AnGeLs In OuR LiVeS

This Blog is going to be about how Satan can take advantage of our feelings of discouragment if we let him, but since Jesus is stronger than him, again I am to give our great Lord the glory and honor once again for stepping in and showing me once more how strong and mighty he is and how he never leaves our sight, no matter what !

This past Friday, I came across a picture of one of our teens in our youth Group, who is not a current member but occasionally shows their face. It was a disturbing picture sending out wrong messages. Upon seeing this picture I was very discouraged and even questioned myself about continuing to work in a ministry with Teens. I’d asked myself - “you know is this really worth it. Day in and day out talking to these teens, jumping right into their lives, sharing the truth about the Gospel and then seeing them turn their back and do exactly what they know is wrong. IS IT WORTH IT ?

Sometimes, you will not see the fruits of the spirit blossoming until these kids are approaching their twenties, along with bad choices that they tend to make, they also begin to live a non-godly life, making them very vulnerable to the work of Satan.

Well going back to Friday, I came home very discouraged in this area of my life and low and behold, sitting on my dresser, I found a letter from one of our teens, who is now 19yrs old. A letter that she wrote to the Core Members of our Life Teen program for one of our retreats back in March 2006. Again I sat down to read this letter and it brought back a smile and also tears. (Tears of happiness to hear how strong our Lord is in her life). I asked her if I could share this letter with all of you because it reminded me that in times of discouragement, God is there to lift us up and to breathe new life into us to continue his work, here on earth. I am so thankful for this TEEN - for allowing the Lord to work through her to touch my heart once again and to not give up on the lost but be persistent and strong in HIM.

Here is the letter:

Hey Guys,

As I sit down to write this letter, I am remembering the last time I was on a retreat at Campos San Jose. It was Valentine’s day weekend 2003 of my sophomore year and a great weekend that I will never forget. It was a wonderful time to get to know new teens and grow closer to those that I already knew. The weekend was filled with worship, fellowship, cleansing, renewal, and the greatest gift of all-the love of Christ. Of course, we had our fun too. There was “hinny writing”. “The fish”, and who could forget “Operation holy Undies”. For those of you who weren’t there, I’m sure the others will fill you in. Little did I know that my life was about to change drastically. Two months later, my dad got a job transfer to Washington D.C. To be honest, I was excited that Saturday morning when my parents sat me down and told me we where moving. It wasn’t until Life Teen the next day and at school the following Monday that it started to hit me-my school, my friends, the Our Lady of Light Community-were not coming with me. Did God really want me to leave all that behind and start a new life in Virginia? I love to travel and see new places, but let’s face it - Virginia is not one of those places you jump at the chance to go visit for the heck of it. Or at least I didn’t think so.

It took me a while to fully accept what God was doing in my life. It’s been almost three years and I can tell you that God is still surprising me with reasons for why he brought me here. My biggest fear was not having a support group - People that I can turn to when I needed a hug, a laugh, an encouraging word or prayer. People like the ones that are sit around you. Life Teen had become a second home to me and the thought of leaving it, scared me. What was I going to do on Sundays? How would I get through tough times without their love, support and prayers? I would constantly cast my fears at the foot of the cross and believed that in time, God would come through for me. Guess what?! He did- he always does.

I got involved in my new high school’s campus Ministry Team and grew close to a fellow member and the campus minister. I’ll admit that it didn’t come easy and it took time, but the relationship that I formed with them have made me a better person and brought me closer to Christ when I would start to slip away. And even a year after graduation those relationships are still going strong. God showed me that I wasn’t alone. No matter where I was, He was with me. He wouldn’t just drop me in some random place without putting people in my path to help me along and to keep my eyes on him. As I look back on these short two and a half years, I can see that God brought me here so that I may understand myself more, and grow into the person HE created me to be. This has truly been a learning experience, even if it didn’t seem like it a few months ago.

I have learned how strong of a person I am, how much the little things in life really do matter, never to take things for granted, and that snow days are only fun if there are other kids in your neighborhood. (I just thought I’d throw that in there). I’m still working on believing and practicing these things and know that I will spend the rest of my life doing so, but with God’s help and Grace it is so much easier. He sees that we mess up; He sees that we fall into temptation and sin, yet HE loves us still and always will. That alone is enough to make me want to serve HIM, and to try and just give back a small percentage of what HE gave us. Nothing will ever compare to the great gift of his son, Jesus, but if I can go to bed knowing that I did all I could to serve him that day, I am content.

Isin’t it amazing how everything that happens to us, every person we meet is all part of God’s intricate plan for us? Think about it. He has a plan for us- a big wonderful plan. The only way for this plan to come alive is for us to trust in him. We have to believe that everything from God is good. It will not bring heartache without bringing Grace to follow. While on spring break, I went to a three day parish mission put on by two Oblates of St. Francis De-Sales, and something was said that struck me - “If we want roses, we have to be able to accept the thorns” Good things will come to us, but so will bad. The important thing to remember is that we must look at everything as a blessing, even those instances that are tragic and don’t seem to bring any hope. It may seem like that there couldn’t possibly be any good that could come from it, but if we truly look for it, it is there. Whether it is from understanding a situation, learning something completely random, a new friend, or a better relationship with God, is totally up to him. Blessings come in all shapes and sizes. They aren’t always in a big brown box with a ribbon, but they are special and necessary to our lives, none the less.

I am about to allow God to make yet another change as I move to Brussels, Belgium, with my parents for my dad’s final transfer. I am alittle nervous, it being a different country, but from my past experiences, I know deep in my heart that God is sending us there to do his work where it is needed. I am excited to see what God has planned for me in the next few years and it comforts me to know that it will be filled with His love.

