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the Gift that keeps on giving

Or.....just how long is eternal life? Or.....just how abundant is life in the Spirit?

Not only has America really forgot just whose birthday we are celebrating at Christmastime, but America has really lost sight of the fact that it was only the beginning of the plan of redemption for Jesus to be born among us. This was not an attempt to fool the play clock or to keep people guessing who the Messiah was. In the beginning the Word was with God and the Word was God (still is!). It was God's plan from the very beginning to redeem us by sending Jesus.

Talk about a gift. Jesus came to pay a debt that we had no way in our spiritual poverty of paying. This gift that God gave of His only Son, continues to bless each and every one of us every day even over 2000 years later. This Christmastime, why not let others see the gift that keeps on giving.

an act of God

A few weeks ago I during a local newscast, a man was trying to prove that the damage to his property was from straight line winds and not a tornado. The reason given was his insurance policy excludes acts of God like tornados. I'm not sure why our society only attibutes weather phenomenon as acts of God. God can do a lot more and He does a lot more.

How about these acts of God:

bith of Jesus
John 3:16
creation of the universe
forgiveness of sin
salvation
eternal life
miricle of life
He saved a wretch like me

What act has God done for you lately?

I was blessed yesterday to have a late lunch with a great friend Amie at Hammet House in Claremore. Amie and I taught together at Afton. She has been an inspiraton to me. And then I had dessert with another great Clydia at IHOP. Their butterscotch pancakes are delicious.

unexpected call

Tonight, out of the blue, I received a call from my dad. It was very surreal. I haven't talked to him in like 5 years and was really surprised that he remembered my phone number. It's been over 13 years since either my sister or I have seen our dad. It is such an odd occurence that I don't even know what to write here.

Moral bankruptcy

"Our country also needs a moral bailout. Our economic, political, and educational systems are collapsing under the weight of unethical and irresponsible conduct."

This is from an email I received from Character Counts! an organization that helps teach character to students.

Whose birthday is it anyway?

Yesterday I was at Wal-Mart and they were already setting up for Valentine's Day and Christmas hasn't even been here yet. Christmas gets more and more commercialized every year. I think it's sad that a lot of people and businesses now speak of happy holidays instead of Merry Christmas. Target won't let Salvation Army ring bells at their stores.

Not to mention the wrong idea so many people get with Santa Claus. After all it's not Santa's birthday. It's the birth of Christ. You can't spell Christmas without Christ.

I pray that my focus will be in the right place this year, on the Christ of Christmas.

God's love will never end!

Disciple - "Whatever The Reason"
From the album Southern Hospitality

"In a whirlwind caught away
Broken lips have carried you to a place
Where you don't know just how you ever got this far away from here
Thinking somehow you could cross the point of no return
But my love will never end"

I heard this song on the radio and I really though I had crossed the point of no return. I thank God for rescuing me!!

some amazing stuff in daily devotionals

Today's Purpose Driven Life devotional:

"In fact, when God sends a message to people in the Bible, it’s not unusual for the first words to be: “Don’t be afraid.” There are 365 messages from God in the Bible that begin with a phrase like, “Fear not!” In other words, every single day of the year you can read a message from God that says, in effect, “You don’t need to be afraid. I am for you; I am with you; I love you.”


We celebrate Christmas because of this good news from God!"

Today's God Chasers devotional:

"Faith is not really tested during a worship service, while you are in the presence of the King. Your faith will be tested after the service. It's what you do after church, after salvation, after you've done everything and apparently nothing has changed."

spiritual bankruptcy

It's been a little over a year since my bankruptcy case was finalized in federal court. While I don't want to post here what got me to that point, I am convinced of how the physical often mirrors the spiritual. About the time that I decided to get a lawyer and go forward with bankruptcy, I realized my spritual bankruptcy as well and began to attend church on a somewhat regular basis, started reading the Bible and praying again. Forward to today, I am attending church on a regular basis, I'm enjoying Christian radio again, praying, and trying to read God's Word on a daily basis. I am so grateful to the friends who prayed for me and for God who continued to pursue me even though I wasn't interested in Him catching me. God is so good!!!

happy faces

Tonight Faith youth group and choir went to pediatrics at Hillcrest to pass out Christmas presents and sing carols. This was an incredible experience to see the reaction on the kids' faces.

