Have you ever just asked God why? Why is this happening? Why has this not happened? Why do I have to do this? Why can't I do that? Why me? Why not me? I have. Just today. I can't help be laugh. Because God has such a way of dealing with us in a few and gentle words. And it will make you sit up and take note. In my vision for myself, what I saw, was not what I thought it meant or stood for. Now I can see my everyday life leading me to my vision. God is so awsome. What is your vision? Is it in line with God? If so, God will eventually show you things you need to know. God bless you -------------------------------------

I just want to tell everyone. CIOC has the best drama team. They were out of school today and they asked if they could practice all day. And that they did. From 10 am til 9 pm, but they take lunch and dinner. So take out about 4 hours. That is dedication. God has His hand on them and fixing to show out through them. If you want to be blesse be at CIOC this coming Friday night and Sunday morning. God bless you-------------

WOW!!!!! We had our Fall Festival this afternoon. The puppets was a big hit. Talked to a lady that I had not seen since we done the Pulse. At the end of the evening, the drama team presented me with a card and roses. Of course, I cried. Then , they want to take pictures. I am sure you can guess what I look like on those. All red--eyes and face. But, that was so sweet of them. God's working in the young peoples lives. I praise God for all He is doing. God bless you.

You know the song, "Going to Another LEVEL"? Well, I have gone to another level. The last two or three weeks God has really been moving. Talking about enlarging territories. Oh, my. God has definitely enlarged my territories. Just from being willing to help, able to give up my free time for God's work, I have been able to work with some awesome teen's in doing dramas. The most important thing is seeing God work in these teens and watch their life change.
Of course, I talk about what I do and my church and what happens at church to the people I work with. One of the girls asked me, "Just what is it you do at your church?" I reply with, I help teach Children's Church on Sundays, I help organize major events(Easter Egg Hunt, Fall Festival), and now with a drama team I meet with them when they practice, and whatever else anyone wants me to do. She wanted to know how I spent my free time. My reply was my time was God's do fill. Someone else spoke up and said, "Mary is most happy when she is doing something for someone else. You can tell that by how she brightens up when she talks about it." She was right. It absolutely thrills me to do something for someone. And God has opened doors for me. I thank Him for using me to help others. And I pray God continues to use me. When He stops using me, there will be something wrong I with or in my life.
We don't see ourselves the way others see us. One person sees me busy and never having time for self. Another sees me busy doing something good for others that also satisfies me. I had never really thought about what I do. I know I could not do what my heart was not in.
May God bless you---------------------------------------

HELLO, since I last blogged I have been to a Women's Conference and we have had a speaker at out church from Kenya. WOW !!! What a month. But, this has all happened since Sept. 22nd.
Yesterday I took out children to a local nursing home. I think I got more blessed by the faces brightening up and smiling than anyone else. The kids enjoyed it too.
I thank God for
Abraham. Abraham's family blessed the world. God used Abraham's family to establish principles. Methods change but principles never change. Principles of truth, righteousness, holiness, purity, morality, and family values, have not changed over the years. Abraham maintained a right relationship with God. Where Abraham went, he built an alter. Abraham maintained a spirit a generosity. The age we live in is cured with selfishness. Abraham was generous toward God and also to others. Abraham maintained a disciplined household. In Genesis 18:19 God says "For I know him." God is saying, "I know Abraham. I know his heart, how he feels. I know Abraham's head, I know what he thinks. I know Abraham's home, how he acts." God is an all knowing God. He knows how we feel, how we think, how we act, and how we react.
Three things to be done in every home:
1. Establish God's way.
2. Exercise God's wisdom in managing your family.
3. Exemplify God's will.
Our families need the same priorities, the same patterns, and the same principles that Abraham's family needed. They are not going to come from a book from the best seller list. We get them when we are on our face before God at an alter of prayer. Make a certain place in your home an alter area.
May God bless you----------------------------------

Hello, I know it has been a long time since I have blogged. I hope to blog a little more consistent from now on. I have had several people ask me to pray for them for stuff that is going on in their lives (sickness, hardships, etc.). While I was praying one morning this week, I got a revelation to give each person something. I typed our confessions we say at our church and handed them all a copy. About two days later, three of them told me they had been saying it and it made them feel better. I explained to them, what they were saying was the Word of God over their life, it has nothing to do with a denomination or a type of religion. Some of the people go to a church and some do not. But, it does not matter. God's Word still works regardless. I challenge everyone to say them everyday, believe it, and make it personal for you. If anyone wants a copy, let me know. God bless you --------------------------

Why do you think a man marries a certain woman? Is it because she is pretty? Her hair? Her clothes? Men normally don't marry a woman on how she looks. But, he will marry a woman on how she looks at him. Boaz was an example for all men to follow. He worked, he was free-hearted with what he had, he kind, he was a protector, he was not afraid of Ruth knowing his business, and those he trusted were trustworthy. This is just to list a few of his qualities. A woman admires a mans decisions about things. So, men-------do you have qualities that make a woman comfortable? Do you make good sound and wise decisions? If not, read the book of Ruth. Then reread the book of Ruth. Make of list of qualities you get from Boaz and compare yourself. Make a decision to improve. Seek Godly counsel in making decisions. Ask God to help you and lead you.

