Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Music Video - Very Moving! Featuring Simple Plan


My youngest is going through an AVID,
(yes that was all caps, sorry!) music phase.
He is a drummer
which has been so many ups and downs, this year in the making.
But I have to say,
worth every bit of teen angst & mommy drama
at paying for 2 sets (long story).
I just have to say
that God blessed us over and over again
this year, to make all this possible.
For him to get lessons, learn, get a position
on the kids praise team at church,
get a regular set to practice at home,
get an electric set because that is what we use at church,
and the rest too much drama and too private for him
for me to gab about.
All That To Say - That as a result,
he is constantly looking and exploring for new groups, sounds and tunes.
Last night he came across a worthy find.
(That's the best part, Ya'll!
He actually shows me his music! So cool!)
The band is called Simple Plan,
& the title of the song
(from what I can gather)
is called Untitled.
It's about drunk driving,
and the video is so powerful.
For a change, I actually watched the video
more than listened to the song.
It is good enough that I thought I'd actually
put it here for, you all to check it out for yourselves
...seeing is believing for some things!
You may want your kids to see it, too!
P.S. You need Kleenex!


What is Your Passion? Do You Overflow?


If you are in a mood to read a Bible Study that will shine a light on how you are wired & how good it is that certain things "get" to you like they do. And how even better it is that you are inclined to certain pursuits, however mundane or adventuresome you may consider them to be, then click here and begin to "make peace" with yourself about it all!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Parched!



Hey everyone! Missed you all! I was busy tending to things at the Ponderosa! I had several things coming together at the same time, in order to form the Perfect Storm! Not just 1 thing, not just 2 things , but like a spaghetti plate full of noodles/things! :)

Peace -Like the home in the picture above, I love that I can have peace in the storm. Granted it takes some effort to focus on what is truly important at times.


Tune-ups - One of my old assignments in my previous life as a career woman, was to oversee the speedometers and radars being recalibrated at the law enforcement agency I worked at. If memory serves the first was done annually, the second maybe was every six months. Well, last week, I needed to be 'recalibrated'! For sure. My speed gauge sometimes gets off-kilter.

How about you?

Parched - So all the speeding around had left its mark. I was parched, like this...


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So, I had to spend some time at the oasis....


"Jesus answered her, If you had only known and had recognized God's gift and Who this is that is saying to you, Give Me a drink, you would have asked Him [instead] and He would have given you living water...


(Says the woman at the well) "Are You greater than and superior to our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well and who used to drink from it himself, and his sons and his cattle also?"

Jesus answered her,
All who drink of this water will be thirsty again. But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never, be thirsty any more.

But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life.


The woman said to Him, Sir, give me this water, so that I may never get thirsty nor have to come [continually all the way] here to draw.
" John 4:10,12-15 Amplified Bible.


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Living Water -The funny thing is, I'm pretty fond of my Water! I endeavor to keep Water on hand at all times! But, sometimes you have to press through the thorns of life to get to the water.

Like in this cactus!
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Hospitality - So, this week I have been keeping kind of quite, listening. All the while tending to the normal things of life in a family, at the holidays, with the things that life brings each day. I have been listening for that still quiet voice, so that I would be refreshed, cleansed and filled up with hospitality to serve, you all!


Trust me...I was D-R-Y as a BONE!


I had to get filled up! So that I could pour out...


He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water.

John 7:38


Thanks for coming by! I hope that you had a Thanksgiving filled with much laughter and happy memories!


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These are my Memory Verses this week. I am more the sort who meditates on the meaning of, the spirit of the verse or passage. These have been refreshing me for about 7 years. I have recently been dependant on them and had the joy of rediscovery! I appreciate being able to share this with you!

If you like this, pop over here to Karen's place & find more or sign up for your own!

God bless you!

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Eeeek! I'm It Again! 7 Very Randomish Things About Me!

Hi, Everybody! Sorry I haven't been around to comment or even post lately. Taking care of the main things right now. Sometimes life just requires our FULL ATTENTION! That's where I am this week.

I wanted to tell, Ya'll Happy Thanksgiving! At this time of remembering all the many ways God has blessed us in our lives, in so many crazy, silly, unique and beautiful ways, I thought I would take this time to respond to a 7 Random things tag, which I got from my New Zealand friend.

This will be the mostest, randomish things, evahhh! 'Cause that's just the mood I'm in right now!

  1. Last week, while watching a hunting show with my honey, they were calling elk...it was such a funny sound! I just had to try it! Guess what? I make a really good elk call! When we went to bed, I was still making sleepy elk calling noises when I went to sleep! (He was reading and laughing at me last thing I remember!)
  2. I like lots of things! Lots of songs, books, movies, colors, sriptures, (and now blogs) are my "favorites". Those around me know know that I often say, "that is one of my favorites!" I use to say my favorite....then I realized, I just am not a singular favorite kind of girl! I genuinely like LOTS of stuff! I have LOTS of favorite everything! Why miss out?
  3. We have two children, 23 & 14 yr old sons. It is like having 2 only children in some ways. I have never had labor. C-sections both times. 3 cheers!
  4. The whole neighborhood of older kids taught me how to ride a bike one evening. I was 8, now I am 42, and I still remember this fondly! I kept crashing in the ditch over & over again! I can remember the older kids sayig, "We are going to put a sign up that says "Warning - Maria's Ditch"! I was learning on one of their bikes, much bigger than me! I was always a full tilt kind of person, so I attacked this task with enthusiasm. I was dirty, grubby and loving (all the crashing into the ditch)! But I got it down!
  5. I commenced to staring at the Sears & JC Penney's catalogs in front of my parents in whatever room they were in (that must have been a royal pain for them!), and it worked! I had a beautiful pink & white bike on my 9th birthday waiting for me! Voila!
  6. I met my husband at an Alabama concert with mutual friends. That was it for us!
  7. I took Driver's Ed 3 semesters in a row. I refused to drive for the first time in front of my peers. My driving scared my Dad too much (not for safety's sake - it was more about the grinding of the gears!) So, my Mom had to come the rescue. After 1 school year & 2 failed semesters of Driver's Ed, during the summer, Mom loaded up the family (sans Dad who was working), brought a book, and let me drive her and my brothers and sisters out in the country a couple times a week until I was comfortable at it. Then I passed Driver's Ed! 3 times IS a charm!

