Singleness And The Day Of Love!
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Feb 14, 2012 3:32 am
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The focus of Valentine's Day is love. It's a day set aside for the recognition and expression of love, usually to a significant other. But what if no significant other exists in your life? Does that mean that we, who are single, are left out of the celebration of this day? No, absolutely NOT!
On this Day Of Love, I'm caused to reflect and consider how blessed I am to be loved. There is not a person in this place, who is not loved. First and foremost, we are all loved by God. We know this intellectually, but we don't have a tangible expression of this love, God didn't send us flowers or chocolates, or a mushy card. Does that make us any less loved? No, absolutely NOT! Instead, He gave us His only Son, to freely and wonderfully, give Himself up for each one of us. Is this Gift of love NOT the most remarkable Gift we have ever received? He has also provided us with the most awesome gift of love to be found in the many love letters to us, as poured out in His Word. All we have to do is look, to find them. Are these letters of love NOT more precious than any mushy card?
Secondly, we all have the gift of love that has been sown into our lives from the relationships of family that we have been given. Fathers and Mothers, sisters and brothers, children and grandchildren, cousins, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, are all gifts of love. Can any of us say we don't have some form of love, from family? No, absolutely NOT! Significant others may come and go, friendships often fail us and cease to exist, but the love of our family, even if it's only one member, endures to the end.
Finally, we have all been given gifts of love, in the form of friends. Is there even one of us who can say we have no friends in our lives? No, absolutely NOT! Even if you can only think of one, isn't the love of friends a profound blessing in our lives? And what about our cyber friends? Those that we have never met and may never have the opportunity to meet, in person? Do they not also sow seeds of love into our lives? Seeds, in the form of encouragement, prayers, and kindness.
I don't know about you, but I am so blessed by all the love that is present in my life. That blessing includes all of you, as I am daily blessed by your love, support, and edification. If you are single today and saddened by not having a significant other to express your love to, take heart. God loves you immensely and without condition. Your family loves you, even when it's not apparent. And friends complete that circle of love and are precious gifts of love that God has given to each of us.
Please allow me to take advantage of this Day of Love, by telling you how much I love you. I don't say it often enough and for that, I am sorry. I love you sincerely and genuinely, with my whole heart. It's my honor and my privilege to sow seeds of love into your life, in any way that I am able. I am blessed to pray for you, encourage you, and even to forgive you, when you are less than perfect. If there is anything that you could ever have need of, that I could provide, I am happy to do so, all you have to do is ask.
Happy Day Of Love to each of you! May you use this occasion to count the many ways that you are loved, by the many people who love you, and by the amazing Gift of love given to each of you, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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I Won The Grammy Awards!
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Feb 13, 2012 2:50 am
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Thank you! Thank you everyone! Thank you so much! I first want to praise and thank my God for giving me the wherewithal to be a Grammy for the last nine years. It has been a joy and an honor to fulfill that role that He has placed in my life. Thank you Lord! Next, I want to thank my son Brandon, and my daughter-in-law, Kim, for giving me two of the most amazing specimens of loving and caring grandchildren, without which, I would have never had cause to receive this award today. Thank you and may God bless you all!
How's that for an acceptance speech? Short and sweet, and giving the honor and glory to Whom it is due! lol 
My son called me yesterday afternoon to invite me to dinner. He was making stuffed peppers for the very first time. Now, stuffed peppers was a staple in our family and something that my son always looked forward to. He is an amazing cook, but had never attempted to make this much-loved comfort food, until last night.
When I arrived, my two precious babies greeted me with hugs and kisses. They then presented me with a card, a package of candy, and these most unforgettable words: "Since the Grammy Awards are tonight, we wanted to nominate you for the top prize. You have always been the greatest Grammy in the world to us and we thought that you deserved this award, way more than anyone else."
Wow!!! Talk about your heart melting! lol  These two kids didn't have a clue as to what the Grammy Awards were for, and to be quite honest, I can't sing my way out of a paper bag and don't even play an instrument, but in their innocent eyes, I was the only person worthy of receiving the top honor.
Am I a blessed woman or what? 
PS The stuffed peppers were excellent! Part of the fringe benefits to winning this wonderful award was to be able to bring one home with me, to enjoy again today! 
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God Refers To Angry People As Fools And Evil !!!
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Feb 12, 2012 3:58 am
181 Views
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The world is full of angry people. We're all too familiar with this fact and really have no other choice, but to accept it. And the number of angry people, seems to increase, day by day. The church is full of angry people too and this is much more difficult to accept, especially knowing what God has to say on the subject. On one hand, angry Christians profess to know and love Jesus, but then their actions display quite the opposite. What angry Christians do not seem to comprehend is that when they spew their anger and strife, on a consistent basis, all they're doing is showing the world their lack of spiritual maturity AND their lack of love and commitment to the Jesus that they profess to know. Definitely a contradiction in terms! What does God say about angry people?
