What's the big deal about PRAYER????

OK OK I'M PROBABLY KILLING YOU GUYS WITH ALL THE RANDOM STUFF BUT HEY I'VE BEEN COUPED UP IN THIS APARTMENT FOR 4 DAYS... I'M GOING NUTS! OK, OK... ONE MORE THING. I FOUND THIS ONLINE AND I REALLY ENJOYED IT SO I WANTED TO SHARE IT WITH YOU GUYS... ENJOY....


FIRST POINT::: Prayer is something we have to work at. Luke 11:1 says, "Lord, teach us how to pray." Prayer is something we need to learn to do! And it's not something that you can just read through a manual and say "Eureka, I've got it!" and scratch "learn to pray" off your to-do list. It's something you have to work at every day; I've been a Christian for years, and I'm still learning how to pray. My pastor will be the first to admit that he is still learning how to pray, but he will also tell you that because he tries to learn, God teaches him. So what should we do? I know this may sound weird, but we need to PRAY that God would teach us how to pray! Complex and odd concept, I know, but I'm hoping y'all will get it.
I get it!!! YAY!!!
.....

SECOND POINT::: What keeps us from praying? Here are some thoughts.
1: WORLDLINESS--- Don't pretend you don't know what that means. We live "in the world" (John 17:11) and because we are in it, it affects us. Sometimes it affects us more than we think. We are daily bombarded with things of the world, "the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does" all of which "comes not from the Father, but from the world." (1 John 2:16) The world is constantly telling us to focus on the physical, and none of the spiritual. There's the problem. Prayer is a SPIRITUAL exercise! So be careful. Matthew 26:41 tells us to resist the world by keeping watch in prayer- meaning make sure that you're focused on God. Like the hymn says, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus... and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace." I think that, since we're kind of stuck in this world for now, that is all we can do, and pray for strength and resistance.
2: BUSYNESS--- We don't pray, sometimes, because we just don't take time to pray! Imagine that... And usually the culprit is busyness. Now, the Bible does say that a strong work ethic is a mark of strong character (all you slackers out there, take note!). But the Bible also gives us a great example. In Luke 10:38-42 you will find the story of two sisters, Mary and Martha. In a nutshell, Martha was a worker. She did a lot of good things and was very busy, and was especially busy when Jesus came to visit them. But she was so busy that she literally fell apart and flipped out at Mary when Mary stopped working to sit and talk to Jesus. Both sisters loved Jesus, don't get me wrong, but Martha didn't know when to just stop with the good works and SPEND TIME WITH GOD. Mary knew, though, that there was nothing more important that she could be doing. Now, am I saying that we should just neglect our shores and schoolwork, etc. and spend all day praying- no. God also tells us to respect authority. But we need to take at least a little time (even just five minutes) and talk to God, hand over our troubles. We need to learn to be like Mary. "A woman who is too busy to pray is simply too busy!" (Quote from "A Young Woman's Call to Prayer")
3: FOOLISHNESS--- NO! None of US could EVER be FOOLISH!!! Hehe (can you sense the sarcasm?) We become so wrapped up and consumed with what is foolish that we fail to pray. It's a given! And then what happens? We begin to lose our ability to know the difference between what is of God and what is not. (Hebrews 5:14) We blur the line between what is wise and what is stupid, between the essential and the meaningless. And then we lose sight of THE primary thing in life- our relationship with God! We spend our priceless time on the "wrong" and inferior things, and fail to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness". (Matthew 6:33) Because, if we focus on Him, all other things we NEED will be supplied to us without us having to worry about it. (Again, I'm not saying anything like, "go ahead and quit your job- God'll provide!" What I'm saying is more like, "if you lost your job, don't lose hope, keep looking, God will give you the job you need.") BUT the opposite is true when we pray. When we seek him, God gives us His wisdom. He helps us direct our energy, time, and efforts toward the big picture, whether we know what the big picture is or not. He will help us live life as He meant it to be lived- to the fullest, and showing the lost what fullness we have. Prayer will also help remind us that the secondary things- money, fashion, etc.- come "not from the Father but from the world" and will most definitely pass away. (1 John 2:16-17) Focus your life on the eternal, not the earthly- and the only way we can do that is through prayer. "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." (Jim Elliot)
4: SINFULNESS--- We don't pray because we know we have sinned, and we feel immense guilt. Adam and Eve hid when the Lord entered the garden, the day they sinned (Genesis 3:8). And King David ceased praying and "kept silent" after he'd sinned (Psalm 32:3). So how do we fix this problem? David says, "Confess [your] transgressions to the Lord" (Psalms 32:5) James says, "Confess your sins" (James 5:16) John also says, "confess our sins," (1 John 1:9) Hmmm.... I think I see a pattern here.... Wow, imagine that, the people who wrote the Bible, inspired by God, might have known what they were talking about! Confess your sins, guys. I know sometimes it seems hard, because it's embarrassing, admitting that you messed up, especially when you're talking to God, who's... well... perfect. But He knows you did it anyway! He's just waiting for you to confess, because how can he clean someone who keeps denying that they're dirty?
5: FAITHLESSNESS--- We don't really believe in the power of prayer. We don't think that prayer really makes a difference- therefore we don't pray. Wow. We better fix that problem quick! If you're running low on faith, do what the disciples did- ask God to increase your faith (Luke 17:5). But how do I ask him to increase my faith when I won't pray because I don't think it'll make a difference anyway? Well, isn't it better that you tried and nothing happened that wouldn't have happened anyway, than that you didn't try and something amazing that could have happened didn't? (Wow, I think I just confused myself)
6: PRIDEFULNESS--- "Prideful? Who's prideful? I'm humble and proud of it!" How many times do we have that attitude? Honesty, now. I know I have. Prayer reflects our dependence on God, so not praying is saying that we don't have any needs- or worse, saying, "I think I'll take care of it myself, God, I don't need you right now." God, however, calls out, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven." (2 Chronicles 7:14) So let's be quick to humble ourselves- God does not hear the prayers of those who are so full of pride. In the New Testament Jesus says that the men crying out their prayers so men will hear and marvel have their reward here, but none in Heaven. So let's be quick to humble ourselves and pray to God as David did: "Search me, O God... see if there is any offensive way in me." (Psalm 139:23,24)And remember, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted" (Psalm 34:18)
7: INEXPERIENCE--- We don't pray because... we don't pray. And because we don't pray, we don't know how to pray... so we don't pray! It's a never-ending, vicious cycle that so many of us get caught up in. Prayer, like any skill, comes easier when it's practiced, repeated. The more we pray, the more we know how to pray, what to pray for, etc. And the more we know how to pray, the more we pray. Yes, it is just that simple. Lather, rinse, repeat. "It is sheer nonsense to imagine we can learn the high art of communing with the Lord without setting aside time for it." And remember, "We're not talking to a brick wall when we pray- we're talking to someone who really listens."
8: LAZINESS--- Uh-oh, we've hit the big one. All the obstacles to prayer are indeed prayer killers. But even if we get over those, this one could ruin all of it. Laziness- or lack thereof- will make or break us in the Prayer Department. We all know how it goes, right? Habits form, and we're too lazy to break them. So they continue, and sooner or later take up more and more time, and we're too lazy to even set aside time AWAY from the habit to pray, let alone break the habit TO pray. Now, how can we fix this little problem? STOP BEING LAZY!!! Break and give up the habits that keep you from God or prayer- because, even if they seem like a good thing, if they're keeping you from prayer they're probably not what you should be doing anyway. Set aside a set time, if you have to, to pray. Say, from 7:00-7:30 I will pray and do a devotion. Or, for the ten minutes before bed I will pray. It's really not that difficult. All God wants is some of your time, and since He gave you that time in the first place, don't you think you can oblige?

Personality Test Results... hmmm what do u think?

