I made it to 31 days...

For those of you that have been following my blog, I didn't explain something very well at the beginning of this year. I told everyone on Facebook, but didn't tell anyone here... silly me. One of my new year resolutions was to write a blog post everyday.... mostly and hopefully inspirational ones.

Yesterday I blogged about five of my favorite blogs... the second to last day of every month, I will do that.
Today I am going to share my personal five favorite blog post of this month... at the end of every month I will do this too.
Thank you to everyone that has kindly followed me this month and has left kind words on my blog and facebook. It means more than you know :-)
Here are my five favorite blog post for January

Day 4: God's Healing Power 
 

Day 9: Fear Not

Day 13: The Beauty of Bliss.

Day 22: My Knight in Shining Armor.

Day 26: Still Small Voice..

What were your favorites of this month? (All post can easily be found on the right hand sidebar) See you all tomorrow.

Day 30: A few of my favorite blogs...

 Today I would like to share with you a few of my favorite blogs. These blogs always bless me, their post are always inspirational, thought provoking, and fun. Please take a look at these wonderful blogs and may you be blessed by them as I am.

 A Christian Worldview of Fiction
http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com/
Becky Miller writes a wide variety of post, from book writing tips, Christian authors, and inspirational. She is also a talented lady and an awesome editor.

Taylor J. Beisler

http://impossiblewriter.wordpress.com/

This is a beautiful blog of thought provoking post and a very talented young lady. She published her first book at the age of seventeen and it's pretty dang good!

Becca's New Adventure in Haiti:

http://beccasnewadventureinhaiti.blogspot.com/

This is a pretty neat blog of one special young ladies nine mouth adventure in Haiti. This girl has a big heart!

A Christian Fantasy Blog of Faerie and Faith:

http://siennanorth.blogspot.com/

An fun insightful blog with great writing tips for Christian Fantasy writers.

Christopher Hopper:

http://www.christopherhopper.com/

His blog is currently going through some changes. His post always make you smile and think. A lot of his post are about his beautiful family, with a wonderful thought provoking story. He's also an author to one of my favorite series, The White Lion Chronicles.

Day 29: The Dark Sea Annals, and a Contest...

 About THE DARK SEA ANNALS series:
A noble king discovers what happens when he leaves a door open for evil. The disastrous consequences impact generations, leaving the throne of Anglinore to a wicked despot, the kingdom in ruins, and Aravel's son Loch in exile. To throw down the vile new authority, Loch will need to find the fabled Halfainin and raise a new army from a world of reluctant citizens. Together with his archer friend Ariana, Loch will face adventures that span the world of Myriad, creatures that defy imagination, and choices great and terrible—all these recorded in The Dark Sea Annals.


Series: The Dark Sea Annals: Book One, Sword in the Stars
Author: Wayne Thomas Batson
Genre: Young Adult/Fiction/Fantasy/Christian
Page Count: 426 pages 
Publisher: AMG Publishers

Haunted by memories of a violent past, Alastair Coldhollow wagers his life on the hope that a sword will appear in the stars and the foretold Halfainin, the Pathwalker, would come. Meanwhile, tensions simmer between Anglinore and the murderous Gorrack Nation, threatening war on a cataclysmic scale. The fate of all could rest on an abandoned child and the decisions of those who desperately seek to identify him. Sword in the Stars is the first release in The Dark Sea Annals series.
About the The Dark Sea Annals series: A noble king discovers what happens when he leaves a door open for evil. The disastrous consequences impact generations, leaving the throne of Anglinore to a wicked despot, the kingdom in ruins, and Aravels son Loch in exile. To throw down the vile new authority, Loch will need to find the fabled Halfainin and raise a new army from a world of reluctant citizens. Together with his archer friend Ariana, Loch will face adventures that span the world of Myriad, creatures that defy imagination, and choices great and terrible all these recorded in The Dark Sea Annals.

My Review:
The first chapter pulls you in right away and won't let you go!
The great Wayne Thomas Batson, has done it again! This is one talented author who tells great tales, with a deep message, that cuts straight to the heart. Sword in the Stars, is very different from his other books, by what I mean different is that it is for a much older reader. In my opinion 14+ . It had quite a few characters and things that went far into the dark side, and lots of gory, very detailed scenes of death... that would be a bit disturbing for a younger reader.
The Christian message woven throughout his book made it into an unforgettable read and one you want to continue to read.
The characters are extremely lovable and real. I greatly enjoyed Alastair's story and heart. I have never read, nor seen greater villains than what Mr. Batson has created in this book.
This book does have a few typos in it, but it doesn't ruin the book... one of them makes you think a little hard, but you soon realize it was unfortunately an editing mishap... and I recently found out that they lived. You'll understand this when you read it.
Don't miss out on this great book of what I'm sure to be an epic series.

 To purchase, Sword in the Stars.

