It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
July 30, 2008
June 1, 2008
May 31, 2008
Why we press on
In the room there's a table
On the table there's a candle and it won't burn out
In the woman there's a song
In the song there is hope
in the hope revolution
In the boy there's a voice
In the call there's a promise and it won't quiet down
In the man there's a vision
it's the road to his freedom
oh, Tell me what you know
About God and the world and the human soul
How so much can go wrong
In the man there's a plan
in the plan is his future
and the future's for his child and he won't slow down
In the girl there's a faith
May 30, 2008
Not my will, but thine Oh Lord
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shalll mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint.saiah 40:3311

May 29, 2008
May 24, 2008
May 17, 2008
Abba Father
God has used my father countless times to bless me. I am so thankful that God chose my dad to be my earthly father. I could have gotten lots of other possibilities but He knew my dad was the right one.
The other day my car stopped working. So I called my dad like I always have done. I also called my father-in-law as well. They both came over and together they fixed my car. It was only the battery. They cleaned up the battery cables and my dad bought and put in a new battery. Problem solved. That's how it has always been with my dad all my life. Unfortunately it took me 31 years to see it clearly. When I called him, without hesitation in a confident cheerful voice his words soothed all my anxieties when he told me he would be over as soon as he could. And he was.
Our Heavenly Father wants to take care of all our needs and take away all of our anxieties as well. "Cast all your anxieties on Him for He cares for you."
It wasn't until I realized who God is that I realized who I was. Knowing how holy God is showed me just how sinful I am. I was very aware of how wrong I can be and how wrong I had been. As I sat and listened to God (read the Bible with an open mind and let the words really sink in) He taught me. He taught me things I never knew or wanted to know. Those teachings really resonated in my heart and changed me. I didn't want to continue in the person I was. The more I listened to God and obeyed Him the more I changed into someone more like His Son Jesus Christ.
That's what God wants to do for us. He wants to make us more like His Son Jesus Christ. He wants us to come to Him asking for His help in faith that He can and will deliver. And He will.
I have an amazing earthly father. I can't even fathom the wholeness of who my Heavenly Father is. I notice that the more I come to understand who my God is the more I want to know Him. The same holds true for my earthly father.
I love my God and my father. What a blessed girl I am, they both make me feel like the princess I am. They both encourage me to see what a wonderful creature I am and that I should be treated in such a manner. I am truly blessed.
Thank you, Abba Father.
Thank you, daddy.
May 4, 2008
The Roman Road
Have you ever heard of the Roman Road? I was talking to some guys today at school and neither of them had. So, just in case you haven't I thought I would share it with you.
The Roman Road is a collection of Scriptures found in Romans that tell about man's sinfulness and God's grace. These Scriptures, collectively, have helped people to understand God's plan for His people and for their lives. Many people have come to Christ by the hearing God's Word in these Scriptures. I am one of them. It is God's Word that speaks to our hearts. It is God's Word that changes our hearts and our lives. We are sanctified by God's word.
NKJV
Romans 3:10
There is none righteous, no, not one
Romans 3:23
for all have sinned an fall short of the glory of God
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Chrit died for us.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 10:10
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:13
For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved."
There's nobody living right, not even one
Since we have compiled this long and sorry record as sinners and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us
But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatsoever to him.
Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God's gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master.
With your whole being you embrace God setting things right, and then you say it, right out loud: God has set everything right between him and me!
Everyone who calls, 'Help, God!' gets help.
THE MESSAGE
We have all wronged God. None of us deserve His heaven. But He loves us so much that He gave us the choice to choose Him and His way. God sent His Son Jesus to be the sacrifice for our sin, for all of our sins, for each and every sin. To reject Him is to reject His offer of forgiveness. To recieve Him is to recieve His gift of grace. We no longer recieve what we deserve, instead He gives us what we don't deserve. - what we could never earn. Right standing with Him. Righteousness. That is the righteousness of His Son Jesus Christ. God himself in the flesh creating a bridge for us that leads to God the father and life in heaven. God himself lived the perfect sinless life that we never will. It is through Christ only that we can walk through that bridge and have the father. Trust in the One who created you, who chose you, who called you out. Give your life and your desires over to His way. He will never leave you empty or regretfull. Those who truly believe in Christ and call out to Him for His help will recieve it.
