Today Is 'Good Friday'

During Easter, we spend so much time focusing on the resurrection which is a wonderful thing and the reason for our hope, but sometimes we gloss right over the pain and suffering of the cross. The blood that was shed for MY sake. Today is Good Friday and honestly, right off the top of my head, I don't really remember why it's called "Good Friday". Today represents the day that my Lord and Savior struggled to carry that heavy wooden cross up to Golgotha (Calvary). Today represents the day that He was whipped and beaten beyond recognition. Today represents the day that those spikes were driven through His hands and feet and He hung on the cross with the weight of my sin on His chest....while His mother, Mary, looked upon Him with tears stinging her eyes.
Can you even imagine it?

Think about the pain we feel when we get a splinter in our hand? And if you're like me, the thought of my child feeling any pain, physically or emotionally, cripples me to a puddle of tears.

But Jesus endured every lash of that whip, the pain of the cross--His bones crushing from the weight and position of the cross...He was thinking of me...and He was thinking of you.

The Passion Of Christ

If you've never seen The Passion of the Christ, today would be a good day to watch it and be reminded of what the Lord has done for you. I know it's "Hollywood", but it really brought the story "to life" for me. I literally sobbed in the movie theater when it first was released and it probably doesn't hold a candle to the pain and suffering Jesus really went through that day.

So I urge you today to focus on the cross.

"But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

House Hunting....

After a long, long, LOOOOOOOONG weekend of exhaustive/ing day of house hunting/style perusing/measuring/rethinking/and picture taking, we FOUND the house . . . the PERFECT house for us. I was even able to get a photo to show you.

As you will see, it has all the rooms we need. It is also not just your ordinary box on a lot. It has character which I found WOEFULLY lacking in some of the other homes we saw.

This one just seemed to fit the bill.

One of the things I cannot WAIT to do it decorate, and I hope you will all feel free to lend me a cyber hand as I tackle the task. As we looked at empty speck homes and decorated designer model homes today, I was truly convinced the more ideas you have the better. I would LOVE for you to leave comments regarding the types of decor you think might work in this home.

Thank you for your comments in advance. I know they will come in very handy as we now tackle the likes of Home Depot, Lowe’s, The Great Indoors, Bed Bath and Beyond and the like.

Take a look and then let me know where to start.

"Our God Reigns"

Rain although not always convenient is always necessary.

Look at the following scripture:
Psalm 147:8 (NIV)

He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.

Today I want to focus on rain. Not the meteorological kind of rain, but instead the rains of life. It has been said that “in each life a little rain must fall.” This statement is very true, and yet minimizes the truth. Life doesn’t just come with a little rain, but sometimes it comes with storms and torrential downpours.

So why do we go through these rainstorms of life? Notice in the verse I quoted above that grass grows on the hills because of the rain. Ultimately the rains come into your life to make your life more fertile for the blessings of God. I want to focus on the rains that may be in your life today.

You see some of the rains we encounter in life are sent to deal with the hardness in our hearts. The rains come to soften the rough edges in our life. God uses these times to make the soil of our hearts fertile for His purposes. As our hearts begin to soften they become pliable and are easily molded. The softening of our heart allows for greater nurture and spiritual health.

This morning you may have awoken to a rain cloud pouring down in your life. If this is true, take heart, be thankful that the rain has come. God is working to soften and mold you, so that your life will be abundantly fruitful.

Much JOY,

Mindy

People Of Integrity

I was laying in bed last night and could not sleep. The pain was intense. During these times I surrender and say to God, 'OK, You got my attention!' I get excited because I have learned something great is about to happen. I then start to journal and that is where God truly blesses me. My prayer is that Others will receive this as well.

Proverbs 10:9 (NLT)
People with integrity have firm footing, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.

Integrity is one of those things we all seek in those we interact with, but sadly it is becoming harder and harder to find. In today’s cut throat world, people will use every means, tactic and scheme to get ahead. Decisions are made in boardrooms all across America without a thought being given to those who are affected in the aftermath.

