NinaMarie’s Blog

Guatemala-map

In just a few short days, 2 days, 11 hours, and 14 minutes, our team of 13 will leave for Guatemala.  Once we reach Guatemala we will join another group of 14 members from EL CAMINO SAN CRISTOBAL.  This is one of Truenorth Church's largest teams sent out. It's very exciting.

San Pedro will also be one of our destinations while in Guatemala.  San Pedro population is mainly Mayan people. It has a tranquil setting and very popular with travelers, particularly the hacky sack set. Many come here to learn Spanish or just live cheaply for a spell and enjoy the scenery.  Of course that won't be our journey. Our mission is to love on some children in this area. We will also travel to San Marcos, another town located on Lake Atitlan which is famous for it's natural beauty and colorful Mayan villages.

Two years ago I traveled to this area.  It was the very first missions trip I had ever gone on.  It was an amazing experience.  I am looking forward to returning to see what God has planned for me this time.

Chicken Bus

I was watching, briefly, last night the baseball game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers.  What a game, Phillies won 10 - 4.  The crowd was crazy, all you could see was Red in the stands.  People jumping up and down screaming, high fives everywhere you looked.  People were chatting on Facebook, there statuses reflecting their excitement or disapproval of the winner.  I would say that most people in Philadelphia are Fanatical Fans of the Phillies.  There mascot is called the Philly Fanatic, does that say something or what!

That brings me to my point today.  I am reading our last day of "WE UNITE," the series we have done for the past 40 days at Truenorth Church.  It has been an amazing journey.  One that has touched my life forever. God has brought so many things to my attention about myself.  It's been interesting to see myself in some ways, but it has been very much needed. 

Our scripture reading is Ephesians 5:19 (CEB), "When you meet together, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, as you praise the Lord with all your heart."  Why is it that it's acceptable to be a freak at ball games but when it comes to praising God it's not ok to be one?  You can get drunk, act like a complete idiot, roll on the ground, get sick and punch the guy out next to you, but you can't raise your hands when singing to Jesus without being called a religious fanatic? 

Can you imagine standing in the "Citizens Bank Park" in Philadelphia filled with 46,214 people, not cheering for the Phillies or Dodgers to win, but to cheer on our amazing God. Praising Him with meeting together, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs?  WOW!  Did you really see that number, 46,214.  These people are cheering on a baseball team!  OMG!  Go figure, we can cheer on a baseball team but when it comes to living our eternal life in heaven or hell they say we are Jesus Freaks.

Why should we, those who know Jesus, act as if our relationship with Him is like going to a funeral?  Why can't it be like going to a baseball game?  If anybody on earth has the right to celebrate, it is those of us who have committed our lives to Jesus Christ and been accepted into God's family!  I for one am thankful that I am on God's team, and I will celebrate that in front of how many ever people He would like me to.  No shame here to say that I believe Jesus Christ is my Lord and savior. So consider me a Fanatical Fan of Jesus!  Amen to that!!!

For those of you who don't know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, this is some of what He offers...check it out!

• given a new life of PURPOSE and significance.  (oh no, we actually have a purpose, well Yes my dear we do!)
• forgiven for every sin, and failure.  (Yep, we all sin and we all fail at something, but we are forgiven.  YAY!)
• loved unconditionally and accepted by God!  (someone does love you)
• provided with a spiritual family for our support!  (you got a friend)
• set free from worry because God is in control! (I'm still working on this one but it's there for us if we choose.)
• offered God's power to overcome hurts, habits, and hang-ups!
• given God's Word with the principles for successful living!
• released from shame, regret, and resentment!
• assured that Satan cannot take away our salvation! (Oh NO he can't)
• comforted knowing that "God works all things together for our good!"
• able to face each day with hope and optimistic faith!
• equipped with spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities to use!
• protected by all of God's promises!
• supplied with everything we need!
• guaranteed eternal life in heaven!  (my favorite part of all...it doesn't end here on earth!)
  

*taken from 40 days of community devotional*

Day 24 “WE UNITE”

Daily Devotional

Scripture: Colossians 3:16, “Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise.  Use his words to teach and counsel each other.

Observation: Although the early Christians had access to the Old Testament and freely used it, they did not yet have the New Testament or any other Christian books to study.  Their stories and teaching about Christ were memorized and passed on from person to person.  Sometimes the teachings were set to music, and so music became an important part of Christian worship and education.

