Which one are you?......

Luke 8:11-15

11Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. ¹³And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. ¹⁴And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. ¹⁵As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.

So in this parable we have the following types of people:

1. From the Path - those who hear the word, but the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so they may not believe and be saved.
2. On the rocks - those who hear the word, receive it with joy, but have no root, they believe for a while and in time of testing fall away (do not persevere)
3. In the Thorns - They hear, but they go on their way choked by the cares, riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.
4. Good soil - hear the word, hot it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit from patience.

Which one are you? Honestly I can see myself in each one to a certain extent and at certain times of my life. Right now I see not only myself but all of America in #3. We are being choked by our fears of the future, thinking about earthly things and not heavenly things, not trusting God to supply and sustain. Alot of people are still living a life for riches and pleasure, and while they are doing this America is slowly (maybe not so slowly) being torn apart and freedoms being eroded. We are only worried about ourselves and what we can do to keep ourselves afloat, not looking at the whole picture, and what our selfishness is bringing to a country that once stood for something different.

I want to leave you with something I read in my "Stepping UP" Bible study this morning. That is where the above passage came from too. This portion of the study by Beth just hit me between the eyes! To set it up, her and her husband where in war torn Angola serving the people there. One of the men working with them said this "One of the most frustrating things is that in villages where they receive seed, they often eat the seed rather then planting it and bring forth the harvest". This really struck Beth. God gave her this answer to her questions of "Why do some people see the results of the Word and others don't? Why do some study the Word of God yet remain in their captivity?" Here is what God gave her:
"Some just eat the seed and never sow it for a harvest". You want examples? Why have many of us heard hundreds of messages on freedom, done every line of Bible studies like Breaking Free, wept over them, been blessed by them and even memorized parts of them, yet remain in captivity? Because we ate the seed instead of sowing it. Why have many of us read books on forgiving people, known the teachings were true and right, cried over them, marked then up with our highlighters, yet remain in our bitterness? Because we ate the seed instead of sowing it. Why have we repeatedly heard how Christ has forgive our sinful pasts and sobbed with gratitude over the grace if it, yet remain in bondage to condemnation? Because we ate the seed instead of sowing it."

There is so much more good stuff in this portion of the lesson, but I would have to retype her whole study which I think would be wrong. I just want to add a couple other things that she said. "God's word is to be applied to our reality" and after we eat the seed instead of sowing it "Then we charge God with unfaithfulness when we don't get the harvest He promised". Did you see that? We eat the seed, then charge God with being unfaithful! That sure is us isn't it?!

So again I ask, which one are you?

Today I turn "45"!!!!

45! Did you hear that! 45!!!!!

I don't feel 45! I still see myself as a young person! I'm sure the young ladies are having a good laugh over that! One thing that really blows my mind is that I am the age now that my girlfriend's parents were, when we were in high school! Again I don't feel that old! I am trying to come up with some wise words today because it just seems like I should have some! Hummm.....maybe if I ponder it awhile, but then again I lose thoughts pretty fast anymore, so that may not be a good idea!

The Lord has blessed me beyond measure and I look forward to serving him the rest of my life! I have struggled with alot of insecurity issues all my life, and I continue to need to lean on him for instruction and comfort. Here are just a few portions of scriptures that God has used in my life to help me know what he thinks of me:

2 Samuel 22: 17-20

"He sent from on high, he took me;
he drew me out of many waters.
¹⁸He rescued me from my strong enemy,
from those who hated me,
for they were too mighty for me.
¹⁹They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
but the LORD was my support.
²⁰ He brought me out into a broad place;
he rescued me, because he delighted in me.

(This is also found in Psalms 18:16-19)

Zephaniah 3:14-17

Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;
shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
O daughter of Jerusalem!
The LORD has taken away the judgments against you;
he has cleared away your enemies.
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst;
you shall never again fear evil.
On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:"Fear not, O Zion;
let not your hands grow weak.
The LORD your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.

He has shown me that He is my Stronghold (Psalms 18:1-3)

He is my Shield (Psalms 5:11 & 12)

He is my Salvation (Psalms 27:1)

He is my Sustainer (Isaiah 46:3&4)

He is my Hope (Psalms 25:2-4)

He is my King (Rev 19:16)

He is so much more to me, but I have to go to work now! Have a blessed day you all!

