A Favorite Lyric

I love the song "Come Thou Fount". I think it is beautifully written both musically and poetically. Here is my favorite verse, I hope it blesses your heart as it does mine....

Here I raise mine Ebenezer;
hither by thy help I'm come;
and I hope, by thy good pleasure,
safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
interposed His precious blood.

Taking the Cross of Service

Dusty and I had the privilege of eating dinner with his pastor and his pastor's wife last night. We went over to their house and had steak, salad, baked potatoes, and chocolate cake. It was wonderful!! After dinner, we sat and talked for what must have been close to two hours! We talked about everything. His pastor made a statement that made me really stop and think. He talked about people gladly taking the cross of salvation, but denying and refusing to take up the cross of service. I had honestly never thought of that before. What he was saying is this: It is easy to accept the salvation that is offered through Jesus Christ and His finished work on Calvary's cross. That is an easy cross to take up. What is not so easy is taking up our cross of service to the Lord. Dying out to ourselves, our will, our wants and our desires and wholly following the Lord and HIS plan for our lives. Man is that a tough one!!!
I am guessing that I was really supposed to get this message this week, because it's amazing how many times I heard preachers reference this.
Sunday: Brother Max Alderman was preaching and referenced this scripture " Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel." Joshua 14:14. Caleb got his land that he wanted because he wholly followed the Lord (not just followed Him when it was convenient and easy).
Monday: Brother Bobby Roberson was preaching and told a story. He told about something that happened between him and a friend. He felt bad and went and apologized to that friend. His friend responded this way: (paraphrase) "If you hurt my feelings it is my own fault. I am supposed to have died out to self, and you cannot hurt something that is dead." WOW!! That is a tough one, but a good one to try to grasp!
And then yesterday Pastor Goodman made that statement about dying out to self and taking up the cross of service. I need to try harder to WHOLLY follow the Lord. I love the Lord so much and so often take HIS blessings for granted. I think I can try to do a little more for Him instead of just sitting back reaping the blessings. Thank you Lord for my salvation! Help me to serve you more!


"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. " Romans 6

Born to Nurture

It's amazing to me how many people question God's creation of the world and everything in it. I can remember when we dissected a sheep's brain in high school and looked at the shape and form of the skull that was made to house that brain. The perfect placement of every little hole and crevice for every little nerve and bump on the brain is so amazing that it could not have just happened that way. God created us exactly the way we are today. He made us perfectly. He made a perfect environment for us to live in. I believe that the Lord also created us with a specific task to perform. As I was getting our stuff together this morning to head over to Tessa's house, I turned the corner to find Anna Sophia "changing" her baby's diaper. I think that is amazing. A one and a half year old baby knows to change her baby's diaper. She was born with a natural tendency to nurture and care for people. I hope she never loses that. I can remember thinking as young girl that there is nothing I would rather do than be a mommy. I hope one day the Lord lets me have children of my own, but even if He doesn't I will nurture and care for my husband as best as I know how. (= What a wonderful job I have been given!!

She loves taking pictures

and changing diapers!

Nothing substantial to write about...

Lonely and Bored on a Saturday night...I got this from Jennifer. Thanks girl!


BIOLOGY
Are you Right-Handed or Left? Right

Have You ever had anything removed from your body? 4 moles!

What was the Last Heavy thing you lifted? Probably a child

FOOD-OLGY
What is your salad dressing of choice? Italian or Ranch

What is your Favorite sit-down restaurant? Olive Garden or Ruby Tuesday

What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it? Olive Garden salad

What are your pizza toppings of choice? Cheese

What do you like to put on your toast? butter and jelly

RANDOM-OLOGY
If it were possible would you want to know the day you were going to die? No

If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Anna Brackett ;)

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? Absolutely

DUMB-OLOGY
How many pairs of FlipFlops do you own? 4 or 5

Last time you had a run-in with the Cops? I got pulled over for my tail lights being out (I didn't know that one fuse powered so many things) does that count?

Last person you talked to in person? Dusty

Favorite Month? September

CURRENT-OLOGY
Mood? Hungry, tired, lonely, but anticipating great things

What are you listening to? My house making creepy noises

Watching? My cat sleep next to me

Worrying about? HAH! Worry is my middle name

RANDOM-OLOGY
What's the Last movie you watched? Does the Andy Griffith show on DVD count?

