STRENGTH

Phil. 4:13 " I can do everything through him that gives me STRENGTH"
As 2011 comes to an end, I began thinking about a New Year's resolution.
I didn't want the norm... Lose weight, save money, exercise more.....
I wanted a challenge to myself that had meaning behind it. One that would help me grow as a person, and inevitably benefit those around me.
I'm a cheesy kind of girl. Not a romantic, perhaps more a softy would be a better word. I love to create memories. The older I become, the more good memories mean to me. So a friend suggested that I pick a word. One word that would be the driving force, the reminder of good things, good times, good memories.
As I began thinking about my word, this scripture continued to come to me... Phil. 4:13.  And one word stood out...
STRENGTH.
When I think of strength, I think of sturdy, strong, support, and all these are things I need in my life, but they are also things I need to be to others.
So, my challenge to myself for 2012 is this..... Strength.
Whatever that means to me at any given time, It always reminds me of the one who gives it.... Christ.
Maybe He is leading me on this journey for a reason. I'm not one to believe in chance.
In the course of this new year, I'm looking forward to understanding and reflecting on the reason this word, and this verse stood out. Life is a journey. Life can be hard. We all need strength...but mostly for me it's a constant reminder of the source.
I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me.
Let the new year begin....

it's never too late to get it back....

Watch "Taylor Swift- Innocent (Live)" on YouTube

If Mary and Joseph Used Facebook.mp4

Putting life in perspective....

http://annefightsback.blogspot.com/2011/12/he-is-in-control.html

Read about my young friend, who's faith will inspire you...

She is 28 and battling breast cancer.  I love her blog title...

"Annefightsback"

When you do Change...

A friend loveth at all times.... Proverbs 17:17
I've changed a lot in the past few years.... not because I wanted to, but because I had to....
I've learned from the mistakes of others, but mainly from my own mistakes....
I can't change the past, but I can totally change the future, my future.
Let me share this revelation.... it's simple, easy to remember and true.
YOU CAN NOT CHANGE SOMEONE ELSE, BUT YOU CAN CHANGE YOURSELF.
I have shared my mantra over and over, "everyone has issues." People are going to hurt, be deceived, be let down, kicked around, saddened, lonely, burdened, frustrated..... because.... Everyone has issues. And since the fall of man, we will continue to have issues while we are on this earth.  [Gen. 2 & 3]
I get so blown away when someone tells me that I did something that I unknowingly or unintentionally did that hurt someone's feeling.  I want to raise my hands and say..
Really....(because I am in total shock)
What are you talking about?
Do you think I did that intentionally?
What, you think you have been a totally perfect friend.... ?
I want to "defend" myself. 
but......instead I say......I'm sorry.
Getting along with others is easy...... love them more than you love yourself.
I'm not perfect, unappreciative, or even mean, just for the sake of drama.  I don't need anymore drama... I've had enough for a lifetime.
I want earthly relationships, but I'm not going to be lashed out at, pushed around, bullied, bulldozed, and berated... because I did something that I absolutely did "unintentionally" and hurt their feelings. I have NO desire to ever cause hurt.
Either love me for who I AM, or don't. I am better off without trying to be a people pleaser. I am better off letting those hurt and devastated by my unintentional selfish cruel acts -off the hook.  Hey, here's your get out of the friendship free card....  You no longer are required to accept me for who I am... You've done your time befriending the pitiful, weak, woman that I was. Poor, thing.
I want a FRIEND to be a friend because of who I can become, not because of the devestating trials my life has had to endue. I don't want anyone's pity.
I want GRACE. I want someone to see me and realize, everybody has issues... and what people do or don't do, just forgive, extend the hand of mercy. LOVE.
Thank God, so many haven't had to experience even ONE of my life's trials on this 46 year journey.
You want to know real drop to your knees hurt, brokenness, defeat... just ask me to share....
Don't be numb to the pain of others... don't be petty.... love one another, forgive one another, look inside your own heart....Have you ever neglected by default, unintentionally said something that hurt another's feelings, or unknowingly upset someone else???

