From My Heart with Praise, Prayer and Perseverance

Attitudes, Behaviors and Habits

2011-12-11T15:03:00.000-05:00

Phillipians 2:5 "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus"

Another reason to study the Bible, and Christ's character, so that we can be more like him. Mounds of research shows how attitude is directly affective on behavior and has links to our health. More and more chronic illnesses and increases in behavioral issues can be positively impacted by changing the attitudes of the families and communities the afflicted live in.

                                                                  ATTITUDE

                                                           by: Charles Swindoll

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.

                                               More great quotes by Charles R. Swindoll

We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.

We cannot change our past. We can not change the fact that people act in a certain way. We can not change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.

When I think of vision, I have in mind the ability to see above and beyond the majority.

When you have vision it affects your attitude. Your attitude is optimistic rather than pessimistic.

Words can never adequately convey the incredible impact of our attitudes toward life. The longer I live the more convinced I become that life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we respond to it.

Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/charles_r_swindoll.html#ixzz1gFzgv4xB

Our human minds are wonderous control centers of our lives. Our psychological functions and their effect on our behaviors has facinated me since I was little. I love to talk to people about what the know (have learned), believe, experiences and how they use these things to construct their behaviors and habits that have formed as a result.

I love to clarify definitions so that everyone means the same thing and everyone can understand correctly. Many times you can trace conflicts back to a miscommunication or misexecution. If we took more time to make sure we say what we mean and that others understand us correctly there would be less disappointment and conflict because someone "THOUGHT" differently than what we had stated.

If you identify your goals and/or desired traits you can examine what someone who possesses the trait you want and what you need to change to develop the desired trait and make it an attribute.

Attitudes of Highly Creative People--
http://www.problogger.net/archives/2007/05/09/9-attitudes-of-highly-creative-people/

Freedom is not free of design and purpose-- All things have boundaries..

2011-12-03T17:26:00.002-05:00

Freedom is symbolized by the Flag (a box with linear stripes). Constitution is recorded on rectangular paper and stored in rectangular boxes. Most of our communications are done on square or rectangular devices.
Houses and Office buildings are squared, built with lots of square and rectangular materials. Our world is full of boxes and yet they are blamed for making things "too confining and restrictive".

Everyone wants to site "thinking outside the box" and THEIR freedom of speech, religion, to assemble as their reason for doing uncaring and unfair things. All "boxes" are not square and small. There are boxes of all shapes and sizes. Lately, words loose their meaning and/or are used interchangeably. If by box you mean container, well then, there are stores and an internet full of Containers. My favorite store is "The Container Store" http://www.containerstore.com/welcome.htm I was so excited when they opened a store in Raleigh. They have every size, shape and many colors of containers and hangers for just about anything.

I like to think of thoughtful, well founded, wholesome and TRUTHFUL speech as structual attributes of courteous speaking and writing. I put alot of effort into making sure I understand things I am talking about and use to think that was what responsible, educated people did.

Oprah always said "you do better when you know better".

Well, silly me I want to know when I do something unwise, uncaring or disrespectful. Therefore, I figured other people would want to know when they were doing or saying something undesirable. But turns out that is infringing on their rights. Hmmm I didn't see the right to be selfish, hurtful, and to violate others who respect you in the constitution. My bad... I will research more about these rights that you speak and discover how to love those who insist on being selfish, insulting, insincere, unethical, untrustful and disrespectful to history and tradion, not to mention completely blasphemious to Christianity principles. (GOD referred to Jesus Christ before 2008, when everything became open to public opinion and the push for tolerance meant that any definition that someone did not like became "hateful speech".

To make things more stressful, friends who openly profess their christianity and mix "religious" stuff in their political rants that are full of name calling, profanity and untruthful statements are seen by those who point out the hypocrosy, and want to incorrectly try to lump all the people who share a belief together. Well, that is their burden to try to figure out, I finally have learned I can only speak and be responsible for myself. . Nonetheless, it is like being caught between two stones and squeezed unmercifully.

If you say, you value the truth, then make sure you only share truthful information. ASSUMPTIONS, ALLEGIATION or SUSPICIONS are not facts and need to be carefully considered when quoting or forwarding information. If I would not choose the wording or tone, I will not share it. And regardless of the accuracy, some things should just not be shared or discussed. Phillipians 4:4-8 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A4-8&version=NKJV is a good structure for conversation and will really change things if more people would use this as their agenda. Most important is verse 8. "whatever is ......" if it is not on the list table it until it fits the criteria.

As Christians we are called to be different, to think carefully about our speech and actions. Fools must say things because they want to say them. A wise person holds their tongue and speaks wholesome, truthful things (yes, sometimes it hurts people but when spoken in a loving way the wounded pride will heal once the heart is exposed and allowed to be cleansed).

Why state the obvious??? Jesus didn't call people names or list their sins to them. So why would we do them???????????

Health issues help redefine Psalm 23

2011-11-11T20:34:00.000-05:00

Psalm 23 has always been a favorite of mine. Chucked full of visual pictures of lessons learned and to be learned. Everytime something in life brings me to it, a different part strikes me. Last year I was in a bible study in which we talked about sheep and their relationship with the shepherd and it really made this passage so much more meaningful and as I looked over my "personalized" versions they too became deeper and more precious.

The Passage as is from New King James Version
Psalm 23 1-6
The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your Staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil.
My cup runs over,
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.

WELL.... that takes a few minutes to chew on... grrrr.. grumble.... !!$%& **** grumble grumble, why me, why not healing, ..... whine, grumble, doubt (YES christians do doubt...some admit it... some don't... but, HE WILL NOT let us go to far down in our personal pit, before He forces us to jump up in His Loving, Comforting, Nuturing arms to talk our minds back into alignment with our hearts.

Everyone does not get the "miracle" of one minute the doctors are sure you have a tumor or condition, you go through alittle treatment, lots of prayer and viola' your healed! We all hope for that and when it is for the Glory it happens, but.. Faith is built through the trials.. and sometimes the trial is the "uncertainty and the bound to be bad--clearly impossible situations to amazing results, and sometimes it is the quiet, personal "trials with unseen illness or circumstances that challenge you even more.. but all the situations are within HIS power, HIS knowledge and HIS delivering.

Oh yeah, using all the scriptures and a few in more than one application are sometimes necessary to get us to draw nearer to Him, but when we "Walk by FAITH and show ourselves knowledgable and understanding that HIS ways are not our ways, and HIS timing is always perfect and that HE WILL NEVER forsake us and is always working things to bless us (not our bank accounts, personal portfolio's or other worldly things but our spiritual being) it becomes "Well with our soles and we can see our situation written within the scriptures like a vine is wrapped around a grape vine to make a beautiful and fruitful display of a "Divine teaching".

~~My Personal Version of Psalms 23~~

The Lord is my Shepherd (my keeper and caregiver, herding and gathering me from the thickets I get myself into when I run in the wrong directions)
I shall not want (cause I want what I want and what I think, feel, am told, is best for me)
He makes me to lie down (rest, separate and just BE (not do things) in green pastures (wide open places, not crowded offices, stores, crisis situations, ect..)
He leads me beside the still waters. (not the rapids, the ocean, the sea... but the SMALL creeks that he takes me to, "waterbottle"!)
He restores my soul, (so little is restored in our world, medically alot of essential vitamins, enzymes and hormones are depleted and then replaced but GOD SAYS HE RESTORES!) (He created me, He knows how much of what I am to contain to be fruitful and fulfill the purpose He created me for, so if I don't have the right enzyme or hormone than I don't need it for what I am going to be lead by Him to do.. I am normal! in HIM, with HIM and for HIM.. He is for me so what can come against me to destroy HIM and ME???)
He leads me in the paths of righteousness (this one always got me?? what??? in paths of righteousness?? He makes us righteous when we follow HIS WILL, His precerts and commandments--(LOVE!) deet dah deet!!! oh... If I follow where he leads me I am on the path of righteous!!!! "in the LORD I have righteousness Isaiah 45:24, He who follows righteousness Proverbs 21:21; the way of righteousness is life Proverbs 12:26.)
For His name's sake. (I am called by His name, I am His Child!!!)

Yea, though I walk through the valley [dark low place between mountains] of the shadow of death (depression, despair,...uncertainty.. any times of doubt, when our lighted path seems low, unprepared, tough to travel, dark and lonely)
I will fear no evil; (Be anxious for nothing!) For I KNOW MY GOD REIGNS!!!
For You are with me;
Your rod (correction) and Your staff (finger reaching in medication bottle, medical devices, heating pad, a cane other things used to grab and direct us) they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, ( :) promise of provision and of reward regardless of "Public opinion", what the world denied and removes from me, God will lay before me.
You anoint my head with oil; (refreshment, protection, MASSAGE!!!)
My cup runs over. (FILL IT UP LORD! my physical cup to keep my nutrition and fluid levels correct, my life with be full, without my "doing anything!" He fills me..
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me (He is good and His mercies are new everyday!)
All the days of my life; (My days are are in His Hands, He knew before I was born how long I was going to live and It is His job to teach and provide for me to fulffill the purpose for which I was created. If I am obedient HIS WILL, will be fullfilled! My purpose will be what He desires for it to be and in the proper timing, so if I haven't already done the great work I was created...I am promised it is coming, He is preparing the way and lighting the path..)
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD (promise that once you enter into the 'house of the LORD, you are always in there, and HE IS IN YOU.. HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS!.
Forever! (Eternal Life!!!)

Plans, Dreams, Disappointments... Delays, Deeper Desires, Delivery of Promised Goods!!!

2011-11-02T15:47:00.002-04:00

WAIT! WAIT! WAIT!

Uggh... I AM NOT PATIENT! and I learned not to pray for things I do not want to "receive" the difficult way!

When you ask for wisdom, God teaches you complex, and difficult lessons to show you how to screen, prove and validate lots of views, and types of information.

When you ask to be more polite and meek... oh yeah, God brings the "difficult and challenging" (to love) people and puts you both in situations that give you the choice to "become polite and meek" or continue "telling it like it is, because IT IS THE TRUTH!".

Feeling abit lost and disgruntled and trying to throw myself a good olde' pity party. I use to be pretty successful, so I figured I tried everything else.. why not "Party" alittle and right in the middle, God busted it up with a belly laugh.. and a glimpse of hope that maybe all is not lost on the dream. :)

Searching for something else, found this... to some it makes no sense, but to me.. it means alot! http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0092656687900067

All can find confirmation and encouragement in any circumstance, if you want to.. Ask and listen and WAIT! and you will receive.

As It Is Written in the Holy Scriptures in Jeremiah 29:11 (My additions, personalized for my purpose, you can define it for you! it is your message from HIM too.)
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil (or punishment or calamity), to give you a future and a hope. 12) Then you will call upon Me (not Oprah, Dr. Phil, or anyone else on earth) and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13) And you will seek Me and find ME (not riches, answers, the lotto numbers, a new...) when you search for ME with all your heart. 14) I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity (stupidity, pity party... )I will gather you from all the nations (whatever seems to have you instead of the promise land you thought you were heading to; (housing, jobs, situations, ..) and from all the places (all the closed doors, movements from something, NO!'s, losses....) where I have driven you, says the LORD, an I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carreid away captive.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~&~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ On the wings of Love! Soaring like an eagle ~~~~&~~~~

Doh! :)

I AM NOT CRYING!!! "My Eyes and Brain are sweating" ~&~

2011-10-22T11:29:00.000-04:00

Tears are not a sign of weakness or lessness..they are usually signs of pain.
Tears can quickly dry up like the rain, and do not mean the person is insane,
Tears flow for many reasons...all tears are not created the same!                                                           Tears are not to blame or to be used to make the bearer lame.
Tears can clean the air and make relations fresh.
Tears are sometimes brought on by fear

Recently (Last 3 years!!) I have become EXTREMELY emotional and MORE Anxious than ever (which was already pretty high---jumping out of my skin kind of reaction to conflict and hostility). During this time, I have learned people do not know how to handle tears and emotional outbursts. (effectively). This discovery utterly amazed me, since everyone has emotions. I began a mission to conquer and see how the other side lives.. those with COMPLETE CONTROL at all times, never see them rattled, shaken, stirred... cool as ice and always articulate and on point.

Yeah...HA HA HA!!!!   What I found was a complete disconnect from how they act, what they say and what is really going on. Just 'cause you don't see the meltdowns and outbursts, doesn't mean they do not occur! Just because someone "TELLS you" they are in control of themselves and everyone around them.. well talk is cheap and can leave people in heaps.

Slowly I realized.. Uniqueness and personal choices go way deeper than the eyelashes. And when health issues are added to the daily mix of life.. well tears can roll.

Health problems, especially CHRONIC Fatigue and Fibromyalgia (CHRONIC PAIN), Digestive problems AND emotional issues make for an interesting mix of challenges. Nothing is impossible. ALL THINGS (SITUATIONS & CIRCUMSTANCES, not people) are possible to overcome with enough thought, caring, determination, strength and patience (FAITH in something bigger than yourself and this green earth, helps!!!).

Knowledge brings understanding, understanding brings an informed opinion to find solutions (to the challenges, situations and circumstances (not the people). People need basic things, COMPASSION! Acceptance (does not have to be completely understanding--all things about them or the responses, but participating with them and allow them to be themselves (tears and all), LOVE (Unconditional -TRUE and Longsuffering "get through anything" kind of committed affection and admiration of their personal makeup, (not their talents, abilities, disabilities or the such..). Everything else is obtainable, once a person has a ground on which to run for the stars and work and function in a positive environment.~~~~~~~

Sadly, sarcastic, humorous, intellectual ("theological, philosophical or just radical talking points) political and selfish ways have replaced the old fashion personal interaction skills and methods that produce positive and encouraging learning environments and relatioships. When you NEED positive and stable environments in order to compensate for your personal internal well-being and instead are torn down, depleted and brusied and battered from working against the flow of negativity, personal and professional attacks and unproductive exchanges and missed goal achievements it can leave a person a tad, EMOTIONAL.  Especially when the people portray and promise quite a different return on the investment of joining with them in a relationship and are seen behaving differently to others. One has to wonder, "Is it me that makes them act and talk like this"?????

I have learned through trial and error, lots of soul searching and experimenting AND PROFESSIONAL Counceling. That NO! it is not me nor anyone else that can be blamed for the unflattering and unkind behavior, speech, uncommittal and unproductive behaviors.  CHOICES!! are made every second.. reactions are choices... responses are needed but when, how, where and what kind of response is all up to the person giving the reaction. If they are acting on poor internal beliefs and feelings (EMOTIONS) they will respond poorly and that is their decision to "go with the flow of how they are feeling at the moment".

EVERYONE needs to be respectful, thoughtful and purposed with how they respond to people, situations and circumstances. Always rememebering people are involved and that every complex and big decision comes down to the effect it will have on the people involved.

Next time you see someone crying... how will you respond????? Trying thinking differently and see if the reactions are different... Doing the right thing is not about trying to control the current situation but more out the end result..it is investing in the future. Wear waterproof clothing and stand back a few feet and ACCEPT the person and the tears might diminish..

The Joy of Job Hunting and letting 1 page; 8 x 11 represent me... Oh my!

2011-06-17T10:28:00.001-04:00

The ironic things in life..

As soon as we are able to do so, we begin building our resume with Education, Experiences and Work History to show our dedication, diligence and desire to be productive and efficient.

        Then, when you REALLY REALLY (want) NEED! a job we try to format this 8 X 11 sheet of paper with creative formating and spacing, well crafted wording to get us a phone call.

Momma and Daddy always taught us to be HONEST and Forth coming, don't embellish or over state your abilities or knowledge.
           In this world this can destine you to entry level (LOWER Paying) jobs, if you get hired at all. Because they are expecting "EVERYONE" to embellish alittle and so when you don't you look less than what is stated.

        I became desperate and curious to know what in the heck is going on with my non existent interview schedule. I mean things change all the time but 10 years ago, the few times I was unemployed I left the home at 8 am with the resumes, newspaper and list of appointments and by 5 pm that night I had offers or promises of calls for the next day. Now I am having few calls and interviews that are clearly (what do you look like, ethnicitiy and age) meet and greet. Weeks go by before they let me know I am not being selected.

SO... I got bold and called a recruiter to find out what the others had that I did not.. and OH MAN! OUCH....

THE RESUME! Have someone look at it, it is outdated and too informative, they don't need to interview you cause it is all spelled out and you gave them references. So they interview the other candidates to get a better idea of them and end up selecting someone they "SEE".
((WRONG, AGAIN! by Martina McBride began playing in my head ~~~~~))

OH MY ....! UGGGGG. I followed advisement and recommendations from school and cannot believe this could be so bad that it is preventing people from seeing they NEED ME!

So I got bolder and had a friend look at it, and well, IT WAS THAT BAD :(((
"NO WONDER YOUR NOT GETTING MANY CALLS!" in 2 hours we complete rewrote my resume into a powerful 1 page concise sampling of my expertise and experience.

The hardest thing about the whole experience, as great as the 3 of many employment experiences are, they were not the bulk of my work history, nor the most important roles that show my character, integrity, work and social ethics. They are not the things I want to be known for, no!  those are the very first things that are removed as "incidental or too personal" and that do not matter to recruiters, employers, or mostly anyone else...(SERIOUSLY IRONIC that my whole being was built and designed to be these roles and the learning and experiences gained in these roles should be recognized.. (Abilitiy to follow instructions, Work Independently, Team Player, Able to resolve conflict and problem solve on the spot,...)

Daughter of 41 years, Sister for 33, 31 and 30 years, Girlfriend of 3.5 years, Wife of 19 years, Daughter and Sister-in-law off 19 years, Working mother for 5 years, Homeschool mom of 5 years, Self taught Medical Biller, CPT & ICD-9 coder, EMT (licensed but never ran due to becoming pregnant), ACTIVE and AVAILABLE Friend and Volunteer, Creator/Facilitator of many groups and cooperative events. Avid student/reader/researcher and Continuing Education Participant.

So much work goes into becoming individualized and unique in our teens and Young Adult days only to work to becoming as much like everyone else in our middle ages. Self starter, Motivated and Efficient Producer use to be notable qualities and desired "BUZZ WORDS" on resumes.

All this work to obtain a job that is going to take the majority of my day and evening, consume much of my thoughts and precious energy. The newly acquired coworkers and management will become the beneficiaries of my talents, skills and time. Therefore, I am selective in the "opportunities" I choose to venture into, looking for a complementary experience that will be a natural addition to my resume and life. Suddenly it seems as though the world has changed completely and not for the good. All thoughts, and actions are about securing professional and financial security, having to relinquish control and influence over not just my life, schedule and future but also that of my family, all for a paycheck that is reduced by a government that follows none of my beliefs, or ethics and wastes the money on inappropriate expenditures.

But I am strong and will work to obtain what my family and I need/want. I can and will balance this heart breaking shift and we will become more secure, loving and efficient for all the efforts.

Encouraging Scriptures:
And I will make thee to this people a fortified brazen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 15:20) http://bible.cc/jeremiah/15-20.htm

they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me (Psalm 129:2) http://bible.cc/psalms/129-2.htm

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) http://bible.cc/jeremiah/29-11.htm

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31) http://bible.cc/isaiah/40-31.htm

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. (2 Corinthians 4:8) http://bible.cc/2_corinthians/4-8.htm

"I have learned the secret of being content" some say Yeah! some say What in the heck are you talkin about! that is foolish and misuse of optomism..

2011-06-10T10:07:00.000-04:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/norlandcruz74/5621111566/

"The World on Atlas shoulders in front of St. Patricks Cathedral"

This picture is so thought provoking and what an exempletary prover of the statement "A picture is worth 1,000 words". My words for this picture would be "Proper Delivery System" .. or "Ministry in action".

Looking at this I wonder what is going through Atlas' mind, wonder if he was content in the "Carrying the weight of the world".

Such Irony..we train our muscles, lift weights, run marthons and play strategic games for months online and in board game clubs yet we become troubled so quickly and soon forget where our strength comes from, how to get the weight off our shoulders and that we ARE NOT ALONE! EVER!. NO NEVER! He is at hand, on the right (most people are stronger on the right side!)

Somedays I totally feel like the world is crushing me into dust. Expectations of those I love the most, Expectations of those I am "coworkers" or "friends" with, Biblical and Christian expectations, The worlds expectations and tasks of a woman, daughter, cousin, sister, Aunt, wife, mother, sister in christ, ..... it all comes crashing down and it seems like there is no where to turn. My early belief in God taught me that He is always there, and in my youth I have Faith that was unshakeable and I KNEW HE WAS IN ME and I IN HIM and THAT WAS GOOD ENOUGH TO GET ME THROUGH ANYTHING. Oh to get back to that "secure and content feeling" if something was taken away or someone passed away I felt sure God's Will was controlling things and the path was clear and simple. It was cut and dry, you believed in Christ and God the Father, you read and obeyed the Bible and Family helped keep you "on the straight and narrow". You did not debate it, enforce it in others lives, if something was amiss you prayed over it, discussed it with the adults, the Pastor and your parents word was the LAW, you didn't "judge them or worry if their rules were fair" it WAS, God knew all that was going to occur and has a way for you to grow in it and your soul to be kept through whatever may occur to your mind, body and spirit. When things got tough, you kept the course, remained faithful and KNEW HE WAS LORD or LORDS and you would one day join him in heaven and THAT WAS ALL THAT MATTERED!.

What a "Garden of Eden" experience when the security, and beauty of Life and obedience is broken into like when Adam and Eve burst the skin of the fruit from the Tree of "THE KNOWLEDGE of GOOD and EVIL" once I bit into the "Knowledge of the world and other peoples "Opinions and belief systems" the ease and simple pleasure of living a "good life" within boundaries and authority of those God put in my life to guide and direct me became very scary, unsettling and cumbersome. People I respected and TRUSTED became scary and everything had to be "Evaluated for the truth and appropriateness", I became saddled with the responsibilities of keeping myself out of the fires of HELL and having to watch my every thought and action to avoid being responsible for someone else's demise. I had to "Go and Tell others about this amazing man/spirit that would change their life and give them hope, however I had nothing to PROVE it, and all the evidence around gave other options. Freewill is a bear to explain, and really darkens the amazing love and power of Christ and God the Father and as we age our expectations and requirements of immediate or Visible reward increases and if we are going to suffer and struggle that really changes our attitude and the debating and rating begins.

I began hearing statements and heart felt objections to this LIFE OF FAITH that just made so much sense and many around me agreed was THE WAY TO LIVE.
"If I am going to go through alot for someone else, they better show appreciation, and make quick changes and walk the line like I have been doing or else I am "cutting the line and moving on"!. "I am not going to have someone put all these restrictions on my life and live without the blessings others get, "I will do it myself!" "I will make my own way in this world and if at the end God accepts me in heaven then good if not I lived to the best of my abilities"

WHERE DID CHRIST and GOD the Father go??? Why did he leave us in our attitudes of "entitlement" and harden our hearts toward each other, all the sudden the "Be Attitudes were strange and lofty goals but not actual "Priorities", Love became highly conditional and if you screwed up you were OUT! What happen to Love is gentle, Love is patient, Love is not rude, Love does not envey (want what others have), Love does not keep record of wrong doings, Love ALWAYS protects, ALWAYS trusts, ALWAYS hopes, ALWAYS perseveres. (I Corinthians 13:4-7)

How am I wrong, and "stupid" or "Foolish" for being duped and for giving endlessly to people who are not listening to me, and not changing their ways, not doing for others, and not even happy with me or what I give? Is that really my problem? God is my guide, Christ is supposed to be my example. I pledged my love to HIM. I received this kind of love, and the "Good Book says to do it without growing weary, of all the things I do it (LOVE is the most IMPORTANT and LOVE is what changes lives, it is what kept Christ on the cross!

I have freewill and I do use it (miss us it, I will not back down when I think I am right... I will do as those who have authority in my life tell me to and Pray that the destruction of selfish and unguided decision is minimal) I do what makes me "feel good" and gains personal interaction. But, as much as possible I try to live as Christ wrote me in the greatest Love story and best "SELF HELP" LIFE MANUAL, if you want to improve your life, relationship, business relationships, finances, ect.. There are instructions in the book and many of them are rephrased versions of a few simple directives.

Believe in GOD (Christ and the Holy Spirit) with all your heart and mind.
Control you emotions (feelings) mind and mouth. BE JOYFUL & REJOICE ALWAYS! THINK ONLY ABOUT the Worthy of Praise things (so most days I think only about my salvation and that none of these hurt feelings, hurting body, lacking of anything really matters! (Phillipians 4:4-7; 8-9)

My favorite verse of comfort and inspiration is:
Phillipians 4:10-13 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything everything through him who gives me strength.

(WHAT THE WORLD CANNOT AND DIDNOT GIVE ME, IT CAN NOT TAKE AWAY!!!)

"Oh LORD, When will this be done?"

2011-05-05T14:23:00.000-04:00

"Oh Lord, When Will This Be Done?" by Dorothy Ann Wiggins

Oh, LORD… When is this going to be done!

The days have trampled along and I feel every minute.
The steps to nowhere have been the hardest to take.
As much as was against standing and walking the way I felt you lead, I did.
I work and pray and pray to work,
I try to stay positive in a sea of despair.
I can’t help myself, and although I don’t understand why..
I keep caring for and helping others, trying to be fruitful.
But, I still wonder… WHY!! And for so long…

When will the sunshine, on ME again.
It shining but me being stuck inside, in pain seems more cruel that a gift.
Yay , for them who can enjoy its warmth,
but even the heating pad is not helping me not be miffed.
Oh, I confess my jealous rages, and my doubting and arguing heart
but, every other minute is too much for me to cope with.

When does this end, when will I get on with it, up and out, or online
I don’t care, just want progress
I hear you loud and clear; I obey as much as I can and confess the rest but to be honest; no more rest.
Please hear my wee little Faith and praise for who you are, and what you have done
But, really Lord when I can I have a break,
when can I see the good FOR ME! As is written.
When will I feel the strengthen within me,beside me,under me and above me.
When will I see what I have believed for so long…humbly I ask for a sign
And just to be clear not wanting a cast or bandage or further demise

I know you are LORD, I have faith that you will provide
The spirit is sweetened, the mind is clear, the heart is palpable
The work is stacking high, the dreams are fading,and hope is being drained.

Every morning is the same, I begin thinking this is the day! I will feel stronger..
But by noon, it is clear that although I have come so far,
it’s just not going any farther today.

I accept your Will and Sovernity but wonder when things will change?
Thankful you are here and hear me, but the Mary in me wants to DO more than just sit and wonder.

Dotese verses Worldly interpretation: Invisible (not a bad thing either way, ha ha!)

2011-05-03T11:55:00.000-04:00

So often I am told that I am or I personally feel dis'd , despensable and just exisiting but not really purposeful. In some situations that is great! just the way it is supposed to be, but to be non-essential in everything and despensable, collatoral damage, interchangable in so many situations???? What is up with that... Misuse is better than no use right??? Action can be adjusted with less energy than moving DEAD weight.

God's best gift is UNANSWERED PRAYERS (or NO!, CLOSED DOORS, Broken contracts, relationships really change your preception in a quick way if you are ASKING and SEEKING Him, "What now"!???? "WHY NOT!!!" and remember, and cling to Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. You love Him therefore HE IS TALKING TO YOU! TRUST!!! and keep walking.. (He is probably carrying you but He lets you stand on HIS FEET! that were nailed to the cross yet are sure and strong now!.

OH WELL they are entitled to their opinion and too bad they live by sight. I was created, am loved and have purpose it just is not "beneficial or controllable by them therefore of no meaning to them.

The world interprets and uses things in weird ways and often misuse people and things because they don't understand the TRUE PURPOSE, CHARACTER (PROPERTIES) and ENERGY (CONTROL) of the person or situation.