Celebrate Recovery

Tonight at CR we got new CR t-shirts. They are very cool. I have been so blessed by CR. For more on CR go to Celebrate Recovery.

cool beans

I heard something most excellent in chuch this morning.

Becuase of Christ's death, burial, resurrection and accension, life's failures is neither permanent nor fatal!!


Tonight I watched the Hallmark movie "Front of the Class". What an incredible movie. If you missed it, this is one you need to go rent.

Thanksgiving

This year I have so much to be thankful for. My wonderful family especially my mom, sis, neice, and nephew. I'm thankful I have a job. I'm also thankful for my church and for Jesus Christ. I am very thankful for Air1 Radio. I am so very thankful for all of my friends too.

Something to think about

Proverbs 11:2

Pride leads to disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.

Titus 3: 5

He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 40:29

He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.

The Old Rugged Cross

I remember a few years back when there was a big debate about the cross being too violent to be preached and kept at the forefront of Christianity. I think in general today the church has let this philosophy creep in. We just don't sing about the cross like we used to or preach on it.

I Timothy 2:5-6
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

"Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sov’reign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I?
Refrain:
At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!"

"On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain:
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown."

One thing I request at my funeral is that The Old Rugged Cross be sung!

Regional tourney

Academic team traveled to Hilldale today. We came in 3rd and will advance to the Area tournament.

Seen on the back of a competitor's t-shirt:
"I will study and get ready and maybe my chance will come." Abraham Lincoln

Seen in a science classroom:
"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act."

Career Day

Today we took 9 students to Indian Youth Career Day at UCO. This was a very cool conference for them and we ate at Coaches which is in Bricktown.

Invicible

Tonight I saw one of the most incredible movies I've seen in a long time. The movie was "Invincible".

"Dreams are not lived on the sidelines."

numb3rs

tonight's episode ended with FBI agent Don Eppes telling his therapist something to the affect of "I need something more" and then the show ends with him entering what appeared to be a Greek Orthodox church. I think a lot of us come to that point in our lives when we realize that there is something bigger than ourselves and begin a search for it. Many people immerse themselves in religion, their job, hobbies, addictions, etc. None of this really provides any inner satisfaction and peace. Only a realationship with God through Jesus Christ can meet this need.

academic team

I've been helping out with the academic team and tonight both our varisty and junior varsity teams won 3 out of 4 matches.

Color Career Counselor on careerpath.com

Best Occupational Category
You're a CREATOR
Key Words:
Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.
CREATOR OCCUPATIONS
Suggested careers are Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.
CREATOR WORKPLACES
Consider workplaces where you can create and improve beauty and aesthetic qualities. Unstructured, flexible organizations that allow self-expression work best with your free-spirited nature.
Suggested Creator workplaces are advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms; artistic studios, theaters and concert halls; institutions that teach crafts, universities, music, and dance schools. Other workplaces to consider are art institutes, museums, libraries, and galleries.



2nd Best Occupational Category
You're a SOCIAL MANAGER
Key Words:
Tactful, Cooperative, Generous, Understanding, Insightful, Friendly, and Cheerful This very social type enjoys working in groups, sharing responsibilities, and being the center of attention. Fields of interest are instructing, helping, nurturing, care giving and instructing-especially young people. They discuss and consider feelings in order to solve problems, lead, direct, persuade, guide, organize and enlighten others.

an answer to a question

I've asked a lot of questions about faith and forgiveness over the last few years. I'd like to post something I read this last week from The Life Recovery Bible (NLT)(1998) Tyndale.

[Begin quoted text]
Our addictive patters are "sinful," so it is common to feel awkward about getting close to God. We may feel ineligible to receive God's love and, instead, expect his angry judgement. We might feel guilty and be afraid that God will reject us. Secretly we wish that we could have a loving relationship with God, but we are afraid we could never be good enough.

The apostle Paul has shown us that we can have the love and acceptance we desire: "For the Scriptures tell us, 'Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.' When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners....And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn't just for Abraham's benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God" (Romans 4:3-5, 23-25).

