Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Make Lemonade ....


I will be the first to admit that when life gives me lemons I try to make lemonade. However, there are some days when it would be so much easier to just throw the lemons back! But then it made me stop and think, "Jesus not only died on the cross for me, but he CARRIED that cross up the hill for me, for you and me!"

It is so easy to complain and whine about the things in life that do not go our way, but yet we have not even begun to "carry the cross". Yes, life may be full of obstacles and hard challenges, but Praise God he carried that cross and bore our transgressions that we may have life abundantly.

If we will simply go to God with empty hands and an open heart, ready to receive his abundant blessings, he will provide us with our needs. See, he already knows the depth and breadth of our needs before we ever ask him for them. Just like the song, "Cast Your Bread Upon the Water" it is clear that if we will simply turn to God he will always be there and will breath life into our needs.
My Mom received news yesterday, that she has abnormalities on her brain causing her to have seizures. When my baby sister called me to give me the news I tried to be brave, and not just break; because I knew she had enough on her plate and me breaking down on the phone was the last thing she needed. But when I hung up, I cried myself to sleep. I wanted to throw the lemons back!! My heart ached knowing that it was one more cross to bear. But I woke this morning with one thought on my mind and heavy on my heart, "Jesus already carried the Cross". I just cried and began thanking God by saying, "thank you"!

I know that MY GOD still is in the healing business! I know that by His stripes we are healed! See the Bible tells us that he gives power to the weak and will renew our strength. I just have to exercise my Faith and trust in Him!

Whatever you're dealing with today, no matter how many lemons are thrown your way, don't throw them back, make Lemonade! Regardless of how hard it may seem to squeeze those lemons, make lemonade. We all have our crosses to bare, regardless of how heavy it may be, thank God we do not have to carry or bare it alone. See, Jesus already carried the cross for us...he died on the cross so we could have life abundantly ...now it's up to us as to whether or not we'll crumble under the Cross or will we simply allow him to help us carry it...?

Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Blessings,
Candye~


Monday, April 26, 2010

Exercise - Part II


When we think about exercise...most of us think of sweat, exhaustion, and sometimes even tears, depending on how out of shape you are. Well, all of it would be me. I realized just how of of shape I am today. It's sad when one has to clean before they can use the equipment!! Yes, you guessed it, my exercise equipment was so dusty it was unreal. I, of course, immediately decided I needed new windows for my home to justify the dust, instead of just admitting the obvious!! Just an excuse...(lol)

This got me to thinking, how many have "dusty" Bibles; better yet, how many of you even know where your Bible is? I for one have a Bible by my bed and one in my purse. I admit they don't get opened as much as I want them too, but I at least try to open and read at least once a day. Truth is, just having a Bible or knowing where yours is does you no good if you do not open it and use it.

Just like our bodies, we have to exercise all facets of our Faith in order to get it "in shape" to face adversity. I thought I would put it into perspective that we have to start with the fundamentals before we can run a marathon.

When you think about the basics of exercise it relates to your basic walk with Jesus. It starts with admitting you need Him. We all need to establish a daily walk with Jesus. Let him guide your steps and be your protector.

Exercising brings so many good things to your life starting with balance. Balance means a state of equilibrium. Depending on which exercises we do, it creates a state of balance in your life, on so many levels. Just with accepting Jesus into your life, He creates a state of balance. He provides you with the right mind-set to make the good decisions to balance out your life.

Remember, you have to have patience in order to see results....James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

Blessings,
Candye~

Friday, April 23, 2010

My Life....




I'm so glad to say this week is behind me. It seems that it's been a very long week! It's been a hard week, with having to say good-bye to a friend and with work being so crazy, and oh yes, one must not forget, it has been 8-weeks since my baby sister moved back to Paducah, Texas, and took my angel niece with her. It certainly seems like it's been a lot longer, and I'm sure she would agree...