WEBSTER or RANDOM HOUSE definition of Invisible: undecernible or not perceptible by the mind or eyes (one of my CONTINUOUS PRAYER REQUESTS since I can remember is for Decernment!--human eye sight is such a disabling thing).

God sees everything and if we have Him in us, We have his eyesight if we decide to us it :).

One quote I love that I hear is so many settings and many ministries use as the manta to help the set a good perception and goal of coping with working their hearts to accept becoming invisible..

"If a work is done correctly, they will not see YOU they will see the Power, Hope and Love that will take them to HIM." http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=A0oG7mZrHcBN.zwAjESl87UF;_ylc=X1MDUCM5NTgxMDQ2OQRfcgMyBGFvAzEEZnIDdzNpBGZyMgNzYnRuBGhvc3RwdmlkA2R6OVRFVW9HN3Y0VW04bE1UTEpoeUJEZFRMWTh4VTNBSFdzQURsb0IEbl9ncHMDMARvcmlnaW4Dc3JwBHF1ZXJ5A1NvdXJjZSBvZiBxdW90ZSAiaWYgeW91IGRvIGl0IGNvcnJlY3RseSB0aGV5IHdpbGwgc2VlIEdvZCBhbmQgbm90IHlvdSIEc2FvAzEEdnRlc3RpZAM-?p=Source+of+quote+%22if+you+do+it+correctly+they+will+see+God+and+not+you%22&fr=w3i&fr2=sfp&type=W3i_SP%2C204%2C0_0%2CStartPage%2C20110416%2C16898%2C0%2C8%2C0&iscqry=

If you have to be SEEN to make your point, it must not be a very big point..

When running through "HeLL" we hope the devil doesn't notice us, as sung in many songs; yet we crave to be known and understood on "face value"?? Oh that must make God giggle... the "Human mind...such a terrible thing when it is not used properly.. rewind the tape!"

When we do something wrong, we don't want to be seen in our role of the situation, we want to rewrite the script or adjust the lighting to make it "look better, or be more decernable to not be "as bad as ..."

He is not finished with me yet, Still being refined and purified and often He has to turn up the heat to get the LEAD out.. but like when you get the carpets cleaned it looks good and then all the sudden a stain appears again (Attack of the pride, emotional outburst, humanistic thinking IE: FLESHITIS!) but through it all "I am Fearfully and Wonderfully made.

To many the CROSS and Jesus are invisible, but to others.. they are the very "Color" of our eyes ( t ) ( t ).. with eyes like these who wants 20/20 worldview..

Friendship is a vessel to move us through life.. and Gifts to be cherished.

2011-04-13T11:57:00.000-04:00

Friendship is a vessel that moves us through life.. it carries us, hopes, dreams, tasks, possessions, ect.. sometimes is the cruise of leisure, enjoyment, joy and fun..sometimes it is like a ride on the rough and wrathful ocean...or a rough sail; there are port calls; their are times in the docks for repairs and breaks; there shipwreck.. it capsizes.(betrayals and disagreements).. their are battles that damage the ship, but the spirit of friends (especially those that are believers because we are a cord of Three and when we ravel and become wayward He keeps us from breaking).

Friends are Friends forever....   they are gifts to be Cherished..some are easy and evident others are diamonds in the rough..

I am a deep thinker and usually said to "think too deeply and take things too serious" but I am very literal for many reasons. I was raised that way, I saw and continue to see it modeled and the meanings of words, phrases, gestures usually have one that is literal, easily "word for word translated".

Communication, Relationships, and Purpose are the three words that make up the person I am. And people that can deal with it, appreciate it AND encourage it are called FRIENDS... and that is a precious and priceless word in my dictionary.   Every person that comes through my life, is like someone who walks a beach. Some just glide acrossed, maybe removing something, sometimes caught in a photograph, others make imprints on me and my life, leaving behind things, comments, love, and memories--few or many, and yet others come and sit for awhile and make awesome memories, build things on the barren sand, leave laughter in the air, awesome memories and funny pictures to be treasured forever..

Facebook has been an awesome "Organizing and Utilization" tool and has a wonderful aspect of recording and connecting with your friends and those whom you meet through blogging, games, and other friends. You can create notes and share them with everyone, you can "tag" your friends as if you were sending them an email, you can send a private message to them that only they see. The other awesome aspect of facebook is "Finding Friends" you can look for people that had been "previous friends" but you lost touch with them due to graduating, moving away or just life..   I have been able to reconnect with classmates from highschool whom I had not talked to in years, but as soon as the connection was established it was like a time warp.. others is a fresh new friendship blessed by maturity and many new things to connect over.

I have had the priviledge of praying for friends and their families, meeting new people because of something I posted, reconnecting with friends and family and meeting new friends and family members that I never knew before but now have been able to add their branch to our Family Tree (which is another wonderful tool on facebook).

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/dot.wiggins.92?sk=friends        Friends (398)

.Today I saw one of the lesser appreciated things on facebook, an app or discussion that polls friends as if you were asking "Deleting people tomorrow who I haven't heard from in awhile" do you want to : Yes keep me, Delete me or I don't care..

First I thought how funny, and then as I have seen it get more and more people using it. (which I think still requires the person to go through and manually delete people) I thought about an email campaign that went around awhile back, "I am cleaning up my contacts list" and I did it because I was having to key in everyone on my laptop Outlook and didn't want to enter someone who was not going to want to keep in touch, but then I ended up adding everyone evidentually for personal issues.

I wrote a note on facebook and explained why, if they said delete me they still saw me on their list. I offered my reasons for keeping all my friends and let them know if they wanted to decrease their list they were free to remove me from their list, but I would still consider them Friends, cause to me Friends are Friends forever.. and even the ones that asked to be "left alone or felt the relationship was no longer a positive for them" their feelings were respected but, they will never be forgotten and they are still prayed for and treasured, because I can, do and will Forever.

and "I do.. CHERISH" EACH Friend..

Somedays Life is like Rock Climbing \.or Hiking, and other days it is quietly waiting .but always an adventure..

2011-04-12T14:16:00.000-04:00

Life is compared to many things. Especially in terms of Spiritual endeavors it is referred to several analogies; Walking a path, Walking in the dark, Walking on the beach (footprints), Sitting in the meadows, Time outs (Jonah and the tool shed). Everyone has to find their analogy and image to help them in times of struggle, doubt, and disappointment. So often the analogy vaporizes and your standing around trying to figure out "What's next", sometimes feeling like ducking to avoid "the other shoe from smacking you in the head". Some days I feel like I am living out the Country Song "I will Pray for you".. (but I know God does not honor such prayers, and much like Wonderwoman's "bullet proof wrist bands" defeats bullets and weapons formed against us.. and what he does for us we can do for others. If we will.

Life..can be as secure and clear as an indoor rock climbing wall. No matter what comes the rope is attached to the top and the belayer (and the hook in the floor) have the other end to "control the possible fall and steady your body so you can cling to the rock.. The Climb is not as much about the appearance, or the likelihood you can make it.. it is about suiting up and getting in the position to climb and "praying you can get up the rock without killing yourself or the poor little teenaged belayer. Once you lift and reach for the first handle and take that first step.. you have rock climbed.. Then the insanity and excitement that you actually did it takes over and you take another step. Life is a process and it may take a few times to get to the desired level or position on the rock but.. no matter where you end up, you Rock Climbed.. You Lived!

Other times it is like Hiking out in the open, but the path is set also, you start at the point were you park like at Stone Mountain and proceed up a "cleared and marked path" there are paths off the main path but they all lead either toward the top or back down to the parking lot and you can start over again and avoid the detours and just follow the straightened path.

The view from the top is quite different than from below or from the side. and Pictures don't fully capture the awe and beauty of the climb, the exhileration and pride of making it up and the remembrance of the experience and the ones that climbed with us. The pictures are great to remind of us all that was involved with the moment and to help us encourage ourselves to reclaim that determination, enjoyment and satisfaction.

Times to sit and take a break together, and give the camera man time to enjoy the fact he is ready to continue and has not been phased by the journey that nearly killed his "YOUNGER" teammates :).

Fears conquerred, physical limitation overcome and beauty captured all in one journey and a picture to remember it all.

Time outs, with purpose and personal goals and desires. The attempts to physically capture the beauty with that which God has given me. An artist I AM NOT! but I WANT TO BE able to draw a stick, rock, and a puddle and have it be able to resemble such.. still trying :).. But scratching a pencil or marker acrossed a piece of paper to make marks in the shape of what I see, I am able to do and I see what they were (with the help of pictures attached :).

Choices, Past/Heritage, and Desires/Ambitions/Intentions are all "Steps on the Path". Will they cause you to stumble??

2011-04-11T12:19:00.000-04:00

Life, Choice, Freedom, Heritage, Authority, Service, Purpose, Meaning, Ambition, Appearance, CHARACTER, LOVE, SPIRIT, FAITH are words, aspects of bigger things and stumbling blocks to the person walking and those watching and possibly following.

Who is your Daddy? is becoming more and more a confusing question with devastating consequences. On TV it is riveting and exciting when a child comes home from school and announces that they studied blood or DNA in science and did a test and found out the were Type _ and the man stands there and says "Oh that can't be cause I am.. and your mom is __ so you should be __" or on the talk shows a man decides he does not believe he is the father and the test results are in the envelope.

We are so proud when we Choose our friends, and make our "Like Family" we adopt people into our family that are like us or closer in proximity than our biological family when we are away from home. We have spiritual parents (those that presented the gospel to us and helped nuture our spiritual growth), We have our "Father in Heaven".

According to Genesis, Abraham and Sarai (name meaning "contencious" in greek) whom God changed her name to Sarah and said that women whom followed her God where as daughters and should follow her example. Although she was beautiful, she was adored Abraham, her husband; her provider was GOD whom she prayed to, Believed in and was in waiting for.. She had his eyes in mind when she dressed, worked and served. She would get into her own image and ways, as humans due but she would find her way back to God when the "LIGHT OF TRUTH showed her the way.

It is written to Pick up your cross (burdens, past, heritage, problems, failed businesses/careers) and follow Him, He will take the burdens and give us a yoke that is light and bearable.

Pictures are more powerful than words and give us a visual guide....

Our Biblical culture and heritage was a simplier and more hands on lifestyle.. "A man who did not work did not eat"; "A man was the head and provide for his family"; "they picked up their mats and tents and load their donkeys to travel".

Jesus Christ, son of God the Leader of the Disciples teaching them about the Father and His will for all mankind. Teaching them the ways to continue the work of the Father after He departs. While knowing how he will serve later this night.. yet He shows by example how they are to serve others. Teaching is not by "word only as we are told to not be hearers of the Word but BE Doers also". Christ instructed he who thought he was greater than another to serve the lesser and then he "Did as he taught, He (Lord or Lords and Son of God) bowed to each of the disciples and preformed one of the most demeaning yet necessary and comforting acts in that time, he removed their sandals, washed their feet and Prepared them.

Jesus came to the home of Martha and Mary and wanted to talk with them and break bread. Each of them had a different way of preparing for his arrival and for their time with Him. Mary (full of her desire and feeling she was going to be praised for her work) pleaded with Jesus to rebuke her sister, Martha, for leaving everything and sitting at the Saviors feet. To her surprise, He rebuked her, for not doing the very thing he asks "drop your...(life) and come with Me and do my work".

We pray for a "LIGHT ON A PATH", "SHOW ME THE WAY" "Light this darkened world. and we are looking for a fancy chanderlier or a flashlight lighting the path from behind us. Yet, it is written "HE goes before us and will light the path, HE HAS PREPARED for us, He is at hand and will "Straighten our path". The LIGHT of TRUTH is BRIGHT AND SHINING LIKE THE SUN! Paul was Blinded to make him see the errors of his ways.

APRIL 8, 1970 ~ Happy Birthday to me :) ~

2011-04-08T12:22:00.000-04:00

Well, today is the beginning of ME! ~~ April 8, 1970 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, V
Dorothy Ann Herdman began making noise and meeting people and has not stopped since..

I like to look over the years.. events and days of my life.. and celebrate the lessons learned, friends made and then neatly fold the memories into the (DASH -----) that they are.. in "The Rest of the Story of MY LIFE!".

April 8, through out History~~ Picasso memorable quote "“Action is the foundational key to all success.” (Pablo Picasso) died April 8, 1971

http://www.mastersoftrivia.com/blog/tag/april-8-1870/

April 8, 1970
in History ....
http://www.historyorb.com/date/1970/april/8

in Popular Culture around the world
http://www.mrpopculture.com/files/html/aug08-1970/

in Music News ~~~ (LED ZEPPLIN!!)
http://www.ledzeppelin.com/show/april-8-1970

in Testimony of a Faithful blogger and speaker
http://www.jasonmitchener.com/testimony.html

Who in the heck is in charge of this mess????? and whom am I in all this???

2011-04-07T12:30:00.000-04:00

Ever asked yourself this question, "Who in the heck is in charge of this mess??? and whom am I in all this???". Fear of having to do the right thing UNDER people...and living right in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, consequences of others... Wanting to be encouraging, supportative and helpful but also want to be truthful and not "enable" or cover for people who continue to do what they want, or what prospers them regardless of the effect on others.

                               Oh what is a 'girl' to do????

Wisdom is the first trait and plea of many. When we look at people we want to see them as wise, especially if the are leaders and if we can't see their wisdom we usually run from them or refuse to acknowledge them as the leader.

One of the prominent and highly esteemed people in the Bible, Job asked a similar question about Wisdom:
But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?   Wisdom is a gift from God, received by those who notice they are lacking and ask for it, as written in James 1:5, Wisdom is attained when we desire to think like God, for which we need knowledge of Him, His ways and His assistance to keep us from corrupting or manipulating the Truth and Righteousness of His Word.

We are instructed to Trust and Obey and we are often provided examples of Submission and Servants. Many instuctional scriptures are addressed or referring to Bondservants...like

Ephesians 6:5-7   Bondservants, be obedient to those what are your masters, according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.

I am very much an authoritive junky, I want to know the Hierarchy of a family, group, organization or whatever I am getting involved with. I like to ask what it is, and then see how people respond to the authority figures and see who is "really in charge"!. See how efficient and loyal everyone is in the submissive and problem resolution activities. How strong and ethical is the leader and how strong and ethical are the subordinates?

It is easy to follow someone in the good times but what happens when troubles come? And when all heck breaks loose what happens then. The blame game, the foot stomping and yelling "I am in charge here and you WILL DO, what I say!" (even if you have to do unethical things and then be blames for going rouge, cause "I am a good leader and person and I WOULD NEVER DO that!" )

Well in times of frustration and doom and gloom I gravitate to I Peter 3 and think about the whole relationship example of a marriage and of the relationship of the church and God. (talk about problem solving skills, ha ha). I have used these passages for years and then saw something new and quite telling.. (ut oh, Lesson 1 million 101!) "Seek and ye shall find, Ask and it will be given to you! ha ha.. (Thanks, God I needed that :)!

I memorize scripture and then I have a terrible habit of paraphrasing and changing the words, which as a "Good Magister" would say changes the meaning, and that every letter and word is used for a reason. Read it, understand it and deal with it the way it is, don't change it to make it fit your purpose or make it more comforting. (Hmm..) ok.. So I reread it from scripture and viola' what do you know I was missing a huge chunk and the very answer I was looking for.... who knew ....

1 Peter 3:5,6 as it is written (NKV) For in this manner, (see verse 4) in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, who daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

WOW~~~~~ wait a minute let that sink in a minute!. woosh...............................................................

I memorized the first part and had omitted a bit.. Oops :(   let's look at this again...

1 Peter 3:5,6 as it is written (NKV)
For in this manner, (see verse 4) in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, who daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

okay.. those that know me know that of all the people and stories in the Bible I have had the hardest time with Abraham and Sarah, ESPECIALLY that she called him "lord", I thought that was a bit confusing and sacreligious.. "LORD" is how we refer to God and why would a mortal man be given this honor... especially the ones I have seen. I love my husband but... I did not think he has esteemed to "Lord" status yet.. and I certainly didn't see where Abraham had.. (and God asked, and WHO asked YOU whom YOU thought deserved and earned titles I provided them just as I gave you yours! ~~~HMMMMM.... idk....)

Off to my dictionary I went... to see what the original meaning of Lord was, as it has the Heirish sound to it, Medival times... Ancient honor and respect... this was cool, yet a bit.. (UHHH huh ...ut oh.. got some digging to do and some spring cleaning of heart and mind..to clean up and adjust the attitude..)

There are many notable meanings and uses for lord and when you add "MY" to it.. which was customarily used as the salutation or greeting.. "My lord". http://www.thefreedictionary.com/lord (THIS IS KIND OF COOL.. and as women we want to be QUEEN or at minimum PRINCESS, which we claim as our linkage to GOD, KING OF KINGS" well being married gives us a linkage too...)

The meanings/usages that stood out to me were.....
My ---- is possessive of I (mine); modifier (as a CPC coder I love modifiers!! the define and specify procedures and conditions :); polite, affection, or familiar; Interjection !; determiner;

Lord ---- A man of high rank (he is a son of the KING of KINGS); Territorial magnate (we all know men are territorial/possessive) ; Prorietor of a manor... (HMMMM.. I am a firm believer of calling "IT" like it is, using proper words and terms and on this alone, I have some "splaining to do, ha ha I am so Lucillish/"

Okay.. this part kind of got me right in the pride bone... and brought a tear to my eye..
   Masculine title of nobilty ( ewww that sounds like if you don't use it ...you demasculate... (ut oh... that is like UHT OHHHHH!)
***Courtesy title for a son of a Duke or Marquis (under a count.. ha ha.. made me think of count dracula on Seseem Street)
               Man of renowed power or authority (eee.. I give him power and authority sometimes.. (to get me out of trouble ...:)
               Male head of household
                A Husband   --- (well, now isn't that funny... [not ha ha.. but ironic..] if for no other reason... uh I see where this is going and it isn't going to be comfortable or involve shoes.. (here I go..down to the knees of confession, AGAIN!)
A person who has power or authority over others such as a monarch or master (young male)! (OUCH!!!) how often have I said to him, YOU SON! Your HOUSE, .... or the one or two times he has had others come to him and say "THAT WIFE of YOURS, or that Son of yours".. Hmmmm...

Good news is He is the King of our house, and of this Queen..( a King has to have a Queen.. even a Prince needs a Princess.. lucky for Him, I am a Princess, Daughter of the King of Kings.)

So the answer to the Question above is, God is in control, IF I submit to Him and those authority figures that He has placed in my path.. not because they "deserve or qualify for the courtesy or esteem" but because I TRUST and OBEY HIM! This world was Created by HIM and is still HIS, but this is not the Garden of Eden, perfect, and abundant with ease and no pain, struggles, confusion.. Great Great Grandma Eve bit that fruit of promise of Knowing all.. and well now we know stuff we wish we didn't and don't have just Wisdom (wise-thinking of true and right; method or way of doing; http://www.thefreedictionary.com/wise Dom~ state or condition) http://www.thefreedictionary.com/wisdom

Life is a prepatory course...much like a feast is celebratory and memorializing of events...
Of all the tasks, building character is the most uncomfortable yet the most beneficial of all....
Losing selfishness, bitterness, and fear is the best weighloss program ever invented..

Prove it! Faith requires no proof, justification, it just IS and does a heart good &

2011-03-21T12:30:00.000-04:00

Faith, Religion, Beliefs, Principles, Honor, Morals, Character traits, Ethics and Self-Control all seem to be to blame for everyone's unhappiness and the evil of the World.

Trying to backup what I say is my belief system I began reading and researching to be able to "Scientifically Prove" the statements of the Bible. And more challenging, proving that Jesus Christ was more than a man.

How do you prove something that is interwoven throughout our culture and "religious texts" in so many translations and muliple accounts through out various literary works. So many have gone down this trail and written books about their findings. So many others have written books about how full of it the "Religious Sympathizers" were and showing how all of the faith based people were lesser vessel using religion to solve problems so they could enter into denial. Every point of dispute has three or four contradictions. The non-believers say you can't "Explain" the Bible is this or that and using different translations of the Bible is not accepted either. When up against other religious texts' and literary works statements are compounded and complex and utter chaos insues quickly. There is not great "PROOF" it is a heart matter, a deep innate "feeling" that there is a connection and a purpose and when you follow that line of thinking and research that desire and to explore what all the pieces of your personal existence are supposed to make, you are faced with a few decisions.

How did you get here? Creation or Evolution
What are your biological controling factors? male or female (gender mismatched, homosexual ect..)
What is the Controller of your life? yourself or something larger?
What are the requirements of you, your behaviors, thoughts ect...?

Religion and Faith are two very different beasts of debate and have been for Centuries. The Jews and Gentiles could not agree. The Jews and Pharisees, Catholics and Christians, Buddihists and others.. and then all the variation under each major religion.. enough to keep the dust from settling. But what is at the root of the discussion is PROOF, unrefutible, clear and evident hard proof that Jesus Christ is who so many say he IS. Well there is the first problem with this process.

Faith is defined by Merrium-Webster as :
a : allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty b (1) : fidelity to one's promises (2) : sincerity of intentions

2a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust

3: something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/faith

Therefore, the problem is not religion, or Faith. The problem is the lack of education, awareness and honest adherance to TRUTH, HONOR, RESPONSIBITY and ALLEGIANCE. Today the "Popular opinion" and Democracy are infiltrating everything and everyone's life stretching and removing any restrictions, rules, determination making life unstructured, unsecure and unfulfilled which helps the "needing and wanting" to become unquenchable and the desire for a rescuer allows people to transfer their allegiance to anything and anyone that appears to provide the "freedom" they want.

What do you believe? Whom is your allegience to? Why?

Trust in God is good for my soul and I will continue to BELIEVE and am more encouraged in where I choose to put my Faith so many years ago..

Choose Love, and the FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT not secrets, and empty words...Do you have a concealed Weapon permit for that tongue of yours???

2011-03-18T11:53:00.000-04:00

Secrets can be "innocent" when just a privacy and modest thing.. but when they become bigger and darker and are used to be a cloak for bad behavior, hurting others, HYPOCRACY, AND LIES (which are SINS! if you are a believer..) The human mind is a powerful machine that can be controlled by the environment it is operating in, it was designed in PARADISE, where Truth was as plentiful as the fresh air, beauty and innocent companionship and relationships were the "popular trends" before that "corruption" slide in.. today we have the same paradise and perfect conversations but the corruption and negative is more "popular" it blares on our radios, tv's and computers. However, we can conquer the thoughts like it said that Jesus Christ conquered the GRAVE!, to Believe that and that I too will conquer someday is extremely powerful, inspiring and overwhelmingly encourages me to wholeheartedly, completely open my heart, mind and body to possible relationships to learn and experience a different flavor of the fruits in the garden, my GOD created.

Just because fear and evident anger and/or refusal of apology being accepted does not negate the need for the apology being offered and then it is YOUR responsibility to PRAY and Work to restore the relationship. Bad experiences, past experiences or whatever excuse (My family didn't take about feelings, I am ... and don't trust, discuss, I need ... or else I can't let people in)

One secret can set off a domino effect that destroys so much... needlessly... (Remember! there are no secrets that no one knows... someone knows...)

When love is active and true ...there are no secrets! Even if the person won't "Listen" (the advanced act of hearing and interpreting auditory information) speaking the Truth sets you free from the destructive habit of withholding information, and keeps you from allowing your heart to become hardened and bitter. Having to wear your armor all the time, even in close relationships and intimite moments.   If the other person in the relationship won't hear and Listen. There is someone who hears..cares..loves and will honor you and the commitments that others have made... He Provides...He Heals...He Protects... Always share your heart with HIM, clean out the hurts.. the "DARK" feelings, plans for revenge, wishes to get "what you deserve"!

He continually stretches us and draws us to look above our circumstances, our hurts, our struggles.. Never GIVE UP, ALWAYS GIVE YOUR BEST and ALWAYS RISE UP, in Prayer, Praise, and Perseverance.

Love Endures...(Won't quit)
Love DOES NOT FAIL..
Love Lifts you up..

Secrets, regrets, confessions, apologies..... why are we so hung up on these huge wastes of time, if there is no action toward change. The most hurtful and aggrevating thing as a friend is to have to witness and hear repeated secrets, conspiracies to hurt others, or plans to withhold talents, gifts and affections in order to gain control of another person. Oh, how a heart SCREAMS in pain from the effects ... even worse when you are the target of the meaningless apologies and consistent secrets of hateful and "DARK" feelings against others who wrong you, but yet you are never wrong enough to apologize.

Where is the grace??? where is the understanding??? How can you say you LOVE, CARE and are KIND when you will KILL someones spirit, level a persons character and shake someone to the core, causing them to completely doubt and question the fundamental beliefs. Is there really "Justification" of behaviors like this? Where is that written in the "HOLY SCRIPTURES" cause I am so wanting to find the path so many are on. I have gone to Lifeway several times looking in all the new translations but the all read the same as my old and well worn Bible.

Breaking promises, refusing to grant requests (simple and should be easily done) CONSISTENTLY. Defacing a person in private is just as disgusting, disrespectful and painful. If only the Golden Rule, Common Courtesy and Honorable treatment of others would come back into "popular trends" it would be awesome and not a moment too soon.

When you are loved, accepted and CHERISHED you don't need to keep secrets, and confessions should come from the heart and be something "You WANT to DO!" cause you know you OWE the other person the restorative action, which is like placing a pressure dressing on their wounded heart. Continued denials, ignoring of requests and needs, lack of care (the feelings not the physical serving), being treated as a burden and an unwanted obligation makes one feel just that..REJECTED..IGNORED and UNWANTED...

One Republic

Secrets lyrics

I need another story

Something to get off my chest

My life gets kinda boring

Need something that I can confess

'Til all my sleeves are stained red

From all the truth that I've said

Come by it honestly I swear

Thought you saw me wink, no

I've been on the brink, so

Tell me what you want to hear (THE TRUTH, LOVINGKINDNESS....)

Something that will like those ears

Sick of all the insincere

I'm gonna give all my secrets away

This time

Don't need another perfect lie

Don't care if critics ever jump in line

I'm gonna give all my secrets away

My God

Amazing that we got this far

It's like we're chasing all those stars

Driving shiny big black cars

And everyday I see the news, all the problems that we could solve

And when a situation rises, just write it into an album

Seen it straight to gold

I don't really like my flow, no, so

[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/o/one_republic/secrets.html ]

Tell me what you want to hear

Something that will like those ears

Sick of all the insincere

I'm gonna give all my secrets away

This time

Don't need another perfect lie

Don't care if critics ever jump in line

I'm gonna give all my secrets away

Oh, got no reason, got not shame

Got no family I can blame

Just don't let me disappear

I'mma tell you everything

So tell me what you want to hear

Something that will like those ears

Sick of all the insincere

I'm gonna give all my secrets away

This time

Don't need another perfect lie

Don't care if critics ever jump in line

I'm gonna give all my secrets away

So tell me what you want to hear

Something that will like those ears

Sick of all the insincere

I'm gonna give all my secrets away

This time

Don't need another perfect lie

Don't care if critics ever jump in line

I'm gonna give all my secrets away

All my secrets away

All my secrets away

I would rather have your heart... even the dark stuff has to "lighten" soon.... If it is the truth, hand it over I can handle it ~~I have help (and He already knows). But best of all, I truly care and Love the person not what the have or their title, reputation, connections, ect.. I don't need details... I just need commitment to turn from (THAT) and commit to honest communication. Take alittle time with someone else and put up with alittle yuck.. cause someone took your yuck... and still cared and remained friends, became your wife, mother, daughter, sister, cousin, aunt,, whatever...