Thankful people can worship wholeheartedly.  Gratitude opens our hearts to God’s peace and enables us to put on love.  Discontented people contently calculate what’s wrong with their lot in life.

To increase your thankfulness, take an inventory of all you have (including your relationships, memories, abilities, and family, as well as material possessions).  Use the inventory for prayers of gratitude.  On Sunday, before worship, quit rushing around; instead, take time to reflect on reasons for thanks.  Declare Sunday as your “thanks, faith, and hope” day.  Celebrate God’s goodness to you, and ask in prayer for all your needs for the week ahead.  (Words from the Life Application Study Bible-NIV)

Application:  So basically Chapter 3 of Colossians is teaching us Christians what we should do or how we should live holy lives.  In verse 12, Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Is anyone else feeling a little overwhelmed by this?  But then it says in verse 14 “And over all these virtues put on Love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” 

Ok, so now I see it.  When we do all these things, which of course, we most likely fail miserably at most of the time, we have perfect unity.  WOW! I love that.  Isn’t it so easy to take for granted all the things that we have or have been given by God?  We complain that we don’t have enough money, but we live in a house that is too big for us.  We complain that we hate our jobs, but yet we just show up to wait for the day to end.  Not thinking of what God can do through us in our daily walk. 

By nature I believe we are selfish people.  It’s difficult not to think of ourselves first.  Some are better at that then others. I think of others first but of course it depends on the situation.  I get caught up on the part that God can use us in any situation.  Which brings me to the most amazing experience I have had.  It just goes to show that God does use us when we least expect it.  So why shouldn’t I be thankful and grateful for what he has given me. 

Have you ever had the experience where you are involved in something? Then all of the sudden God says STOP!  I don’t want you to do that I want you to do this?  It’s to the point that you have to do it because he has convicted you and you are almost paralyzed to do anything else.  Well, this week that’s exactly what happened to me.

God’s presence was so great that I had to do what he asked me.  I thought, you want me to do what!? I said, “surely you don’t want me to do that.”  But I made a promise to God a few years ago, I would never say no.  If I knew that it was from him I would obey and do exactly what he asked.  So in this case, I backed up my van and got out.  My kids where in the car at the time and they wondered what I was doing.  I told them that I couldn’t leave I was being convicted by God to step out of the van and speak to this family.  (I know when they are older they will share this story, they may think I’m crazy right now.)

Ya know what?  God really did a work in me that day.  I don’t know why he had me do what he did, maybe this person just needed a hug and to be told that he is loved, a complete stranger by the way.  Yep!  The kids think I’m crazy.  But I did it and I am forever changed.  My thoughts and life will never be the same. 

I know there is a God, a God who loves me, who loves you.  Who is standing next to each of us every single moment of the day.  Even if we don’t feel him or see him, he is.  He shows himself to us at the most unusual times.  But it’s his perfect timing.  He is an amazing God, who I love with all that I am.  People can say what they want about my Jesus, but I know the truth.  I will share it, speak it and even scream it if I have to. It’s up to them if they receive him.  The sad thing is, if they don’t receive him, they are missing out on so much. 

So be bold, be brave, speak the truth and love those who don’t know Jesus.  By our faith, love and honesty we will help change our community.

Prayer   Continue to use me Lord. I’m yours.

Ugh!  The thoughts in my head are spinning so fast that it is difficult to get them into words that can be understood.  I feel like I have so much to share but I just don't know where to start.

I have said over the past few week's that God is doing something big ....I can't put my finger on it, I can't even explain it, but I know how I am feeling.  There are seasons that we all go through, times when we feel closer to God then others.  But this past month, well, I think God isn't just standing next to me, He's got me in His arm's carrying me,  directing me to be in the right place at the right time.  I want to share a prayer that I wrote on Day 11 of our "WE UNITE" series here at Truenorth church.

Prayer:  Lord, soften my heart, us me Lord.  I pray that I will be able to accept people just as you do.  Loving them exactly as they are and in the place they may be in.  Let me stand strong in your word-having faith that is abundant.  I pray that you will put people in my life that I can share your message with.  Open doors Lord for those to come forward and seek who you are.  May I be your instrument, may I be used by you as you see fit.  Amen"

I share this prayer with you because I believe God was listening.  He is opening my heart, showing me how to love those who some may say are unlovable.  "For me, I love those who are different, who stand out in a crowd.  I find them very interesting, but more importantly, I know they need Jesus.  I want to be that light that they see, I want to be the person who will be a pathway to showing them who Jesus Christ is.  I don't care what they do, how they do it, or the way they got to the place they are in.  I will love them right where they are.  One of my favorite saying's is "hate the sin not the sinner."  That statement is so true, it's what keeps me going when I see things that are so difficult to understand or comprehend." ( Hate the Sin, Not the Sinner.)

