WHO CAN SATISFY?

I love music. And when I like a song, you know it. Yes, I am one of "those" who will play a song over and over and over. I have literally had one song on perpetual "repeat" for weeks at a time. It drives my husband crazy.
Some time ago, I was listening to a sermon online by Dr. David Jeremiah. Before the sermon started, the choir at his church sang a song that drew me in. It's just one of those songs you cannot get out of your head. So, I went searching. It's not a highly popular song, so I have not really been able to find a decent recording of it. Oh, how I wish I could have a copy of his church choir singing it!

I will enclose the lyrics of the song, as well as a YouTube video of it at the end of this post.

In listening to the song I began to think about the words and the meaning of them in my life. I guess that is one reason why it hit me the way it did.

Putting all this in perspective in another way is the fact that I am doing my Spring Cleaning. If you read my previous post you know that it has turned into a completely different project this year than it has any other year.

I- we-  my family... has all this STUFF! So much of it there is absolutely no purpose or reason for having it. It is just here, occupying space, and in some instances, actually getting in the way.

I am actually a very sentimental person. After my first husband's suicide I went through counseling and Survivors of Suicide group therapy. One thing that I realized through that process and my overall healing is that all the stuff is not the memories. The memories last forever. The stuff is just that... stuff!

Another thing I came to realize over the overall healing process is that sometimes we hold onto things for sentimental reasons and rather than helping us they in fact hurt us. While I loved my first husband, we had a very tumultuous relationship in a lot of ways. No, he never physically abused me, but in many ways we did not treat each other with love and respect.

I've gone through several different periods of cleaning out. Before this process I would have held onto everything I could just because it was some link to the past. But as I began the deep soul-searching in my healing I realized that in some of these things the memories are not pleasant at all. So I began to question myself on why I would hold onto things that do not bring me happy memories.

This Spring Cleaning is different from that in that I am not getting rid of bad memories... I am simply getting rid of things that do not have a purpose and a reason to share space with my family and I in our home.

So, in all of this, again, my mind has been whirling. I'm sure by now, if you've read any of my blog, you know that I tend to think things over too much sometimes. So I have been asking myself, "Why? Why do we have all of these things if we do not really need them?" As I've pondered this, I've come to realize a lot of things.

I am not the kind of person that thinks "things" are the key to happiness. I am also one of the rare women who absolutely DETESTS shopping! If I go shopping I go get exactly what I need and get out. I absolutely HATE shopping for clothes with a purple passion because I know I am  going to have to try things on! This just takes up too much of my time!

But yet I still get caught up in this rat race. I too am looking for "satisfaction" in things.

For me I think it is more the "satisfaction of being prepared"... you know, "well, one day I may need this!"

And yet, interestingly enough I am absolutely not a pack-rat! Everything has to have it's place! Unfortunately, too many things have a place!

How often we look for everything in the world to satisfy our soul. We chase fame and fortune, friends, the coolest car, the best job.... the list could go on and on.

We are chasing everything and everyone to give us the satisfaction we crave. There is an overflowing fountain that can and will satisfy every craving of our soul. He is The King of kings! He is a victorious Warrior fighting for us in all that we do. He is The Lord of everything that is, has been or ever will be. He is my Rock. He is my Shelter. He is my very own! He is my blessed Redeemer Who reigns upon the throne! He is indeed the only One Who can satisfy the cravings of my soul.

My Jesus... You alone satisfy all that I need! I have many blessings in my life, but the only true satsifcation is in You.

Lord God, please forgive me for losing sight in the rat-race that is life. I am the world's worst in slowing down. I know that You understand me like no other person ever will. You created me. You know what makes me tick. And You know how to reach me when I'm fluttering around. Most of the time it is through music.

I pray tonight for anyone who reads this blog and sees themselves in anything that I have written. I pray that You will use my passion for writing to bless other lives.

Lord.... tonight I pray for those of the Muslim faith. This has been an issue that has been truly on my heart. I've not known exactly how to pray for them, but it has been a constant on my mind and heart for years. I know that You know my thoughts and prayers even when I do not. Tonight, I put this before You. I pray for the women who are victimized by this religion. I pray for any and all of those who are training to martyr themselves in the hopes of paradise. Lord God, this is nothing but a lie from the very pits of hell! I do not understand how anyone would so freely serve a god who expects them to die and kill others to earn their reward. I pray for the people of this religion- that their eyes will be opened. So many say that they serve the same god we do. No, this is not at all true! You, Lord God, are the God of love and peace and forgiveness! You have never called us to kill unbelievers! You tell us to forgive those who hurt us.  The Muslim god calls for death to those who do not believe as they do.