Big Five Test Results

Extroversion (52%) medium which suggests you average somewhere in between being assertive and social and being withdrawn and solitary.
Accommodation (76%) high which suggests you are overly kind natured, trusting, and helpful at the expense too often of your own individual development (martyr complex).
Orderliness (70%) high which suggests you are overly organized, neat, structured and restrained at the expense too often of flexibility, variety, spontaneity, and fun.
Emotional Stability (20%) low which suggests you are very worrying, insecure, emotional, and anxious.
Inquisitiveness (40%) moderately low which suggests you are, at times, overly small minded, traditional, and conventional at the expense of intellectual curiousity, possibility, and progress.
http://similarminds.com/big5.html">Take Free Big Five Personality Test
http://similarminds.com">personality tests by similarminds.com

Mr. & Mrs. Goodlett: A Reflection on Our 1 Year Anniversary!

A Collage of Our First Year of Marriage




So today is November 19, 2006! Michael and I have been married for one whole year today. It blows my mind in one way yet in another way it feels like its about time! Where did this whole thing start?
Michael was persistent enough to continue to ask me out back in 2002 even though I was positive, so I thought, that I didn't want a boyfriend. He finally told me that he was coming to Barbourville to stay for the weekend and that if I wanted to go out on a date that would be great, and if not, he would find something to do and then go back to Louisville and I would never have to see him again. Guess what? He did just that! And of course, me being the good girl that I am, I couldn't let this sweetheart come to this little town and feel all alone, I went out with him.
That date was the start of a lifetime relationship. I can remember being extremely ill as I got closer and closer to our meeting spot. It was so bad that my friend Misty's husband Chris was convinced that they should turn around and take me home. However, Misty wouldn't hear of it, so we continued. Boy am I glad that she did give me that extra boost of encouragement! Misty and I at graduation
I remember the smell of Michael's cologne, Clinique Happy for men. I was in shock as I hugged him and took in this awesome smell. I remember looking at him for the first time face to face and feeling my knees get weak, honestly!
He was so handsome and not my type at all. I was use to falling for guys who had a small frame and no muscles visible at all. I always claimed that these guys would be my equal and that I didn't want someone to "protect" me. Michael was the opposite. He was a bit taller than me and muscular. I felt protected and for the first time, that wasn't so bad. He had ice blue eyes and a kind hearted smile. I was amazed. Actually, I was so amazed that I told Misty in the bathroom of Ruby Tuesday in London that he may just be "the one".
The day he met my parents!
Us after celebrating our birthdays for the first time

However, Michael began to let his thoughts get the best of him. He began to wonder if this kind of relationship would be best for him and for me. We lived 3 hours away from each other. I was broke and in college with barely a free moment and he was unsure if this was something he wanted to really commit totally to. We took a break for a couple of days at the end of July. It broke my heart, but I was ultimately the one who called it off. I told him that if he wasn't sure, I didn't want to hold him back.
Immediately, he realized his mistake and he begged me to forgive him. I communicated to him that I didn't want to involve him in something that may be more than he could handle. He told me that he wanted it no other way. That night I prayed for God to give me guidance. I had heard all the negative comments about a long distance relationship, yet I still felt that God was leading me to give it another shot. So I did and I'm grateful that I did so.
Michael and I spent countless time together. I would stay with his parents and then he would stay with mine. No matter how hopeless the situation seemed, God seemed to work it out for us. We became engaged on January 1, 2003 12am at the riverfront in Louisville, Ky.
Us after I graduated from Union in 03

The next year brought about more traveling and time spent with each other's families. Holidays here and there, birthdays, other occassions finding somewhere to share. Finally it was time for us to begin setting up our life. I was half way through my first year teaching when Michael moved into my childhood home to prepare for our future. My parents and I had moved 20 minutes away into a new home that God had blessed my parents with. Michael and I were going to live in my old home after we got married.

Michael and I fishin' at the beach in 03
However, something wasn't quite right. I knew that I loved my fiance' but I just felt like somethiing was lacking in my heart. God was speaking to me. It hurt me to think about it, but it got to the point that I could no longer enjoy spending time with Michael because of this awkward feeling. I couldn't explain it and he couldn't understand it. We broke up shortly after he arrived here and he had moved away within a couple of months.
Pain flooded my heart and soul as I searched for answers. Why did this happen? I loved him, so why did I let myself push him away? I could not figure it out until I started looking outside the box.
During this painful time, the only comfort I could find was in God's house. I felt that God was leading me away from my home church, the church I had been raised in for 21 years. I began going to all sorts of Baptist churches. I actually went to any singing, revival, teaching, etc that I could find because those were the only times that I felt at peace with my situation.
I visited Binghamtown Baptist quite often and found that God dealt with my heart profoundly there. I had visited once before for the funeral of Pastor Bingham and was amazed at the celebration of life that developed that day. I had attended the funeral because I had always admired this spiritual man of God and his work. My grandmother would request that we call upon him for prayer above any other preacher. I felt as though I needed to pay my repects to this Heavensent Man of God.
So now I was visiting Binghamtown and realizing that the work that the elder Preacher Bingham had started was faithfully being continued by his youngest son William Boyd Bingham and the rest of the church family. I recall Wed. night studies of the book (I have mentioned before in my entry about Danielle) by Hunter Bingham entitled "Praying When Life Hurts." This book study was near to my heart because it was exactly what I needed to hear from God. Preacher Bingham, a willing vessel, also knew just when to pat me on the shoulder and tell me that everything would be alright. I knew that every word from his mouth was from God because he had no clue about my situation or even who I was at that time. He was just letting God be his guide.
Days turned into months and I attended every service at Binghamtown. I made new friends, God bless my friend Danielle who helped me through some hard times. Michael and I would talk and then we would stop talking again. I felt as though it was pretty much over. However, there was still a little voice inside me that would encourage me to speak to him when the opportunity would arise.
The start of another new year was on its way on New Years Eve 2003. I was going through some personal issues and believe it or not, he was the only person that I wanted to talk to about them. I called him up and we talked all night long. He begged me to come down for the holiday and I reluctantly said no. However, we continued talking a bit here and there and even spent some time together when I chaperoned an Academic Team trip to Louisville in March of 04. After that trip we had decided to try again, but some issues came up with him that made things, once again have to be put on hold. God saw us through and we decided that we were going to try our best at this.
Once again, a couple of months later while I was in Washington, he backed out again. He just couldn't get past the hurt that I had caused him when he had moved for me. By this time I had realized that God had been dealing with my heart and that He had put it upon my heart to break up with Michael so that He could have my undivided attention. I had put my fiance' above my relationship with God without even realizing it. God had given me hints, signs, nudges that I needed to open my eyes. They didn't work, but He knew that losing Michael would open my eyes and let me realize what I had done. And it did. I realized it. Michael, however, didn't understand why I had been so unsure.
Finally, after months of going back and forth, we had a heart to heart talk and discussed how God had worked in both of our lives. I explained that God had used our breakup to open my eyes and Michael told me that he understood. We began dating again in the summer of 2005 and we became engaged for the 2nd time at the top of the ferris wheel at the Kentucky State Fair on August 20th 2005. It was actually only moments away from my birthday of August 21st. Michael proposed with a pink sapphire ring that would hold the place on my finger until I could get back home and pull out the engagement ring that I had longed to place back on my finger for so long.
This set things in full swing for us. Here we were praying for God to help us make it this time. And He did. God is so good! We set our date for November 19, 2005 in Gatlinburg, TN. We were married at a garden attrium that was affliated with an actual wedding ministry and we had a Church Sermon wedding : ) Our family and closest friends were in attendance and most importantly, God was the number one focus of our wedding. We had our reception at a 3 story cabin his parents had rented and it was amazing and laid back. Our honeymoon was spent in the Smoky Mountains at a condo of our very own complete with a heart shaped tub.

Our Beautiful Cake
Michael trying to smear cake on me!!!

Looking at Each Other On the Balconey of the Cabin
Posing at Texas Roadhouse During Our Honeymoon

Door to our Honeymoon Condo
View from our Honeymoon Condo
My Car after Danielle Painted It Up!


