Jen's 30th Birthday Party!

I had a great time tonight at my friend Jen's 30th Birthday party! It was held at a coffee shop downtown and the whole place was rented out for us! I had a lot of fun! I love the flowers they decorated with! Jen came up with an awesome idea! They brought props and we each had to dress up with as many of the props as we wanted to, and have our picture taken. They then printed out the pic and we each created our own page with a message for Jennifer. As you can see, I had fun doing it! It was a great escape from my week. I assured Jen her 30's may very well be her best years yet! I'm half way through mine, and so far that has proven to be the case for me. It was fun to catch up with so many of her friends who I had met last year when we went out to dinner for her birthday. A year sure flies by fast! Happy Birthday Jen! Thanks for including me in your celebration! :)

Good News & Unanswered Questions

Well, I met with my Dr. on Friday AM and all of the tests he ran came back fine. No problems! He tested for everything from Lupus & Rheumatoid Arthritis to Diabetes, etc. My sodium levels were even fine. This is great news! So why am I still frustrated? I'm still frustrated because there are still no answers as to why my feet/ankles have been swelling so much that I can't even wear my regular shoes. There's also no explanation for my fatigue or shortness of breath. The Dr. did prescribe a pill that is used for high blood pressure (which I don't have) and is also used to reduce water retention. I started taking that yesterday, so we shall see. As far as the joint pain in my knees, the Dr. said it isn't normal for a 35 yr old, but it is normal for a 35 yr old who has a desk job and isn't very active. I'll admit I have not been physically active this winter. Summer, Spring & Fall I'm a walking queen, but winter...not so much. So he wants me to exercise 3 times a week and take the water pill and see if I feel better. If my breathing isn't better in a few weeks, I'm going to ask him for some type of an inhaler as I do have mild asthma. Hopefully the water pills will kick into gear soon! So, that's the deal. Like I said this is at the least the 3rd time this has happened. I'm happy I'm healthy! I just wish there was an explanation for my symptoms. But, God never promised we would get all of the answers in this life, so I entrust my health to his care! Thanks for all of your support, concern, thoughts & prayers! I have the best family & friends ever! I am very blessed! :)

This is Comical!

I'm A Medical Mystery!

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers! It's been a very long week! Most of my blog readers know that I have had some health issues this past week. Last week my feet/ankles started to swell severely. Then on Saturday I was having shortness of breath. These symptoms have continued and still continue to be an issue, along with extreme fatigue. This is at LEAST the 3rd time I have had these "mysterious" episodes. Approx 3-4 years ago I was even sent to a Rheumatologist. My Dad passed away 9 years ago due to Lupus complications and my Mom has Lupus. The Rheumatologist ran numerous tests for Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc, and didn't find anything. There was no explanation for my symptoms. So Monday (3 days ago) AM I went to the Dr. because of the swollen feet/ankles & shortness of breath. The Dr. told me to go have a chest x-ray & blood work done. I went and got these items taken care of on Tuesday AM. Tuesday evening I started having pain/tenderness on the right side of my chest. I called the Dr. on Wednesday morning and he said he didn't have any suggestions because he needed to see what the test results were first.

The Dr.'s office called me shortly after 8:00AM today to let me know the chest x-ray came back. The good news is that my heart & lungs are fine! :) The frustrating news is that there again seems to be no cause for my symptoms. The Dr.'s office called me back about an hour later to let me know the test results for the blood work came back and the Dr. wanted to meet with me to discuss the results. I asked the nurse if there was anything I should be concerned about. She said as far as she could tell there wasn't, but sometimes the Dr. keeps some of the results in his office. So, I will see what the Dr. says tomorrow at my 9:15am Appt. Please say a prayer that he can get to the root of my problems. I seriously think the Dr. would begin to think it's all in my head had he not seen my swollen feet/ankles. Anyone who has seen them can tell it's definitely not normal! I have insomnia. I even took a prescribed sleep aid and still can't sleep! I'm blessed to have the 11:00am-7:15pm shift because if I worked 8-5 it would be nearly impossible to have Appts 4 out of 5 days in a week! This way I do what I need to do in the AM and then go to work. I'm exhausted though...physically and emotionally. I didn't meet production at work 2 out of the past 4 days. Mostly because I'm seriously exhausted and just feel like sleeping, and I'm wondering what's wrong with me. I just want to get to the bottom of this. I'm blessed to have found this Dr. and thank my roommate for suggesting him when I was looking for a Dr. in the area. He seems to want to get to the bottom of this too. In the past the Dr.'s would just call me and tell me the tests came back fine and then they would stop trying to find the root of the problem.

