Well, Kaylea has always loved pugs! She's wanted one for a long, long time. The Lord finally worked things out, and for her 14th birthday, she got Koda, a black pug. Here are some pics of him from the age of 6 weeks to 3 1/2 months old.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Our 4-legged family members!
Shiloh is our shy, but faithful and loyal beagle! And this is our new addition, Koda, he's ourblack pug that was born on Easter morning!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
It's Not About Who We Are!
Romans 11:6 says, "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work." Let that soak in for a moment. I know it can be a tongue twister, but the meaning is so important! My amplified version reads this way, "But, if it is by grace (His unmerited favor and graciousness), it is no longer conditioned on works or anything men have done. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace (it would be meaningless)." Don't forget over in Ephesians 2:8,9 it says, "For by GRACE are ye saved through FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." If this old selfish world could ever grasp hold of that concept, that truth, that reality......what a different place this would be!
Some put all they have into their career, their calling. Now, there's nothing wrong with that.......unless it is what defines you. Are you a dentist, and that's all people see? What about a doctor, lawyer, teacher, nurse, banker, trucker, plumber......or even a preacher? When people allow what the DO to define them, then that is all they are. They are the ones constantly working, never taking a day off. Because, if they do........then they are undefined, it is when they are working that they feel good about themselves.
Some put all they have into what they have.....materials. It's all about that nice house, car, boat, designer clothing and jewelry. The more you have, the bigger the name brand, the better of a person they are. We've all seen these folks, haven't we? They are constantly buying, and bragging on their 'things', because that is what defines them.
How sad!! What a simple message Jesus gives us! Salvation has absolutely NOTHING to do with who we are, or what we have!!! It's what we are.............we are ALL sinners!! Romans 3:23, "For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" He didn't suffer that awful death on the cross because we have a great career, or because we drive that mercedes and wear the finest of fashion! He also didn't suffer so because we are poor, jobless, and can't afford but rags and drive a clunker, either! Don't let the devil take you down that road of 'poor pitiful me'! It's NOTHING to do with what we HAVE................it's what we ARE.....S-I-N-N-E-R-S!!!!
How wonderful it is to know that no matter what career I have, what I can afford, all that doesn't matter at all, none of that even is put into the equation! It's all about Him, and what He did! He loved us so much that He was willing to lay down his life so that we may have life eternal! It is His grace, His unmerited favor to us, that we are allowed to become a child of the king!!! Take that burden off of your back and relax, bask in His love and mercy and grace! All we do, all we have on this earth, stays exactly there.....earth! It is the eternal home that we need to think upon...........and He gave you that eternal home as a gift.........no work on our part is involved! How wonderful!!!!!!!!
Dear Lord, I am so unworthy of your gift, but I am so thankful that at 7 yrs. old, you presented your gift of eternal life to me, and with my child-like faith, I accepted your gift. It is NOTHING about me, nothing in me that you saw! It is your love and mercy, Jesus' precious blood that covered such a wretch as me that I can now say I am a child of the king!!!! Whether I am a nurse, or a waitress, whether I wear Tommy Hilfiger, or K-mart's brand...........you love me the same! Lord, let this old world have all of its glitter and glory, I'll stick with you! Their braggings are all temporary, for this old world's things will fade away........but your glory is forever! May those I encounter not see me, dear Father, not see my profession, my 'things'..........but see You, through me. Thank you that grace is NOT meaningless, it is not conditioned on our works or anything we do or have...........but it was all taken care of that day on the cross. It is by your unselfish deed, your blood that I am what I am today........nothing in me! Thank You dear Jesus for your mercy and grace!!
Some put all they have into their career, their calling. Now, there's nothing wrong with that.......unless it is what defines you. Are you a dentist, and that's all people see? What about a doctor, lawyer, teacher, nurse, banker, trucker, plumber......or even a preacher? When people allow what the DO to define them, then that is all they are. They are the ones constantly working, never taking a day off. Because, if they do........then they are undefined, it is when they are working that they feel good about themselves.
Some put all they have into what they have.....materials. It's all about that nice house, car, boat, designer clothing and jewelry. The more you have, the bigger the name brand, the better of a person they are. We've all seen these folks, haven't we? They are constantly buying, and bragging on their 'things', because that is what defines them.