Girls with Guns!!!! Girls can shoot too.. any takers???? And families that shoot together have a blast! Good deal on paintball /---- ****

2011-03-17T09:03:00.000-04:00

So many opportunities flood through our days and women have to stretch and pull themselves into so many things to support and accompany our men, and boy children. What about girls shooting???? What about us picking up an interest in archery and target shooting??

Tammy Wynette sang "stand by your man" and my husband is always looking, handling and practicing tacticle moves, hand techniques for shooting and aiming at our homemade target range with his "realistic" BB gun. When funds permit he wants to go to the range or home to Virginia to shoot. I am very purposed and finding willing sidekicks for him to replace me but I had to start learning to shoot and....

I shot with my eyes closed.. until he was watching me and ..well I learned to keep my eyes open while pulling the trigger. After the second time I liked it. And we became a ruttin tootin shootin family. We enjoy target and tactile (they are so cute all dressed up and crouching, spinning, crawling around) :) shooting. We are so excited about having this opportunity.... any one want to join us? or just take advantage of it on your own it is a good deal I have been checking prices and this is all day for most (charles will shoot is 200 in minutes, and then he will be shooting the camera :)

http://www.groupon.com/deals/xtreme-kombat-durham?utm_campaign=xtreme-kombat-durham&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&c=button&addx=dotwigg@nc.rr.com&utm_content=raleigh-durham_inter&user=dotwigg@nc.rr.com&d=deal&divison=raleigh-durham&s=featured_deal&date=20110316

This offer is good until September!!! buy today and use it when convenient ... love that!

" I only ask for what I deserve...(what you have committed or promised) Am I the problem? Golden Rule..part 2..Mean what you say !

2011-03-10T11:47:00.000-05:00

People crack me up, down and sideways.. they willl take everything, moment and thing you offer AND THEN ASK and DEMAND more!!!! They talk endlessly about, "we will do this, " "We will go here", "We will sit down and review....talk....whatever" "I LOVE YOU.. is a commitment and should mean something!

I make painful and diligent effort to communicate my commitment, participation, and intentions. I am very careful with motives and manipulation (even the innocent (which there is no such thing in the "earthly realm") I am cautious of asking for things, time or otherwise, not wanting someone to do something for me that they are going to resent or didn't really want to do, but.. "I was convincing..or because they loved me, cared.. whatever..) Even though I do for others simply and promptly because I care for them, their family members whom the request is usually for, (but that is not my problem) and most importantly BECAUSE I CAN!.

If you are rewarded, recognized or otherwise compensated for effort, giving or care-- you can't "double dip" and expect someone to receive the "gift" and pay you back with ANYTHING and that should not be your sole attempt at showing your love (unless that is there 'Love Language' as described in Chapmans books) It is not mine and I have never said I was bi or multi lingual and if you "know me", "love me" then speak my language! If you have any question ask.. or read...look and see, I am not complicated.. I am pretentious, glamorous or "HIGH MAINTAINENCE" but even grass has "needs" and alittle care and nuturing makes a big difference..... If you cut it too often, too deeply, neglect it too much. it is not going to grow, remain functional or even remain available to protect your tromping tactical and destructive boots from getting muddy!. This grass is quality and thriving despite poor treatment, maintainence and care and WILL KICK YOUR ..., I am not the store bought, fake and fancy "sod" that is rolled out and becomes whatever you want whereever you want. I am deep rooted, well established ground cover, planted before you were ever on this earth and will be here until the "Master Gardener" plucks me from here.. If you want the pleasure and continued support of the well nourished "growing, loving, giving ground cover then respect it, feed it and then you can continue to enjoy it. If not, I will choke the mower and you will not continue to damage the roots and hurt the seedlings.

You know what your problem is?, you don't fight enough for what you want... Hmmm but maybe you just "Don't see, or know what I really want!"

2011-03-04T11:53:00.000-05:00

Everyone has alot to say, especially when they think you could or should do something other than what you are doing. If you are not chasing the same thing others in the group are, maybe you aren't like-minded. Having all the toys and things the world has to offer makes you better to give... or it could make it harder.. if all your stuff isn't paid for and you have more debt that controls your time and mind. Now a days the "democracy" way of thinking has creeped into all aspects of life.. "Education, Healthcare, Medical Procedures, Government, Legal Proceedings, Marriage, Employment, Child Raising...Church leadership, Ministry...everything is a debate and a fight of wills and human intellect but as soon as you answer the questions.

What were you thinking? How can you keep accepting this behavior? Why don't you give them a piece of your mind.. (which is my favorite! to which....I like to say it is not mine to give away and then I would only have "part of my brain left for the next debate and would be less intellectual than my opposer.). The weight of public opinion in heavy...but the weight of unfulfilled expectations or desires of family and friends is crushing sometimes... but Hope is in the WORD~~1 Peter 5:7! and Psalms 139:1-16, 23-24, Proverbs 1:7

I have several videos, songs and verses that I use to encourage myself and others when we are under criticizim for something and are called to explain ourselves or defend our motives, actions and beliefs. I have learned through several painful situations that it is best not to defend yourself.. We say HE IS our all in all. His ways are best and His hand is on our life and if we are whole heartedly living it and walking with HIM then talk to HIM and stay in HIS HANDS, Look to his Face and let them figure out what He says to them.

The Golden RULE is the way to go... once you have been under the microscope and felt the "Burn of public opinion" and the spight of the grapevine and be voted out... Keep your focus, Joy and HEART ! You are a "wonderfully and fearfully made masterpiece"! and you are not finished yet!!!!! But, you are not expected by the Creator, to complete the work that he started in you. HE IS GOING TO COMPLETE you! HE IS THE ALL IN ALL. He layed the cornerstone and that is not just a word, it is "The ONE" that came in John 3:16. and once that belief...is then put into action by growing, TRUSTING HIM!, LOVING HIM with all your heart, your mind and your body. Not your mates, your friends, your children's... YOU do your right work to work out YOUR faith and salvation.. as He leads YOU! share and encourage others to try your path if they haven't found one yet.. but help them to connect and find their way. Conflict and hurt feeling is usually a sign someone is not wearing the Armor fully, has an unconfessed matter to take up with God, who will lead them to restore relationship damaged by their wrong doing, or someone is working outside of the Design plan. all of which will be revealed through prayer. Which we are supposed to be doing ceaselessly.

I see fine.. and I am ok just the way I am, or GOD will let me know... I have purpose and power given to me by my maker and this world nor anyone in it can take that from me by using my faults, treasures or fears against me. He IS ABLE TO MAKE THINGS WORK FOR MY GOOD! and THINGS and Weapons formed against me will not profit, things meant to be a curse or hurt will be turned to good and not harm. According to his promises, which I have FAITH AND HOPE in and through them.

Here are my favorite videos and songs I shared this morning on facebook.... Let it be ~&~ is my new favorite, several songs I have used as inspiration for years! and some see it others don't yet but they will "someday". http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/dot.wiggins.92

If we aren't already friends, send me a friends request :)

"If you want to make God laugh tell Him your plans", and thinking ~~If you want to make yourself laugh, write them down! :0

2011-02-28T14:44:00.001-05:00

Going through the .... and desperately wanting to get something accomplished; I started reviewing my lists and notes to see what needs to be kept and what I just need to let go of, as "good thought then, but now just a roadblock and clutter".

Second thing I picked up is one of my notebooks and on it was a "writing, and a dot ditty".. too funny... I remember this day and the circumstances and oh how the world turns your mind and heart "round and round" over and over until you decide to shorten the distance of your chain on HIS end and then the Miracles can touch your LIFE like a fresh breeze~~.

08/08/08 Able to do or Talented for..... Why if I am able can I not, yet someone who is Talent can at all cost? If I am talented at nothing then I am obligated to do nothing????

oh no.. not so quickly.... Standing on the promises...is how I have lived this far, Claiming my talents if nothing more than caregiving and encouraging. I know this is enough, as it is all I promised...

1 Peter 1:17-18    And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the times of your stay "here" knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptable things, like silver or gold from your aimless conduct "received" by traditions from your fathers, But with the precious blood of Christ as a lamb without blemish and without spot.

We all have been blessed with:
Abil i ties: What we are able to do to bond things (or) people together.   :)

T ale nts: (ALE) enjoyments and relaxations, flowing effort,   Recognized for... like singers, writers, performers ect... who do things that come easy or that they enjoy.

Skills (work) kill laziness, we may receive "recognition" as a leader or director of a work project or function. But with a heart felt commitment to being Able and for giving proper recognition to whom the ability came the miracle of unity can occur and all the glory and fame of all the workers is given to Him, which works like a ray of sun traced back to the "core" or center of the Sun.

I may not feel talented at anything, seldom able to do much, but willing to do what I can because He made me that way and when I am too tired or otherwise, He is Able to do more with me, in me, for me and EVEN BEHIND me (clean up)! that I can even imagine..AS IT IS WRITTEN!!!!! (somewhere in the Holy Scriptures).

                                                    If Only I Could, .... But You Can....
                                                                   by me, 2008

                     If only my heart was as big as my mouth
                     If only I would act like I think
                     If only I could do, have, be, and/or change .................

                     If only I could trust someone AND not be hurt
                     If only I would trust you, GOD
                     If only my spirit could control my brain
                     If only I could erase my negative thoughts
                     If only I could change all that is wrong with me as pointed out by others

                                      I can't..................... But, YOU CAN!...

              You can make me whole....Healed...Beautiful...Intellectual....and........
              You can transform the dust into a new woman, pleasing and strong
              You can make my heart larger by softening and opening it
              You can make my mouth gentle and sweet
              You can make my mind be more like yours (Phillipians 4:4-8)
              You can make me rest so that I can heal and you can make me trust freely and open
               You can make me the woman you designed me to be (Proverbs 31, and Titus 2)


                                            You can and will as soon as ......
                I lay down the life you gave me and let you clean and restore and seal it......
                I open my heart and mind you can clear away the junk and corruption
               I am here, my life is yours take it and make it what it can be to glorify you...

1 Peter 2:4-5

Coming to Him as a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrafices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

My body's Knots gave me an idea (~)~Knots on a string that will bring enjoyment and profit.

2011-02-24T16:01:00.001-05:00

Well I decided I am not going to keep letting others impact my recovery from this Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia flare up. I do for others and now I must do for myself. I have to follow the diets and get the exercise I can and when I can't move and do what others think I could/should or would be doing. Rest and Relaxing, Exercising and Stretching so that the knots in my body stop wrecking my sleep and causing me pain and weakness.

I started reorganzing some of my stuff that I planned on working on and found my Rope, String, Wire, and beads and found some encourangement and hopefully some answers to the need for income until I find a "Real" job. I have applied for more part-time or temporary work that I even want to see in writing, but have been avoiding going for the full time and/or Medical Positions until I was back on track. Knowing how exhausted full days on my feet and then coming home to all the 'wants and needs' of the house and household occupants wore me down to this point.

How Poetic! Tied in knots and about to tie knots...

"Tie" ~~to bind, fasten, or attach with a cord, string, or the like, drawn together and knotted.

Knot ~~interlacing of a cord, rope, or the like, drawn tight into a knob or lump, for fastening two cords together or a cord to something else. farther down, in the defintions is the Anatomy/zoology: a protuberance or swelling on or in a part or process. as in a muscle. Nautical~~a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile or about 1.15 statue miles per hour.

I have made lots of changes, adjustments, sacrafices to heal and avoid having such a severe flare up again..
Found like pick-me ups and encouraging symbols for myself to help on the "bad days" and these are a few of the symbols I have fell in love with and received relief and encouragement from.

So we have "Strings of knots and hope" When in need of Strength and Encouragement these 'laces can be worn or tied in bigger knots. They are adjustable because they were tied and not glued or welded together, they are tied together.

Bead enveloped in "Nickel/Silver" metal resting place. on a black cord $10.00 This can be your "worry" or "stress" stone.

"Stength is a long journey but is a jewel in the end" Black and silver "S" wooden bead with silver bead on the end. $ 5.00

"S" Strength with 4 corner knotted pendent with 4 hooks for charms on the bottom. $20.00

3 golden basket-woven bead that spin on a gold wire. Tied on a brown leather lace. $10.00

Golden basket woven button earings.

$ 5.00

Email me for more information or to place an order. Accept Paypal cash payments.

I Don't Understand you all either!...Oh, well! I think I am right and you think I am wrong, "Be Patient God Isn't Finished with me!" He takes suggestion!, Drop to you knees and He is listening! :)

2011-02-21T11:56:00.001-05:00

"What are you saying? "
I can't understand you....you make no sense!

Who me????? oh well, I will just chew my time!! you will learn soon :)!

If I had a dollar for everytime I heard this said to me I would be a millionaire ! (ha, ha.)

~~~~LIAR LIAR pants on FIRE! I am going to take it to the wire! I speak English...and I mean what I say!

When I say I am a follower of Jesus Christ, I mean....
When I say I LOVE (verb!) you, I mean.....
When I say I am hurt by you, I mean....
I am Presumptive that it was not intended the first time, habitual and consistent reoccurances, (offenses) makes me wonder...

I am consciously and diligently (TRYING!) to be, submissive to authority of my husband "As it is written in scripture!"(rightness or wrongness is not my job) inconvenience or unpopular opinion, is not my problem, I did what I was instructed to do...(unless is it a clear sin and then I am sacraficing by dealing with his wrath and doing what is right) so Judge me rightly! and put the stones down cause you know you are not without "wrongful stepping".
I will pray for you ~~~you pray for me. If you doubt me, ask him! (my husband) will proudly say, "Yes, I told her that..." and if not he should be warned the "Eve" is gathering dangerous apples.... he is the leader of our home.! (WARNING! You will probably be a bit surprised but he knows most of my actions and although he does not like it, I have discussed things with him. (although sometimes not fully enough to get my marching orders and full agreement, but I am human and I rectify the situations!)

Everyone has given me so much grief about not "understanding me" and that what I say "being utter nonsense". (NO ONE BELIEVES THAT OR DOES THAT!)
             I began saying "Oh, I am sorry translation difficulties..I speak "Dot-ese (Like Japan ese or Chin ese.."refering to"-DOT.. but although my language of honesty, careful and meaningful speech that is backed with ethics and moral obligation is "UNIQUE" and unfamiliar to some, prior to 2000 this was my native language and shared language of my family, community. I learned to speak this way from Ethical, Moral and Obligated people and therefore, "EMO" means a good thing to me.. as "happiness" is not a destination or process that I espire to. And when the trials and struggles are raging and difficult the "outer appearance may not be "colorful or exciting" but the inner core is going to be all the better when "construction" is done!. "Please be patient with me, God is not finished yet!" means more than a catchy phrase and popular song of the 80's!!!

I am speaking "English" and if you look up my words in a dictionary "Webster or Random House or whatever...the words I carefully and mindfully choose "word choice which is a mark of effective speaking" (over think, too deep for some peoples taste) but too bad, that is how I was taught,   I LOVE and RESPECT my parents still, even though I am grown and a mother myself. The best way to HONOR our parents and reward them for the investment and guidance they gave us, (hopefully the introduction to Jesus Christ) and their ways were the ones written in the Holy BIBLE, if not, once you meet Jesus Christ at the Cross and accept HIM, and the gift of LIFE in HIM, you ADOPT His ways....

"My Momma (and Daddy) told me....!

"Don't say something if you don't understand it, and if you say it, then you are obligated to adhere to what you said (IF YOU SAY IT, MEAN IT, or mean what you say!).
   The Bible says in the Ten Commandments and in several verses through out the text... "Children OBEY your parents...." my favorite, the Most Detailed.. Ephesians 6:1 ~~ King James BibleIn the "olden days" a persons word was taken at "face value" based on that person's reputation, (history of standing on the promises and statements they made) further "assurance of the validability of there statements may require proof or confirmation of 2 or 3 other people testifying for or agreeing with the speaker (defendant). This process was essential for daily life as a persons name and their word are the only things that could not be taken away. Our legal system utilizes this "process", "professional organizations are based on the same premise, credentialing, verifications, credit reports convert this process into a numerical number that is used to judge a person and their "value and esteem (second definition) due (slang/informal: clout) Random House College Dictionary, Revised Edition (C) 1980, pg 255 "Informal"

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
   Now, notice there is a "Modifier (specification or clarifier) In the Lord!

Who! CHILDREN,
WHAT---- OBEY your parents!
WHY------------------------------------ FOR IT IS RIGHT!
According to whom??? GOD! who is worthy to be Praise, Respected and Loved and parents are His Children and therefore are Worthy to be Respected and Loved... (to show love you need to respect!) hint hint. everytime you say you Love yet you respect and obey not you sin X3! and not just against your parents, .... You are sinning against GOD (x3) so for 1sinful act of disobedience (which contains lying, disrespect, and not showing love) now if the action is WRONG too (foul language, foolishness, unloving acts, violence ect..) well then you have quit a mess!.

As a parent we are Required to teach our children about God and His ways. We are to not only share who God is, (Witnessing ourselves, not just taking them to others to "talk them into accepting Jesus Christ as their savior and get baptised and start serving at church and then order our fish for the back of our car and throw ourselves a party), Once they accept Him as their savior, we are to "Nourish them on their "daily bread" and help them sip from the Lords cup and grow in the Lord, just like we do for the "other new believers" at the church.

The "job" of Parent is from sunrise to sunset and begins again when the sunrises the next morning. And there are consequences for disobeying our "Heavenly Father", but the REAL consequences are for the child.
                          Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ESV “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. (5) You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. (6) And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. (7) You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. (8) You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. (9) You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

The very verse we quote to them to get our OBEDIENCE and Respect, has a part for us. In English we like to have this separations and paragraphs however, in the original scriptures there are not separations and headings this passage is one whole writing! It makes so much more of an impact when it is reviews together and the RELATIONSHIP and Inclusion (informal: in) of all the 'parts' (people).

Ephesians 6:1-4 ESV Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. (2) “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), (3) “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” (4) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Okay so if you want the "result" (OBEDIENCE) then you need to fulfill the "Requirements of the position or profession.

I abide by the Rules, I perform my duties, and confess my sins when I am wrong, I make restitution for my wrong doings. I show love in deeds, not just words. Yet I receive not? Is it me??? am I not worthy??? Those I 'expect" and request these things from proclaim that they BELIEVE in HIM also, are they not required to live the scriptures too?? am I being judgemental, unloving???? am I misunderstanding.

NO!.   But.... this is not my battle to "fix" them. I MUST continue doing what my Father has instructed me to do, regardless of the outcome. Teaching is not judged on the students behavior, the student is judged by his own actions. AS LONG AS THE LESSONS are from the Holy Scriptures and are for HIS PURPOSE!.

If the kitchen skills are not learned.... I taught him. hundreds of times!

If the organizational skills and physical care of items is not learned.... I taught him, hundreds of times!...

If the truth and loving speach does not come from his lips AND I discipline him, yet he complies not.... I did as I was suppose to and I only have to stay committed and available to be the mother I was made by HIM.

Althought I am angered... I WILL NOT sin and lash out in harmful and ugly talk (anymore :), I am human!) I will not grow weary in going good because that is what MY HEAVENLY FATHER and My earthly parents taught me and instruct me to do. You DO NOT QUIT! You do not leave, You keep doing what is Right and mind your P's (Perserverance) and Q's (quietism; extinction of the will and worldly interests, and passive meditation on the divine.)

The Truth Sets you free~~even from yourself!

2011-02-17T13:10:00.001-05:00

What they may intend or fashion against you ......HE WILL use it for YOUR good! (Romans 8:28!), and Jeremiah 29:11! Are about your Comfort and Blessing in your situation.. Cures are good but...He does not promise us that He promises us Comfort, Delivery, Hope and Salvation from lies and sin (even when we are the providers of the lies and sin) believing in others for these things is a sin! and we need to forgive ourselves and let the TRUTH set us free.

"""""""""Dot story and application of a scripture! Romans 1:25; if you want the Scripture and links to the
I KNOW THE BIBLE page on facebook hit the button >>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>and drag down to the bottom ~~~It IS Written~~*********

Today was a rough day AND then my son called from school informing me he was nauseous and needed to come home! Hit my knees again! okay GOD what are you trying to tell me...

Well, debating if I was going to go... oh who am I kidding, even if he is not "Sick enough to come home" I can't leave him there feeling bad.. I went and picked him up and he seemed surprised I came, I told him I was coming but he was appreciative! (felt alittle bad he had to feel as bad as he looked to APPRECIATE me, but I had prayed something made him realize how much I did for him that "is not in my job description".)

Then the doctor's office called with my lab results.... things I researched and have been asking about for months! (much to everyones irritation and annoyance) and refused to take prescriptions until we were sure there wasn't a "natural remedy". And the levels were LOW! my body is lacking in the basics needed to function and yet I have been doing...and now I can't barely speak and function for more than 2 hours. I said "THIS IS NOT NORMAL, and my cravings would make a pregnant women look at me funny. Everyone knows that cravings are indications of nutrional needs. "Can't getting enough" of a certain item is usually a sign of a deficiency. When you take a multivitamin it helps keep levels within normal ranges but everyone is different and some people show symptoms as the numbers slip to the low side of normal and by the time the DEFICIENCY shows up the body is already struggling.

Ah..finally an answer! PROOF I knew what I was talking about.. for a moment the anger I had for the last 3 months heated up and exploded and then I thought. Why am I mad at people who "are just doing their job", and are limited in what they can see, and know since they are doing "what they think"?

Why waste on more minute feeling embarrassed, worried, fearful of what could be, what damage has occurred.?..Why bother on the lateral plane..?

God knew what was wrong and He guided me through this process for a reason.

If I was working.. this "recovery would have taken so much longer..
I would not have been able to choose the "Natural plan".
I would not have rested and gotten the time to read and research.
I would not have realized the error of my faithless heart and taken back my trust and reliance on people and trying to please others that I had devoted myself to like a job or a twisted relationship that many call "TOXIC".

Well I detoxed and it only took a few minutes!
Many have spent years in school and business dealing with medication, nutrition and yet the cannot or will not offer assistance. "Professionals that want me to pay them won't answer questions or consider modifying THEIR plan for my comfort or enjoyment. HMMMM......

All things are possible! Through Jesus Christ who Strengthens ME!.I do not harbor hard feelings or anger (opposite of love!) hatred, bitterness or whatever, as that is "CLUTTER OF THE HEART, and I am too many years freed from that foolish decision to live with a hard heart and carry around all that extra weight. Instead, I do what I do best...Repeat myself and scripture. Ephesians 4:32 shows me this is such a better way, because "IT IS WRITTEN and examples of APPLICATION are also given to me to learn how to do it.

Then..I got on Facebook and found this "Confirmation!" and saw the path so Brightly shining and KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt! The lies I was feeding my self.. "I need this person's help" "I need to talk to someone about this to make sure I am right" "I need to trust them more, even though they don't seem convinced they are right either"... bound me with my fears, obligations, prior commitments, and with a few pings of wisdom I saw that this was not the RIGHT ANSWER FOR ME!

It is about me and the only one that truly "WORKS for the good of ME!" is Jesus Christ!
He will guide me and lead me to "helpers that are filled with the holy spirit" to counsel me and assist me in hearing God's voice and instructions. They are not going to "TELL me How to do things and that I MUST do things that do not seem right, just to see if they might work.

Truth is not a spotlight like the car dealers us to draw attention to themselves. Truth is the small candle in a windy night trying to find a lost and scaried animal or to light the way to the kitchen when the power (Earthly solution to darkness) is out. Truth is a product of love and therefore has to contain love, and abide by its character
(I Corinthians 13:4-10)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~It IS Written~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*****

This is from one of my favorite "Bible pages on facebook" I Know The Bible Is Right
Be real with yourself........We tell the greatest lies to ourselves until we believe them. Then we walk around living a lie. Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. ~ Eld. Glen Johnson

Do you have some lies chaining you to things, habits, ill feelings?? Set yourself FREE!

YOU CAN DO IT! Turn it over to God, who is able and Just to see you through the situation. Remember what he did for victimized, abused and abandoned Joseph...He made him a King, and THE KING over his former brothers who hated, abused and abandoned him, and he had the awesome gift of showing his SUPERIOR CHARACTER by helping his brothers who offended him and to Bless them with the gifts that God had provided him for such a time as this. Vengence is the Lords, Battles are fought under his command.(Joshua and Jeremiah) But we have body armor if we choose to use it. THE WORD OF GOD is a light unto my path...

I WILL STAND ALONE on the Word of God :). and toss sweet grapes from the vine that connects us. :)

Happy Valentine's Day?? ~The Celebration of Love What I mean when I say I love you !

2011-02-14T12:10:00.001-05:00

***********The Playlist Player as at the bottom of the Blog*************
Listen to Amazing Love to set the mood! then click the pause II button so you can hear the video songs. If you have time listen to some of the other songs on the playlist :). ******************************************

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6_s0QIbI94

To me Love is the Ultimate Gift, as if it is going to grow and take over the relationship it has to mean a submittal and surrender of one's agenda, dreams and self in order to create a Union... and an "We, Us" mentality. I tend to give over too easily and not hold onto enough ground to have room for "the off days and a place to retreat" in the times that you do need a "Me place, or moment". I am a runner, when I get offended, hurt, mad, sad whatever and don't KNOW how the reaction is going to work out, so I can accomodate and play "chess" (have my next move ready so I am not "jumped" or "captured" and out of play. I tend to retreat, "go for a drive", "Go to Wal-mart, ha ha..." but instead of enjoying the solitude and freedom to do what I WANT, I NEED, I THINK... I am looking for things for others, and trying to figure out how to get back into the "game of life". But, always the giver, the "Loser" of things, points, wants ect.. makes for a gloomy and bitter individual. If you give something and intend to MAKE a reaction/response a certain way, it is "kind of" manipulative, yes, "everybody" (most people do it) but that does not make it right or healthy to a person or relationship. If you don't find your footing in relationships, the rocks get much bigger and sharper in Marriage if you get to that part.

Your Love expression and Philosophy does'nt have to be Reactive/and responsive to what you receive, you can Choose to Love, freely, powerfully and your "reciprication" and what you receive is in accordance with HIM who made the covenant. See I Corinthians 13:1-10 and then see the benefits of that kind of love, in Solomon. That is God's Word to spark the relationship and His ways are perfect. Vows are promises, they can also be helpful if used as guidelines and for those involved in Faith and Belief Systems, if thought of as covenants and precepts it gives each "lover" a guide to coming into the circle and then much like Abraham, after collecting all the "necessary" items for the sacramental sacrifice, he went into a deep sleep and the Covenant was completed by Jesus Christ so that it would not be broken and call for the death of he who broke the commitment. (Forgiveness is much like the "giving over to Christ and allowing Him to "Keep His Promise of Faithfulness and continued loved" that humans are not capable of keeping to the letter of the LAW!). "Its Not really a THINKING THING! it is more of a powerful inner river that carries us away and we are JUST in it!".

Once we can "appropriately and Authentically Sacrifice for the relationship" the results can be quite "Visibly Pleasurable" for both members of the relationship. "Steamy Windows" can keep a gentleness and classiness both are comfortable and can allow still enjoying the "Intellectual tandem and affection exchange" that leaves you with the blushing and fullfilled feeling that keeps you hungry and busy making arrangements for the next, meeting!

That is Love in my book! ha ha... It can be fun and enjoyable even if it is still in the "building phase" Love is a process, it is powerful and it has risks and injuries around the bends but "cleaning up the collisions and bandaging the injuries can be so much of a healing and bonding experience even those are celebrated. An older mentor told me once, "It is your choice to "FEEL loved and appreciated" whether they mean it that way or not, even if you feel they are "taking more than was offered and/or they do not appreciate your sacrafices, remember you came to the circle in Obedience to GOD not your mate, and you willingly gave the items to GOD, and HE made your COVENANT! for you, so when you feel like you can't do it anymore, LET GOD do it, just stay in the circle! and focus on LOVE because that is what you receive from GOD on the other side of the triangle! and through the 3rd string of the cord!.". Words to totally live and LOVE by! 22 years and counting!

As for me and my heart, "We will live and LOVE through dedication to HIM and with admiration for the awesome gift, of him, whom I have loved and cherished and fought and irritated, and redeemed my errors as best as I can and then taken myself to the circle to wait for him to come and reaffirm the bond that was set for us as secure and the door to the ARK!.

                                    /---------------------\
                                         [_________]

                   \___________________________________/

If you ain't feeling the love, maybe its not that I am not giving it maybe you need to come back to the circle with your items!. I am doing my part, I am floating and contributing maybe it is just not the way you thought it should be and wanted it to be. Look in my eyes and feel what is coming from my heart and see if it moves you.... (if not maybe my boxing gloves will and then you will FEEL ME!)

Assume "project", Blogg and resource for women trying to LIVE out loud and still be TITUS 2 !

2011-02-07T11:33:00.000-05:00

Check it out, enter the "Sharing community and contests". Accountability is precious when it is conducted and utilized appropriately :).

Anyone interested in the "Project: Share a book" and not want to loose yours come check my shelves. I truly love this and have been doing it for years and when I come over and "look" at your shelves I am not being nosey or stalking your things, I just want you to glean from you, your knowledge and experiences and BOOKS! I take good care of them ,(or replace them) if I damage them and I ALWAYS return them (evidentually) :).

Call or email me and let me know what you have to share or what you are looking for I probably have it or know someone who does have it. Use the QUESTIONS tool to write about books or music CD's (old stuff I haven't bought anything since "Have A Nice Day" by Bon Jovi came out! :) I have some videos too! (Passion), (Civil War, & Robert E. Lee; Christmas and Easter videos, and other stuff if interested contact me)

2011-02-04T09:53:00.000-05:00

http://www.mygrafico.com/freebies/love-bug-freebie/prod_284.html

                      February "The Love Month"<"3"
Love is not always pretty, comfortable and "visually understandable" but just like a lady bug (love bug), or caterpillar it does hold and unexplainable appeal and magesty that when nutured and endured becomes undenyably Amazing, like a newly transformed butterfly launching into the clear blue sky for the first time. ~~88 ~~

How do you "show" an emotion or feeling that captivates your entire being? You decide to do it! and do it for the recipient. We all have those lists of wishes, desires and needs to be quenched like a thirst. The "job" of a lover is to attempt to meet those needs, grant the wishes AND desires (:0 ) Especially for married couples it is essential to be alittle creative and really determined to "warm up" the relationship by focusing on the desires while keeping the persons needs and love languages in mind.  The study AND application of the principles of speaking our partners language and not our own has made the continuation of our marriage possible and palable (:0 ). Love Languages can be spoken in any relationship and if you apply the skills of discovering someones love language into ministry the results can truly expand into the eternal realm quickly. Christ used "love Languages" through his ministry, evident in how he "called" each person, "approached" them or "reproofed them to help restore them to the father". All of these works are of love and must contain love or the could damage, severe and DESTROY not only the relationship but the person.

Parenting in and of itself is the most ambious and long term expression of love. The world likes to tell us the term of engagement (much like a war) is 18 years and then "they are on their own", "should move out on their own" "the parenting is over". However, their is not an "ending" to loving this collection of DNA, thoughts, feelings, learned behaviors and habits. Love is for life...! (promise not a threat).

February is full of love for us and our extended family. And throughout the legacy our grandparents and parents have started, Chris and I hope to continue and pass onto Charles as the biggest and most precious gift we can give, our unending love and the confirmation of God's hand on our family and him.

Families that speak in love and in deed stay together forever...

   ~ Our Family History of Love in February~

02-02 Edward Augustus Winters (Grandpa Winters, Maternal grandfather of Dot) Birthdate. [1922-2009]

             Doreen Ann Winters married James Arthur Herdman, Sr. (BTSC-USN.Ret) (Dot's parents) [1969- Present! :) 42 years....

            Nicole Ruth Winters married Christopher Onellion (Dot's cousin; Doreen's Niece from her brother Michael H. Winters and his wife Kathleen Telfer Winters) [2002 and still going! {Grandpa Winters was sick but able to attend the wedding with most of the extended family}

09 Lance Atlas Roy (Chris's nephew from his sister, Charlotte Wiggins Roy) [1975]

12 Amasa James Herdman was born (and life nor appliances have EVER been the same :) [1975]

14 National day of "Love" inspired by St. Valentine.

15 Dorothy Ann Herdman marries "Mr. Right!" {finally} Christopher L. Wiggins. {With most of the extended family attending} [1992- Present 19 YEARS!! and still going, committed to 100 year.] {our wedding colors were Mauve and Emerald green~~for growth and life}

29 LEAP YEAR ^1996 "Sir Charles Wiggins" Charles Leonard Wiggins is born unto Dot & Chris :)!.

The moments of our lives...beats of our hearts and the Legacy we are leaving to Charles....

I share "From My Heart" in every post, now it is your turn to share....

2011-02-03T09:48:00.000-05:00

I started this blog to help me sort out and monitor feelings, passions, heartaches, Bible studies, applying the scriptures and advise of people I respected, and many many other reasons. Through out the blogs many of come to know the "REAL" me and many liked what they read and formed a Blogg-friendship and I have been so humbled and blessed to meet some who start the introduction "I read your blog" which makes both of us blush and giggle.

I receive lots of comments (which are monitored!~~cause I am a "MORON!") and don't get posted because of content. But everything is read and weighed. I respond to some of the "Anonomous" comments and post most of the ones that are free of bad language or other "questionable content" as long as there is not a request or label entered "NOT TO BE POSTED" or "FOR YOU ONLY! DON"T POST".

Some have been "commenting" with requests for information that are not related to the post or asking questions Anonously that are really thought provoking and I hate to post them cause they may be lost in blog and not receive attention and responses.

SO, I am adding a question link, using Linkytools, this amazing tool that had been free and which I totally missed the power of until the owner sent out notice that the usage was changing due the major increase in demand and usage but not exsistent support of donations. So I tool a few minutes to see if I really could use this awesome tool better and subscribed. Have you mindlessly accepted an invitation or downloaded something that was FREE and totally not even considered that it could be someones talent or passion?

LinkyTool to ask a question or tell what is "From Your Heart":

Powered by Linky Tools
Click here to enter your link and view this Linky Tools list...

Still around and going ...just slower and a bit grumpy and bitter but..

2011-02-01T17:22:00.000-05:00

Well .... it has not been a happy time, but I get through the days and sleep at night and get up every day so I guess all in all it is going <<<<<<<.

Still battling the Medical Professionals and "symptoms" and "signs" but the only good thing about the entire process I can say is that I am now absolutely sure I will go onto to get my degree in Nutrition and try to get into Nursing school so that I am in a position to make sure no one else has to go through this mess like I have had to go 20 years with misdiagnosis, underdiagnosis, under cared for and denied alternatives "because it would talk too long and I needed to get something to relieve the symptoms and make me sleep" (Uh that should have been my decision!) and LIED TO and DISCOUNTED more than being sold for 1/2 price at the Dollar store. Well, denying and rejecting the truth does not make it anything else but denied and rejected and well I am no stranger to those and I KNOW what I KNOW and I THINK is wrong or needed to correct things too. I am not going to go to appointments to hear more talk and receive more bad treatments that I HAVE TO PAY for even though I have good insurance benefits. WHY??? because the doctors offices' billing centers and coders submit codes to get them the better reimbursement not what is "TRUE" according to proper coding and CPC standards. Or the doctors participate but the OFFICE (Facility) is out of network or does not participate and it is not posted. Just because they "accept and file your insurance" does not mean the insurance payment and adjustment will be accepted. North Carolina has been so expensive due to the crazy practices and lack of regionalized services.

I have found several confirmations of my "opinion" and am working to get a couple of new books. But a few books that I found very helpful and encouraging through this "flare up" are:

What Your Doctor May NOT Tell You About Fibromyalgia. The Revolutionary Treatment That Can Reverse the Disease by R.Paul St. Armand, M.D., and Claudia Craig Marek. http://www.hachettebookgroupusa.com/ This book was very easy to read and still "meaty" enough for me with "some" knowledge and Medical experience. Lots of treatment information, a good diet and a treatment plan that holds alot of promise and that I am seriously looking at, once I receive my academy award for the "good patient" and wife letting the Wiser and all knowing Doctors "wait and see how things go". Our follow up appointment from the "Great Disappointment and Major snuffing" isn't for a few more weeks.....

Psychotherapy in Christian Perspective. Edited by David G. Benner. Baker Book House Publishers.
Very informative and helpful in interjecting Biblical principals into the Cognitive, Behavioral and Psychological Treatment areas of counseling and treatment.

Change your Brain Change Your Body by Daniel G. Amen, M.D. (Founder of Amen Clinics, http://www.amenclinics.com/ Very Very interesting and lots of interesting things to look at and Change to improve your overall health. Really proving the Mind/Body connection.

If you read Health & Wellness Books and have some to share please comment on them, please give the complete title, and author information and a website if available.

Dec EMBER 2010 Bye-Bye Baby Bye-Bye~~~~~

2010-12-31T11:45:00.000-05:00

Dec EMBER 2010 Bye-Bye BABY Bye-Bye ~~~~~~~~~~~~

December is a month in a year of 10's...
2010 was a year of learning, yelling and crying...
Bye-Bye Baby was uttered too many times this year
Too many tears, too many sad times, 10 X 10 ...
Every day is treasured if for nothing more than coming to an end. (usually bring to my knees more than once).

2010 was not a very good friend, but as a year that held many though times with dear friends, family, and many tears and fears.

But as today comes to a close so does the 2010 year! and to that I say.. BYE-BYE baby... Bye-Bye! I will not cry for you as I am moving on and ready to Glow...

