Thursday Thirteen

****A short note before the 13, Dad's surgery has been moved up 7:30 AM (Eastern time) tomorrow. If you'd keep him and my family in your prayers tomorrow, I'd appreciate it. Thanks so much. Now, to the 13....

Thirteen Songs or Verses that Bring Me Peace (I need some peace today!) Hopefully, these will spread a little peace to you as well! 1. "In the Valley" The chorus goes like this: He leads me beside still waters, somewhere in the valley below. Then He draws me aside to be tested and tried, But in the valley He restoreth my soul. I'm so glad God restores our souls even in the valleys of life! 2. "Safe Thus Far" Here's the chorus: Oh, I am safe thus far. He's brought me safe thus far. I'm in the ship with the one who made the moon and the stars. I'll praise Him for mercy that can't fail. I love that old grace that still prevails. This is my story. I'll give Him the glory. safe thus far. Isn't it awesome that the one who created everything holds us in His hands? 3. Psalm 46:1-3, 10 - My life verses: "1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah...10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." No matter what happens in this world, God is still God, and He is in control. That brings such peace to my heart. 4. "It Is Well" Here's the first verse: When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, "Even so, it is well with my soul." Whether we're going through good times or bad, we can still have the assurance that if we are right with God, all is well. 5. Psalm 23, One of the most known Psalms, Here it is: 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. 6. "Four Days Late" Here's the chorus: But He's four days late, and all hope is gone. Lord, we don't understand, why you've waited so long. But His way is God's way, not yours or mine. So isn't it great, when He's four days late, He's still on time. It brings me peace to know that God is working in my life, and that, even when I don't understand His timing, He has a purpose. 7. Romans 8:28, "28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." I know that God has called me, and I'm striving to live according to His will, so no matter what happens in life, He has all things working together for my good. 8. "Wonderful Peace" Here's the last verse: I am resting tonight, in this wonderful peace. Resting sweetly in Jesus control. For I'm kept from all danger, by night and by day, and His glory is flooding my soul. We can rest in Jesus' arms. He loves us, and He protects us. 9. Mark 4:39, "And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." The Master I serve can speak to the winds and the waves of my life (whether they be emotional or physical). I have no need to fear. 10. "The Master of the Wind" Here's the chorus: I know the master of the wind, I know the maker of the rain. He can calm the storm, make the sun shine again. I know the master of the wind. Just like I said above, I know the one who calms the seas of life. 11. John 14:1-3, "1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. " Jesus has gone to prepare a place for ME. One day I will live with Him for all eternity. 12. "He Is Able" Here's the chorus: But I know when my eyes fail to see, He is able. And even though it seems impossible to me, He is able. And as the night gives way to dawning and evaporates away, I'll stand to face another day. I will stand behind His word, for He is able. We can stand behind what God has said because HE IS ABLE. 13. Matthew 19:26, "But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." I'm glad I serve a God who sees nothing as an impossibility. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! Leave me your link, and I'll put it here!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

A Virus? I Tell You About Jesus, and You Give Me a Virus?

Okay, here I was minding my own buisness, trying to share the love of Jesus with the world, and I was hit by a virus. The now rapidly spreading Indie Virus. Man, this thing is spreading like wildfire I tell ya. I just heard about it, and boom now I have it. My infection is THANKS to my new FRIEND (really I'm not saying that through clenched teeth or anything) Gibee!
So here's the deal...Pearsonified has started a small, casual social experiment, it’s called “The Indie Virus.” Here’s how Pearsonified describes this experiment:The experiment, henceforth referred to as “The Indie Virus,” has two goals:* To bring exposure to lesser known blogs (especially those outside of Technorati’s top 100)* To explore the metrics behind a viral linking campaign launched by the “little guys” (less popular blogs)
Since I'm in to sharing and all, I've just got to pass this one because well, that's just the way I am, so I'm passing this virus to Christy because she has a brunette brain like me, so she'll know what to do,Tracy because she really needs to put up a new post, and this is my way to force her hand, and Susan because I want to share this with my new friend.
So now my duty is done and hopefully I've gotten rid of this virus!!

Wednesday's Word

Today I thought I'd pick a word that truly identifies me. A word that if I look back over my life always rings true. What is this word you may ask? Blessed. Just blessed.

