Smile

Happy Holidays?!

Happy Holidays?!

Hmm… I have mixed feelings about this phrase. I suppose I’ll share with you why I dislike it 1st. I am very proud of who I am in Christ. And as a believer, and living in America; who was founded in the Word of God, it is sad to see how those biblical foundations have been diminishing. Geese! Now we can’t even say “Merry Christmas” for crying out loud! Because some are afraid of standing up for what and WHO they believe in??! Jesus Christ! (pun intended) It is a shame! Slowly but surely, a nation who was founded on biblical truths has forgotten “the Truth.” And the truth is Christ. The truth is that no one can survive without God… without the blood of Christ… and without the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Proverbs 4:13 “Hold on to instruction (the word of God), do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”

Many crimes occurring throughout the years are due to these “small,” but very significant changes. Why do I say this? Let’s look at what the bible says.
Deuteronomy 4:9 says, “Be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things that your eyes have seen or let them slip from your hearts as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”
Deuteronomy 11:16-21 “Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them. Then the Lord’s anger will burn against you, and He will shut the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon perish from the good land the Lord is giving you. Fix these words of mine in your hearts and mind; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses an on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the Lord swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.”

Clearly the word of God, His instruction, is essential to our daily living, and Life period. In His word are spoken promises. God instructs us to bring up our children in the training and instruction of the Lord and when they grow older they will not forget Him. So, yes, I dare say that many crimes are due to the lack of honor to God’s truth. One generation affects all generations that follow.

…On the other hand, now I wish to share my 2nd opinion about this phrase.
As much as people would like to run from the truth and go through many extremes to avoid it, the name of the Lord shall be praised! So…

Holiday. Let’s break it down. Holi’day. Holy, or sacred, consecrated, blessed, divine day. All words that define God. :: smile :: Holiness only comes from God, and since God the Almighty, created the heavens and the earth, every Day belongs to Him. Lets consider the truth; the word of God concerning Christ: Philippians 2:9-11 says, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

And on that note: Happy Holidays!!

Today, I flew.

I dont remember how it began... or how it ended...
but I remember being visited by God's angels.

Today I had one of the most beautiful dreams I've had in a long while. But all I remember about it is bits and pieces. I was asked (somewhere along the lines of) if I wanted to experience God and experience Heaven? Oh but how could I refuse?? I love God and I certainly need more of Him. So I said Yes!
I was with one of the ladies from our Worship team; which I believe was the one who asked me the question. Her name is Blanca. She led me through this beautiful experience. We were in a car and traveling to the place where we were going to "experience God." Next, I recall being dropped off. We hurried and walked between some houses so that we'd loose whoever was with us, if they were following us. For some reason, we could not let them see where we were headed. I believe that the reason for this was because they had to desire to experience this themselves, actually experience it, and not just see the beauty of it through someone else's experience.

Well, we went into an open area that looked like a market place and hid. I remember that there were about 3 men there. They saw everything that was about to take place. Suddenly, Blanca asked me if I was "ready?" I wasn't sure what all of "ready" entialed, but I knew for sure "I wanted God" so I said yes and we walked to the middle of the open field and waited. I then felt something below my feet, as when a little girl stands on her father's feet and he leads her in a dance, and I know it was God's angels that had came to lift us up. I dont think they took us into heaven- I think I would at least remember some of it, Im sure heaven is like no other place- but I know they elevated us higher and higher, I was flyiiiing. We were shown many different sceneries and people. I wish I could remember it all.
Eventually we returned to the open market place where we were first lifted and I didn't want this all to end, so I asked if I could be taken one more time before that "experience" would be over and the angel granted my desire. As I was being lifted again, I remember that one of the men who had seen us earlier, ran toward me and held on to me. He wanted to experience what I was experiencing. He was lifted off of the ground with me and I remember holding on to him, but I told him that this was no "trick." I said, "I am no witch, and this is real. This is God." I told him that if he wanted to experience this himself, he could ask God and God would certainly allow him to experience such beauty. The look on his face was one of someone who had just seen an angel. He was marveled and in awe. What I remember about the dream ended with me putting the man back on the ground and smiling because I, myself, was in awe of what God had just done. Then I walked away with Blanca while sharing everything we had seen.