The purpose of this letter is to not just go on and on about me, but to also tell you of the wonderful things God has done in my life and the wonderful things He can do in yours if you let him. It is truly awesome how much he loves us and the things He will do for us to manifest, that to us. I encourage you this weekend to allow God to show you how much He loves you, let Him come into the deepest part of your heart and make His home.

Retreats are the perfect time to get reconnected with Jesus as our Savior, our Lord and our Father. All of you are here for a reason, let God tell you that reason. I pray that your eyes, ears, and hearts will be open to whatever it is that God wants to share with you.

I cannot thank you enough for all of the years of love and support you have given me, I cherish every moment that we had together - NCYC, CHWC, Life nights, dinners at Nino’s, and just being together as a community to worship the Lord. You mean the world to me. Even when I am not with you physically, I am there spiritually, thinking of and praying for you always. I love and miss you all ! May God continue to bless you now and all the days of your lives.

“When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus. I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ. I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.” Philemon 1:4-7

Love and prayers,
Dana

After speaking to Dana and asking her permission for me to blog this letter on Isabella's site, she allowed herself to be an instrument for God to lift me up again and make me strong in this Life Teen Ministry. I and the rest of the Core Members have to be willing to be God's hands and feet in this ministry and though at times it may seem that there is no progress, our good Lord will send one of his angels to remind us not to take our eyes off of him, stay focused only on him and allow his grace to consume us.

Thanks Dana for these beautiful words of encouragement. You have totally refreshed me once again in his words to continue to do his work. I will always take with me the words of the Oblates " If we want roses, we have to be willing to accept the thorns". In this case Dana, YOU ARE A ROSE, and seeing this rose blossom in front of my eyes has made it all worth it once again. I will continue to allow the Lord to work through me, and when I'm faced with a thorn, I will embrace it and pray that the rose may blossom soon.

Thank you once again, I love this JESUS in you.
Blessings and hugs send all the way to Brussels, Belgium.

The planting of the Mustard Seed

God says "Plant the seed and I will do the rest" Brothers and Sisters, I have yet to speak about another miracle in my life.

I am going to blog about something personal in my life, and the reason why I am sharing this is because I want for all the readers to see how God works and how he can come into your life and transform YOU into a new creation they way that he says he would and could only if you allow him to.

My father in law has been staying in our home for about two months now, due to personal situations that he is going through in his life. Well, those of you that know me personally or feel they know me based on my writing know that our Lord is First in my life, before my husband, before my son and before any other child that he may bring into our lives. Therefore, I spent a lot of my time at home working at my spirituality, whether it be in community at church, reading scripture or even listening to praise and worship music, and sometimes even going away to conferences and retreats to get my fill of God’s Grace and Mercy.

Well going back to my father in law. Ever since he has come to stay with us, we have asked him to come to church with us (in which he has) and we have introduced him to many prayer warriors, our priest, people in our community and even personal friends of ours. He has been accepted by a community that shares the love of JESUS with him and accepts him for who he is and where he is right now in his life. For the first time in his life “He feels like a person”. Those are his words. “He feels like he is loved and welcomed” those, too, are his words.

In short, within these two months that he has been living with us, he has come to grow deeper in his relationship with CHRIST. This is a man who is now in his 70’s and has not gone to church since he was a little boy. I have had deep conversations with this man, we laughed and cried together and he has let me into corners of his heart that I never knew existed. This is a man that became my father in law 14 yrs ago and yet I never knew. This man has become a new creation in God’s love.

For those of you that know this man, and are probably thinking to yourself “No way - this is not possible, this man. I know him and he is not like that” I just ask that you PRAY RIGHT NOW, keep this man in your prayers and ask the Lord to come into your heart right now and transform you the same way this man has been transformed.

Dear friends, what am I trying to say here, is that I have witnessed with my own heart and my own eyes, a new creation be created right in front of me. This man has made a commitment to continue to seek out his God’s purpose in his life and also to continue to come to church and share God’s love with the community that so very much welcomes him. This man is now reading christian books and also has begun to read the BEST SELLER BOOK on the shelf of book stores. What is that you may ask? The Holy Bible. Yep, that’s right, the book that leads us to eternal happiness and salvation.

The heavens are rejoicing and the angels and saints are dancing, for we have inherited another Christian in our family. Praise GOD for he is good all the time. May this story be an inspiration to you as it has been for me and my family.

Peace be with all of you.

The 2nd part of "We have hope in Jesus"

When the pursued get Chaste

Consider for a moment a different type of couple; a man who exercises self-control in his dating relationships and a women who holds out for only such a man. Refusing to ever allow their bodies to lead their souls, they take to heart the words of scripture: "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7) They put God first, each other second and their own "needs" a very distant third.

Can this be done? To live chastely as a single young adult in the twenty first century is difficult, but very possible. Co-workers may mock them and friends may misunderstand them and hardly anyone will believe them, but early in courtship, from the very first date, they will have set their plan: to guard and honor chastity. In short, they are guarding their salvation.

They pledge to mutually protect their own chastity and the chastity of the other. They walk this narrow road together, finding room for three on the path and inviting Jesus himself along not as a spectator or a scorekeeper, but as the one that will lead the way.

Ask yourselves these three questions, Are you single? do you live by a pledge of Chastity (this
The condition or quality of being pure or chaste either in having virginty, a virtuous character, or celibacy. Are you willing to make such a pledge? Are you willing to share this with the person that you are dating, right from the start? Even married couples are called to live chastely in marriage, using sex as God has ordained. Are you willing to live chastely in marriage? If the answer to any of these questions is no, then figure out why. what is holding you back.

