Monday, November 29, 2010

Monday, November 29, 2010

hi-ho, hi-ho...off to work I go...time to get back into a routine, but not this week, because it's a short week....off to deer hunt with my husband on Wednesday!! I can not believe we only have 26 days until Christmas... it is amazing to reflect back on all that has transpired in this year! So many changes - good and bad - but changes all the same!

Today's Tip: Your words are as a sword...once a word is spoken you cannot take it back - no matter how much you wish and pray it was never said - not even by saying "I'm sorry" - so think before you speak!! Be kind and loving in all you do!

Today's Verse: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting (Psalm 136:1)

Blessings,
Candye~

Thursday, November 25, 2010

~Happy Thanksgiving~




What a day! I am absolutely stuffed, and wasn't I just complaining about not liking the 3-sided mirrors in the dressing rooms in the stores...and then here I just ate until I look like the turkey we pulled out of the oven....doesn't make much sense, huh? Oh well, I am so glad that we are healthy and able to enjoy this holiday!

I cannot lie, I really miss my Mom, Dad & family and not being "home" with them for the holidays - but I'm grateful for the time we're able to spend with Ryan's family. It's been several years since we've been here for the holidays and you can tell he is really enjoying being here with his family. It's the simple things in life we often forget and take for granted! And, honestly, "home" is where the heart is and my heart is with my hubby...so I have nothing to complain about!

Have you ever really thought about what the word "thanks" means? "An acknowledgement of appreciation"... and "giving" ~ "the act of giving; to bestow; to entrust to another; to endure the loss of, sacrifice." When I read those definitions it made a few questions come to mind....How many times have you really given thanks until it became a sacrifice? How many times do you really appreciate what you have, outside of this one day a year? One thing for certain is life passes us by all too quickly (as we are just 30 days from Christmas), and it is up to us to make it a priority to stop and smell the roses. I know that's a cliche' but it is true. It is a fact that you cannot have too many priorities or eventually the list just begins to run together and you lose the meaning and purpose of a priority list.

I really believe that this day is more than just a day to eat until you can't breathe! It is a day to be grateful and appreciate what the good Lord has given you. It is a time to set aside all disagreements and disappointments and be a family (regardless of the miles between you)!

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

My prayer for you is that this day will bring you all much happiness and serve as a reminder to be grateful for all you have. Most importantly, regardless of what you're going through remember that Jesus died on the Cross for you, and whatever test you're going through only serves to become your testimony!

From my family to yours, may you be richly blessed beyond measure this holiday and throughout the year!

Blessings,
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Candye & Ryan~

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Your Prayers


There are many things that God expects us to do. But there are many other things that only He can do. And God expects us to call upon Him to do those things that are His "job." He even invites us to "come boldly to the throne of Grace" (Hebrew 4:16)

God gave you feelings so that you could light the alter of incense, so that you might burn about something to the point that when you add your believing to your feeling, it's like putting a match to incense. Your prayer then floats up to God as a sweet-smelling savor!

No two blends of incense smell the same. And the same is true for your prayer. The way you pray and the words you use and the intent of your heart are all about you. Don't pray someone else's prayer. Don't say to yourself, "Well, that prayer worked for her. Maybe it will work for me." God is looking for a prayer that comes up out of your passion, your desire, your emotions, your soul!

Do you really want to see God move? Really? Then touch God with your passion. Touch him with your feelings, with your getting up in the middle of the night and pacing the floor, with your tears that flow like a flood, with your groaning and wailing if that is what you need to do.

He is not swayed by your need. You may be broke, busted, and disgusted, but those conditions will not sway him. He is moved by a depth of your desire that is matched by the depth of your faith! It takes both. If there are any ashes still smoldering in your heart, any flickers of faith still burning in your spirit, blow on those coals. Fan them into a flame of desire, and call out to God.

Can you still feel? Then God can still be moved on your behalf. You may be weak. You may have failed. You may have sinned. But if you still have feeling toward God and you still have a desire in your heart to see Him move on your behalf, then God can still be moved.

You may not have what someone else has. You may not look like that other person looks. You may not have one another's talents or skills; but none of that matters. None of that moves God. He is moved by the feelings of your infirmities.

God is not moved by what you have, He is moved by how you feel about what you don't have and by what you need. He is moved by what you are believing for with your Faith. Put the flame of feeling to the incense of your prayers, and keep seeking God! It's not too late - yet! But don't wait...you never know when the time will come that Jesus will call us all home!

Hebrews 6:11,12 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

There is no right or wrong way to pray...You just need to make sure you do it! Prayer is powerful!