Actual meaning - highly favoured or fortunate

Meaning to me - being constantly surrounded by a family that loves me and cares for me

I don't understand why God put me where He did. I don't know why He chose to grant me such a blessing. I'm just glad He did.
For years I took my Christian family for granted. I thought everyone had the kind of home that I did. It wasn't until I was older that I learned just how wrong I was. It made me kind of sad to realize that there were some kids out there who didn't have parents to tuck them in at night or take them to church on Sundays. It just didn't make sense.
There were times I asked God why some people had to go through things like that? He showed me that it was because of their own free will. You see, I haven't been blessed with anything more than God offers to each person. But there are many out there who want to go their own way, and in going their own way, they not only hurt themselves but all those around them.
So I'm thankful that my grandparents and my parents chose to live the life that God wanted them too. Yes, when I look back over my life, I realize I'm very blessed.
How about you, have you been blessed with a great family? Or if not, have you found Jesus and allowed Him to be your family?
That's what He wants to do today. He wants to make you whole. He wants to bless you with more than you ever had. He is able to do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." (Ephesians 3:20)
Just take Him as your own, and you won't believe how blessed you will be!

I Cast My Cares Upon You

I've been thinking alot this week about a song that I learned as a child. It goes like this:

I cast my cares upon You.
I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet.
Sometimes I don't know what to do.
I just cast my cares upon You.

As I said last week, dad is having surgery Friday. I realized something through this. I need to trust God with my family just like I trust Him with myself. I truly need to lay my dad at God's feet. I know that He is able to take care of anything. It's just being willing to let go. So that's what I'm doing today, I'm casting my cares upon Jesus, just like He tells us to do in I Peter 5:7.
If you have any burdens that you are carrying, please share them. I'd be glad to take them to Jesus for you.

At The Cross

We had awesome services yesterday at my church. There was just such a sweet spirit. It just seemed like everyone there was in one accord, that we all had come there for the same purpose, and that purpose was to worship God.
The morning sermon was great. It was titled, "This Man." It pointed to different times that Jesus was called, "This man," in the Bible, and it brought out how Jesus was so much more than a man. He was God, and He had come with a purpose. An eternal purpose to save us from our sins.
The point that hit me so much was the point where my grandpa (my preacher) mentioned the thief on the cross. The thief spoke about how Jesus didn't deserve the cross. He didn't deserve to suffer because Jesus had done no wrong.
That thief was saved at the cross. He realized that he was a sinner, and he believed on Jesus.
We must do the same thing today. It's no different. We all must be saved at the cross. That thought brings to mind one of my favorite old hymns:

At the cross, at the cross
Where I first saw the light,
And the burdens of my heart rolled away.
It was there by faith,
I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day.

The only way to receive true and complete happiness is the turn to the cross and accept what Jesus did there.
Read Luke 23. Remember what Jesus did on the cross for you. Of course the story doesn't end at the cross, Jesus rose again and won the victory over death, hell, and the grave, but He had to go to that cross to pay the payment for your sins and for mine.

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen People Who Have Been A Good Christian Influence in My Life 1. My Parents - Okay, I know this is two people, but it really has been a team effort with them. They have truly raised me according to Proverbs 22:6 2. My Grandma and Grandpa Smith - Again two people but a team. My Grandpa Smith is also my pastor, and my Grandma is the perfect picture of a pastor's wife. They have shown me Titus 2:2-3 in their example. 3. My sister Crystal - I saw a huge change in her life after she was saved, and I wanted the same thing. She really lets her light for Christ shine (Matthew 5:16) 4. My brother Ben - I was saved before him, but he has grown to be such a strong Christian and a great preacher. His zeal for God's Word is awesome. I know he'll be a great pastor someday. He works to live I Timothy 4:12. 5. My cousin Christy - again, she was saved after me, but she has the gift of listening to others and carrying their burdens for them and helping them to pray. She lives Galatians 6:2. 6. My cousin Tracy - she is so full of joy. Even in the hardest times in life she has a smile on her face. I know that its her strong faith. The joy of the Lord truly is her strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) 7. My aunt Teri - her desire to be used of Christ is awesome. She has a beautiful voice, and she is using it to tell the world about Jesus. (Psalm 144:9) 8. Laura Hendren - she takes a strong stand for Christ even when the odds are against her. (Ephesians 6:13) 9. Halton Watkins - he is the picture of Christ's love and humility. He lives Colossians 3:12. 10. Ralph Hundley - he praises God without shame wherever he goes. He truly serves the Lord with gladness (Psalm 100:2) 11. Louis Chatel - he is always willing to share the story of where God brought him from. He is a great witness to those around him. He is not ashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16) 12. Allison Fitzgerald - my brother's fiance. She doesn't do things according to the world's standards. She strives to live a godly life in all she does. (Romans 12:2) 13. The teachers at Vandalia Christian School - This is actually a lot of people, but they all had the same goal. These people loved kids, and they wanted us to know Christ. The pay was pitiful at best, but they worked there because they cared about our souls. They made a difference in lives (Jude 1:22) Links to other Thursday Thirteens! Leave me your link, and I'll put it here! Dawn Kelly TNChick Kimmy Emily Better Safe Than Sorry Master Enigma Heather D

