Tuesday, March 31, 2009

The God of the Universe!


WOW....the universe....the whole entire universe....planet earth....where God placed human beings to inhabit.

The God who created every single thing...every molecule..

He wants to meet with ME every morning.....ME....a "nobody" in my own right but a "somebody" in Him.

"What is man, that you should exalt him, that you should set your heart upon him, that you should visit him every morning?" Job 7:17-18

Holy mackerel....I don't know about you but that blows me out of the water. The God who created BILLIONS of people, still wants to meet with ME!!!

HE KNOWS ME AND HE WANTS TO SPEND TIME WITH ME EVERY MORNING!!!

The God of the heavens and earth wants to move hand-in-hand with me...a frail human being in carrying out His plans on earth! I don't know about you but that takes my breath away!!! What are we as human beings that He should give us such a privilege?

Today, I thank my God...the God of everything...that He thinks enough of me that He would want to meet with me...to sit with me....to talk with me....EVERY MORNING!

Now that's incredible!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Our Job

"Wash yourselves
Make yourselves clean
Put away the evil of your doings
From before my eyes
Cease to do evil
Learn to do good
Seek justice
Rebuke the oppressor
Defend the fatherless
Plead for the widow"
Isaiah 1:16-17

In a world where we are constantly being told to do the opposite of what the Word tells us to do...
These words today pierced my heart. Plain and simple and so powerful.

"God, tomorrow, help me be better than today....help me minister your love, help me lay down ALL evil in life, which means anything that is not pleasing to you...help me Lord, help me."

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Teamwork!





Today, Darrel and I went to our 5 year old grandsons t-ball game. If you're looking for something to do that's fun, free and will make you cheer AND laugh...come on out to the field! You'll get lots of all three!

I have watched these little guys, and one gal, practice weekly for a month or so. Each time they came out, they learned a little more about TEAMWORK. At this age, working "with" one another can be a new concept. They tend to want to do it all themselves and don't quite get the TEAMWORK idea.

But today, man they were working together like a finely tuned clock! These little fellows listened to their coaches, for the most part, and worked that ball wonderfully! Although we had one team member sit down on the field to rest and one took off his glove to wipe off his hand, all in all, their TEAMWORK was great!

Play after play, those little guys did a great job throwing the ball in, catching it, running it and sliding in to home! Poppa and I were SOOOOOO proud, as was everyone else! Although we lost by one point, if TEAMWORK had of been the way to win the game, we'd of WON!

In these photos, the last 2 are great shots PROVING TEAMWORK. In the 3rd one, if you'll look real hard a little left of center, you'll see the ball in the air that the 3rd baseman had thrown. Notice he and Easton are working together, watching that ball! In the 4th shot, you can see the 3rd baseman ready to back up Easton if he missed the ball coming to him. The other two pics are pretty self explanatory! Ya think we're proud of our Easton, or what?!!

You know, lots of adults haven't learned the idea of TEAMWORK yet. It's not ever ALL about just one player, but everyone working together to achieve the goal. Way to go boys...we're SO proud of you...of course, especially our grandson Easton!

Friday, March 27, 2009

When the Wallpaper Comes Down


We are in the process of re-doing our family room. The work is coming along slowly but surely, thanks to our son. As he tore the wallpaper down, 1 sheet at a time, I thought about myself. As always, I warn you, I think pretty simply and it seems that most anything and everything that happens or is said in my life, has a godly life lesson in it for me.

Now, back to the story! Each time my son tore a sheet of wallpaper off the wall, I thought about all the layers of junk that God has peeled off my heart over the years. One layer of junk at a time, I've given them to Him.

A layer of ANGER towards a step-father who was less than kind to me....A layer of HURT over my parents divorce.....A layer of DISAPPOINTMENT in a mother who I felt had failed me......A layer of GUILT for all those people I have let down in my life.....A layer of HATRED for the many in high school who made my life miserable....A layer of VENGENCE for those who had wronged me.........

Layers of sin peeled back when I gave my life to Christ years ago, one at a time. He washed them all away! Man, am I ever grateful of that! Years of hurt, anger, vengence....ALL forgiven! THAT is Mmmmmmmmm GOOD!

