stumbling along the way

I just found out tonight that a very dear friend and awesome man of God has been diagnosed with a horrible disease. I have to admit, I was not ready for this news. I am tired of all this bad news! I am becoming fed up with, what seems to be the unrelenting fury of the enemy coming down upon the children of God!

Simply fed up!

But what can "I" do about it?

It seems I go about my days one after the other. I have my good days and my, well....not so good days. Let's be honest here, we are all human are we not? I know "I" am. I stumble and fall like the best of them.

Honestly THAT bugs me too!

Maybe right now I am just BUGGED!

I just want some victory for God's people!

I am not talking one here.....one there...."I prayed and got a parking spot close to the door." kinda victory. I am talking - come to church on Sunday shoutin'... Halleluia! Praise the ever living God - I had victory this week over my weakness!!!! or Glory to the Lamb my neighbor got gave their life to Jesus! or Tears running down faces as we all reach sp0ntaneously upwards towards heaven in a roar of thanksgiving to God for HIS Abundant Grace and Overwhelming Love for us!!! - Kinda victory!

I am soooooo Hungry for this!!!!!

Well I have spent some time crying out to Papa God over this one.... "Why?....Why?....Why?....Why are so many of your children having to go through so much? These are YOUR children Lord. They love you. They serve you. WHY?!?"

I got an answer.

I wanted to share part of it on here with you.

After questioning why the Lord allows His children to go through such tough trials; some so harsh that it can even cause them to stumble and fall in their walk with Him. I knew the Lord had to have a good reason...the Lord wouldn't allow these trials for no good reason...as His word promises this.

This is what the Lord spoke to me,

"Amy, remember though you have stumbled, you will not fall.
You are at a place now where you can make a choice to bow the other knee or try and get up and keep going on your own.
It is in this position, on your knees, that you will need to be to receive the power, to overcome the very weakness, that caused you to stumble in the first place."

This really spoke to me and I hope it speaks to you as well.

I truly do believe the Lord only has good things in store for us!!! So I am constantly "looking" for the "good" in what is going on in my life and the lives of those around me. Trying desperately sometimes to find it; as there is so much heart ache every where.

This word reminded me to stay focused...with my eyes on Jesus and my knees firmly planted on the ground.

After all Jesus is watching over us....who better?

Psalm 121

SLEEPLESS NIGHTS

Sleepless nights the Lord spends on you.

Watching and waiting to see what you'll do,

When times get tough to see where you'll go,

And all the time, all the time, he wants you to know.

That, sleepless nights the Lord spends on you.

He's always there to see you through.

Neither slumber nor sleep will He ever do.

Because; the Lord is watching over you.

***

When you think it's over and you've given your all.

Just look to the Lord and give him a call.

He'll be there for you. He'll see you through.

He never sleeps. He never sleeps.

He's too busy watching over you.

***

Sleepless nights the Lord spends on you.

Ever keeping all harm far from you.

Watching your life. Seeing you through.

Yes, the Lord is watching over you.

The Lord, he's watching over you.

I will Always Be Here

My love is here for you

To help comfort and see you through.

And I will always be here

By your side.

You don't have to worry that I'll leave you.

You don't have to worry that I'm ashamed.

Everything in your past has died and now buried.

Nothing ~ nothing can keep me away from you.

Once I searched the world for you

And now that I've found you.

I'll never, ever leave you alone.

Now, that you're safe at home.

That's why I gave my life on Calvary.

So you could live at home with me.

No more captivity.

My love has set you free.

It was my life; that paid the price.

It was my blood; that cleansed your soul.

It is my love; that makes you whole.

Don't you know?

Come to me now, my precious child.

Let me hold you within my arms, precious child.

Let me wipe every teardrop.

Calm the fear deep within.

Let me warm your soul, and let you know,

I love you so.

copyright ©2009  All rights reserved

Human Angels & God's Glory!

Hello Everyone!

Today has been a very different day ; in soooo many ways.

I don't think I will even begin to explain how. I felt the presence of the Almighty God and His Holy Angels from before I ever awoke!

I will however explain, or attempt to explain the one thing I believe the Lord has laid on my heart to share with you.

