Encouragement

How did I know she was "the one"

I have been married for over 24 years; does that prove Anne was “the One” God had in mind for me? How did I know it was her before I proposed? Is there really a “One” God has for any of us? If you find “the One” and later get divorced and remarried (which some of my Christian friends have), does it make that spouse “the second One”? Did you miss God’s perfect will the first time?
For such a hot topic, you’d think there would be more about it in the Scriptures, but there’s not. Marriage was approached quite differently back then. And in some countries today, still is—even for Christians. “The One” for those believers means the one your parents picked when you were eight.
But the question persists strongly for those of us raised in Evangelical America, where we are taught to seek God’s will for our lives in every area, especially the big decisions. So when I was head over heels in love with Anne (being a good Evangelical) I wrestled with whether or not she was “the One” God had chosen for me. My desire for God’s will for my life was an honest one, and here’s how He led me.
It took me three years to even get a date with Anne. But that was OK since we met at 15. College and other circumstance separated us, but our paths kept crossing and I could never get her out of my thinking for very long. After college we both taught conversational English in Japan for the summer, where I announced that I was in love with her and had been for years, and that I was going to pursue her to see if it was God’s will that we get married. (I really did say it pretty matter-of-fact like that). All she said was thank you. (Her feelings were far from certain). We dated for a year after we got back to the US. I became more convinced than ever that I wanted her. All that was left was to get God to say she was “the One”. Simple. (It didn’t matter to me if she thought I was “the One” for her, since, I reasoned, when God answered me, He would, of course, break the news to her.)
But God wasn’t cooperating. He was saying a lot of other things, but nothing about what I most wanted to know. So one day, inspired by some story I had heard about persistence, or wrestling with God, or something like that, I decided I would go to the library the following Saturday with my Bible, find a quiet corner, and stay there until I got an answer (or until they closed the library). I arrived as the doors opened. I read and prayed the same stuff I had for a year. The morning passed. Nothing. I was frustrated as afternoon crept by. Why was God making it so hard to know what He wanted? Then, in His mercy and sense of humor, God spoke to me. I was reading 1 Corinthians 7 for the hundredth time:

But if you marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned (v. 28).
…let him do what he wishes, he does not sin; let her marry. But he who stands firm in his heart, being under no constraint, but has authority over his own will, and has decided this in his own heart, to keep his own virgin daughter, he will do well” (v.36-37).

All cultural differences aside, here is what God said to me:

You won’t be in sin either way, as long as you know your own mind. You can ask her to marry you or not. The choice is yours – I’m not the one who has to live with, or without, her. But if you do marry her, then you know what I expect of husbands.”

I closed my Bible, happy. I told God, “Well I know what I want!” I learned that day that God is fond of delegating choices. He gave Adam and Eve choice as a gift, and even though they screwed up, He didn’t take His gift back. He pushes us to make choices, and holds us responsible to honor Him by demonstrating His character in the consequences.



I stole this article that I read this morning.  I have expressed before that God has told me, there is this "one" person He has for me.  I wonder if I will automatically know or it might be someone I already know and that God will open my heart to him at a certain point.  I really don't believe I know who he is. 

This story just shows me that God does speak to us all different.  I hope I don't have doubt like he did.  I hope that me and my future husband will both "just know".   I guess I will find out one day!!!! :)








Of course, He may tell others who “the One” is, but that’s His choice.

Oasis-Wonderwall Lyrics

Letting go

 

 

Letting Go and trusting God's way is essential to experiencing God's inexplicable peace. The enemy wants you to continue carrying the load of whatever is weighing you down, to dismotivate and weaken you. You must let go of what is pulling you down to allow God to lift you up. You must let go of what is making you anxious to allow God's calming reassurance to take over. You must let go of the excessive worrying to allow God to show up in your life. Let it Go!

 

 

 

I think letting go is the hard part or giving it up can be hard!  Its something Im sure we all face with something in our lives........Gods strength, mercy, love and power can help us live a much easier, burden free life!!

:(

Ananias said, “But Lord, many people have told me about this man. He is the reason many of Your followers in Jerusalem have had to suffer much. He came here with the right and the power from the head religious leaders to put everyone in chains who call on Your name.” The Lord said to him, “Go! This man is the one I have chosen to carry My name among the people who are not Jews and to their kings and to Jews. I will show him how much he will have to suffer because of Me.” (Acts 9:13-16 NIV)


Have you tried telling God what to do? How to do it or when to do it? I know I have. I've even gone to the extent of explaining why my way is better, as if he doesn't already know. I think we're all guilty of this at one point in our lives. In the verse above Ananias falls into the same trap. Jesus has just revealed himself to Saul and gives Ananias clear instructions of what to do next. Well, instead of following them, he starts to explain to the Lord the reason he doesn't think it's such a good idea. What Ananias failed to see was that the all knowing God knew that Saul would soon become Paul the apostle for the gentiles. He was going to be God's instrument in spreading the good news, an intricate part of His plan. Many times we also fail to see what only God can. We think we know better, when in fact we know NOTHING. We only see as far  as our headlights, he sees far beyond that even in the darkest of nights. Is the Lord pulling you in a direction you think is not right? Walk in that direction anyway; He knows what lies at the end of that road and why He wants you there. Is God pulling you in the opposite direction of the person you want to be with? Don't resist, God knows what will happen in the next 40 years and knows who is better suited for you. Did God close a door you wished to walk through? Praise Him in the hallway because only he knows the trap he rescued you from. My point is, don't fight God, surrender your will to His. He knows why things happen. He knows why things don't happen but in everything give him the praise.



