Encouragement

Man, things are really changing for me. I'm going back to school. I have a great opportunity at work and I've been getting more and more dove into my Bible and relationship with God. Which is very strange..because I couldn't make it to church on Wednesday nights, it's made me cling to it.

There is one thing I want to say though. It's not easy, these changes. It becomes easier when you embrace God's blessings and thank him. But you know, like one of my favourite older songs by Dc Talk "what if I stumble what if I fall.." the thing is, and I believe I've said it before..God not only expects this but he knows every decision we make in this walk toward Him. And he's waiting to see if we trust him and accept his guidance or if we fight it. I've given up this fight for control, I still falter, the recovery is much faster and the prevention much clearer.

I realised this tonight when the Lord revealed a few things to me. He revealed he CAN do great things with my life. He reassured me through friends that I am doing better. He encouraged me by giving me friends who are examples of God's blessings, and because of one of them I'm reminded to be thankful for everything he's given me..even the tough stuff!!

Here's to a new week and more focus, goals and trials..and many more blessings I'm sure!

Have a blessed week and I'll be back here Wednesday night for WHANM.

Ps. I love my Charles Dickens and Alberto Einstein!

Read more...

WHANM: Serving God

Hope you all got a chance to go to church or some sort of small group tonight. Tonight's Bible study will be kind of short. I've been on the phone and online applying for..you got it..school. That's right, I'm finally going to finish my degree, my Mum is thrilled.

I wanted to just lightly touch on the topic of service..and tonight..why we should serve God. Believe it or not some people don't. They make a profession of faith but just kind of grow stagnant without deepening their relationship with God. Service is part of your relationship with God. Think about it, how do you speak to God? Prayer. How does God speak back? Through His works and..his word. What is his word? The Bible. And what does the Bible say about service to him? Let's have a look:

Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. (Deuteronomy 13:4)

So even early on in the Bible it mentions how we should follow and serve him. To obey his voice, especially when he calls us into service. Then later in Joshua (22:5) we are minded again "love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul." This is actually a great reminder but also a great way to stay true to serving him. Sometimes, at least in the beginning it may seem or feel like you are forcing yourself to do some sort of service. Service to God and others is never bad, but you have to put your heart into it. Don't be a High School Counsellor at church trying to help teenagers with their problems and responsibilities on a Sunday morning when the night before you were doing exactly what you're advising them not to do. Don't be hypocritical in your service. Don't commit to helping with bus ministry if you aren't going to show up. It's important to follow through with service and be open to leaders in your church guiding you to areas of service that need help(hello, God's open window) or ministries you are good at and have God given talents with.

Service is also a sign of your profession of faith, when we profess Christ..we are telling people that we have been changed..we should want to serve him..

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, (which is) your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what (is) that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)

This is part of our proof. Remember last week when we talked about leading your testimony? Service to God is one way we can show others that we are legit in our decision to follow him, and that we care about those who have not yet made that choice.

Service to God can be a great tool as well. Ever find it very difficult to resist temptation? I'm pretty sure I just heard everyone cybertronically(if that's a word) shout yes, or at least half smile thinking "Yeah of course". Well, it's a lot easier not to give into some of our strongest temptations when we are serving God. Do you break out alcohol or smoke a joint or a cigarette when you are teaching children's choir or talking to opening doors/being a greeter at church? Or even just cleaning up or helping with Awanas? How about when you're praying with lifting up someone from an addictions meeting? Temptation will always cross our minds, but serving God just helps that temptation to cross..and keep walking. But don't just take my word for it..

(Be) kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another(this part gets so much more easier when you serve God and fellowship with other Christians..it makes resisting temptation so much more realistic); not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;(..) Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.(Romans 12:10,11&13)

Lastly but not the least..a very important part of our service is reaching others. How are people going to know about God if we don't show them God's active role in our lives. If you don't do something to serve your Saviour, you know what most people think, "There isn't anything that they have that I don't." Which is a terrible lie Satan would like everyone to believe. Because someone who does not have Jesus Christ, they have nothing..your service to God could be the smile, handshake, encouragement, clean up, or invite that brings them closer to having something, to have eternal life with Christ our Lord.

God bless you and have a great rest of the week!! Pray about service and ask God to bring some into your life.

Read more...

