The Bigger Picture

“I will call upon your name and keep my eyes above the waves

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters wherever you would call me, take me deeper than my feet could ever wander and my faith would be made stronger in the presence of my Savior.”
(Oceans – Hillsong)

Eyes swollen, tear-stained pages of my journal, my Bible underlined, written on and highlighted, scared of the next step and determined to conquer the world at the same time.  I’ve felt this strong feeling for a while, I’m ready, show me where to go from here.

In a season of waiting it can be difficult when all life tends to throw at you is the word no, not yet, later, hold on, etc.  It can be utterly discouraging and emotionally exhausting.  I thought you said I was ready, why are you making me wait? Can you even hear me?

If you ask me, it’s the word that most of us have despised since the moment we first heard it.  That word that disgusts us because we know we are not getting what we really want. As hard as it may seem to fathom, as much as we want to fight against it with all our might, just maybe that “no” is temporary.  A simple no doesn’t always mean forever, it quite possibly may be no for a season, a matter of protection to keep our heart pure, and potentially protect us from a bigger rejection or hurt.  God does know the perfect time to say yes, but as much as I hate to admit it, I still want to sulk into my pillow and scream when I hear the word no from something I really wanted or I think I am ready for.

“Have mercy on my, Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. 
My body and soul are withering away.” Psalm 31:9

In a season of waiting I always tend to think of David.  This was a man who was least considered in his family.  I bet he thought nothing good would come from his existence.  He was despised and rejected for much of his life.  Someone who was chosen last but still kept going. Despite several failed attempts at life, David was still known as a man who was devoted to God.  Much like all of us, we fail from day to day.  It’s when we realize where we fell and turn to our Savior to help us back up.  We can’t do it alone and we don’t have to, even though it may seem like it at times.

Father God, when I feel like giving up, help me put my trust in You, my God, my strength when I am weak, my Comforter when I am scared, my Protector.  Help me keep my eyes on you and know that you are with me in times of trouble and I’m afraid.

“You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.” Psalm 119:114

Blessings, 

Calling all hearts!

Music Video:  Be One
   (Natalie Grant)

“It's time to get our hands dirty
Be love there's a whole lot of hurting
Calling all hearts
Calling all hands
Calling all feet to take a stand
Why sit around and wait for a miracle to come
When we can be one
When we can be one
When we can be one”

Hey there!  Hope everyone is doing great out there!  I just love our coffee chats on here.

I recently attended the movie debut of the Dare to Be movie.  It was amazing and inspirational.  Sitting in the theater and listening to these women share their story and why they do what they are called to do and how they work with God through it all.  Natalie Grant presented some powerful songs from the beginning of the movie.  Then it came time for her to sing the song, Ever Be.  I love this song, "your praise will ever be on my lips"  and that's what it should be...always.  God's praise should be upon our lips.  It's hard though, right.  Circumstances through out our day get us down and it's hard to sing that praise.  God can help us through that, taking our mind off our own circumstances and situations and putting our focus solely on God and his presence in our lives.  
It's not about who we our in our life, it's about whose we are in God's family and what God has called us to do.  

"...Faithful you have been and faithful you will be..."

As I was listening to Charlotte Gambill give a message in the movie, she talked about not letting the misunderstandings of your past claim your future. Isn't that the truth?  So often we feel so dragged down by the past hurts in our lives that we stomp out all the good that is awaiting for us in the future.  Our destiny is far greater than our past. 

I love how Matthew 11:28-30 states this passage in the Message Bible,  "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?  (Hand raise in the air) Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. (Amen) I'll show you how to take a real rest.   Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. (YES!)  Learn from unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Have you ever felt like this?  You can work for God, you can work with God and these two are far different from each other.  God tells us to walk with Him.  Walk with Him and He will be with us and help us.  

I love the saying, “all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage.  Just literally 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery.  And I promise you, something great will come of it."

What happens when we take that 20 seconds and do something so incredibly brave that our lives could just possibly change forever.  What if we dared to be fearless?  What if we set out to do that one thing that we have been scared to do?  What would happen?  How would you help someone?  What would you do?  How would you feel after it was all over? You may go out there wanting to be able to bless someone, but just maybe you'll find yourself just as blessed by them. 

What would it take for you to get out there and Be One for Someone? To recognize there is a need that you can help out with.  To be able to share the love of Christ with someone else.  What would happen in your 20 seconds of courage? 

Dare to be what God is calling you to be!  What are you daring to be known as?

Here's a little take home. Leave a comment with your dare to be answer.  

