The middle of the bible

I watched this cool video about the middle of the bible.  I guess the shortest verse in the bible is Psalm 117 and the longest is Psalm 119 and there is 594 in front of Psalm 117 and 594 behind Psalm 119 so that makes Psalm 118 the middle of the bible and the exact middle is Psalm 118:8 which if you add 594+594 it equals 1188.  And what does the exact middle of the bible say?  It says:

Psalm 118:8King James Version (KJV)

8 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

What do we as Christians say all the time?  We want to put everything in the Lord and not walk among the pettiness that is here on earth.  So if the exact middle of the bible says it is better to trust the Lord, what other message does anyone need?  I need to keep telling myself this and let God handle it.  God will not keep me out of trouble but he will get me through it.  Through God I can do anything and life will be full of peace.  If I wake up and remind myself every morning that I will get through whatever is thrown at me with a smile knowing God has my back everyday might just be that much more enjoyable.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Give a little

All I ask is that my few very personal prayer be answered, but yet I feel like they never will.  Ugh!  I know God listens I have witnessed many prayers answered for others.  But I only have two that I truly pray about and I know he works on his time not mine, but come on how long does one have to wait?  It is days like today that I feel so low and feel like they will never be answered and I fear of going into a depression.  Please God hear my prayers and follow through on one of them now.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Lifting up the name of Jesus

I was reading a article that Autumn Hardman from Hillsong gave a interview for and she said it right when she said:  The church is the root of praise songs that are sung in churches worldwide, including “Mighty to Save” and “Awesome God.” Hardman says that the music is meant to be a reflection of their love of God. “Our motivation as a worship team is first and foremost our love for Jesus, and our desire to make His name great, and our desire to see the Gospel spread and shared throughout the earth with the tools of creativity that have been placed in our hands. Our hope would be that we would serve Jesus and others with every breath we take, and that we would be good stewards of the responsibility and gifts placed within our hands,”


Why I love what she said so much is because it speaks about my post the other day of music and how it is a expression.  Not only is music a main part of churches the teaching is important.  I love how churches will try different things to bring in new people.  Yes churches all have their faults but to be able to walk in and feel at home is so important to me.  

I heard on the radio the other day how another church here in Michigan is going to start having some services Sunday at Buffalo Wild Wings before they open just to try and bring new people to Christ without the indimidation of walking into a church.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Adam and Eve a myth

This morning on my way to work I heard the dj's on the radio say that everyone should realize that the story of Adam and Eve is just that a story.  Well it sort of made me mad that someone who is on the air saying they believe in God say things like it is just a story nothing more and nothing less and those who say Science doesn't exist are ridiculous as well.  So I was reading more into the story or as some would call a myth.  If people would just read the bible they will see that each book will compare to everything else in the bible.  It is just written in that particular person's experience of that event.  I know from experience that some times it takes a person a long time to hear and recognize the calling of God and it will come at the most unexpected time.  But to say I truly don't believe in God/Jesus really has been getting under my skin a bit lately.  I just want to shake people until they see but I know it comes in time and I have to have patience.   I found this in a story that Fr. Dwight Longenecker  wrote and I like what was said in the below paragraphs.

 The stories of creation and fall are presented as myth. What is myth? Myth is a story that conveys universal and perennial truth in a way that draws the listener into an empathetic experience of the truth. A myth can be about pagan gods and goddesses or it can be a fairy tale, a superhero movie or an ordinary film about ordinary people or it can be a true human story that functions like myth. I have written more about this subject in relation to the gospels here.

So what do thinking Christians say about the story of Adam and Eve? It works on us like a myth. In other words, it is a universal story about human beings and we respond empathetically as we experience it. In other words it echoes deeply in our hearts and lives. We say, “This is a true story. This reveals the relationship between human beings. It reveals human nature, free will, the existence of evil, temptation and the presence of God the loving but just Father.” The literalists ignore all that and say, “Yeah, but did it happen?

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Rocking to Worship musicgets me moving.

What does music mean to you in a church?  For me it is what gets me excited and sets the tone for the sermon.  I for one love the fact that my church sings songs that I actually know and listen to on the radio.  The music is one of the reasons I love my church so much.  I tried going to a church that sang hymns and I was sadly bored out of my mind.  Hearing the sound of the drums, guitars, the piano and the singers brings joy to my worship time.  I know there are some folks that love hearing the old hymns but I just can't do it.  Besides the church I tried before I found my church I have visited another church while on vacation and they sang old hymns and it just doesn't seem like anyone gets into the song and truly has a connection.  I love the sound of music and I can only hope that doesn't change.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Healing Damaged Emotions Prayer Cards

Yesterday in the mail I received these prayer cards.  Each card is for a different emotion and has a little prayer that goes with it with them too.  I love getting this kind of mail that could come in handy when someone is down in the dumps and I could help them out with a little prayer that would be uplifting to them.  I love that they are perfect to keep in my purse and have on hand if needed.  Last night while in prayer with someone they prayed that I continue to grow, learn and work for God.  Was it that prayer or the meeting that awoke me a bit and got my flow back sort of speak I am not sure I will say it is both.  I truly understand the saying God works in mysterious ways.  Everything should be given to God and he should get the right credit he deserves.  He is the one who put it in the person's head that we should meet, and I am sure he didn't know that I really did need it and I feel as if my inspiration is back.  Things are looking up and all because God is great.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Fear of speaking

Have you ever felt that people look at you and think what is he/she thinking?  I have recently been made to feel like I am worthless for no reason what so ever.  I know that this is the devil trying to work his way into my mind and I will not stand for it.  When I feel like this I need to learn to take a tim eout and have faith the God is right here with me and will get me across this stream.  I call it a stream because I think this is minor compared to what is coming.   I need to have constant faith in God.  He did put on flesh for me and gave his one and only son to die for my sins.  What I can give him is myself and my fight.  Who is willing to stand on the front line of the battle with me?


Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Faith, Hope, Prayer

Faith is defined as confidence or trust in a person, thing, deity, view, or in the doctrines or teachings of a religion, as well as confidence based on some degree of warrant.[1][2] It can also be belief that is not based on proof.[3] The word faith is often used as a synonym for hope,[4] trust,[5] or belief.[6

Hope a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.

Prayer is an invocation or act that seeks to activate a rapport with a deity, an object of worship, or a spiritual entity through deliberate communication. Prayer can be a form of religious practice, may be either individual or communal and take place in public or in private. It may involve the use of words or song.

What do the three have in common to you?  For me, you have to have faith that your prayers will be answered and with that you have a daily hope that it will be sooner than later.  Today i was reminded that without hope your faith can not thrive.  If you have doubt your not praying  enough to have peace on your mind and heart.

My heart is breaking

My heart is breaking for the whole town of Ferguson.  I understand a human lost their life and some are upset about a decision.   But why do we have to turn everything  into something negative? People should not be resorting  to violence  and destruction  of a town they still have to live in everyday.  I pray that God watches over that town and the people.

Have a blessed day
Jocelyn

Oh how I wish I knew more about the bible

Topic of conversation around the office today has been up and down. Of course it touched a bit on homsecxuality, but the main part was God is a very very selish person and he does not really want anyone to be happy.  I have a very hard time believing this, yes God wants to be selfish in the matter that he comes first in your life.  But in him brings happiness.  I cannot begin to think that he truly doesn't want happiness for anyone.  If that was the case we would all literally walk around in a zombie like trance.  The act of free will is so that we as individual's can have our own personal relationship with God and have the mutual understanding with him on what he expects from us and how we choose to go about that.  If we want to strive at it so he is not dissapointed in us or whether we choose to walk away and ignore him.  I truly feel in my heart that with God happiness will come.  For me to truly be happy and feel joy is to feel God in my everyday life.  But with the people in my office who are big time stubborn they will not listen to me when I even peep up to comment.  Maybe it is because they know they both know the bible better than me, but I am the one who is trying to learn more everyday about God and make my bond with him stronger.  Sometimes I feel that my voice gets lost when I try to speak on God's behalf but maybe that's because he knows it is a battle I may not win or lose but I am need elsewhere.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

The job of making disciples...

The the one question from Life group that sticks out to me the most was:  Does ths job of making disciples rest solely on the pastor's shoulders?  Well thinking of this question.  My answer goes like this.  No it doesn't rest solely on their shoulders but I do think they have a responsibility to equp us with Jesus' teaching so that we are able to go out there and be GREAT disciples instead of sub par disciples.  I personally feel without our Pastor's at SRCC I would probably sound like a fool when talking to anyone and probably make them run in the other direction.  But I have gained so much knowledge and have so much more to learn.  One of the ladies last night said the best way she goes about it when someone is very defensive about faith, is she tells them well nothing I tell you your going to believe but I can tell you what God has done for me personally.  She said sometimes it is better to point out the things that God has done rather than preach to them the bible.  Which is so true because sometimes people just think that is all Christianity is about and forget the relationship you have and the blessings God puts in our lives.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Why?

Why do people read part  of what is wrote and think they are being smart without  reading a entire comment?  Social media is so horrible at  times.  I recently posted a comment on someone's video that was her singing  "take me to church" while i know this is not a Christian post i simply posted  that we should hear her beautiful voice at church on Sunday's  and this person whom thinks he is so smart posted which i can assume is towards me because of my comment great job by the group but this is not a Christian song.  I truly think the Lord blesses those with different talents and she got a great voice and it would be ashame not to hear her on Sunday's.   I am truly venting here so i don't post something and get into with this person who seems to hold himself higher than others from what  i read on many other people's post.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

What is fair is fair

I think it is sad when people take advantage of good things. I recently read that in Florida Christians were allowed to pass out bibles to students once a month and then a satanic group decided well we want in and started passing out coloring book pages and crossword pages with satanic symbols at the bottom to try and prove we'll pass out something educational to look better.  But because of their symbols now they are putting the stop to the bibles once a month.  Only if they realized the bibles are educational that is true history that is not taught in schools.  Not sure how coloring pages and a crossword puzzle is labeled educational. Satan may have got his way with these kids not getting bibles anymore but you will not win.  These kids are being prayed for and God will look over them.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Sorry

Sorry for the lack of post this week.  I hurt my back and been feeling miserable all week.  God is good.  I asked my church to pray for a couple of friends and things are good for them.  My one friend had a baby early and she was having seizures and since the prayers the baby has not had anymore and is home gaining weight and doing good.  My other friend is getting better home but still no answer on her symptoms.  God truly does listen to prayer.

Love Jocelyn

Feeling awake

Today is the first time in awhile that I actually feel alive despite my back killing me.  I have learned today that a friend of mine that I have worried about that was going down the Wiccan path has for the past month or so been going to church.  I have invited her to come to church with me as well as the weekly Life Group meeting.  We shall see.  It makes me feel good when God has spoke to someone and they actually listened.  God is good and he truly blesses those in need.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Can judgement be too much at times?

