The Smile.

It's quite funny that I'm journaling about this one smile I saw today, but quite worth it.
(If this guy saw that I journaled about this he would totally think Im a stalker or something lol. But im not! Trust me- I don't have time or the energy for it.)


The smile is memorable, adorable, and quite a crusher.
I would not mind having to see such a lovely smile every single day of my life! At all!! As a matter of fact... I wish I could. (To be honest)

Yes, it was a guy. A cute guy. But thats not the point. The point is that this (totally cute guy) shared his smile.

How many smiles do you share daily?

Smiles can totally make somebody's day. I know this for a fact! It has for me.
I smile and I receive smiles. Fare share right? I think so.

So the next time you see a smile- give one in return.
And the next time you DONT see one- ask for one with yours.

Yours trully,
Ms. Smiles

Religion -vs- The Gospel

"As sinners, we are prone to pursue a relationship with God in one of two ways. The first is religion/spirituality and the second is the gospel. The two are antithetical (opposite) in every way.

Religion says that if we obey God, he will love us. The gospel says that it is because God has loved us through Jesus that we can obey. Religion says that the world is filled with good people and bad people. The gospel says that the world is filled with people who are either repentant or unrepentant. Religion says that you should trust in what you do as a good moral person. The gospel says that you should trust in the perfectly sinless life of Jesus because he alone is the only good and truly moral person who will ever live. The goal of religion is to get from God such things as health, wealth, insight, power, and control. The goal of the gospel is not the gifts God gives, but rather God as the gift given to us by grace. Religion is about what I have to do. The gospel is about what I get to do. Religion sees hardship in life as punishment from God. The gospel sees hardship in life as sanctifying affliction that reminds us of Jesus' suffering and is used by God in live to make us more like Jesus. Religion is about me. The gospel is about Jesus. Religion leads to an uncertainty about my standing before God because I never know if I have done enough to please God. The gospel leads to certainty about my standing before God because of the finished work of Jesus on my behalf on the cross. Religion ends in either pride (because I think I am better than other people) or despair (because I continually fall short of God's commands). The gospel ends in humble and confident joy because of the power of Jesus at work for me, in me, through me, and sometimes in spite of me."

…the central point of the New Testament is that we are more wicked than we ever feared, yet more loved than we ever dreamed."

"A book you'll actually read On the New Testament" by Mark Driscoll

Transparent / Something new.

Hello. Although you may read this and say, "Huh? This has nothing to do with being transparent- it's about Love." It's time for transparency… on my behalf anyway. And as the title goes, "Transparent / Something new," that's exactly what my goal is (from now on) so, here goes it. (Hope I don’t loose you as I try to explain what's in my heart as best as I can.) ::smile::

"Love"
I don't know where you are; as far as your relationship with God is concerned. You may or may not have a relationship with Christ, Abbah Father, or the Holy Spirit (who are One in All). I don't know whether you believe in Him wholeheartedly or whether you do not believe in Him… the fact remains that He is real, He is alive, and He loves you with perfect and unending love; Love that goes far beyond what you think of yourself (or Him). It goes beyond where you are and what stage or level you're at in life (in relation to your Creator)… His love is far deeper than you would ever imagine. His love for you has NO end. And please don't try convincing yourself other than this truth.
It is a fact. He loves you!

I try to make sense of it and although it is almost impossible, I have a tiny glimpse of this love I'm trying to describe. (Again… tiny.) God's love is faaaar greater…and I've been finding this out.
So here it is…

Have you ever loved anyone? It's not necessary to think of a specific relationship or person. Just "love." Have you loved? Think with me for a moment…
Did we see 'fault' or 'imperfections?' Of course we did (or do)! But do we stop loving?? And I mean real love. Pure love.
No. We do not stop 'loving.' We love regardless of fault.
So, if you can agree with me on this then, why is it so hard to accept God's love? Christian or not. Ever wonder why?
Yes?
Good!
Here's what God showed me...