I never thought that I would be tested on those words I wrote just a few short weeks ago. Let me try to explain.  Our community had a tragic accident this past Friday.  A young man, Lee Andrew Middleton Jr., 21, was shot and killed at his apartment complex.  His brother Antonio Middleton, 20 was the shooter.  As you first read this I am sure many questions come to mind, I had lot's. 

You see, the complex these young men live in is considered to be one of North Augusta's not so nice places.  It has it's share of crime, drugs and gangs.  But for the past 18 to 19 months our church, Truenorth, has been building relationships through our "Adopt A Block" venture.  It has been the most amazing experience.  For me personally, I think getting involved in the culture, right where these kids and adults are, and excepting them just as they are has been so eye opening to me. Of course it doesn't mean do what they are doing, it means LOVE them.  Show them things can be different.  Show them Jesus through our action of Loving them.  Isn't that what Jesus did when He walked this earth?

When the news came out about the accident I thought, "I gotta go to Ridgeview. I have to let them know that I'm living what I'm preaching or smoking what I'm selling."   Don't be a church that says one thing, then when things hit the fan you do something else. This mother and father has lost two sons.  My heart just weighed so heavy for them.  Our prayers went out as a community and as a church.

Through Gods amazing grace, I got the opportunity to spend some time with the Middleton family and friends.  We laughed, we cried, and I saw a community come along side this family as they grieve their loss.  I also saw a young man who misses his brother.  Who is filled with such pain and confusion, who doesn't know what is next.  Antonio loves his brother, he made a poor choice by having a gun, it ended with the loss of his brothers life.  He would take it all back if he could I'm sure, he didn't mean for this to happen, but he will live with it forever.

So I continue to ask God...soften my heart, use me Lord.  I pray that I will be able to accept people just as you do.  Loving them exactly as they are and in the place they may be in.  Let me stand strong in your word-having faith that is abundant.  I pray that you will put people in my life that I can share your message with.  Open doors Lord for those to come forward and seek who you are.  May I be your instrument, may I be used by you as you see fit.  Amen" 

For the past two weeks my blogs have been focused on our series at Truenorth Church called "WE UNITE."  We have focused on how we as a Church body can impact our community.  It has been an awesome experience and I am learning so much about myself and God.  I have enjoyed our daily devotional, even though I am a little behind,

But today, I think I'm gonna just do a little rambling, a little sharing of my heart.  I always speak from the heart but today, well, it's just a little heavy.

Over the past week I have seem two of my closest friends go into the hospital.  One had an out patient procedure and another went in for follow-up surgery after a previous accident.  I have heard about people loosing their jobs, people loosing their businesses, others struggling with health issues and so much more.  I hurt for every single one of them.  My heart goes out to them and I wish I could do something to make it all better.

I watched as my friend lay in the hospital bed, one day he was fine, recovering from surgery and the next, he was on the floor after he "blew" a blood clot.  Now I'm not a doctor nor do I have much medical experience, but I knew a miracle had happened. 

So again, my heart has been very heavy.  As I walked into church today I got the news that our friend needed to go back into surgery because he had some bleeding.  All the emotion came flooding in, I don't think just for myself but for his family.  I knew how scared they must be, and I just love this family so much.  I hate seeing them go through all of this.  And I know if it was me laying in that hospital bed, well, I would be scared out of my mind.

I think God knew exactly what I needed today, of course he did.  After we prayed this morning our day began and all of us started getting things done.  It was a busy Sunday in Journey Land, our preschool area at Truenorth Church.  But then, a family walked in who I hadn't seen before.  In her arms was this beautiful tiny baby.  It was their first time to Journey Land, as a matter of fact, it was the first time this family had left their child with anyone other than family and close friends. 

We talked for awhile and Momma shared with me that her 7 month old daughter had downsyndrom. I could tell that this was going to be a bit difficult leaving her but she was ready.  I can only tell you this, it was such an amazing experience.  This little girl is absolutely the most beautiful thing I have seen.  Watching her lift her head and try to crawl, smiling and moving her feet and legs all around, wow!