The walls are clean now, devoid of wallpaper or the yuckiness of gluey junk! They're clean, just like my sin-forgiven heart. Now that's good stuff!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Memories

A spur of the moment thought to open my hope chest overwhelmed me this morning. It is full to the gills of MEMORIES from years past. It isn't very often that I actually pull everything out and look over it again as some of the memories in there are still fresh in my heart and still bring tears. But this morning, it just seemed like the time to do it again.

My mother's little stuffed animal, a heart music box given to me, my sons plaques that simply said "I LOVE YOU" etched in a small piece of wood that they both had made me, baby clothes from my firstborn, pictures of my children and grandchildren, a little doll that my mother bought for her first granddaughter but was never able to give it to her (1 day I will though), momentos from my trip to Paris with my daughter, momentos from my trip to Hawaii with my sisters, Darrel's granny's blanket, a piece of breast cancer awareness jewelry that my sister had bought me, my father's first leather baby shoes, more pictures than I could count and so many more memories lay gently where I had placed them from the last time I mustered up the courage to open this priceless hope chest.

As my fingers traced each and every object the MEMORIES flooded my heart and mind. I took the time to stop and savor each memory. I closed my eyes and could hear the sights and sounds that each object brought back. My father's laughter,

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

FORGIVENESS IS REAL!!

Today, I was asked about God's forgiveness. "He doesn't FORGIVE everything, does HE" was the question. I wanted to cry. It reminded me once again that everyone on this planet simply does not understand the totality of God's forgiveness for our sins. There are no levels of sin. Most certainly there are in mans eyes, but not our Lord's. Sin is sin and it is a common denominator that we all possess. But many people seem to think that it's possible THEY are the worst sinner of all and God will just not forgive them.

How good to be able to speak truth to this person. To help give the understanding that God DOES and WANTS TO FORGIVE us.

Psalm 130:4 says: "But with you there is forgiveness, therefore you are feared."

Acts 10:43 says, "All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

Ephesians 1:7 says, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace."

These verses and many more tell us of His forgiveness for our sins...ALL of them! Man, that's a PRAISE THE LORD if I ever heard one! I hope I was able to calm the fears that I saw today and give assurance that our God is ready, willing and able to forgive each and every sin that we ever did or will do.

I'm so glad that I serve a risen Lord who has forgiven all of my wretched sins but still loves me so much.

Thank you Lord that FORGIVENESS IS REAL!!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Pop-O

This word probably means absolutely nothing to you, but to me, it meant everything. You see, Pop-O was what I often called my dad over the years.

Dad breathed his last in my arms with his head on my shoulder, just like he wanted, in January 1999. Doesn't seem possible that he's been gone 10 years now. Over the past several weeks I have been watching some of our old videos from 17 years or so ago. Man, talk about tears! I know I've shed a bucket of them as I watched so many precious memories appear on the tv screen. There was my sweet daddy over and over again. My heart yearns for him but my hands cannot reach out and touch him. The hole in my heart feels like it will never heal, I miss him so much.

But when the emptiness overwhelms me, I picture him at the throne of God, singing his little heart out like he did here with me all the time. I can see him on bended knee, head raised as he looks up at His Lord with his hands raised. His eyes are closed but his mouth is wide open as he sings at the top of his lungs to His Savior. His voice never gives out and he never tires of singing.

When I change my focus from the emptiness in my heart to the joy in my heart because I know where he is, all is well with my soul. I know I will see him again one day and together again we will sing our favorite songs...."It's A Sin to Tell a Lie," "Edelweiss," and "I Want a Girl Just Like the Girl."

Together again one day we will be, me and my Pop-O, at the throne of grace and mercy praising our wonderful Lord and Savior. I look forward to that day.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Idols

This morning in our Sunday school class, our lesson was on the above topic.
IDOLS are anything that we place before God or in place of God. Now, think about ALL the things in your life that could be defined as IDOLS.

Our children, our spouse, our grandchildren, money, our posessions, our pets, our computers, our jobs, nature, status, fame, good works....even a student who places more focus on their studies than they do on God can find themselves worshiping their good grades instead of God. Sounds like something so innocent but IF they place getting good grades ABOVE the Lord God Almighty, even the act of constant striving to make good grades can become an IDOL.

