Today has been a very special day. The Lord's Day.

Oh, how I rejoiced, and was glad in it.

(Psa. 118:24)

Hearing from God today, was so very special. I thought to myself as I heard the special music in both services...how much I loved so many people. God has put such a love in me that I have been selfish with...but no more. It has to get out. It's just NEEDED. It's TIME.

I wondered if many of the people whom I love, know how much I love them? I felt broken inside as I thought about how deeply I loved so many people that have been in my life.

I wondered to myself, could any of them possibly know what they "really" mean to me? Could I possibly convey even a fraction of what their lives lived before me, has done for mine?

God has truly blessed me with so many wonderful family members, both blood-related, and Christ's blood-related. What precious friendships God has sent my way.

I have been encouraged so often by so many...that I couldn't even begin to start naming them.

Pro 27:9

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so [doth] the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

I have to say, that today-not only am I grateful for the Godly people that God has placed in my life, I am also grateful for the people who has wished to do me harm that has crossed my path. YES. You heard that right.

God knows what is best for each of us. Had He not saw fit to allow satan to buffet me in such a way as to allow those who meant harm to come my way...then I would not have gained the knowledge and wisdom that I have today. I would not have grown, spiritually. God knows...I still have such a long way to go. Still So much to learn.

Some may think that I'm crazy, but I DO count it all joy that temptations still do head my way....those things that make me a much stronger person. Those that make me LEAN ON CHRIST MORE.

God only knows- had I not had those trials and people creating stumbling blocks...I would not have sought Him out no where NEAR enough!!! On my own...I'm pathetic. Nothing, actually. He knew that I would come to Him no other way than SHATTERED. So, Jesus brought the rain...

and it cleansed. It washed me whiter than snow. It refreshed me. It renewed my spirit. I am learning to embrace the hardships and thank God for them...so today, that includes thanking Him for those who are not necessarily considering themselves "my friends," as well as those who are so very special to me.

God knows that my heart wishes that everyone would be my friend. But, I'm a realist. You can't please everyone all the time, and at the same time, for sure-and I am learning that that's OK.

This coming week, I will be fasting from TV, computer, and a few other things that God is laying on my heart, as a part of a church-wide effort to bring us closer to the Lord. I tell you all this, to make you aware that if you do not hear from me in this next week via the web-this is why- do not be alarmed...I will be ABOUT MY FATHER'S BUSINESS!!! :-)

Please be in prayer for Henry Baptist Church, and it's many ministries and members, as we fervently seek the Lord this week and get SERIOUS about hearing from Him!

I am excited to see what He has in store for me in this week, and what He will be showing me, as I draw closer to Him.

For all you family and friends that read this...THANK YOU...

for loving me, supporting me, for being willing to pray for me and my family, and for be willing to be used of God to make a difference in our lives. Each and every one of you, mean a lot to me, and I don't know that I could express that enough. Sometimes, there are no words for the depth of love and the great debt of gratitude that I have.

Thank you for being a FRIEND.

Mean business before the Lord this week! He is soooo worthy to be praised and honored and magnified. Don't find yourself ashamed if He comes back today. Let Him find you SEEKING HIM.

Job 42:10

And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.

Mar 5:19:

Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, go home to they friends, and tell them how GREAT THINGS the Lord hath done for thee, and hath compassion on thee.

1 Cr 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.