I didn't write the above, but today was a day I needed to read this.  I have been struggling with something lately.  I feel like I'm starting to be in another spiritual warfare if I don't just give it to God.  I don't understand certain things, things that don't add up, that there isn't an answer too.  I have asked several people the past few days with a situation I have been presented and there is no answer.  In fact, no one really even knows what I'm feeling.  Maybe I'm being blinded, maybe I'm wanting it to be a certain way when in my heart I know the answer.  I don't understand why this is so difficult when in reality its black and white and for some reason I'm making it gray.  I'm at peace with it, but then I'm not.  My mind doesn't shut it off and I feel like I'm losing my mind.  I can feel my strength weakening with each minute that passes by each day.  I don't like it, I feel like I'm going to let the devil defeat me when that's not what I want.  I can feel Gods strength in me....I really do....I can feel my human self pull away and I can feel him planting me still.  I pray for that, I pray for Him to guide me and His strength.  I already know what I'm going to do, its just to keep focused on that and to make sure I don't slip.  I need prayers please.....thank you!

Song

Stuff Christian Singles Hear

Needed to post this awhile back

 

My friend Dani Miser who is the Author of the book "Single woman, seeks perfect man,"  asked me awhile back to go with her to a woman's conference.  I traveled with her and I actually had a great time.  When I was there I actually bumped into a woman I knew from a woman's camp conference I went too earlier this year.  The crazy thing about us bumping into each other was the fact that there was about 100+ women and we happened to sit at a table of 6 to eat dinner and we just started talking.  Then months later we bump into each other in a different town and this event. 
This was a different church, but in a good way of course.  These women were on fire for the Lord and they danced and sang loud for the Lord.  At first, I wont lie and say that I was a little held back and shocked at everything going on, but then you warm right up with it and is in awe of them praising the Lord so much.  They sang Spanish songs and at one point, the leader of the songs, turned to me in front of everyone and asked me if I was Mexican.  To be honest, I get that quiet often and so I laughed and said "No, but I did marry one"....haha.  They all had warm, opening arms invitation for us.

My friend got up and said her testimony and also we heard other women share theirs.  It was good to hear other women struggle just like I have and have weaknesses.  We then went to the back and I helped her get her Prayer Journals ready for everyone.  I have already shared how we met and how things fell into place with us, and one of the bonds we have is the prayer journals.  I enjoy talking to Dani and I love how God has placed her in my life.  I had a great time that day and met new friends.  

These are my prayer journals so far.  I love looking back and reading my prayers to God and my emotions I was going through at that time in my life.  I know this is something that I will cherish and I will have to read when its time to write my book and to remember what I was feeling at those moments.

New Header

I made this like 2 weeks ago, just waiting till after Thanksgiving and......I forgot....so here it is....Just in time for the BEST TIME OF THE YEAR!!!!! 

Need to catch up (mom letter)

I haven't been on lately.  I have been so busy with work and with life and with putting Christmas Decorations up.

Yesterday was my moms 11th year she passed away.  I wanted to write this long blog about her and how amazing of a mom she was, but I think my letter pretty much sums it up.

I miss you mom. I wonder the conversations we would have now, now that I'm older and life's circumstances have came my way. I wonder if you would still try and protect me from harms way and from getting my heart broken. I know you would be my bestest friend whom I could go to for anything. I know I'm not perfect, but I would hope if you were here, I would still hear that you were proud of me.

God had a reason why you went home at the young age of 42. I wish I could of spent more of my life with you, but Gods plan let me have you for 16 years and I am thankful for that. Everyone still down here mom speaks very highly of you. I'm proud you were my mom.....I'm proud that I was raised in a Christian home and your goal was for me to know Christ and to be happy with whatever I chose in my life. You never pushed me to be something I didn't want. You never pushed me to make straight A's and have extra pressure on me, but to motivate me and tell me to try my hardest, and that I was capable of being the best. I wouldn't change anything, but maybe just to have you here with me every once in awhile for a mother/daughter bond. I love you and you were the best woman and mom I could of ever of asked for. So much has happened the past 11 years and I can still remember the day when I learned you went to go be with the Lord. My life was forever changed. But God has never failed me and has placed so many people in my life to take care of me and be a motherly role to me. I know you are in heaven holding and playing with my babies and I wouldn't have it any other way. I often picture you and grandma, with my babies just waiting till the day I can meet you again. It makes heaven that much sweeter to me. I love you mom....until the day we are reunited again..... :)

I know she lived each and every day to make sure I had what I needed in this life.  I know she strived to make me happy and to give me everything she could.  I watched my mom struggle and I saw when we had less and probably looked like white trash at one point when we moved here and she was on her own with no help in a new town.  But see, that's the thing.....that's what I appreciate the most.  I saw my mom work hard and build up from what she first started off with.  I remember when I was 6, we moved here from Dallas.  My mom wanted to start over in life, because her mom passed away and she just wanted to get away.  We moved into a one bedroom trailer in the country and lived there for 6 months.  i remember we had this old car that barely ran half the time.  Six months into it, my grandpa moved down here.  We moved across the street into a house.  We lived there for a year or two and then moved into the city, into another rent house, but much nicer.  We lived there for about a year and then my mom bought a house.  Its the house I currently live in and I have been here since I was 10.

To this day, I'm not sure what went through my moms head.  I remember when we first moved in here, I wanted the master bedroom....of course, because I was 10 and it was huge.  My mom didn't take it, my grandpa didn't take it, and she let me have it.....what????  Who does that?  My mother!!!!  