I know I have posted about judgement in the past but things have come up again.  Here is a link to a article that Dolly Parton did a interview for.


http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2014/11/06/dolly-parton-says-christians-shouldnt-judge/?utm_source=facebook-aig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=arechristianssinningwhenthey+judge-kenblog&utm_campaign=20141106


Now in light of the Michigan coming down saying it will not allow gay marriage social media has erupted.   I do have friends who are gay and I struggle with it everyday on how to be friends with them and yet know they are living in sin.  My own boss deals with this situation often as well.  But the only thing I keep coming to is not to be judgmental.  I can love the person for who they are even though they sin but slide Jesus in there at times.  See some of the people I know believe with their whole heart in God and the Bible but they struggle with the gay lifestyle because they are making a choice to be happy.  I had a friend who knew he was gay for the longest time tried to bury the feeling and the urges, he went to church all the time was involved in the church until one day he woke up and said I can continue this life and never truly be happy or I can act on this one urge and be happy. My other friend who is gay is having a baby with her girlfriend and when I say having a baby with her girlfriend they actually took her egg, fertilized it and placed it in her girlfriend.  So the baby growing in her girlfriend is truly her biological daughter but because Michigan don't even recognize surrogate mother's she will not be able to be listed as the mother on the birth certificate and will have to have notes from her girlfriend to even take her own daughter to the doctor's.  The world is so corrupt with sin that at times the line of sin and kindness sometimes blur together.  Tonight I will be praying for God to give me some clear answers on this.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Inspiration

Sorry I have been lacking lately.  I am trying to find my inspiration.  Lately I have been feeling blah.  I am starting to get back on track I won a new book called Kingdom Conspiracy by Scot McKnight.  I just begun reading but it already is making me think.  Scot McKnight writes "kingdom " is the biblical term most misused by Christians today.  So I am going to dive into this book and hope that it awakens me.  I think with the busy summer I had that when I finally got a free moment I took it and ran too far with it.  This past Sunday it was asked that I memorize

2 Timothy 4:3-4English Standard Version (ESV)

3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound[a] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths

There was something in the sermon Sunday about DISMISS in there but I cannot find the version that was used.  But we do tend to Dismiss things when we know we are doing the wrong thing.  We need to stop living life so fast and slow down and pay attention to the signs that are around us. 

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

The hate in the world

I seen this article today on Facebook and it got me thinking.  Why is there so much hate in the world?  People can put all the blame on Satan and yes he is a big part in it.  But as human's we can stop it we just have to stand up.  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/noah-michelson/tim-cook-gay_b_6075018.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063  The CEO of Apple came out of the closet today and I have read so many different post by other people.  Some of which have said well guess I will be getting rid of all my apple products now.  Here is a couple questions for those people.  Does your phone work any differently because he came out?   If you looked and researched everything you use in your daily life would you use anything anymore?  

Matthew 7  

Judging Others

7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

We all need to start showing love to one another rather than cutting each other down for no reason.  Whenever you feel the need to pass judgement on someone ask yourself how is this truly going effect me?  When are supposed to encourage those around us and show them that Jesus can do things for us and if we jump on the band wagon and go with the flow and not be a individual's what are we then showing the world?

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Home sick

Do you think it is possible to be home sick to a place you have never been before?  I know people say at times they are sad because they are trying to fill a void with something and they don't know what that is.  Well have you ever sat and thought wow maybe my void is actually being home sick?!  Your probably looking at the computer screen so confused but let me bring in you into my head.  When I think I am home sick is it because I miss my own house or is it because I am actually missing God & Heaven?!  I think some of my sadness does come from the unknown and wanting the eternal life.  A few years ago I would not believe this would come out of my mouth but my relationship with God is my relationship and I yearn to be with him.  So again is it possible to be homesick of a place you have never been before?  Is it wrong to kind of be jealous of those who get to be with him?  I know I am still here to full fill God's plan for me and I will continue to strive to do so and keep in my head and heart that one day I will get to sit and listen to him and Jesus tell me stories.  Until that day I will try and better myself and spread his amazing word to those who need it.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Buckle Down

I need to buckle down take a few moments for myself and start reading the Bible daily again.  I feel like I have been doing nothing but running the past few weeks that the time just flew by me and I don't even know if I enjoyed it.  When I sit here and think about it, I wonder if Satan is not putting evil things in my path but by keeping me busy he is keeping me from my time with God.  And with that being said it scares me he does that to all of us and we don't blame him what so ever.  So I am going to dedicate at least 15 minutes a day to reading the bible and get myself into a routine of doing so.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

give someone something that is worth more than a million dollars

John Travolta takes million dollars from fan in PUBLIC - Must Watch Video



This video was posted on Facebook and after watching it I wanted to share with you.  What the back of the bill says I love.  This is something we should all have in our wallets and carrying around with us daily and when we feel that negative pull we could pull it out and read it.  As much as I would love to have a bit more money just to live comfortably I know I am truly rich with God's love.



Have a blessed day



Jocelyn

Hard time today

Today I am having a hard time staying focused.  People are getting on my nerves and I need to stop myself and breath and roll with it.  If someone sees a possible "peeping tom" why wouldn't you call the cops instead of waiting until 1:45pm the next day to come to the office and tell us, when they know there is nothing we can do?!   Please God be with me today and give me patience to deal with people.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Oceans

Someone posted about this article and when I read it I had mixed thoughts.  Now my mixed feeling on this is yes if you are the type of person that goes to church just to say you are going to church and do nothing once you leave for the week then yes stop singing it.  But if you are the person that wants God to lead you then yes keep going.  For her to say stop singing it because you don't really want to go there that is like saying don't go to work because you don't really want to.  But in reality as a Christian isn't God leading us what we want anyway?  If you say Lord lead me and when he makes the gesture and you don't take that is your decision, but if you choose that leap then yes you better go all in.  Don't stop singing a song because you are afraid of what is to come.  No one would sing 98% of songs out there if that was the case.  Just like I heard about a another great song that should not be sang because the one' s who wrote the song are no longer Christian.  Well when the song was written they were and actually and if you were to research it like I did you would find that no they may not be your typical Christian's.  They did open up their own church and are a church that celebrates Jesus.  While I may not agree with them, I do however agree with what the song means.  I think people can pick apart any part of anything that is put in front of you.  But I choose to see the good in things.  Here is the link to the other song.  http://www.christianpost.com/news/dove-award-winning-gungor-rattles-christian-world-with-revelation-that-they-dont-believe-the-bible-literally-124373/ and below is the article about Ocean's.  You choose for yourself.  I for one will still sing the songs and hopefully when God puts that path he wants me to go I will go for it and not walk around it.