I continue to pray for Congresswoman Giffords. Continue to heal her heart, mind, body and soul from this vicious attack against her.

I pray for this nation. I pray that we would be united, standing up for what this nation truly stands for!

I pray for our president. Give him wisdom. Humble his heart.

I pray for the nation and people of Israel. There is such a hatred for Your chosen people, Lord God. I know this is foretold in Your Word, but my heart truly aches at the hostility that is directed at them. Protect them and keep them always!

I pray all of these things in the precious Name of Jesus Christ- Amen.

Who Can Satisfy
Words and Music by Dennis Jernigan

Who can satisfy my soul
Who on earth can comfort me
And love me like You do
Who could ever be more faithful and true
I will trust in You
I will trust in You my God

There is a fountain
Who is a King
Victorious warrior and Lord of everything
My rock my shleter my very own
Blessed Redeemer
Who reigns upon the throne

Who could ever be more faithful and true
I will trust in You
I will trust in You
I will trust in You my God

Who reigns upon the throne
Who reigns upon the throne

© 1989 Shepherd's Heart Music, Inc.

This recording is not very good, but the song is AWESOME!
My victorious Warrior reigns upon the throne!

BLESSED OR SPOILED?

I am in the midst of Spring Cleaning. This year, I have a completely different attitude than I've had in a very long time.

While I've gone through different stages over the years, so much of the time my Spring Cleaning ends up being just getting rid of clothes that no longer fit the kids and doing my really deep cleaning, like behind the refrigerator and things of that nature that are not in my weekly list of chores.

This year, something is different. I am getting rid of so many things that we just do not use!

As I am going through the kids clothes I am amazed at how much we have amassed. God has blessed us beyond measure, in this area! I am all about a bargain, and with 5 children that is an absolute must! A lot of my children's clothes are hand-me-downs, but the ones that are bought for them are without a doubt a bargain! And I am not at all ashamed to say this!

I had hoped to finish my Spring Cleaning this weekend, but, it is not going to happen. I am finding that I am looking at everything differently. If we do not use it or need it, it is going out!

This has brought me to a question within myself. Yes, without a doubt I know that we are blessed beyond measure! However, have these blessings turned into making us nothing more than spoiled brats? I pray that I will never take for granted the many blessings God has given me and my family, but when I sit down and really think about all that we have..... yes, sadly, I do take it all for granted.

Several natural disasters have hit the world in the last couple of years. While yes, there are always natural disasters, in a day and time when there is 24-hour news coverage of these disasters I believe it has a different effect than previously.

When we are inundated with the images of so much grief and destruction... how do we respond? Do we go into a shell and mourn for the loss that others experience? Do we look around at our surroundings and realize that in an instant all that we have can be gone? It is a sobering thought.

Yes, I am blessed beyond measure. But I am also very spoiled.

Lord God, I thank You for Your abundant blessings in my life. While I know that I am not only blessed, but also the realization has hit that I am also very spoiled. It is time for me to get back to the basics. If something is not needed or used or does not have a place in our home, it is time to let it go.I pray that You will help me look through these renewed eyes as I continue this Spring Cleaning.

I pray for this nation. We, as a nation, are blessed beyond measure as well! In this new realization I have become so very sad for America! Very few people realize how blessed we are, I believe. I pray that this nation will wake up before it is too late! I pray that this nation will humble herself before You and praise You for Your endless blessings in this nation.

I pray for our President. I pray for all elected leaders who are making our laws. So many laws of this land are being broken. Lord God, I pray for truth and justice to prevail!

As always, I pray for Congresswoman Giffords. She is truly blessed in her life being spared by the senseless attack on her! I pray that this nation would look upon the miracle of her life and realize the blessing and miracle You have shown us through her.

I pray for the nation and people of Israel. Lord God, every day more and more anger is being hurled upon Your chosen people! Keep them safe, I pray. Hide them in the shadow of Your wings (Psalm 91).

I pray all of these things in the Name of Jesus Christ- Giver of Life and all blessings- Amen!

YES, THIS COUNTS!

I received an email today that is going to be the topic of today's post. My brother sent me the email, and he had added a note that yes, this was his niece (his wife's sister's daughter). I called him and asked him if he could get their permission to post the picture on my blog entry for today, because I have never seen anything so beautiful in all of my life!