Ok, you can wake up now! :) I have to pick 7 random people, and this will truly be random. I try not to tag people that have been very recently tagged. Here goes: My Own Bandwagon, Fractured Thoughts, Southern Sass, Monkey Giggles, From the Land of Monkeys and Princesses, 2 Peas in a Pod, Baseballs and Bows.

God bless you all! Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 19, 2007

Memory Verse Monday!

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Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Rock and firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever." ...Luke 22:35-36, 38 "And He said to them, When I sent you out with no purse or [provision] bag or sandals, did you lack anything? They answered, Nothing! Then He said to them, But now let him who has a purse take it, and also [his provision] bag; and let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy a sword....And they said, Look, Lord! Here are two swords. And He said to them, It is enough."

Lord, bless Karen for initiating and keeping up with Memory Verse Monday! It is a great way to start the week, and I can see such a difference! If you want to sign up for your own, just click the link above.

At the beginning of this year, the Lord spoke the verse from Psalm 73:26 into my life. He did it in such a way, as to be sure I would remember it all year long. There was no doubt it was a word to me. But, I just didn't quiet "get it". You ever have that happen? Being a person who loves to study the word, I was a little stumped with this one, I don't mind telling ya'. If it is exceedingly obvious to you, I am happy for ya! Really! It sure wasn't to me! This was a word I had to seek Him for! I mean I got the obvious connotation, but I knew I was missing the best part. So, I just kept meditating on it, speaking it out, throughout this whole year. But, it was never alive in me, until Saturday evening. Then it was sooo very much alive, I knew I had to share it with you all!

Saturday I had spent much time (mentally) while I went about my normal routine, very preoccupied in my mind and heart, recounting my many failures in a few areas very important to me. Not just for the sake of making me happy. But, because God has called me to higher levels in these areas than I am behaving. I felt like the wandering in the desert Israelites, who just could not believe God for the strength to go into the Promised Land and push out the enemy. I mean how many times am I gonna see the back side of this mountain! I want to be way to the other side of this mountain, you know? Please tell me I am not the only person doing this! By the time I saw Psalm 73:26 that evening, He had my heart and mind right where He needed them to be...tender...raw...yielded...not feeling self-sufficient. Feeling instead, completely dependant upon Him to pick me up, and bring me to a better place, in my heart and mind. Just think "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Rock and firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever."

Think about it. What do we really have? Everything is temporary. He is all that we can eternally grab hold of. Now this scripture tells me that though I will fail myself, He is sufficient for me! He takes what we have, when it is surrendered to Him in faith and makes it sufficient. He makes it enough! Just before Jesus was taken to be crucified, He told them to gather what they have in service to Him, and whatever it was, it was enough. Because He adds to it! Another time we will talk about what happens when we use it in the arm of the flesh instead of being led and strengthened by the power of His Spirit...that is a whole other thought! :) If you want you can see what that looks like right here: Matthew 26:50-52

I appreciate so much being able to share with you all, what God is teaching me. I pray my thoughts bless you and encourage you. We are all in this boat together! Happy Thanksgiving, Ya'll! He is enough for us!

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Beautiful Ride!


I wanted to leave you with the lyrics to this wonderful Gary Allen song, (love the video, too!). And tell, Ya'll Happy Weekend! I will be hanging out with my family this wekend, so enjoy this song...

Life Ain't Always Beautiful
Lyrics
Life aint always beautiful
Sometimes it's just plain hard
Life can knock you down, it can break your heart

Life aint always beautiful
You think you're on your way
And it's just a dead end road at the end of the day

But the struggles make you stronger
And the changes make you wise
And happiness has its own way of takin it's sweet time

CHORUS
No, life aint always beautiful
Tears will fall sometimes
Life aint always beautiful
But it's a beautiful ride

Life aint always beautiful
Some days I miss your smile
I get tired of walkin all these lonely miles

And I wish for just one minute
I could see your pretty face
Guess I can dream, but life don’t work that way

But the struggles make me stronger
And the changes make me wise
And happiness has its own way of takin it's sweet time

No, life aint always beautiful
But i know i'll be fine
Hey, life aint always beautiful
But it's a beautiful ride
What a beautiful ride

It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
that I might learn Your statutes.

Friday, November 16, 2007

An Invitation to Come Home!


In these times of every type of people group fighting with each other, this was a poignant reminder that people can work together and be kind. Also a reminder that when we do work together, the sky is the limit! I saw this picture and story and had to put the link here for you all to see. At a church in Baghdad, local Muslim residents placed a cross on a church and sat inside for a service. Not because they were Catholic, but because they were united in the cause to bring back their neighbors, who had been forced to flee by Al Qaeda. The service was conducted by a Catholic auxiliary bishop for the diocese. The bishop made sure to thank the "American solidiers of the 2-12 infantry battalion, many of whom had fought hard to secure these neighborhood streets. Members of the hard-fighting Iraqi Army 3rd Division also were here for this special day." The local Muslim people who attended, want the hue and cry to go out to their former Christian neighbors that the coast is clear, they are free to come home!

As the article says: "The Muslims in this neighborhood worry that other people will take the homes of their Christian neighbors and that the Christians never will come back. And so they came to St John’s in force, and they showed their faces, and they said, "Come back to Iraq. Come home." They wanted the cameras to catch it. They wanted to spread the word: Come home. Muslims keep telling me to get it on the news. "Tell the Christians to come home to their country Iraq."

For the article in it's entirety, click here. I would love for this to spread everywhere!