Ooohh.. if I could just close my eyes and experience it all over again.

Memorable Moments:

Just last week, I got my very first Bee Sting! ::Ouch:: How exciting huh? NOT!!

It hurt bad... rreeeaal bad! It stung like... I always thought it would.

Definitely Memorable.

A Trip well Worth it.

::long, deep breath::

Oh boy... in a minute or so it will be about 2hrs since I got home from the airport; and about 4hrs since I arrived from Puerto Rico. I read my emails, a friend's recent blogs, and well... here I am -half asleep- writting one of my own. I couldn't go to sleep without sharing some words.

I am grateful to God for so many things, including that we arrived home safely and that finally I can sleep at my home in MY bed, but today I dearly express my gratitude toward Him for saving my grandma. Saving? From? Hell. Yes, He gave her another opportunity to live with Him for eternity in Heaven, and not an eternity in Hell.

P.R.
Why Puerto Rico you may ask? Well, my grandma lived there and she passed away last weekend, so we went to show support to our mom along with the rest of our family members. And grandma is now in heaven.

How do I know this?

A few months ago a dear friend of the family and minister of God visited P.R. While he was there, he visited my grandma. He spoke to her about having a relationship with Jesus. Having Jesus in her heart. And I'm sure they spoke of plenty other things.

To make a long story short, that day my grandma's name was written in the Book of Life. That day, she accepted Jesus as her Savior... she asked Jesus to come into her heart.

This is how I know she is now in heaven.

Life can change in an instant!

Whether you belive in the Bible or not, the bible is real, and it says that the only way to the Father is through His Son, Jesus Christ. This means that the way to heaven is by having Jesus in your heart, and having a relationship with Him. And those who choose not to ask Jesus into their hearts are 1- rejecting Life (if you reject the Son Jesus Christ which is Life, then you are rejecting God) 2- cheating themselves of eternity in Heaven, therefore, 3- choosing eternity in Hell.

I am so sad and sorry for those who choose to turn away from God and this gift of Salvation. These people will never know true happiness, here or after 'here.' But well, it is everyone's choice. Hope you make the correct one.

So back to grandma. We will miss her... but we are all well because we know that she is no longer suffering or sick, she is now enjoying eternity in Heaven, and we get to see her again some day. (Of course if we have Jesus in our hearts.)

Lost?

"LIFE" Have YOU Found it?

JESUS

John 6:35

"Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life.

He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.""

John 14:6

"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through me.""

John 17:3

"Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the One true God,

and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.""

John 20:31

"But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ,

the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name."

Want to your way? The True Meaning to Life?

These verses above lead you to it.

To the correct path. To Jesus

If you want to live, you need a relationship with Christ. And for that,

you may begin with this simple prayer.

Please repeat after me:

Jesus... Please come into my heart?

I Acknowledge that I am a sinner, and that I need you in my Life.

I refuse to live one more day without you.

I Believe that you are the Son of God

and that you died and rose again so that I may have Life.

I Confess You as my Lord and Savior.

Please write my name in the Book of Life.

Amen.

If you said that prayer with me today, I welcome you to a new Life.

To help in your growth as a follower of Christ,

it is very important tha you find a "Christ" centered church near you...

<http://www.nowtrygod.com/ntgfinder.html>

<http://www.ag.org/pentecostal-evangel/Salvation.cfm>

The "Unknown," Known

Compose. Write. Sing.
I want to Worship.

I want to Express me
To Express Him.
I want to Express and Represent.. even for the Silent.
The ones who are Shouting
Without a "Voice."
Who indeed are a part of me!
As a Drum without a mic in this Symphony called 'Life'
An Orchestra. One Sound. One Voice.

It is living.
Vivid.
Generating and Populating... not a 'Mere Expression'.
A Structural and Functional Unit of all known Living Organisms.
It is a Cell; the 'Building Block of life."
Genetic Material.
It simply... Lives... and in All.