It made me think of what an amazing God we have. This beautiful baby girl is His child.  He allowed me to have this moment in time to love on her, hold her, and cuddle with her.  We laughed together, we sang, we rolled on the floor and just loved on each other.  As much as I would like to say I had given her something special, she gave me so much more.  I was filled with amazing joy that I had this precious gift in my arms. I knew I had something special being shared with me.

She had an amazing time in Journey Land, I had an AMAZING time in Journey Land.  Momma came back after service to pick her up, and as soon as she heard her voice, she got the biggest smile on her face.  It was beautiful. 

I pray that I will see the family again, but if not, I know that my heart has been touched forever.  She has made a mark in my life and renewed my faith in what I am doing in Journey Land.  It is moments like these that I am reminded why I do what I do.  It is moments like these that I am reminded of the beautiful gifts God has given us.

I have always had a special place in my heart for children just like this little girl.  I am so pleased that we have seen a step forward in families with special needs children coming to Truenorth Church.  We all need fellowship, we all need Jesus.  And I thank Him for giving me a special gift today-it's just what I needed.

Nina  

Daily Devotional - Day 9.  "WE UNITE"

Scripture:  "...you are working together and struggling side-by-side to get others to believe the good news."

Observation:  To those who don't believe in God, life on earth is all there is, and so it is natural for them to strive for this world's values - money, popularity, power, pleasure, and prestige.  For Paul, (Paul's writing's to thank the Philippians for the gift they sent him) however, to live meant to develop eternal values and to tell others about Jesus Christ, who alone could help them see life from an eternal perspective,  Paul's whole purpose in life was to speak out boldly for Christ and to become more like him.  Thus Paul could confidently say that dying would be even better than living, because in death he would be removed from worldly troubles, and he would see Christ face-to-face. (1 John 3:2,3)  If you're not ready to die, then you're not ready to live.  Make certain of your eternal destiny; then you will be free to serve-devoting your life to what really counts, without fear of death.

Paul had a purpose for living when he served the Philippians and others.  We also need a purpose for living that goes beyond providing for our own physical needs.  Whom can you serve or help?  What is your purpose for living? He encourages the believers to be unified, as they "stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith. (NIV Life Application Study Bible)

Application:  Oh no!  we are talking about Evangelism.  Should I stop now?  Nope...can't do that.  Evangelism can be a scary word for some people.  It's really a churchy word if you ask me.  When people mention evangelism they may think of knocking on doors and talking to people about Jesus. That can be scary can't it? 

I don't see it that way and I'm not so sure that's what Jesus is teaching us to do.  I believe that we are to work together, be in a partnership with one another. In Colossians 4:5 it tells us to "be wise with one another."  Another words, be wise in the way you act.  Isn't this a better example of showing God's love then say "knocking" on someones door. It's less threatening, and the truth is, people want a relationship.  They will listen to what you have to say if they know who you are.  If they see that there is something special about you, they will want to know what it is.  They will want what you have. 

The bible gives us examples of how we can share Jesus with non-believers.  First it says, "Be wise in the way you act."  Yep, I mentioned that one already.  But what does that really mean?  It means being aware that everything you say and do is a witness for or against Christ.  Christians are being watched closely by others.  They want to see how we act.  All our responses to life's up's and down's are a witness to others.

Second, "make the most of every opportunity."  How many times have we been in a situation that we could have shared or planted a seed about Jesus?  How many times have we missed that opportunity?  If I am honest, it's been more than I would like to admit.  Why? because I have been to busy and didn't recognize the opportunity.  Making the most of every opportunity means living in constant connection with Jesus Christ. 

Third, make sure our words are "always kind and pleasant."  Ok, so I'm not really good at this one.  Man do I struggle, I can be very encouraging to others, I can be pleasant to. But get me in a bad mood or on a day when I am really tired or have been doing something I really haven't wanted to.  Well, let's just say my words aren't always kind and pleasant. But maybe what Paul is really saying in these passages is that we should be gentle in the presentation of Jesus Christ.  Not being abrasive but warm-hearted and gracious. I can see the significance in that, not many people are open to people who are pushy and preachy.

Finally, be ready....."able to answer everyone in the way you should".  No...not have all the bible memorized.  We don't have to be scholars of the bible, knowing scripture is very important.  But to think that we have to know everything in order to share the love of Jesus Christ is false thinking. It means that we should become aware, to care, and to share with people what God has placed in our hearts.  Start by committing this weeks bible verse to memory, then God will be able to remind you to be intentional.

