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