I only bought one new decoration for this Christmas season. We have outgrown our home and my decorations have tried to take over. I am personally tired of all the clutter, not only in my home but also in my mind. It is funny how the two things work together. I spent most of Wednesday cleaning out clutter and getting my house ready for a special guest. I found myself reflecting on how far I have come. I think we need those times because we seem to get stuck in where we are today and where we want to be. It seems like such a far away place and at times not possible. I love what God's word says about WITH GOD ALL THINGS POSSIBLE!!! Wish I knew where that was in the Bible but I don't and its ok. I am learning to accept me for me. All my imperfections and weaknesses come with me. The great thing is I don't have to focus on those areas, I don't even really have to put any extra time and energy in them because that is the uniqueness about how God made me. I have always thought I had to read books, take classes and work on my weaknesses which continued to make me feel less than and inadequate. So, what would happen if we poured our energy and time into those areas that we excelled at and are good at? We would move a 8 to a 10 and we would feel pretty darn proud! Most times we try to move those 2 and 3 to a 4 or 5. Guess what they will always be a 5 if that is just an area of weakness. I know it sounds and seems crazy at first. My prayer is that God will give you a revelation for yourself. I'm not saying we should never work on the areas we struggle with but don't put all your eggs in one basket. Doing this blog is a great example for my life. I love love love to write and journal and encourage others. So, I am directing all that into writing these blogs for you. Great thing is I too am benefiting. You will see many typo errors and probrably many made up words if you stick with me. That is humbling for myself. I have figured what the deal is becasue I do proof read. But every time I read what I type I change something. Therefore I'm left with more errors. I also have realized that my fingers aren't able to keep up with my brain. lol I have so much swirling around that I don't have the time nor patience to share it all. So, at times I probrably won't finish my thought and you will be left wondering. I love the encouragement and support I have already gotten from you guys. It has motivated and encouraged me to continue on sharing. Sometimes we wonder if we are really making any difference in others lives. I was doing this for me and lookie lookie you too get to benefit. lol
On with my point right...BELIEVE....
So, this is what was written on the Christmas canvas I bought for my home. I have decided to not pack this away. It will hang up in my home as a reminder of my beliefs. I love what it says and I hope you will enjoy it too.
be*lieve verb
1.To accept as true, genuine,or real
2. To have a firm conviction as to goodness, efficacy, or ability of somethings
3. To hold religious beliefs
4. Accept, admit, conclude, regard, trust
be*liev'a*ble adjective
So, my question to you is what do you BELIEVE? And Why do you BELIEVE? What are BELIEVING for in your life? Who do you BELIEVE?
I will share my answers with you. Remember there are no right and wrong answers.
I Believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God and the HolySpirit our helper.
I Believe because of my faith in the word of God.
I am believing for deeper healing in my life and financial breakthrough.
I Belive in God the Creator and Maker of the Universe.
I also BELIEVE God has a purpose and plan for my life that I am unraveling daily.
Blessings and Love
Joannie
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Day after Christmas
I woke up not feeling my best. Tim said I snored all night which was why I thought my throat was hurting. I rested and stayed in pjs the day before. So, I was ready to get up and get dressed. I was going to take some of my own advice. I posted on facebook the other day an Exercise Tip: To not leave your bedroom until you were dressed with tennis shoes on then head out the door. I had the great idea I would be heading out for a quick walk. Little did I realize that would not happen. A pair of work out pants was replaced bya new pair of warm pink snow man pants . My throat was hurting for more reasons than snoring. One of my most favorite pieces of clothing are fuzzy socks. So, I found a pair and put them on before getting back into bed. I was then pleasantly suprised by my husband bringing me breakfast in bed. Yes, I am one blessed woman. I am married to my own handsome personal chef. That is just one of many perks. lol
These days are rare in my life so I embraced it. I left the tv off all day until time for Fear Factor. Then I had two little snuggle bunnies by my side. Just 2 weeks ago my father in law, Pops went to be with Jesus. The crazy thing is Fear Factor was a rerun. The same episode was on the night of Pops passing. It brought back many memories from that night. Tim and I packed bags to stay with his parents as long as we needed to. We really expected Pops to live at least a week longer. Joyce was laying by his side every night. She slept on the floor until we brought her an air mattress. She layed with her head at his feet. She shared later it was so she could look into his face. That statement really impacted me and just to observe how Joyce sat by Pops side, really touched my heart. That is just a side note and probably another blog.
