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Going Camping For The Weekend, Our Last Hurrah! Jan 2, 2009 3:33 am
Mood: Excited!!!, 114 Views
Happy New Year BigChurch!

We're off to go camping for the weekend! Yea!!! I've been waiting for this for a very long time and it will be our last hurrah before life happens, lol.

About 10 of us will be spending the weekend at Collier-Seminole State Park, on Marco Island, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and sitting in front of a campfire. What better way to bring in a new year? I just wish it were a little bit cooler for the occasion. Lows will be in the 50's and highs in the 80's, a bit too warm for me, but at least I can get in the car and turn on the a/c and take a nap in the afternoon.

I'm one of those technology campers, lol, bringing all of the modern conveniences to my tent. My portable DVD player, two battery operated TV's, radio/CD player, my new I-phone, and numerous fans have been charging the night away. My digital camera is equipped with new lithium batteries, both lanterns with extra propane, and we even brought our own firewood. We also eat better when camping than when we're at home, can't wait to roast weenies and marshmallows by the fire, while sipping on hot chocolate.

People often tease me about the way I camp, it's gonna take 4 large vehicles to carry all the stuff we pack, but whenever someone needs something, they come to Grammy (or Aunt Terrie) and I always have it. "Prepared" is my middle name, I used to be a Campfire girl, hahahaha! Alan will even be bringing his laptop so we can check up on all of you over the weekend, so you'd better be good!

Our bibles will also be packed, and I'm anxious to pack a picnic lunch, take off on the hiking trails, spread a blanket on the ground and enjoy God's awesome beauty while reading the Word. Three sunrises and three sunsets will paint a vivid picture of memories, stamped indelibly upon our minds forever. Life doesn't get much better than this, God is GOOD!!!

We'll be returning late on Monday, blessed beyond measure. A Happy New Year and a wonderful weekend to all of our friends!

The pic is of the park, along the Black River. We'll be taking lots of pics, will post some next week.
5 Comments
A New Year, A New Beginning Dec 31, 2008 5:04 am
Mood: Satisfied, 139 Views
Tomorrow we will usher in a new year and for most, that represents a new beginning. It's a perfect opportunity to reflect on the previous year and all the things we did or didn't do, and all the things we said or didn't say. This is what prompts us to consider doing better in the new year, hence the resolutions.

The practice of making New Year’s resolutions goes back over 3000 years to the ancient Babylonians. There is just something about the start of a New Year that gives us the feeling of a fresh start and a new beginning. In reality, there is no difference between December 31st and January 1st. Nothing mystical occurs at midnight on December 31st. The Bible does not speak for or against the concept of New Year’s resolutions. However, if a Christian determines to make a New Year’s resolution, what kind of resolution should he or she make?

Common New Year’s resolutions are: to quit smoking, to stop drinking, to manage money better, and spend more time with family. By far, the most common New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, in conjunction with exercising more and eating healthier. These are all good goals to set. However, 1 Timothy 4:8 instructs us to keep exercise in perspective: "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." The vast majority of New Year’s resolutions, even among Christians, are in relation to physical things.

Many Christians make New Year’s resolutions to pray more, to read the Bible every day, and to attend church more regularly. These are excellent goals. However, these New Year’s resolutions fail just as often as the non-spiritual resolutions, because there is no power in a New Year’s resolution. Resolving to start or stop doing a certain activity has no value unless you have the proper motivation for stopping or starting that activity. For example, why do you want to read the Bible every day? Is it to honor God and grow spiritually, or is it because you have just heard that it is a good thing to do? Why do you want to lose weight? Is it to honor God with your body, or is it for vanity, to honor yourself?

So, what sort of New Year’s resolution should a Christian make? Here are some suggestions: (1) Pray to the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) in regards to what resolutions, if any, He would have you make; (2) Pray for wisdom as to how to fulfill the goals God gives you; (3) Rely on God’s strength to help you; (4) Find an accountability partner who will help you and encourage you; (5) Don’t become discouraged with occasional failures; instead allow them to motivate you further; (6) Don’t become proud or vain, but give God the glory. Psalm 37:5-6, "Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun."

I have some goals made to accomplish in the New Year, some attributed to physical things, but in the spirit of considering my body to be the temple of the Holy Spirit and some things attributed to spiritual things, both to give glory to God and to grow in my walk with God, thus giving me a more satisfied life. What are your goals and desires for the New Year?

Whatever they may be, consider God in all things. He will help us to accomplish the things that are within His perfect will. And, as we submit ourselves to Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts. When looking at a new beginning, what more could we ask for?

