Unraveling the Mysteries

Accountability

2011-07-24T07:59:00.000-04:00

I am writing this on here for my own personal accountability. I need to incorporate more exercise in my life. So, upon this statement I am trying for a physical activity every day.

Counting Down

2011-07-22T15:52:00.000-04:00

As the countdown continues, every day draws closer and closer to our wedding day. Through this season of 2011, SO much has transformed and gone on both for Ben and myself individually and corporately.

Jobs, ministry, family, health, you name it. Through all of the change, it is so amazing to truly be able to testify that Jesus has remained the same yesterday, today, and will be tomorrow. The true Rock and Foundation that we stand upon. Watching Ben and John become business leaders as they transition into ownership roles of American Carpet Care. They have stepped into the light and have been working so hard to both provide to their future families. I am so proud of them both! As the Scalzo house gets ready for sale, PapaScalz heads south to start a new chapter with his wife Tina, Nicky is close by in Green Brook with Noelle and Alex, it is awesome to see how they stick carry such a strong bond as a family unit. You really just don't see that type of closeness very often anymore. It is truly wonderful to be a part of and I admire them for it as they welcome new people into the family as well.

On another note of changes, Ben faced many fears dealing with doctor appointments, etc. but still to find no answers about this questionable pain on his side. It has been a huge lesson in vulnerabilty, growth, and trust.

In terms of the wedding coming, Ben continues to blow me away. His hearts continues to grow softer more and more, which is so amazing to see this in Jesus. He is so supportive, loving, gentle, and kind. Not only to me, but to mostly everyone he comes into contact with. He has such a genuine passion to get to know other people. It is a blessing to see so much of Jesus in our relationship as we have our ups and downs, but through it all, everything is a lesson, an experience, and an honor to be a part of. Bringing two people together as one, is so powerful and also refining to our flesh. Ben once said, " The closer we grow, the more selfish I realize that I am." Which is so true! As we draw nearer even to Jesus our weaknesses are exposed, and His greatness is truly revealed in that!

Even though there will be a few tears for those we will miss on our wedding day; especially Donna, Beth, and my Daddy Rich, we know that that are celebrating with us is Heaven. Singing over us, as we beging this next step together. I have been in a strong season of healing and sometimes struggled with my grief because of the void I know I can't help but feel to want my own father to be with me there on my wedding day. It breaks my heart, but at the same time I trust in God's ways, especially when it comes to my Dad, because only He knows the truth. And that is where I am filled with peace. So even though our wedding day may be missing a few things, it is filled with a Love that is only of God. A Love that will with no doubt in my mind, knock the socks off of people. And what a joy to be a part of that!

My family DID NOT expect for me to be the first one down the aisle, but I thought I would give Mel a break from always having to do everything first. Breaking everyone in a little bit!

As I continue on in this season in this sizzlin summer, I am drawn to His voice and pureness. I don't think we are ever fully ready for anything that comes our way, and that is why all of the Glory goes to God!!!

I have to say that I am beyond excited to see what is in store for Ben and I (and Bubba too) in this short time we have here together, to share Jesus!
I asked Ben, "Are you sure there is no other woman in the whole world you are meant to marry?" And He said, "If I married anyone else, than I wouldn't be marrying the one that I was made for."

BBQ Favorites

2011-07-17T11:07:00.001-04:00

Because I love food...this is what I claim to be some of the top BBQ foods to bring to a party this summer.

Nana's BBQ Ribs. If you are a rib fan, you need to talk to me about this recipe. It is so easy, and makes the most flavorful juicy ribs! It's all about the Sweet Baby Ray's sauce!

Buffalo Chicken Dip. Something different to bring to the scene! If you love hot sauce, you will love this dip! Every time it's at a party, it seems to be devoured in minutes! It has dairy ingredients, so if you are lactose intolerant, you will have to pass on this one.

Stuffed Zucchini. A somewhat healthy alternative. But if you are growing zucchini's in your garden, this is the perfect way to spice it up. Sausage, pepper, bread crumbs, cheese, and more! One bite and you will be flying high!

Chicken grilled with Duck Sauce. Not many have heard of this trick. But buy a jar of duck sauce, and as your are grilling smother your chicken on both sides. It has a balance of sweetness yet still hearty and juicy. Tastes great with chicken breasts or on the bone!

Greek Vanilla Yogurt with Fruit and a Dash of Maple Syrup. The perfect cool down healthy snack. The maple syrup gives it a little kick.

Mango Salad. A new favorite. You can really make any type of salad you enjoy and just add mango. A personal favorite mixture is lettuce, peppers, cucumbers, cilantro, onions, and mango. It has so many juices that the only dressing you may need is a squeeze of lemon/lime. Yummy!

Mojitos. They have been an all time favorite of the best family. My dad has grow pounds and pounds of fresh mint that overflow on the side of our house every year. You can make it alcoholic or non-alcoholic, whatever you want. You need simple syrup, crushed mint, club soda, rum/vodka, and some ice. Some people use sugar as well, but it is all about preference.

Cookie/Brownie Bars. Betty Crocker has this awesome combo box of cookie and brownie mix. Literally just baking both on top of each other in a baking pan and it comes out delicious!!

Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallow, Brown Sugar, and Butter. Pretty self explanatory! Trick is to nuke them potatoes for a little while, to loosen them up, and then either bake or grill them.

Bloomin' Onion. Passed on from Amanda, so simple. You cut out the center of the onion, place some butter and a bullion cube in it, and then wrap it in foil. Stick it in the oven or grill for about an hour, and there you have a yummy tender flavorful onion for a great side or appetizer snack.

Kingdom

2011-07-17T10:10:00.003-04:00

Something that what revealed to me today in a different way was the word "invisible." I am guilty of so much of my mind being focused on the visible, what I think that I see and know, when these verses share so beautifully otherwise...

Matthew 6:6 -But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Our Father is invisible. We see "in part," but as it says in the book of Corinthians, only God can reveal mysteries to us through His Spirit, who in most cases is invisible.

Luke 17:21 says, "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." The kingdom! That seems almost impossible, for a kingdom to be inside of us. Allowing ourselves to truly meditate on that verse, the royalty, the love, the power, the peace, the realm that is inside of us, is beyond what our minds can fathom. All of which make up our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. "

John 14:23 Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

Romans 8:9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

Ephesians 2:22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

What beautiful, life giving words to hear. May they speak to you and draw you closer in to our Father. Thank you Lord.

rain drops

2011-04-23T20:27:00.000-04:00

falling on high.
we wait for that morning star in the sky.
pouring down, ready for the flowers to grow.
the vibrance on the rainbow that we all want to show.

Photo of the day-last summer Sandy Hook

2011-04-21T23:11:00.000-04:00

"Man Does Not Live on Bread Alone"

2011-04-21T22:58:00.001-04:00

...but on the Word of God.

After watching The Ten Commandments for the very first time with Ben, I was touched by how amazing the film was. Even being made years ago, the quality and story were great.

I am ready to dive deeper into the beginning of the Old Testament. Being able to learn more about God's messenger, His lawgiver, and prophet, I was able to see much of His Christlike character. Symbolism between who Moses was and who Jesus is.

Moses was obedient to God's calling, for the Living Word says "He desires obedience and not sacrifice." To see how Moses did not want to hear about God, or listen to other people talk about Him. But He would only believe through a TRUE encounter with the Lord on his own.

That is so deep and touching to my spirit because that is exactly what we can quickly look passed today. We can go to church, attend Bible studies, do good deeds, but have no direct relationship with the Lord. We can easily "milk" off of other people and never enter into intimacy with Christ.

A great quote states "When you stop living for God, you can start living with Him." So intense! That this is not by works but by pure grace He has called us to His throne of Mercy. Who do we truly follow? Is it a church system, or what others may think of us? Or do we listen for the voice of the Lord to direct us?

It is not always that easy...to trust Jesus. But He says in His word, "He is patient." And He is with His people. He must be, to be so mocked and forgotten by many He created.

Some ask..."What is God's will for my life?" And through revelation of Jesus Himself, I have experienced a deeper answer. He IS our will. Our will IS to know Him, and live through His Breathe. To live through Him and with Him. To bring glory to His name. And all of the rest of the journey, automatically pours out after. The good deeds, the missions, the evangelism cannot be the main focus. Jesus is our main focus, our Prize, our Savior. And through that relationship, the ministries may come.