Do You Smile often? I do...just not much today

Do you always answer your Phone? When I hear it ring

If you could change your eye color what would it be? I love my eyes...Dusty and I have matching eye colors. It's kind of freaky

What Flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Diet flavor

Do you own a Digital Camera? No =( I do have a decent camera on my Droid phone

Have you ever had a pet Fish? Yes. They died

Favorite Christmas Song? Last Christmas (LOL)

What's on your wishlist for your Birthday? Lots of things...I can't share them just yet

Can you do push-ups? Maybe one or two

Can you do chin-ups? Those are for boys

Do you have any saved texts? No. I used to save them all the time

Ever been in a Car wreck? Yes. It was so scary since we had two babies in the car!!

Do you have an Accent? People used to ask me where I was from when I was a waitress and I would tell them and they wouldn't believe me because I have a "non regional dialect". My parents were both military kids so they don't really have accents either.

What is the Last song to make you cry? I can't remember

Plans Tonight? Eat some pizza. Sleep.

Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? Oh my yes.

Name 2 things you bought yesterday? Gas and Diet Coke

Have You ever been given Roses? Yes. I don't like roses. I prefer something different and original. But that's just me =)

Current Hate Right now? I hate growling stomachs!!

Met someone who changed your life? Oh yes indeed!

What were you doing 12 AM last night? Sleeping for sure!

What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Why do I have to get up so early on a Saturday????

TECHNOLOGY
How many televisions do you have in your house? Currently 3!! It's crazy! We didn't have a TV for four years when I was a kid!!

What color cellphone do you have? GREEN! Thanks Dusty!

What does the first text in your inbox say, and who sent it? "Love u" from Meredith (=

Who was the last person to call you? My sweet Dusty

Looking in the rear view...

Sometimes it is really good to look back a little bit and remember how far the Lord has brought you. Dusty always tells me that he knows I am saved because there has been such a big change. The changes that the Lord has brought in my life are such that I could not do on my own. It is easy sometimes to take for granted the life that I have now. I live a life of security, peace, contentment, joy, and liberty. Those were things that I always chased after in my life and never found, because those things cannot be gained on my own. Those are gifts from GOD.
I always dreamed of being where I am today but never thought it would happen. I remember not too long ago I heard a song about being sheltered by the grace of God. I thought at the time, well that doesn't apply to me because of this or that. Yesterday I got to thinking about it and I was definitely sheltered by HIS grace! My decisions could have turned up different consequences than they did, and my life could be a total wreck right now. But praise the Lord He saw fit to shelter me by His grace! He saw something in me worth saving and keeping (I don't know what it is but HE surely does) and he delivered me into the life I always dreamed of.
So today, I am thankful. I am thankful for my family, my salvation, my boyfriend, and most of all I am thankful that the Lord is so long suffering and merciful. Happy Thursday!

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think..." Ephesians 3:20

I'm not being lazy, I promise!!!

I feel like such a dog for not posting in a million years! It is, however, high school basketball season, Valentine's day, and STREP THROAT season for me right now so I haven't exactly been loaded down with free time. So anyhow, I made a "Gooey Butter Cake" last night and modified it according to directions I found on someone else's blog. It was AMAZING! My brother called it "Pooey Gooey Butter Cake", but I think I like "Lemon Gooey Butter Cake" better. Here's the recipe. Enjoy!!

Original Gooey Butter Cake Recipe: (warning: this is a Paula Deen recipe and is EXTREMELY rich...eat with caution and lots of milk)
Cake
1 18.25 oz. box of yellow cake mix
1 egg
1/2 cup (one stick) butter, melted

Filling
1 8 oz. package of cream cheese softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 16 oz. box confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (one stick) butter, melted.

Directions:
Combine cake mix, egg, and butter with electric mixer. Pat into a lightly greased 9x13x2 pan. This will be like a paste of sorts and will act as a crust. Set aside.

Next, using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth, add eggs and vanilla. Dump in confectioners' sugar and beat well. Reduce speed of mixer and add butter slowly. Mix well.
Pour onto cake mixture and spread evenly.

