My Own Little World

Matthew West
In my own little world it hardly ever rains I’ve never gone hungry, always felt safe I got some money in my pocket, shoes on my feet In my own little world Population: me

In my own little world every day the same. I sometimes think I live in the someday mentality. Someday I will be able to do that. Someday we might go on a vacation like that. Someday we will........ Someday we might..........Someday is so easy when you live in your own little world because what day of the week is Someday? I can say I will do that Monday and if I don't I have just lied. You see my week is full of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. However, there is no someday.................... When we say someday it is like saying never or maybe. My five year old will tell you maybe is a nice way of saying NO. So to every someday that you tell yourself you are really saying no in a nice way.

What about when you say someday to God? What happens when you do that? God knows your heart. The funny thing about God is he just looks at you and he sees it all. You can't hide it, you cannot lie to someone who is all knowing.

I try to stay awake during Sunday morning church I throw a twenty in the plate, but I never give ’til it hurts I turn off the news when I don’t like what I see Yeah,it’s easy to do when it’s Population: me

Well, I stopped at a red light, looked out my window I saw a cardboard sign, said “Help this homeless widow” Above that sign was the face of a human and I thought to myself, “God, what have I been doing?” So I rolled down the window and I looked her in the eye I thought how many times have I just passed her by? So I gave her some money then I drove on through And my own little world reached Population: two
Stopped at the stoplight staring out the window. Someday, I will give to the beggar. What if you felt a hand on your shoulder? What if you turned around and looked? He's sitting behind you in his white robe and sandals, seat belt unbuckled, with his hand on your shoulder and he looks you in the eye. Would you shrug and say, "someday"?

Matthew 25:40

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

God leads me daily. I still haven't figured out where I am going, but I know when I am not going anywhere. Because those are the times when I feel great about my life. Those are the times when I look in the mirror and don't really see ME. When I am not going anywhere it doesn't hurt. It hurts a bit when God starts to move the mountains in my house. In fact he picked my house up and moved it right out of the mountains. If I didn't trust God I'd still be freezing on the top of a mountain wondering what I was missing out on.

Super Heroes

Has it really been since September, and I was doing so good. Life just gets away from me and then I wake up and it has been months since I blogged.

My son has an amazing perspective. He makes me laugh so much. He looks at you shrugs his shoulders and says something so simple, logical, and yet hilarious. An example of this is his stance on the Savior. You see if Jesus is the Savior he is a hero right? Well then he must wear a cape. As he, my son, describes Jesus he stands on the couch, outstretches his arms, and says "then he flies in to save us all." Through my tears of laughter I notice that with his arms held out in his superman pose he looks kind of like Jesus did on the cross. With arms wide open, and right then I got it. You see Jesus is our super hero. Plain and simple he stretched out his arms and saved us.

In our house there is some debate over whether he did all this saving while wearing a cape, but really the important message is Jesus Saves. As you rush to and fro this Christmas purchasing, returning, and getting swept away in the Season don't forget the reason. When you look at the tree don't forget that it symbolizes a cross. When you put the star on top remember that the wise men too followed a star. When you wrap presents remember the greatest gift of all, and above all else teach everyone who will listen.

Your message does not fall on deaf ears. They may argue with you and while it is difficult to explain why Jesus is a better savior than Buzz Lightyear to a 3 year old who believes that Buzz is pretty special, if you teach every day, if you live every moment, and if you show them how to believe there is no doubt who the real savior is. There is no doubt..... that Jesus Saves.

In the words of Jeremy Camp: We'll sing it out to let all the world know That Jesus saves Raise a shout to let all the world know That Jesus saves

Pessimistic Fool or Optimistic Rainbow Chaser

"And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow"

Jerrry Chin

Yup I said it, I would rather chase rainbows than stare at your half empty glass. Don't get me wrong I see the glass, I just don't care! We all have bad days and I get that for you every day may seem that way, but for me well I like to chase rainbows! I would rather sit in the sun and watch but
terflies, dance in the rain, or take a nap on a lazy afternoon then stewing in my own vinegar. Cause if I stewed in it I might drown! If you leave something sit in its own juices too long it rots, wine that isn't put in the fridge turns to vinegar and you know what they say about vinegar and flies.