How sad!! What a simple message Jesus gives us! Salvation has absolutely NOTHING to do with who we are, or what we have!!! It's what we are.............we are ALL sinners!! Romans 3:23, "For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" He didn't suffer that awful death on the cross because we have a great career, or because we drive that mercedes and wear the finest of fashion! He also didn't suffer so because we are poor, jobless, and can't afford but rags and drive a clunker, either! Don't let the devil take you down that road of 'poor pitiful me'! It's NOTHING to do with what we HAVE................it's what we ARE.....S-I-N-N-E-R-S!!!!
How wonderful it is to know that no matter what career I have, what I can afford, all that doesn't matter at all, none of that even is put into the equation! It's all about Him, and what He did! He loved us so much that He was willing to lay down his life so that we may have life eternal! It is His grace, His unmerited favor to us, that we are allowed to become a child of the king!!! Take that burden off of your back and relax, bask in His love and mercy and grace! All we do, all we have on this earth, stays exactly there.....earth! It is the eternal home that we need to think upon...........and He gave you that eternal home as a gift.........no work on our part is involved! How wonderful!!!!!!!!
Dear Lord, I am so unworthy of your gift, but I am so thankful that at 7 yrs. old, you presented your gift of eternal life to me, and with my child-like faith, I accepted your gift. It is NOTHING about me, nothing in me that you saw! It is your love and mercy, Jesus' precious blood that covered such a wretch as me that I can now say I am a child of the king!!!! Whether I am a nurse, or a waitress, whether I wear Tommy Hilfiger, or K-mart's brand...........you love me the same! Lord, let this old world have all of its glitter and glory, I'll stick with you! Their braggings are all temporary, for this old world's things will fade away........but your glory is forever! May those I encounter not see me, dear Father, not see my profession, my 'things'..........but see You, through me. Thank you that grace is NOT meaningless, it is not conditioned on our works or anything we do or have...........but it was all taken care of that day on the cross. It is by your unselfish deed, your blood that I am what I am today........nothing in me! Thank You dear Jesus for your mercy and grace!!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Keep your eyes on the cross!
Have you ever had one of those days.......one of those weeks....one of those months.....that it seems as though your whole world has been shaken, that every bit of news that comes your way shakes you to the very core? Well, for the past little while, it seems to have been my turn. Every place I go, there is more bad news, more tragedy, more unbelievable events happening around me!
I know I am not alone. Everyone goes through these times. There have been some disappointing things happen at church, there have been some deaths of faithful saints in the church, sad things are happening to good people on the job, health issues are arising in family members, financial burdens are getting heavier, the economy is looking bad...........it seems it never ends for me! It's gotten to the point that I catch my breath every time the phone rings!
These are definitely some testing times. What can I do?......well, therein lies the choice. In Joshua 24:15, the Bible says, "...choose you this day whom ye will serve...." It's your choice as to what you will do. As for me, I chose to keep my eyes on the cross! He who knew NO sin, CHOSE to become sin so that I may have eternal life! No matter how hard things get in this life, I MUST stay focused on the One who has never let me down and never will........the One who will never forsake me!
I know the load gets so heavy. Satan is certainly there to let us stay aware of just how bad things are.....and how bad things will continue to be and to worsen. These are the times you must stay focused on the cross and keep pressing onward!!! If you do this, there is strength for you. God will not let you walk it alone! You may feel you are alone, but that is a test to see what you will choose to do, who you will follow. Once you make the choice to keep following Him, then He will help you all the way!
Yes, I've had some horrible news hit me the last couple of weeks........from every way I look, from every aspect of my life, I've been having to face hardships. Could I give up? Yes, if that's what I choose. But, you see, I've tasted the Lord, and I know what He has in store, and I MUST keep going on for Him! He's done so much for me! And by doing so, by choosing to follow on, He just keeps sending me little 'handfuls of purpose' to keep me plodding on! Thank you Lord!
For instance, I was feeling very low, very down....but I choose to keep my eyes on the cross, so therefore, I keep praying, keep on reading His Word....and God saw my need....and my devotional time was found over in Jeremiah 32:27 "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?" My devotion kept talking about needing to hear that God is still in control, it's not over until He says so, that life's mishaps and tragedies are not a reason to bail out....they are the reason to sit tight!!! What a blessing, just what I needed to hear! I also had a coworker bless me, and she didn't even know it! She's a single mother of a teenager. We talk about the Lord alot. She works the weekends only, to be with her son more. But she had been talking about the fact that he has not been wanting to go to church (his aunt has been taking him). She told me that he said, "Mom, you don't go....so why do I have to?" She had asked my advise, and we had talked about things. I had not seen her in a while, and just the other day I worked with her again. She told me that she had done what I suggested, and had gone to her boss. She now works Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays! She no longer works on Sundays! Before she worked Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. Now she can take her son to church, and she was so glad, that it had not only helped her son....but it was helping her, too! Well, Praise the Lord.....nothing in me, but all in Christ! She'll never know how those encouraging words helped me! Do you think it was just a coincidence that my devotion topic was on disappointments, do you think it was just a happenstance that I worked that day with that woman? NO WAY....God saw that I am in a hardship right now, but that through His grace I was staying focused on the cross, and He cared enough to send a little encouragement my way! Thank you, Lord!!