I often hear those of the “builder” generation talking about a simpler time when a man’s handshake was binding and a promise could be counted on. I was very blessed to have the concept of integrity lived out in front of me. My father has always been a man of his word even when it wasn’t popular or easy. As the years have gone by, I have watched many of his peers and counterparts fall by the wayside, because they were willing to compromise, but in the end my dad stood strong and survived.

People of integrity have firm footing, because they do not shift with opinion, pressure or temptation. A man or woman of integrity is the same whether no one is watching or the whole world is watching. Integrity runs much deeper than action, but is instead a core value that comes from within.

This week many of you will have opportunity to compromise your values, beliefs and morals. This will be a crossroads for you…will you be true to what you believe in or will you bend to conform? Sadly with compromise you may see some temporal gain, but in the long run, your compromise will catch up with you.

This week I challenge you to make a commitment to integrity. Commit that no matter how tempting the compromise, you will stand for doing what is right. In the end, your stance will cause you to stand out. People will see you as trustworthy and honest. Your input and influence will carry much more weight, because your character will have proven itself time and time again.

Much JOY,

Mindy

Work With Enthusiasm

Life can be so complicated at times. We set out wide-eyed and eager on the various journeys that we are called to, but inevitably the trials and tribulations come. Even the most optimistic and upbeat person can lose their enthusiasm if they are not careful to guard their heart.

Over the last several weeks I had found myself in just such a place. My awakening point, if you will, was an email from a dear friend who simply asked: “Where has your enthusiasm gone?” My friend continued to observe that I was adrift in a sea of negativity…and she was right!!! In a recent phone call with a friend, I asked the question: “How do you keep moving forward when there is no wind left in your sails.” Before I give you the counsel of this wise friend, I want to share this verse with you:

Ephesians 6:7 (NLT)
Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

My friend helped me to see that I was basing my enthusiasm on the response of others and not on the one for whom I work. To put it simply I was finding myself worn down by the response of others to the things the Lord is asking me to do. In reality, the only thing that truly matters is that I be faithful to His leading and put the response of others in His hands.

I already knew that I “perform” for an audience of One, but sometimes the divide between knowing it and living it can be expansive. I had to re-adjust my focus. I had to clarify who it is that I must please. The bottom line is…it is God!!! Wow, what a breakthrough….what a relief….what a burden lifted!!!

It is so much simpler when I focus solely on Him. I am finding a renewed excitement and enthusiasm. Even though I care deeply, My focus is no longer on fixing people problems, but is instead back on the one I truly work for.

This week you may find that your enthusiasm is a bit lacking. I encourage you to take a few moments and refocus on who it is you truly work for. When you put your eyes back on him your work will become a JOY and you will once again become exceedingly enthusiastic!

In His Hands

"Grant, O Lord my God, that I may never fall away in success or failures;that I may not be prideful in prosperity nor dejected in adversity.

Let me rejoice only in what unites us and sorrowonly in what separates us. May I strive to please no one or fear todisplease anyone except YOU.

May I always seek the things that are eternal and never those that are only temporal.

May I shun any JOY that is without YOU and never seek any that is beside YOU.

O Lord, may I delight in any work I do for YOU and tireof any of rest that is apart from YOU. Let me direct my heart towards YOU, and in my failings always repent with a purpose of amendment.

St. Thomas Aquinas

have a wonderful Sunday

Lean On Me...

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain

We all have sorrow

But if we are wise

We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you're not strong

And I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on

For it won't be long'Til I'm gonna need

Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride

If I have things you need to borrow

For no one can fill those of your needs

That you don't let show

Lean on me, when you're not strong

And I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on

For it won't be long

'Til I'm gonna need

Somebody to lean on

If there is a load you have to bear

That you can't carryI'm right up the road

I'll share your load

If you just call me

So just call on me brother, when you need a hand

We all need somebody to lean on

I just might have a problem that you'd understand

We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me when you're not strong

And I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on

For it won't be long

Till I'm gonna need

Somebody to lean on

Lean on me...