So a year later here we are. I am laying in bed sick with the flu and Michael is coming down with it. I look horrible with one eye so swollen that it looks as though it is melting, yet he still manages to kiss me on the forehead and say "I love you babygirl!"
God had a journey for my husband and I to go through. It was hard but we perservered and made it through. Actually, we are still making it through. Our first year has been full of ups and downs, highs and lows, but God has remained constant. Whenever we have strayed a bit from Him, we have turned and asked for His guidance once more and He has not failed us yet. I pray that we keep Jesus the focus in this marriage and that we always turn toward Him when we realize we have strayed away from His guidance.
To my husband, thank you for being the closest example of perfect that there is in a husband. Thank you for loving me when I am unlovable and for helping me when I am unbearable. Thank you for being my best friend here on earth and for being such a wonderful Christian example to me each and every day. I love you and I look forward to the moments to come in our marriage. (P.S. I can't wait to see if our babies actually have red hair!)
To my Heavenly Father, thank you for guiding Michael and I throughout our lives. Thank you for every obstacle and challenge that we have been through both individually and together. Thank you for all the good moments that help us when we are in the valleys thinking that life is just not worth living. Thank you for creating Michael to complete me and me to complete Michael. I pray a special blessing upon our marriage and our future. Please Father help us to focus solely on YOU and YOU alone! Please Lord, help us to stay the course even though there are marriages falling apart around us left and right. Protect us, lead us, and guide us, In Your Precious Son' Name, Jesus ....... Amen.

Saturday Morning.... Extremely Sick!

Good Morning All:

I come to you this morning from the right side of the bed that my husband Michael and I share. I have been on this side of the bed for the past 15 hours trying to sleep off the flu. I rarely get sick, but when I do, I really do!
Michael and I had been planning a trip to Biltmore Estates in NC this weekend because Sunday is our 1 year anniversary. We decided early on in the week to plan a shorter trip to Gatlinburg, TN because we are trying to cut costs and because we have to go out of town for Thanksgiving this coming week as well.

Work this week was sooo stressful for me. By Tuesday I felt as though I was going to break and by Wed. I broke. I must add that there were other stress related factors contributing to this "break" other than work, however, being there didn't help. So I came home Wed. afternoon with a migraine and I was ill all night long. Michael told me that I should just take the rest of the week off to relax and that we would go on our trip earlier than planned. So, that's what we did.
We had a nice time on our trip, however, my "cold" got worse instead of better. By the time I arrived home last night, I realized that I was walking around with the flu instead of a cold. So here I am struggling to breathe in bed this morning.
I have a few prayer requests to pass along to you, one being my family right now as they go through the loss of my cousin Gary Keyes. Gary had been sick for a long, long time and he passed away Wed. morning at about 3:30am. A couple of years ago, Preacher Bingham prayed with him and he got saved. That is the only thing that matters now that he has left this ole world. We now know where he is without a doubt and we can smile knowing that he isn't struggling to breathe anymore! God is soo good!
My second request is that of a personal one. Michael is still searching and praying for God's will in a job hunt since his layoff. The opportunity that we were almost 100% sure of fell through on Wed., so we are now back at square one. It is stressful, but God is good. We both know that God has a place for him, we just are unsure of where yet. Please keep that in your prayers and thoughts. Who knows, maybe God will use one of my faithful readers to share a job opening that they have heard of with us.
Hopefully, I will have a tribute to my husband posted by tommorrow (1 yr. anniversary) and I will have the study of Titus that I've been trying to get posted for 2 weeks up!

Keep us in your prayers and thoughts.

Welcome Home My Child .... A Tribute to Hannah Sobeski

http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewMyStory.do?method=executeInit

This afternoon, I read the news of the passing of Hannah Sobeski on Thursday at 4:30pm. It shocked me first and foremost. I could not get over the fact that she was gone. I have never met Hannah, nor have I met any of her family; however I was connected spiritually because she IS my sister in Christ. I never really even thought about her passing away because in my heart I knew God was going to heal her.
The more I sat in silence in my quite apartment, the more the puzzle pieces began to fit together. Hannah had went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, the same day that I had felt led to talk about her inspiration in my life as a teacher sponsor for our Christian Club 1st Priority. That same day I had students coming to my classroom to use my computers during their recess to leave Hannah a message. That was only an hour before she left this world of sorrows.
Wow! How amazing! God was using Hannah even as she was nearing her last breath! This 18 year old girl, 7 years younger than me, was providing me a life lesson even with her death. God uses those who are willing. That's all that it takes for us to be used of God, just an eager willingness for His work to be done in our lives. Hannah was eager to let the world know about God and what He had done for her.
Some of you reading this may question, "What exactly did He do for her? She died. She wasn't healed. She believed God would heal her and he didn't." But that's the amazing part friend! God DID heal Hannah! He healed Hannah spiritually. She blossomed into a Saint before all those who were by the wayside watching and she was healed of any kind of worldliness and the effects thereof. She suffers no more, cries no more, worries no more, feels anxious no more, grieves no more, and most importantly she DIES no more! God healed Hannah in the best way possible! A physical healing, though wonderful, eventually is overshadowed by later physical death; but a spiritual healing is ETERNAL!
Hannah was at a crossroad when she was told she had sarcoma in May. She could either be depressed and negative, or she could be faithful and obedient. She chose obedience and for that reason, dear friends, she is kneeling at the feet of Jesus worshipping the True King.
I encourage each of you to read Hannah's journal entries, especially the last 3 entries by her mother and aunt. The story of Hannah's homecoming is very touching!

May you be encouraged by this wonderful, beautiful Saint of God!
MAY YOUR LIGHT SHINE, JUST LIKE QUEEN HANNAH'S!

God's Impression of Titus Upon My Heart!

Titus 1
14Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
JEWISH FABLES AND COMMANDMENTS OF MEN TO ME SIGNIFIES GOING AGAINST THE WAYS OF TRUTH.... A FABLE IS A MAKE BELIEVE STORY THAT HAS AN UNDERLYING MEANING YET IT SAYS A JEWISH FABLE. THAT DOESN'T MEAN THAT THESE "FABLES" ARE BAD BECAUSE THEY ARE JEWISH. IT JUST SIMPLY MEANS THAT MAN WROTE THEM JUST LIKE HE DID WITH THE "COMMANDMENTS OF MEN."
15Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
(I REALLY LIKE THIS VERSE. THIS EXPLAINS WHY SOME OF US DON'T "GET" THE JOKES OR SILLY STORIES THAT WORLDLY PEOPLE TELL. I'M GRATEFUL TO GOD THAT I AM PURE!)

16They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
WOW. THIS FITS US ALL AS CHRISTIANS AT TIMES DOESN'T IT? CAN ANYONE STAND UP AND SAY THAT HE/SHE NEVER DENIES THE LORD IN THEIR WORKS? LET ME ASK IT THIS WAY.... DO ANY OF YOU SMUGLY GRIN AT WORK WHEN YOU ARE BRAGGED ON? ISN'T THAT DENYING GOD IN OUR WORKS? DID HE NOT GIVE US THE ABILITY, THE STRENGTH, THE KNOWLEDGE, ETC TO COMPLETE OUR TASK? THE SAME TASK THAT IS PROVIDING ENDLESS PRAISES ON OUR ACCOUNT? YES! EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD IS FROM GOD! DOES THAT MEAN WE SHOULDN'T BE PROUD OF OURSELVES WHEN WE DO WELL? NO.... BUT WE SHOULD GIVE GOD THE GLORY FOR EVERYTHING GOOD IN OUR LIVES!

Titus 2
1But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
2That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
3The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

AHH! A DISCUSSION OF HOW OUR ELDERS (MEN AND WOMEN) ARE SUPPOSE TO ACT IN ORDER TO BE ROLE MODELS FOR US.