Your mission is possible

Living chastely in or out of college is as difficult as any mission a young adult will ever undertake. Chastity is more than abstinence. A man who would rather die defending his wife's salvation is a man after Christ's own heart. Where Adam failed to defend and protect his wife in the garden - Eden-our savior succeeds in the Garden- Gethsemane-offering his life for us, his bride the church (Ephesians 5:25).

A women who would rather die than to compromise the salvation of her husband is a women after Mary's (The new Eve)own heart. When a couple stands before a priest of God, in the house of God, before an altar of sacrifice and they genuinely pledge their lives to God and eachother, they understand the sacrament beyond the ceremony. They offer each other far more than the "legal " sex on their marriage bed; they pledge their very selves. The wedding day is far greater than the tux and the gown, the groomsmen with bloodshot eyes, the bridesmaid in dresses, or even the honeymoon. It is offering of two lives body and soul - in complete and total selflessness. He pledges that her soul is primary, in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad. She too swears to such an oath. He loves her enough to deny his own urges. She thinks enough of him to deny hers. The result: a man and women who are far from perfect but close to God.

Brothers, this is the life you are called to when you claim Christ as your Lord. What are you looking for when you head out at night ? What traits are you most drawn to in women ? Your eyes reveal your heart and your words show your motivation.

Women of God, what does this mean for you? Among other things, it means you will have a man who won't cheat on you when he takes a business trip.You will have a husband who will adore every inch of that expanding tummy in the first trimester and every strand of uncombed hair in the third. You will have a spouse who knows what it means to die to himself, a man after Christ own heart. You will have the man you noticed and made time for because you weren't wasting your time on the low bar or singles' guy's bar.

Brothers and Sisters, how do you find such a person in this modern scene that we live in ? Pray hard and keep your standards high. Review the places you go. Ponder the things you were. Look deep within yourself and decide what you want to offer to others. - Your sexuality or God's gift of Chastity.

If this kind of purity sounds out of reach to you.Your body is then leading your soul. If you have suffered abandonment, abuse or any other wounds in your past relationship or within your family, don't allow your hopes to be dashed by the burdens of the past. What is the deepest longing of your heart? Contemplate the words of the late Pope John Paul the Great:

" It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when
nothing else you find satisfies you; he is the beauty to which you are so attracted; It
is he who provokes you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for
compromise; It is he who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; It is he who reads
in your hearts your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle. It is
Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to
follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be grounded down by mediocrity, the
courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourself and
society"

All of us are God's handiwork, and we are created with a purpose. Jesus Christ changes our perspective of our sexuality by changing the way we view our purpose, which is not to seek pleasure but to bring life.

Living with Chastity is a difficult call in a world obsessed with sex and devoid of healthy affection. Take strength from the fact that many others, in every vocation, are living it successfully and joyfully. Take hope from sacred scriptures.

If you are currently dating, ask yourself: "Is this person leading me closer to or further away from Jesus Christ? If the answer is "away" stop and think. Consider if your joy and soul are worth this. Be willing to bypass the for now partner in favor of waiting for the forever partner. If you are married or feel called to the vocation of marriage, write out a sort of mission statement for yourself and your present or future spouse. List your goals and objectives for the marriage and what you consider to be the most important traits in a healthy, God -centered relationship.

Once you submit your understanding of sex to Christ, once you invite the Holy spirit into your bodily temple and let God's truth enlighten you, you'll find your soul leading your body more often.

Be God's always.

uSiNg YoUr TiMe WiSeLy

Today's Scripture

"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity." (Ephesians 5:15-16)

Today's Word

If you want to experience God's best, stay focused on Him and on the things that are truly important. There will always be a thousand interesting and even worthwhile things to fill up your time, but there's a good chance that most of those things will not help you live the best life that God has planned for you. There are many other activities you could get involved in that may be good in themselves; but if you try to do everything, you'll wind up being average at a lot of things and not excellent at anything! Those who are living their best life now have their priorities in order. They make time for key relationships. People are God's most precious creation and should be important in your life. Make sure to do what it takes to share quality time with those God has placed around you.

A Prayer for Today

God, I want to live the best life You have planned for me. Today, help me to keep my focus on You and the things that matter the most. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

DyInG To TrUly LiVe

Today's Scripture

"No one's ever seen or heard anything like this, never so much as imagined anything quite like it—what God has arranged for those who love him." (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Today's Word

When Christ asks you to die to yourself, He is asking you to allow Him to re-create you into something new and wonderful. It's like the outer shell that covers a seed. As long as that shell is in place, the seed will never grow. The shell has to die for that seed to produce a harvest. Your outer shell has to die for you to be fruitful. Once we give up what we want and begin living for Christ, we will begin to experience the peace, joy, and happiness that God has in store for us. Friends, you will never know what real living is until you let go of your outer shell! True happiness and true fulfillment come when we give our lives away, because when we do that God is prepared to flood your heart with His goodness.

A Prayer for Today

God, I know that true happiness and fulfillment come when I relinquish control of my life to you. Give me strength to do just that today and everyday. In Jesus' name. Amen.

SoMeThInG To ThInK AbOuT

I QUIET MY HEART

Today is a gift, another opportunity to grow into the person GOD designed for me to be. Is God calling me to stand firm ? To move forward ? Is God challenging me to trust ? To let go ? Where have I failed ? Where have I fallen ? Where am I bound ? What holds me back ? I turn off the music, my cell phone and I QUIET MY HEART.

