God loves you more than your Mama...

I started writing this back in March, but wanted to share it... and add a bit to it:

God loves you more than your Mama.

For most people, if asked who loves them most in the world – the answer might be any of the following: mom, dad, spouse, partner, sibling, B/F/F, etc… and in general at some point we have taken that person for granted in some way, shape, or form during the length of your relationship. Think of the “sacrifices” those people may have made for you and think about whether or not you recognized this. If you have not – thank them. Tell them you love them, tell them you appreciate them… because eventually, it may be too late.

To see the ultimate example of love, one should look to God. He sent His Son to be the living, breathing, example of love and the ultimate sacrifice for His loved ones (YOU!!!). God is the only friend you can ever have that you can dump all your troubles, issues, and cares upon and He will never stop caring or listening. Eventually we humans would fall asleep or leave – but Him… not so much.

“Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord;
Lord, heard my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
To the voice of my supplications.”
Psalm 130: 1-2

In order to truly love people I must know the love of God for He is the best example of love ever shown. In order to be a better friend, I must follow His example and live it daily. There is no doubt in my mind that I will fail miserably at loving others some days – but that is one of the joys of a relationship with God – He forgives and gives opportunities to improve and loves without boundaries.

One of the most astonishing things to me is that God wants me. He doesn’t need me, but He wants me!

“God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshipped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all liked, breath, and all things.”
Acts 17: 24 – 25

As I was thinking about God’s love and his example of love and friendship, the following verses come to mind:

"Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives." (Psalm 90:14)

" If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!" (1 Corinthians 13: 1-8)

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

"Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?" (Romans 8:35)

"This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other."

(John 15: 12 - 17)

"The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever" (Hosea 14: 4)

I think it's funny that I came across this writing of mine tonight. Lately I have really been thinking of writing about a special group of people God has put in my life. And the subject of friendship and love really brings it into perspective. A little over a year ago I was assigned to a small group within my Sunday School class. There are 6 other girls in this group who have truly made my life better within the last year. They have been with me and supported me through the hardest times of my life, and I am so thankful for that. (Once again, God's timing is awesome... this group literally started a few weeks before Pawpaw died... built in support as soon as He knew I would need it!) Another great part about this group is the accountability involved. We laugh together alot... but we have also cried together on many occasions. Even when we are laughing and joking, someone will bring up quiet times and we will all speak up to say where we are... even if it isn't a good place. There is so much honesty and vulnerability within this small group of friends that I feel totally comfortable and encouraged by these girls and I look forward to seeing them as ever week. (FC, if you are reading this... each of you are truly a blessing in my life and I thank God for you every day. I don't know that I can ever express to you what you have meant to me as we have grown to love and care for each other. You are my family in Birmingham and I love you all so much.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Dear God,

Thank you for the earthly portrayal of Your love that is friends and family. I don't deserve it, but am desperate for it. I pray that I won't take for granted the people You have placed in my life that make me a better person, and that You will use me to encourage and support them in the days to come.

- KC

I miss my Daddy...

I am really really missing Daddy today... I woke up thinking about it... Today is the 20th (or was, it's rather early in the morning now), which means it's been 4 months since he died. A little over 4 months was the longest amount of time I ever went without seeing Daddy in my entire life... and so that reality is hitting me really hard.

I have filed away all the emails he sent me that I still had... I have them all the way back to 2006. I sat down to read some tonight... just to see something from him... and I've been crying since I started reading. I miss his words, I miss his humor... his subject lines would be stuff like "agitback" or "whatyoudurrrrin???" I miss his wisdom that would come out in the most simple lines. I miss honesty and prayers for me... I miss him so much it just hurts... I've realized since he died, that Daddy really was my best friend. I consulted him about everything and before everyone else... his opinion and advice meant more to me than anyone else... and I cannot express how much I miss that.

As I have been reading through the emails... I just keep seeing things that stand out... and thought I would share a few of them with whoever may be reading.
-----------------------------------------------------------
"That's what I love about being a Christian. It can only get better after we die."

""If we don't learn from others mistakes we're doomed to make them ourselves."

