Wednesday, May 26, 2010

"People Sensitivities" Do you have it?


In other words, HUMILITY and COMPASSION
Do you have them within?

I've been thinking about this subject for quite a while now
and finally have the gumption to talk about it because
I think it is absolutely necessary to have certain sensitivities
to live life as a Christian and becoming a true friend (bearing
in one another's burdens), frankly, just as a human being.
Loving your neighbor as yourself, or so the Bible says...

Being faced with many people of different backgrounds,
races, ethnicities, gender (aka: men vs. women)
even close friends and family throughout my own life,
I know how difficult it can be to sometimes "relate" to
others. You know, truly understand where they may be
coming from or giving grace and having a patient heart
even just to listen or offer a word of encouragement to
another person if need be, why is this practice so difficult?
God calls us to this practice quite often, and we can fail
miserably at times!

Therefore, I want to challenge you throughout this post
to work on your own people sensitivities as I am and
see God work miracles in and through your life, will
you join me?

I say this with an urgency, because I've been that "insensitive"
person at times in my own life as well as a "victim" of sorts
to this insensitivity and know first hand how detrimental it
can be to our hearts and minds which can sometimes lead to
a destructive thought life or negative view of ourselves and others
which leads to ultimate judgement from God himself, and
makes us down right "ugly".

Here are a few examples of insensitivity's that take place
in our lives:

Debt/Money woes between friends, neighbors or family
Lifestyles - poor vs. rich
Belief systems, different faiths, different "gods"
Parenting styles vs. Children's "rights"
Gender roles - male vs. female - husband vs. wife

Those are very specific times when insensitive words
or actions can come about, or slander takes place between
neighbors, people turning against people - no one
helping one another all for selfish reasons, you get my
drift here.

If we could just put ourselves in the shoes of others from
time to time and see through the eyes of our Great God,
then just maybe there is hope for our society and
neighborhoods. Healing can then take place, positive
action/change can happen in lives from within
and outwardly. If we can grasp the concept that Jesus
spoke so often about, "Loving your neighbor as yourself"
and bearing in one another's burden's then God may
heal broken lives, provide blessings upon blessings
to those who have lost their careers, house, whatever
the situations may be.

It seems as though, we can hold these personal grudges
against those who we "think" have done us "wrong", not
knowing the true stories behind the issues/pain because
we don't care to reach out and assist one another or believe
the best in the person. Have we become so vain to think
the world owes us favors? Sadly, much of what I speak of
revolves around money more-often than not. This is
dangerous because it corrupts even
"good people's" hearts and lives.

Will you share your wealth with someone in need?
Will you open your house to those without a home?
Will you extend a helping hand when asked?
Will you pray for those around you?
Will you be a blessing to someone else even if
they don't deserve it?

These are truly testing situations for us all, but a
convicting truth nonetheless.

Let us begin to listen to the needs of those around us
more often and actively HELP (as a reminder,
we were not put on this earth for our own pleasures)
we were meant to be in fellowship with one another
and God period. Instead of focusing so much of our lives
around ourselves, how vain is that first of all?
If this sounds like something you're doing or have done,
God can fix what has been broken, heal what needs healing and
open your heart to those around that desperately need
your love, compassion, encouragement or second chances.

Let's keep our eyes and ears open to the people in our
lives who God may very well be using to test your faith
to work a miracle in someone's life who is crying out for one.

Lord of heaven, My Father...
Will you humble my heart today and use me in a way
that will bless someone else. It is an honor to serve You.
Help me to trust in You and believe the best in others.
Amen.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Bridal Shower Photos!!!

Oh, what fun this was...
On Sat. May 22 we surprised my sister
with a bridal shower.

The Honoree was my little sister, Krystal.
In this photo, we quickly snatched her up
with a blindfold and led her to the Shower of
fun ahead!

Here are the gals of the bridal party (bridesmaids &
our niece, Olivia the flower girl), sporting the purple
shirts deliberately displaying, "TEAM KRIVOR"
Short for Krystal and Ivor (her fiancee)

I'll save some time by skipping all of the photos of her
opening gifts... here's the "after party" hat, isn't she
lovely? So in love!

Some crafty activities for the scrapbook we made for her
during the shower while she was opening gifts,
well, we had the guests handle this part. A fun idea for
a keepsake!

The added nice touch of "Delicious Tea" for favors, her favorite
past time, just like me!