Faith-Lift Friday

Mercy Came Running - Phillips, Craig & Dean (Trust)
Once there was a holy place
Evidence of God's embrace
And I can almost see mercy's face
Pressed against the veil
Looking down with longing eyes
Mercy must have realized
That once His blood was sacrificed
Freedom would prevail
And as the sky grew dark
And the earth began to shake
With justice no longer in the way
Chorus:
Mercy came running
Like a prisoner set free
Past all my failures to the point of my need
When the sin that I carried
Was all I could see
And when I could not reach mercy
Mercy came running to me
Once there was a broken heart
Way too human from the start
And all the years left it torn apart
Hopeless and afraid
Walls I never meant to build
Left this prisoner unfulfilled
Freedom called but even still
It seemed so far away
I was bound by the chains
From the wages of my sin
Just when I felt like giving in
Chorus
Sometimes I still feel so far
So far from where I really should be
He gently calls to my heart
Just to remind me
Chorus
Words & Music by Dan Dean, Dave Clark & Don Koch
(c) 1995 Dawn Treader Music/Word Music/DaySpring Music
I have been wanting to participate in this for a few weeks. This is a topic near and dear to me. We all need encouragement, and by Fridays we all certainly need it! The purpose is to share a song, scripture anything that has encouraged us personally in our faith. This song was a major encouragement to me in the mid 90's, and still to this day. It spoke the words for me that I did not know to put together to explain the joy I had at finally understanding how to approach God, after years of knowing I was distant from Him, but not understanding why.
So this is my encouragement to you, if you will read the song I don't think you could help but be moved by it, at some level. He came to us, when we were helpless to go to Him.
He did it for me, and He will do it for you!
Heck, I need Him to come to me daily!
How about you!
Happy Friday, Ya'll!
Ooops, P.S. check out Sheryl's place who sponsors this, to link up if you want to participate sometime.

Do You Weary Like I Do?: The Giver

My dear bloggy friend, Leslie at Do Your Weary Like I Do, wrote some motherly musings which resonated within me, like the sound of a very clear bell ringing. I have heard echoes of this bell around bloggyville lately, and even in my heart. For instance, even today before I was blessed to read her post, another blogger and I traded comments of a similar nature. I asked Leslie if I could post it here, and have her as my guest, and she graciously said yes. I don't want to spoil it. So just dive in, you won't be disappointed! I thought it fitting for the Thanksgiving season. Click on the Do You Weary link, above or below & it will take you straight there.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Expectancy!

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I LOVE, love, love The Holidays! Late October it starts coming on...that wonderful sense of expectancy. As soon as the humidity starts to improve, and the days get shorter. I am ready to start baking, putting up decorations, wrap presents. I love the baking, the company, and the indescribleable specialness of the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Season! Above all, I love the sense of expectancy!

Expectancy: 1 a: the act, action, or state of expecting. b: the state of being expected. 2 a: something expected [their belief led to an expectancy].

I have always been the sort that goes to church with a similar sort of expectancy. A book which I am still reading "What is Your God Language, Dr Myra Perrine", says this type of trait is called an enthusiast. I pray with this sense of expectancy. Sometime this summer I started beginning the week with a prayer of expectancy. Recently, prior to attending the monthly ladies' meeting at my church. I felt a strong sense that God was correcting me about attending it without that sense of expectancy. In other words, I was pretty much getting ready to do what I truly abhor...punch the time clock. Go do what I do. Attend, see friends, hear some good teaching, then go run errands...ya...da..ya..da..NOT the way to approach life, really no matter what we're doing. Especially not in spiritual matters. So, properly chastised, I began cultivating that sense and praying over it. Guess what? I did NOT get to go! Scheduling sanfu here at the Pondersosa prevented it. So, I just decided to go with the flow, pray with expectancy for those who would be attending and go on about Ponderosa business! The meeting turned out good, good enough that Pastor Kathy shared the message with the rest of the congregation Thursday night at mid-week service. It was on Spiritual Armor, and she reminded us how boxers go to their corners and are reminded to "put their guard up". And these are times we all need our spiritual armor in place.

Any who, I guess the point of this is that sometimes our expectations don't go the way we pictured. Sometimes it even looks like the complete opposite, even what we would call a failure. Life happens. Life can be disappointing. The Holidays can be disappointing. But, God is our sure thing. Our constant hope, source and everlasting gift. He, as our Father, is pleased when we come to Him with expectancy, and then we don't throw it away, don't abandon hope in Him, regardless of the circumstances. Hebrews 11:16 talks of this "But the truth is that they were yearning for and aspiring to a better and more desirable country, that is, a heavenly [one]. For that reason God is not ashamed to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God--the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob], for He has prepared a city for them." Troubles can come, and even be devastating, but what they can't be is permanent. The worst that life brings can not take away our eternal nature. Our future with Him! And He is so pleased when we believe Him for good! Hebrews 10:23 " So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the [c]hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word."

I am not going to be disappointed this Holiday, because my hope is anchored in Him!

Alert! My Comments Aren't Working!

Hopefully this will fix soon. I have typed responses to, ya'll over and over. Only to have the Blogger thingy give me some lame error message & I can't find where to post it!
Be back soon!

Confessions & Part Deux of Ray of Sunshine Award!

Good Mornin', Ya'll! First things first! Confessions. I have some weird little rules stuck inside my head that will from time to time clog up the works, and cause me to make strange decisions. Decisions that seemed like the "right" thing to do at the time! Yet, in retrospect, it's like "What was I thinking? (smack the forehead of self). Normally, I just know the right thing to do, it just sort of flows (isn't it nice when that happens, don't we wish it always worked! that's called God having mercy on my silly self!)...but every once in a while my "knower" runs smack dab into my "doer". My "knower" is usually on the right track...my "doer"...is more like the little rules we all have stuck in our head, that when our "knower" runs into this wall of rules, it causes the circuits to fry. No telling what will happen then!

So, when I was blessed to receive the Ray of Sunshine Award, I immediately thought of all the people whose blogs and/or friendship along with the blogs, have been a ray of sunshine, always uplifting, encouraging and even funny. Well. I left a key friend out, because I had given her a couple of other awards, and my "doer" told me "she will think it's weird if I give her too many, better pass this time, and give her the next one" Even though, it was hard to write the post and not give her the award with everyone else who was getting the award, I kept "reasoning' with myself, stick to a pattern, give her the next one! Jimminy Crickets! So, this morning I woke up and realized that "How bizarre is that anyway, Maria, how silly!" So...without further ado...another bloggy friend who is always sweet and chronically funny. I am serious ya'll, going to her blog, is like watching a G Rated (Ok, maybe PG sometimes but, all in clean fun!) family situation-comedy, with no laugh track, you don't need one, because you will roll around on the floor laughing! You'll see when you check out Cecily at My Chaos My Bliss! Sorry, Cec that I have silly snafu's in my head sometimes. It seemed sensible at the time...sort of! You are truly and always a Ray of Sunshine to me on here! It was my bad to think I should wait until next time! How lame does that sound today, anyway? Wish it could have sounded that lame yesterday before I did the first post! Forgive me?