I Dare to Be known as __________________.  


Praying for you!


Blessings, 

Embracing my Quiet Time...An Invitation...

Embracing my quiet time with God each day

The More I Seek You - Kari Jobe

The more I seek You,The more I find You
The more I find You, the more I love You

I want to sit at Your feet

Drink from the cup in Your hand.

Lay back against You and breathe, feel Your heart beat

This love is so deep, its more than I can stand

I melt in Your peace, its overwhelming

I love when I get to hear amazing music and lyrics. To be able to turn on the radio and be uplifted by positive and encouraging music.  Which is why I love this song from Kari Jobe, The More I Seek You.  What a great way to enter into our quiet time with these lyrics.  I want to sit at Your feet drink from the cup in Your hand.  Lay back against You and breathe...The more I seek You, the more I find You.  

I wanted to start this blogging challenge to keep a daily check on my quiet time with God and to have others be able to join in and embrace their quiet time as well.  I want to be able to post inspirational thought and scriptures for anyone out there. 

Starting at the beginning. I want to start with an invitation.  Inviting God into my quiet time and presence.  

So, here's my invitation I created...

To:         My Father, God

For:        To dedicate time together to reflect and listen. 

When:    Daily

Where:   My Heart

Why:      To enhance our relationship 

What do I need to bring:  my Bible, journal, pen, coffee/tea, 

                                  listening ears, a open heart and mind. 

So, today I was flipping through my Bible and I stumbled once again on reading Psalm 139.  I've read this several times, but it's always inspirational every time I read this.  
I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  What if we just paused a minute to really listen and comprehend those words that are told to us.  In just a small sentence there is so much wisdom.  
Psalm 139:14 (KJV) I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Psalm 139:14 (NLT) Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

Reflection time

To know that God created every part of me for a purpose. He knows my name.
Which reminds me of another song from Francessa Battistelli. This is probably my favorite verse. 

I'm not meant to just stay quiet

I'm meant to be a lion

I'll roar beyond a song

With every moment that I've got

True to who You are

You saw my heart

and made

Something out of nothing

I am created for a purpose. The purpose to spread the good news of Christ and to tell the world about the amazing relationship that is out there. I love to be able to share this through Christian skits and music. It's a huge passion of mine. This stretches me beyond my personal comfort zone and challenges me each and every time I can do this. 

So not only are we fearfully and wonderfully made, but He also knows our name. 

What do you enjoy about your quiet time each day?

How can we support each other in having our quiet time each day with our God?

Grace and Peace,

Don’t just go to church…Be the church!

Music Video: Build Your Kingdom Here!

I’ve been thinking about this blog lately and I really want this to be a place where I can come together in fellowship among friends on here, but I also would love this to be an open fellowship place where we can share thoughts and ideas about sharing the Love of Christ to this world.  The main goal of my blog is to be able to share openly and honestly about what we are feeling and how we can help each other out. So, I would love for you to link up here with me or if you like message me your email and I will add you to my email list here also. 
I love the song that comes on the radio every once in a while, Build Your Kingdom here.  I love how this song reiterates that, We are Your church.  We need Your power in us.  Because honestly speaking, that’s what it is all about.  We are the church!  We are the people that God sent to spread HIS WORD!  We were created for this.  It shouldn’t matter what building we are in, whether it’s a nice, pretty on the inside and out, or typical church building or just an old abandoned warehouse building that needs a lot of tender loving care to keep it up.  If we are all really serious about getting out there and ministering and serving our community…nothing else would matter.  We do this because we love God!  We are humble in what he did for us when He sent His Son to save us from our past and sin.  We are grateful and we want to share this wonderful gift that has been given to us with everyone we come into contact with.John 3:16 says that, “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. Our question to think about is how can we get these great words from God out to the people of this world?

It’s all ties into us being the church, and having that reminder to us that each one of us have gifts and we don’t all have the same gift.  We all have been given different gifts so we can come together with our gifts and help people as one body of believers.  When we come together as a church, we come together to help and build up each other as one body so that we as one body can go out and reach those lost in the world.  We work together in unity so that others will see that love penetrate from our hearts to theirs. 
In Matthew 28:16-20, (The Great Commission), Christ tells us to go out into the world to share the good news.Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.  When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!  Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
1 Corinthians 12:27 says, All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.