The "memory table" of childhood photos, guest book
and the cake - to keep the sentimental side of the day too.


Stay tuned for the... WEDDING PHOTOS!!!
coming, July 17th 2010



Thursday, May 20, 2010

Got Fruit?




It seems as though this month I'm highlighting so many videos,
but I think they get the messages across perfectly. Here's
another good one.

I thought this video was well done and extremely spiritually creative!
Enjoy... gotta love the kiddos!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Is Your Church Like Starbucks?


"Java-leluia" was admittedly appropriate
for this video.

I had a long post about this one...
However, I chose to let my words be few.

This approach is sad and spiritually dangerous.
Do we see the irresponsibility in this?
I hope so.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Waiting On God

You'll get a kick out of this video. You must watch this first,
before you read my post to put some things in perspective.
Enjoy...



Did you get a good laugh?
Well I did too. It doesn't take a lot of brain
science to figure out the moral of this story does it?
I just had to share this video because, if we're
being honest with ourselves, how often do we find
ourselves exactly thinking or even acting just like that guy?

I don't know about you, but, waiting or worse, being LATE,
just grate on my nerves! Shamefully, I really can't stand it!
Please PRAY for me concerning these things... :)
I just wanna get things done "my way" and on "my time"
because time is a wasting right, life is short, let's get a
move on people!?!

I've included a list of a few places and specific situations below,
where I find myself "impatiently" waiting on something(s) that can
surely be most difficult for me to endure, you might agree to some?

Waiting...
In line at a grocery store and there's a "problem" at the counter
Payday seems so far away

A doctor's office waiting room, then waiting for the doctor to arrive
IN the room at times, about an 1/2 to an hour later.

At an intersection and no one is moving
At a STOP sign and no other cars are around
Your food order at a restaurant, 15 mins. is long enough :)
In long lines at a concert/event
Driving behind a very sloooooooow driver, you know the ones!
Reading a looooong blog post, you know who... lol
For tests results
In line at a "fast food" drive-thru, yeah right?
To use the public restroom
Listening to a boring speaker
For the mail to arrive
Helping someone learn something new and just doesn't get it!
Commercials, when you're watching your favorite show
On my spouse to figure me out already
On my children to obey what they've been taught
For a new friendship to bloom more quickly
On everyone else to treat me nicely and tell me what I want to hear
For the rain to go away or worse, snow to melt
For hot seasons, summertime
On a "specific" prayer to be answered
On a demanding boss, spouse or child
On a long answering machine message
On the phone listening to a robot offer you never-ending options

Do you feel my pain... lol

I would say those are on top of my "are you kidding me,
not again" list! However, I would also suggest that these
pathetic excuses that "bother me" are very menial in the scheme
of things. Though, they might set us off momentarily,
they are obviously temporary and not so major enough to lose
our faith and sanity over, sadly, it has been for me at times.

There is no doubt that I've been tested quite often in these areas,
come to think of it, every one of those situations!
I sometimes say, "God has quite the sense of humor"
understanding now more than ever that, He is my teacher
and it is for my own good that I endure all that He has put in
my path and overcome it with faith, sometimes,
"Waiting on God"

Where am I going with all of this, well,
I wanted to express how much God is still needed in my life
and to encourage you with this....

Even through conversion as a believer of Jesus Christ,
walking with Him in the daily battle field - we often times put
so much pressure on ourselves to be just right, act just right, say
the right things, be timely, live as holy as we can.
Note however, we should be doing those things
because our God, the creator of the universe, is SO
worthy of doing those things.

The bigger picture shows, that I've found total freedom
in waiting on God through enduring faith by tapping into
that well more often. Our sin nature is overwhelming
sometimes, but God's Holy Spirit is there to nudge us through,
if we'll stop and take the time to listen to that voice.
Pursuing the right actions and then acting on them, takes more of
God and less of "us" - that's what conscience is.

My faith has me always turning back God, leaning
on Him when I can't humanly handle the things
surrounding me or my life. I'm so thankful to God for this
grace and for the humility it takes to see this. Praise Him. :)

He (Jesus) is most important and all of those "little" things I've listed,
and can certainly be managed with an added dose of faith and
trust in God, knowing that He has it all under control and that
there are bigger reasons why we must wait at times.