4That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
6Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
7In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

I PUT THE ELDER VERSES WITH THE YOUNGER VERSES TO HELP US THAT ARE STUDYING THIS WORD OF GOD TO FIGURE OUT JUST WHAT IS EXPECTED OF US.
MEN:
Elder Men
be sober (Don't Drink Alcohol)
grave (To focus on deeply, intently)
temperate (mild)
sound in faith
sound in charity
sound in patience
Young Men
be sober minded (Don't Drink Alcohol)
showing thyself a pattern of good works
showing uncorruptness in doctrine
gravity (seriousness)
sincerity (heartfelt)
Sound speech so that no one will have anything evil to say of you
WOMEN:
Elder Women
act in a holy behavior
not false accusers (gossip or spreading rumors)
not given to much wine (Don't Drink Alcohol)
teachers of good things (All good things are of God)
Young Women
be sober (Don't Drink Alcohol)
love their husbands
love their children
be discreet (good judgement in conduct)
chaste (pure in thought and act)
keepers at home
good and obedient to their own husbands so that the word of God be not blasphemed

9Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
10Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

(THESE VERSES ARE IMPORTANT BECAUSE THEY SHOW US THAT EVEN IN OUR WORKPLACE, IN OUR HOMES, IN OUR VOLUNTEERING, WE ARE SERVING GOD, NOT OUR BOSS OR OUR OVERSEER! BY DOING WHAT THEY ASK OF US, WE ARE BEING A GOOD SERVANT TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. )

11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

(GOD'S GRACE IS FOR US ALL! )

12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
15These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
(THE ABOVE IS JUST BEAUTIFUL TEXT! WE DENY OURSELVES OF THE THINGS THAT "APPEAR" INTERESTING AND INTRIGUING HERE ON EARTH AND LOOK PAST THAT SORT OF QUICK FIX FOR OUR REAL HOPE IN JESUS CHRIST! LOOK AT VERSE 14, "WHO GAVE HIMSELF FOR US" FOR ALL OF US, WE ARE SO UNGRATEFUL! AND I LOVE HOW WE ARE LABELED "A PECULIAR PEOPLE" I LIKE BEING PECULIAR, HOW ABOUT YOU? : )

Titus 3
1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, (NOTICE THE END... BE READY TO EVERY GOOD WORK.... NEVER MISS AN OPPORTUNITY CHRISTIANS!)
2To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. (NOTICE WHO THE TEXT IS PAINTING A PICTURE OF.... JESUS CHRIST!)
3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (WOW! I HAVE NEVER BEEN AN HEIR TO ANYTHING, BUT WHAT A WAY TO BEGIN, AN HEIR TO ALL THAT MY HEAVENLY FATHER OWNS!)
8This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

You'd think 3 posts in 12 hours would be enough!!!

Morning all:



I have fallen in love with blogging. I don't really have the opportunity to share my thoughts on my blog a lot while I'm working, but during these long weekends, I love to post as much as I can.

I am Christmas shopping online during my spare time. I figure that finding bargains that way will be a lot easier and more efficient for me, because I can practice self control in shopping a lot better that way. HAHA If anyone knows of any good websites, please, send them my way!

In Church on Sunday, Michael and I were surrounded by little children. They were on every side of us. He and I both really enjoyed the little guy next to me that stood in his mom's lap the whole service and praised God. Preacher Bingham also pointed out this little guy at the beginning of the service and said that he had learned from watching the church Praise God. I totally agree.

I watched this little fella as he came in with his mom. They were a couple of minutes late and the choir had already begun. He couldn't wait for his momma to get his arms out of his coat so he could lift his hands to Jesus. How precious! He'd clap and then praise some more. I really saw Jesus in that baby. I could see Him all over his little face and in his eyes! Jesus was speaking to that child. I really believe that little children connect with God a lot easier than adults because they are open and they have great faith.



I began to get, what I refer to as, "the itch." I had this itch a few months ago, then a long period of time hanging out with small children took care of it. After seeing this little baby boy in church, I felt it reappearing. I was mentioning this to Michael after church and he said the same thing about him. Does this mean I am going to try to have a baby asap? Nope. I realize that we aren't in a situation where that would make sense right now. However, if God were to bless us with a baby, I know He'd make a way. With that said, I don't think we'll be trying soon because there's still so much we'd like to take care of before we have a child.

I think that the biggest reason I desire a child, is so that I can pour all of the teachings of God that I have had into he/she. I want my child (children) to learn to honor God, as Michael and I did, from day one. I see things that I want to do differently with my child, in order to better equip he/she for this world. Granted, I know this sounds funny to those of you reading out there that have children. I know that it will not be an easy task to raise a child, but I am sure you will agree with me that it is rewarding.

I, once again, make mention of my friend Kristi. She has 3 children and she is a year older than me. I admire her strength! I admire her discipline! She is a wonderful mother! I know that there are days she finds it hard to accomplish all that she needs to accomplish, however, she always puts God first and always instills God's love in her babies. I want to be that kind of mother to my children.

Now that I have gotten all philosophical as usual, I am off to visit Baptist Family Fitness. I have a special request I would like to ask each of you to remember, dealing with my health. I'm ok, nothing major, just something that I want to see God move in considering my family's health background. Genetics are soo good, yet soo bad haha.



Love to all,

ME

ME AS A BABY LEARNING TO WALK

MICHAEL AS A BABY

Creation versus Evolution .... My Notes!!!

These are my notes from Dr. Jim Gardner, a Creation Scientist, who spoke about the importance of not being decieved by Evolution. Read these and contemplate on the thoughts provided.... ENJOY, I know I did!

Teaching Biblical Truth to the Next Generation!

www.canopyministries.org
www.ICR.org

The Consequences of the Path You Choose
Proverbs 4:18, 19
18But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
19The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
Proverbs 14:12 parallels Proverbs 16

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
God says it twice!

Evolution today

Today people refer to the definition of evolution as "changed."

Horizontal selection and Natural selection

(We can see horizontal selection through animal husbandry,however, vertical selection, the fact that we are "evoloving" into something even better is far fetched because the human body works exactly the opposite!)
"Natural selection is the process by which individual organisms with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce than those with unfavorable traits. Natural selection works on the whole individual, but only the heritable component of a trait will be passed on to the offspring, with the result that favorable, heritable traits become more common in the next generation" (Wikipedia.org).

Animal Husbandry:

the breeding, feeding, and management of animals for the production of food, fibre, work, and pleasure.

We don't see vertical selection!
Evolutionists think that particles moved into things higher and more complex. WRONG!

"From goo to you by way of the zoo"

Vertical Evolution
Evolution states that man is the top of the food chain and that we are "gods" in control of our own lives and destiny.
Evolution feels that man decides what is true.

IDEAS HAVE CONSEQUENCES!
* Hitler believed in Darwinism! He thought he was doing a favor for the world by weeding out those that were not "perfect."





God created the Heavens and Earth so HE ALONE has the right to make all the rules.
He has the RIGHT to do what He wishes with our lives.

Marriage is 1 man and 1 woman 4 life!

1963-64 Engle Case
In 1963, Engle vs. Vitale, this court ruling decided that prayer conducted by teachers, or a moment of silence, would interfere with the Establishment Clause. This meant there would be no more prayer in school. There have been over half a dozen court decisions against school prayer over the past fifty years (School Prayer: A Community at War: Important School Prayer Rulings, pg. 1).

*Want to build a bomb in the US Public Schools?
INSTILL IN A CHILD:
1. NO ABSOLUTES
2. LIFE IS ACCIDENTAL
3. WE EVOLVED FROM ANIMALS.
4. TEACH MILLIONS OF YEARS OF VIOLENCE
5. TEACH THAT THERE IS NO GOD
6. TEACH THAT THE BIBLE IS NOT TRUE
REMOVE THE BIBLE, PRAYER, & 10 COMMANDMENTS FROM THE SCHOOLS

THESE THINGS WE ARE DOING NOW IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND WE WONDER WHY WE HAVE SO MUCH VIOLENCE IN OUR SCHOOLS AND IN OUR YOUTH!

When Nations Die by Kerby Anderson

10 Signs To the Fall of a Great Nation
(Note: Only 2 of the 10 have to be present for a great nation to fall and has been proven throughout the fall of great nations in history, however, our U.S. has all 10 of these signs present today!)

1. Increase in Lawlessness
2. Less Economic Discipline
3. Rising Bureacrecy
4. Decline in education
5. Weakening of cultural foundations
6. Loss of respect for traditions
7. Increase in materialism
8. Immorality (homosexuality)
9. Decay of religious belief
10. Devaluing Human Life

Rules Penalties Place
SIN DEATH HELL


Cheating is stealing... its a 10 commandment!
85% of college students admit to cheating at some point in their education!

Every human being is free to choose which ever of these 2 beliefs that he/she wants!!

HOWEVER
YOU ARE NOT FREE FROM THE CONSEQUENCES THAT COME WITH THE CHOICE YOU MAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Those consequences will affect you and everything around you!
Cummulative choices of Americans have helped to cause the problems we have today.
We have turned away, as a nation, from Jesus.