Book Two came out two months ago... I have yet to read it all...
Series: The Dark Sea Annals: Book Two, The Errant King
Author: Wayne Thomas Batson
Genre: Young Adult/Fiction/Fantasy/Christian
Page Count: 507 pages
Publisher: AMG Publishers

Deep in the caves of the distant Hinderlands, an ancient menace stirs. Townsfolk shudder at violent memories of The Red Queen and even dare to whisper the name Raudrim. At the same time, word comes to Alastair that Cythraul has at last resurfaced, seeking a devastating weapon in the ruins of Grayvalon. Blood-soaked clues lead Alastair into a confrontation from which only one warrior will return alive. Meanwhile in Anglinore, young Lochlan Stormgarden, the new High King of Myriad, leaves the pomp and politics of the throne once too often. While blending in with the people of his kingdom, Loch suddenly realizes that he's put them all at risk. The fate of his new found love Arianna, his best friend Telwyn, his family, and indeed the world of Myriad all depend on the decisions of the errant king.

To purchase, The Errant King

Right now Wayne Thomas Batson, is having a EPIC contest in celebration of the release of book two, The Errant King. The prizes are grand and earning points is a ton of fun. It started in November, but doesn't end until June 26, 2012. It's for sure not too late to join in. For more information and complete rules visit, Wayne Thomas Batson post on it http://enterthedoorwithin.blogspot.com/2011/11/seek-stars-contest-is-here.html
Some of the rules have changed, but nothing too big :-) The team constellation that I am in is "Starfire" and we could use a few more players, that is if it sounds fun to you and you have some spare time for it. This contest is not only a fun thing for it's players, but also a big thing for the author. Please remember that, if you are thinking about joining.

For more information on the great Wayne Thomas Batson, visit his blog

Day 28: Choose Life...

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;  your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book  before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.  ~Psalm 139:1-18

This is one of my favorite Psalms... what touching words David penned. With a new election for a new leader coming at the end of this year, I believe with all my heart that it is critical to vote for someone that follows and believes those words up above.We are falling every day for a lie. A lie that is covered in murder and innocent blood. Everyday thousands of innocent lives are murdered in our own country. Many are blind to it and many disagree that they are indeed lives. Yes, I am talking about abortion.
The movie below is life changing. This movie had me in shock, angry over how blind so many of us are, and in tears. Please take the time to watch and if you feel lead, share. I promise you won't regret it. If you do believe in the sanctity of life, this movie is still a good one for you to watch. He gives a wonderful way on how to talk to others on changing their way of looking at abortion. (Remember to pause my purple music player on the right sidebar. The pause button is the bottom middle button.)

If you don't have time to watch the movie right now, here are 15 reasons to NOT have an abortion. This was written by John Piper

1. Existing fetal homicide laws make a man guilty of manslaughter if he kills the baby in a mother's womb (except in the case of abortion).

2. Fetal surgery is performed on babies in the womb to save them while another child the same age is being legally destroyed.

3. Babies can sometimes survive on their own at 23 or 24 weeks, but abortion is still legal beyond this limit.

4. Living on its own is not the criterion of human personhood, as we know from the use of respirators and dialysis.

5. Size is irrelevant to human personhood, as we know from the difference between a one-week-old and a six-year-old.

6. Developed reasoning powers are not the criterion of personhood, as we know from the capacities of three-month-old babies.

7. Infants in the womb are human beings scientifically by virtue of their genetic make up.

8. Ultrasounds have given a stunning window on the womb that shows the unborn at eight weeks sucking his thumb, recoiling from pricking, and responding to sound. All the organs are present, the brain is functioning, the heart is pumping, the liver is making blood cells, the kidneys are cleaning fluids, and there is a fingerprint. Virtually all abortions happen later than this date.

9. Justice dictates that when two legitimate rights conflict, the limitation of rights that does the least harm is the most just. Bearing a child for adoption does less harm than killing him.

10. Justice dictates that when either of two people must be inconvenienced or hurt to alleviate their united predicament, the one who bore the greater responsibility for the predicament should bear more of the inconvenience or hurt to alleviate it.

11. Justice dictates that a person may not coerce harm on another person by threatening voluntary harm on themselves.

12. The outcast, the disadvantaged, and the exploited are to be cared for in a special way, especially those with no voice of their own.

13. What is happening in the womb is the unique person-nurturing work of God, who alone has the right to give and take life.

14. There are countless clinics that offer life and hope to both mother and child (and father and parents), with care of every kind lovingly provided by people who will meet every need they can.

15. Jesus Christ can forgive all sins and will give all who trust in him the help they need to do everything that life requires.

What do you stand for now? Do you choose to stand for life or do you choose to continue to follow this ugly lie. Please think on this...

http://180movie.com/

http://www.prolife.com/

Day 27: Through The Fog...

We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!1 ~Corinthians 13:12

The last few days we finally got some heavy rain and light snow. Usually my area doesn't get fog, but today in the early morning on our two hour drive to Sacramento, we had heavy eerie fog.

