Reflecting on 2009

I'm not sure if you all do this, but for some reason when the new year is coming up I end up spending more time reflecting on the past year. I've been thinking of all the good things, and bad things that went on in 2009, and am amazed at how Christ has worked in my life, especially when I think of where I was this time one year ago. Below is a poem I wrote to share with you all:

Looking back at this past year I had some guilt and regret.
But truly understand God’s grace when we repent.
Times when I was close with the Lord and all was well,
And times I turned from Him and see where I had failed.

Looking back at this past year what I know is true,
Is that God sent His Son, so that we may be made new.
Humbled I am by His mercy and love,
Grateful for the good times and bad times,
So that I can be closer to the Man above.

Looking back at this past year of 2009,
I see that God’s plan for me is so much greater than mine.

Looking forward to 2010, I make my New Year’s Resolution
To grow closer to Him with even more acceleration.
To trust and obey, letting Him lead the way.
To be a light, and do what is right.
I will not just give up something or just try and lose a few pounds,
But I will share God’s truth with everyone I am around.

No more looking back...

Happy New Year!

These are the words I would say:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fpKwja0j50

City on our knees:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpPgdCr1j3s

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Praying for you all~

www.theporchdallas.com

Serve One Another in Love.

The Porch is on break until January 19th, 2010, but I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas & share with you something that is on my heart for this holiday season.

“What you believe affects your behavior.” -JP

This weekend I went visit my Mamaw and Aunt Marilyn who live together in Louisiana, and to bring them their Christmas presents from my family. I wasn’t looking forward to the 5 hour drive, but once I got there it was all worth it. Since I have been walking with Christ everything has changed, including how I act when I am a guest at someone’s home. My Mamaw, who is very weak, and Aunt Marilyn were spending most of the weekend in the kitchen cooking for the rest of the family, and preparing for their Christmas celebration on Sunday. I quickly dove in to help, stirring the pots, washing dishes, even dusting their fans that needed it badly. Every time they told me to stop, I said “No, I want to help.” They shared with me that most of the time people just come, eat all the food, bring nothing, leave the mess for them to clean up, and aren’t grateful for all the time, effort, and not to mention the expenses they put into preparing for the celebration. I can’t explain how shocked, and extremely grateful they were for my help.

It got me thinking on the 5 hour drive back, and I wanted to encourage all of you. Not to serve like me, but to serve like Christ. Many, if not all of us, will be visiting friends, family, people in need, and maybe even some people we don’t absolutely love being around. Don’t just show up and let others serve you, be the hands and feet of Christ. Here are some ideas:

Offer to bring something and if they say no, bring something anyways.

Stir the pot… go to the store if they forgot something.

Help clean up trash, wash dishes, and if it’s your family and you feel comfortable even dust for them :)

Make your bed if you are staying at someone else’s home, or fold up the blankets used.

Be sure to say thank you, and even leave a thank you note, or mail one later.

When they ask why you are doing this, share your faith, share the Gospel, share Christ’s love for us all. Be the hands and feet of Christ this Christmas, not just with the needy, but with your loved ones too. If you are the one hosting people, serve with a joyful heart...out of love and thankfulness for our savior Jesus Christ.

“Jesus didn't "become flesh" so we could feel different. He came to this world so we will be different.”

Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.-Matthew 20:28 & Mark 10:45

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.- Ephesians 6:7

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, SERVE ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE.- Galatians 5:13

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Praying for you all~

www.theporchdallas.com

Thinking About Christmas.

Some key verses that stood out last week:

Matthew 22:35-40, 1John 3:16-18, & Micah 6:8

Thinking about Christmas...

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

I encourage you to read all of John 3.

As we continue preparing for Christmas let us remember why we are celebrating. This child is the only Son of God, sent to us that we may have eternal life. Because of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection, we can receive forgiveness, hope, mercy, grace, and salvation. Let us act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Let us love others the way Christ has loved us.