We have secular humanist to define the debate, we let them say creation is religious while evolution is science.

EVOLUTION IS A RELIGION! IT IS NOT A SCIENCE.

PROOF THAT EVOLUTION IS NOT A SCIENCE....

1. Science (noun)
1 Branch of knowledge or study dealing with a body of facts systematically
arranged and showing the operation of general laws. EVOLUTION IS NOT
BASED ON FACTS!
2 Systematic knowledge of the physical or material world gained through
observation and experimentation. WE HAVE NEVER SEEN EVOLUTION HAPPEN!

2. Complexity to Simplicity: 2nd Law of Thermodynamics EVOLUTION TEACHES THE OPPOSITE AND DOES NOT OPERATE IN THE 2ND LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS!

3. What About the Scientific Method?
Imperical Science: 3 things that must be true!!!
a. Observable
b. Testable
c. Repeatable
4. No True Transitional Forms

5. Evolutionists say that, "No real scientists believe in creation."
WRONG! (Good Book to check out ... In Six Days by John F. Aston)
6. Evolution is a faith based religion and Creation is also philosphical and faith based. FOR THIS REASON, CHRISTIANS SHOULD NOT BELIEVE IN EVOLUTION IN ANY WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM! DO NOT EVEN TRY TO CONNECT IT TO THE BIBLE! IT IS NOT OF GOD!
7. A non-Christian cannot see Biblical evidence
eg. Grand Canyon: 2 Scientist 2views
* There's scientific evidence to support both BUT a non-Christian cannot see the evidence from the Biblical view.
* ALL scientists have the same evidence!
8. They believe in evolution because they are blind!
Romans He can be clearly seen by the things that He has made.
9. Evolution is Science fiction and based on speculation
* Evolution is using creative imagination restrained by rational speculation that the entire universe evolved from literally nothing.

Richard Dawkins, famous evolutionist says that anyone that does not believe in evolution "...is ignorant, stupid, or insane (or wicked, but I'd rather not consider that)."

***The evolutionist's bible is On Origin of the Species written in 1859 and though it is title suggests it tells the actual origin of the beginning of species, it does not mention even once where the species came from!
****Darwin had no degree! How scientific is it to follow a science formed by a scientist with no degree!
****The book was republished in 1971 (Biggest reprint ever because they were putting it in the public schools to teach) and the foreword was written by Harrison Matthews: "The fact of evolution is the backbone of biology and biology is thus... Belief in the Theory of evolution is thus exactly parallel to the belief in special creation. Both are concepts which believers know to be true but neither up to the present, has been capable of proof." THOSE ARE WORDS STRAIGHT FROM AN EVOLUTIONIST, EVOLUTION CANNOT BE PROVEN. TO BE CONSIDERED A SCIENCE, IT MUST BE PROVABLE.
****Neil Vorx says that Evolution is not a religion because there is no deity but he is missing the point that in evolution, WE ARE THE DEITY!
THE BIBLE IS THE HISTORY BOOK OF THE UNIVERSE ---EYEWITNESS IS JESUS CHRIST!

IT IS LOGICAL TO ASSUME...
1. Written by 40 different men in 40 different languages
2. Written over a period of 1,600 years
3. 1 COMMON theme
4. 1 COMMON focus
5. It has no material errors.
6. It has never been historically inaccurate.
7. It has never been scienfically inaccurate.
2nd Timothy 3:16- All Scripture is Inspired by God
Exodus 20:11 - This scripture was inscribed by God.

****Even the verses that are... "A begot B and B begot C" (Made up example!) are important because they show us the continuous line between Adam and us and that we are sons of Adam and we have the Adamic nature of sin....that's why we need Jesus! THIS PROVES THAT WE ARE SINNERS!

7 C's of History
God created the world perfect!
The creator enters HIS creation!

1. Creation
2. Corruption
3. Catastrophe
4. Confusion
5. Christ
6. Cross
7. Consummation

(This presentation covers the perfect “CREATION” that was created by God that was “CORRUPTED” by man’s sin of disobedience. It covers the resulting rapid decent into unmitigated violence until God finally judged the world with the “CATASTROPHE” of a global flood destroying the entire surface of the planet. It briefly explains the continued rebellion of mankind resulting in the “CONFUSION” of languages at Babel. Finally it finishes with the coming of the “CREATOR” into this world as a man, and the voluntary subjection to death on a “CROSS” for the redemption of fallen mankind and the entire creation, and covers the glorious hope of the coming “CONSUMMATION”) (www.canopyministries.org).
The Creator shed His precious Blood to redeem His creation!
Lamb's Book of Life: We have eternal life regardless of where we spend it! PARENTS, DRAG YOUR CHILDREN TO THE WAY OF THE CROSS! DON'T EVEN GIVE THEM THE OPTION OF NOT ATTENDING CHURCH WHILE THEY ARE UNDER YOUR ROOF! CHILDREN HAVE TO BE TAUGHT RIGHT FROM WRONG!

We bring people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ!

****DON'T BE DECIEVED BY THE INTELLIGENT DESIGN MOVEMENT! THEY ARE NOT BASED ON THE BIBLICAL BELIEF OF CREATION! THEY BELIEVE THAT THE WORLD WAS INTELLIGENTLY DESIGNED AND THAT'S IT... THEY DO NOT TAKE IT ANY FURTHER! IT IS JUST ANOTHER DECEPTION FROM SATAN!

"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

I want to be like Hannah!

Good evening to all:

I sit here in my bed, pretty much well relaxed and rested after a whole day off here at home. I have been working on my online tests and measurements classwork since last night and I am almost finished with the exception of one lesson assignment. I decided to clean off some of the old emails on my computer and now that I have finished with that, I decided to go to my MyWay.com page and visit my daily links. I visited Kristi's Blog and I was welcomed by a billboard picture of Hannah Sobeski. (Kristi, if you are reading this I am copying that picture and link from your page!)

I clicked on the link that was provided in Kristi's entry and was directed to Channel 7 WSPA news in Spartanburg, SC. The news website contains an interview video clip with Hannah. I am requesting that all that read this entry check this clip out! http://www.wspa.com/midatlantic/spa/home.html and click Hannah Sobeski interview. Please watch this clip if for no other reason but to honor this courageous, young girl.
I cried as I watched Hannah discuss her cancer in the interview. She spoke with courage and with firm faith. I was amazed at her strong composure. She stated that she would like to graduate from Clemson in 4 years, get married, and have children. BUT, she made sure to add that if that was not God's will for her, that she would be fine with that.
I sit here in awe tonight. I complain all the time about staying so busy and never getting to take a break. Today, I've had a peaceful break. I have enjoyed it! However, how ungrateful of me to complain about a full life when there are others, like Hannah, who aren't getting to do the things that I am doing. Do I really need to complain at all? And I know, we are all human. Females, at least my female friends, love to complain a bit here and there, we call it "VENTING." I realize that it is good to talk and get things out of your system, however its moments like these, people like Hannah, that make me reevaluate my entire life.
With that said, please don't think Hannah is lacking in anyway. She is probably closer to Jesus right now than any of us. She stated in her interview that her priorities had changed alot since she had been diagnoised with cancer. She talked about the importance of relationships with family and friends, and most importantly God. Hannah is not missing out on anything that could ever mean more than what she is being blessed to experience.
I pause momentarily tonight to ask myself a question, are my priorities in order? Simple answer, no. Yes, they are more in order now than they have been in a long time. Yes, I do my best to put Jesus first in EVERYTHING that I do. However, I fail quite often at that. And sometimes satan uses that to try to push me further away. I'll admit, sometimes it works. So many people laugh when I say that I should be living a better life for God. They tell me that if I am doing such a sloppy job, they must really be bad off. But, its a personal thing. My best attempts may seem wonderful to some people, actually they would seem wonderful to me a few years back if I could have glimpsed into the future, but the closer you get to God, the closer you want to be.
I have always been known as "a good girl" and you know what, that has never bothered me. I have always had 100 pairs of eyes watching me to see if I really am living this life with Jesus that I speak of. I'm not perfect, I've made mistakes. I continue to make mistakes daily. However, I have had Jesus through all things that I have been through, and He has pulled me up when I have fallen and helped me get started on the right path again.
I look back at my high school and college years and I am so thankful to God that he preserved my testimony. I am glad that I wasn't swayed into attending weekend parties or sharing intimate moments with random guys. I always had people telling me that I would regret not "living", but that's what they didn't understand, I was and still am "living!" Survey most adults in the world today and rarely will you find any that can say that they have never touched alcohol, drugs, tobacco, etc. Most can't say that they have only been with their husbands. That's the easy way out. It's easy to get drunk or high. It's easy to be "well known" with guys. It takes integrity to NOT do those things. And those who don't are extremely unique.
Do I say all this to toot my own horn? Nope. I give God the glory for the preservation of my testimony. I pray continuously for Him to continue preserving it. I could make a bad decision right now and have to live with the consequences forever. But by God's grace, He sustains me and helps me to be a light to my family, friends, students, etc. Its nothing about me that is good, its only Jesus that is in me that is good. I say all these things to open the eyes of those of you reading. Young or old, male or female, good past or not so good past; Jesus died for you, too. Turn from your sin and depend on Him. Don't try to fix yourself, instead give yourself to Him and let Him do the fixing!
I've said all of the above to say this, I want to be like Hannah Sobeski! I am 8 years her senior, but she is at a spiritual level of maturity far greater than mine. What a light for Jesus! I want to be like Hannah... now the accountable question for my readers, Do you?

