ashamed

I am ashamed of myself and my attitude the last few weeks. I complained, murmured, was angry..all because of our bills and not having money for Christmas. I am working but my husband has not for awhile. I took most of my anger out on him and blamed him for everything..even things from years and years ago..
It made me realize how much unforgivenss I hold..that I thought I had let go of..I know that it is hindering my walk...my relationship with God.

I read my sister in Christs blog and her faith is so awesome..I wish I had a speck of that.

Help me God..I am so scared at how far away I am falling

Retrain Your Mind

Retrain Your Mind

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind…"(Romans 12:2, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Many people today don't realize that the reason they're not happy, the reason they're not enjoying life is simply because they've trained their minds in the wrong direction. They've trained their mind to worry. They've trained their mind to complain. They've trained their mind to see the negative. But just as we can form these negative mindsets, we can retrain our minds and form positive mindsets.

One of the main keys to developing a positive attitude is to learn how to stay grateful. When you stay grateful, you are focusing on what's right rather than what's wrong. This doesn't happen automatically, you have to discipline yourself to focus on the positive. You have to make a conscious effort every single day until a good habit is formed.
Remember, when you live with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, you are shielding yourself from the attacks of the enemy. The seeds of discouragement cannot take root in a grateful heart. Neither can bitterness, envy, or strife. When you have a grateful heart, you are strong. You are empowered, and you can confidently enjoy the good life He has prearranged for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, today I surrender my thoughts and mind to You. Help me retrain my thoughts so that they are in line with Your will for my life. I choose to have a positive attitude of faith and expectancy and thank You for empowering me to enjoy the good life You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

don't lose hope

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful"(Hebrews 10:23, NIV)
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

At some point in life we all face hardships. It may be something physically or emotionally challenging. Or it may be a dream or an opportunity that we missed out on. Whatever your difficulty is, don't let it discourage you from believing in God's best. The enemy wants to keep you focused on everything negative that's happened, but don't let him steal the dreams God has given you. He knows that if he can deceive you into thinking things won't get better, you'll lose hope and give up.
There will always be obstacles trying to keep you from becoming all God's created you to be, but God has given you a promise for good and not harm. He has plans for better things ahead. It's important to believe God and keep an attitude of faith despite your circumstances.
Choose today to hold on to God's promises no matter what your situation looks like. Refuse to give up on the plans He has made for your life. God knows what challenges you've faced, and He has a way to turn things around for your good. Start thanking and praising Him for what He's already done and what He will do.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Heavenly Father, today I choose to believe in Your promises instead of what I see around me. I will not give up on the dreams You have given me because I know they will come true. Thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

There will be a day..

I love that song so much..its the 1st song on my playlist..what an awesome promise we have...No matter what we go thru in this life one day it will all be gone and we will be with Him!

I have had many struggles in my life and sometimes thinking things will never change...but I will hold onto hope. I will set my eyes upon Him :)

adore you :)

Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord God Almighty,
Who was, and is, and is to come, yeah
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything, And – I - will - adore You!

The guys are away..

they all went with Ken to his family reunion up in Pennsylvania..they have been gone since Thurs evening. I am really missing them. They had no cell service so I have had only one phone call. Pray for safe travels for them tomorrow.
Please keep my kids in my prayers and in particular my oldest child..I feel she is not always making good choices lately. I am giving it to God though..

God bless you all

Good weekend..

and praying for an awesome week.

The kids first day of summer break is today. My 13yr old only has this week off then he has summer school for 6 weeks. Please pray for him and his attitude about it.

Everyday that goes by I try and make right choices and every day it seems to be a little easier. I thank God that he guides me and is with me because I couldn't do it without him. :-)

Calm..

Things have been pretty calm around here..and that is a really good thing. I like having peace.

I am trying to get closer to God so that when things do get rough I don't feel so helpless..

thank you all for your prayers and encouragement

It's a beautiful day out and I am going to go out and enjoy it.

God bless :)

Sunday..

The first day of a new week...

