Driving Parked Cars

When I read this, I just about sank into my chair. I wonder how many of us say, "Yes I trust God" but really we are a little afraid or even worried to actually live out our faith. I know that I battle with myself constantly but it is something I'm learning to give up and reap the rewards. If we are willing, HE is able. And that's when the light bulb went off!

I love how God is not forceful. I love how the Holy Spirit will not take control of us without our saying, "Yes, please do come in." The Holy Spirit has such nice manners. If we are not willing to do our part, then why should He? Another way to think about it is if you're in a relationship how fair is it for your partner to do 90 percent of the work while you only do 10 percent? It's not and sooner or later the relationship will fail. If a relationship is supposed to be 50/50 then I want to make sure that I'm doing my part to not only better myself but for His kingdom.

But that's the thing about having a relationship with God, even though He does way more for us than we could ever image, all He asks of us is to believe in Him and love. Do you have that friend or family member that has anything or everything they ever wanted and it's either their birthday or Christmas and you ask yourself, "What do you buy for someone who has everything?" Well how about spending time together. Making memories. That's kind of how I think about giving back to God. What in the world can I give to the One Who created everything??

My love. My trust. My belief in Him.

But part of loving, trusting, and believing is letting Him guide you. Let down your walls and let Him lead.....believe me....it will be better than you can ever imagine.

Good Friday

Today is Good Friday. In the beginning, I thought why is it called Good Friday? Then I realized that today is such an important day that marks His love for us. He died on this day. We remember the sacrifice He made for us. We no longer have to sacrifice animals to cover up our sins. He fulfilled His promise to us. "He is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29) The list goes on an on and that is why it is good. I am thankful for all the promises He has kept and His love for me.

I found this incredible video about His crucifixion and a talented sand artist. I hope you enjoy your day and remember all that He did for us.

Have a Good Friday!

Testimonials--Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty

Lately, I've been really interested in hearing how people get saved. I love hearing how each story is so unique to them and in all honesty, why wouldn't it be? That's the God we serve. Everything He does is unique and individualized to us. He knows exactly how to reach each and every single one of us because He created us!

I, along with many millions of other people, love watching Ducky Dynasty. The first episode I saw, I enjoyed it but it wasn't until the very end when they all came together for dinner and prayed. That was when I really thought this show has a much deeper level. I wish there were more shows out there that are more family friendly and inspiring than watching some trashy show of their train-wrecked life.

Whenever discussing this show with my circle of friends, they always ask me who my favorite person is. Each person brings a unique flavor but I must admit it's Phil. What I love about Phil are his views of the world and how passionate he is about the Lord. What he tries to instill in his grandchildren is what I think is missing in many families these days. Here is interview about his journey:

The Silver Ring Thing

This past weekend was FULL of all kinds of wonderful church activities for all of us! We started on Friday night and ended on Sunday night! I loved every single minute of it. Friday night we as a church stuffed over 15,000 Easter eggs full of all kinds of candy for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. Let me say it again....over 15,000 eggs! Our Pastor keeps adding more and more eggs every year and I must admit that 15,000 should be the limit. It was fun enjoying the pizza party, indulging in some of the candy--just to taste and make sure the kids would approve ;) and of course enjoying the fellowship with one another.

Saturday was a wonderful day filled with baking, ice fishing, and playing cards with the family. Family time is always amazing and it's encouraging to see my husband sharing his beliefs with his nephew in hopes of getting him saved--hopefully one day soon.

Sunday....now Sunday was amazing. We woke up and headed off to Church. I'm donating my time assisting with counting the tithes (which is a learning process) and then we headed off to do our weekly grocery shopping. After coming home and putting everything away, it was time for our "youth group at home" series seems how my step-daughter has withdrawn herself from her local youth groups which she used to participate with.

I am trying out this great series so far...and I'll provide more details later after we give it at least a month test drive. So far, so good! Praise the Lord! My husband headed off to his Men's Bible Study and my step-daughter and I headed off to The Silver Ring Thing.

This was the first I have ever heard of this event and I was super excited about it. We already presented her with a purity ring over the summer and we pray that she will honor it and keep her promise to God and her dad. By attending this event, it seemed she had recommitted herself and I hope she got what she needed. There were some real captivating stories shared by many people and some were heartfelt and some were emotional. I highly encourage attending this event. Buy as many tickets as you can and get as many teenagers to go and experience this. 

They also had a parent session and had a lot of items for sale to help initiate the sex talk and then the parents were allowed in to view the rest of the show. Again, a great time with a great message and a realistic look of other teenagers who are willing to wait until they are married. It seemed to really put it into perspective for her that she's not alone and it's cool to be able to say to your future spouse...."I waited for you!"