Have a blessed day

You’ve got to stop singing Oceans.

(Here’s the song if you want it playing in the background as I tell you to stop singing it.)

If you are in a contemporary worship church, then you probably sing it. If you listen to Christian radio or keep up with the CCM world, then you probably know it. And you probably love it. I do too.

“And I will call upon Your Name, and keep my eyes above the waves…”

Beautiful stuff.

But you’ve got to quit singing Oceans.

And hear me, I am absolutely not saying anything against the performers, or writers, or musicians, or Hillsong. I’m cheering for them. They have created something incredible.

But this isn’t about them. It’s about you. And me. 

And it’s about when we sing the bridge of the song.

“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters, wherever You would call me.”

“Take me deeper than my feet would ever wander, that my faith would be made stronger, in the presence of my Savior.”

Here’s my problem.

If you will ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to where your trust is without borders, do you actually mean that? Because it could look like giving money away. Or it could look like being kind to the mom no one else will talk to at soccer practice. Or it could be fostering even though you aren’t sure you’re equipped. Or it could be asking that girl on a date even though you are scared. Or it could be standing up for your faith when your neighbor makes fun of Christians. Or it could be moving to a foreign country or less-affluent neighborhood or just moving to a different table at lunch.

You are asking God to take you to where your trust has no borders. You know what that means? You have to leave your borders.

Economic borders.

Social borders.

Geographic borders.

Religious borders.

Racial borders.

NOTHING in those two lines of lyrics is going to feel good when you are going through it. You are singing, with your hands raised high, for God to make you uncomfortable… and then you feel the nudge- the nudge to buy a coffee for a homeless man or confess a sin to your small group or share about something that happened in your past, AND YOU DON’T DO IT.

I don’t either.

And every time I hear that song, I feel convicted for the way I sing it but refuse to live it.

Do you get that?

See, you and I are willing to sing the song on Sunday because it feels good, but will we move when the Spirit leads on Monday?

If it is deeper than your feet would wander, it’s going to be unknown and scary and uncomfortable.

Do you know what it is like outside of the borders? It is wild. And unpredictable. And dangerous.

Also? It’s exhilarating and life-giving and exactly the kind of brave people God wants us to be.

BUT.

If you are only singing the song and not living the life, stop singing Oceans.

If you will really read the lyrics, if you will know what you are singing when you sing, and if you will listen to the Holy Spirit and follow when He leads you deeper and farther, then buckle up and sing your heart out, because it’s going to be a beautifully messy ride

Worshipping people vs. God

I have realized here in the past few weeks that people tend worship other people more than they do God.  But when people leave and you get wind that they just don't like some of the people, I have a problem with this.  Here are my pros and cons about this.  I agree that you need to feel as if your church is home to you and if you truly don't feel that then yes find a new church home.  But if you come to church looking for friends then you are in the wrong place.  A church is a place to have peace and celebrate God.  If some of the fellow church members become friends and or family to you then that is awesome.  But don't go around being rude and trying to point fingers as to why you are no longer there.  You left because you made that decision no one made you if anything we wanted you to stay.  With this being said it just shows me that people are more into being involved in the "in" crowd rather than coming to church to celebrate Christ.  I go because the message is always great the worship music is always great and to top it off the people are great.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

People still amaze me

People amaze me on a daily basis and sometimes not in a good way.  This morning I got dressed for work actually feeling cute and drove to work singing worship songs at the top of my lungs.  Starting off to have a great day and feeling great too, only to get to work and my co-worker says new dress?  I said yes he said you look Amish. My response was wow now I hate this dress and don't want to be wearing it thanks.  Only for him to try and come back but it's cute,  too late now buddy!  Wow way to make me go from being in a great mood to being depressed about what I look like.  Thankfully I had a big sweater in my car that covers up this dress that I now feel is horrible and ugly.  Then I trying to just let it go send him a text saying I made coffee and have pumpkin creamer that we have been looking for if you want some.  Yes I ended it with a smart comment that said "even though you made me feel ugly today".  Should I have sent that comment?  Maybe not but it just came out I was feeling hurt.  But to push my button a little more I got no response what so ever.  Please Satan leave me alone I don't want your kind here and I will rise above your silliness with my God next to me.  You should just give up the fight you are never getting me back.  God will get me out of this bad mood. Thanks for listening to me vent.  Now on to my day.


Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Lost my head

Yesterday while at the Lions game I lost my head for a minute.  I have not been the filled with anger in a very long time and I didn't like it.  Next time something like that happens I need to keep my head on my shoulders and remember God.  We were there cheering on the team and next thing I know I looked down at my mom's seats and I saw some guy grab my mom's arm.  That is when I lost my head.  Ugh!  As much as my mom was thankful that I rushed to her side I can't allow myself to get that angry it was not good. Some of things I said to the guy and his father was not right either.  Just when you are doing good with attitude boom the devil slips right in and takes control.  I will not let that happen again.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Money.. What's that?!