WWJD? 

Sweet and Spicy Pecans

Hunter's favorite Christmas snack!

5 cups pecan halves
1 cup sugar
1 tea. cinn
1 tea salt
1/2 tea nutmeg or pumpkin spice
1/2 tea cayenne pepper
1 egg white

Beat together one egg white and 1 tea. water until floffy. Stir in pecan halves and coat well.
In another bowl mix all other dry ingredients. Pour dry mixture over pecans and toss.

Spread on large lightly greased cookie sheet and bake at 325 for 20 mins.

Cool on wax or parchment paper and enjoy! YUM

Creatures of habit

Whether it's food, sleep, extra activities... I'm a creature of habit.And not all my habits are productive.
I tend to overthink, over compensate, overreact, over indulge, over expose, over analyze, over infringe, over and over again.
Nighttime is my "write" time. Or should I say, the wee morning hours. I awaken somewhere between 2:30am and 3:00am and the routine begins.
Check the weather, check my email, check my facebook, read my bible, pray, read a commentary, read fellow bloggers posts.... Drink coffee.... Lots and lots of coffee...
Sometimes habits are not healthy, but this nightly ritual has proven to be very beneficial... I have found strength, inspiration, peace, joy...in the early morning hours.
I tell my friends and family, it's my God time.
What was the day before, and what is to come are reflected upon. An ending and a beginning. I like new beginnings. Fresh starts... Do overs... Second chances..

My life has been full of them.
In these hours I come to the core of what is important.... And it always come back to one central theme, thought, emotion.... Love.
Love is the foundation of who I long to be, what I long to reflect, who Christ is... Love.
It's what I believe in more than anything else... Love exist.
So, as bad, unproductive, unimportant, some of my habits are....this God time is one habit I don't want to break.

Warped humor

Proverbs 27:9 The Message (MSG)  Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.

I love to laugh....

I surround myself with friends who keep me in stitches. 

Laughter is the best medicine for me.  I just spent another day hanging out with one of my favorite friends.

She makes life fun. And the stress of the routine, the pain of life's dissappointments, the bordem of day to day, is washed away in the tears of a knee slapping moment.

How blessed I am to have such great friends.
They don't take life too seriously, and they don't let me either...

All is well in the world over a pumpkin spice latte and a good chuckle.

One thing I can say about my friends is this.....

They have a positive outlook on life. No sorrow to deep that a smile, a wink, a laugh can't make better. 

And...... That makes them the very, very, very best friends this girl could ever ask for.

Proverbs 17:17 The Message (MSG)  Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.

Tales from the Dark Side

I am dealing with an emotion I have been having lately.....

 

Anger has always been something I don't claimed rights too;  fearing it would reveal it's ugliest parts within me and devour my very soul.

Anger makes me lash out, makes me cruel, makes me UGLY.

I am usually a very "in control" person and anger takes CONTROL of me. I don't like not being in control of my own emotions and reactions....

I give away my power............ and in the RAGE.... I become weak.

ANGER runs the gamut of emotions, but the outcome of it's venom is spewed upon others who happen to fall prey, or slip past unknowing, ..................the innocent get the worst of it.

It is like a side of me that I never knew existed emerges from some deep crevasse.....

Where did this ANGER come from?

FROM AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION:

Anger is an emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong.
Anger can be a good thing. It can give you a way to express negative feelings, for example, or motivate you to find solutions to problems.
But excessive anger can cause problems. Increased blood pressure and other physical changes associated with anger make it difficult to think straight and harm your physical and mental health.

I know, even God was an ANGRY God at times.... but I ain't no GOD! Guess, I need to do some relaxation, anger management type techniques and forgive myself for being less than perfect.

