"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:3-9
These trials have come so that you may have genuine faith... So what You are saying God, is that I need these trials? That I have to have them so I won't be a cheap imitation, but rather the real deal? Ok God. If that is what it takes to reveal Your glory in my life - so be it.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
I'm Gonna Take A Trip!
We are hooked. Officially. Our second cruise is booked! And within 5 months of the first one - how awesome is that? :) We sail for Cozumel in a couple (ok - 3) months and we are STOKED!
Sigh - how I've missed thee!
Today? Applying for passports!! Wheeee!!!!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Be, For I Am
How often do we get so busy doing for God and we cease to become? I've been going through a bit of a 'becoming' process over the last couple of days. It started a couple of weeks ago when we got to meet up with a cousin of mine and his family. As I talked to his wife she quoted the scripture "Be ye holy for [HE] is holy" and it grabbed me. Couple of days later, when I just could NOT get it out of my head, I looked it up to see what the context was and now I REALLY can't get it out of my head.
"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."" I Peter 1:13-16
In the beginning of the chapter Peter is talking about salvation and trials. He instructs that we should rejoice in our trials. Why? "These [trials] have come so that your faith ... may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." It's for HIS glory!
Now - to the scripture above. Jennifer posted the song "Stand Out" on her blog and it reminded me once again the truth of "We're in a war!" There is a war going on in the spirit. The enemy is attacking and trying to defeat the saints of God. The word says to "prepare our minds for action" - my interpretation - be on your toes! Be ready at a moments time! Don't allow yourself to go to sleep! We are to be "self-controlled" - not giving ourselves to every whim of the world. Our hope should be on Jesus Christ.
"As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance." We have been called to stand apart. When we became children of God we gained a certain responsibility to stand up against the evil desires of this world. Peter instructs to "be holy in ALL you do"! Every aspect of life. On our own there is NO way we can do this. But with Him?? We can! Our goal is to be holy - as HE is holy. He walked this life without blemish. He gave up His rights in order to save us. I don't know about you, but that makes me want to strive to be more like Him than ever before! What an AWESOME, HOLY, RIGHTEOUS God we serve!!!
I apologize if this blog seems a bit scattered and random - it's just what is on my heart! The word of God is alive if we choose to hear. And right now my ears long to hear, my eyes long to see, and my heart yearns to feel His love like never before.
"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."" I Peter 1:13-16
In the beginning of the chapter Peter is talking about salvation and trials. He instructs that we should rejoice in our trials. Why? "These [trials] have come so that your faith ... may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." It's for HIS glory!
Now - to the scripture above. Jennifer posted the song "Stand Out" on her blog and it reminded me once again the truth of "We're in a war!" There is a war going on in the spirit. The enemy is attacking and trying to defeat the saints of God. The word says to "prepare our minds for action" - my interpretation - be on your toes! Be ready at a moments time! Don't allow yourself to go to sleep! We are to be "self-controlled" - not giving ourselves to every whim of the world. Our hope should be on Jesus Christ.
"As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance." We have been called to stand apart. When we became children of God we gained a certain responsibility to stand up against the evil desires of this world. Peter instructs to "be holy in ALL you do"! Every aspect of life. On our own there is NO way we can do this. But with Him?? We can! Our goal is to be holy - as HE is holy. He walked this life without blemish. He gave up His rights in order to save us. I don't know about you, but that makes me want to strive to be more like Him than ever before! What an AWESOME, HOLY, RIGHTEOUS God we serve!!!
I apologize if this blog seems a bit scattered and random - it's just what is on my heart! The word of God is alive if we choose to hear. And right now my ears long to hear, my eyes long to see, and my heart yearns to feel His love like never before.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Congratulations!!
Today Jesse Gandee will wed Brittany Winkle and I get a new sister-in-law and niece!! WOO-HOO!!
CONGRATS JESSE & BRITTANY!
CONGRATS JESSE & BRITTANY!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Good Behavior Makes You Invisible?
Non Sequitor is one of my favorite comic strips mostly due to that while being extremely funny it will make you think. Below is yesterday and then today's strip..
