Praise and Thanksgiving

Bailey, Maggie, and Sallie

On Monday October 19th I made a post on my blog about a young man… a young man who was sick, hurting, and desperate for answers… a young man who is faithful, strong, and courageous.

Well, Today I want to give praise to the Great Physician. Bailey is doing well. The feeding tube has been removed and he is eating and tasting food again. After lunch today I asked Bailey what he had to eat and he said with a smile “the breakfast pizza and it was good”.

Bailey and I at Children's Hospital

During the time of Bailey’s illness I shared one of my favorite scriptures with him…
It says 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31

Bailey and Maya (ARM RETREAT)

So the next time you think you “can’t” or you feel it's "impossible" remember the faithful words found in Isaiah “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength… they will walk and not faint”
Thanks Be to God - Amen

REALLY AL FANS???

I'm a huge AL Football Fan. My uncle even was a quarterback under Bear Bryant. I've heard stories of bear bryant and Alabama football all my life... one such story was of how scared he was my granny. "Men", he said "never cross Mrs. O'Rear". I'm also a huge fan of #22 Mark Ingram but I must say that I am some what disappointed in ALABAMA FANS.

I think it's sad when ALABAMA FANS send a weather man hate mail or hate emails and threatening him just because he might have to come on during the game to update the weather conditions... REALLY AL FANS??? Classy!!!

I think it's even WORSE when ALABAMA FANS say that they can't function, rest/sleep, or even eat because of nerves over the big game tonight... REALLY??? REALLY??? But yet you can sleep knowing that there are starving children in this world? or that people don't have a warm place to lay their heads at night??? or that a child won't eat a hot meal or have a warm bed to sleep in???

I think we've forgotten what's truly important in life. I'm not perfect by any means... but I know that a game is not worth losing sleep over or threatening a man's life for. I know that we are to care for others and love deeply.

Priorities...

What is truly important to you???

Ezekiel 36.26

Last night while in a meeting I picked up a bible to look up a certain scripture. After finding and reading the scripture I continued to look through the bible. As I was flipping through the pages I noticed this bold print of scripture on the left. I thought it was strange for two reasons: 1.) I never look in the book of Ezekiel 2.) The words are exactly what I needed to hear (they were highlighted for some reason)

Here what the word says: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I will remove from you your heart of stone."

Why should we try and duct tape our old lives when we can have a new one? We can have a new spirit.

God offers each of us a fresh start.

Pressing On...

Philippians 3.13-14
Today during staff chapel our pastor read from the book of Philippians. He spoke the words that are found in chapter three, in verses 13 – 14.
“… But one thing I do know: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

These words were spoken for me this morning. Even though there were others in the room I knew God was telling me that I was doing the right thing. “Forgetting what is behind” – those words are what I needed to hear. My focus is not in my past any longer. My focus is on my future. Today is a fresh start.

So today:
I will love with everything I have.
I will try new things.
I will smile and laugh more.
I will sing praises for a new day.
I will remember who I was and who I am.
I will pray more often.
I will make good decisions.
I will give honest answers.

Today, I will press on toward the goal!

HAPPY NEW YEAR - JAN 4th

I know it's January 4th but HAPPY NEW YEAR! Today is when my new year starts, my new attitude appears, my new outlook on life is starting and a whole new book is written. Today is the day where i stop being what others want me to be and become who I'm destined to be. Today is the day where I see that my dreams have nothing to do with my wants and desires but for those who are lost and lonely... may their dreams come true. Today is a day where I look back and say "only lessons learned" and not "only regrets". Today I move forward knowing that My GOD is so BIG that He can open any door, close any book, love me no matter my faults, and protect me from any thing life may throw at me. Today I can see that God's plan for me is perfect. I can see His Grace is enough for me.

Today is not New Year's Day but it's still a NEW DAY. A New day with new beginnings, new life, and no regrets.

UCONN

My New Friends

choices

"There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.”

“Nobody ever did, or ever will, escape the consequences of his choices.”

“Remember, there are no mistakes, only lessons. Love yourself, trust your choices, and everything is possible.”

“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”