Ladies, you have a part to play in the puzzle. Don't put your husband down all the time. Let him know he is loved, let him know he is important, look at him with love and admiration in your eye and not just contempt. Have you ever just stopped doing whatever you are doing and looked at your husband in the eye and told him, "thank you for all you do for me and the family because I could not do what you do." Build him up. The more you thank him and build him up, the more he is going to want to make better decisions and do the right things.

May God richly bless you and keep you -----------------------------

I have learned that you have to make good use of your time and opportunities, and use your words carefully. Anger, pride, and unforgiveness will destroy me. It will hurt others but I will be destroyed by them. Never lose hope, peace and honesty. In all have have gone through the peace gave me a realy comfort. The most valuable things you will ever have are love, family and friends, and kindness. The other things you own---are just that---things. Your fortune, success, and dreams are never certain. Life happens. Your circumstances can change over night. But your commitment, sincerity, and hard work make your the person you are. But, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are always and truly constant. God's love is always with you,
God's promises are true. When you give God all your cares and problems, KNOW God will see you through.
If you will live simple, you will take burdens out of your life you were not suppose to have to start with. Love and care for everyone. And show it. Sometimes it is hard to do, but once you start showing more love and care for others, they in turn show more love and care for you. It can be catching. Speak kindly to others and about others. You would not want someone talking bad about you. When you have done all this--prayerfully leave the rest to God. God knows it all. So He knows exactly what needs to be done and how to get it done.
May God bless you----------------------------------------

I know it has been awhile since I blogged. But I have had alot going on. I have moved and have gotten settled in my new place. I am really liking it.
If you have missed any of the last 3 weeks at CIOC, you have just missed it. That is all there is to say. We have had some church up in the house. Last Sunday, it sounded just like there were hundreds of people in there worshipping. It is getting better and better. God wants to give us our hearts desires. Just don't stop praising Him. I really believe we are going to be in our own church building soon. God will bless us for all we do for Him. Keep praying and staying in the Word. Then you will grow stronger and stronger in God. I pray the talent in our church we have not yet seen will show itself soon. I thank God for everyone who steps up to the plate to do the smallest of things for our ministry. It is usually the things no one ever sees, and they are the most important. Let's all invite people to our church and make them feel welcome. We have to do our part to grow the church. It is not just one or two peoples responsibility. May God bless you and keep you ------------------------------------------

I refuse to let my dream in me die. I love outreach. I done visitation for about 2 1/2 years. We done a Saturday Sunday School once a month. That has never left me. I still want to do something. I want out church to do outreach. This has been on my heart for so long. The joy and happiness on a child's face or the happiness on a mom's face that you cared for her and her child. That can never be replaced in you. It will pull at you heart strings. To provide for others a meal, and see them cry because if it were not for our efforts to help they would not have had a Thanksgiving dinner. What would you being willing to do for someone else? Would you be willing to give up your Thanksgiving dinner so an abused woman and her child would have one? Would you give your time to serve to someone one day a week, or one day a month? What are you willing to give up? God said I have nothing to lose but will gain riches untold just by helping one of His children. We are all His children, regardless of age. I realize not everyone has a passion for outreach. So not everyone is willing to sacrifice or be inconvenienced. This is just my thoughts------God bless each of you----------------------------

God has used me in a mightily way several times lately. One time all I really done was show concern and love to someone who was so broken down and defeated, they were thinking of suicide. God wants people who are ready, willing, and able. I am not saying I am all that. But I do put an effort into being God's servant to His people and His witness. Even at the yard sale yesterday, two people I have not seen or had contact with for years showed up. I got to talk about my church and one has moved closer to the area and is looking for a church. Of course I invited her. Love on the people you come in contact with, you never know how you will bless their life or save their life. God bless-----------------------