Whatever age/stage you are at in life will more than likely determine what you worship. For our youth it's friends, popularity, music, money, cell phones/electronics in general, the internet, sports etc.

We MUST examine ourselves and our lives to see what we have allowed to slip in and become an IDOL to us. Your IDOL worship may have begun in a very innocent way but may have grown into an obsession that you now put above God Himself.

What is usurping your time? What is it that you can't wait to get home from school or work for to do? What do you spend a lot of time thinking about? Where do you spend your money? Who do you spend it on? All of these questions must be asked so that we can face up to and admit that we have allowed stuff and people to come before our Soverign God who reigns upon the throne on high.

IDOLS.....who or what are they in your life?

Whatever it is that you TREASURE the MOST is what or who that owns your heart. We live out what is in our hearts...what/who are you displaying to others is the greatest treasure you hold in your heart?

The Bible says....

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

We must re-examine IDOL worship in our lives. We must take an honest look at our hearts.....for THERE is where our REAL TREASURE really is.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Where Have They All Gone??


The morning of 9-11-01, I know exactly where I was and what I was doing. I was having a brain MRI in Jax and had just walked out from the test when Darrel and I stepped in front of the TV in the waiting room office, our eyes glued to the scene before us. The terror of that day was unfolding before our eyes.

Within 24 hours, it seemed that half of Americans were sporting their shirts with the American flag on them, they were proudly displayed on the fronts of our homes and on every other car you passed on the street, were those car flags waving in the breeze as they drove by. Those plastic things that the car flags were mounted on went like wildfire and I would imagine that we broke record numbers in the sale of American flags at that time in history. If you were an American, you showed your pride and support of the USA by displaying our nations flag.

Today, for the first time in a while, I saw a car go by me that had 2 American flags flying on it. I had to stop and wonder where are all the flags that had been so proudly flown just 8 years ago gone to? Have people forgotten what happened because we are not in the middle of a crisis right now? Have we become complacent about our pride in our country? Do we only show THAT much support when there's a terroist attack or global crisis? There was absolutely NO doubt how much we were all behind our country in the months after that attack. We proudly and boldly let everyone know we loved our nation and we stood behind her. I don't know about you but it makes me a bit ashamed of myself and all of us Americans for not showing everyone how we feel about our country ALL the time, not just in the tough times.

As I picked this over in my small brain, I began to think about how it seems it's the same with our Christian faith. So typically just after a crisis in our lives, we are gung ho for Jesus! We realize our need for Him and we realize what He has done for us and so we're glad to tell others our godly story about Him. But not long after, when the fire of doom and despair has been put out in our life and things are back to normal, we forget Him and what He did for us. Soon, just like the abundance of flags disappeared, our boldness to talk about Him disappears and we're no longer displaying Him proudly.

It is time for us to proudly and boldly display Christ everywhere we go. There would be no way you could know if someone was an American if they didn't have our flags flying on their cars. As for us, how can people tell we're Christians if we aren't displaying a Christ-like behavior consistently?

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Phillipians 1:21

THIS should be an exemplification of how we live each day of our lives. Then and only then will people be able to KNOW FOR SURE WHO we stand for.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Laughter!!!!!!

Bob was in trouble. He forgot his wedding anniversary. His wife was really upset.

She told him "Tomorrow morning, I expect to find a gift in the driveway that goes from 0 to 200 in 6 seconds AND IT BETTER BE THERE!!"

The next morning he got up early and left for work. When his wife woke
up, she looked out the window and sure enough there was a box gift-wrapped in the middle of the driveway.

Confused, the wife put on her robe and ran out to the driveway, and brought the box back in the house.

She opened it and found a brand new bathroom scale!!

Bob has been missing since Friday.



I don't know about you....but I LOVED this!!! Isn't LAUGHTER the best?!! For me, it doesn't matter how corny, stupid or hilarious...I just love to laugh! If you know me, then you know I laugh at just about everything and if there isn't something funny going on, I usually try to say somethng funny or stupid just to get a laugh! When we laugh, our bodies release endorphins which make us naturally feel good. Gee....if you have any sense at all, don't you think that GOD created us that way???? He KNEW that laughter would make us "feel good." Which is why He tells us that a cheerful heart is like medicine to the soul!