Here are some tips for dealing with ANGER I found:

• deep breathing
• visualizing
• change of scenery
• humor
• become a better communicator
• work on problem solving techniques

For now, I'm going to breathe and relax and laugh and communicate with my family better this weekend.

Gotta start somewhere!

Posted from Grace is for Sinners

http://www.graceisforsinners.com/life/drunk-dial/

Now What?

Ever had a season in your life where you question everything you thought was real and true? That is where I am. Seems like I have been in the "twilight zone" for so long.....
Now what?
I'm searching the Word for the answers...
Now what?
I feel such displacement.....
Now what?
I know enough about my Lord to know this...
He has the answers I don't have
Now what???
I'm believing that He will lead me.

But in the waiting.... the longing to hear Him.....I'm wondering....

Maybe my question should not be,

Now what???

But,.... What Lord???

If you're in this season, know you're not alone.
God is with you....

Ecclesiastes 3

A Time for Everything

 ¹ For everything there is a season,
      a time for every activity under heaven.

Discernment

I usually don't ask for prayer, but I need my fellow believers to pray for spiritual discernment in my life.

Thank you for praying! 

Robyn

Ephesians 6:18 "In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open.

Keep each other's spirits up so that

no one falls behind or drops out."

Mental Breakdown

It happens to the best of us. I've    been there. On the verge of a total loss of your sanity. There are no words, no way to describe it.
I have awaken feeling like I'm having a heart attack. Shaking uncontrollably. Begging for the pain to just STOP.  I have dug my fingers into my own flesh to feel something other than the overwhelming feeling of pain.
Depression, panic attacks, anxiety are all very real feelings, experiences that plague a greater number of people than we can even imagine.
I would beg God for relief. Take me home. Release me.....
I have heard many people, even those within the church say horrific things about people having a mental breakdown. Lord help them that they never experience a time in their life when life here on this earth just becomes to much to bear.
Jesus knew that our journey here on earth would be filled with such pain and that is why grace, mercy and love is poured out on man from our Heavenly Father.
No matter what your circumstances, no matter the turmoil within, know this.... You are not alone.
Going through an unbelievable pain in my life, thinking I could handle anything if I would just pray harder, believe and have stronger faith, is impossible. I don't have that strength. With medication and the support of those who knew what I was going through, I came out on the other side.... But, I had support. I had tremendous support. And I had Christ.  It took weeks for the shaking to stop. It months for the anxiety to subside. It took time. It took prayer.
Those who know me casually would be shocked, because as one lady told me, "you got it all together.."  Little did she know.
I'm writing today for two reasons. I want to share my story so others will not feel alone, because love, many walk this journey with you. And second, I want others to know.... There IS another side... Even when you can't see it or even believe you will ever reach it.
Hang on... Have hope, let those who love you help you, and let Christ carry you....i know you are so tired...know he has the strength...
An old lady once told me years ago.... "Honey, everyone has issues..."
You are not alone.
Jeremiah 29:11 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
For I know the plans that I  have for have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

Trash in, trash out

My mother always said to us growing up, "trash in, trash out."  I never paid much attention to those words as a child, but I never forgot then either.

Somewhere around my early twenties the things my mother said when I was growing up would creep back into my mind.

"Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

Training a child in the world today may seem harder, but what about the children of Israel. The Bible is full of rebellion... Followers turning away from God.  Do our children today have more pressures on them because of the media, the cultural norms, the internet?

David himself was rebellious. Jonah ran from his task....even Moses questioned God's request.

Sin has been present ever since Adam and Eve. And sin will remain present even today.

But... Even though these great men of God failed, they also became great. Just as we can become great in our time. The call is still being preached.... Go out and tell the good news...

"He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." Mark 16:15

It is my charge to tell the good news of Jesus. Share with others his saving grace and mercy... And teach his Holy Word.....

But, I need to begin at home.

5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 16:5-7

Can I TESTIFY?