There are free gifts waiting for us that are essential to the recovery process. God's forgiveness, acceptance, and powerful support. God makes it clear that we have been declared "not guilty" in his court of justice if we have trusted Christ. He has promised to give us a special home in heaven with our name on it. There is no need for us to do anything but to accept his free gifts. When we turn our life over to God, we gain far more than we could ever lose!
[End quoted text]

new car

I'm enjoying the new car. It rides so great and gets really good gas mileage which is going to help me a lot in my daily commute. Today the plan was to wash the car, but its cloudy out and I just heard thunder. The forecast called for a 20% chance of rain.

soccer tourney

Today I spent the day in Edmond with my sister, mom and neice. Taylor has a tournament this weekend. Today they tied one game and won the other. Tomorrow they will enter the playoffs.

students first day

It was an exciting day as I met 130 students of mine. I'm not that great with names so this will be a challenge remembering all 130 names.

Start of School

Today teachers reported to school. This year I am teaching 6 hours of gemoetry. This will be a challenge since geometry isn't my first love like algebra is.

blood

Tonight in Bible study, the leader was talking about the woman who had the issue of blood from Mark 5. She said she had asked herself the question, "Do I have an issue with Christ's blood?" I asked myself the same question. Do I really believe that His blood can cover ALL sin, or do I think it covers only certain sins. I think in the past since I haven't been able to forgive myself that I've subconsciously been thinking that way. The past 6 months have been a real break through. I'm going to church now on a regular basis. I'm getting involved in this church. I'm attending regular bible studies and I thank God that He is healing me of many of my hurts, habits and hangups.

POPS

Today my mom, sister, nephew and two of my mom's nephews went to POPS to check the place out. It's in Arcadia, OK on Route 66. Pops has over 500 flavors of bottled pop. POPS

dew diet

I've heard that if I would just give up Mt Dew that I'd lose weight. Well, we shall see. What prompted me to do this at this time is that during my personal financial literacy class I learned that I spend approx. $553.28 a year on Mt. Dew. So perhaps I can save money and lose weight. During a normal 7 day period I consume usually at least 140 ounces of Mt. Dew. This past week I've only have 78 ounces. Almost a cut in half.

new game

Today I learned a new game. Mallow Ball where you use a marshmallows instead of baseballs.

I passed

Today I found out I passed the SPED test for mild-to-moderate certification.

in school again

This week and next I'm taking a Personal Financial Literacy class for teachers at UCO in Edmond. It's designed to help teachers meet the requirements of the new graduation requirement Passport to Financial Literacy.

inspiring

"We are continually faced by great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems." --Lee Iacocca, American industrialist

"Wars against nations are fought to change maps; wars against poverty are fought to map change." --Muhammad Ali

"Kindness is the language the blind can see and the deaf can hear." --Mark Twain

"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." --Abraham Lincoln, 16th U.S. president

"An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind." --Mahatma Gandhi, Indian political and spiritual leader

"Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated." --Coretta Scott King, civil rights activist

"It is never too late -- in fiction or in life -- to revise." --Nancy Thayer, novelist

Be big: Think big. Act big. Dream big." --Conrad Hilton, hotelier

I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." --Frederick Douglass, abolitionist, writer and speaker

math education

National Mathematics Advisory Panel Report, 2008


All tribal nations face the same challenges. In order for tribal nations to take their place as self-determinate, sovereign nations, they need more native scientists and engineers. In order to get more native scientists and engineers, we will have to address math education for native students.

Success in mathematics education is also important for individuals. Strong math skills lead to more career options and it increases prospects for future income. A strong grounding in high school mathematics has a high correlation with access to college, graduation from college, and higher lifetime earnings. The value of good math preparation promises to be even greater in the future. The National Science Board indicates that the growth of jobs in the mathematics- intensive science and engineering workforce is outpacing overall job growth by 3 to 1.

test

Today I took a state exam to see if I can be certified in special education. It was very hard. I have even greater respect for my sister now than I did before I took the test. I should know the results in the middle of July. Today my mom and I had Indian Tacos from Blackgold Days. Very good!! Tonight, we are going over to my uncle's to watch the fireworks display.

God's Word

Hebrews 4:12 tells us that God's Word is living and active. I've had the priviege to hear some great sermons over the last few months at Faith Church in Glenpool, OK. Every Sunday it seems as if God has given the pastor exactly what I need to hear. It has been a long time since I really looked forward to going to church. I thank God for leading me to this church.