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wednesday's Word

I've been thinking a lot about the word "perfect" lately. I am so far from it, but it's what I strive for. What we all strive for really.

Actual meaning: Completely suited for a particular purpose or situation, Being without defect or blemish

Meaning to me: Being spiritually mature, being willing to give up my all for Christ

When I think of Biblical perfection, I think of the apostles or of the martyrs of the early church. These people took no thought to their own comfort. They didn't care what happened to them as long as Christ's Gospel was spread throughout the world. Christ's will reigned supreme in their lives. Sure they failed, but they didn't let their failures stop them from doing Christ's work.
That's what I strive for. I want to be transformed (Romans 12:2), to live the life that I know Christ has for me. I want to die to self and live for Christ. Of course that's easy in words. Living the life is tougher.
I mean, I know I'm so far off of that mark, but I can't quit just because I fall short. I have to keep moving forward. No one ever wins the race if they stop running.
I can't let the failures of daily life keep me from following Christ.
You can't either. Don't quit the race. There are so many out there who need to know about Christ. You may be the only chance they have to know Him. So run. If you trip, get back up. The reward for living a life for Christ is beyond imagination.
And when I get to heaven, I'd rather raise my voice in praise than have to bow my head in shame!

The Big 100!!

Well, shockingly enough, I've made it to my 100th post. I decided to use this as a time to tell you the reasons I started this devotional blog.

1. It was a good way for me to study my Bible more. (II Timothy 2:15)
2. It was a good way to share my faith with lots of people that I might never get to talk to otherwise. (Mark 16:15)
3. It was a good way to meditate on what God's Word. (Joshua 1:8)
4. It was a good way to meet other Christians. (I John 1:7)
5. It was a good way to practice writing (II Timothy 2:16)

I started this as a way to be a blessing to others, but all of you have blessed me in so many ways. Thank you so much! I pray that God will bless you through this as much as He has blessed me!

Prayer Request

I don't have a lot of extra time this morning for a post, but I wanted to put a prayer request out here for my dad. He sees the neurosurgeon today at 2:00 Eastern Time.
If you don't mind, please pray that God will grant the surgeon wisdom to know what to do about dad's situation. Also please pray that God will grant us all peace to handle whatever may come next.
Thanks, and if you have a situation that you need prayer for, please feel free to leave a comment, and I'll be glad to add you to my prayer list.

***UPDATE***
Dad saw the neurosurgeon, and surgery is planned for Friday, March 31. His surgeon thought it would be wise to do surgery sooner rather than later. He has a good deal of pressure on his brain, and he will possibly need a shunt. Please continue to keep him in your prayers, and if you'd make a note to pray for him first thing on the 31st I'd appreciate it. His name is Benny Smith!!
Thanks for the prayers. I know that we serve a mighty God who loves us and hears our prayers. He brought me through this same type of surgery, and I'm trusting Him for my dad as well!

A Love Poem

In keeping with yesterday's theme of God's love, I figured I would post a poem that the young people at my church all wrote together based on I Corinthians 13. Hope you enjoy!

When you are in love,

It comes from God above.

And the things that seems impossible

Becomes possible with love.

You must have a selfless heart

And from God never part.

For without love you are nothing,

But God's love makes you something.

There is no room for pride.

Love you cannot hide.

Love is sweet.

Love is kind.

Love will never change it's mind.

So when you think you're gonna fall,

Love's the greatest gift of all.

