April Brings Great Joy!!!

Well I am sorry that I have not written anything in a long time I have been a little busy lol well ok who isn’t busy these days… Well on April 3, 2009 was my 27th birthday and it was a great one.. My birthday celebration started on the night before my birthday 3 of my co-workers took me out to dinner of course I the birthday girl had to pick the place where we would eat and so I choose Applebees and it was great I walked in and on the table was three gifts for me I was not expecting that and it was a great night… Then on Friday the day of my birthday I got to work and there was a sign on my door that said happy 27th birthday Stacy well then at 9:00am we had a birthday breakfast for all the April birthdays at work and it was really good. Well the day morning was great I was getting wishes on facebook and phone calls from people wishing me a happy birthday… When I got off of work at 12:30pm my friend and i went to Cattle Baron and had there amazing salad bar it was really great. I went home and took me a nap lol… Well then my family took me out to Chilli’s and that was fun after dinner I was not ready to go home so Mandi, Carly and I went to get some ice cream that was fun. Well then a few days later my friend/co-worker Lauren and I went to Main Event and had a fun time this all I did for my birthday it was a gret one there was some friends that I wished were there but it is all good.

Well in April it also brought Easter the most amazing day the day that Jesus died on the Cross for us now that is true Love by anybody the Grace that he showed us was unbelieveable. There is not enough words to say that would compare to the way that I feel.

In April I became a baseball aunt my 2 nephews play for 2 different teams so lets just say that I am one busy aunt trying to make as many games as I can. When I am there joy comes over me I can’t believe that I are old enough to be out there and they are so happy when I come see them play. So I guess you can say that April so far as been a good one.

Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions. “

1 John 3:18

Christians

Christians

by Maya Angelou

‘A woman’s heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.’

When I say… ‘I am a Christian’ 
I’m not shouting ‘I’m clean livin”
I’m whispering ‘I was lost, 
Now I’m found and forgiven.’

When I say… ‘I am a Christian’ 
I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble 
And need Christ to be my guide.

When I say… ‘I am a Christian’ 
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak 
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say… ‘I am a Christian’ 
I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed 
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say… ‘I am a Christian’ 
I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible,
But God believes I am worth it.

When I say… ‘I am a Christian’ 
I still feel the sting of pain..
I have my share of heartaches, 
So I call upon His name.

When I say… ‘I am a Christian’ 
I’m not holier than thou,
I’m just a simple sinner 
Who received God’s good grace, somehow!

Pretty is as Pretty does… 
But beautiful is just plain beautiful!

Pray for my Grandpa!!!

      Well my grandpa is not doing good these days and I am scared that i am about to lose him he got out of the hospital about 2 days ago and then he had to go back in today so I just need prayers for my family. When my sister and I were growing up we lived in Ropes and my grandpa and grandma lived in East Texas so we didn’t get to see them very much but about 2 years ago they move here to Lubbock so I have gotten to spend more time with them so it has been nice and I thank God that he has given me this time but I hope that he will give me a little more time with my grandpa but I know that it is all in God’s hands and I have to trust in that. The great thing is I know when he does go I know that he is going to with the Lord and I will see him again.  May you keep my family in your prayers…

     Well I do have some great news that I just have to share my cousin Bryan who is in his 30′s has started to go to church and that is such a prayer answered because he had never been to church we serve an amazing God and everything is in his time now we need to pray that my cousin will accept God has his personel Savior. Well I will keep everyone updated on all that is going on with my grandpa and my cousin Bryan. Thanks again for the prayers …

What Is Going On!!!

    Well I am back these past few days has been crazy for me and that is no joke. The first thing that happened was I got some bad news from one of my friends and it took alot out of me it was really hard for me because I really throught that this friend was going to be there but to find out they have something else to do.  I just really hope that they will make it up to me but I have no idea if they will or not but my life will go on I have been here before so I know how to pick up the tears and move on I know that God has me in his wonderful hands so I am in great hands. On top of all that bad news I got sick I guess all the stress and sadness caught up with me but thank goodness I am 100% better I hate being sick because i love being able to go and do I don’t like being trapped inside because of sickness. What was bad was I had to miss teaching my sunday school kids man when you can’t do something you realize how much you love doing it. Telling my sunday school kids about Jesus is the most amazing time that I have during the week the love that he has for them is so great that it brings joy to my life when they what to hear more about Jesus.  Jesus is the most important thing in my life and it great to know that I can go to him anytime and he is always there.

 

       Well I went to see the Ropes Eagles boys basketball team play in the regional quarterfinals and I had a great time I got to see alot of people that I had not seen in while I was little sad that I had to go by myself but even so I had a great time.  Ropes is where I went to high school and I have to say I am very proud to have gone there that town and school made me who I am today and I will always be proud of being a Lady Eagle.  The Ropes boys played a great game that night they even went to overtime but at the end they couldn’t pull it out for the win. So I guess the past week started off not so great but at the end of the week it got better for me.

