My Rock

God thank you for being my rock. Thank you for being my shield. I know that all things are possible with you, thank you! Thank you is such a powerful little phrase when you mean it! Those two little words are so small but mean so MUCH! I am going to make sure that i focus on making it a point to REALLY mean the words Thank You when I say it. God, we owe you so much, and I know that Thank You is not always enough - living my life for you is what you want from us. "Actions speak louder than words" - So as I continue to work at living my life for you, God I pray that you will continue to give me the strength I need, the wisdom and knowledge. I want my life to be yours, not mine. 'I don't want to gain the whole world to lose my soul" (toby mac) - thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for always listening to me. God, I sincerely Thank You for all that you do in my life. I love you and strive to for you everyday. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Another Devotional that hits the nail on the head!

I was reading through today devotional and it's so fitting. A friend of mine had called me yesterday and wanted to talk to me about somethings that were going on in her life and she was seeking counsel and prayer. I was beyond moved that she would even think of me - but I really felt God leading me in all that I was saying. I practiced really listening to what she was saying, and in the end it all came down to one thing for me, obedience to God.

I was a little concerned after leaving there, "God did I do what I was suppose to?" "Did I do too much talking?" "Did I express what you were telling me?" I was so honored to have been called upon, but was I going to do all the right things? After reading through today's devotional, I know that I did the right thing. I have such a peace over me and I feel God speaking directly to me through these devotionals. Something just kept pushing me to come and reads today's word, and look what I found! Thank you God for using me as an instrument in your kingdom, Lord help me to always turn toward you for guidance, give me strength God to get through whatever the day hands me and always help me keep my faith and trust in you stronger than ever! I pray for complete obedience Lord - I want to follow your path for me, not MY path for me. I pray this in Jesus, mighty, powerful name, Amen.

Take a look at what it said.

Our Daily Devotional:

Unchained Obedience

Romans 6:16 NIV: Don´t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey�whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?

Many well-intentioned Christians have accomplished much while being more obedient to their own leadership than to God´s. Many, as well, have failed to be obedient to God for reasons of feeling ill-equipped, or second-guessing their understanding of the will of God, or refusing to do God´s will for the wrong reasons. The commonality in all of these things is that human reasoning is being heard above the voice of God. If I feel God directing me to do something but I fear I will seek glory for myself, the command of God has not changed. If I talk myself in circles, expecting to reason out God´s direction, His will does not wait for my nod of agreement. Our obedience is not to be chained to our ability to understand, but to our faith to follow. In all I can muster, I will never be ready to do God´s will�yet God´s will can be accomplished through me, when I faithfully obey and trust Him with every part of the outcome.

Daily Devotional - Misunderstanding God Direction

Wow, you have to read this devotional, in fact I had to read it twice. It's rather exciting to me. I had been praying on my way into work and I don't know about you, but if you set out to pray about a couple things, you end up praying for a whole lot more! I was having a hard time with some things in my life, past and present, to the point I was broken down and crying to God about them. I know that He is a Loving and Forgiving God - but I was having a hard time with some things... And you know I prayed right up until I got to work this morning, so I didn't have time to quiet my heart and listen for God to speak back. Until, I checked todays devotional! You have to read this - I am coping and pasting it in for you....
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Misunderstanding God´s Direction

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

If you are like me, there are times that you pursue the path of God with sincerity, only to discover that you misunderstood His direction. It can be pretty disheartening to believe you are doing what God wants, only to realize along the way that you made a wrong turn. At such a time, it would be easy to get upset, or angry with yourself. You might begin questioning your decisions about many other things, or start thinking about the ´if onlys.´ "If only I would have�I would be�" here or there by now, etc. At such a time, take heart, and remember two of my favorite words: "But God." You may have made a mistake, but God is bigger. You may have misunderstood, but God knew your heart was in the right place. You may be off course�but God is able to bring good things out of bad, and always more than able to get you on the right path.

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I had a BAD case of the "if onlys" today - and I feel such a calm and peace in my heart that God is speaking back to me with - "But God" and it goes on to say "... but God is bigger", "...but God knew my heart", "...but God is able to bring good things out of bad..." I mean this is what I needed to hear. You can have all the faith and strength in the world, but reassurance never hurts. Thank you GOD for reassuring me today - I could burst into tears I am so happy. I feel your warm presence surround me today. Thank you God and help me to always follow YOUR direction in my life - NOT my own. It is so easy to confuse that and get on the wrong path. Thank you for you continuing love and GRACE!! In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN!!