Blessings,
Candye~

Strengthened by Grace


"...it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace..." ~Hebrews 13:9

My favorite song (this week) is by Point of Grace, "There Is Nothing Greater Than Grace"

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say, there are some days when it is absolutely a struggle to get through the day. Whereas I am a very positive upbeat person, I have my struggles just like everyone else. I like to think I always try to see the glass as half-full and am an optimistic; but there are some days when I am so overwhelmed that I could just literally sit and have myself a good cry. I'm sure you've had some of the same days and feelings.

I am honored that so many enjoy my daily posts on facebook and my blogs, but truth is, I'm simply strong enough to share what God puts on my heart and they are mostly for myself to keep me reminded that nothing is perfect but with the Grace of God we can make it through any test, trial or situation. I refuse to let the devil win...end of story!
The grace of Jesus is so powerful. No matter what troubles you may be going through, God is full of mercy and grace and forgiveness. There is truly nothing greater. But, you must pray to Him and ask for these things in His name; they don't happen automatically. Open up your heart and He will listen and give you everything your heart desires.

Blessings,
Candye~

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Love Yourself Today...


I'm declaring today... "Love Yourself Day"...

This is the day when you have to decide your worth and believe in it! Remember, God didn't make trash! He made you beautiful in your own way...now it is up to you to decide how you will use that beauty.

Wholeness comes when you turn to Him in your weakness, your pain, your suffering, and you allow Him to do for you what no one else can do. Only God can regenerate the human spirit. And only God can raise a person to spiritual maturity and wholeness.

Start appreciating yourself. Remind yourself, "I am valuable to God. I am somebody. Yes, I've been through some bad times; but the Lord touched me and loosed me and now I'm glorifying God and I'm not going back to where I came from."

Make a decision today to bury anything that has pulled you down, held you back, kept you in despair, limited you, deceived you, or made you vulnerable. Throw it into the coffin. Lower it into the ground. Declare it finished in your life for you have a fresh start waiting for you!

Learning to accept you just as you are may be one of the hardest things you have to do in this life - but if you submit yourself to God and give yourself to Him first - the rest is just a test! Whether you pass the test or not is solely up to you!

Psalm 37:3-5 Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.

God has made you exactly the person He wants you to be. He has made you beautiful in His eyes and "crowned you with glory and honor." I want to encourage you to be wary about surrounding yourself around those who demands that you change things about yourself to conform to what they think you ought to be, to look like, talk like, act like, or dress like. You are better off sticking with what God created you to be than to substitute that for what some person tries to create. Another person can never create you to be as good as what God has made.

Time to stand up for what you believe in and love the person you are! To love you just as God created you! He created you with a purpose for a rhyme and reason...now it's up to you to discover your purpose and allow God to work through you for the good of him! Learning to love yourself, starts with learning to accept you -- just the way you are!! If you don't respect and love yourself then you can not expect anyone else will either!

Blessings,
Candye~

Monday, November 15, 2010

Special Note....For A Special Man


Happy, Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband of 17 years!! I thank God for him everyday and am grateful for every day he gives us together!


Happy Birthday Handsome!! Hope you have an AWESOME day!! I Love you!!

At The End Of Your Rope....


Often you hear people saying, "I swear, I'm at the end of my rope", or "I'm at my wits end."

Well, my friend, let me just remind you that when you think you're at the end of your rope, God is right there waiting on you! He will always provide another way and will never leave you hanging...but you have to Trust Him and have Faith! Whatever you are going through just remember, God brings us into deep waters not to drown us, but to cleanse us!

Trust me, I know what it is like to feel like you're out on the edge of the cliff with just a very frayed rope and told to "jump"! I don't always have the Faith I need but somehow God gently reminds me that he didn't bring me this far to just let me Go!! He brought me this far to use me and to continue to grow me! However, I have to trust Him and have Faith in Him! So, I usually jump and then as I'm airborne I'm praying!! The ironic thing is, the ending may not always turn out as I thought or hoped it would, but one thing I have learned is that if I'm submissive to God and it is His will, then it is always much better than I could imagine.

You see, when you feel your back is against the wall, remember, His was against the Cross - so your suffering is already paid. Now you just have to claim it!

Today's Verse: The word of the Lord came to me saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:4-5)

My new motto for my marriage is this: "A woman's heart should be so lost in God that a man should seek Him in order to find her." The same should apply for a man. If we would lose ourselves in God and allow others to find us through Him, I firmly believe we would find ourselves living in a much different world; a much better world.