Have you ever thought about what a sacrifice really is? I was reading in Exodus about the different sacrifices they made to God. They were to offer on the alter each day a lamb, once in the morning and one in the evening. The one in the morning was to be offered with flour and a hin of oil from pressed olives. A hin is about equal to a quart. That is 32 ounces. One olive will only produce about 3-5 drops of oil. Think about an eye dropper or a medicine dropper. that is not much. But those people pressed enough olives daily to make this offering. Olive oil had multiple uses like: food, health, beauty and energy, anoint people, as well as for burial. It was sometimes referred to as an ointment. The best ointments were kept in small alabaster boxes that best preserved it aroma. Some of the better ointments were known to keep their distinctive scents for centuries.
So, I would say God ask these people to make a great sacrifice just by requiring the oil to be used. It took their time and energy to produce the oil, which is over and above what they normally would need and use for their own personal use. Has God changed? NO, HE has NOT. God still requires we give Him out time and energy. God is not going to ask for something that you will come by easy. It has to stretch you. You can not go buy what God wants. The simple way is to commit to God to do His will. Give God the sacrifice He wants from you. Then He will give back to you more than you can possibly ask for. Getting up an hour or two earlier in the morning to spend time with God is hard. But the more you do it the easier it gets. Then one day, you will just wake up from an internal time clock just to spend time with Him. Then you will have to find another sacrifice. Spend another hour in the evenings. Oh, boy. Try breaking way from family and friends on a regular basis.
May God bless you ---------------------

God has been dealing with me about things a lot lately. One thing is the song I sing and play in my car while driving, "I Am A friend of God." We all know and sing this song. One morning God just simple ask me, "What is a Friend?" Webster's definition--a person one knows well and is fond of, an ally, supporter, or sympathizer. And reading that, it pretty much sums up a friend.
But what does the Bible say about a friend? A friend will love you at all times(good times, bad times, sickness, broke, busted), a friend will stick closer than a brother(this is a blood relative), a friend will lay down his life for you(will back you up, always on your side, step in front of you when a gun is pointed at you). How many friends do you have that is really a friend? Are you a real friend to any one to that extend? Jesus is our friend in that way. The only one we can depend on. Most friends are not going to be there for you in the very worst of times. And do you really know of someone who will take the bullet, take the chance of being killed for you? Jesus made a sacrifice for us. Are you willing to make a sacrifice to be his friend? It is not easy to speak of the Bible, religion, and God at times. But that is when we are forced to sacrifice. I would much rather make a sacrifice now than have God turn His back to me later. Just take a few quiet moments and reflect on your friendship with God. Are you making a sacrifice for him?
If not, maybe your friendship with God is not what it should be.
Until next time, may God bless you ------

The Easter Egg Hunt was today. It went well. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I would like to say "Thank You" to all who helped. It was a long day for us but a good day. I am sorry some of you missed it. We had a great time of fellowship today. What really made my day was a little guy about 8 years old was standing in front of me and just talking about something (you know how kids are) and all of a sudden he said this is the best Easter Egg Hunt he has ever been to. That made all the long hours and hard work worth it. God Bless --------------------

I was reading my Bible a couple of days ago in Exodus Chapter 13. Moses was finally able to take the people out of Eygpt. And in verse 19 it says Moses took the bones of Joseph with him. Why did he take these bones? God gave Joseph the promise of the new land hundreds of years before. Joseph had already been buried. But they had to take the promise with them. I hope this hits your spirit like it did me. But I thought this was just great.

To get your promise, you have to hold on to it. Take it with you. SO. If God has given us a promise to take this city. Do not lay it down and forget it. Even if it actually happens through our children's children. Keep that promise in you and work like it will happen today.

God bless you and keep you safe and healthy ----------------------

Hello, everyone. It seems like it has been forever since I have had time to blog. I have been busy at work and getting things ready for the Easter Egg Hunt on March 31, 2007. I am excited about it. We have another church joinging us this year. Strait Christian Church will be helping us this year. They are excited about this as well. There will be games, food, and fun for all. Bring your family and join us at the Civic Center (at the picnic area). Invite friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. Let this be a big family event for you. Hope to see you there.
God bless you ---------------------------

It has been awhile since I blogged. I have had alot of things going on. The 3rd annual easter eff hunt is March 31, 2007. Oh my, that is just around the corner. We need eggs and candy. By the truck loads. This is an outreach ministry for the city of Anderson.

What are some things that has caused your faith to change in some way? Do you have more faith or less faith? Sometimes God will allow certain changes in your life to check your faith. Because of certain circumstances I have lost several things, and as long as I stay in God's Word, faithful to Him, trust Him, and depend only on Him, ----- It will be alright.

I trust God enough to protect me and guide me through all situations. I am not saying it is always easy. And people will make fun of you and talking about you and what is happening to you. But it will only get to you IF YOU let it. Keep in mind, no matter what you go through it has already happened to someone else before. So you are not the only one this has happened to.

Pretend in are in a very small room, it is dark, no food or water, no light, no funiture. There is absolutely nothing in this room. But there is a small door with a small doorknob. Are you going to stay in this small space and get comfortable in it or you can have the faith when you turn the doorknob everything you need and want is on the other side of the door?