"He is everything in us all"

Hold on to that silly side of you.....

2011-03-27T21:43:00.002-04:00

....because you are never too old to laugh <3

I'm getting MARRIED!

2011-01-28T15:58:00.000-05:00

September 2, 2011!!!!

Picture of the day

2010-12-13T22:28:00.000-05:00

San Diego Flower! The bees are loving it! July 2010 at San Diego University.

Video of the day-Summer fishing at LBI

2010-12-12T22:01:00.000-05:00

Picture of the day

2010-12-09T23:31:00.000-05:00

A Psalm a Day (Psalm 7)

2010-12-09T23:19:00.001-05:00

Psalm 7

A Meditation^[a] of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite.

¹ O LORD my God, in You I put my trust;
         Save me from all those who persecute me;
         And deliver me,
² Lest they tear me like a lion,
         Rending me in pieces, while there is none to deliver.

³ O LORD my God, if I have done this:
         If there is iniquity in my hands,
⁴ If I have repaid evil to him who was at peace with me,
         Or have plundered my enemy without cause,
⁵ Let the enemy pursue me and overtake me;
         Yes, let him trample my life to the earth,
         And lay my honor in the dust.  Selah

⁶ Arise, O LORD, in Your anger;
         Lift Yourself up because of the rage of my enemies;
         Rise up for me^[b]to the judgment You have commanded!
⁷ So the congregation of the peoples shall surround You;
         For their sakes, therefore, return on high.
⁸ The LORD shall judge the peoples;
         Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness,
         And according to my integrity within me.

⁹ Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end,
         But establish the just;
         For the righteous God tests the hearts and minds.
¹⁰ My defense is of God,
         Who saves the upright in heart.

¹¹ God is a just judge,
         And God is angry with the wicked every day.
¹² If he does not turn back,
         He will sharpen His sword;
         He bends His bow and makes it ready.
¹³ He also prepares for Himself instruments of death;
         He makes His arrows into fiery shafts.

¹⁴ Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity;
         Yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood.
¹⁵ He made a pit and dug it out,
         And has fallen into the ditch which he made.
¹⁶ His trouble shall return upon his own head,
         And his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown.

¹⁷ I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness,
         And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.

Justice prevails through God not on our own doings. For we are all sinners saved through pure grace of Jesus Christ. As it says in the book of Matthew....

"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."

A Psalm a Day (Psalm 7)

2010-12-09T23:18:00.000-05:00

Psalm 7

A Meditation^[a] of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite.

Justice prevails through God not on our own doings. For we are all sinners saved through pure grace of Jesus Christ. As it says in the book of Matthew....

"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."

A Psalm a Day (Psalm 6)

2010-12-08T12:20:00.001-05:00

Psalm 6 (New King James Version)

Psalm 6

To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. On an eight-stringed harp.^[a] A Psalm of David.

¹ O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger,
         Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure.
² Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak;
         O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled.
³ My soul also is greatly troubled;
         But You, O LORD—how long?

⁴ Return, O LORD, deliver me!
         Oh, save me for Your mercies’ sake!
⁵ For in death there is no remembrance of You;
         In the grave who will give You thanks?

⁶ I am weary with my groaning;
         All night I make my bed swim;
         I drench my couch with my tears.
⁷ My eye wastes away because of grief;
         It grows old because of all my enemies.

⁸ Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity;
         For the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.
⁹ The LORD has heard my supplication;
         The LORD will receive my prayer.
¹⁰ Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled;
         Let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly.

FORGIVENESS. THE CROSS. JESUS CHRIST. LAMB OF GOD. SURRENDER. MAJESTIC BEAUTY. GRACE. PERFECT LOVE. THREE IN ONE. HIS LIKENESS. LIGHT. SHELTER. ETERNITY. EMBRACED IN HIS SPIRIT. RAPTURED BY HIS MERCY.

A Psalm a Day (Psalm 5)

2010-12-07T17:14:00.000-05:00

Psalm 5 (New American Standard Bible)

Psalm 5

Prayer for Protection from the Wicked.

For the choir director; for flute accompaniment. A Psalm of David.

    ¹^(A)Give ear to my words, O LORD,
         Consider my ^[a]^(B)groaning.
    ²Heed ^(C)the sound of my cry for help, ^(D)my King and my God,
         For to You I pray.
    ³In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice;
         In the ^(E)morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly ^(F)watch.
    ⁴For You are not a God ^(G)who takes pleasure in wickedness;
         ^(H)No evil dwells with You.
    ⁵The ^(I)boastful shall not ^(J)stand before Your eyes;
         You ^(K)hate all who do iniquity.
    ⁶You ^(L)destroy those who speak falsehood;
         The LORD abhors ^(M)the man of bloodshed and deceit.
    ⁷But as for me, ^(N)by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house,
         At Your holy temple I will ^(O)bow in ^(P)reverence for You.
    ⁸O LORD, ^(Q)lead me ^(R)in Your righteousness ^(S)because of my foes;
         Make Your way straight before me.
    ⁹There is ^(T)nothing reliable in what they say;
         Their ^(U)inward part is destruction itself
         Their ^(V)throat is an open grave;
         They flatter with their tongue.
    ¹⁰Hold them guilty, O God;
         ^(W)By their own devices let them fall!
         In the multitude of their transgressions ^(X)thrust them out,
         For they are ^(Y)rebellious against You.
    ¹¹But let all who ^(Z)take refuge in You ^(AA)be glad,
         Let them ever sing for joy;
         And may You ^(AB)shelter them,
         That those who ^(AC)love Your name may exult in You.
    ¹²For it is You who ^(AD)blesses the righteous man, O LORD,
         You ^(AE)surround him with favor as with a shield.

Something that I was reflecting on last night. Jesus says in the book of John, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." In this case (to me) that makes satan, not the way, the lie, and the death. It is an interesting parellel to think about because everything that God is, the world is not. God's ways are not the world's ways. Take the example of what sex has turned into. Our culture has twisted this expression that God created to bring together man and woman. If someone is now waiting until marriage, our world views this as strange, stupid, and impossible. Our world shows us to take everything and anything we want, to not strive for self-control and discipline but to do as we please.

I don't get heavy into politics, I don't follow much of politics at all, but I do truly believe that God is a God who is so amazing, that created us not to be caught up in the wickedness of the evil one, but to shine in His Light, as lightbearers for His Kingdom (Philippians 2).

A vision that God put on my heart this morning, was the idea that our world has been made into a cold ice age, our hearts and bodies frozen in a world that is desensitized, numb, and medicated by drugs, alcohol, shopping, sex, etc. Through relationship with Jesus Christ, one starts to thaw, heat up and become aware and connected again in union with Lord. As we heat up and thaw, the heat even spreads to those around us. God doesn't want us to be blind and cold to one another, but to love one another unconditionally. To see through His eyes this world that needs saving in His grace. "Wake up o' sleeper." See all that He has done and will always do to bring Glory and Honor to His name.

He calls us to join Him in Heaven, and seek relationship with His Son Jesus Christ. To live a life in Him, which is what we were created for. A life that brings Glory to our Creator. Simplistic submission covered by the Blood of the Lamb. Peace in a heart protected from the noises and chaos trying to lure you. I pray that your heart is touched by the Words of the Living God...read Philippians 2, John 8, Romans 13, and Jude.

I love you.

A Psalm a Day (Psalm 4)

2010-12-06T22:18:00.000-05:00

Psalm 4 (New King James Version)

Psalm 4

To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

¹ Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
         You have relieved me in my distress;
         Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

² How long, O you sons of men,
         Will you turn my glory to shame?
         How long will you love worthlessness
         And seek falsehood?  Selah
³ But know that the LORD has set apart^[a] for Himself him who is godly;
         The LORD will hear when I call to Him.

⁴ Be angry, and do not sin.
         Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.  Selah
⁵ Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
         And put your trust in the LORD.