This morning, during worship at Montgomery Assembly of God in Cincinnati Ohio, where I fellowship regularly; the Lord spoke to me ever so clearly about the absolute need for all of us to lift each other up in prayer. You can actually see me share under the anointing during the worship service here by clicking on this link and watching the worship service. (it is about 1/3 of the way through) http://www.montgomeryag.org/new/video/20091025_1045_400w.htm

I was on my knees on my face during a very anointed worship service. I was surrounded by women of God and the presence of the Lord was soooo very strong. My eyes were closed and the sweet aroma of heaven permeated the air all around us. I heard so very clearly the strong and yet very still voice of the Lord say to me.... "Amy. These are your angels."

I knew the Lord was speaking of the women who had taken it upon themselves to come pray for me as I knelt before the altar in worship.

You see I had just received a bad report for the doctor this last week and had shared it with my brothers and sisters during service for the purpose of receiving prayer.

To be perfectly honest, I am not good at this kinda stuff. I normally try to handle it on my own. But this one is a biggy. The word tells us we need to come to the elders of the church and be anointed with oil and be prayed over. So that is what I did......And the Lord blesssssssssssssssed me!!!! Big time!

We are not meant to carry our burdens on our own! The Word says to cast our cares upon them LORD for HE cares for us!...(Peter 5:7)....and...Jesus said, ....."my yoke is easy and my burden is light…" (Matthew 11:28-30)

WE are the BODY of Christ!!!!
That is why Jesus had to leave...so HE could finsih what HE started through US!

I am excited at what the Lord revealed to me in to me today. The importance of OUR IMPORTANCE in EACH OTHERS LIFE'S!

I want to encourage you never to under estimate anything you may do for anyone, ever!!!
You may not see it, the out come, but it may change someones world forever!!!!
Most importantly....it may change their life eternally!!!










Please don't get me wrong here....I don't believe there is anything wrong with seeing the glory of God revealed in many different ways as well as seeing His Angels. On the contrary, I believe you can. I have myself and praise God for those times!!! However for the purpose of what I believe the Lord is doing in the body of Christ; more specifically, in my life right now I trully do think the Lord would have us to focus on each others role as "actual" virtual members of HIS body when reaching out to each other; to make more of a relational connection with each other and in doing so more of a connection with Him.

Simply put.....we need to realize every little thing we do for each other has a master consequence. Matthew 25:40

The Little Things We Do

The little things we do sometimes

To lift each other out of the blues

The little things we do sometimes

To make each other’s day

A smile ~ A flower ~ A note ~ A word

Taking time to pray

The little things we do sometimes

May still look small when their work is through

The little things we do sometimes

May not seem like an important part of our day

A smile ~ A flower ~ A note ~ A word

Taking time to pray

How can I express to you

Just how very important these little things are?

Taking the time to follow through

To do and act and say

A smile ~ A flower ~ A note ~ A word

Taking time to pray

**

“Cast your care on the Lord for cares for you”

We are the body of Christ.

The little things I do for you

He does for you through me

A smile ~ A flower ~ A note ~ A word

Now do you see?

**

Each one of us does something small

In and of itself

Together as the whole body of Christ

It works its healing wealth

A smile ~ A flower ~ A note ~ A word

Taking time to pray

The little things we do sometimes

Really aren’t so small

Each one big

In its own special way

A smile ~ A flower ~ A note ~ A word

Taking time to pray

Thank you

Eyes Closed ......By-Lauren Klapp

Eyes closed. Slow, deep, intake of air. The essence of calm and bliss seeps into every muscle, bone, and marrow. Without effort the corners of my mouth turn up towards the soft sweeping sky showered in promises and lovers. Eyes open. My chin tilts toward a heaven made for you and me. A laugh bursts from my lips and I take a quick look around. No one notices. My hands shoot to my sides and then to the top of my head, I can’t contain the joy bubbling in my core. I want to run and laugh some more. So full of delight I become one with the very existence going on around me, I’m sure to be invisible. Lift onto my toes I gaze at the ground so far below. You can’t bring me down. I’m gone. Caught off guard by a sudden breeze, my heart jumps. But it’s all right. A brief chill and I gaze to the fumbling greens at my back. I had so often thought those climbs would never end. Up and down, up, then down again. I look back and yet, here I am. No place I’d rather be than filled with elation and escaping gravity. Eyes closed. Slow, deep, intake of air. The essence of calm and bliss seeps into every muscle, bone, and marrow. Without effort the corners of my mouth turn up towards the soft sweeping sky showered in promises and lovers. Eyes open. My chin tilts toward a heaven made for you and me. A laugh bursts from my lips as I fall to the ground. No one notices.