"Don't be quick-tempered–that is being a fool."-Ecclesiastes 7:9
"A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult."-Proverbs 12:16
"A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless."-Proverbs 14:16
"It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel."-Proverbs 20:3
"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control."-Proverbs 29:11
God refers to angry people as fools! Not my words, but His!
"An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins."- Proverbs 29:22
"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions."-Galatians 5:19-20
God refers to angry people as sinners, with a sinful nature! Not my words, but His!
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."-Ephesians 4:26-7
God refers to angry people as having given a foothold to the devil. Not my words, but His! And we wonder why there's no fruit evident in them.
"And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful."-2 Timothy 2:24
God refers to angry people as not able to teach, and certainly NOT His servants. Not my words, but His!
"Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-it leads only to evil."-Psalm 37:8
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."-Proverbs 15:1
"A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel."-Proverbs 15:18
God refers to angry people as evil, whose ambition is to stir up hatred and strife. Not my words, but His!
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."-Ephesians 4:29-32
"But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips."-Colossians 3:8
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."-James 1:19-20
"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."-1 Peter 3:9
This is how God instructs us to speak. Not my words, but His! If you have a problem with it, take it up with Him. Angry Christians will pay a high price for the destruction that they sow. That which they sow, is that which they will also reap. Are there any of us here, who truly want to provoke the wrath of God?
If that's not enough incentive for you to deal with your anger, consider this also. Angry Christians will go from one relationship to another to another to another. Why? Because eventually, their anger comes out and nobody, yes I said nobody, wants to be in relationship with an angry person. I know that fact all too well. Anger will destroy a love, kill a friendship, and make a person's life full of bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. Just get rid of it! If this post makes you angry, perhaps you're the one I'm talking to. If you're one who loves to instigate all the strife and discord, woe to you! What you may not realize is that no one has any respect for you, as no one likes an instigator.
For your own sake, for God's sake, and for our sake, check your heart today and deal with your issues of anger. Stop acting like immature children and begin to emulate the Jesus that you profess to know and love. You'll soon discover that your life and your relationships will improve, and others may begin to actually like you. In the grand scheme of things, isn't that what we all desire?
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Off To Meet With April Joy Today! (GodsKyWoman)
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Feb 11, 2012 2:09 am
212 Views
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I'm so excited! We've been trying to get together since I moved here, and today's the day. How can anyone come to God's KY, without meeting God's KY Woman? lol
It's been such a blessing over the years I've been here, to meet with bloggers I've been interacting with, on a daily basis. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Sandra (peacebestillamen), in December, when we attended the Michael W. Smith concert, in Dallas. And now I finally get to meet with April Joy! Since my membership here began, in May 2007, I've been blessed to meet with over 35 different bloggers. And the amazing part? Well, I'm so glad you asked, lol. 
The amazing part is that they have all been just as real and genuine as they've appeared on the blogs. No surprises, no scams, no secrets, they have all been the real deal. In meeting with all of them, I've forged some life long friendships. That's not only been a blessing, it has been a Divine inspiration, that God has placed all of these people across my path. Is it unrealistic for my bucket list to include meeting with all of you, eventually? Well, almost all of you, lol. 
BUT!!!
Don't you just hate it when there's a "but"? There IS some apprehension today, as I awoke at 3 am and it's been snowing overnight. Now, I've never driven in snow before, having lived in Florida for the last 40 years. This will be my first time and I have to admit to feeling a bit fearful. It's 26 degrees and with the wind chill, it's 11 degrees. There's less than an inch of snow on the ground, but that's not what concerns me. What concerns me is the warnings I just heard on the morning news--watch out for icy patches on the roads. OK, so what do you do when you see one? Is there a special technique for driving over icy patches? Along with the warning should come some instruction, but no instruction followed. They just said that icy conditions may cause some problems for drivers. What kind of problems? Will I slide off the road?
Anybody got some advice for me? Should I slow down and sneak up on the icy patches? Should I go around them? How should one approach an icy patch? I understand about when the rubber meets the road, but what about when the rubber meets the icy patches? Is there something I should do differently when I see an icy patch? Help me out here, all you veteran winter drivers!
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I Was Tempted To React, LOL !!!
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Feb 10, 2012 4:33 am
315 Views
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I don't know about you, but my flesh is in constant training. Sometimes I just need to follow my own advice, lol.