Shaun Groves - "After The Music Fades" from the album "Invitation To Eavesdrop"

"I wanna sing
I wanna fly
I wanna stay
Wanna be close to You
Long after the music fades
Lord, I come
To give You
Much more than just a mmelody
Please take me, and break me
Right now God I don’t want to leave
Unchanged, never wanna be the same
‘Cause Lord You are
Mighty, Awesome, Righteous
Gracious, Knowing
In me overflowing
Father, Teacher, Master, Leader
Jealous, Loving, You are
You are life
You are love
You are everything that I’m needing
I wanna be
I wanna be
I wanna be closer"

the battle

I've been struggling with depression for over a year now. Lately, the battle has been extra hard. I'm very thankful though that I have a great church home, great Christian friends, and great Christian music to uplift me. God's Holy Spirit comforts me as only He can. God's love is simply amazing.

Chris Tomlin - "Indescribable" from the album "Arriving"

"Indescribable, Uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God.
All powerful, Untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees and we humbly proclaim,
You are amazing God."

Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next. Amen.

This beautiful prayer was written by a man named Reinhold Niebuhr in 1943. I've often wondered why people stop repeating the prayer after just the first two lines. I didn't even realize it had more lines until a couple of months ago.

Consider these lyrics by Brandon Heath - "Give Me Your Eyes" from the album "What If We"

"Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me you heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see"

God blesses daily

Psalm 68:19 "Blessed by the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation."

Sometimes in life, when your thrown a curve ball, it doesn't appear that God is loading you with benefits. Today I found out my cousin may have lymphoma and they are going to do a biopsy either tomorrow or Friday. I know the God of my salvation is also the God of healing (Jehovah-Rophe).

Psalm 63:3, NLT "Your unfailing love is better to me than life itself; how I praise you!"

Isaiah 41:10 "Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand".

a living sacrifice

Romans 12:1-2 MSG
Place Your Life Before God
"So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."

Father, I realize that too often I'm not embracing and fixing my attention on You. My prayer is that with the Holy Spirit's help I will align my life and thinking to You.

Memorial Day

Today I went with my family to put flowers on my maternal grandparents grave. It was really interesting to watch Taylor and Austin's reactions especially with all the flags on display at Floral Haven cememtery. Then we went to my aunt's house for dinner with the extended family.

I am really thankful for all the vetrans, current service men and women, current police and firefighters, who really gave/give a lot to keep this country free. I remember reading somewhere "All gave Some, Some gave All".

It is really important that we keep all of them in our prayers.

Prince Caspian

This movie is incredible. I got to see it last night. I think I need to move Chronicles of Narnia up on my "to read" list.

Indiana!!

I was 11 years old when Star Wars first came out in May of 1977. I was fascinated with the story line and the characters. As every one knows, Harrison Ford played Han Solo so in the 80's when the Indian Jones series came out, it was natural for me to love these movies as well. Earlier today I got to see the new Indy movie that came out and it is very good. I won't spoil the plot here, but I will tell you that you need to go see it.

I need a Savior

Dizmas - Yours
From the album Dizmas

"Feels like the sky has never been so blue
But that's not the way it used to be
'Cause there was a time that I was without You
Before I said that I believe
Oh, I need a Savior
Oh, I need a Savior
(Chorus)
I want to give this up
I want to hold Your hand
Take away this fear that's like an ocean in my head
I want to tell You now
What I couldn't say before
You are everything that I was always looking for
So take me where You want me
Take me 'cause I wanna be Yours

I've got pride that I still have to break
It's keeping me away from You
But You stay patient while I make mistakes
I'm learning how to trust that You
Are always a Savior"

I heard this song on the way home tonight and as you know if you have read my blog at all, music is a primary way that God moves in my life. This song really touched my heart.

He saved us!!

"He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit." Titus 3:5, NLT

The following is excerpted from today's Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotional by Rick Warren.

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:14-15 NLT)

Carrying a grudge just keeps us stuck in the past, and when we’re stuck in the past, we’re controlled by the past. Our unforgiveness can control us. The Bible says, “Surely resentment destroys the fool, and jealousy kills the simple” (Job 5:2 NLT).


The reason this is significant to me is that I have found it relatively easy to forgive everyone but myself. How can I expect God to forgive me if I can't even forgive myself?

victory

"Every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory. And the ones who win this battle against the world are the ones who believe that Jesus is the Son of God." (1 John 5:4-5, NLT).

change

Sometimes I think I am the only person in the world that isn't satisfied with their life. I know I've made lots of mistakes and many of them I regret. I really can identify with the Lifehouse song Hanging by a Moment.