You CAN do it!

Mark 9:23

...said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."

How?

Hello!
You know it's been along hard week. I am no rocket scientist!
(like my son heehee) but I do my job, and I like to think I do a good job at it!

However sometimes, it can be a bit overwhelming.....OH come on, let's get REAL here! Okay! Okay! It is a very stressful job almost every day I am there!

Praise the Lord I am working during these tough economic times when there are so many that are not!

I really am thankful...:)

However, there is this one call in particular that got to me this week. I am still thinking about it.

First, why do people have to be soooo evil? I know....I know. I am not really asking you for the answer. I am just shaking my head in words. Even after all that I know and understand about human nature I find it so terribly disturbing and heart breaking when I come across some one as hurtful as this woman was.

"I" am not hurt. She was just so intentionally hurtful. I could very well have been devastated had I been someone else. Instead, I shook it off....(HARD as it was)...an said a prayer for her....several actually; and have been thinking about her since.

You see this woman actually took a good 15 minutes or so and many choice words; words I would never repeat, and began to literally curse me....going on to say she hoped I would get married and have kids and that me and my family; that all sorts of horrible things would happen to each of us. (she went on in detail) All of this while I was helping her on the phone. I unable to disconnect per company policy. I had to sit and take it.

I took a minute after this call and said a prayer.

Honestly, how does HE do it? Jesus.

He hears everything we say to Him....even if He did say anything back to us in retaliation .....most of us wouldn't hear Him.......but truth is. Jesus doesn't say anything back. He didn't here-then.........and doesn't now when we talk to him now.

HOW?....I wish I knew the secret. I wish I had the same ability. The Word of God tells me I do.....but some how I keep messing up....Oh I have my good days and my not so good days....and as life goes on and I grow in Grace my good days thankfully seem to out number the not so good days.

I want to be able to love all the time like Jesus....but HOW?

How?

How do you do it?

Love all the time?

Never receiving in return and then,

You, love again.

The same ones all over again;

Even, after they’ve crucified you?

How?

Oh Lord, I try; I really do.

I try so hard to love like you;

Then, when I am hurt so badly all over again;

I try to love but instead I find I cannot love like you;

Instead, I cry.

How?

Like driving nails;

Words like nails pierce my hands.

Watching the blood drip from my wounds,

I stand.

I want to forgive but I can’t.

I think of you;

How, you forgave me.

Still I try; instead I cry;

How?

Like a razor sharp sword;

I feel the intentions of another’s heart tear mine apart.

I faint in despair, knowing I need to get up.

Crying out to you for help;

Knowing, you have been here before me.

I know I must get up; but how?

How?

Lord, help me.

Please help me.

You lived the life betrayal told.

You died the death all life beholds.

You loved and loved still more,

Like, no other who has ever lived before.

How?

How do I love and love again?

How do I forgive and let the hurt take its mend?

When all my eyes clearly see is the bitter end before me?

Lord you know.

You walked the road to Calvary.

How?

You are the master at loving the unlovable;

Be the master of my heart.

Don’t let the life from me depart without first showing me the key.

I want to love like you.

***

"What is that?"

Crazy Old Man

God Created Diversity NOT Division.

This is one of my favorite sayings.

I don’t know where I first heard it or IF I first heard it or if I just said it one day myself.

Can we just take a moment to think about that catchy little phrase?

Let’s start with the word diversity.

What comes to mind when you hear the word diversity?

Race…Creed…Religion?

How about division?

What comes to mind when you take a moment to think on that word?

Pretty much the same thing?

Race….Creed…Religion?

It’s quite possible as I am finding as I intermingle with many people from all walks of life, religious and non religious alike, that this seems to be the case.

There seems to be a very fine line between the meaning of diversity and the meaning of division. As seen in the definitions below. In fact if you do you own search you will find some even use the word diversity to define division.