It is impossible to feel sad when we laugh. In my own life, I know that laughter has carried me through many difficult times in my life and it has made the good days in my life even better! The ability to laugh in the face of adversity is a gift waiting to be unopened at any time!

Proverbs 17:22 says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength."

I'm so glad that laughter is a huge part of my life! Now go make stupid faces at a friend and see if you don't get a laugh or two! Those endorphins will come bursting forth inside of you and make you feel SO GOOD! :) :)

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Safe and Secure

Early this morning, my daughter and son-in-law left their home early, before the wondrous son had even begun shining. In their arms, they covered up little 20 month old Ty, and headed for their van. This morning, they are taking him to the hospital to have tubes put in his ears.

Because it was so early in the morning that they had to leave, Yaya (that's me) spent the night here so that I would be up and ready to go when my 5 year old grandson and our new 6 week old grandson woke.

As I write this, I am gazing down at little Will. Nearly an hour ago, he let me know that it was time for his bottle and so, in to action I went. As I prepared his bottle and lifted him from his bassinet, my heart melted. Quickly his cries began to quell when I drew him to me from his sleeping place. We settled in on the couch and he was grateful for the bottle that I placed in his perfect little mouth.

Cradling him closely in my arms, Jesus spoke to me. "You see how "Safe and Secure" little Will is in your arms? That's how safe you are in my arms my daughter."

HIS gentle whisper to my heart comforted me and brought such encompassing peace that I couldn't fully describe it if I wanted to. A calm came over me and a new realization flooded my soul. I'M SAFE....I'M SECURE IN HIS ARMS!!!! And where does He hold me at every second of every single day of my life?????

IN HIS ARMS!! He never lets me go.....I belong to HIM! It may appear that I walk alone on dark days but I do not for HE walks with me.

I'M SAFE!!! I'M SECURE!!!

WOW....when you let your mind and heart wrap around that thought...it can change your life!! Will is calm and already sleeping again, happy to have a full tummy once more. BUT....he WILL get hungry again and he WILL cry again. But he has a mommy and a daddy and grandparents who will be right here for him when he needs us for whatever the reason.

Isn't that like us? The good times are great when our tummies are full and life is good, but the tears will come. Tearful days will often appear out of nowhere BUT our God and Savior is right here to gently lift us from where we are, cradle us in HIS arms and let us know that we are "Safe and Secure" with Him. He's our Abba Father....our Heavenly Daddy and He adores u even more than all of us adore our new little grandson!

Jesus said, "Come unto me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Why not crawl up in His arms today and let Him cradle you with His love? He'd love to meet your needs and nestle you close to Him. You'll be so glad you did and so will He.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Many Hands Make Light Work


I wonder how many hundreds of times I said those words to my children when they were growing up! I'm sure they were sick of hearing them by the time they left our home. BUT...they are so true.

No matter what the job to be done, the more hands there are doing the job, the easier and the more FUN it is!

Today at my church, those words were seen in action as about 7 or 8 of us teamed together to serve about 75 people after a funeral. Isn't it strange how when people come together to accomplish any task, it doesn't seem so difficult. Time tends to fly by, laughter is shared, stories are told, problems are solved and blessings are passed out by the dozens, all while we are working alongside of each other! ALL because we came together and allowed "many hands to make light work."

I count it a joy and a priviledge to work alongside of my church family as we serve one another. It is such a sweet time, even when the circumstances that have brought us together are difficult, we can still "count it all joy."

Tonight, I'm thankful for the precious hands of those who are willing to come together for the simple opportunity of being a blessing to someone else.

Thanks Lord...for hands that serve....for hands that serve others, serve YOU.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Tuna Casserole

When I was child, I vaguely remember my grandmother (who did most of the cooking for us) making Tuna Casserole. Typically, it would be served as a Friday night dinner. Our Catholic background had taught us that NO MEAT was served on Fridays so fish was ALWAYS on the menu on Friday nights.

Tuna casserole was just another meal, nothing particularly wonderful or cheap about it, it was just a decent meal back then.

WELLLLLLL.....I have to say it has been MANY years since I've made Tuna Casserole...if ever in my 37 years of marriage. Most of you who know me know that I'm not real crazy about fish so it most certainly wouldn't be a meal of my choosing.