There is another lady that I've been helping her with something she's been struggling with. I told her that I would ask her about how it is going every now and then, to 'keep her on track'....if you will. I've had so much going on, that, to be honest, I've not thought about it lately. Well, last night she grabbed my arm and said, "Hey, you haven't asked me in a while......so ask me!!!" I did, and she had wonderful news for me, and we were able to rejoice in that answered prayer! She needed the pat on the back......I needed to hear the encouraging words that God is still answering prayers!!!!
Our pastor preached a wonderful message in John, chapter 21, also. It was about the story of how Peter and the disciples had fished all night and caught nothing, until the Lord showed up and had them cast on the right side of the boat. His title for the message was, "Drifting too far from the shore." I knew I would enjoy the message, but I thought, okay, it's going to be about backsliding, getting our eyes off of the Lord....and it was to a point, but it just seemed to keep coming around and seemed to be screaming to me to just keep pressing on, to keep my eyes on the cross! His points were that they drifted too far from the shore because they: 1) fulfilled the wrong purpose, 2) followed the wrong person, 3) and fished in the wrong place. They took their focus off of following Christ, and listened to Peter, and instead of waiting on the Lord to show up, they went fishing!
How many times do we all do this? We need an answer, the way looks dark, we get all bad news, seems like, and we don't know what to do? And instead of waiting on the Lord, we get our eyes off of the cross, and listen to someone else, who may even mean well, and end up going down the wrong path! But, I'm so thankful that even when we do this....that God will still show up and help us out anyway.......fill our nets full and not let the net break! Thank you, Lord!
It all goes back to this...........KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE CROSS!! Make your christianity.....YOURS! You cannot live for Christ for someone else, you cannot live for Christ because of someone else. This thing is all an individual choice! Have you made that choice? Don't live for the Lord because your parents do, because your spouse does, because of your church or pastor, because your friends do.......my friend, this life is full of failures and bad circumstances, and you will fall! You've got to live for Christ on your own! Lot did pretty well when he was with Abraham, didn't he? But when he had to do it on his own.........he failed! We are all human, we all make mistakes...........take the time now to get in God's Word for yourself and build your own foundation..........when the storm comes, you will have something to hold on to that is not human, not full of mistakes...........and it WILL see you through...........Keep your eyes on the cross!!!!!
I know I am not alone. Everyone goes through these times. There have been some disappointing things happen at church, there have been some deaths of faithful saints in the church, sad things are happening to good people on the job, health issues are arising in family members, financial burdens are getting heavier, the economy is looking bad...........it seems it never ends for me! It's gotten to the point that I catch my breath every time the phone rings!
These are definitely some testing times. What can I do?......well, therein lies the choice. In Joshua 24:15, the Bible says, "...choose you this day whom ye will serve...." It's your choice as to what you will do. As for me, I chose to keep my eyes on the cross! He who knew NO sin, CHOSE to become sin so that I may have eternal life! No matter how hard things get in this life, I MUST stay focused on the One who has never let me down and never will........the One who will never forsake me!
I know the load gets so heavy. Satan is certainly there to let us stay aware of just how bad things are.....and how bad things will continue to be and to worsen. These are the times you must stay focused on the cross and keep pressing onward!!! If you do this, there is strength for you. God will not let you walk it alone! You may feel you are alone, but that is a test to see what you will choose to do, who you will follow. Once you make the choice to keep following Him, then He will help you all the way!
Yes, I've had some horrible news hit me the last couple of weeks........from every way I look, from every aspect of my life, I've been having to face hardships. Could I give up? Yes, if that's what I choose. But, you see, I've tasted the Lord, and I know what He has in store, and I MUST keep going on for Him! He's done so much for me! And by doing so, by choosing to follow on, He just keeps sending me little 'handfuls of purpose' to keep me plodding on! Thank you Lord!