So honey, give me some honey!!!




"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air…"
Ralph Waldo Emerson


I had a bad day, I had a long week, I felt the pressure and the strain and yes I was glad to go home and yes I am looking forward to Monday. Call me crazy but life is crazy and this is my crazy life! I love it! I trust God that he leads me down this path! We are all chosen, all called. It ain't easy and it ain't for the weak! God doesn't need a wimp, he doesn't need a whiner, he doesn't need any vinegar........HE NEEDS YOU!

We all have bad days, weeks, months, years, and moments. God hears us, he sees us, and he knows. Instead of turning to vinegar give it to him! When was the last time you hit your knees. Hey, I'll admit it, I don't pray as much as I could, but when I'm on my knees its worth it! When I go to him he does the impossible...............

This morning on my way to work I heard one of my all time favorite songs and at the end of the day I realized it was what I needed to hear before I needed it, you see he already knew what I would need because it was his plan for me. So let me leave you with the lyrics because maybe he meant them for you too!

Oh what I would do to have The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in On to the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is And He's holding out His hand
But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me Time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win!
You'll never win!"
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says,
"Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says,
"This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I would choose to listen and believe
the voice of truth

How Great is our God.......

I am so amazingly blessed this year! As I look forward to my birthday only a few days away I realize how many blessings I can count! Some so small and many so big! My life is so full and while busy and crazy it is amazing.

So what do I want for my birthday? Well God has gifted me abundantly this year:
1. My family and I are all healthy, no seizures!
2. We have a beautiful new house
3. We are both employed
4. Our family has once again grown and Hailey is amazing

I could go on and on but I think you get the idea. So what more could I want? God blesses me daily and his gifts are so much greater than the material gifts that will turn to dust. His greatest gift will last me through eternity and I could not ask for more!

I think Chris Tomlin puts it best:
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

We get older but do we get wiser?

Its such a good question. Infinitely unwise mistakes made over and over again by so many men and women. You can read the paper in any state or country and the crimes seem to be the same. The same people making the same mistakes is there any hope?

I always say garbage in means garbage out. If you fill your life with negative that is what you get. So my advice is fill your life with God. Be careful little ears what you hear, yes that means your music! Be careful little eyes what you see, yes that means the tv even the news. What you watch influences you! What are you reading I hope it is his word! Be careful little feet where you go.....take yourself to church instead.

So while I am not so little anymore I hope that I can take my own advice and fill my life with the joy of the Lord, this year!

Nails

Words have power, we all know the saying sticks and stones, but my bruises will fade and it is the words that stay with me! Imagine yourself with a hammer, a board, and a nail. The nail is something you say sometimes unintentionally, but other times with malice! As you say it you hammer the nail into the board. Later on you realize the error of your words and say sorry, pulling the nail from the board. Alas, it leaves behind a hole. A hole that only forgiveness will fill.

Words have power!
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

The nails were hammered into his flesh and the holes they left behind will never heal! The words and actions of all were upon him. He chose the nails, for you. So the next time you speak remember words have power!

Blessed

Even with less than 8 hours of sleep I find myself so happy. God has blessed me abundantly. So often I find myself praying over all the little woes in my life, but in the moments of joy and bliss I sometimes forget to thank God for all he has given me.

The bible says in Psalm 9:1-2
I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonders.

² I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

We need to remember that God listens to all our prayers whether they be woes or praise. He answers our prayers and guides us. So praise him daily.
Needtobreathe: Lyrics Something Beautiful
Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees.
I'm waiting for something beautifulOh, something beautiful

When life gives you lemons

God loves a lullaby In a mothers tears in the dead of night Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.
Fear is such a great and impossible thing. We are afraid of everything we cannot control. We try so hard to control it all and then we get scared. In those moments of fear and unknown grief we wrestle with the dilemma of what we should do. Some people cry, some get angry, and some of us pray.

