Dying to Live

    Divine appointments. They can happen anytime and any place. Today I was driving home from the Dr's full of joy to have heard our baby's heartbeat (it's a miracle that never gets old!). As I approached a traffic light, I saw a man with a cup standing in the median which isn't unusual in that spot. The car in front of me suddenly jerked in to the next lane, and I got so aggravated when I saw the light was still green and another car had stopped in the middle of the road. There wasn't a chance to switch lanes, so I waited behind the car. The window rolled down, and an arm waved over to the man in the median.. as he got closer my heart sank. This wasn't just a man, but a young man, barely old enough to be out of high school! The same arm that waved him over now held out a bag full of food and a drink. They also exchanged words, words I could tell weren't just small talk or conversation. The light changed from red to green again, and we were finally on the mo...

    I read a blog that was posted recently, stating that every child is gifted and talented. I don't think people really understand or grasp what "gifted and talented" means. Yes, every child has their own talents and gifts, special abilities and every child IS a gift but a gifted child is more complicated. As a Mom of a "gifted and talented child" and former early childhood teacher, I can say first hand that these kids are a whole different ballgame. I get "the look" pretty much anytime it comes up that my son is gifted. No, I am in no sense bragging about my child, I'm a proud parent like any other parent out there; but I in no way think my child is better than yours or your child is any less special than mine. My child is just different and it's so much more than just intelligence. It's downright EXHAUSTING having a "gifted child"!    Sometimes it's lonely parenting a "gifted child". Those who haven't resear...

   This morning my son asked me a question out of the blue. "Mommy, why do some people care more about money than other people?" Red light. Stop. What?? Apparently this is bothering him this morning. So I explained to him there are many different answers. Some times people are scared about providing for their families, and it comes across as not caring about anyone else. Some times it's just a need to be the richest they can be, it makes them feel powerful and happy. We discussed the importance of worshiping Jesus and how He never runs out, not like money or candy or other things that can make us feel good.   Then I heard that "other" voice. "What are you filling your life with? Am I enough?" Seriously?? Ouch. In open honesty, I fill my life with music, writing and being with people I love. Those things make me the happiest and though I believe God wants us to have enjoyment and He has blessed us with things to enjoy; if it came down to it, would He tr...

Thought for the day, or maybe it's just been on my mind and I had time to put it in to words today.. either way here it goes.   Why are we so intent on "shocking" people in to turning their eyes to Christ? We believe and know a God who is bigger and more powerful than we will EVER be. Why do we feel the need to create that "one moment" for a relationship that ultimately has nothing to do with us?   I went to a beautiful wedding last weekend, and it was so refreshingly unique and simple in it's own beauty. The couple were completely overjoyed, and though they were surrounded by people who are part of their story, they could have been the only 2 people on this earth and it wouldn't have changed their relationship in the slightest. It's a lot like that in the spiritual sense between God and us. We are His tools to reach the lost, but in the end all there will be is a personal relationship between an individual and Him, and He knows how to reach them. ...

There are many things I have learned about myself over the years: * I am an introvert. (though I enjoy socializing and can hold my own in social settings) * I get bored with routine, but I need structure.  * I still enjoy using my imagination. * I am not good at concentrating, unless it's something that interests me. * I am a visual learner. * I finally know what I want to be when I grow up!        The last one on that list is the latest and greatest for me. I am not an organized person. I have a great ability to see the whole picture and become extremely overwhelmed, which just frustrates me and shuts me down. Last week I finished something very important to me, and I feel like my mind has been "unblocked". I feel calm and organized, like my whole life just became aligned. For the first time in my life I realized I found something that I'm kind of good at, and something I truly enjoy. This time in my life is a great time to start out and see...

   There's an unseen realm around us always. We don't know much about it, but I know from my own experience, that it is real. It's easy to focus on what Christ has done, or drawing nearer to Him. But there needs to be a point we come to when we realize, it's not all about "me". It's not always JUST about meeting with Him, about studying the bible more. Even the prince of demons knows the scriptures. It's about taking the things you have gained from your personal experience with Christ, and using it as a tool to do what we're asked to do, be fishers of men.    I love music ministry. I love writing stories, poems, songs etc. But lately I find myself wanting to be more useful. The ministries I'm apart of are vital and important, as all ministries are, but I wonder sometimes, what good is it enough to minister behind walls? I also ask myself "What good is a talent that is hidden away, or put aside to never be used?" I personally s...

   I have many mixed emotions about this whole Government shut down. On one hand I'm angry because of the retaliation it will have on our economy, and am scared to see the number of lay-offs rise again. It's never fun to see people you care about work for no pay, or not get paid for work they've already done. On the other hand, I am happy to finally see some patriotism in a group of people standing up and trying to make change in some thing, I believe will become more disastrous as the days march on. But in all honesty, what I think doesn't really matter in the whole scheme of things. What matters is who holds the ultimate decision, and what He thinks. (No, I'm not referring to Obama here.. )   Stepping outside the human realm as much as possible, and attempting to look at this from a view outside of myself.. I can't help but wonder, what can I do to reach people through this mess? What a great outreach this could be. How many of your friends or neighbors are...