I celebrate CHRIST!

Some waited, some didn't know to wait. Some didn't know to care to wait. But waiting was happening all the while. And the time came for the ONE to set HIS feet on the soil of HIS earth. The very picture of GOD HIMSELF in human form, this child came. Interesting HE came as a child. Jesus tells us, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matt 18:3) He grew, He taught, He flipped tables (literally and figurativly) and ultimately gave HIS LIFE. Why do I celebrate Christmas? Because I celebrate CHRIST!

MAD!

I am going to rant...its a warning!

But this is my blog and I can...
(share things I can't on Facebook)

And don't think its because I am afraid to be honest, sometimes honesty can hurt and I don't want to hurt, the very thought of the hurt is what makes me so mad.

Are you ready...

I am mad that Christmas Church Dinners cost big $$ to get into, the very ones that can't afford are probably the ones who need to go the most.
I am mad that Christmas eve services are at the latest, 5pm...hello? Most get off work at 5pm!

I am mad overall at the lack of feeling that seems to be paired with those that opt out of these events. They may not have the money or time to get there, yet, why do these events go on with out thought to those that want to be there.

Last time I checked, the whole church was the whole church.

I would rather have a dessert open house than a catered dinner, if I knew every one of my sisters and brothers was there, and I would rather stay till midnight if I knew every one that wanted to be there for Christmas eve service could be. Obviously my gift is not administration.

But oh well...

Stay Home

I did not grow up with a father, although I have an exceptional mother and never really felt the void. But a dad has that sort of strength, leadership that keeps a daughter in line (mama tried). He tells you, "No you are not going out tonight" or "You will not be hanging out with them."
I got that feeling today, it was unmistakable. I was about to purchase a book that I don't feel was wrong for me to read, but in light of recent events in my life (post for another time) my emotions and sensories were a bit raw and I felt my Father saying, "Don't go wandering, I want you to stay home." Stay in the Court, in the Palace, I don't want you going out and wandering. I was a little perplexed by it, but slowly I followed His words, put the book down and walked out of the store.
There will be times I walk out in life with the Kings armor on and still my Father will be with me. He will never leave me nor forsake me, I will forever be my Fathers daughter. But for this season, I was not to leave the presence of the King. I am thrilled about that?

Maybe this is what Dry is?

I have heard christians use the phrase "dry season" before, but I don't think I knew what it meant. Now I may have an idea...

Yesterday I went thru my Bible Study homework like it was just that, homework. It was as if I was doing my English homework. And when I closed the workbook, my heart sank because I felt like I had brushed my hand over the Bible cover, but had not let my study take root. And I felt parched.

What is the point of Bible Study, if we are not letting the study change us? If we don't allow the Breath of GOD to read over us, who wouldn't be dry.

This is a new experience for me, and I hated it. I felt so ashamed that I had such a casual time in study, I am going to go over my homework again.

A couple of things that came to mind as to why this happened:

I was tired.
I was preoccupied
I didn't prepare and pray and allow GOD to focus me.

I don't want the scriptures I take in to be like billboards I see on the freeway. Fleeting and barely there in my memory. I want them to be rooted in my heart and spirit!

25 Random things about me!

Ok - here is my list:

1. I absolutely hate to go to the gas station. I will put off filling up my car for as long as I can.

2. I get goose bumps at the thought or sound of someone brushing their teeth.

3. I love to be interviewed! Any questionnaire is fun to me, hence I am very pleased right now.

4. I ALWAYS think of what I really wanted to say, about a half hour after the moment is gone.

5. I do not have a middle name.

6. I dislike slang terms like "preggers" and loud rappers that yell at award shows, "make some noise!" Please don't.

7. Secretly I wish I had been born into a ranch family that has a southern homestead. Somewhere deep inside I think I want to be a southern belle!

8. I have a huge fear of snakes (this could make # 7 a problem)

9. I really do want to follow the rules, I don't like making mistakes and I want to figure out the puzzles. I feel odd when I don't do well at something. but I never take it in when someone compliments me for doing something well. (INSECURE MUCH!)