I know I did just that. Not once have I ever regretted obeying God's choices for my life. The only thing I do regret is when I don't.
Giving your life and heart to Christ isn't something you do once, it is something you do every time you make a decision. You choose to make the choices that gives God the glory; and in doing this He changes you from the heart to where His glory becomes more important than your own desires, until His glory becomes your desire.
April 28, 2008
April 18, 2008
Woo - Hoo!!
Praise the Lord for He is good.
April 13, 2008
"It takes a lot of courage to say what you said"
Ten to fifteen minutes later the dad came back and said he had been thinking about what I had said ... he said that kids nowadays (not a real word, I'm sure) wear almost less than that at the swimming pools. It's not like he was in the front yard and he is in the back yard in the security or privacy (i'm not sure which he said) of their back yard. He said that's how he is inside the house and sometimes he may come outside like that and he may not catch him. - in a nice way of saying we don't think you should tell us what our kids can and can't wear and we will let him to continue to do so.
I further explained that I was uncomfortable for my kids to be around a child wearing so little and that my kids wouldn't feel comfortable wearing so little in front of them. I expressed that I am very uncomfortable for my girls to be exposed to a boy wearing so little and being around them. I did not want my girls to become comfortable in a situation where people are not wearing clothes. (hence an inappropriate situation where Lauren doesn't realize that the situation is inappropriate because she has always been around older boys in their underwear and it seemed okay) That is my number one red flag issue.
I think as a father he can respect that. I think as one who has a daughter he can understand. I think the mother probably will not be so understanding about our little chat. But what's most important what my neighbor thinks or what my children set their standards to?
I was uncomfortable in having the conversation and I hope it doesn't cause too many problems. I could not remain silent any longer.
April 5, 2008
Fat Guy In a Little Coat
March 31, 2008
April
Even better though today marks my personal 3 year mark. Praise God.
March 27, 2008
Back to School
I was finally able to go back to school today. It felt so good to be there again. I was so encouraged by the warm welcome I received from my schoolmates. It feels good to be out learning and doing something to better educate yourself. One of the things that I really like about my school is that I have met a few believers there that I am encouraged by. It is always a good thing to be around other believers. I always leave feeling positive. It's was also nice to come in and score an A on my test.
I am very eager to get my A+ certification. That will open the door of opportunity for so many different good paying jobs. I will do good to get some experience in the IT field. I really think I am going to enjoy it. It is very difficult which makes it rewarding. It also comes rather easy for me. I can tell that it is not forced, it is something that I have a natural ability for.
I am working towards my MCSA right now. I will finish up my A+ and my N+. After that I go through MCP and then Server 2003. I can't remember what comes next. I usually don't get too far ahead of my schedule or I'll lose what I'm supposed to do right now. I have been told that I would be good for Server and that there aren't enough that know Server. I can't wait to begin working in the IT field being paid to do something I enjoy that I will be constantly challenged at. I intend to go all the way up to MCSE which is more certifications and a lot more money and harder.Did I mention that I really like and enjoy my school?
March 23, 2008
He is Risen!
And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. (1Cor15:14)
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here: he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " Then they remembered his words. (Luke24:1-8)
Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. (1Cor15:1-2)
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (1Cor15:3-4)
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. (Eph2:1-2)
All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. (3)
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. (4-5)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. (Eph2:8-9)
For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (10)
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Eph3:12)
March 22, 2008
March 18, 2008
My Refuge and My Fortress
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty
I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence,
He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
You will only look with your eyes
and see the recompense of the wicked.
Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place-
the Most High, who is my refuge-
no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways
On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the adder,
the young lion and the serpent you will tranple underfoot.
Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation."
Shackles