~~~ December 2010~~~~

Goals, plans and Dreams for 2011! I am gone to get supplies to start at Midnight...out with the OLD, into the New Year, filled with God, Promise and HOPE.. I am not to worry, struggle to achieve, only Trust and Obey, Stand and Walk and Talk with Him, the only one who KNOWS and LOVES ME every hour, every day, no matter what I do, (AMEN!!). He calls me Friend, "Child of Mine", and I am HIS beloved bride (Finally a princess!) can't wait to seal the lessons and memories into my books tonight and release all the failures, wants and needs that were left on the list. A NEW DAY is coming with renewed promise and new "Precious Moments" with the people He choose for me to have in my life.. (LUCKY THEM ha ha..., they must be praying to deepen their prayer life, patience and compassion :) ~~~Prayers are answered in mysterious and "Dotty" ways :). Wishing you a fabulous 12 hours~~~ all things must come to an end...

D discernment, diligence, Dedicate, Determine, Drawing, Digitalize, DEBT-FREE@, Display, Dispose, disassemble, DIGG!!, Deer, Dallas, Disney

E exchange, employ, executive, encouraging, Environmentally concerned, Essential, Exercise, ETERNAL

C cooperative, commemorate, collaborate, celebrate, CAN-DO!, Continuing Education, CPC, Complimentary, compassion, caring, chicken, Creation Museum, California

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
E Excentuate, Excell ™, Energize, Educate, Eggs, Esteem

M Me!! :) Memorize, Model, Marriage, Make, Memories, Mementos, Mambo

B BE…. Benefit, Bags, Believe, Baltimore, Boston, Brussel Sprouts, “Bang on my drum all day”. Beach music., Ballet, Boxing

E excitement, entertainment, Energize, Enlighten, exemplify, expand

R Reclaim, rein, Reuse, recycle, receive, revisit, research, recover, repair, remove rust, riverboat, River (Indian), row.

Light my fire and let me BURN!! Burn the hiding places and the supidity off and reveal the ( SILVER ) ~~~~~ that is more precious than Gold!, for it is You.

Like God's Love, I will pass it on! * I *

Thanksgiving is not just a one day holiday it is a state of mind..This is the Seaon to be Thankful and Share

2010-11-30T10:53:00.005-05:00

For so many Thanksgiving is the day celebrated on the Last Thursday of November before the biggest shopping day of the Year, Black Friday. However, Thanksgiving is a state of being and if it is explored and expressed it can make the hour, day, week, month and year of not just the person expressing it but for everyone around them, and that comes in contact with someone that has been around them.

Have you notice the colors of Thanksgiving and AUTUMN/FALL are ones found nature and in the Wordless Book? http://berean.org/bibleteacher/wbpage.html Coincedence ??? NO!!!! Read on and find out why!......

Have you ever done the experiment of looking for grouchy, complaining and just "not happy" people and simply smiling at them, giving them a simple "Have a good day" and then see them change their deameanor and the next person they meet receives the benefit of a gentler approach, and sometimes a completely changed person. If the person is a regular, can you imagine the "breath of fresh air" that must flow when the usually negative person takes a break from their expression and gives the gift of a smile. The next person gets a wonderful gift of a new moment and can then choose to continue the flow of friendliness and positive attitude without having to dig deep and the affects can be seen throughout the store.

Thanksgiving is related to joy, which has nothing to do with "feelings", circumstances, or anything superficial and temporal. Thanksgiving is a decision to "BE" thankful. As Christians we pride ourselves on being followers of Jesus Christ. Well then we need to be THANKFUL, because..

HE WAS! He was Thankful and Blessed the bread and cup at the last supper!! Remember he was fully aware of what was going to happen before they left that place, he knew what was going to happen while he was praying in the Garden, He knew he was going to give HIS life for the betrayor, for the soldiers that were going to come take him, beat, mock, and KILL Him. So that His father who art in Heaven could extend a relationship to all those who would come, believe, accept the gift and give their life to receive the ETERNAL LIFE he fully intended for us to have that had been stolen from us by the Sin of Adam and Eve, and all those that descended from them.

God started over with the most faithful and his descendents who were dilligent and believed, Noah and his family the the animals they loaded on the ark to preserve them when the Lord flooded the earth. And... the list goes on. Yet God perserved, and Loved and continued to extend ways for people to have a relationship with Him, but it did not cost them much and therefore they could not make the decision to be faithful and decided to continue to give and share the awesome heart that He gave them upon their acceptance of His gift, His Son Jesus Christ... Why didn't He just give up? Why didn't Jesus Christ grumble "WHY ME????" "WHY DO I HAVE TO DO THIS FOR THOSE PEOPLE????!!!"

And yet we have trouble being thankful... We go to church and listen to the teachings in Sunday School and scoff and scorn the Children of Israel for their hard hearts, ignorance and stubborn attitude to continue in their sinful, selfish and self-destructive behaviors that not only harmed themselves but their children and generations upon generations. Hence the cautioning reminder, "The sin of the father will fall on their son" how pointent of a comment. Think for a minute, Joseph was the (step)father of Jesus Christ and because of his sinful nature, decisions, attitudes he and all his decendents were barred from being with God, (NO SIN can be in His presence). His, Jesus Christ suffered this same demise if he continued to live on earth and remain in the family, therefore GRACE removed him from the plight of suffering and through his sacrafice of his life, He gave a way for Himself and everyone who would die to themselves and rise to the standards of the Father who art in heaven and Live with THEM in ETERNITY.

There is a famous poem that has a phrase about true love, "If it is love it must be let go and if it is True it will return to you". (Like the dove)

HMMMM... That is enough for me... Celebrating the coming Christmas or Xmas which was the Greek spelling not Hallmark or a newspapers way for 'removing" Christ from Christmas, as only humans can do that, as it is a decision about what you are giving and what you are celebrating.

Do you have purpose and thought about the decorations, gifts, parties, and activities you and your family do throughout the year? Why not be even more diligent, dedicated and purposeful about Celebrating and Decorating our homes and mail and adorning our outfits with symbols of our true reason to be thankful and the reason we give.... "Because He gave to us" He loved us so much that He gave His beloved Son, that all those who would believe in Him would live forever, AMEN!.

This the season to celebrate the reason. The good news is our time is not set by Hallmark or Greenland or anyone, His time should be the compass of our days, weeks, months and years and therefore everyday can be Thanksgiving and Christmas (GOD is With us). No matter who is using, misusing, ignoring, hurting your feelings, trying to take things that are rightly yours, unscruplous business practices that take your possessions, untruthful and unfair actions that cost you personal pain and loss, lacking of physical needs, sadness, illness, no matter what your circumstances are you can CHOOSE to celebrate HIM and HIS Promises and be Thankful for the life(Blood and Breath) you have and the one that is waiting for you at the feet of the Lord in heaven, that you will receive when you lay down your crown at His feet.

As for me, I will serve, and be Thankful and Celebrate!!! For these are the days that the Lord hath made.....

Life is difficult but does not have to be painful for long~. You choose how you respond..,

2010-10-24T11:34:00.000-04:00

Well, it has been a while since I posted. Life keeps going and I have had my hands full, head down and heart broken and eyes swollen from tears alot..but I took my lumps, accepted my responsibility and took my burdens to the ONLY ONE who really understands, and CAN AND WILL CHANGE THINGS (ie MY THINKING and MY HEART) and lift me up and cleanse my wounds... My PERSONAL Lord and Savior. I say it, I mean it and I live it! I care to the core for almost everyone ( I am human, those really scarry, mean and violent people give me a challenge but I still pray for them and beg God to give me a pass and send someone else to help them).

I have been busy trying to repair some relationships and sadly had to finally realize that some people just see things so differently absense is the only hope for a future. I have had some triumphs too, I finally graduated with my Assoicates Degree!, a personal goal of mine and a HUGE learning experience that stretched my mind, body and SPIRIT to the limits. and totally showed me the verse "When I am weak He is strong" and that I was not alone He was a my right hand. Even when everyone was against me and nothing was "FAIR and Just" I stayed on the high ground and keep doing what I felt was right even though it brought more trouble and attacks. I claimed my promises from that big book all my friends quote and I hold more precious that gold, THE BIBLE! and I started digging deep and found my groove and life took a new direction.

It has not been all sunshine and roses, but with each tear and each heartache it has sured my footing and strengthened my connection. I had to start thinking different and seeing it is not about all those in my life that I value and tried to emilate, my life is not my own on so many levels and my purpose is my compass and directs my steps. Who is your daddy"???? is a popular saying and "Who do you love" and answering these questions let you see things in a bare bones way. He, She or THAT which angers you, CONTROLS you. If you have control you have responsibilities and Implied acceptance of those under their control. Our hearts Control our minds, but often our Brain thinks it should be in charge and those the "INTERNAL" stuggle so many books write about.. the needs are the same, but our Brain has a flaw the heart does not have, their is no identity or Identity in the heart.. the BRAIN is all about status, identity appearance and superiority. The smartest people are usually the most miserable because they cannot do the simple things and the "human" or "Emotional" directed things that are so evident to be the clear the solution to their problems, because it does not make sense to them to have to bow down, they want to BE IN CONTROL.

These are so great visuals to the thoughts and beliefs I hold and things that have made the last several months "good" even though "things" and circumstances have stunk worse than maneuer. I have gone weeks without talking or seeing anyone that was "happy" or "working toward anything positive". So many days I have sat in tears and sheer dread everytime my phone rang, as it brought another issue or person that was "determined to do what they wanted regardless of how it was going to affect others". Many are trying to "pay back or avoid paying for things that are just unfortunate and have taken far too much time and energy and are so outside of the Phillipians 4:8 and so easy to see the "WHY nothing is going their way, but under their definition of intelligent comments and "justifiable" actions I was rendered completely helpless and silenced. Check these out on my facebook page: or use this link.. http://www.facebook.com/dot.wiggins.92?v=box_3

I have angered so many people and taken so much "CRAPP" since my health has become such an issue. "You need to slow down and quit doing so much for other people, you need to take care of yourself" has been the reoccurring comment I get everyday from someone. I am just as human and selfish as the next person, I just execute alot of self control and THINK before I speak and act on an impulse or feeling but I lost it a few times and just spewed what I was thinking.. ut oh....

"Ok, I will stop doing for those that ask me to help and want me around and want my opinion and information if I can give them your number and you will do it for me..." I didn't mean for it to turn into a huge thing it was supposed to be like everyone elses "sacracism or ugly comment that is followed by, "I am just saying..." I mean I have rights to say whatever I want and do whatever I want too and I am tired of always being voted the wrong or unintelligent person. If I can do something and it does not cost alot of money (cause I don't have any) and is not unethical, unmoral, or unkind then I am in, AND if the person asks me to do it I am there before I hang up the phone.. I believe in the Golden Rule and try to really live by that.. if I need help and ask someone for assistance I would want them to help me, with a cheerful and accepting heart. And be caring enough to honestly point out things that were making problems or things I could do to improve things.

If this is how you think and work and want to join with others this way, please go over to Bright Minds Helping Hands Brightmindshelpinghandsandholyhearts and join us, we are also a group on Facebook, look for us there. As times get more crazy and the world returns to the Pagan, Helenistic, Humanistic ways that lead to the fall of the Romans and Greeks we are going to need to ban together and support each other in the "good works".

Crossing the bridge from thirty to FORTY... and very excited

2010-04-07T08:21:00.003-04:00

April 7, 2010

My last day of life as I knew it, ... it is happening the dreaded F..ort..y!. Hogwash... a day with God is never dreaded by me and after the last few years there is NO DOUBT, not a disillusioned or unsure moment that HE IS WITH ME. I was such a "strong and sure" young person, thought I was going to be a missionary for a longtime and one sunday the past preached, if you feel Christ calling you to spread the word, turn to the person to your right and to your left and share the word every step and He will lead you where you are called to be, don't try to pick your place and then expect God to prosper YOUR plans. I was about 8 years old and took it to heart and have tried to do this, it seemed alot easier when I was younger and thought the preacher was talking to everyone in the room and that naturally EVERYONE believed and desired to please and worship God because of the knowledge of what He did for us, by sending His son. It wasn't until I was 14 and met my first person who strongly disagreed and challenged me, my beliefs and I had to look at things differently. Then life got interesting, driving, adolescence, dating opportunities, and just really LISTENING and Watching people and how they talked, cared for others and Lived. I began seeing that I was on a journey without many of the people I had relied on most of my life. The Bible began to be very interesting as I read and tried to "apply" the parables and messages and live by the examples in the Bible. Things got easier and then once again things got interesting, as God granted my prayer for a great guy, cute, family oriented, likely cloaked in believing in Him, (should have specified BAPTIST, ha ha) and God introduced me to a PENTACOASTAL!!! (is this a joke, God I pass out from the thoughts of snakes! and those people are WEIRD!!!!).

God quickly walked me through a few scriptures... "My thoughts are not your thoughts, My ways are not your ways", my life verse became very clear, Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, for good and not for calamity". Turns out my future husband and his family and church were not as weird as I had seen on TV, and luckily they were not the snake handling type. (AMEN).

Life since 1988 has been much like the journey Abraham took, sometimes in circles, sometimes the time seemed to stand still and felt like I was in the desert for years. A few times I began to doubt and moved in the wrong directions and needed the Grace and Love Christ gives us unconditionally and while I traveled I grumbled so that those around me thought it was an earthquake, many times I feared God was going to just give up on me and turn me over to my own stupidity and sinful heart, but I finally learned once we came to North Carolina and met our first "Dispensationalist" and toughest Biblical scholar who refused to "tell you the full answer" and showed me that those verses were not threats and that my salvation was sealed and keep by Christ, because I was not able to clean my sin myself, God provided the way and His ways do not change, are not temporary and are not conditional on us. Just like Abram, our salvation was provided for us, to us, INSPITE of us. and NOTHING we do or do not do can ever change that. Grace is not a get out of jail ticket, it is just the continuation of the love and provision. Our actions still cause all the pain, destruction and bring the consequences but the impact is not the same for us because we WILL ASCEND to God when the time is right. So although life is going to be tough, it is going to have pain and loss, it is just time until life really starts when we get back to the Garden of Eden and can walk and talk with our Creator.

WOW!!!. Good is so good and has taught this "hard-headed and high spirited fool so much in the last 10 years. The best gift next to my salvation, (and my heart throb) is my answered prayer of wisdom and a softened heart. Prayer is the best and most productive thing under heaven, it given us a feeling of power and of the ability to touch someone's hurting heart and life.

I cannot wait to see what the next day, week and years are going to bring and how God chooses to use this vessel He has "fearfully and WONDERFULLY made" He does not make junk, every person was and is wonderful, some just have fallen into the hands of deceitful and corrupted hands that have distorted and damaged the creation Christ made, but back in his hands they can be RESTORED, HEALED AND SHINED TO REFLECT HIM!..

If you want to see baby pictures and some other personal stories and details see "My Story" and Legacy in the works. http://www.storyofmylife.com/User/user_story_list.aspx?Chapterid=5430&UserId=153311

This is a great project and program, it is free for the small storage and indirect link or you can pay a nominal fee and reserve permanent storage of all your information and receive a direct link. Great for geneaologists and historians!. Check it out.

Share what the Lord has done for you :).. If you are going through the desert right now, reach out and be encouraged, if you want to email me privately, send to dotwigg@nc.rr.com if you comment below please leave at least a name I moderate ALL comments so you can write a comment and put **** FOR YOU ONLY DO NOT PUBLISH OR REMOVE EMAIL*** but several have written that they are looking for a friend and would like to receive encouragement and I would like to step up the communications on here.

Thank you for sharing in my journey and for encouraging me.

Sincerely,

Dot

Once I was knock down, trampled and tormented by the devil
with the doubts and lies he would whisper in my ears, until someone cared
enough to open my eyes, ears and heart to HIM again, they prayed
with, for and took me to pray for myself and it made all the difference in the world.
We do not heal, we do not bandage the wounds for longterm, we simple extend the love and get them to HIM for the miracle to happen. HE IS THE ONLY ONE!! who can change, heal and save anyone. His words are all that are needed, learn them, share them and keep them intacted.

Pray For West Virginia and "THEIR" Miners missing, injured and that perished in the Explosion yesterday

2010-04-06T09:09:00.002-04:00

Our hearts, Minds and souls are crying out to God right now for the miners and their families and the community of the mining town in West Virginia. It is such a tight knit group of people the work, worship and love one another, it is really a different way of life than many experience. Educate yourself with the wonderful resources out there. Please wait until these families all know the condition and have their loved ones accounted for, before we start talking about all the "investigational stuff, failures of company policies to perform the required changes from other mining accidents. This mine has not had a major accident and is not the mine that many of the reports sited, although related and definitely necessary to deal with, this is not the time. Right now we need to be focusing on the people that risk their life, sacrafice for our energy and heat production. If you were not aware the majority of the United States electricity is produced from COAL!

Facebook has a wonderful group with pictures, videos, links and a great outpouring for the families, PRAY FOR THE COAL MINERS IN RALEIGH CO. WV here is a link, but I think you have to join facebook to view it, it is free and you can have extreme security settings, http://www.facebook.com/dot.wiggins.92?v=feed&story_fbid=112556202103874#!/group.php?gid=112466398779055&ref=mf

ABC News and Good Morning America seem to have the most coverage and updated information so search their websites.

Support this video that talks about West Virginia as a productive and carrying community, Mining is a large part of the economy, but the spirit of West Virginia is really the "gem". Notice the Young people and their work, the lack of the extremely overrated stuff and the celebration of the "good stuff". Hardwork, God, Family and Friends working together to be a community.

Youtube video, "WV" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7DpNRAwanc&feature=channel by JStudd.

Whew hoo!... the time in the fire is over and I ain't even smokin!