Lord,
I ask you to bless each person who reads this..to bless my friends and family. Be with us through the week. We ask for your favor and protection in all that we do. I ask to know Your will concerning my job situation. I also ask that you touch each and everyone of us in a very real way. Be with Ken and the kids, show them Your love and goodness.
I love you Father
In His name
Amen

help for my family

I am feeling a little hopeless lately. My husband has had a drinking problem for most of his life. He is a christian and there has been times when he has been sober..the longes is probably a year.

The reason I feel a little hopeless is because of the things he says sometimes. It's like he doesnt' want to try..says its to hard to be out in the world making a living, there are to many temptations..he said if God wanted he could get us out of this situation..
He has his own home impr0vement business so I dont really know if he is out working or drinking..or both. He hasn't brought home much money and we are behind on all of our bills and the mortgage is at least 3 months behind.

We have 4 kids..the oldest just finished her sophmore year in college..with a 3.95 gpa., she is becoming a loner it seems. Her best friend moved away and her boyfriend and her broke up. My oldest son is 18 and he seems to be lost. He didn't finish his senior year in high school and is supposed to be pursuing his GED but he is not motivated to do that or find a job. My 13yr old son has to go to summer school so he will be advanced to the next grade. My youngest is 11 and he is doing pretty good..just is kind of shy. Please pray for my children too. I feel like from what has been happening they are more angry and frustrated about our lives. They lash out at each other to much.

I went back to work last summer full time, on overnights and it hasn't been easy. I feel cranky from lack of sleep alot but am trying to do my best.

I know we are going through momentary troubles..I know God is there and will never leave us.

God bless

Happy Mother's day

May God bless all of you today and always!

Prayers for a job

I went on an interview today for a job at the hospital. I went for one thing that I wasnt sure of and as I talked to the interviewer she let me know there was a job vacated today and I knew it was perfect for me..more money..better benefits..better work hours..everything that would benefit my family. I am asking anyone who reads this to please pray for me about this job..thank you so much.

God bless

Thank you Jesus.

nothing to say..

I really have nothing I wanted to write. I just wanted to come in and read some blogs and listen to some good music.

I love you Lord. I praise your Mighty name. Thank you Jesus.

His Call Remains

His Call Remains

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
“For God’s gifts and His call can never be withdrawn” (Romans 11:29, NLT).
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

What is the vision that you have for your future? Maybe at one time you were excited about your life—you had big goals, big dreams, but you went through some disappointments or life didn’t turn out the way you planned and now you’ve just settled where you are. But understand, God’s plan for your life didn’t go away just because you had some disappointments, setbacks, or because somebody treated you unfairly. God didn’t write you off just because you made some poor decisions. No, He knew every mistake you’d ever make; He knew every person who would wrong you, and He still called you. He still designed a perfect plan for your life. No matter what’s happened in your past, God’s plan for your good remains. He still has a bright future in store for you. If you will get your hopes back and get your vision in line with God’s Word, then the rest of your life will be the best of your life! Keep standing, keep believing, and get a vision for your future because the Lord has an amazing future in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me. Thank you for calling me and giving my life purpose. I choose to shake off the past; I choose to forgive those who have hurt me, and I choose to keep my eyes on You, knowing that You will complete the good work You started in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

First day of spring

Slowly things seem to be getting around here. I am feeling God's presence in our lives. I love when I can feel Him...so much joy and hope.

When I feel like this..its like spring..a time for new beginnings..new things growing..the sun is out, its warm.

Thank you Father for new beginnings..

Home

I am back home. I went to visit my family and go to my nieces bday this past weekend in N.J. I sometimes feel sad when I get back because I miss being around them all. I do feel a little down but also full of love and happy memories.

I haven't been around lately cuz I have been in my backing away state, where I dont want to be involved with God..I know that is sad.

so I am starting anew once again.