Praying is a beautiful thing. It is like being wrapped up in a warm blanket. Feeling the soft touch of God comforting you. Letting go of all that fear, worry, doubt, guilt, shame, anger, and frustration can be so much greater than anything else. I cannot imagine a life without the comfort of God in prayer, because lets face it life is gonna happen! You are going to face disappointments and pain. You will not be in control of everything all the time, and sometimes you will have to wait because all you can do is wait.

So when you are waiting take the time to turn to him in prayer because his arm around you holding you up is so much stronger than you can imagine. If he can hold the weight of the world he will be able to hold your fears too! Trust him and let him guide you. Because:
Luke 18: 27 Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

We pour out our miseries God just hears a melody Beautiful the mess we are The honest cries of breaking hearts Are better than a Hallelujah

Expectations

What did you expect? Has life let you down lately? Do you find yourself disappointed? Maybe it is time to review your expectations. Often we feel let down because we expect something impossible or unrealistic. Sometimes though life just happens. You are going about your day not expecting anything out of the ordinary and wham it hits you, the unexpected. A disaster, an accident, something so little, or so large it can change your world forever.
You see expectations are like that. If you think you know what will happen next you are often wrong. The plot of life is not like your favorite movie or novel. It is designed with a bigger picture in mind. I cannot explain why bad things happen to good people, no one can. In fact many a great philosopher and theologian has tried. We can't explain why anything happens, and reflecting on what happens won't change the past.Imagine what expectations people had for the Messiah. He was going to be a great king, and his chosen people would find their lives forever changed. Yet, he was born in a manger, he spent his time with beggars, thieves, and prostitutes. If you had expected a king who would conquer all others your expectations were not met. If you expected a grand and awe inspiring person you had to look deeper. He didn't ride in on a chariot laden in silk and gold. He wasn't that kind of king. He exceeded all expectations that were set for him, but at the time so many people must have felt a bit let down, they had waited for one thing and God had sent another.

God sent a Savior. Not just a king among men, but someone to save you for all time. He sent his son to change expectations. In fact he wanted to change the world, and he did. Ever since that fate filled day when the king of kings hung upon a cross for crimes he did not commit, the world has been changed. However, sometimes we get to busy with all our expectations to appreciate the unexpected. The joy of plans ruined and changes made. The joy of a life lived without expectations is so much greater than the disappointment of expectations unfulfilled.

Milestones

Psalm 16: ¹¹ You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Milestones happen everyday. Some are big: wedding days, babies are born, and people we love die. Some milestones are so very small but have such a big impact on our lives. I remember so many days, and moments that looking back I realize were milestones. Sometimes they are come and gone before we realize that in a moment our lives have been forever changed. Go ahead make a list of all the milestones in your life; then go back and think about how these days and moments changed who you are.

I don't remember the day we bought our first house, but I do remember moving in. I remember the day we moved out, and I remember signing the papers when we sold it. I also can remember building our second house. Picking out each and every detail and planning for a life we expected. It was a milestone. So was the day we packed our Uhaul and left it all behind.

We don't plan for all the milestones in our life, and they come and go before our eyes. You cannot know the future until you truly let the past go. The past is such a haunting thing full of memories and hindsight. Full of milestones that passed before you realized that moment would change your life forever. If you tried to make a list you might find that there were to many little milestones to list. The big milestones fill a page, but the little ones are a book.

Ecclesiastes 3:14-15 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. ¹⁵ Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before;and God will call the past to account

God already knows each and every milestone we will face. He prepares us daily for them if we let him. When we open ourselves up to God and his will we learn that every milestone is a part of his plan. We are not in control. This is such a hard concept for us to comprehend or begin to understand. God is at the helm and he guides our ship through the sea of life. However, sometimes the water is choppy and the storm is at hand. In these moments we seize the wheel. In these moments we want to steer for ourselves. It is hard to trust that we will survive the storm. In these moments we stray from the path God has chosen for us. When we leave the path we venture out into the storm without direction. We find ourselves sucked up into so many things we could have avoided, and with time we again surrender to God and he shifts us back on course.
Milestones are exciting and scary. They forever change us and they happen in the blink of an eye. We don't see them coming so without God in our lives we find ourselves foolishly facing so many things we aren't prepared for. If we turn away from God we have to find the way alone. Would you travel through the jungle without a guide or a map? Why travel through life alone?

