Today I started an On-Line bible study with some incredible sisters in Christ. The study is focused on spiritual growth within so we can grow in our marriages and make them the best they can be! Of course, there is an underlying goal, for me especially; however, I'll leave that up to my Heavenly Father - it's all in His perfect timing and I'll share when the time is right!
As I read today, I had quite nearly the entire chapter highlighted! We read all about PATIENCE and what having patience can do for a marriage. Thankfully, God taught me this several months ago - and a peace came upon me like nothing you would ever believe. I learned how to use "patience" in order to keep peace. The household "wars" have become few and far between and I became the "Peacemaker"! WOW! Me, who always has to have the last word! Who always has to be right? What a HUGE accomplishment this is for me personally ~ to be a Peacemaker! I truly began to see results in my home. Praise God for continuing to work on my heart and soul ~ allowing me to change into the woman and wife he expects me to be.
There is complete truth in God's Word! There aren't any half-truths or lies in The Word~ nothing but Truth.
In Matthew 5:9 It is written,"God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God". WOW, there you have it. Blessings for those who work for peace!
I'd like to share and touch on a few of the things that touched my heart as I studied and read today.
"Love is built on two pillars that best define what it is. Those pillars are patience and kindness"
Can you honestly see love built on anything else? Love IS patience and kindness! That statement radiates Jesus in his truest form!
"Love helps you settle down and begin extending mercy to those around you. Patience brings an internal calm during an external storm"
Wow! This is my story! I have found an internal calm within Jesus Christ and although it hasn't stopped every storm that has come my way~it certainly has changed my life. My tolerance has grown tremendously which has allowed me to work with those recovering from drug addiction, an area lacking tolerance for me.
We also tackled the topic of Anger today.....if you're like me, Yes, you get angry ~ we all do.
"Anger is usually caused when the strong desire for something is mixed with disappointment or grief. It is often an emotional reaction that flows out of our own selfishness, foolishness, or evil motives"
The truth hurts, huh!? Ouch! The next time you get angry, stop and think about it. Why are you angry? Is it a case of you didn't get what you wanted? is it due to selfishness? are you disappointted with how life is happening? I would almost bet you that it is one of these things!
Here is where you need to take some deep breaths, think about the cause, and without any further delay find the peacemaker buried within your heart and change the situation around!
Last but not lease -
"Patience, however, makes us wise."
Spend some time today and reflect on "patience". For me it was a life changer that went hand and hand with peace. With Patience came Peace!
Thank you for stopping by! I will post more as we continue this study! There is nothing I love more than sharing the Word and teachings of my Lord and Savior.
In God's Love Today and Always,
Kelley
Monday, May 14, 2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
In Memory of Allene D. Blair 3/8/1936 - 6/1/1978 ~ Happy Mother's Day
Mother's Day ~ A beautiful day that we take time out to recognize all mothers! Some have already been called home to be with our Heavenly Father and others are enjoying life with their children right here on this beautiful earth.
My Mother, Allene Theresa Davies, was born 3/8/1936 and unfortunately was called home much too soon (for me) on 6/1/1978 at 42 years old. Thankfully I now know that Jesus has a plan and this was part of that plan. Every plan has a purpose and like a developing photo, it's being made clearer each and every day. Although I miss my mother terribly, I no longer mourn her internally as I have done for years. Mother's Day is a day to Celebrate our Mothers and that's exactly what I want to do for my own mother today! She deserves a celebration and I want her to be dancing in Heaven with my dad, my grandparents, and those that have passed before me.
I only had 12 years with my mother, but the memories of those years are vivid for me. The most vivid memory is my mother's smile. My mother smiled all the time. For years when I would go back home to Buffalo and talk to family and friends from the years my mother was alive, they always told me "Your mother always had a smile on her face". Absolutely! I remember that smile, it is forever engraved in my mind and heart, never to be forgotten. I see it in my own daughters, and even in my grandson. My mother's life was not always peaches and cream and she had some hard times as well; however, she never let those times steal her smile! She loved life and loved to laugh and have fun. She was the life of every party, in a positive way.
I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.
2 Timothy 1:5 ESV
My mother was one of 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls. There were 31 grandchildren and since my grandparents passed away, I haven't heard a total count of great grandchildren! I can only imagine! There was sister (my Aunt) Carol, who had several children herself and was better known as our "nutty" aunt, never a dull moment with Aunt Carol ~ sister (my Aunt) Shirley who quite possibly missed her calling as a nun, just kidding, but she was our straight laced devout Catholic aunt that baked all the time (or so it seemed)~ then, there was my mother, the baby.....she wasn't as straight laced devout Catholic as Shirley but wasn't as "nippy" as Carol either. She had a personality all her own. Outgoing, fun, and yes, always smiling! To me, she was the most beautiful mother ever!
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
I give my mother credit for the morals and values instilled in me and my brothers. As long as I can remember my mother worked full time. After she and my father divorced after 19 years, she worked two jobs. She was very hardworking and did a great job of balancing work and her children. We had rules, understood the value of a dollar, respected the elders in our life, and praise God that none of us found our way into trouble. We were taught the important things at a young age and that carried over into our adult lives. Way to go Mom! That was a huge feat!