God bless

God Wants to Make You Laugh

God Wants to Make You Laugh

Today's Scripture

"And Sarah said, God has made me to laugh; all who hear will laugh with me" (Genesis 21:6, AMP).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Is there a dream or promise in your heart that seems impossible? Sarah was 90 years old when God gave her a son. After the birth of Isaac, whose name actually means laughter, Sarah was so full of the joy of the Lord that she just had to laugh! What looked impossible with man became possible with God.Whatever your circumstances may be today, God wants to make you laugh. He wants to fill you with joy knowing that He has victory in store for you. Maybe you're sick and you know God has told you you're going to be well. Or you're struggling financially, but God is saying He's going to prosper you. Perhaps your family is pulled apart. God is saying He's going to bring them back together. Don't listen to negative, self-defeating thoughts. Instead, remember the story of Abraham and Sarah. No matter how you may feel, no matter how bad it looks, let out the laugh of faith and just say, "Ha, ha! I've got inside information. I know God has already worked it out. He's already arranged things in my favor. It's just a matter of time before these promises come to pass."
A Prayer for Today
Prayer for Today: Father in Heaven, thank You for working in my life. Thank You for Your joy which is my strength. I trust You have a good plan for me, and I know I can laugh at the days to come. Let my joy be contagious to all who hear me today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

He is the One

Today's Scripture
"They shall not be put to shame in the time of evil; and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied" (Psalm 37:19, AMP).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Are you expecting to have a supernatural year? Are you expecting increase and abundance? Notice this verse tells us that the righteous, those who follow God's commands, will be satisfied even in times of famine. Even when it looks like resources are slim, God has a plan to provide for His people. The scripture also tells us that God is looking for people who will be faithful to Him; people who will trust Him, people who will believe that He is the God of more than enough! God always shows Himself strong on behalf of the people who seek Him first-even during the most difficult times.

No matter what you may be facing today, God wants to show Himself strong for you. He wants to make a way where there seems to be no way. He wants to satisfy you and bless you abundantly so that you can reach out and be a blessing to the people around you. Take a step of faith today and begin to declare His promises over your life. Declare that He is the One who satisfies you all the days of your life.

A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, thank You for Your faithfulness. You alone can satisfy me. Search my heart today and remove any doubt or uncertainty that would try to hold me back from the wonderful blessings You have in store for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

20 years today

I will come back and write more about my marriage but today is my 20th wedding anniversary. It's amazing that we have even made it to this point lol. That's God though..

My husband blessed me with flowers and a necklace and he cleaned the whole house.

We have had a lot of ups and downs. I have wanted to give up many times but we survived through all of that.

Last Sunday at church the pastor did a message on marriage and he included a card with this on it:

For better, or worse
For richer or poorer
In sickness and in health
To love and cherish as long as we both shall live

Amen

Getting past your past

February 16, 2009
Getting Past Your Past
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth Ephesians 1:7 He (God) is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven. (NLT)

Friend To Friend One of the key factors in my ongoing battle with clinical depression is dealing with and letting go of past sin and pain. If I am not careful, the shadows of yesterday can so easily become the dark clouds of today. In order to deal with depression and the darkness life can hold, we must deal with sin -- first, in a personal relationship with Christ and then on a daily basis as a believer.

Every believer has two problems when it comes to dealing with sin. First, we must confess sin. I know it sounds simple but so many of us have lost our sensitivity to sin because we are aligned with the world instead of with God. The mark of a believer growing in grace is sensitivity to sin. When I was a little girl, I rarely wore shoes, but when the first day of summer came along, I kicked off my shoes and stored them in my closet -- wearing them only when necessary. Even now, I can remember the painful sensations of playing on the gravel road beside our house those first days of summer vacation. The sharp rocks cut and bruised my tender feet but by summer's end, my feet were rough and calloused. I could run, jump and play for hours on the rocks that had once caused so much pain.
Sin is much the same. The first time we commit a sin, it breaks our heart, but the next time we commit that same sin, it doesn't seem quite as bad. Our heart becomes calloused to that sin we repeatedly commit and a foothold is formed, making a place for depression and darkness to reside. We must confess sin completely, confidently and continually. Jesus is faithful and will keep His promise to forgive and to cleanse us from all sin.
Psalm 103:12 (NIV) As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

The second problem we have with sin is forgetting forgiven sin. Is it even possible to experience true forgiveness? While we can't totally blot out a memory, we can make sure it's no longer a live issue in our life. God's way seems too easy -- to just ask and receive. We act as if the Holy Spirit needs our help or as if what Jesus did on the cross was not enough. We feel like we must make additional payments for our sin by doing something when Micah 7:19 is clear about God's attitude toward our sin, "Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean." (NLT) The problem comes when we revisit confessed sin, when we "go fishing" in the waters of our past.
Sometimes, the core of clinical depression or any pit in life is riddled with sin we have never acknowledged or dealt with. Guilt and shame surround each transgression and since condemnation seems like the logical solution, we allow the darkness to consume us as payment for each sin. An important part of the battle with the darkness of depression is the deliberate choice to face and deal with sin.