As I said at the beginning of this month, when I started this blog, I was trying to follow my heart. I have always had a passion for writing and it seems that God has graced me with a gift and the ability to express myself by using words....okay, so sometimes they're not always in the correct order, and often I speak when I shouldn't; but hey, I didn't say he PERFECTED my ability, I just said he graced me with the passion! (lol)

With that said, I've decided to take the first steps in writing a book about my journey. Although I'm not sure where it will go, or if it will ever see an ending, but it will definitely have a beginning. I want to help others - and I've learned that sometimes the best way to do that is to simply just let them know that the journey they're on has been walked before by others...and although the outcome may not always be the same, they can have an impact on how the details and how it ends.

Life isn't always pretty, but it's a beautiful ride!! You just have to pick the right horse...invite the right friends...and let the wind blow in your hair and run...like the movie "Hope Floats" says...sometimes endings are sad, but the middle is where it counts!
I'm sure you will all get blurps of my book from time to time, and honestly, you've already seen some of my writings, so if it ever hits the shelves...hopefully you'll pick it up and at least leaf through the pages! :0)

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! May your cup runneth over!!!
James 4:14 "whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."

Blessings!
Candye~

Thursday, April 22, 2010

SABRINA'S FINAL RIDE.....


SABRINA’S FINAL RIDE……

She took her last ride home today
Her final lap in the arena without a fray
As her boots were turned around
To only show she now wears a crown
Her family and friends were there to not say goodbye
But to celebrate her magnificent life

She leaves behind a legacy that most will never forget
She leaves us with a memory that cannot be select
She leaves us with a smile that we will never neglect
She will always linger silently in our thoughts and by our side
And until the time when we meet again she’ll do up there
Just as she’s done down here – she’ll watch over all the strays
And take care of them in so many ways

I can only imagine how her entrance to Heaven must’ve been
I’m sure she slid in sideways amazed by the heavenly rush
Her boots and spurs jingling as she walked the streets of gold
I’m sure she was greeted at the gates by her baby that now she holds

Although she will be missed here on earth,
Rest assured it’s not for long
Because one day we all will be called to our heavenly home

Oh I can see it now as she meets us at the gates
She’ll have all our families in the wake
Her smile so big and bright
Her arms stretched wide like a light
Her laughter as loud as the sounds of the trumpets
She’ll call us all by name and make us
Laugh as she cracks a joke of why we’re so late

Although she may never really know
Just how she touched so many lives here below
But may her memory be as a silent
As wind blowing thru the willows
I know she is now renewed in heaven above
And forever she will be loved

When I said my final goodbye
I whispered quietly so only she could hear….
Now that your work on earth is done
And you’ve arrived at your heavenly home
Will you please hold my baby girl near
And tell her I miss her so
Will you love and cuddle her with Keegan
And tell her I’ll soon be home…..

In Loving memory of Sabrina Nicole Ross
August 2, 1988 – April 16, 2010
By: Candye Daughhetee

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Trusting God - April 18, 2010

Seems like this last week was a whirl-wind and I'm not sure if I've accomplished all I set forth to do, but I do know my list grew instead of shrinking!!

I received some very sad news Friday night. A friend passed away, unexpectedly. It's so sad to lose a loved one and/or friends, but it's even more sad when they leave behind a 7mo old baby. I speak from the heart when I say tears flowed uncontrollably thinking of what she will miss here on earth, but also envy her that she is now gone on to Heaven to become one of the many Angels that will be watching over us.

Sabrina Ross was well known in the Haysville community. She served on the board for the Haysville Saddle Club. The one thing I distinctly remember about Sabrina is she always wore a smile (and a beautiful one at that), and had a love for everyone she met! Sabrina, you will be sorely missed and hope you know how many lives you touched while here on earth. You will never be forgotten!

