ABC's and Morality

I am currently studying the early educational system in one of my classes and came accross a neat piece of information.  During the year of 1688 the New England Primer was published became one of the leading textbooks for elementary education in colonial America.  It became to be known as 'the Little Bible' because religious instruction was integrated into the grammar lessons.  The book taught the Alphabet as well as moral and spiritual principles in a way both easy to understand and remember.  Here is an example of the Alphabet:

A- In Adam's fall we sinned all.
B- Heaven to find the Bible to mind.
C- Christ crucified for sinners died.
D-The Deluge drowned the earth around.
E-Elijah hid by ravens fed.
F-The judgment made Felix afraid.
G- As runds the glass our life doth pass.
H-My book and heart must never part.
I-Job feels the rod--Yet bleffes God.
K-Proud Korah's troop was swallowed up.
L-Lot fled to Zoar, saw fiery whower on Sodom pour.
M-Moses was he who Israel's haft led through the sea.
N-Noah did view the old world and new.
O-Yound Obadiah, David, Josias, all were pious.
P-Peter denied His lord and cried.
Q-Queen Esther sues and saves the Jews.
R-Young pious Ruth left all for the truth.
S-Young Samiel dear, the Lord did fear.
T-Young Timothy learned sin to fly.
V-Vasthi for Pride was set aside.
W-Whales in the sea, God's voice obey.
X-Xerxes did die, and so must I.
Y-While youth do chera death may be near.
Z-Zacceus he did climb the tree our Lord to see.

The year in review

The year of 2011 is rapidly coming to a close and with only five hours left, I have been reflecting on everything that has happened during the past twelve months.  There have been both good and bad times like any given year, yet there have also been many moments that will stay with me forever.

 I have had the privelage to watch my Creator work in my life and I am in complete awe of Him. Surrendering everything to the Lord and trusting Him even when there seems to be no hope has been the hardest and yet greatest thing I have ever done. When the Lord makes promises, He keeps them. As I look through my prayer journal I can count each answered prayer and  blessing that He has bestowed upon me. To see God's hand reach down and put the puzzle pieces of my life together is the most humbling experience. There are still pieces to the puzzle that are waiting to find a place in my life, but I am no longer worried. I know that my Creator has a perfect plan for me and that He will reveal that plan to me in time. 

Throughout this year  I have also realized just how important friendship is.  I have the most amazing friends in the world!  Each one is such an incredible blessing to my life, I cannot even begin to explain how much they mean to me. 

I have learned that blessings do come through raindrops and healing from tears.  I have also learned that there is nothing more fulfilling than giving my everything to the Lord and letting Him take complete controll of my life.  I have a new passion burning inside of me.  I am tired of laying low and staying comfortable with my faith.  I am ready to take on new challenges and my desire is to make an impact on the world for Christ.  This is my mission for the new year.  Who is with me??

Philippians 3:13-14~ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

God has made me strong enough

In life there are so many questions and not nearly enough time to have each one answered.  We wonder what the purpose of life is, how we got here, where we are going, what will become of us, and why we have to go through difficult times in our lives.

 As some of you may know, I have been going through a difficult time in my own life.  I have many questions that I cannot find answers to.  At times, my life feels like a roller coaster ride and  I never know what will happen from day to day.

  I don't understand why I have to go through this, but I know that God is in control of all things and that He never lets His children go through anything that they cannot handle. Just this thought alone gives me peace. Knowing that God thinks I am strong enough to handle this situation and that He will lead me through it gives me the strength to keep going.

So many times I have prayed and it seems like God has not answered, but I have not given up. Looking back upon these two years I can clearly see how God has provided for my family and can count every blessing.  I know there is a reason why I am having to go through this and even though I do not know what that reason is, I know that God has shown himself to me more clearly than ever before.

 I am so grateful to God for all that Has given me and blessed me with.  Even though some days I feel so overwhelmed and confused, I never stop giving God the glory.  I know He will carry me through and each time I see him at work I know that He has not forgotten about me. He will answer my prayer when HIS timing is right.

Thank you to everyone who has been praying.  You all mean so much to me!