1 Corinthians 13

 "¹ Suppose I speak in the languages of human beings and of angels. If I don't have love, I am only a loud gong or a noisy cymbal. ² Suppose I have the gift of prophecy. Suppose I can understand all the secret things of God and know everything about him. And suppose I have enough faith to move mountains. If I don't have love, I am nothing at all. ³ Suppose I give everything I have to poor people. And suppose I give my body to be burned. If I don't have love, I get nothing at all. "

 

When I first fell in love, it was not real. Don't get me wrong.! I loved my husband, but I had no concept of what love really was. I had an idea of love.... well, I had the world's version. You know, the white knight in shinning armor, the super-star athlete, the "top gun" pilot.... the world's warped version of Prince Charming. But here was the best part....... I got to play the princess.  But how long do you think that fairy tale lasted?

 

........not long....

 

 "⁴ Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not want what belongs to others."

 

I have learned a thing or two about patience. But, apparently God had a better lesson He wanted me to learn...

 

Kindness, I have pages and pages of my own thoughts and experiences on kindness........... but the only thing I know for certain is this...... it comes only through the love of God.

 

It doesn't want what belongs to others.... not someone's wealth, lifestyle, kids, career, or their husband or wife.

 

 "It does not brag. It is not proud. ⁵ It is not rude. It does not look out for its own interests. It does not easily become angry. It does not keep track of other people's wrongs.

 ⁶ Love is not happy with evil. But it is full of joy when the truth is spoken. ⁷ It always protects. It always trusts. It always hopes. It never gives up.

 ⁸ Love never fails. But prophecy will pass away. Speaking in languages that had not been known before will end. And knowledge will pass away.

 ⁹ What we know now is not complete. What we prophesy now is not perfect. ¹⁰ But when what is perfect comes, the things that are not perfect will pass away.

"

 

During the course of our marriage, there have been times I have been boastful, proud and rude.... well, less than perfect. Did it mean I didn't love my husband? Did it mean I was a hateful wife? No, it meant I didn't have the kind of love that was needed . Love that only comes through Christ Jesus.

 

Why didn't I have this love from the get go???

 

 ¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child. I thought like a child. I had the understanding of a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

Even though I thought I knew love, God was going to let me experience real love...... even when it didn't feel like LOVE at all.

 

 

¹² Now we see only a dim likeness of things. It is as if we were seeing them in a mirror. But someday we will see clearly. We will see face to face. What I know now is not complete. But someday I will know completely, just as God knows me completely.

 

And so the lesson began. It has been the hardest, the most heart wrenching experience I have ever endured, and I WOULD NOT TAKE BACK A DAY OF IT!.....because I am just skimming the surface of real love .... of who is love........of my Saviour, my everything....... my Jesus.

 

The last verse was cross-stiched for us as a wedding gift..... what a beautiful testimony we have to share of love. 

 

 ¹³ The three most important things to have are faith, hope and love. But the greatest of them is love.

 

Michael and Robyn Buxton

Joined together in Christ

On this 2nd day of August, 1986

Pathways

In life we have many paths. If we choose them on our own....then we will pay the price of our journey alone.  If we let God direct our path...we will never travel alone.

It may not be an easy road, but in the long run...it will be a journey worth taking. ~ Robyn

The Road not Taken

Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
and sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveller, long I stood

and looked down one as far as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
and having perhaps the better claim
because it was grassy and wanted wear;

though as for that, the passing there

had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

in leaves no feet had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --

I took the one less travelled by,

and that has made all the difference

MATTHEW 7:13

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it." (NASB)

the firefly broke his jar

the firefly broke his jar

Now What?

Ever had a season in your life where you question everything you thought was real and true? That is where I am. Seems like I have been in the "twilight zone" for so long.....

Now what?

I'm searching the Word for the answers, but they aren't coming...

Now what?

I am in such a time of displacement.....

Now what?

I know enough about my Lord to know..

In the seeking...... comes the obedience, the comfort, the still small voice....