So, I just happened to look in the room and didn't see Joyce. So, I decided to see what was going on. Wow, didn't expect to see Pops laying there gasping for air. So, I immediately motioned for Tim. I was trying to be somewhat discreet not wanting to disturb our upset our children. One minute we were laughing and watching Fear Factor next minute we were watching Pops struggle to breath. Joyce was standing by his head rubbing it and Tim was holding his hand. We knew this was it, Pops was dying. I was touching Pops leg and praying while standing by my husband's side. It was an emotional night. I was crying uncontrollably. I knew any minute Pops would stop breathing. The tears continued to roll then I had a great urgency for Chirstian music. I asked Joyce, where is a radio. We need music, she wasn't really hearing me. I turned the tv channel looking for some Christian music. The only thing I could find was Jesse Duplantis on TBN. He was preaching on favor. Joyce said they both listened to him so I could leave it on. Then I started singing Amazing Grace. Well, I attempted to sing it because I couldn't really remember the words. I then started humming it. The tears continued to roll down my face. Then I started singing Jesus loves the Little Children. I told Pops Jesus loves you. I knew if Pops could speak he would tell me to stop singing. It was a humorous thing after the fact.
I was so touched to watch my husband give honor to his Dad. He told his Dad that he was proud of him. He told him that he loved him. He gave him 2 big hugs. One while he was still alive and one after he died. I told Pops that we were going to be sad when he was gone but we tired of seeing him suffer and it was ok if he was ready to go. We had such great comfort knowing he would spend eternity in Heaven with Jesus. It still was hard to not have Pops with us. Oh, I did tell Pops that he was leaving behind a legacy. That Seth would carry on the Garner last name and legacy. Tim and I looked at the clock and it was 8:49pm when Pops took his last breathe.
I didn't even intend in share all that but it just rolled so I knew it must be God. I was going to share my day in silence. I realize that most of us usually have somekind of noise in the background and I want to ask you "Why?" Why do we leave the tv and the radio on? Why don't we like the sound of good ole silence? What are we scared of, what are we afraid we might hear? I personally have grown to love silence. I used to think that I had to always be talking. Even when spending time with God. I have recently gained a revelation of power in the peace. Peace meaning peace and quiet. Are we scared of our own thoughts and mind? I read a great book, Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale. He said that we should spend 15 mins every day sitting in silence. It recharges our battery and brings power to our life. When I was sitting in my bed, that book came to mind. I was thinking I could for sure use some power not feeling so great. I was thinking I can do this. I looked at my clock with the idea I was going to spend 15 mins in silence. I am hear to tell you didn't work! It seemed like work so I lost track of time and the idea of making it 15 mins. I ended up actually spending several hours in my room all alone. It was glorious!
I think I have typed a big eyeful so I will close with this thought. What are you afraid of? Luke 5:10-11 says Jesus said to Simon, There is nothing to fear. From now on you'll be fishing for men and women. They pulled their boats up on the beach, left them, nets and all, and followed him.
I have to share this part. That was The Message translation which I've never read before. The women part really got my attention. God has put a mandate on my life to help as many women as possible realize their worth and value and dream God dreams. So, my heart is for the women to know and experience the Love of God. so, my spirit was stirred up. I feel honored to be used by Him and have you as a friend. :)
These days are rare in my life so I embraced it. I left the tv off all day until time for Fear Factor. Then I had two little snuggle bunnies by my side. Just 2 weeks ago my father in law, Pops went to be with Jesus. The crazy thing is Fear Factor was a rerun. The same episode was on the night of Pops passing. It brought back many memories from that night. Tim and I packed bags to stay with his parents as long as we needed to. We really expected Pops to live at least a week longer. Joyce was laying by his side every night. She slept on the floor until we brought her an air mattress. She layed with her head at his feet. She shared later it was so she could look into his face. That statement really impacted me and just to observe how Joyce sat by Pops side, really touched my heart. That is just a side note and probably another blog.
So, I just happened to look in the room and didn't see Joyce. So, I decided to see what was going on. Wow, didn't expect to see Pops laying there gasping for air. So, I immediately motioned for Tim. I was trying to be somewhat discreet not wanting to disturb our upset our children. One minute we were laughing and watching Fear Factor next minute we were watching Pops struggle to breath. Joyce was standing by his head rubbing it and Tim was holding his hand. We knew this was it, Pops was dying. I was touching Pops leg and praying while standing by my husband's side. It was an emotional night. I was crying uncontrollably. I knew any minute Pops would stop breathing. The tears continued to roll then I had a great urgency for Chirstian music. I asked Joyce, where is a radio. We need music, she wasn't really hearing me. I turned the tv channel looking for some Christian music. The only thing I could find was Jesse Duplantis on TBN. He was preaching on favor. Joyce said they both listened to him so I could leave it on. Then I started singing Amazing Grace. Well, I attempted to sing it because I couldn't really remember the words. I then started humming it. The tears continued to roll down my face. Then I started singing Jesus loves the Little Children. I told Pops Jesus loves you. I knew if Pops could speak he would tell me to stop singing. It was a humorous thing after the fact.