So last night during life group we talked about money and how people idol it.  This week has been comical to me, because of the exercises he wants us to do.  Like for instance one day he said carry around a wad of money and touch it all day.  Well needless to say since I had no money until today (payday) I wrote in my journal:  "Hahaha I'll carry around a bag of change"!  I am truly blessed with all that I have in my life and I wouldn't trade it in.  We are fed and we are clothed.  Do I wish we had more money so that I wouldn't stress about which bill is being paid this week?  Absolutely I would.  I would love to get up and just do what I want to do on a whim.  Do more things with my friends.  I feel like a poor little girl when it comes to listening to things my friends do week after week, this is why I am being to dislike social media more and more by the day.  Then there are the times that I feel my friends don't invite me because they don't want me to feel bad that I can't go or if I go I sit there watching them eat and stuff because they can get it and me being there is all I got.  I get it that people can do with what they please with the money they earn but sometimes people don't realize how they truly make others feel.  It is not like I go out every time I get paid and splurge.  Lately all I do is pay bill's, fill up the cars with gas and get groceries.  I am not writing this to make people feel bad for me or pitty me.  I am writing this as a statement that I may not have all the money to be able to get everything I wish I could have but in the end that is all materialistic things.  I AM EXTREMELY RICH WITH LOVE.  To me LOVE is the best gift that GOD could have given to us.  All I want is to get myself on a budget so bill's can be paid with ease and if we have extra cash so be it.  I was asked to post a picture of my love letter to money I shared with my group last night.  I couldn't come up with a clever poem like some of the others did but I tried and find the comedy in the lack of money.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

for KING & COUNTRY - "Shoulders" (Official Audio)

Ever since seeing them in concert Sunday night.  I cannot get this song out of my head.  While the entire concert was great right down to the stories they told of their experience since they came to the US.  But every time I listen to the song I feel as I could cry.  Only because the lyrics of this song is a constant reminder that we need to give it all to God.  Let him handle all our problems.  Who has time to be a control freak?  I just want to be comfortable and be at peace in life while spreading the word.







Have a truly blessed day







Jocelyn

Dream land

OK so I have to write this before I forget it as sind details are already lost.  I had this dream last night about God and Jesus.   My dream was a assurance that no matter where I am or who I am with with those trumpets go off I still in fact hear them.   But in my dream judgement came in groups (weird) but maybe I have life groups on my mind a little since I just remembered in the middle of the night that I forgot about a meeting.  But God also reassured me that my husband will be in heaven with me and it will be a great stress relief place.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Weekend in a blur

This weekend was jamb packed of God.  Let's start off with Saturday.  Had upward soccer which is always awesome the way we encourage the players and at half time have a devotion. Then came home to do some yard work while listening to my christian station on spotify. Then back up to church for the kid city party.  Had some great conversations with some people who just seen a party and stopped by.  Then came home got ready to have a nice bonfire with some friends.  Then Sunday comes and had a great time at church with a great message even had one of the families come to church that stopped by at the party the day before. Then off to the cider mill with friends.  Home to watch the Detroit Lions win and the Detroit tigers win the American League central division.  Then ended by awesome day at the For King & Country concert with my awesome friend Kristie.  The moment at the concert where the entire audience sang Amazing Grace was amazing.  To have a exhausting  weekend but yet a weekend that involved the Lord was beyond amazing.   God is for sure amazing and I can't wait to see what's next.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

nerves starting to set in

Tonight I am leading my life group and I have led a group before but tonight I am getting nervous because of the topic.  I will let God speak throw me tonight to lead this conversation.  I truly think this week has been the one that has been harder for me to do the daily journaling.  I know I will get there and the conversation will just start flowing and it will be all good.  Then I start to think uh oh I have to say a pray, I feel I am such a horrible person to say prayers out loud, I think I sound foolish.
Please be in prayer for me that the night will go good

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Learning that I have a lot more to learn.

Yesterday during a soccer practice for upwards soccer. I learned that a couple of the youth's on the team I am helping with know so much more about the bible and the stories than I do.  While giving the devotional this one amazing kid knew what I was going to say (as I was reading from the book) before I said it.  He is amazing and I truly feel if I sat down with him and had bible study I would learn so much from him.  Yesterday was awesome because I realized no matter what the age of a person we can all learn something from each other.  God sure does have a great way of putting us all on the same level no matter the age.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Pointless

Recently I found out about a song that I love was supposedly false and should not even be sung.  Well upon investigating this is what I found out (I am not going to mention the exact situation that brought this up nor the name of the song).  What I was told as the people that wrote the song are no longer Christian and their music should not be used in worship.  Well here is the truth right from their mouth according to their own blog.  It is not that they don't believe in Jesus or God it is that they question the bible.  As a Christian you should not have that many questions I agree but the fact that they state just because we question things does not mean we don't believe God sent Jesus to us.  Since this has come out they have started their own church which revolves around Jesus.  Do I agree with everything on their church website or course not but I do believe the song was written about Jesus and therefore there is nothing wrong with it being used to sing and praise him in any church.  With all this being said I think every person questions something about the bible or they let their imagination run wild and start thinking what if.  This could be a discussion that could go on and on between many people and you would probably all end at the same conclusion that Jesus is the key.


Have a blessed day


Jocelyn

Staying positive

I recently read a article that says if you stay positive and keep being positive not only will your mood change completely but your health will strive as well.   Let's see how this will work.  I am going to try this and see how my mood is and how it effects others.   I am hoping that with this as well that I can make more positive moves on Jesus' behalf.  I want to effect someone life in a huge way and I want it to be in a way that they turn and start a walk with Christ.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Do you laugh, cry, or just shrug your shoulders?

Recently I realized that a few people I thought I have built friendships with deleted me off Facebook.  I know I shouldn't take some things so personally but it does truly hurt my feelings.  The reason is because they no longer go to my church (well at least I hope that is the reason), I have never had a argument with any of these people and yet boom out of my life just like that.  I am trying to find the humor in this I really am and trusting that God brings people in your life and takes them out for a reason unknown to us sometimes.  But I do have a hard time when not only people delete me from their life but completely start ignoring me for no reason.  With going from being a part of a group with  "so called friendships"  to only learn they all talked about me behind my back and made fun of me.  Then to become part of a great church and form again "so called friendships" only for them to get mad about changes that will only better the church and leave and also delete our friendship.  It would be easy for me to say that's it I throw in the towel and will become a hermit.  But then I ask myself how will I accomplish Jesus' work if I do that?!  I think that I need to just realize that I am going to continue what I feel is one of my purposes at my church in leading the greeters and pray that all those find peace in their life and continue to lead a Christian life.  If only I had a glimpse into God's plan for me life would be a cake walk.  But I know that is not going to happen so I will strive everyday to be the best that I can be and know that I can walk with my head up.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Today marks for a sad day

After receiving news that a little 6 year old who has been battling cancer for 2 1/2 years now will probably not make it through the day brings a dark sad cloud over me.  These are the times that I need to truly sit in silence and allow God to speak to me so that I can understand why he would allow such horrible things happen to such a innocent little boy.  I know there are explanations that I have heard before but it doesn't make it any easier when you have to watch someone that is so close to my family lose their child this way.   I know sin is all around the world and I know there are lessons buried in experiences but it is just so hard to wrap my brain around the simple question, WHY?  Please lord hear me and make me understand why this happens to those who need you most?!