I am often reminded of the lyrics to this audio adrenaline song:
"Walk On Water"
Simon Peter won't you put those nets down follow me I'll lead you out of this town to a place where no boat has ever been I will make you a fisher of men Jesus walked out on the water said take courage it is me Peter trusted and he wanted to go farther so he stepped out on the sea If I keep my eyes on Jesus I can walk on water If I keep my eyes on Jesus I can walk on water Just like peter I want to go farther tread on the sea and walk on the water step where he steps and go where he goes side by side when the sea billows roll I'll be alright when the wind comes I'll be alright when the waves come crashing I'm not afraid for this is my father's world

When will you give up your pride, trust the Lord, and step out on the water?

Waiting

Christmas is such an amazing time of waiting. When you are a child there is all this build up! Christmas programs at school, shopping, cookie making, church programs, and so much more. You wait patiently and then impatiently. When Christmas Eve finally arrived the anticipation that has built up is part of the magic. Some of us relish the waiting and others, like me, find it tedious.


I hate waiting! Being a part of the now generation might be my problem, or maybe it is just my personality. When you are waiting for something big you put everything else aside. There seem to be too many hours in the day, and as the day progresses you find yourself bored. One day leading into the next and on and on. The end is in sight you can count the days cross them off one by one. Crossing them off though doesn't make it go any faster. Moreover, I find that counting down makes it go more slowly.

Imagine being lost in the desert. You are waiting to be shown the way and day upon day passes. You encounter so many blessings and hardships along the way. Can you imagine wondering will we be waiting forever? Is there really a promised land? In that light it puts my waiting into perspective and one more day, week, month, or hour doesn't seem so bad!

Deuteronomy 4:31

³¹ For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.

Wherever you go there you are.....

You can't get away from it. Hindsight is 20/20. You can spend your life wishing and hoping, but that won't get you there. You can live the dream, but that won't get you there. We all have, aspirations, things we want more than anything.

Dreams are funny though, and perfect doesn't exist. There is no perfect job, perfect house, perfect school, perfect neighborhood, or anything else. We are flawed and our creations are flawed. You might find little bits of perfection if you look closely, but that is not humanity. In creating us in his image God did something amazing and wonderful. In creating us in his image he showed us a little bit of perfection. Oh sure you and I are flawed, but each of us has a glimmer of the divine.

So if you stop looking back and start looking at where you are you might find that it is a little bit perfect. We can't fathom the future and the past is behind us. All we have is the moment. So stop in the moment and grab your little piece of perfection before it is gone!

I AM

I AM: afraid of what tomorrow might bring.
I AM: lost in a world spinning out of control.
I AM: a sinking ship of doubts and fears.
I AM: always surprised by the unexpected.
I AM: living proof.

He is the way the truth and the light.

Psalm 119: 105
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.

I will look to the light, put one foot in front of the other, and follow the path. The past is behind me and the future holds my savior. There can be no greater joy than a life lived for his purpose. I will walk through my doubts, my fears, and my confusion. I will use the road map of his word, and the example of Christ and someday I will get there...............................

For I AM: His, bought with the blood of Christ. There is nothing greater that I can ever be!

Amazing

Life is truly amazing. If you look back history repeats itself time and again. Different people making different choices head down paths that take them where they never imagined!

God does that you know. He lifts up your life when you make all the wrong choices. He takes on your sorrow and your pain and he turns your troubles to joy again. He tests us like Job, he fashions us like his son, and he molds us to our purpose. No matter how often we turn from that purpose he reaches out and takes our hand leading us down the right path. History is an example of the bad choices of men, and eternity is the proof of the one who rights our wrongs. Remember today and always he is our light in the world.
Whether it be through the greatest loss ever imagined or the greatest victory never realized he will be there. We all fall down, but when we hit our knees we can truly find what we need. For we will always need him. He will wipe our tears away and show us purpose in our pain. He will raise us up and life will go on. Now matter how hard the struggle there is a light bright and shining at the end. It is the light of Christ, and it is shining for you!