We are never alone when we talk to people.  Even as we are chatting it up with a random stranger in the grocery store and we have nobody physically by are side; we as followers of Christ, having studied God’s Word, have God with us 24/7 giving us the words to speak and the wisdom to say them to the people that we come into contact with on a daily basis.  Which is why it’s so important to find a daily bible study or devotional to study on your own every day.  Our time with God is the most important time we have available to us and our number 1 priority.  I love starting my day out with God. I find that if I make it a point to wake up just a little bit earlier before my day starts, grab my cup of coffee, my Bible and my journal and spend that time in reading and praying with God, I tend to be in a happier state of mind through out my day.  Now mornings may not work for everyone, some may prefer afternoons, evening or nights.  I’m just saying that we need to make God our #1 in our life. 

I love the last verse to the song, Build Your Kingdom here.  **Build Your kingdom here. Let the darkness fear. Show Your mighty hand. Heal our streets and land!  Set Your church on fire!  Win this nation back.  Change the atmosphere! Build Your kingdom here! We pray!**This verse can really show us that we can go out to the streets and minister to people.  Don’t be afraid of what’s out there because God’s got us.  He can help us share.  He doesn’t call the qualified…He qualifies the called.  He does this through the gifts He gives us that I mentioned earlier.  So let’s go an win this nation back.  Let’s set out to do this work that was set out for us to do and not worry about ‘our circumstances.’  Let’s take US out of the picture and put GOD into the picture. It is not about us, but it is all about HIM and we are building the Kingdom of God!
So let’s get out there and BE THE CHURCH and serve.  I pray that we can have the strength and courage to step out of our building we meet in during our worship times and be the church out on the streets and in this world we live in.

 Grace and Peace to you all,
Blessings!

Wake up.....you've been rescued…

I was reading back over my notes I took from a Women of Faith conference in October; remembering the message from Christine Caine on that Saturday.  I feel so blessed to have been able to attend the two-day conference and to be able to hear from so many inspirational speakers.
Christine Caine, author of the book; Undaunted, started out in Matthew 6, reading the verses where Jesus is feeding the 5,000.  

She addressed us with a few points and questions...

Key Point:  Jesus can not multiply what we don’t recognize!Reflect Point:  Would you give Him what you have?

What would you have done in this situation if you were there?  What would you have been thinking?  Would you give up everything for Jesus, if He asked you to?  Something to ponder, right?  Great thing is what we give up to Him, He just multiplies into more.  I mean, how awesome is that?

Christine also talked about the A21 campaign.  These girls that are being rescued day after day from a life of trafficking are miracles just because they are still alive after suffering as they do.   Same as we were rescued by God in any or whatever situation we've have been through.  Then the wonderful part is that now we have the chance to rescue others, just as we have been rescued.  Even though there are times we may feel broken…it’s through the brokenness that we need the grace of God.  
I love this next quote that she used when we feel like we are too broken or not good enough.  “The devil on his best day, didn’t take you out on your worst day!”  How powerful is that?  God is with us on good days as well as bad ones and He is there when we fall and to help us get back up again. 

The same God that is with you in the storm will get you through it.  Because storms will come in your life.  It doesn't matter what happens in the world we have an eternity with God, sealed to be with Him forever, when we enter into a relationship with Him.

It’s time for the church to grow up and not just exist!  It’s time for us to do something about reaching the people out there in this world and sharing the love of Christ and why it is so important to believe and develop a relationship with Christ.
Also, don’t think that YOU need God any less than you did before.  We need Him just as much now.

The same God that was with you then is with you now! 

Coffee Chat #3

Hello to my readers, I hope everyone has been great!  This past weekend I was so blessed to be able to attend the annual Women of Faith conference. As always I’ve came back to incredibly blessed to be in the presence of God at this conference with these other women.  Singing, praising, worshipping and listening to other women share their faith and story. 
I was able to hear from some incredible speakers such as Lysa TerKeurst, Roma Downey, Anita Renfroe, Kari Jobe, Judah Smith (the one guy speaker there other than MercyMe), Natalie Grant, Christine Caine, Angela Thomas and Mercy Me.  I’m sure that each speaker that shared left a profound impact on each person in the room, I know they did for me.  
Each speaker has their own story to tell about their life experiences they have had.
I’ll take these next few coffee chats to talk a bit about these inspirational speakers I had the pleasure of listening to.   Let’s get to know a little from Lysa TerKeaurst this week, shall we? 

Lysa opened up with 2 Samuel 20. With the title of her message, ‘One Wise Woman.’ 
The first lesson we learn from this section is that, you do not mess with the anointed and appointed.  In the start of this scripture we learn of a troublemaker called Sheba.  (I included the link to the above scripture for you as well).