I was reading in my One Year Bible yesterday and read these words from Psalm 41: "Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in time of trouble. The Lord will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness." Isn't it amazing how God leads us to the portions of scripture at just the right time we need to read them?! :) Thanks again for your prayers! I'll keep you posted. God Bless! :)

Powerful Quotes!

The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That's the day we truly grow up.
John Maxwell

A friend is able to see you as the wonderful person God created you to be.
Ann D. Parrish

The dearest friend on earth is a mere shadow compared to Jesus Christ.
Oswald Chambers

Our attitude can turn our problems into blessings.
John Maxwell

Sometimes the only way God can protect us from the romantic equivalent of driving off a cliff is by bringing about the breakup of a relationship that we cherish. Only with time and hindsight do we appreciate the wisdom of his action.
M. Blaine Smith

Are You Living Your Life On Hold?

Here is part of an Article I read today. The Author's name is at the end of the Article. I think many of us, married or single tend to live our lives on hold; "I'll be happy when (fill in the blank)". Although I do live my life and don't sit around and wait for a mate in order to live my life and do the things I want to do, I have to admit that in many ways, I do/have put my life on hold. Like all of us, I tend to go in phases. I'll be happy & fine being single and then after a break-up I go through a period of wanting to be married so bad that it consumes my thoughts. I'm on my way back up from being in that valley, and I look forward to the blessings God has for my future, whether single or married. He knows what's best for me!

This Article is very thought provoking and I hope you enjoy it! :)

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Embrace The Season!!

If you keep doing what you’re doing today, where will you be ten years from now? As singles, there is a tendency to put life on hold, waiting for that day you finally walk the aisle, when that ring goes on your finger, when you say, “I do.” Then, you think, life will truly begin.

Your desire to marry is very natural and normal. In many ways I believe God made us this way. But what are you doing today? Embrace every moment you have—now.

Life is full of wonderful and terrific opportunities beyond your wildest dreams. Don’t stop dreaming. Don’t stop seeking God for His divine appointments. Live life with moments that take your breath away. Don’t live your life “on hold.”

Stop and enjoy a beautiful sunset, the ocean, the mountains, the moon, the stars, a rainbow. Embrace the Creator of the universe. Embrace the beauty of His creation, His magnitude, His greatness, His love. Embrace life, knowing God has a plan even when you don’t always understand it or see it. Embrace His Word when life doesn’t make sense.

God says He has a plan, a plan to prosper you and not to harm you, a plan to give you a hope and a future. Call upon Him and pray. Seek Him with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:11-13). Don’t lose heart! Keep believing God no matter what disappointments come. Have you had another relationship fall apart? I understand. Press on!

When life is frustrating, He remains faithful. When you’re tired of waiting, He remains constant. When you’re sick and tired of being single, embrace your freedom.

Exercise when you like.
Go on a vacation when you like.
Change the thermostat how you like.
Invite friends over when you like.
Watch the programs you like.
Change the channels when you like.
Spend your money how you like (according to God’s principles).
Go to the movies you like (according to God’s standards).
Eat the food you like. (Keep it healthy.)
Dress the way you like. (Keep it wholesome.)
Go to bed when you like. (Keeping it healthy.)
Go to the church you like (by God’s direction).
Work in the ministry you like (by God’s direction).

If you marry, the above list may dramatically change. Your freedom changes to a commitment to another. Your desire is to please your mate. Marriage would add a wonderful new set of things you may be able to do, but don’t forget the things you would lose.

Today can you embrace your singleness? Consider all the wonderful opportunities you’ve been given. Live it, love it, enjoy it, and embrace it!

May God fill you with His great joy! Embrace the moment!


“You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”

—Psalm 16:11
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Kathleen Hardaway is an author and speaker with a passion to encourage and equip women to be all that God calls them to be. She exhorts women to never give up, dream big, and live the life God created them to live.

God Above All My Hopes & Fears!

This song is AMAZING! :)

Here are the lyrics for the beginning of the song:

God above all the world in motion
God above all my hopes and fears
I don't care what the world throws at me now
It's gonna be alright

No matter what happens in our lives, it WILL be alright! God is greater than our hopes and fears! :)

Read

Salvation Is Here Lyrics

here.