As for me, I am moving forward. I pray you have faith to move forward and stay in one place because it is comfortable. May God bless you -------------

Our annual Marriage Retreat is coming up the end of this week. WOW!!! Can you believe how fast time is going by? In just 5 or 6 weeks is the Annual Easter Egg Hunt. I am so excited about that. It is so much fun and work to put the Egg Hunt together. But the results from the kids is so well worth all of it. And the adults seem to enjoy the time with the kids and fellowship with others as well. If you would like to help with this ministry, please feel free to call or talk with me about it. I am so excited about all that will be happening this year. God has been so good to us. Hope to see you in Asheville----God Bless---------------------

Being A Blessing

Are you one of the ones who always want a blessing? You go to church to get a blessing? Do you something with the mindset of getting a blessing (something in return)? OR----do you want to be the blessing? This has been heavy on my heart for about three or four months now. Every day when I get up I pray and ask God to show me, teach me, tell me--How I can be a blessing to at least one person today. When you do this a really mean it, it will make you more aware of your words, actions, and atttitude. I have received several comments about how I have helped them. And I appreciate that. But this is what blessing someone is...................................................
It is when you do something for someone else who has less than you do. You have to mire in the dirt. You have to get dirty to help someone else sincerely. Some people think if they do something for someone that has what they have or more they are blessing them. At that point, they are doing someone a favor or trying to get in their favor for some reason. It is not a true blessing.

If you follow Jesus' life, He was a blessing to the ones who others would not help. The woman at the well. She had a name among her own people. Jews were not suppose to talk to her. But Jesus did. Jesus walked the roads. He helped who He came in contact with.

Are we doing that? Or --------- Are we picking and chosing who we want to help? Are we helping others for a certain motive or are we helping others who could never do anything for us at all? Are we helping others because of who they are or what they have or do we help others because of what we can help them be or achieve?

I chose to help others and be a blessing to others who are less fortunate than I am. I am willing to get a little dirty. I am willing to be a little uncomfortable. What about you? Search your heart today and pray about it. You can not be a leader without being a servant first. I pray for God bless you and your decisions today---------------------

You can compare our lives to a catapillar. Before we were saved to crawled around in dirt and done whatever. We even built a cocoon around us. the catapillar cocoon comes from within and our does to. We make our cocoon stronger every time we harden our hearts toward God, build up walls to protect ourselves from getting hurt, done wrong toward others, and any and every sin imaginable. As the cocoon gets stronger to protect us so does the cocoon for the catapillar. But when we get saved, God cracks our cocoon. As God works on us, then you see the wings of a beautiful butterfly start to show. Then, the butterfly is completely out of the cocoon. At this point, we as christians are totally free. But God is never completely finished with us. We will never be totally Christlike until Jesus comes back.
You have to be careful to stay in God's word, have a relationship with the Lord, do His will, and minister to others. If not you will become the catapillar again, building a cocoon around yourself.
God gave us grace for a reason.
1. produces power 2 Corin. 12:9-10
2. provides perspective 2 Corin. 4:17-18
3. promotes perserverance 2 Corin. 4:8-9
4. promotes praise (this is just what we are made for)

God's grace teaches us to (Titus 2:12-14)
1. renounce sin
2. rule self
3. respect others
4. reverence God
5. repond diligently

We dod what we do:
1. God's power will be present in us 2 Corin. 4:7
2. Jesus' life may be manifested in us 2 Corin. 4:11
3. that christ's power may rest upon us 2 Corin. 12:9

Let's live our life according to God's word and not be rules and ideas that humans have come up with. I pray for each of you to be strong and bold and take a firm stand to live a Godly life that God has called you to live. Not just live haphazardly with not goals in site. God formed each of us with a goal in mind. Be the Man or Woman of God, He formed. If God is not ashamed of you, and He calls you His child. Don't be ashamed of your Heavenly Father, to praise Him to others.
God Bless--------------------------

Still, I Look to Find a Reason to Believe

That is a line from an old Rod Stewart song. I am sure most of you have heard it. I heard it one morning on the way home after taking Tony to work. It made me stop and think. Everybody is looking for a reason to believe in something. Are you living your life to give someone a reason to believe in God? As christians we need to examine our life to make sure we are living to help others. For several weeks now, before I go to work, I pray and ask God to show me how I can be a blessing to at least one person each and every day. If we all became a little more servant minded instead of wanting something for ourselves, we could be a blessing to others a little easier. Ask yourself---Am I the reason, (any name) believes in God? If the answer is yes, you have been a true blessing to that one person. And at some point in that persons life, you were the world to them.
God Bless each and everyone--------------