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Allow God To Refuel Your JOY

In reading and studying Philippians, it is a book filled with joy. It shows us four areas that can be broken down to study.
Joy in Suffering- I think of this first area and ponder the rainbow of suffering we endure during our lives. Some suffer more intensely than others, some mildly with less heaviness of heart and still others suffer in silence. We must not allow our sufferings to cause us to become bitter or to give up. The apostle Paul saw trials as an opportunity to share the Good News of Christ. Instead we need to shed the load, leaving it at the feet of Jesus.
Personally, I believe that our sufferings in life bring about the biggest times of growth and a deeper more meaningful faith. As a community of believers, they bring about a deeper bond and a meaningful compassion and oneness.
Joy in Serving- This brings to my mind the picture of working together with one heart and one purpose. Our close hearts tied together with the oneness of giving to one another. In this joy filled aspect we see common bonding in action. Giving with a cheerful heart and allowing God to use us freely for his glory.
Joy in Giving- Here again we see the servanthood aspect of our common bond. It is giving with an open heart, a heart that cares, that is transparent, that has more because of the filling and the spilling out as the Holy Spirit makes himself manifest in our lives.
Joy in Believing- This should be the main reason behind the rest. We can not find joy in suffering, joy in serving or joy in giving until we have a joy in believing. Passing the love on that reflects our belief in Jesus should be second nature, so that when life’s difficult times come we are ready and fully armored.
When we can learn to continue joyful living in the midst of our deepest trials, satan will lose his foothold on God’s handmaidens in a drastic way.
For where there is joy, there is no distress. Where there is joy, fear shall be no more. Where there is joy, worry will case. Where there is joy, fretting will lessen. Where there is joy, tears give way to smiles. Where there is joy, life abounds!!
And so it is for us, remaining united to God and to one another for the cause of Godly relationships, creates our common bond and thus within open walls the unity of great and exceedingly abundant joy!
Joy unspeakable and full of glory…Praise his precious name!
Philippians 2:1 “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.”

PERSIST ON YOUR DREAMS, BUT DON’T GET STUCK IN TRAFFIC JAMS

I often talk about Setting Goals & Living Your Passion. I have to admit that this is not an easy thing to do. More often than not, life does not turn out as we plan it to. Yesterday, I was reading the book ‘Never Eat Alone’, by Keith Ferrazzi. In this book, there is a lesson about adapting our goals that I like to share.

Keith is a marketer at heart; He became the youngest ever CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) of Starwood Hotels and Resort (a Fortune 500 company). A few years later, he became CEO of YaYa Media.

He believed that marketing can and should direct all operational activities. Yet, throughout his career, he faced resistances from top management to let marketing play a bigger role in the running of the organization.

During his CMO tenor at Starwood Hotels and Resorts, he hit a low point in his career; his goal to restructure marketing globally was not supported by the new President then. He knew he wouldn’t be able to reach his goals at Starwood.

Keith knew he had to leave.

He decided the best way to make his dream come true is to become the CEO and run the company the way he believes it should be run. He reevaluated his dreams and wrote a 12-page mission statement comprising his key strengths and weaknesses. He wanted to become the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. However, the reality check turned out that Keith lack the qualifications to be CEO of any Fortune 500.

He consulted with his friends and advisors. One of them told Keith “you have to get over the prestige of working for a Fortune 500 company. If you want to be CEO, you have to find a company that you can grow with.”

That was exactly the advice that Keith needed. With that in mind, Keith adjusted his goals, and set out an action plan to network with the relevant people in the industry - people not from Fortune 500. Of the connections he made, it included people from YaYa Media. Months later, an opportunity in YaYa Media opened up for the CEO position and he took it - realizing his dream of bringing his marketing experience into the CEO position.

PERSIST ON YOUR DREAMS, BUT DON’T GET STUCK IN TRAFFIC JAMS

However, like Keith, even as we strive towards our dream in a persistent manner, we must be flexible to adapt our action plans to changing times and prevailing forces.

When we set goals, we do not concern ourselves with ‘how’ to make it happen. Along the way, when actions are taken, we get feedbacks and see actual progress. It’s times like these that we need to reevaluate our approach to our dreams. It’s not the same as giving up, it’s about adapting. I know, it’s a fine line to draw - it’s subtle but very important.