Have a blessed day while I try and stay positive

Jocelyn

Holding on

We all know that holding onto things can be bad.  But learning to let go can be one of the biggest and our hardest thing for some to do.  This whole thing that we can choose to do good or choose to do bad is for the birds.  If only decisions were easy to make and the fork in the road was always the right way.  I dream of that land all the time.  This world is hard and frustrating.  My goal or challenge to myself is so try and live as simple as I can and take more of my TV time since that's what I spend most of my time doing having alone time with God.

Have a blessed day

Time and money

Where do I spend my time and money and do I make any of it a idol?  Well I think the money one I can answer easily with a no.  My hubby and I just get by week to week so no extra money to really blow on things.  My time I would say I should watch less TV and more time with the Lord.  I think it's just the same in a way of being bored and grab your phone and look at Facebook. 

Have a blessed day

Today's burning question

What is my biggest disappointment in life right now?  Wow that is hard.  Even though I am grateful for everything God/Jesus allow me to have in my life the one thing that is a constant disappointment for me right now is not having my own child.  I have heard it all to adopt a child, do this, just give up.  Well one if I had the finances to adopt a child I would.  The state of Michigan makes it so expensive I really don't understand how people can even do it.  Even then it does not guarantee that you will get picked to have a baby.  I know I need to just give this burden to God and he will come through with his plan for me.  But at the same time I just can't wrap my head around why God would not allow me to have a child of my very own.  I want to be able to give my husband a family and my mother a grandchild.  Please God hear my cry and allow me this privilege.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Joshua

In preparation of a challenge that was given to me.  I have started reading Joshua 24.  This chapter amazes me because it shows how God will protect you even if to show you what he can do if you follow him.  Which if you think about it, how big of a tease is that?   Here I will show you just a taste of what I will do for you, but if you follow me there is so much more that can be done.  Talk about eye opening.  I would so be like yeah I'm on bored, wait a minute I already jumped on bored.  God is protecting me every chance he can.  Society is too involved in the gossip sites, wanting to know everything that is going on around them.  There is nothing wrong with knowing certain things around you but sometimes it is ok to not know things.  I personally need to learn to let things go and not take things personally at times.  I know that what I am doing is in the right direction with God and he will lead me down the right path if I just learn to let go.

have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Week in review

Now that I am back to normal life from being on vacation.  Let me fill you in.  This past week I got to surprise my sister and my brother with a visit.  This was the first time I seen my brother in 2 years or even really talked to him.  He was on his mission trip for two years and let me tell you it was great to be able to hug that boy.  I think my brother is a very very brave person for what he went through these past two years.  I put my faith in God that he was protected through his journey.  I hope through this he became closer to God, I may not understand or agree with the process but I will always stand by him with every decision he chooses to make.  I know he has a great heart and I know he will accomplish his goals he has set for himself.  I had great conversation with each person in my family while I was down there.   My sister and I had fun scaring her boyfriend with me meeting him.  A little fun and a little scare put in him was a good enough sister talk with him.  I learned I am a lot like my dad in many ways I did not realize before.  I now know where I get my impatience from.  My brother and I had great conversations about Christ.  I did a lot of daily reading when I woke up since I was on Michigan time I was usually up before everyone else.


Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Powerful

So I read the book God's at war and I must say amazing.  I will continue to post blogs as I am inspired but it may not be everyday.   As I sit here with the sunrise on vacation it only makes me realize that much more that there is a world out there that needs attention and I don't feel attention can be done by sitting in front of the TV or on my phone looking at Facebook just because I'm bored.  When I get that over whelming feeling of boredom I need to give my attention to jesus, god and those people in my life face to face.   The enemy is winning by taking up so much of our time on senseless things. 

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Being mentored

So I took some advice and got myself a actual mentor.  This past Saturday we got together and had great conversations.  She even gave me a book to read in the Bible.  My major problem is reading the Bible and understanding some of it.  With my mentors help I am going to learn the Bible.  She even mentioned she wants possibly start up a actual Bible study with a few people.  Thank you God for putting me on this path and thank you jesus for your ultimate sacrifice so I can. 

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

week ending

As this week starts to come to an end and the long weekend starts and I get ready for vacation.  I think as blessed as I am that I will be seeing my family, mainly my brother. I can't help but be weirded out by my visit.  I am going to be spending time with my brother at his church which is a mormon church.  While I know they believe in Jesus the one thing I don't get about their religion is how can you base your beliefs on a book that someone claims was written and taken up by angels with no proof of this.  With the bible you can actually go and see original pages and things that happen in the world all connect with the bible.  The only issue many people have and I at times have is the burning question is the bible translated correctly?!  So as I go on vacation and become surrounded by Mormon's I can only hope that some good conversations come out of this upcoming vacation.  Jesus please put kindness on my heart so that I may not judge people while I am there on vacation.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Loss for words

Today I was sitting in between two people who were talking about the bible and how they will never believe everything that is in it.  Only because they have asked a minister how is it different from what the bible says is a sin and how it states if you were to get a divorce and remarry you are commiting adultery?!  The answer she got was because entering into a marriage you can get forgiveness.  But to me that makes no sense, how can you not get forgiveness for being gay then if that bible says you can be forgiven for your sins?  Sometimes I don't think people truly think about things before they respond.  Some people are so used to just saying go look it up in the bible what does that say.  True you can look things up in the bible but you also need to pray on some things and then go forward.  If you were to pray asking Jesus please lead my tongue maybe the world would be in a much better place.  But it is when I am in moments like that listening to two people who know the bible so much better than me that I feel ignorant and at a loss of how to defend my faith.    Lord please put things on the tip of my tongue when I am in a moment that I may defend your word.