Sometimes we go through a fog and see things so blurry. I don't understand why hard things happen, but I do know that God sees it differently. With our tears He brings courage and strength. Death doesn't hurt Him, because death itself has been conquered through Him.
Heartache has touched everyone one of us. Some of us have had greater heartache than others. The saddest thing in all of this is that too many of us hold tightly onto our heartaches, pushing the healing away. We lean on it, eat it, and let it control us...We live our lives in a fog.  This is not what God intended!

Take off the extra fog that drags you down, hand it over to the one that will freely clear it away and give you some sunshine.

Day 26: Still Small Voice...

And He said, Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice. ~1 Kings 19:11-13


I try to talk to God throughout the day, some days I'm better at it than others. Something that I sometimes lack at is good prayer. I say a prayer before bed, but sadly often find myself asleep before I say Amen. I feel horrible when I do this... imagine doing that to one of your dear friends. God talks to us everyday, but a lot of times we ignore Him or push Him to the side. The beautiful verses above tells how God doesn't speak in a loud "here I am" voice, yet a gentle, still, small voice. God longs for us to talk to Him and what a privilege it is to speak to the King of Kings.
Have some quiet time with the King of Kings. Talk to Him about anything and listen to His still, small voice...

Day 25: An Act of Kindness...

And as for you, brethren, do not become weary or lose heart in doing right [but continue in well-doing without weakening].~ 2 Thessalonians 3:13


This is a touching video of one mans final act of kindness. You never know when your last day on earth may be. Kindness. It's one of the greatest things we can give.

The Greek definition for Kindness is: The grace which pervades the whole nature, mellowing all which would be harsh and austere. A tender heart and a nurturing spirit. An impossible goal in our own strength, yet attainable--but not automatic-- graces for the true believer when yielded to the Holy Spirit. ~Beth Moore

(Remember to pause my music player on the right sidebar. The pause button is on the bottom middle)

Watch Christian Videos and Read the Online Bible at GodVine.com

Day 24: Something New...

  
He has filled them with wisdom of heart and ability to do all manner of craftsmanship, of the engraver, of the skillful workman, of the embroiderer in blue, purple, and scarlet [stuff] and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of those who do or design any skilled work. ~Exodus 35:35



I love being creative. One of my favorite quiet times is drawing. Something special fills my heart during these times... something I can't explain. I always feel more connected to God when I draw.

Today I tried sewing. I've done a little sewing when I was younger, but never really got into it. Sewing takes a lot of patience, yet everything new does. No one is great at the beginning of doing something new. It takes time to learn a skill and art. I heard someone say it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert on something. 10,000 hours... that's a lot of time to put into something! There is only 24 hours in a day and a portion of that we sleep.

Don't let this scare you into trying something new. Many of us say, how we wish we would of done blah blah blah. Stop wishing it and do it. If it's something healthy and good and has been tugging at you to give it a try, go for it. It might be hard at first, after all you have to put 10,000 hours into it to become an expert on it... haha. Maybe God is laying something creative on your heart for a reason...

Day 23: Prayer, Googling, and Dog Whispering...

 
I WILL lift up my eyes to the hills.  From whence shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip or to be moved; He Who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand [the side not carrying a shield]. The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
~Psalm 121:1-2

In a few of my post I have talked about our puppy, Wyatt. I love him dearly, but have been having a lot of problems with him, one being fear. A couple of weeks ago he aggressively bit my hand when I went to take a roll of painters tape away from him. He gave me a good gash and shook me up. I've never had any fear over any of my pets, nor had I ever been really hurt by one. Wyatt would either listen to my commands or completely ignore me. He would always give me a little growl if I picked him up(I honesty thought I was hurting him, now I know I wasn't) and he would growl at me if I went to pet him on his bed. I was so tired of his actions and disposition with me. I told my family that I was through trying with him and wanted nothing to do with him. Will that was kinda hard when he is so cute... it only lasted a day before I caved into his cuteness.

I've been praying and asking God why he acts the way he acts? I had a deep ache of Wyatt ending in sorrow. He wasn't just bad acting towards me, but my whole family. In my mind I kept thinking it was just his breed, being so full of energy, he couldn't help it, and he has a very stubborn streak, making it a bad mix. My mom and I were pulling our hair out, because everything had to revolve around him. So many days wasted having to revolve around him. He would demand your attention and if you didn't give it to him enough he would go berserk like a child having a tantrum.

Will yesterday I decided to Google a few of his behaviors and came across a wonderful website of a lady who had the same exact problems. Oh God...THANK YOU! You answered my prayer through Google... huh.