Pulsating Strongly and Vigorously
Bursting from the Profound; from the Depths.
It is You. It is Me. It is Our very Existence.

We are Created Beings by the Supernatural
For the Supernatural.
Suppressed by a Shell called "Body" under this Law of Gravity.
"Or are We?"

I want to Fly. Reach the Unknown. Make Possible, the "Impossible"
(Impossible to the Naked Eye that is.)
I want to be Free! I want to be Me!

I want to LIVE
HE wants Me to Live!

...Of What are You Composed?

Him

I wish I didn't miss him so much

Can't stand watching movies that only make me cry
for someone who's no even there..
Someone who doesnt even know my name

I don't like sitting here, alone,

thinking, and talking about this "unknown" individual...

One who's overtaking my thoughts

...and is taking too long to arrive!

One who I wish was already here.

But at the moment, I have no choice.

Dont know why I even miss him..
I dont even know him

...yet

Is that safe to say?

::sigh::

He's far.

Walking down a hill, by the outside gates of a park.
Sitting among at least 100. A theater full of people

strangers, or friends. But you're the only one there...

Alone.

The mall?? Who are you kidding?!
It's packed! And who acknowledges that you're even there?!

Hun... it's time for you to come home.

It's him, the one in my dreams,
The one that I miss.
He's the one I'd like to meet!

...some day that'll be him and I.

Proverbs 18:22 "He who finds a wife finds what is good

and recieves favor from the Lord"

Love ...I hope you find me.

Christmas is Here!!

Oooh how I love the Christmas Holidays! It brings so much joy and happiness. Not to all, unfortunately, but for the most part, it does. And it does to me!

Well, this Blog I would like to dedicate to my new puppy, Lucky.

With his picture below, you can see what a cutie he is.

His name is Lucky, but to tell you the truth, I think I am the "lucky" one to have him.

Oh, and him me. he he We love him so much. He has trully been one of many gifts from God.

This is not ment to be a sad blog, but so you can understand why I feel so blessed,

I need to mention my other puppy Chewy.

I lost him this year in June. And after you loose a pet that's so dear to you, you tend to think twice before getting another pet. Especially if it's the same "kind."

Well, I loved my Chewy very very much. And got very lonely without him.

So I thought for a moment that if I were ever to get another dog, he would have to be a totally different color, and I would name him totally different to "Chewy." I thought for a moment, "I would like him to be a Shih-tzu or close to that, with a white coat mixed with brown or gray.

Well, God knew the desires of my heart even before they reached it.

He was pleased to place "Lucky" in my path. A family needed to give him away and so they found us. Now, Lucky is filling a hug void that was in our hearts.

He is totally lovable, sweet as can be, playful, and willing to give us all the love and attention WE need. ha ha He's definitely our gift from God. So, Merry Christmas!

I introduce to you...

"Lucky" (my Shih-tzu)

And this was...

"Chewy" (my Pekignese)

Long Blog

Well, Hello everyone. It's been a while since I've posted anything. It's been quite a month! You'll see when I post my 3 "Venting" Blogs. So, I hope you've got a little time because this is going to be a loooong "venting" session.

"Venting Session #1" Written 11/05/07

Cant stand being lonely! It's one of the worste feelings in the world!
My family just moved back up North, where they used to live, and the feeling you get when you enter an empty home is aweful!! My tears come down when I wake up as well as when I get home from work, and defenitely when I lay my head to rest.

I miss them dearly. I miss the kids screaming and playing or even fighting. Let me just say, I had 7 neices and nephews living here temporarily. My brother and sister in law as well.
I miss the baby crying and laughing. I even miss the dogs barking!
I miss the kids yelling, "Tiiiiittiiiiiiiii, you're home!!"
I miss the loud T.V.-- even while you were trying to sleep! I mis the barging in to my room "just because." I miss them calling 'auntie' to break a fight.

