Thanksgiving Week Comes to an End....

And I am ever so thankful. Even though so much joy comes from the holidays it throws everything off balance. My work schedule changes. The store hours change. People are away from home. I'm well aware that change is good....but I'm of the belief that stability is BETTER! There is just absolutely too much disruption in change (this could be why I'm not a huge fan of Obama...then again...I'm probably just not a fan period). I like knowing what is going on around me. I like knowing what to expect each day. The only change I really tend to like is the changing of the leaves...which I must boast a bit here and say....we have had the most beautiful colors in our leaves this year. But then I hate to see the leaves actually falling off. If they would just keep changing from red to orange to yellow and then back to green I would be content. But they don't. They die and fall off.

But this was a good week. We celebrated SweetPea's 3rd Birthday (My baby is growing up! *tear*)

I finished decorating the mantel. And Julie and I spent Thanksgiving Dinner with the wonderful couple, Rebecca and Dwight. Thanksgiving really hasn't been the same since my parents moved back to Texas and really since Hurricane Katrina. But this Thanksgiving seemed like a turning point. Unfortunately Rebecca and Dwight will be moving to California soon...so we won't be able to crash their house again next year. But it was nice to be back in the Thanksgiving mood.

And so as we come down from the turkey high I know we're all gearing up for the Christmas parties, presents, family, etc. It's so easy to forget the important things in the hustle and bustle. I wish it weren't, but we all find ourselves not spending the quality time together that we need too, or not praying and reading our bible like we should. So I'm trying to keep in mind, God has been so good to me. I've managed to stay sane while working in an insane environment, to get through this semester (let's pray I pass Chemistry), find a church where I'm challenged on a weekly basis, and keep a best friend despite all my shortcomings. I'd say those are the important things. Since God has been so good to me, why can I not be good to Him? That's what He wants above all else. That's the present He asks for. Just a little time. Just a little love. Just our entire hearts and lives. That isn't asking so much in light of what He has done for us.

May each day this next month remind both you and me of God's Love.

Thank God Chemistry is More Than Just a Class....And Thank God for His Son

So, I have one week left in Chemistry. Will I pass? I have no clue yet. I'm still trudging along, barely hanging on by my fingertips. Why does it have to be so complicated? I'm convinced that my teacher is the problem. Well, that and the fact that I'm taking the class online. But even though I'm in panic mode trying to make sure I at least PASS this last chapter, I know it'll be okay. Even if I don't pass, I can take it again.

Where is all this optimism coming from? I don't know. It could be that I started my day off right. I went to the gym and got an hour of cardio in and then went with my new gym partner "Bob" to mass. Yes, Mass. (is it supposed to be capitalized...I think probably so) Now I'm probably the farthest thing from Catholic, but I have to admit I have great admiration for the Catholic faith. I won't say I agree with everything that I know right now, but there is much I do agree on. I'm so amazed and maybe even a little jealous that these people get to go to church nearly everyday if they so choose. Being on the Protestant side we only have church on Sundays and Wednesdays. And even then, so many churches have done away with a Wednesday service. But how great to be able to wake up and go to church and take communion? That's another thing...how great it is to take communion everyday! Some may say that the importance of it may wear off, but why? How awesome to be able to start your day by breaking bread with God and consuming Him?!? (I know, so many don't believe we actually consumed the body of Christ...I won't even get into that) How awesome to be reminded on a daily basis that His body was broken - just for me. That His blood was shed - just for me. There is power in that, don't you think? Unfortunately because I'm not Catholic, I'm not allowed to take communion with them. But I still went up and allowed the Deacon (Father was out of town) to bless me. There weren't stars and there wasn't this warm feeling that came over me, but when I went back to my seat I asked God to guide me and do with me what He wants and not what I want. I allowed myself to be humbled before Him. And it was just something I needed. I think I'll go again. Don't worry Mom, I'm not converting.

So in ending: May the Lord be with you.....And also with you!

December Is That You?

Can anyone tell me where the time has gone? Is Thanksgiving really in only two weeks and is Christmas really only in six? I won't say it seems just like yesterday was Christmas, but it does seem like it was only yesterday!