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Rejoice!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcJYW1oN6fw&feature=related

Praying for you all~

www.theporchdallas.com

"I am the Lord's servant" -Mary

We heard one of my favorite verses last week, and one that I think of daily:

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God.

I encourage you all to read Luke 1. I love Mary’s response in verse 38 to the angel Gabriel after he told her that even though she was a virgin she was to give birth to a son, and will name him Jesus…Son of the Most High:

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Luke1:38

Praying that you all find (make) time to be still, listen, reflect, pray, and answer the way Mary did “I am the Lord’s servant”.

Song of the week:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vTGuB-eQkA

Praying for you all~

www.theporchdallas.com

Matthew 1:18-25

You can’t help but think about Christmas coming up with all the shopping, music, tacky Christmas sweater invites, cool weather etc. The next couple weeks I’d like to take us back to what Christmas is really about, the birth of Jesus. I know we’ve heard about the birth of Christ many times, but take the time to really reflect on everyone involved in this story and how this birth directly affects you. Let’s start with Joseph in Matthew 1:18-25

The Birth of Jesus Christ
18This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."
24When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Below is a link to one of my favorite songs. I encourage you to take a few minutes and check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBWYAQlQiBI

Praying for you all~

www.theporchdallas.com

Give Thanks.

I've been thinking about this week and Thanksgiving. Realizing that I've never been so thankful in my life. Below are some verses about giving thanks:

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians3:15-17

* I encourage you to use this time with your friends & family to share the good news and how Christ has impacted your life.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1Thessalonians5:16:18

*The holidays can be a tough time for some people. Don't forget to pray and be thankful in ALL circumstances. Do not dwell on what you don't have, be thankful...JOYFUL for the LIFE you have in Christ.

Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. 2Thessalonians1:2-4

*I am thankful for the Porch and all of you that attend. Watching your faith grow in Christ is inspiring. Watching new relationships and community form is amazing. Watching you share Christ's love with those around you is a blessing. Thank you.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever...I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation...This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it...Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Pslam118:1,21,24,29

*I thank the LORD for his love that endures forever. I am thankful and humbled that "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John3:16)

Thankful & praying for you all~

www.theporchdallas.com

You are the Only You.

I loved last weeks message, especially when JP said "You are the only you...with a unique set of gifts only given to you. the world needs you to play your part and impact others for the Kingdom."

"Know yourself, like yourself, be yourself."

It's so easy to get caught up in the world. We often end up comparing ourselves to others, whether it be their house, their car, what they look like, their boyfriend/girlfriend, how much scripture they know, how many people they know etc.

When we start to compare we end up becoming prideful or insecure, arrogant or doubtful. It becomes more about us, and less about God.

Psalm 10:4
In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

Do not compare...

2 Corinthians 10:12
We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, THEY ARE NOT WISE.

Greatness of knowing Christ...

Philippians 3:8
What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them RUBBISH, that I may GAIN CHRIST.

Be Cheerful, you have it ALL...

2 Corinthians 9:7-8
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make ALL grace abound to you, so that in ALL things at ALL times, having ALL that you need, you will abound in every good work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQzhdWJFHbI

www.theporchdallas.com

THaNKFuL

This week hasn't been the best, but in the midst of everything I've tried to think of some things I am thankful for and here we go:

1. My amazing family (immediate & extended). I am blessed to have parents that are still married for more than 30 years, an incredible sister, brother-n-law, and nephew. I feel so lucky to have Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, & cousins that I love keeping in touch with... Extremely blessed!

2. My faithful friends. It is the best feeling in the world to know that I have friends who are there to listen, pray, be honest, and support me.

3. My precious nephew. When he says "Love you Aunt Ally" I melt and it is the greatest thing in the whole world.

4. ATM Direct deposits. I love being able to drive up & just put my check into the machine. So much easier!

5. Good food. Enough said. Blessed that my mom brings homemade gumbo etc, and Fernando brings homemade tamales!

6. My generous friends who give me tickets to games because they know that makes me the happiest girl

7. The awesome high school kids that I get to hang out with through Young Life.

8. and MOST importantly I am thankful for a perfect, loving, and merciful God who has blessed me more than I could ever dream of or deserve.