Even more revealing to me, they have been or could have been,
opportunities to bring others to Christ. Time to Pray instead of
(curse under our breath). Times of rejuvenation. Times of offering
forgiveness. Times of seeing things from your neighbor's perspectives.
Time to be alone with God. Times of bringing grace to others.
Times to heal your soul. Times to build your own character.
Times to just to "laugh it off" and start a new friendship with someone.
Times of persevering. Time to see through the eyes of God.

I strongly believe that we all are being, constantly perfected for
His holiness for the time when we will meet our beautiful Savior
face to face. Until then, we are being "tried by many fires" -
will you burn in it or will you shine through it?

My conclusion, our God in heaven is much bigger than our
little inconveniences we may wrestle with.

If God has brought us to it, be assured, He can bring us through it!

Have a great weekend everybody! Love & Hugs, Nichole

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Choices?

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil

is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)


This is a long/informative post and I really hope you're up
to it!

This particular video highlights the devastating statistics
about ABORTION and is an upcoming movie called:
"Blood Money" - which I think is worth seeing.
However, my writings today/views are
approaching this topic more deeply, from another aspect
it appears we are all missing and not addressing.

Another passion of mine is protecting innocence/girls and teaching
them about modesty and saving themselves until marriage -
something, sadly, I did not do as a young woman years ago before
I came to know my Savior, Jesus and I'm so thankful I did before
it was too late. Some girls and women today, do not get the
chance I did (of which could have been me), some die young,
some continue to lead immoral lives, some haven't got the courage
to know how or even want to get out of it, so they keep doing it and
potentially lose their health and souls for all eternity for this one,
most costly mistake.

Those closest to me have known about my own
personal story and the things I've done and how the
Lord of heaven saved my life from ultimate destruction.
Praise God, seriously! So HAPPY to say,
that I was predestined to give God
glory and praise through my story and my choice to
ask and accept God's forgiveness and that His grace
has set me free to be used by Him. He chose me
(like he does with others and can do for you!)
to do this through my womanhood, motherhood
and Worship dance today, I so joyfully testify!

This is why I LOVE my Lord, Jesus! He saved me
from myself and continues to this very day.

For those of you who don't know my "whole" story,
it would be my responsibility to share with you too -
however, its quite a long one and involves much more
than immorality choices, although, I want to mostly talk
about how we can SAVE today's girls and women around
our own neighborhoods and within churches too, from this deadly,
costly behavior... don't think for a
second just because they may attend church, that their hearts are
always "right". Sadly, more often
than not, our children need more proper attention and
discipline on the home-front - especially those of Christian households,
who are constantly under pressure to live holy. This is another
one of Satan's playgrounds. He's after them the most,
to get our Christian kids to fall away from the faith any
way he can, this would be a huge victory for him to succeed.
Obviously, we don't want that. And committing the sin
of the body through immorality is quite a deep spiritual
issue, so let's listen up!

SERIOUS WARNINGS FROM SCRIPTURE ABOUT
DEEDS COMMITTED AGAINST THE BODY:

1 Corinthians 6:18-20) 18 Flee sexual immorality! “Every sin that a man does is

outside the body,” but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.
19 Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you,

which you have from God? You are not your own,
20 for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in

your spirit, which are God’s.

(Galatians 5:21) 21 envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like

these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who

practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

(Ephesians 5:3-5) 3 But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness,

let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints;
4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate;

but rather giving of thanks.
5 Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor

covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God.

(Hebrews 13:4) 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled:

but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.


Similarly, it appears that because of such sins as those
listed above, brings this particular hot topic of Abortion
up. This has me really fired up!

What are we doing? This option was born out of pure
evil and should not even be an option to erase our sexual
mistakes? God put that baby inside of the womb for a higher
holy purpose, our humans minds cannot fathom the "whys" especially
in cases such as rape, incest or adultery, but, that
child has a purpose! Sometimes, the child is a consequence
of the mother's sins or even the father's sins, but, still a precious
gift nonetheless. It's just plain selfish, not to mention the fact
of the evil it takes to end a life.

For those who may have already had abortions, (just like
any-other sins committed in our lives) there is
forgiveness, mercy and grace through God, however, you must
flee from all sexual activity (if you are not married) and be washed
in the blood of the Lamb, Jesus. Pray and ask God to forgive
you and humble yourself before Him, then repent of your sins,
to become saved.
Most Important part of accepting Jesus into your heart,
You MUST, turn and Repent from your lack of self control
Only He can transform you! That child is in God's hands
no doubt, but you must be spiritually cleansed from within.

