He Loved Me When

I've actually been meaning to post this since returning from California, but, well, life happens right? :-) (Facebook friends, I'll post there also under my Notes section)

While in California, I had some major struggles and as usual God was right there to encourage me when I was at my lowest. We had the privilege of attending John MacArthur's church, Grace Community, during our two month stay in California. What a blessing that was...in SO many ways. Thank you Lord!

Anyway, wouldn't you know the Sunday that I had to fight with myself to get out of bed was the very Sunday that God, in His ever so loving manner, would remind me of who He is and who I am to Him. Read this beautiful song that we sang (with tears in my eyes) that Sunday morning, July 12, 2009. Be blessed my friends...

He Loved Me When

He loved me when my heart forgot
His love for me was all I sought;
He loved me when my foolish dreams
Filled all my thoughts with wordly things.
He loved me when I walked away
Down paths where none should ever stray.
He loved me when no other could,
No one could love me more.

He loved me when my faith was low,
And doubts assailed my troubled soul.
He loved me through those darkest nights
Until my soul found heavenly light.
He loved me when I felt alone,
No friends around and far from home.
He loved me when no other could,
No one could love me more.

He loved me long before I knew
He came to earth for me and you.
He loved me so that others know
He is the source of love I show.

He loves me now for this I know
His love will last when others go.
He loves me like no other could,
No one could love me more.

Until next post...
Shari

So It's August...

Well, I've been told that I needed to post something because my blog is boring...LOL.
That's what friends are for I suppose? ;-p

At the moment, I'm prayerfully considering what it is the Lord would have for myself and my family. Last February I discovered my aches and pains were due to Fibromyalgia. Up until this past month it's been tolerable. Since returning from California it's been a battle, to say the least, to function at full capacity. For this independent, on-the-go girl it's been very discouraging to say the least.
I've had to slow down, say no more often, and depend on supplements to get me through the days. Yesterday and today has made it to number one on the "Worst Days" list.
Even as I type this, my hands and fingers are in constant pain.

I am thankful for our 2 month excursion to California this summer. I felt like my normal, on the go self and was able to enjoy my sweet girls without the background of pain/skin burning.
Although California is economically suffering, it lends itself to be the best environment for people like me.
As of yet there are no jobs for my hubby to move to out there and that has made for some trying times... within myself. I went from getting up every day for two months with no pain to some of the most severe pain I've felt in a long time. I have a very high pain tolerance which tells me this is pretty bad. But...I carry on, trusting in His perfect plan. (and hoping that plan includes healing or a move out west)

The most difficult part has been getting friends to realize that I cannot do it all anymore. I am a "mother hen" by nature and not being able to help my friends, or even visit with them, has been difficult. If you think about it, say a prayer for me please. I covet all prayers.

So there ya go my friends... an updated blog, hooray! LOL ;-)

Have a great weekend and blog at you soon!
-Shari

So Where Does God Fit In Today? How Far We've Drifted...