WHANM: Leadership

Wednesday Has a New Meaning: Leadership

I hope you had a chance to get to church tonight but if not to have had some extra time with the Lord and I hope you enjoy the time I've had in my Bible Study tonight.

Tonight, I wanted to study a little bit about leadership. Now it might not be as you think "taking the leadership role" or starting anything where you will be the "leader" but more so about how we are placed in leadership roles on a daily basis and how we can take on roles to strengthen our service to the Lord.

Earlier this week I had one of those "this is going to be a great day" mornings. Which, if you've ever gave birth to me, lived with me or have seen me in the morning..those do not come often. Normally, in the morning it takes me an hour or two before I can bare to see anyones face. One prime reason why I live alone, I like it. I was driving to work and thinking about all God's blessings and how it feels so safe and lovely to be so focused on Him. How he's changed my life. And I started to think about leadership. Believe it or not, on a dreary day - the sun shown right through the cloud as I smiled and said "Okay God, whatever that means I'll follow." Which lead me to thinking about the subject more.

Each and every day we are leading. We are leading our own lives. Yes, God should be the centre of your life - and his purpose should be our goal. But we don't know his purpose..most of the time we figure it out after we've served it. And we ultimately through free will get a choice whether to yield to Him or to fulfil our own desires.

What really stuck out to me was how our testimonies lead people. The choices we make and the way be believe have such a great impact on other people. The ones we work with, live around or just pass by are constantly watching us and if someone knows you profess to have faith in Jesus Christ..they watch you even closer. I believe one of the main reasons they do is because they are searching. What would they find in your life?

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. (I John 1:1-4)

When you live day to day, your choices, attitude, or response to life's circumstance..are you spreading or showing others your faith? Is it a reflection of what God has done in your your life and he can do in anyone elses? What is it that you portrait that is different from just anyone? We should be showing Christ in us. How he changes our lives. How we fellowship together ( not divided with judgement, gossip or hypocrisy). We should be showing others that we fellowship with Christ and that is WHY we live the way we do.

Show others around you how God gives you comfort, joy and peace. You know, in a world without God or a Saviour..what hope do we have? Nothing. I can't even imagine if I lived my life in worry or pain seeing no sign of hope, we have the power through God to show people that there is hope. Sometimes it's as simple as having faith. You don't get your promotion at work, you become very sick or ill, a loved one dies - each one of these circumstances we can show others God's love, loyalty and power. There are people who think there is no hope for them.

Do you think in Luke 8, that Legion, who was so writhed with pain and suffering having been possessed by so many demons and evil power, just went on with life and never told anyone about how Christ freed him? That he just said "Well, thanks Jesus, have a nice day." and never mentioned it to anyone? Not likely. Verse 39 by instruction from Christ himself gives us, today, a great instruction. To go and tell people how Christ changed us. This was a circumstance were many probably thought there was no hope for this man.

I do realise we might not be possessed by and fighting thousands of demons minute by minute. But we do certainly have our moments in life where God fights and takes away our "demons", whether it be an addiction, bad attitude or just negativity all around us. And we should be showing in our lives how God takes those troubles away and gives us strength and most importantly, eternal life.

Now, I believe..based on different examples and scripture in the Bible that it does not end with just our choices but also our service. When I see a "leader" in the Bible, or study one, like David, or Moses or Paul..I don't see someone who just "lived a good life." They served. They took on the challenge and responsibility of others not just seeing their lives but following them to Christ. And ultimately we should be leading people to Christ as well. So whether it be visiting others, leading a Bible Study or helping with a ministry at church..at some point we should be thinking about assuming the position as a leader and using the gifts God gave us to serve and glorify him. If you're not sure what those gift are - pray about it. Don't worry though..this may be a subject I'll touch on with another WHANM.

Until then, have a good rest of the week and be the leader with testimony and service.

Read more...

Sunday with the Girls

 Tonight I got to spend time with my two nieces, Iliana Marie and Audrina Grace. It was really fun, we went to church, came home and ate that delicious healthy snack while we waited for the pizza to come. After we ate some pizza we watched Rango while enjoying the cinnamon pie and hot chocolate with whipped cream and choc sauce!

 Iliana, she liked the choc sauce

 Audrina loved drawing on the pictures! I have a couple pictures that are in frames with dry erase markers so you can draw on my face and on an owl too.

 Not going to lie, I enjoyed the hot chocolate too!