Webster’s definition:

Diversity: the condition of being diverse: variety: especially: the inclusion of diverse people (as people of different races or cultures)

Division: a dividing or being divided; separation.

WHAT am I getting at here?

Well it seems to me, (my humble opinion) far too many of us get caught up in the “differences” we all have in life letting them be turned into “divisions”.

As Christians we are commanded to love one another….as Jesus loved us.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)

Jesus says we are to love one another as He loved us….and that is unconditionally; despite our differences.

Dude! Jesus was without sin and He gave His life up for me…He took along road to Calvary filled with hatred and pain and insults and a gruesome death on the cross for me….THIS is how I am supposed to love YOU …..each and every one of you!

Paul, in his letter to the church at Corinth talks about divisions. This is no new thing.

I am posting "The Crazy Old Man"

I posted this story before, I believe it was my very first post….but I feel lead to post it again. It is about human nature....I wrote it during the riots.

It’s time to take GOD out of the BOX we have place Him in! We have all done it, placed God in some kind of box….and it is TIME to GET out of the BOX we have been hiding in OURSELVES….so that God can use us to touch the lives of so many that need His love!

We are ALL made in HIS Image! Each and EVERY ONE of US! Jesus came and died for each of us and we don’t deserve it but we have it….the LOVE of Almighty God!

So let’s begin to SHOW it!!!!

Love and hugszzzzzzzzz,

AmyColleen

The Crazy Old Man

It was a cold winter’s day in Washington Park. The sun was shinning bright through the scattered clouds that were blowing at a brisk pace across the bright blue sky. It was definitely a day to be bundled up. I was out for my regular morning walk. Only this time it was a little different than usual. I had bumped, literally, into the “ Crazy Old Man” from Washington Park.

The Crazy Old Man from Washington Park, known as Joe to his friends, wasn’t actually crazy he was just extremely zealous for his cause. He was 103 years old, or so he claimed to be. He stood about five feet, six inches tall. (He says he used to be almost six feet tall but shrank over the years, due to carrying the weight of his fellow man on his shoulders for so long) He had pure white, wavy hair that covered his head and white eye-brows, to match. He didn’t have any known living relatives, at least none that any of us in town knew of. He lived in a small one-room efficiency apartment downtown. He was an activist for peace and civil rights. He was one third Native American, one third Caucasian and one third African American. He may have been 103 years old but he was sharp as tack!

Joe was a very wise old man who had lived a great many years and through a great many things. Through it all, the wars, the depression, the droughts and the famines, Joe had not lost his love for life but had actually become more of an advocate for it in the end. And so it goes that he spent his days traveling from town to town trying to “rid the world” of it’s ugly prejudice’s and trying to educate people of their own bigotries.
Joe was determined to try and get the world to see that, the “hatred of others was not the way to peace”, even if it was one person at a time, one wise word at a time.

So it came that it was my time with Joe and his wise words.

“Oh my goodness!” nearly falling on top of the old man. I grabbed him gently by the arm, just barley saving him falling to the ground. “I am so very sorry. I didn’t see you there. I was looking else where.”

“You young people are always in such a big hurry,” Joe shook his head. “Where are you off to in such a big hurry anyway on this beautiful crisp Sunday morning?”

“Uh-uh, I am , uh,” I stuttered a bit. Then realized the old man was right. It was Sunday morning and I had nowhere in particular to go. “I am just out for my morning walk.”

“Well then,” he continued “Since you nearly killed me going no where, why don’t you take a minute here and share the scenery with me.”

Truthfully, that is the last thing I wanted to do. But I felt guilty for almost knocking him out cold and he was all alone and ever so persistent so I gave in.

“Okay. I’ll sit with you. But just for a little while,” I started looking around.

Joe got that gleam in his eye. The gleam he always gets just before he starts his preachin’. “Whatcha’ lookin’ for?” Joe asked me.

“Can we find a spot in the sun?” I asked, rather timidly. “This wind is pretty cold.”

Joe snickered, saying something about us young fold not knowing what real cold was and we walked to the other side of the park. Found a seat in the sun and that’s when Joe shared with me these tid-bits of wisdom.

Joe said to me ~

“I have heard that birds of a feather flock together.
I have searched around the world in which I lived and found it to be so.”