Praying for another amazing week!

Nina

Today was a day that I'm not sure that I totally have words that can express it.  It was a day of great celebration and a day where tears of joy were shed.  Today Truenorth Church took up our land offering.  On September 22nd we will close on our property off of Martintown Road in North Augusta, South Carolina.

Over the past few months since we shared the great news of this purchase, staff and volunteer's alike have been doing all they can to help raise the down payment and more.  It has been a wonderful time "UNITing" together.  Doing this life thing together.  I have been busy getting our series "WE UNITE" in order with other Journey Land peeps and really enjoying the buzz around TNC. 

But today in service something changed.  All these emotions came flooding in.  I couldn't help but sit in my seat thinking of the very beginning of Truenorth church.  The families who had the vision to take Jesus Christ to North Augusta and through out the CSRA.  We had no idea really what that meant.  We just knew that God wanted us to love on people.  He wanted all of us out of our comfort zones to do His work.

I sat listening to the music as they took up the offering and tear's ran down my face, I couldn't wipe them away quick enough. I didn't just cry, I was balling my eyes out.  You see, there is always a story behind everything.  Steve even spoke of that today in his message. 

Five years ago, my husband Mike and I sat at an intersection in the small town of Edgefield, South Carolina.  His question to me "should I turn left or should I turn right?" If we turned right, we would go to the church I had been attending.  The decission was to turn left, through Mikes desernment, we followed what we believe was God speaking to us.  That left turn eventually brought us to Truenorth church. 

Who would have thought that God would use me and Mike, a girl and guy from New Jersey who didn't grow up knowing anything about God and use us to help build His church. Not me! 

It is surial, I'm still trying to get hold of all that God is doing, five years in a high school, to now buying land.  WOW! I just don't know if you realize how amazing that is.  All the love and hard work that has been put in by all of us, to now God giving us land.  Yes, we have to work at this to, but man....do ya get it?

My love for my church is so deep.  My love for the people, the children....I just can't express it in words. My love for our Lord Jesus Christ is ever deeper than before.  He is showing me great things, am I really worthy of it?  I don't think so, but because He is the Lord of love, He does it.

I felt God's presence at Truenorth Church today, God was sitting right next to me, telling me, look Nina, can you see it.  Can you see what I have done, can you see what I am doing, can you see what I will do?  Follow me, do my work and see the great blessings that will be given. 

People, there are amazing times coming to Truenorth Church.  I feel it, I feel it deep in my bones.  Truenorth Church will be in the CSRA for yours to come.  Generations will see the fruit of our labor, what we sacrifice now will be recieved when we are gone. Our children's children will see what we sacrifice for them, our time, our money, our energy, all so many will come to know Jesus Christ.

I love the presense of God!  I told the children today in Journey Land, "here is Jesus' footprint, it is planted next to ours.  As we walk He walks with us, we may not actually see the footprint but we know He is there.  Jesus is always walking with us. He wants us to be his hands and feet." Let's go out and share with others who He is.

I hope you have an amazing week. 

Nina
 

Today was a day I'm not sure that I totally have words that can express it.  It was a day of great celebration and a day where tears of joy were shed.  Today Truenorth Church took up our land offering.  On September 22nd we will close on our property off of Martintown Road in North Augusta, South Carolina.

Over the past few months since we shared the great news of this purchase, staff and volunteer's alike have been doing all they can to help raise the down payment and more.  It has been a wonderful time "UNITing" together.  Doing this life thing together.  I have been busy getting our series "WE UNITE" in order with other Journey Land peeps and really enjoying the buzz around TNC. 

But today in service something changed.  All these emotions came flooding in.  I couldn't help but sit in my seat thinking of the very beginning of Truenorth church.  The families who had the vision to take Jesus Christ to North Augusta and through out the CSRA.  We had no idea really what that meant.  We just knew that God wanted us to love on people.  He wanted all of us out of our comfort zones to do His work.

I sat listening to the music as they took up the offering and tear's ran down my face, I couldn't wipe them away quick enough. I didn't just cry, I was balling my eyes out.  You see, there is always a story behind everything.  Steve even spoke of that today in his message. 

Five years ago, my husband Mike and I sat at an intersection in the small town of Edgefield, South Carolina.  His question to me "should I turn left or should I turn right?" If we turned right, we would go to the church I had been attending.  The decission was to turn left, through Mikes desernment, we followed what we believe was God speaking to us.  That left turn eventually brought us to Truenorth church. 