"The first thing I would advise doing is buy aconsumers report buyer's guide...I've found it to be invaluable when purchasing majorthings. You'll be supprized what all is in there. "

" However, remember God never madeanyone basically bad. Solomon said, Behold God hathmade man upright, but he has sought out manyinventions. That being the case we all have the capacity to be both very good or very bad. It is amatter of choice, or lack of a choice as the case maybe.
I believe that life is all about balance, the scripture says "Let your moderation be known to allmen". Each attribute we have has both a positive and negative side to it. Both a strength and weakness. If your honest about things you'll notice that your greatest assets are also a great vuneralbility. It's the source of vanity, pride, and therefore a weakness. I said all that to say this. For all your strengths, you have offsetting weaknesses that may not be as noticable. Beware of them, for they are always present with us, and without both positive and negative sides a battery won't start a car!"

" I will caution you though, not to be afraid to delegate authority. In the first place, you just can't do it all yourself. You make people think you don't trust them by doing so. It's ok to put pressure on others to perform. I also know that you will be supprised sometimes at how well they do! EXPECT THEN INSPECT that's the system that I learned to use. I assure you I went though some growing pains when it come to supervision of personel. I had never had any training before becoming a driller and then toolpusher. You just learned on the job, by trial and error. Some things still have to be aquired that way still. The old saying goes: Trial and error is the best teacher but the school fees are real high! "

" I'm feeling an urgency about life now anyway. I just don't feel it will be long before Jesus comes back. The acceleration of "uncontrolled" events in the world is evidence that all governments are in a reactionary mode now. That just proves God is controlling things and there's not anything man can do to alter his plans. The war waged by the Muslim world on Christian society, The Communist war on free enterprise, and the reality that they can't defeat our modern military, points to an economic war. The muslim's have the money that the jews don't have, We owe China $500 Billion, not to mention what we owe others, Property is being bought up by foreigners, and I wouldn't be supprised to see government property someday given as payment for these debts. I just see man losing control. If I were you I'd plan my finances accordingly. What that means I just don't know.
God will judge the nations, and ours is guilty of interfering in foreign governments since the creation of the CIA, and the murder of millions of unborn babies. We are arrogant in our policies. We think everyone should be like us when it's obvious we aren't too successful in government ourselves. Democracy is our God! We should have been concentrating on the spread of Christiananity not that. It's just got me worried for the future.
One thing I'm not worried about is God's ability ot take care of us. At the same time there have been thousands who have died for what they believe. We should ask ourselves how would we stand up to that test."

" I shudder to think what God has in store for a society that has forsaken his way so easily.
We should add this possibility to our future plans I think. God always sent a warning before judgement. We had better be listening to hear it, because I believe it's coming!"

" I've learned to leave the things I can't do nothing about to God, it's just that pretty regularly he has to remind me, that I am his, and he is mine. That he is in control, and if I'm willing to cooperate life will be better. "

" My experience has been that sometimes when I think something negative has happened to me, after a while looking back I have seen that it was really a positive in the long run. I'm not saying that is your case, but trust God to know what is best since he knows the future and we don't."
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Sometimes I just really want to get mad at God... but I know that I can't... because as much as my Daddy loved me... God loves me more. And no matter what, I HAVE to find peace in that... if I can't then what else is there.

Please keep my family in your prayers. I talked to mom earlier and she was having a bad day (bad days are code for emotional days). Tomorrow (well, today I guess) is a year since Pawpaw Scarbrough died. Man, what a heck of a year we have had... I really do wish we could go back in a time some days, but I know that isn't God's will. As Daddy said in that email to me, 'it can only get better after we die.' I know he, mawmaw, and pawpaw are having a grand old time in heaven with the Lord... and we just have to deal with our sadness till we can get there and join them.

Blessings...

This is a song that Daddy and Pawpaw Cole used to sing all the time. I
honestly only remember the first two verses (in bold), but the entire song has a
great message. It's one of those tunes that you just get in your head and keep
singing over and over again.... The song is also a great reminder of how we are
put here on this earth, not only to serve God, but to serve others. Ironically,
the best thing about serving others and giving to others is the blessings
that are returned to the giver... and I'm so thankful for those...

Each day I’ll do a golden deed,

By helping those who are in need,

My life on earth is but a span,

And so I’ll do the best I can, The best I can.

