I'm not ashamed of the gospel.

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In this day and age the popular thing to do is to stay silent when it comes to your beliefs. In this age of "tolerance" we are expected to accept the things that the world considers the norm. If you happen to speak up for what the Bible says is true you might just be called a "bigot". But you know what? That's normal. If we aren't being criticized for the things we believe in then what are we standing for, anyway?

In the Bible it said we would be persecuted for what we believe so we shouldn't be surprised when these things happen!

When I was in college I had an English professor who was a very outspoken atheist. I dreaded going to class everyday because he would bash Christians almost every time I saw him. I felt everyday like I wanted to speak up but was so afraid because the class was full of people who believed what he did and would often join in on his crazy banter. At the same time, though I felt like The Lord wanted me to speak up like there was a reason he put me in his class.

Finally one day I had the opportunity as he went around the entire class asking each person what was the meaning of life. I, of course knew what I had to say. Finally when he got to me I proceeded with shaking hands and a bundle of nerves. "The meaning of life is fulfilling my God given destiny and living my life for Him."

The teacher attempted to rip me to shreds with question after crazy question. I answered everyone to the best of my ability without batting an eyelash. The Lord was with me. Finally after several questions he moved onto the next student.

I felt sort of defeated after all was said and done as I sat there in class thinking about what I could've said differently and yadi yadi ya. But then after class something amazing happened. A girl who sat behind me came up to me and thanked me for standing up for Jesus and told me that she had wanted to do the same thing for so long but was afraid. She proceeded to say that she had been questioning her faith ever since she had been in this teachers class but once I spoke up she knew that it was the devil putting those thoughts in her mind! I was floored. I had no idea that anyone else in the class even believed what I did and I had no idea speaking up would help someone else. God knew what He was doing by giving me the courage He did that day.

I don't remember that girls name. I wish I did so I could see how she's doing these days. I pray that she is strong in her Faith and on fire for the Lord. It's amazing what we can do when we let God use us as His vessels. Yes it takes a whole lot of courage and knowing who you are in Christ but the results? The results are life changing.

To Be A Jewel.

I want to be a jewel in God's sight. Something so lovely, so precious, so valuable. That's my hearts desire.

My Great Grandma's name was Jewel. She went to be with Jesus when I was 10 years old so I don't have as many memories with her as I wish I did but my whole family still talks about her often. She was passionate about The Lord and I wholeheartedly believe that she is the reason my dad's entire side of the family is saved. She wasn't raised Christian and came to know Jesus at the age of 21. She surrendered to Him right in her living room. :)

I want to have a legacy like my great grandma Jewel. I want to have such a passion for Jesus that it's contagious! The way she did! She was imperfect like us all, but she knew that God can use an imperfect person, perfectly.

My great grandma, Jewel and I. 1991.

This is a poem that she wrote that I came across recently and it spoke to my heart so much. Apparently writing runs in my family! I hope this is as much of a blessing for you as it is for me!

Just As I Am

 

I want you to see me, Dear, just as I am.

I make no effort at pretense or sham.

I admit---I'm a person, strange as can be

And Just as I am, I want you to see.

I must make sure you've understood

That in me, there is just nothing good.

I've a mind and a will that's prone to sin

And my heart just welcomes evil in.

My tongue has far too much to say

My lips allow it heedless sway

My eyes see things they truly shouldn't

My ears hear much I would they couldn't!

My thoughts---not right---quite wrong instead

My acts---where angels fear to tread

My hands---time wastes and sadness brings

My feet---they haste to selfish things.

To sum it up---this useless tool---

This worthless thing---is really Jewel!

 

There's not much more that I can write

Except, dear, that I'm holding tight

To Him who hath saved even me

To be what He would have me be---

He stills my soul, and yes, my voice

He doth my mind and will rejoice

He breaks my heart in bits it seems

He shapes my words 'til beauty gleams

He shows my eyes how to discern

He tunes my ears to His concern

He molds my thoughts and keeps intact

He guides my hands, to loving act.

My feet, He places on the Rock

And there, I find a seal and lock

I marvel, Dear, that this can be---

How, thru his blood, He cleanseth me

And then---in Grace---He takes this clay

And breathes---thru me---just for today.

 

by Jewel Rice

August 6, 1942

My daddy is a healer

I don't know about you but I have the best daddy. He lives in heaven and he cares for me more than all of the stars in the sky. The Bible says He is a provider and a healer. That He is the best father, better than any earthy father could ever hope to be.