Wyatt was trying to become the Alpha leader. He was fighting hard for it. Yelling and a slap in the behind was indeed making matters worst, because in his mind it set him off to want it more. He considered me to be below him, which made him think he could get away with growling and biting me that one day. He demanded attention because he wanted my mom to be below him too. This wonderful website gave a ladies story on her struggle with an alpha fighting dog. She was told by her vet to euthanize her puppy or return him to the breeders, because of his problems. Like anyone who loves their pets she was attached to the dog, so she searched on what to do and found the Dog Whisper, Cesar Millan. I remembered him from a few years ago on Animal Planet. He could get any mean dog to listen to him. He saved so many pets from being euthanized and made them into good family pets. One of  his tips was to stand tall, show no fear or anger, stare deep into the dogs eyes with a frown, and in a calm, strong voice command them. My mom gave it a try last night and it was pretty amazing to watch... I wish I would of taped it. Wyatt is night and day from what he was yesterday. We still have a long road to go down with him, but there is hope, as long as we stay with it.

Sometime we get attacked by things close to us. This is when it hurts the most. We feel as though God has given victory to Satan and shut His ears to our prayers. God will not let Satan win over you. He will not let the battle be lost. Don’t give up on a loved one, dear friend, or even a beloved pet. Prayer is one of our greatest and strongest weapons. Satan can not stand against it and God has a plan in everything, even when we are at a lost. God is in control.

Day 22: My Knight in Shining Armor...

I love you, God— you make me strong. God is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. ~Psalm 18:1

 I am a huge fantasy and fairy tale fan (yes, I still heartily believe paranormal/urban fantasy isn't good... this isn't the fantasy I will be talking about). I've always been drawn to the stories of princesses and knights... What little girl hasn't been? These stories are filled with a twist of romance, great adventure, and always the main character finds out who, they truly are. Think about it... Cinderella found out that she was indeed worth so much more, than her evil stepmother told her. Snow White's gentle and kind heart, won over the evil queens. Love broke the dark curse over Beauty and the Beast, and good... good eventually always triumphs the darkness... no matter what.

I don't know if any of you are watching the new show called, One Upon a Time on abc. All in all it's a pretty clean show and written really well. It has a lot of new twist to all the fairy tales, yet still holds the true beauty on why so many of us love them... and I must say, I like their new twist better.

Fairy tales are indeed fake, yet I think they hold something valuable in them. Something we all go through, hold close, and yearn for. Though there is heartache, beauty will rise. When you least expect it, something wonderful happens and love... love truly always wins.

Do you know the One True Knight in shining armor? The one that will come to the rescue. The one that will save everything. The great handsome King. This character is indeed real... He came not too long ago and rescued the broken, condemned, and lost. He gave the greatest treasure anyone could ever have and had enough of it, for every one. My knight in shining armor is Jesus Christ and he is no fairy tale, yet always the hero.Thank you for saving me. Because of your love, my story has the greatest Happy Ending. Now I am a princess and you Lord, will forever be my King.

Day 21: The Best Medicine...

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” ~Psalm 126:2
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter [Job] and your lips with joyful shouting. ~ Job 8:21

A week and an half ago, I blogged about the benefits of smiling. Today I would like to tell you the benefits of laughter. Have you ever seen the Disney movie, Monster's Inc? It's a really cute movie about bedtime monsters having to scare children in order for their world to survive(I know this doesn't sound nice... haha) Will one day a child slips through into their world and laughs over the sight of one of them. Laughter ended up giving their world so much more than the screams did. Do you kinda get where I'm going in this? If not read below and hopefully you will get it.
(I did not write this, but got it off of a medical website...)
Is there anything better than a contagious giggle that you absolutely can’t control? (Ok, maybe not so good in school or church.) Laughter works wonderfully well in the moment, but it also has some surprising long-term health benefits. In the book A Better Brain at Any Age: The Holistic Way to Improve Your Memory, Reduce Stress, and Sharpen Your Wits, author Sondra Kornblatt explores how laughter can truly make you feel better.
She writes that the new field of gelotology is exploring the benefits of laughter. It was brought to the public’s awareness in Norman Cousins’ memoir Anatomy of an Illness. Cousins found that comedies, like those of the Marx Brothers, helped him feel better and get some pain-free sleep. That’s because laughter helps the pituitary gland release its own pain-suppressing opiates.
What can laughter do?:

• Lower blood pressure
• Increase vascular blood flow and oxygenation of the blood
• Give a workout to the diaphragm and abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg, and back muscles
• Reduce certain stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline
• Increase the response of tumor- and disease-killing cells such as Gamma-interferon and T-cells
• Defend against respiratory infections–even reducing the frequency of colds–by immunoglobulon in saliva.
• Increase memory and learning; in a study at Johns Hopkins University Medical School, humor during instruction led to increased test scores

• Improve alertness, creativity, and memory

Humor and creativity work in similar ways, says humor guru William Fry, M.D., of Stanford University–by creating relationships between two disconnected items, you engage the whole brain.
Humor works quickly. Less than a half-second after exposure to something funny, and electrical wave moves through the higher brain functions of the cerebral cortex. The left hemisphere analyzes the words and structures of the joke; the right hemisphere “gets” the joke; the visual sensory area of the occipital lobe creates images; the limbic (emotional) system makes you happier; and the motor sections make you smile or laugh.