As we read through the scripture we learn about a Wise Woman.  Here are a couple points we can learn from her.  Her approach and how she had dealt with the situation of ‘the troublemaker.”  We learn that a servant-hearted woman is a wise-hearted woman and because of her willingness to show up in the midst of everything happening, God sees, God notices and God smiles. 
Second, we can learn from her assurance.  She was peaceful and faithful.  She relied on her identity to over shadow her circumstances.  I am a child of God; therefore, …
Her assurance was rooted in reality.
And, third, we can get advice.  Philippians 4:13, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” See we can use the New Testament through the Old testament.  See how they go together so well. 

Lysa told a story of her daughter who set out to be a pole vaulter.  Every time she would get out on that track she would counter on her 10 fingers, I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength, she ran and jumped and fell flat.  Although, at the end of the meet she was still like, I am a pole vaulter, every time!  She did this for, I think 3 years before she finally grabbed her pole, counted on her 10 fingers, ran, jumped and sailed over the bar and broke the school pole vaulting record that year.  Persistence pays off in the end, right? 

She established a pattern of discipline and kept pushing toward her goal.

What pattern of disciple can you establish?  How does this scripture affect you? 


Blessings,

Praise Him in the hallway...

If God is for us…

Sometimes doesn't life feel like a construction zone? Rough and rocky?  We get tired along the way and sometimes we think that we can’t go any further.  It’s just that it’s not always a smooth path, but if it were easy, there would be no learning from those rough experiences. It’s in the times of trial that we learn just how to deal with ‘certain situations and people.’   It’s a time of building and rebuilding, whether in the physical or emotional sense.  Could be the physical building or remodeling of your house, or it could be the building or rebuilding of your relationships.  But, have you ever felt like Nehemiah in your lifetime?  Have you ever felt like you've been rebuilding your wall just to have the enemy come and knock it –or you— down?  Sometimes you just feel it’s too much and you start hearing those voices telling you that you can’t do it.  But there’s something more powerful that is out there. God is there for us.  He is there to walk with us and to help us, all we have to do is let go and give it to God and give Him the control of our life.  I love this verse from Isaiah 41:10, states that “I am with you!”  ”Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Also, Isaiah 54:4 - “Fear not; you will no longer live in shame.  Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you.  You will no longer remember the shame of your youth and the sorrows of widowhood.  We don’t have to walk this path alone and we don’t have to do it by ourselves.  Sometimes we feel as if there’s no one else that would ever understand what we’ve been going through and we tend to take so much on ourselves that we let it weigh too heavy on us.  But when we let our Heavenly Father in on our life, that load becomes a whole lot lighter and our baggage doesn’t seem as heavy as it once was.
Psalm 24:8 states that, – “Who is the King of glory?  The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, invincible in battle.”We serve a great and powerful God, He is capable of taking care of each and everyone of us.  Don’t give into those voices of discouragement.  Remember that if God is for us, than who can be against us. Don’t give up hope.  Keep on fighting because God is going to do great things in you and for you. He’s got great plans for his children and He wants to be apart of your life for eternity. 




Blessings,

"What if your blessings come through raindrops?"

What if....

No Secrets!

No Secrets.  I love listening and reading to devotionals and this video devotional is by Rebecca St. James. Where there are no secrets there are no lies.”  Well, what does that really mean? No Secrets.  Have you ever really thought about it? And, what does it mean to ‘live a life with ‘no secrets’’ in this world?' It can mean being openly honest with people.  Allowing the people involved in your life to know what you are really about.  Especially when it comes to our faith and beliefs.  We want to be able to have people really see what we are about in the way that we live.  By living pure lives in how we think, act and speak.  Sometimes we may only be the only Jesus that some people come in contact with, so if we live to be “like Christ”  and let our “God light” shine bright, we can be that positive influence in so many people’s lives in a world that may not be positive all the time. 

What about these words?  Faith, Hope and Love.  What is Faith?  What is hope?  What is Love? What is it that you hope for or find hope in?  What do you put your Faith in?  What do you find Love in?  Is it true love? Is it pure?  Some of the many questions that can go through the minds of people on a daily basis.  So how can you deal with all the questions that fill your mind.  Sometimes…your mind can overwhelm you.   I’ve recently been studying on prayer, it’s kind of therapeutic about how much taking time to pray can keep your mind at ease.  Not only that, but prayer enhances our relationship with Christ.  When we keep God, “clued in” on our lives, we stayed “in touch” to what His plans our for us.  We can’t keep ‘secrets’ from God, He knows us better than we know ourselves.  When we open up and we’re honest, our trust circle develops better and we know who we can go to for help.  Like I’ve read so many times, the five people you surround yourself with the most are the ones whom you will most likely take on a similar likeness/attitudes.  So surround yourself with positive people who are going to lift you up rather than tear you down. People you can talk to, related to and be open and honest with, people who you don’t hold ‘secrets’ from, and you’ll learn so much about yourself and others when you open yourself up to so much more in your life. 