Is it true? Are you 'invisible' if you are a good person? If you follow all the rules, and don't rock the boat - are you invisible? And if so, is that a good thing or a bad? What are your thoughts?
Is it true? Are you 'invisible' if you are a good person? If you follow all the rules, and don't rock the boat - are you invisible? And if so, is that a good thing or a bad? What are your thoughts?
Monday, March 30, 2009
Can't Live Without
On All That Is Good today is Friend Making Monday! Check it out.
Today's topic - 10 things you can't live without and why. And no, they aren't listed in any specific order. :)
1. My phone! It keeps me connected at all times... wait, maybe that's a bad thing! HA!
2. My family! They are incredible and I love each and every one of them.
3. My husband! He is the best thing (besides Jesus) that has happened to me. He is my best friend.
4. Friends! I have got an awesome group of friends. They are truly the greatest friends anyone could ask for.
NOTE: Not all friends are pictured - low selection of pics on this comp! :)
5. Kitchen-aid! How I love thee, let me count the ways. Sigh... Isn't she beautiful?
6. Jesus Christ! Without Him I would be a worthless mess. With Him I can stand today and say "I am HIS!!" Yes, I am putting a picture of my church. It is one of the places I meet Jesus on a weekly basis. :)
7. Lip Gloss! Have you ever TRIED this stuff?? It's amazing. And addicting.
8.Peanut butter! You think I'm crazy. I think I'm in love. With peanut butter. Jif peanut butter. Creamy Jif peanut butter. Excuse me - I need a pbj now...
9. Lady! Yes - I am one of those people. ;) I love my dog. It's hard to describe and unless you are a "dog person" you just won't understand. And yes, I still love her after she makes me fall down the stairs!
10.Music! It's been a part of my life since I was small. It's how I express myself!
Today's topic - 10 things you can't live without and why. And no, they aren't listed in any specific order. :)
1. My phone! It keeps me connected at all times... wait, maybe that's a bad thing! HA!
2. My family! They are incredible and I love each and every one of them.
3. My husband! He is the best thing (besides Jesus) that has happened to me. He is my best friend.
4. Friends! I have got an awesome group of friends. They are truly the greatest friends anyone could ask for.
NOTE: Not all friends are pictured - low selection of pics on this comp! :)
5. Kitchen-aid! How I love thee, let me count the ways. Sigh... Isn't she beautiful?
6. Jesus Christ! Without Him I would be a worthless mess. With Him I can stand today and say "I am HIS!!" Yes, I am putting a picture of my church. It is one of the places I meet Jesus on a weekly basis. :)
7. Lip Gloss! Have you ever TRIED this stuff?? It's amazing. And addicting.
8.Peanut butter! You think I'm crazy. I think I'm in love. With peanut butter. Jif peanut butter. Creamy Jif peanut butter. Excuse me - I need a pbj now...
9. Lady! Yes - I am one of those people. ;) I love my dog. It's hard to describe and unless you are a "dog person" you just won't understand. And yes, I still love her after she makes me fall down the stairs!
10.Music! It's been a part of my life since I was small. It's how I express myself!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Song Of My Heart
I am a KJV girl. I don't think there is anything wrong with the other translations, I just prefer the KJV (or NIV) translations. However. I started to read Psalms 19 this morning and thought to myself, "Huh - I wonder how the Message tells this passage.." All I have to say is wow. I love the way it puts plain the glory and awesomeness of God! Verse 4 - "Unspoken truth is spoken everywhere!" Man can deny that God exists. Man can say He is just a myth. I have one response - look around! The truth of God is everywhere and in everything! What a great and mighty God I serve!!!
Psalm 19 - The Message
God's glory is on tour in the skies,
God-craft on exhibit across the horizon.
Madame Day holds classes every morning,
Professor Night lectures each evening.
Their words aren't heard,
their voices aren't recorded,
But their silence fills the earth:
unspoken truth is spoken everywhere.
God makes a huge dome
for the sun—a superdome!
The morning sun's a new husband
leaping from his honeymoon bed,
The daybreaking sun an athlete
racing to the tape.
That's how God's Word vaults across the skies
from sunrise to sunset,
Melting ice, scorching deserts,
warming hearts to faith.