Nothing is ever free or is it.....

Have you ever gotten an email saying you have been selected for some free offer. You get excited, open it up, and start to read it. Towards the bottom is the fine print. The fine print tells you that while you get something free they will charge you a service charge, shipping, and so many other fees before all is said and done. So you get out your handy dandy calculator and add it all up........to the tune of 40 or 50 dollars. Wow free!
I have recently experienced the joy of my free overdraft protection. Yes I must never have read the fine print. You see each usage is nearly 30.00 and when you add it up 13 lovely uses costs an arm and a leg, but hey it was free!

Now lets talk about our brand new free health care. Free health care when the government already reimburses Medicare at less than the cost on many procedures means doctors will take a cut in pay.
If you look closely at information, about 30% of the primary care doctors in America will consider leaving the medical profession. That bit of brightness comes from a survey published by the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine. According to the Medicus Firm, which interviewed more than a thousand American physicians, 55% of them believed that the quality of medical care in America would decline if the Democrats pass the present health care reform proposals. And, apparently, many of them want no part of it.
So what is the cost, only about trillions of dollars. With a shortage in doctors, nurses, and health care professionals you may wait for routine procedures just like they do in Canada and other socialist countries, but don't take my word for it look at what those who have experienced it have to say:
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/columns/OpEd-Contributor/Romneycare_s-failure-teaches-need-to-repeal-Obamacare-89167427.html
Depending upon which estimate one accepts, the Obama program is projected to cost between $1 trillion and $1.5 trillion during the first ten years of operation. That works out to an average annual cost of $100 billion to $150 billion, or somewhere between $274 million and $411 million a day.
One thing we learned from the Medicare experience is that the original estimates of radical new government programs are vastly understated because of government’s inability to control program costs and the impossibility of imposing price controls (by whatever name) on an entire economy-wide industry. At its inception in 1966, Medicare cost $3 billion a year. At that time, the Ways and Means Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives projected “conservatively” that the program would cost approximately $12 billion a year by 1990. In 1990, the cost of Medicare was actually $107 billion — nine times greater than the Ways and Means estimate.


So lets look at what the cost out of your pocket is:
According to the CBO, by 2016, the cheapest family health care plan that Americans will be required to buy under the law will cost $12,000 per year. The average family plan will cost $15,200. A family of four making $88,201 per year—or more than 400 percent of the poverty level—will not receive any federal subsidy to purchase such a plan. They will pay taxes, however, to subsidize the health care purchases of people earning less than 400 percent of poverty.

Can you afford to pay higher taxes and nearly 12,000 per year out of pocket to insure yourself. Guess what you don't have a choice. Free health care means everybody has to have it. One plan for all Americans and one giant price tag. Sure you won't get to use the benefits because of the waiting list but hey its free. A 1017 page plan with lots of fine print hidden along the way. Fine print that someone forgot to read!

We supposedly live in a democratic republic. A country where we the people are represented by elected officials, and yet polls show that 52% of Americans don't want the reform. Last time I checked majority was 50%. Who represented the majority on this issue?

Lastly, this plan covers abortion. Plain and simple your tax dollars will fund it. Every time I pay my taxes I will be murdering unborn children, every pay check will have a little itemized deduction for this. Sure it will be all in the name of free health care, but how many amazing people will die because I pay my taxes!

Picture these scenarios:

A. The mother of a family of 14 is pregnant again. Her husband — the father of all 14 of these children — has a history of alcohol abuse and mental disorders which frequently causes him to abuse his other children. The mother herself is already worn out from trying to care single-handedly for her large family and doesn't feel she can care for another child at this point. On top of all this, two sons in the family also have a history of alcohol abuse, one of the children is in a mental institution, and none of the other children have steady, dependable jobs with which to support mom and dad. Abortion or Not?