HUMILITY

To give us everything, He became nothing. To live in fullness, I must first become empty. Before I can run through this day, I must first walk. Before I can walk, I must first stand, Before I can stand, I must first kneel. On my knees, I begin today's journey. I share with the Lord my fears.

SURRENDER

There are alot of people who are on my mind. God, I lift up these people in prayer. (In your heart and mind right now, name these people)

FAITH

Realizing that the Lord knows me better than I know myself. I can approach him in complete honestly. Trusting that the Lord loves me more than I love myself. I can move forward today in total confidence. I pray for the courage to let the Lord direct me. I share with the Lord, my hopes and I invite him into my dreams. (Jeremiah 29:1) For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare not for woe. Plans to give you a future full of hope.

REFLECT

Remember in the movie "Liar Liar" where Jim Carey's character, who basically lied throughout his entire life to become successful, is now only able to tell the truth, only to torture himself in doing so. In the end he learned that telling the truth was best for everyone.

How about you ? Take an honest look at your life. The reading today speaks of an honest look at self followed by repentance. May you have the courage to speak the truth from your lips as well as live the truth with your life.

GOD THANK YOU FOR KNOWING MY HEART !

The body of Christ

Today's Scripture

"I will cause you to become the father of a great nation; I will bless you and make your name famous, and you will be a blessing to many others." (Genesis 12:2)

Today's Word

Do you realize that Jesus has no arms to hug with except yours? He has no hands to heal and comfort the world with except the hands that you supply—so make a difference with your life today. John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim's Progress, wrote, "You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who cannot pay you back." God didn't call His people to come together just to get blessed, but to be a blessing to someone else. God told Abraham he would become the father of a great nation. But notice that God also wanted Abraham to be a blessing to many. If you want God to pour out His supernatural favor in your life, reach out to bless those around you.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, I know that I may be the only representation of You someone around me may ever see—so help me to be an instrument of Your love and blessing to them. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Stay Positive

Today's Scripture

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Today's Word

It's easy to be positive and encouraging when everything is going your way, isn't it? But every one is going to have obstacles to overcome in life. Problems have a purpose, and part of God's purpose for allowing you to face obstacles is to test your attitude. That's why you need to be positive even in negative situations. Remember, God wants you to live life to the fullest. And He has provided a way for you to enjoy your life, even when you're going through hard times. Look closely again at John 16:33.

Jesus has just told you that you will face tribulation. But then He says, "Take heart!" That's the secret. One translation puts it this way: "When you have trouble, cheer up." What God is saying is that you can choose to be joyful and positive no matter what happens. The reason you can do that is because Jesus has already won your battle, whatever it may be!

A Prayer for Today

Lord, thank You for the trials that strengthen my faith. I know that all I need to do is look up to You when troubles come, and claim Your victory over them. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Spring of laughter

Today's Scripture

"Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst— not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life." (John 4:14)

Today's Word:

When you make Jesus the Lord of your life, God puts within you an eternal well that will never run dry. You have an unlimited supply of good things inside you which should be continually bubbling out of you. But Satan doesn't want your joy, happiness, or laughter to flow freely. So he comes along and throws a stone of, say, worry into your well. You may think, "That's just one little stone. It's not hurting anything. The water is still flowing pretty well." But Satan will be back soon with another stone, whether it's fear, self-pity, or hopelessness. If you haven't dealt individually with each of these stones and gotten rid of them, your nice, free-flowing well of good things will become clogged. But you can still unclog it with a major dose of laughter!

A Prayer for Today

Lord, thank You for the spring of eternal life and joy that You have placed within me. Help me deal with the stones that can block the free flow of goodness, joy, and laughter. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Hmmm - Secret blogger and decorator

Hmmm - I wonder who it could have been that decorated my blog site so beautifully. You see people, when you trust fully in the Lord, he is always full of surprises. It's a constant adventure with him and I love it !!!

To the secret post blogger, thanks a bunch. I absolutely love the new title of my page.

winks !!! sent your way.

We have hope in JESUS

This blog was mainly posted because of certain things that I've come across in my day today. I've been reflecting on today's youth and it's so sad to see when young girls feel like they have to lower the bar of standards just to get some attention. Ultimately what happens is that they receive the worng attention and in their desperateness to not feel lonely, they settle for whatever and in the midst of things they end up being robbed of the virginity, self-respect, and any integrity they have.They also are left feeling used. I hear this story unfortunately more than I want to and it just sickens me. So with that being said I am going to blog about the tearing down of our bodies (our Holy Temples).

Can you imagine if we can supply our own license photos. Were am I going with this, let me explain further. If we could supply the Motor Vehicles Department with our own photo, I guarantee you all that almost everyone's license in the country would display a shot of a confident, well-dressed specimen on a good hair day. Then driver's license would no longer function merely as a visual proof of ID, your license would function as a proof that at one point in time you were thinner, younger, tanner, taller, etc... Aren't we funny when it comes to appearance? Regardless of what we may claim, on some level everyone is image conscious. That doesn't make us evil (THAT EVIL WORD AGAIN ARGHH!) it proves us human.
Stay with me, I'm leading into something. Appearance matters in modern society, Have you ever called a friend to see what they were wearing before you got dressed for a party? (I have). Do you ever were vertical stripes or black because they make you look slimmer? Have you ever tanned your body for a wedding, or gone on a diet before you go on a cruise, I know I have.

And now I ask why do we spend so much time making the exterior of our temples (which is our bodies - according to scripture) so attractive, while the interior is empty and in need of some serious renovation, maybe even demolition? How do we have time to go to a beauty salon and get our hair, nails and toes done but yet find excuses for not getting to church on a weekly basis? Where I am getting at is that our priorities dictate our practices. As Jesus said: " Where your treasure is, there will be your heart also"(Matthew 6:21) and most of our hearts are moved by the desire to look good when we are being looked at.