...So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
March 12, 2008
Grace Rules
I'm not sure who to give credit to on this quote it did come from Journey devotional - March 12th.
"Following rules is about being committed to something. But walking according to the Spirit means being surrended to Someone."
"...if we focus on following the Holy Spirit and doing what He leads us to do, we'll be inclined to keep the do's and don'ts becasue He'll never lead us to sin."
and this one is from the LORD -
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are agaisnt the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do
March 9, 2008
February 26, 2008
February
February 16, 2008
Legos for your lifestyle

JEEP® HURRICANE
One Sweet Jeep
Show-stopping concepts and extreme expressions of the Chrysler LLC brands aren't new: Dodge had its Tomahawk and Chrysler, the ME Four-Twelve. But when the Jeep® Hurricane blew onto Auto Show stage, it raised the bar for the Jeep brand.
"Jeep Hurricane is simply the most maneuverable, most capable and most powerful 4x4 ever built," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President—Chrysler LLC Design. "It pays homage to the extreme enthusiasts' Jeep vehicles in form and off-road capability, but is a unique interpretation of Jeep design. Simply stated, it is the extreme example for the Jeep brand."
Hurricane represents the continued success of bold concept vehicles for the brands as a means of demonstrating Chrysler LLC's creative and mechanical expertise. For example, powerful powertrain performance is an understatement considering the Hurricane is not just HEMI®-equipped, but HEMI squared. There are two 5.7-liter HEMI engines in the vehicle: one in the front and one in the back. Both engines deliver 335 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque—a total of 670 hp and 740 lb-ft of torque.
Can you have responsible excess? To test the theory, we equipped both HEMI engines in the Jeep Hurricane with the Chrysler LLC Multi-Displacement System (MDS). Depending on the driver's needs, the Hurricane can be powered by 4-, 8-, 12- or 16-cylinders. All of that translates into buckets of torque for climbing obstacles other 4x4 vehicles can't even comprehend. In addition, it has the power and traction to move from 0-60 in less than five seconds.
The power is delivered through a central transfer case and split axles with a mechanically controlled four-wheel torque distribution system. The front and rear suspension is short/long arm independent with 20 inches of suspension travel, controlled by coilover shocks with remote reservoirs.
The design is lightweight with high strength, and it boasts a functional appearance. Jeep Hurricane is an honest, minimalist approach to its design augmented with the Jeep signature seven-slot grille, two seats and no doors. On the inside, occupants will be surrounded by exposed carbon fiber and polished aluminum with Black Thunder and Tiluminum accents.
My dream car has been replaced, sorry silver spur camaro. That Jeep Hurricane is tight! Woo-Wee!

JEEP® RENEGADE
Use Less Fuel ... Have More Fun Out There
The 2008 Jeep® Renegade Concept is a sporty two-seater that is just as equipped to navigate a winding off-road trail as it is to turn heads on the auto show circuit. With its stand-alone, cut-down windshield and doors with their lower sections cut out, it's a minimalistic, eco-friendly approach to having maximum fun. Plus, it combines a lithium-ion battery pack with and a small-displacement BLUETEC diesel engine, which together help the Renegade achieve a fuel economy of more than 110 miles per gallon.
Happy Birthday Russell

February 14, 2008
In all things, know that God loves and cares for you
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Texas Panhandle Wind
I recieved an email today with this funny little video in it over-exagerrating how windy it will get in the panhandle of Texas. I am reminded of a Scripture and a lesson that God has just retaught me.
But let Him ask in faith, with out doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything form the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. -------->James 1:6-7 ESV
I had become real low on food and funds and was beginning to really worry how we were going to make it. I was worrying that I wouldn't be able to get my children a valentines or get a birthday cake for Russell's birthday. Just as I was beginning to really branch out into worry I stopped myself and remembered that my Holy Father was capable of all things. I remembered that He loves me and that He will take care of all of my needs just as He promises. I layed down all of my worries at His feet as I emptied my concerns and filled myself with peace as I stood firmly on His promises to care for me. I prayed with the reassurance that God would provide and that I had nothing to worry about.
Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. --->James 1:6-7 The Message
After I prayed I felt peace. Just then my phone rang and I received a call that told me of the blessings that I would be recieving shortly that would remedy my lack of food money. I also got my paycheck today. God is good. He just wants to make sure we still know it.
February 7, 2008
John 3:16
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
This is how much God loved the world: He gave His Son, His one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.
February 6, 2008
silver spur
February 5, 2008
Psalm 143:8

Love just makes all the difference. It is God's love for us that changes us. It's that love that breaks us and brings us to repentence. What an honor to be disciplined by the Lord our God. He loves us enough to not let us continue on our path of unrighteousness.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I put my trust in you.
Show me the way to go, for to you I lift up my soul.
February 4, 2008
God is love
February 3, 2008
February
I love February. It is by far my favorite month. It's my favorite time of year. I don't just celbrate February 14th as Valentines' Day. To me the whole month of February is a an excuse to celebrate love and to have pink, red, hearts, and what not. I have named February 18th as "I love you day" but I'll tell more about that later in the month. Love, love, love, la la love-makes the world go 'round. That's from a Power Puff Girls video. Maybe I can find that. Hold, please.Cool. I'm such a Bubbles. I certainly have a Buttercup mean streak in me though. I try to allow Christ to overcome it and fill me with Bubbles. Ne Way, that's not at all what I was talking about. I love February, especially when it's 84 degrees outside. AMen! I sure do have my reasons for liking Texas. I am far too tired right now from driving across Texas for the last two days.
Today is also Victoria's birthday. She's 3 now. She's real cute. I would need some permission to post her picture though.
Happy Birthday, Victoria.
Aunt Brandi loves you.
January 23, 2008
NCCC
January 12, 2008
January 10, 2008
January 6, 2008
Nannie