⁶ There are many who say,
         “Who will show us any good?”
         LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
⁷ You have put gladness in my heart,
         More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
⁸ I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
         For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

You cannot add anything on to who Jesus Christ is, but I shall rejoice in the fact that His Love is my Rock, security, and brings sweet delight to my heart. I am excited for this day He has made, and that His light ALWAYS brings peace and warmth to my spirit. He lifts us up through and against all darkness and we are called to dwell in Him and with Him in the Holy of Holies, the tent not made by human hands. He fills our hearts with Eternity! (Ecclesiastes 3)

My prayer today is for Karen and her family. May God's Spirit bring her comfort and serenity through these times. May her family be filled from head to toe with Your protection and peace. Praise be to You, Lord Jesus. May she dance with You in the Heavens all the days on earth and in Heaven.

Meditate: to reflect on, contemplate; to think about something deeply.
I encourage you to meditate upon our Lord, for a deeper revelation and soaking of who He truly is. In His word, in prayer, and in Spirit. Encourage others around you as well, for we are His Body!

A Psalm a Day (Psalm 3)

2010-12-05T16:33:00.000-05:00

Psalm 3

Morning Prayer of Trust in God.

A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.

    ¹O LORD, how ^(A)my adversaries have increased!
         Many are rising up against me.
    ²Many are saying of my soul,
         "There is no ^(B)deliverance for him in God." ^[a]Selah.
    ³But You, O LORD, are ^(C)a shield about me,
         My ^(D)glory, and the One who ^(E)lifts my head.
    ⁴I was crying to the LORD with my voice,
         And He ^(F)answered me from ^(G)His holy mountain. Selah.
    ⁵I ^(H)lay down and slept;
         I awoke, for the LORD sustains me.
    ⁶I will ^(I)not be afraid of ten thousands of people
         Who have ^(J)set themselves against me round about.
    ⁷^(K)Arise, O LORD; ^(L)save me, O my God!
         For You have ^(M)smitten all my enemies on the cheek;
         You have ^(N)shattered the teeth of the wicked.
    ⁸^(O)Salvation belongs to the LORD;
         Your ^(P)blessing be upon Your people! Selah.

This song sings a prayer of protection to my heart. Seeing a deep symbolism as Jesus as our shield through the Cross. In the new testament (as my boyfriend referenced), shield is expressed being "of faith." Christ is the Author of our Faith, the One who is.

"I was crying to the Lord with my voice..." When we cry out, and our hearts ache, are we centering on Jesus? Am I using my own strength to try and mend a situation?

Arise and Awaken my heart Oh Lord. "For His mercies are new every morning." Forgive us for turning to the world instead of You. Help us to seek You through the obstacles we face. The Healer and Redeemer.

Thankful for my boyfriend: Because he puts up with my stubborn and prideful moments that I struggle with. And for God placing him into my life in His perfect time.

A Psalm a Day (Psalm 2)

2010-12-02T09:31:00.000-05:00

Psalm 2 (New American Standard Bible)

Psalm 2

The Reign of the LORD'S Anointed.

    ¹Why are ^(A)the nations in an uproar
         And the peoples ^(B)devising a vain thing?
    ²The ^(C)kings of the earth take their stand
         And the rulers take counsel together
         ^(D)Against the LORD and against His ^[a]^(E)Anointed, saying,
    ³"Let us ^(F)tear their fetters apart
         And cast away their cords from us!"
    ⁴He who ^[b]sits in the heavens ^(G)laughs,
         The Lord ^(H)scoffs at them.
    ⁵Then He will speak to them in His ^(I)anger
         And ^(J)terrify them in His fury, saying,
    ⁶"But as for Me, I have installed ^(K)My King
         Upon Zion, ^(L)My holy mountain."
    ⁷"I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD:
         He said to Me, 'You are ^(M)My Son,
         Today I have begotten You.
    ⁸'Ask of Me, and ^(N)I will surely give ^(O)the nations as Your inheritance,
         And the very ^(P)ends of the earth as Your possession.
    ⁹'You shall ^[c]^(Q)break them with a rod of iron,
         You shall ^(R)shatter them like earthenware.'"
    ¹⁰Now therefore, O kings, ^(S)show discernment;
         Take warning, O ^[d]judges of the earth.
    ¹¹Worship the LORD with ^(T)reverence
         And rejoice with ^(U)trembling.
    ¹²Do homage to ^(V)the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,
         For ^(W)His wrath may ^[e]soon be kindled
         How blessed are all who ^(X)take refuge in Him!

A Psalm a Day (Psalm 1)

2010-12-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

Psalm 1 (New American Standard Bible)

Psalm 1

The Righteous and the Wicked Contrasted.

BOOK 1

    ¹How blessed is the man who ^(A)does not walk in the ^(B)counsel of the wicked,
         Nor stand in the ^(C)path of sinners,
         Nor ^(D)sit in the seat of scoffers!
    ²But his ^(E)delight is ^(F)in the law of the LORD,
         And in His law he meditates ^(G)day and ^(H)night.
    ³He will be like ^(I)a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
         Which yields its fruit in its season
         And its leaf does not wither;
         And in whatever he does, ^(J)he prospers.
    ⁴The wicked are not so,
         But they are like ^(K)chaff which the wind drives away.
    ⁵Therefore ^(L)the wicked will not stand in the ^(M)judgment,
         Nor sinners in ^(N)the assembly of the righteous.
    ⁶For the LORD ^(O)knows the way of the righteous,
         But the way of ^(P)the wicked will perish.

I am excited to be diving deeper into the psalms, as they have such a rich poetic filling of our Lord Jesus in a scenic musical expression. The psalms swim deeply into the heart through the living waters of Christ.

The Bible speaks to many people in many different ways, and it is beautiful how God's Word is so real and so alive, that it is always powerful each and every moment. <3

When I was reading over and soaking in these words, one thing that I really connected with, was how hard it can be at times to stay on the righteous path when we are in a world that desires for us to be with the ways of the wicked. When reflecting on the word wicked, I don't identify "wicked" with a person, but with the deeper spiritual symbolism that we are a part of everyday. But what happens is, wickedness becomes the place where one can be because they are following the ways of darkness, and have not accepted Christ. "We cannot be a slave to two masters." We are either serving Light or darkness.

Whether we choose to believe it or pay attention to it or not, there is a spiritual realm of good and evil happening all around us every day. This just emphasizes the amazing protection that Christ gives us through His Life. Through Him, His Blood protects us and has victoriously claimed us as children of Light.

We sometimes forget this, that He has delightfully given us power and authority in His name and "greater works than these will he do." (John 14) Jesus is telling us, He must go to the Father, and through this, being filled with The Holy Spirit, we will do even greater works! This seems unfathomable to our minds, yet speaks truth to the heart.

I desire to grow more in the Word, and with others to be encouraged and seek Jesus, for the amazing Lord and Savior that He truly is. To seek His face with the Body of Christ. And it all starts with just receiving Him, and devotion. Turning our hearts inwardly to Him, ahhhh.

Getting back to the psalm, another line that hit me was that "the wicked will not stand in the judgement." To not stand....pretty intense....

I encourage that these writings open your heart to seek Jesus personally as I am hungry to take more time to really study His word, patiently and diligently. We can easily can caught up in our fast paced lifestyle, that just as the phrase goes "stop and smell the roses," we can read the Word but not allow ourselves the time to SMELL it, and taste all that it truly is.

I love you in Jesus Christ.

Today I am thankful for: Papa Scalzo, for giving me my first Bible in summer 2008.

Good article!

2010-11-16T17:55:00.000-05:00

The Unclenched Fist

2010-11-09T18:03:00.003-05:00

Today God showed a beautiful symbol to me. Take your fist, hold it tightly together. (clenched) This is the hand gesture we perform as if we are ready to fight, when we are tense, closed off, etc.

Our Lord is calling us to have an unclenched fist, a hand that is open, that is surrendered and is available to be used by God. An open hand is free, is weak. A clenched fist cannot hold a hand, or help another. But an open hand can be used for labor, serving our Lord. An open hand can hold a child or make dinner for an elderly man.

An open hand can climb the mountain or help a friend put on a band-aid.

Take a moment to really reflect on this. How closed off are you? How clenched is your hand, that God is unable to use it?

May this expression bring you enlighten and open your eyes to all that God has for you; through submission to His will through an open heart and open hand.