My mom was also a Godly woman.  She never forced anything down my throat, but I really think she always just knew, that I had this close relationship with Christ.  My whole childhood, I always tried to do good all the time.  She knew I loved the Lord, she knew I knew Him, because my mom always knew I was weirdly special, with my spiritual side, even as a child.  I would always talk to people about Jesus as a small child.  I don't remember my mom ever showing concern with my relationship with Christ, except one time.  My mom was dieing of cancer and I was 15 and I was angry.  Its first off, a very hard time to be that age and watching the only parent you have, suffer and be in pain and the reason why she is doing all this is to have more time with you.  I felt hopeless....I didn't understand why God couldn't fix her.  I got angry at God.  I didn't understand......I told my mom that and she never got mad, but told me, she didn't want me mad at God.  She told me to pray and she told me that she was going to pray.  I'm not sure, but I think it was a couple of weeks later, I remember pacing back and forth in my room.  I was crying......I had this strong feeling from God, that I needed to go tell my mom that it was okay for her to die.  I didn't want too and I didn't understand why, but I had this peace that my mom needed to hear it and that everything was going to be okay.  I remember walking into the living room and my mom asked me what was wrong.  I told her, Mom, Its okay for you to die.....
She started to cry and asked me, what has changed with me.  I told her....I'm not mad at God anymore.

I'm not sure why God has let certain things happen in my life.  I'm not sure why I hear him so well.  God will pound my heart with things and talk to me like hes right in the room.  Ever since I was small child, I always was eager to hear from my heart and I struggle even to this day, with listening to people, because I feel like they don't know whats best for me.  I even struggled listening to my mom as a child.

I think my mother always knew that God had this special plan for me.  I think she knew that I was going to grow up and be okay.  I do wonder what my mom would of done when I went through cancer....I'm pretty sure, she might of lost it, lol.  But, my mom was very proud of me......even on her tombstone.....it says..

Jesus is my Lord and Savior
Rachel's mom

Yes, I miss my mother, everyday!  But in this life, its temporary.......this is just a snap of a finger compared to spending eternity with her in heaven.  I used to giggle about when I miscarried babies and they went to heaven.  I do believe that when I miscarried that my mother knew they were my children.  I also know Heavens time is so much slower than earth time.  Doesn't it say in the Bible its 1000 years on earth is a day in heaven?  So I remember picturing my mother in heaven, upset that her teenager was having babies, lol.  When in reality, I was a married 23 year old.  Just a little laugh I always think about with my mom.  

I love her and even though she had no sense of style of clothes, she was the best mom.  I say that about her clothes, because my friend and I were looking at this picture and they made her look 3x more bigger than what she was.  This picture is a picture of us on the cruise we took  the year she passed away.  I know if she was alive today, I would totally be on her outfit!!! :)   

Love this song

 

Day 22:

 Day 22: I am thankful for today in general.  That I slept good, woke up, and starting preparing a meal that God has blessed me to have.  Even though I'm cooking by myself and I don't have a full house of family, its okay!!!  I feel blessed for what I do have.  I have been cleaning and cooking and I'm about to get ready for the day.  I know God is preparing me for something and I wait......
I am thankful for a day that we do celebrate being thankful for everything in our lives.  It shouldn't take a day like this for us to realize everything that we are thankful for and blessed with, but nonetheless it is a good day to acknowledge it. 
I do hope everyone has a safe, blessed Thanksgiving!!! :)


Day 21: I am thankful for music. 


Day 20:  I am thankful for pain killers. 


Day 19: I am thankful for the small things in life. 


Day 18:  I am thankful for a vehicle.


Day 17: I am thankful for answered prayers. 


Day 16: I am thankful for my abilities. 


Day 15: I am thankful for Jesus Christ. 


Day 14:  I am thankful for my mom. 


Day 13: I am thankful for my 3 babies in heaven. 


Day 12: I am thankful for everyone who has sacrificed themselves for our country. 


 Day 11:  I am thankful for rest.


 Day 10: I am thankful for memories, lessons, trials and my testimony in this life. 


Day 9: I am thankful for ex's.


 Day 8: I am thankful for my dog Coco Muffin Cake-a-roonie!!!!


Day 7: I am thankful for my jobs.


Day 6: I am thankful for my friends.


Day 5:  I am thankful for my health. 


Day 4: I am thankful for my home. 


Day 3: I am thankful for my finances.


Day 2:  I am thankful for Gods strength.


Day 1: I am thankful for my grandpa

uhh, yeah....

So tomorrow is Thanksgiving, actually in a couple of hours.  It really makes me think about this year and how different it is.  It makes me think of the years past, but also what the future ones could/will be like. 

I love how more and more independent I get each day.  My tire looked low today, so I went and aired it up for the first time.  I know something like that might sound petty, but I never have done it before.  I always had a man in my life to do it.  Another thing is, is I'm cooking my Thanksgiving dinner for the first time, pretty much all by myself.  I am excited!!!  I have everything down that I want to do and I hope to take tons of pictures to share with you tomorrow. 

I went tonight and went to the movies to watch the last movie of Twilight (Breaking Dawn pt.2) with my friend.  I already knew how it was going to end even though there was a twist, because....well.....its what I do.....I go for spoilers. 

My mind has been racing tonight.  I start a subject and then I stop and forget what I want to say.  I have been feeling like this all week.  My body has been feeling funny, I'm not sure whats going on with me.  One night I woke up with an upset stomach, the next night, I was throwing up, then today I was exhausted and not very talkative, but all that going on, I feel fine.  Its really bizarre!

