Joy Killer or Builder

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 

Each day we have the opportunity to either be a "Joy" killer or builder to those around us. For some of us it will depend on our personalities and for others it will depend upon the circumstances. Romans 8:28 tells us that everything will work out for the good if we give it (the problem) and us (doing His will). 

Joy can be killed in us and in others around us by negativity, criticism and bad behavior. Joy can be built in us and in others around us by being positive, building each other up and trusting God in all our circumstances.

The scriptures are full of God's promises that no matter what is said to us or no matter what the circumstances that He (God) is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think within us according to Ephesians 3:20.

Joy comes when I let go of control for my life and give God the control. 

My prayer: Lord, please forgive me for killing any "JOY" in myself or those around me with my attitude or words and please help me to always be a "JOY" builder instead. 

This picture was taken by our office.

Taking Pictures of Life!

Written in 2022:

There is nothing in this world that I enjoy more than taking a picture of something or someone. The pictures that I take now or have taken many years ago encourage me in my daily life. They were all taken at different phases of my life that I am so thankful for and all good memories. I love looking back at the good times and I look forward to the good times ahead. No matter what time in my life that I look back on my pictures I remember more the joy of that time than the difficult circumstances because of those pictures.

We don't take pictures of the ugly or the mess of life but instead of the moments we want to cherish forever. The pictures we take are wonderful reminders of the joyful times. When I look at pictures of my kids when I was a single parent and all their smiles and our celebrations together, it makes my heart smile. We struggled then financially and emotionally but we still had fun too! The things we did together then are priceless memories that I love to reflect on again and again.

My pictures are a constant reminder of the joy then and the joy now! I thank God for my dad who recorded my entire childhood to remind me of the good family times we all had together. I am also thankful to be able to take pictures of my own kids and grandkids to cherish all our memories together. Most of all I am thankful to God that as I grow older I have become more forgetful of the less than joyful moments of life!

Psalm 30:5b Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

 This is one of my grand~girls popping bubbles on Easter 2014.

My Love Life

 Written April 2, 2016

“Which is the most important command?” Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. ‘This is the first and greatest commandment. The second most important is similar: ‘Love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.” Matt. 22:36-39

Life is all about learning to love and God gives us a lifetime to get this commandment right. We fill our life up with so many other things and even good things. For example, the first thing we do when we have a child is accumulate all that is needed for that child. The crib, the layette set, the diapers and all the beautiful little things we see in the baby stores for our little ones. We focus on accumulating the money needed to bring up that child, our careers and our children's education. All of these things are important and well meaning in life.

At this stage of my life as I look back and realize now that all those things and all those concerns were not really where I needed to focus. The best use of my life, my time and my energy for my husband and my children would have been a life of Love. Yes, of course I loved them all but was it really my primary focus each day? As parents, we do the best we know how to do but humanly speaking it can lead to much disappointment.

If we really understood God's redeeming love for us then everything else would be fine. Why? Because if we believe in a God that is all about "Love & Grace" then we will reflect that same "Love & Grace." Do our children see our love for God and our love for others in our daily life? What would our children say was our focus? A million other things? 

Do I write this because that is exactly what I did or do now? No, I write this because I didn't get it right at all and want others to learn from my own mistakes. My blogs need to expose me for all my own sins and my own mistakes, not the sins of others. There is much to be learned from just my mistakes, trust me! Thank God I am redeemed at the cross for ALL my mistakes in the past and ALL my mistakes in the present and future. 

Romans 7:18-20For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 

This picture was taken many years ago of our family when we stayed in the Cumberland Mountains ~ wonderful memories!

Songs of Faith

Growing up in church and with parents who sang together, I learned so many wonderful songs that I taught my own children. They are now passing on those beautiful songs to their own children.

Music is our way of expressing joy, good times together, and worship of our God. Some times a song is a good reminder that we are being "held" in the midst of all circumstances, no matter how dark or how difficult. Through joy and sorrow a song can penetrate the soul deeply in many ways. 

The songs of faith that I grew up with are a reminder to me even today of God's goodness and love in everything. Some days when nothing else makes sense a song carries the message of hope and healing.

This picture was taken in Charleston, South Carolina when I visited in

March, 2016.