The Prodigal Son

The Prodigal Son/The Lost Son...either way it is know to you, it is a very popular parable in the Bible. But in all honesty, the very first time I read it, I not only didn't quite understand it, but I also took the side of the older brother. Here is the story for you to read if you need a refresher:

The Parable of the Lost Son

¹¹ Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. ¹² The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.¹³ “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. ¹⁴ After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. ¹⁵ So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. ¹⁶ He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.¹⁷ “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! ¹⁸ I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. ¹⁹ I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ ²⁰ So he got up and went to his father.“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.²¹ “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’²² “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³ Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. ²⁴ For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
²⁵ “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶ So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on.²⁷ ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’²⁸ “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. ²⁹ But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. ³⁰ But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’³¹ “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ³² But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Now if you are anything like me and have an affinity for David Jeremiah, check out his video that explains it all. He has such a way to put it into easy ways for me to understand and I'm so thankful for him. Believe me, you'll thank me later ;)

The Bridge to Heaven

You know that saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words." Well I believe it with all my heart. People cherish photos because it is one instance where a moment of time is captured. I have seen some of the most incredible photos lately of the cross and this photo is not only mind blowing, but also the quote. 

I was scrolling through some inspirational images from The Bible Series' website and this stopped me in my tracks....well honestly several stopped me and I'll be sharing those with you as well but this one gave me goose bumps. 

Behold my dear readers........

In this life, only one Man can make a bridge to Heaven, and he did it with only two pieces of wood.

It's so true when you think about it. There's only one way to heaven. Let's pretend that on the left side there is sin and on the right side is heaven. But what is separating between the right and left in an enormous gap that can't be crossed on your own. There's no swing, no boat, no ladder....nothing to get you across other than believing in Jesus. He's the bridge. He's the answer. He's the reason.

Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28. I have repeated and written it down hundreds of times to try to memorize it. Romans 8:28 is our verse we as a church are attempting to memorize. I literally only have 4 verses memorized. I don't know how people can spout off a ton of verses during any random conversation and not miss a beat, but I'm okay with slowly learning.

The more this verse sinks in, the more I enjoy it. Here's my attempt of the breakdown and why I'm loving it.

And we know that in ALL things: did you notice that? A-L-L things. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Just because we are believers doesn't mean that bad or ugly things won't happen to us. For such a small, three-lettered word it really does have such a huge impact because ALL things are made up of everything.

God works for the good of those who love Him: If you are a God-seeker, then you will want to do good in the eyes of the Lord and in turn, the Lord will bless you because of His undeniable love He has for us. Love...another powerful word.

Who have been called according to His purpose: This really is the icing on the cupcake. When I realized that I was put here for a reason...a purpose...not my purpose....but His purpose it all makes sense. If I have been created, then clearly the CREATOR knows a lot more than me and has everything all planned out. So why would I not want to live according to His purpose instead of my own? I know what my life was like without Jesus and with Jesus and believe me.....with Jesus it's better. Why? Because the worst day is better with Him than any good day without Him.

What is your favorite bible verse?

Word Cloud

The other day I was trying to figure out how I can share the love I have for God on my facebook page. I was surfing the internet and I came across this website called Wordle. I instantly fell in love and I wanted a word cloud to be my facebook timeline cover photo (or whatever it's called). Ironically enough, the only thing I was missing were words. I noticed there was a place that you can include a link and it will search a website and create the cloud using all its common words. 

Problem solved.

I typed in this blog address and look at what came out!! I was so happy with the results, I converted it into a photo and uploaded it to facebook. Voila!! I absolutely love how big the words God and Love are! It makes me happy  to see where the direction of this blog is heading. 

Feel free to check out the link to the wordle I created: http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/6389818/On_HIS_Journey

And here's the link to make one for yourself (if you feel so inclined): http://www.wordle.net/create

The Bible

I have been counting down the Sundays for this show to air. To be completely honest, I'm both nervous and excited. Remember the post when I said, "Don't judge a book by its movie?" Well lets hope that this does not distort the truth for the sake of Hollywood.

I really think it could help spread the Word. I know so many people that are intimidated to read the Bible and although it is not a way to soak up the Word as the main course, it is a great appetizer or a sampler to get a taste for it and hopefully will spark some interest so unbelievers and believers alike will crave the Word.