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

A Ray of Sunshine!

My sweet and funny blogging friend in Christ, Karen at Karen's Ramblings, recently spread some sunshine among a wide array of her 'net friends, including me. This is just like Karen to do something like this. In the short time I have known her she has encouraged me greatly in a number of ways. She spreads sunshine and sweetness where ever she goes on the 'net. She seems to effortlessly (though I know it is not with out effort - she just makes it look that way), draw women into a feeling of community on the 'net, and it is such a blessing. I can always count on her site to give words that are uplifting, grounded in truth and even witty (a combination I value greatly!).

Her award came at a fortuitous time for me, as I was feeling a little "funky" at the time. I have somehow managed to make and lose friends on the blogg-o-sphere just very recently, and as my goal is to edify and encourage, that was really bumming me out, I guess you could say!

So, thank YOU, Karen, for being such a consistent reflection of the love of Christ and just all-round giver of cheer! May the God of all peace richly bless you and your family, near and far with all joy and hope in believing!

I would like to share this award with some ladies that (as far as I know) didn't just get this award and always share sunshine and encouragement with me.

Grab the button, and please accept my thanks for you and for your blog's sunny disposition!

A blog that is new to me, and AWESOME in truth & wit, Mrs Fussypants (I recently told my husband & son that I had come across the "Queen of Bloggers" they did NOT get it, but if you drop by - YOU certainly will!), Leslie at Do You Weary Like I Do?, Julie at Joyful Days, Kara at Looking Towards Heaven (this blog I also just discovered, but you will like!), Karen at Survivng Motherhood (actually - I think Karen may have given this to her as well, but, she is on my heart just now - so she gets it again!), and my BFF MaryAnn at MaryMine Designs. She is a faithful reader, sister, friend, and encourager extrodinaire! I am hoping she will soon delve into the world of blogging, and maybe you all will get to know her for yourselves!

Thanks to all - Hey, I am thinking of a song, it goes like this - "my future looks so bright - I gotta wear shades!" It must be my blogging friends on the horizon!

Monday, November 12, 2007

Happy Memory Verse Monday

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"And the LORD God said, [It is] not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him....And Adam said, This [is] now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh". Genesis 2:18, 23-24 KJV.

Happy Memory Verse Monday! I hope you all are enjoying sharing thoughts about how God impresses certain scriptures on our hearts. And hearing how those scriptures come alive in our hearts, it is my hope that we all learn from each other how to live in a wider place because of the freedom we have through God's Word. Find out more about Memory Verse Monday, sponsored by Karen at Karen's Ramblings.


I know I have been strengthened as I meditate, focus and abide in the words we have looked at so far. This 3rd week I thought I would share something that is a constant theme in my heart, and God took it to a new level for me last year in November. Which is that Jerry & I are a team. 1 can put a 1,000 to flight, 2 - 10,000. There is a special role I play in helping Jerry be all he can be. That doesn't make me less, it makes me fulfilled and joyful. When I stray from my primary assignment (outside of focusing on Christ), there is less joy, less fulfilment, less peace. When I look back at how I have opened my heart and spirit to the Lord to direct my prayers of my husband, I can see beautiful fruit that has resulted...who better to pray for him than me? Not even his Mom, much as she loves him, has the opportunity I do to be led of God to pray for him in meaningful and powerful way. Just like we can't outgive God, so everything I give and yield to my husband comes back to me a hundred fold.

I desire and pray that my sons will have wives that will watch their backs the same way, and that my sons will love, provide for and cherish their wives in way that blesses them both and allows them to live in what I call a large place. You can live in a tent, and be in a large place. Because you might be in the tent....but, the tent doesn't have to be in you. Inside you should be a faith and vision for something greater and more powerful, as you work together in Christ, to increase the boundaries of your lives. So that you have a rich heritage, spiritually, emotionally, physically for your children and grandchildren.

Some interesting facts about the Hebrew meaning (according to Strong's Concordance) about some of the key words in the scripture are these:
  • Alone (God said it wasn't good for man to be alone) means to be separate, divided, like a limb from a body. I never knew that until today.
  • Bone, bones (Adams said she is bone of my bones) this means strength, power, and something like the essence of. Think about what Adam was saying and remember this is him in his glorious state. God did not correct him, this was what marriage is meant to be. We are in fact, an integral part of the other half. There is a strength in us as we are united and it seems to complete and make us whole. Because remember alone - was to be divided, apart.
  • Flesh - this means something astounding & to me humorous. It means fresh, rosy to proclaim or preach glad tidings or good news. Now why is this funny? Well, we joke around here about me being married to a caveman. This is NOT a term of disrespect. It is a reference to My honey's desire to be home with his family or do something fun together. He is a family oriented person. So we joke that he likes to be in the cave. He is also a man of few words, unless the mood strikes him otherswise. Years ago I couldn't escape the notion that in certain situations, I just knew he needed me to "represent" him so to speak in certain ways, in certain situations, relationships maybe he seemed to struggle with, and need a little assistance in. As I came to knowledge of Christ, it seemed much more clear...because we are Christ's ambassadors to the world. We represent Him, hopefully in a fragrant way! Since God thought enough of marriage to make it the sacred picture of the relationship between Christ and the Church. I guess I wasn't too far off.
  • Made - this word is not listed above, but I wanted to add it. It comes from when God made the woman from the rib. The meaning is to build or to obtain children. Does this mean everyone will have children? Apparently in this fallen world, no. But, in Christ there is another type of multiplication, Discipleship! Every generation increases, either to the good or the bad. It is part of the grand design, and we have free will to use that power to increase, to multiply for good or ill.