'Cause I know my God saved the day
And I know His word never fails
And I know my God made a way for me
Salvation is here

I Love This Family!

This is the most recent pic of my sister Debbie, her husband Scott and their 3 children (Lexi-6, Hannah-4, & Tyler-2). I miss them so much! I can't believe how much Hannah's face has matured in the past month since I've seen them!

Hugs

People need physical touch. It is one of the 5 primary love languages. As a single person, one of the parts I miss about being in a relationship is the physical touch aspect of it. Most singles crave physical touch, even if they don't realize it. I believe it is a human need and helps us to feel better! It releases endorphins to lift up our moods. I won't seriously wear a "hug me" shirt, but be prepared for me to be giving lots of hugs! :) I can't wait to love on those little ones in the Nursery at Church a week from Saturday! :)

I'm So Excited About This Volunteer Opportunity!

Last evening I went to an orientation at my Church for volunteering with the Children's Ministry (the pic is not from last evening, but rather just a pic I found of babies online). I am choosing to help in the Nursery! The Nursery is broken down into three rooms. One is for the newborns, one is for the sitters & crawlers, and another is for toddlers up to age 2! When we went to talk to the team leader, I saw 3 baby girls in the sitters/crawlers room and I fell in love! I will work where I'm needed, but most likely I'll be with the sitters/crawlers. Something lit up in me when I saw these adorable children of God! Those of you who know me, know how much I love children, and they love me too! :) In 2 weeks I will observe to see what it's like and learn the ropes. It's a 2 hour commitment every other week. I will be volunteering for one of the services on Saturday evening. I am so excited and can't wait to love on these little ones! I think I may have found my niche in serving the Lord that really suites my spiritual gifts & personality, and another perk is that I can get my "baby fix"! I may never be blessed with children of my own, but there are plenty of children in the world who do need love and attention! Most importantly I can show them the love of Christ!! :)

Father's Love Letter

Happy Valentine's Day! Here's an intimate message from God to YOU!

My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

The Search For A Godly Spouse

Tuesday evening I was driving home from hanging out with my dear friend Mary. I have heard Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family Broadcasts before, but never paid attention to what time they were on. Well, it was 9:00pm and on this particular evening, his broadcast was about "The Search for a Godly Spouse"! Wow! This was a total "God thing" as I had just broken up with my boyfriend 6 days before that. His program is usually always about Family and hardly ever about Singleness. Pastor Alistair Begg was the guest speaker and I knew God was speaking to me through him!Much of the following information was taken from the Monday & Tuesday evening broadcasts which I listened to on focusonthefamily.com. So, to "All my single ladies"...here is what I took from those broadcasts:

1. In every relationship, a relationship with God must come first. Unless we have a meaningful viable increasing relationship with the Lord Jesus ourselves,… being in the word daily, sharing it regularly, then we really should go no further than that in terms of developing relationships.. It is in direct relationship to our walk with Christ that everything else falls into line.
2. There is no good thing that the Lord will withhold from those whose walk is blameless. If we aren’t in a dating relationship There is no need for panic, God makes everything beautiful in His time. To be unattached to someone of the opposite sex may be God’s very best for you tonight and it may actually be God’s very best for you for always.
3. In developing relationships with the opposite sex, come to the issue slowly, with realistic expectations and without anticipating marriage in any of it’s aspects in the development of friendship. (OK, I must admit that this one seems nearly impossible for women, especially for those of us in our 30's & 40's!!!)
4. Most people in dating are on their best behavior, so you have to be very very careful. You need to see this potential spouse in a variety of situations: Late for an appt in congested traffic while you are in the car with him, visiting hospitalized loved one, watch how he speaks to & treats his mom and he if looks into her eyes in a conversation.
5. Image doesn’t matter more than character. Vitally important to ask yourself, Is the attraction that I feel for this person motivated primarily by physical instincts. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Do I enjoy having a conversation with him? Can he carry on an intelligent conversation? Does he or she have a growing interest in spiritual things or do I get the impression that they are simply saying that because they know that it is important to me? Physical beauty is passing. Your beauty shouldn't come from time spent in front of a mirror but rather time spent in the mirror of the Word of God.
6. The absence of a relationship with someone of the opposite sex does not determine our significance or our meaning in life. A single person should never never think that their marital status determines his or her significance in life. The Lord has a good plan for their lives.