Alabama 1901, Preamble
We the people of the State of Alabama , invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution..
Alaska 1956, Preamble
We, the people of Alaska , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.
Arizona 1911, Preamble
We, the people of the State of Arizona , grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
Arkansas 1874, Preamble
We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
California 1879, Preamble
We, the People of the State of California , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...
Colorado 1876, Preamble
We, the people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe...
Connecticut 1818, Preamble.
The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.
Delaware 1897, Preamble
Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences...
Florida 1885, Preamble
We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...
Georgia 1777, Preamble
We, the people of Georgia , relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution....
Hawaii 1959, Preamble
We , the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.
Idaho 1889, Preamble
We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.
Illinois 1870, Preamble
We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
Indiana 1851, Preamble
We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.
Iowa 1857, Preamble
We, the People of the State of Iowa , grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.
Kansas 1859, Preamble
We, the people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.
Kentucky 1891, Preamble..
We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties..
Louisiana 1921, Preamble
We, the people of the State of Louisiana , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.
Maine 1820, Preamble
We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction.
Maryland 1776, Preamble
We, the people of the state of Maryland , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...
Massachusetts 1780, Preamble
We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction
Michigan 1908, Preamble.
We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution..
Minnesota, 1857, Preamble
We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:
Mississippi 1890, Preamble
We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.
Missouri 1845, Preamble
We, the people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution...
Montana 1889, Preamble.
We, the people of Montana , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ...
Nebraska 1875, Preamble
We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution.
Nevada 1864, Preamble
We the people of the State of Nevada , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...
New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.
New Jersey 1844, Preamble
We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
New Mexico 1911, Preamble
We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty..
New York 1846, Preamble
We, the people of the State of New York , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.
North Carolina 1868, Preamble
We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...
North Dakota 1889, Preamble
We , the people of North Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain....
Ohio 1852, Preamble
We the people of the state of Ohio , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common.
Oklahoma 1907, Preamble
Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this
Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights,
Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences
Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble
We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance....
Rhode Island 1842, Preamble.
We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...
South Carolina , 1778, Preamble
We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
South Dakota 1889, Preamble
We, the people of South Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ...
Tennessee 1796, Art. XI...III.
That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...
Texas 1845, Preamble
We the People of the Republic of Texas , acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.
Utah 1896, Preamble
Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.
Vermont 1777, Preamble
Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ..
Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI
Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Chris tian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other
Washington 1889, Preamble
We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution
West Virginia 1872, Preamble
Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ..=
Wisconsin 1848, Preamble
We, the people of Wisconsin , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...
Wyoming 1890, Preamble
We, the people of the State of Wyoming , grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution...


Once again, this brings me to tears. As of today, we have a leader that openly denounces/rejects/mocks God by saying we are not a Christian nation. Perhaps a pop quiz is in order? Pray for eyes to be opened.

Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the spirits.

Food for thought for the "peacemakers"-- When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7

The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God"...

"Now consider this, you who forget God, Lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver:
Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God." Psalm 50:22

For the LORD is Great and Greatly to be Praised...

This treasure of Scripture has weighed heavily on my heart lately. A ringing of it in the back of my mind every few hours for the past several months.

As I write this today, I know exactly why. He, in His infinite wisdom and loving mercy, was preparing me for the days ahead. I won't go into details as most of you already know the trials over the past couple of months. But, I did want to share with you what God has for me...for all of us...in times of despair. I pray it would encourage you and quench your soul as it does me.

First, the things of this world are temporary, thank the LORD God Almighty. Oftentimes we focus on "things" and "to do lists". They are mere distractions from the One who loves us dearly. Abba Father waits patiently for us to work through the layers of what seems to be the equivalent of quicksand. Father, forgive us for placing You after such temporary things all too often.

In times of trials we should find joy. Yes, easier said than done, right Believer? I ask, in whom do you trust? Where do your treasures lay? It's so hard to see the eternal when our hearts are breaking and loaded down with worry, sadness, anger, guilt, etc. Those pesky little things of life on earth that drag us down and take our focus off of the One who can offer full release from our burdens. All it takes is for us to trust in Him. Set aside our self, hand it all over to Him and look upward. Seems so simple when you read it, but to live it...ahhh, another story.

I want to offer you a picture to create in your head; imagine a child handing over their favorite wooden toy, which happens to be broken, to the woodworker. The pain of getting from point A to point B is difficult. Imagine the lack of patience in waiting for the toy to be fixed. Now, imagine the day when the toy is handed back. There's pain in the brokeness, but there's also a time for God to work, to heal. Oftentimes we don't find the joy because we haven't handed it over to Him; like the child who didn't want to give up his toy for a short time. If he only knew that it would be fixed and that he would have joy in playing with it again!
I thank God for the instant release of burdens upon handing them over. There is no waiting period, only joy of being removed from under the heavy burdens of life. Oh how I pray we can all come to this knowledge in our times of trial...in an instant, not going through the pain while waiting for the joy. Abba Father is here, right now, waiting to take it all from us.

