My Vacation

Well I did finally get some much needed time off from work. I got to sleep in late and act like I was on summer vacation from school. But the highlight of my vacation was my trip to New York. I went to see Jason. He was his wonderful self and showed me a great time in NYC. I have said it a hundred times that I haven't ever been anywhere, and now that would be a lie.

I flew into Chicago O'Hare Airport which was scary and then to NY Lagordia Airport which was not as scary cause I knew a face when I got there! It was so much fun! We hit the ground running literally! They do not know how to walk up there! Jason took me to see all the sights and they were so tall! I was loving it! It was unreal to be in the land of the giant buildings. After my star struck self got it together, I finally started taking pictures and enjoying this old city that is forever changing. There is so much architecture there that it is hard to take it all in! I was able to see Lady Liberty, the Empire State Building, Time Square, Ground Zero, Grand Central Station, Park Avenue, The Waldorf Astoria, and many other things that I do not know the names of! One of my favorite memories was when he took me down to Little Italy. It was getting darker and they were turning the lights on. It was magnificent! And again I was starstruck! So when it was time to come home, I must admit, I was terribly sad! We had a great time getting to know each other even better, but it was back on the airplane. He dropped me off at the airport and my plane had been delayed! Big surprise huh! My plane was 1 1/2 hours late and then they had us on the tarmack for 2 hours. I was very tired, but couldn't sleep on there. Luckily, there were great people to my right and to my left! The lady to my left was soon to be starring as "Baby" in Dirty Dancing in an off Broadway Play which is set to start in September in Chicago. We laughed and talked about the movie. She stated that she thought I knew more about the movie than she did! We had a great time. On the last leg of my flight, I sat beside a newly retired soldier from Texas. He had just returned from his last bit in Iraq. We talked about the war and at the end of the conversation, I got to do something that I know most of us would like to do. I told him Thank You! He had a surprised look on his face. He told me not many people had ever said that to him! It's amazing the people that God puts you beside! Thanks to all who were praying for me during my vacation. I had a great time and was truly blessed! Jason if you're reading this! Thanks for a wonderful time in NYC!!! I owe ya!

I'm in BETTER hands NOW

It's hard to stand on shifting sand. It's hard to shine in the shadows of the night. You can't be free if you don't reach for help. You cant love if you dont love yourself.

There is hope when my faith runs out. Cause, I'm in better hands now

It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down. It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground. So take this heart of mine there's no doubt, I'm in better hands now.

I am strong all because of you. I stand in awe of every mountain that you move. Oh I am changed, yesterday is gone. I am safe from this moment on.

There's no fear when the night comes 'round. I'm in better hands now.

It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down. It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground. So take this heart of mine there's no doubt, I'm in better hands now.

It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down. It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground. Its like the world is silent though I know it isnt true. Its like the breath of Jesus is right here in this room.

So take this heart of mine there's no doubt, I'm in better hands now.

Romans 8:18
"For I consider that the suffering of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us."

I have been singing this song in my head for about a week now. I hope it is a blessing to others as it has been to me. I sit here attempting to think outside the box. To remember times when I was waltzing through life. One definition for "Waltz" that I found was "to move briskly and unhesitatingly". I did that and did it well for a long time, but as of late, my life has been more complicated. A dance that I do not know, one that I am not picking up easily.

One area of weakness that I feel Christians struggle with is that it is never going to be easy. When storms rage we have to find ways to protect ourselves. When problems confront us on ever angle of our lives, we have to find constructive ways to make it out. "We are made overcomers by our testimony". We are made overcomers when we no longer sit in our bitterness, We are overcomers when we praise through through the rough times as well as the good times, We are made overcomers when we pray and we know that God hears us because his audible voice comes and comforts you right where you kneel. I love the words of this song when she says: "It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down. It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground. Its like the world is silent though I know it isnt true. Its like the breath of Jesus is right here in this room." God take this heart of mine there's no doubt, I'm in better hands now!!!

Love you guys!

How to Plant your life!!!