It used to seem like you had so much time to accomplish so much within a year. Each year you set all these wonderful goals for yourself that generally aren't attainable but you do it anyway. And right now I'm wondering (Already??? I know I know) if I've grown, if I've accomplished much, and what my new goals may be. Maybe I've been so wrapped up in trying to sell my house that I've overlooked the things that really matter. So in looking back over this year I'm already seeing a few things I didn't do that I wish I would have done. But, I'm also seeing some great accomplishments (that seem to all have been done within the past couple of months oddly enough) that I'm more than estatic about. So what might they be?

Need to get to:
1. Photography
2. Losing weight
3. Studying my Bible more
4. Sending my hair off to Locks of Love (I'm getting there, I promise!)

Accomplishments:
1. Living Room Floor
2. Kitchen Updates
3. Starting to Cook (*gasp* Lord, say it ain't so!)
4. Voting and paying attention to the political world around me (Although, ignorance really is bliss. I really hate the fact that I know what I know now. I hate that I can't undo all that has now made residence in my head. I hate that no one really knows the direction our country is heading (except God of course). And I hate that I now care. Go ahead, be appaulled that I would say such a thing.)
5. Cut my hair (I really have to get that sent off to Locks of Love - SO SORRY ABOUT THAT!)
6. Building a closer relationship with my brother. Oh, how age changes things!
7. Started back to church once I FINALLY (Thank you, Lord) got Sundays off from work.

So I guess, all in all, I've done pretty well this year. Not as great as I would have liked, but better than expectted - especially since I didn't really set any goals for myself this year. God really is good!

My New Living Room Floor

Sometimes in life you just have to let go and say "okay". That's exactly how I'm feeling about being here in Biloxi. I don't like it. It's not growing on me. But I'm here and I might was well get used to it. I'm still going to apply for the dental hygiene program in North Carolina. I'm still going to keep taking my pre-reqs. But my house hasn't sold yet. The market sucks. And so this is where I am. Last month (or was it longer...I don't have any concept of time anymore) I renovated the kitchen. This weekend my wonderful, selfless, best friend helped me put in a new floor. Do not be fooled into thinking this was easy. It wasn't. It took 12 hours of bending over wood panels, trying to "pop" them into place (yeah right), tapping the sides, tapping the pull bar, making sure everything was seamless....and it is :o) What else would you expect from two perfectionists? This was our first try at something like this and I have to say we have (with the help of God no doubt) succeeded. So here are a few pictures of the lovely floor. No more carpet in the living room for me. You would think with all the projects I've been doing I'd love it here and want to stay for the rest of my life. My house...Yes. This city....No. But again, I might as well rest in the fact that I'm here and just enjoy it as much as possible. Whether God moves me from here next year, or the next, or the next, at least I'll be happy with my house. I'm can already hear my best friend as she reads this post saying...."LORD PLEASE...let this be the last project!"

Change Begins

This is a post from Frontline Worship's, Matt Poole. I believe he said what everyone needs to hear today, whether your party won or lost last night. Think about it. Let it sink in. I'm doing the same.


Change begins...

"The Hope of True Change" The elections are right around the corner…geeze. I don't know about you but I am about "politic-ed" out. How many Polls, Surveys, Focus Studies, News Specials, Debates, Interviews, Behind the Scenes Stories, Conventions, TV Ads, Radio Ads, Yard Signs, Street Signs & Bumper Stickers can there possibly be? Gimme a break! It's like watching a 3 month tennis match or better yet… a never ending boxing match where each person get to take head shots at the other and the audience expects them both (bloodied and bruised) to smile and act as if nothing bothers them. It's kind of crazy.

Most historians agree that there's been more intense debate during this election than any other in recent memory and those debates from both candidates have all been centered around this word… "CHANGE!" Regardless what side of the fence you're on in this election, change is coming to our country. Everyone wants it. Everyone wants the war to end. Everyone wants the economy better. Everyone wants health-care in on form or another. Everyone wants a fresh start. Everyone wants… Everyone wants… Everyone wants… Hummmm a consistent theme. Everyone wants.

I think it's very important for us to look at this subject of change. But if you really look at it, "Everyone wants" the government to make changes… so we don't have to. Honestly, have you ever seen so many people (Christian or otherwise) who want some law saying they can do what they want? I think we have to look a little closer to home to find the change we're asking for.

