Fighter.... Jamie Grace

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBy6UJTdvmo

 

This note is from a very good friend of ours at work whose young wife is battling a horrible cancer called lymphoma. It’s a cancer of the blood cells. All cancer is horrible, but this one the doctors gave them no hope because of the stage it was in. For 6 months now, he works, and after work goes to the hospital and sleeps there to be with her. In the middle of the night, he goes home to take care of the dogs. He has seen it all, and cleaned up it all, if you know what I mean without going into detail.

 

I don’t think I have ever met someone so unconditionally in love with his wife. He said he didn’t marry her for her hair, or looks, or her body, he just loved her. I never believed in love at first sight, but what he told me amazed me even more about their relationship. They didn’t even speak the same language, but they just knew they wanted to get to know each other more. Well he not only learned her language, he learned of her faith too.

 

He would come into my office and just cry sometimes, and then say he was so sorry. He felt he should be stronger. We would pray, and the smile and hope on his face was amazing. He would tell me what a fighter she is. He shares with us some of the funny moments he and his wife have together. Even though she is so sick and weak from the treatments, they find time to laugh.

 

Please continue prayer for Michael and his wife. She has 4 more weeks of treatment to go, and she should be going home.

 

Jeremiah 29: 11 “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to proper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

 

God has plans for each and every one of us, and a time frame for our life here. I have learned that His will may not be ours. But if you are a believer, whatever the outcome it is a win, win situation. (Selah)

 

I have learned so much from being a part of Michael’s journey, and NEVER ONCE, did I see him complain. They are both “Fighters” who inspire me.

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************

 

Hello all.

 

First off, please excuse me for taking up your valuable time, however I feel strongly compelled to share with you all the greatest news I feel I have ever received in my life. Yesterday, Nelly’s (my wife’s) doctors had a consultation with each other and they have finally given us a prognosis and a game plan. They have decided with her wonderful progress since getting out of the ICU that if she continues to eat well, exercise, and her body continues to respond well to the therapy that she will remain for 6 more weeks of in hospital treatments, the last to be on November 25^th and her “tentative” discharge date is the 28^th. (SHE’S COMING HOME!)

I just wanted to thank you all for all you have done for us. Without your thoughts, your prayers, your understanding, your compassion, and your patience, we don’t know what we would have done. We owe you more than we can ever repay. Like I said before, it’s nice to work with people you like, but it’s amazing and rare to work with people you can call your friends. All I ask is that you keep your fingers crossed for her for the next several weeks, and if you ever need anything I can possibly do for you, please let me know.

Thank you for everything. I love you all (Heck, I love everyone right now)

Sincerely,

Michael Mellott

 

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Kim

 

 

 

Powerful message to my heart in this adorable video of a baby's first crawl.. Watch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kshb9a6mZS8

 

Such a cute video!!

 

The vision and thought that I got when I saw this was…. yes a Spiritual one, but that’s how God lets me see things that He desires to turn into a writing. Usually it is with a song, but this time it was with this heartwarming video.

It’s funny too, that dog spelled backwards is God. I’m amazed at how the dog was looking away until he heard the baby cooing. Then he wouldn’t take his eyes off of her. As she struggled her way towards the dog, not giving up, watch how the dog scoots forward to kiss her face. As if to say, “I was here the whole time, desiring to kiss you. ” How precious!!

 

It was to me, like how God is with us. He is always there, waiting patiently to kiss our face. Some of us are just too far away and we don’t realize our desperate need for a Savior. God waits so patiently. Like the psalmist said in Psalm 40: 1, “He turned to me and heard my cry” That is the vision this video gave me. A faithful, patient, unconditional, forever loving friend, my God is. He will turn His face to me, and say to my heart…. “Do you desire me as much as I desire you? Come just a little closer, I want to kiss your face.”

 

Why is it so hard for some of us to become like little children. Matthew 18: 2-4, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” The key word is.. “CHANGE”….. Some of us think everything, and everyone else around us should change first. God doesn’t work that way. He’s building our character, and He’s personal with each  and every one of us. But are we wanting that relationship with Him? Or does everything in your life have to be understood and perfect before you desire Him? God didn’t wait for us to be perfect. Romans 5: 8, He offered His Son as a sacrifice while we were yet sinners.

 

Song of Songs 1: 1 “Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth…for Your love is more delightful than wine.”