What is a Christian?

Lately I have been thinking about the enormous amount of people who call themselves Christians when in fact they are not. It seems to be the hip thing to be, especially if your a politician. People are always quick to say they are Christians, but then when you get down to asking the important questions, such as "What do you know to be the only way to heaven?" they can't answer with "because of the blood of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice! Because of his resurrection! I'm talking about this because Saturday my son told me a movie star that we all know said he was a Christian, but that he respects others views. I told Jeremiah that if a person professes to be a Christian they cannot claim to accept other peoples views on different ways to heaven. If they do they are accepting these people right into hell. If you claim to be a Christian there are a few things that you need to believe WITHOUT EXCEPTION:

• The Bible is the infallible word of God. It cannot be changed or ignored because a portion of it makes you uncomfortable, or convicts you.
• God is who He says He is.
• Christ is who He says He is, and who God says He is.
• THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO HEAVEN EXCEPT THROUGH CHRIST! (Acts 4:12)
• Christ died for you! Christ was raised by to life by God the Father for you, and he is sitting at the right hand of the Father interceding for you!

These things cannot be challenged. Challenging them does not change the truth. We as followers of Christ need to understand that and preach that boldly to a world that is increasingly hostile to that very message. The very word CHRISTIAN points to Christ. We are followers of Christ, we are disciples of Christ, we claim Christ PERIOD! If someone you know claims to be a Christian, ask them what they based that statement on. . I know that will point out the truth right there. The god of this age is blinding so many minds! I wanted to type up a definition of Christian, but when I went to "Gotquestions.org" I thought they said it better then I could so I posted the link below.

1 Peter 4: 15-17
If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

Let us not be ashamed of the Gospel of CHRIST!

What is a Christian?

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A Bible Study help....

Here is a link to a great Bible Study website: Into thy Word. Check it out and see if it's something you can use. I have added a new side bar tab that will include different websites to help you in your journey with Christ. I hope that they will bless your heart and encourage you in your walk!

fPhoto Friday - Where's Weirdsnow?!

Can you find the real dog in this picture?

Check out the other great pictures over at Married to the Preacher! Her photography is amazing!

14 years ago I married my best friend....

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Before the throne of God above....

Beth Moore mentioned this song on her post today. She was saying Happy Birthday to her daughter Melissa, and this is one of Melissa's favorite songs. I just had to hear it because I loved the title. It did not disappoint. Selah singing is was just the icing on the cake! Sit back, close your eyes and enjoy the wonderful words of your Fathers love!

Ezekiel Revisited.....Final Installment

Well we are at the final page of notes on my study of Ezekiel. What I can say about this study is that I have learned so much more about God through these 48 chapters! I love him more then I did when I started! I also see things more clearly, and I love how again it shows how the O.T. and the N.T. are intertwined. I hope that anything you have read in these posts have spurred you on to study scripture more.

• The man speaks only twice (Ez 41)
• Perfect Symmetry - God's plan is perfect. (Ez 42) (vs. 20)
• The Glory of the LORD returns! (Ez 43) YEAH! In the beginning chapters God's glory left the temple! Here it returns and Ezekiel gets to see it! I think about this, and I think of all Ezekiel was called to do for God. Hard stuff! But look what he gets to be a part of! Isn't that what obedience is about! Look at the greater blessings we get when we follow His leading! Also can you imagine being spoken to by the Lord God! or are we? Was it audible or how we hear from him today? I wonder.....
• Ezekiel sees God's glory again. He falls on his face - overwhelmed! (Ez 44). I'm thinking of the song "I can only imagine". What will we do when we see His face, His glory for the first time?! (Ez 44)
• God wants us not the sacrifices of food, fat and blood. I posted about this here. In Hebrews 10: 5 & 6 Jesus speaks concerning this and Psalms 40:6-8 is where Jesus quotes from. (Ez 44)
• The allotting of the land to each tribe. There are places in scripture where God goes into detail I do not understand. Here is one of them. At this point the one thing I see here is that God is showing again how he takes care of His people. There are many that say that the Israelites are not longer God's chosen people; that they are irrelevant. This chapter is another area that shows that just isn't true! God made a promise to these people and we all know he keeps his promises! The great news for us is that we are grafted into this people through our faith in Christ! (Ez 45)
• Chapter 46 is hard too, I currently have nothing to share here. Hopefully God will show me something in the future. After all His word is alive and active so I will wait.
• A river runs from it - Water is life! The Living water brings eternal life! Here this fresh water flowing from the temple turns the Salt Sea into fresh water that can sustain life. A Wonderful picture also of how Christ gives us life & sustains us. (Ez 47)
• God has nurtured an orphan (earlier chapter), dealt with disobedience; punished rebellion; and restored His children. His presence left in the opening chapters - His presence returned in the closing chapters. (Ez 48)

A fitting ending

and the name of the city from that time on will be:

The LORD Is Here!!!!