Food for thought:
Has anyone ever realized that if you change the "b" and "r" in
Abortion, to a "d" and "p"- what does it spell? ADOPTION.
But, more importantly... let's attack the true issue before it even
gets to this sad "option" of killing the unborn.

Do we realize how often this is taking place right
under our noses? An area near my home, Norristown,
at so-called "Planned Parenthood" does this regularly, aside from
the fact that they also give out FREE birth control without
consent of parents if under age 18, yes, parents, its TRUE. I've
gone "undercover" a couple years ago (and know some who've
gone through with it) to see this for myself.
It's sad and quite frankly, devastating to know that young
girls are seeking this as a real, sometimes "only" option?
There is human trafficking taking place there too... unbelievable
horrible crimes taking place people, what have we done, more
importantly what have we allowed? I say, we give "tolerance"
the boot!

The things I speak about below are with love and warning
coming straight from personal experience.

To Ponder before you read any further:
All Truth and No Love is Brutality
All Love and No Truth is Hypocrisy

Mothers, what have we done? Not to put complete guilt on you,
but, you have a key role in this too, and much so the Fathers.
This message goes eagerly out to moms/dads everywhere AND
teachers AND older women among the young, this includes me.
Where are the godly examples of womanhood? We've given
ourselves over to the pull of our culture instead of dignity.
We've also stopped praying I believe for their souls, this is
a HUGE problem!

Satan is everywhere, in fashion, music,
radio, print/ads and television folks, wake up. Your
daughters are looking and seeking after it, because it's
in their faces 24/7! Where is God? He's waiting to be
taken off of our bookcases and out of our church doors and
into the battle field we call, life.

Since I've seen first hand the damage this causes in young lives,
making them myself (glad to say, not abortion) but very unwise
sexually immoral choices in my previous life, of which I will be judged
for, thankfully no longer condemned as I'm saved by grace!
However, I can't help but think about the
real reasons behind these choices in our society at such
younger ages. Good gracious. Look around.
Pray for their little souls. After checking my own
reasoning... good Lord we sometimes have no idea how much we need
our Savior! He has to break our spirit before He can even do
the real work in us... its a convicting truth and sometimes does
lead to destruction before restoration of our lives - if we're even
given that chance. But there are things we should and could
be doing to help stifle the problem here.

Why do young girls and older women alike, think they need to
have sex and give all of themselves to another person, so someone
will pay attention to them and feel pretty or important to someone,
is so sad, but, its their reasoning at times.

Now, me being very girly myself, there are times of dressing up
femininely with complimenting make-up and outfits, however,
I'm talking about the excessive use of our feminine prowess!
The eye-glancing, "luring" seducing nature behind all immoral behaviors,
bring attention to ourselves - this is straight from the gates of hell.

When females walk into these risky behaviors, they are not even
understanding the magnitude of the lifetime of emotional,
physical and spiritual problems this one choice will do to them.
Lord, I know how tough it can be.

It's admittedly, a very deep spiritual need that needs to be filled,
filled with the Lord, not our selfish choices.

We see all over the globe and news about people fighting for
Pro-choice AND Pro-life, but, I'm wondering if anybody out here
like me has been more concerned about the reasons WHY they
are making these decisions, where their hearts and minds are about
themselves, isn't that where we should all be looking at first?

Have you ever asked your daughter why she dresses like
her favorite star? Moms, I hope you're not condoning
this behavior, its NOT innocent. It's another one of the enemy's
strategy to take her away from God, believe me.
Have you ever asked her why
she seeks out older men? Where are the Dad's?
Have you ever paid close attention
to her needs at home? Have you ever talked to her about her
VALUE and WORTH before the Lord without making her feel
like she's in trouble?

You see, much of our example has a lot
to do with her future decisions, not all of it.... sometimes,
it is solely their choice alone and they compromise themselves
for selfish reasons and bring themselves devastation.
Not totally blaming mothers, however, it does begin in the home,
doesn't it? I also think Trust has a lot to do with it also. If your child
doesn't trust you as a parent, then they assume they know what
they are doing, this is most dangerous.