I have more thoughts on this and I will work on them this week, Good Lord willin' & the creek don't rise. I will post them at my Bible Study site. I hope this is a help to you, and I am happy to answer any questions, yes, even hard questions! feel free to e-mail me if you like.

P.S. Anyone who knows me personally can testify that we have a relationship that is quite equitable. I am very opinionated (gasp!) and independant. But, what has benefited me is to learn how to be interdependant, and even submitted (more gasps). I have lived both ways, I can tell stories of how much more strength and wide open space is in our lives through learning this. And he is just as supportive and watching my back as I am his, I assure you!

Be blessed!

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Veteran's Day - Tribute To The Ones Who Keep The Home Fires Burning!

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I know these days we ALL are conscious of the tremendous sacrifice our Military families are giving on all our behalf. On this day when we pay tribute to those honorable people and their famlies, I wanted to highlight several bloggers I have come across in my blogging escapades. They are spouses who excel in caring for their family in so many admirable ways. I am sure the life styles they lead have taught them to be resourceful in ways many never experience and they have clearly become brilliant in the process.

So this is more of a tribute, an honor that I want to bestow to the few I have met, and admire for many reasons. I pray you will know our prayers are with you and your families. I hope that if you want, you will spread it around to encourage other military families you know. It doesn't have to be Veteran's day for you all to know you are loved! Grab the button and post it, share it with others.

I enourage anyone who can to visit these bloggers and give "props"! Let's show some love, Ya'll!

God bless our country, our allies and most especially, our military families and military personnel, we sure need your blessing, Lord! All of us!

These are three remarkable women.

P.S. I want to add someone new I just met, she is the daughter of a veteran and hse had a lovely Veteran's Day post & is a new blogger. Her blog is Southern Sass (love the name being a southern girl myself!).

Bible Study

You may have noticed that I like to study and teach the Word. I use to rebel at my tendancy to relate everything to an analogy or potential illustration, then I just decided to embrace it! It has been a liberating experience!

Any who, I have the eensy-beensiest beginnings of a Blog Site that will have bible studies which you are welcome to use in any fashion you like. You can print them off, blot make-up, make paper airplanes with your kids or use the back side for grocery lists...kidding! Use them however you feel inclined to strengthen your own study of God's Word.

I have LOTS of other stuff to put on, but I want to do it in a fashion that is interesting as well as helpful, so I will take my time.
What I have over there now is something about Esther, it compares her story of preparation to meet the King, to our preparation to meet The King. The enuch, Hege, is a picture of the Holy Spirit, followed by the palace being a picture of the Kingdom of God, and the seven maidens Hege assigns to serve Esther in her time of preaprations are a picture of the seven-fold wisdom of God, which is available to us through the Holy Spirit.
Don't take my word for it though! Go check it out!

Now Then, Gordon...



Whatchya' think? Somethin' fishy goin' on here? Hmmm?




Meet Gordon! He's our family mascot! He came to visit early this summer, and decided to stick around!


Gordon's a complete cut up, and known for making faces at my hubby, just to make him laugh. He's very expressive!

Gordon stays in our room (hubby and my). He is a great source of amusement lately, and we thought we should share him with you all.

Oh, and BTW, shortly after Gordon came to visit, I rescued his cousin from the Dollar Store. I was in search of a piggy bank for the kitchen window. He's the one up top...
Happy Sunday, Ya'll!


Saturday, November 10, 2007

Beauty For Ashes



Beauty - I came across this wonderful site from a Lisa Leonard in California. She makes hand-made, sterling silver and also some vintage brass jewelry. There is bling mixed in with a little freshwater pearl action. It's really unique and appealing in a fresh, clean sort of way.

For Ashes - This piece shown in the pic, is being done as a fundraiser for a blogging friend of hers (during this month only), who lost her home in the fires in California. The cost is $52, $15 going to her friend. I am placing an order, and I thought enough of it to share with you all. I have met the sweetest people on here, and I knew you would want to know about it.

Friday, November 9, 2007

Sacred Trust




I have been thinking about our children, (two sons) a lot lately. Thinking about the years gone by, the trends, the patterns, regrets, joys, and grateful, grace-filled moments. I'm not one to dwell on the past. You can't change it, and you are smack in the middle of today, so you better make it count, that kind of thing. While not dwelling on the past, I have found it necessary to look back from time to time and be evaluative of our actions. Because of what I know to be true about Christ; I am very aware to be a parent is a gift. The life or lives entrusted to our care, are not ours to do with as we please. Indeed, as a Christian we don't even count ourselves, as our own, for we were bought at a price. "You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for by Christ]; then do not yield yourselves up to become [in your own estimation] slaves to men [but consider yourselves slaves to Christ]", 1 Corinthians 7:23, Amplified Bible. We have been redeemed from sin, from the the curse, saved from the jaws of hell and the grave. Since Our Father has paid such a dear and costly price for us, how much does that need to impact our parenting? Greatly.

I have found myself humbled in waves over the past weeks, by the needs of my children that I am powerless to meet. Humbled also, by the ways we could have done better, if we had understood more what our choices might mean. Humbled, but not forsaken. I am more conscious than ever of the gracious goodness of God which has watched over my husband and I, and our sons. That same gracious goodness goes with our sons, wherever they go. They can't out run God, and His love and mercy, nor could we. For this I am ever so grateful. Even more than I want their individual joy and fulfillment, God wants this. We, as fallen creatures, though redeemed, struggle with something our children struggle with, which is grasping the Big Picture! The Big Picture is what I call the ability to see the full scope of the panoramic, wide screen life God designs for us. A life filled with people to be connected with, adventures to live, battles to win and mysteries to discover. Jesus desires so much more than my husband and I, that these men have all they need to lead a fulfilling life (The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [a]overflows) John 10:10. This knowledge is a sure thing that I can rest in, breathe in, even exult in. If I will continue to seek first His Kingdom, not the values and standards I craft. Not try to keep up with our friends, or the latest Cosmo magazine instructions for self actualization, self help book, or talk show craze. If I continue to love, prefer, let go, not control, and not maneuver, I can expect God will bless and direct our efforts. Which will result in me doing the part which is mine, and my husband & I doing the part that is ours. And finally, God is well able to get through to these young men in the way they most can hear, just like He did us.