Freedom

2010-10-20T09:52:00.000-04:00

For you brothers were called to freedom, only you must not let your freedom be an excuse for the gratification of your lower nature, but in LOVE be slaves to one another. Galatians 5

Throughout this passage and through His Living Word, we are shown a detailed illustration of LOVE. As the source of all, a word that parallels with who God is. GOD IS LOVE.

When His word states: love your neighbor, love your enemy, love the Lord. These tasks seems utterly hopeless and impossible to do. That is because they are. LOVE THAT IS GOD, is Eternal, All Powerful, and is within us when we are in union with Jesus. When we realize that we have nothing to offer God, when there is nothing we can give up or sacrifice or do that makes us worthy of deserving the grace that He freely gives, that is when we truly can accept Him and experience this FREEDOM. Jesus showed His love to the Father through PERFECT OBEDIENCE. He Loves through us, through the surrender of the self. In obedience to His will.

John 15:13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other.

When reflecting upon His word, and soaking it in, it really can open our hearts to the mercy that God has upon us. We can be reading the Bible but we continually miss soooo much of what God is speaking into our hearts and spirit. As the Spirit is fed by His word, our flesh is overcome.

A season that I can personally say that I am in, and that I believe we go through a number of times, is seeing how far I actually am from grasping the fullness of who He is. And through this we are completely humbled. But as His word says in Galations 5, "Practice living by the Spirit and then by no means will you gratify the cravings of your lower nature." This is a strong message....PRACTICE.

Practice (noun) - habitual or customary performance - repeated performance or systematic exercise for the purpose of acquiring skill or proficiency

What is amazing about Jesus, is that He is continually working within us, as we remain in Him. There isn't a means of practice for perfection but there is an overcoming in the flesh as we spend our devoted time in "practice." Quiet time with Him in the morning, centering back on Jesus throughout the day, practice of surrender, worship in music or other means of serving. Anything that is of Eternal goodness with Christ as the center focus is practice. Practice is not always an action, but a peaceful place remaining in His presence and the acceptance of His grace.
Practicing losing our lives daily, to let Him in to reign within us, to be glorified and shine victoriously. Amen.
    " At some point in our practice we come to realize that our spiritual preconceptions, ambitions, and attitudes stand between us and Our Father, obstructing the way and blocking His light".--Brother Lawrence.
We need to stop trying to be something we are not. We are sinners, seeking to crave our lower nature, self-centered and tainted. Only to be cleansed and purified by the blood of the Lamb.
Revelation 19-Hallelujah!
1After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:
"Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
    2for true and just are his judgments.    He has condemned the great prostitute       who corrupted the earth by her adulteries.    He has avenged on her the blood of his servants." 3And again they shouted:    "Hallelujah!    The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever."
4The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried:    "Amen, Hallelujah!"
5Then a voice came from the throne, saying:    "Praise our God,       all you his servants,    you who fear him,       both small and great!"
6Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:    "Hallelujah!       For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7Let us rejoice and be glad       and give him glory!    For the wedding of the Lamb has come,       and his bride has made herself ready. 8Fine linen, bright and clean,       was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)
9Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' " And he added, "These are the true words of God."
10At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

Thank you Jesus.

Eyes Blind

2010-09-09T10:20:00.000-04:00

When they told you that your one night stand was no big deal, they lied. (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)

When you stopped talking to your spouse and turned your back on him, just to get sucked into a lustful affair you "thought" was love, the Heavens cried. (Matthew 19 & Ephesians 5)

When you closed your eyes to the man begging for food, fooling yourself that someone else can come to help him, no one ever did. (Luke 10:25-37)

You settled for the higher paying job just to get that new car, gain more "power," but now your daughter Haley has no one to tuck her in bed at night after your 13 hour work day. (Matthew 6:21)

You spend $5.00 every morning on your favorite Starbuck's latte and neglect to give money to your friend falling behind on her rent because "you don't have the money." (Mark 12:41-44 & Luke 21:1-4)

You accept that this is just the way life is. Earth becoming a place where everyone walks with their head to the ground. (Genesis 3-4)

Just because we don't always expose ourselves to all of the hardships of this world, you know they are all still happening. Trapped in a numb place, of drugs, addictions, drinking, brainwashed to think your excuse is "this life is too hard" or "what's the point." (1 Corinthians 10:21)

Your God, Our God longs to free you from this place, to save your soul from the traps of satan. God is speaking, but are we listening? Your life here is but a blink of an eye. Are your actions leading to a place of selfish, darkness? Mine are, unless I turn to Jesus. (Psalm 121)

Stop trying, give up, for Jesus is the One who wants to work through you to call His children Home to Abba Father. No one is going to ever understand you, comfort you, heal you, and love you like the one who is love. He will never leave you, He is always faithful in an unfaithful world. (Psalm 36:5 & Romans 3:3)

Whispering into the depths of your heart, I love you so much I gave up my Son as a ransom to claim you as My Own. (Mark 10:45)

Jesus

2010-09-06T22:52:00.001-04:00

Focus on Jesus. Seek His Face.Pulled away by each distraction, turn inward to the repentance He has gracefully given to His children at the foot of the cross.The wounds of His hands and feet that proclaim your place in His Kingdom.

The world gripping at your feet, noise, selfishness, longing to devour the path paved by the Holy One.

Jesus is calling you.Step away from the dirty ground built upon feelings,built upon power and false idols.

Stand on the Holy Land of Mt. Zion, welcome Him into the heart.

Ignited fire set off only by the Lord. All of fuel agents only to lose its flame. Battling of the phases we face in the flesh. Suffocated by the constant appetite cravings of the seen realm, never satisfied,reaching deeper into a darker plateau,of extreme blindness.

Ego built on the broken road of pride. Only to crumble at foot of the cross.

Branches longing for fruit, rivers longing for water, laterns empty of oil, brides with no groom, a body with no direction from the Head, a son with no place to go, a sheep with no Shepherd, a field with no workers. A gardener with no garden. Orphans with no Daddy. A deaf man lost in the desert.

Choice to repent, or perish away with the grass withering in the wind. Jesus, all around You. Open wide.

Oh Lord

2010-08-26T13:55:00.000-04:00

Why do I fight you oh Lord?
Who am I anyway?
But a cloud of dust you created to just love us
in all of Your days.
Straying from the path you've made, cover us in the shade.
You long to rest your head among your Body.
Where is everyone?
Why is no one looking up at you?
Ignoring Your Magnificent Beauty as if you aren't real?
Who is living for You? How is a servant not to serve his King?
That is for You to judge and us to repent within the Spirit not the skin.

Repent...

2010-08-12T23:24:00.000-04:00

..."For the Kingdom of Heaven is near." (Matthew 3:2) One of the most well known verse of the Bible, but do we really take John the Baptist's words to our heart? Are we turning towards our Savior to transform our minds away from the sin we are now aware of committing, or do we choose to live in it? From the act of free will, Jesus Christ gives us the choice to accept Him as our resurrected Savior, here to rescue us from condemnation, death, and bondage. So why do we choose at times to stay in this place? Why does our flesh feel more comfortable in the predictability of known mediocre comfort rather than true Freedom, living in each moment God has graciously given us. So, we can sit here and say over and over again..."What is wrong with us?" But no matter how hard we TRY, we are sinners, fallen into a life of sin, trapped and dying slowly everyday by the feeding of our lowly nature into a place of darkness. But then a light shines, to remind us that Jesus Christ went to the cross to set us free, to save us from this place of hopeless death. In Him, we find True Life, only pure and blameless when coated in His Glorified Love.

Catch up time!

2010-07-22T17:13:00.000-04:00

So as I write this I am having a hard time getting comfortable, mostly because I have about 10 staples in my behind right now. Yesterday I hit up the same-day surgery center for a little fun with my sidekicks Benjy and Momma Best. About two years ago, I developed a cyst on my tailbone. It is a lot more pain than the words can spell out. I had been in so much pain at that point, I thought it was broken, so I had found myself at an orthopedic getting x-rays. With no signs of a broken tailbone in sight, a few days later I found myself at Somerset Medical Center face down, getting cut open to relieve the pain. The thing about these cysts, is that they are very likely to cause you issues again, unless you get the surgery I got yesterday where they actually remove the whole cyst itself and remove the tract that it formed. So enough with those details, just need a little background before "diving in."