Learning of Sabrina's death made me really reflect on just what death really means. You leave behind so many things, but if your heart is right with God you gain so much more! If you are going to hold on to your miracles, or your dreams, and the fulfillment of God's plan for your life, then you are going to have to keep moving. Always keep moving toward what God has for you.


Trusting God is a moment-by-moment choice. I know some people have a hard time understanding the concept of that, but it's just like anything else we do in life. Everyday you can get up and make the choice to be happy and face any adversary head on or hunker down and let it overcome us. I personally chose to be happy! Life is entirely too short, and losing Sabrina only confirms that.


Don't get me wrong, I too have bad days, but I do not let them overcome my soul and bring me down. There are days when I feel like I am swimming in a sea of confusion and madness. Most days I start my days running at 4:30am and never get a chance to stop until 9pm, which makes for a very long day; and most days I feel like I absolutely accomplished very little. I try to reflect daily on what my purpose for that day was, and some days I admit I come up empty handed; then out of nowhere I'll receive an email or call from someone simply saying "thank you" for something I did or said on that day, that made their day a little better/brighter....that's when I say, "thank you Lord, for putting me where I needed to be". It may be two weeks later but its' worth it.


Psalm 31:14 But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, "You are my God."

Trust God to lead and direct your paths so when your time on earth has ended you leave with no regrets, and you arrive at the Pearly Gates greeted by God's open arms saying, "Welcome Home My Child - job well done! Your mission on Earth is completed"!!

God Bless,
Candye~

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Initiate Your Own Blessings - April 11, 2010


Have you ever heard the old saying, "meeting him/her wasn't by chance, it was God sending me an Angel when I needed it the most?" Well, I can tell you, that's how I feel about meeting Joyce Loomis-Kernek. If you ever have a chance to meet with Joyce you will NEVER forget her. She teaches horsemanship in accordance with the Bible, but most importantly, she believes it and walks the walk!

I not only learned a lot about my horse, but it was confirmation for me that I am on the right path/journey God has set forth for me. I truly believe this weekend was so much more than just a barrel racing clinic for me and my horse, it was a "divine intervention!"

This morning we were so blessed to have Paula Yaussi to bring us a Word of the Lord for our Cowboy Church. It is such a blessing to surround yourself with women of the Lord! Especially those who honor the voice of the Lord!! Thank you, Paula!!

I believe that God puts you in a place to meet the right people at just the right time. That's why God's timing is perfect; never too early, never too late, but always right on time!

In almost everything Joyce trained on today, she correlated it with a scripture from the Bible, and it all made perfect sense. I've always believed that horses are so good for the soul and brings out the best in people, if they let it. See, that's the key, You have to be willing to accept defeat in order to correct it and find greatness. As you open the door to new relationships and adventures, and remove the chain from your own fears, God will overwhelm you with new splendor. But the choice is yours to "ask, seek, knock" and then accept it!

If you never ask for anything, you will never receive anything. Many people are so passive that they hang around life as limp as old rag dolls and never stand up to circumstances or enforce change. You must initiate your blessing. Go to God with the facts of your situation and lay them out in a systematic order, not with wild wailings and flailings. Never allow the enemy to use your emotions against you!

Too many people sit around and wish something would happen. This will make you stagnant and miserable. If you have dreams and aspirations, move toward those goals with vigor and precision. You have to make your actions line up with your convictions, or you will live a fruitless life. What is even worse is the fact that in your old age, you will have to eat the fruit of what you did in your youth. So, be careful what you cook!! Initiate your own blessings!

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

God Bless,
Candye~

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Exercise, (Part I)....April 10, 2010

Seems like my life story, of late, is that I'm always running and often I find myself "running late"... it's like a viscous circle that's never-ending. I work 60 to 70 hours a week and try to keep up with two young horses, maintain a house and marriage and it often leaves very little time for "Me time". I try to make time each morning to sit alone with God so I get up at 4:15 am.