Happy Birthday Danielle

It is 11pm on October 31st, 2006. I just walked through my door. I have had an extremely long day of running around. Mom was still under the weather, so I took Michael's car (he was still working on cleaning mine up) and drove up to pick my brother up and take him to school before I went to work. This was my 2nd morning of getting up early to do that and I am feeling it ha ha. I had a really, really LONG day at work. My students in one class were just not cooperative and I wasn't feeling well, needless to say, I felt like I spent my entire math hour with them just continuously getting on to them. I went to mom's house after work and laid down on her couch and was out cold. After she picked Billy up from football practice, I jumped up from my nap and hopped in her car to head to Middlesboro. Verna, Danielle's mom, had asked me to come over for Halloween to give out candy with them and I was happy to do so.
I really enjoy spending time with Verna and Danielle's family. It really makes me think of her a lot because I see so much of her in each of them. Though my heart aches knowing that I can't giggle with her while sitting on the couch there, I know that she is there with us and I feel blessed to have grown closer to her family over the past year. They are a wonderful family and I am blessed to call them friends.
Tommorrow (Today by the time I actually post this) is Danielle's 26th birthday. She will be having an extra special birthday this year because she gets to spend it with Jesus and I'm sure that He will really help her celebrate. It seems so strange that only a year ago today, I was making sure my bases were covered and determined that Danielle's birthday would not be taken for granted. Mom and I got online on November 1st of 05 and found a florist to deliver birthday flowers to her work in Knoxville. I kept calling her and asking if anything had arrived and she was like, "Lesha, what did you do?" She was so surprised to get those flowers and I was so glad that she liked them. She told me that she was gonna beat me up for doing that and that told me all I needed to know about her joy in receiving them.
Today also marks a year ago that she spent, what would be her last date with Todd, her life long love interest. She was crazy about him and Lord knows that we shared countless nights doing P.I. work in Middlesboro looking for him. She really cared about him, more than I think he will ever realize. So much so that she told me right before Halloween of 05 that she wanted him to be happy and with someone who treated him right and that was Godly even if that person wasn't her.
On that last date, she went out to eat with him in Knoxville and bragged about her flowers. She also went with him to the hospital to visit his very sick cousin who was facing a serious surgery. "Alesha, I don't know what came over me" she said. "I just couldn't leave that hospital room without praying for his cousin and it was just the best feeling. I asked everyone to hold hands and I prayed aloud for God's hand to be upon her. Tears rolled down my face and everyone in the room was crying. When I looked up, Todd was just looking at me with tears in amazement," she explained. Wow, what a clue that my best friend had given me. She was growing even closer to God. I was so blessed to witness it daily and to encourage her. It amazes me that I didn't realize that she was growing close to Him, so that she could be even more ready to go home to Him.
A year ago this month, I got married. The month of November will always be bittersweet for me. There's Danielle's birthday on the 1st, my bachelorette party on the 12th, my wedding on the 19th, her homecoming in Heaven on the 30th and lots of random memories staggered in between. Oh how blessed I am that God gave her to me for a month longer to get to have those precious memories! How could I have had a happy wedding without her there? God let me have those memories. God gave me those amazing thoughts those last few months, thoughts of wonder and awe that I actually had been blessed with such a Godly, intimate friendship that I had prayed and longed for for so long. I praise Him for every second that we shared and every memory that I have in my heart that contains her.
I could elaborate even more and probably end up bawling even worse within seconds, but I feel like I've said enough for now. My heart is heavy as the clock turns 12am. I know that this will be a happy yet hard month for me to go through. Even more so than me, I know that the Bowman family will have lots of ups and downs this month even if no one sees it behind their smiles. Please friends, remember those who love, and I say that in the present tense, Danielle. Pray that God will bless us this month and every day thereafter with peace and warmth knowing that she is enjoying time with Him. Pray that He drenches our hearts and minds with memories of her that just help ease the pain in some way, shape or form.
If you are reading this and you know Danielle, take a moment and reflect on her life. And examine yours, if you were to go home right now, where would your home be? I have no doubt that Danielle's home is Heaven because I saw the evidence daily in her life, especially in her final months on earth. Be sure friends that you can say that your home will be Heaven. Don't let small details that won't matter in the end keep you from calling Heaven your eternal home.
To Danielle, Happy Birthday my precious pal! I miss your presence and your big heart. I miss our P.I. work and our worship experiences, especially Wed. nights! Most of all, I miss your big smile and that silly laugh. No, Danielle, your skin doesn't look green and no your ears aren't sticking out. You are spending this 26th birthday in perfection, without worries or fears, and with your Heavenly Father. Today, on your 26th birthday, may we all celebrate, Danielle Lilly Bowman is resting in the arms of Jesus. Happy Birthday my one and only Best Friend.

In Jesus' Love,

Alesha

There is VICTORY in Jesus

Victory Baptist Church
(502) 239-6699
7808 Beulah Church Rd
Louisville, KY 40228

I spent my Sunday morning at Victory Baptist, my usual place of worship when I am in Louisville. Victory is Michael's home church and it is also where he went to Christian school. The pastor, Randy Kennedy, preached on the secret ingredients in the Christian life. He introduced us to the topic by using an episode of the Cosby Show in which Elton, the son-in-law, tries to prove that he can cook. With Cliff's help, he whips up some spaghetti and the family is wowed and wondering what the secret ingredient is, which in fact the sauce is really store bought. I enjoyed this message so much that I wanted to share my notes with you all on my blog. The secret ingredients that we discovered in worship today were as follows:

1. We cannot be SAVED unless there is a secret ingredient (The Blood of Jesus Christ).

Hebrews 9:22:

22And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Acts 16:31:

31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.


2. We are SUSTAINED by a secret ingredient (God's help).

Psalm 27:13:

13I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Psalm 94:17:

17Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.

Isaiah 40:31:

31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.



3. We SERVE with the help of a secret ingredient (Love).

John 21 :

John 21
1After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

2There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

3Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

4But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

5Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

6And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

7Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

8And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.

9As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

10Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.

11Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

12Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.

13Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise.

14This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

16He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

18Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

19This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

20Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

21Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?

22Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

23Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

24This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

25And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.


4. We live a SANCTIFIED life with the help of a secret ingredient (Being Like Jesus).

Romans 6:4:

4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.


5. We go SOUL WINNING with the help of a secret ingredient (Staying close to Jesus).


John 15:5:

5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Sunday Night .... Monday is on its way.....