So let’s laugh more. A lot of us are way too serious at times, the world needs our laughter more than you could ever know... and so do you.

Day 20: All Who Are Thirsty...

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.  ~Psalm 42:1
I spread forth my hands to You; my soul thirsts after You like a thirsty land [for water]. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! ~Psalm 143:6


Finally winter has shown it's face. Rain poured all day today, soaking the dry ground and drenching the thirsty trees.
Have you ever gone through a drought? Not the one that you might be thinking... a soul drought? Your soul feels like a desert, dry and empty. You try to fill it, but fail. All of us have or have had a soul drought. It's the deepest part of our heart crying for something more, something that was always meant to fill it.
I don't want to sound pushy, but Jesus Christ is the only one that will make you thirst no more. Your soul will never stop crying, until it has found this water. Are you tired of a thirsty soul? Are you aching for something more? Come to the one that will fill all your needs and give you something you could never dream of. All you have to do is ask Him.... It's the easiest and greatest thing, you will ever do.

 
Jesus answered her, All who drink of this water will be thirsty again. But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never, be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life. 
~John 4:13-14

Day 19: Encourage...

A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones. ~Proverbs 14:30

 Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it. ~Ephesians 4:29


Have you ever had a dream? Something that you so wanted to do... but this something seems to be so big and almost... impossible. How in the world would you be able to accomplish it. Why did you even dream of doing it? Many have called you crazy, yet many have cheered you on. Cheering others is such a beautiful thing. Too often we tear each other down, because of envy. Envy is an ugly thing and one that will destroy the ones around you and yourself. Say something positive to others, give a kind comment ( you won't look dumb), and encourage each other (unless it's something very harmful.) If you cheer and encourage them you just might be part of something... pretty big. You never know how many you may touch, just by giving a loving cheer.

But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 
~James 3:14-16

Day 18: Good Things Come...To Those Who Wait...

For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day. ~Habakkuk 2:3




 Patience is a virtue! Patience can be so hard at times. What a huge learning curve it can be. Lately our  four-month old puppy has been teaching me some patience. Every time I enter the kitchen (a place he is not allowed to enter) he expects a treat when I exit out of the kitchen. He is pretty smart at knowing that the kitchen is the place that holds his treats. In the beginning he would jump up at you, demanding it. I could of just have given it to him then and there, but what good would come out of that... Wyatt would get a treat whenever "he" wanted it. Instead we have taught him to sit and lay down in order to get a treat. Of course he didn't want to do it in the beginning, he just wanted his treat, nothing else, but he learned in order to get it, he must wait, sit, and lay down.


Lately I've been rewriting and editing my book, The Realm of Hearts. I heard many writers say that they hate this part or they love it. Currently I'm not enjoying it. I told my mom this morning, how I wish I could blink and it would all be done and written perfectly. Her reply back to me was a good one, "What fun would come out of that? What adventure would you gain in it all? Enjoy the ride, while you have it."


Patience is a virtue and one that in the end will always give you something... extraordinary. Wait and see...

Is there something that you have been waiting for? Like learning an instrument, stepping up into a new job, or not understanding what God is doing with your life? Pray, reach out, and wait. Patience is hard to learn, but not impossible!

Day 17: A Treasure Like No Other...

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.~Proverbs 27:17
A friend loves at all times, and is born, as is a brother, for adversity. ~Proverbs 17:17





We all have a special friend, and some of us are blessed to have more than one.The last three years God has greatly blessed my life with some special people. Some are ones I've never met in-person, yet they have touched me and enriched my life. These kind of friends teach you so many grand things... they inspire you to be a better person, fill you with much joy, and hold an unique bond to your heart. Thank you to all my special friends, my life is even more beautiful because of you.


Cherish those around you and hold close those special  friends. Their are truly a rare find and a treasure like no other!

"A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love and encourages you with hope."

Day 16: The Motions...

 He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls.
~Proverbs 25:28
Then [Ezra] told them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold. ~Nehemiah 8:10



We've all gone through the motions. Sometimes is hard to feel like worshiping. One day you can be on fire and next you can only be filled with a spark. Sometimes the world around you seems to suck, when all you need to do is change your attitude. I see and hear way too many people saying that they are depressed... and what hurts me the most, is that a lot who I hear this from, are way too blessed to be going through this. Don't waste a day on a lousy feeling, embrace the day, you'll never get it back. Ask Jesus to show you His ways and nothing, but sheer joy will fill your heart. Watch this wonderful video by an awesome singer, who went through something pretty hard, yet embraced it. (You will have to pause my music player on the right side. The bottom middle button should do it.)

Feelings are not evil but neither are they holy. They just "are." You don't have to be led and directed by them. The more you follow your feelings, the stronger they will become. Make the decision today to say "yes" to God and "no" to feelings. ~Joyce Meyer

Day 15: Handwritten love...