The revelation of God is whole
and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear
and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right,
showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain
and easy on the eyes.
God's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,
with a lifetime guarantee.
The decisions of God are accurate
down to the nth degree.
God's Word is better than a diamond,
better than a diamond set between emeralds.
You'll like it better than strawberries in spring,
better than red, ripe strawberries.
There's more: God's Word warns us of danger
and directs us to hidden treasure.
Otherwise how will we find our way?
Or know when we play the fool?
Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh!
Keep me from stupid sins,
from thinking I can take over your work;
Then I can start this day sun-washed,
scrubbed clean of the grime of sin.
These are the words in my mouth;
these are what I chew on and pray.
Accept them when I place them
on the morning altar,
O God, my Altar-Rock,
God, Priest-of-My-Altar.
Psalm 19 - The Message
God's glory is on tour in the skies,
God-craft on exhibit across the horizon.
Madame Day holds classes every morning,
Professor Night lectures each evening.
Their words aren't heard,
their voices aren't recorded,
But their silence fills the earth:
unspoken truth is spoken everywhere.
God makes a huge dome
for the sun—a superdome!
The morning sun's a new husband
leaping from his honeymoon bed,
The daybreaking sun an athlete
racing to the tape.
That's how God's Word vaults across the skies
from sunrise to sunset,
Melting ice, scorching deserts,
warming hearts to faith.
The revelation of God is whole
and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear
and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right,
showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain
and easy on the eyes.
God's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,
with a lifetime guarantee.
The decisions of God are accurate
down to the nth degree.
God's Word is better than a diamond,
better than a diamond set between emeralds.
You'll like it better than strawberries in spring,
better than red, ripe strawberries.
There's more: God's Word warns us of danger
and directs us to hidden treasure.
Otherwise how will we find our way?
Or know when we play the fool?
Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh!
Keep me from stupid sins,
from thinking I can take over your work;
Then I can start this day sun-washed,
scrubbed clean of the grime of sin.
These are the words in my mouth;
these are what I chew on and pray.
Accept them when I place them
on the morning altar,
O God, my Altar-Rock,
God, Priest-of-My-Altar.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
WBLGO - Wk 2
So the loss was NOT that good this week. But I did lose! .6 pounds! haha! We ate so bad this weekend - fajitas, guacamole, chili dogs, cake... must... learn... self... control!
Got a mani this past weekend. I was discussing how I hadn't had one in almost a year, and a dear friend felt sorry for me so she got me a gift certificate for one. I now remember why I shouldn't get them. I can't stop staring at my nails! I don't get them polished - just buffed. The shininess is getting to me. I'm so easily distracted by the shiny. And it got me to thinking.
There are a lot of people in this world that are distracted by the "shiny". They allow thoughts of money and things distract them from the work they are supposed to do.
"But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. " I Thess 5:1-2
Jesus is coming back. There are lost, hurting, confused people in this world who are being 'distracted' and lulled to 'sleep'. I pray that we aren't distracted by things or positions or the 'shiny' things of this world.
Time is short. What are you doing with what you have left?
Got a mani this past weekend. I was discussing how I hadn't had one in almost a year, and a dear friend felt sorry for me so she got me a gift certificate for one. I now remember why I shouldn't get them. I can't stop staring at my nails! I don't get them polished - just buffed. The shininess is getting to me. I'm so easily distracted by the shiny. And it got me to thinking.
There are a lot of people in this world that are distracted by the "shiny". They allow thoughts of money and things distract them from the work they are supposed to do.
"But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. " I Thess 5:1-2
Jesus is coming back. There are lost, hurting, confused people in this world who are being 'distracted' and lulled to 'sleep'. I pray that we aren't distracted by things or positions or the 'shiny' things of this world.
Time is short. What are you doing with what you have left?
Friday, March 13, 2009
Thank you Lord
God is so good.
Sondra and I have been truly blessed. The last week and a half have been very trying. As Sondra has eluded to previously, her father was in the hospital and I lost my grandmother to a sudden heart attack. But through it all, we've learned to rely on the Lord for strength. Cause Lord knows, we ain't got it on our own! :-)
I want to take a moment to thank all my friends and church family for being a tremendous support to both of us. We love you all dearly.