Here are two lists of qualities that singles should seek in a potential mate — a list for women and a list for men. Each is a summary of the main points made by the Rev. Alistair Begg on the radio program "The Search for a Godly Spouse."

Women: The man you someday marry should…

• Be committed to growing in His relationship with Jesus Christ
• Demonstrate obvious integrity. You need a husband that is honest to the core to a fault.
• A man that is able to lead boldly, who can think for himself and make good decisions. A girl should never settle for leadership that is selfish and domineering. Should be marked by an attitude of servant hood.
• Who displays the ability to Love sacrificially.
• He should be able to Laugh heartily, especially at himself . Humor is a vital element to preventing marital failure. If he takes himself too seriously, look out.
• Should Model genuine humility . Shouldn’t be stuck on himself. Keeps his focus on others. Can he share in the joy of a competitor’s success?

Men: The woman you someday marry should…

• Have a personal faith in Jesus Christ
• Possess inner beauty, not just outer
• Be an initiative taker and have an attitude of submission
• Be a wife who will help build her husband's confidence
• Display kindness
• Have a sense of humor

I would appreciate your thoughts and comments whether married or single! Agree/Disagree with the information I took from the broadcasts?

"While I'm Waiting"

Here's an awesome song from the movie "Fireproof"! I know we can all relate to waiting on God and his timing. I hope this song moves you like it moves me!

I'm waiting

I'm waiting on You, Lord

And I am hopeful

I'm waiting on You, Lord

Though it is painful

But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident

Taking every step in obedience

While I'm waiting

I will serve You

While I'm waiting

I will worship

While I'm waiting

I will not faint

I'll be running the race

Even while I wait

I'm waiting

I'm waiting on You, Lord

And I am peaceful

I'm waiting on You, Lord

Though it's not easy

But faithfully, I will wait

Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting

I will serve You while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting

I will serve you while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

"Sisters"

I received this forward via email from my friend Barb this A.M. It came at a very appropriate time and serves as a great reminder to me. Thanks Barb! :) Also, thanks to all of my "Sisters"! :)

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter.

'Don't forget your Sisters,' she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. 'They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them.'

'Remember that 'Sisters' means ALL the women... your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women always do.'

What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman thought. Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!'

But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact with her Sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, Sisters are the mainstays of her life.

After more than 50(+!) years of living in this world, here is what I've learned:

THIS SAYS IT ALL:

• Time passes...



• Life happens.



• Distance separates.



• Children grow up.



• Jobs come and go.



• Love waxes and wanes.



• Men don't do what they're supposed to do.



• Hearts break.



• Parents die.



• Colleagues forget favors.



• Careers end.

BUT.........

Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

Every day, we need each other still. Pass this on to all the women who help make your life meaningful.

Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth,
Think of Algebra...

True Friends Are A Gift From God!

Wow! I am truly amazed at the number of true friends God has blessed me with! I have lots of people who care about me and I am very blessed! I was given many reminders of that this week. I'm choosing to focus on what I DO have, rather than on what I don't have. Here are just a few examples of the love, support and encouragement I have received from friends this week, in no particular order of importance.