And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities,
~Hebrews 10:24-25









I have a crazy, silly, thing of being very attracted to pretty stationary, notebooks, and cards. Every time I'm in TJ Max (a super fun store) I bring home one of those items. The art of giving hand written letters, notes, and cards is becoming a lost thing. Emails and social websites have taken their place... I see nothing wrong with these things, but I find it sort of sad, that many of us don't take the time to send one another handwritten notes, or cards, or letters. There is something so special about holding a handwritten letter from someone... I greatly cherish it, when I receive one. I love getting little sweet notes from loving people and always enjoy cards. How about you? Don't you enjoy it too?


 
Go write a little note to someone... tell someone something special about them... let them know you are thinking about them. It doesn't have to be anything big or long. I guarantee you will bring  joy to that person and even more to you.

Day 14: Leap of Faith...

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. ~Hebrews 11:1








Do you have something God has been pressing on your heart to do for awhile? He keeps whispering to your heart about it, but you keep pushing it away. I'll do it later... I don't know about that God... Get someone else to do it.  Or you try to do it a little and it ends up being too much work, so you give up.
I've been pushed to do things in my life, things I normally wouldn't step up and voluntary do, without that loving push from another person, telling me, I can do it. Of course you drag your heels, yell are you crazy, and highly doubt "you" can do it. Every time I've been through this, I have succeeded and gained something I didn't expect.
God has BIG plans for us all. If He has sit a crazy dream for you (like writing a book), pulled at your heart to talk to that stranger you see everyday at school or work, or called for you to mission in a foreign country... do it! Take that leap of faith... you can't imagine what will happen.

Day 13: The Beauty of Bliss...

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.
~Psalm 139:7-10




Today our families puppy Wyatt had surgery... it was neuter day. Yesterday, he was happy, rambunctious, and blissfully unaware of what was going to happen to him. We all felt a little sad for poor Wyatt, knowing he was about to go through something not so fun, yet something that would end up to be very good for him. He'll be a better and healthier dog. This will also help add years to his life.
Scary things come when we least expect it, yet could you imagine if we knew when every bad thing was coming. Imagine what kind of life we would live... not a very happy one.

The beginning of December started off really bad... we were blissfully unaware what December 1st held for us. A very large Ponderosa pine fell (due to a crazy heavy wind storm) over our house and our what was going to be eventually guest house. I and Wyatt were also outside, right in it's path when it fell... life is precious! This beast of a tree totally destroyed the roof on our guest house, knocked it off it's foundation a little, and buckled a lot of it's siding. Now this house for sure wasn't in perfect shape before all of this, it needed some work, but we didn't have any extra money to spend on it. My mom had been praying to be able to save some extra money for it... and for wood... haha, yeah that's not funny.

At the time we didn't see anything good in this mess at all, but now we have a different and grander picture of it all. Our "guest house" is being completely fixed through our home owners insurance and being turned into something we couldn't dream of having and that beast of a tree that fell, will it's going to sit us up pretty good for warmth next year. Good praying mamma and nicely done God.

In every tragic, horrific, and ugly, situation we go through, God will always give some grand blessing at the end. Something that couldn't have been given or seen without the battle. Something good... very good! Remember God is a loving God, He will not leave, nor forsake you. He will guild you, mold you, and use every situation, in a beautiful way. Do not forget this when hard times come. Rise over that mountain and look upon the beautiful dawn and live life. Enjoy the beauty of “bliss.” Sometimes it’s the way our Loving Father shields us with His mercy. 

Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits-- Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy; Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]! ~Psalm 103:2-5

Day 12: The Wonder of it All...

Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. ~Psalm 150:1-2







Have you ever dwelt on how this big planet we live on, is spinning in this huge ginormous thing called Space? Have you ever looked up into the sky at night and counted the stars? Have you ever thought on how we started off smaller than a dot? Have you ever taken a look around you and seen God's great fingerprint? Everywhere you turn it's there...
There is so much, that our eyes haven't seen, so much to be found. His reflection is not hidden from our sight... He's right there don't you see it? He's in all the flowers, His great shadow lies in the mountains, He holds His power in the sea, and His smile is in the sun. His gentleness sits on the wing of a butterfly, His strength is heard in the roar of a lion, and His love... covers our soul. Do you see Him now?
Did you know that every single grain of sand, every single snowflake, every single star, and every single sunrise and sunset, is unique...  No two are alike, nor has ever been the same.


God's finger print can be found anywhere you look... This world is full of His touch, His reflection, and His love. Take a look around and see for yourself or better yet look in the mirror. He created you in His image.

Day 11: With All Your Might...

Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah). 
~Colossians 3:23-24
 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, ~Ecclesiastes 9:10



Today my mom and I  painted One-hundred and fifteen wooden pieces of house siding... crazy huh. I wouldn't necessarily call this extreme hard work, but  it for sure wasn't easy work. These boards were heavy and were carried all over the place, due to not having enough painting areas. Today was sunny, but really cold if you weren't directly under the sun. My hands are a little sore, my arms a bit tender, and my face surprisingly got sun burned. I'm going to sleep like a baby tonight.
Hard work truly feels good. It's rewarding to see what you have built when the job is done and it's something special to know that you did it. Us humans are naturally lazy, and our mind fights to not do work, we are always trying to find a shortcut in all the jobs we do. I admit, I do it from time to time... who doesn't?
Does any of this sound familiar?
"My room is clean mom." but my closet is a mess (due to shoving everything into it) nobodies going to look in there, after all it's hidden with a door.
I don't need to rinse off the dishes, that's the dishwashers job... hmmm I wonder why the dishes didn't come out so clean?
So this is something I would like to challenge you and I with...Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might! What do I mean by this...everything you do, do it to the best of your ability. No slacking, no shortcuts(unless they are really good ones) and never not finishing. No matter the job, small or big, do your very best. I promise you'll feel pretty good about it.

Day Ten: Wake Up...

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
"Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
~Ephesians 5:8-14




We all know and hear about the crazy vampire, zombie, and paranormal craze. These crazes have become very popular, to a variety of age ranges and seemed to have gotten more popular throughout the last few years. This is something that personally saddens me and I must admit, angers me. Yes, vampires, zombies, and ghost don't exist, but the dark one does and he is using all of this for his pleasure. All these things have death in them, nothing holy or good.
Zombies, are rotting, walking, dead, that survive by killing and turning others into rotting, walking dead.
Vampires, are children of the night, not the Light like we are. They flee from light and are given eternal life and youth by drinking blood and doing other disgusting horrible things. Jesus Christ, the holy and pure lamb, shed his pure blood for our sins, so that we can have eternal life.
Ghost are spirits that are trapped between time. They aren't able to reach Heaven or Hell, so they wonder around in our world, waiting to be released, or something like that. Now I don't really see, nor believe ghost exist, but I do know demons do and I believe they have a hay day with all of this. Ghost Hunting, something that can seem so silly, is a dangerous thing to play with.
Does any of this really seem good to any of you?
Currently I am reading a book called Howl Sage by Brock Eastman. It's a book more for a younger reader, but I am enjoying it and love what Mr. Eastman is trying to do. I always read the authors notes in books. At the end of his, he writes the reason for his book. This is what he has to say and  he wrote it beautifully... " I  feel that too often we make light of things that, if real, would truly be nothing short of demonic... say werewolves, vampires, and zombies. These are not heroes, and because of the elements that make up these fictional species, they can never be."
What truth is his words...
I must say I am proud and happy to see a few Christian Fantasy authors standing against it, instead of folding to it. Folding into something that everyone seems to love, is an easy thing to do, standing against something can be very hard. I give Mr. Eastman a huge wave of gratitude and will give a deeper review of his book once I finish it all.

 So for any of my fellow readers that love vampires, zombies, and all things to do with ghost, did I perhaps change your mind on it? Has God been pressing on your heart over any of this or have you been pushing it away and have become numb over His whisper of, "This isn't good, my child." 

I give you a warning, these are dangerous things to put in your mind and heart. A slippery path down to darkness's foothold and one that will bring you no good. 
We need to be more aware, guard our hearts, and stand firm in the truth.

Day Nine: Fear Not....

For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. ~Isaiah 41:13 
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.. ~2 Timothy 1:7



Fear... such an ugly word that we all know. Just the mention of it's name, brings it's horrible thoughts, that tangle our heart and leave us breathless.
I have a silly fear over spiders. In my opinion they are hideous and creepy. After all they have eight legs and creepy eyes that follow your every move. In reality I am an almost six foot tall human, where they are the size of a dot to a silver dollar( those are the ones I hate the most) I admit it spiders have made me hyperventilate, scream as if my head is on fire, and curse some words I normally wouldn't say, such as, Oh crap.
Now my fear of spiders isn't a harmful fear, nor one that will turn into something worse.
Okay, please know I am not a Star Wars fan, but I do remember a quote in one of the movies, that I thought was a really good one “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”
When trouble comes, fear follows right behind and this kind of fear can lead to anger which could turn to hate.
These kind of harmful fears can be from financial stresses, work stress, or the worst, family stress. Times are so hard right now. Our economy isn't getting better, our country is changing, job lost is at it's lowest and there are more families torn apart than there are whole ones. Fear seems to be sitting at our doorstep, ready to enter.

One of my all time favorite verses that first inspired me to write my book, The Realm of Hearts, is...
There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love's complete perfection]. ~1 John 4:18

Love, what a powerful thing it is. Love can conquer anything, no matter how big it may seem. Love can only be found from God, after all he is the creator of it. When fear comes creeping up at you, snuff it out by praying. Crush it by singing praises to the king of kings. Destroy it by daily talking to your Heavenly Father, and putting your fears at his feet.



Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Don't let  fear win over you today... you have been given the power to overcome it.  Lift your fears to the one called Love. The peace maker of our hearts. The one that has overcome the greatest fear of all.

Day Eight: Take Heart...