::interruption::
I just recieved a phone call from the kids school notifying me that one of my nephews was absent today. Duuuuhh!! He's gone! They're ALL gone! :(
All that's left here are me and my ole' folks, lonely, sometimes crying, and definitely missing everyone! But sure, I'll notify his mom! ::sigh::

Anyway, I'm sure this won't be my last blog pouring out my heart, concerning my family. I'll just take a deep breath and come back when I need to vent!


"Venting Session #2" Written 11/06/07

I'ts almost an instant crush as soon as I open the door when I get home from work. I miss the kids so so much. It's empty! The house is completely empty!! And the feeling of loneliness of "singlehood" blending in as well does not help any!
I can't imagine how it feels for my mom to be home all day long without them. She's basically stuck at home by herself because she doesn't have a car, therefore, she cannot work or even go window shopping to distract her mind! Lord help her!

Well, if you don't know, just a few months ago we lost our doggy. He was our first puppy and we lost him. (In a bad way too.) So having my family gone, and having him gone are two huge hits at once. The day after I lost him was one of the worst days I've ever had. I felt such a huge void in my heart (and in my room). As soon as I awoke and realized that he wasn't there and that he wasn't going to to be with me ever again. I cried... and have cried ever since. (Not daily, but often enough.)
This same "crushing" void in my heart is now felt without my family here. The very moment I awoke and realized that they had left and they were now miles and miles away (actually, a state away) and that I wasn't going to see them every morning, day and night, I couldn't help but cry.
And I've been crying ever since.
I was afraid of this, but I realize how much I cherish them. I love my family with all my heart. God has trully blessed me. He has trully blessed us all.

Im sad.
For this reason and several different ones too, but I'll stick to this specific topic. There would be too much to cover if I went on about my "other" reasons.
Anyway, I wish everything could have worked out for them here. I don't blame them... they tried. They were here for almost 2 years. Don't you agree that they tried?
::long sigh:: I'm crushed.


"Venting Session #3" Written 11/10

Well, it's me aain. It's been a week since my family moved. The wound still hurts... but I think it is slowly healing. I would love for them to come back, tomorrow if they could, but I can just imagine how difficult it was for them to adjust to things already. I don't want to be selfish... believe me, if it were up to me, they would still be here. (I love them so much.) But, that's life. life's experiences are not promised to be easy. They are tough, for the most part. Anyway, I'm planning on calling them later today. (I'll update you on that.)

On another not...
A friend, who is very dear to me, finally called me! We had not been in contact for a while so the call was extremely surprising to me, not to mention extremely important! We didn't speak much, but I suppose our next "chat" will be longer.

With this, I conclude by saying, "A person's relationship with God, their family, and with their friends is very important." I believe that a person without these, especially the 1st, is more than likely a sad individual.


-End of Venting Sessions-

Yep. That was the end of that. Since then, it's been about a month or so. My family is doing well. I read an email from brother not long ago and he says that they all miss us dearly, and they even miss Florida. He says that hopefully, when the 3 older kids finish school, he will be looking forward to coming back to Florida... this time, for good.
So, I still miss them dearly, but as I've heard for so long (and even experienced), time heals all wounds.

“Eternally Grateful”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His One and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

I just thought I’d give glory to my Savior. I love my God so so much because He gave of Himself for me; and, not only for me, but for all. For all those who would believe, and accept Him.
When I think of Him though, all I feel is shame. Shame at myself. Shame for not living a life totally pleasing to Him. He loves me so much that He would lay down His life to save me. And what do I give Him in return?? Unfaithfulness. Doubt. Pride. A stubborn heart. And yet again… unfaithfulness. I am ashamed at myself for not always giving my 100%. It’s what He deserves! I couldn’t live, if it weren’t for Him. I wouldn’t breathe, if it weren’t for Him! I couldn’t see another beautiful bright sunny day… if it weren’t for Him.
Who do you think we’d be without Him? Where would we be without Him?? We could not live if He didn’t give us life. We could not breathe if He didn’t give us breath. We owe our lives to the Life giver! We owe our future to the Promise giver! We are eternally in debt to the one who Saved us; to the one who Loves us.
I could not live one more day without giving Him my gratitude. I dare not take another breath without honoring my King. I am eternally grateful because when I had nothing, He gave me all. Before my existence, He knew my name. He destined me for royalty. I can be nothing less… cuz my daddy, He’s a King! I am eternally grateful. No longer in shame, I bless His name. I am eternally blessed. I am a daughter of a Mighty King. A daughter, His royalty. I am His little princess, no less I can be. I am eternally His… serving His majesty.
No longer does sin abound in me. Those chains were loosed and now I am free! He loves me, I know that indeed. He’s proud of His little girl. His princess, that’s me.