Let's Pray Father, I am so tired of trying to live today while carrying the baggage of my past. Please give me the courage to face the sins I have tried so hard to bury. Help me to turn away from each one, leaving it in Your hands. Thank You, Lord, for Your grace, Your mercy and Your love. Please fill my heart with the light of Your forgiveness.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn In order to deal with the sin in your life, consider the following action steps.
I understand that forgiveness requires repentance.
I choose to confront and turn from the sin in my life.
I am willing to destroy any paths that might lead to that same sin.
I trust God for the power to practice repentance and praise Him for the forgiveness He offers.
More From The Girlfriends Today's devotion can and will change your life if you apply it personally. You don't have to understand it all to have it all, girlfriend. Accept His love. Surrender the pain and sin of your past to His forgiveness and healing power. Come to Him just as you are.

gift

I am choosing to not dwell on my feelings but to believe in His Word. I am already beginning to feel joy welling up.

He gave me a gift yesterday. I have been wanting to go back home next month for a family gathering and I put in for it at work since I have to work weekends. Well this last week my youngest was sick and I took off a few days. They have started to get strict at work so I thought my request would be denied but when I checked last night it was approved. I felt right away it was a gift from Him.
I know he loves to bless His children in various ways..sometimes we dont even know what it is.

I haven't been to church in awhile because of my job but I managed to go today..was blessed by the sermon. It was about marriage and he talked about the movie Fireproof. If you haven't seen that movie I totally recommend it.

anyway I am going to go enjoy the rest of my day.
God bless you all

I need Him

I know that God will not let me go, I need to hold on even though truthfully I dont want to..the easy thing would be just to give up. I have given up many times over the past few years. I usually get back up on my feet and start over..but this last time I started to feel different..thinking that it's just no use..things never change.

I know that is a lie from the devil..I know it but sometimes feel to weak to fight it. I know I sound pretty pitiful right now.

I need more fellowship..to go to church..a new job that allows me to do those things. If you feel led, please pray that I find a new job. I have been looking.
Getting back into the Word is what I really need. I haven't been picking up my bible and when I do read I think it's having no affect so I dont go deep into it.

Thanks for reading this..thanks for praying..someday soon I hope to be an overcomer in these area's

God bless

Prayers

I just need some prayers right now. I have that feeling of hopelessness..
I dont want to get to much into details..but it does involve my marriage. I am also on the verge of a big decision. I am not sure which way to go..

Be a Bounce-Back Person

I had this in my email box today...it really blessed me..

Be a Bounce-Back Person

Today's Scripture

"So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold…" (I Peter 1:6-7, NLT).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

We all face disappointments and setbacks. Life is full of things that try to push us down. Maybe you got bad news concerning your health. A relationship didn't work out. Maybe you lost your job. It was a setback. When we face setbacks, it's easy to get discouraged or lose our enthusiasm. Too often we are tempted to just settle where we are. But if we're going to see God's best, we have to have a bounce-back mentality. That means when you get knocked down, you don't stay down. You get back up again. It means when disappointments come, you shake them off knowing that what the enemy meant for your harm God is going to turn around and use for your good.When you're a bounce-back person, you know that adversity is not permanent. Weeping may endure for a night, but you know joy is coming in the morning. There is wonderful joy ahead on the other side of this trial. Keep standing, keep believing, and choose to be a bounce-back person because you are coming out better off than you were before! You are rising higher, and you will fulfill the destiny God has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, I choose to set my focus on You. I know that You are turning things around in my favor. I choose to stand and believe Your promises. Thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

joyful always...

