Blogging_from_the_heart

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: ‘I don’t believe that God exists.’ ‘Why do you say that?’ asked the customer. ‘Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn’t exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can’t imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.’

The customer thought for a moment, but didn’t respond because he didn’t want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The cu stomer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: ‘You know what? Barbers do not exist.’ ‘How can you say that?’ asked the surprised barber. ‘I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!’ ‘No!’ the customer exclaimed. ‘Barbers don’t exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside.’

 ‘Ah, but barbers DO exist! That’s what happens when people do not come to me.’ ‘Exactly!’ affirmed the customer. ‘That’s the point! God, too, DOES exist! That’s what happens when people do not go to Him and don’t look to Him for help. That’s why there’s so much pain and suffering in the world.

Side by Side

They lie on the table side by side.
The Holy Bible and the T.V. Guide.
One is well worn and cherished with pride.
Not the Bible, but the T.V. Guide.
One is used daily to help folks decide.
No, not the Bible, but the T.V. Guide.
As the pages are turned, what shall they see?
Oh, what does it matter, turn on the T.V.
So they open the book in which they confide.
No, not the Bible, but the T.V. Guide.
The Word of God is seldom read.
Maybe a verse before they fall into bed.
Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be.
Not from reading the Bible, from watching T.V.
So then back to the table side by side,
Lie the Holy Bible and the T.V.Guide.
No time for prayer, no time for the Word,
The plan of Salvation is seldom heard.
But forgiveness of sin, so full and free,
Is found in the Bible, not on T.V.

author unknown

Running into the unknown,

stepping out in faith,

 breaking free of comfort zones,

being molded and shaped

every breathe praising You,

 my mind is made brand new,

 my life a testimony, Jesus I need You!!

 

Holly Smith copyright 2008

 

 

devotional I received in my email.. thought it was worth sharing!

Prayer at Its Simplest

 

 

It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, . . . who stretches out the heavens like a curtain. Isaiah 40:22  Ask almost any gathering of Christians to name one thing they wish they knew more about and prayer would be near the top of every list. I understand that. Yet perhaps in longing for those far-off secrets of spiritual success, we overlook prayer's simplicity and beauty. Perhaps in searching for answers, we forget that prayer in its simplest form is a reverent conversation with God.

 

One of my favorite places to go on our little piece of property in the woods is the picnic table down by our fire pit. I often find myself there, not on the bench, but sitting on the table itself--looking out at the sky, the treetops, the hills in the distance. Usually within the first minute or two of leaning back on my open palms, I find myself reflecting upon God, His greatness and the beauty of His creation. It's easy to see from my picnic table: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). We are His. We are here only because . . . He is. It's so simple, isn't it? The perspective from my picnic table says that it is.

 

Perhaps it's because all we see sometimes are sidewalks and skyscrapers. Shopping centers and new construction. Office walls and commuter traffic. In the midst of a noisy, hectic life, we don't notice the pinks and purples of a morning sunrise. Our prayer life takes the staccato form of our non-stop lifestyle, with all the depth of a coffee-break conversation. But what if you knew that all it took to kick-start your prayer experience with God was to locate one of His billowy clouds floating effortlessly across a city skyline . . . and begin to  family safely in the grasp of His loving, caring arms?

They had a dinner for Jesus. Martha served the food, and Lazarus was one of the people eating with Jesus. Mary brought in a pint of very expensive perfume made from pure nard. She poured the perfume on his feet, and then she wiped his feet with her hair. And the sweet smell from the perfume filled the whole house.
- JOHN 12:2–3
    Judasby Max Lucado

If God has called you to be a Martha, then serve! Remind the rest of us that there is evangelism in feeding the poor and there is worship in nursing the sick.

If God has called you to be a Mary, then worship! Remind the rest of us that we don’t have to be busy to be holy. Urge us with your example to put down our clipboards and megaphones and be quiet in worship.

If God has called you to be a Lazarus, then testify. Remind the rest of us that we, too, have a story to tell. We, too, have neighbors who are lost. We, too, have died and been resurrected.

Each of us has our place at the table.

Except one. There was one at Martha’s house who didn’t find his place. Though he had been near Jesus longer than any of the others, he was furthest in his faith. His name was Judas. He was a thief. When Mary poured the perfume he feigned spirituality. “The perfume could have been sold and given to the poor,” he said. But Jesus knew Judas’s heart, and Jesus defended Mary’s worship. Years later, John, too, knew Judas’s heart, and John explained that Judas was a thief (John 12:6). And all these years he had been dipping his hand in the treasury. The reason he wanted the perfume to be sold and the money put in the treasury was so that he could get his hands on it.

What a sad ending to a beautiful story. But what an appropriate ending. For in every church there are those like Martha who take time to serve. There are those like Mary who take time to worship. There are those like Lazarus who take time to testify.