…yeah, that’s me!

"Even You"

So anyway, here I am, sitting at my desk, thinking.

About what you ask? Well, everything! I’m thinking about everything, especially about my family and friends.

Like I was telling someone not to long ago, “I feel like I’m loosing everyone.” I’ve been feeling very lonely lately. I suppose she didn’t think this included her, since it was her who I was talking to. But yes, it included her. Anyway, I didn’t think she’d pick up on it. You’d have to be paying close attention. ::sigh::
I suppose I shouldn’t expect to have a large amount of people in my life since I don’t go out and meet more people anyway. It just feels like time is flying… yet going so slow at the same time. Thanksgiving is right around the corner. And so is Christmas. You know, “The Holidays.”

Anyway, I’m not going to dwell on this too much. I know I’ll be alright. I guess I just have the “Holiday Blues.” Yup, the times when you miss the family members you don’t get to see (in my case, all of them), and when you miss all your ‘real’ friends and generally, people from your past. You even miss people you have yet to meet. ::hint hint::

Even that “special someone.”

"I'll Listen for Them"

Yes… I remember it! I remember that dream.
—It was more of a revelation. It’s so clear in my mind still…

That day, I went to sleep (like any other day),
But You changed the norm to what I believe was more than a dream…

You woke me up!
The room, my clothes, everything was the same
Except…
I saw your hand… your arm… your robe
Glowing, piercing through my bedroom ceiling
You handed me a paper—then a pencil.

Your words followed right after.
I can’t say it was audible
But my spirit heard and knew what you were saying.

…You had a message; one you wanted me to write down.
I knew who it was for too!
And just as I was ready to write, I awoke!
It was already the next day!

So, here I am with paper and pen,
In total silence, as I’m laying my head
…I’m thinking about the lost souls
The ones who cannot hear, or see
Those who are precious to my Savior
But can’t find their way it seems.

I’ll listen for them.
Lord, what would you have me say?
I can almost hear that still small voice saying,
“Would you tell them?”
…So here I am.

I’ll listen … for them.

Ezekiel 22:30

"I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall

and stand before me on behalf of the land so I wont have to destroy it,

but I found none."

*Would you stand in the gap for them?

Precious in Christ

When you think about it, it’s pretty obvious why diamonds, precious stones, and fine jewelry are placed in front of black velvet cloth while on display. It’s so that one can appreciate its lustrous beauty.

When we come to Christ, the bible says that we are hidden in Him. So now His glory is revealed through us—as these precious diamonds. Our sins are behind us, (black velvet cloth) and only His glory can be seen (precious diamond). We are this precious diamond.

Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Psalms 103: 11-12 “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

This means that we, indeed, are guilty... but God redeems His children. The blood of Jesus redeems those who belong to Him.

Job 33:8 “He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light.” Psalms 34:22 “The Lord redeems His servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in Him.


Colossians 3: 1-9
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”

PSalms 68:19

Matthew 10:37-39

"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

We complain about the cross we bear but don't realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot.

Whatever your cross, whatever your pain, there will always be sunshine after the rain... Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall;

But God's alway's ready to answer your call...

He knows every heartache, sees every tear. A word from His lips can calm every fear. Your sorrows may linger throughout the night, but suddenly vanish dawn's early light.

The Savior is waiting, somewhere above, to give you His grace and send you His love...