Sondra and I have been truly blessed. The last week and a half have been very trying. As Sondra has eluded to previously, her father was in the hospital and I lost my grandmother to a sudden heart attack. But through it all, we've learned to rely on the Lord for strength. Cause Lord knows, we ain't got it on our own! :-)
I want to take a moment to thank all my friends and church family for being a tremendous support to both of us. We love you all dearly.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
WBLGO - Wk 1
This week was the first week of our Work Biggest Loser Girls Only competition. Annnnddddd.... I LOST SIX POUNDS! Now, I am FULLY aware that it was a lot of water weight - and that I ate a TON of junk at the hospital and at the funeral and when you stop eating all that it will drop of quick at first. HOWEVER. I am still excited about it!
Life is starting to slow down, and I am so very thankful. Dad is home and recovering. He's still weak - but doing so much better. We're still working through Mimi's death - but I know that will be something we will work through for the rest of our lives. It's never easy when you lose a loved one. My pastor one time spoke of ambush grief. Those moments when you aren't even thinking of your deceased loved one and then BAM! You smell something, you see something, you hear something - and the grief side swipes you. My family calls it Christmas Aisle moments because that's when it first happened for us. Walking down the Christmas aisle in Wal-Mart. My grandmother passed away 10 years ago and I still have Christmas Aisle moments.
I have a confession. My family and I have this horrible tendency to laugh in stressful situations. Case in point: Pastor is at the hospital praying for my father. He makes the statement that we are praying a hedge of protection around him. I laugh. Why did I laugh? Because all I can think about is the video below.
SEE?!?!?! It's a HORRIBLE THING!! HAHAHAHAHAHA! But you have to admit... it's pretty funny! :)
Life is starting to slow down, and I am so very thankful. Dad is home and recovering. He's still weak - but doing so much better. We're still working through Mimi's death - but I know that will be something we will work through for the rest of our lives. It's never easy when you lose a loved one. My pastor one time spoke of ambush grief. Those moments when you aren't even thinking of your deceased loved one and then BAM! You smell something, you see something, you hear something - and the grief side swipes you. My family calls it Christmas Aisle moments because that's when it first happened for us. Walking down the Christmas aisle in Wal-Mart. My grandmother passed away 10 years ago and I still have Christmas Aisle moments.
I have a confession. My family and I have this horrible tendency to laugh in stressful situations. Case in point: Pastor is at the hospital praying for my father. He makes the statement that we are praying a hedge of protection around him. I laugh. Why did I laugh? Because all I can think about is the video below.
SEE?!?!?! It's a HORRIBLE THING!! HAHAHAHAHAHA! But you have to admit... it's pretty funny! :)
Monday, March 2, 2009
THIS Is My Story.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight!
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, all is at rest!
I, in my Savior, am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with his goodness, lost in His love.
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight!
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, all is at rest!
I, in my Savior, am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with his goodness, lost in His love.
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
On All Sides
Saturday morning Donnie woke up late. He didn't wake me until he was getting ready to leave for work, so the morning started off a little off. Within an hour he called me from work saying that his grandmother (Mimi) had passed away. This was very hard news - she had not been sick and it took us (at least Donnie and I) by surprise.
Saturday afternoon Donnie and I arrived early at a Father/Daughter banquet. We were the entertainment (a skit) for the night. My sister had convinced my father (surprisingly!) to come and be our "dates" for the night. Halfway through my father began shaking and feeling poorly so Stephanie took him home. After our skit, Donnie and I rushed to their house. His temperature had reached 104. My mother was very worried, the doctor was called, and he was taken to the emergency room. That night he was admitted into the hospital. The prognosis was a UTI and a kidney infection. Again.
Sunday morning his temperature reached 104 again. The tylenol and drugs were not bringing it down any. The doctors immediately set in motion a cystogram. His breathing was very shallow and rapid. This caused worry since the aenesthesia normally caused the same effect. In went a breathing tube and a feeding tube. They removed the stint that was put in at the end of January and put in two more. After the surgery he was heavily sedated and placed in ICU.