And there are those like Judas who take, take, take, and never give in return. Are you a Judas? I ask the question carefully, yet honestly. Are you near Christ but far from his heart? Are you at the dinner with a sour soul? Are you always criticizing the gifts of others yet seldom, if ever, giving your own? Are you benefiting from the church while never giving to it? Do others give sacrificially while you give miserly? Are you a Judas?

Do you take, take, take, and never give? If so, you are the Judas in this story.

If you are a Martha, be strengthened. God sees your service.
If you are a Mary, be encouraged. God receives your worship.
If you are a Lazarus, be strong. God honors your conviction.
But if you are a Judas, be warned. God sees your selfishness.

Satan promises the best, but pays with the worst; he promises
honor, and pays with disgrace; he promises pleasure, and pays
with pain; he promises profit, and pays with loss, he promises
life, and pays with death. But God pays as he promises; all his
payments are made in pure gold.

-- Thomas Brooks

This little light of mine,Im gonna let it shine,
to the lost and unsaved,the deaf and the blind,
letting sinners know Jesus came to save,
happiness isn't found inside,His love's the only way
dying to old self,becoming new in Christ,
our sins He wiped away,He paid the ultimate price

Holly Smith copyright 2008

Jesus you pick me up, whenever I am down,
a new creation I've become,you've turned my life around
I've given my soul to you,I'll honor you in all I do,
With every breathe I take,I'll praise your Holy name,
Filled with your love and holiness,I'll never be the same.

Holly Smith copyright 2008

What has happened to the world today?

Respect and values have gone astray,

No love or discipline for those in need,

Parents stand up , you hold the key,

We should all be worried about this nation,

It's the home of future generations,

Let's put God back in schools,

Remind our kids of the golden rule.

 

Holly Smith copyright 2007

 

 

my personal struggle with OCD! (obsessive compulsive disorder)

 

I once let something have complete control of my life..It wasn't of the Holy Spirit,God. It was a series of thoughts that would go over and over in my brain until I finally gave in and stopped fighting the urge to do what I really wanted to do. Give into my  OCD( obsessive compulsive disorder). I would tell myself when I woke up okay "today will be different".. I would in the back of my mind. "it will just go away on its own".. It will all be okay..What I didnt realize was that ":it was not going away on its own" and I did need help!!!

Well when i say complete control, I mean I woke up struggling with my ocd and going to be at night still thinking about it.. It immersed all my thoughts, feelings every aspect of my life.. I know now it was mainly a control issue.

I felt like my life was spinning out of control and I didn't know where or who to turn to.. I had my husband to turn to. But I looked inward instead and it only caused me  to be in more anguish and despair.. I didn't want to always be thinking of the thoughts I was having, but I couldn't seem to get a handle on them.

I will be extremely honest and tell u an example of one of my ocd experiences. I would go to a store buy a shirt, pair of pants., or a pair of shoes,. I would then the next day or sometimes even just hours later go back to the store and make up an excuse for why I wanted to exchange them .. I would the get something different , a diff color, size, just enough to make it seem reasonable.. I know after awhile the people working at the stores must have thought. What is wrong with this girl!!!???........Inside I felt ashamed and helpless. I knew I needed help but was too full of pride to ask for help..

It ultimately led me to becoming depressed which into return led to full blown postpartum depression after having my 4th child..  I have been delivered of my ocd tendencies.!! Thanks to God. I am so thankful that I do not have to dread waking up everyday to 24 more hours of struggling.  If u have ever experienced any thing like this.. I  want u to know. You are not alone!!!!! Seek help... pray to God that he would take it from you... I pray this will give someone the courage to speak out and not be ashamed., We all go through rough storms. God is there to carry us through!!.. He will never leave us alone to deal with our struggles.. What an awesome God we serve!!

Marriage

 

You once were two , but now you're one,

your life together has now begun,

remember each day,they all fade so fast,

your love for each other,forever will last,

your commitment will grow stronger from day to day,

memories created won't soon fade away,

never forget what's important in life,

cherish each other as Husband and Wife

 Holly Smith copyright 2007

When I begin to think of what the greatest of my weaknesses is the word "patience" comes to mind.. After all I am weak,but with the Holy Spirit living in me I am able to more then just get through each day.. I have 4 great kids will lots and lots of energy. So yes,my patience does seem to wear thin. Always a bit sooner then I would like to admit. I remember growing up and my aunt always seemed to have it together. She spoke softly and always had a kind word to say. I wanted to grow up to be just like her. I do struggle on a daily basis from the minute I open up my eyes in the morning, till the time I shut them at night ,with being impatient with people. I am not proud of this and I am going to pray that God would give me the strength to be molded into someone who exhuberates patience.