2010-03-02T08:53:00.002-05:00

Whew, it has been a tough time in the fire and just when you thought the flames were done, another bundle was thrown on to restock the heat.

I have a new respect for the Bible story of the King and the 3 friends of Daniels is the furnace, and much as they experienced. HE joined me in the flames and helped me keep the Faith that I would not be destroyed and would someday walk out of the fire no worse for the ware, because it was not the fire of reproof, instead of destroying me it, sealed me and strengthened some cracks, I am new and improved, stronger than ever before and Shiny :), because I reflect HIM!. He made me and only He can "remove" things from my life and my heart!.

The promise of Romans 8:28 and the Psmalms that speaks of Him collecting our tears are so precious in times like these. The visual and imagery focused thinking of our similarity to clay is so powerful, remember water is removed from the clay in the "firing process" and "hardening" and "shining of the surface" finishes the product! when repairs are needed to a piece of pottery it is sanded to remove the "finish" and water is added to "soften" the clay so it is workable and can be repaired and strengthened.

{ ****REMEMBER TO STOP THE MUSIC TO THE RIGHT SO YOU CAN HERE THE VIDEO SONG****}

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uoi_bT3JZLM

TODAY is a NEW DAY! You CAN make it a fresh start!

2010-03-01T12:03:00.002-05:00

One of the hardest parts of walking by Faith, is the rememberence of days of the past. Especially when you don't sleep the days do not have the "breaks" that others have and with the challenges of living with health problems and depression the thoughts, feelings and emotional expressions are not always "fresh and positive".

But luckily with my Faith and reliance on Him (God, who I believe created ME, the crazy, very unique and mostly thoughtful, zaney, loving women) I devote the majority of my time and mental processing to studying, applying and memorizing the promises in scripture. (the order is very purposed, I learn, analyze and then apply them to my life, THEN I memorize the words. Once you have applied them they truly "touch and heal" you. I scour the scriptures for words when I need them, I pray over them and I rely on HIM! (GOD). I pray that He brings people in my life (and inbox :) that will encourage, redirect and guide me, but I have the security and discernment to know when things are from God, they surround my heart, lift me and bring me running to Him like a young child.

Though none go with me on my path, God has shown me they are not far away, but my eyes are on him and on the mirror to examine those things that He shows me.

Another life changing thing was the awareness the I was special, just as I am... I was "good enough for the most precious gift... SALVATION! just as I was.. and God showed me hundreds of verses and applications of those verses to encourage me that although I truly "failed" in so many areas and in so many peoples eyes I was the epic disappointment and most frustrating aspect of their life, to Christ I am his friend and pleasure, just as I was created to be.. FINALLY I can do something right.. and from that "treasure" it has been an uphill journey, and I will not stop until I am at the feet of my Lord and Savior.

It is not easy, it is not always fun, quite the contray, but He warned me that "you will have many trials" and there will be "times of sorrow", however, he also promises that He is always with me and my favorite promise that I stake my life on; "I KNOW the plans I have for you, for good not calamity". He keeps my feet on the rocks, (HE is the cornerstone!) and His love lifted me from the pit, and continues to lift me.

This life is practice, and helps me see Him and his awesome love every hour. It gives me the opportunity to share the awesome love and truth that His ways are far above this world and I freely choose everyday to get up and walk as much as I can, crawl when I have to, and even just stand! (never lying down again, for He who is in me strengthens me). When I am at my end.. When I am DONE, I just let go and let Him take the yoke and I rest in His loving arms.

YOU WILL NEVER GO DOWN AGAIN, unless you choose to... HE IS THERE, and HE WILL GUIDE YOU TO CALL THE RIGHT PERSON TO COME and lift you up, wash you off and lead you to Him again.

You are never alone! (unless that is your choice) :)

You have the power, You always have a friend... Just call on Him. and choose to live.

"Raising them RIGHT" may not look and work like you think, RIGHT = Godly and is not always done according and by YOUR ways!..

2010-02-11T10:58:00.005-05:00

Have you ever had those days you refuse to get out of bed because you KNOW what is waiting for you, and you DO NOT LIKE IT!.???

Ever had a week when you were tempted to call 9-1-1 and report being kidnapped and held against your will by selfish, unmotivated imposters of your family??? (okay that one I am probably the only one to admit--but you are laughing now.. bet you have the thought someday)

Ever threated to go on strike! Ever been courageous enough to do it! (YES I HAVE!--not for the faint of heart, unless you plan on leaving and not coming back to the house (and remember that might be what you are thinking but God has different plans)?

Ever had something hit you like a ton of bricks and knock you lower than you have ever been?

Well this pretty much sums up the last few months.. things have just been so stressful and heart wrenching, shaking the inner most parts of my being. Hopes and Dreams have been shattered, repaired, strengthened, removed, disillusioned, new doors opened, closed, it has been REALLY uncomfortable in many ways.

Yesterday, I said that my son was turning 14 and the women said, "oh I pitty you, Well at least your done with having to worry and parent him 24/7-- he is self sufficient now".
There was dead silence, and evidently a bad look on my face and ..the waterworks flowed like the dam had broken. She looked in horror, and said.. oh, I must have hit a nerve, I just assumed you raised him right, well I am sure God will protect you. still mortified and shell shocked I just stood there and listened as she flipped into "Evangelism wonderwomen" sharing how great her 13 and 15 year olds were because her and her husband "raised them right". They cleaned the house while she worked, cooked dinner, they had several ways they help raise money for family purchases like vacations and BOOKS!!!. and how they were in church ever wednesday and sunday night since they were 6 weeks old. And then she whipped out several scriptures and all the standard questions.. to see where we went wrong, do you all know where you would go when you die, all the way to the "sins" of parent hood.

I just answered her (Prideful and puffed up questions) and then she got to the good one, do you know where things went wrong?. Well... I said. no not really, but I know why we went down this path.. God has purified me from coal and rubbage to the Woman I am becoming. and I may never be "DONE parenting and worrying about our son until my feet leave this earth". I understand that everyday is a step in FAITH, and that I must Pray ceaselessly and continually and be submissive to my husband and God's leading in areas that I don't agree and that just because others use certain methods they may not be the best for my son.

I have learned to love my child and his ways, look for ways to encourage, motivate him, train him, guide him in the way he should go and if that means I have to always be available and always help him to the best of my ability no matter what he does with it and if he buys me things or writes articles in his self published newsletter, well so be it. I am doing what God told me to do, much like Samuel's mother, I understand no matter what situation I have to put my son in, I promised God in front of our family, pastor and my husband that I understand this child is God's gift to raise, but that has responsibilities and I will do my best to raise him to know and love God and learn to be the man he was created to be.

Somedays I pray God, forgive for I knew not what I was asking.. Protect this child and deliver me from this mess, but then he shows me something or gives me an idea to help him or to see something that he could use to overcome a struggle and I am renewed for the day and forget about all the votes against us and all the things we are not and Praise God that I am a mother of this awesome boy (whether he appreciates it now or not); that my son is able to do more than I can even imagine, and the he is a Child of God, whether anyone can see it, believes it or celebrates it, does not matter. God has his name in the book of life and I have been shown over and over I have and I am raising him right! our path is just different than some others and not all things are shown now. Our past has been erased and so some cannot understand why we have to do somethings, but We are dancing with Christ celebrating the solid ground we are on, and we will stay in the light and tears may fall but we will not drowned.

We are walking in faith and He will deliver this child to manhood, and bless him with a family someday and He will be in heaven. What more can a mother ask for, that really matters..?

She kind of dropped her sneer and got a tear in her eye and said 'oh, Praise God, I had no idea. I thought.." "Why didn't you say you were a Christian mom"? I replied, "I had hoped it showed and didn't know that would matter in receiving grace, encouragement and compassion."

Being in a brick and mortar church allot or a little does not determine someones salvation or dedication and committment to God. Being Christian Parents does not guarentee easy living and "simple and less problems with children" anymore that being in a garage and member of AAA ensures less car repairs and makes one a CAR!.

Love, compassion and encouragement should not be withheld anymore than a tissue or a sip of water. and we are not called to condem and punish people for their transgressions any more than Christ was sent to condemn the world (John 3:16-19).

Judge the action, not the person. SIN is a behavior or activity not a part of a person. People do not rot or spoil! (they have a preservative in them! it just needs to be activated) We are from the pure blood line! we are family and family helps and supports family.

Faith is not believing in what is seen, is it faith to believe your child is going to succeed if the make straight A's and appear in papers and have their own business at 15 or is it faith when your child forgets to do his homework and fails and struggles and then listens and works hard and passes and sits down and "doodles" pictures that warm your heart and help others and come up with helpful changes and ideas that surprise everyone.

Jeremiah 29:11 is being lived out in my life right now and I am claiming Romans 8:28 as a guarentee this will end well.

Making things better, starts with change attitudes, views and the person in the MIRROR (YOU)

2010-02-07T13:54:00.004-05:00

Man I have learned things this week about people I care deeply about that just shocked me like a million volts and totally shook my heart to the breaking point, but it did not break! because it is "moist" and supple clay in the hands of the MASTER!, He gentle massaged me and told me, "Be still Child, KNOW that I am God". "Your comforter and healer" and "this is not your battle, Stand and be ready when I lead you, but for now Stand on the promises I have given you. (I think that is a paraphaze of a couple of verses! not a quote to my knowledge).

All the talk about Michael Jackson and his unexpected death is so mean spirited some times. He was a great song writer and musician, he lived differently that I do and I believe is "right" but I still cried and felt so bad that his life ended like it did. I cry everytime I see his children and think of how they now do not have a father, that they truly loved and why??? I feel bad for the doctor who must face the decisions he made and knowing that a minimum he was there, taking orders from a child at the time Michael Jackson was in distress and things that "might" have saved or at least relieved the immediate distress were not done that many medical peers have said should have been done. The irony in Michael Jackson's life, music and unfortunate death are heart breaking and raise lots of questions in many areanas, Spiritual, Mental Health, Drug Therapy, Medical, Legal, Social/Family Services... so many questions that we just cannot answer the How, and Why, but we can make sure this never happens again.

One of his songs that really never got alot of playtime that I can remember, but that hold lots of meaning and purpose for many things,

"Heal the World"

Listen to the words and hear the positive and the encouragement to care... Pray about what this can lead you to do.... We all have something we can do, some need to start right inside their walls, others need to only pick up the phone and call a family member or friend, take a step in faith and spread love and compassion in every step. God is love, He loved enough to give HIS ONLY SON, (ONE WAY)! He loves enough to wait, He does not condemn, call names, list a persons sins and short comings, remember Matthew, Nicodemious, the Samaritan Women at the Well, (WOW!! that is three strikes in one... what a looser) or Yeah, and best example of all Judius!) He loved them all, he cared for them, respected them and encouraged them. He is our example, We are "FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST"

and you have it, will you share it? can others believe it, do they see it in you? do you care they can't? Will you change? How are you going to make a difference? How are you going to share?

Facing the Choices we make as God sees them... what a way to make a new start and to drop to our knees in prayer!

2010-02-02T14:20:00.004-05:00

Ha ha.. oh man, I have been clearing out some emails and files and came across some messages and emails that really took me back. This one was an email that went around two or three times and came through during a time that people really needed to look at how they thought, talked and even prayed about other people. As usually I edited the original message alittle, and added personalized introduction to those I sent it to. Anyone remember this???

Well, yesterday was a tough day, I have so many friends going through alot of suffering and problems and so many marriages and families are struggling, missing loved ones, preparing for loved ones to pass away, deploy, or just leave. We may not understand or agree with their handling their lives but, we still need to pray for them to find their way to God, their comforter, their redeemer, the ONE who can repair, restore and heal, "more than we think or image" (Ephesians 3:20). Pray for God to work all things for the good of those who love HIM, (Romans 8:28).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To:

Sent: Fri, Dec 30, 2005 12:00 PM

Hello Friends, (Even if you are family, you are a friend to me)

THis is a really good message to start the new year off with. As one who has been on
many a dart board this is so true, God loves the one we are mad at too, and well as you
throw that dart, think, who have I made mad or wronged and how many dart boards am I
on... The best thing is that it does not matter, everyone can have your picture on their
dart board, and you are still okay, in God's hands. And if you on are the dart board you
have saved someone else. The best way to deal with someone you are mad at or offended by
is pray for them and what they did, and ask God to give you the wisdom and the GRACE, (my
new word for the last few months) to deal with them in a loving manner. Your new
attitude might be the example of Christ that person needed to see. Do not rely on
yourself, when there is something so so so much better.(Christ) Deny yourself your right
to tell someone off, or to hang their picture on your dart board and do the right thing
and see the long term effect, for one thing you won't have a sore elbow (ha, ha).
Best Wishes on a rewarding and joyous New Year, mine is off to a wonderful start, I could
not wait I started 2006 a few weeks ago. You know what they say, off with the old... on
with the new, New look, New Attitude and a New plan..
Love,
Dot
Dart Test...
> >
> > >THIS IS A POWERFUL MESSAGE. PLEASE READ ALL OF IT. I AM
> > >PASSING IT ON BECAUSE I AM CERTAINLY NOT ASHAMED TO DO
> > >SO.
> >
> > > This is not intended to be a joke, it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking..............
> >and much like the punch line of a joke, it can deliver a Joy, unspeakable, peace unspeakable and Save everyone!
> > > Dart Test...
> >
> > >A young lady named Sally, relates an experience she had in a
seminary class, given by her teacher, Dr. Smith. She says that Dr.
Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons.
> > >
One particular day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they
were in for a fun day. On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many
darts. Dr. Smithtold the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or
someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's
picture.
> > >
Sally's friend drew a picture of who had stolen her boyfriend.
Another friend drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former
friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the
face. Sally was pleased with the overall effect she had achieved.
> > >
> > >The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students
threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping
apart. Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when Dr.
Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats. As Sally sat
thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at
her target. Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall.
> >
Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the
room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered
His face and His eyes were pierced.
> >
Dr. Smithsaid only these words... "In as much as ye have done
it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me."
> > >
> > >Matthew 25:40.
> > >
No other words were necessary; the tears filled eyes of the
students focused only on the picture of Christ. (Every person, believer or not is a creation of God whom He loved enough to send is Precious SON to save them) John 3:16, and we are commanded to LOVE One Another of all the commandments God said this is the most important. And when you are filled with His love, and really appreciate His mercy and grace you can't help yourself to care, love and have compassion for everyone, it just overcomes you and the joy and peace is unspeakable, and they don't usually think of you, they see it as GOD's LOVE when it is done correctly.

Jesus said, "If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of
you, before > >My Father."
> > >
> > >Not ashamed ... pass this on.
> > >
> > >
Isn't it funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then
wonder why the world's going to hell.
> > >
Isn't it funny how we believe what the newspapers (and the news, authors and friends) say, but
question what the Bible says.

Isn't it funny how everyone wants to go to heaven provided they do
not have to believe, think, say, or do anything the Bible says. Or is it scary?

Isn't it funny how someone can say "I believe in God" but
still follow Satan (who, by the way, also "believes" in God ).
GOD IS LOVE, the opposite of LOVE is ANGER! which fuels HATE! Hate makes us bait for Satan!! Stand firm, or fall to your knees and be transformed, restored, and ridded of the anger. Let God have the Vengence! FOR THE VEGENCE is HIS not ours!.

Isn't it funny how you can send a thousand jokes through e-mail
and! they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages
regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.

Isn't it funny how the lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene, threatening and untruthful pass
freely through cyberspace, but the public discussion of Jesus is suppressed in the school
and workplace.

Isn't it funny how someone can be so fired up for Christ on
Sunday, but be an invisible Christian the rest of the week.
> > > (WE ARE CALLED TO BE TRUE, PURE, and the LIGHT AND SALT OF THE WORLD!!)

Are you laughing?

Isn't it funny how when you go to forward this message, you will
not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or
what they will think of you for sending it to ! them.
Isn't it funny how I can be more worried about what other people
think of me than what God thinks of me.

Will YOU pass this on? ... I did

Steps to be a good steward and increase income! Can you spread the word???

2010-01-26T11:30:00.003-05:00

Well I am still plugging away and trying to do all I can, Be all I can and decrease a serious shortfall in income due to my schooling. Please spread the word, if I can get about 20 faithful donators who throw these away anyway I can make enough to make it worth the effort, plus it is a good teaching lesson for Charles about stewardship, hard work and recycling benefits.

Feel free to cut and paste this, use the link above in an email. If you know any businesses that do not already recycle, please forward this to them or contact me with their information.

Thank you for your support J

Dot Wiggins

Inkjet Recycling Program contact info

Life is like a box of rocks...... thats why they call it ROCK climbing!

2010-01-21T09:42:00.003-05:00

Wow... it has been an interesting many months.... so much going on, personally, mentally, spiritually, politically. Kind of been feeling immencily overwhelmed and so alone.. (spiritually I know He is always with me, but...) FEELINGS do not have to be "LOGICAL", and are not be judged they just are!. HMMM.

"To be..or not to be".. To be verbs... Actions-Word agreement..

Practice what you Preach.. or better yet "Preach the gospel always..if necessary use words". Be doers of the Word, not just hearers..

My last post "Discernment, Wisdom,... " was well received and requests for more information were read, some of the have been posted, sorry a few of them are so old, but they were totally received. Foreign readers please post what language and dialect you are writing in. If possible, please translate into English.

Things are just... what they are. That is what my anatomy instructor tried to tell me "Quit asking why it is what it is and just learn it, and remember that it is what it is". I thought, that sounded alot like the philosophical babble that drives me crazy!. But why!!!!?????

Well I took a long walk down the information highway and looked at alot of information and writings on Being. In therapy, a therapists goal is make the client understand they ARE someone, just because they ARE alive, and when they die they will have been somebody just because they had been.

Really????? maybe in yester year, but now a days, it is the "What have you done for me lately" and is what you can do for me the best I can get. Recently, friendships have just been mind blowing, had a relationship go on the unbelievable trek of utter nonsense.

I was in total disbelief that MY Friend, who is a believer, would actually say, do and act the way they were. thought oh my I must have done something to make this happen... talked with a Professional and she was amazed that a seemingly intelligent person, who so obviously cared so much about so many and so much was so misinformed and mistreated. I never thought someone you trusted, loved and who proclaimed they did the same to you could do you wrong without reason. Never occurred to me that people who proclaimed their devote beliefs and advised others on correct behaviors and thinking could actually not even remotely adhere to what they say.

What happened to say what you mean and mean what you say????
(They may have meant it when the said it, but..sometimes not even then... they just said it because they thought it was what someone wanted to hear or worse it was what would get them what they wanted. WOW!!!

crack....chisel....OUCH!!!!!!

chips of faith, of confidence or identity went flying in to the ocean of despair and that annoying voice came screaming in my ears.... "Did you really think They were going to hang with YOU, Did you really think THEY wanted you, and even though they NEEDED or could use your skills, did you think they were good enough to make You the best available", "You donot dress, talk, walk, listen to music, write, speak like anyone else and everyone wants to be surrounded with people like them". Oh.. down she goes..and even when you loose weight, the heart and mind weight the same and I fell like a million tons of bricks.

**REALITY CHECK! NO ONE CAN MAKE YOU DO OR FEEL A WAY YOU DONOT "WANT" TO, IT IS A CHOICE, Not an easy choice, but still it is an opportunity you have to utilize or choose not to and suffer the consequences.

And no one could tell! I may not be good at alot that people realize but I am AWESOME at hiding, supporting the lazinest people, making the meaniest person seem like Mother Teresa. I can be in the biggest wallow feast and sit in a Bible Study and smile and listen and serve like nothing is amiss and no one is any of the wiser. Or at least for the most part, a few can tell something is "wrong" but I can offer a few circumstances that "allow" for my demeaner and then I am on notice that I need to tighten up and stay away, smile more or "wear my lipstick". After all Christians that are walking do not behave like this, and if they are feeling like this they are under conviction and are doing something that God is trying to work out of them, or so I was told.

WRONG!!! well I finally hit Rock bottom, the cold hard slate and was fearing it was getting thin and I was going to end up falling farther than I ever fell before. So when the tough get beaten they go to Starbucks. I crawled into the local Starbucks were I once before embarrassed myself, dumping my heart on a good friend. Carefully, pasted my goofy smile on my face, walked in quitely ordered my latte, had my book in my hand, Ipod and cell phone, my protections all set and found my spot the corner and plopped for my therapy, Latte, reading---only travel I can afford; my music to keep the annoying voice from bugging we and my prayer that this nasty feeling would pass quickly. Ah... the many plans of man...

Well, in walks this woman that looked familar but not sure where, why, and just could not risk making eye contact.. slouched into my chair more, turned up the ipod, dove my eyes into my book and breathed deeply. and then.... it happened she tapped me on the shoulder... "I am sorry to bother you, I noticed your book, "How to Have a Mary heart in a Martha World" and was wondering if I could talk to you for a minute??? hunnnnnnnnnnnnn to me??? uh..... ssssshhhhhhuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrr e ???????????? (as usual felt the need to discount myself and explain all the things I am not..}

she quickly stopped me and asked if I was trying to make her feel better or if I really thought all that. HMMM???? {I was simply stating the obvious} I stumbbled to answer, well I like to open the floor with honesty because I give what I expect.. I will listen to just about anything for a short time, I do not handle hostile, vulgar, angry expressions and conflicts that I am involved with, but if assured {ALOT} that their not mad at me just the behavior and the situation I can usually take it {with tears of course, but.. take it or leave it...} I said, "I think of it like a disclaimer or consent speach.. I am willing to talk with you but.. you need to know..." She busted out laughing.. and said, "oh man, I am so thankful I came over here, I NEVER talk to anyone who looks like they are busy and certainly not when I feel like this, but I just needed to be around people before I surcome to the waves they are going to swallow me whole". I burst into tears... "I was feeling the same way 10 minutes ago"... before I walked in here after sitting out in the car for about 10 minutes trying to talk myself in to coming in for the coffee. she giggled and said I know, I saw you.. I was doing the same thing.. and was just about to leave when I saw you come back to the car and get your lipstick!.

We laughed.... got more coffee split a chocolate chip cookie.. we prayed "God we want to share only things that are appropriate, but as you know we need your touch right now, we need to be lifted out of this pit of despair and discouragement. Bless us and lead us". Amen. We took a deep breath. giggled somemore, because as we soon realized we have alot in common and never laugh that much. started into a little small talk, I have ...kids, my husband does.. and enjoyed our coffee, giggled talked about the book and .... decided we need lunch.. left and went to Chick Fil-A had a ball and never actually talked about the burdens and dismay that was breaking us down. That Sunday, in church I was singing along with the praise music and the next song hit me like a flood of love, "EVERYONE NEEDS COMPASSION" and then after that we sang a song "A Reed will not be broken" (not the titles but the part that means the most to me). It was the discernement and the answers I was looking for... it has taken me on a journey of self discovery and of establishment of my identity and my ministry.

I soon realized I am being restored, refined, strengthened and shined, not for my enjoyment or to "reward" me but to BLESS me and to confirm and clarify my understanding of MY SAVIORS WORDS and MESSAGE to ME!. Same words that everyone reads but some words carry life to those that needed it. That is my testimony, that is my witness. "LOOK WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE!"

You are not alone! and I do read every comment and post the ones that are appropriate. I will not post advertisements or comments that are "questionable or immorale". I must be able to see the websites without joining groups and must be able to translate the foreign languages so I can see what they really say. I do look up the big words!!!. I verify scripture before it is posted so please don't waste my time with senseless and mean or inappropriate comments. Every comment is appreciated for the time that was taken to even click on the button. Please sign your post and give me a way to contact you or check back and see my replies.

Best Wishes and In HIM, (~)--
Dot Wiggins

What is in your Mind, Body and Spirit? Parts or A Whole System....

2009-11-12T21:21:00.005-05:00

God, The Bible, Jesus Christ, Life which came first? and which controls which?

Have you ever thought about our practices today...Science, Agriculture, Nutrition, Medicine, and Psychology and compared them to those of bilical times? Are we smarter today than Adam and Eve where or are we "dumbed down" and getting dumber? If I am not successful, productive and serving am I sinning, damaged or am I, just what I was designed to be, simply a vessel to carry things or to store the gifts of the Creator?

Many consider Science, Agriculture, and Nutrition but many do not consider medical/health issues and Psychology (Psychological, Cognitive, Emotions, and Personality issues) as biblically revelant. Some think these are punishments or some how not supposed to be part of God. But, if you really look at the Bible, you find something completely different. The Mind, Body and Spirit are mentioned in scripture several times, so they must be a part of God's plan too. I think Ecclesiastes, Daniel and Job all reveal "Biblical Psychology principals" David was clearly an emotional, troubled, and confused man. Solomon was the wisest man in the Bible, yet he was overpowder by his freewill and poor judgment and suffered greatly, yet loved God. Paul definitely shows us some medical and psychological issues.

Life is a complex mystery sometimes, a raging ocean with wild crashing waves that are stories high others, and then others it is so simple and calm and beautiful like a calm lake at sunset. What determines the experience we get? We do ..... We can choose to do it our way, follow the world and suffer the internal conflicts or we can choose to call out to God when we hear him pass by us and yield to Him and his guiding light.

Think about working with clay. It is moist, specialized dirt that can be shaped, built into vessels and hardened, sealed and used to carry things. So can we! Remember where Adam came from? God gathered some dirt and breathed into, and Adam came alive. Then God, put him to sleep and took one of his ribs to put into Eve, she too is made from the earth, and has God's breath in her.

The vessel was shaped and air removed the water and sealed the shape. And the vessel was put to use and given a name and purpose. They were given a wonderful setting to enhance them and for them to enhance the setting. Everything is good, and then...the wind begins to rage and the waters get rocky.

Adam and Eve walking in the garden with fruit and animals of every kind and in the evening God came and Walked, and Talked with them and taught them things and there was just one (1) condition, they could go anywhere and eat anything except for the fruit on the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, that was off limits. Adam was to tell Eve all the things that God shared with him. We don't know if she forgot, or if she thought he was trying to stand in her way of having something great, but Eve listened to someone who told her "She could do it, She deserved it, Why would God punish her, if He loved her? She started changing God's wording, from a simple decision to obey to something more "tangible and provable", "she stated that God told her they could not touch the fruit, but that is not what God said, and the "serpent" tormented her and kept telling her, she deserved to have that fruit, and she finally caved and touch it, and then thought she had broken Gods rule, but she had deceived herself, so she figured she had already done wrong might as well go for it and see what she was missing. And then, she took it to Adam and she deceived him with her self-deceiving thinking and convinced him to eat it too. But... He was responsible to test what he was hearing, He also bit into the desire for something other than God, but He too deceived himself into thinking he was forced to do wrong by someone else, (VICTIM) and He was angry with God and blamed God for giving him this flawed women that did this bad thing. Again, there is always two choices, the right and wrong way. There is the decision to be with God or away from Him.

Because they choose to eat from the tree, they know knew what God knew and could now acknowledge evil, shame, guilt and doubt. But they could decide to turn to God and lean on him, but that would require them denying themselves and acknowledging God being higher than them and that His way is better than theirs.

God had to cloth them, (His provision was better than what they were able to make for themselves). His mercy is seen when he clothes them, and continues to love them but they must leave the Garden and will have to work the ground and provide for themselves. But, God still communicates with them. And they still love Him, and praise Him, they teach their children and raise them following God's orders and their children teach their children about God and his practices and record them.