What I'm finding is that I'm not taking very good care of me...It seems I'm always doing for others and "Me" gets put on the back burner A LOT. I had been working out every day and had lost almost 40 lbs and was feeling great and then BAM...life hit! I started working more and more hours each week and the winter set in and well, to say the least so did the extra around the mid-section...

It's now been almost 6 months since my last work-out and I can not only see the difference but I feel it too... I get tired so easy and my riding is suffering because of the extra pounds... it got me to thinking... it's like "baggage and problems" we carry around daily. They weigh us down and cause us to suffer emotionally, not getting the most out of our day.

Even though I spend time with God each morning, is it really "quality time"? See, just spending time reading my Bible or saying a quick prayer is a far cry from "Quality Time with God"!
Same way with our family. If we don't invest in our family it too will get bogged down and suffer.

My husband and I have been married almost 17 years and trust me it has had it's ups and downs; but through every storm we've found a way and managed to hang in there even when our sails get broke. We mend/repair what we find favor in - but what about the things we don't find favor in?

Every day we need to exercise our quality time with God first then devote quality time to our families, but mostly we need to start by taking care of ourselves.

Psalms 36:9 For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.

Invest your time wisely and let God take your troubles...For with him there is light at the end of the tunnel...

God Bless,
Candye~

Friday, April 9, 2010

Pill Bottle.... April 9, 2010

Ever wonder what your life would have been if you would have just made a left instead of a right? Sometimes we should have just made a u-turn and headed back in the direction we came from to begin with but we're too busy trying to find a way to not admit we're wrong so we keep going down a path that is full of hurt, anger, heart-ache instead of just simply making a u-turn and starting over.

Life if full of obstacles so we find ourselves on the path of destruction sometimes instead of on a path of recovery.

I remember when my eyes were truly opened to the "world" and all of the problems that truly existed. I was working for a crisis center and let me tell you there are a lot of people hurting in this world; people you would never imagine that have problems no-one knows about. I didn't realize how even the richest were truly poor. It taught me to really appreciate life and all that God has provided for me. It also made me understand that I alone can create or break my fate/future - not someone else.

What amazed me was that no-one would turn to God, and in the workplace you have to be so careful what you say, for fear you could offend someone; and well, then there comes the law suit! So instead of helping people find "peace" they would help them find "comfort" through the power of a little pill that claimed to have the power to help ease the pain and allow him/her to "deal" with life.

Don't misunderstand my writing, I do believe there are certain medicines that are useful and needed for health problems, and I believe that is why God gave some the greater wisdom to become doctors to help others in medical need. But the problem is mental needs are different and some of our problems cannot be fixed with a little pill.

If only people could realize that the answers to their problems are not going to be found in a pill bottle, but by surrendering to the Word of God and allowing him to fix our problems, come as they may, he is the only solution.

I find my peace and comfort in the Word of God. My little "pill" died on the Cross so that I may live!

Psalms 71: 2, 3 Deliver me in your righteousness, and cause me to escape; incline your ear to me, and save me. Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.

When you have Christ, He is all the help you need. He has been there all the time. Never forget to turn to Him, and never let anyone have His place. If you do, you will always be disappointed.

God Bless,
Candye~

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Maybe....

Maybe God wanted us to meet the wrong people before meeting the right one so that when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift.

Maybe when the door of happiness closes, another opens, but often times we look so long at the closed door that we don't see the one which has been opened for us.

Maybe the best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never saying a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.

Maybe it is true that we don't know what we have got until we lose it, but it is also true that we don't know what we have been missing until it arrives.

Maybe giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they will love you back. Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart; but if it does not, be content it grew in yours.

Maybe we're all meant to do God's great works but we're so busy trying to judge others that we never get started on our own for fear of failures.

This life is full of "maybe's" but what about the opposite of "maybe"? Never...

Never allow anyone to take from you what you deserve...happiness!

Never ask for more than you can give...

Never let yourself be cheated, because eventually it will cause you to end up cheating someone else...