B. A poor black family in the South is expecting a fifth child. This family, because of its skin color, already has difficulty receiving help and are already at the bare minimum poverty level. The outlook for their present children does not look bright. Abortion or Not?

C. A woman is engaged to a man some years older than she; she finds out that she is facing an unplanned pregnancy. The child she is carrying is definitely not the son of her fiancé, and he is worried for her sake and for their repution in their community. This child could put a serious strain on their relationship and on any future children. Abortion or Not?

Okay, everybody finished? Here are the results:

A. If you answered Abortion for A, congratulations! You just aborted Ludwig Van Beethoven!

B. If you answered Abortion for B, again, congratulations! You just aborted Martin Luther King, Jr.

C. If you answered Abortion for C, YOU WIN THE GRAND PRIZE! You, my friend, have just aborted Jesus of Nazareth.

We must seriously take our actions into consideration. We must read the fine print. Because if you read the fine print you will also find that there is one thing guaranteed freely to all.

Ephesians 2:8-10
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

However if you read the fine print on grace you find that Jesus died so that you might be saved. What will Obama sacrifice so I can have free health care? Will he even subscribe to my wonderful free plan? We all know the answer to that.................................

Absolute Truth

"Absolute truth" is defined as inflexible reality: fixed, invariable, unalterable facts. For example, it is a fixed, invariable, unalterable fact that there are absolutely no square circles and there are absolutely no round squares.

What do you believe? How has our secular, confused, and crazy world changed your life. Do you even believe in absolute truth?

Murder is wrong, in any instance at anytime no matter what. Now if you agree with that simple statement is it a stretch to say all life is sacred? So if all life is sacred then how can we sit back and condone abortion, and if you believe in absolute truth you don't get to make exceptions. I can't say all life is sacred except that one. You see the dilemma.
We all agree that stealing is wrong. Are there circumstances that push us into situations where stealing is right? You see that would mean that the statement stealing is wrong is actually not true.

What about marriage, hundreds of years ago it was a sacred one time thing. People married for life. Divorce was unheard of, and adultry was considered wrong. Do you believe that it is wrong to commit adultery? Or is it another one of those it just all depends on the situation.

We live in a world governed by individuals who believe they can put a spin on any situation to change our views. They will try to paint murder, theft, and adultery in a good light. They will present you with moral dilemmas and exceptions and ask you to forsake the rules. Slowly over time they will feed you there ideals until you too are willing to bend the truth.

And as we bend the truth; we lose sight of it. We step back from it, and we walk in darkness. The bible speaks of this verse upon verse.
Psalm 82:5
"They know nothing, they understand nothing.
They walk about in darkness;
all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

Ecclesiastes 2: 12-16
¹² Then I turned my thoughts to consider wisdom,
and also madness and folly.
What more can the king's successor do
than what has already been done?

¹³ I saw that wisdom is better than folly,
just as light is better than darkness.

¹⁴ The wise man has eyes in his head,
while the fool walks in the darkness;
but I came to realize
that the same fate overtakes them both.

¹⁵ Then I thought in my heart,
"The fate of the fool will overtake me also.
What then do I gain by being wise?"
I said in my heart,
"This too is meaningless."

¹⁶ For the wise man, like the fool, will not be long remembered;
in days to come both will be forgotten.
Like the fool, the wise man too must die!

So here is some absolute truth for you: We all die someday. Whether it be at the hands of a doctor who performs an abortion and a mother who doesn't want us, we still die. Maybe it is defending a possession that we cannot bear to have stolen, and the thief kills us, yet again dead. It could be a stoning for the crime of adultery, or slowly wasting away in guilt knowing what we have done. Some of us will lead happy long lives only to be overtaken by cancer.

EVERYONE DIES

So you can look at absolute truth and decide to turn away, but beware my friend:

Ephesians 4:18

They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.

He gave you the choice, he lets you decide what will you choose?