This morning the breathing and feeding tube were removed. He is very groggy and doesn't remember the last 24 hours. However, he was allowed to sit up in a chair for a few minutes.
They still don't know what is wrong - why the infection won't go away. Why he seems to be a kidney stone manufacturer extrodinaire. However, if things continue to improve they will put him in a regular room.
Mimi's funeral will be Wednesday at 10am. Ginger has requested that Leah, Donnie and I to sing 'Blessed Assurance'.
Please say a prayer. This has been and still is a very trying time for the Gandee's and the Gooch's.
Psalm 118:1-8
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
Saturday afternoon Donnie and I arrived early at a Father/Daughter banquet. We were the entertainment (a skit) for the night. My sister had convinced my father (surprisingly!) to come and be our "dates" for the night. Halfway through my father began shaking and feeling poorly so Stephanie took him home. After our skit, Donnie and I rushed to their house. His temperature had reached 104. My mother was very worried, the doctor was called, and he was taken to the emergency room. That night he was admitted into the hospital. The prognosis was a UTI and a kidney infection. Again.
Sunday morning his temperature reached 104 again. The tylenol and drugs were not bringing it down any. The doctors immediately set in motion a cystogram. His breathing was very shallow and rapid. This caused worry since the aenesthesia normally caused the same effect. In went a breathing tube and a feeding tube. They removed the stint that was put in at the end of January and put in two more. After the surgery he was heavily sedated and placed in ICU.
This morning the breathing and feeding tube were removed. He is very groggy and doesn't remember the last 24 hours. However, he was allowed to sit up in a chair for a few minutes.
They still don't know what is wrong - why the infection won't go away. Why he seems to be a kidney stone manufacturer extrodinaire. However, if things continue to improve they will put him in a regular room.
Mimi's funeral will be Wednesday at 10am. Ginger has requested that Leah, Donnie and I to sing 'Blessed Assurance'.
Please say a prayer. This has been and still is a very trying time for the Gandee's and the Gooch's.
Psalm 118:1-8
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Picture to brighten your week!
It's been so busy around here!! I'm such a bad blogger - but I just haven't had the time to keep up with my HAVE-To-Do List that my would-LIKE-To-Do List has really suffered. To give you something to look at and so you won't forsake my little neglected blog entirely - I thought I would give you a few pics!
L to R: Mandy, Krista, Kerri and I at the TMV Party 2008
Lady crawled into our suitcase when we were getting ready for the cruise and stayed just long enough for me to snap a picture. She wanted to come with!
Donley and I on the boat in Galveston - and YES! I was COLD!
Have a fantabulous week!
L to R: Mandy, Krista, Kerri and I at the TMV Party 2008
Lady crawled into our suitcase when we were getting ready for the cruise and stayed just long enough for me to snap a picture. She wanted to come with!
Donley and I on the boat in Galveston - and YES! I was COLD!
Have a fantabulous week!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Senseless
Life is too short and uncertain to not live right.
Kristen Martinez
This is the son of my previos pastor in Grand Prairie. We went to high school together and were three months apart. His funeral is tomorrow afternoon.
I haven't spoken to him in many years. But his death is hitting a little too close to home. It is making me realize just how uncertain life is. You don't know when God is going to call you home, or when the trumpet is going to sound. I don't want to be unsure of where I am going when it happens. I don't want to have let circumstances steal my chance at heaven. There are too many other things that are so much more important.
Lots of rambling... but it's what is on my heart and mind today...
Kristen Martinez
This is the son of my previos pastor in Grand Prairie. We went to high school together and were three months apart. His funeral is tomorrow afternoon.
I haven't spoken to him in many years. But his death is hitting a little too close to home. It is making me realize just how uncertain life is. You don't know when God is going to call you home, or when the trumpet is going to sound. I don't want to be unsure of where I am going when it happens. I don't want to have let circumstances steal my chance at heaven. There are too many other things that are so much more important.
Lots of rambling... but it's what is on my heart and mind today...
Monday, January 19, 2009
Cruisin'
We are HOME! The cruise was oh so much fun, but I am thankful to be home. Here are a few pictures from the trip...
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