• My friend Jen is on vacation in Texas. Wednesday night she saw on my facebook status that Jeff & I had broken up. She called me the first thing on Thursday morning to see how I was doing. It really meant a lot to me that she would call me while on her vacation to see how I was doing! Thanks Jen! :)
• My very very dear friend Carey who I have known for 16.5 years has been there for me through countless break-ups. Seriously, I couldn't even count the amount of hours she has spent listening to me vent and process these break-ups and the difficulties I had while in these relationships. She has always encouraged me to never settle for any guy! She has always assured me that I can't be too picky and she is just an awesome encourager. Just a few weeks ago she reminded me that God was protecting me through all of the past break-ups. Thursday I received such a sweet email from Carey, that I cried while I was reading it on my cell phone while on a break at work. It really meant the world to me to be uplifted and encouraged by such a dear friend. It truly was a gift from God for me to read these words when I needed them the most! I seriously don't remember receiving a greater compliment than this: "Jen, I know God has plans for you - I've seen so many things you have influenced over the years without even really realizing it. You're one of those people connectors, like glue. Relationships begin and grow because of you, and I'm not talking about just romantic ones. Friends have met because of you, making their lives richer - not only from knowing you, but from the others you introduce them to. It happened when you were in CO, it happened in Milwaukee. I'm sure it's probably already happened in IN. And in those relationships, people have grown closer to the WORD. When you date, your faith shines through and influences all those new people you meet. You've probably planted the seed of faith, or at least watered it in a hundred people by now!" Thanks Carey! Reading this helped me more than you know! :)
• My friend Mary has also listened to me a countless number of times and continues to remind me that my worth comes from Jesus and not from anyone else! I can't count the number of times she has reminded me of this over the past year, and let me tell you, it has sunk in, and is a huge comfort to me right now, so I owe Mary a big thank you! :)
• My friend & roomie Alaina has been so supportive of me and my struggles, especially the past few weeks. She continually has texted me, emailed me, and checked in on me while I'm in my bedroom to see how I'm doing and to see if I'm ok. Not to mention the many times she's heard the same things over and over and over again the past few weeks, yet continues to be patient and loving with me. She even invited me out to dinner with her family tonight so I wouldn't be in the house alone and be depressed. Living with her has brought me closer to God. Thanks Alaina! :)
• My friend Ramona who I've also known for 16.5 years emailed on me Friday as soon as she received my email regarding the relationship ending in a bad way, and assured me that "Surely God has better things planned for me than being treated like I had been this week". She followed that up with a phone call right after work on Friday to see how I was doing. We've been through a lot together and have spent lots of time on the phone regarding similar singleness/dating struggles. Thanks lady! :)
• Last but not least, my friend Holly is such an upbeat and positive person! She continually chooses to look at the bright side of things. We were talking on the phone on Thursday evening and when I told her how ugly things got, she said to me "You DO realize that he didn't REALLY love you, don't you? Otherwise he wouldn't have said all of those horribly mean & abusive things to you." Wow! It was at that moment that it completely sunk in, that what I was missing wasn't really true love, it was what I thought was love, but it wasn't love. That really made it easier to not miss being in that relationship. Holly also continues to encourage me to reach my goals at work. We work together and I don't know what I'd do without her smiling face at work! Thanks Holly! :)

I want to thank ALL of my friends and family for being so loving, encouraging, supportive and empathetic with me. You guys are the best friends and family anyone could ever have. I love you ALL! :) God Bless! :)

He's By My Side!

It's been a rough week, but through it all I know God has my best interest at heart. Some of you know that my boyfriend and I broke up this week. In addition to that, I got talked to at work regarding my production and I got a bill from my Chiropractor in Milwaukee that says I owe $1,700.00. My Attorney from my car accident was completely dishonest with me. He only paid half of the bills when he told me he would pay the full amount before he took his percentage and gave me the rest. Through it all I know the Lord is with me and I truly do feel stronger than I ever have, even though I'm hurting. If it is His will, one day I will meet my Mr. Right, but until then I cling to His promises and to the lyrics of this song.

By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North

Why are you striving these days?
Why are you trying to earn grace?
Why are you crying?
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love?
Why are you still searching?
As if I'm not enough?
To where will you go child,
Tell me where will you run?
To where will you run?

I'll be by your side wherever you fall
In the dead of night
whenever you call
Please don't fight these hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Look at these hands, at my side
They swallowed the grave, on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life

I'll be by your side wherever you fall
In the dead of night whenever you call
Please don't fight these hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Here at my side wherever you fall
In the dead of night whenever you call
Please don't fight these hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

And I, I love you
And I want you to know
That I, I'll love you
I'll never let you go

I'll be by your side wherever you fall
In the dead of night whenever you call
Please don't fight these hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Here at my side wherever you fall
In the dead of night whenever you call
Please don't fight these hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Words of Encouragement

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped."

"My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."

Psalm 28:6-7

"Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed."

"I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me."

Psalm 57: 1-2

Hannah Has A Heart For Jesus!

Last weekend I was in Milwaukee at my sister's house with my boyfriend Jeff. Hannah (my 4 year old niece) and I were in the living room and I said "Hannah, Jeff is a nice boy, isn't he?" Hannah replied, "Yes, he is a nice boy." She paused and then asked "You know who the nicest boy is?" to which I asked "who". Hannah replied "Jesus".

I can't tell you how much it touched my heart to hear her say that. She sure put things into perspective for me!