Pressing on

I had decided I didn't want to blog about the tragic events this weekend. I didn't want to give any more attention to the senseless acts of violence and terror. But the more I hear people grumble and complain and run the city into the ground the more I feel I can't keep silent.
Unfortunately, violence is a by-product of our times and imperfect society. And it happens EVERYWHERE. There is no city that isn't impacted by violence.
What makes a location a desirable place to live is how it's citizens react to such a tragedy. The choice is up to the people of Muskogee. Will we let it be defined by this incident and turn it over to those people who perpetrate such acts of violence? Or will we stand up and re-claim our city?
Don't sit idly by and complain about how the city is not the kind of place to raise a family. Do something about it. Stand up for your right to live in a city where such violence is not tolerated. Nor will we tolerate people harboring these fugitives. We will not raise a generation of children who have no regard for human life. We will not live in fear and intimidation.
Trust in the Lord. Reclaim what satan has stolen from us. He can only have what we give up willingly.
"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies." Psalm 18: 2 & 3.

March 11

I know through experience that I have the choice each day to either focus on what's right in my life and have a good day or to dwell on everything that's wrong in my life and have a bad day. I know this. I really do. But sometimes I don't remember it til I've been in the mire and muck of a really really bad day.
I've had few really really bad days recently. I can't seem to shake this allergy/cold thing and my iron deficiency hasn't helped. Despite years of insomnia, I've been falling asleep at the drop of a hat and haven't wanted to wake up. And I've struggled with the unexpected death of a friend that I loved deeply. Then the last two days I've felt surrounded by people who don't really like me much but have to love me because they're my family. ( I know it's hard to believe there could be anyone who didn't like me right? lol)
This morning I woke up and determined this was going to be a good day despite anything that can and will go wrong. So far, I 'm doing ok. But I'm not perfect. And that's ok. God doesn't call me to be perfect. I'm in a constant state of being perfected and polished by Him, but He doesn't expect perfection from me in this earthly body.
I prayed on my drive in to work that God would put me in a better frame of mind today. That He would allow me to see all that is good and right, and to hold on to the fact that He loves me...and He likes me.
And since He loves and likes me so much, He sent me the song by Sanctus Real called Forgiven. If you haven't heard it, I'd encourage you to listen to it. Either way I think you should remember this line from the song..."When I don't measure up to much in this life, I'm a treasure in the arms of Christ cause I'm forgiven." It doesn't matter if anyone else sees the potential and purpose of who I am or who you are, because Christ sees us as His treasure and that's all that matters.
Be blessed my friends. And know you matter to me and more importantly you matter to Christ.

Argghh....Monday

You know how some days you wake up and everything seems to be going so smooth? You get out of the house early, arrive at work in plenty of time to get everything done. Go to the bank and make deposits. Get all the end of monthly figures and reports done. Go to the post office to mail special orders, still making good time. And then you hear an ominous pop and thus ends the smooth day.
So, it's barely 10:30 am and I've already pushed my car half a block and then walked 4 blocks to work, without a coat over ice covered streets. I made it back to work without any injury (Yay!!). I am praying that whatever is wrong with the vehicle is minor and fixed very inexpensively.
Back at work, and ipage isn't working so I can't do my special orders . The vacuum cleaner won't work so I couldn't use it and now the junk on the floor is mocking me.
So now I'm waiting expectantly for God to do something awesome. With all the attacks and the enemy trying to get me down, I know that God has a miraculous day in store for me. OK God show me Your glory and majesty!

words of encouragement

I've been poking around the apologetics and found an article from Marla Alupoaicei that reminded me of something I should know and needed to hear. It encouraged me and I'm posting it here in the hopes that it encourages you as well.
God always answers our prayers by giving one of three answers:
1. Yes, I'll do it.
2. No. There's a reason why this is not best for you . You may not see or understand the reason now, but you may discover it in time.
3. Wait. Now is not the right time. Be patient, keep praying, and wait to see what I am going to do in your life.
So, if like me, you've been praying for something and it seems like your prayer just isn't going anywhere, keep praying. Keep believing. And keep trusting that God is listening and answering.
Be blessed!