Life’s evening sun is sinking low,

A few more days and I must go

To meet the deeds that I have done,

Where there will be no setting sun.

To be a child of God each day,

My light must shine along the way;

I’ll sing His praise while ages roll

And strive to help some troubled soul, Some troubled soul.

The only life that will endure,

Is one that’s kind and good and pure;

And so for God I’ll take my stand,

Each day I’ll lend a helping hand, A helping hand.

I’ll help someone in time of need,

And journey on with rapid speed;

I’ll help the sick and poor and weak,

And words of kindness to them speak, Kind words I’ll speak.

While going down life’s weary road,

I’ll try to lift some traveler’s load;

I’ll try to turn the night to day,

Make flowers bloom along the way, The lonely way.
- William Gold, 1918

I firmly believe that God puts people and opportunities in our paths each and every day to help others in His name. It may be as simple as letting a classmate borrow a pencil, cleaning out your closet, or donating money to someone in need... but if you do it with a Godly attitude it makes all the difference. I have talked to several folks who have been abroad on mission trips that provide medical assistance, and students who have handed out free hot chocolate... and as they do this, and as the recipients ask why they do it, they are able to tell others that the reason they give is because of God and the blessing He has already bestowed upon us. Giving is such an awesome way to share the love of God in a tangible way that others can see.

I listen to Rick and Bubba every morning as I get ready for work. Last week they were doing a promotion with an organizational called World Vision which offers the opportunity to sponsor a child for $35.00 a month. The donation helps to provide food, clean water, medical care, etc... for children who are in need. I really felt God telling me that this would be something I could do to help others... think of this "sacrifice" in the literal sense: $35.00 a month is 2-3 dinners out! So I did some research and checked out the organization. When it got to the part where I was able to choose a child (you get to see their pictures and a little biographical/geographical information) I decided to search for a child born on June 20, 2009... the day that Daddy died. There was one little girl from India, her name is Anjali, and I am now her sponsor. So next year on June 20... I know I'll be sad as it will be one year since Daddy died... but I can also celebrate Anjali's birthday. You see the thing here is... I signed up for this sponsorship thing to help out someone else... but in reality and in the long run, this will be a blessing for me.

If you are interesting in getting more info on World Vision or sponsoring a child, visit: http://www.worldvision.org/content.nsf/pages/sponsor-a-child-page-radio?Open&campaign=1179241

I also believe that giving back is our responsibility as a child of God and member of a church. I can testify personally to the blessings received that I believe are a result from giving tithes back to the Lord. I don't make a lot of money.... but God gets 10% of my gross income every month. I have faithfully tithed since I got my first job as a RA at Ole Miss. In college, when I didn't go to a specific church in Oxford, I gave my tithe to the Baptist Student Union. So even if you aren't a member of a church there are ways to give your first fruits back to God. I know that a lot of people feel that they might not be able to afford to tithe... but to them I say this:

1. God's the one who provided the job opportunity in the first place... so you owe Him.
2. Try it!! I challenge someone to cheerfully (yes, that's key) give their tithe back to the Lord and see if blessings don't flow your way.

In the book of Malachi, the author refers to lack of paying tithes as robbing God, and who wants to do that?? Just check out the following verses that support my theory:

"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this, Says the Lord of hosts, If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out on you such a blessing, That there will not be room enough to receive it." (Malachi 3:10)

Even God says TRY ME!!!! It's a challenge! God wants you to give him His earnings to that He can bless you!!!! (I wish you could hear how hard I am typing these lines... it's showing my enthusiasm and passion for this!!!) Right here in the bible, this book written sometime in the 5th century B.C. and God is straight up telling us right now to Try Him!!! And the last line of that verse just blows me away!!

"THERE WILL NOT BE ROOM ENOUGH TO RECEIVE IT"

Seriously, no other explanation is needed here... God's gonna fill your bucket and refill it, and fill it again... how amazing is our God!! You give a little back to Him (and seriously, 10% is a little)... and He opens the windows of Heaven to pour blessings down on you!!! I honestly don't know how anyone can read this verse and not see the LOVE that my God has for all of us!!!!