A Happy and Prosperous New Year to everyone!!!
4 Comments
My Angel Christmas Tree Dec 25, 2008 10:02 am
Mood: Blessed with angels, 219 Views
Just wanted to share with you today, my angel Christmas tree. It has been my tradition, the last 15 years or so, to decorate my Christmas tree each year with only angels. Each year, the number grows and grows as I am able to add new angels.

This year, there are over 100 angels, each unique and meaningful, each bringing blessings of joy. I wish I could leave it up all year long.

Click on the pic to see better.

Merry Christmas to you, all of my friends!
6 Comments
How Are YOU Blessed At Christmas??? Dec 25, 2008 9:50 am
Mood: Blessed! Blessed! Blessed!, 218 Views
Christmases come and Christmases go, I've had 52 of them, some more profound than others. But, today I am blessed beyond measure as I contemplate the many things I'm grateful for this year.

I'm grateful for Jesus and His wonderful love for me. I'm grateful for His birth, His life, His death, and His resurrection, as each have impacted my life in a great way.

I'm grateful for the gift of a love like I have never known, given by God, in the form of Alan. I can't find the words to express the depth and breadth and height of this most precious gift!

I'm grateful for my family, speaking with my mom on Christmas Day, and my son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, even if from Kentucky. How much joy they add to my life!

I'm grateful for the ministry I have and the awesome privilege of serving God in it. He allows me the honor of seeing lives transformed before my very eyes. How good He is!

I'm grateful for my business and the ability to make a living for the last 22 years. Especially when times are desperate for so many, unemployed and struggling just to survive.

I'm grateful for the Word of God today and how powerful the words are written there. They have truly given me life, and life more abundantly, to the full, until it overflows!

Finally, I'm grateful for BigChurch and it's members and all of the opportunities to be blessed by each of you and be a blessing. My thoughts and prayers are of all of you this day.

Please share what you are thankful for today and the ways you've been blessed this glorious Christmas Day.
6 Comments
Feeling Led To Leave BigChurch Dec 23, 2008 5:57 am
Mood: Missing YOU!, 412 Views
As I approach 2 years here at BigChurch, I'm so grateful for the friends and fellowship I've received. With this journey with my Dear One (AlanB2) and tax season coming, I have less and less time to blog and interact with everyone. I miss all of you!

Thank you all for the love, prayers, and warm wishes! I will continue to come on when I am able and will definately post more on our upcoming wedding in September, in hopes that those who are able, will rejoice with us on that glorious day.

Even if I'm not here regularly, my thoughts and prayers will be in rememberance of each of you!

May God bless you with a CHRISTmas filled with CHRIST!!! And His joy unspeakable and full of glory and His peace that passes all understanding!

Love to ALL!

Terrie

PS The pic is of Alan and I and his parents in front of the fireplace at the Yacht Club, where we'll be married.
17 Comments
Make A Decision To Be Happy!!! It's REALLY Up To You!!! Dec 22, 2008 5:29 am
Mood: CHOOSING Jesus!, 324 Views
Sometimes, especially at this time of year, our thoughts are held captive to sadness, lonliness, and despair. We DO have an enemy! And, he would love to have each of us wallow in our self-pity, weak and feeling hopeless. If he can keep us there, we'll most likely have our focus off of Jesus, Who is the REAL reason to celebrate.

I used to think that I was destined to live in the thoughts the enemy put into my mind, I used to believe that I was forced to meditate on all the negative emotions that he placed in my thoughts. But, I discovered that I DON'T have to do that!!! I COULD make a conscious decision NOT to dwell on the sadness, I COULD decide to place the focus of my thinking on the many blessings I have instead of the things I don't have. I COULD choose to think on the Word of God and the many admonitions to be joyful. Read the following scriptures out loud and realize just how much you have to be grateful for.

God offers encouragement when we're feeling down. "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 29:11

God promises encouragement when I need it. "When I pray, You answer me, and encourage me by giving me the strength I need."
Psalm 138:3

Reflecting on our eternal hope in Jesus offers encouragement. "So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while, down here."
I Peter 1:6

There is TRULY a secret power available when you have His Word in your heart, for when you need it, you can draw upon it and speak it out loud, and it will bring life to your situation. "God is our refuge and our strength, a very present and well-proved help in trouble."
Psalm 46:1

It's so reassuring to know that our battle belongs to the Lord and He has already given us the victory. "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have perfect peace and confidence. In the world, you will have tribulation and trials and distress, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world and deprived it of power to harm you."
John 16:33

Even when we feel weak and helpless to ourselves, we have Someone Who is strong. "The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my Strength, in Whom I will trust."
Psalm 18:2

When we feel alone, we realize we are not. "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."
John 14:18

"And behold, I am with you, and will keep you in all places wherever you go, and will bring you again into this land, for I will not leave you, until I have done that which I have spoken to you of."
Genesis 28:15