Serving: The Ultimate Adventure

 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Serving in the church is like a spiritual defibrillator - it jumpstarts the heart and brings new life! I've discovered that everyone has a secret desire to serve, but sometimes they just need a little nudge. That's where I come in - I'm a "serving evangelist" who loves to recruit others to join the journey.

The enemy tries to whisper lies that we are not worthy or qualified, but I believe that everyone has a role to play. So, I invite friends, family, and fellow church members to join me in serving. I've even invited neighbors who don't attend church to join me in activities like special events, greeting or cleaning - and they love it!

People are hungry for purpose and meaning, and serving together is a powerful way to build relationships and make memories. I've seen unsaved friends find joy and connection through serving, and even go on to become leaders in the church.

My approach is simple: start small, start local, and start together. Whether it's folding bulletins or pressure cleaning, there's a place for everyone to serve. And when we do, we'll discover that serving is not just a duty, but a delight.

So, let's shake off the martyr complex and the lies of the enemy, and embrace the joy of serving together. Let's create a culture of volunteerism and watch as our churches and communities transform. Serving is not just for the saved - it's for anyone who wants to make a difference. And when we serve together, we'll find that it's not just about what we do, but about who we become.

In the trenches of church service, I found two kindred spirits, Kammy and Shannon, who shared my heart for making a difference and my passion for serving with excellence.

Genesis Chapter 32

  

In this chapter Jacob is returning home to see his own family. He will face his brother Esau who he hadn’t seen in 20 years and at that time wanted to kill him for his deception

Verses 1-21

After making a treaty of peace with Laban, Jacob now plans to return home to Canaan and face his brother Esau.

In verses 1 & 2 God gives Jacob a glimpse of the spiritual realm of angels that are there for protection.

Remember he left on bad terms after deceiving his father and taking his birthright and blessing from his twin brother Esau.

He was afraid how Esau might respond to his return.

Jacob sent Esau a message and Esau came with 400 men. Jacob was afraid that they would be attacked so he split his family in two directions so that one group may survive.

Vs 7 Although Jacob has God’s promise and has seen God’s protection he responds in fear. (How many times have we done the same thing?)

In verse 10 he prays with humility saying I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies.

Jacob prayed thankfulness for how God had taken care of him in his life but also prayed for protection during this encounter with his brother, Esau.

(This is the longest prayer recorded in the book of Genesis)

Jacob sent gifts ahead to his brother and told his servants to refer to him as the servant of Esau. He humbled himself because he wanted reconciliation.

Verses 22-32

Jacob sent his family ahead of him to be alone.

He wrestled a man being God all night and Jacobs hip socket was put out of joint when the man touched his hip and now he walked with a limp.

Jacob thought he was winning and demanded a blessing from this man.

The man blessed him by changing his name to Israel.

Israel means “Ruled by God.”

Because God changed Jacobs name to Israel his future descendants became the Israelite nation we read about in the scriptures ahead.

In this world the idea of reconciling with people is not something that the world talks about but God wants us to be reconciled to one another and love each other and not be bitter. The worlds view is to write people off but the most important thing in this life is relationships. 

Let forgiveness take over our hearts and see what God does with restoring not just the relationships but restoring our hearts in the process.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called the sons of God.” Matthew 5:9

Jacob and Esau had a rough beginning. Jacob set out to reconcile with his brother.

God was preparing Jacob for what He had prepared for him!

and

God is preparing us for what He has prepared for us!

In Woodland Solace

In Woodland Solace!

In Woodland Solace,

I find my peace

Problems may exist

But not then

I feel bliss

The forest whispers

relief from pain

A balm for the broken,

sad, and the vain

In nature’s embrace,

my mood is light

My faith renewed,

my heart takes flight

Out here I see 

the handiwork of my Creator

A masterpiece of wonder,

a testament of His glee

The woods remind me

to rest on Hope

To trust in the ONE 

who makes my spirit cope

With every breath,

my soul revives

In the woods,

I find my heart’s alive

-written by Donella Gallo

Deuteronomy 30:20 …that you may love the LORD your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.