I just don't know if there's much more to say... if we give back to God, with our time, with our money, with our talents and our skills, God will bless us so much that we can't even receive it all. Can you count all the blessings in your life??I know that mine are too many to count, but I'm so thankful for each and every one of them.

===================================================================

God, please help us to always return to you what you have given to us... and thank you for those blessings that we may not always notice, but that we are always thankful for. You are our God, our Savior, and our Provider of all things.

===================================================================

Goodnight, God Bless, Love y'all... - KC

God, can I get a billboard please?!

To be totally honest, I'm feeling unsettled in my life lately. Not in my faith or in my career... because I feel that both of those are solid and on track. I'm feeling unsettled because I know have to make some decisions in the near future, and I'm begging God to show me what it is He wants me to do.

As I've said previously on my blog... knowing that I am in the place that God picked for me is one of the most amazing feelings to me. To know that God numbered my steps so that I was home when both Pawpaw and Mawmaw died is evidence that He is actively in my life.

So here's my problem... when it come to God giving me directions, instead of whispering your answer to me... God, can I get a billboard please?!

I am truly looking forward to seeing who/what/where God has in store for me... but I am so eager for it to happen within the next year... I am by no means unhappy with my life... on the contrary... I love my family, friends, job, church, etc... However, after 9 years of living on campus, I would love a space of my own (conveniently with a backyard for a dog I hope!). I would like to get some different experience in another area of higher education other than Residence Life, and eventually start working on a degree that will make me: Kacey Cole, PhD.

I think that anytime a Christian thinks of future plans, Jeremiah 29:11 comes to mind (I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought about it!).

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

If I am critical of myself, then ultimately, all of my unsettled feelings are a result from lack of trust (I need to be honest with myself, right?!). I kind of have a hard time with that though... this thought that I might not totally trust God because I am unsettled about what I am going to do in my future. I feel like I must trust God to trust Him with my eternity, right?? Once again though... the comfort and lesson comes from the Word.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Lessons learned from this passage (the slap you in the face kind):

1. God is smarter than you!

2. You are not as smart as God!

3. PRAY AND STUDY!!!!!!!!

4. Listen!

I know that there are other people in my situation as well... some may be searching, others (like Kim) may be just about to start a new endeavor. In any case... Proverbs 3 is a good read for all of us, so I thought I would share it here. A few favorite verses are highlighted.

Proverbs 3

1 My son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my commandments;
2 for length of days and long life and peace shall they add to thee.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee; bind them about thy neck, write them upon the tablet of thine heart.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding;
6 in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy flesh and marrow to thy bones.
9 Honor the LORD with thy substance and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10 so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD, neither be weary of His correction;
12 for whom the LORD loveth, He correcteth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom and the man that getteth understanding;
14 for the merchandising of it is better than the merchandising of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies, and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared to her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, and happy is everyone that retaineth her.
19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath He established the heavens;
20 by His knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
21 My son, let not these depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion;
22 so shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace around thy neck.
23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble;
24 when thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid; yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked when it cometh;
26 for the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being snared.
27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
28 Say not unto thy neighbor, "Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give," when thou hast it with thee.
29 Devise not evil against thy neighbor, seeing he dwelleth securely beside thee.
30 Strive not with a man without cause if he has done thee no harm.
31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways;
32 for the froward is an abomination to the LORD, but His secret is with the righteous.
33 The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesseth the habitation of the just.
34 Surely He scorneth the scorners, but He giveth grace unto the lowly.
35 The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

I hope this helps someone out tonight... it helped me to read and write it. Please pray for me as I anticipate some more changes and choices in my life throughout the next year.

Sweet hour of Prayer...

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
The joys I feel, the bliss I share,
Of those whose anxious spirits burn
With strong desires for thy return!
With such I hasten to the place
Where God my Savior shows His face,
And gladly take my station there,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His Word and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

You know how sometime you go to church and you can totally tell that God is speaking to you? Well, church on Sunday was such a blessing to me. I don't get to go to my home church, Midway, very often... but Bro. Carmichal sermon on prayer really made me think about a few things. I wanted to share the lyrics of the song "Sweet hour of prayer" because I think it has such a
strong message...