Matthew 11:28

"Come unto me, ye who are weary and overburdened,

and I will give you rest."

PSalms 68:19

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

I'm Thinking

I'm thinking

I'm thinking about Today.
...Thinking about Yesterday
And I'm thinking about Tomorrow...

Don't know what tomorrow will bring
Remembered yesterday's pain
But rejoicing in Today's victory

I am alive, I am well
I was confused, sad, and sometimes depressed
But now rising higher than I ever dreamt

I'm no longer hidden, in darkness
Striving for my best
Surviving... just because

I'm thinking...
I'm thanking...
I'm alive, and I am well.

Isaiah 55:9

"As the Heavens are higher than the earth,

So are my ways Higher than your ways

and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."

God's Rainbow

God's Rainbow

Once upon a time the colors of the world started to quarrel; all claimed that they were the best, the most important, the most useful, the favorite.

GREEN said: "Clearly, I am the most important. I am the sign of life and hope. I was chosen for grass, trees, leaves - without me, all animals would die. Look over the countryside and you will see that I am in the majority."

BLUE interrupted: "You only think about the earth, but consider the sky and the sea. It is the water that is the basis of life and drawn up by the clouds from the deep sea. The sky gives space and peace and serenity. Without my peace you would all be nothing."

YELLOW chuckled: "You are all so serious. I bring laughter, gaiety and warmth into the world. The sun is yellow, the moon is yellow, the stars are yellow. Every time you look at a sunflower, the whole world starts to smile. Without me the re would be no fun."

ORANGE started next to blow her trumpet: "I am the color of health and strength. I may be scarce, but I am precious for I serve the needs of human life. I carry the most important vitamins. Think of carrots, pumpkins, oranges, mangoes and paw paws. I don't hang around all the time, but when I fill the sky at sunrise or sunset, my beauty is so striking that no one gives another thought to any of you."
RED could stand it no longer. He shouted out: "I am the ruler of all of you. I am blood - life's blood! I am the color of danger and bravery. I am willing to fight for a cause. I bring fire into the blood. Without me, the earth would be as empty as the moon. I am the color of passion and of love, the red rose, the poinsettia and the poppy."
PURPLE rose up to his full height. He was very tall and spoke with great pomp: "I am the color of royalty and power. Kings, chiefs and bishops have always chosen me for I am the sign of authority and wisdom. People do not question me - they listen and obey."

INDIGO spoke, finally, much more quietly than the others, but with just as much determination: "Think of me. I am the color of silence. You hardly notice me, but without me you all become superficial. I respect thought and reflection, twilight and deep water. You need me for balance and contrast, for prayer and inner peace."

And so the colors went on boasting, each convinced of his or her own superiority. Their quarreling became louder and louder. Suddenly, there was a startling flash of bright lightening - thunder rolled and boomed. Rain started to pour down relentlessly. The colors crouched down in fear, drawing close to one another for comfort.

In the midst of the clamor, Rain began to speak: "You foolish colors, fighting amongst yourselves, each trying to dominate the rest. Don't you know that you were each made for a special purpose, unique and different? Join hands with one another and come to me."Doing as they were told, the colors united and joined hands. The Rain continued: "From now on, when it rains, each of you will stretch across the sky in a great bow of color as a reminder that you can all live in peace. The rainbow is a sign of hope for tomorrow."

And so, whenever a good rain washes the world, and a rainbow appears in the sky, let us remember to appreciate one another. - Author unknown

His Mercies

Lamentations 3:22-24

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him.”

Talk about His mercies are new every morning!! Something huge just finished hitting my car and not a dent was made! Most importantly, I’m alive and well! (And so is everyone else who was at the scene!)

