Friday, July 31, 2009

In the Haute

Welp, this weekend I'm in the Haute for Tim and Ali's wedding... Mark is the best man and I plan on tipping back a few beverages to 'celebrate' so it should be a good time. I'm going out with the girls tonight to watch Jen's bro, Dustin, play at the Verve. It will be so much fun to hang out with them... Shopping with my sister today... in Terre Haute... which probably means we will go to Wal-Mart for lack of options.... all in all, a good weekend in the Heezy.... :)

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

What if Jesus Walked in Your Church?

May 11, 2009- Christianity.Com

Glynnis Whitwer <http://www.crosswalkmail.com/lrksgzwddh_jtpwgpvpptg.html>

"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." Matthew 18:20 (NAS)


Devotion:

Singing in the worship band gives me a unique viewpoint of our church on Sundays. On my assigned weeks, I stand on stage waiting for the service to begin. People are still filing in as the pre-recorded music stops and the worship leader steps up to the microphone to welcome the congregation. The lights dim as the tap of the drumsticks signal the band to begin.

Soon the swell of the music and a chorus of voices -- young and old -- fill the room. By the second song, the house lights are completely off and the only lights shining in the room are on us. Except for the back door. And that's where I face.

Each time the door opens to let in latecomers, outside light shines brightly for a brief moment. From where I stand, it's like a spot light. It's so bright, and so far away, that I can't see the faces of those who come in late. But every once in awhile I dream ... sort of one of those awakening dreams. But this one feels real. I dream that Jesus walks in.

In my mind, I see Him walking up the aisle. No one notices Him because their eyes are focused on the words on the screen, or they are closed in worship. He slowly looks left then right. He keeps on walking toward the front. Finally, He reaches the steps below me and slowly ascends them. When He gets to the top of the stage, He turns to receive the worship that is being offered Him.

I wonder what Jesus feels as He looks out over the flock of people. Is He pleased? Is He frustrated that so many minds are on today's lunch? Does He want to reach out and grab the hands that are raised in worship?

Sometimes I long to see Jesus walk in my church so desperately, I can feel my heart pound. Can you imagine what would happen? Can you imagine how people would grab their friends with diseases and go running toward Him? Can you imagine parents carrying their hurting children to Him? The press of people would be intense. Those with addictions, emotional hurts and illnesses would stretch out their hands just to touch Him. People would drop to their knees in adoration.

Before I "awake" and realize it is only a dream, I remember the words of Jesus: "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them" (Matthew 18:20). And I realize that Jesus has come to my church. He is there to receive my worship. He is there to touch the hands of the broken hearted. He longs to heal those who are hurting.

Unfortunately, many times I'm simply hoping that God will "show up." As if He might be too busy to stop by my church that day. Yet by Jesus' very own words, He is already there. My waking dream is a reality. Maybe Jesus doesn't stand next to me, but He's in the room. I need that truth to soak into my heart every time I gather with other believers.

The same Jesus who healed the blind man and raised the dead, has come to our church this week.

Dear Lord, thank You for the amazing reality of Jesus. Thank You that I can count on Your Word to be true, and for You to be present whenever two or more believers are gathered. Help me to really understand what this means, and to have this truth revitalize my worship and prayers. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

"Why God Made Moms "

( The following answers were given by Elementary School
Children to the following questions )

Question----"Why Did God Make Mothers?""

The answers:
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.

2. Mostly to clean the house.

3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

Q-----"How Did God Make Mothers?"

1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.

2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.

3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just
used bigger parts.

Q----"What Ingredients Are Mother's Made Of ?"

1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and
everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.

2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they
He mostly used string I think.

Q----"Why Did God Give You Your Mother And not Some Other
Mom?"

1. We're related.

2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's
moms like me.

Q----"What Kind Of Little Girl Was Your Mom?"

1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other
stuff...

2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be
pretty bossy.

3. They say she used to be nice.

Q----"What Did Mom Need To Know About Dad Before She
Married Him?"

1. His last name.

2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does
he get drunk on beer? Does he make at least $800 a year? Did
he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Q----"Why Did Your Mom Marry Your Dad ?"