I was so touched to watch my husband give honor to his Dad. He told his Dad that he was proud of him. He told him that he loved him. He gave him 2 big hugs. One while he was still alive and one after he died. I told Pops that we were going to be sad when he was gone but we tired of seeing him suffer and it was ok if he was ready to go. We had such great comfort knowing he would spend eternity in Heaven with Jesus. It still was hard to not have Pops with us. Oh, I did tell Pops that he was leaving behind a legacy. That Seth would carry on the Garner last name and legacy. Tim and I looked at the clock and it was 8:49pm when Pops took his last breathe.
I didn't even intend in share all that but it just rolled so I knew it must be God. I was going to share my day in silence. I realize that most of us usually have somekind of noise in the background and I want to ask you "Why?" Why do we leave the tv and the radio on? Why don't we like the sound of good ole silence? What are we scared of, what are we afraid we might hear? I personally have grown to love silence. I used to think that I had to always be talking. Even when spending time with God. I have recently gained a revelation of power in the peace. Peace meaning peace and quiet. Are we scared of our own thoughts and mind? I read a great book, Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale. He said that we should spend 15 mins every day sitting in silence. It recharges our battery and brings power to our life. When I was sitting in my bed, that book came to mind. I was thinking I could for sure use some power not feeling so great. I was thinking I can do this. I looked at my clock with the idea I was going to spend 15 mins in silence. I am hear to tell you didn't work! It seemed like work so I lost track of time and the idea of making it 15 mins. I ended up actually spending several hours in my room all alone. It was glorious!
I think I have typed a big eyeful so I will close with this thought. What are you afraid of? Luke 5:10-11 says Jesus said to Simon, There is nothing to fear. From now on you'll be fishing for men and women. They pulled their boats up on the beach, left them, nets and all, and followed him.
I have to share this part. That was The Message translation which I've never read before. The women part really got my attention. God has put a mandate on my life to help as many women as possible realize their worth and value and dream God dreams. So, my heart is for the women to know and experience the Love of God. so, my spirit was stirred up. I feel honored to be used by Him and have you as a friend. :)
Christmas Eve 2011
I woke up reflecting on my life. There has been many changes, some good and some sad. I am learning to let go of my expectations and embrace the new. I am very thankful for Jesus in my life. Grateful that Jesus is the same today, tomorrow and forever. I know without a doubt that Jesus is worth living for. He came to give life and give it in abundance. I can remember the times in my life when I just wanted to get through the day. I am so thankful those days are behind me. God has blessed me with people in my life who cheer me on. They accept me for who God made me to be. It has been a journey of discovering who I am. I have come to realize that I might not have all the answers about my life. Some questions remain a mystery. There are many things I don't understand and that is ok . The one thing I do have a revelation about is the love of God. It has radically and completely changed my life. God has blessed me with a wonderful husband who allows me to be me. He stands by my side and loves me unconditionally. I have been blessed with 2 beautiful healthy children who put a twinkle in my eye. They are my purpose in life. To raise them up to love the Lord and others. That requires a whole blog in itself. We have brought them home to mold their hearts and influence their lives with God's love. Meaning January will be one year that I have been homeschooling. That requires its own blog. It has taken me almost 40 years to really understand "freedom". I am so excited to share all the Lord has shown me with my children. There are days I totally blow it and there are days that I would like to freeze. Life is about ups and downs and we get to make the choice how we are going to respond. We can either react in anger or respond in love.
My husband's family spent the day with us. We were thrilled to host our home for Christmas this year. Again that term freedom comes up. No, we didn't share any holiday meals or worldly tradition. We made our own tradition and ate lunch at a Mexican restaurant. I did make a family recipe, my Moms chocolate cherry cake. That recipe will carry on for years to come. I also attempted something new. Peanut butter balls which took a team to make. I made the peanut butter balls and my patient hubs dipped them in the chocolate. That was a hardier task than we anticipated. We both learned the dos and don'ts. Next year we will conquer those peanut butter balls. It was a great feeling to make something that I absolutely love.
I was greatly suprised to have my sister and her family including my Dad to stop by. We all stepped outside for a quick pic to capture the moment. Pictures and memories are all we have when the moment has passed. I don't know about all of you but my memory isn't as sharp as it used to be.
My husband's family spent the day with us. We were thrilled to host our home for Christmas this year. Again that term freedom comes up. No, we didn't share any holiday meals or worldly tradition. We made our own tradition and ate lunch at a Mexican restaurant. I did make a family recipe, my Moms chocolate cherry cake. That recipe will carry on for years to come. I also attempted something new. Peanut butter balls which took a team to make. I made the peanut butter balls and my patient hubs dipped them in the chocolate. That was a hardier task than we anticipated. We both learned the dos and don'ts. Next year we will conquer those peanut butter balls. It was a great feeling to make something that I absolutely love.
I was greatly suprised to have my sister and her family including my Dad to stop by. We all stepped outside for a quick pic to capture the moment. Pictures and memories are all we have when the moment has passed. I don't know about all of you but my memory isn't as sharp as it used to be.
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