The need for our children to have whole lives can be overwhelming, even terrifying if we look at it too closely. That's why I am refreshed when I remember that what God has entrusted to us, is a scared trust. And He doesn't give us such a precious gift, without giving us all we need to love, train, teach, and provide for the precious lives entrusted to our care. If we look to Him as the source, we will have the correct perspective to make the choices which bring life.

All this is to say, that I've lately been very contemplative as to our actions as parents, evaluating where we're at in this assignment. We are entrusted with a 23 year old at home, due to circumstances he did not desire or plan for; preparing to go back out into the world and make a new life at such an early age. Also entrusted to us is a 14 year old, soon to be 15, who is already well into the transition phase of launching out on his own. I can't help be be hopeful and prayerful. Hopeful for God's grace in all our shortcomings as parents. Prayerful because just as much as Jesus came that we (and they) might have and enjoy life, life abundantly, the thief came to steal, kill and destroy, so I better pray!

Thank goodness He can make beauty out of our mistakes and shortcomings, or I would be completely bereft of hope!

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Thursday Thirteen! Number 5 - All Time Favorite 13 Cartoons!















Here is a list of my top 13 cartoons to date!


  1. The first one I remember being attached to was Popeye! I remember nap time put me in danger of sleeping through it - this was a source of a few nap resistant dramas, I vaguely recall!
  2. Scooby - Do! My youngest got to enjoy the same cartoon as it enjoyed a 2nd time around during his 'toon days! It was fun to indulge with him.
  3. Flinstones! Recently, I watched a quick episode, just to remember what it was I liked...I always thought Wilma was so elegant in her red hair, droll humor, pearls and white cavewoman dress! How funny!! Seriously though, I can now testify; cartoons really do impact our young people! Or maybe I am very impressionable?
  4. The Jetsons! Who among us did not want to push a button and see a meal pop out, zip around in little space cars?
  5. Was it called Auggie-doggie and Doggie Daddy? Sounds like a rap label today! I just remember how funny it was to watch the one dog eat a doggie biscuit and he would jost float in ecstasy!
  6. Yogie Bear! "You gotta be smarter than the average bear! Hey, Boo-boo!"
  7. HR Puff-n-Stuff! I was glued to the Tv when the show came on, so concerned for the little boy who would get stranded on the stormy water! Whatever happened to that show?
  8. Zig-mund the Sea Monster...No explantation - just bizarre!
  9. Land of the Lost! My friend & I in High School, used the term "Sleestacks" as a code word in High School. We got it from this show! Typical high school behavior.
  10. Smurfs!
  11. Snorks!
  12. I miss these next two...part of the approaching empty nest syndrome sneaking up on me! Rocket Power was lots of fun to watch with my youngest. Remember Squid?
  13. How about Rugrats! Remember the BobFather!? I would watch them today! They were so cute!
I guess what prompted this, is I DO miss the innocence, from even just a few years ago. When I saw the Flinstones the other night, and realized in a flash, how much it had impacted me, I had to wonder...what sort of models do our daughters, nieces, granddaughters have today? Where is our Wilma? She was a cartoon, but, I knew she was feminine and lady like.

Thirteen Things about YOUR NAME
1…. Start your list here!
Links to other Thursday Thirteens!1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you 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!


Wordless Wednesday

Plotting?
The youngest with his umbilical cord, I mean cell phone...


The youngest ripping through the yard on the dirt bike he waited 7 years for!


More rippin'!



The oldest with his Camaro - he painted it - recently traded it with someone else..





Could you tell this face no? No? Neither can most!
This was my first. I hope to have something cool for you all next week.


Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Waking up Silly!









Here are some of the things we do in our family, 'cause we are silly with sleep when we wake up...:
  • A couple of days ago, shortly after I had cleaned the master bathroom, my husband informed me I had sabatoged him. "Excuse me?" I say. He had an almost empty deodorant stick and a brand new one sitting on the counter. Well, inadvertently I switched places on the counter when I put stuff back. My honey just about scraped the skin off his underarms with the plastic thingy that they put on to protect the new sticks...before he realized something was terribly amiss...he said the deodorant felt really, really good on that raw skin, too! Keep in mind this is after a shower!

  • I ask my honey to call me when he is on the way home in the a.m., usually it is about 5:45 a.m., just in case I haven't gotten up already, so I can make breakfast for him. Well, today when he did it, I promptly hung up on him! I thought the alarm on my cell phone was going off! Don't worry, he called back & he got breakfast!

  • Last week, I made him oatmeal one morning. He likes it every once in awhile. Well, I did the same thing (I thought) as always, but something was different about this batch, I just couldn't put my finger on it...my honey figured it out right away though...I only put 1 of the scoops in instead of 2. Yummy! He is such a good sport, he was straining the extra water off by tipping his spoon. He just NEVER complains about my cooking, Ya'll & clearly - I give him reason!

  • This morning I was at the coffepot worshipping, I mean making a new pot of coffee and talking to my youngest while he put pop tarts in the microwave (don't ask - he likes this)...anyway our conversation abruptly ended as sparks flew in the microwave. He forgot to take the tin foil wrapper off! Oops!

  • Not long ago my honey (shift work is hard, Ya'll!) put shaving cream on his toothbrush! It could be a good remedy for 'fuzzy' teeth!

  • I occassionally, on the early breakfast shift, wait quite a while for the bacon to fry, only to discover I have the wrong burner turned on...don't worry, it's an electric stove!

  • Last week I made myself breakfast, and forgot to eat it. I found it in the microwave that evening! That is just daft, Ya'll! I guess, I had coffee so that was all I needed!

I could go on, but I think you can see the pattern for silliness when we wake up! Caffiene is supreme here...I am thinking that might actually go on my Giving Thanks list tomorrow!

Bye, Ya'll!

I found this @ Pink Dot!