 

God has made us for His kiss. Don’t lose the connection with your heart to God’s. He has designed each of us to receive and give affection. We serve a selfless loving God Who made a perfect way to be united to Him. He has given us His Son Jesus as a living sacrifice, so that we can know His kiss. John 1: 12, It is through believing, and receiving Jesus Christ into our hearts by faith, that makes us His children.

 

So many of us long for a kiss from God. To know that He loves us, approves of us, and claims ownership of us.

Jesus is the kiss from heaven. If you haven’t started to move forward, what are you waiting for?

 

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Kim

 

 

Only Jesus.... Point of Grace

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X47W_riSASM

 

Can you relate to any of the statements in this video? I sure can, and still consider myself SO BLESSED!!! I am saved from eternal punishment because of the Love of my Jesus!!

 

What kind of heart can heal our pain? What kind of water can wash our stain?

 

Philippians 1:6 “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.”  This verse says so much to us. So long as we live on earth we are a constant work in progress, because life will constantly take us through many challenges. We expect that life should be happy and pain free. It truly isn’t what the bible teaches us. To me, now that I have a relationship with Jesus, this world is a place of spiritual development through both good and bad times. Only because of Jesus Christ, and His presence in me, I find I could “be of good cheer” John 16:33, in a world where Jesus said we will have tribulation.

 

I know that this life will not be pain free, but it is the pains of this life that makes us into the very witnesses that glorify all the Holy Spirit is in us. He is our only source of real power, Acts 1: 8.

 

I also won’t give into the lie that I am disqualified from the forgiveness of my Great God.  No matter what I’ve ever done, grace washes me clean. It is what makes me right with God, and the grace and mercy of God will never change. I have unmerited favor of God, grace which I don’t deserve, only because Jesus took on all my sins and nailed them to the cross. There is nothing that I will ever do, or have done to earn this favor. It is a gift of God. Because of God’s mercy, I will never get what I  deserve, eternal punishment. That is why I try and live a life to show how much Jesus means to me.

 

So if you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “How can I ever face myself? What kind of love can ever forgive this?” “How will I ever get through this pain?” The answer is……………….

                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                                  “ONLY JESUS”

 

 

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Kim

 

I still haven't found what I'm looking for...... U2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_ISAntOom0

 

I finally found what I’ve always been looking for in Jesus. He is my Savior, not my religion.

You may be a believer, but to experience the fullness of God, you can’t keep going in 2 different directions. (Selah)

 

Jesus saves and stays, religion sways. I pray you find what you’re looking for and plant your feet on the Solid Rock. Everything else is sinking sand.

 

In a world that is so greatly connected through technology, why is it that we are so disconnected Spiritually? So many always searching to fill what only the “Living Water” can satisfy.

I believe we live in a world that is still greatly connected to religion and rules, verses relationship and grace.

 

John 4: 5-30,The story in the bible of the women at the well with Jesus (only she didn’t know it was He)always speaks to me more and more magnified every time I hear it, or read it again myself.

 

In verse 9 you can see that the Samaritan women was focused on law. She said to Jesus “How can You, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan women for a drink?” Jesus focused on grace. Verse 10 Jesus responded, “If you knew the gift of God and Who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink’ you would have asked Him and He would have given you “Living Water.” In verse 16 we can see that Jesus was more concerned about uncovering truth. Jesus knowing everything, told her, “Go call your husband and come back.” She responded, “I have no husband.” Jesus knowing this, told her He knew she had 5 husbands, and the one she was living with now was not her husband. What do most of us do when sin is exposed in the light, lie, run, change the conversation, say we don’t believe anymore, or own up? She changed the conversation to religion in verse 19. Jesus brings her right back to what it’s all about in verse 24, RELATIONSHIP AND TRUTH! He says “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and truth.” She then said to Jesus that she knew the Messiah was coming. In verse 26 Jesus tells her, “I AM HE” Can you imagine how she felt? I don’t believe she felt ashamed, even though Jesus knew everything about her. She must have finally found what she’s always been looking for. Verse 28, she was so excited she left her water jar and went to town to tell everyone about the “Living Water.”  There is no water jar that can contain what Jesus pours out.