My plate has been so full lately, with the stress of having over a dozen tax returns to get done, everybody wants them yesterday. My heart has been heavy with my dear friend's suffering, with cancer. Sleep has been so elusive and I've only managed to get 3-4 hours each night for the last several weeks. In addition, there are a few other issues causing great pressure and emotional upset. I logged on briefly yesterday afternoon, in between tax returns, only to see the continuing hateful banter between several members here, and almost reacted. Yes, that's right, my fingers itched to get to the keyboard and scream, (perhaps with all capital letters) "STOP IT!!! JUST STOP IT!!!" 
But instead, I forced my diabolical digits to the telephone, where I dialed the number to my dearest friend, to vent. He was there, at the other end of the line, offering comfort and consolation. (Thank you Mr K!) I could almost feel the hug that I so desperately needed at that moment. It's a good thing he was there, because in the mood I was in, feeling exhausted in every way and frustrated to tears, it could have gotten ugly, very ugly, lol. The world of Big Church would have had the opportunity to meet my flesh, up close and personal, lol. I assure you, it's NOT a pretty sight. 
Although I try diligently not to allow my flesh to come out very often, sometimes it escapes for a brief time. Crucifying it can be a monumental challenge. It certainly has a mind and a will of it's own.
Can anyone else relate?
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A Story Worth Telling: React Or Respond?
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Feb 8, 2012 3:00 am
256 Views
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I recently read a true story about a man's salvation experience. He was a sergeant in the British army, serving in Egypt. He was also an effervescent and shining Christian. When he was asked how he came to know the Lord Jesus as Savior, he recounted his conversion by telling the following story:
"There is a private in this company, who was converted in Malta before the regiment came to Egypt. The rest of us in the unit gave that fellow an awful time, as he was the only Christian there. We took great pleasure in mocking him daily and antagonizing him at every opportunity. On one terrible night, after a long and difficult day, he came in extremely tired and soaking wet. But before getting into bed, he knelt down to pray. My boots were soaked with water and covered with mud, and I let him have it with one of them, on the side of his head, and then I struck him with the second boot on the other side. But he just went on praying. Being exhausted and bored with not being able to get a reaction from him, I went to sleep. The next morning I awoke, only to find those boots beautifully polished and standing by the side of my bed. That was his response to me, and it just broke my heart. I was filled with guilt and shame. I was saved that very day."
The story reminded me of the amazing example that Jesus left us with, after his arrest. He was falsely arraigned, falsely accused, and falsely abused. Yet to all of the trumped-up charges, to all of this pseudo evidence, our Lord made no reply. When the chief priests continued to accuse Him falsely of many things, the book of Mark records that the Lord Jesus answered nothing. So uncharacteristic it was, for a person falsely accused, not to rise to His own defense that Pilate asked in astonishment, "Answerest Thou nothing?" But the narrative repeats, "Jesus yet answered nothing." It was remarkable that Jesus would not retaliate or lash out against those who had treated Him so cruelly and unjustly.
How do you react when you meet antagonism? When you are mistreated or wrongly accused, do you harbor resentment or seek revenge? Do you attempt to retaliate or verbally attack those who have abused you? That is the natural reaction to these things and I have been there myself, many times. But if Jesus is to be our example and we truly want to be a "doer" of His Word, then we must instead respond in the way that He did. "when He was reviled, He reviled not again."
I know, all too well, how tough that can be and have had many opportunities to play this out right here at BigChurch. There is "one" who has made it his favorite pastime mocking me, calling me names, and quoting my blog titles from time to time, only to ridicule me. Would I react or would I respond? Well, my flesh wanted to react, as yours probably would too. But my flesh needed to be crucified and instead I've been prompted to respond with forgiveness and praying for him. It wasn't easy, but well-worth the effort as I maintained my peace and never lost my joy.
Our response to those who attack us or lie against us, must never be to lash out against them. As we arise early in the morning, perhaps after a day in which our character has been assassinated and our name has been slandered, we must arise with a commitment to live a life like the example the Lord Jesus left us with. Only then will we live peacefully and content, in a world filled with unhappy, hateful, and hurtful people.
React or respond? What do you think?
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Meekness: Did Jesus REALLY Mean It?
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Feb 7, 2012 1:58 am
241 Views
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This post will probably not interest many. Meekness is seldom discussed today, even among Christians. The word itself is rarely used anymore and I think that contributes to the meaning being misunderstood and not properly defined. Yet in the Beatitudes, Jesus describes it as being necessary to inherit the earth.
"Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:5
In today's world, meekness is equated with weakness. I think that's where the definition goes awry. As a matter of fact, all of the Biblical definitions I've read say quite the opposite. The word "meek" comes from the Greek word "praus", which is used to describe a soothing medicine, used by sailors to describe a gentle breeze, and used by farmers to describe a broken colt. What do these three usages have in common? They all describe great power under control. I think a more accurate depiction of the word "meek" is great power and strength, under control.