Somehow, we are never thin enough or alluring enough. We've been so inundated by images of an oversexed culture of thin and sleek that we have lost the sense of the sacredness of our bodies, the temples of the holy spirit. We desperately search in all the wrong places for the inner peace and love that only GOD can offer. Poor self image often gives way to self-hatred. Where does this overarching need to "fit the right image" come from? The disturbing truth is that we have become so desensitized to the reality of the human body that even a gorgeous body is no longer good enough.

What does JESUS have to do with all of this ? Let me explain Pontius Pilate was restless and he wrestled with his decision to have Jesus crucified. He knew the locals would judge his call. He resorted finally to the written word. He had an inscription placed on the cross above Jesus head. In hebrew, latin and Greek it read"Jesus of Nazareth" the king of the Jews"(John 19:19). So here was the son of God, he put God's will before his own in bodily sacrifice, in action. He laid it all on the line - for you and for me.

His sacrifice forces me to ask myself this question ? to whom do I belong ? am I my own? Does my body and life proclaim that I belong to God, or to the world? If I say I am my own, then I belong to myself, free and clear, although that means I deny the role of the creator, the author of my life. If I am my own, I can do what I want as long as I am a good person. It kind of sound then like Jesus Christ is not my Lord, and I do not need a savior. Hmmm something to think about.

However, if I proclaim that God is my God and I belong to him, does by bodily temple proclaim Christ's lordship ? Do I invite him in or leave him on the steps outside? Do I proclaim my christianity with words but deny that reality by the way I use my body?

okay Teens - this is the big question?
IS JESUS' CALL TO PURITY CONSISTENCE WITH YOUR LIFESTYLE . Tough questions often lead to uncomfortable answers.

Where do your talents and beauty, internal and external, come from? Who breathed life into whom here? When it comes to your life, God is the ultimate authority on the subject. Don't stifle his highly creative process. Let him keep writing an your life will be a page turner. If you accept that God is your "author" people will know his book by your cover, so to speak by your
inner spirit radiating through your physical appearance.

Last but not least, God is a God of details. Every detail about you, every talent, every physical attribute has a purpose. What is special about you ? Look in a mirror. Do you see God in the freckles, the wrinkles, the acne or the other "imperfections" ? Love is in the details. Look around. Who are the people that God has brought into your life? Who has influenced your identity for the better, drawing you closer to your God? Who has pulled you away? Your enviroment influences your identity. Is your enviroment a place where people encounter God? Where has God been present in your life?

After reading this I encourage you all to start a journal - ask yourselves these questions and write down your feeling about this issue and then go to a room and sit there by yourself and let our GOD speak to your heart.

My prayer for you is that you find hope, compassion and love in this message and that if anything, know that our awesome GOD loves you more than anything in this whole entire world and you do not have to lower your standards to receive that love, you already have it in JESUS.

Peace be with you this day. Blessings and hugs to everyone.

Laughter

Today's Scripture

"A cheerful heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit makes one sick."(Proverbs 17:22)

Today's Word:

God has given you a great prescription for living a long, healthy, and happy life: Laugh, and laugh a lot! The "medicine" of laughter is within everyone, but you may need to start taking it. Recent studies have shown that laughter boosts the body's immune system, reduces stress, reduces the risk of heart attack, and even acts as a natural tranquilizer. Those are health benefits everyone needs. That's why it's tragic to go through life with a stone face.

The enemy has convinced too many into thinking that they need to be somber and serious in order to be a Christian. But don't fall for that trick. God wants you to laugh and live well!

A Prayer for Today

Lord, thank You for a sense of humor and for laughter. Teach me how to enjoy this wonderful gift and share it with others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Re: Janette comments

My dear Janette,

Thanks for your comment. All I can say is AMEN SISTER !!! I love to hear you talk like that. It is what it is. I must say that I laughed my head off with the second comment you left about the evil one not allowing your comment to publish. Your comments not publishing had nothing to do with the evil one, it was just waiting for me to approve the comments so it can be published on the blog site.

Anyways, that was really funny !!!! Thanks for the laugh.
Peace and know that JESUS ROCKS !!!!!

Re: Eydie comments

Eydie,

Thanks for your comment. It is very encouraging to me when I receive comments like yours. It brings me much joy to know that you are beginning your relationship with the Lord. I heard someone say with their own relationship with the Lord that the Lord never left their side it was them who left the Lord's side, but now they are re-hatching that relationship with HIM, and that my sister is what is important.

Knowing that you are so so loved by Jesus and that he is always with you. I will tell you like someone once told me, any man in this world can dissapointment you but the only man that will never ever dissapoint you is Jesus. Take hope in knowing that he loves you more than the whole world and back, and YOU are his masterpiece and treasure.

Blessings sent your way.

You are Unique

Today's scripture reflection really hits close to my heart. My hubbie and I are both very actively involved in youth ministry. We minister to kids from 8-12th grade. (Mostly high school issues) and I can't tell you how many times we hear of stories of kids conforming to what the world wants them to be. Self-image issues, weight issues, not pretty enough, not good enough, pier pressure on and on....

If you are a teen reading this blog, please know this that you are God's Masterpiece, you were created in his image and that alone makes you and only you priceless. You are a treasure because you were created by the very creator of this universe. Be happy in who you are and when you look in the mirror, wink at yourself knowing that the man upstairs created you with lots of love.

Please continue to read below and blessing to all.