Mrs. Connie Jo Gray went to be with the Lord on January 7th, 2008 at the age of 62. She was born on March 3rd, 1945 in Carlsbad, New Mexico to Nelson Pritz and Betty Jo Lewis.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 12th, 2008, 11:00 a.m., at Parkhills Baptist Church, 17747 San Pedro Ave., 78232.
It is well, with my soul,It is well, with my soul,
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
January 5, 2008
Top 4
My top 4 places to eat would have to be:
- Papadeaux
- Pei Wei
- Pappasitos
- Freddy's Custard

My top 4 menu items:
- Mandarin Kung Pao w/fried rice (Pei Wei)
- Blackened Snapper Diablo (Pappadeaux)
- Filet Marsala -medium rare (Carabba's)
- Cheese Enchiladas (Pappasitos)
My top 4 favorite ice creams from Davinci:
- peanut butter
- hazelnut
- cheesecake
- rum raisin
My top 4 favorite others are:
- White chocolate rasberry truffle -HEB creamy creations
- Chunky Monkey - Ben And Jerry's
- Banana Cashew - HEB creamy creations
- Cherry Garcia - Ben and Jerry's
My top 4 places I would like to visit:
- Jerusalem
- Hawaii
- Jamaica
- British Columbia
My top 4 most cherished memories:
- Russell's birth
- Lauren's baptism
- preaching the gospel in Africa
- camping/fishing in the Ozarks
Top 4 favortie albums:
- Illuminate -- David Crowder Band
- Chronology I or II -- Third Day
- Hymned! -- Bart Millard
- Peace Like A River the hymns -- Chris Rice
Top 4 favorite Scriptures:
- Galatians 5:1
- Psalm 143:8
- Psalm 119:11
- 2 Corinthians 5:15
My top 4 favorite stores:
- Family Christian Store
- Kohl's
- James Avery
- Best Buy
My top 4 candy:
- Butterfinger Crisp
- Nutrageous
- Snickers w/ Almonds
- peanut butter cups
- It is for freedom that Christ has set us free; therefore stand firm, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. --> Galatians 5:1
- I have hidden your word in my heart, so that I might not sin against you. --> Psalm 119:11
- Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I put my trust in you. Show me the way to go, for to you I lift up my soul. --> Psalm 143:8
- And he died for all, that those who live may no longer live for themselves, but for Him who for their sake died and was raised again. --> 2Corinthians 5:15
-----> For extra fun tell me yours in the comments section; maybe come up with some more.
January 4, 2008
Suprise I got you a new cat, Eric!
Hey, Eric I found a cat that would be perfect for you. Maybe you could practice your sermons on him. Hee-hee. :]
January 3, 2008
Q & A
Why are some songs only playing for 30-seconds?
"When you find a song on imeem that is a 30-second preview, it means that the artist or record label that has registered the song in our database has not approved full-length streaming for our users. Consistent with copyright fair use principles, the song will be streamed to you as a 30-second preview.
If you already have the song on your computer, upload it to your imeem profile and listen to it full-length. You can always listen to entire songs that you’ve uploaded to imeem; they will not be converted to 30-second previews. If you do not have the song on your computer, you can buy it on iTunes or Amazon.com
Just so you know, there are already millions of songs on imeem that we have permission to stream at full-length. We are constantly working with labels and artists around the world to add more, and we are adding thousands of songs each day. Stay tuned! "
So now I know. You see when I'm on my imeem they still play full length. I don't know until I've posted it that it will only be 30 seconds long. Now that I do know that I would be expecting lots of new music to be cycling through this blog.
Plan B
I had a plan. My plan was to introduce people to the music I listen to . My plan was to change the song on my blog site every so often that way people could listen to my kind of music. Let us just suppose I had someone very in particular that I wanted to play some of my music to. Let's just call him "Eric". Suppose "Eric" doesn't listen to much Contemporary Christian music and past attempts to introduce him to such music have failed. My plan was to play different ones on the blog and the end result would be that "Eric" would have been exposed to spiritually fulfilling music, that is if he keeps visiting my blog.
So... I am trying to figure out why my imeem only lets me play 30-second pieces of songs instead of the full length version. That wasn't the case in the beginning and now the only song I can play all of is Chris Rice's "Go Light Your World." The only reason is that one was saved prior to the "change." I don't know much about HTML but I'm guessing there is a slight change in the HTML that only permits me to be able to listen to as 30 second bit of the song. Sigh... I have spent lots of time on trying to remedy this and so I am now officially on a break.
In the meantime, please enjoy The Mean Kitty Song.
I bet if "Eric" had kids they would love this video. That is if "Eric" gets around to pushing the play button. P.S. I would hope that "Eric" knew that I was just picking on him becasue I love him. Well, I mean if there were an "Eric".
January 2, 2008
Thanks for the love