Never give up on your dreams because if you keep trying, one day you will either succeed or find a new dream...a better one...

Life is full of ups and downs, but the one thing that will never fail is Jesus' love for us.

John 3:16 say, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son..."

I got to thinking about all the things I have going on in my life and it made me stop and think that, "maybe I am right where God wants me to be", but I've been so busy looking for something else that I was completely "over-looking" at what was right in front of me...

Maybe we should just allow God to take control and throw all of the "maybe's and never's" out the window and allow him to walk through the door of your heart and lead you in the path he has chosen for you...then you'll never have to second guess it again....

God Bless,

Candye~

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

"Where You're Supposed To Be"

Over the last few months following my Mother's heart-attack and all of the events that surrounded that day and those still on-going, it has really made me stop and do some serious reflections on my own life, my walk with Christ, and truly where I'm supposed to be.

Have you ever really stopped and truly reflected on your life and asked yourself the following series of questions..

Am I where God planned for me to be? Am I in the career/job he meant for me to have? The marriage you're supposed to be in, with the person he intended you to spend "forever" with?

Seems like we seldom really stop and put into perspective what we're doing, where we're at, who we're with, or even if we're on the path he intended for us to be on....OR...are we simply going through the motions to get to the next day because it's convenient, or life's too hectic to deal with the disruptions required to make the required changes?

It's sad but true that most of us come to the Lord damaged - dead spiritually, deficient emotionally, and decaying physically, and expect him to make you whole in all aspects and impatiently wanting the results yesterday. Yet we never stop to really think that if we are not following him to begin with, doing what pleases the Lord first and foremost, then how can we expect a miracle? I'm not saying it's impossible because we all know nothing is impossible for the Lord. Instead we take favor in pleasing ourselves first and then we go to him expecting a miracle.

We need to renew our minds daily in God's presence. His thinking is contagious. As you meditate on Him, His Word becomes a lifeline thrown to one who would otherwise drown in the swirling whirlpool of our own thoughts.

Mark 8:34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
I confess, I am still searching for my whereabouts in God's big plan for my life. But I can also write, with confidence, that every day is a new day and I try to leave yesterday in the past, focus on today, and let tomorrow simply come what will trusting it will take care of its-self all in good time.

I can not know how long my journey on this earth will be, and although some days I may feel lost, I do know that in God's time, if I listen to Him, he will let me know where I'm supposed to be...

God Bless,
Candye~

Monday, April 5, 2010

"Through The Eyes of The Child"

I woke this morning to the saying of my niece who turned 10 years old today, April 5th, 2010. It is amazing to me how seeing the world through the eyes of a child are absolutely a wondrous experience. She has such a great imagination and such a way of expressing her thoughts. They are so pure and innocent; and I love to see her little eyes light up when she talks about Jesus.

Here is just a small example of how amazing she is. They were on their way here and she sat up and said, "Momma, you know I was thinking, going to Hell is like being in a nightmare that you can't wake up from, but going to Heaven is like being in a dream that you don't want to wake up from!"

If that doesn't make you stop and think then I don't know what will!! You see, she is a prime example of what it means to raise your child up with the Lord. (Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.)

I commend my baby sister, she has been a single Mother most of Charlie's life and she has done an exceptional job raising her. Of course it is because she follows the "spare the rod" syndrome because the rest of us spoil her rotten. (lol)

Jesus tells us in the Bible, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know." (John 14:1-4)

If you really think about what a 10 year old little girl said about Hell is a nightmare, but Heaven is a dream, you should also know that God is coming again. He will return to take his children home and I want to be ready when the trumpet sounds. But the only way to be ready is to truly surrender your all to Him. Let him be your daily guide as you travel your journey in this world.