Now what???

I'm believing that God has the answer.....

But the waiting.... longing to hear Him.....it is the hardest part....

Maybe my question should not be, now what??? But What Lord???

If you're in this season, know you're not alone.

I'm with you.... more importantly God is with you....

1 John 2:3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God[ a] is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

a letter to you tonight

As always, Serena has enlighted and inspired me. I thank God for the people that have come into my life that have lifted me up through encouraging words! Be blessed today!

a letter to you tonight

Whatever You're Doing (Something Heavenly) - Sanctus Real

My Robin with an i....

If you have ever had a friend who inspired you to be more than you ever thought you could be, ..............consider yourself to be blessed.

I have a dear, precious friend..... to me known as Robin with an i.

Twenty years ago in college, I was sitting in Dr. "DON's  Western Civ. lecture,  and I looked across the room and saw this "classy" lady with long, full... (okay it was big) blonde hair, dressed to the max. At that very moment,  she looked back at me and smiled. That was it. The bond was made. Friends.

And we have been friends ever since.  Through thick and thin. Through marriage, college, babies, dogs, and careers...... our friendship has grown into something unique and beautiful.

We instantly became known to many as "the Robins"  Robin with an i, and Robyn with a y. But everyone who was ever around us very long knew............ we were friends. We have bared our souls, cried rivers, knee slapped, belly laughed til our sides hurt, listened, consoled, hugged, and supported each other through each other's life journey.

She has been a source of strength and inspiration to me, a constant in my life, when other things were not so constant.
The qualities that she reflects in her day to day life, have made her a lady of integrity and honor. She is what many would call a "class act!"
Family, they say "you are born to go through life with", and friends, "you chose to go through life with"........ and I am glad to have a "Robin with an i" to be there on my journey and to allow me to share in hers.

Ever been angry at God?

Isaiah 55:8-9 (New International Version) 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. 9. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

I found this scripture, I believe not by accident, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I haven't Blogged in a while....life as been busy. Our son just graduated high school. Senior pictures, senior parties, invitations, thank you notes, graduation gifts...and all this while going through a major life transition.
Because we have only one child, empty nest loomed over the joyful, proud moment of a child becoming a man. From my role as mom, to confidant, advisor, and friend. All within the time frame of about three months.

With any major life transition, it is human nature to become reflective on where we have been in our life up onto this point, and where our life is headed.

I don't do change well. How ironic that Change is the name I selected as the title of my blog. Was there symbolism there?

I have always been someone who tries to figure things out... look for the deeper meaning....search to understand the ....WHY.

Sometimes I wonder if it because of a need to control an outcome, or is it pure curiosity? For whatever reason...that is who I am.

I don't understand why some things have happened in my life. At times I get resentful. At times I get depressed. At times I feel hopeful, at times I feel hopeless.

But as I pondered on this.... I have to admit, there has been some anger as well. I'm normally a peace maker. But raging within me.....has been a torrent. A battle. A war. Why am I angry?

I read somewhere that anger is the outward emotion of inward fear. So...what do I fear most? Change.

And the one thing that is inevitable is CHANGE. So do I live in fear or do I accept that life is going to go on without help from me. I can't predict where my life is headed. And I can't control the lives of others.

But God can. I have to let go and let God. Get back to the center of who I am, who my creator is, and trust His plan and purpose for my life.
Jeremiah 29:11... For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord...

Perseverance Proven...

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." (Psalm 62:1-2)

I have a friend who is going through a horrific time in her life.............. but you would never know it.

She is a ray of sunshine, never complaining, never without hope.....

How is this possible??? I believe it is because she believes the Holy Word of God....

Her trial...... Her perseverance..... Her HOPE.

Her attitude is contagious! Her spirit lifts those around her. She doesn't have to "preach" a word from the Holy Bible to know that she LOVES Jesus. She lives it.