So like any other event with my mom, it is always filled with ups and downs. That woman's emotions change more than the street lights on a highway. (yes I am a horrible joke teller) But she is the most predictable woman with unpredictable waves of emotion. She cries when most people laugh, and she worries when most people....well really all the time. The only time she isn't worrying is when she is sleeping, and I am pretty sure about 95% of the time her dreams are filled with things she worries about.

So back to yesterday. I found myself hanging out in the waiting room for more than two hours. Fasting, because you can't have any liquids or food I started getting very impatient. Hanging out in a hospital robe in a waiting room wit yellow booties and the news channel on TV with your mom and boyfriend can only be entertaining for so long.

I am a very sensitive person (thanks genes!) so I probably shed tears during every rite of passage a surgery entails. (No I didn't cry when I peed in a cup) But I did when the IV went in, when I was escorted into the OR and when I woke up out of anesthesia. I think it is very humorous how they give a patient Valium before the OR to "relax" them. I am sure this most likely started being a part of the surgery routine after a few people lost it on their way. I was very calm at that point. One odd thing was that the anesthesia they used, definitely stung my insides before I passed out. I told Ben that for a brief moment I felt like Wolverine when they injected him with that painful silver stuff.

So moving on, it was definitely a long day for everyone. In the recovery room, coming out of the anesthesia, I didn't waste any time getting to know the nurses. I just don't roll well with small talk, especially if I'm half not coherent. I usually started a conversation with a "how are you?" but quickly dive into deep life discussions about life, love, and God. So Linda was my angelic nurse. She literally just had the love of Jesus all over her. She made me feel comfortable, we talked about careers and life. I told her all about the loss of my father and my found faith. Even told her about my dreams, hopes, family, and being blessed with great friends and an amazing boyfriend. She did have time to talk too! Her son is in college, she has been a nurse at Somerset for about 15 years, and became a manager but stepped down because she missed the one on one contact with the patients. The nurse next to us, coulnd't help but engage in our conversation once it kicked off into church and missions trips.

Last week before this adventure, I was with a church group building houses in Mexico. (Blogs on that experience to come.) I was talking about how I worked at STAR 99.1 and the nurse next to us asked if I knew Jennifer and George going to India. And boy do I! Jenn GDubbs is one of my co-workers but more one of my best friends. Macy is on the missions team going with Jenn and George to India. To find out all about JennGW and their India trip click here or here.

But the idea behind this blog is, what was the point of this cyst? People always ask the question, God why did this happen to me? But truthfully aside from the pain and a few other things in between, I get it. I see more than a few reasons why I was to get this surgery. Time to write this blog, destiny to meet those nurses. Faith and trust in God for getting me through it. Mel is keeping me company (maybe cooking me dinner), Rachel even took the time to call me, (woopwoop!)Bonding time with Ben, because he has literally held my hand, bought me ice cream, read to me, and treated me like a princess every step of the way through this. My mom loves taking care of people, she filled my face with smoochies all last night. I think when she sees her kids in these type of vulnerable states, it reminds her of our childhood days when we needed her to kiss all our boo-boos goodbye. To be honest, even though her cheeck smooches are a little too hard for my liking, they are filled with an abundance of love and warmth.

A lesson that God has really had on my heart lately is attitude. And it is a choice that we ourselves need to make. We can choose to look at all the things that stink, because sometimes life can be pretty smelly. But take a look at the Light, and I guarantee you, your heart will shine in ways you can't imagine. I could be sitting here sulking in my own stapled stubbornness or embrace the fact that I am blessed with an amazing family, support system, life, doggie, medical aid, eyes, ears, and the list can go on.

So I challenge you to take every thought captive in Christ! Fight against the "pity party" for yourself, let go of the grudges, and love the life you got!! Even if you live to be a 100, which many of us won't, God blesses us with one opportunity to seize each day in a new way.

If you are bored, then you are most likely holding back form the life you are destined to live. Our minds can't fathom all of the endless things there are to learn and take in, so to be bored is to only be living close-minded Step out, dream, and goooo!

Writing off the Rules

2010-06-09T14:42:00.000-04:00

In today's world, you hear, see and get absorbed into how people are always trying to define and shape Love. I'm not just talking about romantic love, but Universal Love. As if man has any say on writing the rules to Love. We play games, set boundaries, and try to outsmart Love.

When all the while, Love is what shapes US, defines US, and changes US (not the other way around). As humans, we automatically want to know all the answers, even before questions are asked, due to our fear and desire to be in control of situations. We say we like spontaneity and being surprised, but how many times did you cheat and sneak a peak at your Christmas presents days before they were under the tree? How many times did you ask someone the ending of a movie just because you didn't want to be caught off guard by the result. We keep on skipping to the ending, missing all of the good stuff that is meant to happen along the way. By knowing what your Christmas presents already are, your parents miss the REAL surprised look on your face of joy that they really bought you that new guitar you always wanted. By knowing the end of the movie, you miss all of the little things that build up to understanding theme of what the movie is all about. Why do we want to skip all of the good stuff? Why are we so impatient?

This in some ways can connect with what our world has done with Love. We have skipped all of the good stuff, and gone right for what the ending result is meant to be.

I can definitely relate to this, this is one way...

Dating, relationships, courtship, etc seem to be very foggy in understanding what is right. We have stepped in and used TV, movies, and past knowledge to shape the relationships we develop. I did this, I saw a movie and thought, "O so this is how I should be treated, and this is how a boy should treat me." "This couple is kissing at that age, so I should be too." Tie that in, with peer pressure, the example of your parents relationship, and next thing you know, you may be so confused with what is even going on, and how you got there.

We don't realize how much we are influenced by our surroundings, our families, and the media around us. I was in a place of missing all the good stuff, engaging in intimate levels of a relationship that my heart was not ready for. I was giving away parts of my heart that I wasn't meant to give away. In relationships where the physical was far past the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. On the outside seeming ok with my choices, but on the inside hurt knowing that something just wasn't right. That imbalance caused a lot of hurt and pain in my life, losing confidence in who I was, and lacking belief that I was made for more. Being on a path of awakened awareness of reality and truth 2 years ago, I can honestly say for the first time in my Life I have stopped trying to control Love, and let Love teach me, change me, and ignite Life in me like I have never known before. Understanding that True Love waits, not just in romantic relationships but in all relationships with people. Being patient with people for them to open their hearts to you, to go through those stages of trust and growth within eachother's lives.

To truly Live in Love, one must Trust Love, trust that Love knows what is best for you, Love protects you, and Love has the power to transform you into the being you were created to be. Love ignites even the deepest darkest places of your heart, healing you and bringing you into a realm of Light and Peace.

It is easy to fall into a gap of listening to what everyone else is doing, influencing us in ways that we don't even realize. The Truth is, that we must grow to understand and know God. God is Love. To be in Love, is the same to be in God. They are one in the same word with a different spelling. God the Eternal Unconditional Lover of our souls, He is the One who is to teach us about Love, for this is Who He Is. In the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13 paints a beautiful symphony of this Love, but that is only touching the surface to encompassing a power that is greater than death!

God (Love) is the One who inspires you to desire to change the world, to shine that Light in someone's bad day, to take out the garbage for your mom, to help that old lady with her groceries, to get up in the morning with the understanding that He needs you to be His Hands and Feet to a world in need of a Savior.

Your Love Never Fails

2010-06-05T22:43:00.000-04:00

"You stay the same through the ages.
Your Love never changes.
There may be pain in the night, but joy comes in the morning."

Dear Abba,

June 16, 2010 will be two years since my Dad was swept away from my feet, excuse the harshness but literally drowned away in the depths of the sea. Every single moment of that day is imbedded in my mind to never forsake me. In the blink of an eye, my joy was ripped from the depths of my soul into a place of cold, lonely, and confusing darkness.

But then You showed me the Way....

"You make all things work together for my good."