 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,
~Luke 18:1






Have you ever lost hope in something? A dream, yourself, or someone you love. Today I cleaned up some pumpkins we had forgotten about in our yard. These pumpkins had been sitting there since Thanksgiving and as you must be thinking, there were indeed pretty rotten. When we lose hope, it can sometimes turn us rotten, or make a part of us feel rotten. Losing hope is a dangerous thing! Losing hope gives pleasure to our greatest enemy.
That broken dream you have, isn't the end of the world, it just might not be the right time for that dream to come or God has a greater plan for you, but you are blind to it because you have lost hope.
Losing hope in yourself, because of something you are ashamed of is a horrible feeling. God is a forgiving and loving God. We all have done things we are ashamed of, God gave us a way out of that... His son.
Losing hope in someone you love, can bring much pain. God will not give up on this person, so don't lose heart on them. Everything takes time and usually longer than we want. If you pray and continue to left this person up, God will continue to tug at this person's heart.

If you are struggling with losing hope on something, sit down right now and have some  quiet time with your Heavenly Father. He knows your, hopes, dreams, and needs. Wait and hear his loving voice, let him renew your heart, and give you strength to hope again.  Take heart... He is there.
 
But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.
~Isaiah 40:31

Day Seven: A New You...

                                                                                          Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!  ~2 Corinthians 5:17

Today my mom and I painted our soon to be guest house and art studio. This house hasn't been painted in decades. We haven't been able to redo it, until recently.  This house was hideous looking and has needed a ton of work. It ate up the paint and is truly starting to transform into something beautiful. 

Many of us are like this house, desperate for a new look, a new beginning, a new life. So many of us don't know where to search and some of us forget, the promise that was given to us.

Have you ever looked at the different seasons of a tree?  In the summer time they're green, beautiful, and full. In the Autumn time most of them turn a glories vibrate color. In the winter time most become bare, yet strong and sturdy, for the harsh cold weather. In the Spring their beauty returns... but in a new way.

God has given us all a special beauty... one that can be found from no one else. God has given us all a new beginning... one that is for anyone, no matter your past. God has given us a new life... one that was always chosen for us, but had to be freely asked by us. 

 

    

Are you a dried up house or a bare tree? Come or return to the one that makes all things new... the one that has a grand plan for you.

Day Six: Smile, it's good for you...

 

So the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” ~Nehemiah 2:2
A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.~ Proverbs 17:22


I recently watched a silly show, where a family did New Year Resolutions for each other. One of the family members received a resolution to smile more. This guy was a nice person, yet smiling was a huge effort for him.
Did you know that is takes more muscles to frown that it does to smile?  Did you know smiling is good for you, I mean really good for you? I found this off of a health website... take a look at the ten reasons to smile.

1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive
We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away -- but a smile draws them in
 

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood
Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. Smiling Is Contagious
When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them.

4. Smiling Relieves Stress
Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System
Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure
When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin
Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger
The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day -- you'll look younger and feel better.
 
9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful
Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive
Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It's hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that "Life is Good!" Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.

 

So in this often hurting, hard, cold, world were so many frowns live, will you join with me in all these reason to smile today? 

You can make a huge difference just with your smile! Remember we are lights of our Heavenly Father and our smile is perhaps our greatest shine.

Day Five: Give Another Chance...

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ~1 John 4:7
This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you. ~John 15:12
Since by your obedience to the Truth through the [Holy ] Spirit you have purified your hearts for the sincere affection of the brethren, [see that you] love one another fervently from a pure heart .~1 Peter 1:22



Now we all have heard and perhaps said the phrase, "First impressions are a lasting impression."  You do usually remember the first time meeting someone. You remember if they were nice, rude, grumpy, ect. First impressions are important, but they shouldn't be the last impression.

I know without a doubt that I've given bad first impressions of myself. Through the majority of my teenage years, I was painfully shy. I'm sure I gave the impression of being snotty, when in reality I was very self-conscious of myself.
Have you ever seen the movie, Pride and Prejudice? A pretty good movie on first impressions. There is a character in it called, Mr Darcy. When you are first introduced to him, you right away dislike him, but by the end of the movie, you love him. Don't lose the chance of really getting to know someone because they gave a poor first impression of themselves.
I once had a job interview that I had to do online. After giving all my information and past history I had to take a one hundred question psych test... I guess the grocery store really didn't want to hire any crazy people. Knowing that I should hear back in a few short days for an in person interview, I waited, believing I would be called. A week and a half went by, so I gave them a call, thinking my application didn't go through. To my surprise they informed me that I failed the psych test and did not qualify for an in person interview. Looking at this now it's kinda funny that a silly test would judge and tell who I am... I wonder how many questions I was allowed to fail. I wasn't really given a chance to show who I truly was. Sometimes like this test we quickly judge others and pass them up. Everyone is worth a try... even if they fail a psych test ;-)
 

Is there someone you should give another chance?

Is there someone you would like to give another impression of yourself to?