A Teenager's View of Heaven

I was sent this in an e-mail earlier today and it was amazing. I am never going to get rid of this!! It is SO REAL and SO TRUE!!! It brought tears to my eyes. I hope that you will share it too.... - Megan

A Teenager's View of Heaven


17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a
class. The subject was what Heaven was like. 'I wowed 'em,' he later told
his father, Bruce. 'It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I
ever wrote..' It also was the last.



Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was
driving home from a friend's house=2 0when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road
in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck
unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.




The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family
portraits in the living room. 'I think God used him to make a point. I
think we were meant to find it and make something out of it,' Mrs. Moore
said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of
life after death. 'I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven.. I know
I'll see him.'



Brian's Essay: The Room...





In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the
room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall
covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries
that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these
files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in
either direction,had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of
files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have
liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut
it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.
And then without being told, I knew exactly wh ere I was.


This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for
my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small,
in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity,
coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files
and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others
sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to
see if anyone was watching.



A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have
betrayed.' The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird 'Books
I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have
Laughed at .' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've
yelled at my brothers.' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in
My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never
ceased to be surprised by the contents.



Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than
I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.
Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these
thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth.
Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signatu re.



When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I
realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed
tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the
file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by
the vast time I knew that file represented.



When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run
through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test
its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.


I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost
animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever
see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!'
In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had
to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began
pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became
desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as s tee l when I
tried to tear it.


Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot.
Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.


And then I saw it.. The title bore 'P eople I Have Shared the Gospel
With.' The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost
unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches
long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.



And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt.
They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and
cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The
rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever,
ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I
pushed away the tears, I saw Him.



No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched
helplessly as


He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch
His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face,
I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.



He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to
read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room.
He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't
anger me.. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to
cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He coul d have said so
many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.



Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one
end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His
name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could
find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name
shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so
dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His
blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to
sign the cards.. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so
quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file
and walk back to my side.


He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood
up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There
were still cards to be written.


'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. '-Phil. 4:13


'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever
believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'


If you feel the same way forward it so the love of Jesus will touch their
lives also. My 'People I shared the gospel with' file20just got bigger, how
about yours?

Amen to today's devotional!

It's all about worry - it's off to the left. All I can say is AMEN! It's hard to not worry about something that is so important to you. But if your faith is strong, if you believe that God looks out for you, then you have to have control enough to give it over to him. It's not easy, and I am not trying to pretend that it is. It has taken me a long time to come to where I am and I am still climbing, but wow, what a relief when you can let it go and give it over to God and ask for his will. I think what is 2nd on the importance ranking is letting God's will happen. Just because you have a situation, and God's will is the answer to the situation that you were NOT hoping for, doesn't mean God doesn't love or care for you. He doesn't want to see us hurt, but sometimes, we have to hurt in order to make it to the big show - what God REALLY has in mind.

Our lives are a "Ginormous" maze, God gives us free will to make our own decisions, and when we take a wrong turn, it's not always going to be easy to get back over to the path that God has for us. But the amazing thing is Gods grace, he loves us no matter what, if we get off track we need to seek him to get right back on. He wants us to call on him! So no matter what the situation is, don't worry about it, because, once again, "father knows best" that's your father in heaven that is....

I know that I have another post that was posted just a couple ago about this, but I think this is something God is really trying to master in my life - I have come so far with him, and after reading todays devotional, I couldn't help but respond!! Thanks for listening again : )

Teaming UP With God- ROCKS

As you may or may not notice, I have been on a weight loss journey since the beginning of the year, 2009! This time I decided to team up with none other than GOD himself! I have tried everything short of surgery and I have had short term success, but never long term... this time I am DETERMINED to make it work and with God on my side, how in the heck can I fail : )

One of the things that is really helping me, is remembering that my body is not my own - it, along with everything I have, belongs completely to God! So God has given me this body to barrow while I live on earth (can't wait to see what my body looks like in heaven.. just kidding..). Anyway, I realize that we only get one body and I have let my body slide for WAY TOO LONG!!! I am 30 now, and in the last 6.5 years, I had gained 80 pounds.

So starting with 2009 I decided to get my head out of the forest and get back on track for good!! But this time I was going to rely on God as my number one team mate. He has been helping me every step of the way!! Thank you Lord!!!