I've said it before and I'll say it again...Grace is what we live in, Faith is what believe in, but the Cross is what allows us to live to begin with!! Set your goals and standards high! If someone tells you they are too high, or your expectations are too high - never lower them! God would not want us to be bottom feeders but to be filled so we can feed others!!

Blessings,
Candye~

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Veterans' Day




For me...tomorrow is the unforgettable Veterans Day.... To me it is a day when we remember what "freedom" really is all about.




I think President Woodrow Wilson said it best: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with lots of pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations"

To me...Veterans' Day is special. It is a day when I give thanks for men like my Father and Husband. Two great men in my life that have not only made a difference but who continue to serve to protect me. Even though they may not wear their uniforms daily I'm certain they wear them in their hearts! They are the reason I am able to pursue my dreams! They are the reason I am able to open my Bible in public. They are the reason I am able to vote! The reason I am able to write on this blog! They are my reason for giving thanks daily and not just on Veterans' Day! I am so honored to have these type of men in my life!

Thank you Daddy!! To me, You are a great man of courage, honor and respect! I could never repay you for my freedom! I will never forget your sacrifices! I am so honored to be called your daughter! Thank you for continuing to protect me, love me and give sacrifices for my freedom! Thank you for being the best Daddy in the whole world!! I love you so very much more than you could ever imagine!

Thank you Ryan! Thank you for serving our country and for being a part of my life. Thank you for your sacrifices and for all you do! I love you so much!

I'm asking, won't you take the time tomorrow to honor a Veteran? They deserve it....after all, they did sacrifice so much for the one small day of recognition they receive!

Blessings,
Candye~

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Daylight Savings!


Well, the weekend is quickly coming to a close & is almost over, and I've officially got the Sunday Blues!! Not only do we have to return to the world of "work" tomorrow...but daylight savings has set in and it's officially dark way too early!

On the bright side...had a wonderful week/weekend with hubby. Seems like we were non-stop with something planned every evening Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week. Then church this morning, hubby went to the deer lease afterwards, I went to the office, grocery shopping and then back home. Doesn't sound like a lot but it's enough to wear you out and quick. The sad thing is - out of all of that - the part I dislike the most is putting up the groceries! Why, I don't know, but I do! (giggle) However, on my way home this evening, I did stop and pick up Sushi for hubby and I for dinner! Yummy! I'm absolutely addicted to that stuff!

We received a call from my mother-in-law today that her brother (Uncle David) had a heart attack this morning. Then another call from my father-in-law that his sister (Aunt Carole) had to have her leg amputated this last week. It just seems to be a day of bad news. But, the good news is - they're both still alive, right? Please keep them all in your prayers!

Saturday night was date night! I absolutely love having a date night - even after 17 years of marriage I swear this man still makes my heart skip a beat when he looks at me with that look (and not the one where I've seriously tee'd him off), but the one when he touches my hand and gives me that sweet look for doing nothing at all! We had a steak dinner, then went for ice cream; but the best part of all...we went to a school park and played on the swings, slid down the slide, and climbed on the jungle gym! Okay, clearly we're FAR from teenagers, but it was certainly a wonderful evening. We ended it by throwing a blanket on the ground and laid there looking up at the stars just talking about life - and nothing at all! I'd have to say, overall, it was probably the best night I've had with him in a very long time!! The hustle and bustle of life passed us by and we didn't miss it at all!!

I'm writing about this so hopefully you'll realize that regardless of your age or how long you've been married, you're never too old to stop and appreciate each other and do something fun. Life is a fast-track train these days...everyone is in such a hurry to get where they're going (including me); and sometimes you just have to stop and take the time to appreciate life with the one you love!

My grandmother told me a long time ago, 1) You can never take back the words after you say them, or the actions after you've done it, 2) Keep the "life" in your marriage or it will quickly die without warning, 3) If you love him, don't let him forget it, but don't smother him or like a candle the fire will burn out. All of these things are so true. Stop and take time to put the life back in your relationship - love with all you have in you - never underestimate the power of a simple kind jester or a loving touch. Sometimes, just a simple "thank you" goes a long ways....most of all, live for today because you cannot change yesterday and tomorrow may never come.

I'll leave you with this final thought. You know that feeling when everything feels right, and you don't have to worry about yesterday or tomorrow; but know that your best is always accepted, good or bad? There's a word for that....it's called LOVE!! Cherish the ones you love, hold them tight and appreciate the little things in life because in the end...that's all that counts!

Childhood is what you spend the rest of your life trying to overcome....Beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad; but it's the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning, in the middle or approaching the end. [Hope Floats]

"For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Eph 5:31-32)

Be committed to your spouse and your God and let nothing separate you!

Blessings!
Candye~