AMEN, come Lord Jesus!

Ezekiel Revisted.....Part 2

Page 2 of notes on my study of Ezekiel:

• God takes away and restores again, even ungodly nations. He rewards his instruments (Nebuchadnezzar) (Ez. 29) (vs. 21 reference to Christ.
• God is very detailed - he can do anything he says - we cannot understand his ways. (Ez 30)
• God is sovereign - he makes nations & kings to rise and fall. A mighty Cedar (Egypt) is taken down by a ruthless nation (Babylon). They thought they were invincible, not so. (Ez 31)
• War - What is it good for? Here I began to realize was is part of God's judgement. War is an awful thing, but if you look throughout history, what causes war? Outwardly man because of sin, but also God's sovereignty. - War is part of God's plan for man - he allows it for his purposes. I need to remember here "My ways are not your ways". (Ez 32)
• To obey God and preach him to all I meet. Here Ezekiel's job was done, at least in part. His mouth was opened because the prophecy cam to be - Jerusalem had fallen. (Ez 33)
• A reference to the Shepherd. God will become the shepherd of his people. (Ez 34) (vs 27b)
• God disciplines those he loves and destroys their enemies. Here because of Edom's intense hatred of the Israelites - God destroys them - they ceased to be. (Ez 35)
• God takes care of his children and remembers his covenants! Israel would be restored because of God's faithfulness. (Ez 36) (vs. 26)
• "Them bones, them bones, them dry bones!" - can you see this vision?! Can you imagine the sight? God can restore us, even more! God will also reunite Israel. They will not longer be divided. (Ez 37)
• Foreshadowing - the Bible is full of it. Events that take place in scripture are a foreshadowing of things to come. (Ez 38)
• The plans of men will not come to success. god brings about all things. We may think we are in control but he alone is sovereign and one day the whole world will realize that. (Ez 39)
• One last vision for Ezekiel - A man appears with a linen cord & measuring rod. The measurements for the Millennial temple. This temple has not been built yet. So very specific, just like the instructions for the tabernacle and Solomon's temple.

Page 2 of notes complete! Tomorrow or Monday I will finish my notes and oh what exciting things are to be!

Ezekiel Revisited.....

Many of you know that I studied the book of Ezekiel awhile back. I have been wanting to summarize my study over a few days on my blog, that it may spur a few of you on to study God's word. I began my study on November 3, 2008.

What I learned (I didn't start writing my summary chapter by chapter, but later thought it best to help you see where my thoughts came from):

• God's Majesty - His throne is like Sapphire; brilliant like a rainbow.
• When He calls us he expects obedience.
• He knows what he is calling us to and the outcome - he just wants our obedience (2:7)
• "Do not be Afraid"
• Sometimes God calls us to really hard things
• Devour God's word - it is as sweet as honey (3:3) & Psalms
• God doesn't mind our arguing and protesting - he knows even before we speak (4:14 & 15)
• God punishes rebellion because he is jealous for His name.
• God is patient and slow to anger, but his anger must be appeased. He cannot allow sin to continue unabated.
• He is constantly reminding his people of who He is.
• God's presence cannot be present if sin and rebellion continue - he will removed himself.
• Be sure it is God who is speaking to me.
• Every word I hear from someone who says "God told me" - shift through God's word
• I need to be careful that when I say something is of God that it truly is - I do not want to be a false prophet.
• God is eternally patient with his creation, BUT there will be judgement we can count on that.
• Even though we break covenant after covenant - God has kept and will keep every one.
• My sin is my sin. I cannot blame anyone else.
• If we harbor rebellion, God will not hear us. (Ez. 20)
• God is Sovereign - even over those who do not acknowledge Him.
• God desires that all know him - he says throughout this book "then they will know that I am the Lord." The whole earth (people) think they are in control but , "they will know". (Ez. 25)
• God even uses the ungodly for his purposes, example Nebuchadnezzar. (Ez 26)
• Oh how the mighty fall - Tyre a picture of the United States? (Ez 27)
• God remembers his covenants and takes care of his Children. "Then they will know". (Ez 28)
• God makes men rise and fall, their error is thinking they did it.