- We can find relief through prayer...
- Prayer can keep us from things we are tempted by...
- God wants to share in our happy moments, so tell Him about them!
- God wants us to seek Him, study, Him, trust Him, and rely on Him!

The book of Philippians, though it's a letter... relates a lot to the prayer life of a believer...

• Philippians begins with Paul and Timothy thanking God for the friends they are writing to. What an encouragement!! We should always remember those who we love in our prayers.

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making requests for you all with joy." (Philippians 1:3-5)

• In a time of loss, the following verses really opened my eyes and are easy (in my opinion) to personalize to one's situation. Paul is talking about his imminent death... but read these verses thinking of the person/s in your life that have passed away or may be facing a hard battle.

"For me to live in Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit of my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you." (Philippians 1: 21-24)

So let's be honest with ourselves, which is a hard thing to do (I'm talking to myself more than anything), How selfish are we to want the "I" in these verses to "remain in the flesh"?? If I would have asked myself this question a month or so ago... I would have had a totally different answer. Of course I would have wanted my Daddy to stay "in the flesh" with me... but lately (and after some conversations with mom) I have really considered what Daddy's life would have been like as he recovered and recuperated and lived life with Leukemia. He would have had to wear long pants and long sleeves and really only spend time outside in the early morning or evening. Now, anyone who knew my Daddy could tell you that would be a hard sell to make him stay inside... for more than an hour or more if he wasn't taking a nap! So... how much better (for him) was it to die and GAIN CHRIST! I truly believe Daddy chose to go on to Heaven. Maybe he could have fought the Leukemia harder and remained here with us, but Daddy was truly a God seeker, and if God gave him a choice... I am confident that he chose to go and be with Christ... "which is far better." (I'm crying as I write this... and I have to continually remind myself that Daddy is much better off, and that I am growing stronger and closer to God from dealing with his death.)

• Prayer can help you deal with the past and prepare for the future.

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead." (Phil 3:13)

This verse says two separate things to me about the past.

1. Don't hold a grudge...
2. You can't change the past, so don't worry about it.

For the future, this verse says to me that I should pray about things ahead... not worry about them. If you know me, then you know this is a hard sell for me! Not as much now as in the past... but I have always been a worrier. I love my job, but definitely feel that it is time for me to start exploring other options since I have started my 4th year in my current job, and have now lived on campus for (working on my) nine years. (If mom reads this... she will probably start recruiting you all to pray that I'll move home)

My pastor at Shades, Dr. Danny Wood said the following during a sermon not too long ago... and it's SO true!! "If it's big enough to worry about - it is big enough to pray about." Read Philippians 4: 6-7 for some more insight into worry... or lack thereof. :)

• God will supply our NEEDS!

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4: 19)

Keep in mind that God knows a lot more than you do... and you can't fake, fib, or fabricate God. God knows the difference between our wants and needs a lot better than we do... and sometimes He will say no to our requests. But He has your best interests at heart because He loves you!!

My prayer for us all is that we will pray!!! It is so important to communicate with God... and SO easy!! Just like in any relationship... communication must occur for the relationship to flourish and develop... so to develop our relationship with God... we have to talk to Him!! I have been praying that my convictions, observations, thoughts, and emotions that I express on this blog will help some of you who read it... and I continue to pray that is the case.

Time.

You know how somethings you just don't notice things that are around you all the time? Well, today I noticed a little plaque in mom's house that in my 26 years of life, I had never noticed. I'm not sure how long it's been there... but until today it was unread by me.

Time is...
Too slow for those who wait,
Too swift for those who fear,
Too long for those who grieve,
Too short for those who rejoice,
Bit for those who love ---- Time is Eternity

Time has been on my mind alot lately... for a variety of reasons. Is it time to change jobs? I need to spend more time with my family... When is it going to be time to go back to school and work on my doctorate? Do I have time to take a nap? How much time till the Lord comes back? Will I have enough time to have a husband and family before the Lord comes back? How much time will it take us to go through all of the stuff in mawmaw's house. How many times can I get back home before Christmas... and on and on and on.

Daddy always said that God's concept of time is totally different than ours. Many times he and I talked about how there could have been hundreds and thousands of "years" between the time that God created the heavens and the earth, and man. Thinking about all of this... I used my trusty concordance (those lists of words in the back of your bible) to look up a few verses and see what the Word says about time.