Today's Scripture

" Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think." (Romans 12:2)

Today's Word

Today's verse teaches not to allow the world to squeeze you into its mold. If you're going to be the person God made you to be, you need the courage to break the mold. That means you can't spend time worrying about what others think. The prophet Jeremiah almost missed God's plan because he thought he was too young—and so did Timothy, Paul's son in the faith.

In 1Timothy 4:12 Paul told Timothy, "Let no one despise your youth." But at its heart, Paul was really saying, "Timothy, just be the person God made you to be." God is saying the same thing to you today. You don't need people's approval. You have God's approval! So rise up with boldness and confidence, and God will start pouring out His blessings and favor on you in ways you never even imagined possible.

A Prayer for Today

God, I praise You today for caring enough to make me a unique person with a plan from You to pursue. Please show me today how I can please You by fulfilling Your plan. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

A continuance of FEAR

Fear is a physical and mental phenomenon that leave you shaking and sweating, full of stress, anxiety and nausea. It's effects are measurable and paralyzing; It is an uncontrolled controller. Fear can make you want to scream and simultaneously leave you unable to make a sound. It can make you want to run but leave you standing motionless. Both options can leave you breathless. Denying the existence of fear only allows it to sink its roots deeper into your soul. The most fearful person is the one who is too proud to admit fear, rendering him or her too weak to combat it. Take some time to list those things that you fear. Do you fear giving up control of certain situations in your life? Do you hold onto certain relationships too tightly? Do you fear letting others see beneath the mask you wear, worried that they will reject you if they really know you ? Are you afraid that God will reject you?

Unfortunately, fear often becomes the tool of the devil. Fear binds us and prevents us from moving forward. It becomes a rearview mirror of spirituality,focusing our attentionon past sins and failures rather than on the mercy filled horizons of the future. As a fortune cookie theology warns - "If you don't master your fear, fear will become your master".

Fear of change inhibits many christians in the spiritual journey. Yet Jesus Christ calls us to shatter that fear because the entire Christian life is about learning how to surrender to God.

Nothing not even sin, should produce in us the sort of fear that keeps us from God. I have heard people say, "I can't go to church, my sin is to great. The walls would cave in if I walked in there." Now come on, give me a break - This sort of attitude reveals the soul of someone who yearns for the heavenly mercy of God while simultaneously being consumed by a wordly fear of inadequacy. But Christ didn't spend most of his earthly ministry reaching out to prostitutes, lepers, tacx collectors and vagrants simply so those with the less obvious "white collar" sins might have a nice place to gather and acknowledge his presence for an hour or so every week.

So just remember he welcomes everyone.

The enemy lingers on !!!!

Hi there everyone,

I just wanted to post today about the evil one. I don't know how many of you out there believe in Satan or not, but I tell you what. I do believe that he exist and I also believe that he presents himself in any which way he can , to come into our lives and devour our souls in what ever manner is possible.

The reason why I want to blog about Satan today is not to arise anything within anyone but to give you something to think about when negative thoughts come into your heart and mind. First of all let's talk alittle about fear. I want you all to know that fear is not of God., of course as human beings we will sometime or another or more often then not experience the feeling of fear, but please note and I repeat FEAR is not of God. It's mentioned in scripure over 300 times, " Do not fear for I am with you". The enemy many many times wants us to be afraid of "Whatever", he fills our thoughts and hearts with lies. Satan is the father of lies. I was not going to post about this but I think I will.

The new guidelines that are being set for the adoption of China, when it comes to our adoption process. I believe this is just another obstacle that Satan is trying to throw our way. The emotions of fear come into play - well what if somehow these new guideline start effecting our adoption process, we will ever get our Isabella ????

Well Satan, let me tell you this, not your stinkin guidelines, or any sort of fear that you throw this way will scare me because I stand firm with the armor of God, knowing and firmly believing that that MY GOD IS BIGGER than anything that you can possible throw our way. So instead of me shouting to the world how big my storms are, I WILL SHOUT TO THE WORLD, OF HOW BIG MY GOD IS !!!!

So there !!!!! (you can tell what kind of day I'm having) !!!! Thank you my God for always being there for me and for surrounding me with wonderful people that remind me when I can't encourage myself, I turn to them and through them I find you. You are my Rock and I love you !

Blessings and hugs to all.

Be Yourself

Today's Scripture

"Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly." (Romans 12:6)

Today's Word

The key to living a happy, fulfilling, satisfied life, is really very simple. Just be the person God made you to be, and have the courage to do what God called you to do. He has a unique and individual plan for your life, and the way to becoming a champion for God is to discover that plan and follow it wherever it may lead. But because you are human, it's easy for you to get distracted—many times, because you're trying too hard to please other people. Of course, there are legitimate demands on your time that must be met. The good news is that these things don't have to thwart God's plans for you. Just make it your desire to follow and please Him, and you won't be thrown off the path by life's demands and distractions.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, please help me today to use the abilities and gifts You have given me to honor You. Thank You for not expecting me to try and be someone other than the person You made me to be.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

The song that is on this blog site

It just came to me as I was blogging and reviewing everything that I wrote. I was listening to this song that is on my blog site called "Friends" from Michael W. Smith. This song hits so close to my heart everytime I hear it. It was one of the many songs that were used in our Baby's memorial service when he passed at 7 1/2 months in my womb.

To my precious Baby Emmanuel - I so love you very much and I know deep within my heart that you continue to be a beacon of light in the lives of your daddy, your brother and me. Someday we will all be united in the everlasting eternal kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, until then - the song "friends" will always be a musical memory of my love for you my dear child.

Let the love of Jesus permeate into your heart. I love you more than the world itself.

Love your mama.