Luke 15:21-24

After last Tuesday I couldn't stop thinking about this...

Luke 15:21-24

"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son."But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate."

All of us have sinned against heaven & against the ones we love, BUT...


"I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." Luke 15:7


Rejoicing? Celebrating? How humbling is that. We have a Father who loves us unconditionally, loves us in a way that we can't even imagine. All He wants is for us to come home to him with humbled hearts...

The Bible clearly states:

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:11

But let us not forget that Christ humbled himself first.

"And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:8

Humbled by God's grace and love...

Check out this song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJIG8PswugM&feature=player_embedded

www.theporchdallas.com

Heirs to The Kingdom.

I was thinking about JP's message and how we are heirs to THE KINGDOM. While having a quiet time I was studying Hebrews 6 and encourage each of you to check out the whole chapter. Below are some of the verses that really stood out to me:

10God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. 12We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised...
16Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19WE HAVE THIS HOPE AS AN ANCHOR FOR THE SOUL, FIRM AND SECURE...

*Romans8:17
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Praying for you all~

www.theporchdallas.com

True Story Thursday

I was at the office and heard on the radio that Denny's had FREE Grand Slam Breakfast for everyone! I immediately went into my bosses office and asked if I could go get some free food. (My boss is also my mom) She said that would be ok, so off I went!



Anyone who has been around me for any extended part of time knows that I am HORRIBLE with directions. I depend on the sweet lady inside my Garmin to tell me how to get anywhere and everywhere.



I plug Denny's into my GPS and start following the purple line. I was so focused on which way it was telling me to go that I was not paying attention to my speed or the officer on a motorcyle up ahead. I fly by him. OOPS. Lights come on and here we go.


I pull over so depressed that this free breakfast was about to cost me a speeding ticket. The police officer gets off his bike and comes to my window.


He ask: "Do you know why I pulled you over?"


I say: "Yes sir, I'm pretty sure I was speeding."


He ask: "Why were you speeding?"


At this point I literally have a little debate in my head about what response to give. Make up something? Cry? Smile real big? Beg for forgiveness?

I say:" Well sir, Denny's is giving away free Grand Slams today and I really wanted to go, but I am horrible with directions and was concentrating so much on my Garmin that I honestly was just not paying attention."


I prepare for him to go ahead and write me a ticket.


He says:"Well all you have to do to get there is stay straight about a mile, turn right, and at the next light turn right again and you'll see it. Turn off your GPS and watch your speed. Have a good breakfast."

Seriously? Did that just happen? A police officer pulls me over for going more than 10mph over the speed limit and gives me directions to Denny's instead of a ticket??!!?

True Story. Can't make this stuff up.

(I got to Denny's and the line was wrapped all the way around the building. So I left and went to Ihop and bought the Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity)

Wednesday. Word.

1Peter4 continued...

7... Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

Be clear minded. So easily I read this and really don't think about what this means to be clear minded and self-controlled. It's easy to become distracted by worrying, relationships, friendships, how we look, and material things. When we do this we lose sight of what really matters.

Personally when I get distracted by these things my prayers become more of what I want right in that moment, and less of what Christ wants for me. My thoughts are filled with doubt, confusion, wanting more, not being satisfied, etc. I am definitely not clear minded to think about situations the way I should.

Psalm 10:4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

Be self-controlled. We know what is right and wrong. We know. We come up with excuses for our sins to try and justify why we do things that we know are not good for us or others. I'm definitely guilty of this. .

6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and SELF-CONTROLLED. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8But since we belong to the day, let us be SELF-CONTROLLED, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1Thessalonians 5:6-9

Relating this to dating...