10. I like to twirl in skirts, I always have.

11. I have always loved Bible stories. The Ten Commandments has been one of my favorite movies since I was a child. What child enjoys The Ten Commandments - I did and do still to this day. (Although, I still can't stay up to watch the whole thing)

12. I capitalize odd words that I think are important. For example: Bible Study, Joy, Forgiveness, Church, Worship, and I write GOD in all capitals - I even pray it that way sometimes as in Capital GOD! I think that if I capitalize them, people will see that they are important. I am also in Love with using the "!" I end almost every sentance with it!!! (Oh and I write side notes in parenthesis - a lot!)

13. I have full length conversations/speeches with and to GOD anywhere I can get away with it. This includes when I am putting on my makeup, walking in the Grocery store, in the car!

14. I am the question Queen when it comes to study. I actually get thrilled at the thought of Doctrine and Theology. I could talk for hours about the Bible and History of the Bible. I find it exciting.

15. My brother is 20 years older than me.

16. I have a dream of going to Jerusalem (and a HUGE fear at the same time)

17. I have to see the Rockette's perform every Thanksgiving day!

18. I have a hard time swallowing vitamins (I have to chew a multi vitamin)

19. I have to engage my mind while doing physical little tasks. Meaning, I have to talk to GOD when I am walking, or day-dream while jogging. Write a to do list while watching T.V. or have a conversation while cooking dinner.

20. I have an unhealthy love of Strong cheeses (Parmesean in my favorite)

21. I love the movie "The Passion of the Christ" I don't always watch all the parts, but I watched it for the first time 2 years ago when GOD spoke thru it to me and so it is very special.

22. I love green veggies (Broccoli, Asparagus and Brussel Sprouts are my favorites)

23. I have to pray before I eat anything (including snacks)
NO - I get to pray before I eat!

24. I have a bizarre desire to move to Texas! I don't know why?

25. I am genuinly suprised when I don't win the lottery

26. I am bestfriends with my mom. She is the best! GOD gave me the greatest mom and I love her. HE knew we would be a great fit!

27. (Oops, I overshared, I like Questionaires - did I not Explain this Earlier!?)

I will speak !!!

Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” (Acts 4:29)

I am in a Easter slump! Well, let me clarify. Not so much a slump about Easter but more an immeadiate attack during and after Easter. I have walked with the LORD now long enough for HIM to share with me that attacks happen and my voice should praise the LORD when they do because Jesus said they would. It dosen't make it easier though.

I wanted Easter to be joy filled - but I was anxious and apprehensive. I wanted my feet to be dancing, but I was always aware that I was not quite there emotionally. I feel like I let Easter go by without properly celebrating it. And that saddens me.

GOD knows my heart and I know HE loves me and that is why this prayer of boldness from John and Peter is so special. It's not saying these things will never happen, in fact we know better than that, but rather 'grant to Your servants that with all boldness' I would be able to speak the name of Jesus.

The greatest thing the enemy could hope to accomplish is to snuff out my fire and silence my tongue from saying the name of Jesus. And he has tried. inserting images in my mind when I go to say the name of Jesus in hopes that I will give up. I WILL NOT!

The name of Jesus will be on my lips forever...and when I walk into Heaven and see His face I will hug HIM and say HIS name with JOY! Jesus!

What was He thinking?

Oh it's been awhile since I have been on. Just thought I would take a minute to get these rusty fingers a chance again.

Palm Sunday is tomorrow, and it fell afresh on me last night, how Jesus might be feeling on this day of the week. Not yet riding into Jerusalem on a colt, He had probably just raised Lazarus from the dead and was attending the dinner in His honor. And when the woman poured expensive perfume on His feet and wiped it with her hair...how must the emotions of what it meant felt to the LORD?

Did He smile at her with a shade of heartache in His eyes? Did fear pulse through His veins? We're you on His mind? Was I? It thrills me and causes me to be still to imagine that warm evening in Bethany, where my LORD reclined, receiving the fragrant offering of sacrifice, that ultimately pointed to His Sacrificing His life for us!

Let us soak in the very presence of GOD this week and take in everything Jesus did for us.

¹³Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13