God planned, created, breathed into, forgave, provided for, and Loved. He gave the gift of freewill of choice to Adam and Eve, hoping they would choose to Love Him and receive the gifts and enjoyment of the land and animals that he created for them, because it pleased Him. God designed us to crave connecting and acknowledgement of Him and the reception of His plans for our dominion and enjoyment that will yield Him pleasure to see us prospering and increasing the family all desiring to praise God for the creation, breath, forgiveness, mercy, and Love that have been passed down to us. As time has gone on we can see through the pages of the bible, many many stories (examples) of how people made the wrong choices, and how they delayed their gifts and enjoyment because they chose other things or themselves instead of God. The praise songs are not just words they are the voice of the holy spirit, that is in us at the point of salvation, inspired by Gods teachings.

Give me one pure and holy passion. Light my path, that I may not stumble. Our mind, Body and Spirt are centered around our gift of the breathe that Christ breathed into us, and much like being in the midst of a crisis or temper tantrum, all we have to do is, Stop! and Breath, and allow God to take over. Just like Adam and Eve did in the Garden. We will loose things we cherish, we will suffer wrongs and betrayals by others, we will make bad, destructive choices, we will shed many tears, we will finally loose our life on this earth...But as long as Christ is our backbone we will rise and go to heaven with the father, just like Christ did.

All this is in the scriptures, this is to be our pure and holy passion, to pleasure God, to Glorify Him in all we think, say and do. To love God with our whole Mind, whole body and whole spirit. Anything that splits any part of us or our relationships needs to be turned over to Christ. Prayer is how we call out to God. He is calling our name, just like He did to Adam and Eve. He knows what we have done, He knows what we are thinking, feeling, lacking and He can fix it all. When we can't hear God calling us, sometimes we are like Eve, and have convinced ourselves that God has said something that he did not say, and usually we run away and hide from God and allow our hearts to harden and our circumstances to seal us into separation and misery. But, it is never to late to come out of hiding and allowing God to take away our guilt, shame, blame of others and cloth us in His taylored clothes and cover us with the pure blood of His son Jesus Christ.

We can come boldly by the BLOOD! we have nothing to fear but fear itself. God is our power source, our strength and our desire is to be to please Him in all we are, all we think, say and do. When we unite all of our components mind, body and spirit with our passion it becomes us, and we are changed and new. Just like the Bible teaches....

I know because the Bible tells me so....! Study to show yourselves approved by God. Our salvation, our life, our enjoyment, our all is because of Him. Jesus said, the Father is in Him, and He is in the Father and whoever believes in Him is also Believing in the Father and that He is in them. Complete circle.

This was our history, this was our legacy and somehow over the years it has sadly been lost, changed, rejected, mistranslated into something quit harmful. But, when we go back to the source and learn the language of God's word we are able to understand and apply His words to our life, much like we received His breath. Stop doing it our way, stop making God fit into our plans and bringing Him on our path and trying to get Him to bless us in our plans instead of asking God to breath into our plans and move out anything that is keeping us from Him and bring us back into his presence and to take our dominion over the area and animals that He has called us manage for Him to bring Him pleasure while He provides for us and rewards us.

The "Empirical" Validation--- the scientific part---the sources and resources...

Roberts and Powlison give us the other important form of quality control -- biblical/exegetical quality control, insisting that a biblical understanding of persons be the basis for all our models of internal dynamics and care: "our endeavor will not be primarily to integrate, but to retrieve, evaluate, and communicate something originally Christian . . . we can expect that in the measure that we lose touch with our own psychology and replace it with one of the psychologies of the establishment or some conglomeration of them, we will lose touch with the apostolic faith." (Roberts, pp. 153, 171)

One cannot credibly claim to be maintaining a biblical philosophy of mind while consistently using the therapeutic methods of Freud, Jung, Skinner, and/or Rogers. Their non-biblical and often anti-biblical philosophies are deeply imbedded in their therapeutic methods, and end up dominating the process over time.
Listed below are seven biblical assumptions / biblical truths concerning humankind that any psychology, as a conceptual system, needs to include and embrace if we are to consider it a genuinely Christian psychology. Empirical support for these biblical truths follows in later sections of this proposal.
1. Human beings have been granted the ability and freedom to choose, and their choices matter. We are not utterly and mindlessly driven by forces within or without, as Freud and Skinner contended. We are usually aware of those times when we are behaviorally "out of control" (acting apart from conscious intention). Except for the most troubled among us, such experiences are the exception, not the rule in life.
The arguments of any deterministic system of thought can only be believed if we do not apply those arguments consistently, that is, turn them back in on themselves. As soon as we do, the supposedly thoughtful, well-reasoned arguments in the particular paradigm become mere unavoidable, unconscious, unreasoned expressions of instinct, intrapsychic dynamics, or conditioning and reinforcement -- the blind reactions of a driven animal that cannot logically be considered to be anything more than the blind reactions of a driven animal. As soon as we understand this existential contradiction (imbedded in any deterministic/fatalistic model), there is much less reason to take the content of the deterministic, human-as-driven-animal paradigm very seriously any more. Were Freud's theories involuntary, irrational expressions of his neuroses? When we read Skinner's books, are we only observing the inevitable results of his conditioning and reinforcement? If so, except as a matter of pure historical curiosity, why should anyone care about anything they said or wrote? If no truth is shared, if no reality is described, why not save our time, order another pizza and watch another football game? But then, this too would be an example of conscious, intentional behavior!
Unlike what we read in the works of Freud and Skinner, and other deterministic philosophers/psychologists, we experience ourselves and others as free to choose. We persistently and correctly believe we can make true and false statements, describe in detail at least some aspects of reality, and choose between right and wrong. Any fair analysis of human speech patterns reveals that very often (and very legitimately) we hold ourselves and others directly accountable for common behaviors. Consider these statements made by almost every parent, business manager, friend, officer of the court, and spouse on the planet: "Why did you do that, when I asked you not to?", or, "Why did you purposefully lie/mislead me?", or, "Please, don't stop trying! Don't quit on yourself! With just a little more concentration and effort, you'll make it!"
Many statements in Scripture, like Joshua's command (Joshua, Chapter 24), "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve," and the Lord Jesus' challenge (Luke, Chapter 6), "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, but do not the things that I say?," no longer make any sense if we stop believing in the reality of human choice. The experience of choice is not an illusion, simply a naive and unscientific way of talking about brain activity, or a mere "emergent property" or "epiphenomenon," a mere by-product of brain activity. Rather, our ability to make meaningful decisions and to choose between differing paths is a basic reality of life, and one of the starting points for a Christian psychology.
2. Humans are basically rational creatures, doing most of what they do for a conscious purpose, instead of behaving aimlessly, or because they are routinely controlled by powerful unconscious motives. Even though they often choose to turn away from truth, and do what is destructive, humans are generally portrayed in the pages of Scripture as capable of sorting between alternatives, and behaving purposefully. Most of us have, at one time or another, been surprised by the strength or direction of an emotional response rising up out of our "heart," our "subconscious," our "limbic system," or whatever we want to call our deep emotional center. Emotions that surprise us should indeed be taken seriously, and their psychological as well as physical roots should be examined. But, these emotions should not and normally do not lead us, because emotions per se, that is, just by themselves, are completely blind.

3. Because they are capable of making real choices, and are rational beings (at least potentially), humans are morally accountable. One cannot read the Bible honestly without the message of moral accountability coming through "loud and clear." The Bible confronts us with a concept we do not much like, the concept of sin -- not "illness" due to "unconscious conflicts," but sin. Humans often attempt to dodge this concept, and all other forms of accountability, through any number of manipulations and maneuvers, but they cannot. Unlike what Jung and Rogers proposed, we humans will answer specifically for the choices we have made to Someone other than ourselves. We do not get to serve as our own final judge. Romans, Chapter 1, makes it clear that all human beings are "without excuse," fully responsible for their behavior to the Creator of the universe.
If we continue to follow modern psychology's lead into the darkness of mindless irrationality (Freud and Skinner), and / or its lead into the darkness of individually defined moral codes (made to look oh-so-attractive by the "self as God" models of Jung and Rogers), we will utterly destroy the family, the criminal justice system, the educational system, and the business / commerce system in this culture. We cannot operate as a coherent society without believing that we, individually and collectively, are essentially rational beings, and morally accountable to Someone other than ourselves. Without the concepts of choice, rationality, moral accountability and social responsibility, our mental "illnesses," differing "reinforcement histories," and conflicting "interpretations of experience" will continually collide with one another, and in the end, we will witness cultural collapse.
4. Humans wrestle with a divided nature, the elements of which war against one another. While we live in our natural bodies, we will deal with this tension. While he was simply wrong on so many points, Freud (like the Apostle Paul long before him) was more correct than Jung or Rogers on this point, in that we will continue to wrestle with a divided nature, no matter how "congruent" we think we are, or how successfully we believe we have integrated our personalities, partly through ''making friends with our Shadow." Insight alone will not free us from experiencing a divided nature. Our natures need continuous changing, not continuous analysis. Because of our divided natures, discipline, obedience, and thought/behavioral accountability continue to be necessary in the righteous life, even with the powerful assistance of the Holy Spirit, apart from Whom we would have no hope.
5. Humans are very valuable, yet very fallen, creatures. Human beings are not the "zeros" of Skinner's scheme (conditioned bits of protoplasm, responding mindlessly to conditioning and environmental stimuli), but they also are not the innately loving, helpful, angelic beings of Rogers' scheme who only need to be "liberated" or "empowered" in order to discover and reveal their wonderful natures, and then do wonderful things. Humans are valuable not because they say so, but because God says so, and took action to secure their redemption. Nearly every morning newspaper confirms that we humans, if given the opportunity, will often use power in unethical and destructive ways, using power against (instead of for) one another. The kind of "liberation" many of us need is not liberation from virtually all external constraint, but liberation from the undisciplined meanness and foolishness of our own natures. It doesn't take a genius to understand that not all of our problems come from outside of ourselves. Frequently, the source of our problems is housed in our own souls. The familiar phrases, "we have become our own worst enemy," and "we have met the enemy, and they are us" ring truer than we wish they did. Chapters 7 and 8 of the Epistle to the Romans address this problem of a corrupted nature, and show a way out.
6. Personal salvation cannot result from the application of psychological technique. It is the gift of God. In the past few decades many attempts have been made to (in essence) substitute the temporary and partial gains of psychological therapy for the eternal gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Sadly, this is happening within churches, as well as within more secular outlets for soul care. As contemporary churches have become increasingly psychologized, they have often given up their most important functions -- to call all humans to turn from sin, to surrender to the salvation that is possible through Jesus Christ alone, to seek His Kingdom and His righteousness, to become His disciples, and to train His disciples. Instead of celebrating the unique and central role of Jesus Christ in the personal salvation of every person who receives the eternal gift, many contemporary churches have instead offered up carefully choreographed, "feel-good" morning services, self-empowerment support groups (of all kinds, for all ages, and both genders), and numerous recreational options, while often neglecting to teach and live out the message of Redemption. Instead of acknowledging and celebrating the power of the Gospel to transform the self, and to call us into something greater than service to the self, morning sermons in many modern "seeker friendly" churches often offer little more than self-enhancement strategies (e.g. -- "How to Feel and Perform Better by Developing Your Self-Esteem"). But, people don't need more of this shallow pop psychology, particularly from the pulpit. People need the Lord -- a real, deep, personal encounter with Jesus Christ, His people, His Kingdom, His righteousness.
There are no psychological techniques, or sets of techniques, that can substitute for the work of Jesus Christ and bring about personal salvation. This is as true for cognitive restructuring and behavioral contracting as it is for psychoanalysis, analytic psychology, operant behaviorism, or client-centered therapy. Cognitive restructuring and behavioral contracting (the modes of therapy advocated in this proposal), by emphasizing transpersonal truth, mutual encouragement, and real accountability, at least have the strength of being more in line with the true needs and nature of human beings -- as portrayed in the biblical understanding of human beings -- and thus may help indicate the need for, and contribute to the outworking of, the process of redemption. In the models of Freud, Jung, Skinner, or Rogers there is no transpersonal truth, or real, external accountability. By leading us away from transpersonal truth and real accountability, the paradigms of the principal founders of the traditional psychotherapies can only lead us into darkness.
7. Real meaning and life direction are needed in people's lives, and they come from God's special calling to and for each one of us. Perceptive theorists and therapists, like Erik Erikson (1968) and Viktor Frankl (1963, 1965), have correctly affirmed that people cannot live successfully, long-term, without meaning and direction in their lives. But, they (Erikson and Frankl) do not state with unequivocal clarity where real meaning and life direction come from. They come from God's specific calling to and for each one of us. Our sense of meaning and direction needs to be grounded and real. It needs to be grounded in God's plan for Creation and Redemption, not just a personal fantasy, not just something we make up to make ourselves feel significant. Freud and Skinner both wrote that any sense of meaning, direction, or significance is ultimately an illusion. Their position is very dark indeed, but their nihilistic position ultimately has more consistency and integrity than Jung's and Rogers' position that meaning, life direction, and personal significance are all self-defined, and can be whatever a man or woman want them to be.

We were made to have and enjoy creative and meaningful relationships with other persons, with ourselves, with the natural world, and with our Creator God. If any psychological paradigm and/or its methods of therapy cause clients to turn away from, misunderstand, or in any way distort these vital relationships, then there will likely be more soul-damage than healing in the end. This will tend to hold true, even if the clients' presenting symptoms diminish over the course of initial psychotherapy. Not all psychotherapies are finally good for the suffering and vulnerable persons to whom they are applied!
Any therapeutic approach worthy of a biblical/Christian label will emphasize what the Scriptures emphasize -- encountering and responding to truth, renewing the mind, accepting and extending consistent encouragement, all within the context of rationality, conscious intentions, and mutual moral/behavioral accountability.

(Accountability Psychology: BiblicallyConsistent, Empirically Validated Psychology/http://www.christiancounsel.net/BIBL_PSY.html )

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Christians using psychology and Larry Crabb's book "Connecting" reviewed by

http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/xn-psych.html

What is Thanksgiving and the History of Turkey? Mek asks as we are talking about the upcoming holiday, here is our response and some really good sites

2009-11-07T20:15:00.002-05:00

Hosting is still going wonderful. Mek is learning alot about America, our cultures, foods, traditions. We are enjoying learning about Thailand, enjoying Thai food, spices and ways of doing things.

With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up we have been talking with Mek about it, since it is a holiday only in the US. We told him the history (the stuff the kids learn in school; the pilgrims came over had a bad winter, were starving and the Indians helped them, taught them how to farm, shared their food and they had a feast together. That was easy to explain, but then the question that I have personally wondered for years, when did the Turkey get added, and why???

Well, I did a little research and found these sites interesting:
History of Thanksgiving, turkey and Cranberry Jam recipe: http://www.good.is/post/how-thanksgiving-got-its-turkey/

Thanksgiving History http://www.christiananswers.net/q-wall/wal-g007.html

Pumpkin Pie and recipes: http://www.chiff.com/home_life/holiday/thanksgiving/pumpkin-pie.htm

Smithsonia Institute History of Thanksgiving: http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_si/nmah/thanks.htm

Very cool site with History of Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving around the world, History of Turkey, Activities, Recipes, and much more http://www.theholidayspot.com/thanksgiving/turkey.htm

I am so looking forward to having Thanksgiving with Family at my house, cooking the turkey and all the fixins like my mom did when I was little. Traditions and celebrations with family are so important and probably more so now that everyday is full of so much uncertainty and stress, these moments in time with family are more valuable then ever. Would love to hear what your Thanksgiving Traditions are, and how you came to your traditions. If you don't have traditions yet, there is plenty of time to make this year, the beginning of a new tradition.

Post comments here or email me I would love to hear from you :)

The beginning of the Journey as a Host for CIEE exchange student, Khongphat Prasarnthong; August 13, 2009 through June 2010

2009-09-19T11:26:00.000-04:00

Well, I am starting to chronicle our exchange experience. Many friends and family members have asked, "How did this all come about". Well, it was Tuesday morning, Aug. 4, 2009--the last day of classes and final exam day. As usual I was checking my email and this was one of the posts on an email loop I belong to....

Subject: Prayer Request

Today, I am sending out emails to as many people as possible about 4 CIEE boys who need a host family immediately. Two of these students earned a scholarship from the Dept. of State in order to be a part of this program. Two others paid to come here and learn English while living with an American family so they may learn our culture while sharing theirs with you. These are the last boys on my list to place and time is running out for them to be able to come here. Please let me know of any family who may be interested in hosting any of these boys and to see their profiles. They come from India, Korea, Indonesia and Thailand; all have great academics, want to play sports, no allergies and will live with pets.Please pray for the right family to contact me about these boys according to the Lord's will. Thank you and may God bless you also. As soon as they are placed, I will send an update out to everyone letting you know their situation.

Have a great week!

Lynnette Goreman

CIEE Local Coordinator

aprayerpartner @msn.com

919-417-3743

My heart was pounding.. I was like is this my answer??? (I have been praying for months, and months for direction and discernment on ministry and witnessing opportunities and well this has potential to be both). I replied to the email and Lynnette called me immediately, we talked on the phone, she sent me the link to the website and the ball was rolling.

Well, the day continued, I helped my inlaw prepare to load up and return to Virginia. Charles went with them, I went to school to take my A & P exam.. (biting my nails all the way there and then suddenly just had peace over the situation and the C didn't seem so bad {Finally}). After I was done at school I drove up to Virginia for a day of R & R at the Va.Beach oceanfront, my happy place. While there Charles and I talked somemore about the exchange student and he was very excited. At that point I had not read the profile, just new that he was from Thailand and was a senior, 16 years old. Charles and I continued our vacation day at the beach. We visited with family and discussed it and it was really an easy fit. We drove home Thursday afternoon and got home 5 minutes before the scheduled interview with Lynnette. When we(I) saw the profile we new this was the right choice and we were "the right family" we were praying would come up and agree to sponsor this deserving student.

{Note: I have promised that when I have a strong feeling again, and feel compelled to obligate US to something, I will talk to the other half of Us before moving ahead. Another confirmation that I was right on July 21, 1988... I needed this man! He is PEFECT for me, (He has God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in him to guide him to love me in all my "best intentions and heart over matter" and keep his flesh from wringing my little chicken neck. And for all that I have been so richly given I am eternally thankful}

He loves basketball and soccer, is interested in football. Last year he traveled to Japan and can speak some japanese.

Despite the awkward beginning, God has blessed this journey so much already and I am so in awe of Him and my husband. We are enjoying the hosting experience so much.

Here is a peak at our first 24 hours ( Arrival at 4:30 pm on Thursday, August 13, through the GEICO Family Picnic the next afternoon at Tucker Lake in Wilson, NC.)

Stay tuned... Please pray for us to remain good ambassadors for our God, Country, and Family. Also pray for the Prasarnthong family in Thailand and abroad, as they have to be missing this awesome young man. Pray that God blesses them with the emails and updates they receive, give them peace and joy knowing what an awesome experience and learning experience "Mek" Khongphat is receiving and how much he is teaching his host family about his country, culture and family.

Make a Smilebox photobook

What is going on? Is anyone going to stop this mess?

2009-09-03T10:53:00.002-04:00

Wow! I feel like I am trapped in one really bad, low budget action movie. The last 3 months have just been unreal.

Sneaky and just unwise political action. (Not Surprising just irritating)

Complete lies from everyone from the President of the United States all the way down.

Senators holding Town Hall meetings to hear from the people and then shutting them down because of "special interest groups insighting hostile remarks".

The President of the United States and Elected Officials calling the American People who oppose their plan to take our money, our healthcare and our elderly loved ones and friends. Nazi's. (Uncalled for! as far as I am concerned that word should not be used and is as offensive and disrespectful as using the other N word, and for such a well educated man to stoop to name calling is just unbelievable. The University should revoke his degree)

Calling for a boycot of Whole Foods because they spoke out against the healthcare plan and have brought some alternatives to the Presidents plan (Which neither him, his family or any of Congress will fall under).

Taxes are being increased ever so quitely. North Carolina sales tax just went up and entire 1% which makes our taxes unreal. Early this year we had the whole Easley scandal and the New jet order, which the state canceled and just forfeited thousands of dollars in deposit money. Now Gov. Perdue and 7 officials are traveling to China for 2 weeks to recruit businesses to come to North Carolina and create new jobs. Completely a waste of $80,000 dollars that could be put into companies already here, to expand and add new jobs, or a really no brainer, that money could be used to rehire the teachers and school administrators and other state employees that were laid off or not given their jobs back this year. Families have been split because the jobs are not here in North Carolina. We have 6 families that we know well that are missing a family member (Mother or Father) because their job is not here in the state.

Healthcare reform debate has gone way off track and is wasting valuable time and money. The statistics are inaccurate and misleading. The first action is to look at those without health insurance that need it, covering people that do not use the doctor or are not going to follow the directions and take the medicine or do the exercises is silly. Some people do not believe in health care and do not use Eastern medicine. To fix a problem you need to understand the whole issue and not just start changing things and through money and committees into the middle and hoping it is going to fix the situation. We do not need implementation, management and execution to come from Washington DC, we need it to come from the community, write up the plan, explain the checks and balances and budget needs and a the only thing we need from Washington is the money they are holding to give back anyway and for the existing offices to do their jobs.

Jon and Kate plus eight, look at me hour. ?Why are they being paid so much money to tape their lives and show us how a "Real" family successful raises 8 children? Ummmm what is real about their lives? Who has that much help? How do they pay their bills? Isn't it amazing their family has not had to do to the doctors, work through an illness, deal with another family members illness? When do they get groceries? Clean the house (oh, yeah she has a cleaning person). When do they teach the kids anything, haven't heard much talk in that house about anything related to God, character development, manners yet hundreds of church get her to come talk about how she and Jon are raising 8 children in a christian home. HMMMM! Now that they are getting a divorce, they are no different than many families in America, why should they be paid all this money to highlight a sector of life that is not the goal or aspiration of that many people it is rather a situation that happens. Why aren't more people supporting and begging for the Duggars to do a show, they have done 60 minutes and other talk shows, she just had her 18th child and they have grown children that are successful and still closely involved with the younger siblings now that is more of a reality show or should be more reality. Many families live like this and aspire to be more like the Duggars than Kate and Jon.

We the People have given our power to these elected officials and companies to provide us with services and products we are not receiving. They have given us promises and provided us untrue information and although many don't like we grumble amoungst ourselves but do nothing to really protest the misuse of our trust and money and breach of contract.

We the People need to unite and take back control of our lives, our resources and our stewardship of gifts and talents. Why do we keep working for companies and the government that are not fullfilling their commitments, they are not modeling the character and ethics we swear to everyday and that our children recite in school. Why are we supporting stores and companies that are not supporting the local and American economy. They have to supply what is demanded, so if We the People take action and start demanding local and American made things, Local and American workers will have jobs. If we demand truth, quality, diligence and intregity in our government, corporations, businesses and community organization they will begin to provided it or loose our business.

The Golden Rule needs to be revived, and Character and Ethics need to come out of the classroom and textbooks and enter into daily lives. And when things are not done according to the rules of civilized business and ethical behaviors are not practiced then a boycot or banning of the individuals needs to be demanded.

We the People have a voice, We have Knowledge and Skills we need to use them to rebuild our communities, states and government but it is going to take more than just a few people shouting in a meeting hall, it is going to take commitment and sacrafice and hardwork but if we want to remain the "Land of the Free" we better start making some steps up the mountain of stupidity and corruption and stake our claim.

A song we used to sing as kids "I want this mountain, I want this mountain, for you and me" God will move mountains, sometimes other times he gives us the strength to climb over them, we need to start climbing. "Put one foot in front of the other and soon you will be climbing up the side".

Some Random thoughts about current events and just life in general

2009-08-04T04:01:00.003-04:00

Well, it is finally here. Final exam and end of semester, whew hoo!!!! this has been a fast 16 weeks. The pace was frantic at times, but it was all okay in the end. I think I learned more about myself and about learning this semester than I did Anatomy and Physiology. Maybe because I learned alot before and this time helped put all the pieces together or maybe just because I am wiser now things click better. ?????

Anyway, in other thoughts rolling around my head lately.....

What in the World is happening to everyone????? People are loosing it! We are rewriting history, changing laws to better suit lifestyles and personal opinion. DANGEROUS STUFF!!!

I like to do word studies, or just think about words and relationships. I was looking at my new shower curtain that has "Dream, Hope, Inspire" kind of my new moto, or favorite saying and noticed all three words have "E" in them.

"E" is an intreging and unique vowel. It has some places where it says its Name, but mostly it is a helper vowel and blends with other vowels, sometimes they say "E" together, but sometimes that say "A" or "I" or"U" or a blended sound. Sometimes "E" is there and does not say anything.

In some words "E" says a couple different sounds like in ELECTRIC, it says "E" at the beginning, and "e (like in peg)". Words would not be the same without E, Dream would be dram, Hope would be hop, and Inspire would be inspir. There would be no Love, it would sound like loov or L"O" v. not quite the same.

Life is much like words somethings just really catch your eye, tickle your tongue and warm your heart and excite your mind. But, without LOVE nothing is the same, and of the same potential as it Love was part of it. E is a part of the word but is not saying alot, but yet helps the word make a sound we all like to say. Think about "Love" without the "E", it sounds like loa the or loaf depending on pronouciation, which I do not think is an coincidence. When something is missing or speaking in a way that is not pleasing, it changes the word and can change the meaning because of how we hear it. When we do not like something, we loath it, or are not loving it. We may not realize we are missing something we just know we do not like what we see or hear. Loaf is a limited shape, longer on 2 sides and shorter on 2 sides. I always think of bread, hard, dry, with holes in it., not really that desired when it is not fresh, warm and/or homemade. There is something about homemade bread and items, could it be that we see the love that was put into them when they were made and carefully packaged??.

If you were a vowel (and you are, because you were purchased by Christ) what letter would you be? "A", "E", "I", "O", "U" or the hermit and closed off "Y" ??

There is a time for everything, there is a time to speak and stand up for ourselves, and there is a time to blend and allow someone else to be heard or do the talking and there are times when silence yet being a part is also necessary. We are lights and we need to shine, but do we want to be candles or lamps filled with oil or do we want to be like neon lights that are bright, and buzzing all the time boldly stating whatever the have to say????

A spark is a small fire that burns unless it is snuffed out, but can spread to anything near by that is accepting of the transfer and will take on the spark and then there are two burning sparks and it can spread also, and soon you can have many, many sparks that shine brightly and can light the darkness and make a sound to alert people to look at the path and see the obsticles or danger and also them to spread the flames and light a torch and carry the light.

One of my favorite songs as a camp councelor was, "Pass it on". It only takes a spark to get a fire going, that is how it is with God's love. Once you have experienced it, you want to pass it on!

We would light candles and sing it for hours, and be the end of the first round there were many rededications or just questions about how to do it and what it means to keep the fire burning, how we carry our torch each day in every situation we are in. It was such an awesome, heart warming time to see young girls and boys passionate and learning about the awesome God that bought them and wanted them and to see their proudness that God lit there fire and would keep it lit and nothing could put on their fire, it may just be a dim ember surrounded by piles of ash, but when they are "dug out", "blown on with the breath of the spirit" they will once again burn.

It is hard when you are just a spark trying to shine in a rain storm with gail force winds and come up against hardened wood or stone, or the water from tears of pain and anger, but remember God lit your flame and God keeps you burning, even in the water! once a breath of the spirit is blown on you to dry you out, your flame will reignite!!

Shine on! Let you light shine brightly.. if you feel blown out and estinguished.. Pray, Father light my fire, dry me out, strap off the layers of dust and light me again. Blow a breath on me an freshen my flame, help me connect to another receptive ember that will spread the light so that the world can find its way back to you. If you want to talk or need some scripture, comment here or email me privately.