Example: I was talking to a friend one day about how I date. I was trying to justify getting to know someone quickly so that I'll know right away whether I should spend anymore time with a guy. See I don't want to waste anymore time. I found myself getting really defensive in this conversation about dating, and remember thinking my friend just doesn't get it. Finally, after I was done trying to justify and convince him to understand my perspective he said something that I consider profound :

So you've done it your way and how has that worked for you? Where has that gotten you?

Wow. I've never thought about it that way. When I've done it my way I have not been clear minded or self-controlled and this caused me to not protect my heart (Proverbs 4:23). When I've done it my way...well I'm still single so I guess that hasn't worked. There has been much heartache, pain, regrets, feelings of being unlovable, not good enough... the list could go on and on.

Why trust myself when I have a perfect and loving God who has a perfect will for my life?

Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean NOT on your own understanding"

2 Samuel 22:31 "As for God, his way is PERFECT; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

I've definitely been that person that pretty much says:

"Hey God, I got this. If you wanna come along for the ride thats fine, but I got this."

Where has that gotten me? Nowhere good.

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

Looking back I remember times where I literally didn't pray because I didn't want to have to admit where I had been wrong. I didn't want to have to face the fact that I was really hurt and needed someone to help me...I needed Christ. So when this verse says "so that you can pray", that's what I think of. When I wasn't clear minded and had guilt of not being self controlled by making decisions that hurt me and others...I literally didn't pray. I didn't know what to pray or how to pray.

I'm starting to watch my thoughts because I know that my thought lead to actions. When I spend time in the word and prayer, focusing less on me and more on Christ my thoughts become pure and I start to find more discernment. I make less regrettable comments/decisions and become much more clear minded and self-controlled.

1Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus

Hebrew 3:1

Prayer. God's Word. Community.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. - Proverbs 3:5-7

Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
John 8: 31-36


Like our Garmins & GPS let's use our 3 fixed points to make decisions. Our 3 points being: prayer, the Holy Spirit through scripture, and community. In doing this we put our trust in the Lord and not ourselves. Let us be thankful for the freedom we have in knowing Jesus Christ and believing in his truths.

Praying for you all~

www.theporchdallas.com

Wednesday. Word.

While having my quiet time the other morning I decided to study 1 Peter 4. There are so many verses that really hit home for me that I've decided to spend the next couple weeks sharing this chapter.

1.Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.

2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.

4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.

5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

WOW. I am humbled when I read this. I've definitely fallen short and continue to fall short. So often I choose temporary happiness and desires, rather than God's perfect will for my life. We joke all the time about drunken debauchery, make jokes and comments about lust, and ALL of us have made something an idol in our lives. What I mean by that is we all have something that we chose before Christ, that we just can't seem to surrender and trust the Lord with.

It's amazing that this was written so long ago, but is still so true. Especially in verse 4 when it says that they think it's strange when you don't give into this debauchery with them and they will heap abuse on you. Most of the time when I've chosen not to drink or party I've definitely been rediculed by those who are doing just that. When I have chosen to party I end up regretting something. Whether that be because I waste away the next day being so tired, texting/calling people I wish I wouldn't have, saying things I wouldn't have said, aiding others to stumble in their walk as well, the list could go on and on...

I'm humbled because so quickly I seem to not think about the fact that Christ SUFFERED for ME and YOU. We've heard it all our lives, most of us, but take a minute and think about that....

If you think because you've fallen short so many times there is no hope, you are wrong. I've told myself that before. Then some amazing people brought truth to me. We are all imperfect people in need of a perfect savior. That is exactly why he sent his son. Christ is constantly in persuit of us no matter how many times we've fallen short. You see, Christ's love is unconditional. That's so hard for us to understand because everyone we've ever met has let us down in some way...

We will have to give an account to him. What are you going to say?

We are God's Workmanship...His Masterpiece.

