What a year...

2007 has been filled with so many ups and downs. It's been a year of lessons. Lessons that I know I will look back on and appreciate one day.

Some of the things I've learned are:

• God puts you where He wants you for a bigger purpose, whether you want to be there or not.
• Trusting God, trusting others, trusting myself, means defeating satin at his cruel games and I can't do it alone.
• True friends are a gift from above. God has a funny way of leading us to amazing people.
• Unfortunately, I've learned the true purpose of this quote "The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable." - Brendan Manning
• A church is not the 4 walls but the people within them.
• Prayer is awesome and powerful!
• If your heart and mind are not with God, don't drag others down with you, but ask for help.
• The world is full of loving Christians.
• The world is full of hypocrites.
• True love is the very bestest!
• Telling your boss the your job is both challenging and entertaining will make him/her giggle.
• My girls can be so loving and goofy at times; My girls can be beyond challenging at others.
• Healing only happens when you stop hating.
• When you lead your life with God's love, you find true happiness.

Wishing you a year of love. Happy 2008. May God's hand guide you.

What's your key ingrediant?

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)


So, what defines you? Are you true to the person you want to be? Or do you alter who you are to please others? And who are the others? What really matters in life? What if GOD knocked on your door today and asked you this...

"Do you really think I would have done that?"

The Christmas Story
From the Revised Standard Version Bible
Luke, Chapter 2
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2: This was the first enrollment, when Quirin'i-us was governor of Syria. 3: And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city.4: And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,5: to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.6: And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered.7: And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.8: And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.9: And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.10: And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people;11: for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.12: And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger."13: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,14: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!"15: When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us."16: And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.17: And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child;18: and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.19: But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.20: And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.21: And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.22: And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord23: (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord")24: and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."25: Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.26: And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.27: And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law,28: he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,29: "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word;30: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation31: which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples,32: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel."33: And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him;34: and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against35: (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed."36: And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phan'u-el, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity,37: and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.38: And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.39: And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.40: And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.41: Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover.42: And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom;43: and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it,44: but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances;45: and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him.46: After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions;47: and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.48: And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously."49: And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"50: And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them.51: And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.52: And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man.
Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition (RSV), copyright © 1965 and 1966 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. and are used by permission of the copyright owner.
Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition (RSV), copyright © 1965 and 1966 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. and are used by permission of the copyright owner.

Do you remember...

Do you remember those early days of going to church or a Christian gathering, where the people were really feeling the moment. Their hands were raised. They were kneeling on the ground. They were dancing around like hippies at Woodstock.

I even remember the first time I heard someone speaking in tongues. There's a word that comes to mind to describe them. Its a word that speaks mountains of my ignorance on my walk.

This morning at nine am service at Carpenters, a young lady made me feel like one of those people I use to stare at. Tucker and the Worship Team were really rocking it. I was bouncing around, like I always am. That was when I must have caught her eye. She glanced once but that was not enough. Her head abruptly turned a second time and she was obviously caught off guard that someone could be enjoying Christian music, in church, at 9 am! I had to giggle. I didn't care, and it didn't slow down. I was loving the feeling of the Holy Spirit dancing in me. I wish I could get everyone to feel it. The energy is amazing!

So, there you have it. I have officially classified myself as one of them, a _____! And, you know what? I would not ever change it! So deal!

Loving thy brother...

If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:20-21 NIV

There is only one explanation for the ability to love a ex more after the divorce than before. The only answer is God, Himself.

Knock, Knock!! Who's there?

"You must not exploit a widow or an orphan. If you exploit them in any way and they cry out to me, then I will certainly hear their cry." Exodus 22:22-23 (NLT)

Do you always answer the door when God guides someone into your path?

No Doubt!

Ok, I admit it, I'm human. Go figure!! NO Really!! Have you ever asked God to send you that neon sign? The big picture? An earthquake to calm your doubts and fears?

I have and still do! Well, I did somewhat recently and guess what?

MY EARTH HAS QUAKED! I HAD TO BLINK FROM THE NEON!
IT'S AMAZING!!!


Ask and you will receive! Go for it! His Word is all around me and I can't stop smiling! Thank you God for picking me!