Kassi @ Pink Dot Journal had this at her place. I thought why not? Looks like fun! Only I am not sure what color this is? I think it is a type of yellow? Check it out...(Oh and P.S. Some of this is eerily true - like I can truly be obnoxious in my optimism, but, then at others times I can't actually spell the word optimism without looking it up...so the smart part...not so true...I think the computer meant to say Smart Alec!) ;-) That would be true! Just ask my honey or...anyone within my vicinity most days! P.S.S. missed you all! See you in the morning! P.S.S.S. Shower and music therapy works!


you are lightcyan
#E0FFFF

Your dominant hues are green and blue. You're smart and you know it, and want to use your power to help people and relate to others. Even though you tend to battle with yourself, you solve other people's conflicts well.

Your saturation level is very low - you have better things to do than jump headfirst into every little project. You make sure your actions are going to really accomplish something before you start because you hate wasting energy making everyone else think you're working.

Your outlook on life is very bright. You are sunny and optimistic about life and others find it very encouraging, but remember to tone it down if you sense irritation.
the spacefem.com html color quiz

Monday, November 5, 2007

Shower & Music Therapy!

Busy day, lots going on, people coming over. When everything's done at the end of this day, my happy-self is getting a long, hot shower with some loud, loud, loud music playing. Yes, probably Nickleback, I am not over them yet! Sorry!
Just wanted to drop a quick note to say I know I owe visits and comments and something fun in the way of a post. Tomorrow is looking good for that! Good Lord willin' and the crick don't rise!
See ya' soon!

Memory Verse Monday

"Ornan said to David, Take it; and let my lord the king do what is good in his eyes. I give you the oxen also for burnt offerings and the threshing sledges for wood and the wheat for the meal offering. I give it all. And King David said to Ornan, No, but I will pay the full price. I will not take what is yours for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings which cost me nothing." 1 Chronicles 21:23-24, Amplified Bible.

This is our 2nd Memory Verse Monday! Last week we had Romans 12:1 and I kept it front and center from the time I got up, until I went to bed and throughout the day. I guess you would call it meditating on the verse, letting it soak in, and change my thinking. Sometimes I offer it as a prayer, or sometimes I just remind myself by confessing it aloud. I know progress is occurring, because my habits are changing. So, I am not leaving it behind...just adding to it.

Yesterday, I knew the verse I wanted to share today. I can't give you a deep reason for it. Just that it popped up in my heart in church yesterday, and became my current heart's cry. I think it probably started with gratitude. Then moved to worship, then out of the overflow there is this refrain in my mind that says "I will not give that which costs me nothing." It is not the exact wording of the verse, but that was what my heart and mind were saying. I thought, "this is the way to live, to train myself not to give the Lord or anyone that which is inconsequential, but what is costly, significant, meaningful. He is worth that." So are the people in our lives.

For instance, my husband really does not prefer that I spend any time blogging when he is around. I can do that. It can be my thing to do when he is busy, sleeping or working (he works nights). I can show him preference that way, because he certainly shows me preference.

Thanks for listening to my thoughts on this verse, I hope I made it a little more 2007 for you! Right now I am going to go show my Mom some preference by joining her for some errands!

Oh yeah, almost forgot, visit this post at Karen's Ramblings to get more info and to sign up yourself if you would like! Have a great week!

Saturday, November 3, 2007

The Power of Fellowship!

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"And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25, Amplified Bible.

CAN-CAN - Aren't they all so cute together? Don't they look like they can do anything together? I found these little girls through Photobucket, I have no clue who they are. But these little girls doing the CAN-CAN together, are the perfect illustration for what is on my mind the last few days.

Strategy 'Can't Can't' - Recently, my Pastor spoke on love, and 1 of the 2 scriptures he focused on is above. Since then, I have been very aware of the way the enemy tries to sneak in to any places we let him in unawares. He strives to discourage us, and to help us to build a stronghold in our minds. A stronghold that tells us time with friends, and church activities that build relationships and edify; are too much work, too much stress, not enough benefit, or "I don't have anything to offer, I am too tired, too busy, too broke." I could go on...but, you get the idea.

My Story - Thursday was a challenging day for me in several ways. Primarily due to my very unexpected reaction to very unexpected news from oldest son, (he's 23). I was supposed to teach a group of women, who I am friends with, at their monthly ladies' meeting that evening. They are friends of mine, from another church whom I enjoy very much and am so grateful to know and be friends with. During that day, as I finished preparing to teach (on the subject of transition) I kept feeling like "this is not looking good, as it is difficult to teach while you are crying, Maria! GET OVER it already!" Every time I would stop, someone would merely have to say "BOO!" and there you go! Waterworks! I was sooo disgusted at myself, as this is HIGHLY unlike me.

The faithfulness of God - Knowing the faithfulness of God, I didn't cancel. I just started saying what He says about me, and kept making last minute finishing touches on what I needed for the evening. By the time my sil picked me up (it is her church) I felt unbelievably ready. As she and I spoke with each other on the way, we both encouraged each other and pretty much had our own meeting before the meeting. She is such a treasure, that Wendy. I am EVER so grateful for her friendship, and the gift of God inside of her. When we got to the meeting, I think we were both ready to storm the gates! :)

The Power of Fellowship - The meeting was great. I didn't cry! I only laughed! Those women are so serious to pursue Christ, and growth in their lives. They also know how to have a good time. During the course of the portion of their meeting, where they plan for future events and such, I was impressed on the hunger and need in the lives of women everywhere. The need we have to connect with persons who have shared similar experiences, hobbies, skills, dreams, etc. I thought about how there is such a power available, when we get together with people whom we identify with in any of these ways. Iron sharpens iron. I have seen it in the blogging I do. It humbles me. I realized then and there, part of the message would change - it would start with Mary and Elizabeth meeting.

Luke 1:36-37 "And listen! Your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is now the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment." and then finally, Luke 1:41 "And it occurred that when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit." and Luke 1:44 "For behold, the instant the sound of your salutation reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy."

The Power of Multiplication -The angel Gabriel tells Mary her cousin is in a remarkable situation pertaining to pregnancy, as well. They have a commonality. Mary goes to see her. The presence of Mary, pregnant with Our Saviour Jesus, combined with the presence of Elizabeth and the baby, John the Baptist, was a striking fellowship. The likes of which history has never seen, before or since. On the surface, it would have seemed like two pregnant, housewives, and all the world yawns...yet, as we now know, this is anything but yawning material. These were women blessed to conceive, carry and birth, two of the most important people ever born. There was a powerful anointing, which was released at the time of their fellowship. It speaks to us, not just of the historical context, but also of the power available to us when we get together with our gifts and abilities and shared experiences. They met in one state of being, yet they parted encouraged, more at peace, and I am sure, not in a little wonder at what was going on. They parted strengthened. They were going to need it!