Most people would agree on the fact that God is the best father. Yet so many people claim that God picks and chooses who He wants to heal. Some people think that God makes you sick to teach you a lesson. That is the craziest thing I've ever heard! How could the best Father ever want to see his children sick? How?

About a week ago Selah was having pretty constant tummy aches after she ate. She had the saddest cry and there wasn't much Louie and I could do for her besides pray. Every time that bottom lip came out my heart broke for her. If I, an imperfect parent would do anything I could to take away her pain, how much MORE does our Heavenly Father not want us to be sick??

It says in Acts 10:38 that Jesus went about healing ALL! Not some, not a few, not the ones who deserved to be healed, but all. The Bible also says that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. That means if He ever had the compassion and ability to heal then He's got that same compassion and that same ability today! Can I get an Amen? :)

 If you are in need of a healing just keep claiming your healing that was paid for by Jesus when He died on that cross.

There is a reason it says in Isaiah 53:5 by His stripes and wounds we are healed! He took those horrible whips to His back so YOU could be healed!

So start saying. "I believe I receive my healing" and know that the Good Physician will do what He said He would do!

Be healed, friends!

I won't forget.

I sat in that doctors office. So very nervous, stomach in knots. Staring in a mirror at the reflection of the girl I'd never thought I'd be. The one longing to be pregnant. The one who tried, hoped, prayed, and dreamed of the day when she would carry a baby in her womb. That was the reason I was there, to find out what was wrong with me. As the doctor went over each option my heart sank a little more with each word she said. But after all the tests were said and done she couldn't find one thing wrong with me. Not one. Praise be to God!

One year later I'm in that very same office, staring at what would seem like the same girl in the natural. But It's not. I'm not her anymore. My name is no longer just Sarah, but mommy. I smile because I'm remembering how far I've come. I remember the ache and the pain, He replaced with joy and dancing. That empty womb, He replaced with a miracle baby. I see this huge 9 month pregnant belly and I am thankful. Oh so thankful.

It's funny how many people complain about those doctors appointments-especially the last month of them when you have to get a pelvic exam everytime. It's not the most pleasant experience-I admit. But a few weeks ago as I was leaving the doctors office I was rejoicing that I get the opportunity to go to those doctors appoinments! That my baby girl is growing healthy and strong and will be here in a few short weeks! How could I ever be annoyed about those doctors appointments? How could I ever forget?

I believe God has been showing me lately that if we could just learn to see His goodness in every situation then we'd never have anything to complain about!

It reminds me of the story of the Israelites after God brought them out of Egypt. That had just crossed the red sea-not even a hair on their head was injured. When the waters rushed back down after they had made it safely across the sea they watched as the egyptian solders drowned. They rejoiced knowing what a good God they served. But then not even a few chapters later they began to complain and worry! They had forgotten that soon how God had preserved them, protected them, cared for them! How could they forget what He had already done?

This is something I have been guilty of doing many a time! I start to worry about little things and forget all of the amazing things The Lord has already done for me! How can I ever worry? How can I ever doubt? He has my best interest in mind always! His goodness encamps around me like a shield. I can't ever forget. No, I won't ever forget!



Pictures in Baby Girl's room! :)



His Hands. His Feet.

But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way

"If We Are The Body-Casting Crowns"

When Christ left the earth He entrusted us with a big job, to be His hands and feet. We are to go throughout the earth to preach the gospel. But why oh why is it something that is so difficult? It shouldn't be-simply because as Christians we have the Holy Spirit living inside us! After Jesus ascended into heaven the disciples knew what had to be done and how to go about doing it. They did amazing things for God because of this! They definitely knew who they were in Christ and weren't afraid to show it! That's how we should still be today!

John 14:12¹² “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

The reason I'm writing this today is because I feel like God is really speaking to my heart in this area. I have been letting fear stop me from being His hands and feet. And that is just not okay-at all. My words have power, I can make a difference! The enemy lies to me daily telling me that my voice doesn't matter. That people won't listen to me if I tell them about Jesus! But that's a lie. Straight up. I'm  not taking it anymore! I need to be a vessel for God, because if I don't who will?

This morning I was thinking back on this customer I had at work the other day, how I felt like the I was supposed to minister to her. So I began to pray for her. I prayed that the Lord would send a Godly laborer across her path. As soon as I prayed that I heard a familiar still, small voice. "You are my Godly laborer." Ouch. I was the one God wanted to minister to her-and I didn't do it. I let her pass me by out of fear. That's just not okay!