Camping 4th of July 2019 on Lake Okatibbe in Mississippi

Love The Shepherd & Prayer

During our most difficult days when my husband was suffering from kidney disease it was our Pastor and his wife that were able to embrace our grief along with us. There were others who had good intentions but could not handle our situation, then there were others who wanted us to rise above it. Most days we were lucky if we were able to rise out of bed much less have the strength to rise above our circumstances. People are not always equipped to handle each others emotions especially when it comes to something life threatening and we understood. 

 My Pastor requested many to pray for us during that time and so they did. Pastor and his wife took time to pray with us and for us. I requested prayer from everyone I could think of because I believe so much in prayer. Praying became difficult for me personally after so many years because I had lost the strength and didn't know what to even say anymore. I would pray, Lord, you know who and what we need today more than we do. I was grateful to know prayers were being lifted up in spite of me and there were many days we felt those prayers.

Now I pray for many others who are going through their own difficult circumstances because I know they too may not feel up to praying some days. Our own journey through the valley of the shadow of death has opened our eyes to the hopelessness and fears people are facing during those dark times. Pastors have to take care of many in their congregations who are suffering from all types of serious health issues. We want to remember to pray for our Pastors and their wives as they come along beside others and as they have their own situations with health issues. Let's consider that our Pastors, their wives and their families walk through the valley of the shadow of death with all of us so let's make sure we are continuously praying for them.  Encouraging them and walking along with them in their own personal valleys in life.

Thank you Lord that you sent others in to our life to be the hands and feet of Jesus. You brought us hope when and where we least expected during every hard and difficult moment. Thank you for loving us through others and through your Son who bore the cross for our sin and all our shortcomings.

This picture was taken at a church graveyard while visiting New Castle, Delaware in 2014.

Genesis Chapter 7

  

This chapter tells the story of the flood the entire earth and that only 8 people were safe in the ark. (Noah, his wife, their three sons and their wives) Also, a pair of each of the animals were also safe in the ark.

Verses 1-5

God told Noah the flood was going to begin in 7 days and it would rain continually for 40 days and 40 nights.

Verses 6-24

Noah was 600 years old when the earth was flooded. 

In verse 9 it says that the animals went in two and two unto Noah. They came to him. He didn’t have to go after the animals. There were animals that normally kill or eat other species and they lived in harmony on the ark.

Once Noah and the animals were on the ark, God shut and sealed the door. Noah knew that he could not save himself and relied on God to save him and his family. John 10:9 in the New Testament says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved.” In God’s plan the door always represents Jesus.

The flood represents judgement to all mankind and all living creatures that died in this flood.

The waters remained on the earth for 150 days. This is an explanation of fossils that have been found all over the earth. Fossils are the remains of plants and animals whose bodies were buried in sand and mud under ancient seas, lakes and rivers.

We see in this chapter that God is love in His protection of Noah and his family but He is also a God of justice when it comes to disobedience. Just like any parent would be with their child. But God offers us a way to be saved from our own sin through Jesus Christ. 

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.

Because of our sin God sent us a way of escaping just like He did Noah and his family through His son on the cross, who paid for all our sin. All these events that we are studying in these books of the Bible will eventually lead to the cross.

Releasing My Grief

Psalm 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, you people;

Pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us. Selah

There was a time in my life that I did not allow others to see my grief because I was afraid. Most of my life I didn't even allow myself to see and feel my own grief. I didn't like feeling weak and vulnerable but instead more in control of my own emotions. 

Life has taught me that it is healthier for me to release my grief. Crying out to God that I am hurting like David does in the book of Psalms. Dealing with my grief is better than rehearsing it over and over in my head or stuffing it. Feelings that are pushed down will only fester up in time.

Frozen anger and resentment will manifest in other forms. I have learned to be honest in my words with others and with myself. Unfortunately, I have hurt feelings in the honesty of my emotions and for that I am truly sorry. I do not want to cause anyone any pain because life has enough difficulties. I am trusting God to protect me and my relationships because He has the power to overcome any of my mistakes. I can't always trust others to say or do what is right. I certainly cannot trust myself to always say or do what is right but I can trust GOD!

He calms the storm,
So that its waves are still.

Psalm 107:29

This picture was taken of a wall that I decorated for my granddaughter September 2013. I wrote on the picture the words from the song Love Lifted Me talking about God's love.

