One Year Old

Well believe it or not, just one year ago I was writing on how faith got me through such a roller coaster ride of the birth of my 1st grandchild Athena RaeLynn Madera. She has brought so much joy and love into my life, I tear up just thinking of all the behind the scenes of my ugly character that she has changed, just by being here. I thank God everyday for her. Last Thursday she got her very first ear infection (yup, I know... two days before her birthday party). But the party was in full motion and everything turned out perfect. My pastor and his family showed up with others from our congregation and a handfull of family members. I do have to say... so glad its over.. LOL don't get me wrong. I love planning parties.. but thats just it.. I love planning them, but thats all I would rather not entertain, even though I'm good at it. I would like to for once just sit back and watch. But me being me (was called OCD and Control Freak this week) I don't think I could sit back. LOL. Its ok I can designate pretty well. 

I would have to say the best part of the party was seeing my mom there and seeing what an awesome woman of God she has become and is allowing God to mold her, she has bypassed everything I ever thought she would do. I honestly wasn't expecting her to show up, due to some family issues, but she did. Not only did she show up, she stayed, she did walk out the room, compose herself and came back in and showed me and everyone else the Joy of the Lord and all he is doing in her life. See had this situation arise 2 years ago, I know for a fact my mom would not of showed up or she would of and it would of ended in yelling and fighting (yup, I know .. .overexagerating) but for reals.. it would of! But like I said GOD IS AMAZING.. its all on his timing of  what he is doing in our lives.. we just have to be patient, its not in our timing.. I have waited 40 years to have my mom.. .not a mother.. but my mom, and I know my girls and I are enjoying every minute we have with her. Have an awesome week. Its back to the fathers business and prepare to see souls saved this month, with Harvesters next week and our "Dead End" Drama for Halloween.

Ecclesiastes 3

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.

NEGLECT

So these last couple of weeks I have been heading over to a couple of other properties to help my supervisor out with a whole bunch of work that is behind. I'm not talking about a whole bunch of work I'm talking about years of neglected work, stuff that should of been filed away since 2012. When I got there I had no idea what I was getting into, I don't think she did either, but then I got a serious revelation yesterday.... all this neglect put the work in a disarray, things missing that are mandatory,  that you don't even know are missing but should be put in the file.. and that goes the same with our Christianity. The neglect or putting off of things in our Christianity will do the exact same thing. Stuff that should or should not be in our heart suddenly gets there due to Neglect,  whether its slacking off on your morning prayer or reading of the bible. Things in our heart can get in a total disarray, and who really wants to be there?  What may of only took 2 weeks of Neglect can take months or years to fix. My Pastor preached a sermon last night on a sure foundation, its things that are going to help us stay in the Faith, but we need to remember our reference points and not neglect the little things (like filing) because when an audit comes in (like a trial or tribulation) Are we going to pass or just fail, because we know its bound to happen, just make sure your ready. Have a great weekend. Pictures to come of Athena's first Bday!!!

HEBREWS 2:3

how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,

NEUTRAL

I have been asked multiple times "why haven't  you updated your blog" Good question... not so easy an answer. This last weekend my hubby and I were blessed to be able to go to Pismo Beach for a Marrieds Retreat. Everything was coming against us not going, to the point of the day before a family member  not having enough money to pay rent and asking for help, then J saying yes, so should be reconsider going and spending extra money? But we stepped out and went anyways. And boy are we glad we did. See the last few months Jess and I have been on "Neutral" with our walk with God. Not deep in sin or so we thought, but just not moving forward, on the calling we have been called to and that is to Love Jesus & See Souls Saved. Its like we always (or at least speaking for myself) get soo far in ministry and then its like this cloud covers over me. I forget who I am and what I was saved from. I start looking around and not at myself, and that is such an ugly place to be because I forget about J.O.Y. (Jesus, Others, You) and in doing so I puts me in a "Neutral" stage.. I don't worry about the flock God has given us to work with or the needs of the Church. Now that is a total sin because its, in my opinion is full on rebellion. Its funny the first sermon at the retreat wasn't revelation, but simple to the point of saying if our marriage fails what will be the focal point for our kids to see us making it. And the lightbulb went off on me with my salvation and ministry... goes hand in hand since we are supposed to be married to the church, what will the people in church (baby christians) focal point be if we backslid or go in "Neutral"  The final sermon also put the final nudge on me, talking about smoke damage (like from a fire) Smoke damage can be smelled on for a long time even after the fire has burned out... and I don't want that lingering on me like some stinky ugly thought of yesterdays defeats. No I want that FIRE - God's Fire like with Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were in that had no smoke damage, becuase of faithfulness!! I guess its time to step out in faith and not look to the left nor to the right but on to Jesus to the finish line. 
I will be posting more often, no excuses anymore!!!

1 Peter 1:7 

 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,