Bonjour my fine, feathered friends:

HaHa That's how I talk to my students. I use all sorts of neat names like (the one above), chicks (girls), fellas (boys), peeps (my class), lil peeps, etc. I love being a unique teacher.
I just wanted to drop in a few sentences and let you guys know that I want you to spend special time in prayer in the next few months for Danielle's family and friends. November is going to be a hard month, but God will see us all through it. I pray that God will just really guide Verna, Danny, Hannah, Derek, and Gran through these next few months. He's been faithful thus far and I know that He will continue to be. Just remember them in your prayers. Also, remember Hannah's boyfriend Matt, he is a new Christian tonight. He was saved in church today and I was so glad that he made that decision. Hannah is such a beautiful girl and though I don't know Matt, he seems like a good guy. I am so glad that thats one more thing that they have in common and can enjoy together.
I also would like to request prayer for Michael's home church pastor Brother Gardner Gentry of Victory Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He has really been an inspiration to Michael and his family. He has been doing mission work in Africa for about 6 or 7 years (something like that) and he has contracted sicknesses there before. This time he has been poisioned by arsenic in which they use to wash their clothes in Africa to rid parasites that is in the water there. He accidentally was exposed to it and inhaled it. He has ulcers from his mouth all the way down his throat to his stomach. He is in bad shape and he needs prayers.
Also, remember Hannah still. According to her journal, she is fighting hard still. Remember my former student "T" and his family. Pray for God's hand to be upon them as he walks through this ordeal. Pray for pastor Charles Jones from Riverview Baptist also.
Lastly, remember me. I want to continue to grow in my faith. I want to be more bold. It sadens me that we are so bold about things that we believe passionately in, until it comes to Jesus. I feel like even though I am bold in my faith, I'm not bold enough. I'm not doing the job that I could do for God. Like Garry Bingham preached Wed. nite, any job we have on earth is provided by the Lord. We are working our jobs for Him! I am teaching for Him. There are stippulations at the workplace, especially for me since I am in public education, however, God uses us regardless. My students know my beliefs, I don't force them upon them. I don't preach to them daily, but they know. They SEE Jesus in me. They read my blog! They message me online. They know my faith. I pray that I will always have Jesus shining through me for the world to see. I pray that my students will be saved and will be able to lead their family and friends to God. According to the world, it will never happen. With God, I know that it will!

Love to all,
Alesha : )

Saturday Morning....Wow What-A-Week!

Hi friends,

It is Saturday morning here in Barbourville, Kentucky. I am getting ready to head out to the gym with my hubby. This was my first week back to work after Fall break and let me tell you, I can definitely feel it. It's amazing how just 9 days can make your body get into a new pattern of not standing all day. My back and feet have ached this week from standing 7.5 hours a day, because contrary to the thoughts, not all teachers sit behind their desks. Actually, I rarely sit down. Its cherished when I do. *HERE'S A PIC OF ME WITH ONE OF MY STUDENTS A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO*
I have had an awesome week with my Savior! I spent Wed. melancholy and weepy. I could have sworn that I saw Danielle coming to sit with me in Church. It was so real that I had to walk out for a few moments to gain my composure. Wed. night was tough but God's grace is sufficient.
Thursday night, I decided to revamp my Prayer/Bible time. I have OCD (truthfully!) and I sometimes have a hard time during my prayer time if I leave something or someone out. I know that satan uses this, so I decided to outline the "Constants" on my prayer list, so that I can refer to it if needed. In the midst of that, I decided to research prayer. It's funny, I have been a Christian for 16 years now and I have prayed for years. However, I sometimes wonder if I am praying effectively. I am not concerned with how the world views my prayers. My only concern is speaking to my Jesus in the correct way.
Now this may sound silly to some of you reading this. I know that God hears my prayers and I know that He answers them, its just that I want to be more effective in my Praises for Him and more effective in my intercession for the lost and those who are in need. I also want to be more effective in praying for myself, something that I recently realized I do not do enough. I guess it's the feeling of being selfish, but I really have begun to realize that in order to help others, I have to ask God to help and work on me more often.
So in my search for Prayer advice I, of course, consulted my Bible and I also went to the Billy Graham organization website. I really admire Billy Graham because he has stood the course, ONLY because he really listens to God and puts Him first. I once read that he will not even enter an elevator with a woman unless there are other people present, just so that no one will be able to assume or accuse him of something. This keeps his testimony clean. I am not saying he is perfect, obviously none of us are, but I really believe that he leans on the Lord for guidance. It also helps that my Mamaw Brittain really admired him as well and sent his organization gifts throughout her life. She received his Decision magazines and for about 2 years after she passed away, I continued to receive those magazines out of their kindness towards me. They also sent me a lot of information about the comfort of God when she passed away. *MY MAMAW BRITTAIN HOLDING MY COUSIN AND I WHEN WE WERE BABIES (I'M THE ONE WITH THE BABY DOLL AND BROWN HAIR)*
When I searched the website, I found a lot of good information on the site. I also spent time looking up how to study the Bible. Yes, I've read my Bible my entire life, however, I want to learn how to do that more effectively, too.
I urge those of you reading this to visit the Billy Graham website. There are a lot of awesome things there. There's a whole section that contains questions that people have asked Mr. Graham and his Biblical replies to them.

PS. Please, continue to remember Hannah. Please, add a previous student of mine that I will refer to as on "T" on here just in case his family doesn't want me to use his name online. He has a cancerous tumor on his liver and will be having surgery in the next few weeks. Pray for God's mercy on his precious, little life. He is truly a miracle child already and I have faith that God will continue to use his life to bring people to Him.

Reflection on Being a Servant of God

Hi Peoples:

Just wanted to speak hello to everyone. I once again urge you to Pray for Hannah that is discussed in yesterday's blog. Please keep her in your Prayers and keep asking those you know to pray for her.
Church was great today. It's so nice to be able to attend church with my husband and family and not feel like someone is being left out. I do want to see Michael's entire family back in church so that we can enjoy the same feeling with them when we attend church in Louisville. God will work that out, we just have to keep the faith that He will answer our prayers.
Our pastor talked about various ways we should serve God tonight. He discussed reasons like:
1. Serve the Lord joyfully and willingly (Deuteronomy 10:12-14)
2. Make a choice to serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15)
3. Serve the Lord with Fear, and Rejoice with trembling (Psalms 2:11-12)
4. Serve Him with excitement and energy (Romans 7:6)
5. Serve Him with Love (Galations 5:13)

These ways really shine a light on our servanthood with our Savior. Think about a Master and his servant. A master doesn't want a servant that does things because he/she has to and does so with a bad attitude. A master also doesn't want a servant that shows he is serving him against his will. A master wants the servant to fear him because of his power and authority over him/her, yet he wants the servant to know that as long as he/she is doing what they should be they will be happy. A master desires a servant that quickly arises to his/her feet to do things for them with energy. Lastly, a master desires a servant to do things because he/she cares for him.
Now, obviously, not all "masters" and "servants" fit this mold. This is an ideal picture of servanthood with a PERFECT Master and His servant. We, as Jesus' servants, should first of all make the choice that we WANT to serve Him and that we ARE GOING TO serve Him, no matter what may come. Once we make that declaration, the other 4 ways of serving will be introduced into our lives more easily. When we know that we aren't doing something just because we have to do it, rather because we WANT to do it, we are more likely to give it our all. Think about it, why wouldn't we want to serve this Master, Perfect Master, who gave His all for us and who has Saved us. If someone gives you a gift at Christmas, do you not usually feel obligated to provide he/she with a gift in return. Jesus has given us a gift, should we not feel that obligation to return a gift of servanthood and praise to Him in return?
With that said, we should look at our obligation as an opportunity. This is an opportunity to do something to bring honor to Jesus. That in turn should make us joyful and should make us willing to do things for Him. We fear Him not because we think He is this strict ruler who is just waiting for us to mess up, rather because we know that He has ALL the power to do anything. We fear in the sense that we acknowledge we haven't done anything on our own and that everything we have is given to us because He wanted to bless us. He was rich when we were poor and He saved us and gave us all that we have just because He loves us.
Lastly, do you not love someone who really does things for you that make them go out of their way? Someone who provides encouragement and praise when you need it. Someone who lightens your load whenever possible? That person multiplied by infinity, is Jesus Christ. He has done so much for us, even by giving you the breath you are inhaling at this moment. Should that not give us the desire to serve Him with love? To love every opportunity that presents itself to glorify Him? Yes, it should! And we should be energetic in these things, not down and out. We should smile and have a good countness about ourselves. We are children of the King. How awesome! We have all the riches that will ever be laid up for us just because our Heavenly Father loves us. Praise God for His love.
I pray that you, as well as myself, will take these 5 ways to serve God serious and will put them into action in your life. I also pray that I, myself, can be a support for you and that any of you reading these posts, can be a support to me.