Mark your calendar folks, starting March 3rd (unsure of the time) on the History channel, The Bible will be on air for a duration of 2 hours and will air every Sunday until Easter. Yep, it's going to be good five weeks. Here's some more info you can check out:



Here's the video to the official trailer:

Here's a song, "Mary Did You Know" performed by Ceelo Green:

On a side-note, I registered for an account at https://community.bibleseries.tv/ just to get me even more anxious. It's filled with great photos, behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and anything else you can image. The layout is pretty similar to Pinterest mixed with some functions of facebook. Seems how I'm kicking out the videos, I might as well share their youtube channel.

Thanks for stopping by!

What Does Love Mean to You?

So in case you missed it, yesterday was Valentine's Day. It seemed no matter where I went it was right there in my face. Yes I realize it is a day of love, flowers, and chocolates and yes I  did have my fair share of chocolates.....well actually heart-shaped York Peppermint Patties to be exact. They are my kryptonite! But I honestly feel it is such an overrated "holiday."

But with everyone buzzing about the day, I wonder what does love mean to you? I was listening to Family Life Radio on my way home from work and some people were saying what their definition of love was. Here are few from the show and a few from others I have encountered:

• love is when someone scarifies for you
• love is when someone covers up your feet when they are cold and hanging out of a blanket
• love is when someone takes their coat off and gives it to you when you're cold. 
• love is when you can't get enough a person
• love is being faithful and honest
• love is seen in how we treat people
• love is a strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties (definition from Merriam-Webster dictionary)

You see there are so many definitions of love. And not only that....but are so many different kinds of love. There's love for something that tastes good, love for your husband or wife, love for your kids, love for music, love for your neighbor (or lack thereof). The word LOVE is such a beautiful word but it also is a word that is tossed around way too much when people don't really mean it.

Now let me share with you my version of love that is never-ending. God is love. And if one could actually wrap their minds about how much love the Lord has for us....we would be blown away. His love is so great that He actually became one of us and sacrificed His life for us. Each and every single person. I know that I struggle to look a some people and think, "Okay God, how am I supposed to see the love You have for this person?" But just because they are different than us, or may not act the same as us, doesn't mean that God doesn't love them and therefore we shouldn't.

His gift of love is one of the greatest gifts we can receive. And that my dear friends was my Valentine's revelation. I am so thankful for His love, grace, and mercy for me. I'm leaving you with a video that I hear in church on many occasions...."Amazing love, how can it be, that you my King would die for me......"

Why Do I Blog?

After signing up for the Faithful Bloggers directory, their question was, "Why do you blog?" I thought it was a good question because I want to make sure my motives are right. I don't intend for this to be a career. I don't intend to make any money, and I don't plan on quitting my job. My only intention is to share the love of Jesus with my own personal story and experiences and hopefully make a difference in just one person's life.

At first I was hesitant because seems how I am a fairly new believer, I thought what do I really have to offer? I'm in no way, shape, or form a bible scholar but I thought there must be others like me that struggle and want to learn and grow in Christ with real life experiences. Just because I don't have a degree in theology doesn't mean I can't share the Good News. We are all disciples and have the freedom to share with everyone (and should). God created each one of us for different purposes. We have have different talents and desires and that is a wonderful thing because if we all did the same thing, the world would be pretty boring. Jesus said to the 11 after he was resurrected: “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Mark 16:15. So here I am....putting myself out there. I will be here as long as it is God's will.

1 Corinthians 16:6-7

⁶ Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. ⁷ I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.

Tuesday Devotional

Listen for God's Voice

"And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it...." Isaiah 30:21

Most of the time, God does not speak to  us in an audible voice, we hear Him in our hearts. Sometimes He speaks by reminding us of a truth or principle from His word; sometimes He gives us thoughts or ideas we would not have had on our own; sometimes we simply have a strong sense of knowing what to do. We need to quiet all the noise in our lives and become sensitive to God's still, small voice. We need to choose to listen to God because he will speak to us.

God does not only speak in the urgent or important matter of life. He also guides us in the most seeming insignificant situations. I was on my way home one day and intended to stop and get a cup of coffee, when I had a strong impression that I should call my secretary and see if she wanted a cup, too. When I called, she said, "I was just standing here thinking, I would love a good cup of coffee right now." You see, God wanted to give her the desire of her heart, and He wanted to work through me. I did  not hear a loud voice or see an angel, nor did I have a vision; I simply had an inner sensing that I should offer her a cup of coffee. As a result, we both experienced great joy in knowing God cares about the smallest details of our lives.

Quite often we ignore little things like this. The more we do, the harder it is to develop sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. If someone is on your heart, I encourage you to pray for that person or call him or her and say, "I was just thinking of you." You never know how a seemingly small thing like a phone call can alter a person's day or maybe even change someone's life. Let me encourage you today to keep your heart sensitive to God's voice. He will speak to your heart and lead you in the way you should go.