 I know I will always my moments of impatience but I feel as if I fly off the handle at the simpliest things. That is not being a good witness to any unbelievers who I might come in contact with..

.. Dear God I come before you now as a weak filthy sinner in need of your mercy and your grace.. I pray that you would give me the strength to not be so "short" with people and that I may turn away from my fleshy desires and run to you my loving father in heaven. I know I will never be perfect, but I long to be a great witness of your uncondtional love, faithfulness and compassion.. It is in your most precious and Holy name I pray. Amen

 

I am a lying,thieveing, blasphemous , adulterer at heart..I confess with my mouth that God sent his son Jesus to die on the cross so that I may not perish but have eternal life.I gave my life to Jesus Christ a year ago when I was convicted and broken and I began to realize that my life is not about Me.. It is about spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and making sure my loved ones souls are saved before they die so that they may spend eternity in heaven.!!!!+. I look forward to meeting others to fellowsip with and to support in their walk with the Lord.. *~My parents took me to church when I was younger but I was pretty much just going through the motions.. I didn't truly understand what it meant when people said that God had sent his son Jesus Christ to die on the cross and save me from my sins. *~ I had my 4th child on January 2007 and I was already struggling with postpartum depression from the birth of my 3rd child. I went through two years of emotional turmoil before I finally hit rock bottom.. It was then that I was so hopeless I didn't know where to to turn or how I would be able to to go on living the way that I was. IT took many tears and finally losing my pride.. I knew I couldn't do it on my own anymore. It was out of my control and I was ready to humble myself as a filthy sinner who needed God's forgiveness..

I prayed that God would heal me of my depression and give me the strength to be the mom and the wife my kids and husband needed me to be..I know that it is only with God's awesome power that I am in the recovery process.. I am now able to reach out and help others who are struggling with depression and let them know there is a light at the end of the tunnel..That bright and burning light is Jeus Christ!!!! I now know that God allowed me to go through the pain and turmoil so that I would come out on the other side and be a a witness to others about just how amazing his love is!! Knowing I have a Father in heaven who knew me before I was born and is always watching over me gives me all the peace in the world.

Our scars are reminders that we are only human and we need Jesus Christ to be by our side to get through each day and its struggles. We search and search for something to fill the deep hole in our hearts.. But when we begin looking to the world for the "quick cure" it only seems to dissapoint us.. Jesus had scars from being nailed to the cross when he shed his blood to forgive us of our sins. Our scars from past hurts, troubles, let downs, and heartaches broken can actually be a blessing in disguise.. They can help us to be reminded that even though we went through a terrible storm , we don't have to give in and become a victim for the rest of our lives.. Once we accept the free gift of salvation our past is left behind.. Like dust in the wind. No longer, we are bound by the chains that once held us down!! Praise God!!! Thank you Jesus for giving your life for mine.

 

 

Forgiving someone can be one of the toughest things to do.. I have said "I forgive you" to someone many times,but have not truly meant it.. I think the single most important thing we can cling to when we are hurt,belittled,betrayed and let down is that Jesus died on the cross to forgive us of our sins..So we must forgive others . Holding a grudge only causes us to hold on to the memory, of when we were hurt and then continuously replay it over and over n our heads..

. We are saved by grace and all we have to do is be willing to put our fleshy desires aside and let God lead us where he wants us to go.. Jesus didnt have to sacrifice himself on the cross so that we would be forgiven, but he did it because he loves us so much.. I have been hurt many,many times by past boyfriends and so called friends..But since I have been saved, I think about forgiveness in a completely different light.


.. How can we say we are a believer in Jesus Christ if we arent daily striving to be more like him??? I believe when someone has hurt us ,and we choose to forgive them we are extending the same kind of love to them as God gives to us.. It damages our witness to the unsaved when they hear we have chosen to not forgive someone.

...I myself have found that being a believer is not easy. Dying to your old self and trusting and having faith that God knows our needs even before we know our own is what it is all about.. He must be our guiding light. We are like ships at seas not knowing what exactly lies ahead of us.. I think forgiving someone is just as much for ourselves as it is for them .. We are letting go of the bitterness and resentment and once again able to experience peace in our hearts and our minds..

We are releasing that burden and giving it over to God.. Saying God this person has really hurt me and I am having a hard time forgiving them. I pray that you would release the stronghold that is keeping me from trusting you.. You forgave me and I did not deserve it so why am I not willing to let go of my pride and in return forgive them.?..... Once someone hurts u, you tend to be nore cautious around them and others, but in time u can learn to love and trust again..

Then Peter came up to Him and said, Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? [As many as] up to seven times? Jesus answered him, I tell you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven! Matthew 18: 21-22

Wash me thoroughly [and repeatedly] from my iniquity and guilt and cleanse me and make me wholly pure from my sin! Psalm 51: 2



He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends. Proverbs 17: 9

For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6: 14