She makes me look at on my own "reflection". Does my life reflect HOPE? Do others see Jesus in me? .........................or is my Spirit so negative, ugly and tarnished, that nothing comes through.... just another "Sunday Go To Church Christian"....

This special friend of mine has every reason in the world to be "BROKEN". She is losing her adult child to cancer, all the while she is taking chemotherapy for her own battle....

If she could give up her life to save her daughter, she would.........................................

But God did not ask that of her, he asked her to persevere....

and in obedience to Him, she has.

What an inspiration! What a testimony! What a faithful servant!

I am blessed to be her friend. I am blessed to be able to pray for her during this time. I can offer her my love and support, but she has given me so much more.......... HOPE.

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12for Terry and Nikki... You are in my prayers.

Been there, Done that...

Are you hurting? Are you broken? Are you angry? Are you frustrated? Are you sad?

I believe in our lives, we all have been there, done that.
Sometimes we forget to see the simplier, smaller, blessings that come to us every single day!


Whatever your circumstances............... no matter how big or small.......

There is someone who knows exactly how you feel............ at this very moment........

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

 

"who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." (2 corinthians 1:4)



Chit-Chat

Let me get together with my girlfriends, and the chatter begins. No one can get a word in edge-wise. We solve the problems of the world. We laugh, and cry, and stare open-mouthed at various and sundry things.We claim to be the best parents, wives, and professionals........ all the while giggling at our audacity of what has just sprung forth from our mouths.

But at the end of the day, at the end of the chit-chat, at the end of the noise, and the words, when the silence sets in...........we are friends. There for each other. Lifting each other up. Nodding our heads, consoling our hearts, side by side, hand in hand.

Sisterhood. .............And I love it!

Truth

Remember this?

"You can't handle the truth!"

What I can't handle is a lie. Is there such a thing as a little white lie? A secret kept...to protect "others" ....or is it ourselves we are protecting?

Deception....

I am a firm believer that the truth will set you free, but even I find myself backing away from telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Would a lie keep me from having a relationship with my Lord? Is it the lie....or the sin we are hiding

I know that speaking complete truth can be unrealistic...for instance.

A friend names her new baby some off the wall name, and you just cringe... when she asks you if you love it, ......which you don't.... is it a lie to say you do?

This example is where we all can go to justify our lies. White, black, purple, blue or yellow.... isn't it really just a lie...an untruth?

I wonder if lying is something we now take for granted. The media lies, government lies, teachers, preachers, and ...... well, let's just say..."man" is known to lie.

So....let us then go to the one who is without sin, clean, pure and holy.

The truth maker. The source of THE TRUTH... Christ.

I no longer expect "man" to be my God. I don't hold others to a higher standard than I do myself, because I know The ONE TRUE GOD...and He has set me free!!!

Truth be known..... I love my Lord, and I'm not ashamed to shout it to the world..... real freedom comes through Christ Jesus.

There you will find TRUTH.

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Laughter

I was looking back over pictures I took on a camera I had misplaced years ago and I noticed some thing...
Laughter.

Our family has gone through a very trying time. Families can hurt, and families can heal...

What makes the laughter fade?

Life.

Life can be so overwhelmingly stressful sometimes that we just take things...everything too seriously......and we forget to laugh.

Most of the times I write a post, I write about how Christ has helped lead me through this journey called... life. This post is a little different..

My life with my Lord is personal and involves....me and Him.

My family is made up of just three.
Small number, but we had a great time together. We laughed.... a lot!

Somewhere along this journey of life, we forgot to laugh. Truly belt out in pure enjoyment of life...as a family.

I know laughter is the best medicine and we are in need of a transfusion.... a hearty dose of the giggles.

Just realizing how much laughter radiated from us, made me long to hear that sound again.

Pictures speak a thousands words, it is said....
And looking through old photos brought back a million laughs. It is a wonderful sound....of happy times...of a family.......my family.