Trust in Him: Remember this; each time we disobey God, it becomes more difficult to hear Him the next time He speaks; but every time we trust Him, it gets easier to hear and be led by His Spirit. What is God saying to you today?

How Are We Being Like Jesus?

So yesterday I got my church on! I've been looking forward to attending all week; it's almost like I had a feeling that something good was going to happen. Lately, I've been feeling like I've been in tuned with God. When I mentioned or thought about something, I would see it come to life the next day. Sometimes I get a little freaked out about it, then I realize that I am recognizing and following God's voice and it's amazing to see it unfold.

The message at church today was again about love. How to love your neighbor/enemy and how if you loved everyone then there would be no other problems. If you loved your neighbor you would not want to steal from them, lie to them, or kill them. It makes sense. A question that was asked was, "How are we being like Jesus?"

Pastor Chad would ask some thought provoking questions then he would say, "Let that rock your theology for a bit." He's pretty hip with the lingo. It's so funny how one little question, when really thought about, can carry such deep issues. How are we like Jesus? How am I like Jesus? And really the answer for me is so far from it. It's hard to look at everyone with the love of God. It's hard to forgive, it's hard to not take offense, and I wouldn't lay down my life for just anyone. But He did. He did all those things. Why? Because of love.

It's amazing to consider that no way in this lifetime will I ever be completely like Jesus. And just because I know there's no way to reach that level of perfection, it's not like I'm throwing in the towel and reverting back to my sinful ways because I can't. I take a look at my life and I thank God for changing me, even if it is slow process. I consider myself a diamond in the rough. I may have a rough exterior but with God's help, He's slowly shining me up. And what's even more amazing to think about is no matter what stage I am in, I/we are always one of His prized possessions.

If you are in the mood for some more reading, check out this awesome article about the analogy of people and diamonds: http://www.prevailmagazine.org/gods-diamond-in-the-rough/

Representing Christ

My soft spot for David Jeremiah is kicking in full swing today. I just have so much respect for him and I love how sincere he is and the way he delivers his messages. I was watching his sermon on t.v. last week and heard he had a magazine. Of course I signed up for it but I also signed up for his newsletter. While reading his message, one sentence popped out at me, "None of us knows when we'll be noticed by the crowds; but all of us are noticed by someone each day."

And at that moment, I asked myself whether or not I represent Christ in a positive way? While walking down the street, grocery shopping, watching a basketball game, or while at work? At all these places their are a lot of people around. So much so that even though I don't like the thought of admitting it, but we all judge people. I've heard a lot of unbelievers say that Christians are the number one hippocrates. And it may be true, but I am a sinner just the like unbeliever but the only difference between us is I am saved by His grace. 

If I am trying to share the Gospel with someone, are they going to see the fruit of the Spirit? Are they going to feel the love of Jesus? I want to be a good role model for the body of Christ--even on my bad days. So I'll leave you with that thought and the entire devotion from his website.

Weekend, February 2 & 3

Words from the Wise: David

And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him. 
1 Samuel 18:14

Recommended Reading 1 Samuel 18:12-16

When was the last time you saw a young superstar, political leader, celebrity, or youthful VIP who was truly wise? There are a few of them, but most hotshots don't have the maturity to handle early fame. That's why so many NFL players get into trouble, and why so many rock superstars die young. Even Susan Boyle -- no spring chicken -- struggled with renown after becoming an overnight sensation on Britain's Got Talent. She told the Today Showthat sudden fame is "a lot like a giant demolition ball."

But God can give wisdom to both young and old, both famous and obscure. When the shepherd-boy David suddenly became famous after defeating Goliath, he behaved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him. None of us knows when we'll be noticed by the crowds; but all of us are noticed by someone each day. If we learn God's wisdom in obscurity, we'll be able to practice it whatever comes. How can you behave a little more wisely today?

If you lack knowledge, go to school. If you lack wisdom, get on your knees. 
Vance Havner

P.S.  On a side note, I have been added to the Faithful Bloggers directory! I am so honored and so happy that God is working on sharing this little piece of the internet with the world. Praise the Lord! Be sure to check out their directory and visit some other great, inspirational blogs!

Left Behind Series

If you are looking for a book that is filled with Jesus, action, adventure, heartbreak, love, and so much more, than I definitely suggest reading the Left Behind Series. In all honesty, these books contributed to helping me get saved. I started reading it as unbeliever and through a variety of events, I accepted Jesus in my heart.