Be joyful always; pray continutally;give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17-18

but God, I dont know how to be joyful ALWAYS!
I let little things mess me up..get me off track. I look at my little house and wonder how we are still all fitting in here. There is so many things that need to be fixed around here too.
I think about my job. I dont like leaving the house at night and having to be at work at 10pm. I want to be in my warm bed.
Somedays I just want to complainnnnnnnnn. I want to murmur..I want to be pitiful..
but like Joyce Meyers says, you can either be pitiful or powerful..but you cant be both.

I want to be powerful. I want to be joyful. I should be grateful to have a home and a job, especially in these hard times.
I do see alot of changes in my family and I need to focus on that. I need to look at the little things in a different way. Instead of the negative little things I need to look at the positive little things.

So when things are getting us down..we need to praise Him..He wont leave us as we are. He has way more in store for us. I know I can have joy through all things..no matter what is going on around me..
I can see how far we have come..maybe not in material things but in more important things..joy, peace, and love.

:)

Psalm 20
For the director of music. A psalm of David. 1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. Selah
4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests.
6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.
9 O LORD, save the king! Answer [a] us when we call!

I read this today and it just strengthens me and uplifts my spirit.
I am so happy to be moving in the right direction in my life. So many times I would give up when things became rough..and all that got me nowhere.

It says in this psalm that he will help all my plans succeed. I am having faith in that. My plans right now are to have a happy, healthy family unit. To take back what the devil tried to ruin.
To be strong in my God. I feel joy today and mostly because I feel set free from the bondages that have been tying me down for years. I feel God working in my family too. I saw more smiles and heard more laughter this weekend than I have in awhile. That made my heart happy.

I have to praise God..thank you Father for your lavish love. For loving me even when I felt unlovable. Thank you for setting all of us free. You are our might King, nothing is to big for you.

Amen

Prayers

I just would like to ask for prayers for my daughter for safe travels as she heads home. She went to visit her boyfriend and friends who go to college about 5 hours from here. Its in the mountains and the weather is not great. She tried to leave yesterday but had to turn back.

thank you

It will get better.

Just wanted to come in and write a few things down.

For the past week things have been a little better around here. I feel some peace. I think when I am calm and happier it affects everyone else around here.
I was complaining some last night about having to go to work. I have a hard time wanting to leave the house at night and go to work but I should be grateful to have a job. I have been asking God to help me find work during the day. I may have to wait until my youngest is in middle school in the fall. That is mainly why I work nights, so I can get him off to school in the morning.
Ken hasn't worked this week. In the past that would of freaked me out and made me worried but worrying and stressing wont help anything. I also know that God will help us..it always seems like we aren't going to have enought to get through week to week and pay the bills but somehow we manage..and that is all due to Him.

I need to really start believing and trusting God. I always get to a certain point and then end up trying to do stuff on my own. I dont know why I can't go 100 percent in trusting Him. In all things.
So that is what I am working on right now. I know that He never fails. I know it and I need to act like I know it.

This is good..

Joel Osteen
He Set the Course for Victory
Today's Scripture

"He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones" (Proverbs 2:7-8, NIV).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Are you facing a challenge or difficulty that seems overwhelming? When you stand strong and remain faithful to God, He promises to set your course for victory! And victory doesn´t necessarily mean everything is going to go our way all the time or work out the way we planned.
The Bible says that the real battle we face isn´t in our circumstances, it´s in our minds. The enemy is after your thoughts. He´s after your peace and joy. He knows that when you have peace, it´s a sign that you are connected to the Father. When you hold on to your peace and choose to be joyful, you are walking in victory, and it´s just a matter of time before your circumstances line up!Remember, God knew every person who would wrong you, and He´s already laid out your vindication. God knew every disappointment, and He´s already laid out new opportunities. God knew everything that would be stolen, and He has already laid out your restoration. Rejoice today knowing that He has set your course for victory in every area of your life!


A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, thank You for the victory You have in store for me. I choose to be faithful; I choose to walk humbly before You. I stand in faith knowing You are working all things together for my good because You love me. In Jesus´ Name. Amen.

Proverbs 13:12

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life