Who is our Enemy?

 Written March 1, 2014:

Every day we blow it by blaming ourselves or others for our circumstances. We need to realize that the true enemy of our lives is not each other but instead we need to blame our true enemy - Satan. He walks around seeking whom he may devour according to the scriptures. We are attacked through problems, circumstances, disappointments, etc. When Satan cannot get to us then he works around us through others such as our family and friends to defeat us and mess up our life.

We all need people in our life to pray for us during these difficult battles. The worst days of my life I have reached out to friends to pray for me in order to make those days tolerable. Some days I just need a friend to listen to me when I am struggling emotionally and confused. There are people I can count on for support for my own personal tragedies because we are not meant to bear these burdens alone.

My church is a safe haven to me of family and friends I know will pray for me and be there in my time of need. I have a Bible Study group of young people that also pray for me and care for me. I serve in ministry with people that encourage me and love me in spite of myself. It is a community of grace!

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”  Ecclesiastes 4:12

This picture was taken on Captiva Island during my niece's wedding, May 2001!

Practice Makes Perfect

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

written during Hurricane Season 2006:
When tropical storm Alberto formed in 2006, I thought it would be a good time for a practice drill to be sure we have our hurricane preparedness plan at home working. I asked Jim to show me how to work our new shutters which all we needed to do was close, pack and leave. I like the sound of that, don’t you? Anyways, we pulled the shutters together, easy, easy, easy and then I asked, why is there a lock on the handles? He said, because you need a key and then I asked, where is the key? He looked at me as if to say, I thought you had it. When you have been married as many years as we have, you don’t have to speak because a “look” speaks volumes. I looked back at him and I said, "No, I don’t have the key so where do you think it might be?" Oh brother, we failed miserably our first hurricane practice drill and a few weeks later when the next tropical storm formed we still had no key. 

My life is a lot like this story, I can have a plan on how I think it should be but if the main "key" is missing then I am left feeling stressed instead. I personally always make the mistake of trying to plan my own life because I become so wise in my own eyes. Then I realize when I can’t get it right that I just need to stop looking to myself but instead look to my Heavenly Father. 

We had to have new keys made for our shutters so hopefully the next practice drill will be smoother.....

This picture was taken at "Vizcaya" when we visited in 2012. 

Love Languages by Tracey!

written by Tracey Schultz Graham:
I could't sleep last night so what do you do when you can't sleep? You start a project. Mine was trying to figure out what to do with a box that I had yet to unpack - a box filled with books. I really need to invest in a bookcase but I can't seem to narrow it down on all the ones I find on Pinterest. Oops, I seemed to have admitted my addictions. Books & Pinterest (ok that's a whole other story). Anyways, as I was going through my books I came across a book that was written by Gary Chapman called, "The Five Love Languages."

According to this book, it tells you what your one emotional love language is. On a rare instance, a person may have two - guess who has two? Okay so I rarely follow the rules and never color inside the lines. What can I say? As I opened the book, skimmed through the pages, I saw right there in black and white my two love languages. Words of affirmation and quality time. I started thinking obviously these are my needs, my desires that I require to make a relationship work. Then I thought about God and if He is first in my life was I meeting His needs and His desires? In other words, does God have any "Love Languages?"

I love how God is faithful and answers in our quiet time if we just listen and meditate on Him. We always think of God as strong, powerful, almighty, not needing us, not wanting to be desired by us but the truth is that the Bible is a love story between God and His people. The most important thing we will ever learn about God is He desires a relationship with us!

John 17:3 says that they may know you, the only true God.

Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek me and find me when you search with all your heart."

That verse says to me that he wants me to pursue him. That God waits to be wanted. He doesn't want a "part time" relationship with us. He wants "Quality Time." God desires to share a life of beauty, intimacy & friendship with us. God also wants "Words of Affirmation" or Praise/Worship/Thankfulness.

Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always; Again, I will say, Rejoice!"

I Thessalonians 5:18 "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Giving God Praise, Worship & Thankfulness is so important because it increases our intimacy with him. I always knew about God ever since I was a little girl but I didn't know God. We don't really know God until we step out on his word & have experiences with him and see his faithfulness.