I am currently finishing up reading Assassins and can't wait to get through the entire series--only 6 more books to go. If you are super busy and can't find the time to read these books, here's an awesome website that has the dramatic audio so you can hear it acted out. I did watch the first two movies....and I'm glad I stuck with the books. I heard this awesome quote that says, "Don't judge a book by its movies" and boy is that the truth. Typical that the movies never do the books justice.

If you have children who love to read, they also wrote this for the young adult. I haven't personally read it myself, but if it is anything like the original version, than I suspect it to be amazing as well. I know that the local Christian store (Cook's Christian) have these available to lend out if you don't want to purchase the books. It's like a local Christian library.

Daily Devotion

I received this lovely book for Christmas and I absolutely love it. My husband and I are enjoying reading it to each other every night. I didn't realize how crazy I am for devotionals. I honestly think I've reached my capacity at three but it's amazing how much reading can be done in a day.

I wanted to share today's message with you because I thought seems how the weekend is here and the Superbowl is on Sunday, I'm sure you may encounter some decisions that you may want to reconsider. So without further adieu.....here's Joyce:



Give Your Brain a Break--Feb. 1

"Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you." Proverbs 4:25

Are you enjoying the life and blessings of God in your everyday life? Or have you made a series of choices resulting in disappointment, pain, or feeling that everything you do requires great effort and produces little reward? Don't spend your time and energy mourning all the bad decisions you have made; just start making good ones. There is hope for you!

The way to overcome the results of a series of bad choices in through a series of right choices. The only way to walk out of trouble is to do the opposite of whatever you did to get into trouble--one choice at a time. Maybe the circumstances of your life right now are the direct result of a series of bad choices you have made. You may be in debt because you have made a lot of bad choices with money. You may be lonely because of a series of bad choices in relationships or in the way you treat people. You may be sick because of a series of unhealthy choices: eating junk food, not getting enough rest, or abusing your body through working too much and not having enough balance in your life.

You cannot make a series of bad choices that result in significant problems and then make one good choice and expect all the results of all those bad choices to go away. You did not get into deep trouble through one bad choice; you got into trouble through a series of bad choices. If you really want your life to change for the better, you will need to make one good choice after another, over a period of time, just as consistently as you made the negative choices that produced negative results.

No matter what kind of trouble or difficulty you find yourself in, you can still have a blessed life. You cannot do anything about what is behind you, but you can do a great deal about what lies ahead of you. God is a redeemer, and He will always give you another chance.

Trust in Him: If you have a situation that is too big for you to solve, then you are material for a miracle. Invite God to get involved, trust in and follow His directions, make one good choice after another, and you will see amazing results. 

Have a great weekend!!

Spiritual Food

Ahhhh....yes. Here we go with food again. Only this is a little bit different. I'm talking about spiritual food that contains no calories and will help with every situation.

There are numerous outlets for gaining knowledge and more of an understanding about the Kingdom.  The people on my list come from all different walks of life and some are definitely more spicier than others. But I figured I would share so you know where most of my inspiration comes from while writing this blog. I'm sure I'll have more to add as the year progresses but for now, here are my favorites:

• The Bible. Well this one is obvious but just like many other people out there....it can be a difficult read. There are some things that I don't understand but in time, I'm hope I can gain a better understanding the more I mature in the Lord.

• Allen Jackson from World Outreach Church. He has a nice hint of a southern accent and I just can't get enough of his sarcastic humor. He has really helped me grow as a Christian and I have shared his teachings with my family as well. He's was the first person I really connected to on a TV media platform and this summer I plan on taking a road trip to see him in Tennessee.

• Joyce Meyer is quickly becoming my new favorite. I have been reading her devotionals for a year now and while watching her sermons, I didn't realize how down-to-earth-in-your-face she is! I love it and she has an easy way for you to walk away ready to conquer anything. She's holding a conference in a city near me this spring and I can't wait to see her live!

• David Jeremiah has the voice of a soothing angel. He has a lot of seniority compared to the others on the list and I would love to have half the patience I think he has. His approach is very real and I love the real stories he incorporates into his messages. 

• T.D. Jakes from the Potter's House. Wow! Is he a firecracker! I love his excitement in voice. He makes me want to jump out of my chair and clap my hands and say, "Thank you Lord!" I love to listen to him if I need a little pick me up or need some excitement. 

• Chad Brown is the pastor of my church. He is inspirational and very much  in tuned when he gets going.  He's very modern and extremely truthful. I first heard his voice and his message on the radio when I was an unbeliever and I said to myself if I ever went to church, I would go to his. Three years later, I accepted Jesus as my Savior and stepped foot into Cornerstone and have been there ever since. 

Feel free to comment if you have any recommendations. I hope this short list will help you on your journey.

God Bless!