Also, this is a biggie moms, Dance Instructors (yes, I'm throwing
them under the bus) I am a transformed one though.... are
totally guilty of manipulating you and your youngsters into
looking like the latest pop-stars of society because
its what is "in" today.... here's what I have to say about that,
IT'S A COP OUT of true originality. CARELESS use of authority
training up little minds!
They are dressing them up like, Hookers moms! Take another
look. Why aren't we holding anyone
accountable for this? Nudge their instructors,
get them to re-think their costume choices and music
choices, PLEASE, I'm pleading the blood of Christ
over all of this atrocity taking place. It's not innocent,
I've experienced this as a child - it's immoral. It's confusing
and leads to no where but selfish vanities and seeking
pleasures first instead of purity choices period.
I assure you of this!
Please get convicted over this topic today.
This is a complete disgrace of who God made us to be.

Thank You Lord Jesus for saving me from this destructive behavior.
So, without me sounded off too much about that, I wanted to share
these topics with everyone so you could PRAY for the women BEFORE
they walk into these Planned Parenthood places or wherever
else seeking so called help from the wrong places, instead of
seeking out the Lord, church members, mothers, sisters, friends
who will FINALLY stand up and say, You have value and worth, stop
throwing yourself at men for all the wrong reasons. God
help us, its taking place everywhere.

We're putting on the pressure to our boys and husbands
to remain pure in this sultry forecast of life we see so often.
We need to stop putting it in their faces!

Lord we need more courage to say No to this stuff!

Here's what we CAN do!
This IS where the influences began with me.
PARENTS, stay in charge of your children's MEDIA
choices. VIDEO GAMES. TV. RADIO. FILM.
Throw away any "unwholesome" movies, you know the ones.
No exceptions. You must. If you have a tough time
fulfilling this instruction, it's because this is how
dangerously far our world has become. Might shed new light
on this subject.

Stop leaving your child alone. Satan attacks during
times of weakness and isolation often.
Be sure to get them engaged in Christian activities,
focusing on education, encouraging their gifts/skills,
giving them godly outlets to pursue.
Do some research with your child to find
those places, though, not popular, they do exist.

PRAY first and foremost - add this topic to your list please -
if we don't, it becomes the norm in society and our boys
are in BIG trouble to stay pure moms!

Be an EXAMPLE yourself. Check your dress, your heart first -
why are you dressing the way you are?

Share the Lord with them, talk about His grace He offers so
readily for those who've made mistakes, don't shun them away,
like I've found, there IS HOPE! God is mightier than we.

Lastly, ALWAYS be available to your daughters moms
AND Dads especially, don't just put FEAR
in them, explain what happens to their bodies, emotions
and ultimately their lives if they make these unwise choices -
God has a better plan for them! Assure them of this right
away with excitement and trust. Help them learn true
beauty by providing compassionate love to them on a
constant basis. This begins with true loving your spouse
first!

Assure yourself and them, that God is there to FORGIVE,
but never to give "license" to practice sin over and over.

Dear Lord, may there be a revival of women stepping up
to say NO to sex at an early age, even in adulthood and
singleness - until they are ready to say I DO to one man
who loves the Lord and who will wait for them -
this is so important too.

If we haven't already figured it out, this is solely why we have the
abortion problem like we do - because we've been careless
with our daughters, sisters, students and girl-friends.
Let us get to their HEARTS FIRST. Then they won't want to
dress provocatively, leading to... unwise choices, and contemplating
killing their unborn child. Our boys have a part to play in this too...
I'll chat about that soon too.
But ladies desperately need to hear and see constantly that
God made them just the way they are for His holy purpose and that
they are more beautiful being a godly modest woman first. Churches,
please open up doors of ministry to this subject, I plead with you!

LORD HELP US BE THE EXAMPLE SO NEEDED TODAY.
SAVE THEM. Amen.

Monday, May 10, 2010

The Bridge Short Movie




Hope everyone had a Happy Mother's Day weekend! I sure did.

Now, back to God who is MOST worthy to talk about!
Has anyone ever seen this most provoking video/movie?
For the love of all that is Holy people, stop sinning! Forgive me,
as I don't prefer to mince words, however, I want this message to be
loud and clear about how much we need our Savior Jesus Christ,
the only God who saves! Look what He has done for us!
{Quick Blurb: The image portrayed as a young boy
clearly makes for a "tear jerker" just naturally, though, it was
in that moment of hesitation the father had in thinking
about the other souls upon the train that is the whole point as
I'm sure you understand now having seen it}


At first, I was just so upset at the fact he didn't go running
after his child, (he was perplexed with a BIG TIME decision)
honestly, I don't think I could have done that to my child, could you?
God did this and does this, he made us, crafted us for His workmanship,
He takes care of us if even through tragedies, one's that might
destroy the body.... its the soul that truly matters folks.
Visit - Matt. 10:28 in your Bible.