1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom
eats a lot.

2. She got too old to do anything else with him.

3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Q----"Who's The Boss At Your House?"

1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's
such a goofball

2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff
under the bed.

3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do
than dad.

Q----"What's The Difference Between Moms And Dads?"

1. Moms work at work & work at home, & dads just go to work
at work.

2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.

3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power
'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at
your friend's.

Q----"What Does Your Mom Do In Her Spare Time?"

1. Mothers don't do spare time.

2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

Q----"What Would It Take To Make Your Mom Perfect?"

1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some
kind of plastic surgery.

2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

Q----"If You Could Change One Thing About Your Mom What
Would It Be?"

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean.
I'd get rid of that.

2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my
sister who did it and not me.
____________________________________

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Cast and Present

May 8, 2009
Melissa Taylor <http://www.crosswalkmail.com/fwvmyvymgd_gbjqsjljjhs.html>

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

Devotion:
We were driving home from my mom's house when it happened again. I glanced in my rear view mirror and saw my son Hayden. His eyes were fluttering and his face was pale. I could tell he would be out in a matter of seconds.

My husband stopped the car and I crawled quickly to the back, shouting Hayden's name. His body went limp. Although he was only out for about twenty seconds, it seemed like an hour. This was the third time Hayden had passed out in the last two weeks. I was so scared about his condition. He had some tests scheduled, which hopefully would tell us and the doctors what was going on.

What was causing him to pass out? Would the doctors be able to help him?

The next morning I opened my Bible study book, eager for some time with God. I could not believe my eyes. The title of the lesson was The Great Physician. Immediately I felt a sense of comfort and peace over me. I know the Great Physician well. And I trust Him. At that moment I was no longer worried about Hayden. I knew he was in very capable hands, the mighty hands of the Great Physician. Regardless of what happened, I know the Great Physician had great plans for Hayden, no matter his condition.

The Great Physician is here for all of us. He wants us to come to Him for healing. How stubborn we can be sometimes. I remember once when I was sick. I needed to go to the doctor but didn't feel like making an appointment, passing hours in a waiting room, and spending money on a prescription. I figured I would feel better eventually. I put it off each day until I was so sick I could hardly get out of bed. Finally I went to the doctor. He diagnosed me with strep throat, administered a very painful shot, and I was better within twenty four hours! If only I had gone sooner I would have saved myself a lot of trouble!

The same is true with the Great Physician. How many times do I worry for days or try to solve a problem on my own? When I finally release it to Him, I think, Why didn't I turn it over to Him a long time ago?

God's Word tells us to "cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall" (Psalm 55:22). It also reads, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6).

We aren't supposed to fix ourselves. We aren't supposed to worry and fret. We are supposed to "cast" and "present." Cast our cares and burdens to God, and present our requests to Him. When we do what His Word tells us to do, we can then experience peace and comfort (Philippians 4:7).

I'm happy to report that Hayden is fine. I can hear him in the next room right now talking and laughing with his little sister. I'm so thankful for the laughter. I'm so thankful for the Great Physician who has given me a peace so that I can enjoy the laughter.

Dear Lord, in our lives there will be times of trial and fear. Remind us to cast our cares and present our requests to You, and leave them there. Thank You for the peace only You can give. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

The Soul With Sunny Heart

God bless the soul with sunny heart
Who brightens up each day
By spreading seeds of cheerfulness
While traveling on life's way.
God bless him for the stars of hope
He sets in each one's sky;
For the encouragement he gives
That causes folk to try...
With stronger faith to press ahead,
With courage for a mate,
And reach for goals, and build anew,
And smile and challenge fate.
God bless his laughter and his song
That drives dark clouds away
From troubled minds, and paints instead
A rosy-tinted day.
God bless the soul with sunny heart
Who's found in life his place,
And serves his God and fellow man
With humble, gentle grace.
The world has need of such a man
Who lifts the heart from gloom,
And in life's barren places plants
Sweet flowers of love to bloom.
He may serve as some men serve
With fame or high degree...
But his good deeds will ever shine
Throughout eternity.
Beverly J. Anderson
________________________________________