Shine brightly for Christ!

Grace and Peace

Celebrate Life!

Well, I've been thinking about this recent conference I was able to attend back in October of this year, I was incredibly blessed to be able to listen to the hearts of several women of faith while in Sacramento, Ca.  
While each one of them had a completely different life story to tell, they all centered around their undying love for Jesus.  They shared of hardships and trials and even some of the tears and pain that occurred in their lives and how they had been brought through these trials to be able to see the triumphs and victories over these times to believe and see what lies ahead in their brilliant futures.  Each one of their stories ran over several years of their life where they had their ups and downs.  Sometimes just when things started to look up…their world came to a crashing halt! Then, when it seemed as if all they wanted to do was give up, they rose to learn from their past and push on toward their future.
Philippians 3:13-14 -- Now, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

I mean, have you ever felt like that?  Most of us have.  But, in truth, as it says in the scripture, in this life we will face trials….but take heart HE has overcome the world! 


Christine Caine was probably one of my favorites that weekend.  I love how she spoke on ‘a plague of frogs.’ I seen that scripture in a whole new aspect that day.
Christine shared that we are important – each and every one of us --  and God knows and cares from each and every one of His children.  It doesn't matter where we live or where we were born, we are more than just a number in the system, we all have a name and are fearfully and wonderfully made!  Whether we grew up and lived with our birth parents or if you've been adopted or if you live in a child care center somewhere...you are more than just a number in this big world....you have a name and you matter...and you are loved!
It says in Jeremiah 29:11, “’I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord…”  God’s got a plan, a purpose and a destiny for you!
I am fearfully and wonderfully made! 
Ephesians 2:10 -- For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

How are you going to live without your fear?  You don’t have to be defined by your issues?  Christ knows your name and who you are.  I can't wait to dive into Christine's newest book, "Undaunted," and learning more through her writing as well. 

Isaiah 49:1 -- Listen to me, all you in distant lands!  Pay attention, you who are far away!
The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name.

Psalm 139: 1-24 --  www.biblegateway.com

O Lord, you have examined my heart

and know everything about me.

² You know when I sit down or stand up.

You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.

³ You see me when I travel

and when I rest at home.

You know everything I do.

⁴ You know what I am going to say

even before I say it, Lord.

⁵ You go before me and follow me.

You place your hand of blessing on my head.

You’re wanted!!!  You were made for more! The truth will make you free!

Galatians 5:1 --So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.

Angie Smith spoke about fear, and who doesn't have some kind of fear in their life, right?  Angie shared about fears through the voice of Hagar, and how when Hagar was sent off with Ishmael they face trials, their faith was tested but even  where human provision may have run out, the ‘well’ is always there and God was always with them helping with there needs. Hagar
   Genesis 21:8-21


Angie spoke about Psalm 139 today and the impact on this chapter in her life.

Angie told her story about here daughter and each of their births.  She opened with her twin daughters and how she had them figured to be the best babies in the world.  She had no trouble taking these angels to the store and out and about.  Although, her next child came to be the complete opposite.  "She's a negotiator" Angie said.  As she told the story about telling her daughter that if she would quit sucking her thumb for 2 weeks, she would take her to Toys R Us and buy her anything she wanted for not sucking her thumb for 2 weeks!  All in all and to quote "a very funny story" her daughter agreed to the proposition.  Well, 5 minutes later Angie found her daughter in her room sucking her thumb. When she asked her about their deal just earlier, her daughter turned to her saying, "eh...I'll just get it for Christmas."  Kids!

Now Angie told us of her cute little stories of her girls but she left one story for the end.  Her next little baby girl.  A little girl who halfway through her pregnancy, the doctors had advised Angie to 'end her pregnancy.'  They told Angie and Scott that their baby girl wasn't developing like she should be, she didn't have a pancreas, she didn't have 4 chambers in her heart and there were two other organs missing.  Knowing how strong Angie and Scott felt about the human life growing inside of her they trusted God and they continued to full term against the wishes of the doctors.  By their next appointment, the doctors were amazed about how much progress the baby had made.  Her organs had been developing and she had 4 chambers in her heart.  Angie made it to deliver her baby girl.  Although she was weak and small, they were aloud to hold their precious and beautiful baby girl for a couple hours on the day of her birth.  And even through they only had a few hours with her, she said that they would have a lifetime of memories  for as long as she'd lived that day, and they would never have traded that day of anything.  They loved and cherished every moment they had spent with their precious and beautiful daughter.