..... and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Titus 2:4-5
Mom was the hockey mom that attended all my brothers games, that dyed our poodles red and green at Christmas and brought them to school for show and tell, that cooked dinner for my sister-in-law when my brother brought her home for the very first time to meet us, that took us to Friendly's for ice cream after school functions, that allowed me to play Viola and came to my orchestra concerts. She had my graduation dress made as we went from 6th grade elementary school to 7th grade junior high school - I remember the dress like it was yesterday. It was a light blue swiss long dress and I wore a light blue velvet choker with it. I didn't appreciate it back then, but looking back now, I do! The trouble she went through to have a dress special made, Wow! Perhaps these are things that every parent does, but I always saw my mother go above and beyond in everything she did for us kids. And always with a HUGE smile.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 1:1-5
I have some funny memories as well - the fact that the mole on my face is a "beauty mark" and was never to be removed because that is a glamorous symbol - She used to say "Look at the stars, they draw them on their faces!" - many of the actresses of that era did have "beauty marks". I remember having to stand behind my mother, with her hair pick, and lift her hair to make sure there weren't any holes or bald areas showing - this was an every day task! In the car I used to have to tell her when she had make-up lines that had to be rubbed in. (today, I tell my own daughter the same thing! - BLAIR, rub that make up down into your neck!). I remember putting make up on and dressing up at about 11 years old - putting on my mothers GREEN eye shadow, yes green~that was the only color she used. I remember her telling me how beautiful I was.
Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.
When I made my First Holy Communion, my veil was made from my mother's bridal veil. I sure wish that I had this today. I remember how absolutely beautiful it was. The same beads used on my mother's headpiece, were used on mine. I hope one day I will find a picture or maybe even find the veil put up in my mother's keepsake items.
She had her favorite neices, my cousins, Corky, Terri, and Karen. With Karen she made "Mexican Sundae's". She was just incredible in every way - loved people, loved life! And was always smiling!
I am so proud of my mother and I love her more today than I ever did. She was beautiful and loving~and the love of my life! The memories ..... ah the memories. I thank God for allowing these to remain so clear even though she has been gone nearly 34 years.
I made my mother a plaque years ago and the poem on it read as follows. Here's to forever memories
My Mother, Allene Theresa Davies, was born 3/8/1936 and unfortunately was called home much too soon (for me) on 6/1/1978 at 42 years old. Thankfully I now know that Jesus has a plan and this was part of that plan. Every plan has a purpose and like a developing photo, it's being made clearer each and every day. Although I miss my mother terribly, I no longer mourn her internally as I have done for years. Mother's Day is a day to Celebrate our Mothers and that's exactly what I want to do for my own mother today! She deserves a celebration and I want her to be dancing in Heaven with my dad, my grandparents, and those that have passed before me.
Her children rise up and call her blessed ~ Proverbs 31
I only had 12 years with my mother, but the memories of those years are vivid for me. The most vivid memory is my mother's smile. My mother smiled all the time. For years when I would go back home to Buffalo and talk to family and friends from the years my mother was alive, they always told me "Your mother always had a smile on her face". Absolutely! I remember that smile, it is forever engraved in my mind and heart, never to be forgotten. I see it in my own daughters, and even in my grandson. My mother's life was not always peaches and cream and she had some hard times as well; however, she never let those times steal her smile! She loved life and loved to laugh and have fun. She was the life of every party, in a positive way.
I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.
2 Timothy 1:5 ESV
My mother was one of 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls. There were 31 grandchildren and since my grandparents passed away, I haven't heard a total count of great grandchildren! I can only imagine! There was sister (my Aunt) Carol, who had several children herself and was better known as our "nutty" aunt, never a dull moment with Aunt Carol ~ sister (my Aunt) Shirley who quite possibly missed her calling as a nun, just kidding, but she was our straight laced devout Catholic aunt that baked all the time (or so it seemed)~ then, there was my mother, the baby.....she wasn't as straight laced devout Catholic as Shirley but wasn't as "nippy" as Carol either. She had a personality all her own. Outgoing, fun, and yes, always smiling! To me, she was the most beautiful mother ever!
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
I give my mother credit for the morals and values instilled in me and my brothers. As long as I can remember my mother worked full time. After she and my father divorced after 19 years, she worked two jobs. She was very hardworking and did a great job of balancing work and her children. We had rules, understood the value of a dollar, respected the elders in our life, and praise God that none of us found our way into trouble. We were taught the important things at a young age and that carried over into our adult lives. Way to go Mom! That was a huge feat!