No matter how imperfect I may be (and yes, we all fall short of the glory of God), His love is perfect and unending. The same way we can love someone with or without imperfections, He loves us just as we are. (Can I get an Aaaaaamen to that?! He he)

Let's remember, God does not see us as we see ourselves. He sees beyond our current "status." He loves us whether we love Him or not. We simply must let ourselves be loved! My question today for you is, "Would you give Him a chance to love you?" He longs to have a relationship with you; a real, true, and tangible relationship.

So to end, and this is where the transparency part comes in, I'd like to share something personal with you. I was raised in the gospel (in church) and due to this, one may think they got this whole "church & God" thing "down packed." Maybe because we've stumbled upon God's presence from time to time or maybe even searched and "found it." Perhaps you may think your love for God has anything to do with gett'n things "down packed." But I realize that "loving God" doesn't necessarily mean that I know Him or have a relationship with Him. It doesn't necessarily mean that I'm letting Him love me!

As I take a deep breath, realizing that I don’t have things "down packed," I ask God for forgiveness for the many times I've taken His love for granted, and for simply ignoring it. And I challenge myself to allow Him to love me… and allow myself to fall deeper in love with Him.

Anyone up for a challenge?? ::smile::

Thanks for listening /reading.

P.S. "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 (It's one of my favorite verses in the Bible.)

My Smile.

I'm a Daddy's Girl!
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Tears do not always = melancholy.
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Smile.

Leap of Faith anyone??

Woooow!! This Word couldn't come at a better time. If you read yesterday's blog you'll know exactly what i'm talking about! (Just keep reading... you'll see.)

So, I was reading and deleting old files from my emails and I stopped to read this specific one. This is mail was forwarded from my best friend and dated waaaay back in August of 2006! It was exactly 2 years ago! The Word through this email impacted me when I read it and the Word still applies to me today! I know... amazing huh? Yup thats the God I love... that's the God I serve. Anyway, heres the email....
I pray it impacts you as it has impacted me.

Take a leap of faith!

Today's Scripture
"Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone that comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)

Today's Word
God is always giving us opportunities to grow and move forward in this life.
But in order to experience God's best, you must be bold and willingly step out in faith to do what God says to do!

Do you have a "play-it-safe" mentality? Are you avoiding risks because you're afraid you might fail? Or, do you think that what you dreaming about might be too difficult? The Bible says that faith pleases God. It brings pleasure to the heart of God when He knows that you trust Him enough to step out and obey Him. You may not always know what will happen, and you may not always feel qualified. But the Bible says in Joshua 1:8: "Don't be afraid. Be strong, be bold, be very courageous for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." God promises He will always be with you – and with God on
your side, you are more than a conqueror!

The next time you know God is bringing an opportunity across your path, step out of your comfort zone! Step out in faith, knowing that God has His best in store for you. He desires to bring you success. Be willing to take some risks – knowing that Almighty God is right there by your side!

A Prayer for Today
God, I have nothing to fear with You by my side. There are risks I should
take and doors I need to open and I will trust in You as I meet these
challenges. Today, I will be bold in my faith! In Jesus' name, Amen.

Oh boy

Oh boy…
It’s been a while since I’ve logged-in to write anything…
I’m afraid to begin!
Would I or could I even STOP once I begin?!!
I suppose I should just start and see the outcome.

Here goes nothing…

Hello everyone! If there is anyone even out there reading...

::deep breath:: Where do I begin?

Months have passed and MY world just seems to be going up-side down / flip-side up! No, it’s not all negative. Actually, I shouldn’t even use “all” and “negative” in the same sentence. As a believer I know that in ‘ALL’ things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. It says it in His good word in Romans 8:28 therefore, I believe it! We go through things in life… some good some bad… but if we have faith and if we trust that God’s got our back, then ‘all’ will be aaallright!
So…

I have made some life changing decisions within these months. One’s that indeed have affected and will affect my immediate and future family… and yes, even those that surround me I believe. It’s just the way life is! Our decisions affect people around us positively or negatively. I try to choose the positive things… hope you didn’t miss that… I TRY. God help me! God help us ALL! Haha Indeed we try… and He knows it very well.