Several years ago I heard a very wise preacher talk about the influence of drugs and alcohol on our society. He pointed out that even though drugs have laws making them illegal and alcohol has age limit laws, these are still rampant problems in our society. Then he made this statement, "The reason for this is because no matter what the law says, as long as the heart of man is corrupt, people will always find a way to do these things." Did you catch that? "…the heart of man…" Not the heart of the government or anyone on the outside; the heart of man. I believe its time to stop looking for change in the Presidential hopefuls who are making the people of our great country a ton of promises... We can't control them. What we can control is us. The next time you look in a mirror, realize that's where true "Change" begins... in you.

Nina and the team wrote a song for a production we did this past year called "Something's gotta change" and we posted it up on our MySpace for you to hear because it's going to be on the new CD. Some of the words to the song are…

"Something's gotta change in me… in me… in me
I gotta stop making excuses it's not getting me anywhere
As I make a move I feel the change I can't believe that it's all it takes
Moving along makes a difference taking a chance getting started"

God calls us to change all the time. He wants you to grow forward. He wants you to stop worrying about what you can't change and worry about what you CAN change. Don't stress in the middle of the craziness of this election or even if it doesn't turn out how you might like. Washington will do what Washington will do. You on the other hand, have the ability to change yourself and that will start through prayer and express itself in worship. I encourage you to hit up the MySpace page and listen to that song. Let it resonate in your heart and mind. Yes it's a nice melody and great harmony, but the hope of true change is Freedom! Consider this passage from 1 Peter 3:9:

"God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change." emphasis mine - 1 Peter 3:9 Message Bible

That's the change we need. He's providing an opportunity for us to change. Notice it doesn't say God will change you. He is giving you the grace of time and opportunity so you can make the necessary changes in your life of serving Him. Don't stress. Don't worry. Most of you probably already know what has to change in you and if you don't God will tell you when you ask Him. Free yourself. Change your life. Decide today. (oh my gosh they all sound like campaign slogans…they're in my head aaahhhhhhhh) Detox from the society mindset of "Everyone wants…" and ask, "What does God need me to Change?" Pray Honestly. Worship Wholeheartedly. Change begins with you. Until next time…

Matt Poole

Get Ready

Today as I was praying for our country and for the direction we would move in, this verse came to mind:

2 Chronicles 7:14
If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

This election has been long and hard. We have had ups and downs. We have had hope and fear. I will not deny that our country electing a black man as President is a great thing. I believe it shows that people are becoming more and more colorblind. However, I still stand to believe that this man, is not the man I would like to see take that position.

Tonight I felt something so strongly that it broke my heart. It occurred to me...God spoke it to my heart...whatever you want to call it.....but I felt so strongly that God cannot bring our nation back to our knees with McCain as our President (its a sobering thought if you think about it). I don't know if you're aware of how far gone from God our nation is....but we are so far beyond what people want to realize. When we think that a man that speaks well is good for our country we are too far gone. When we believe in a man that thinks its okay to kill babies (not just in the first trimester, or the second, or even the third....try letting a baby - that was delivered - live for 30 minutes then allowing that baby to die) is okay we are too far gone. When we elect a man into office thats believes its okay to take from hardworkers to give to those that do nothing we are too far gone (doesn't the Bible say if you don't work you don't eat????).

My pastor spoke about Haggai about a month ago. Read it. It seems as if the same exact thing is occuring in our nation. Until we realize we have put God on the back burner and begin to humble ourselves He cannot and will not move. Our God is a jealous God and we as a nation have given Him every reason to believe He is no longer wanted here. Does that not break your heart? Does it not make you want to cry out to Him and beg and plead for Him not to remove His hand from our nation? Does it not make you want to fall on your face and repent and beg for mercy? Despite being unfaithful to Him so many times, does it not make you want to ask for Him to remain faithful to us?

For so many this election was about change. We felt as if President Bush let us down and we were so fearful of having the same with Senator McCain. We listened to all the hype Obama gave us about tax cuts and they sounded so appealling in a failing economy. But my friend, this was not an election about change, or rebelling against our current leader, or hope of a better economy. This election was about the direction our country would go. This man you have put in office stands for nothing but the word change. More times than not when voting, this man you have elected mearly voted "present". He asked you to get out and show your support by voting for him, but so many times all he would do would vote "present". WoW. Well, when you put it that way, Liberty, it doesn't sound too good. Huh.

People, all I can say is, Get Ready. It will not be fun. It will not be easy. It will not be Godly. If I'm wrong, may I eat my own words....but it will only be by the grace of God.