So things for our household have been very chaotic recently.  We have had our fair share of blessings, and life is FINALLY calming down!  However, during all the bru ha ha, I was not entirely idle.  I have posted some new pics of the projects I've been completing.  Also, we have been brainstorming and have a few new projects and ideas that are in the works.  Big things are happening.  Just have to keep the faith, and know that the works matter too!  Sorry for the short blog, but I'm running behind!  Got to get to work!  Love and blessings to you all!!  ~S

Ok… you are going to have to do a little bit of work when you read this. I know… I know…work? Just please read on. I want you to imagine a moment, or moments, in your life when you felt true love and connection with our Lord. I mean a real Holy Spirit filling, the next step is seeing Jacob’s Ladder, true love connection with Him! Whether its worshipping Him on Sunday, or you see a prayer answered when all hope seemed lost, or as I do when I listen to the King of Rock and Roll praise the King of Kings.

Meditate on it for a minute. Just a minute.

Now, picture those who have never felt that love. Did your joy turn to sadness? Did that love turn to pain? Look at the person next to you at the gas station or at the end of the aisle at Wal-Mart. What if they had never felt that love?

Picture those less fortunate. What if they never felt the love of our Lord? They may have little joy elsewhere, and to not have the Lord to lead them must be sad. What if they are a believer, and all the read written in red never comes to pass for them? They never feel the love of their fellow man, or all they see is us simply give money but never take the time to give them a cup a coffee and pray WITH them.

Take that love you felt earlier and try to multiply it by 2…or by 3… or by 10! He made the universe, so why can’t he fill you times 10 if you ask to it. Doesn’t He say, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” (John 14:12-14 NLT)

Then take that love and shine His light on someone else. Just for a second. It can make a world of difference in someone’s life.

"In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." ~1 John 4:10-11

Too often we turn our backs to those who are in need.  Too often we look at the man poorly dressed, with ratty clothes, and disheveled hair, and we dismiss the efforts or true heart of our brothers and sisters who need guidance, love, and encouragement.  We say, "oh it's free to find a job" or "I'm not giving you money for drugs or cigarettes" and we get into our comfortable vehicles, drive to Starbucks to buy our fancy drinks, and then we drive to our warm and safe homes...leaving our brother standing on the street with no hope.  We close our eyes, we close our hands, and we close our hearts.  Is this what God intended from us?  Are we to let the needy wander the world, and never bring them into our hearts?  No.  In fact, it's quite the opposite.  Open your eyes.  When you start looking for the homeless or the visibly needy, you'll discover the overwhelming regularity of an encounter.  Open your minds.  Don't judge the needy.  Each person has a story.  We all come from something.  Not every homeless person is a drug addict.  And not every needy or homeless person would first buy cigarettes.  Open your hearts.  Don't dismiss them.  Use compassion and empathy.  Open your heart and give.  Give them bus fare, or buy breakfast and drop it off to them.  So many ways to help are right at your finger tips.  Take the time, show them

First, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Let's remember the real reason for the season. We give gifts to one another at our homes, at the homes of others, or maybe at the office "Holiday Party". The real reason, of course, is to remember the gift that He gave us... our savior Jesus Christ. He is the greatest of all gifts. He is the gift that keeps on giving.

I hope we can remember that His prophetic life was laid out before him in the little town of Bethlehem. He knew what was to happen Him, even when those closest to Him did not. He forgave all of His disciples when they turned on him, just as He forgives us when we stray from the narrow path. A king should be born in royal regalia of a palace, but He was born homeless where animals were fed. The land should have heard the trumpets sound and all the royal family come with gifts, but instead a bunch of smelly shepherds and strangers with odd gifts showed up.  The gifts are not supposed to be the  focus; however, because our society has become so materialistic, that seems to be the primary objective.  Let us stop and give thanks to Him for His many sacrifices, and for the ultimate gift...His life, His love, and His mercy!  God bless you one and all!  <3 S&J

For our first site-based blog, I want to bring up the topic of outreach ministry.  I have to admit, I am slightly disappointed in the number of people who *haven't* stepped up to help reach out to our brothers and sisters who are down on their luck.  It's incredibly discouraging when we reach out to our friends, and our family, and our church family...and everyone is TOO busy Christmas shopping, or too busy working, or just simply not interested.  We are clearly instructed in the Bible to reach out to our brothers and sisters.  In fact, in several different verses, Jesus specifically instructs us to have a soft spot in our hearts for the poor, and the sick, and the elderly.  Yet, we turn our backs?  We say awful things like, "getting a job is free" and "they asked for this lifestyle"?  Seriously?  I pray for people who say these things, as it is apparent they have never had the misfortune of experiencing persecution, or strife, or pain.  It's sad that so many people don't follow the four L's of discipleship.  People are lukewarm anymore, and are complacent to sit in the back pew, watching their watches, hoping they don't miss the football game.  What a sad state of truth...what a sad, sad state.  I'm going to attach a video...I want you to watch this video, with an open mind.  Don't make an immediate opinion of its message, rather digest it, truly understand it.  Then, and only then, will you be able to understand what WE believe, and why the four L's are so VERY important.  http://vimeo.com/24570032

~S