Page one of notes done. I have 3 more pages front and back! I would love to see if you see the same things in these passages. Go get a shovel and start digging!!!!

Word-Filled Wednesday

Join others over at the Extravagant Grace for more of God's blessings in pictures!

A lesson learned over coffee

We are currently camping at Jellystone Park in Silver Lake Michigan. As I do every morning we are camping I rise earlier then everyone else, turn on the coffee, and sit down to spend some time with my heavenly Father. This morning I had a few things on my mind. Not the least of which are my son's lack of friends to do things with (which just has me in such inner turmoil, even though I can show him that), and my daughter just walked in her sleep for the first time that we know of last night. She actually left the trailer! I heard the door close and it woke me up. I checked out the window and at first didn't see anything, then I was her heading back toward the door. I called to her and she came over, but when she woke this morning she didn't remember a thing! It freaked Steve and I out pretty good! We are wondering if this is just a fluke or it this could be the beginning of something.

So this is where my mind was when I sat down. I prayed and gave my children back to God, knowing that he has a plan for their life and that I need to rely on him and not worry. I began reading on Psalms 10, then read Psalms 125, which is the next Psalm of Ascent I will be doing in my "Stepping Up" Bible study, then I read a little in Ecclesiastes 4, and then on to Ecclesiastes 5. That is where the Lord wanted me to be today. I don't really think that it's because of my circumstances and thoughts this morning, but maybe. Either way it spoke to me on so many levels I just needed to share it with you all.

Ecclesiastes 5
Stand in Awe of God

1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.
2 Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.
3 As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words.
4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. 6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? 7 Much dreaming and many words are meaningless.

Therefore stand in awe of God.

I think this scripture is very plan. I can see so much instruction and things we should heed:

• Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. (Be prepared to worship)



• Go near to listen (Do not look at it, that it's all about you. Go to hear from God whether it's something you want to hear or not. It's not about you and want you can get from coming to God's house, but what you get because of obedience.



• Do not be quick with your mouth(It says it below in the verse - let your words be few)



• Do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God (this makes me think of how God never breaks a "vow" or a covenant, but how often I in haste, make a promise to him that I have no plans on keeping.) Better to not have made it at all in God's eyes.

THEREFORE STAND IN AWE OF GOD!

Isn't that an awesome way to end this portion!

I hope this blessed you as it blessed me, and reminded me of where my heart should be!

Simple Bible Study

When I started blogging I used to visit a blog called Rahab's Thread. They no longer blog, but their mission was to help others study the word of God. They gave a very simple Bible study help that I would like to pass along to you. When you study a passage (I usually study chapter by chapter), ask yourself these 3 questions:

1. What is this passage about?
2. What do I learn from this passage?
3. What will I apply from this passage to my life?

You could also write down based on the who, what, where, why, when also.

I believe this is loosely based on the Precepts type of study, but it is just a more simple way of getting into the Word.

I hope this helps you some how in your journey.

I would like to dedicate this song to Linda @ Mocha with Linda!

Since I know that this is a favorite restaurant of Linda's and that she loves her sweet tea, I would like to dedicate this song to her!

A Wonderful New Tool Bar

I was over at Marsha's Musings yesterday and she recommended this toolbar. It is a way of connecting with other Christian women, but also it is a wonderful bible study tool. Go over and check it out.

The New Me......

So what do you think?! I love it!! I don't know how many of you know it, but back in May Lisa had a 500th post party, and I won a free Bloggy makeover! I was also on a bloggy break, so I didn't make any fast decisions about what this blog makeover would look like. I felt my blog needed to take a new direction. I wanted it to be less about me and more about God; bringing glory to Him actually. So I prayed, and had others pray for God to show me what he wanted me to do with this blog thing that I had so innocently gotten involved in. A little history may be needed here.