Audrina enjoyed hers as well.

All in all it was a great night. I had a good time with my nieces. And they got to speak to Grandma Esquibel..haha she stayed up pretty late to see them, thanks Mum. My brother informed me that as soon as they left and the door shut, Audrina goes "She's so awesome! When can we come back?" Perhaps a sleepover is due? :)

Read more...

WHANM A New Man

Wednesday Has A New Meaning:
Put on a New Man

Hope you got the chance to attend church or a small group meeting tonight. If not, hope you enjoy what I learnt in my Bible study.

Colossians 3:1-17

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about what is to put on the "New Man". How hard that sometimes can be but how rewarding it is when we do. Have you ever been worried what people will think of you? Your friends? Family or employers? Sometimes, I worry about losing people who will no longer be interested in what I am doing putting on this New Man and put away the Old Man.

The thing is, when we put on the New Man, we are identifying ourselves with Christ. We are saying the Lord is our Saviour and he is who we serve. Although this doesn't make us perfect, it gets us to where God wants us to be. In the midst of others who also love Christ who can encourage us, lead us and make us aware of things we are doing wrong. It also says to anyone around us who don't believe in Christ - that is how we believe, this is our life and what we live for. You know sometimes the person you think who is least interested in your faith is the one who observing you and seeking Christ in you, a new hope, something they don't have.

It's not easy to do. It is not an easy world to live in where people think you're a bad person or close minded if you 100% believe in what you do. When someone approaches me and tells me I should be "open minded" and agree with what other people believe in, that is right for them, and this is right for me..I just tell them:

"That would suggest what is good for me - is not good enough for all, and I believe that Jesus Christ as a sacrifice was sufficient for all. If I were to believe that what you believe is right for you - then I would be saying that He is not the way, truth, or the life and that anyone can come to Him, as long as it works for them. I respect that you believe different, but I do not agree with it."

Many times we ARE saying that, with our actions by living in the Old Man, in the previous life we had before we knew Christ or the life we know we shouldn't be living. We are saying "This is good for me, that that is good for you." Which is so untrue.

Do not worry, in his word and in this chapter even we are given clear instructions on what we should and shouldn't be doing and we are given a way to live. Not just "You should be living this way.." but more like "here is how you can live this way.." and what I got from it was to stay hopeful and focus on the things of Heaven and God and what is really important. The things that are eternal..not of this earth. And to stand firm knowing(studying God's word - so really, really knowing) that we made new in Him. That He as our creator made us new when we accepted Him as our Saviour and that He is in us. To forgive others, not to spend time being bitter or proud or stubborn but to forgive those against us or who have wronged us, for us to ask the same when we wrong someone and to use our energy to dwell together in the peace and love that God gives us. To rejoice together! Sing unto the Lord, thank Him and spend time with others who push us to be more like Him, who push us to be the New Man.

Read more...

Christmas Cuppa

Perfect presents for children! And kids growing up. I made these for my neices for Christmas this year and will fill them with a few coloured permanent markers and some hot cocoa, marshmellows and candy canes!

Pick out some mugs at the dollar store 

Decorate them however you like, I chose to put a cute coffee poem and a city on one..

..and a cute way of saying I love you and owls on the other, both have the girls' names on them

Don't forget to leave instructions for Daddy!!

I loved this idea of baking on marker on a mug. The colouring idea came to me when I figured that the girls will love a mug but I think they'd love making it their own too! If you knew the personality of my neices you will know they will love love love these and their grandma and grandpa(my parents) live in England and drinking tea is big over there, maybe we can all settle down to a milky tea on Christmas. Can't wait to make more for friends!!

Read more...

iSICK

I'm sure you are thinking she doesn't look that sick. Haha well on Saturday I started to feel better but it looks like I have the flu. So I've been pretty exhausted today. Hot, cold, tired, and sad missing my Mum, remembering how she always takes care of me when I'm sick. It makes me grateful that I have awesome friends and family that check on me when I'm sick. Even if it is their wedding shower and I should be there not here. On an up side..I got my pictures from Shutterfly. I think my Crafty Muffs focus will be making memories and Christmas Presents. Sending prayers up that I start to feel better, over and out.

Read more...