 

John 3:17, Once you realize that Jesus did not come to judge or condemn but to save. It should change your way of looking at Who He is and why He came. Yet so many people don’t want to own up to their mistakes because they really don’t want to change. So if you “still haven’t found what you’re looking for” maybe you haven’t confronted your true self. (Selah)

 

Revelations 3:16, It’s a choice you personally have to make. You can continue to hold the hand of the devil and satisfy only the flesh. Or you can hold the hand of Jesus and be totally satisfied. You can’t have one foot in the world and one in the kingdom. Life just doesn’t work that way. If you have a problem with that, then you should talk to Him about it.

 

Drink of Him, and He will change your everyday life, to everlasting life.

 

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Kim

 

Reason for the World...... Matthew West

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swKPS9q7rMU

 

I felt led to use this song again with all that is going on in this world, and all the questions that we can have at times like… “If there is a God why would He allow… How can He let…..Why doesn’t He”… and so many other questions that may not ever be fully understood, or answered, this side of a GLORIOUS PLACE awaiting those who never give up hope and believe that God is Who He says He is.  Continue believing that God is good no matter what things look like here. Jesus Christ will come again and make all things right and new…....never stop believing that. What other hope do you have? Do you really think this is it? Revelations 21:4, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever! This is what makes me look forward to home. A home where there is never a goodbye to our loved ones. It will be a forever hello, as long as we believe, turn from sin and turn to Jesus.

 

I am so thankful to God for giving me a chance to live, and the time and place in which He placed me on this earth to share the good news, and live my faith.  That He never gave up drawing me to Himself, and it was the very pains of life that did it. I couldn’t imagine living in these countries that are in constant horror, fear, pain, and even death for their faith. I am sure that there are some who live there that wish they were never born. Some there are also VERY QUICK to say that they believe, and that they are Christians because they probably long for home, and just want to get out of the hell they are in.

 

God has a purpose for us all. Some of us fall to our knees in desperation for a Savior. Some choose to walk away and say there is no God. Some of us have Jesus and do nothing with it.

 

I guess it all comes down to what each of us believe our purpose and the “Reason for the world” is.

 

Try to look at this world as a beginning to a new beginning one day soon. Just like a baby in its mother’s womb, is a beginning to a new beginning.

 

We live in a world where Jesus Himself came to seek and save the lost, Matthew 18: 10-12. To bring us one day to an everlasting place, John 14: 2-3. He told us this is not our home, and He is preparing a place for us. The bible tells us that this world belongs to Satan, 1 John 5: 19. This truth of God’s word, and really meditating on it daily, brings my soul to a “peace that passes all understanding” Philippians 4: 7. There will be things that break my heart and your heart daily because we live in a fallen world that all comes from the choices people make. God gave us all free will. I know what non-believers are doing with it, but what are we, God’s children doing with it? We really should be living our faith out loud, unashamed. With hopes of enlightening other people’s lives with what we know to be true. Following the example of those who have gone before us. If you’ve read the bible, you know that all who followed experienced ridicule and opposition, but it didn’t stop them.

 

We as followers of Christ, should have the same passion that Jesus showed while He walked this earth. His walk was no walk in the park, and ours won’t be either. As followers of Christ, we are called to go out into the world and seek those who are lost. It starts right in our own families, neighborhood, workplace, and anywhere else the Spirit of God leads you. Mark 16: 15, Jesus tells us to “Go into the world and preach the gospel.” So what are we as believers doing with the Savior that we know so well? John 3:16 This great news of God providing a way for us to Himself through Jesus Christ His Son, and that “whoever believes in Him shall not die but have everlasting life” should be shouted from the rooftops! That’s great news! That’s the gospel, but it’s your choice to believe it, and then share it. This may make you very uncomfortable, but just remember the pain Jesus went through for us, and the reason why He did it.

 

Are you thankful for your life? Than live a life of thanks to the ONE who gave it to you.

 

 

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Kim

 

Bring the rain.... Mercy Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kseRKxkq5iY

 

I find myself sometimes being in agreement with others and not understanding God, or wonder why He doesn’t perform the way I think He should. You would think that He would just stop all the evil that continues. But I do believe from the beginning of time we were created by God, to become children of God. We are all given free will, but at least God gave us an instruction manual to follow(the Bible). Question is do we follow it? Do we even believe it? Just like raising and teaching our own children, when they get older they will make their own choices. Some of which are very wrong. One thing I know for sure, one day your choice of believing and following Jesus, will come to a beautiful, or drastic end.

