with you as you walk through the Home with your loving Savior! You go girl! ;)

Fireproof on DVD

If you didn't get a chance to see, "Fireproof," in theatres last September 26th, I hope you can buy it or rent it on DVD. It was released this past Tuesday. Due to to snow and ice storm we had, I didn't get to get it till yesterday. My sweet fiancee went and got it for me and we got to watch it last night with a few of my siblings and my mom. I just love this movie! Alex and Stephen Kendrick are brothers and the makers of this film. They had finished their last movie, FACING THE GIANTS, which is an amazing movie and they were trying to think of another movie plot and were seeking the Lord's will in this. God spoke to them one day and they knew their next movie would be about marriage. I was so excited when I heard about this movie! Arnold and I had gotten engaged and what a wonderful movie to go see when you're engaged! It was our first time to the theatre together too. We had to go to Bloomington, cause Bedford wasn't showing it. !!!!! The theatre was so crowded, but I sure wasn't unhappy about that. At the end of the movie, a wonderful verse from Romans appeared- and the whole audience was screaming in joy. LOL. Wow! The does not happen very often in a theatre. Arnold loved the movie- he's a big fan of Kirk Cameron. I cried and cried through the whole thing of course. LOL. We were certainly Blessed from it! It is a requirement for ALL singles, couples, engaged and married people. You will be Blessed and inspired! Also be sure to watch the other Kendrick Brothers/Sherwood Films:

FLYWHEEL- Arnold ordered this last fall and we watched it together. This was the first movie Alex and Stephen Kendrick put together. Alex Kendrick actually plays the lead role in this film. He's has his own car lot, business and everything seems to be going his way. He starts heading into financial trouble, then marriage trouble, parenting trouble and soon realizes that he's done everything his way and that's why his life has turned out this way. He finally comes to God, hands Him is troubles and lets Him have his business and things start to turn around for him. It's a big movie on FAITH and TRUST in God.

FACING THE GIANTS- This movie was the first Kendrick Brothers movie I watched. My brother and I rented it at the library one day, thinking it was just a football movie. Wrong!!!! Football and GOD! My Dad treasures this movie and he's not at all a sports fan. This movie is again about FAITH and TRUST in God and His powers and abilities and the main focus is WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! The main character is a football coach (Alex Kendrick) of a small, Christian high school. He's a strong Christian and has a great life with his wife. His career starts to go down hill and him and his wife are tested strongly when they find out that they're unable to have children. Coming to his lowest point, He gives God his worries, hopes, and dreams and everything turns around. This movie is amazing! Psalm 18 is read in this and just makes me cry everytime.

Be sure to see these movies. They are so wonderful, funny, and amazing!

Holy, Holy is our God Almighty!

What a busy week last week and busy weekend! My family and I had been hit with the flu. Ugh! We seem to always catch that at least twice through the year. Certainly pauses our busy life and everything piles up. But everyone seems to be better, thankfully. This weekend, we all managed to get caught up on our rest. Thank you, Lord, for those restful Sundays!
Last night, my fiance and I went to an evening service at the Assembly of God in Bedford. What a big church! I used to go to a small, country church, with about 50 people. This place was enormous! The sanctuary alone was probably the size of my old church or bigger. I had went to a Wednesday night service at this church last summer with my soon to be sister-in-law and her children and loved it. I loved it even more last night. The worship was amazing! They had an awesome praise team, although the songs they sang were familiar, stuff I hear on K-LOVE everyday, and you could sing along with them, so it wasn't just them doing the praising and us listening. We were actually praising with them. The message was great- we talked about Fruit of the Spirit from Galations 5 and discussed peace with God, peace of God and peace on earth and I learned a lot and took a lot of notes of course. My favorite part was the end- not because it was over, but how they ended it- cause they didn't formally end it- the pastor prayed and then the praise team began singing some amazing praises and you could stay and worship and pray and then leave when you want to. Some people went up to the altar, some bowed in their pew and some stood and prayed and some stayed in their pews. How incredible! Arnold and I prayed and then just sat and worshipped the Lord together. It was so encouraging to go to a church with such joyful praise and worship! I have missed that so much! Even though I've always gone to church, our praise and worship just didn't seem to be right, sad to say. I believe that the Lord deserves and wants our best in all areas, especially with how we praise and worship Him. I would sometimes do my main praising in the car on the way to work or somewhere- I'd turn on 91.5 or 97.3 -K-LOVE and start singing along and sometimes end up with my hands raised in worship, then the car would swerve, so I'd have to take them down, but my heart was sure there! I remember one night, my sister Katie, and I were coming home from town together and we had a FAST and POWERFUL Newsboys song BLARING in the car- and boy, were we praising. Katie is so energetic and she uses her energy for the Lord and she inspires me to be more alive and upbeat when I praise God. She's not afraid to go into a church, raise her hands, jump up and down for the Lord. :) Praise and worship is so important and SO good for the soul! I aim to do so much more of it!
HOLY, HOLY, IS OUR GOD ALMIGHTY
HOLY, HOLY IS HIS NAME ALONE!!!