"Desperate for changing
Starving for truth"

And even though I have just graduated with a master's degree in education. I'm still not sure what I want to be when I grow up. Heck, I'm still growing up.

last week of school - yea!!!

At church on Sunday, we sang this song that really ministered to me. It's become my prayer to God. It's by John Jensen.

"I want to come in, Into Your presence
I know angels are worshipping You
I’m so hungry and I am thirsty
To worship You just like they do
I want to walk with You, And talk with You
See Your power in my life
I want to know Your ways, Sing Your praise
Each and every day I’m alive
I feel Your whisper, Like a still small voice
Saying You love me and I am Your own
You still my waters as You surround me
Because I know I am never alone"

"I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as LORD." Hosea 2:20, NLT

"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? . . . Then make me truly happy by agreeing whole-heartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose." Philippians 2:1-2, NLT

Psalm 57:4 My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

Isaiah 30:18 Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!

I recently came across this great quote, I don't know who the author is.

If you don't have a purpose, you will always achieve it.

OSU grad

Tonight is OSU-Tulsa graduation. I finally have a master's degree.

experiencing God

This is a great bible study. We are in Unit 2, but I wanted to share this quote from Unit 1:

"When you belive nothing significant can happen through you, you have said more about your belief in God than you have declared about yourself."

I know I need to write more often

God continues to minister to me in song. I've probably forgotten half of what I've wanted to post on here though because where I work blocks this website. I finally have finished graduate school and will graduate on May 5th.

Love Is Here by Tenth Avenue North
"Love is here.
Love is now.
Love is pouring from
His hands, from his brows.
Love is near, it satisfies.
Streams of mercy flowing from his side."

Find Me Tonight by Everyday Sunday

"Yesterday I could not feel this
Today I'm sick of trying
To live like I can't live on my own
This world around me is suffocating
I keep forgetting to turn and run into you...

Wherever I am won't you find me
I've got myself lost and
I don't think I want to be roaming in heartache
Please find me tonight

You speak without sound
Your love is so loud"

Fall In Line by Seven Places

"So sing it out now, with one voice loud and clear sing
Hallelujah, for our Redemption's near"

Colossians 1:11-13 ESV

"11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son"


I need to learn not to focus on circumstances but focus on God.

The other day (when I was working on my comprehensive final exam), an authority figure in my life told me "I know you will do well". This has really meant a lot to me since this particular person's opinion is important to me.

When does one learn to procrastinate and why? This is one thing I wish I could change in my life.

Excerpt from psychologytoday.com

"It's easy to tell whether you're a real procrastinator. According to Joseph Ferrari, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at De Paul University in Chicago, real procrastinators tell themselves five lies:

• They overestimate the time they have left to perform tasks.

• They underestimate the time it takes to complete tasks.

• They overestimate how motivated they will feel the next day, the next week, the next month -- whenever they are putting things off to.

• They mistakenly think that succeeding at a task requires that they feel like doing it.

• They mistakenly believe that working when not in the mood is suboptimal.

Procrastinators also actively look for distractions, especially ones that don't take heavy-duty commitment on their part. Checking e-mail is just about tailor-made for this purpose. The dirty little secret is that procrastinators distract themselves as a way of regulating their own emotions, such as fear of failure."

Yep, that's me.

I actually have a laundry list of habits and behaviors that I wish I could change.

I'm starting at Bible study at my church called "Experiencing God". So far it has been really great. I am learning a lot and I can't wait to see how God will work in my life through it.

graduation

I've taken my comprehensive exam and turned in my creative component. If all goes well, I will be graduating from OSU on May 5th.

Hallelujah!! Easter means Jesus has risen!

Romans 5:8, NLT
"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."

Matthew 28:5-6, NLT
"Then the angel spoke to the women. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying."

God definately demonstrates His love for us. I pray that each day I fall more in love with Him.

Lamentations 3:22-24 NKJV
"Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
The LORD is my portion, says my soul,
Therefore I hope in Him!

Casting Crowns sings this:

"Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
I feel I'm moving to the rhythm of Your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in the secret place
Cause Your love is extravagant

Chorus:
Spread wide in the arms of Christ there's a love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known; You considered me a friend
Capture my heart again"

Running the Race

"Life is not a spectator sport. If you're going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion you're wasting your life." Jackie Robinson

The apostle Paul admonishes us in 1 Cor. 9:24 (NASB)"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win."