How To Plant Your Garden First, you Come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses....
FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING,

PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:
1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:
1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:
1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another

NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:
1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another

TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:
1. Thyme for each other
2.. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends

WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.

JOY

As I sat in church last night, I felt as though my toes were totally being stepped on! And I questioned myself "DO I HAVE JOY?". Here I am listening to the words that are haunting me by night. So I decide I have to continue to make a change. Bro. Greg stated "The secret of JOY is perspective". Where has my perspective been. Well for those of you who have been reading, I have been having a moment for almost a month now...and yes moments do last that long.

• Joy comes from understanding the truth. "I know the truth!!! God is faithful and just"
• Joy comes from having peace from God. "Well I know I am a child of the most high king, but am I listening to him? Do I realize that I don't have to carry my burdens by myself? Come unto me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest"
• Joy comes from being accepted. "I know that I am loved"
• Joy comes from seeing the big picture. "My God has a plan, and I asked him to use me; therefore, I must be able to accept the changes he has to make in order for me to be the person he wants me to be".
• Joy comes from having hope. "Rom 8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."

I am running in a race, that I know I will eventually win! God is in control! Thank you to those of you who continue to pray for me. You will never fully know how much of a blessing you all are to me!

"Sometimes the devil sends his best before God sends his best"

TODAY IS THE DAY

TODAY is the DAY
By Lincoln Brewster

I’m casting my cares aside I’m leaving my past behind I’m setting my heart and mind on You Jesus I’m reaching my hand to Yours Believing there’s so much more Knowing that all You have in store for me is good Is good

Chorus: Today is the day You have made I will rejoice and be glad in it Today is the day You have made I will rejoice and be glad in it And I won’t worry about tomorrow I’m trusting in what You say Today is the day

I putting my fears aside I’m leaving my doubts behind I’m giving my hopes and dreams to You Jesus I’m reaching my hand to Yours Believing there’s so much more Knowing that all You have in store for me is good Is good

Today is the day God has made and I will REJOICE and be GLAD in it!!!! Sometimes the ball is not in our court and sometimes we can not control everything. Therefore, it is important to realize that giving God our HOPES and DREAMS or our FEARS and SORROWS, is the only way to make it through the day. Thank you Lord for making this day for me to dwell in!

I WILL PRAISE YOU THROUGH THIS STORM

Praise You in This Storm
I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down and wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day. But once again, I say amen and it's still raining as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain, "I'm with you"and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away.

I remember when I stumbled in the wind You heard my cry to You and raised me up again my strength is almost gone how can I carry on if I can't find You and as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain "I'm with you"and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away

I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

And I'll praise you in this storm and I will lift my hands for You are who You are no matter where I am and every tear I've cried You hold in your hand You never left my side and though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm.

It's a new day and a new picture. I thank all of you for the prayers that I am receiving! I know that God is listening and he is faithful. My mom mentioned this song to me last night as I drove away from Tom and Steph's house. It is my life right now. Between my dad's sickness and the other big purple elephant that I have been dealing with I have just been wollowing (probably a horrible spelling but just sound it out) in all of my issues. But God, I will praise you in this storm. I don't know why I am going thru this right now but you do! You are the maker of Heaven and Earth. I WILL PRAISE YOU IN THIS STORM!!! So today, I pledge to smile more, to get on with my life, to actually return to the gym, to give Taylor and Clay their beds back, and most importantly to PRAISE him even when my world doesn't make sense.

2 Breaths

Sharon asked me yesterday how I was doing and I said "I'm trying to breathe". I got a message from Sharon today and she said "Well take 1 breath today and try and take 2 breaths tomorrow". What a thought!

So I have sat here and tried to figure out all of the things that are going on in my life, and although I know my God is comforting me and helping me, I am still hurting and I am still mourning this loss. I talked about it last night at church and I know that God is doing a work in my life. He heard my prayers and has chosen to help me weed out my habits and keep me from compromising into things that can cause me to stray. So here I stand again, asking God, Please help me to be the witness I need to be. Help me to move in the path I need to be in! And as always, God please give me the Strength, Endurance, and Faith to keep on moving.