Back in October of 2007 I timidly stepped into the blogging world after reading Mari's, Cheri's, Jen's and The Livesay's blogs. I thought why not - it could be fun! Here is my 2nd post explaining the name of my blog and what I saw it being about at that time. I have so enjoyed this experience! Meeting all of you and growing in the Lord through posts that you all have written. You have become part of my journey in the Lord, and I am thankful for the experience.

Fast forward to 2009. I am currently at 437 posts, marching toward 500! It's funny looking back on that 2nd post, I see that I desired even then to dig into the Word of God. That desire has grown, and I have learned much! But I have so much to learn, and I desire to come alongside anyone who desires the same thing! The verse in Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another", is a verse that I desire to emulate. As I am sharpened by one's post, I hope to sharpen someone else.

My key verse has changed too! This is one thing I was praying for, that God would give me a verse that states the purpose of this blog, that is how I came up with 1 Peter 2:5 "you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." This is what we are becoming! This is who we are in Christ! The whole passage from verses 1-12 are so good! Christ is The Living Stone, and we are becoming living stones! It is a journey of discipleship, but what does that mean?! I looked up the definition of Disciple and Discipleship and this is what I came up with:

Disciple - (from Biblegateway) - a scholar, sometimes applied to the followers of John the Baptist (Matt. 9:14), and of the Pharisees (22:16), but principally to the followers of Christ. A disciple of Christ is one who (1) believes his doctrine, (2) rests on his sacrifice, (3) imbibes his spirit, and (4) imitates his example (Matt. 10:24; Luke 14:26, 27, 33; John 6:69).

Every definition of Discipleship brings me back to Disciple, so discipleship is just continuing to do the above.

That is what I am hoping to unwrap as we continue to journey together, and I am hoping to help you in your individual journey with encouragement and tools that will help you to feel more confident in your study of God's word.

I am hoping to have a side bar with different helps I have found, and alot of other things that God shows me that may be beneficial to you in your walk with Him!

Oh I love my new signature!!!! Sola Dei Gloria - For God's glory alone!!!! That is what this blog will be about! Oh I love that!!!!

Makeover Underway!

Please be patient with us as we put up a brand new makeover!

Thanks!

TSMSS - Happy dependence day!

On this 4th of July where we celebrate our Independence from England, I want to celebrate my dependence on God! I heard this song yesterday and I think it fits perfectly today!

I hope you all have a fun and safe 4th of July! To God be the Glory!

I hope you like my new look too! I will be explaining this wonderful new look very soon! Much to say about it though, so it will take time!

Join other ladies over at Amy's who are letting their soul's sing!

Let Christ love a child through you....

I think alot of you know that I am the Director of Children's Ministries at the church I attend, because alot of you attend there too. I don't often write much about it because I feel I should keep my job separate from my blog. Well what I am about to say really has nothing to do with the specifics of my job, just something the Lord showed me a few months ago that I thought about again yesterday.

I am one who definitely loves children! I love babies, I love toddlers, I love elementary age, and I am learning to see the blessing of pre-teens, or tweeners! It comes naturally for me! I just love um! I also am passionate about seeing them come to know and grow in the Lord! We are preparing warriors for Christ, and we as parents and the church need to be diligent and faithful in our roles.

However there are some people who do not have a love for children. I have actually had several people tell me "they like their kids, but not other kids". I used to just fume inside when told this and I have to tell you I also felt sorry for their kids (this is me, being me a little judgemental). So a few months ago God gave me this though:

It's not about me or you loving kids

It's about Christ loving kids through me or you.

How much more would Christ's power be seen

if those who he was calling to a ministry to children

would just be obedient, knowing Christ would

give them what they need to do the job he is calling them too?

In our own limitations, we cannot even foresee something

like that as possible, BUT Christ is the Christ of

IMPOSSIBILITY!

He can take a situation that we would say "I can't do that!"

and do it with amazing results!

So there you have it! Now I know there are some people that really should not be around children, but I wonder if their number is smaller then we think. Do you trust God enough to step out in faith and go where he is telling you to go? Whether in this case with children, or maybe in some other ministry you think is way beyond you? If it's way beyond you, think of the possibilities of God's glory being seen through you!

A Lovely Award!

Heidi over at 2Thinks just bestowed on me this Lovely Award!

I haven't known Heidi long, but she is such an encouraging commenter! I want to thank you so much for this award Heidi, and I look forward to getting to know you better! I love that you are encouraged in your walk with the Lord through my little blog! That is so what I want my blog to be about!