To illustrate my point, I like to share an analogy: Let’s say you are going out on a car trip to a park. When you set off from your house, you planned on taking the shortest route you know. But during the journey, you heard over the radio that there’s a traffic jam up ahead. At this moment, you can choose to stubbornly stick to your planned route or you can switch to another longer route without traffic jam. Chances are, it makes more sense to change your route, and you still get to your destination (the park). The traffic jam is something that you don’t control, and there’s no telling how long it is going to take.

It’s all about adapting to prevailing circumstances. There’s no point in fighting against circumstances that you don’t control. You’ll only end up in self-defeat and more disappointment.

Take Some Time For Yourself

only 24 hours in a day.....

**As you head into the 2nd month of the year, take some time this week to analyze January. Were you too busy? Was your focus in the right place? Are your expectations for YOURSELF too high (mine certainly are!)? Is your family getting "all of you" or just the "leftovers?" What activities & commitments stress you out or are a drain to your family ... prayerfully consider what needs to change. **

The Making Of A Potter's Daughter

Each and every day I stand in the shower, long before the sun comes up and I pray...."Father, make me into who you NEED me to be and USE me today." It is not the most eloquent of prayers, but it's from the heart at 5:30 am...I guess when I think about it symbolically I am standing there in the dark (never shower with the lights on at that hour) and I am letting HOT water run down my back...I am symbolically surrendering it all ~

In asking that I also am committing myself to HIS will in my life...including the "breaking and remaking" of my spirit...That Great Big God of mine wants nothing less of me than something that is "non blemished ~ worthy" to serve HIM...He LOVES ME THAT MUCH~ WOW!

I want the best for my Boys...I would go to the ends of the earth to help them become the Men I know they can be ~ AND my Father does the same for me, guiding me daily, shaping me as the POTTER shapes his clay.

Funny thing about me that many of you reading would not know, I notice things...(yes, there are other words for my "attention to details" around the house, but that is another post for another day...stick with me here.:))

I see the "speck" on the floor or the dust that has settled on the table or the streak on the mirror or crumbs on the stove.... I SEE them, the "blemishes" all around me, and I find myself stopping and bending over to pick it up or wipe it clean...and HA, it hits me.....

THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HE IS DOING IN ME!!! He wants to dust and polish and wipe me, until I become unblemished and shine! He wants me to be what HE created me to be...He works daily at it. I see it in the challenges that come my way, I see it in the difficult relationships, I see it in the interruptions ~ all strokes of the MASTER POTTER to turn me into a piece of clay that is "unblemished and worthy."

YES, it WILL take a lifetime, and I don't want Him to stop...I'm glad He notices the "details" in me and continues to dust and wipe each day! I admit, I must be like a whole house cleaning some days...continual dust building up!!

Someday, I pray... someday, I will be one of those who, while not unblemished, will stand worthy to meet Him face to face....FINALLY becoming truly unblemished in HIS love and presence ~I will remember to thank Him for always seeing where I needed the extra dusting, and for not ever giving up~
that is just what LOVE, beautiful LOVE, does. ~amen for that....

The True Essence Of JOY

I define Joy as a sustained sense of well-being and internal peace - a connection to what matters.

Joy is an essential spiritual practice growing out of faith, grace, gratitude, hope, and love.

It is the pure and simple delight in being alive.

Joy is our elated response to feelings of happiness, experiences of pleasure, and awareness of abundance. It is also the deep satisfaction we know when we are able to serve others and be glad for their good fortune.

Invite Joy into your life by staging celebrations. Host festivities to mark transitions and changes in your life. Toast moments of happiness you notice as you go through your day. Dance — jump for Joy — as often as possible. Life is not meant to be endured; it is to be enjoyed.

We often talk about this in the same breath with its companions. We say Joy and sorrow, happiness and sadness, smiles and tears, the ecstasy and the agony.

The experience of one intensifies our awareness of the other. Sorrow, for example, may be the price we pay for Joy; when we have known great happiness in a relationship, we feel its loss more deeply. Or think of those times when you laugh so hard you cry.

Joy will usually be part of a set of symptoms presenting in your life.

The best protocol is to be thankful for the intensity of these feelings. When you are experiencing sorrow and sadness, when the tears are flowing, remember they can be stepping stones to Joy.