Simple Delicious

When I moved into my little house here, there was a part that was broken in my stove. It's been that way for a month but don't worry!! The part is in and it's getting fixed tomorrow. So, I've been microwaving and crockpottin' a lot. For a while I just just eating raw or microwave meals and I CRAVED meat. So I gave the crockpot a go. If you live in a dorm or just don't feel like messing up your oven..follow this simple recipe I wrote today.

Simple Delicious: Chicken and Dumplings

You will need:

1 carrot

2 green onions

1/2 can of: green beans, corn, peas

(you can also use frozen packs or medleys)

1/2 cup chopped chicken

1 can chicken broth

1 packet chicken gravy

1 cup egg noodles

1 can biscuits

Directions:

1. Cut up and drain all your vegetables and place in crockpot on high (I have a small crockpot, larger ones will need to go on a lower temperature)

2. Pour half the can of broth in with veggies and stir occassionally while adding or preparing the other ingredients

3. Partially or fully cook your chicken. I chopped mine up and placed in a small bowl with a little salt and soy sauce, and microwaved carefully for 2 minutes until cooked. Then add to crockpot. Stir

4. Rinse egg noodles until water runs practically clear, then add to crock pot

5. Mix remaining chicken brother with chicken gravy packet and add to pot

6. Give it a good stir and leave in crockpot one hour, if there isn't liquid to the top of mix - add water

7. Tear biscuits into small pieces or roll into dumplings and cook. I just have a microwave, did you know: You can cook biscuits in the microwave?! You can, I seperated mine then cooked them for 3 minutes and "fluffed" every 1 minute.

Serve soup with dumplings and enjoy.

Read more...

Wednesday Has a New Meaning

This time last year, at work, I used to get off nearly two hours before I get off now. I would always make it to church on a Wednesday night. They were some of my favourite nights because the class I went to would have great music, a good lesson and a real intimate study where we could discuss things and really reflect on our lives.

Because of my new schedule it's very hard for me to get to church on Wednesday nights, if at all. Some may take this as a "freebie" like skipping Sunday School because you're sick when you are little. I miss Wednesday nights, so, after thinking about all I am missing, what other people are missing and by suggestion of my Mum, I've decided I will make my Wednesday night in the word, a little later..when I get off work.

I am going to look for a Bible Study to share with you all. But for tonight, I felt like I needed to experience joy. I felt disappointed after work. The reason isn't important, but my disappointed and "failure" feeling, simply came to me because I, like many, often try to control God's blessings, instead of trusting him, that all things come in his time. So I turned to the book of Psalm..

I will extol thee, O Lord; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. O Lord, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. Lord, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled. I cried to thee, O Lord; and unto the Lord I made supplication. What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth? Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. (Psalm 30)

So when you feel disappointed and are feeling like a failure, when you feel like you've lost control or yourself, when you're wrapped up in this world, sad or lonely and all you can do is cry, yell, shout or complain, when you feel bitter or hurt, when your heart feels heavy..remember to praise God in your circumstance and that..

ps. this is one thing, that for the past year my very good friend Meleah has reminded of me, in each of my circumstances..to be grateful and praise God, no matter what

Read more...

Labour Day

Today..I..

 Mod-Podged a pink tin, to match the home decor in my studio/office

Made some delicious Pizza Pasta in the crock pot

Alberto Einstein & Charles Dickens got a hair-cut, bath, flea treatment and lots of cuddles

I had my "Labour Day" fun last night when I went over to a friends house for some chicken and waffles(which btw, is amazing, just sayin') then we played some Clue..it was electronic, very fun. I ended the night by laughing at hilarious ads on CraigsList. I don't have Tuesdays off, so when I get a paid holiday I take it easy, because I..like many..have to work tomorrow.

Excited about lots of changes coming - keep reading my friends!

Read more...

Brighten Up!!

A NEW SHADE OF LIFE

I got off of work today and it was raining. My two best friends left on a trip to see their mother. I don't have a boyfriend (at least not one). I have two dogs who I love to cuddle with a list of things that I needed to do at home.

I recently starting renting a house. (Emphasis on rent..the step before you buy..right) I love house life! I love having two bedrooms, a living room and kitchen. I love the fact I have a huge back yard. But the house is old.

Bring life to your kitchen by a simple and easy cabinet make-over. I went to Home Depot after work and bought some Oops Paint for fifty cents, it was white so I added a little yellow to it to make it a fresh clean yellow look. I didn't want to paint all the cabinets because I think that's a little intense. So I taped off edges and painted!