Being little

It is so hard to be little. You get pushed around, everyone looks down on you, and the world seems to be overwhelming. Jack runs into this daily! Too little to ride the bikes, and just big enough to want to.
He tries so hard to keep up with his brother and sister and will often be seen reaching the door just as they slam it shut.


I sometimes wonder if the world is like this for some of us. We try and try all day long. Wanting to fit in and be a part of the crowd. We work so hard to keep up with all the big kids and their big ideas, but at the end of the day they slam the door in our face. Its hard searching for your place in the world. When you feel lost you succumb to all kinds of crazy emotions and actions. Just ask Jack, he can be a bully at times.

Do you ever wonder if there is a place where you can be accepted for who you are without questions without fault, and today. David Haas sings in one of his popular songs:
Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow Me
I will bring you home
I love you and you are mine
I am strength for all the despairing
Healing for the ones who dwell in shame
All the blind will see, the lame will all run free
And all will know My name

Isaiah 43 is the basis of this song and for anyone who feels lost and alone it is a great reminder:
¹ But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

² When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

³ For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.

⁴ Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give men in exchange for you,
and people in exchange for your life.

⁵ Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.

So remember it is okay to be the littlest. To have to run to keep up, because at the end of the day the one who made you for his purpose has called you to be who you are. Do not rush to grow up, do not rush to be someone else. He created you to be who you are and if it is good enough for the creator then it is good enough for me!

Dinosaur Underpants and Big Dreams

Once Upon a Time there was a little boy whose whole world revolved around Dinosaurs.


Sound familiar? This little boy was sort of potty training. Mind you, potty training is not my favorite thing to do, but then who really likes it. What a nightmare, soiled diapers you can throw out, but underwear no way. Well two weeks ago I had an epiphany, a 6 or 7 dollar epiphany mind you! We went to the Gap and bought Dinosaur underpants. Yes they exist. Alas, they are hard to find and I was certain our three pairs was all we would ever find, plus at that price you oughta hang them on the wall. I mean really they are underwear! Then low and behold Old Navy has Dinosaur Unders for half the price.

Did I mention they are magic. Just put on a pair of these underwear and instantly any 3 year old will transform into a fully potty trained kid! No kidding! Well okay we did have 2 accidents, but hey two vs. 20 you won't hear me complaining!


So for now my baby appears to be really turning into an all grown up little boy!

Miracles do happen

In a world where it is hard to believe we believe. Each day brings us something new and different. We find ourselves only to lose ourselves again. Miracles are little things you don't always recognize them, but they happen everyday. Miracles are accidents that happen before you reach the intersection. The healthy children who tear your house apart. Because every moment is a miracle. I am reminded so often to treasure every moment. Years ago I read this:







To realize the value of one year:Ask a student who has failed a final exam.

To realize the value of one month: Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of one week: Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of one hour: Ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.

To realize the value of one minute: Ask the person who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize the value of one second: Ask a person who has survived an accident.

To realize the value of one millisecond: Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.

Time waits for no one.

Treasure every moment you have. You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone special.

I have to add, to realize the value of a miracle: ask the person who is still waiting

It has stayed with me, weighed heavy on my heart. Sometimes we are too busy for miracles, but busy or not great or small they come. They come in all shapes and sizes. They come made for the moment. They come handpicked for you.

No matter how busy life is we should all take a moment to be thankful! Be thankful for miracles, be thankful for time, and most of all be thankful for all the things you don't control or understand.

What the world needs now.....

It's the one thing there is just too little of. Can I say that I hate the phrase hate. Can you fathom, the opposite of love. Love will fill your heart, and hate will empty it. Love is pure and strong and hate is dark and overpowering. Love will fill you up, and hate will leave you empty.

As you look around it is so easy to see hate. It empties the joy from so many days. Hate in the media, hate in the world, hate is forever clouding our lives. It doesn't have to be that way though. You see there was love born out of hate. They hated him so much. What he stood for who he was. This man who came into their lives had the power to change everything. He scared them, and when they accused him and scorned him he spoke not a word. So what could they do. Their hate consumed them. Their hate was so much greater than their presence of mind. They made a brash decision even though there were those among them who were sickened by the thought of it. Some washed their hands of it, but others stayed to watch.