God thank you for letting me see your "love languages" and remove anything or anyone that keeps me from you. Amen!!

Restoration

Psalm 33:18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.

written January 11, 2001:
My 20 year old daughter was sharing with a friend of hers, who was going through some struggles, the principle of restoration. She said that restoration should be like every time she returns to our church because everyone there always welcomes her back with open arms and no questions asked.

I thought it was a very powerful statement and says a lot for our church. No matter where she is spiritually, she always feels welcome when she comes to worship. That is what church is all about ~ Grace!

Grace, grace, God's grace... Grace that is greater than all our sin... 

Not everyone has had as good an experience as my daughter with the church. Some people won’t attend church because they have been hurt. I understand that and I’ve been hurt myself but remember the church is not a building of people gathered on Sunday mornings. We are the church! When we criticize the church and say, “I don’t like church people” it grieves me. Church buildings are filled with all kinds of people. Some are true believers and some are not but what a mission field we have to serve and lead them to Christ! When people say, “I don’t like church people” I know they are talking about the Pharisees but in essence they are talking about “Christ followers.” We should thank God they are in our churches because they also need to hear the truth and the truth could penetrate their hearts and minds. God commands us to love Him and to LOVE OTHERS - even the unlovable!

 This picture was taken in my kitchen March 18, 2012. I picked these Amaryllis from my garden.

Miracle Baby Deena: A Mother’s Story

 For with God, nothing is impossible. Luke 1:37

When I was three months pregnant with Deena, our world was turned upside down. My doctor delivered a devastating prognosis: a mysterious infection threatened to take our baby's life. Jimmy and I clung to each other, our tears mingling as we cried out to God. In the silence that followed, we faced an impossible decision. But we chose to trust in the unknown, to believe God's plan was greater than our understanding.

We walked the next six months in faith, shielding our hearts from the uncertainty. No nursery was prepared, no announcements of our situation were made. But God gifted us with an unexplainable peace, a sense that He was our rock, no matter the outcome.

The day of delivery arrived, and the doctor's words still lingered: "stillborn or severely deformed?" But when Deena burst into the world, she shattered all expectations. Perfect, beautiful, and whole. God had supernaturally protected her from the infection that had threatened to consume her.

As we celebrated her arrival, our family and friends rallied around us, showering us with love and gifts. And each year, on her birthday, we remember the miracle that defied the odds, a testament to God's goodness and grace. We walked through the darkest valley, but He was our constant companion, our guiding light. And we know that no matter what lies ahead, He will always be near.

Our daughter is a blessing, a treasure, and a joy - a gift from above!

Love Is Time

 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her Ephesians 5:25

Busy lives cause us to forget what is important. The best expression of LOVE is time. The most valuable thing we can give to anyone is our time. This is an area where I need to improve and has always been more a weakness than one of my strengths.

My husband is very good at giving me his attention. He is also good at giving attention to my children and my grandchildren. He gave more of himself to his family than to his work or any other thing in his life. There was never anything he preferred doing or had any desire to do more than just being around all of us. When the children all left the nest he especially enjoyed our time together. He still reminds me when I get too busy with making plans to be sure to schedule plenty of time for just US!

I used to be at a “Mach IV” with my hair on fire on a daily basis but many things have come into my life to make me change my perspective on time. My priorities have changed for the better and I make plenty of time to do the things that really matter most. I don't always get it right but I do have a great example that I live with who gives me good counsel when I begin to find myself too busy. 

God blessed me with a man who will give me all the time I want or need ~ He shows me that I am his priority and that he values me. Time is a special gift!

Each week after work my husband takes time to have a tea party with each of my sons daughters. They love having him sit at their little tables and sharing their drinks and snacks. He loves it too! This picture was taken February 2014.

Restoring the Joy

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."  Psalm 34:18

I wrote this in 2004:
Dear Lord,
In this moment, I cling to the promise that Your strength is perfected in my weakness. Today my spirit is wounded, battered by hurtful words and challenging circumstances. The weight of it all has left me feeling beaten, tired, and discouraged.

Yet, in the midst of my tears, I cry out to You, Lord I pause to acknowledge Your presence, I pray for your strength, and I wait in expectation of Your healing balm.