Sometimes, we just need to feel loved. "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you."
Jeremiah 31:3

"We love Him, because He FIRST loved us."
I John 4:19

"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, Who loved us and gave us encouragement and well-founded hope through grace, comfort and encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word."
II Thessalonians 2:16, 17

What is the solution for sadness, depression, and discouragement? Just open up your Bible and allow God to speak. He gave us His Word to be our strength and our comfort. He made thousands of promises to keep us and reassure us. When we don't know what to do, He leads us and guides us. When we are fearful, He provided us with 365 "Fear not's". He has NOT given us a spirit of fear, but rather a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. Everything you could ever need, the answers to every question you may have, can be found in His Word. It is food to your spirit and healing for your soul. It's really up to each of us, will we choose to contemplate the many negatives the enemy gives, or meditate on the Words of our Lord, and the Lifter of our heads?

What is YOUR choice today?
9 Comments
Can You Just Imagine For A Moment??? Dec 21, 2008 7:27 am
Mood: Imagining........., 336 Views
We're all familiar with the snappy slogan, "Jesus is the reason for the season". We speak it flippantly as we discuss the Christmas season with family and friends, we hear it frequently mentioned from all of our church friends, of course many times we see it in Christmas messages from radio and Christian TV. But, have you ever stopped for just a moment to consider what it would mean if there was NO Jesus to celebrate? Have you ever imagined what your life would be without Him? Can you possibly fathom what the world would be like without Jesus? Please join me in contemplating the possibility of life without Him:

There would be no reason for living, no purpose for your presence on earth, no explanations for your questions, and no plan for your existence.

There would be no expectations for your future, no confidence in a life beyond this one, seemingly our loved ones died for naught and there would be no hope of ever seeing them again.

There would be no peace, because there would be no peace in the world. Your soul would always be at unrest, there would be no confidence or assurances to carry you through the trials.

There would be no joy in the morning, after weeping the night away, no calm delight in our spirits, no lifting of our heads.

There would be no faith except in what short-term accomplishments we could make on our own and the short-lived happiness we could gain from others. In both cases, we'd be living in constant disappointment.

There would be no Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us when we don't know what to do, no way of learning other than what our small brains could comprehend, and no truth to be found except for what our measly minds could muster.

There would be no chance for healing when the doctors have done all they can do, when pain becomes a way of life.

There would be no prospect for deliverance when held captive by our addictions and emotions, searching for a way out.

There would be no advocate, no refuge, or strength to draw upon when we are weak and helpless and broken. Any of you ever been there?

Life would simply be a temporal reality, subject to chance. We'd constantly be living in our past because we wouldn't have a future. No hopes for betterment, doubtful and insecure, pessimistic and uncertain, and gloomy and discouraging.

Today, I have a deeper revelation of what "Jesus is the reason for the season" REALLY means. Today, I'm rejoicing in Him!!!

Thank You Jesus for Your birth, Your life, Your death, and Your resurrection!!! HALLELUJAH!!!
7 Comments
Would You Marry Someone With Faults? Dec 20, 2008 9:50 am
Mood: Far from perfect, 476 Views
If there's one thing I've learned during this 8-month courtship with my Dear One (AlanB2), it's that we ALL have faults. Of course, I'm not speaking of myself, cuz we all know I'm perfect, lol.

Seriously, I've realized that I have faults I was unaware of. I've also learned that the more you get to know someone, the more imperfections are uncovered. When I first met Alan, I thought he was everything I could ask for in a man. Yes, he is perfect for me in every way, which includes pointing out all of my imperfections, lol.

Many times, it's difficult to see what's wrong with us until someone points that out to us in no uncertain terms. There's been times when it was difficult to face the reality of my imperfections, but the Holy Spirit is wonderful about forcing me to get past the walls of defensiveness I put up and honestly assess the things others observe that we cannot see from the outside, looking in.

In contemplating these truths, I've learned the principle of acceptance, of myself and of others. That's right, believe it or not, he's not perfect either. (I love you Baby! ) We will NEVER find someone without faults and weaknesses, NEVER! But, it's how we deal with those things that will determine how successful we will be in building those relationships. Often, we have such high expectations of others that when we are sadly disappointed to discover that they have faults, we are far too quick to judge, criticize, and condemn. We even have a tendency to consider running away, but that's just the easy way out and the thing that contributes to the 50% divorce rate, even among Christians.

How should we respond to faults we see in others? It's in the Bible, Matthew 7:1-2, NIV. "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

We should respond to others' faults with mercy and patience. Ephesians 4:2 says "Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love."

Is it ever right to tell someone of their faults? Matthew 18:15 says "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over."