"Nondiscipleship costs abiding peace, a life penetrated throughout by love, faith that sees everything in the light of God's overriding governance for good, hopefulness that stands firm in the most discouraging of circumstances, power to do what is right and withstand the forces of evil" (Dallas Willard)

Thanksgiving..

I just want to say how thankful I am for my beautiful daughters, Samantha and Nicolette, my best friend and boyfriend, Mark and the close circle of friends that God has blessed me with. The list is long and they know their names, from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, God has taught me the true meaning of brothers and sisters in Christ.

I'm one lucky chick!

Wishing all of you a very Happy and Loving Thanksgiving!! May we take the time to thank God and those around us for all the little and big things in life!

Validation...

God's voice, His words, His actions. His messages are always there. If you're saved you know that God speaks to you on all levels.

I am often blown away by His message. This week it has been one validation after another. Who but God would speak to you, me, in homework? Yes, really, my homework!! My life has been pretty interesting lately, now please let me make this clear, I have no regrets! When I have felt weak and beat up by society I have considered closing the door and just moving on. When those moments occur, I open my Bible. I turn to my dearest of friends. And that's when it happens. Imaging yourself, walking the yellow line on a major interstate. Vehicles are passing you by at high rates of speed, vrrrrmmmm, beeeeeppppp. It's one close call after another. You feel death with each passing vehicle. Then it happens. You lose your balance, you wobble and BAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your hit!!!!!!

Which side of the yellow line are you going to fall on?

I have to say, when you're tired, beat up, completely frustrated with life and those around you. Fall on the GOD side... I can't explain it. Words can not justify it.

WOW, it's sooooooooo cool! A smile can come from the darkest of moments.

Loving Thyself...when it's a challenge.

What happens when you love the world and struggle with loving yourself?

Tonight a friend read me this:

"I pray for ________. I am not praying for the world, but for ________ you have given me, for _________ [is] yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through _______. I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that _________ may have the full measure of my joy within [him/her]. My prayer is not that you take _______ out of the world but that you protect [him/her] from the evil one. _______ [is] not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify _______ by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent ________ into the world. For _______, I sanctify myself, that ________ too may be truly sanctified. Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and ______ know[s] that you have sent me. I have made you known to ________, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in ________ and that I myself may be in _______" (John 17:9-10, 13, 15-19, 25-26, NIV).

She took it from a Bible study she is doing... The Frazzled Female by Cindi Wood. Take a moment... read it. Read it and place your name in the blanks. If you listen hard enough, you can hear God reading it to you.

We may not always feel like His child but in our hearts we must never forget who we are. We are the children of God. Remember, the day before He died, He said, "You in Me, and I in you" (John 14:20)

Print this verse and when you doubt your own heart, take a deep breath and read it. KNOW HE is in YOU!!!

Ouch my head hurts!

It's sort of like the commuter train on a Monday morning. Every seat is full. No one is energised. It's just the same ol, same old. Predictable actions. No one can look eye to eye. It's easier to pretend you're sleeping. The woman at the counter hands you your coffee, never wishing you a happy day. You glance the day's headlines, nothing catching you by surprise. The man who sat next to you at work has been let go and all the department can do it gossip. Friends announce a divorce, you pick sides. A kid shoots another, because it was something to do on a Friday night.

Ouch my head hurts but my heart hurts more. This world has become heartless. Today they announced no more hugs in school. Relationships have been replaced by iPods, Playstation, TV/Tivo, IM-ing, Texting, My Space, Face Book, You Tube, Drunk girls passed out from alcohol and plastered all over the internet, this is our past time. No more family outings. Dinners together are shared in the car driving from one activity to the next. Your too busy to make it to church on Sunday. We no longer put our hearts in life but instead have heart attacks trying to live it. What's wrong with that?