Jesus describes Himself as "meek" and lowly in heart, in Matthew 11:29. Moses was described as "meek" in Numbers 12:3. But, neither was weak in any way; both were strong leaders. How can this be, though? Given how modern man considers those who are meek, His statement about meekness is almost incomprehensible. The world would word it this way, "Blessed are the strong, who can hold their own." The world favors more conspicuous and so-called heroic virtues. Those who are strongly—almost fiercely—competitive, aggressive, and assertive are the ones who receive all the recognition, admiration, and reward. Do they not always seem to end up on top of the pile, possessing the most and the best, despite other obvious and perhaps even more offensive flaws in their character?
I think that if we will look deeply within ourselves, we will find that meekness is a quality difficult to attain. All one has to do is look at the blogs on any given day, to see that meekness is sorely lacking. But, if we REALLY believe the things that Jesus taught, we have to give meekness some prayerful consideration and effort. If, in fact, the meek will inherit the earth, they will proceed to govern it. Meekness is a virtue that God has determined, those who will have dominion in His Family, must possess. I'm caused to wonder, without it, will we even be there?
Just a thought. What do you think?
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How Am I Supposed To Reply To Your Question......?
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Feb 6, 2012 3:17 am
295 Views
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If you make it a "Read only blog post"?
Silly!
My favorite scripture is Ephesians 3:20
"Now to Him, Who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly, above and beyond, ALL that I could ever dare to hope, ask, or think, according to His Spirit that works within me."
It doesn't get much better than that! 
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Happy Birthday Mr K! AKA Kenzo, AKA Forgotu, lol
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Feb 2, 2012 7:42 am
385 Views
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Happy Birthday Mr K!!!!!
Actually, it was yesterday, so instead I should say, Happy Belated Birthday Mr K!!! 
I'm so sorry I forgot it!  
I'm down on bended knees, pleading for forgiveness!
I wish you would have told me! 
I hope it was blessed, blessed, blessed! 
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Looking, Looking, Looking, Looking......
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Feb 2, 2012 3:14 am
364 Views
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As I was checking out, "Who's Viewed Me" on my home page this morning, with 21612 views since 05/26/2007, I noticed something for the first time, that stood out to me. Just in the first five pages alone, almost half of those viewing, were "looking" for something. I've never noticed before, how prevalent the word "looking" is, until today. The following are just some of the examples I found in the first five pages:
"Looking" for Mrs Right, "Looking" for a kind woman, Seriously "Looking", "Looking" for the right woman of my life, Just "looking" to meet my soul mate, "Looking" for love, Just a nice woman "looking" for friends, "Looking" for my better half, "Looking" for a good friend, "Looking" for my soul mate, "Looking" for my other half, "Looking" for my missing rib, "Looking" for someone to fill my heart, "Looking" for a like minded woman, "Looking" for a wife, Single and "looking", "Looking" for someone special, "Looking" for my partner in life, "Looking" for a wife, "Looking" for someone to marry, "Looking" for love, "Looking" for serious relationship, "Looking" for a real woman, and "Looking" for the real and natural woman.
Do you notice an ongoing theme here? Everyone's "looking" for something or someone. I don't know why this hasn't come to my attention before today, but I found it to be peculiar, in a way. As we look at the world, we find this same scenario; it seems that all people-married or single, young or old, rich or poor, and from every corner of the globe, are looking for something or someone to fill a void in their lives. Although many find that something or someone, or at least they think they do, in the end, it really doesn't fill that void or satisfy that longing within them.
I believe that with every person God created, He placed in each of them, a God-shaped hole, that only He can fill. We try to fill that hole, that void, with everything imaginable-sex, drugs, alcohol, fame, riches, and the wrong people. But, nothing will satisfy, but Him. Maybe because I'm NOT looking, it's easy for me to make this statement, but here goes: Perhaps if we spent half as much time and effort "looking" for God, we would have those things and people we are seeking.
"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."
Psalms 37:4
Many don't even know what they are looking for, they just know that something is missing inside of them. You can have love, money, fame, notoriety, and power, but still feel a lacking in your soul. If only they could find the "Answer" to their questions. How ironic that the "Answer" is so simple a child can understand. The "Answer" is readily available to all who will seek it. The "Answer" is God. ONLY He can fill that God-shaped hole, ONLY He can truly satisfy, and ONLY He can provide true contentment in this life.
"...He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
Hebrews 11:6
If you are looking today, for something or someone to fill that void, to truly complete you, to give you that inner peace and true fulfillment, I have good news. God doesn't have the answer, He IS the answer. Jesus provided us with the solution for our "looking": "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." Matthew 6:33
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