"Church" is a good place to find other flames that are trying to connect and grow in strength. Follow the heat and you will find the "REAL" flames that are burning and not just the "look alike" battery operated kind that will go out or only burn for show. But, you can be lit and strengthened anytime for feel a breeze blowing against you by just praying, and you have your eyes open, or shut, you can bow down, sit down, lie down.. whatever.. it is your HEart that makes the connection to the Flame and takes the transfer of heat!

God and biblical references are found in Anatomy and physiology studies! God is truly in us and we are in Him.

2009-07-28T23:14:00.005-04:00

Wow... these last few month have been very busy. God has been really working on my heart and mind. I am making up for lost time when I was not able to do alot, but life is amazing now that I am healthy and healing. God's word lights our path and He is with us in every step we take. He has recently brought me to things, people and understandings that are just so awesome, it is like when He would walk through the garden with Adam talking with Him and teaching him things. He has taken me by the hand and walked me through situations and scriptures and opened my mind to His ways and straightened my paths. Life is truly amazing.

Well, here is an example of something that I have seen in my studying and schooling and just applying my beliefs and desires to know His plan, and His purpose more. I love parallels and relationships that tie the physical person to Christ and when our mind, body and spiritual being are related to scripture and all is directed to Christ. I believe every word of scripture is there for a reason and it all works together to guide us. We just need to read it and understand it, apply our lives to the scriptures. Use our minds, our bodies and our hearts to love him.

Salt and Water.... make up alot of our human tissues, bodily fluids and are required for our life. Salt or Sodium (Na) is very important to many functions of the body. Our muscles cannot contract or relaz without sodium. When we sweat we sweat sodium. Water is required by all of our cells for life, our bodies are 80% water (H2O). Where every sodium goes water follows and where sodium and water go; Potassium goes the other way. Potassium is necessary to sustain life too.

Our blood contains all the chemicals, water and cells our bodies need to sustain our life. Yet, our cells die and life can end anytime things get out of order or balance. God is all about order and balance. Life is truly a created thing and has not been successful understood or duplicated by man. We cannot create it, prolong it or increase it.. with all the knowledge we have about life and what is necessary to sustain it. We have not been able to control it. Why not???? Our ways are not His ways. We were designed according to His will, to accomplish His plan.

Biblically these are just as important....

Our life started with a breath, when Christ breathed into Adam's nostrils. Blood has always symbolized life. Christ's blood gave us our spiritual eternal life.

Sodium, is a healing agent in the bible. Christ "Charged" use to be the salt of the earth. He also instructed the israelities to salt all of their meats. This would make them thirst for water.
Yet he gives a "living water, which will make you thirst no more". Water poured from Christs side when he was crucified.

check out the biblical references and some commentary sources on this site: http://www.schizophrenia-info.info/healing_salt.htm

Prayers needed for Family coping with setback

2009-06-07T11:06:00.003-04:00

Please join in Praying for a special family coping with their young child being treated for LCH ( Langerhans cell histiocytosis) for the last 7 months. They have received a discouraging result and are awaiting more tests and decisions about new medications and what procedures to proceed with next.

This was not the report we have been praying for and has us all discouraged. We know that God has a plan for this child, this condition and for the family for good and not for harm, but right now all we see is the things in front of us, which are not showing the awesome power we all want in this situation.

Pray for the friends and family supporting and encouraging the family to renew our minds and hearts and to pull our wisdom and strength from God and not conventional knowledge or personal abilities.

Remind us, God is in control of this situation, this is not a surprise to Him. God loves this child more than we or his parents do and we see him through this.
God loves these parents and siblings and knows exactly what they need to do, see, hear and will bring this things to them in the right time to remind him He is with them. Pray that we remember these things and that we encourage and support them in the way they need and help them draw closer to Him through these days.

Jeremiah 29:11, "For I Know the plans I have for you." Declares! the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

As caring humans we want to help, we want to make it better, we want things to be good, peaceful and easy and well sometimes that is just not the way things are supposed to be, but even in the most painful, unwanted and unwelcomed trials, God is blessing us, Loving us and Holding us and we just don't realize it until He can get us to quit looking at what we want and just drop and give Him the time to show us what will be with Him guiding us.

If you would like to join in encouraging this family, write a note and email it to me or comment below. (I have opened the comments to allow all comments and simplified the submission) I will be printing them out and taking them by to the family.

Learning New things all the time... Understanding and Applying knowledge make life awesome!!!

2009-06-06T09:11:00.005-04:00

Well the last month or so has been a non-stop learning experience. Life lessons, personal discoveries, spiritual lessons, and academic studies in abundant and constant supply. Personal ambitions of distant past are coming to light, old passions are flooding back into my life and some long suffered endeavors have ended.

Life is all about change and the reaction to those changes.

I am not the type of person who welcomes alot of change without knowing all the pertinent info and without having an escape route or guarantee of some sort if things do not go according to planned. I am also not much of a loner and I like to have others opinion and recommendations about things. Or at least I use to be, but God has started a work in me and in my life to guide me to be the women He designed me to be and to desire His recommendations and to be confident in my gifts and talents that He has blessed me with to equipped me to do the work He has planned for me.

A few of the new experiences and new abilities:

*Removing cabinet doors and better utilizing storage area in the kitchen above the refrigerator.
*Lawn mower disassembly and reassembly; still working on repair (ha ha).
*Removing, disassembling, replacing and reassembling the starter on a lawn mower.
*Removing, disassembling, cleaning, and replacing carborator on lawn mower.
*Working on resetting the throttle and control arms on the lawn mower.
*Dissassembling, evaluating and reassembling the locking mechanism in the door knob.
*Assessing the lock and door knob parts in the door and door frame.
*Fixing the lock on the door knob lock of the kitchen door.

*Grasping the concept of Anatomy and Physiology and being able to apply the terminology to the information I already know to better understand medical and health reports.

*Applying latin learned while homeschooling to learning anatomy, as many of the names are latin derivitives.

*Applying biblical studies and studies of plants of the bible with nutrition information and gaining an understanding of early diets. (very interesting--they ate alot of natural sugars but worked very hard physically and they were healthy),

*Applying history knowledge and research I have done on politics and learning more about the government, social schemes and public services.

Many personal and interpersonal lessons and discoveries.

The biggest lesson and discovery was probably finally grasping an understanding of peoples decision making, freedom of choice, the difference between understanding and believing. One is a mental process the other is more of a heart issue and decision to trust and have faith in the unseen. Lastly, the difference between religion and relationship.

Can't wait to see what this month has in store.

Wake up AMERICA!!! or we are not going to be Free much longer.

2009-05-29T08:16:00.007-04:00

Wow!! Our society and country is going in a really negative direction. Things you would not think possible in a country that prides itself on being proactive and proud of its heritage. Foundational parts of our heritage are being stripped away, ridiculed and erased from history books and many are completely unaware of what is going on. People ordered to remove "OFFENSIVE" flag from their office (The US FLAG!!!! not in a foreign country, no right here in the US, in Texas!!), Homeowners Association threatening to tow a Disabled Vietnam Vet's car with Marine stickers on it if he does not remove the "Advertisements", and most concerning California couple told to stop holding BIBLE STUDY in their home,
(IN THE US!!! Religious Freedom, Freedom to meet, Freedom of Speech).

The words Scary and sad do not even begin to describe the recent changes. This first part really makes me mad, as a Navy brat and a very patriotic person this is a travesty and the outcry should be triple that the Oct.Mom case received and I just heard about this on face book! this should have been on Good Morning America, the Night line, and all those other shows that are so wrapped up with other News like Angenia Jolee's pregnancy and her and Brad Pitts latest travel with their numerous children, or Jon and Kate plus 8's latest drama. Our flag, our motto "In God We Trust", support signs and stickers for our military (Air force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy) should not only be allowed but should be much more promenent and plentiful on display AND they should also be protected from banning rules and removing them from personal property should be criminally punished.

Stories like this one are all too frequent...buried on Internet news pages and seldom talked about. We are too busy worrying about the Oct Mom and Jon and Kate plus 8's drama that we are missing the real call to actions. Our focus is being distorted and we are missing the big picture. Our freedom is being stripped away, piece by piece and we are voting the villians into office, we are creating this Association and funding things that we are protesting and standing against yet have no idea what is going on in Congress that is completely against our beliefs and is harming our efforts. Why isn't there such an uproar in this neighborhood that CNN and Fox new are having "BREAKING NEWS" Local official are calling a special session of City Council to take up the persecution of a local Veitnam Vet by his Homeowners Association". Where is the ACLU to defend this man?? Where is the Veterans Association???

Homeowners Association Threatens to Tow Vietnam Veteran's Car Over Marines Decals - Local News News Articles National News US News - FOXNews.com

Posted using ShareThis

Texas Woman Ordered to remove "Offensive Flag" from office.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,522659,00.html

Also, where are the churches, and fellow believers on this story??? Where is Focus on the Family and other religious news, I did not hear about this from Pat Robinson on CBN, again I was informed by a well-informed friend on face book. "Couple orders to stop having Bible study in their California home".

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,522637,00.html

** Our government is funding (we are paying taxes to support!) Abortions here in the US and throughout the world. Adoptions are in jeopardy with the funding of clinics in foreign countries that have corrupt governments and uneducated and poor women who are oppressed.

** Our government is writing legislation and making policies to limit who can receive healthcare and what kind of healthcare they will receive based on their age. (It is not bad enough how we treat our elderly now, but who knows what the cut off will be ?? {55} because most of the "Baby Boomers are in that category and make up a huge chunk of the population and represent a section of money the government wants. As an almost 40 year old, this makes me very angry and outraged. It should not be a categorical decision, I know 20 year olds that are more problematic and less productive than my 86 year old father-in-law who puts most people to shame. He cuts his 5 acres of grass, cuts down trees, cleans the house, cooks, shops and cares for his spouse.

** Our government is looking at legislation to give everyone healthcare, by taking away benefits and raising premiums of working americans. Remember the last time the well intenteding government passed laws about healthcare coverage in the 80's??? We had an employer that cared enough to provide 100% coverage for the employee and when the new law that required 80% coverage was passed we lost a benefit that we worked for immediately.

We need to get involved, educated and speak to our representatives that we elected to their positions, they do not belong to the Political party they are there to represent us and vote to uphold our Constitution and to improve our lives. We need to organize into groups of well versed, organized and prepared to take action people that are not going to allow this spiralling and destructive behavior to continue.

We are beginning to look a lot like Babylon and remember what happened to them.

Okay.. Now I can answer you..Why is being depressed or angry such a big deal?

2009-05-22T10:18:00.004-04:00

I was not ignoring you or trying to be covert. I was searching for the best, "not all about me" answer and I finally found a simple and consise response in my devotational blogs.

My Personal story and My definition and philosophy on depression, anger, anxiety and bitterness:

Depression (medical condition) or depressive mood, anger, bitterness and discontentment are very uncomfortable feelings and are humbling to have to share. Having to explain feelings, emotions and thoughts can be difficult when coupled with fears and anxiety, which are usually irriation and unfounded but yet all so real; it is near impossible and therefore extremely isolating and frustrating which makes things like a vicious circle. I made a personal decision that was best for me and my family. I am always saying that I am honest and caring, well I was not able to live by my personal beliefs and principles when I was struggling in mind and spirit.

First, I did reach out into the spiritual (church) and did do "Biblical counceling" and worked with several godly women, but soon realized with my medical knowledge that this was more than just a "spiritual" issue and that I needed to search for other council and care. I remained in prayer. Information, opportunities and signals came my way that were answers to prayer. I confided in a few close prayer partners and had them praying for me but, I also reached out to my healthcare providers and submitted to some tests and we got to the bottom of the physical/chemical side of the depressive symptoms and that sprung open the door for the spiritual work to take affect.

Sometimes the depressive moods, anxiety, anger and fear are just warning signs that something is not as it should be and when things are restored these undesired feelings go away. Sometimes medications (chemicals) are needed to balance the bodies functioning and when the medications take effect the balance and proper behavior and thinking is restored and the depression, anger, fear and anxiety are corrected. Wisdom and discernment are essential, but gut wrenching honesty, diligence and clear and determined mind and heart are also necessary to overcome the undesired thought, feelings,emotions and behaviors.

Phillipians 4:6,7 is not a suggestion or just a saying. It is an exhortation, which is "an utterance, discourse or address coveying URGENT!! advice or recommendation." So read this that way! But, it requires your choice to take action and to agree.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The key in this verse is THANKSGIVING, (not the holiday) the act of thankfulness.
While in my pit or angst I was not thankful for anything and it showed on my face and in my voice, my emotions were spilling out because my heart was so hard nothing could penetrate it and what happens when you try to pour water on rocks? it runs off! and thats exactly what I was doing mentally, physically and spiritually.. Well, this is the Jonah in me! How far can you run before you realize Christ is right there with you? Depends on how deep in denial you are and how much you are willing to lie to yourself and others. I was jerked out of my denial by a friend who saw things we not right and called me out.. OUCH---- I thought I was hiding it with my health problems, being tired and the mirage of other excuses I offered for the moods and facial expressions.

The devotional blog, At The Well:
Check out this awesome writting that has the scripture to inspire..
http://www.titus2atthewell.com/2009/05/reflections-of-heart.html

Personal encouragement to anyone suffering with depression:
If you struggle with DEPRESSION (the medical definition), Irritability (anger), Anxiety (medical diagnosis) worry, nervousness, confusion/difficulty concentrating, loss of memory, whether or not you get treatment for it medically or if you just have situations that knock your spirit down for awhile and then you bounce back. Confide in someone, God already knows what you are going through, he is there but will not take away your right to choose to stay in your pit, or as I like to say in your "mud puddle" but if you are ready to come out and get washed off and healed, Christ is waiting with the hose of living water that will clean you and heal you as long as you stand in the stream. He has your robe and crown, and will restore you just like he did for King Neb.. (in Daniel).

If you would like to talk personally, email me dotwigg@nc.rr.com or comment below and state you want me "NOT TO BE POSTED, but email me personally" and I will be happy to talk with you and share the resources and books I used to help me and my healthcare providers find the balance and improve my health; mind, body and spirit.

Another great verse to keep for the rough times is: Phillipians 4:8 ..Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

In the really dark times it may be a minute by minute renewing of your thoughts and having write down the thought and if it is not True, Noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy then crumble it up and rewrite that thought to something that is and meditate on that for a few minutes. As time goes on this will happen quicker and more internally. Remember it takes 6 weeks of consistent effort to set a new habit! Start to today and reclaim your joy and hope.

It is so worth it and it makes your walk so much easier and enjoyable when your head is up and your eyes are open and hungry to see the marvels the creater has made for you to enjoy. Every day is a gift! Every breath you take is a gift! Your LIFE is a gift! Show your gratitude and make it beautiful.

There are answers in the blood!!!! Praise on the medical front!

2009-05-20T07:50:00.006-04:00

Thank God for an awesome and no nonsense Neurologist that investigated, tested and worked to help me return to a "normal", energized and clear mind state of being. She never really like some of my diagnosis, which irritated me because it seemed she was questioning my honesty about how I was feeling and it took long enough to finally get that answer I was not wanting to start over. But, while she was testing things I did some research and kept digging in my medical records to help document things. Then we started making some progress, unfortunately some medication was necessary, but we are also working with a counselor to modify behaviors and hopefully we can replace the medications with more natural remedies but one medication will stay.

Today was the glorious breakthrough that makes all the struggles, hurt feelings and frustration all worth the work. After many years of misdiagnosis and struggling with no answers for the "weakness" (fatigue), sore muscles, instability and falling and decreased attention, concentration and memory. DNA labwork really scared me, but I "trusted her decision" and the results showed that I have 1 of the genes for NARCOLEPSY!. WOW.... that explains everything and best of all that is what the doctor had determined was going on and we started the medication and it has changed my life! I feel better than I have EVER felt.. I have gotten more done in the last month than I have done in years.. coupled with finally treating the anxiety, I am a new women.

I have made light years progress in addressing my "issues" with the counselor and turns out things are not as they seem!. This has been the most fasinating and encouraging component of the solution. With my career path heading to being a Counselor myself, working with a counselor to assess my thinking processes and perceptions is a required thing but as I worked on my health and studied this semester I noticed a few things that needed to be worked on with someone and it has been so worth the effort. I have found myself and can finally stand on my principles and accept the rejection or conflict that expressing myself may cause. It is not selfish to say, No! or I do not WANT TO DO ThAT.. (neither of these statements were part of my vocabulary) but are now, we are not all called to the same things and Wants are important, they are the passion that help us reach goals. And, it is so funny as I do my bible study and memory verses so many verses COMMAND us to not fear, to stay in the light and to speak the TRUTH and they hold so much more encouragement and promise now.

I encourage anyone that feels that something is "not right with your physical, mental or emotional health" to go ahead to talk with someone. Go see the doctor when things are not right, ask them to run some bloodwork it can show when your cells are not working quite right. Vitamins are so important to proper functioning, if you are lacking in vitamins it will show up in your blood work. Also if you do not sleep, or if your sleep is not adequate and you do not feel rested no matter how much you sleep, GO TO THE DOCTOR!!! this is a huge sign. Sleep is so necessary and when you work to regain proper functioning everything is better; feeling, physical,mental and emotional functioning, moods improve. I also encourage you to pray first before you admonish someone who is "struggling in productivity, judgement and attitude". Don't be so quick to diagnosis what their problem is and be empathetic and cautious about suggesting spirtual causes of their struggles. A large part of the emotional discomfort came from how others perceived me and my behaviors and efforts. Many times "attitude problems, anger, depressive expressions, laziness, disorganization and forgetfulness are symptoms of functional issues and not character flaws. Encouragement and empathy are helpful, sympathy and overpowering are discouraging and actually prevent addressing the problem and delay getting help.

Researching and improving your health can actually save you money and improve your life. Pray for wisdom and discernment and you will be lead to the right doors, the correct interventions and you will be all that you were designed to be.. Speaking the Truth is sometimes very humbling but we are called into the light where things can be examined and corrected. The Truth will set you free! It changed my life and has made my families life so much more enjoyable and productive.

Coming full circle....God has such a sense of humor!

2009-05-18T08:52:00.002-04:00

Wow!! what an emotional and spiritual journey this has been!. Years of pruning and purifying, tears and fears are all being molded into an incredible vessel. The potter illustration is my favorite, I always saw my story as the pot that was cracked and worped and used to repair other vessels but not really a complete vessel made for an independent purpose.

{{{Amazing Love should play about now.. and Mercy Came running too..}}

Man was I wrong! and God is faithful to answer us and heal us when we ask Him. Until then He just places things in our lives to get our attention and to comfort us and draw us to Him. He is great about bring people into my life that have no idea about the questions, fears and wounds standing before them and they offer a verse or an encouragement that is simply Divine intervention, and without a doubt I know that God has Spoken!! I kind of feal like Israel sometimes...

Well, God is at work in my educational pursuits and my personal growth in major ways. I am more fear and anxiety than witt and knowledge sometimes and I am as cautious and inquizitive as a toddler who is just learning to walk. {Wobble, Wobble, step hard... goofy and entertaining to watch as they discover things}. Well, back in the early days before having Charles, my desire was to be a Nurse, and then reality of the cost of school and the difficulty of working fulltime and going to school, close friends illness and recovery and just fear of the unknown caused me to postpone my pursuit of nursing. I worked in the medical field as a billing clerk and coder and patient care rep in the urgent care centers to get me close to the action and allow me to do some of the work I wanted to do, but provided the safety net I also wanted. All the while I still had the desire for more, but did not know how to get it. Life is funny how things just happen, right??? NO!!! God has designed everything from the way your hair is in the morning to the crazy craving you have at 3:00 pm!. Every job I had, at some point the questions came-- "why aren't you nursing you are clearly supposed to be in the nursing profession".. HMMMM!

Well, time went on... Life continued.. Charles came... and I stopped progressing. The desire was still there but medical issues and family responsibilities kept me busy. Finally in 2000 Chris got his big shot at his career and we were moving to North Carolina! {{{{WHAT!!!!!----My life, my career is here????}}}}} well God has been patient and loving with me since then and slowly worked things for the good of our family. I started school, saw the path things were going well and then in true hollywood fashion---BAMM!!!! things unraveled fast!!! I was blacking out and dizzy as a ding bat.. terrible migraine for 3 days with no relief, that endup putting me in the hospital. Missed alot of school but made it up. Neurologist ran a bunch of tests in the hospital and found the reasons for my headaches that had plagued me for years. Things were looking up!. Then 6 months later I was withdrawing from the program to begin to Homeschool. {{{{WHat!! ME TEACH!!! you have got to be kidding!.. (oops! Sorry Lord I know you are omnipetient and know the plans you have, but do you remember what I am capable of???, oh you do.. Okay I will do this, but.....}}}}}} Well, Five years pass.. struggles with reading bring us the our knees several times, Humbleness is not an issue.. knowledge, wisdom and logistics (money and time) are, but God saw us through the pursuit of help and lead us to testing, diagnosis and PUBLIC SCHOOL!!! {{{UH.... Are you sure this is the best idea...and MIDDLE SCHOOL TO BOOT????}}}} I tested the idea to everyone that would listen, I protested, argued, threatened, begged, pleaded and finally submitted and God prevailed... this was the best year ever!!! Our struggling reader can read!!! He improved 2 grade levels, His writing skills are on grade level and he is a joy to be around!! Still does not have a prision record, no bad habits, and NO GIRL FRIEND :)!. {{AHH... okay God I am getting the hint..}}}

My schooling took several up and down around and around and many sleepless nights asking "Why am I doing this"???? "Is this really what I am called to do??" Doors flung open and information came rushing to me that I was close but on the wrong path. We straighten things out and Tomorrow is the first step on the new path, back in to the Medical Assisting program that I wanted so much back in 2002, what I was doing when God showed us we need to care for our son, we obeyed and now God is working things to bring me to the things I need to be equipped to do that which I was designed to do. {I SEE!!!, but know that I may not always SEE the point and the direction but that is why I have God on my Right hand, (the same hand I use to take pulses, draw blood and record information with). In order to get into the classes in the fall semester I need to take Anatomy and Physiology over again because it has been so long. The instructor I have this summer is the same instructor I had my first semester when I took the higher level A&P (nursing level) class in 2001, I struggled so much but passed with a D, (would have had to retake it to get credit for either nursing or Medical assisting, so I chose to take the lower level course and made a B in that class).

God's timing is perfect. The Medical Assisting field has undergone alot of changes, the program has more opportunities now and I am so excited to be back at the door that I was at 13 years ago, about to embark on my journey to becoming a Professional helper with credentials and opportunities to help those that need and want it. The experience I have from working in various medical offices, being a patient in just about every medical discipline, receiving dreaded and scarry diagnosis with little or no compassion or explanation and having to research and cope with the prognosis alone will be enhancements to my education and make me a better caregiver with enhanced knowledge and expanded resources that will make someone elses experience much better and I will have more time to show the love of Jesus, the Physician that I work under :).

Romans 8:28 "And We KNOW that all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose"

Jeremiah 29:11,12 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

Life lesson learned in the flowerbed

2009-05-12T10:45:00.011-04:00

I began to weed the flowerbed to prepare to plant my beloved blueberry bush and found that the under tended flowerbed had a nasty little vine-weed that had taken over. Worst part was it was not the blantant out in the open kind, no it was the sneaky weeds here and there, with the root underground and the majority of the vine wrapped around the plants kind. Wrapped around my husband's beloved hostas!! The danger was nicely hidden under neath the plants and under ground with only a few weeds seen in the flowerbed, which you pluck off and figure they are gone, but oh, no..

I decided this will not continue. I jumped in the flowerbed and began digging the weeds out and found the beginning of the vine under one of the hostas that was been choked out with the weed making up most of its size holding up the leaves making it look like it was growing beautifully. Silly us, we beamed with pride on our hostas watering them religiously, and all the while we are growing this life sucking weed-vine that is actually killing our beloved plants.

As good gardeners we put down the weed guard that is supposed to keep weeds from growing. Well, the weeds had roots under the ground that we did not "see" or "know" about and we put the guard sheet over them, water gets through and we leave them alone to grow and the weeds were growing up throw the guardsheet and new weeds were planting their roots through it too. We were only cleaning the surface and what we could see but our efforts were no match for these thick and long roots. It amazed me that the roots on the weeds were longer and stronger than those of the hosta.

I was having a ball cleaning up our flowerbed and then I though about the soil and the fact that the top was where we focus our efforts and yet underneath is where the roots (the heart) of the plant is growing and getting its nutrients. As I dug I hit rocks and weed roots and thought, "How in the world did this plant survive through all this junk and still thrive".

Sometimes life is like the flowerbed and we are the hosta, trying to bloom and grow and in need of protection from the weeds of the world that hide and seek to destroy us. Sometimes they are blantant, but other times they are sneaky like the vine-weed and set their long, strong roots deep into our soil and wrap themselves around us and choke us out, and sometimes no one "SEES" or "KNOWS" that we are being infested with a life sucking weed and they may pick a small part of the weed, but the roots are damaging ours and pushing us up out of the soil where the nutrients are and slowly we are dying. We hold onto the weeds thinking that we are strong enough to prevail and that they make our lives fuller and no one can see them, but some people do take the time to look under the leaves and see our weeds and want to help us get rid of them the right way. Ultimately we need Christ to weed our lives and good friends will help us see that and call in the "Great Gardener" and allow him to restore us to a "Pleasure Garden".

Christ Sees and knows about all the weeds, blantant and sneaky, fully established or just starting and he diggs down and plucks it out at the root and removes the rocks and makes our soil good and plenty to sustain us and allow us to bloom and become a plant to praise and bring Him glory.

Does your life need to be weeded down deep? Do you have some weeds that have set their roots out of sight and only you know they are lurking under the cover of darkness? Christ is the light and He can digg them out and clean up your life, all you have to do is ask.

Discernment, Wisdom and Verification are all time and "Face" savers

2009-05-05T11:10:00.005-04:00

This is a Public Service announcement about Hoaxes and Online Petitions--We need to be discerning some are okay, but you need to understand the effectiveness of even the legit ones see the link at the ***. There are sites that you can go to to verify things and they are about 3/4 of the way down the page with ********.

Long ago I learned the hard lesson to check facts and verify things before I threw my name and email power behind it. As a christian we want to be diligent and responsible with our resources and with continuing bad information and projects. It only takes one person to stop and return the email stating "THIS IS A HOAX" check snopes.com or urbanlegend.com to verify information or google the subject to get more information to make sure the issue is what you think and that you want to join that fight. Does this fight have merit? Will God be glorified by this? (is it to help others, will it lead others to him, does it right an injustice).

Phillipians 1:9-11 And this is my prayer that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--To the glory and praise of God.

Several things come into our inboxes asking for us to help the creator out and forward to all our friends and family. We need to be concious of the things we send people asking them to participate in and to pass along. Does it measure up to our christian filter?

Phillipians 4;8,9 Whatever is true, whatever is noble (helpful), whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me,(Paul) or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

***Understanding online petetions and their effectiveness and authenticity is important. see this article, http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/petition/internet.asp If it is a real cause and you really want to have some effect on changing policy or stop something from happening then a letter writing campaign to the appropriate decision maker is much more effective. Even more effective call and schedule and appointment to meet with them and hand carry the letters with you. For most causes and needs their are organizations and advocates, do a search and find one that is handling the issue you are concerned with and they can help you make the largest and most effective impact. Action is good, but action on the wrong thing can cost credibility and take attention away from the real issues that need support and public awareness.

By simply typing in "FCC PETITION TO REMOVE PASTORS FROM RADIO" into the search window, I received many responses these are the ones that are most helpful. Anytime I am wondering if something is truthful, accurate, and legit I go to snopes.com or urbanlegend.com to see if is a hoax. Even a "good" thing that is based in untruthful or misinformation is actually bad. Wasting time and energy on informing people of untrue threats is not responsible, if we would be more informed on the actual threats and if we would be just slightly diligent about checking things out we could do more to inform others of the actual things that we need to be fighting and banning together to stop.