For so long it was as if I was searching for You, and You were there all along. Preparing me, Loving me, Saving me in ways I can't even begin to recognize. Why has the world been so blinded by Who You Really Are? Before losing my dad, I looked at You as Someone who wasn't living, may or may not have been real, and I was too sinful to even be looked at by You. The world kept pulling me in deeper and deeper to the distractions, the pain, and the hopelessness that engulfs most of our daily routines. But behind the curtain, was this whole other world that NO ONE had told me about. This realm of Truth, Love, Respect, Growth, Realness, and Understanding. A place to really be yourself, a place to feel at home and safe. Your arms swept me off of my feet and raptured me in a Peace and Security that I had never known.

When I was younger, I was always what some would call a "pushover" and still am in a lot of ways, but I kept "drowning" in the pleasing of others, always falling away from the path You kept calling me to. I look back now and see all the signs, the miracles, and the moments that led me straight to You.

I know a lot of people look at me like I am crazy, or too "over the top" for You, but You did warn us. "They will hate you as they hated Me." As You are my witness, if anyone has seen the things that I have experienced in the past two years, there would be no turning back for them either. We can't label others before even knowing them, and that is what our world has done with You my Lord. We have been trained to run when we hear or see the word G-O-D and hide our tail between our legs, when in all Truth Your Word states to instead "Draw near to me."

It comes to a point of awareness and surrender to You. Even on a quick note, You give us fruits of the Spirit. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control. Now, if these are what stem from union with You, where is the harm? Why is the world so afraid of kindness? It is so twisted and bizarre how backwards everything is when taken the time to reflect on the illusions around us. Many of us are addicted to TV, drinking, drugs, sex, shopping, etc etc. Egging each other on to "get wasted" literally waste away the body and lose inhibitions, but it is looked at as weird when we Worship You Lord, The One Who IS Love?

You protect us from darkness, You comfort us. You delight in us. You pray for us. You created us. You guide us. You encourage us. You believe in us. You never leave us. You teach us. You heal us. You are patient with us. You counsel us. You forgive us. You Live in us. YOU LOVE US.

This is the Your "Good News." Revealing You to a world in need to know the REAL YOU. Share, spread, ignite. I was lost until someone took the time to talk to me about who You really are, and showed me to a Love Unconditionally made in Your Image. Thank You Father for opening my eyes to what this life is all about. I know Your children need You more than I can possibly fathom.

YOUR LOVE NEVER FAILS

**ALL OF THE QUOTES ARE THE LYRICS FROM "YOUR LOVE NEVER FAILS" BY JESUS CULTURE AND INSPIRED BY ROMANS 8.

Reaction

2010-05-27T16:41:00.000-04:00

A crisis situation, a new beginning, a rude remark, an exciting trip. We have all heard the saying "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it."

This is very true. Two people can be given the same situation and each end up in a totally different place at the end of the journey. Every obstacle there is a choice behind it, how you deal, how you handle, the words you utter, do you run away or stay put? Some people lock themselves away, hide because they would not be able to face anything else possibly occurring on their plate. Others run into the face of chaos and let it spill over into their lives losing all sight and control over themselves. Emotions triggered, harming people standing in their way. Some need to be alone, some need to be surrounded by people. These are places we have all been at one point or another. Our emotions streaming through our veins so ferociously, doing anything to be able to let all the pain, sadness, or anger be relinquished.

So back to reaction.....it is your choice. It can harm those around you, it can be an encouragement. Each choice having its own road, its own place to travel. When I was a young girl, no matter what it was that upset me, I always ran away. My heart felt like it was on the edge of explosion. Tear ducts filling with water, I always had to evacuate the scene knowing within seconds I would be a complete and utter mess. When I ran away, it was my escape, the one time when, according to my mind, no one could possibly find me. I needed that peace to cope, to clear my senses, and reflect on what had just caused such an emotional reaction within me. I cried it out, took some deep breathes, then when I gained composure, I would find my way back home.

As I am getting older, I have experienced some tragedies, some miracles, but the best thing that has ever happened to me was being rescued by Jesus Christ. No matter where I am, what I do, and what happens next, He is ALWAYS my Safe Haven and Comforting Place catching every single one of my tears drops and supporting me every step of the way. Cheering me on, Lifting me up, Counseling my heart. He protects me with His Fatherly Love, Listens to me as My Beloved Friend, and Holds me Like the Adoring Bridegroom He is to His bride.

This world hurts, it shatters my heart at times. This world has tried to destruct my dreams. This world has blinded me from the Truth. But none of that matters, because I have a Savior who is Has overcome the world. He has conquered, He proclaims, and His Love is more Powerful than any other form of existence. He is the Creator of creation, there is nothing that can measure to the one who has developed measurement in the first place.

When hopelessness fills me, I wipe away any tears that may be veiling my eyes, and am exposed to the Depths of His Presence and Realness to us all. I only hope that if you already haven't, you see Jesus for who He really is, because Love is who He is, and we were made to do nothing but Love in His Name.

Church! Church? Church...

2010-05-26T09:21:00.000-04:00

One of the most controversial topics in today's society is church. In past, I am not one to really express words on matters that can bring about conflict but God has really poured into my heart the beginning of a journey to dig into the idea of church, gathering as a community, ecclesia, etc. This is meant to cause no offense to beliefs or opinions, just a writing that breaks down the raw background of church and where we may be standing today.

Looking around town you see all different denominations of churches. Some welcoming you in, some....well not. You hear about their Sunday services, midweek prayer meetings, and certain families that have been attending their church for over 50 years. You are invited to a friend's baptism at a Catholic church. You, being raised in a Protestant home, don't feel too comfortable in this environment. You don't recognize their prayers, can't follow along with the ceremony, and feel a sense of separation, standing firm in your own pride to represent your church. To this same baptism, a non-denominational Christian walks in. They see priests dressed in robes and automatically may be feeling judgemental. They can't share in the Eucharist because they weren't baptized in a Catholic church. The ceremony goes on, the reception takes off and everyone is joining in conversation and socializing.

According to the Bible, which I will bring in specific scriptures later, the reception may have been the most "churchy" part of the event. This isn't meant to blame or poke the finger at anyone, but just a writing of awareness to the true facts of what society has brought to church. At the reception here is fellowship, celebration, a feast, and more of an opportunity for openness and bonding. When I was growing up in the Catholic church, I thought the priests were better than me. They were special people that could talk to God, and I couldn't. In turns out, I was turning to them for all of things I was meant to turn to Jesus about. I was looking to them instead of to my own personal relationship with God.

After my father died, a family counseled me and opened my eyes to what church really is all about. We are the church, the Ecclesia, a group of people coming together that belong to the Lord. The origin of church stems from the Greek word kuriakos, meaning "the Lord's." Just because one does not attend a Sunday church service, does not make them any worse off than the other person who may attend church meetings all week.

It all begins with relationship, a relationship with Jesus Christ. Understanding that this relationship is not a convenient on/off switch, but it is a union between the Creator and His creation. An everlasting covenant sealed by the blood Jesus shed on the Cross. Through this Cross, Rising up so that we are marked with the pouring out of His Holy Spirit. A powerful message, that is proclaimed ALL through out the Bible.

Church organizations around the world are doing amazing and miraculous things. They are guiding people to a relationship with Jesus Christ, they are spreading the Good News with His Love and Sincerity. This is just to encourage you to not forget, there are thousands of churches out there who need help, who are suffocating, suffering, and need His children to open their doors and let in the light.

This is a writing of encouragement, to recognize that denominations are a great historical and family tradition. They are amazing to be a part of, but just don't forget about all of the people in the world that are ALL a part of His Church. I read something and it said "It isn't about building numbers in the church, it is about bringing the children to His Kingdom."

That homeless man, that girl who was kicked out of her house for getting pregnant, your stubborn step-father, these are all people who need Jesus just as much as you do, God holding "no favoritism or partiality." The Sunday Service at church is a great time to come together as a Body of Christ, to praise and worship as One Spirit, but God has just really been pouring into my heart about bringing real "church" to the everyday world.

Your quiet time, your "rest in Him" is where He fills you. Don't let yourself feed off of other people instead of Jesus Christ. I am guilty of it at times. It is an easy trap to fall into, and as humans we are lazy. God wants all of you, wholeheartedly devoted to Him. Through that relationship, He heals you (Mark 1), transforms you, (Romans 12), in a union that nothing can ever separate (Romans 8).