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things about God's Love from I Corinthians 13 1. God's love is patient 2. God's love is kind 3. God's love isn't envious 4. God's love isn't full of pride 5. God's love isn't selfish 6. God's love doesn't show anger easily 7. God's love doesn't dwell on evil thoughts 8. God's love is truth 9. God's love can endure anything 10. God's love is everlasting 11. God's love doesn't seek iniquity 12 God's love is full of hope 13. God's love is the greatest gift of all Links to other Thursday Thirteens! Leave me your link, and I'll put it here! Stacey Dawn Kelly Paula chickadee

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wednesday's Word

I started something on my funny blog called Wednesday's word. I think I'm gonna start it here too. The basic jist is that I just take one word and post about its meaning to me. Today's word is patient.

Actual meaning - Capable of calmly awaiting an outcome or result; not hasty or impulsive.

Meaning to me - My dad's unwavering ability to wait for God's timing in things no matter how hard it may seem

Patience is a virtue they say. Unfortunately it's a virtue I need more of. It's not like I don't have a good example. I do. My dad has the patience of Job. Me, not so much!
I've been told that if I pray for more patience, I better watch out because the way to learn patience is through a trial.
James 1:3-4 talks about this, "3. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
Trials mature us. They make us more patient. I've seen my dad go through some hard trials in his life, but he has always displayed patience no matter how hard the storm.
That is my goal. Maybe God will get through to this hard head one day and teach me!
How about you, what's your goal?

It's Almost Here!

As you may have guessed from the title of my blog, I love roller coasters. The higher and faster, the better I like them! I am a season pass holder to all Paramount Parks, and at the end of this month, the parks will open. I'm excited about it. I have been waiting for it since the parks closed for the year last year!
Now this may not mean much to you, but I'm excited about it. There is another thing I'm excited about though that you should share my excitement in. That is the fact that Jesus is coming back. The signs are all pointing to it. Some day (probably very soon) Jesus will step out on a cloud and call us home. I can hardly wait! That's why I want all of you to join in the excitement. I want you all to go with me.
I mean imagine it. We're going to see Jesus face to face.(I Corinthians 13:12) We'll get to tell Him thank you for all that He's done for us. And we're going to be with Him for all of eternity.
So I'm asking you today, do you want to go with me? Are you ready for eternity? If not, I hope you'll make that decision soon! Because today just might be the day!

Remember the Mountain

First off, I'd like to thank all of you for your prayers and well wishes about the loss of my aunt. It's nice to know that I have people out there praying for me and my family.
The funeral went well, and I think it made several people think. Which is exactly what my aunt wanted. I heard several mention their need to get into church and get their lives right. Pray that God continues to work in these hearts.
Now for today's devotional thought. I heard a song this weekend that was exactly what I needed. The Galloways came to sing at our church Saturday night, and they sang a song called, "Remember the Mountain."
It talks about Jesus' disciple John and how Jesus allowed John to be there on the mount of transfiguration. Can you imagine what an awesome experience that was for John? Later in John's life, he was exiled to Patmos. He was in shackles, and I'm sure it would have been very easy for him to get discouraged. I'm sure that he had to think back many times about that mountain-top experience to keep focused. He had to remember that Jesus was God, and that the same Jesus that had been there on the mountain was there with him in this hard time.
We need to do the same thing. During sad times like my family is facing now, it's easy to get discouraged, but we need to remember that Jesus is with us, and He is the same God yesterday, today and forever. He can calm the storms of our lives, or He will give us the grace to see the storms through.
So if you are facing a trial today, remember the mountain, and remember that the God of the mountain is still God in the valley!