I would like to share a song with you that has special meaning to me.  It is called Strong Enough written by Matthew West. His songs seem heartfelt and deal with  many of the issues and struggles that we face as Christians.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8JsRxVczmQ

The Way

I feel like I have been stuck in this place for far too long.  I  have been wandering without a clue searching for what I do not know.  I feel empty, confused, broken, and I need a sign. Please show me a sign! I need to find the way out of this place.

 I need you and your saving grace.  I cry and no one hears me, I shout and no one answers.  That is  when YOU hear me and answer my cry.  Your light shines down on me and I can hear you say, "I'm here, I hear you, and I know what you need.  Let me help you, I'll show you the way."

 I have wandered far too long in this place, searching for what lies beyond the unknown. That's when I found you.  I'm so glad I found you.  Your light shines down on me and I am finally free.  You show me the way and I can hear your voice.  You tell me that you're here.  You know what I need and you will show me the way. 

I am waking up and I see the light of day.  I feel your arms around me, surrounding me in grace. Your love and protection will never fade away. You are here with me to stay.  You show me the answers and I realize that I have finally found my way.

Through the Lord's eyes

The Lord has given His followers the special ability to be His shining light, exuding His power with every ounce of our being in everything that we do. People know we are different because of how we act. We are different. Along with having the attitude of the Lord, we are given a small look at the world through His eyes.  If you put on the full armor of Christ and are dedicated to our spiritual walk, our attitudes will reflect that. This is because our perspectives will have changed.  Instead of our old perspective which was inclined to the ways of the world and the desires of our flesh, we now have the perspective of the Holy Spirit that is working within us and has allowed us to see through a new pair of eyes—our spiritual eyes. We  are now able to have a small glimpse at what the Lord sees. What exactly does He see every time He looks at us, at the world? He does not see a bunch of sinners, He sees a  His children who are lost and need to be shown the way back to Him. He looks on the world with compassion and grace.  If we look at the world in this same way, we will be better able to go into the world and be the Lord's shining lights, bringing compassion and love to everyone we encounter so that we can lead those people back to their Creator and Lord. Because we are looking through the Lord's eyes, it will be easier for us to set aside all of the negativity in the world and focus on the positive things in life-- while also helping us to feel a sense of   peace and constant joy.  We have been completely changed by having the Spirit of the Lord within us and with this priceless gift we are equipped with the immeasurable power to change the lives of others.  Once the complete change has taken place in one person and they begin to see through the Lord's eyes, their attitude becomes contagious and will begin to 'infect' many other people--a chain reaction, of sorts. Each individual who looks at the world through the Lord's eyes has more power and influence than what is ever imaginable. This is the most exciting thing of all---knowing that whoever you are, wherever you are, you can influence and change the lives of people all around you. I challenge you to look through the Lord's eyes and see what a difference it makes in your life.

The motions of daily life

The motions of a daily routine are bound by habit.  Some people go through life performing the same daily routines without a second thought. Routines are an important part of daily life as they help us to stay organized and on top of things. However, many people aren't truly happy.  Do you wake up each morning with a burning passion for life, or are you just going through the motions? It is important to realize and understand that your life has a special purpose and is meaningful, not only to the people around you, but to your Creator, God.

Matthew West wrote a song called The Motions. This is one of my favorite songs as I believe that it summarizes the daily life of every individual.  A few of the verses stand out saying, " I don't want to go through the motions. I don't want to go one more day, without your all-consuming passion inside of me. I don't want to spend my whole life asking, 'what if I had given everything?' Instead of going through the motions." These lyrics speak with immeasurable power. They made me think about my own life and what I could be doing differently so that I am not just going through the motions. 

I know that God is not only my Creator and Savior, but that He has a special plan for my life. God has a special plan for everyone's life and each person is capable of accomplishing great things. It is up to us whether we choose to keep going  through the motions each day, or whether we choose to take a leap of faith and follow God who will set us free from going through the motions of this life. Are you ready to be set free?

You are powerful beyond measure!

Good evening, and welcome to my blog! As this is my first post I would like to share a very impacting poem with you.  This poem is one that has special meaning within my family.  Read slowly, and let each sentence resonate within your mind. The power is immeasurable.

Our Deepest Fear:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightening about shrinking
So that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine as children do.
We were born to make a manifest of the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsiously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
By- Marianne Williamson

Are you making a difference by letting your light shine?