Don't ever feel like God is not with you. He doesn't abandon you and come back when He feels like it. Most of the time that is our minds and our own self just not letting Him in. Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8) He is not just present on Sundays, but with you always, wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9).

This is just the beginning, God is building a new wave of followers in His name, to pour out a Spirit of Faith based on the foundation of His Love and Purpose for us beyond the walls of any building.

Dance with Me

2010-05-17T12:39:00.000-04:00

There was once a little girl who had lost her way.

All she wanted to do was find a place to call home one day.

Since she was young, all she dreamed of was dance.

She would spin and twirl all around at any open chance.

But along the road, the world crumbled at her feet.

Her heart had been broken, devastated in defeat.

Betrayal, loss, and fear gave her hopeless sorrow to what this life was all about.

But hurting inside, trapped in silence, her voice found no breathe to shout.

Tears fell down her face as she lay in bed at night,

her stomach tossing and turning knowing something just isn't right.

The emptiness grew to loneliness, loneliness to distance.

When she had reached the very bottom and had no where else to turn,

she fell down on her knees and gave up all to turn.

She let out a loud cry, breathed in a huge sigh,

and finally kissed her guilt goodbye.

She opened her heart for the first time to a Love she has never known.

A flashback glowed in her mind as the years began to hit rewind.

Back to that first night under the stars,

where she would spin in the wind and dance with a twirl.

Back to that time when she was just an innocent little girl.

A quiet gentle voice came up close to her ear, and beautifully whispered

"I need you to dance for Me, my ballerina dear."

The sun started to rise as dawn was surely near.

Jesus wrapping His arms around her, bottling up every tear.

From that moment on, she forever lived in Love and not fear.

Random Yet Not All at the Same Time

2010-04-29T15:50:00.000-04:00

When people define the word random, it deals with the idea that there is no pattern, or preconcieved notion as to why this circumstance or moment may be taking place. We live in a world that thrives off of survival in predictablity, being 10 steps ahead of the next 10 steps. We are sucking the life our of life by needing to have full control over everything.

Life is more fun when it is random. Not saying that we have to be a mess and all over the place to have fun, but allowing God to work in our lives, most encounters and experiences will be random, but they will be amazing.

Most of the random comes from allowing ourselves to step out of the comfortable routine, beyond our usual boring limits and into a realm of new and exciting things. I decided RANDOMLY to go to Arizona, had the best weekend ever. My dad RANDOMLY bought us our dog Bubba. Well we know how that goes.

Doing the same thing all the time gets boring because it is boring. The Spirit moves in all ways that God directs. It is what walks us into the light of purpose. That is where the excitement begins. I have been studying and praying about this more, longing and not settling for what I have today. Thankful, but ready for whatever God has planned next.

RANDOM PICTURE!

The perfect date

2010-04-28T14:19:00.000-04:00

Many of us start of the with the norm...." I want to walk on the beach, holding hands, as the sun sets and we are looking into eachother's eyes."

But truthfully, the perfect date has nothing to do with where you go and everything to do with who you are with. I have been taken to amazing places, shown unforgettable things, but it all only has that special value when you are with the person you love.

I have taken trips alone to Texas, Florida, Philadelphia, etc and they have been exhilarating, eye opening, and fantastic. But there is just something about being in the presence with the person who holds the key to your heart. Through all of the ups and downs life has thrown at me I am overwhelmed with how thankful I am to have such an amazing best friend, partner in crime, and love like Ben. He makes me feel beautiful on the inside and out.

Before even focusing on anything romantic, he just sees me unlike anyone else does. It is amazing to see how God has truly melted both of our hearts through the past few years shaping into a love that I have never known was real. All from God, so pure, I feel so blessed. My heart still beats out of my chest when I am with him.

In Christ, love starts with the spirit, enters into the mind, and the physical is just an extra means and blessing of outward expression in the language of love. This is just the beginning, through prayer and time, I am excited to see what God has in store for us, what purpose being together holds, and all that has, is, and is to come!

Never underestimate the power of a thank you

2010-04-13T16:16:00.000-04:00

Challenge yourself. Take a week, and just extend yourself to showing appreciation and thanks for all that is given to you. You already have everything you need, the rest is just a gift. There is just something about the humbling act of saying thank you that brings people together. It may have to do with the fact that we realize we are all in need of help, a lending hand to one another. We are all meant to serve one another, and letting others know that they have truly made a difference in our day or even in our lives is warming to the heart. We all want a purpose, a direction to go, start with opening your heart to letting others in. It isn't all about you, but it is all about God, and His beautiful creation!

Falling into the Trap

2010-04-12T15:33:00.000-04:00

Listening to so many people, you start to hear a trend. "I am bored." Another good word for boredom is ennui which is defined as listlessness and dissatisfaction resulting from lack of interest. Looking back on your life, do you want it to be filled with ennui, lacking zeal and meaning?

A good place to start with this seeking is as the root of the issue. Where is your heart? What really matters to you? And do your values and beliefs align with your daily activity? Many of us are asked the question, "What do you love?" A very generic answer begins with our family and friends, may continue on with our jobs, and trickle down to hobbies and or activities. What blows my mind, is the fact that most people aren't living lives that involves one inch of anything they consider to "love."

For the longest time, I was so lost about where to find purpose and meaning. I had no idea where to even begin to get to the path of doing things that I truly love. It is hard to change, hard to break out of habits especially ones that we fill comfortable in, but truthfully, I truly felt BORED, lacking the motivation to do anything that could have meaning. I had all this passion, with no direction of where to go with it.

Everyone wants purpose, everyone wants meaning. When we feel like we don't have a meaning for even being alive, we fill ourselves with articifical fixations, "fillers," and distractions to hide and avoid what we are truly feeling which is hopelessness.

Love is what directs us towards accomplsihing what we love. God is Love and He is the only one who can direct your heart to it's destiny. He knows your heart better than anyone else, I mean He lives inside your heart! No friend, husband, or sibliing will ever even come close to how close your relationship with God is, and that is okay! He delights in doing everything with you and being your First Love and Last Love. Without Him, we aren't being guided or motivated by Love, and if Love is the foundation of all meaningful things, we will be bored when not following His will for our lives!!

Thing 1 and Thing 2's Thang

2010-04-01T12:19:00.000-04:00

So it is the end of an era....

We must say goodbye to our feathered blue hats. Jenn (Thing 1) and I (Thing 2) set out on the road for the Month of March to collect children's books for the Bridge of Books Foundation on behalf of STAR 99.1! Jenn's passion for reading was brought to life when she was able to play a huge role in bringing books to children in need. Inspired by her own favorite children's book, The Secret Garden, she wanted other children to be impacted by these books collected by all of our loyal listeners. This book drive tour gave the community a huge opportunity to come together as one big happy family and each play a part in spreading hope and love to children who are in crisis and difficult situations.

From my perspective as Thing 1, it was truly amazing to see how excited Jenn was about this. She literally was doing cartwheels in her mind every time we received another email about a drop off of books or another church showing interest in participating.

God's awesome design full circled this event because it also tied in perfectly to Jenn's newest adventure she is involved with, her missions trip to India!

Psalm 10 :17 "Lord, you have heard the desire of the humble, You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear..."

God listens, He prepares your heart through struggles and miracles for what His plans are, and He delights in the surrendering of our lives to His Love. Everything leading up to this moment, God has used to bring Glory to a purpose bigger than our own understanding. Jenn's heart was prepared, her eyes filled with wonder, and her heart opened!!

Best Buddies

2010-03-25T14:56:00.000-04:00

So the adventures of Bubba and Ben begin! About a month ago, Ben decided that it was time for someone to step up and really help our family train Bubba and get him on a routine schedule. With the passing of my Dad two years ago, Bubba has been through A LOT! losing his orignial master and also getting hit by a car in the 2008 summer. Bubba is a 2 1/2 year old black lab who just needs extra love, time, care, and attention. He probably weighs about 112 lbs. at this point and will eat anything that he can get his hands on. So the adventures of B & B have been going pretty well so far. Ben began all of this by gearing up with a "Bubba Bag," a few tennis balls, a tennis raquet, some treats, and a huge bone to keep Bubba busy. The mornings usually start off around 5am with Bubba barking outside my door ready to start his day. This is because he is hungry. Getting fed can only be followed by going outside, but now because of Ben it has turned into his walking time. Ben found the best leash gear ever for this huge pile of love. There is a harness that wraps around Bubba then a leash with two options of grip depending if you want a close grab or you want to allow Bubba a little room to breathe. I am not sure if Ben knew what he was getting himself into because Bubba is truly not like any other dog. Not only is his laborador build extra huge but his bark is piercing, his poop gigantic, and at this point he basically things he is king of our household among 4 women.