For instance, I was feeling very low, very down....but I choose to keep my eyes on the cross, so therefore, I keep praying, keep on reading His Word....and God saw my need....and my devotional time was found over in Jeremiah 32:27 "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?" My devotion kept talking about needing to hear that God is still in control, it's not over until He says so, that life's mishaps and tragedies are not a reason to bail out....they are the reason to sit tight!!! What a blessing, just what I needed to hear! I also had a coworker bless me, and she didn't even know it! She's a single mother of a teenager. We talk about the Lord alot. She works the weekends only, to be with her son more. But she had been talking about the fact that he has not been wanting to go to church (his aunt has been taking him). She told me that he said, "Mom, you don't go....so why do I have to?" She had asked my advise, and we had talked about things. I had not seen her in a while, and just the other day I worked with her again. She told me that she had done what I suggested, and had gone to her boss. She now works Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays! She no longer works on Sundays! Before she worked Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. Now she can take her son to church, and she was so glad, that it had not only helped her son....but it was helping her, too! Well, Praise the Lord.....nothing in me, but all in Christ! She'll never know how those encouraging words helped me! Do you think it was just a coincidence that my devotion topic was on disappointments, do you think it was just a happenstance that I worked that day with that woman? NO WAY....God saw that I am in a hardship right now, but that through His grace I was staying focused on the cross, and He cared enough to send a little encouragement my way! Thank you, Lord!!
There is another lady that I've been helping her with something she's been struggling with. I told her that I would ask her about how it is going every now and then, to 'keep her on track'....if you will. I've had so much going on, that, to be honest, I've not thought about it lately. Well, last night she grabbed my arm and said, "Hey, you haven't asked me in a while......so ask me!!!" I did, and she had wonderful news for me, and we were able to rejoice in that answered prayer! She needed the pat on the back......I needed to hear the encouraging words that God is still answering prayers!!!!
Our pastor preached a wonderful message in John, chapter 21, also. It was about the story of how Peter and the disciples had fished all night and caught nothing, until the Lord showed up and had them cast on the right side of the boat. His title for the message was, "Drifting too far from the shore." I knew I would enjoy the message, but I thought, okay, it's going to be about backsliding, getting our eyes off of the Lord....and it was to a point, but it just seemed to keep coming around and seemed to be screaming to me to just keep pressing on, to keep my eyes on the cross! His points were that they drifted too far from the shore because they: 1) fulfilled the wrong purpose, 2) followed the wrong person, 3) and fished in the wrong place. They took their focus off of following Christ, and listened to Peter, and instead of waiting on the Lord to show up, they went fishing!
How many times do we all do this? We need an answer, the way looks dark, we get all bad news, seems like, and we don't know what to do? And instead of waiting on the Lord, we get our eyes off of the cross, and listen to someone else, who may even mean well, and end up going down the wrong path! But, I'm so thankful that even when we do this....that God will still show up and help us out anyway.......fill our nets full and not let the net break! Thank you, Lord!
It all goes back to this...........KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE CROSS!! Make your christianity.....YOURS! You cannot live for Christ for someone else, you cannot live for Christ because of someone else. This thing is all an individual choice! Have you made that choice? Don't live for the Lord because your parents do, because your spouse does, because of your church or pastor, because your friends do.......my friend, this life is full of failures and bad circumstances, and you will fall! You've got to live for Christ on your own! Lot did pretty well when he was with Abraham, didn't he? But when he had to do it on his own.........he failed! We are all human, we all make mistakes...........take the time now to get in God's Word for yourself and build your own foundation..........when the storm comes, you will have something to hold on to that is not human, not full of mistakes...........and it WILL see you through...........Keep your eyes on the cross!!!!!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Kaylea & her gang!
Award's Day at GLMS! I can't believe that middle school is over!! They are now freshmen! Watch out GLHS!!!! Kaylea and her friends are so sweet with each other! I love each and every one of them. They are good christian girls with good families! They are so blessed to have each other! They are: Shelby, Rachel Melanie, Carly, Julia, Hollie, and Kaylea! The guy with them is Logan. He's Hollie's boyfriend, but has become a great friend with all the girls....smart boy, lol!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
"THAT!"