I have been so bogged down with sadness and stress that I forgot to hand it over. I thought I had, but in reality, I didn't hand it ALL over to Him. How easy it is to fall prey to the one who would have us in despair all the time.

So here I have this treasure of Scripture in the back of my head, now knowing why it came to the forefront day after day. Now comes the "giving back of the fixed toy" as I opened my Bible today. I pray it will minister to you too. Please read it, meditate on it, and rejoice in what God has for you through His word...our forever treasure.

Psalm 145
A psalm of praise.

I will exalt you my God the King;
I will praise your name forever and ever.
Every day I will praise you and extol your name forever and ever.

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.
One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.
They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds.
They will celebrate your abundant goodness and JOYFULLY sing of your righteousness.

The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.

The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all He has made.
All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you.
They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might,
so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.

The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.
The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down (emphasis mine)
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.
The LORD is near to all who call on him, and to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever. Amen.

Verse 14 is great insight into our burdens. Sometimes they are more than we can bear, and we wonder how we can go on. David stands at this bleak intersection of life's road and points toward the Lord, the great burden-bearer.

Hand it all over to Him and you too will find joy everlasting.

If you've read this far, read on in your Bible. Psalm 146 shows the difference of the help of people (temporal and unstable) verses the help of God. (lasting and complete)

Treasures I tell you. For us all to behold!

Complete in Him,

Facebook--Welcome to Fun Craziness

I wanted to just say to my friends who so relentlessly crammed Facebook down my laptop, thanks. LOL

Facebook and I have a love hate relationship. I love to get on there and see what my friends and relatives are doing, look at latest photos, etc. I hate the fact that it's SOOOO addictive!
There is much to do when you're on there, too much!
My busy days and evenings include, but not limited to; building a snowman army, collecting Thanksgiving gifts, sending Christmas decorations, collecting Flair buttons, leaving nicely wrapped presents under friends/relatives trees, hunting mice, sending animated gifts to say hello, AND collecting snowglobes. I now also have the ability to "Poke" my friends/relatives. Not just any poke though, I can now "Super Poke". This allows me to tickle them and/or throw stuffed animals and other select objects at them at my leisure, LOL.
Oh, I forgot to mention that I've been building my vocabulary on Word Challenge too. I went from a "classroom bully" to, I think, a "student". I don't even remember!!

So, if you'd like to procrastinate in all of life's jobs, join Facebook! You'll enjoy the love hate relationship. LOL

Complete in Him,

Psalm 2 - A Messianic Psalm

The Psalm's are a wonderful insight into knowing how to remain joyful in such a time as this.

The Opposition...

Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against the Anointed One.

"Let us break their chains" they say, "and throw them off their fetters."

God's Response...

The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, "I have installed my King on Zion, my Holy hill"

Promises to the Kingdom...

I will proclaim the decree of the Lord:

He said to me, "You are my Son, today I have become your Father. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery."

Exhortation for us to Yield...

Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment.

Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.

(did you get this part?)

Go on to read Psalm 5 if you have a moment. I'm including just a piece of this chapter in hopes of your reading it in its entirety at your leisure.

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Complete in Him,

'Change Has Come'

I can't help but sigh at this statement given by the Obama campaign. As Christians we know what "change" is in store. Last nights numbers opened my eyes to the reality of just how lost this country is. I'm in shock, to say the least, that so many are so desperate for this change when all they need is Jesus to make a difference in their lives, not an inexperienced guy with a shady background. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and always!
I pray every true Believer would fall to their knees and pray for mercy for these Americans. This change that is so desired by over half of Americans IS coming. Woe to those that have not had their eyes or ears opened to the Gospel of Christ Jesus.



Today is a day of sadness for those Americans who are blinded, but also a time of rejoicing in knowing that we, as Christians, can find rest in our Father's care...

If you would like to know more about this place of rest in which I reside, please e-mail me.



Until next post,