A Yoke of Kindness

Matthew 11:29 - "Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Farmers in ancient Israel used to train an inexperienced ox by yoking it to an experienced one with a wooden harness. The straps around the older animal were tightly drawn. He carried the load. But the yoke around the younger animal was loose. He walked alongside the more mature ox, but his burden was light.

For me, in this verse Jesus is saying " I walk alongside you. We are yoked together, but I pull the weight and carry the burden". Can you imagine having someone in your life, saying to you don't worry about this or that, I am going to carry the burden for you.

WOW ! It's humbling, when I see or feel the cross being carried on the shoulders / heart of Jesus. The price he paid for me humbles me tremendously and makes me want to shout of the Good News from the roof top of a building.

I wonder how many burdens is Jesus carrying for you and me, that right now we know nothing about ? We're aware of some. He carries our sin, he carries our shame, he carries our eternal debt. But are there others ? Has he lifted fears before we have felt them? Has he carried our confusion so we wouldn't have to? Those times when we have been surprised by our own sense of peace?

Could it be that Jesus has lifted our anxiety onto his shoulders and placed a yoke of kindness on ours ???

To me this is a love worth sharing. Peace !

Ready or Not, He's got a Plan

God wants to use you. He has a plan for you and me. He's ready to call on those talents, gifts and skills that he's bestowed on you. If your consumed with what your not when you look in the mirror, remember that God sees all that you are. He's sees your promise and he sees his glory within you. He's not checking to see if you measure up to the person next to you on the chart of his potential; he's interested in how your using the potential he's placed within you. He'll bat down every excuse you throw at him to ignore or refuse his gifts.

Throughout scripture, God calls and uses different types of people with different types of issues. Sometimes, he call people who were down on themselves because they were focused on their own sin. Sometimes - rather often - he chose people who were low on the social latter or even outcast. Plenty of these people could easily have claimed an excuse for not serving when God called. I once read a list from the stories of scripture that went something like this:

"Jacob was a liar. David was an adulterer. Abraham was too old. Timothy had ulcers. Peter was a coward. Moses was a stuttering murderer. Mark was undependale. Hosea married a prostitute. Naomi was a widowed, as was Ruth. Jonah was disobedient. Miriam was a gossip. Thomas doubted. Elijah suffered from depression. Paul was a murderer, too. John the Baptist dressed funny. Mary was a worrywart. Zacchaeus was very short. Mary was only a teenager and Lazarus was dead !

So, what's your excuse ??? God sees something in you, something you might not even see in yourself. He's calling you to stay humble, dependant and aware of your need for him so that you are better able to serve him.

"Go make disciples" (Mark 28:19) He's talking to you.

Peace be with you this day.

Over the Moon for my niece and nephews

Please welcome King Arthur Joseph Bombardier, in the midst of discovering his castle, while the Chinese emperor Adrian Wen Kai cheers on his Mei-Mei, Anna Grace Fengqin.



Let's greet Mr. Adrian Wen Kai with a warm loving applause for cheering on his little mei-mei, Ms. Anna Grace Fengqin !


Please welcome our latest addition, Ms. Anna Grace Fengqin ! Coming soon to a home near me.

I know this blog site is about our Isabella but since I've only come to know Isabella in my heart and I have no pictures or anything to post about her yet, I will show and tell of my new additions to our family:

Pursing the Dream

Today's Scripture

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 3:14)

Today's Word

If you want to live a joyful and fulfilling life, learn to celebrate each moment of each day. All it really takes is a decision on your part to relish the events, people, and tasks that make up everyday life. Of course, you should have goals. God has put dreams and desires in each person's heart. And there will always be another dream, another challenge just over the horizon. Slow down and enjoy each stage of what He is doing in your life. You don't have to make everything happen today. Pursue the goals that God has planted in you, but don't forget to enjoy each stage of the journey!

A Prayer for Today

God, I know that You have planted dreams and goals in me. Help me to pursue them with the awareness that they will happen in Your time, and give me the ability to enjoy where You have me today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Re: Kristy g.

Kristy,

Thanks for your comment. It's always refreshing and encouraging to me when I see that God's words have encouraged someone else. Please note that the words that I express on my blog truly come from my heart, however there are times that the words that are being put on the blog, I've probably heard from someone's speech. The reason I like to also blog from what I learn is beacause I know that if those same words touched my heart, it will hopefully touch someone's heart as well. I thank you again for following Isabella's journey and I wish you the very best with your adoption journey as well.

May the peace of the Lord be with you today and always.

Enjoy your life

Today's Scripture

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." (Psalm 23:6)

Today's Word

Many people never really manage to enjoy their lives. They spend day after day just going through the motions, hoping things will get better. Maybe you're one of them. If so, listen to this: Your life can be better. You can be the happy, healthy, victorious, and overcoming champion God made you to be! Everything you need to start enjoying life is already inside you. You just need a little help to bring it to the surface. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and help bring out the best in you—because it's already there!

A prayer for Today

Lord, I know that You have promised to give me everything I need to live a joy-filled life. Thank You for Your blessings, and help me to live a life of joy beginning today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Our waiting time towards Isabella

Wow - Today's scripture reading came in just at a perfect time for me and probably for alot of you who are still waiting for your forever child. Take a peak at the reading for today and let the message permeate your heart with hope, peace and understanding that all things happen in God's timing for the good of all.

To our future daughter - Your forever family will be with you soon but until then take comfort in knowing in your small little heart that God is with you and will hold you in his arms and keep you safe and warm until mama gets to you. I love you already my dear Isabella, in my heart you will continue to grow. God Bless you baby girl.