Now I have passed on many awards in the past, so this time I am going to pull a Mari and give it to all my wonderful followers and commenters!

My Utmost for His Highest - July 2nd

I read this, this morning and just needed to share it! God has been speaking to me alot lately about true discipleship, so I know for me this is one more statement he is making. Thought it may bless you too!

July 2, 2009
The Conditions of Discipleship
If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother,

wife and children, brothers and sisters,

yes, and his own life also . . . .

And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me . . . .

So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple

—Luke 14:26-27, 33

If the closest relationships of a disciple’s life conflict with the claims of Jesus Christ,

then our Lord requires instant obedience to Himself.

Discipleship means personal, passionate devotion to a Person— our Lord Jesus Christ.

There is a vast difference between devotion to a person and devotion to principles or to a cause.

Our Lord never proclaimed a cause— He proclaimed personal devotion to Himself.

To be a disciple is to be a devoted bondservant motivated by love for the Lord Jesus.

Many of us who call ourselves Christians are not truly devoted to Jesus Christ.

No one on earth has this passionate love for the

Lord Jesus unless the Holy Spirit has given it to him.

We may admire, respect, and revere Him,

but we cannot love Him on our own.

The only One who truly loves the Lord Jesus is the Holy Spirit,

and it is He who has "poured out in our hearts" the very "love of God" (Romans 5:5 ).

Whenever the Holy Spirit sees an opportunity to glorify Jesus through you,

He will take your entire being and set you ablaze with glowing devotion to Jesus Christ.
The Christian life is a life characterized by true and spontaneous creativity.

Consequently, a disciple is subject to the same charge

that was leveled against Jesus Christ, namely, the charge of inconsistency.

But Jesus Christ was always consistent in His relationship to God,

and a Christian must be consistent in his relationship to

the life of the Son of God in him, not consistent to strict, unyielding doctrines.

People pour themselves into their own doctrines,

and God has to blast them out of their preconceived ideas

before they can become devoted to Jesus Christ.

Of Sun, Sand, Surf, Swings,Salt and Shells, Siblings, Stings..and other Stuff!

I know by the time I am done you will all be sick of seeing pictures of our trip and of me talking about it, but at least I am blogging again right?! I am still praying over my bloggy make over and am about ready to contact Lisa to begin the process! I so want it to bring Glory to God and am just waiting on Him to fill in the blanks. Anyway on to the title of this post.

We had a wonderful sunny weather the whole time we were in Mississippi! We'll except for Friday when it rained only a little bit! Here are just a few of the things that we did that made this vacation so wonderful:

• Spending time each morning with my sister Sandy and her husband Ralph having coffee on the patio. Ralph would always end the time in prayer! We solved many of the world's problems in that patio, and watch a momma blue bird every morning.



• The white sand of the beaches we went too! The Shells we found on the beaches! Even those with occupants!



• The Jellyfish that you couldn't see, but that stung you! I know that isn't something to be thankful for, but at least we didn't get stung by big ones, only little ones, and that is a big thank you.



• Bekah being able to overcome her fear of the waves, after what happened in California last year!



• Getting use to the salt water.



• The refreshing surf at Pensacola beach! Much cooler then the water in the Mississippi sound, and clearer too!



• The friendship tree on the campus of University of Mississippi at Gulfport. The tree is 500 years old and has withstood how many hurricanes and still stands strong! Ah yes... When God builds it, it stands! AMEN!!!



• The beautiful sunsets we got to see! The beautiful cloud formations, so white and fluffy and majestic!



• Pelicans! I just love them awkward, graceful birds! So ugly they are cute!



• On the way down we say this statement all over a semi "JESUS CHRIST IS LORD! Not a swear word!" Love it!
• We are all now saying "Git on over thar Suga Daddy!" That is what our horse and buggy driver kept saying to our mule "Sugar Daddy!
• Steve and Jeremiah on the rope swing at the river! Don't you just love that picture of Steve above?! I think you can click on all these pictures to make them bigger.
• Spending so many hours in our van, without many arguments!
• A safe trip all the way around!
• Meeting the man on the streets of New Orleans and finding a brother in Christ!

Oh I think that's it, but even if it's not, I'll try not to blog more about Mississippi!

Have a blessed day!