Active participation increases our faith. Reading the Word, hearing the Word preached, preaching the Word, memorizing the Word, evangelism, praise and worship, missions, tithing, fellowship, church planting, and studying the Word sometimes require endurance on our part so that we don't give up, so that we keep "running".

I think Audio Adrenaline may have more fans now that they have retired. Their songs are still on the radio. What kind of legacy are you and I leaving? I heard this today in the background of one of their songs called Underdog "Underdog, I wince everytime I say the word, especially in connection with Jesus, yet as I read the great stories about Jesus, I cannot help but conclude, that although the world may be tilted toward the rich and powerful, God Hallelujah, in His mercy is tilted toward the underdog."

Thank God that this underdog receives God's mercy!!

stressed out

"Faith is asking your soul to go beyond where your eyes can see."

I saw this in an email today and I was really blessed by it. This week, I've been working on my master's comprehensive exam. It's been difficult with the distractions of the TV, the dog, the family, and the weather. On top of that, I've been battling fatigue this week. It has been really hard just to stay awake. So today, I'm at the computer lab on campus where I hope to really get some work done.

I saw a commericial the other day where the pastor at First Baptist Church in Tulsa mad the comment that God is a God of 2nd chances, 3rd chances, and as many chances as we need to make Him a priority in our lives. I know I've deviated a lot from making God my priority. It doesn't make it any easier when society makes you feel like you don't deserve God's love or forgiveness. Man in his limited wisdom ranks sin and the higher you are on the sin ladder, makes God unreachable for you. On the contrary, God doesn't rank sin. God has infinite wisdom. God bridged the gap between us and Him with His Son Jesus Christ.

What I really need to do is to stop listening to the nay sayers in my life and trust only in what God has said, "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly".

Father, I admit I care too much what others think about me and about what I have done. I want to change. I want Your Word to be the standard that I look at my life. Transform my life, my way of thinking, and renew my mind. Imprint on my mind and my heart to listen only to Your Word and to turn from the word of man. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Romans 8:6 NAS "For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace".

Bible Study tools

a great Easter message

1 Timothy 1:15 (Amplified Bible) "The saying is sure and true and worthy of full and universal acceptance, that Christ Jesus (the Messiah) came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost."

Here in 2008, I struggle with the man that people see and the one I see when I look at myself. I am not proud of that man. I'd have to say that I am the top sinner. Most days I can reconcile this discrepancy with the knowledge that the blood of Jesus covers a multitude of sins including my huge amount of sin. Some days though it really gets me down that I'm not the man God wants me to be and really not even close to the man that I want to be. It is difficult for me to understand why I don't line up more with the man that God created me to be. I do know that much love is given to one who has had much forgiven. Luke 7:47

I used to think that if I just believed in God enough that would make me sin less. I somehow equated faith with belief. I guess I still don't know if they are the same thing or not. I have a hunch that they are not the same. After all, if faith is the evidence of things not seen, doesn't that mean that faith and belief are not the same. Faith also is not some mystical force; it is not, I don't think, produced by mere physical tedious effort. Faith comes by hearing the word of God. Faith to some extent is like muscle, it must be exercised to grow. That being said, the exercise that makes faith grow isn't mere physical tedious effort. Thus, is willing myself with much physical grunting and groaning to belive God more and have more faith producing more faith in me? From my perspective, my view of myself, I honestly don't think it is. Faith I think has more to do with trust. And since I don't trust myself very much, I'm guessing this makes it harder to trust God. God is trustworthy. He is worthy of trust. I can trust in His plan of salvation; I can trust the blood of Christ; I can trust the resurrected glorified Christ; I can trust the Word of God; I can trust His unfailing love, His faithfulness, and His infallibility.

The father of the demon possessed boy asked Jesus to help his weak faith be stronger. Jesus said the the faith of a mustard seed can move spiritual mountains.

Well for the regular readers of my blog, you've probably guessed by now that music is one of the ways that the Holy Spirit ministers sanity in my life, removes doubt, and produces praise for the living God. I post a lot of lyrics on here. After all, I read my own blog. LOL

The lyrics I post here have all ministered to me and produced faith in me as I'm learning to trust God more.