I Am A Winner!

A friend of mine, Heidi Hankins, stopped by my house this morning to drop off a Starbucks coffee and a box. She didn't stay long as she was off to work.

Inside the box was: Daily Affirmation Cards for me to hang on my bathroom mirror. This is truely a wonderful gift that has so touched me, I NEED to pass this onto all my readers!

Simply make these cards by using 3x5 cards, she decorated them so cute....and stick all over your mirror. ENJOY Beleiveing in yourself................................


I will win. Why? I’ll tell you why – because I have faith, courage and enthusiasm.

Today, I’ll meet the right people in the right place at the right time for the betterment of all.

I see opportunity in every challenge.

I’m terrific at remembering names.

When I fail, I look at what I did right, not at what I did wrong.

I have clearly defined goals.

I never take advice from anyone more messed up than I am.

I never let a negative thought enter my head.

I am a winner, a contributor, an achiever. I believe in me.

I'm a member of the Rotary Club East Bremerton

That's right...It's official, I am a Rotarian! Yea!

Thanks to Dick Simms & Jeff Tompsen for sponsoring me. Kim Zook for being an awesome President. Steve Fabry for walking me through membership and introducing me to East Bremerton Rotary. This is a great club!

view the Rotary site: http://www.clubrunner.ca/CPrg/Home/homeC.asp?cid=704

Success Starts With Attitude

We all dream of the good life; things we'll do, places we'll
see! There isn't a sweeter dream than the feeling of having
choices we didn't before. Success! We all want it, crave it,
and dream about it! Why do so many fail; what does it take
to get there?

There's no doubt our ability to imagine something is the
seed of inspiration; though success needs much more than
imagination to bear fruit. If it was that simple, we'd all
be living a life of abundance and fulfillment.

OK, so it's not imagination. What about work? If we take an
idea and work with it, could that be the answer? Well, it
does take lots of work to get there; better roll up your
sleeves!

Thomas Alva Edison, the great inventor, said it best: "Most
people don't recognize opportunity when it comes, because
it's usually dressed in overalls and looks a lot like work."
However, work isn't the main ingredient. You're getting warm
but still not there!

The secret ingredient, even more famous than Colonel
Sanders' recipe, is attitude! The attitude you have toward
your work is what provides the first step on your journey to
success!

Of course, the previous lines beg for this question: What
kind of attitude should you have toward achieving your
dreams; involvement or commitment?

Believe me, there's a big difference between involvement and
commitment. Like night and day! I can't remember where I
first heard it put this way:

When you sit down to a ham and egg breakfast, consider the
chicken involved; there's no question the pig's committed!


The reason for the last couple of paragraphs is to make you
aware of a modern illness connected with many forms of work;
the clock watcher mentality.

You wake up dreading another day at work. You clock in/out
at a certain time. Do the best you can during your time
there and then it's finite, done! Crank up the car for the drive
home!

Well, that's involvement; just another cog in the industrial
machine. Your Business deserves much better than that!

The kind of work I'm talking about requires passionate
commitment and discipline. It means you wake up every
morning and can't wait to get back to it. You thirst for it,
crave it!

Even after putting in many hours, you can't wait to get to
the next step! You're not "involved" with your work. You are
absolutely, passionately committed to it and - may I add -
loving every minute of it!

Looking back at the mountain of things you accomplish, you
realize the huge amount of work you've done. The thought
strikes you've never looked at the clock. That's what I'm
talking about! It takes a daring and adventurous spirit to
let go of the clock watcher mentality and start on a journey
of creative self-discovery.

You can easily spot the folks that are on the journey. They
make ends meet by clocking in somewhere. At the end of the
boring and tasteless work routine, they drive home and pick
up the kids, buy groceries, etc, etc …by the time they get
there, they've had it! They're spent!

Yet and still, they've made a commitment to work a few hours
every day on their dream, their little business. That's when
the magic begins! Though dog tired, the yearning for
personal freedom and self expression creates miracles!

Many times, they'll work 'till the wee hours of the morning;
the inevitable tap on the shoulder is the only thing that
gets them to bed! Oh my, how the hours fly and the juices
flow when you are self-creating! Isn't passionate commitment
wonderful?