God sees you different than you see yourself. 

                                                There is hope beyond where you are right now.

Sheila Walsh is always amazing to hear and a blessing her hear her thoughts and teachings.  She spoke from Romans Chapter 12, identifying that there is ‘nothing that can separate us from the love of Christ.’  
   
   It’s not about who you are,     
   it’s about whose you are!      

         I am a daughter 
                of the 
                                                           King of Kings!



Shannon Ethridge graced us with her presence as she shared that God is more than sufficient to meet ALL of OUR needs! 



Shannon's life story was incredible to be able to listen to her heart as she  told her story.

I just want to break down some of my favorite quotes spoken by Shannon this day, they pretty much say it all about surrending your life over to God and letting go.  Knowing that we are going to make mistakes and even though we may fail at times, God is there to embrace us and pick us back up and dust us off.  

• Let God woo you and pursue you
  
• Embrace your bridegroom“

• Loving Jesus without limits!”

Even, the one of the few men (Ken Davis) that we there shared a few good points, 

1 – To believe with all of your heart that God is the author of ALL YOUR JOY!  
2 – To believe with all your heart that perfection is not a requirement! AND 
3 – To believe with all your heart that He will NEVER let you down!

It is well....

One thing remains....

Your love never fails it never gives up it never runs out on me...

With these words in mind, as we are thinking of three small numbers with a powerful impact when spoken. 9-1-1.  These numbers have always been used in case of an emergency.  If something traumatic had happened we would pick up the phone and and dial these three numbers...9-1-1.  We get emergency personnel on the other line asking 'what our emergency is?' In 2001 we added another remembrance, we associate these numbers with a date, a date that we may never forget, a date when everyone was changed. We will remember that, Your love never fails it never gives up it never runs out on me.

Reflect.  Another word we use to describe events or ourselves. We reflect on what happened in the our past and we look in the mirror and reflect on our self and what we see looking back at us.  Although, we do have to move on, we leave our past is behind us and we press on toward the future.  We can turn this around, to remembering the all the good that came after this event.  Remembering the people coming together and never forgetting the people affected by this and the people serving our country, the firefighters who risked their lives to save people from the destruction.  Thank you to all who have served and helped out.  We will remember!  Remembering once again, Your love never fails it never gives up it never runs out on me.

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:14 NLT)
As we reflect on those who have stepped out in love and kindness for our country, we know that we can do anything that we set our hearts and minds to, because with God on our side, whom shall we fear.  We remember all Christ did for us and how much we can do for Him.  How much we can share His love and mercy and goodness, to those who need to hear.
The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

For many of us on the West Coast, we woke up to the news around 6am.  The news that our country was forever changed.  The news of a tragic event that took place in on the East Coast in New York.  As we watched the planes fly into the towers from our television screens, and our tears stinging our eyes we stood in awe of what was occurring at that very moment.  Thinking, what can I do but pray.  Pray for the victims, pray for the families involved...just pray.

I remember getting ready and going to class that day.  I had a 8am geography class. I remember walking into my class where everyone had looked and felt like I did.  It was a large class, but instead of class our professor had turned on the news to watch for the length of the class period.  It was silence in the class as we sat their listening to what had just happened just 2 hours ago.  Thinking once again....Your love never fails it never gives up it never runs out on me.


Since, September 11, 2001, since America was changed, since such tragedy occurred....we came together.  We came together as a nation to stand up for our country.  As people all over our nation were on their knees in prayer. People were finding a way to serve in their own community, even if they were miles and miles away from New York, it was as if this tragic event took place in their own backyard.
We held prayer and candlelight services, we held community car washes where all donations were send to the needs of New York.  We came together.  Together to serve. To do something for someone else.  What can you do to help someone else today?  To make a difference in someone else's life.  To be the hands and feet of God, to share the love of Christ to those we come into contact with.  Because this LOVE, it should be shared...it needs to be shared.  There are so many people out in this world who need to know that God's love never fails, never gives up and it never runs out on you and me!


As an added note, I found this video on YouTube.  What a great song!