Holy Fire

I've been a fan of Delirious? for awhile now. So it's no surprise that a song I heard on Air1 today driving home from church was one of theirs. I got home and did a google search. The song is called "Rain Down" and goes like this:

"Looks like tonight, the sky is heavy
Feels like the winds are gonna change
Beneath my feet, the earth is ready
I know its time for heaven's rain, it's gonna rain

Cos it's living water we desire
To flood our hearts with holy fire

Rain down all around the world we're singing
Rain down can you hear the earth is singing
Rain down my heart is dry but still I'm singing
Rain down rain it down on me."

I know I am in need of some holy fire. How about you?

unfailling love

"Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!" Psalm 63:3, NLT
"Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone." Psalm 33:22, NLT

More reflection

Okay, I've just about played Robbie Seay Band's cd Give Yourself Away so much that I almost have every song memorized as I sing along with them while driving down the road. Such as this chorus from "Eternal One":

"You have saved us
You have changed us
You have set us free
Liberating King"

and this from "Love Wins":

"There is hope, there is hope for my lonely soul
There is hope, there is hope to be made whole
There is life, there is life to be set free
There is life there is life surrounding me
There is hope, there is hope for my broken heart
There is hope, there is hope for a brand new start
There is life, there is life give me eyes to see
There is life, there is life you have captured me"

refining silver

I got this in my email a few weeks ago. I liked so much I thought I'd post it here.

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

This very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them.

And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end.

"Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once."

starting over

I haven't taken Robbie Seay Band's cd out of my player since I got it last week. Their song Starting Over is another reason why. Here's a snippit:

"Now hope has found me
I am not alone
Now hope has found me
I am not disowned
And when I think it’s over
I am not alone
When you think it’s over
You can start it over"

"We have met the enemy...and he is us"

Saturday, I bought two CDs. Dave Crowder Band's Remedy and Robbie Seay Band's Give Yourself Away. Robbie Seay Band's CD is incredible. I recommend that you go buy it. Right away I was amazed by the lyrics. Check out the song "New Day":

"I'm gonna sing this song
To let you know that you're not alone
And if you're like me
You need hope, coffee, and melody
So sit back down
Let the world keep spinning ‘round
For yesterday's gone and today is waiting on you to show your face"

Most people who know me know that my java is Mt. Dew. Some mornings (well and honestly some days) God uses Mt. Dew to get me through it. It's an incredibly huge thing the HOPE that God has given us. Perhaps I need hope more than the rest of you, but I know without hope, I'd be lost. Their song "Song of Hope" is on my MySpace page.

"All things bright and beautiful You are
All things wise and wonderful You are
In my darkest night, You brighten up the skies
A song will rise

I will sing a song of hope
Sing along
God of heaven come down
Heaven come down
Just to know that You are near is enough
God of heaven come down, heaven come down

All things new
I can start again
Creator, God
Calling me Your friend
Sing praise, my soul
To the Maker of the skies
A song will rise

I will sing a song of hope
Sing along
God of heaven come down
Heaven come down
Just to know You and be loved is enough
God of heaven come down, heaven come down

Hallelujah, sing
Hallelujah, sing
Hallelujah, sing"


So, I'm attending this conference in OKC and this lady gives me a "Will Rogers for President" button. Too bad he's not really able to run. I don't want to make this a political forum, but I'm really sad to see that John Edwards has dropped out of the race. He's the only candidate that I have heard speak about poverty in America. So, anyway, this got me to thinking about the Okefenokee Swamp, home of the Pogo people and I was wondering if I Go Pogo is running for president again this year. If you're reading this and you don't know who I Go Pogo is, then you probably don't know anything about the Oklahoma county commissioner scandel featured in the Doonesbury cartoon by Garry Trudeau. Doonesbury cartoon has a website. So does I Go Pogo. Yes, I am old enough to be familiar with both of these. LOL

"Choose to love the Lord your God and to obey him and commit yourself to him, for he is your life." Deut. 30:20 NLT

the fatherless

I heard a James Dobson segment on the radio today that said of the 72 million children in America, 33% of them go to bed every night in a home where there is not a father present. I'm reminded of my own experience growing up without my dad around. I'm also reminded of where scripture tells us that the Lord is a father to the fatherless.