I invite you to drink deeply from the never-ending
wellspring of your own commitment. Taste and savor the
elixir all creative individuals value more than any other!
It will nourish and sustain you and provide the true
foundation for your Business Success.

Re-Energizing Your Work Environment

Have you ever walked into an office and felt the energy? Some organizations exude positive energy—the type of energy that makes you excited just to be there and it’s catching. Other organizations breed an energy that is just down right depressing. There is an attitude of discontent and un-empowerment and this energy can also permeate an organization.


Why is the energy different between these two types of organizations? Certainly the organizations are different, but each has talented individuals, a mission, good pay and benefits, and a willingness to do quality work.

What I’ve discovered is that it comes down to leadership—and not the leadership at the top of the hierarchy, although that is still important. The leadership that is provided in mid-management or on project teams, in my opinion, is the most important in infusing positive energy into the organization.

All too often, however, the ability for mid-management to provide the supportive leadership to the organization is stifled at the top. Top leaders seem to be too concerned with issues of control, ownership, and ego that with the actual success of the organization and its ability to produce the positive energy.

To best understand how to create an organization that is built on positive energy, let’s examine some of the traits of organizations that have continually led in a supportive way and with positive energy.

These organizations have:

Common purpose and constancy—Organizations that have reached their potential and have developed a positive work energy are those where people are engaged with the work in a distinct way. They understand and align with the purpose and the work. This organization has created an environment of purpose and it is constantly reinforced through the stories they tell for their clients.

Demonstrated role models within the organization—People need role models within their organizations, those who can walk the organization’s talk.
Organizations that have developed a positive energy have people who demonstrate daily the “way we do it around here.” Many organizations talk about a variety of things. Organizations who have those who can show the organizational path have less cynicism and less distractions from the work. Role models are important as it blurs the lines of talking and doing.


An attitude of inclusiveness—Organizations with positive energy also have a culture of inclusiveness. People within the organization know what’s going on with the organization and they are not kept guessing as to what is important. Their voices are heard and the organization values these voices. People in an inclusive organization do things together during and after working hours. Through this inclusive attitude, they work together to make the organization better—they truly have ownership in its direction. They know that they have a stake. This inclusiveness builds the bonds between employer and employee and between employees.

Empowerment—Organizations that have developed positive energy also are empowered, meaning that people at all levels of the organization have the ability and authorization to make decisions on behalf of the organization. They clearly understand that the decisions are theirs and look to the organization’s values to guide them. What I’ve found is that the ability to create an empowered organization is one of the single biggest driving factors of a positive culture.


Continual self and organization reflection and renewal—Another attribute found in positive organizations is a propensity toward reflection and renewal. These organizations are continually thinking about who they are, and how they can continue to be their best. They take time to talk together about the organization and they have built learning and other renewal mechanisms into their ways of working. They make sure that people take their vacations and have time off for recharge. They work hard, but they also play hard too.


People are not like machines. You don’t just turn them on and they work. People need reasons to give their all—they need to see the big picture and find something they are aligned with. Give them the reasons they need and get out of the way. The energy of your organization will change for the positive.

Found Faithful

When Mother Teresa received her Nobel Prize, she was asked, “What can we do to promote world peace?” She replied, “Go home and love your family.” Profound? No, common sense stuff that is sorely overlooked by many.

Society takes the family for granted…Husbands are lacking because Wives overlook their needs, Children are overgiven for fear of not spending quality time…no balance, just chaos.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the table of your heart. Proverbs 3:3

What are we writing on the tables of our hearts? Are we in need of an eraser or perhaps we need to sharpen our pencil…When we bind something we tie it strongly together and so it is with the words of God…we are to tie them ever so tightly so that we never lose them.

“Oh may all who come behind us..find us faithful! May the fire of our devotion light their way!
May the footprints that we leave…lead them to believe.
And the lives we live inspire them to obey!
Oh may all who come behind us…find us faithful!”