Jocelyn

Join me in the meeting.

I was listening to a sermon by Tony Evans and some things he pointed out stuck with me.

1st one was "That is it not just about God.  It is about Jesus too."  As he pointed out that in Matthew 20:18 Jesus said: "ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME".
Wow what a thing to be handed by our great Father.  Do you think God gave Jesus that authority because Jesus walked among us and dealt with the temptations that some of us give into everyday and he maybe can relate better to us?  Think about that one for a minute or two.

2nd thing was the main thing.  If you read Matthew 28:16-20 THE GREAT COMMISSION I encourage you to reread it after this and ponder on what I heard from Tony Evans because I myself have had my eyes opened that much wider.  Sometimes there are things you read and you don't really let an important part sink in or you think another part of it is important.  Ready here we go!  Matthew 28:20  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Did you catch it?  Let me help.  AND SURELY I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, TO THE VERY END OF THE AGE.  There see it, now let me explain what Tony Evans pointed out that has my eyes open.  If Jesus said that right after he said ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME.  This could only me one thing, WE ARE ACTUALLY PART OF THIS MEETING ON THE MOUNTAIN. Now take that in.  Let it sink in.  So for me when people say God and Jesus or not dead oh I really truly believe that now.  I just need to tap in and let Jesus lead me instead of this world leading me.  Meeting Jesus face to face and being told great work will probably be the proudest moment for both of us.  I don't want to disappoint him.  I need to be not just a good Disciple but a GREAT ONE.  Now that I officially have a mentor I look forward to this new road that I am on.  Just to make it clear I am only putting a portion of Matthew 20 to get the whole message I encourage you to read the whole part.  This way you cannot read and think Jesus is trying to lead to fear or be intimated to do his work.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Chills

I can honestly say that I have never gotten chills praying. But today I was sitting by myself praying for those christians in Iraq and literally as I prayed for Jesus to shield them and take the blades from the enemies hands I got the chills over my entire body.  This is the first time I truly know that not only did our father hear my prayer but I feel as if he is working on it already.  I may not pray as much as I should but truly after this prayer I really know there is power in prayer.  Please Lord cover those in iraq with your shield and protect them from this evil. 

Have a blessed day and join me in prayer

Jocelyn

Being a Mentor

Jesus made His style of mentoring clear:

 “If anyone will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24-26). Christian mentoring is a process dependent upon submission to Christ. Neither the mentor nor the candidate controls the relationship. As such, the process is best characterized by mutual sharing, trust, and enrichment as the life and work of both participants is changed. The mentor serves as a model and a trusted listener. The mentor relies on the Holy Spirit to provide insight, change lives, and teach through the modeling process.  

Ask yourself are you capable of being a mentor to someone?  Would you want to be?  Is it possible that you are and not know it?!  Is there someone who claims to be but doesn't seem good at?

 All of those questions speak to me. But then I think to myself how do I get there?  How do I know better and be a better mentor?  Should I step up and be a mentor to the youth?  Then I think if someone wants me involved they will involve me.  Then I also think, how are you going to be involved if you don't get yourself involved.  The struggles we have within ourselves sometimes are the worst struggles because we end up beating up ourselves and we miss out on life.  

I work on myself everyday to try and be a better person, some days I succeed and some days I fail.  But I keep going at it and I know God is there with me.  I think my mistakes that I make can be great for being a mentor, the things I have done in my past would be great to discuss with some.  I just have to get there.  

Last question how do I become a mentor like Jesus?  Think of that question and keep trying to answer it.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

A word often translated “peace” in the Bible actually means “to tie together as a whole

A word often translated “peace” in the Bible actually means “to tie together as a whole, when all essential parts are joined together.” Inner peace, then, is a wholeness of mind and spirit, a whole heart at rest. Inner peace has little to do with external surroundings. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” He had also told His followers that “in this world you will have many troubles. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). So peace is not the absence of trouble; it is the presence of God.

I have been seeking peace in my life lately from many things.  I have been talking with my best friend (whom I vent to all the time) about things going on.  Going with yesterday's post about letting my heart care but being alert on things that don't really concern me and not let it over take my head.  I really want to find peace and I feel the only way I can,  is to truly let the politics, and the gossiping happening around that are not in my control roll out of my head.  It will be hard to not even talk about it things that bug me at times but I will get through it.  

People need to stop and realize why we are really here in the first place.  Is it to show one another up, is it to make more money than the other?  Or is it to do whatever we can for God?  I choose God.  I want people to get over (me included) themselves and open their eyes and realize "We tie together as a whole".  Christians are not supposed to fight over petty things, not stress about the small stuff and be a family. 

 I know I have a big heart and it is hard for me not to love.  I have to learn to love from a far with some in my life.  I have friends I would do anything for but lately I am tired of one sided friendships.  I know where I belong and who belongs in my life and I know God will bring others my way I just hope I can make him proud and change some lives.

Jocelyn

My new Goal

My new goal for myself is to try and let things go.  I feel that I care way too much about things that really have no effect on me.  I need to put my focus on my relationship with God and do the things that I know God wants me to do.  I know that there are some things I still need to make sure I know about but unless it truly effects my well being and is not a bump in path to heaven, then I need to leave it alone.  So I ask whoever is reading this, look at yourself in the mirror ask yourself before you ask the questions.  Does this effect me?   I will continue to let my heart care too much but I will be cautious on getting too involved.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Make a Life by what we give.

