cracked egg

I made a meatloaf earlier and as I was adding the ingredients I thought of the egg and how I almost always forget to put it in. My mother says the egg is very important because it is what holds the meatloaf together. Does that make sense? How could a cracked (broken to pieces) egg hold it together? It makes you think doesn't it? Something that is fragile to start with, then broken into pieces can be used to hold something else together. Wow, that's got God written all of over it. I think of story after story of people broken and used by God. We all have those stories of loss and sadness and then victory in Jesus. Yes, I have been an egg for Jesus and no I didn't like it at the time, but He used me and held me together. Are you broken right now? Do you feel like that cracked egg? Remember Jesus is always with you and will keep you.

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."Isaiah 41:10

Spiritual gifts

My devotion this morning was about judgement for believers. I read in 2 Corinthians 5: 1 -10. Verse 10 says "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (New International version) We all have been given talents and or gifts from the Lord. The question on the day of judgement will be how we chose to use those talents and gifts? Did we use that wealth or fame for our own glory or did we use it to bring glory to the Lord? Several months ago I went to a website called http://www.elmertowns.com/ and took his spiritual gifts test. On that day my top three spiritual gifts were :

1. Mercy shower
2. exhorter
3. giver

Since I am posting about gifts today I decided to take the test again a few minutes ago to see how my gifts compared to several months back. Here are my top three:

1. Mercy Shower
2. giver
3. exhorter

It is possible that since my husband is going on a mission trip my awareness of helping others go on mission trips caused #2 and #3 to flip flop in order. However, my #1 gift has remained the same. That is how the Lord wants to use me. Lord help me as I seek to do your will and glorify you through my gift of mercy shower. Lord please be with those reading this blog. Father I ask that you will reveal to the reader their spiritual gifts so they too will know how best to serve you. In your sweet name I pray, Amen.

If you've never taken the spiritual gifts test try it and see what your gifts are. Then put them to use for the Lord.

Have a blessed day.

What would your sign say?

You need to go to our churches website www.firstnorth.org and click on the link on the right hand side that says: View cardboard video testimonies here! Real people, members of my church have their deepest, most painful moments written out for all of the world to read. They are testifying to their pain and God's grace to help them through it. It made me wonder if I were to join them on that stage what would my cardboard sign say? Right away the phrase from a child's song comes to mind; "He's still working on me" :-) The truth is He's still working on all of us. My deepest hurt came when I lost my dad so I suppose my sign would read:

The front of my sign would say, Lost my dad to cancer, empty spot

Back of sign: With Jesus , I have peace comforting others in grief

What would YOUR sign say? It's something to think about.

Have an absolutely gorgeous weekend. Love ya ...

Where did the years go??

Ten years ago today I was pregnant with Olivia and moving into a brand new house. We decided in 1998 to not only buy land and build a house, but to also start our family. The above picture is me pregnant with Livie, my dad standing with his arms crossed, Chris's brother Brian in the middle and a family friend who was helping clear the land. Our house was suppose to be built way before Olivia's arrival, but delays put us moving in 3 days before Olivia's birth ( talk about a stressful time). The next picture is me and Mr. Stott; his fine sons paved our driveway. Can't you tell I was about to burst ??? The 3rd picture was taken April 19th, 1999 when my baby was born. She was such a sweet heart :-) We brought her home and planted a tree in her honor. A few months later we took her to church and Pastor Mike prayed for us to raise her up in the Lord. Since then she's prayed to ask Jesus into her heart and is such a joy. So many memories have flooded my mind since posting these pictures. I feel so blessed and lucky that the Lord gave Olivia to us. What an honor to be her momma. I love her so much. Happy 10th Birthday Livie :-)

It is a slow fade

There's a very powerful song by Casting Crowns called Slow Fade. I have it posted on my blog today for you to listen to. I've heard it in the car on the past 3 trips I've taken. The words are so powerful and very true. One thing about the song that has caught my attention is listed in the 3rd line; I've posted below:

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands
As darkness pulls the strings

It's the 2nd glance that ties your hands, as darkness pulls the strings ... darkness? I've been listening to Focus on the Family this week as they have discussed how men have an issue with being the ones "glancing" at women. The focus of this weeks radio show was to let women know that just because your husband "glances" at a woman doesn't mean he's looked on her with lust, as to commit adultery in his heart. According to the show men are wired to look at women, glancing is normal ... it's the second glance that causes trouble. The second glance is being orchestrated by darkness ( sure you are ultimately the one choosing to look again, but darkness is right there cheering you on). That's when you have to remember to stand on what the Bible says: "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it."1 Corinthians 10:12, 13

That's how you overcome darkness, with God's Holy Word. I love my husband and he loves me, but in this world of "Sex sells advertising" we all have to be careful of what we see. "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world."
1 Peter 5:8-9

I don't know why I keep hearing this song and thinking on it's message. I do know that I have a small voice with this blog and someone may need this word through me from the Lord. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:9

It's never to late to do the right thing. "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty."
Jude 24-25a

Oh, be careful little eyes what you see
Oh, be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh, be careful little eyes what you see

God bless you today.