I want to be found faithful. I want to be found with oil in my lamp. I want to leave clear footprints that are not muddled. I want to leave behind me a life that inspired.
I want to be found faithful by all of those who know my name, who call me friend, who call me sister, who call me daughter, who call me mother, who call me wife and I want to be found most earnestly faithful to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

When You Feel Anxious- Have Faith

I have receive alot of emails this week. I wish I could answer them all, and I will. It might take me awhile since I have three boys playing Basketball in Three different schools, I work full time, oh....getting ready for Christmas..... my best friend is turning 40 and the party is at my house! (your all invited, LOL.) Told you I am busy......

However, the last two days, I have had a stirring in my heart from some of the harder emails that some Meal Assembly Owners have written. This message is for you......

Faith is a vital, life changing and creative power in human experience. It is a belief in and intellectual assent to valid doctrine and acceptance of a sound theological position. But even more, Faith is an in-depth assurance, a profound certainty that God will actually do what, in the Bible, He says He will do. The promises of Holy Scripture I personally believe to be true, without any doubt whatsoever.

So the reason for my strong faith is that the Bible teaches Faith. Faith has demonstrated its validity in all kinds of circumstances in my life. As I have believed and practiced Faith in God & in Jesus Christ, the most wonderful things have happened: Peace, JOY & Victory! Moreover, other people with deep faith, known to me, have experienced, unmistakably, the power of God operating in their lives. As a result, my own Faith in Faith as the power of God in action has become ever more certain.....

The Bible tells us that by Faith we can move mountains of difficulty & trouble. "Verily I say unto you, if ye have Faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto the mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove: and nothing shall be impossible for you."

This means no superficial or a soft kind of Faith, but instead the kind that makes & keeps us "Strong and of Good courage."

It must be real, deep, positive Faith. The sturdy Faith-believing, wonder-working New Testament tells us, "I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens me."

Believe God will be Faithful to you- Even in Hard times, such as this.......

My favorite scripture on Faith is 2 Cor. 4:16-18

So, we do not give up. Our physical body is becoming older and weaker, but our spirit inside us is made new every day. We have small trouble for awhile now, but they are helping us gain an eternal glory that is much greater then the troubles. We set our eyes not on what we see but on what we cannot see. What we see will last only a short time, but what we cannot see will last forever.

This my Friends is everlasting JOY!

The Fog Of A Broken Heart

Lamentations 3:22 The Lord’s Love never ends; his mercies never stop. They are new every morning; Lord, your loyalty is great.


It’s a dark fog that slyly imprisons the soul and refuses easy escape. It’s a silent mist that eclipses the sun and beacons the darkness. It’s a heavy cloud that honors no hour and respects no person.

Depression, Discouragement, Disappointment, & Doubt….all are companions of this dreaded presence.

The Fog of the broken hearted disorients our life. It makes it hard to see the road. Dim your lights. Wipe off the windshield. Slow Down. Do what you wish, nothing helps. When this fog encircles us, Our Vision is blocked and tomorrow is a forever away. When this billowy blackness envelopes us, the most earnest words of help and hope are but vacant phases.
If you have ever been betrayed by a friend, co-worker, husband….or a franchisor, you have seen this fog.

If you have ever been in this fog, or are in it now, you can be sure of one thing- YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Even the saltiest Sea Captains have lost their bearings because of the appearance of this unwanted cloud….
Think back over the last two or three months. How many broken hearts did you encounter? How many wounded spirits did you witness? How many stories of tragedy did you read about?

The list goes on and on, doesn’t it? Foggy tragedies. How they blind Our Vision and destroy our dreams. Forget any great hopes of reaching the world. Forget and plans of changing society. Forget any aspirations of moving mountains. Forget ALL that! Just help me make it through the night!!

The suffering of the broken heart……

Seeing God….does wonders for our own suffering. God was never more human at this hour. God was never nearer to us then when we hurt. The Incarnation was never so fulfilled as in the garden.
As a result, time spent in the fog of pain could be God’s greatest gift. It could be the hour that we finally see our Maker….Maybe in our suffering we can see God like never before.

The next time you are called to suffer, pay attention. It may be the closest you’ll ever get to God. Watch Closely. It could very well be that the hand that extends itself to lead you out of the fog is a pierced one.