 

“Praise The Lord, Praise God In The Sanctuary: Praise Him In The Firmament Of  His Power. Praise Him For His Mighty Acts: Praise Him According To His Excellent Greatness . ” Psalm 150: 1-2

Shoes In Church

    I read this in one of my email’s that I got from a friend and really wanted to share it with  you I hope that you will be touched as much as I was. We need to remember that with one word can change somebody’s life.

 Shoes in church

I showered and shaved I adjusted my tie. I got there and sat in a pew just in time. Bowing my head in prayer as I closed my eyes. I saw the shoe of the man next to me. Touching my own I sighed with plenty of room on either side. I thought, ‘Why must our soles touch? It bothered me, his shoe touching mine… But it didn’t bother him much. A prayer began: ‘Our Father’.I thought, ‘This man with the shoes,  has no pride. They’re dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side! Thank You for blessings,’ the prayer went on. The shoe man said a quiet ‘Amen. I tried to focus on the prayer but my thoughts were on his shoes again aren’t we supposed to look our best. When walking through that door? ‘Well, this certainly isn’t it,’ I thought, Glancing toward the floor. Then the prayer was ended and the songs of praise began. The shoe man was certainly loud. Sounding proud as he sang his voice lifted the rafters his hands were raised high the Lord could surely hear. The shoe man’s voice from the sky it was time for the offering and what I threw in was steep. I watched as the shoe man reached into his pockets so deep I saw what was pulled out. What the shoe man put in then I heard a soft ‘clink’ as when silver hits tin. The sermon really bored me to tears, and that’s no lie. It was the same for the shoe man for tears fell from his eyes at the end of the service as is the custom here. We must greet new visitors, and show them all good cheer but I felt moved somehow and wanted to meet the shoe man. So after the closing prayer I reached over and shook his hand. He was old and his skin was dark and his hair was truly a mess but I thanked him for coming for being our guest.He said, ‘My name’s Charlie I’m glad to meet you, my friend. There were tears in his eyes but he had a large, wide grin ‘Let me explain, he said Wiping tears from his eyes.’I've been coming here for months and you’re the first to say Hi I know that my appearance is not like all the rest but I really do try to always look my best. I always clean and polish my shoes before my very long walk but by the time I get here they’re dirty and dusty, like chalk. My heart filled with pain and I swallowed to hide my tears as he continued to apologize for daring to sit so near he said, When I get her I know I must look a sight but I thought if I could touch you..’Then maybe our souls might unite. I was silent for a moment knowing whatever was said would pale in comparison. I spoke from my heart, not my head. Oh, you’ve touched
me, I said and taught me, in part; That the best of any man is what is found in his heart the rest, I thought,this shoe man will never know. Like just how thankful I really am that his dirty old shoe touched my soul.

    God made all of us different and he loves each one of us may we love the way Christ loves us because if we did this world would never be the same.

The Rose

    Well a few days ago we celebrated valentine’s day and I was thinking about what that day was all about flowers, cards, candy etc. The one thing that stands out for me is the most sold flower which is the rose and here is why. The Rose reminds me of how much God loves me  just think for a moment the color Red of the Rose symbolizes the blood that God shed upon the Cross for all of us. Now the second part of the Rose is the Thorns on the Rose which symbolize the Thorns on Jesus head. I just really think that it is amazing that the day of love the Rose is the most famous thing to give you loved ones. So I hope that next time you see a Rose you will see the Love that God has for you because that Love will never die.

 

    Love is patient, love is kind. It is does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always persevers.  1st Corinthians 13:4-7

On My Way, On My Own

     I think sometimes we stop listening to God and start listening to people more then God. I know people can be used by God and that is great but sometimes people just don’t give you the encouagement that sometimes you need and you start believing the things that they say like you can’t do that are you sure you want to do that etc. I heard this song it just touched my life I sometimes stop doing things because I worry about want others will do or say but this song taught me that I am not alone so here are the words sung by Lynda Randle an amazing song.

 

On My Way, On My Own

I’m on my way, I’m on my own leaving this safe warm harbor of my home. I’m not afraid of this great unknown I’m on my way and I’m on my own. Lord I will not worry I will trust in you. After all, you’ve always seen me through. My faith won’t let me be afraid and God, I know you’re on my side you’re my shield and you’re my strength. I’m on my way and I’m on my own leaving this safe warm harbor of my home. I’m not afraid of this great unknown cause I’m on my way and I’m on my own. Lord, I know you’re with me everywhere I go. On the mountain high, Lord or in the valley low. Your hand will guide me and keep me close I don’t ever have to fear cause Lord, I know you’re always near. I’m on my way and I’m on my own leaving this safe warm harbor of my home. I’m not afraid of this great unknown ’cause I’m on my way and I’m on my own. I ‘m on my way and I’m on my own leaving this safe warm harbor of my home. I’m not afraid of this great unknown ’cause I’m on my way and I’m on my own. Yes I’m on my way and I’m on my own.

    So if you are scared or feel that you can’t do it just remember that God is always there to hold your hand and guide you through it you are not alone. God LOVES you!!!

The Discipline of Waiting!!!