2 Timothy 1:7⁷ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

 Seriously, how awesome is that?! So with power like that living inside us, what other choice do we have?! We have to speak! We have to be bold! It's crazy NOT to!

So my prayer today is that I would allow the Lord to use me as He sees fit. I want to have that same boldness the disciples did!

Heavenly Father,

I'm sorry for letting oportunites to minister pass me by. Please show me who you want me to minister to, Lord. Please make me your hands and your feet! I want to fulfill my God given destiny! Help me to know I have nothing to fear! Please help me to be a light shining for You wherever I go, whatever I do. Thank you Lord!

In Jesus' name, Amen!

What a Gift!

It really bothers me when people make negative comments about having babies/the number of children someone has. Children are a blessing NEVER a burden!

Psalm 127:3"Children are a gift from the Lord, they are a reward from Him."

What an Honor!

Everyday I sit back and think about this amazing, astounding gift God has given me. My heart grieves when I hear people saying negative things about having children. Like the common,

"You're going to lose your freedom."

"Enjoy never sleeping again."

"You have HOW many kids?"

"Why would you want to have kids so early into your marriage?"

These words grieve my heart because when I hear them I'm reminded how much our country and society has devaulued our children. To make us think that children are burdens. How sad.

I have a coworker who is 8 months pregnant with her 4th baby. I overheard her talking to a customer yesterday who was being extrememly rude. When the customer heard that she was having her 4th baby she told her she was out of her mind. Then when the customer got up to leave she told my coworker to have her tubes tied!

That's the kind of society we live in?!

Having a child is an honor, a gift that should never be taken for granted!

Psalm 127:3(The Message)

"Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?
    the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows
    are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
    with your quivers full of children!"

I'm thanking God for giving me this baby, this gift! Hallelujah!

He wants to bless us!

This Man.

Melts me. Seriously, fully and completely.

Whoever said that the "honeymoon stage" only lasts for a couple of months is oh so wrong. Cuz I've been married to this babe for almost 2 years and I love him much more today than the day I married him.

Last night baby girl was kicking a bunch and everytime I felt her start kicking I would move his hand to my belly to feel.

Everytime he felt her his face would light up in pure exuberation. Elated. Oh how I love that man.

Truth be told, I was a little worried when we found out that baby girl was a she. We were convinced she would be a boy and Loujo wanted a boy more than anything. I was afraid that he would be dissappointed if the baby turned out to be a girl. But you know what? He wasn’t. Not at all. When the ultrasound tech told us the gender the first words out of hubby's mouth were, "My princess." See what I mean? MELT.

When I prayed for a husband there were several qualities that I had in mind. He possesses every one of them. God really blessed me so abundantly. I feel so undeserving of such an amazing man when there are so many women with husbands who are horrible to them. But you know what? That's what God does for us. He gives us gifts that we don't deserve at all-so that in turn we can see what kind of a God he is. He sent His precious son to die a horrible death for us so that we could be saved. And not only saved but set free, delivered, and healed as well. The fact that He wants to bless us too??? That's just the cherry on top of the cake. We serve such a good God.

But friends, God wants us to ask for the things we desire sometimes. How can we expect Him to bless us if we don't ask?

James 4:2 "You do not have because you do not ask God."

Did I ask for a husband like loujo? Oh yes I did. More times than I can count.

Am I saying that God will give us whatever we ask for when we ask for it? Not at all. But ya'll God WANTS to bless His children! It is His delight! He wants to give us good gifts-great gifts even. If you have a good earthy dad then you know that he would do anything he could to make you happy. If he had the means for it he would surely he would do whatever he could to make your life easier, right? People, we serve a big God. He owns the whole universe and everything in it! What makes you think that He can't find you a husband, give you a baby, heal your body, or find you a job! He CAN!!! If only we would let Him. If only we could lay aside our pride and the mentality that we are in control of everything then He would have free reign to do what He does!

The things that we ask for don't always come when we are wanting them-in fact sometimes God changes our desires to match up with His plans for our life. In that moment you can look back and say, "Thank you Lord for knowing what is best."

I can name a few prayers that I have prayed that would have been disasterous if God had answered them like I wanted him to. If one certain prayer would have been answered three years ago I definitely wouldn't be married to my husband.

See, told you He's a good God! :)