This is a song that I'm listening too, while writing this *Dear Friend* .  I was sitting here watching a Youtube song and this one from 10+ years came to my mind.  I actually saw this girl in concert with Plus One and Rachael Lampa back in like 2001 in San Antonio, before I met Mark "officially".  Maybe that's whats putting me in a funky mood, its kinda depressing.

So something that has been laid upon my heart like no other for the past 2 days is this...............God  (mind you, I have been praying and praying for this) has been laying on my heart my future mate.  Sometimes in the middle of the day, I will get this overwhelming feeling, that makes me silently bust out in tears.  Their tears of happiness and excitement and peace and faithfulness to the Lord that Hes going to give me THE man that He has created me for. To know in my heart that I don't have to search, I don't have to look, that I just sit back, enjoy life and wait is just this amazing feeling that I cant even explain. 

I was riding in the car with my grandpa today and I asked him, "When you were praying to God for God to send you your soul mate, how long did you wait?"  He said about a year.  I then asked him how did he know.  He said, you cant really explain it, you just know.   I'm like.....100% sure, I'm just going to know.  This might sound silly, but its like like when Jacob imprinted on Reneesme, he just knew.  I know, I know.....your probably reading this, like " Are you serious right now Rachel?".  But you have to really think about it, he took one look and knew, everything in life made sense.  Now I'm not saying its going to be this big Revelation of my life, but hey....then again, you never know :)  

I cant wait to the end of December ,for me to blog about my emotions this past year.  Each and every month had something in it.....it had a lesson, a drive,  dedication, determination, heartbreak and joy.  This has been a huge year for me.  I am proud of myself with my handling's of my life and how things turned about.  I couldn't of done anything without Gods help and the things he placed on my heart.  I honestly, do feel so much stronger and I have changed........for the better, for the better me, for the better person who i am in Christ.  Some of my dreams have stayed, some of them have totally changed.  I also look at people totally different, but still tend to trust them more that I think I should.  I think that's always going to be me.  I just know now, how fast one person can change a persons life, but hey....I survived and I'm seeking God more and more.  I wouldn't of changed a thing!!! :)  

If we only knew, when we are going through a storm or a trial in our life,  what the outcome was going to be, the person it was going to make us to be, and the strength and lessons we gained.  We wouldn't of learned what was being taught.  We need to go through the emotions of it all, even though it might stink in the moment.  God sees the final picture, even if you don't understand now.....always remember that!!!!

Day 21:

Day 21: I am thankful for music.  I think everyone can agree that music is there for you, no matter what mood your in.  If I want to dance, I put some good beats on.  If I want to cry, I put depressing music on.  If I want to worship and praise God, I put some Christian music on.  If I want to get crunk, I put some rap on (yes I said crunk, lol).  If I want to rock out, I put some rock music on (mostly from the 80's).  Music, touches alot of peoples lives and if you do listen to the Christian channels, you can see how much it does have an impact and how it changes peoples lives with the words.  So today, I am thankful for music!! :)

Day 20:  I am thankful for pain killers. 


Day 19: I am thankful for the small things in life. 


Day 18:  I am thankful for a vehicle.


Day 17: I am thankful for answered prayers. 


Day 16: I am thankful for my abilities. 


Day 15: I am thankful for Jesus Christ. 


Day 14:  I am thankful for my mom. 


Day 13: I am thankful for my 3 babies in heaven. 


Day 12: I am thankful for everyone who has sacrificed themselves for our country. 


 Day 11:  I am thankful for rest.


 Day 10: I am thankful for memories, lessons, trials and my testimony in this life. 


Day 9: I am thankful for ex's.


 Day 8: I am thankful for my dog Coco Muffin Cake-a-roonie!!!!


Day 7: I am thankful for my jobs.


Day 6: I am thankful for my friends.


Day 5:  I am thankful for my health. 


Day 4: I am thankful for my home. 


Day 3: I am thankful for my finances.


Day 2:  I am thankful for Gods strength.


Day 1: I am thankful for my grandpa.

New Poll

Dont forget to go to the side of the page and check out the new poll I put up.  Im curious to what people like to watch or see or read on my blog.  I notice the reviews of my blog and what seems to be more of a hit with a topic than other topics, so just let me know your opinion please!!!!! :)

What a Godly Man Should Be

I was watching this, this morning and around 7 minutes in, he says how God told him to just wait, that God had someone special for him, but to trust in His timing. It was like confirmation that I ALREADY knew, because God told me this, awhile back. It was just amazing to hear that someone else has heard God and has been placed upon their heart of waiting and trusting God. He says, not everyone will hear it, but I am so thankful I have. To me, its what I need, because it makes me have more trust and faith in God and in His time. Like I said before, I also have felt, the day that I'm actually going to get married too. I don't know 100% if it will happen, but only time will tell. I'm hoping within this next year, I will get to meet him!!! :)

If you liked this video, there are alot more to it with them talking about different things. I might post more later, but wanted to share this one.

Day 20:

Day 20:  I am thankful for pain killers.  Yesterday, I woke up early with an upset stomach for an hour, which I hadn't had in years.  Then this morning around 3am, I woke up with horrible stomach and back pain and ended up throwing up for a couple of hours.  I finally got to go to sleep and get some rest, but now I'm exhausted.  I just feel blessed that I'm okay and can go to work. 

Day 19: I am thankful for the small things in life. 


Day 18:  I am thankful for a vehicle.


Day 17: I am thankful for answered prayers. 


Day 16: I am thankful for my abilities. 


Day 15: I am thankful for Jesus Christ. 


Day 14:  I am thankful for my mom. 