     Well the past 2 weeks has been a very tough for me and that is why that I have not written anything but I am back and ready to write again. This month I have had a tough time waiting on things and God and it is amazing to know that even if I think the time is up God is always there to say not just yet wait on me.  I read this the other day and I wanted to share it with you.

     Is there a harder discipline than that of waiting, especially when one’s desires seem as wild and uncontrollable as a prairie fire? Without real trust in who God is-trust in his never-failing love and wisdom, we set ourselves up for disappointment. Is He a good God? Will He give what is best? If the answer is yes to both questions, it follows that He will withhold many things that look attractive to us. It is His mercy to withhold them. Shall we accuse Him of failure to get ” His act ” together or shall we echo the psalmist’s word, ” I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord ” (Ps. 27:13-14 NIV).
     If we imagine that happiness is to be found by furious pursuit, we will end up in a rage at the unsatisfying results. If, on the other hand, we set ourselves to pursue the wise and loving and holy will of our Heavenly Father, we will find that happiness comes – quietly, in unexpected ways, and surprisingly often, as the by-product of sacrifice.
Waiting is a form of suffering – the difficulty of self-restraint, the anguish of unfulfilled longing, the bewilderment of unanswered prayer, flesh and heart failing, soul breaking. These are indeed tribulations, and tribulation is the curriculum if we are to learn patience. We want answers now, right now, but we are required at times to walk in darkness.
     ” My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him ” (Ps. 62:5) In Him alone lie our security, our confidence, our trust. A spirit of restlessness and resistance can never wait, but one who believes he is loved with an everlasting love and knows that underneath are the everlasting arms will find strength and peace. God is in the Waiting.

Elisabeth Elliot

Missing Russ

    On January 22, 1997 is a day that I will never forget I woke up and got ready to go to school I was in the 9th grade and while I was at lunch I got a phone call from my mom saying that my cousin Russ at the age of 17 went to be with Lord. We knew that our time with Russ was getting shorter Russ battled heart problems all of his 17 years of life and he lived longer then the doctors throught he would so every moment was special in our eyes.  Russ taught me so much in his 17 years as he knew that his life was very short he didn’t let that stop him and as I live my life i am encouraged by that everyday. Russ was not able to go to school very much so instead Russ went to the movies everyday he loved going and of course everybody there knew him by name. We called Russ the movie critic of the family because when we wanted to know about a movie Russ would tell us yes go see it or no don’t go see it.

    Russ’s faith in God was amazing with all that he was going through Russ knew that God was in control of it and even in his last days here on earth Russ was still witnessing to his friends and a couple of them accepted Christ and that right there is what it is all about until the very end we need to do the same share Christ with everyone.  We need to take up our cross daily and live the way Russ did because we never now when are time is up. I read this the other day and it reminded me of Russ “Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.”

    Like I said Russ loved movies but he also loved comic books he had sooo many of them. Russ loved to do jokes on all of us Russ would go to the store and find crazy stuff to pull on us Russ was full of laughter and joy. I truly miss him and I wonder if he had lived what he would have become in oct he would have turned 30 with his twin brother Rob which I am very close to. During the last few months that Russ lived he planned his funeral everything he did himself from a slideshow, to what music he wanted, to writting an amazing letter to his family it was a funeral that I will never forget.

    On January 22 I am going to be  a little sad because I miss Russ but I am going to rejoice because I know were he is and I also know that one day I will see him again. Knowing that Russ is no longer in pain and he is healed gives me peace, joy, happiness and that is what gets me through each day. So if you are mourning someone close to you may you find comfort in the arms of the Lord and remember that you have not lost that person if you know that they are a christian because you know where they are.

 

” That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have ebtrusted to him for that day. ” 2 Timothy 1:12

Here I Am God!!!

   In the bible it says that God doesn’t give us more then we can handle well I believe that I hit the limit this past week. As you already know in my other posts my friends mean the world to me and I am always there for them and I never leave them hanging if I can help it. Well these past few days some of my friends have broken me like the words from the song Broken from Lifehouse says ” I am still here waiting though I still have my doubts I’m falling apart, Im barely breathing with a broken heart that is still beating in the pain there is healing.”  That is the way I am feeling right now i am falling apart with pain because I just really don’t want to go back to the way people treated me in the past I felt like I was finally getting away from that but this past week it came back with people not wanting to hangout with me others taking advantage of me and trust me it is not a fun place to be.

    I am tired of always being the one who writes and calls first to see how my friends are doing but they don’t write or call to see how I am doing until I make the move first so I have decided to step back because all that I have done I deserve to be treated better then that so I am going to see who my true friends really are. I am finally ready to get out of this storm because the waves are just really crashing on me and I need to be strong enough to fight the storm and stop letting it get the best of me I am better then that.  So God here I am laying this at your feet and giving it to you because you are the only one that can get me through this I know that it is not going to be easy but my faith in you is all I need. God please reveal my true friends to me because you know how much I love them..

 

” The Lord Is My Helper; I Will Not Be Afraid. What Can Man Do To Me?” Hebrews 13:6