However, getting to the point of this much
deeper message of the short film, is that because of the sin Adam and
Eve committed, (which we all bare their shame today as sinners)
you see, is why Jesus was sent in the first place. He HAD to die for us,
because of God's GREAT LOVE for us, there must be a an atonement
for our sins, to be fully redeemed by the Almighty and it WAS
accomplished ONLY through Jesus's blood.

For those who've been washed in the blood and know that your sins
are forgiven, continue to respond with the Holy Spirit leading you,
just because you are Forgiven, does not give us the right to keep
on sinning without a conscience (if you are saved, you'll have more
fear of the Lord than continuing to sin).

It's quite obvious, this short movie depicts the
seriousness involved and how sometimes unaware we are to
the supernatural, spiritual battle that rages around us day to day.

Let's keep our eyes fixed on the Lord, no longer on ourselves -
similarly, people need people to reach out, speak up, someone
to love them enough you know what I'm saying...
It's true, its most difficult and we will fall short from time to time,
however, God sent His Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and life
to help make godly wise decisions, everyone of us has a daily choice.

Let's never forget about this sacrifice or take it for granted.
Please send this to all of your friends and family as a reminder
of what was done for them. Life gets in the way, have you let it
distract you too? Come to the Lord, He is waiting!

Lord, I pray that this video may release a cleansing flood
of emotion and fear into those encountering its contents
to realize the truth and bigger picture this involves.
You are good, holy and just to forgive us because of Your
Son's sacrifice for OUR sins. Thank You Jesus for dying
and rising again so that we can live eternally with you
today and always.

My heart has been burdened to share this with you today.
Amen.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

What an EXCITING day it is!

Join thousands of Christians today to PRAY
for our nation... Thank You Lord Jesus, for loving us
with an everlasting love, for creating us so we could be
in fellowship with You today and always!

What a remarkable thing this is folks, people
are uniting their hearts and minds praying
for needs, interceding on behalf of our leaders,
giving thanks, offering up prayers
for the oppressed across the globe and so on...
Let us remember to do this not only today,
but EVERYDAY.

Live webcast this morning until NOON today!
http://nationaldayofprayer.org/live

Some events happening today in Pa:
Montgomery County Courthouse,
Victory Christian Fellowship
12:00-12:30 - Praying on the front steps, join us!




God bless brothers and sisters!!!



Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Surrendering it all...


Hi everyone, its been a couple of weeks, I've been
on sabbatical for my life :) So, pull up a chair, its a
long one, but I believe we'll all reap a harvest afterwards!

Funny thing, well, not really. Notice how all of our currency
has the words, "In God We Trust" boldly stamped on it...
Can we honestly say, we're trusting God? Or worse, are we
ignoring these words? Particularly with regard to income,
expenses, savings and other forms
of finances.
I truly find it as no coincidence that these specific words are
stamped upon the world's money! Stay with me here...

This is a touchy subject for most, and even for me, as my husband
and I continue to have our share of financial snags and financial
turmoil at times, leading to out of control debt and almost a
bondage effect, leaving little for us to make payments "on time" -
can you relate? maybe, maybe not... even with budgeting,
one check, every other week, goes too quickly in these
financial times for sure!

I wanted to write about this subject today, because it affects
everyone of us and I'm in a battle myself about this fragile
matter that sadly, holds many of us hostage.

KEY SCRIPTURE VERSE:
Ecclesiastes 5:10
Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever
loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.
This too is meaningless.

Currently, we are in a position in our lives where God is testing us in the
fire specifically in (this area), a true test of our faith for sure!
He's finding out what we are really made of? As a stay at home mom,
I do not have a steady "income" if at all most of the time these days,
although, my husband is working every day to
support us and provide for us as best as he can, of which, I am so
thankful for this man. However, it seems as though our living expenses
by far, exceed our current income "crisis" - This is why I bring up
the topic of "Surrendering It All" - its completely where I am today
and I know God is fashioning for me a finer character and patient
endurance to reach the prize at the end of my life.