Day 13: I am thankful for my 3 babies in heaven. 


Day 12: I am thankful for everyone who has sacrificed themselves for our country. 


 Day 11:  I am thankful for rest.


 Day 10: I am thankful for memories, lessons, trials and my testimony in this life. 


Day 9: I am thankful for ex's.


 Day 8: I am thankful for my dog Coco Muffin Cake-a-roonie!!!!


Day 7: I am thankful for my jobs.


Day 6: I am thankful for my friends.


Day 5:  I am thankful for my health. 


Day 4: I am thankful for my home. 


Day 3: I am thankful for my finances.


Day 2:  I am thankful for Gods strength.


Day 1: I am thankful for my grandpa.

Love (Jesus)

The picture is a picture that is in my bathroom. It is something that reminds me everyday that I am loved. I know when you go through a bad heartbreak or 2 in a year, that sometimes it feels like no one loves you. I know someone loves me, my grandpa does, my friends, but really its hard to grasp that kind of love. This song seems to come on everytime I turn on the radio, or is on, or it comes on. Its such a powerful song, if you really listen to the lyrics.

No matter what we do in this life, Gods love never fails. He knows what we are going to do before we know. Jesus came down to this earth to die for us, for our sins, cause of His LOVE. Jesus' love is a love like no other.  No human on this earth, child, spouse, parent can ever comprehend the love Jesus can give you. Humans will let you down, betray you, die, walk away, hurt you, but Gods love is everlasting, forever, promised, true and his mercy never ends. 

My favorite part of this song is when it says......"You make all things work together for my good." 
We wonder why things happen in our life, we wonder why the person we loved walks away or dies.  We wonder why loved ones get sick and die.  It seems like life isn't fair, but God never promised that it was or that it was going to be easy with no trouble, trials or heartaches.  God did promise that He would never leave or forsake you!!!!!  How amazing is that!!!!!!!  He is always there to carry you, if you let Him. 

"You stay the same through the ages".  Think about that for a second.  No matter what we go through, what we learn, each year that goes by, God never changes.  He stays the same, thinks the same, loves the same, blesses us the same......He doesn't get mad and throw a fit when we curse him or go against Him.  He doesn't turn his back when we stray from Him.  He is always there!!!! Hes always there for us to turn to Him, for us to surrender and ask to be forgiven and for Him to just pick us up and wipe away ever tear from our eyes.  There is no better Love then Jesus Christ.  For him to come to this earth, to die and carry each and every sin that I have ever made in my life, to die for me, so I could live eternally with Him.  I am forever grateful and I try and please my master everyday!!!  I hope everyone knows Jesus Christ's love.  There is a peace knowing Him and knowing that everything is going to be okay, because He is there.

Enjoy the song.........I hope it can touch your heart, like it has mine!!!

Hmmm....

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The students laughed..

'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.. The sand is everything else---the small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.

Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.' The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.

Day 19:

Day 19: I am thankful for the small things in life.  I sometimes sit here and think about what am I thankful for, but I look around and its the small things I'm thankful for.  I'm thankful for my computer to keep in touch with people and to do my photography and to share my testimony.  I'm thankful for my bed, pillows, blanket that I sleep with every night.  I'm thankful for a chair to sit on, a TV to watch, a fan to use, a pen to write with, a brush to brush my hair with, a purse to carry, a book to read out of, shoes to walk in, toilet paper (haha), soap, shampoo, a plant that's in my house, and everything else that I have.  I know we take alot of things for granted or don't even realize what we have until something is gone, broke or missing.  The other day my battery charger phone broke (again, oops) and well....whats the point in a phone if I cant use it.  It was something so small, that ended up to be something so big, so I had to buy another one.  I truly am thankful for each and every thing the good Lord has lent me in this life.

Day 18:  I am thankful for a vehicle. 


Day 17: I am thankful for answered prayers. 


Day 16: I am thankful for my abilities. 


Day 15: I am thankful for Jesus Christ. 


Day 14:  I am thankful for my mom. 


Day 13: I am thankful for my 3 babies in heaven. 


Day 12: I am thankful for everyone who has sacrificed themselves for our country. 


 Day 11:  I am thankful for rest.


 Day 10: I am thankful for memories, lessons, trials and my testimony in this life. 


Day 9: I am thankful for ex's.


 Day 8: I am thankful for my dog Coco Muffin Cake-a-roonie!!!!


Day 7: I am thankful for my jobs.


Day 6: I am thankful for my friends.


Day 5:  I am thankful for my health. 


Day 4: I am thankful for my home. 


Day 3: I am thankful for my finances.


Day 2:  I am thankful for Gods strength.


Day 1: I am thankful for my grandpa.

800th Post

This is my 800th post and I wanted to thank everyone who reads my Blog.  Its not huge or anything, but I love having it and I hope one day it grows out and becomes more widespread. 

Hebrews 11

11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

² For by it the elders obtained a good report.
³ Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
⁴ By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
⁵ By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

If you want, you can read more of Hebrews 11 and it says more of faith and the stories in the Bible of how people lived by faith.

I was reading this tonight and I loved it!!! I love the word Faith.  I have to have faith in this world and the promised God has put on my heart and without having faith, I wouldnt have hope to look forward too.  Every time that I wonder or doubt how a problem can fix itself or get better, God always comes through.  I know its because I really have faith in my heart that he will take care of it.  BUT, if it dosent get taken care of, then I know God had a reason and a purpose and he will put peace in my heart.  Also another reason why God might not answer a prayer or fix a problem, is because he might be teaching me something.  