“I have heard that a tiger never changes it’s stripes.
I have searched around the world in which I have lived and found it to be so.”

“I have heard that you can’t teach an old dog, new tricks.
I have searched around the world in which I have lived and found it to be so.”

“I have heard misery loves company.
I have searched around the world in which I have lived and found it to be so.”

I looked at Joe and waited in silence.

He looked back at me. His head hung down a bit, he turned it up toward me and then he gave me half a smile and said, “Aren’t you going to ask me what it all means?”

“Wow,” was all I could think. I didn’t even know what he meant by it. He hadn’t even finished it and some how, some way, I was wowed. I just knew whatever was coming next was going to be a gem and so I looked back at Joe and said, “Okay. What does it all mean?”

I was ready, but ready for what? I had set myself up for the most incredible morsel of wisdom and knowledge. I mean after all, this old man has been around. He has walked where so many of have never and will never walk. He has done so many things and seen so many things and learned so much in life.
“Wow,” was all I could think as I waited in baited breath for his elaborate, profound answer to man-kinds behavioral patterns.

Joe continued ~


“I have heard that birds of a feather flock together.
I have searched around the world in which I lived and found it to be so.”
Joe looked at me, sighed then continued on to say,
“Until we realize we are NOT Birds we will not over come prejudice.”
“I have heard that a tiger never changes it’s stripes.
I have searched around the world in which I have lived and found it to be so.”
Again, Joe sighed,
“Until we realize we are NOT Tigers we will never allow for people to change, thus the world to change.”
“I have heard that you can’t teach an old dog, new tricks.
I have searched around the world in which I have lived and found it to be so.”
Shaking his head, Joe stood up and raised his voice slightly,
“Until we realize we are NOT Dogs, we will not be able to teach anyone anything different than the way it is now.”
Lifting both arms into the air and yelling with zeal and great emotion, tears running down his face, he continued,
“Until we realize we are NOT animals but Men and Woman created in God’s image we will NEVER over come hatred and prejudice!

At this point there were others in the park and they had begun to stare. I can honestly say I did not feel embarrassed at all. The emotion that came from Joe was heart wrenching and real. Passion from a soul who has lived what he has preached. I sat and starred in utter amazement as Joe continued on.
There was a sudden change in Joe’s demeanor. He hung his head low. He was silent for a moment and then continued on in a very saddened tone,
“I have heard misery loves company.
I have searched around the world in which I have lived and found it to be so.”

“Unfortunately, this is true no matter where I have been. Until we realize it is we who are the ones who need to change and not them. It will always be so.”

At that, Joe just walked away.

I just sat there.
“Here I thought he was going to share some great new revelation on how to rid the world of prejudice or something,” I shook my head.

“It’s no wonder they call him the Crazy Old Man.”



copyright ©2002 AmyColleen

I went to bed last night expecting to get a good night sleep. (haha)
Instead I awoke several times through out the night with prayers streaming from my heart and mouth. A certain someone on my heart. Each time I followed the unction, so strong to pray and dozed back off to sleep. I wasn't the least bit upset that I was awaken so many times during the night....instead when I got up this morning I took extra time in prayer for this precious friend and child of God. Thank the Lord for allowing me to be a part of their life.

I am hoping they are reading this.

Below I have posted a "Word in Song" the Lord Himself gave me during one of the "hardest times of my life." I didn't think I would make through those times...but I did....not without the guiding hand of Jesus though.

Here are the words and one dy when we see each other again soon I will sing it to you.

I am praying for you!

The Friend You’ve Wanted and The Friend You Need

A “New Song”

I often wonder how I might be.

The friend you've wanted and the friend you need.

How I might share your worries and your fears.

How I might wipe away your tears.

Tell me.

Where do you go, when you're feeling oh so low?

Who do you turn to, when there's no place left to go?

When the ones who you love, seem so far away,

These are the times, I long to hear you say.

***

"Where are you? Where are you, friend that I knew?

I need you. I need you to help me make it through.

Where are you? Where are you, friend that I love?

Come right now. See me through. Send your love from above."

***

You'll never know just what it means to me,

To walk and talk just you and me;

To share your joys and your miseries,

Have you forgotten, that I died for these?

So ~

Child, come to me when you're feeling oh so low.

Child, turn to me when there's no place left to go.