I applied and was accepted to a school… or preparation camp I should say, I purchased a new car (the car I’ve always wanted since I 1st laid eyes on it!) , and I will be traveling there in just a week or so. (he he God has such a sense of humor.)
Booooooooy has it already been a journey! I try but can’t imagine ALL the changes I’ll be going through.
Let’s see…
How I do I explain what I feel inside?
Better yet… I’ll try to paint a picture for ya.

Ok…
You’re on top of a veeeery taaaaall hill. You’re at the border.
You even have a parachute.
Are ya there?
Ok...
Now… look over the tips of your feet. Ready to take a plunge????
Did your stomach turn?
…THAT’s exactly how I feel!!!

It’s the thrill of adventure and adrenaline-rush going through your body...
It's exactly how I feel…

And as I began this blog “Oh boy!” It seems to fit perfectly.
Beginning and End.
Lord help me!

It's Treasure

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love Him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9



There it was… treasure, sitting right on my desk. It was in one of those “Scripture Verses for Every Day of the Year” flippy things. Ya know the desk calendars? Definitely no longer a silly ole’ calendar… it’s a treasure chest! This treasure I can acquire is beautiful, priceless, and available to me daily!
How amazing!!


This verse spoke volumes to my life. It’s talking about treasure “beyond all imagining.” I am immediately reminded of Isaiah 55: 8-9 where the Lord declared, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher then your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
We cannot possibly understand heavenly things… unless the Lord himself reveals it to us. And here, in this daily verse, the Lord declares that no eye has seen or heard. We hear so many wonderful testimonies and there are many wonderful stories in the bible that declare God’s greatness… and even still, no eye has seen or heard. God is just that GREAT and our minds so finite that we have not touched even the surface. Our minds cannot conceive what God has prepared for us… for those who love Him. Do you love Him?? Then this includes you!!

Now bear with me for a second or two and imagine the most beautiful scenery in the world. Maybe you’ve even encountered this place already. Visualize the most precious jewels you’ve held or seen on display. Listen to that song that just captured every fiber of your body and soul. Join me and replay the most memorable moment of your life where all you could do that specific moment was gasp and enjoy every second of it. All I can say is… God is Greater!

Now, envision the panorama of a great desert. All those mentioned earlier were simple grains of sand in the palm of your hand. They were but mere specks of God’s goodness and glory. They cannot compare to His fullness. They cannot compared to all that He has (already) prepared for those who love Him.

I am in awe of such a God.

My God. My Daddy!

Its how He operates....

Some people do not believe in God, period.
Some believe "a" god, or "some" god exists.
Others 'know' without a shadow of a doubt that God, "Thee" God, the only True God, MY God exists.
I won't go into "how" I believe Him, and 'in' Him... I simply do. I know that I know that I know that He is real; and He lives in me.
>> I'm one of the "others." << he he

In any case.... Which ever you may be, please read on.
I simply want to share this small and simple, yet awesomely powerful word God spoke softly into my spirit as I drove home tonight.

::Deep breath:: Smile

[ I was on my way back home from church and as I was making my way, turning here and there, knowing exactly where I was headed, in my mind, heart and spirit I heard these words.
"The same way you know your way 'home, ' My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." -John 10:27With these words, I simply understood that 1- God agape's us. He loves us with unconditional love. And 2- He is concerned about us and He wants us home. As His children/ His sheep, we know our way 'home'. It doesn't matter how long it takes us to get there, He waits for us daily so that we would spend time in His presence; with our Daddy... and He could spend time with His beloved. ]

K. That was all! :)


P.S.
John 10:16 also says, "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."

**My friend, He is also concerned about You.**

Love you all in the love of Christ. And He loves you too. Goooood niiiiight. :)

Remember...

If we met and you forget me, you have lost nothing.

But if you meet JESUS CHRIST and forget Him,
you have lost everything.

Please Pass the Menu?

Why Go to Church?

If you're spiritually alive, you're going to love this!

If you're spiritually dead, you won't want to read it.

If you're spiritually curious, there is still hope!

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all." This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor.

It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher: "I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!"

When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!" "When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say, "Jesus, could you get that for me?"

-Author Unknown