When I talked to my brother after he talked to his brother-in-law, he told me he was surprised to find out that it is not his niece! This is an email that was actually forwarded to his brother-in-law. They are all amazed at how much like this little girl my brother's niece actually looks.

So, I am going to post the picture, as the note at the bottom of the page says to forward to your friends. If the parents of this child sees the picture and would like it to be removed, please let me know. I would never want to offend them in any ways.

So, before I go any further, here is the email text, as well as the picture, of the original email I was sent:

Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

DOES THIS COUNT?

Yes, this most definitely counts, sweetheart!

This little girl understands more than most adults do. While I believe that it is imperative and very beneficial to read, study, disect, meditate and analyze Scripture to grow in our faith, walk and understanding of God, I beleive that a lot of times our analyzing gets in the way of the true heart of the matter. As my husband has said before, too often, the most "intellectual" of minds have absolutely no faith in God because He cannot be explained. Faith is believing in the unseen.

YOU GOT TO KNOW WHEN...

As I've thought over my previous post, I am reminded of an old Kenny Rogers song, "The Gambler". I'm sure that if you've read my previous post you are wondering how in the world this song comes to mind. The post has nothing at all to do with gambling, playing cards, or anything that entails.

However, the course speaks volumes for me, in my life:

You've got to know when to hold 'em
Know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away
Know when to run
You never count your money
When you're sittin' at the table
There'll be time enough for countin'
When the dealin's done

Now, one thing you will learn about me is that I march to the beat of a different drummer. I've always been this way! In fact, I grew up in the '80's and was always known for wearing a "different style" of clothes... and this is in the '80's, when "different" WAS the style!

Maybe the reason this chorus reverberates over and over in my mind as I look back over my life experiences is because so much of the time I did not know when to hold 'em, fold 'em, walk away, or run. So much of my life I have made the wrong decision, no matter what decision I made.

LEADERSHIP DEFINED

"A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to go."   Unknown

I found this quote today on a graphic as I was doing research for another project I am working on. I tweeted it out, because it really hit home to me.

Before I became a mommy, I was on staff at our church in the Youth Department. I was basically the female Youth Pastor, though I did not have the official title.

I will try to keep my "church history" as brief as possible, because that's not what this post is about. However, I do believe it is important to set up my thought process in all of this.

I was raised in a very legalistic church. My brother and I were both known as the "black sheep" of the church because our parents raised us to make our own decisions, not just follow along.

When I was 14-years-old I was sexually assaulted. As a very naive' 14-year-old, I was totally shocked, not only at what had happened, but that it was even possible. This event sent me on a downward spiral that would last a decade and a half or so.

I'VE COME TO A REALIZATION

I just got finished with a major rant on Twitter. My husband just showed me an article that has blown my mind! For your reference, here is the article that caused my rant:

U.S. Debt Jumped $72 Billion Same Day U.S. House Voted to Cut Spending $6 Billion

Now, why in the world would this send me into a tizzy, you are probably asking. It is quite obvious that our debt and continued spending is completely out of control. It's been one of the main topics of discussion for- oh, I don't even know how long!

So I will tell you- my rant was caused by the sudden realization that no one in Washington gets it! And I do mean NO ONE! I say this, because if anyone at all truly got the enormity of this crisis, this would be the ONLY thing that was being discussed!

OVER MY COLD DEAD BODY

I read an article today that made my blood run cold, and in the very next second, my blood began to boil! I am attaching the link for you to read.
The Islamic Demolition of the Statue of Liberty

No matter your political views, if you do not look at the State of Liberty and get choked up, you have no business living in the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.  The image of this tall, brave lady standing on our shores, beckoning to all who seek a life of liberty, freedom, and the opportunity to become all you dream to be. No, she doesn't GUARANTEE you success- but she provides every opportunity you could ever imagine.

A COMMUNITY OF SOULS

Tonight, I dedicate my post to a very special online friend. Over the last few months I've talked with her many times, and her heart for God truly blesses me. There is a mysterious beauty that has drawn me to her. In fact, she reminds me of what I believe one of my Biblical heroes was like. Though I have no idea of her past, I cannot say that the similarities go beyond my minds eye. In fact, I do not know much of her story. However, she reminds me of Rahab.

Eliana, my heart and prayers are with you tonight. 