So, I guess it's not too late to name a New Years resolution, since I didn't make one......

I want this year's pictures to be filled with laughter. Happy times. Joyful sounds that will echo through the years to come.


*** This commercial cracks me up.....every time!

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Weighed down

This past week was stressful. We went to tour a college with our son. As I reflected on his leaving home for college I became increasingly weighed down with emotions.
I am very proud of our son. He is a normal teenager with exceptional empathy for others, loyalty to his friends, intelligent, but best of all he is saved.
My blood always runs deep with emotions. Facing the next stage in life can also weigh me down. But I'm glad to have been raised in a Christian hone where I was taught that love lifts us up. Sometimes when life seems to be a bit overwhelming, its good to know that I don't have to face it alone. I can put my trust in the one who holds me and knows the pathways ahead.

Jeremiah 29:11 " For I know the plans I have for you.."
So glad that my Lord has it all worked out!

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Perspective

Sometimes the things we perceive about others, are not always as they seem. Sometimes, the things others perceive about us, are not always as they seem.

So, do we just have misguided perceptions?

Perceptions are merely, one's point of view.


While we "think" about the motives of others, we tend not to "think" about how others perceive our actions.

The old saying goes.......... "actions speak louder than words" may be true for some, but I also think what comes out of our mouths, comes from within.....

"What's in the well, will come up in the bucket!"

We've all stuck our foot in our mouths......from time to time.... intentional....or not. Don't you want a pass for your slip up? Don't others deserve the same pass from us as well.

My mantra is this: Think the best about a person, FIRST.... not the WORST.

Wouldn't you want others to give you the benefit of the doubt? Wouldn't you want a DO-OVER?

Follows the golden rule: Do unto other as you would have them do unto you? Even with our perceptions.

Ultimately, the opinions of others do not define us. BECAUSE...

"For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God." 1 Corninthians 2:11

blogging......year one.

Matthew 6:1
Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

After reading today's bible verse....I had to ask myself........

Does this apply to me?

This verse made me stop and question the reasons behind my writings.

Why do I blog?

I began blogging a year ago, because I felt God leading me to write. I needed Jesus to speak to me, comfort me, and through studying my bible....

He did....through His WORD........the words began to flow.....
This blog has been a journey of the WORD.

I have shared very personal thoughts, emotions ...life experiences.... so why expose my life for all to read?

I couldn't hold it in.. I wanted too... as crazy as that sounds....

The posts just came....one after another....helping me grow to know my Savior more...... post by post...

I know without a doubt that God has been with me this year....in a very personal way.

My words are real and very personal...but I pray that the words I write do nothing to bring attention to myself.......but complete praise and honor to God.

I have developed great respect for several other bloggers.....they're listed on my page...(check them out) They share real stories, reflections on their own journey through this life.  But more importantly, they know who Jesus Christ is and express His love and saving grace in their words.

So, on my first year blogging anniversary....I hope you have come to know the love, hope, and grace of my Lord and Savior...

Is my writing done? I don't feel like God has lead me to stop...just yet.

You see, I have come to know HIM more through it.......and I want to know more and more everyday.

Love and blessings,

Robyn

The Truth About Forever

Forever!   Is it overused in casual conversation???  Do we take, FOREVER lightly?

Such as:

"That movie lasted forever!"

"I sat in traffic......fooorrr---eeevvvveeerrrrrrr."

"I could sit on this beach with my feet in the sand, forever."

"I am forever forgetting things."

"I will love you, forever."

Is FOREVER relative to us in this day and time........

FOREVER- for a limitless time..... (Webster)

Synonyms: always, eternally, everlasting, evermore, permanently

John 3:16......"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
So, I contemplated on this word........forever.......

and I realized that what I view as forever, is just "time".... because MY forever will come to an end.
But my life AFTER I die, pass away, go to be with the Lord.... will be ETERNALLY FOREVER, PERMANENT, LIMITLESS.....