I have Faith that God will answer my prayers and that my dreams (His plan) will one day be fullfilled.  I pray and have Faith that the man that God has put on my heart, I will one day marry.  Faith is something that we cant see, but its something that we can hope and trust that God will give us, in His time, when He feels we are ready.

I hope that everyone would have Faith in God and so they can see how much easier life can truly be and how your heart can be transformed.

Day 18:

Day 18:  I am thankful for a vehicle.  I know I don't have the newest or best car in the world, but its held up for a long time.  Its slowly going down hill, but in the meantime, everything runs on it.  I would love to invest in a new car especially since my grandpa is getting older and its hard for him to get in and out, but I just don't have the funds with that right now.  I know God will take care of me and one day (soon I hope), I will be able to get something newer and better for us.



Day 17: I am thankful for answered prayers. 


Day 16: I am thankful for my abilities. 


Day 15: I am thankful for Jesus Christ. 


Day 14:  I am thankful for my mom. 


Day 13: I am thankful for my 3 babies in heaven. 


Day 12: I am thankful for everyone who has sacrificed themselves for our country. 


 Day 11:  I am thankful for rest.


 Day 10: I am thankful for memories, lessons, trials and my testimony in this life. 


Day 9: I am thankful for ex's.


 Day 8: I am thankful for my dog Coco Muffin Cake-a-roonie!!!!


Day 7: I am thankful for my jobs.


Day 6: I am thankful for my friends.


Day 5:  I am thankful for my health. 


Day 4: I am thankful for my home. 


Day 3: I am thankful for my finances.


Day 2:  I am thankful for Gods strength.


Day 1: I am thankful for my grandpa.

Another rambling night

I saw this today on facebook.....its a page I follow and I sometimes struggle with the concept, if I am really over my past relationships. 

 

Dear Future Spouses,
Don't do it... If you are still checking out an ex fb page to see who he's with... You're not over him. It's time to move on. 

 

The good news is, is I DONT!!!  In fact, Ive blocked everyone and everyone associated with them, so I wont bump into or see anything.  I cant sit here and say I don't think about them or wonder how they are doing or what might be new in their life.  I know that's going to happen, its human, I once cared about them and I still do, but I no longer want to know what goes on in their life.  I want them to move on, I want them to have a happy life, I don't wish bad upon anyone, and I hope they feel the same about me.  

I still believe

 I'm eager to see what the New year will bring.  I have been thinking about it lately as this one comes to a close.  My resolution last year was, "I'm doing me" and I think I did a pretty good job with it.  I have focused on me and did what I want and what I didn't want and I never got peer pressured really into doing anything that I didn't want too.  I am proud to say that after my divorce was final, I didn't go on this make out rampage, in fact, it was the opposite.  I have no desire to kiss or make out with anyone, unless I'm going to pursue a relationship with them.  I have really come to the conclusion, that I am special, that I am worthy of the best and I don't want to lower myself or settle with anyone for temporary happiness.  I would rather sit here alone and be lonely, then with a guy who I'm always doubting if hes the one, or doubting my love for him.  I feel strong and yet, I still feel weak.  I know I'm not ready for a relationship and it worries me when I will be.  Its not something that consumes me, but its something that I think about, with when I will be ready.  

Every single day, I pray for my future spouse.  I also pray for God to show me and lead me to the man he has for me.  I also kinda made this "bet", not really a bet, but I kinda asked God to do something to me, when that man does walk into my life.  Funny thing is, is I'm sure when it does happen, I wont believe it. lol  That's just me!!! I will question it all for some unknown reason.  

I went tonight to the parade down town.  I was meeting up with a friend down there and it so happens that I stood in the EXACT same spot as last year.  The same spot with my ex and his family.  How that happened, I have no way of knowing, because that's exactly where my friend was.  Another thing is, I was watching all the couples and families and it started making me think of this time next year.  I wonder what next year will be like.  I wonder where I will be or even if I'm still single thinking the same exact thoughts.  I don't stress about it, but I'm curious.  

I have this ideal guy in my head.  I have so many things I would want and what I don't want and I'm kinda scared Gods going to give me the opposite of everything just because he can. haha   So I have to admit, like when I was at the Parade, I saw this man from across the street.  I saw he was with his kids and wife I'm guessing.  I couldn't stop staring at him, not lustfully, but he was very attractive to me.  He was the type of man that I would want.  He had a full beard, baseball hat, big guy, but still athletic, dark hair, white....I took a pic, but you cant really see him, its blurry.  I know people are starting to think I'm going crazy or have seen it awhile now.  I'm just admitting things that people don't admit or don't want to say they think about.  This blog is about me and pretty much what goes on in my head, my struggles, my good times, my testimony, my life and my thoughts on everything.  I go through phases, like I went through an Illuminati phase and a decorating the house phase and a workout phase, and now its a future phase.  

So its 2:22am and I have to get up at 6:00am to be at work, so I think I'm rambling and it might not make sense, but I wanted to share my thoughts tonight.......so peace out!!!

Day 17:

 Day 17: I am thankful for answered prayers.  How many times have we prayed and God answered our prayers or fixed our problems with us not having to do anything?  God is amazing and when you have faith and trust in Him, you don't have to worry or stress over a situation when you have faith in God.  I know as humans we will still try and fix our problems, but its so much easier when you hand them over to God.  God has answered a ton of my prayers, even daily prayers, to helping my back not hurt as much, or getting plenty of sleep.  Hes cured me from cancer, he has answered a prayer that took 7 months later, but he still answered it.  Gods timing, is not our timing and Gods plan is not our plan.  When we surrender our lives to Christ and have faith in Him, (with God) anything is possible!!!  If you are having a problem or struggle today, just lift it up to Christ, He will hear you.....have faith that he can and will take care of it.....and have a wonderful day!!! :)


Day 16: I am thankful for my abilities. 