Bake at 350* for 35-45 minutes. It should remain a little gooey in the center. cool completely and cut into squares.

**To make it lemony (and it really freshens things up a bit) add 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice and the zest of 2 lemons to the cream cheese mixture.**

It turned out delicious!!

Yesterday's Spurgeon Devotion

I try to read my morning and evening book daily, usually at night, right before bed. Here is my devotion from yesterday:

“Without the shedding of blood is no remission.” Hebrews 9:22

This is the voice of unalterable truth. In none of the Jewish ceremonies were sins, even typically, removed without blood-shedding. In no case, by no means can sin be pardoned without atonement. It is clear, then, that there is no hope for me out of Christ; for there is no other blood-shedding which is worth a thought as an atonement for sin. Am I, then, believing in him? Is the blood of his atonement truly applied to my soul? All men are on a level as to their need of him. If we be never so moral, generous, amiable, or patriotic, the rule will not be altered to make an exception for us. Sin will yield to nothing less potent than the blood of him whom God hath set forth as a propitiation. What a blessing that there is the one way of pardon! Why should we seek another?

Persons of merely formal religion cannot understand how we can rejoice that all our sins are forgiven us for Christ’s sake. Their works, and prayers, and ceremonies, give them very poor comfort; and well may they be uneasy, for they are neglecting the one great salvation, and endeavouring to get remission without blood. My soul, sit down, and behold the justice of God as bound to punish sin; see that punishment all executed upon thy Lord Jesus, and fall down in humble joy, and kiss the dear feet of him whose blood has made atonement for thee. It is in vain when conscience is aroused to fly to feelings and evidences for comfort: this is a habit which we learned in the Egypt of our legal bondage. The only restorative for a guilty conscience is a sight of Jesus suffering on the cross. “The blood is the life thereof,” says the Levitical law, and let us rest assured that it is the life of faith and joy and every other holy grace.

“Oh! how sweet to view the flowing
Of my Saviour’s precious blood;
With divine assurance knowing
He has made my peace with God.”

I had this verse in my head Monday and yesterday. I guess now I know why (= The Lord is good, isn't HE? I'm glad that HIS BLOOD is MY LIFE.

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)" Ephesians 2: 4-5 KJV

How Are You Separate?

One of the verses in the Bible that I have to remind myself of almost daily is 2 Corinthians 6:17 "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the LORD, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." (KJV) Today I am asking you (and myself) what you are doing to separate yourself from the people in the world who are not saved. How will the people around you know that you are a Child of God?
Is it by your dress? Do you look like you stepped out of a fashion magazine or a Hollister ad? Is the way you dress modest? Does it separate you from unbelievers? Can people take one look at your outfit and know that there is something different about you? When questioned about why I dress the way I dress, the thing I always come back to is Biblical separation. I want people to know by looking at my clothes that I am different. I certainly have things I need to work on in that area, but the Lord knows my heart and that I want to do right and please HIM.
Is it by your attitude? Are you cheerful and pleasant? Do you find fault in everything? Do you have road rage (OUCH!)? When you speak to a stranger, are your words filled with the love of Christ in you? Oh how I want people to see (or hear) Christ in me! Sometimes we can get so caught up in ourselves that we forget that people are watching and listening. If we have a bad attitude, that could ruin our testimony. It's difficult, I know, but it's something worth working on for sure!
Is it by your character? Do people feel comfortable cursing and saying inappropriate things to and around you? Do you recommend movies to people that could reflect back on you poorly? (LOL- Tessa I know we just talked about this, and I just had to use it!) Do you think before you act and speak? Do you lose your temper or throw a fit when things don't go your way? (Those of you who know me well please keep your comments on this area to yourself! HEHE) Will you go places and do things that could make your Christian character appear questionable?
Is it by your love? Do you love people as Christ loves them? I know it can be hard sometimes to love certain people, but think of how unlovable you and I were (and still are) when the Lord saved us! If we can keep that in perspective, it will make the task of loving people so much more bearable.
I'm sure there are thousands of things that we can do to separate ourselves, but these are the ones that came to my mind. I want to improve in these areas! There is always room for improvement. I want to be a shining example for the Lord in a world of darkness.

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20 KJV