For we are God's workmanship (HIS MASTERPIECE), created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.- Ephesians 2:10

Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. -1 Chronicles 22:13

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed...In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. -Proverbs 16: 3 & 9

We are His Masterpiece, CREATED IN HIS OWN IMAGE (Genesis 1:27) to do good works. Whever you are, whatever you are doing, commit to the Lord. Trust God.

-------------------------------------------------------
The Serenity Prayer has come up several times this past week and I would like to leave yall with just that:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

Praying for you all~

www.theporchdallas.com

Wednesday. Word.

Romans 12 has some of my favorite verses and I couldn't pick just one. Take time to read these and reflect on your own life. How you are living and treating others?

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. 20On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Things I've Learned Lately...

5 things I've learned lately...

1. I should have someone else do my laundry. I shrunk three brand new articles of clothing in the last wash.

2. I should not valet park at House of Blues. I went with $12 cash thinking $10 to park $2 tip. It cost $15 to valet there. So I had to go to the ATM and pay $3.99 to get $20 to pay for my $15 valet parking when I could have just walked 100 feet to begin with.

3. I should not hit snooze on my alarm. I never get up when I want/need to.

4. I should not workout legs on Friday. I hurt all weekend.

5. I should not go to the grocery store hungry. I buy way more than I need, and food that is not healthy.

True Story Thursday!

I once had a guy I was dating send me to the spa to get a massage. When I called him after to thank him... he broke up with me. Best breakup ever. True story.

Wednesday. Word.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

~1 Thessalonians 5:16:18

The Porch @ Watermark yesterday was amazing! So often we lose our joy to little things that bother us. It could be: friends, family, work, co-workers, money, status, traffic, sickness, relationships, not having a relationship, etc.

We put our joy and hope in these things, and then when our expectations aren't met we are let down and so quickly lose our joy. Even when we get all that we have ever wanted we still are left searching for the next thing, or something even greater. Why do we continue down this pattern? I don't think there is a good answer.

The verse above is God's WILL for us. To be joyful ALWAYS, pray CONTINUALLY, and give thanks in ALL circumstances. Not just the ones that bring us temporary happiness and pleasure. If we put our JOY & HOPE in the LORD, and not these other things, we will not be let down... We will not lose our joy. Let us be joyful always because of our belief in Christ.

Love & Prayers~

Ally

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Wednesday. Word.

I'm going to start blogging more and Wednesday will be WORD day. By word I mean THE WORD, some good stuff straight from the GOOD BOOK!

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
-Matthew 22:36-38

"Love God. Love others. It's really that simple."- JP

Love & Prayers~
Ally

Matthew 4.

Matthew 4: 18-20 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.

My thought this week for you all is, what "net" do you need to throw down in order to follow him and be fishers of men? Who could you be sharing the gospel with?

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Isaiah 40.

Isaiah 40:28-31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

By your side...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J95rAr0gOFU

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Jeremiah 17.

Jeremiah 17:5&7
This is what the Lord says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord...But BLESSED is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him."

I leave you with these thoughts: Where are you putting your trust? Where are you putting your hope? Who are you trying to please?

Galatians 1:10, Colossians 3:23, Psalm 25:5...

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1 John 2.

This week I encourage you to read 1 John 2. Here are a few verses:

1 John 2: 15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives FOREVER.

WOW, I think of my life and the desires that have "passed away". I think of things that I wanted so badly, that I now praise God didn't work out. I am so thankful that His will for us is greater than anything we could even hope for ourselves. Let us trust in Him and live like we believe in eternity!

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Galatians 5.

I was inspired by Scott Coy's message this Sunday. Galatians 5:19-21 clearly tells us what we should be moving away from. The good news comes in the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-26. Below are a few verses, but I encourage you to check out all of Galatians 5 this week! It's good stuff!

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

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Romans 6.

I encourage you to read Romans 6. Here is a small part:

Romans 6:21-23 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

How great is our God that even though we fall short... we find HOPE and GRACE through our Savior Jesus Christ!!!

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