2 Timothy 1:8-9 (New Living Translation) -
" So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus."

Before God created TIME He created a plan for YOU AND ME!! Before God created TIME, He created a way of SALVATION for us!! I may worry if I'll have time to plan a meeting or a hair appointment on a particular day... but God planned for us BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF TIME!!! Why do we worry so much about time when our God is in control?!!

(Also reference that song by Alabama, "I'm in a hurry and don't know why"...

it has some great points too.)

John 6:7 (NLT)

"Jesus replied, “Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime"

I really hope I'm not misinterpreting here... but my thought with this verse goes with the previous note that Time is Eternity. Jesus Christ knew His "time" to go would involve the cross... and on that particular day, it wasn't His time to go. We however, don't have that forewarning of knowing when our time will be up. Therefore, we should live every day in honor of our Lord.

Proverbs 31:25 (NLT)

"Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come."

I think this verse could be my mom's banner. But for anyone who has gone through a difficult time, this verse hits home. You have to be strong... and though you may be sad and not rejoice at this moment... it will come.

Ecclesiastes 9:11 (NLT)

"I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. "

No matter how fast, strong, smart, rich, or popular we may be... time will catch up with all of us. You cannot escape God's timing for your life.

Hosea 10:12 (NLT)

"Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. "

This one is pretty simple. In order to grow as a Christian, we must spend time with the Lord... when he rains on our seeds of righteousness - we will grow.

Time affects us all in different ways... and I'm sure we all have different thoughts and concepts when it comes to time. It's a cultural thing as well for some (on the punctuality issue), and a regimented thing for others. Daddy wrote a song many years ago titled, "When Time is No More." The song is a real eye opener if you will let it be... I know you can't hear it... but read the words and pay attention to what he is saying. We may think one thing about time (that we need more!)... but the reality of it is... time is only temporary, and how we spend our time says alot about who we are.

WHEN TIME IS NO MORE
DANNON COLE

Time goes so fast in this world it seems,
There’s not much time for my hopes and dreams.
But up in Heaven when I stand on that shore,
There’ll be enough time, when time is no more.
---------------------------------------------------------
Time goes so fast, we each go our way,
There’s so many words we all need to say.
But up in Heaven there are no more doors,
We’ll all be together when time is no more.
----------------------------------------------------------
Time goes so fast, now I must rush on,
The first thing I know my life will be gone.
Then all the things that I’ve come to know,
Will then seem as nothing, when it’s my turn to go.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Chorus:
When time is no more, in Heaven we’ll be,
We’ll sing and rejoice, at our Savior’s feet.
I’ll never be late, or worry again,
When time is no more, in a land --- without sin.

A thought to ponder...

Do you think God has a refrigerator where he hangs our good works and notes?

If so, have I done anything worthy of being placed on the refrigerator?

Last night I was looking through some of daddy's drawers for some sweat pants (I didn't plan on staying home for a week... I needed some clothes!) and I found a folder full of notes, cards, and pictures I had given him that probably date back to kindergarten or first grade (we're talking 20 years here). I had absolutely no clue he had saved them, and I had some serious emotions as I looked through them all. I wrote daddy tons of notes... I used to hide them in his offshore bag so he wouldn't find them till he got to work. So why did he choose these notes? I'll never know... but it tells me that they mattered to him... and that's what matters to me.

So this brings me to my thought to ponder for tonight... Does God have a folder of our notes to him? Would God hang our good grades, pictures, and reports on his refrigerator? If so... have I done anything worthy of little magnet or piece of tape?? If not, boy that sure is good motivation to make Him proud, isn't it??

When I started thinking about this, my mind went to the scene in the Bible when Jesus is being baptized by John:

"When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said,

'You are My beloved Son, in You I am well pleased'."

(Luke 3: 21-22)

How much should we desire that God put OUR names in this sentence???

I want to be his beloved daughter in whom He is well pleased!!!

-----------------

Prayers for us all:

Find out how we can please God, use our talents to please God... and do it every day in every way we can.

-------------------

** Special note: To those of you who have been praying for my family during our time of loss... thanks so much for your love, support, and prayers. You are such a blessing. **