Slow Down and Enjoy the Journey

Today's Scripture:

"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)

Everyone wants to live joyful and victorious lives. That's what God wants for you, too, and He knows the best way to get you there. But He also wants you to enjoy the trip! Here are two things to remember today that will help you slow down and enjoy this day God has given you. First, God is in control! He is directing your steps according to His plan. Second, God has your best interest in mind at all times. That means His plan for you is good, one that is designed to help you be the person He created you to be. So relax and enjoy the journey! Let God take you where He wants you to be in His timing, not yours. Remember, God is never late!

A prayer for today

God, thank You that You have my best in mind. Give me patience as I wait upon Your timing and make the journey one step at a time. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The meaning behind love

My new years resolution is to grow deeper not only in my faith and spirituality but also in my ministries. I will go deeper in prayers, read more books that will help me grow within my own spirituality and then take what I’ve learned and pass it on to others. With that being said, I will begin:

Our spirituality can be like those of a crossword puzzle. There’s the up and down relationship between God and us. There’s the left to right relationship between the world and us. Sometimes, we ask for help but most of the time we don’t. Often we try and fit things in our life that our not meant for the space (which is our soul) and we end up with a problem. The result ? Well the space (which is our soul) remains empty until we begin to live out God’s plan for our lives. So, Where does it all begin and how can we live out God’s plan in our lives?

It all begins with L.O.V.E: The truth about love.

Love is not a feeling; happiness is a feeling. Love is not an emotion; anger is an emotion. Love is not a state; confusion is a state. Love can include feeling and emotion and leave you in a state, but love is, at heart, a decision. Love sees the imperfections, sins and failings, and says
“I still chose to love you”

(I can’t help but think of my precious nephew “Kai” - as I write about the imperfections of this little guy, although he had a clept lip and palate, our Lord gave me the grace to see past his imperfection and now all I see is a little boy - who has shown me how to love in a greater and deeper way. A little boy that kneels before the crucifix in reverence of the power of our mighty God. Kai's actions have humbled me in such a way to know and firmly believe that God doesn’t call the equipped, he equips the called).

Going back to L.O.V.E: The world says, “Love is priceless.” Not true - Love carries a heavy price, but Jesus picked up the tab for you and for me. The world tells us, love doesn’t grow on trees.” But love grew out of a tree on Calvary that day when Jesus’ blood watered the earth. God doesn’t love you just because he is bored, nor does he just have loving feelings for his creation. God is love and when we love as he loves, we know him and live in him:

The bottom line is this: “God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God. How am I so convinced of this ? It says it in his word: 1 John 4:16. Love means that God is your center, your air and you cannot live without him nor would you want to. The love of God puts every other relationship into proper perspective. With this knowledge and good news, I have made a firm resolution to start off this year more than ever with a firm commitment to fully turn myself over to Jesus, I am nothing without him.

Phillipians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I give our Lord all the honor and glory in which he returns to me with his everlasting joy and grace. Peace be with all of you.

Prayer for the New Year

Today's Scripture

"Be strong and courageous, and do it. Fear not; be not dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail or forsake you until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord." (I Chronicles 28:20)

Today's Word

Fear not. That is the message David had for his son, Solomon. For many years, David wanted to build a temple for the Lord. But God told Him that specific job belonged to his son, Solomon. Solomon was young and inexperienced, and even though he knew he had a mandate from God, he was intimidated by the prospect of building a great house of worship, one that would be a dwelling place for the Most High. Your can probably understand his apprehension. But his father David had some good advice for him. He told his son, "Forget your fear. God is bigger than your problems. He is bigger than the temple you are going to build. He is bigger than any adversity that you might face. So just get busy and do your part and God will do the rest."Perhaps as this New Year approaches you have some changes that need to be made. Maybe you need a renovation in your marriage, finances, health, or emotions. Whatever your individual needs may be, notice the words of David, "Be strong and courageous, and do it. Fear not, be not dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you."

A Prayer for Today

God, I'm excited to see what You have planned for me this year. Whatever I face, I will not be intimidated. I will begin this year by seeing myself as You do – happy, healthy, and prosperous. Thank you for the gift of another year. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Pictures from New Years Eve

Herb, Anthony and I in Big Sky, Montana getting ready to go Dog Sledding.



Me and one of the dogs that were used for Dog Sledding.

Happy New Year

Hi everyone,

Today is New Years Day in Big Sky, Montana. It is approximately 12:35pm. Herb, Tom and Alyssa could not stay up to midnight, as they were too tired, however, Anthony and I managed to stay up and went outside to the mountains and watched the firework display. There were so many young people out there and WOW ! There was a whole lot of drinking going on. There were alot of people who brought in the new year in drunkness, not everyone but quite a bit of people were far out there tonight. We spent our New Years Eve very active. In the morning, we went to Moonlight Basin to go Dog Sledding. That was such an adventure and it was so much fun. We had never done that before and I will post some pictures so you all can see for yourself. After we finished dog sledding, we stayed at Moonlight Basin and skiied the rest of the afternoon there. There slopes, I think were much better than Big Sky, still alittle icy but alot funner. We finally got back to our hotel close to 5:00pm, and just rested. We had scheduled dinner reservations for 8:00pm, which we went to. The food was just fabulous. We stuffed our faces, until we could not eat anymore, which is probably why, Tom, Alyssa and Herb didn't make it to see the firework display at midnight.

But all is good, we are so blessed to end 2006 with the countless amount of blessings that our good Lord bestowed upon us, and I can only hope and pray that his blessings and annointment continue to shadow over our family and also yours during the next coming year 2007.

May God Bless all of you today and always, and may he grant you this year lots of peace, health and happiness.

Blesssings to all