Eliana's bio on her twitter account says that she is a Goodwill Ambassador. Maybe this is why she reminds me so much of Rahab. Rahab risked her life and everything she had to help the spies that went to search out Jericho. Though Rahab was not a Jew, she stood with the nation of Israel and risked her life to help the Jews. She, as an outsider, recognized that God Almighty Is the One True God, and she gave her everything to serve Him. This is how I see Eliana in my minds eye. The difference is that Eliana IS a Jew- and I am honored to know her!

WHAT IS BEING ACCOMPLISHED?

I am a very active member of twitter. For me, it is my "outlet" to be informed on the goings-on of the world and connect with like minded people. There are many people that enjoy the heavy debate of those on the other side of the political aisle. I cannot say that. Yes, I most definitely like to hear other views, but unless they are debating the issues with common sense they have absolutely no chance of swaying my view on things. There are many things I am rock solid on in my beliefs and will not change. Other things I am not so rock solid on, and maybe my views can be changed if common sense is used in the debate. There are also things that I know absolutely nothing about, so learning different views helps me to come to my own decision on how I feel about it.

There have been many people to seek me out, arguing against this tweet or that tweet that I've sent out. There has only been one person out of any of those who I have actually become friends with. There have been a couple of people that I was able to basically agree to disagree with, and go our separate ways. Unfortunately, most of the time I just end up ignoring them, or if that doesn't work, and they persist, I block them. I just do not have the time or patience to deal with someone who refuses to accept that I have different views than they do. Hey, you have the right to your own opinions and feelings, as do I. I do not try to change your opinions and feelings, stop trying to change mine unless you want to have a sensible conversation built on common sense.

JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED

Today has been another long day.

I heard a news blurb today saying that Jared Lee Loughner's attorney's are trying to get his trial pushed back to the beginning of 2013. You have GOT to be kidding me! So he is allowed to traipse back and forth to court hearings, sneering at the survivors of his attack, no remorse whatsoever! America, what has happened to us?! Justice must be served in this attack! I pray that the legal system does not allow this to carry on that long!

On a much better note, I also read that Congresswoman Giffords may be able to attend the final shuttle launch of her husband, Mark Kelly. I pray that she is well enough to be able to attend! That truly would be a beautiful blessing!

Lord God, I pray Your continued blessings and healing on Congresswoman Giffords. Thank You for the miracle of her life and triumph. In this, Jared Lee Loughner DID NOT win!

I continue to pray for President Obama. I pray that he will seek Your ways and wisdom. I pray for this nation. We desperately need You, Jesus!

I pray all of these things in the precious Name of Jesus Christ- Amen.

SADNESS AND ANGER

I am unapologetically pro-life. As a mom of five children who my husband and I CHOSE to adopt, we are living proof that every single life has a purpose and a reason.

If you have read my blog previously, you know that I am pretty much an "open book" and I pray that God will use my life experiences to help others. I cannot tell you the process to adopt is a walk in the park- in fact, it is quite the opposite. However, as with all things, anything worth having is worth fighting for.

I had a friend who told me a few weeks ago of a lady she knows who is going through a divorce. She found out she was pregnant, and wanted to find someone to adopt the baby because neither she nor her husband wanted the child since they are divorcing.

I have been praying that God would help me find someone- the perfect match- for this child. I know personally what it is like to long for a child so desperately that your heart literally aches. I also know the extreme joy of having your tiny baby placed in your arms, and the realization that God has indeed blessed you and answered your prayers to be a mother. I wanted to help someone else realize that dream.

PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS IS NOT GUARANTEED HAPPINESS

Tonight is another night where I sat before my computer screen, yet had no idea what to pray about. There are so many things going on in the world right now, so the possibilities are literally endless.

As I started browsing the news sites that I frequent, I ran across an article that just boggles my mind and makes my blood boil all at the same time. A town in Connecticut has been ordered to pay for union workers' coffee! What?! You have GOT to be kidding me? When will this sense of entitlement end?! 

EDUCATION DOES NOT EQUATE WISDOM

We are living in a time where we have the sum of human knowledge at our fingertips. All I have to do is type in a topic to search online and in milliseconds, anything and everything I could ever want to know about that topic is available to me.

I find it ironic, interesting, and so very sad that with this capability we as a nation rank very poorly in all academic subjects.

As I listen to the news media, talking heads, pundits of all forms and fashion, I hear and see a wealth of information- actual facts. Unfortunately, so much of the time the actual facts are drowned out or twisted around to fit someones agenda.