What a small little word, and yet 'that' can hinder us so quickly! How many times do we say...'Oh, I've got to have THAT!' Or, "I would do it...if it wasn't for THAT.' How about, 'Hey, did you see THAT!?' In I Kings, chapter 19, Elijah was hindered by 'that'. Remember now in chapter 18, Elijah had the power of God on him....he called fire down from heaven! He showed the people that his God was THE God! But now, Ahab has told Jezebel of what Elijah had done, and she called for him. She wanted him dead.....and that scared Elijah! Verse 3 says, "And when he saw THAT, he arose, and went for his life..." Isn't that like us? We can have the power of God all over us one minute....let the devil rear his ugly head....and off we start running. Isn't the God of our mountains....still the God of our valleys? Of course He is! But....being human....we let THAT get in our way. Once THAT (whatever 'that' is in your life) gets in our way....we feel all alone. We get side tracked, we sit down, and have a pity party. Why, Elijah himself prayed for God just to go ahead and take his life!
Isn't is so comforting to know, when we are feeling so alone, God still comes on the scene and cares for us? God didn't take Elijah's prayer literally....He knew Elijah wasn't thinking clearly. Instead of demeaning Elijah, or telling him how weak he was....he sent an angel to feed him and talked with him, Himself. God knows what we need....and when we need it! Several times Elijah tells God, '...and I, even I only am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." Have you ever felt like you are in this thing alone? No one else really cares about serving the Lord! Look around, everyone else is pleasing self...and here you are trying to do the right thing, and for what? Just hold on, don't give up....God has the answer for you!
Just as Elijah could see no one......in verse 18 God said, "YET I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him." Once you can see past 'THAT', God let's you know that you are not battling life's trials alone! There are others working for Christ, too!
Elijah left that place of lonliness, and found Elisha, working the fields, faithful........those two became a great work for Christ together!! You see, when Elijah got up, quit sitting, quit hiding...when he took God's promise and got back in the field of service, he found a wonderful friend on this side of heaven!
You see, when 'that' get's thrown in our face...what ever 'that' may be for you.....stay on the field! When you stay busy for God, your problems won't seem so big! It's human nature to run for cover and hide when the going get's rough. That's just what the devil wants, because he then can fill your head with all sorts of lies and get you feeling so alone. Before you even realize it, you've left the field, you've sat down, and discouragement is on the way! Keep plowing the field God has given you......He'll never leave you nor forsake you, He's given you that promise (Hebrews 13:5). Don't let THAT cloud your mind, and discourage you......God will always take care of you! I praise His name, that even though I let 'that' get to me at times, and pray things that I shouldn't or really don't mean, that God understands, knows my humanity, and sends a rescue for me, and answers me, and gets me going on the right way again! Thank you, Lord, for your blessings and mercy and grace on my life!!!
Isn't is so comforting to know, when we are feeling so alone, God still comes on the scene and cares for us? God didn't take Elijah's prayer literally....He knew Elijah wasn't thinking clearly. Instead of demeaning Elijah, or telling him how weak he was....he sent an angel to feed him and talked with him, Himself. God knows what we need....and when we need it! Several times Elijah tells God, '...and I, even I only am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." Have you ever felt like you are in this thing alone? No one else really cares about serving the Lord! Look around, everyone else is pleasing self...and here you are trying to do the right thing, and for what? Just hold on, don't give up....God has the answer for you!
Just as Elijah could see no one......in verse 18 God said, "YET I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him." Once you can see past 'THAT', God let's you know that you are not battling life's trials alone! There are others working for Christ, too!
Elijah left that place of lonliness, and found Elisha, working the fields, faithful........those two became a great work for Christ together!! You see, when Elijah got up, quit sitting, quit hiding...when he took God's promise and got back in the field of service, he found a wonderful friend on this side of heaven!
You see, when 'that' get's thrown in our face...what ever 'that' may be for you.....stay on the field! When you stay busy for God, your problems won't seem so big! It's human nature to run for cover and hide when the going get's rough. That's just what the devil wants, because he then can fill your head with all sorts of lies and get you feeling so alone. Before you even realize it, you've left the field, you've sat down, and discouragement is on the way! Keep plowing the field God has given you......He'll never leave you nor forsake you, He's given you that promise (Hebrews 13:5). Don't let THAT cloud your mind, and discourage you......God will always take care of you! I praise His name, that even though I let 'that' get to me at times, and pray things that I shouldn't or really don't mean, that God understands, knows my humanity, and sends a rescue for me, and answers me, and gets me going on the right way again! Thank you, Lord, for your blessings and mercy and grace on my life!!!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
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