Journey to the lake

Chris called me on his way out of the neighborhood to tell me that a family of Geese were on the road coming into our neighborhood. He said the mom is at one end, the dad at the other and 6 babies in the middle. Well I jumped in my car with camera in hand to witness this family of travelers. At first my mission was just to take their picture, but then I had to get involved in this journey to the lake. I spotted a cat in the driveway of a home they were traveling through and her eyes were BIG. That cat only thought she was about to have a little fun ... I pulled into the cats driveway and got out and kept her away from the geese. Of course I have a feeling if I had not intervened the Goose would have pecked the cat so I probably did the cat a favor. I was glad no one came out of the house to ask why I in their yard, messing with their cat. Oh well . . . the things we do on impulse. I just wanted to see that family make it safely to the water and that's what I did. Check out picture #4 and you'll see the black and white cat next to the flower pot.

What fun! It is the little things that make life fun. Go be a blessing.

Clean house vs. clean heart

This week I have been putting alot of energy into cleaning our house. I've moved clutter, rearranged pictures, sorted through drawers along with the regular dusting, mopping and sweeping. I was convicted a few minutes ago about how much time and thought I actually have put into my cleaning. The Lord said; "Susan you are so concerned with your house, how about your heart?" If I spent half the amount of time cleaning up my sin life as I spend cleaning up the physical dust in my real house, oh what a better wife, mother, daughter or friend I would be. I like things to be in order. I like beds made, drawers shut, clutter off the floors, cabinets wiped clean etc. ..., but what about me? What about the clutter of thoughts that fill my mind? I could be thinking on the Lord and His will or praying for someone who is hurting, but I let my own selfish thoughts get in the way. What about the to-do I make over having the house just right? What if I made the same to-do over having my life just right? I have to admit I am an obsessive compulsive cleaner; not sure why unless it's because my mom is one too. None the less I have learned today that I need to be careful not to put to much emphasis on the temporary, but to incorporate the eternal. Sure it's great to have a clean house, but it's better to have a clean heart.

Create in me a Clean Heart
(Keith Green)

Create in me a clean heart oh God
And renew a right spirit within me
Create in me a clean heart oh God
And renew a right spirit within me

Cast me not away
From thy presence oh Lord
Take not thy Holy Spirit from me
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation
And renew a right spirit within me

The Power of the Cross

As Easter approaches my thoughts turn toward the power of the Cross. I've had this song in my head all morning and want to share it with you. Click on one of the 4 You Tube video clips. It's the same song with 4 different video approaches. Enjoy it and remember Jesus is why we celebrate Easter, Jesus is the reason YOU are here reading this and I am able to type this. He gave us Life with His life. Jesus loves you enough to die for you. If you don't know him in a personal way, let me introduce you to my Savior. I want you to experience what Easter is all about. If you live in SC you need to come to First Baptist North Spartanburg Friday night for a free and powerful Easter show. 7:00 Sanctuary... You'll be glad you came. See you there.

May He bless you today.

Soap box day

Do you ever wonder why they make green tums? I personally don't like the taste of them (hardly anyone I ask likes them) and yet that's the color that always comes out. Why can't they make a pack of ALL orange tums? When I feel bad enough to need a tums I don't want to be further frustrated by searching the pack for an orange one.

How do you feel about the language people use today? I was talking to an "older" lady in my neighborhood recently and in the midst of our conversation she said; "shut up". I was shocked to say the least. As we continued to talk she said it again. I thought to myself, this lady is to old to try to be "cool" by using this popular phrase. I don't think there is anything "cool" about the phrase. If I say shut up that means I am talking to my dog and I want her to stop barking. That is not something you say to people you like.

Sex may sell, but come on why is it that EVERY commercial tries to use sex appeal?? Food is sexy, dust mops are sexy, if you buy a certain deodorant or shampoo you'll be sexy. Give me a break! I just want to eat and smell good and have clean hair. Our world has gone wild.

I visited several historical homes over the weekend and love the simple way those folks lived. Sure they didn't have many of the items we have, but lets face it, their homes weren't cluttered and their needs were met. I am longing for those simple times. Pray for revival of our land. Pray for our president. Praise God for your blessings.

Have a glorious day.

Stone Mountain Georgia

Stone Mountain Georgia

Stone Mountain Georgia

Spring Break

Chris took me, Olivia and Olivia's friend Abbey to Stone Mountain Georgia this weekend. If you've never been and you like the outdoors and history then you need to visit. We had a fantastic time touring historical homes, playing putt-putt, climbing ropes, playing on the zip line, riding the sky lift, walking trails, swimming in the indoor pool, going to the petting zoo and the best part was the enormous laser light show on the side of the mountain. We crammed so much stuff into 3 days ... we still want to go back and do more. The girls ordered room service and had a blast hanging out all weekend together. It was a fun way to end spring break.

When we got back into town I found out that my nephew Jake and his sister Kayla were going to be baptized, so ... I changed clothes and drove over to their church to share in that with them. They had a sweet preacher ( a little long winded for a Sunday night :-) but it was a good service. I was happy to make it home in time to be a part of that. What a weekend.

Have a blessed day.