Jesus Can

Today I have to do one of the saddest things a singer can do. I have to sing in a funeral. And this one is going to be especially hard because its the funeral of a family member. My Great Aunt Anne passed away on Wednesday.
Its sad to see her go, but I know she's in a better place. She's in place where cancer can't eat away at her body anymore. She's in a place where she'll never suffer again. So, though I'm sad that I'll never get to look back over the church while I'm singing and watch her sing along word for word, I'm happy for her.
One of her requests was that her funeral be a witness. So one of the songs we are singing is called "Jesus Can." It basically talks about how as a human I can't erase your pain. I can't dry your tears and give you comfort and peace, but Jesus can!
I'm sure that Annie knew that her family would be in pain on this day. She also knew that the only one who could give them peace would be Jesus. The same Jesus that she served in her life.
I say the same thing to you today. If you are going through something you don't understand or if your pain is more than you can bear, cry out to Jesus. He can help you even in the hardest times of your life!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things about HeatherThirteen Things I Got When I Was Saved 1. Regeneration - I've been born again. I'm now a child of God. 2. Redemption - I've been bought with Jesus' blood 3. Ressurrection - I'm longer dead but alive 4. Reservations - to live eternally in heaven 5. Reason to Rejoice - No matter what happens in life I have joy deep in my heart because I have Jesus 6. Peace - In the midst of every storm I know I'm not alone 7. Rest - I no longer have to carry the burden of my sin 8. Love beyond measure - God loved me enough to give me His only Son 9. Forgiveness - for everything I'd ever done 10. Grace - God's unmerited favor 11. Mercy - I didn't get the punishment I deserved 12. Open right to pray - I can now come before God's throne at anytime because I've been forgiven 13. Victory - Jesus has conquered death hell and the grave! We win! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! Leave me your link, and I'll put it here! 1. Dawn 2. Corina 3. Karin 4. Amanda 5. Reverberate58

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Let's Get Stirred Up

We are having revival at my church this week. Last night the evangelist gave an awesome message. His text was II Timothy 1:6, "Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands."
Paul told Timothy to stir up the gift of God in his life. Apparently Timothy needed a spiritual "pep talk." He needed to be reminded to get excited about what God was doing through him.
At times its easy to get discouraged. Its easy to think that we aren't accomplishing anything. Its easy to sit down and quit. Those are the times we need to be stirred. The times we need to go to God's Word and fall in love once again with the Savior. That's when we need to remember how much He has done for us and get a renewed zeal for the work.
Working for Christ isn't always the easiest path. I mean look at the lives of Jim Eliott or Nate Saint. These missionaries gave their lives for the cause of Christ. Having that kind of faith can't be easy. These men had to live daily for Christ. They had to give the small things to Him. They constantly had to keep their hearts stirred for the work.
Paul wasn't just talking the talk with Timothy. Paul wasn't telling Timothy to do something that he himself wasn't doing. He told Timothy to stir up the gift because he knew that you had to keep a constant fire going in order to be used in the work of Christ.
Last night I was challenged to stir up my own gifts. I was challenged to go back to God's Word to get a fresh excitement.
How about you? Have you let the coals grow cold? Get stirred up today and let's work for Christ!

Don't Get Stuck in a Tarbaby

I'm sure at some point in your life you've read the book, "Brer Rabbit and the Tarbaby." It was one of my favorites growing up. I always laughed at the rabbit when he got mad at the tarbaby because it wouldn't talk back to him. And I'd laugh even harder when he found himself stuck in the tar.
As I've gotten older, I've gotten myself "caught in the tar" quite a few times. I've fallen for the tricks of Satan and found myself in the middle of a huge mess. The smartest thing that Brer Rabbit could have done was to pass on by the Tarbaby, but he was determined to make him talk, not realizing that Brer Fox had put the Tarbaby there to trick him.
The smartest thing we can do is pass on by at the first sign of temptation, no matter how innocent it may look. I mean Brer Rabbit had no idea that he'd get stuck in tar when he determined to make that baby talk to him, but it didn't take long before he was in a huge mess.
Brer Rabbit got away from Brer Fox that day, but he was still covered in tar. Even if we do fall for temptation, God gives us a way to repent and come back to Him, but there are still consequences for what we have done.
So, when you're thinking about doing something, look ahead. Are there going to be major consequences for what you're planning to do? Make sure that you aren't getting ready to fall into a trap! And, if you think there's no way out, remember God always gives us a way of escape! (I Corinthians 10:13)

He's A Personal Savior

Have you ever thought about how much God loves you? He doesn't just love the world. HE LOVES YOU. See, Jesus didn't just come to save the masses. He came to save each of us individually. Had I been the only one who would ever be saved, He would've still come to the cross. Had you been the only one who had ever been saved, He would've died there. HE LOVES YOU.
In this world its easy to get lost in the crowd. We become a number at the doctor's office, at work, and at the grocery store. At times we become a number at church. There are times it seems that no one cares about us just for who we are. Some act like they care, but its only for what we can do for them.
God's not like that. He loved us "while we were yet sinners." (Romans 5:8) We didn't have to clean up our lives to make Him love us. We didn't have to give money to the church. We did nothing to earn this love!
So, if you're feeling unloved today, remember that God loves you. He loves you just the way you are, and He made the greatest sacrafice JUST FOR YOU!
I'll leave you today with the words to a new song I wrote:

He knows my name,
He saw my face while He was hanging on that tree.
He knew how often I would fail
In spite of all He'd done for me.
It's a love beyond compare,
And its mine for eternity
Jesus knows my name!