And on that day from their hate was born the greatest love of all:

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

He sent his only son to die. To perish in their hatred and rise again in the brightness of love. He loves you that much. So when you stare hate in they eye. When someone asks you to choose. Choose love, choose Jesus, choose life, and you will forever be filled. Hate can empty you, but love will set you free.

Boys

Boys are so different from girls. Their busy nature can overwhelm any day of the week. They build things, play with trucks, roar like dinosaurs, and hardly ever sit still. They discover and learn in different amazing ways. Any mom of boys and girls will tell you that it is like night and day. I am often reminded of the saying: Little girls are made of sugar and spice.............Little boys are made of snakes and snails and puppy dog tails.
What those poems don't tell you is that little boys are sensitive, cuddly and kind. Little boys will stand up for their siblings. They are willing to fight battles they can't win. They will look danger in the eye and dare it to get them. Little boys are fearless and full of fears. They need their mommies, their night lights, and their blankies. Even if those poems captured this they couldn't tell you that little boys will steal your heart as they grow. They will change your life, and as fast as you can blink they will grow up before your eyes.

What the poems don't tell you is that little boys are meant to grow into strong men. They don't tell you how fleeting it all is. That before you wipe the last tear they have transformed, and in an instant they will be too big for blankies, and cuddles. Too cool for hugs and mommies. Too soon little boys grow up.

I still remember the day he was born, and the moment they laid him in my arms. I remember bringing him home. Each memory big and little making up 3 years of him. He's grown so fast, and stole my heart my little boy. In three short years he's changed the world of my heart. I can't imagine life without him, days without his smiling face. He is my pride and joy, my baby boy all grown up. So here's a better poem. To describe a little boy. Its not as short, but twice as sweet.

Blessed are the pure in heart.
So often we are told
Of saints whose names and daily deeds
Inscribed in books of gold
Are certain to be seeing God
In well-rewarding joy -
But when I see the pure in heart
I see a little boy.

He shins up trees and barks his knees,
Has lizards in a box;
He loves to read of dinosaurs,
Collects bright-colored rocks.
His grubby hands are gentle
On the coats of dogs and birds,
And he has a quiet wisdom in naivety of words.
I listen to his little prayers
At night with quiet joy -
And when I hear the pure in heart
I hear a little boy.

He hasn't reached the age as yet
To question and to doubt;
He gravely takes his mother's words,
And that's what life's about.
Each day is gold, a shining thing
Without a wrong alloy -
And when I hold the pure in heart
I hold a little boy.

Happy Birthday Xavier

Happy Birthday

It happens in a blink of an eye. One minute you are holding this little baby and the next you are watching them walk into their kindergarten class. The years fly by. One after another! Every candle, birthday cake, and present. We are left with brief glimpses in photographs and home movies.

So remember as you cuddle your children that in a blink of an eye they will be all grown up!Do you remember your fifth birthday? I don't have many memories of birthdays, but I do remember today! She woke up at 7:00 AM and sat up saying I am 5, I am finally 5. For years she has been waiting to be 5 so she could go to kindergarten. Now we are one step closer to that. One step closer to high school, prom, college, and all grown up. Just ask your own mother and she will tell you that just yesterday you were sitting and playing with dolls. Just yesterday you wore your hair in braids and made mud pies and now.....Stephen Curtis Chapman wrote a beautiful song for his daughter Maria, "Cinderella", is the story of a little girl as she grows up. Just one year later his daughter was killed in a horrible car accident. The accident happened in their driveway and she was only 5 years old. In an instant all the hopes and dreams they had disappeared and Maria was gone. He went back to the studio and recorded a new ending to the song:So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone...but The truth is the dance will go on!

He has gone on to rewrite his hit Yours, and his newest hit is Heaven is the face of a little girl. He cherishes every moment he had in those 5 years. So let it be a reminder to you that every moment and every day might be the last!