I have a huge testimony to give today - today was the end of week five for me, and guess what, I am doing is diet, exercise and GOD'S help!! I have lost a total of 10 pounds and 14 inches over all!! Amazing huh, I thought so.

Keep up the great work GOD, I know I'm not always the easiest person to get along with, but bare with me, only 90 pounds to go : ) Love Megan!

Something has been bthering me...

Someone I know, who does not walk with God had posted something that I read yesterday. The post was so prideful and boastful about what she has and how great her life is. That she knows what she has and what she wants out of life... This all sounds good, but there was just something about the tone of her writing this. I mean, I was reading this thinking, how can everything be so great in your life when God is no where near?

My heart was disrupted after this for the rest of the day and even into today... I never want to have things going so well in my life that I stop needing or wanting God's direction and guidance in my life. I think that this was an eyeopener for me!!!

This person I speak about has life all figured out, you can't make suggestions, or comments, she knows it all. So to talk to her about needing God in her life is very hard, and I don't know how I would even start. She is very critical of a family member in her immediate family that has a relationship with God - I mean, she will always have something "smart" to say...

She is also someone who always has to keep up with the Jones, here see what I have.... Like I said, everything is just always so great for them. I hope this doesn't come off as I am jealous, I just see this as a very sad situation and I really need to pray for God's guidance on this.. Am I suppose to approach her, am I just suppose to pray for her... I don't know?? All I know is like I said earlier, how can everything be so great in your life when God is no where near?

God, please know my heart on this. I am NOT jealous of what she has, or what she says... I am actually saddened.. help me, help guide me, what am I suppose to do? I want to follow your lead in my life Lord.

It's funny, there are so many people that I think about that need the Lord who don't have him... and she has always been so low on my list, no reason, there just didn't seem to be a sense of urgency, with her. Well now, my eyes are open - I need to add her to the top pf my list! There is a need for urgency with her!! Imagine, if she thinks life rocks now, what it will be like when God is present!! Please be praying for me... I have no clue what God's will is on this. So I WILL be PRAYING!!

Thanks for listening to me - I hope that this post is taken in the right context.

Connecting With God

Our Daily Devotional:

Don´t Forget to Wash

2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV: And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord´s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

There are bath people, and there are shower people; I happen to be both. My favorite things about taking baths are that they are relaxing, and I enjoy the quiet time to sit, soak, and think. But my baths lose something when as a result of my reflection, I find myself toweling off before I have washed [absentmindedness is a funny thing]. Taking a bath and not washing seems kind of pointless--you just get wet, and once you dry off, you´re no different than before. That´s pretty much the way it is when you have a quiet time, but don´t really connect with God. You´re there�sort of. You may hear God´s voice, but you don´t hear what He says. You read your Bible but later remember nothing of what you read. You leave your time with God, the memory of it evaporates, and you are no different than before. We can´t be equipped, nourished, or changed by our time with God if we forget why we´re there. If it is hard to focus, we need only ask God to help us. He is more than able to give us what we need to draw our attentions back to the reason for our quiet times. (This was not written by Megan, it was taken from the box n the left - daily devotional. The man who wrote this is Randy, I only copied it in a post so that you could read this before reading what I was going to say.)

Megan' s Post:

I couldn't agree more with this. I think that there as so many times that this is me!! Not because I mean for it to be, but because it just is. Especially with reading my bible. WOW, it's so hard sometimes for me to grasp what God is really saying through his words. There are so many times that I feel dumb, why and I not getting this?? I feel like, oh what have I done, why is God not talking to me.... I start to have the worry factor set in. But you know what, that's not me, and that's not God, it's Satan!

I know that God speaks to me and I know that I understand his word and what I am suppose to do... but sometimes, like anything else, it will be harder than others. And I have also grown to learn that every sentence in the bible won't speak to me at that time, just because I am reading it! God will work on his time, God speaks on his time, and I need to have patience and understanding with that.

I do need to pray for God to keep me focused!! That is a HUGE prayer for me. So many times I will be reading or praying, maybe both... I will say or read something and start thinking about something totally different and get SO off track!! Then I have to fight to get back to where I was.

God wants us to seek his help, he wants us to call his name, he wants us to ask to bring us closer. Something we learned yesterday in church - if we want peace in our life, than we need to connect with God! We need to have an intimate relationship with - I need to lay it all out and say: "Here Am I".