..... and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Titus 2:4-5
Mom was the hockey mom that attended all my brothers games, that dyed our poodles red and green at Christmas and brought them to school for show and tell, that cooked dinner for my sister-in-law when my brother brought her home for the very first time to meet us, that took us to Friendly's for ice cream after school functions, that allowed me to play Viola and came to my orchestra concerts. She had my graduation dress made as we went from 6th grade elementary school to 7th grade junior high school - I remember the dress like it was yesterday. It was a light blue swiss long dress and I wore a light blue velvet choker with it. I didn't appreciate it back then, but looking back now, I do! The trouble she went through to have a dress special made, Wow! Perhaps these are things that every parent does, but I always saw my mother go above and beyond in everything she did for us kids. And always with a HUGE smile.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 1:1-5
I have some funny memories as well - the fact that the mole on my face is a "beauty mark" and was never to be removed because that is a glamorous symbol - She used to say "Look at the stars, they draw them on their faces!" - many of the actresses of that era did have "beauty marks". I remember having to stand behind my mother, with her hair pick, and lift her hair to make sure there weren't any holes or bald areas showing - this was an every day task! In the car I used to have to tell her when she had make-up lines that had to be rubbed in. (today, I tell my own daughter the same thing! - BLAIR, rub that make up down into your neck!). I remember putting make up on and dressing up at about 11 years old - putting on my mothers GREEN eye shadow, yes green~that was the only color she used. I remember her telling me how beautiful I was.
Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.
Proverbs 23:13-14
When I made my First Holy Communion, my veil was made from my mother's bridal veil. I sure wish that I had this today. I remember how absolutely beautiful it was. The same beads used on my mother's headpiece, were used on mine. I hope one day I will find a picture or maybe even find the veil put up in my mother's keepsake items.
She had her favorite neices, my cousins, Corky, Terri, and Karen. With Karen she made "Mexican Sundae's". She was just incredible in every way - loved people, loved life! And was always smiling!
I am so proud of my mother and I love her more today than I ever did. She was beautiful and loving~and the love of my life! The memories ..... ah the memories. I thank God for allowing these to remain so clear even though she has been gone nearly 34 years.
I made my mother a plaque years ago and the poem on it read as follows. Here's to forever memories
Mother
To one who bears the sweetest name,
and adds a luster to the same,
who shares my job
who cheers when sad,
the greatest friend I've ever had
Long life to her for there's no other,
to take the place of my dear mother
Author Unknown
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Tackling the Temple ~ Morning Inspiration
 |
| Located Behind Columbia Place Mall |
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| "Big Daddy Grace" (Corey), Owner FCU |
This morning there was a lady at the gym that was such an inspiration. She was an older lady (not sure much older cause I sure didn't ask!) and she (like me) had lost a lot of weight - I think around 100 lbs. She had incredible stamina and drive and was giving us a run for our money. She was truly an inspiration to me! As we left I noticed her license plate said "LOST IT" - I was like "You tell 'em girl!" It is truly Amazing Grace ! Her chains were gone and she had been set free! That is absolutely how I felt after losing 102 lbs! FREE When you carry 102 lbs. of extra weight - you carry so much more than just 102 lbs. The burden is HUGE; you are miserable, can't breathe half the time, and you surely don't like yourself very much. ~ So, to be Free ..... truly God's Amazing Grace!
The Holy Spirit was definitely working overrtime at the gym! It still fascinates me when I feel his presence and know without a shadow of a doubt He is there! He first showed out through our new friend and then with a boxing bag. Corey had me move over to a harder bag today and you will never guess what was on it!? No, not a spider or a creepy crawly of any kind, Not someone's left behind sweat (although I'm sure that is there somewhere!), Check it out! For me, this was one more confirmation I am in the right place, doing the right things, for the right reasons! Go God!
Greatness is Within
I will post more soon as my journey progresses! Check out the quotes below that I used in my on-line bible studies this week! They are great reminders for us every day!
If you believe in yourself, have dedication and pride and never quit, you'll be a winner. The price of victory is high, but so are the rewards."
- Paul Bryant (Head Coach of University of Alabama's Football Team).........sounds like this came straight from the bible, huh?
"You can't get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good."
- Jerry West (Basketball player)
..........Hmmm, this too! haven't I read this somewhere in the bible?
"The pain of discipline is far less than the pain of regret."
- Sarah Bombell (Swimmer)
......OH YES!
"In order to excel, you must be completely dedicated to your chosen sport. You must also be prepared to work hard and be willing to accept constructive criticism. Without a total 100 percent dedication, you won't be able to do this."
- Willie Mays (Baseball player)
.......AMEN! We have to be dedicted, must work hard and expect to get our toes stepped on when we need it!
"The real glory is being knocked to your knees and then coming back. That's real glory."
- Vince Lombardi (Football coach)
.........We need to practice his presence so we are able to come back every time we are knocked to our knees!
"Don't give up at half-time. Concentrate on winning the second half."
- Paul Bryant (Head Coach of University of Alabama's Football Team)
...........It will not be easy but we can't give up - we have to concentrate on the end goal - for thus that means eternal life withour Father in heaven.
"The answer to three questions will determine your success or failure.
1 - Can people trust me to do my best?
2 - Am I committed to the task in hand?
3 - Do I care about other people and show it?
If the answers to all three questions are yes, there is no way you can fail."
- Lou Holtz (Football coach)
........AMEN Coach Holtz!!!
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