When the ones who you love, seem so far away,

Child, I'm right here, by your side, here to stay.

Go ahead. Call for me.

Child I'm right here.

Go ahead. And you'll see,

How happy you can be,

How happy we will be.

***

*

Okay - so I was in church just praising the Lord worshiping our beautiful God and I just kept hearing over and over and over again (in my head) “Look at me”.

It took a few times, but I finally caught on that it was actually the Lord’s voice and that I was actually getting distracted as I was worshiping. That the Lord was pulling me back in, if you will….and each time that he did ….the anointing was stronger than ever. I felt HIS presence even more.

You might think HOW could I be distracted if I was truly worshiping the Lord. But come now let’s get truthful here and be perfectly honest with each other.

I didn’t actually realize I was being distracted until I heard the Lord’s voice speaking to me…. “Look at me”…. repeatedly.

Now that I look back at the situation (and being totally honest and transparent with you) I can clearly see I was being distracted and how.

You see, those few people that know me very well, know I do not like attention; however this morning the anointing of worship was so strong in the service I felt drawn to leave my seat and move the side isle where I had more room to worship and move freely, and I did just that.

As I was worshipping the Lord my FLESH was constantly battling the urge to “wonder what others might be thinking” of my extravagant worship…..that is until I heard the Spirit of the Lord say to me, “Look at me.”

As I focused on the Lord the anointing on my worship of God grew stronger and I had no thought for anything else.

It took a good 10- 15 minutes to break through this distraction; to become completely enamored with Jesus and all encompassed with worshiping Him. Not concerned at all with any one or thing else. Then it was sheer heaven!

When we all sat down and the Pastor shared a word from God….I was blown away (but not surprised as this is how God seems to always work) to find that it was right in line with a Word the Lord had given me during the last part of the worship time. ....(*I have written the word the Lord gave below)

God is soooo Awesome!!!

Also**

Please take a moment to click on the link below Pastor Rodney has a AWESOME Word form the Lord that is life changing!

http://www.montgomeryag.org/new/audio/20091011_1045s.htm

Love you All!

May God Bless you this week with an awesome revelation of who He is and who YOU are in Him as you seek His Beautiful face!

Amy Colleen

The Word the Lord shared with me is this:

I asked the Lord why so many were so disappointed and un-excited about all that HE had done for them. So many …..so faithless; when they “knew soooo much and had sooo many wonderful gifts from God.”

The Lord spoke this to me.

“So many that are seeking that “good feeling”….that “now word” from me or that “answer to prayer”.

They pray and pray and pray but then they leave never having actually come into my presence.

Some, may go a step further and cast their burdens down at my feet after having prayed, then leave.

Still others even a step further, pray, cast their burdens upon me and come into my presence where there is fullness of joy….but still they fail to be still long enough to receive all that I have for them.

Amy, It is IN ME all your needs are met. In my presence is the fullness of Joy….and Amy, What is your strength?....”

(*I answered the Lord… “The Joy of the Lord is my Strength.”)

“In answer to your question….pray, cast your burdens on me for I do care for you and come INTO my presence where THERE IS FULLNESS of JOY!......and everything else you need. Drink from me and you will never thirst again!”

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

Life’s Answer

By: Amy Colleen

I was lost and alone, dazed and confused,

Looking for something exciting and new;

I had done everything I had known to do,

climbed the highest mountain; I’d searched the world through.

Still I had found I hungered to be fed,

For more than this life of grandeur I lead.

It was as if I were driven to find the way,

to where I am now today.

I couldn’t put my finger on it, what it was I heard.

I don’t know that it was one particular word.

All I know is that one-day,

I heard this man speak the most incredible words and say,

“For God so loved the world that he gave his Only Son;”

That moment, I knew what had to be done.

I didn’t wait another moment. I fell down on my knees.

I asked God to forgive me and set me free.

I’m not lost, alone, dazed or confused any more.

I let Jesus in my heart’s door.

My life is exciting and brand new!

I found life’s answer after searching the world through.

***

Just for YOU! Amazing!

Okay, so you know what the wonderful thing about "grace" is?

That it's "grace".

"The free and unmerited favour of God shown towards man."

"Divine love and protection bestowed freely on people."