The look is clean and easy, try the panels on a hutch, kitchen or bathroom cabinets. And when the life returns to the room, remember, you did it yourself!! Express yourself.

Read more...

Forgive and move on

"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence.."
- Ephesians 1:6-8

What I wanted to talk about tonight is forgiveness. It's absolutely necessary to each of us to forgive, and be forgiven. God forgave us of every sin we've committed, even before we do them!! When we forgive others it opens up our very souls to accept God's forgiveness - the part where you feel his presence and comfort and the washing away of your sins to remove guilt and shame - that's we need to feel.

This is also the process we need to take when forgiving others. Now..forgiveness should be asked for, but it's not always asked is it? Sometimes we feel like people have wronged us, some have, but never ask for forgiveness. This raised a question to me..how many times have I wronged someone, including my Saviour, and have not asked for forgiveness? Many times. Forgiving someone is hard, but if we don't we harbour feelings of regret, hurt, anger and bitterness. Those very things block up our connection with God, they slowly consume us. So take some time each day to let go and forgive others.

Ask for forgiveness. When you feel the need to be forgiven there is a good chance you should ask for it. When we need forgiveness from others and God, it can also consume us with very different feelings of regret, hopelessness, failure, loneliness, and undeserving feelings. This can create a wall between us and others and God. We suddenly feel as though we are not good enough to enter into the presence of God (even though we have accepted him as our Saviour and he filled that gap so we could..) or hang out with our "good" friends. Perhaps we even feel like we can't get back on track because we have failed so many times before.

This is not the case my friends. When God forgives us (which we should follow..) he accepts us. He takes our sin and forgives us. Although there is a consequence for our actions, our Lord washes away our sin, he doesn't throw it back into our faces.

So no matter how many times you fall, remember, ask to be forgiven. Let those things go. Start over, die daily, move on and use your time wisely to rebuild this foundation that starts with God. He's molding you daily. Trust me - he knows what's going on in your life. So when you get that feeling, the Holy Spirit pulling on your heart strings, cling to it! It's God saying "I'm here, it's ok, you're forgiven, now live.."

Let's do this, one day at a time

ps. Sorry I failed on the collage. I'm in the process of moving and I think it'd probably be best if I do that project after I move.

Read more...

What do you fill your frame with?

What do you fill your frame with? Is it full of memories of a good times, friends, family, parties, bad times, your friends, models, celebrities, inspirational photos or old photos?

If your life were photo frame - what is it full of?

Do you fill your life with a bunch of in-the-moment times? Or do you fill it with long lasting memories. When you look in your frame of life does it make you happy or satisfied? Sometimes I'm afraid that I, myself, create this collage of some epic life and future in my frame. It's all created by my hand, it's beautiful, full of life, creative, loving, flawless, slightly selfish and completely fictional.

I like to see who people could be, and snap that image of them in my mind and put it right in my frame. I create this fictional person - who they are perfectly capable of being - who anyone could be. But when I do that I totally miss who that person really is. They could be absolutely great as they are!! And I miss out on all the small things! Or, they could be completely opposite. They could be this person that does small things to deceive you. Or maybe they are just growing like you are. And you shouldn't put some immense pressure on someone to fit your frame. Just as it is to pressure on your life.

Have goals, know what you want, but don't stress yourself out on living some perfect life to fit this frame you've built up. The only thing you need to focus on filling your life with, is God. I mean God created you, your life and everything so I'm pretty sure he is capable of making a beautiful collage in whatever frame you have. Just seek him and he'll start filling it up.

So here is my challege to myself and also to any of you. Show me what's in your frame right now! Don't pull anything from t \he past or put your goals up, just show me you. That's what I'll be doing this weekend. I will show you next week, what's in my frame.

Isaiah 55:8

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

See what he brings to your life..it may be different than your arrangement..

Read more...

Just a little reminder..

There are always going to be times when we fail. Whether it was just slipping up on a temptation or epically diving face first into failure and never coming to the surface because we feel some sort of disappointment or guilt. All these feelings are okay. That's part of our convictions and things that the Holy Spirit will bring to your attention and lives as we grow closer to God.