BUT....for possibly the first time ever, I made Tuna Casserole Friday night for dinner. These are different days now....scrimping on a dollar, finding ways to make it go further and settling for whatever we have instead of going out and buying something more appealing or eating out. I never thought I'd say it, but the Tuna Casserole actually wasn't too bad. I'm absolutely sure that "how" it tastes is partly a state of mind. When we could afford much better and often bought it, Tuna Casserole didn't taste so good. NOW that the economy is what it is and we are ALL cutting back, good old Tuna Casserole isn't too bad. Funny, isn't it? Our thankfulness often changes depending on our state of mind or the state of our pocketbook!

"God....tonight, I am thankful for ALL you have given me to eat....whether it's Tuna Casserole or Filet Mignon......IT'S ALLLLLLLL GOOOOOOOD and I am grateful for every morsel of food I put in my mouth. Keep me mindful that there continue to be people starving to death all over this planet. Help me remember that you have always provided for me and you always will.....whether it's Tuna Casserole or Filet Mignon. For everything God, I am thankful."

"...in everything GIVE THANKS for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Friday, March 13, 2009

Just Thinkin...

A call from my son, lunch with my daughter and grandsons, precious text messages from wonderful daughters-in-law, sweet words from my husband....time spent with a friend.

I was just thinkin....

I'm blessed to have all of them and all of you who read these thoughts of mine! Truly, I am so fortunate to have a family who love me so much. They are so good to me and as the years roll by, I appreciate and love them more and more. And I am blessed to have my dear friends who love me just as I am! My life is richer because of all of you.

So.......

Just wanted to say I LOVE YOU to ALL of you!

You make my life full.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

People Need the Lord

In 1994, Steve Green wrote a song called "People Need the Lord." I remember how that song touched me deep down in my heart as I thought of all of the hurting people across this globe who need Jesus. It has always been a special song to me and it seems like I remember singing it at the church we went to in Brunswick. Although this song is 15 years old, its' message continues to be so true and to weigh heavily on my heart.

Every day in the news, our tv's show us one story after another of murder sprees, stabbings, drugs, violence and the like. We all sit with our mouths open as we listen to the horrendous stories in disbelief. How could someone kill a family member or anyone for that matter? How can someone randomly shoot a gun killing children with no thought at all of the lives they are taking? How is it possible that man could do such horrible things??? How can so many lives be so twisted and warped? How can people be so blind to their actions???

Everywhere around us are hurting people...people who need us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We pass them by on the street and never notice them. They are everywhere....strangers, friends and family who need the Lord. When will we realize that they need the Lord and do something about it?

Right here in our county, we all know someone who needs the Lord. Let us all be about the Father's business and reach out to someone who needs to know the joy that only Jesus can bring. Today is the day...the hour is now.

PEOPLE NEED THE LORD......PEOPLE NEED THE LORD...........PEOPLE NEED THE LORD

Can they count on you?

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

And in This Corner.....

Picture yourself in an arena at a boxing match. The crowds are cheering, the lights are low, people are shouting for their favorite opponent. The room is packed and everywhere the eye can see, it sees ugliness....

Except for one corner of the ring.....

There, standing in all His glory and splendor is the King of the Universe! He doesn't need to boast or brag about Himself....He simply stands in all His majesty.

In the opposite corner of the ring....is my flesh and as the eye scans the room, the sinful flesh of men is seen everywhere.

I don't want to fight this King...I simply want to be obedient....and yet...once again...I have lost the fight to my flesh....and I have failed Him. Before the first bell has even sounded and the first round begun, I've failed.

Once again the putrid colors of my inner self have risen to the surface and the ugliness of sin has reared its' head for all to see.

All I can do is hang my head in humiliation....I am too pathetic to fight....I have already lost yet another battle to my flesh. I crawl out of the ring and slink to the floor, face to the ground, tears staining my face.

When will I learn....When will I be obedient....When will I crucify the flesh????

"Oh God, I have failed you today....in my weakness, I allowed my flesh to win another battle. I'm tired of myself....I say I want to die to self and yet, I yield to sin. Help me God! Help me! I want to be more like you...I do....I do....I do. Today Lord, I need your arms of mercy, I need your comfort and I need your forgiveness. Awaken me Lord!! I need you."