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

God's Wonderful Work

He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
( Psalms 111:4 *NKJV )

No matter where we are in this World, when we look around us, we see God's wonderful work everywhere. It is no wonder that the twenty-four elders before the throne of God praise Him and say, ""You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being." ( Rrevelation 4:11 )

Have you ever taken the time to enjoy a beautiful sunrise or sunset? Ever noticed the beauty of a rose? Ever looked at the mountains or the ocean with awe? Ever spend time just looking at the beautiful clouds above, or at a rainbow after a storm?

God's beautiful creation, and His great Love surrounds us when we take the time to notice . For, He has made everything beautiful in its time. ( Eecclesiasts 3:11 ) So why not stop for a moment today, and take a look around, savoring all the beautiful sights? You will find that a great peace will fall upon you when you do!

Now may the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, by with you today and always, as you enjoy your Heavenly Father's wonderful works! God Bless You. Amen.

All My Love & Prayers ,
Pastor Allen

Drivers who should die…. Or at least lose a tooth…. A front one…

That was harsh, but bad drivers.....SUCK!!!

Drivers going 10 mph under the speed limit, then proceed to run the red light.
Drivers who go straight in the turn only lane
Out of towners
Drivers who slow down because there is stopped traffic in the LANE BESIDE THEM
Drivers who ride their brake
Drivers who don’t use a turn signal
Drivers who don’t turn off their turn signal
Drivers who have a brake light / head light out
Drivers who text and drive
Drivers who get mad at you when you don’t let them in so they can cut you off
Anyone who goes to the mall in November through January
The car that speeds up in the right lane to pass you. Then proceeds to go the same speed as the semi in the other lane for ten miles.
Drivers who whip it out of their driveway like Danika Patrick, then go 10 mph under the speed limit.
Drivers who block the intersection in rush hour
Drivers who don’t turn right on red.
Drivers who obey they ‘No Turn on Red’ sign
Drivers who wait until the last minute to move from the closing lane in construction.

Any others?

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Inventors I want to make out with:

The inventors of.....

Tampons
Chocolate
Cell Phones
Automobiles
Lined Paper
Computers
Text Messages
McDonald’s Sweet Tea
Deodorant
Victoria’s Secret Ipex Bras
Clearance Racks
Boys
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Eyebrow Pencils
Debit Cards
Eyeliner
Waterproof Mascara
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Blizzard
Tanning Beds
Sunscreen
Christian Music
Live Music
Face Lotion
Radio
Hippies
The Beach/Ocean
Warm Weather
Electricity
Online Billing
Online Banking
Hair Straighteners
Boxed Hair Dye
Spandex Volleyball Shorts/ Spanx
Ponytail Holders
Cell Phones
Flat Shoes
Stilettos
Artwork
Blogs
Emails
Microsoft Excel
Calculators
Nail Polish
Contacts
Mechanical Pencils
and
Google

Any other inventors you would make out with?

I'm sure there will be a continuation to this post.....

Monday, June 29, 2009

Ew

As I walked into Wendys, I passed an employee on her way out of the restroom and into the kitchen. As soon as she stepped into the cook room, she squirted some hand sanitzer onto her palms.

Now, I'm a huge hand sanitizer/ anti bacterial advocate, but I'm also a bigger fan of good old fashioned soap and water. I'm not sure I trust that concoction to wash the hands of the chick making my Frosty.

Just remember this incident the next time you order a spicy chicken sandwich. It might come with a side of crusty urine fingers...

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Taking Chance

The other day Mark and I watched the movie "Taking Chance" with Kevin Bacon. It is about the dignified transfer that one soldier goes through when he is Killed in Action in Iraq. Chance Phelps was only 19 years old when he was killed in Iraq. Kevin Bacon's character is in charge of escorting Phelps' body from Dover Air Force Base to his hometown. It is based on true events and his HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! It really makes me think about the impact my job has on these types of situations. Wow. Never forget the sacrifice that soldiers make for us. Never.