It's simply Amazing. At least to me. When I think about God...the Almighty creator of Heaven and earth showing ME this kind of favour and for no reason but that He has chosen to. I certainly don't deserve it!

Yet it is here for me EVERY day....fresh and new......now THAT is simply Amazing to me!

I dunno, just a thought before I rush of to bed.

night ya'all.... :)

Good evening everyone!

So...I am dropping you a line to say that...

Tomorrow I will "BLOG" I promise.

:)

I got a call from a dear reader and she asked if I would "share" some of my "thoughts" on here more often. I asked... "You mean like a blog? lol" and she answered back, "Yeah! Like a blog! I think that would be really interesting and people would enjoy it. I know I enjoy it when you share your crazy thoughts with me!"

I laughed and said, "Gee thanks!" Then told her I would talk to her again tomorrow on here!

lol

Nigh ya'all

What is Success Anyway?

Who is to say if one is successful or not?
Can you say if I am successful or I you?

How can one man judge another; by what scale does he derive his findings?


Certainly not his own!


For then no one would ever be successful!


For the world is made up of millions of different facets of God’s own likenesses.


All of us, each one, made in God’s image, yet different and individual.
Special….. “Fearfully and wonderfully made…”as the Psalmist puts it.


Yet still, because we are human, we find the need to judge each other and compare ourselves one with another; configuring each person’s life, totaling it up to see if it adds up to the sum of “successful” , [in our eyes].

Why???

Why do we go to all the pain staking trouble of grumbling, gripping and judging another’s life? Perhaps even going so far as to stick our nose into, [key words here] THEIR LIFE'S issues, acting as if it’s "out of concern"?

Why?

Well, in my opinion, though there may be many different circumstances that would lead anyone to judge another’s successfulness, my guess is all of them have basically the same foundation ~ insecurity.

You see, I have met many successful people in my days; from all walks of life.


I believe success comes in all shapes and sizes and is counted as having a clear conscience before God and peace at the end of the day.

I have known some very successful business professionals, white collar workers, [i.e. Doctors and Lawyers], some blue collar workers [i.e. factory workers, retail workers etc] I have known very successful Pastors and Preachers of the Gospel; some very successful home makers, full time mothers; and even some very successful homeless people.

I do not believe success is contingent upon having a college education, a good paying job, a beautiful house, a nice car, wonderful family, [if you want one] or anything else you can think of.

If you don’t have a clear conscience before God and peace in your soul at the end of the day ~ you’re probably miserable inside and making everyone around you miserable as well.

HOW is THAT Success?


I have many, but will use one example of a successful person.

My Mom, Bless her soul, was one of the most successful people I have ever known.
Although she would never admit to that.
She never went to college; she never had a spare dime to her name. She spent every penny she ever made on her children and anyone who might need help. She worked hard every day of her life, up until the good Lord took her home.



She had a lot of musical and artistic, talent that never had the opportunity to blossom. She was also very talented n the business arena as well; had a brilliant mind!


Some might say my mother never - truly had the opportunity to succeed in life.

They couldn't be more wrong!


There were over 300 people that showed up to say good bye to my blessed mother at her memorial service.

WHY?

Because,……her LIFE OF LOVE spoke to soooo many over the years….inspired sooo many over the years. The way my mother lived; the way she treated people in her every day life. The every day simple life that so many would call, " far less than successful", left such an impression on so many people that although, my mother herself may not have become successful in the eyes of some, still the amount  peoples lives she touched were too many to count and they went on to become very publicly successful people. Actors Doctors, Bankers, Mothers, Preachers......you name it!

Now, that’s a successful life!

So....how, or why should we even try to measure success in anyone else's life?

I say....let's just worry about living a successful life ourselves!

I say we should just live to love!

Let the love we live be our measure of success!


*hugggzzzzzzzzz*

AmyColleen
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Fear God, Keep Your Vows

¹ Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil.

² Do not be rash with your mouth,
And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God.
For God is in heaven, and you on earth;
Therefore let your words be few.
³ For a dream comes through much activity,
And a fool’s voice is known by his many words.
⁴ When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it;
For He has no pleasure in fools.
Pay what you have vowed—
⁵ Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.

⁶ Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your excuse^[a] and destroy the work of your hands? ⁷ For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear God.

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

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