Day 15: I am thankful for Jesus Christ. 


Day 14:  I am thankful for my mom. 


Day 13: I am thankful for my 3 babies in heaven. 


Day 12: I am thankful for everyone who has sacrificed themselves for our country. 


 Day 11:  I am thankful for rest.


 Day 10: I am thankful for memories, lessons, trials and my testimony in this life. 


Day 9: I am thankful for ex's.


 Day 8: I am thankful for my dog Coco Muffin Cake-a-roonie!!!!


Day 7: I am thankful for my jobs.


Day 6: I am thankful for my friends.


Day 5:  I am thankful for my health. 


Day 4: I am thankful for my home. 


Day 3: I am thankful for my finances.


Day 2:  I am thankful for Gods strength.


Day 1: I am thankful for my grandpa.

Testimony of Jeremy Camp

Day 16:

Day 16: I am thankful for my abilities.  I feel like I have alot of positive abilities as in good at sports, decorating, photography, organization, spelling, bookkeeping, driving, dancing, and etc.  I have my downfalls of course, like my sleeping schedule is always off and I wish I worked out more and I wish I had more common sense.  I try and work on my weaknesses and I wish sometimes I was more dedicated on perfecting those.  I was raised by my mom that she wanted the best for me and she wanted me to be happy, no matter what I wanted to do, as long as it wasn't illegal or hurt anyone else.  She never pushed me to go to college and never pushed me to get straight A's and honestly I'm thankful for that.  I did pass, but I didn't have pressure on me all the time or my mom didn't make me feel less than because I might of gotten a C in something.  She let me play any sport I wanted too, let me be in band, let me do what I wanted to do but with discipline and responsibility.  I hope I can grow up and be as open to my child as my  mom was but still kept me protected and in line.  My mom let me learn what my abilities were and she let me persue what made me happy.  The only thing my mom wouldn't let me do that I was interested in at one point was dirt bike racing.....I kind of found that intriguing at one point in my life...haha


Day 15: I am thankful for Jesus Christ. 


Day 14:  I am thankful for my mom. 


Day 13: I am thankful for my 3 babies in heaven. 


Day 12: I am thankful for everyone who has sacrificed themselves for our country. 


 Day 11:  I am thankful for rest.


 Day 10: I am thankful for memories, lessons, trials and my testimony in this life. 


Day 9: I am thankful for ex's.


 Day 8: I am thankful for my dog Coco Muffin Cake-a-roonie!!!!


Day 7: I am thankful for my jobs.


Day 6: I am thankful for my friends.


Day 5:  I am thankful for my health. 


Day 4: I am thankful for my home. 


Day 3: I am thankful for my finances.


Day 2:  I am thankful for Gods strength.


Day 1: I am thankful for my grandpa.

Day 15:

 Day 15: I am thankful for Jesus Christ.  To know that a man came down to live in this evil world, to be tempted my Satan, to be lied about, beaten upon and then to die on the cross for every single sin I have ever committed, well.......that's pure love.  I know if I was the only person in this world, he would still of done it.  Jesus' love is a love that is so rich and pure, and so real, so true.....and I know his love is everlasting.  No matter what I say, what I do, he will love me and always be there.  I will never be alone ever in this world.  Jesus saw something in me that no person could ever see, a man who can feel and see my heart for what it is.  I want Jesus to see my love for Him, shine throughout to others.  I want Jesus to see my heart that I want to please Him.  I never deserved for him to die for my sins, but he thought I was worthy enough too.  There isn't anything I could ever do to repay what he has done for me and still does for me.  I know its my duty as a believer in Him to spread his love and his word to others.  Its my duty, but more importantly, its my desire and love for Him, that I want to share others this amazing man who can love you, like no other.  I thank Jesus everyday for what he has done in my life.  I cry out to Him, I ask Him to hold me, I ask him to guide me, I ask him to let others see Him through me and I ask him what I can do to glorify Him.  I want everyone I know, everyone I love to know Christ, to accept Him in their hearts, that they will live eternity with me, in Heaven, praising Him!!!!




Day 14:  I am thankful for my mom. 


Day 13: I am thankful for my 3 babies in heaven. 


Day 12: I am thankful for everyone who has sacrificed themselves for our country. 


 Day 11:  I am thankful for rest.


 Day 10: I am thankful for memories, lessons, trials and my testimony in this life. 


Day 9: I am thankful for ex's.


 Day 8: I am thankful for my dog Coco Muffin Cake-a-roonie!!!!


Day 7: I am thankful for my jobs.


Day 6: I am thankful for my friends.


Day 5:  I am thankful for my health. 


Day 4: I am thankful for my home. 


Day 3: I am thankful for my finances.


Day 2:  I am thankful for Gods strength.


Day 1: I am thankful for my grandpa.

Day 14:

 Day 14:  I am thankful for my mom.  I wasn't planned, I was more of a "oops".  My mom was a single parent and I know we must all say this about our parents, but I really had the best mom.  She sacrificed and focused everything on me growing up.  She also taught me to have morals and to put God first.  I really wouldn't be the woman I am today if I didn't have my mother and the advice she told me growing up.  My mom passed away 11 years ago this month, actually 11 days from today, when I was 16.  I get jealous sometimes when my friends have their mom and have someone to go too.  My mom was my best friend, I told her everything, even the bad and embarrassing things.  I knew she would love me no matter what and help me to fix whatever it was.  I always think what it would be like to just sit down and talk to my mother.  I wonder what advice she would tell me or words of encouragement she would say.  I always wonder what she would of done, if she lived through my cancer, my miscarriages, my divorce and also my infidelity.  I'm pretty sure my mom would of dragged me out by hair, even though I was a grown woman.  Or better yet......tell me shes disappointed in me.....that's always a killer!!!  