Members Wanted...Needed

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP


Name: _____________________ Age:____

Previous Church:_____________________
(we will be contacting them for their opinion of you)

Address: ______________Phone:_____________

_____________________ Race:______________



Please check all that you are guilt of:

Lying___ Cheating___ Stealing___ Adultery___ Murder___ Assault___Lust___ Discrimination___ Cursing___ Offending___ Judging___ Denying Forgiveness___ Manipulation___ Disrespect___ Gossip___ Slander___

Fears: ____________________________________

Judgements:________________________________


I read something this week that is really challenging me. It was a post by someone I have a lot of respect for when it comes to his ability to reach others. He was asking us, the Christians of the Lehigh Valley, to imagine a church where the ideals just seemed, so CHRISTIAN. Unfortunately our reality is the above. It's an application that many of us use to judge those who walk in the doors of our churches or even worse....those who we, you and I, should be reaching out to, to share the Word of God with. Isn't that what being a Christian is all about? Or are you a Christian, just for you own selfish reasons? Be careful, God's listening.

Being Christian, is about a behavior. It's not the four walls of a church, it's not a sticker on the car. It's about God's love working through and in your actions.

Monday Morning Quaterbacks

Are you in the game? Part of the team? Studying the playbook? Sharing the load?

Or are you sitting back, judging others, or critizing the willing? Is it your mouth that screams the loudest when the results aren't what you hoped they would be? Is it your fingers typing the email of hate and destruction?

When faced with a challenge that you know is going to be rough, do you run? Or do you chose to stay in the game and stick it out? Are you on your team? Or God's team?

I remember mouthing the words to the songs in chorus because I didn't feel I could sing and didn't want to risk embarassing myself. I remember playing sick in gym class because I didn't want to put forth the effort and still look bad, only to be made fun of.

I remember never wanting to feel that way ever again. I remember choosing to be on God's team! I remember deciding I didn't want to be on my own or yours.

Is your playbook about you? Or Him? Is it filled with ways for you to win or for God to win through you?

Where are you on Monday mornings? Are you offering words of encouragement or tearing down your brothers and sisters?

Take the time out to give a high-five, send an email, congratulate on a job well done. Take the time to offer a hug, a pat on the shoulder, a hand to hold. Forigive and forget. Accept and move on.

The days or darkness and evil will come, our playbook states is clearly. Who's team are you going to be on? It could turn out to be one hell of a long dark Monday for you!

There's room on the team for you, no application needed!

Everything...everything...is a decision!

It's not often...I feel the need to put my words down. Tonight just happens to be one of those nights. My head is heavy. My heart is full. I am saddened by the behaviors of so many. Human we are...I am no different. In fact, if they took the time to find out, my reasons are plenty!


Hatred is a choice. Being a coward is a decision. Love, is so often denied. Respect, too often stripped. The mirror speaks volumes. A glance, just a mumble. Take the time out to look. Look deeply, I dare you! To listen to it's harsh words. Listen harder, I dare you! To feel the message, the punch of it's screams. Can you? I dare you? Afraid?


Come on...Try it... you're brave!

Judgement is not yours. For your actions are selfish. Feeling it yet? Don't deny. Take the time out to listen to your soul. Innocent you are not. Sinful you are! I'll bet my life on it! I know it...it's me too.


I promise, I won't judge!


Love the unlovable. Hold the unfriendly. Comfort the lonely. Look long and hard...listen even harder. Don't judge the offender...for innocent you are not. For you, no matter who, are the guilty. For you, are the offender. For you, have judged. For you, have been judged. Sucks it does!


Proud of yourself?
Me either!

Change is a choice...the mirror will tell you.



Do it now... it's your decision!!!

Only Cowards Play It Safe!

If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. - Matthew 5:46

Well, do you?

Think about it! You don't have to admit it to me, or God (He knows) or anyone else for that matter. Just admit it to yourself and than do something about it. Are you someone who really loves the lovable and forsakes the "weirdos?" The time for change is now! What seperates you from the them anyhow?

I didn't decide to do this page for my benefit. It's for all those out there who may be starting off on their path, or deep in their journey, or those who just think showing up on Sunday mornings is enough.

I heard Joyce Meyer say that if you sit in the garage for three days that it will never make you a car, so sitting in church is not going to make any of you a Christian! It's the effort you put forth that defines you. Are you loving the unlovable? Are you taking risks? Are you getting out of that comfort zone to reach those that Christ was willing to hold so close?

The last place us Christians should be hanging out at is the Christian Coffee House. Get out there... share the word!!! We are the assistants to the Master Carpenter!!! He has given us the tools, we are fools if we are not using them!