But what about those times when we are on the right path and everything seems to fall into place - then we goof up? That one time that seems to throw you off of your progress. Put you down or pull you down. Make you feel like maybe what came before wasn't progress, if it were then you would not have fallen a step back? Even the tiniest things can make us feel this way.

So, what should we do? Of course we need to speak to God about these things and part of that communication is reading his word. Just a little reminder - God speaks to us in many ways and his word is direct and without error..it's not a coincidence that you pray for answers and forgiveness and God shows you what he's done, quite literally in his word. So don't be afraid to search out the answer to a question or feeling or conviction through the Bible..you may just find what he wants you to look for..

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

I thank God that he made a way for me to come boldly to the throne of grace(God giving me things I do not deserve). That those sins I've committed and will continue to throughout my life are forgiven and were forgiven the moment he died for my sins before I even contemplated them. When I think about that throne of grace and God's mercy(God not giving me things I do deserve) I feel a little bit less disappointed with myself but encouraged that he provides me with help, in time of need - knowing that there will be days when I will need help. He's got it all under control.

So get the Lord's spanking, realise he does things in your life because he loves you, wants you to obey him and make good choices, tell him you're sorry, as for his forgiveness and then wipe away the tears, wash your face and go outside and play. (I may or may not have implemented some of my own childhood in that one..)

Read more...

There's always time

I was just thinking..maybe, just maybe..this time would be different. And it will be. Did you ever stop to think that this time will happen and God will build you, make a case and plea it, stop that addiction, reveal his power, provide, make an end meet, make a way, be a way, take away the wrong way - and even put up a sign or two to direct you, comfort you, love you..maybe this time it's happening to show you, create something new, teach you, let you teach, reach you and let you reach, give to you and take away, prepare you, use you, bruise you and heal you?

Maybe this time around, we could give God our time, our times and in return have the time of our life, because we know..without a shadow of a doubt..he's our Saviour and this time is his, when we die, there will always be time, an eternity where there is only peace, love, joy and happiness..and above all walking by our Saviour's side.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-14

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

..I was just thinking..

Read more...

Sunday: Oh so Pinteresting!!

Once in a whle I like to day dream. Believe it or not sometimes it's about fashion. So today on Pinterest I looked up some crazy cute hair styles, updos and cuts that I look forward to sporting at some point. Here is what I found..

First off I totally miss this:

But..seeing these makes me want to keep it long!!

My favourite. It's so natural looking. I'm at this stage only shorter.

Breakfast at Tiffanys stylee

"It's so big I wanna touch it!"

I think even this looks good!

What is your fav hair style or cut? I love them all tbh.

Read more...

New Web Site!

Okay so hopefully with this new site and new place and new lifestyle..I'll have a lot of new things to say. Like I've made a website to feature my art and photography. :) check it out when you get the chance.

A.Esquibel Photography and Art

Read more...

GROW: The Adventures of Emma and Annette

Tonight at Grow was pretty great. A lot of visits were made and a lot of people encouraged.

Tonight summarized:
Emma wanted a cheeseburger! Annette did succesfully deposit wrappers in Emma's door. On a not to successful note - there were only 3 hard candies with the soft center. One visit was not home but the other was, well..ok so when we knocked on the door a girl answered and said "I think you have the wrong apartment. Oh wait! Oh yeah she does live here!"

Had a great time. I will have to tell you of other adventures some time too.

Read more...

Proverbs 10

I write in a prayer Journal every morning for this addiction program I go to caller RU. Every morning you read that days Proverb.

Today is the 10th so it's Proverbs 10.

What I got mostly from today's Proverb is that even though we sometimes turn to foolish things, a lot of the time the Lord takes those thing out of our lives. He will only let us get so far into our sin. He wants us to make wise decisions in life and to build up riches in Heaven. He will bless us on earth as well though.

Read more...

Let's Plan my Wedding Step by Step, CAKE TALK!

No, I'm not getting married. Some day I will. But I love home decor and weddings so much that I think it'd be fun to hear everyone's stories etc on their weddings and dreams of weddings. Let's start with cake!!

I want FRENCH MACARON wedding cake!!
The reason I love this idea is because..it's not messy. You can go with your wedding colours (which if you've never seen my apartment - and you will soon on this blog - you'll see, I won't have wedding colours). You can easily freeze some for your anniversary or just have the very same ones made. Oh and people can take mini macarons home as a favour.

Show me your wedding cake!

Read more...