Though the pain is real, I am reminded that it pales in comparison to the suffering Your Son endured for me. His sacrifice gives me the courage to trust in Your plan, even when I don't understand it.

Surrounded by "joy-takers" and negativity, I choose to fix my eyes on You, the Restorer of my joy. I trust that You are still working, even in the darkest moments.

So I cry, I pause, I pray, and I wait. Lord, infuse me with Your strength, Your joy. May Your grace sustain me, and may Your love guide me forward.

Thank you Lord, for being my Rock, my Refuge, and my Redeemer.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

This picture was taken at Bethesda by the Sea Church in April 2013.

The Enemy

 Luke 10:16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

When I think about the word "enemy" I visualize Satan, demons and very evil people. I don't ever think about my being what others may visualize as their "enemy!" Unfortunately, no matter how hard we may try that is exactly what happens. People will misunderstand us or feel something negative about us that we don't even know is going on there. 

We have all experienced it at some point in our lives; especially if we have children. Our toddlers think we are trying to keep them from fun stuff when we remove them from something like sticking keys in an electrical wall plug. Our teens think we live to rob them of all their fun because we don't allow them to go places that we know from experience will not be a safe place. It is no fun being the enemy of your own kids but unfortunately it comes with the job of parenting!

It grieves me to know that there are people that I once considered dear friends and family that no longer care to see or hear from me. This happens to all of us no matter how hard we may try to not find ourselves in that position. I am so naive that I have actually had a relationship with people that I thought we were very close only to find out differently. It's devastating to my "Pollyanna personality" but I have no clue how to keep it from happening. We have to accept the fact that not everyone is going to like us!

We really shouldn't take it so personal because everything is not about us according to my pastor's sermon a few weeks ago. I would love to tell you that I don't take it personally but that would be a lie. I take it very hard as most of us do. I really have to seek God to get me out of that emotional bondage. Once I find myself at the foot of the cross and only then does God begin to pick me up and show me that He loves me ~ Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Each day gets easier and each day when I focus on His love then the pain put there by others begins to move out of the way. God's love heals the broken heart!

Don't go twenty years letting one negative comment hold you back. You are not who people say you are, you are who God says you are. Joel Osteen

This picture was taken when my daughter n law had her first born!

Read About Bullying in the Bible

 Cain had words with his brother. They were out in the field; Cain came at Abel his brother and killed him. Genesis 4:8

This was the first recorded bullying in history and it lead to the death of Abel. Cain wanted the favor God was giving his brother. He lost his temper and killed him. Human nature causes us to go after what we want no matter what we inflict on one another. Some times it's just the feeling of empowerment and control that will cause someone to bully another person.

Every day I hear on the news about some type of bullying. I am glad that people are more aware of the affect it has on people and especially children. It is a painful event that causes emotional and physical stress. It destroys self worth and causes you to question everything about yourself. The injury caused by a bully is a wound that can run so deep that it may take years to heal.

Unfortunately, no one can see the wound like you do from a bullet or a knife so there isn't always the support from family and friends. The thing that can hurt most is when you don't understand the psychological damage and then minimize the conflict.This ads to the injury and is not helpful in the healing process. An emotional injury does not always reveal itself right away. The victims will need to be able to be open about what they are suffering. They will need emotional support. We need to be sure they understand what they are experiencing such as post traumatic stress disorders or any type of anxiety. 

LOVE always protects! I Cor. 13:7

 This picture was taken in Palm Beach, April 10, 2008.

  

Sharing Struggles

Recently I have been writing about my own personal struggles with fear. It was not easy for me to write about my own weaknesses and run the risk of being ridiculed. Instead, I was not prepared for the great wave of response from readers sharing their similar struggles and being encouraged by my words. 

These blogs have been a way for me to channel my struggle in order to help others who struggle in the same way. There have been thousands of views of my blog from people in Russia, China, Malaysia, Germany, Ukraine, Britain, Canada, France & Indonesia. In the body of Christ, we should be able to share our burdens and struggles with each other.  I have experienced a sampling of Christlike love in the feedback I have received.

Loving concern for each other becomes the evidence that we have experienced  His love!

 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples” John 13:34-35.

 This picture was taken when I was driving

 through Arkansas in January 2010.