The Scene:
I was behind a truck on I-4 (the Expressway) going 70-75mph at rush hour around 5:15pm with cars to my left, front and rear, on a double-lane road. Suddenly, this ‘thing’ came flying toward my car!!! It hit the hood of my car and bounced off toward the car behind me! It looked like a lid or something to that nature. The truck rode right over it without noticing it, and this ‘thing’ bounced off of its tires and hit my car, bounced off of mine and so forth.
-End of scene-

I didn’t panic—thank God! But, seconds later, it hit me! That ‘thing’ could have hit and broken my front glass window, yet it hit the hood instead- and even more so, it bounced off of my car and it didn’t hit any other car!! It could have been a rock and, at that speed, it could have instantly broken my window! It could have been… but it wasn’t... and it didn’t… and I am more than grateful that God saved me from a terrible accident, and He saved those around me too!

I absolutely have to quote this verse!

Psalm 34:7 “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.”

Simple as that! God is an awesome God!

Today He was pleased in giving me another day of life and I am totally in debt with Him; nothing new—I always have been. But, God knows I messed up on Him just yesterday. Where would I have been? I think of how He saved me today, and how He saved my soul even before I was born! (He knew me even then.) There is no way I can repay Him... but this I know… His blood was not shed in vain. His blood and sacrifice cannot be measure or priced. I will do my best to serve Him and to lead others to His wonderful saving grace.

Prayer:

Thanks Dad. You gave me another gift. I cherish You and I Love You so SO much. My heart breaks for those who still don’t know You—this Wonderful God. My Daddy. And my heart breaks even more for those who have rejected You. They don’t want this awesome love You offer? Then I’ll have it!

XOXOXO I am in awe of You. XOXOXO

I LOVE YOU!!

Yari

Luke 1:50

“His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.”

'One Drop at a Time'

“…Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled."

Is it Christmas yet?? Gosh… it’s not even Thanksgiving yet and this is what I found myself humming while on the way back home from work yesterday. “Ooh I absolutely love Christmas,” I thought. Then it hit me! Christmas??!! Christmas is just around the corner! Oh my God! Christmas is almost here and that means that New Years is almost here and that means that… OMG! Here goes another New Years resolutions list aaall over again!! I haven’t even fulfilled last years ‘resolutions!’ ::humph::

I wanted to do so much.

So many plans… so little time! { Sure, I had an entire year! }

Is it too late to start a new list??? Hey I know! I’ll call it “Pre-Year’s Resolutions”
—How about that??

Then, I remembered a blog that I had posted some time ago entitled, “Set Realistic Goals.” Hmmm... I think I should re-read and re-post that. (Maybe even print it out and carry it with me in my purse!)

"Set Realistic Goals" by Simple Truths
"When I was a freshman in college I learned an unforgettable lesson. I was having a rough week when there was a lot to do and very little time to do it. I was overwhelmed. I panicked.
That night a friend stopped by my dorm room. When I told him my problem, he said, "Mac, I'll share something with you that my grandmother told me a few years ago. She said to always remember: 'Inch by inch, life's a cinch. Yard by yard, life is hard.'"

I said, "Bob, here I am drowning in work and your lifeline is a quote from your grandmother. Come on!" After he left, however, those twelve little words kept dancing in my head. I took out a piece of notebook paper and listed all the things I had to do in the next three days. That night I began knocking them off one by one. Three days later I took out that paper and marked through the last thing on the list. It felt great!

And then I took out another piece of paper and wrote down the words: "Inch by inch, life's a cinch. Yard by yard, life is hard." I then folded the paper and put it in my wallet. As many of you know, I've been collecting quotes ever since.

You see, over the years I've learned that success doesn't come cascading like Niagara Falls; it comes one drop at a time through short-term, realistic goals. Experts on motivation disagree on a lot of things, but one thing they all agree on is that your levels of motivation are directly tied to your expected probabilities of success.
In other words, if you believe you can do something (the goals are realistic), you're likely to be highly motivated. If, however, you think you can't (because the goals are unrealistic) your motivation level falls greatly. The lesson here is to continue to dream big dreams, but realize that the short-term goals that take you to the next plateau are the real keys to success."

And from me... Let me also remind you what the word of God says in

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Amazing Pics...

...Everyone Needs a Friend.

Ecclesiastes 4:10

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!