Who would have thought that God would use me and Mike, a girl and guy from New Jersey who didn't grow up knowing anything about God and use us to help build His church. Not me! 

It is surial, I'm still trying to get hold of all that God is doing, five years in a high school, to now buying land.  WOW! I just don't know if you realize how amazing that is.  All the love and hard work that has been put in by all of us, to now God giving us land.  Yes, we have to work at this to, but man....do ya get it?

My love for my church is so deep.  My love for the people, the children....I just can't express it in words. My love for our Lord Jesus Christ is ever deeper than before.  He is showing me great things, am I really worthy of it?  I don't think so, but because He is the Lord of love, He does it.

I felt God's presence at Truenorth Church today, God was sitting right next to me, telling me, look Nina, can you see it.  Can you see what I have done, can you see what I am doing, can you see what I will do?  Follow me, do my work and see the great blessings that will be given. 

People, there are amazing times coming to Truenorth Church.  I feel it, I feel it deep in my bones.  Truenorth Church will be in the CSRA for years to come.  Generations will see the fruit of our labor, what we sacrifice now will be recieved when we are gone. Our children's children will see what we sacrifice for them, our time, our money, our energy and because of it, many will come to know Jesus Christ.

I love the presense of God!  I told the children today in Journey Land, "here is Jesus' footprint, it is planted next to ours.  As we walk He walks with us, we may not actually see the footprint but we know He is there.  Jesus is always walking with us. He wants us to be his hands and feet." Let's go out and share with others who He is.

I hope you have an amazing week. 

Nina
 

"WE UNITE" Daily Devotional - Day 6

Scripture:  Hebrews 6:11, "We are anxious that you keep right on loving others as long as life lasts, so that you will get your full reward."

Observation:  It is easy to get discouraged, thinking that God has forgotten us.  But God is never unjust.  He never forgets or overlooks our hard work for him. Presently you may not be receiving rewards and acclaim, but God knows your efforts of love and ministry.  Let God's love for you and his intimate knowledge of your service for him bolster you as you face disappointment and rejection here on this earth.

Hope keeps the Christian from becoming lazy or feeling bored.  Like an athlete, train hard and run well, remembering the reward that lies ahead. (Philippians 3:14) - (NIV Life Applications Study Bible)

Application: "One of the greatest lessons in life is love."  I think after doing our devotional for the past six days we can agree with that statement. We are to love our husbands, our children, our families, friends, even through all the hardships you may have experienced.  Ugh!  I just don't always feel like loving people!  Maybe it's not that I don't want to love them, I just don't want to like them for now. Ok, there are some that I just don't want to love...Why? because they have done something to me to hurt me. It's easier just not to deal with them.

But....God tells us that he designed life for us to learn how to love one another.  Yep, I'm definitely in the middle of "on-the job-training."  God is using all our pain and suffering, joy and comfort, opposition and cooperation to "Transform" us into people who love Fully and Deeply.

Some people talk about changing things in their past.  If you could do it all over again, what would you change?  Although I have gone through some really horrible stuff, I'm not sure that I would change anything.  I wouldn't want to go through it again, I don't want to feel that pain again, but I know that if I didn't go through the experiences of pain and sometimes suffering, I wouldn't be the person I am today. 

God has taken my experiences and molded me into who I am.  There are times that those experiences bring back bad memories, but I can take them and help others from what I have been through. That's amazing to me, God using me to help others, to love others right where they are.  So it is true, God can take the most horrible situation and make it for good.  He doesn't waste a hurt.  I truly believe that, it's not just words, it's experience.

There is one experience that stands out the most, one that I dealt with for years. I thought, how could anyone do that?  But I have come to realize that the only way for me to heal, to be able to move forward is to forgive and love that person.  I honestly have to say, I never thought I ever had a reason to forgive anyone before, denial.  That was for other people who had really bad problems.  The fact of the matter is, I did have someone to forgive and to love.  God did this without me even realizing it, I had forgiven, and I do love.  I don't approve of the experience, but I love them. I would not put myself back in that type of situation again, so I have learned from the experience.

As I go through this journey of life I continue to be amazed and awed by what God continues to show me.

Prayer:    Lord, continue to show me your ways.  Continue to teach me how to love fully and deeply.  In those times that I push back, give me the strength and understanding to move forward.  Lord, all that I do is for you, may all glory and honor be given to you.  I am your humble servant, lead me and guide me so your will be done.  Amen