Today I watched a video where a young man was in a food court asking people for extra food.  Not one of those people gave anything they all turned him away.  Him and his friends took the experiment a little further from that and took food to homeless people gave it to them and then the one would go over and ask if they had food and they would give them some no questions asked.  It amazes me (and I am guilty as well) how society will turn our backs on someone like that.  You never know what someone is going through and it takes a lot of nerve for them to even ask I am sure.  Matthew 6:3-4
But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.  

You do not have to make your giving a public affair, the only person you have to please if God and yourself.  The opinions of what others have, what others may say about you, is their problem they are only making your life more interesting than it may be.  Even if you are in a situation where you are in need always remember someone is there to help just don't be afraid to ask.   

Treat as God as your father, your bestfriend, your brother, you everything.  Talk with him whenever you are in need of anything.

Have a blessed day

Jocelyn

Talk my ear off

While I love that people feel comfortable enough to use my ears to get it off their chest.   Today I learned from a nice lady who is having issues with family and health tell me a little too much about her health.  I will pray for her health though and her situation.  But she did leave  give me a hug, tell me to have a blessed day and told me she feels so much better for getting it off her chest.  Then to turn around 5 minutes later and be told by someone else she doesn't really know how much longer she has.  She has ALL  some kind of luekima. I will too pray for her.  She ended our conversation saying have a blessed day.  I was thinking people tell me too much that I don't need to know.  But after typing this out I realize maybe this is something God wants to use me for.  To give people comfort,  to know they are telling someone that will listen be heart broken for them and pray for their peace during their struggles.   While I can't have control over circumstances I can just be there when needed.

Much blessings

Jocelyn

Today's random reading Psalm 96

Today's random reading starts off saying "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.  Then it ends saying "He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth.  What a range from the beginning of that to the end.  Just by reading the first lines to the last lines and not reading anything in between I get the since of:  Ask the Lord to renew you in him because in the end he will come back and pass eternal judgement on you for what is truly in your heart.  To be kind to people to show compassion to people and to try and help people get to Jesus should be a everyday concern.  To think of that day when I finally get to meet Jesus makes my heart feel full and to give myself a daily reminder of how and why he died should also be a daily reminder.

Have peace today in the Lord

Jocelyn

The Final Fight Is Over

This just saddens my heart and brought tears to my heart.

  People may be rich with 

money but you never know what is really hiding under all of 

it. 

Whether someone is rich and famous or just an average 

person we all need to kind to one another and be alert of 

our surroundings.

The following article was not written by me but I wanted to share it. 

‘The Final Fight Is Over’ — Husband Of The Assistant Who Found Robin Williams’ Body Speaks Out About His ‘Heartbreaking’ Last Days

Posted on Aug 13, 2014 @ 15:04PM

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• Woman Who Discovered Robin Williams' Body Revealed
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The same day that Robin Williams’ assistant Rebecca Erwin Spencer, discovered his tragic death scene, her husband, Dan Spencer, spoke out about the couple’s relationship with the tortured star, RadarOnline.com has learned, and the pain he suffered in his “final fight.”

In a revealing and heart-rending tribute posted on Facebook, Spencer has broken his silence and shed light on the “war” that drove his “hero” to suicide.

PHOTOS: The Woman Who Discovered Robin Williams’ Body

“As a little boy, he was alone in his room with his toy soldiers while his parents went off on business trips,” Spencer wrote. “You can imagine his mother and father telling him to be a good little soldier while they were away. Then he would be left alone to play with his friends, which were little Army men. When his parents returned, he received a gift, a token for his good behavior, maybe more little soldiers to add to his collection.”

“Those toys remained with him throughout his life and were often given prominent space in his home on specially crafted display cases,” he continued. “He discovered video games, first-person shooters for computer and then for Xbox. Name a game, no matter how obscure, and he owned it. He played his soldier games even up to age 62. We had an expression for his avid gaming. We said he was in there ‘saving the world.’”

PHOTOS: Robin Williams’ Hollywood Peers Remember The Late, Great Star Of Film & TV

Referencing his many USO tours, Spencer remembered, “Then he went off to dangerous places like Afghanistan and Iraq at the height of war to entertain the troops, the soldiers. Maybe it was a way to pay back his boyhood friends. Those of us lucky enough to be in his sphere saw our hero conquer the world. We joined him on journeys across the globe. He killed ‘em! He slayed ‘em! What great victories! What wondrous experiences! We were incredibly fortunate to follow him into the breach. With laughter, love, and kindness, he did it! He saved the world!”

“In his advancing years, our hero found a new love who we knew would march with him to the end of the rainbow,” Spencer said, perhaps referring to Williams’ wife of nearly three years, Susan Schneider. “After decades of battles, a happy ending was in sight.”

“But his final conflict was heartbreaking to witness,” Spencer continued. “Oh, if you could only have seen the war raging inside him. It would have stopped your heart. We fought the fight with him, but it left him defeated.”

PHOTOS: Inside The Waterfront Home Where Robin Williams Tragically Died

“Now our hero has laid down his arms. He has bid his soldiers farewell. The final fight is over,” Spencer wrote. “At last, that lonely little boy is at peace.”

As Radar reported, Spencer’s wife Rebecca was the one who found Williams dead on Monday afternoon in his Tiburon, Calif., home, with a belt around his neck and “superficial” cuts on his left wrist.

PHOTOS: In Memoriam: Robin Williams’ Career Was Pure Magic – He Was A Genie After All

Her husband, Dan, was also close to Williams in his final days. Back in April, Williams wrote on his Facebook page that the author “keeps me going.”

If anyone you know, is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please immediately seek help. You can speak with a skilled, trained counselor at a national Suicide Prevention Lifeline crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7 — call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).