 

I know God is big enough to understand all my questions and anger over the things that happen to innocent people. But really think about it, there was, and never will be, anyone as innocent as Jesus. Gods own Son, innocent, sent here to die for our ugly sins. Our heavenly Father performed exactly how He had to. With hopes that His creation would choose to believe why He sent His Son, rather than choosing disbelief.

 

War, destruction, hate ,evil, divorce, death, murder, there are just things in this life that are inevitable. Horrible things have happened from the beginning of time. We live in an imperfect world. If you are a believer, the only comfort is knowing we are not home yet. We are here for a purpose. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, then you are a part of building His kingdom right here while you are given time on earth.

 

Evil comes down to the choices people make, free will. Take comfort in knowing our Sovereign God knows and loves us. Nothing will ever come into our life that He does not allow. That’s why I find John 19: 10-12 so fascinating. Jesus said this to Pilate. Look how Pilate wanted to respond, and then look how the crowd responded. No matter what we face in life, take comfort that God is Sovereign. All these things that are allowed to come into our life are instruments to show the power of God in a follower of Jesus Christ. We should love God in good and bad times. Just like we love our parents, or as a parent, you love your children. It’s o.k. to have a lot of whys, but if you are not seeking knowledge you will NEVER get understanding, Hosea 4: 6. One day all our whys will be answered.

 

Like the lyrics of this song says, “I can count a million times, people asking me why I can praise You with all that I’ve been through. The question just amazes me, can circumstances possibly change who I forever am in You?” God in all His Sovereignty, knew just how much to give me little by little, and little by little I grew in my faith. He has been my shelter through each and every storm. My choice was not to turn my back on Him, but to grow closer to Him through them. He proved His word to me over and over. Scripture like, Romans 8: 28, that all things work out for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Psalm 46, He is my present help in times of trouble. He is not a faraway God. He is right there in the mix of everything we go through. 2 Corinthians 12: 10, He takes our weakness and PROVES HIMSELF STRONG! Colossians 1: 16, He holds ALL THINGS together, both in heaven and earth.

 

Little faith will bring our souls to heaven when we leave this world, but great faith will bring heaven to our souls. Did you get that? Bring heaven to our souls while we are here in this crazy world. That is the faith I want. As I grow in my faith, instead of saying “God get me out of this.” I’ve learned to say with much faith, “God, I know You’re going to get me through this.” Faith is more than just belief in Jesus. It’s how we respond to life circumstances.

 

He is Who He says He is! It is a growing process to get this view of God. Keep seeking, and remember, we are not home!

 

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Kim

 

 

Something in the Water ... Carie Underwood

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ2kdx4zZUY

 

Amazing song!!!! Goes along with Amazing Grace!

 

Don’t you just love vacation? I sure do, but there is something very special about a cruise. Could it be the water? Something about the water that is so tranquil, so peaceful. Unless there is a storm, then it’s not so peaceful. The seas can get very rough and cause much destruction.

 

It’s the same way with our lives. What we choose to believe, or even try to understand, can cause peace or destruction.

 

If things have to make sense to us to believe or understand, than we are putting our own understanding in the place of Gods. This can cause MUCH damage within ourselves, and to others!

 

Some of us don’t trust in “Someone” Who is much bigger than us and our understanding of things. We are just wasting the life that the good Lord gave us. Open your eyes and heart and listen to the truth. If we are leaning on our own understanding, than we are doing the very opposite of God’s word. Proverbs 3: 5-6 “Trust in the Lord with ALL YOUR HEART and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  So, is your path becoming a path of destruction? Than you must still be your same old self, with your same old thinking. You must not have tried the “Living Water!” If your path is a path without God, than you are on that path of destruction. You are hand in hand with the enemy of lies and confusion, sinking in the water, rather than walking on it.

 

Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction” Proud people are easily tripped up by Satan. They seldom realize that pride is their problem, although everyone else around them is aware of it and tells them. Self-satisfaction will blind you!

 

John 4: 14, “But those who drink the water I give them will never thirst again.” This is a great story and promise of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Just one of the many stories and promises that are told in the LIVING WORD of GOD.

 

Do you want to stop sinking in the rough waters in your life? Than stop leaning on your own understanding of things, swallow your pride and drink of the “Living Water.” There truly is “Something in the Water.”

 

Do you want to see God run? Than tell Him you want to know Him more. Make the effort to…… SEEK HIM!

 

 

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Kim