Have you given your life to the Lord? If you work in the Kingdom trying to bring souls to God, you need to be sure you've given yourself to the God you teach about. I have been really trying to give my all to God daily. I know I fall somedays but it doesn't mean I've given up or stopped trying, it simply means I'm not perfect and I will make mistakes, but I'm so glad I serve a God that forgives and forgets.

God Bless,
Candye~

Sunday, April 4, 2010

"Accepting Who You Are" (April 5, 2010)

Today is the day when the tomb was empty...He was and is Risen!! I am so glad that Jesus died for my sins so that I may have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Do we really know what that means? Have we really thought about what it means that Jesus has nail scared hands, pierced sides, had a crown of thorns pressed into his head and hung on the Cross for US!! For YOU and Me??

In my opinion, (and heart), it means that "I AM WORTHY"! Not because a friend, loved one, or even a spouse said so, but because Jesus said it!

Are you prepared to deal with the fact that the person you've spent your entire life trying to impress may never be impressed? Are you prepared to face the reality that, from God's perspective, it doesn't matter one way or the other? You have to remember, you won't get anywhere by worshipping a person, which is what you are doing if you are seeking another person's approval as the most defining opinion about your life.

See, if we constantly try to obtain approvals of others, it means that we have not approved of ourselves first. If you don't love you and believe you are worthy then you will never experience that true peace and satisfaction of accepting who you are. We cannot all be that perfect mold the magazines persist we have, but we can be grateful for who we are and the individual God created us to be.

I used to be obsessed with my figure and looks until one day it was like Jesus spoke to me saying "I am perfect just as I am because He created me in his image"! Since that day, I've learned to accept the person I am, and I am beautiful on the inside AND the outside! Sure, I may have a little extra where others don't, and I'm certain you could find many flaws if you chose to look; but honestly, your opinion is not what really counts. What is most important is that I am healthy and that Jesus loves me just as I am!! Since that day, I have become such a nicer person and I'm not so judgemental of others. If anything I see others in a different light too. I almost feel sorry for most I meet because I can see they don't appreciate the goods God has given them.

The way you appreciate yourself impacts everything you do! Since the day I began loving me, I have been able to go and do more! I started winning again with my horses and my success at work rose above what I could have ever imagined. When you believe in yourself it will show on the outside and others will see it too. If you do not have confidence in yourself, find out why and change it or accept it! But remember, you have to love you first - because if you do not then you can not expect others too either!!

In order for people to treat you well, there must be something deep inside of you that sends out a signal saying, "I am somebody because God made me to be somebody. I may not be twenty-one and wear a size seven. I may be seventy-one and wear a size twenty-seven; but I am somebody." When you send out a signal like that, other people pick up on it. There's something your spirit exudes that gives you presence with others.

There's a quality of inner strength that makes you attractive. It causes other people to recognize you, to pay attention to you, to ask when you walk into a room, "Who is she?" They won't be asking because your dress is so stunning, but because your character is so magnetic. Projecting that kind of strength is not arrogance or pride. It is healthy self-esteem and the power of God's Spirit within you.

You are a unique blend of talents and giftings and character; and you have a unique destiny upon this earth. You Are Somebody!


God Bless,
Candye~
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

New Adventure - April 3, 2010

Welcome to "my blog" and thank you for stopping by!!

I hope you enjoy reading my posts. Please note this blog contains my personal opinions or experiences only. The purpose of "my blog" is to share with you my daily walk with the Lord, and many adventures I seem to find myself involved in daily from work, marriage, horses, and many other things that have a way of mysteriously popping up in my life!! :)

I believe that God has a way of providing us with many gifts and its up to us to use them. For me, it's my love of horses and writing! I feel that I am very blessed to be able to do what I love doing and that's barrel racing. Also, I enjoy writing. Although I do not have very much time to dedicate to either of them due to my work schedule, but I believe God has a bigger plan for me, and I just hope I am wise enough to open my eyes and ears to receive his blessings!

I pray your Blessings are multiplied by many!!

God Bless,

Candye~