In Jesus' Love,

Alesha : )

Thoughts Of Others ... Please Pray For God's Will in the Life of Hannah Sobeski

Hi All:

I am sitting here at 1:34am thinking about Hannah Sobeski. Hannah is a girl I have never met and I have never even heard of until about 20 minutes ago. She is a girl that lives in SC and is in high school at Dorman High. The only reason that I came across her is because of Vacation Bible School taught by the awesome folks at First Baptist of Spartanburg. I always loved this ministry and have made a lot of lasting friendships through it.
One friend that I have on my facebook friend's list had a message on her status for people to please Pray hard for Hannah Sobeski. I was curious so I clicked and skimmed her page for more information. I ran across the link above and was so touched by what I found.



This beautiful, teenage girl has been fighting sarcoma, which from my understanding is a form of cancer, and has stood her ground faithfully throughout the entire battle by giving God the the praise and glory for everything that has occured as a result. It is so empowering, as a Christian, to see this young lady stand so firm in the face of adversity. It's so easy to talk the talk when you aren't having to walk the walk. Hannah is a girl who is speaking out of true faith from her heart as she stands in the midst of a continously, brewing storm.
Hannah was crowned homecoming queen last night according to her website. Throughout the entire event, she gave all honor and praise to God. Her story was on the news and in the papers and nothing she said was edited to take out Jesus' name. This morning, Hannah awoke to learn that her tests show that her tumor has doubled in size since she began her chemo. The decision was made for her to go home and to end further treatment.
My heart just aches for this young girl and her family. How hard must it be to learn that you are given no hope from the medical world? Especially as an 18 year old girl. But as much as my heart aches, it also rejoices. Because, though medically all hope has been dismissed, Hannah and her family have hope in Someone much greater than any earthly doctor. Jesus Christ is their hope and as they stated on their website:
"We will continue to pray that God will kill this tumor, He doesn't need chemo or any other drug. We know He is able. And we also know that He is soveriegn and His plans and ways are always right, whatever happens. We will not give up!"

I urge you to click the link above and read about Hannah. Most importantly, I urge you to Pray for this Faithful Servant of God. Pray for His will to be accomplished in her life!

With that, I offer up my own prayer for Hannah:

GOD BLESS THIS PRECIOUS YOUNG GIRL AND HER FAMILY, DEAR JESUS. PLEASE JUST BATHE HER IN YOUR BLESSINGS FOR HER CONTINOUS EFFORTS TO BRING PRAISE AND HONOR TO YOUR NAME THROUGHOUT EVERY PHASE OF HER BATTLE. LORD, REACH DOWN AND TOUCH HER FEEBLE BODY AND MAKE HER PHYSICALLY WHOLE AGAIN, IF IT BE THY WILL. JESUS, I KNOW SHE WILL REMAIN UPON THIS EARTH UNTIL YOU ARE READY FOR HER TO ENTER INTO YOUR KINGDOM AND BE WITH YOU. I PRAY THAT YOU WILL TOUCH HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND COMFORT THEM. I PRAY THAT YOU WILL LET HER LIGHT SHINE EVER SO BRIGHTLY IN THIS DARK WORLD SO THAT OTHERS CAN ALSO HAVE THE FAITH THAT SHE HAS. I KNOW THAT NOTHING HAPPENS WITHOUT MEANING AND I KNOW THAT, AS HARD AS THIS SITUATION IS FOR HANNAH AND HER FAMILY, YOU HAVE A PLAN FOR THE WHOLE THING. LORD, HELP ME TO OPEN MY EYES AND REALIZE ONCE AGAIN THAT WE ARE NEVER PROMISED TOMMORROW. HELP ME TO BE A WILLING VESSEL FOR YOUR WORK. JESUS, PLEASE JUST WRAP YOUR STRONG ARMS AROUND HANNAH RIGHT NOW, AT THIS VERY MOMENT, AND WHISPER SWEET PEACE IN HER EAR. LET HER KNOW IN HER HEART THAT YOU WILL BE WITH HER NO MATTER WHAT AND LET HER FEEL A PEACE THAT IS UNSPEAKABLE. LORD, JUST LET THY WILL BE DONE AND LET ALL THAT IS ACCOMPLISHED BY IT BE USED TO GLORIFY YOU. I LOVE YOU PRECIOUS SAVIOR AND I THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR BLESSINGS IN MY LIFE. MOST IMPORTANTLY, I THANK YOU FOR SAVING MY SOUL SO THAT I CAN PRAY THIS PRAYER FOR HANNAH.
IN YOUR PRECIOUS AND HOLY NAME I PRAY,
AMEN

Today's Thoughts

Just blogging before hitting the shower. Yea, I know... lazy, lazy waiting until 3pm to shower. My fall break is almost over *sigh* and I have yet to take a day to rest. Things go way too fast and I still have things I haven't accomplished yet. Lord willing I'll get to it all soon. Anyway, my lunch with Verna was wonderful yesterday. We spent 3 hours talking and I think it's something we both really needed. It's great to know that we can glorify God with our Christian friends. It's also great to know that we can glorify God even after we are in Heaven with Him, just as Danielle is today. So many lives have been touched, and are still being touched, by hers. How amazing! I want to leave that kind of legacy when I go home to Heaven. Which reminds me of one of my favorite Christian songs, Legacy by an artist who's name escapes me right now. Download it if you have time, its wonderful!

It's getting a little Nippy outside :D

Hi All:

Just waking up on a cold, October morning. Day number 6 of my 9 day Fall break has arrived! I will be meeting Verna, Danielle's mother, at around 12 or so for lunch at Pine Mountain Lodge so I have to make this quick. Just wanted to post and say how truly blessed that I am. I woke up this morning in my bed, under my covers, with my goofy hubby laying there next to me. He started complaining that I fell asleep before I gave him his much deserved back scratch (He made his famous rice last night after church and that was the payment haha). I sat up and scratched his back and thought about how much things had changed in the past year. This time last year I was nervous because my wedding was quickly approaching. I was still a single girl and I was spending time with Danielle, running around at Wal-Mart and in Knoxville late at night. Now, only a year later, I am going to bed much earlier (usually) and doing much, much more during the day. God has blessed me with things to occupy my time since I don't have my best friend to run around with. I now have a husband that leds me from the couch, where I have fallen asleep, and to the bed. He makes sure I am covered up and ok and then he climbs in to go to sleep. My mom always did this growing up. I have a good job, 3 (almost 4) degrees under my belt, a wonderful family including my in laws, a wonderful church and pastor who truly preaches God's word, and a bright future in the distance. Wow! All the little things that I stress about on a daily basis don't seem as huge this morning and I praise God for that. Most importantly, I have a Heavenly Father who loves me more than anyone and who patiently waits for me, even when I am taking too much time, to accomplish His perfect will. Thank You Jesus for your precious blessings on my life! If you never do another thing for me, you have done much more than I deserve already. And the thing is, I know you have more in store for me because you do love me and you do want to bless me. How Great is Our God? Great beyond words! Take a moment of your time today readers and meditate on that question.

Psalm 139:17
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

WAking Up In Louisville on a Saturday Morning

Have you ever opened your eyes and wondered, "UGH, do I have to get up?" That's me today. I am visiting my inlaws and I have a sinus headache this morning. This is one of those days where I want to get up and go shopping or play with my niece and nephew but I just feel all yucky. It's days like this that I think about Heaven and smile even bigger knowing that I will never have a day like this there. And the thought of never being tired again, WOW! That is amazing. I feel like I stay worn out all the time. There are days when I get excited about having children and then I stop and think, if I am worn out now, how will I be with my kids? But I know certain things will be finished (I'll be finished with school) and certain things will begin (I'll have kids). *Sigh*

I have been reading a lot on the www.desiringgod.org website. There are some wonderful articles there. The one I just finished last night was Ten Aspects of God's Soverignty Over Suffering and Stans Hand In It. Wonderful read! I would advise anyone reading this to read that article. It will definately lift you up. Our God is so wonderful and so amazing.