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

When the Sun Goes Down


As I type this, I am watching the sun go down behind the trees. The view caught my attention (as it ALWAYS does). But this time, the Lord whispered in my ear as my eyes were drawn to the breathtaking scenery, carved by HIS hands.

He said, "The sun is going down, what have you accomplished for Me today?"

Hmmmmmmmm....I immediately went over in my mind where I had been today, what words I had spoken to people, how much time I had spent in prayer and in my bible, had I used my time wisely and for God's glory and did my attitude exude HIM in everything I did.

When the sun goes down each day, we would do well to recount our actions for the day and purpose in our heart to do better tomorrow. I admit to you that I failed someone today. It hurts my heart but it hurts the heart of God much more.

When the sun goes down......Lord help me be able to say that I glorified YOU today.

"Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Simple Pleasures 4



A lazy Sunday afternoon....hamburgers on the grill....holding our 5 week old grandson as he slept, ice cream bars on the back porch....rocking in the rocking chairs and watching 20 month old Ty choosing and then throwing rocks into the cyprus pond in front of his new house. Doesn't get much better.

Simple pleasures in this life are not nearly as hard to come by as we seem to often think. We just need to slow down, take the time and watch them unfold.

Today, simple pleasures abounded in our afternoon and Yaya and Poppa savored every single moment.

God, once again, I thank you for the simple things in this life that bring us unspeakable joy and fill our lives and hearts with more than we deserve.

You are good!

Friday, March 6, 2009

"I Was Just Thinking About You..."

These are such simple words, but such sweet ones. Who doesn't like to know that they're being thought of? I don't know of anyone, do you?

In this busy world that we live in, time seems to rush by us. It seems I have barely gotten my day started when it's time for bed again.

Today, a dear friend let me know she was thinking about me and praying for me. That may not sound like much to you, but it meant the world to me. I needed that today and she had no way of knowing that, which makes the thought even sweeter.

Thank you dear friend, for loving me, for praying for me and for caring enough about me to take time out of your busy day to let me know.

The next time someone comes to your mind....let them know.....it'll make their day.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Innocence



Tonight, once again in our ladies bible study, I was awed as I listened to Kay Arthur speak. Over and over and over again, we heard the powerful statement, "If you are not dead, no matter what you have done, God is not finished with you yet!!" God shows us repeatedly in His Word that His forgiveness is real and through His forgiveness and grace, He cleanses our hearts and makes us clean again. He is NEVER DONE WITH US.....NO MATTER WHAT!!!! Those words can set you free!!

Yes, there are always consequences to our sins. They are always seen by God, maybe not by man, but they are always seen by Him. Sin will take us farther than we ever wanted to go, cost us more than we ever wanted to pay and keep us longer than we wanted to stay. Once sin begins in our lives, our innocence is gone, but forgiveness is always waiting for us.

I look at these two little grandsons of mine, Will and Ty, and I see innocence. They have not yet known sin, although they were born into it and WILL one day fall into it.

For now, they are innocent. Their precious faces make me wish I could go back and have a do-over in my younger years. Now, I clearly see my sin and I wish I could still say I was innocent, but I am not.

Numbers 32:23 says......."be sure your sin will find you out."

We are not innocent BUT WE ARE FORGIVEN! Thank you Lord! You can create a clean heart within me.

Monday, March 2, 2009

I Wanna Leave a Legacy

Have you ever thought about what people might say about you after you're gone?? Every now and then, I do. Even this past Sunday, our pastor mentioned the same thing. He said he hoped that when people stood around his casket they would be able to say, "He was the real deal."

I also hope that could be said about me...BUT....several years ago, a song came out called "I Wanna Leave a Legacy." It pierced my heart as I listened to the words.....

"I Wanna leave a legacy, how will they remember me"........

When I'm gone, I want to have left a Legacy of Jesus, of hope, of joy, of love, of compassion, of servanthood, of courage, of a "stand firm" faith, of hilarious laughter and of availability to my family and friends.

I do not have lots of money or material things, no hidden overseas bank accounts nor acres of land to leave my children and grandchildren, but what I do have is JESUS.

THAT is the LEGACY I want to leave for them. THAT is how I hope they will remember me....a lover of JESUS and a lover of TRUTH.

I WANNA LEAVE A LEGACY....HOW WILL THEY REMEMBER ME??