Psalm 68:4-6 (New American Standard Bible)

"Sing to God, sing praises to His name;
Lift up a song for Him who rides through the deserts,
Whose name is the LORD, and exult before Him.
A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows,
Is God in His holy habitation.
God makes a home for the lonely;
He leads out the prisoners into prosperity,
Only the rebellious dwell in a parched land."

faith

Jonah 33 is one of my all time favorite bands. Their song "Faith Like That" has alaways ministered to me. Here's the chorus:

"I want a faith that can move any mountain
And send them to the seas
I want a faith that can break every stronghold
That keeps You, that keeps from me

And I want a faith like that
To see the dead rise or to see You pass by, oh, I"

Amazing Grace

I am so blessed every time I hear Todd Agnew's song Grace Like Rain. The chorus goes like this:

"Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me
Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away, washed away"

inspiration

I've been hearing this really cool song by the group Delirious? on the radio. The song is called Inside Outside. It's the chorus that have be so inspirational to me.

"You, still captivate me, fascinate me
You still captivate me, saturate me
You still captivate me, liberate me
You still captivate me"

God is really amazing. And no matter how I am feeling, I know that God's love is extravagant. And His amazing love, causes me to be still captivated by Him. Of course that reminds me of another song by Darrell Evans.

"Your love is extravagant
Your friendship mmmmm intimate
I find I’m moving to the rythms of Your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in our secret place
Your love is extravagant

Spread wide in the arms of Christ
Is the love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known
You considered me a friend, capture my heart again"

I passed!

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 10/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?

sometimes I get discouraged

Sometimes I get discouraged. I'm not losing the weight I want to. I don't pray and read the Bible enough. I'm out of shape. In all of these things though, I know that any prosperity and any real progress is a gift from God. It's only through Him that the things in my life I want changed are going to change. As scripture says in Acts 17:28, in Him I live and move and have my being. I've been reflecting a lot these last two weeks on the lyrics of Mainstay and their song Believe.



"I don’t know if I still have the strength to get up again
I don’t know if I can face my own reflection
Jesus, take this heart that feels so cold again and make it new
I hold this hope inside that you’ll never leave me
When all around me starts to fall and when my faith it seems so small
Even in my darkest hour, I will believe
Even if the sun begins to fall, even when I feel nothing at all
Even if I’m all alone, I will believe
I don’t know how I could turn my back and walk away
All I really want is for your love to hold me
Jesus, take this heart and make it whole again
I know you’ll never leave me"

And my favourite Seseme Street character is cookie monster!

You Are a Chocolate Chip Cookie

Traditional and conservative, most people find you comforting. You're friendly and easy to get to know. This makes you very popular - without even trying!

What Kind of Cookie Are You?

mmmmmmmmm chocolate

You are Milk Chocolate

A total dreamer, you spend most of your time with your head in the clouds. You often think of the future, and you are always working toward your ideal life. Also nostalgic, you rarely forget a meaningful moment... even those from long ago.

What Kind of Chocolate Are You?

The key to my heart?

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free. In love, you feel the most alive when things are straight-forward, and you're told that you're loved. You'd like to your lover to think you are loyal and faithful... that you'll never change. You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please. Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with. Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment. You think of marriage pessimistically. You don't think happy marriages exist anymore. In this moment, you think of love as something you thirst for. You'll do anything for love, but you won't fall for it easily.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

I'm 28...lol

You Act Like You Are 28 Years Old

You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel like an adult, and you're optimistic about life. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. You're still figuring out your place in the world and how you want your life to shape up. The world is full of possibilities, and you can't wait to explore many of them.

What Age Do You Act?

A Dew Original

What flavour of Mountain Dew are you? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Original Hell yeah! Your prefered flavour is the original, old school Dew. Right on. Original 50% Pitch Black 40% Code Red 40% Livewire 20%

Jonah 33

Just what is an EGD?

The evening of Dec 29 I had to go to the ER because I was thowing up and couldn't stop. I couldn't even keep water down. Then today, I had to go see a gastroenterology specialist and had an EGD done. Early diagnosis is "No cancer. No esopoageal stricture. No ulcers. Esophageal spasms noted."

Will post more later after I find out.

Happy New Year

Psalm 67
The Nations Exhorted to Praise God.
For the choir director; with stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song.
1 God be gracious to us and bless us,
And cause His face to shine upon us-- Selah.
2 That Your way may be known on the earth,
Your salvation among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Let all the peoples praise You.