An Awesome Life Change

I heard a song this morning that really made me think. Check out this chorus:

I was trying to catch the crippled man,
Did he pass by this way?
He was HURRYING HOME to tell everyone,
What Jesus did today.
And the mute man was TELLING myself and the DEAF girl,
That he's leaving to answer God's call.
If you don't believe me,
Ask the blind man, he SAW it all.

The whole song talks about a little boy's excitment about the life-changing miracles of Jesus. I really started to think when I heard these words. See, Jesus is still working miracles today. He may not be walking down the streets touching everyone He passes, but He is working miracles in hearts and souls.
First off, He's working the miracle of salvation. I've never watched Jesus raise someone from the dead, but I was there when He lifted me. I was dead in sin, and He made me alive through His saving power.
So why aren't we excited. Why aren't we running the streets proclaiming what Jesus did for us? He brought us BACK TO LIFE!!! That's something to get excited about.
Just like the blind man in John 9 who had the courage to speak up to the Pharisees about Jesus, we should have courage to speak out about our faith. After all, we have been changed!!!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things about HeatherThirteen Of My Favorite Verses Here are thirteen verses that have meant a lot in my life: 1. Psalm 46:10 - My life verse. One that God has often used to remind me that He is God, and He is in control, and I need to be still and listen to Him. 2. John 3:16 - The verse that reminds me about how much God loves me. 3. Jeremiah 29:11 - This verse reminds me that God has a plan for my life. 4. Jeremiah 33:3 - This one reminds me that if I call out to God, He WILL answer, and He'll show me things that I couldn't even imagine! 5. Philippians 4:13 - A verse that reminds me that there is nothing I can't do with Christ's strength! 6. Galatians 6:1 - This one reminds me that all of us are prone to fall, and we should help lift each other up rather than trample each other down. 7. I Corinthians 13:13 - The verse that reminds us that love is the greatest gift of all! 8. Isaiah 53 - This whole chapter is a favorite because it reminds me just what Christ did for me! 9. Hosea - the whole book. I've often said that Third Day is one of my favorite groups. They sing a song called Gomer's theme. Its about Gomer the prostitute and how Hosea went to buy her back even when she left him again and again. Such a beautiful picture of God's love for us!! 10. Proverbs 3:5-6 - A reminder that regardless of life's circumstances I can trust in the Lord! 11. Psalm 100 - One of my favorite reminders to give thanks to the Lord! 12. Revelation 1:8 - The verse that tells us God is the Alpha and Omega - the one who has always been and ALWAYS WILL BE!! 13. I Peter 5:7 - One that reminds me that I can cast my EVERY care on Him because He cares for me! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Dawn 2. Shelli 3. Wystful1 4. Mama B 5. Norma 6. tn chick

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Commitments

I've been thinking a lot lately about commitments. Basically because I've made a commitment to work out more and get into better shape.
At times this isn't a hard commitment. After all, I like my gym. Its just getting myself out the door early enough in the mornings to get there.
Then there's the food thing. I like rice cakes, really I do. Its just when they are competing against homemade chips that I have the problem. But as I said above, I'm committed.
Spiritual committments can be tough to keep too. Satan will try everything he can to trip you up. He'll throw all sorts of nice things in your path. He'll tell you that you need 5 more minutes of sleep when you've decided to get up earlier to read your Bible. He'll tell you that you need to watch a ball game rather than go to church. Its easy to find reasons not to keep your commitments.
But just like getting in shape is good for my body, keeping my commitments to God are good for my spirit. I can only have a healthy body if I maintain a good diet and a good excercise schedule. I can only keep a healthy relationship with God if I strive to learn from Him daily.
What commitments have you made? What efforts are you making to keep them?