It is a huge help to my family in ways words can't really describe. Bubba is so happy to have a male companion and it is so healing to see these resposibilites shared with someone I truly love. Bubba love love loves the dog park in Colonial Park and I can't wait for Ben to see Bubba swim at Round Valley for the very first time, very very soon!!

Round Valley at Sunset

Challenge Day 80

2010-03-25T14:20:00.000-04:00

For the past 80 days, my boyfriend and I have been pushing each other to the next level in 100 Days of Challenges alternating days. For example, today (Day 80) is his day to challenge me to accomplish the assigned task. My challenge today is to pick a bible study that we will do together, and he also added on the fact that I needed to develop a blog for him. I will be very impressed if I can Ben blogging on a daily basis. But...the point of 100 Days of Challenges to help and encourage each other to get done all the things we should be doing on our own, but need a little extra push to get there. Previous days have been very easy, while others almost impossible to get done in one day so they must be extended. Some examples:

Ben had to serenade me to a song of his choice.
I had to write a love letter.
Ben gave out 4 Bibles.
I had to visit an Asian food market to get sushi making ingredients.
Ben called both of my grandmas.
I had to research house churches around the US for a road trip.
Ben had to fast.
I had to call three people I haven't talked to in a very long time.

Most of them are fun, encouraging ideas that get us moving on the good stuff we really care about and want to do together. I can definately say they I will be sad when the challenges are over because they have brought us closer in so many ways. I have gotten in touch with people I have wanted to call for a very long time, grown closer with my family, and have stuck to new projects that I have always wanted to start like playing the guitar! We started these challenges on January 5th. So now that the end is near, it is time to whip out the big kahunas!!

Fresh start

2010-03-25T14:15:00.000-04:00

Sooooo. I started this blog a little bit ago, left it in a closet to get lost and never wrote again. But with recent huge life changing stuff happening, I think it may be time to start getting some of this down! Jenn, you are def. my blogging inspiration!

Instead of going backwards, I am going to write about the great stuff that is happening now. Over time, tids and bits of the past will come up, but I am going to start off on a fresh clean slate!

All Is Yours <3

2009-09-08T16:24:00.000-04:00

There is a time in the night when Your love opened my heart.
I'm sorry it took so long but I was blinded from the start.
I can finally see what Your plans are for me, and that ALL IS YOURS.
When my heart pulls away and I feel so confused, help me surrender andreturn back to You.
My hands grow weak and my soul burns for more.
Carry my burdens, my spirit is restored.
With You there are no secrets, You open Yourself completely to me.
You guide my soul to grow into the person I'm meant to be.
Break down, Build up, Shattered No More.
Your Healing Power I Kneel Before.

Unconditional love, Compassionate affections,
Sincere prayer, Open testimony, Wings to fly.

I am Yours, Refine My Ways.
All is Yours, Until the Final Days.

LIVESTRONG

2009-08-23T17:38:00.000-04:00

These are the days that get you through the hurricanes. Living a human life, we caught caught up in the clutter. It is time to move out! To clear the path and make more room for Him...

Where is the joy?

2009-08-12T13:55:00.000-04:00

When you look around at the the faces of our society...where is the joy? Why are so many trapped? Christ sets us free! You have taken on the clothing of Christ, you get the whole deal. You are no longer alone, lost in this world of chaos and confusion. You are following Christ on that glistening path. You are forever connected with each and every person in the Body of Christ. God feels what we feel, we feel what His children feel. That is where the amazing symbolism comes in. So if we have the eternal gift of life, we have freedom within obedience in Christ's will, we are filled with His mighty love to change the world, you have the voice of healing, the passion to move mountains, the door for you is there, it has been given to you, it is open.

John 14 says , that we make a home from Christ in our hearts. There are obstacles, tragedies, and hardships that try to pull us away from this home that we have, that is why it is ooo important to grow within the love of Christ. You will never be homesick, because your love comes right from within you soul. The expression, follow your heart fits here perfectly (follow Jesus.)

All of these ramblings leads back to one thing. Why are we not seeking the joy? If you are stuck in misery , that is not of God. God does not trap you to feel like you need to follow any set of rules. Jesus did not come here to tell to ruin all of the fun and take away any bit of pleasure that we have. Don't you see? He leads us in His direction, to fight for a life worth living.

The Holy Spirit inside of us, that is the moving essence of God, filling us to do the wonders that God wants us to continue to do. If we don't stand tall in who we are, if we do NOTHING but hide the glory of God's amazingness, then who are we in Christ?

Reading between the Horizon

2009-08-06T15:31:00.000-04:00

Here or there,wherever I lay, I know you are right by my side. The old worn fence holds on to old dirt as the wind relinquishes its currents upon the land. My soul quenches for more. Reaches out to grab onto the anchor, always seen in a distance. Enraptured in the distractions, I climb towards the top of the red cliff. Gentle mists stroking every part of my skin, goosebumps coming from the inside out, I know you are near. Keep yearning, longing, waiting for the consummation of my aching veins. Flow through me as a stream that seeks His source. The light transcending through the prism, it accentuates the hidden vibrant sky. The insvisble realm sprouts from the fruitful garden. Hope draws in, darkness diminishes. A rain of white roses drench the atmoshere with a pure scent, blood drips onto the garden as nourishment to a child. His powerful might swiftly hovers into the present, over the mountains of past and future. What shall the next step be? Tip toe across the jagged bridge, ropes joint by miniscule threads. Shiver vibrations through the melting icicles, falling to prosper the dry soil. Sew, weep, sew, laugh, sew, motivation. Twirling into the star-lit Kingdom, Spin to the Rainforest trees, Glide through the peaks of the Rockys. Safely return Home to Me.

Unraveling the Mysteries

Accountability

Counting Down

BBQ Favorites

Kingdom

rain drops

Photo of the day-last summer Sandy Hook

"Man Does Not Live on Bread Alone"

Hold on to that silly side of you.....

I'm getting MARRIED!

Picture of the day

Video of the day-Summer fishing at LBI

Picture of the day

A Psalm a Day (Psalm 7)

Psalm 7

A Meditation[a] of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite.

A Psalm a Day (Psalm 7)

Psalm 7

A Meditation[a] of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite.

A Psalm a Day (Psalm 6)

Psalm 6 (New King James Version)

Psalm 6

To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. On an eight-stringed harp.[a] A Psalm of David.

A Psalm a Day (Psalm 5)

Psalm 5 (New American Standard Bible)

Psalm 5

Prayer for Protection from the Wicked.

For the choir director; for flute accompaniment. A Psalm of David.

A Psalm a Day (Psalm 4)

Psalm 4 (New King James Version)

Psalm 4

To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

A Psalm a Day (Psalm 3)

Psalm 3

Morning Prayer of Trust in God.

A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.

A Psalm a Day (Psalm 2)

Psalm 2 (New American Standard Bible)

Psalm 2

The Reign of the LORD'S Anointed.

A Psalm a Day (Psalm 1)

Psalm 1 (New American Standard Bible)

Psalm 1

The Righteous and the Wicked Contrasted.

BOOK 1

Good article!

The Unclenched Fist

Freedom

Eyes Blind

Jesus

Oh Lord

Repent...

Catch up time!

Writing off the Rules

Your Love Never Fails

Reaction

Church! Church? Church...

Dance with Me

Random Yet Not All at the Same Time

The perfect date

Never underestimate the power of a thank you

Falling into the Trap

Thing 1 and Thing 2's Thang

Best Buddies

Challenge Day 80

Fresh start

All Is Yours <3

LIVESTRONG

Where is the joy?

Reading between the Horizon

A Meditation^[a] of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite.

A Meditation^[a] of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite.

To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. On an eight-stringed harp.^[a] A Psalm of David.