My mom was proud of me, she told me all the time.  I had a loving mother and a loving grandpa and even though its not the picture perfect family, I wouldn't change anything.  I have been blessed with many women who have came across my lifetime thus far and been a a role model of a mother to me.  I appreciate their time and energy and I am very grateful that they have done that, but theres nothing like a mother/daughter bond.  Its all okay though.....my momma is taking on her grandma duties in heaven and taking care of my babies!!!!  We will see each other one day!!


Day 13: I am thankful for my 3 babies in heaven. 


Day 12: I am thankful for everyone who has sacrificed themselves for our country. 


 Day 11:  I am thankful for rest.


 Day 10: I am thankful for memories, lessons, trials and my testimony in this life. 


Day 9: I am thankful for ex's.


 Day 8: I am thankful for my dog Coco Muffin Cake-a-roonie!!!!


Day 7: I am thankful for my jobs.


Day 6: I am thankful for my friends.


Day 5:  I am thankful for my health. 


Day 4: I am thankful for my home. 


Day 3: I am thankful for my finances.


Day 2:  I am thankful for Gods strength.


Day 1: I am thankful for my grandpa.

Do not disturb

Being single doesn't necessarily mean you're available. Sometimes you have to put up a sign that says "do not disturb" on your heart.


Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23 AMP)

You belong to me

This was interesting to be when I saw this this morning.  I think alot of people think when someone is single that they are always looking or available.  That's not necessarily true.  I can now see why some people just arnt interested in dating or seeing someone or sometimes, even hanging out.  I think sometimes they look at that person with confusion or don't understand why a simple hang out is bad.  I know personally, I have been offered to just "hang out" and I had zero desire too.  It was nothing against the person(s) it was just I wouldn't of enjoyed my time, cause my heart didn't want too.  Sometimes to certain people, it might be temptation would come if they hung out, or maybe one other person might feel more than the other, or  they just don't want to have any awkwardness, it just depends on that person.  Now I know some people who can hang out with anyone and everyone and it doesn't phase them and they don't expect anything to go any further.

I pray for all the single people, single friends that I have, that they will let God find their mate for them.  I also pray for the married couples that maybe struggling, that they can go to God to strengthen their marriage and wont let their heart be tempted.

The key to a ......

So! I think the key to a successful relationship is how you do, act, think, feel BEFORE you're in a relationship. If you're not content in your singleness, you're definitely not going to be content when you're together, with someone. Each stage that we go through in our lives is for a purpose, for us to master that stage. And if you cannot master being HAPPY by YOUR LONESOME then how are you going to be happy with a TWOSOME. #IJS find Inner Peace, Inner Happiness; THE Inner YOU and then, maybe then, God will grant you what you've been ready for?!!!

 

I saw this after I posted my last one.  I needed to hear this too.  I'm actually doing good being by myself.  At many points in my life I didn't think that I could possibly be alone or single again.  It was a fear that was in the back of my head.  I have been digging deep within myself this past year and focusing on God and what he wants from me, that I have this inner peace, this inner peace that promises me that I will one day have true love.  I'm talking to a friend of mine as I write this and I told him that I feel like I have settled before.  I said that I have seen true "soulmates" in real life and they just have this bond like no other.  No matter what or where in life, they are still dedicated and devoted to each other and nothing can separate them.  Their bond is what unites them to stay connected and their dedication to the Lord is over powering.

As the holidays approach us, I think its whats getting my lonely flare ups active.  I sometimes wonder what my future holidays are going to be like, with family and in-laws around.  I didn't have that before cause they lived so far away, but I'm hoping this next time around that I have a semi big family who are close and where we can just share many memories together.  I got a taste of a Thanksgiving family dinner last year with my ex and it was a very memorable time.  I hope to marry into a loving, open arm, Godly family one day that brings me into their family as their own!!!!

Dear future wife

Dear Future Wife!
I know you are surrounded by many MEN and some are imposters of me but I pray that God may open your eyes! Yeah we haven’t met yet but I’m sure you’re the most beautiful woman that God has ever created! We were made for each other!
I just wanted to get a few things straight before we find each other! Just clear the air, if you will! Our life together is going to be great, let me ...assure you! It won’t always be easy, but I love you and love me! We love the Lord, and he won’t give up on us! We’re going to live in the best house I can afford to buy for us! I haven’t really decided on a fence yet, because those are kind of tricky to mow around! Input is welcomed on that, as it always will be! I’ll love you unconditionally; I’ll wear a tie sometimes for no other reason but just to look somewhat presentable standing next to the most astounding beauty this world has ever seen! You’ll wear a white summer dress on warm days, and we’ll relax in the back yard! We’ll have my friends and your friends over for dinner and we’ll laugh at each other endlessly! We’ll hold hands when we’re old, and walk around the park to get some exercise in! We’ll read the bible together, building our life entirely on Christ! We’ll travel when we can! And I will always, always, always love you!
Love, Your Future husband!

 

 

 

 

 I saw this and LOVED it.  Its kind of what I needed to hear today.  I have been struggling with some things and I need to be reminded that God has someone out there for me and I hope he prays and waits for me, like I am doing for him!!! :)