In what spirit should this work of pointing out faults be done? "Dear brothers, if a Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help him back onto the right path, remembering that next time it might be one of you who is in the wrong. Share each other's troubles and problems, and so obey our Lord's command. If anyone thinks he is too great to stoop to this, he is fooling himself. He is really a nobody."

If we will follow these guidelines, we will be helping the ones we care about and ourselves. We will also go a long way to cultivate an unconditional love with others, knowing that even though they're imperfect, they'll be accepted and we'll be adding to their confidence and assurance that we love without expecting perfection, thus allowing each other to grow together.

Today, I am grateful that my Baby accepts me, faults and all, and that the Holy Spirit is helping each of us to grow, as individuals and as a couple.
18 Comments
BigChurch Should Sponsor Our Wedding!!! What Do You Think? Dec 9, 2008 4:21 am
Mood: Seeking sponsorship, lol, 612 Views
Alan and I met through BigChurch. Even though he only lives six miles away from me, we may have never met, if it weren't for this website. So take heart and be encouraged! God CAN hook you up, lol!

However, it took me a year at this place, and surrendering my will to God, to be completely satisfied in just Him, for this divine meeting to take place. Sure, when I first joined, I was looking for my soulmate, aren't most of us? Initially, that was my goal and purpose for being here. Then, I discovered blogging, I had NEVER written anything in my life, and was excited to interact with other Christians. I made so many new friends, what a blessing it has been! You have ALL had a profound impact on my life, in ways you may never know. Suddenly, finding a mate began less important to me and being a blessing and encourager to others became my priority. In the process, I told God many times, "Lord, if it's Your will for me to be single, I accept that, because all I really need is You." That was it! I quit looking and focused on drawing closer to Him and interceding for others here.

My point? God IS in complete control of each of our lives. He WILL give us the desire of our hearts, but ONLY after we submit ourselves to Him. He is a jealous God and will probably not allow something (or someone) in our lives that will become more important to us, than Him. Take this time, this wonderful opportunity to draw close to Him. (I had been single for 10 years!) It's in this time alone, that wounds are healed and forgiveness takes place. It's in this time that preparation is occurring. Go with the flow of His leading and His teaching, bask in His amazing love, and spend daily time in His Word. When He becomes the most important priority you have, the spouse will come.

And, now that he has, lol, I think that BigChurch should sponsor our wedding. After all, we are REAL people and not like the phony couples shown at the login page. They could make us the BigChurch poster children and take REAL pictures of the wedding, (after paying for it, of course) and post our REAL testimony for all to see.

What do you think?

Any takers for sponsoring the honeymoon? Sorry, no pictures allowed!
16 Comments
From Lost Loved Ones, Spending Christmas With Jesus Dec 8, 2008 1:46 pm
Mood: Missing my loved ones, 569 Views
At this time of year, we tend to remember those no longer with us, those who will not join in the celebration of Christmas this year. And, we miss them. But, when the thoughts come, consider this:

I see the countless Christmas trees,
Around the world below,
With tiny lights like Heaven's stars
Reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular,
Please wipe away that tear,
For I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year!

I hear the many Christmas songs
That people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can't compare
With Heaven's Choir up here.

I have no words to tell you
The joy their voices bring,
For it's far beyond description
Just to hear the angels sing!

I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart,
But I'm not so very far away;
We're really not apart.

So be happy for me, Dear Ones,
You know I hold you dear
And be glad I'm spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year!

I send you each a special gift
From my Heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory
Of my undying love!

After all, Love is The Gift
More precious than pure gold.
It was always most important
In the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other,
As my Father said to do,
For I can't count the blessings
Or the love He has for you!

So have a Merry Christmas,
And wipe away that tear,
Remember ...
I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year!

~ author unknown ~
13 Comments
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Most Recent Comments by Others
PostPosterPost Date
Going Camping For The Weekend, Our Last Hurrah!80sgirl19Jan 8 6:15 pm
Feeling Led To Leave BigChurchphilopatirJan 5 4:48 pm
How Are YOU Blessed At Christmas???goldensJan 4 8:35 am
A New Year, A New BeginningchocnrosesJan 1 9:32 pm
My Angel Christmas TreeheartforedjehuDec 26 5:49 pm
Can You Just Imagine For A Moment???NeedGodlyleaderDec 24 11:34 am
This Post Rated XXX-If Sensitive, Please DON'T Readwpx1Dec 24 3:46 am
What Does The Bible Say About Interracial Marriage?thanksjesusDec 23 1:19 pm
We Need Some "Blogger's Etiquette" Around Here!!!racefan4Dec 23 5:33 am
Make A Decision To Be Happy!!! It's REALLY Up To You!!!racefan4Dec 23 5:26 am
Would You Marry Someone With Faults?I_Am_1_Rib_ShortDec 22 11:51 pm