Is there really any-other way to know God? I thought about seeking
outside employment, which is what I am presently doing, however,
from my experience in working very diligently and still losing jobs,
never finding the "right" job, it appears to me, no matter what avenue
I or we decide or think we're qualified for, its ALWAYS the Lord's work
and His will that stands folks, even if it means, suffering for God's glory,
YES, suffering at times, which is the hardest thing to do for His
kingdom in our lives, but at times, very necessary (see below and
be encouraged if you're in a similar trial or possibly a
consequence of your sin?).

DID YOU KNOW?
We suffer as a testimony, as a witness(2 Tim 2:8-10; 2 Cor. 4:12-13; 1 Pet. 3:13-17).
We suffer to develop our capacity and sympathy in comforting others (2 Cor. 1:3-5
We suffer to keep down pride (2 Cor. 12:7).
We suffer to bring about continued dependence on the grace and power of God.
We suffer to manifest the life and character of Christ (The Fruit of the Spirit)
(2 Cor.4:8-11; Phil. 1:19f)
We suffer to manifest the evil nature of evil men and the righteousness
of the justice of God when it falls in judgment (1 Thess. 2:14-16)
We suffer to broaden our ministries (cf. Philippians 1:12-14 with 4:5-9).

After reading that, I think its' obvious to see that God wants and
desires for us to TRUST IN HIM.... FIRST -
Lord as I speak about this, help me to also live it!
The stamp on the currency is a
reminder I believe - but we so often overlook this important key
in our lives.

KEY SCRIPTURE VERSE:
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your life free from the
love of money, and be
content with what you have.

If it is His will for our family (in my case), I may find work outside
the home to help supplement income, learn new things -
spread the love of Christ this way again, though,
not expected of me (to work outside the home that is) as a woman,
wife and mother (especially given the high call to motherhood) that
is the most desired place of position and most blessed, according to
scripture, and should be where we find the most contentment,
I realize there are some special exceptions to this rule,
with single mothers for example, but, even then,
as this ladies IS in fact what we were designed for, marriage and
preparing a home with children. But the worldly, societal pull of the
culture believes otherwise. Lord, forgive us for not believing in Your
perfect Will for our lives at times and making it about us.

However, it becomes increasingly difficult to fully trust when
you're faced with a trial like this, would you agree?
We are human after all, always in need of a Savior
who is always awaiting our humility to set us FREE
from debt and other problems we're facing.
Money it seems, is always in demand - but as sure as
it arrives, it goes quickly too. It's needed to feed, clothe,
provide shelter, giving etc... or do we have it all wrong and
just working in our own flesh to control "our" own worlds?

Another sensitive topic might include, "tithing" our
earnings. We are learning by faith through tithing these
days and every day ahead is to truly test the Lord and see if
He won't provide for us... not solely to "get something back"
but to be faithful and obedient to His word period.
I'm happy to report, the Lord provides a way when
there is absolutely nothing in our pockets, you'll be
amazed! It ALL belongs to
Him anyway (see bible for more verses on this topic too)

VERSES ABOUT GOD MEETING OUR NEEDS
Matthew 7:11
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is
good to those who ask Him!

My life can testify to the truth of this verse!
Matthew 6:31-32
Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat ' or 'What will we drink '
or What will we wear for clothing ' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all
these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

So then, let's try to plan our financial forecast of past due,
bill payments and our gift giving with God in mind more
often,

BIBLE VERSES ABOUT PLANNING
Proverbs 21:5
The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone
who is hasty comes surely to poverty.

Luke 14:28-30
For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower,
does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he
has enough to complete it "Otherwise, when he has laid a
foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin
to ridicule him, saying, 'This man began to
build and was not able to finish. '"

Finally, I've come to the conclusion that I must
surrender all of my possessions, money, talents,
skills, children, husband etc... to the Lord, for He
knows everything about me and what my future is
as well as my families future. Lord help me to be
a stronger example of your grace to begin again
take your words to heart to make necessary changes
in my decision making.

May I boldly confess my sin of the need to control
my circumstances and those around me, jobs etc. before
the Lord more often so He can shine His truth and wisdom
on my life and family so I can bless others, even if it is
forever with limited financial means... for I am truly blessed
and the most wealthy of all persons, just Knowing the Lord
and following after Him alone!

LET'S REMEMBER...
Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates
day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which
yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.