Iron Sharpens Iron - Instead of "been there, done that", it is "you can do this, I know you can, I have survived this as well. You will be able to make it." The times we live in (note the opening scripture above, from Hebrews), require that we purpose to connect with each other, in whatever fashion works for us (as well as church membership). Because church attendance, by itself, will not be enough. Acts shows lots of family and friends interacting, and meeting regularly. It was so much more than punching Sunday's ticket. I am also reminded of when Saul was first anointed as King. In 1 Samuel 10:2-13. Saul was instructed to go to a certain place, and he would meet up with a company of prophets. When he did, he would be "turned into another man". He did and he was! Check it out. Don't just take my word! :)

When We Part Company - When the meeting was over, we all felt ready to take on the next round in the adventure (sometimes the battle, sometimes the dance) called life. We came one way, we left another. We all left whatever cares and concerns we had, to come together for a couple of hours. When we left, we didn't go away empty handed. Our hearts were both full and lighter, at the same time. When I pray for my church, I pray that we all will come looking for someone to be a blessing to. When our focus is on others, we somehow gain strength while serving and loving. Whether we blog, make phone calls, send letters, drop by friend's or relatives's home, or have people over, this opportunity is always before us.

Who Knows? - Who knows when the person you are encouraging is the next mother of someone great? Remember Elizabeth and Mary? Mary was struggling with the stigma of being pregnant prior to marriage. Not cool. Elizabeth was struggling, I am sure. Consider her plight as a woman. She was past natural age to bear a child, and her husband had gone strangely mute, since just prior to her conception. Life was upside down from everything she had known. How much do we think they each were better equipped from their time spent together? That is what we look for and receive (ideally), through serving and fellowshipping and just plain 'ole friendship!

Developing Greatness Through Fellowship - There's not another Jesus to be born, and no more John the Baptists either. But, as we look around, we can see there's a dearth of great men and women. The time is ripe for a spectacular generation to be raised up. I am sure we are seeing some of the next great leaders rise up, right before our very eyes. In our car pools, in the play-doh piles, and even dancing in our kitchens and family rooms. No matter what the circumstances LOOK LIKE, greatness can be developing right in front of your eyes!

Go forth! Go forth, befriend and uplift! I have to go do that with my honey right now! Thanks for stopping by!




Giving Thanks!



I knew back in September, when I started the blog, that Thanksgiving would be something I wanted to focus on. I just wasn't sure in what fashion. I haven't finished percolating on it just yet...so in the mean time I came across this really sweet blog I have been wanting to check out, and found something to help us all focus on the mental and heart felt exercise of Giving Thanks. Anyone who wants to can participate. Just grab the button. Get the details here at Leah's blog, South Breeze Farm (doesn't that just make you want to go milk a cow? and feed the chickens?). Those of us who participate will post one thing each day during this month. It is never too late to start, right up until November is over. It can be in your side bar, or as a short post, whatever floats your boat! Since I am starting late (weekends are hectic around here) I want to post 3 things, just because I have so many, November just won't hold them all! I am not posting them in any order, just what is on my heart that particular day.


Usually I will be posting my giving thanks items on the side bar, as just a quick thought. But, to get things started, here is something a little more in depth. I hope something here encourages you or confirms what you have been thinking or experiencing.
  1. I will do a separate post soon on this topic. But for brevity I will say here that Thursday I was once again grateful for the power of fellowship between friends, especially between people who share a common faith. But even we who don't necessarily share a common faith, when we have common values and experiences, we are able to relate to and encourage each other.
  2. Friday, I was very grateful for my husband's raise and God's just ridiculous goodness to us. We had to replace our back door and do some unexpected things. I can remember the day when we would have been seriously set back to run go buy a new back door and all the little things that go with it. Don't get me wrong, we have lots of things in life still to do. It is just great to see progress!
  3. Today, I am very aware of my need for grace, in all areas of my life. I am grateful that God covers me with His grace. There is no area in my life where I don't look and see it.

Enjoy your weekend! Thanks for sharing this with me!

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What Does it Mean Anyway? "Free to Fly"...

Well, it's like this: Here are some of the Webster's Dictionary definitions of Free: a : having the legal and political rights of a citizen b : enjoying civil and political liberty c : enjoying political independence or freedom from outside domination d : enjoying personal freedom : not subject to the control or domination of another2 a : not determined by anything beyond its own nature or being : choosing or capable of choosing for itself...having a scope not restricted by qualification 7 a : not obstructed, restricted, or impeded ...Now, here are some of the Webster's Dictionary definitions of Fly:1 a : to move in or pass through the air with wings b : to move through the air or before the wind or through outer space c : to float, wave, or soar in the air ... a : to take flight ...6 : to work successfully ...Examples which apply from Websters: fly high : to be elated - fly in the face of or fly in the teeth of : to stand or act forthrightly or brazenly in defiance or contradiction of

What does this mean in my life? This means that in life we are meant to be free. While historically mankind has not always enjoyed the opportunity to fully appreciate what that means, we are so indescribably fortunate as to live in a time of the greatest spiritual, physical, financial and political freedom ever known. Freedom doesn't come cheap, nor does it come easy. But the best things in life don't come that way do they? As I write this I am struck by how this sounds like a political statement, and for me this is much more of a spiritual thing, but, same goes for that (political that is). Freedom doesn't come easy. And it's worth whatever fight you have to make to overcome in your life in order to live a life that succeeds. Now the questions is - what is success for you? What is your standard? In my mind what is needed is a definite target - because you can't hit and maintain a moving target. A stable, rock-solid, anchor with no variable, yet multi-faceted. Something pure, just and worthy. If you look at any web page of news you can see that our society is certainly lacking in this area. What a great time to live as a rebel! Nowadays to be a rebel, all you have to do is be willing to engage in the battle of life, while anchored to Christ!