******** www.snopes.com: Petition to Ban Religious Broadcasting
Nov 17, 2008 ... Madalyn is also campaigning to REMOVE ALL CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS, CHRISTMAS SONGS,
AND CHRISTMAS ... Joyce Meyer, Charles Stanley, David Jeremiah and other pastors
." ... the purported movement to ban religious programming from the airwaves.
.... "Rumor About Nonexistent FCC Petition Circulating Again. ...

www.snopes.com/politics/religion/fcc.asp – Similar pages
erumor -- do not sign - Need Christian prayer, we will pray for you
Petition for the Removal of Religious Teachers and Pastors From the Airwaves -
Fiction ... (FCC) to remove religious teachers and pastors from the airwaves....

www.annointed.net/Community/news-read-pray-about/58358-erumor-do-not-sign.html – Similar pages
Black Hills Monitor: Separating the wheat from the chaff
May 4, 2009 ... Some 30 years ago, there was a petition 2493 heard by the FCC, but its purpose
was not to remove pastors from the airwaves. ...

http://blackhillsmonitor.blogspot.com/2009/05/separating-wheat-from-chaff.html – Similar pages
» Righteous Airwaves ::: Subversive Influence
The email warns that the same group is campaigning to remove Christmas programs
and ... Of course I won't be signing either petition… it's a hoax, which the FCC
... to pastor m and the puking Jesus: i was immediately reminded of rev. 3: ...

http://subversiveinfluence.com/?p=1779 – Similar pages
Federal Hearing to remove Tabernacle Choir from airwaves? - Mormon ...
so they will not "remove" anyone from the airwaves - they will just force you to
mix .... David Jeremiah and other pastors from the airwaves. ... Commission (FCC
) in Washington , D.C. Their petition, Number 2493, would ...

www.mormonapologetics.org/index.php?showtopic=40587 – Similar pages
Petition Number 2493 (Religious Broadcasting) - Urban Legends
Petition Number 2493 - Pastor Removal from Television ... subject by the Federal
Communications Commission ( FCC) in Washington , D.C. ... of the gospel of our
Lord and Savior on the airwaves of America . ... This group is also campa igning
to remove all Christmas programs and Christmas carols from public schools! ...

http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_petition_2493.htm – Similar pages

Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back

2009-05-04T08:09:00.018-04:00

Relay for Life 2009

Celebrate those that have survived Cancer and are cancer free at this time.
Remember those that lost their battle.
Fight Back for those who are currently battling cancer today.
HOPE! is available and the support of the community, families, churches and of the Cancer Society is giving people Hope for a Cure.

Our Church, Faith Baptist Church of Youngsville, NC had a team in the Relay as they do every year and our Team captain is a Survivor so it is extra special to spend 24 hours supporting and celebrating with her and her family. As any family or group our church family has been touched by Cancer in many lives too. We Remembered the ones that have passed away with Luminaries with their names on them and we are walking by Faith and Hoping for a cure here on earth but we have the gift of eternal life so we Celebrate that we WILL see our friends and loved ones again in Heaven someday. My family has reason to celebrate, I have two uncles who are battling cancer and are survivors. We remember several friends and my maternal grandmother, grandfather and Uncle who both lost their battles with cancer.

The Luminary Service... Time to Celebrate the survivors and to Remember those that lost their battle and to Encourage those battling Cancer today to FIGHT BACK, and FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!

The Effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen

Ephesians 3:20

Does our government and our educational system represent what "WE THE PEOPLE" want and need?

2009-04-30T08:38:00.004-04:00

I am not sure what is happening with our society and government these days but, whatever it is; stupidity or the working of the devil or both it is not good for us or our children. When my son, Charles, who just turned 13 can sit and listen to the President speak and ask questions like, "How is he going to make that plan work when he doesn't have any money", or "How is that good for most of the people?". Or when the Governor cuts the State Employees pay and raises their health insurance premiums, "How are they going to pay their bills and pay for the insurance?" Shouldn't some of the adults who voted for these people who are passing these budgets and bills ask the same thing.

Why are the employees suffering? What is being done to recover the thousands of dollars wasted in the Wake County Recycling department, and the Wake County School System and The garage scheme. The have been a few cases of embezzelment too. What is being done to the Administrators and Auditors and Supervisors of these individuals that allowed these "Thefts" to occur and did nothing to report it or stop it? These problems were found by an outside audit. (Accountability and Truth always shine light on the activities done in the dark!)

Are you and informed and involved citizen? Do you think about the local happening and government activity?

Why does Wake County have so much more trouble with their budget and providing the services to their residence? They get more money because they have more residence. Surrounding counties have lots of room in their schools and they are able to provide services with the help of the community and parent involvement. Most parents will buy extra paper, paper towels, ect that are going to benefit their child's classrooms. Why not access the resources that are available to fill the short falls to maintain the quality. Why not work together as a Region? Wake Forest and Youngsville are literally a bounce away from each other yet in two different counties and each has a different school system that have to purchase and maintain buses, staff, textbooks, electronic devices, computers etc. Most of Franklin County is Traditional, meaning the schools are closed for the summer. Some have summer school programs but not all of them and could be utilized by Wake County for their Year-around tracking system. Vance County and Granville County are also stone throws from Franklin County and separate and not really equal, these counties are poorer and continuing to decline because of the jobs and companies leaving (THANKS NAFTA!!). Franklin, Vance and Granville could work together also and utilize the resources available in each community. Information and education of the community and businesses that reside in the counties is poor to nonexistent. Finding assistance and information becomes a daunting task and one most people do not have the time or energy to do and so most things can be found in Raleigh, everyone takes the business, money and support to Raleigh and the local economies suffer.

Why did we move away from Neighborhood or Community schools?
It is easier to service 800 children and utilize resources in small communities that it is to try to service thousands of children from vast geographical locations with no "community connection". Some one should address these wastes and the impact on the children. Someone should try to reduce these large Corporate entity school systems that are like vaccums on funding and producing little for the money. Drop out rates and successful students going onto college and professional jobs is not a bragging point for North Carolina. More of the college population is out-of-state students than they are local.

Is there anything we can do? There is some good news~
Life is all about choice and hopefully wise choices. In North Carolina we do have a choice of Homeschooling or sending our children to private schools but our funding still goes to the public school system (HMMMM! the school systems receive money and yet do not have to provide services or books for those students, yet they have short falls every year and every year the amount of Homeschoolers grows). Now if we choice a charter school (and are able to get in due to the limited number of spots) they receive money from the government. Shouldn't the funding for education be equal and those providing the services and achieving the marks receive the funding?

Someone has taken the initative and started fighting for a better way! Want to join them?
If you agree with this philosophy check of this website and join the group fighting for the "Parents Right to Choose Education" http://www.pefnc.org/category/categories/about-us Get involved in the fight to bring integrity, logic and ethics back into education. Research your local schools and your county government and see what is being done and where you can get involved to make our society and our government the institutions they use to be, and the ones we will be proud to be a part of again, When We the People is more than an "old saying" on a piece of paper in the museum downtown.

Digging in the closet....found wonderful memories and confirmation--AWESOME DAY!

2009-04-28T20:01:00.003-04:00

Well, today was another highly productive day. I conquered my office/exercise room and the closet that I guard with my life. My treasures are safely packed in this space and NO ONE opens the door for fear of loosing a limb. IT IS MY SPACE! to do with as I see fit. Well I have seen alot and the shelves were bursting and I could not find anything. Pictures are in several different places, and it was just a mess. I pulled everything out and sorted through each box, bag, stack and binder. I sorted and collected, packed and labeled. I reduced my 4 shelves of mess to 3 loosely arranged and very functional spaces.

All my family tree and genealogy stuff is neatly organized in a small suitcase to permit transporting it easily. Scrapbooking stuff is also in a suitcase for portability ease. All our wedding cards are in our wedding book. Going throung the cards we received for our wedding was such a neat time. There was on that really made the day, it had one of my favorite verses on it, one that has become very significant in my life; Romans 8:28 it was awesome to find this and to see this verse was in my life for years before I ever "saw" it.

I weeded out alot of stuff I collected from high school. Read through cards I received for graduation and found a letter from a Great Aunt that has since past away, but it was so sweet and it is awesome to have a piece of her handwriting to add to my Family History book. I love collecting things people write because it is like having a small piece of them, the thoughts they had for a moment. So cool!.

Oh man, have you ever found a letter or lists you wrote years ago... hysterical!

Organizing all my pictures and photo albums was a blast too. I found a photo album that Charles (our son) made himself by going through our albums and pulling out pictures he liked. I was funny to see the pictures he had in there. He loves albums and memory books as much as I do. That was kind of cool to see him making his own books...ah. the legacy.

I cleaned out a bunch of stuff I was "trying" to do or hobbies I tried because other people were doing them and they seemed to like it, but I am slowly learning what I like and what things I REALLY want to do and things I Really enjoy doing, those are the only things that I kept in my little treasure closet. And, now I will have time and space to work on them and am anxious to get started on "My new hobby" :) Someone else will be blessed by the two boxes of stuff I will be donating tomorrow.

I am so happy to have all my treasured items organized and accessable again and to have my home efficient and clean.. probably my favorite part of finally feeling good and healthy..

Love is an unfinished Work

2009-04-03T08:49:00.003-04:00

When things are hard, lonely, unsettling there is a void, and emptiness that nothing seems to fill longterm. Oh, we try to fill it with all kinds of things and people and when that is not successful we just cover it up with a "poker face, or a happy face. We build a false image to protect our hurt and our hole. When all we need to do it go to Him and submit, ask for the wisdom to commit and keep our vows, right our wrongs, confess our sins. When we are separated from Him, we are disconnected from the flow, become dry and brittle and the hole widens sucking in everything and everyone around us. All relationships suffer when the love (caring, respect, kindness, gentleness) is abstructed. Our fists flail, our hearts harden and our doubled edged sword (tongue) lashes out and wounds.
Love is very simple and the hole can be filled.
The two ends can be securely fastened and "love can flow like a river"

Love is an unfinished Work

Our human emotions are simply amazing, the most powerful feeling we have is Love.
Where does it come from? How do we keep it free flowing like a dove?
God is Love, He loved (John 3:16) therefore we love, He commands us to Love
Love is a gift, given freely and joyfully Sometimes love is a curse and hurts
Love is easy to say, but can be costly is not easy to measure and goes in spurts
Love needs faith to grow, and flow easy Trust comes slowly and is easily broken
Honesty, Respect, Care and Understanding are outward expressions of love
When they are absent, so is love. Love is focused on the receipient at all time
Love is true, and perseveres Love is humble and diligent with to care
Love brought us to the cross, and sometimes brings us to our knees.
When we finally value the relationship more than ourselves, we freely give.
Regardless of what we get, our hearts are able to withstand when in His hand.
Love does not harm, will not quit, always does right, even when we forget to stand.
Love is not perfect but, neither are we, it can be when we live like He said.
When love goes wrong, it only takes a repentant heart to set it back straight.
You are never wrong if you honestly walk in faith, trust in another for this is Love
And were two or more are gathered in my name, I am there also, and give Hope.

We are encouraged that Christ started a work in us which He will continue! --until our death.

I am "just" sleepy and anxious....soon I will be "normal" (ha ha!)

2009-04-02T12:40:00.004-04:00

Well.... we are finally coming to the end of all the doctor's visits and testing and all is well (mostly). They have determined that the most significant yet easiest to treat problem is the Anxiety which is moderate with social phobias, http://www.socialphobia.org/whatis.html the Fibromyalgia is causing alot of the pain and sleep disruption, and I have daytime sleepiness (borderline narcolepsy). I should see alot of improvement with most of the issues I have been having now that we are treating the Anxiety. There are some minor health issues but nothing major.

I am kind of relieved to know that many did not know I was having so much trouble. I worked very hard to keep it under raps and laugh it off, but it became increasingly hard to cover and was just taking too much energy and became too isolating. A few dear friends and family members had to put up the the waterworks and constant nervousness and over emotional episodes so they new something was up but, most did not suspect the anxiety, especially not the social anxiety because I am so "talkative" and I was good at hiding it.

Hopefully, in a week or two my mind will regain focus and alertness, I will have energy and some strength and I will be calm (first time in a long time), and rested. Until then the nervousness, over emotionalness, always rechecking myself and asking for reminders will probably remain to keep me on task, but should be less annoying.

Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Thanks for all the Support, Encouragement and Prayers :)

Walking around in circles......

2009-04-01T10:42:00.004-04:00

Have you ever had those days where you weren't really sure what was going on, three or four things that would set the day were not set so everything was kind of on hold? Well,

I am having a few months of those days and well to be honest, I am not really "settled" about it!
The song Hanging in a Moment, by Lifehouse (see the "MOMENTS" post) really says it all. I am not moving until I am sure! He will move me, until then I am Hanging and wondering..?????

Before I go on...

I know I am not a teapot and this is not a venting session.
I am praying about it! and I do know God is in control and I am okay with that (mostly)

I am waiting and I have friends praying for direction, discernment, WISDOM and PATIENCE to come to me Next DAY AIR!!! but, in the mean time I am just wondering...

"why is all the biblical stuff so complicated now and so much doctrinal differences that talking about the bible is all open to interpretation" (Scarry!!!) "Law, Grace, Love, Commandment, Living are all very different ideals among the different doctrines and donominations. In the olden days, when I was small the BIBLE was the BOOK of Answers and brought us closer to God because He (Christ) was the Word and the Word was with Him (GOD) John 1:1. The Bible was the road map, the encouragement, the rules of the games people play, the role model, the fairy tales that we were to focus on to keep our minds right and on the eternal thoughts. Why has this changed? Now most people quote some theologian or author's book about the bible instead of actually quoting the scriptures. So many interpretations, so many views, so many misinterpretations and so much confusion.

Are we no longer ONE body moving in ONE direction and following ONE GOD (JESUS CHRIST!) ? does everyone else really KNOW what they are "called to do" "and are they doing what they are called to do" ,"are all these ministries and projects for eternal goals" "are we really Loving like Jesus, with all these people I am running into that are so beaten, angry, defeated and orphaned"?.

Is it really cheap grace to show someone that they can soak all their wounds, all their sacrafices, all their failures, all their fears, all their .... in the blood of Jesus and Walk across the great void they see in the "World" to cross over to ertnal life (John 3:16), use the Cross which they believe Jesus Christ died on by order of GOD the Father to atone of all the sins of the world past, present and future, and that his raising and ascending to the Father is the hope that one day we will too. The cross is our pathway, it is the "yoke" that Christ uses to share the burden with us. The Bible says, Salvation comes by grace, and Faith by believing.

So... if you believe in Jesus Christ and have faith, hope and joy through Him, should most of your thoughts, ambitions, plans, dreams be toward bring others into the knowledge of Him, and helping those that had this knowledge rekindle it once the burdens shifted and they stumbled under the weight, or dropped their yoke and ventured off the path.

Christ layed down his LIFE for us, shouldn't we lay down ourselves, our .... to do "the work of the Father" ? Shouldn't it break our hearts to see a brother or sister in the desert, wandering or running away from GOD? Shouldn't we call out to our brother or sister and show them the love and concern?

Should of, Could have, Would have..... too late! We are loosing the opportunities.. People are passing away.. We don't always get a second chance.. and we never know which word opens the calloused and bruised heart and reminds them to look up and see Jesus, once they open their heart Christ can take it from there. All they have to do is CALL UPON THE NAME OF JESUS!

And if we are not working in the spirit (Holy not ours) we can say the wrong thing and close off the heart and ears and seal that person in the bitterness. Oh be careful what you say! Pray for the Spirit to lead, guide and prepare the heart for the right words to touch it.

Moments (A home video too)

2009-03-29T17:35:00.005-04:00

Whew.. it has been a whirlwind since New Years Day, I cannot believe it is already the end of March. A year has flown by, it was right around this time last year that I realized many things were changing. I am not a big fan of change, am slow to acclamate and was not very agreeable about the things I saw changing and how they were going to change. But as is ALWAYS the case, God knew best, and He brought us to these situations and He brought us through them with flying colors.

I made a video of pictures that accompany the song that got me through the last year, "Hanging for a Moment" by Lifehouse. For those that don't know, I was a natural blonde. The pictures have been arranged to accompany the lyrics so the dates are shuffled and I go back and forth from Redhead (present day) to Blonde. My favorite verses; Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28, are diffinitely evident in these pictures and this song is a perfect soundtrack for them too.

Who is your Keeper? Where does your help come from?

2009-03-23T08:43:00.003-04:00

A "Keeper" provides shelter, protection, support, direction, Salvation

Who is your Keeper?

I came acrossed this passage, this weekend and it really put things back in perspective. I do not have to worry and struggle to keep things in order and on task. If I follow God and do what he leads me to do then I am in good hands, He is My Keeper, My all in all, and if that is not in style, oh well! Never have been and do not really want to be, I want to be what He planned for me to be, just wish He would let someone in on the secret or speed up the reveal. I am not getting any younger, and hope to not have to wait like Elizabeth did, and be 96 when I am finally seeing the fullfillment of the promise.

I love music, it helps, is soothes, it energizes it speaks messages. A few songs come to mind with messages about Keeping and security. The country song lyric "Looking for love in all the wrong places" or Elton John's lyrics in the "Candle in the Wind", 'You are like a candle in the wind, never knowing who to cling to when the wind sets in" really sum up the worlds answer, it is all in our control and having to have something we can touch to feel secure. WRONG! Faith is not by sight {or touch}, it is by believing! in HIM. He knows us and our fleshy need for confirmation and He gives us signs, and blessings in tangible form to help, He provides us friends and family to encourage and support us during our doubting moments and during trials to point us back to Him. His Hands Keep us. Another good song, is "Daddy's hands". Daddy is on the RIGHT!!!!

Well this tells us who the one to look to, the one to cling to, the one that can KEEP us in any circumstance, in any trial, He is always with us, He is our Right hand! (cool.. :)

Psalm 121

"God is Our Keeper"

A song of Ascents

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;

From whence shall my help come?

My help comes from the Lord

Who made heaven and earth

He will not allow your foot to slip

He who keeps you will not slumber

Will neither slumber nor sleep

The Lord is your keeper

The Lord is your shade on your right

hand.

The sun will not smite you by day,

Nor the moon by night

The Lord will protect you from all

evil;

He will keep your soul

The Lord will guard you going out

and your coming in

From this time forth and forever.

Uturn in the Medical Saga 27596

2009-03-20T08:26:00.008-04:00

This is a Fibonaci number drawing. It is a drawing, number sequence that the creator,

leonardo Fibonaci, based on a study of natural occuring numbers that he discovered by examining nature and the sequences of things like the number of seeds in a pine cone. This image is a perfect picture of life sometimes, very uniform yet completely complex with turns, that sometimes head right back to where you started and it comes close but does not quite intersect the prior experience. I think this is a good picture to go along with Jeremiah 29:11 and the verse "My ways are not your ways" God never varies from His plan, but it appears U turns and circles are part of the plan. I think I am following in Abraham's footprints sometimes, my map and his look alot alike.

In this episode of Medical Sage 27596…. Going back to check a diagnosis given 15 years ago that may not be correct! (oh goody, )

We are making a U turn in my medical Journey. We got to the end of a long and treacherous path, we had a crossroad in front of us and at the follow up visit yesterday to receive the dreaded medication, the doctor announces “We need to make sure it is not narcolepsy,” Great, that is not a fun test (Up and down trying to take naps all day). I had it years ago but it was inconclusive, but I was also on medication and drank A LOT!! Of caffeine and NO water, (Soda and Ice Tea have water in it, right??? And it tasted better)

A lot of this comes down to word choices, fatigue or tiredness and not pushing when they said “It is hard to believe someone of your age that works fulltime is in pain and fatigued so much with NOTHING wrong with them”. Silly me. . I looked up Fatigue in the dictionary is “Weariness or exertion” Tired is exhausted by exertion, FATIGUED, or sleepy. Sounds to me they are the same, interchangeable since Fatigue is in the definition of tired. Sleepiness would imply that you get sleep, right? I nap, but never feel rested until I have gone 3 or 4 days without a good night sleep and crash. But No! they are different. This part is hysterical!!! “I should have explained more about how I was feeling”! HA HA HA HA!!!!

Why didn’t I think of arguing my case, and remove any doubt in there minds. Sound like to me they were telling me “There is nothing wrong with you”. Even if there is something wrong, there were bills to pay, people to feed, I worked full-time was kind of committed to be there and doing my job. Yeah there were a lot of sick days, but I got through it. Quality suffered, attitude and personality took the brunt of the not feeling well. I discovered if I went and laid down when I was tired I would be down for days, but if I stayed “active” I would get a second wind and by taking physical breaks I could stay up and do more, so that is what I did. I filled my days with “activity” stayed on my feet as much as possible, and drank lots of caffeine to stay alert and ate chocolate to be “Happy”. Who is going to continue to go to doctors who can’t find anything. Doubt me and I back down until I can prove my point. I will not be doubted and called a liar or in medical terms a “Faker or Hypochondriac”. I know there is something not right, but if they can’t find it, we will wait and praise God it is not “significant enough” for them to find. I waited and muttled through until something new came up, would go. Nothing. So I waited until other people noticed or I could take something tangible to them.

I choose my words carefully, I do my research so I know what I am talking about. I stated my case, was denied, I conceded and followed their recommendations and waited for things to improve. They didn’t dealt with it, worked the things I can control and waited What happened to conciseness. I am fatigued! I cannot do much, I am achey, weak (cannot life 50 pounds without struggling, makes buying dog food in bulk a comedy routine). {I think I am switching my major again to communications, ha ha}

I must admit the anger and frustration rose up when she told me that plan. I was not a happy camper. I have been praying had friends pray, felt like the wisdom and discernment to get over it, be a big girl and just take the medication and get on with life and now more testing we still are not sure. However, the wisdom kicked in and a touch of humor came from somewhere and it was… Okay.

Kind of feel like porky pig, “On with the show!, Tune in next time for Medical Sage of 27596.

The Journey to Journey--- A Walk of Faith...

2009-03-17T17:55:00.002-04:00

I love the song, "Life is A Highway" by Bon Jovi :) ..

Life is a series of journeys, and sometimes you journey to journey to another place to start, you guessed it a journey. Kind of the Abraham story, sometimes we think we know what we heard God say, but we don't listen to the very details and get the full meaning and change His plan and it causes us to have to walk a little farther for us to realize what God intended for us to do. Well, I have been going through the journey to journey with some "interruptions" and now I can see some of the plan unfold as I draw out the map of where I have been and I still can't see where I am going in God's plan but it is getting narrowed down, by crossing out all the places I am not going again, since they took me off the "straightened path" God had told me to walk on.

Freewill, Fear, Anxiety, (Stupidity), Flesh (S_E_L_F) and a few other things have complicated the journey and made some really special times not seem so special while I was on the path, but now looking back they shine like jewels. It is hard to remember while we are walking people may not know why we are walking around in circles or jumping on and off the path, or just standing there looking up into the sky.. But, we know why!! God told us to, and He is with us, sometimes we dance, sometimes He carries us, sometimes He has to stop us in our tracks and correct us or purify us. Our walk is different from some, but should all line up with scripture, but to see that it is lining up people need to know where we started out and that we are in contact with God.

The journey has been long and there have been many side trips to the dessert, I have had many Psalms 23 breaks. I have a few mountain top discussions and a burning bush or two to satisfy my need for confirmation. I have had things prunned from my life, and things added into it and woven by God's hand. I have lost many footprints on my beach and God sent new ones to fill the void. He has helped me keep the memories alive by sharing the jewel that person shared with me to help or encourage others.

I do not know where the path will lead from day to day, or why it goes like it does, I pray, I hear I follow. He bring thing into my life, my mind, my heart that I do not always appreciate, like, want or understand, but I know that they are from Him and I try to do what I feel Him telling me to do. (IF only He would give complete instructions WITH the expected results and the proper actions to me and the other person things would be so much smoother, and we could get on with the Praising and Worshiping of the Plan being fullfilled)

I cannot see the path and many times it is step here, now get in the truck and drive here, go here, read this, call this person, rest and pray about this, --Cook dinner, do laundry, go to bed. Get up the next morning and all the dots form a line, when I get out the "map" and plot where I walked today, sometimes it shows where I will go tomorrow sometimes it doesn't (or I won't know until I plug it into my GPS, ha ha).

I talk alot and sometimes it makes no sense to anyone but me, but eventually it all is revealed. Some day I can draw out the map of my life and it will be an awesome picture to go along with the soundtrack of all the songs that tell the story. All steps were taken in faith, because I surely cannot see why, how or when all this is going to make sense, be of any use to anyone or see what the plan was, but as sure as I am typing this, I KNOW HE IS GOD, HE SAVED MY SOUL FOR A REASON AND I WILL WAIT TOO SEE WHAT IT IS. I want to know now, but he keeps telling me, "You cannot understand it now, just love and believe and I will continue the work I started". I have to remember, I was not there when he lit the sun and moon and speckled the sky with the stars, He Did it alone, He alone is capable of more than I can imagine and He will make his plan work out and reveal it in His timing. So I cling to my life verse: (kind of marching orders: (emphasis mine)

Jeremiah 29:11-14 9NAS " For I know the plans I have for you." declares the LORD, "Plans for welfare and not calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found by You, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes ...... (Remember He spoke the stars into the sky, and they have not fallen yet!) :)

Whoa hoo!!! the dreaded wait for results and answers is over

2009-03-12T20:06:00.004-04:00

Today I received the results of the psychological and cognitive testing. Again, these issues are chronic and have progressively become more disruptive to life and now my schoolwork. I have "thought" I have had issues for years but took the "Mind over matter approach" and just tried to deal with only the things that I had too. I have presented with descriptions of symptoms of Anxiety and have been treating it as needed, but the results showed that Anxiety is present and considered "significant to severe" since I have some biological involvement (Adrenal). I have done stress management techniques and other things to control it but, it is requiring regular medication. The anxiety is making attention and focusing difficult and once it is handled things will be easier with my studies.

The other results were kind of expected and slightly humorous:

I showed significant deficiency in organization --"Surprise, surprise"
Above average verbal skills, higher than average vocabulary skills
Spatial deficiencies
Working Memory deficiencies {not the kind that shows you are loosing skills, this is developmental and can be improved :) }

The thing that surprised me, was nonverbal skills were not only low but significantly lower. I am very aware of body language, facial expressions, spacial arrangements (although a little oversensitive sometimes) I expected this would have been higher. But this explains why the anxiety is so significant.

And the sweet part of the whole experience was.. the finding that I do have learning challenges that can be overcome but that explain all the problems I have been having. Finally some answers and some guidance to get things going in a productive direction. The psychologist was a great encourager. She pointed out all the positive skills I have developed that have gotten me this far without much detection of the problems and that things are "more evident" now because of the type of work involved with school. We discussed lots of resources and options and the fact that I am determined to get things accomplished will take me far.

The saying, "Where there is a will, there is a way" is documented well throughout the last few years. And now I understand why some activities and things are so challenging and it is not a reflection of my intellegence. Although it appears I am the only one that needed confirmation of it, but it is nice to finally know for sure.

If you have an issue, health or other persevere! Research, Ask Questions, engage with the professionals and work out a plan to improve your situation. This has been a long journey and most of the insight came through getting Charles assessed, evaluated and helped as we diagnoised him with things, they were hereditary and I struggled in school and we kept trying the exercises and tutoring that worked for him and researching things and finally we have a solution that is going to make things alot easier and allow me to achieve the things I have been working so hard to accomplish. :)