Just a Short Update...

Welp. It's been a little over 6 weeks since I posted last. Well - not exactly. I tried to post 2 weeks ago and it didn't publish or save my draft. I was a bit frustrated because I felt like it was a really good post and like I was supposed to have written it. But the more I think about what I wrote, I realize it was more from myself and not the leading of God. So - maybe we are all better off without that one.

With that said, I do feel like God has taught me something this week that I would love to share with you all. So if you can please hold on a bit longer, I will have something up before the weekend is over. Maybe even this evening... we shall see.

Until then,  let God sing over your life!

Happy 4th of July!!

Okay. So today marks X amount of years that the United States of America has celebrated it's freedom. It's independence. It's identity as a country. The USA looks a lot different today than it did in 1776. Our country is known now for many things. Selfishness. Gluttony. Greed. Laziness. Money.

This would be an easy place to follow that bunny trail into a great big tangent about politics. I'll spare us ALL that conversation. My only comment is this - pray for our leaders! God has allowed them to be in their respective leadership roles - whether you agree with their stands or not. Romans 13:1-2 says: "All of you must yield to the government rulers. No one rules unless God has given him the power to rule, and no one rules now without that power from God. So those who are against the government are really against what God has commanded. And they will bring punishment on themselves." Either way, respect our government authority. When voting time comes -  get out there and vote!

Now - back from that short hop away. We celebrate July 4th as the day the USA gained it's independence. The day a new country was founded. But what was this country founded on? What were the ideals and motivations behind forming this new country 236 years ago? Would our Founding Fathers be proud of the country we have become, or would they be dismayed?

I fear that the latter would be the case. The Pilgrims left England in part for religious freedom. Do we even know what religious freedom is? I'm not sure we can know for sure what it meant back then, but I can tell you what it means to me today.

Religious freedom means I have the right to pray to and worship God freely and without any inhibitions. Religious freedom means I have the right to tell others what God has done in my life. Religious freedom means I don't have to be afraid or ashamed of my faith in my Savior - Jesus Christ. Religious freedom means I have the right to say "no" to the strongholds of the Devil!

Religious freedom means we ALL have those rights! Are you expressing those rights? Maybe more importantly, are you expressing those rights in a loving way?

See - sometimes it can be so easy to be what one may call a Bible-thumper or a religious fanatic. Don't be that bullhorn guy. Sure - some people need that in-your-face-gonna-yell-at-you-till-my-face-turns-blue type of thing to get their attention and realize maybe there really is something more to life! But for the Average Joe or Jill, it's something being said or done in a loving, caring, non-threatening way.

What are we so afraid of, anyway? I mean sure, maybe someone will make fun of you for reading your Bible in the break room at work. Maybe your classmates will say rude - and maybe even hurtful - things about that book report you did on a religious topic. So? Didn't Jesus die on the cross to show his love for us? Didn't he go through the ultimate humiliation of being stripped and beaten and spit on - just to show you that he cares enough to go through that? That he cares about your freedom enough?

Another part of that religious freedom is having an escape from sin! Did you know you have the right and ability to choose not to sin! Pastor Ed - the senior pastor at my church - said on Sunday that a lot of times we think we are compelled to sin or that we don't have a choice. But that it isn't true. God has given us the freedom to say "no" to sin!

The next time you are tempted, remember - God has provided an escape hatch. In any well-planned building, you will find multiple fire escapes. In the case of a fire, those inside the building are offered a way out. It's the same for sin! When you turn on your computer or TV and are tempted to watch something or go to those sites that do nothing but corrupt your thoughts, there's an escape hatch! When you're hanging out with friends and they are doing something that will do nothing but tear you farther from God and the person He calls you to be - there's an escape hatch! It's always there - you just have to realize that and realize you aren't "compelled" to sin!

The way I see it - I'd be stupid not to express my religious freedom! I'd be stupid to allow myself to continue choosing to sin and not accepting that escape that God has provided me. I'd be stupid not to read my Bible in the break room. I'd be stupid not to share the great things God has done in my life and brought me through!

Today marks 236 years that the United States of America celebrates it's freedom! But I challenge you to also make today be the day that you choose to stand upon the religious freedoms you have! We are blessed to live in a country where worshiping God is not punishable by death or alienation. Don't let your religious freedoms go for granted!

As you hang out with friends and family, eat barbeque, go to parades or carnivals, and watch fireworks, let it be a reminder that our country was originally based in part on religious freedom. Let us keep this One Nation Under GOD! And let us keep ourselves people who strive to glorify God and give him the praise in everything we do.

Stay safe and make this life the best it can be!!

How Deep The Father's Love For Us

So. Father's Day is coming up this weekend. Many of you already know - I grew up without a "dad" in my life. What I did grow up with is an amazing mother, 2 big sisters, and a grandmother. My mom raised us to love God. She has been the best mom I could ever imagine. Even so, Father's Day always came with some sadness for me. All my friends made things for their dads and I sat there not knowing what to do - feeling left out.

I look back and wonder what my life would have been like had my dad never left. I can say with all certainty I would not be the same person I am today nor would my life have turned out near as well as it has! It has been a blessing in disguise. A blessing that only my true Father - God - could give!

God has blessed me with so much, and many times I take that for granted. Not only has He blessed me, He has rescued me! Rescued me from the captive holds of Satan.

I was listening to a song the other day - How Deep the Father's Love for Us. I encourage you to listen to it. It's a beautiful realization about how much God has truly done!

Mark 10:45 says "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." Ransom - what does that mean? The dictionary definition of "ransom" is "a consideration paid or demanded for the release of someone or something from captivity." The Message phrases Mark 10:45 like this: "He came to serve, not to be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage."

When a kidnapper takes a child, they hold that child hostage and demand a ransom to return that child to their family. Looking at this Biblical context, I see that the ransom to be paid for my life, and yours, is the blood of Christ - God's loving sacrifice in order to redeem what was always rightfully His. His children. You. Me. Everyone who has ever walked this Earth.

All of humanity is born belonging to God and His perfect plan. But we have all been kidnapped and stolen away by the devil and the world we live in. Christ loves us enough that he gave his LIFE centuries ago to win us back. Is that not amazing?!

Even before you were born, God was thinking about you. His Fatherly love was singing His plan over you. He has done His part to win you back from the strongholds of addiction, fear, sorrow, sin. What will you do to accept that?

We do not belong to this world. Our home and our hope is not in or on this Earth, but rather in Heaven with our Creator. Our Heavenly Father.

This Father's Day, show the dads around you that you appreciate them. Show them how much they mean to you. Don't take them for granted.

But in addition to that, I have a challenge for you. This Father's Day, show your Heavenly Father how much you appreciate the sacrifice and love He has shown! Not sure if you believe in God, I'd love to talk to you! He is the only constant!!


Thanks for reading, and until next time - go out and make this life a great one!

UPDATE...

Hey all! It's been a crazy few weeks. I've completely neglected my blog. I've had so many things I wanted to write about, but haven't had the time. When I HAVE had the time, well - sleep was a little more appealing, unfortunately.

Here's my promise to you - I WILL have a new post up by the time I go to bed tomorrow night - Friday, June 15. Pinky promise!!

If you haven't checked out my other posts before, please read on. If you have - hang tight. Or read my previous Sarahnadings again. In the mean time, go out and make this life the best you can!

Check Yes or No

I was looking through a posting somewhere on the internet yesterday of really funny test answers. Some were humorous. Some were inappropriate. Some were just stupid. One jumped out at me though. There was a test about The Crucible (one of my favorites!). The student answered "Jesus" on every question, and at the top wrote "Jesus is always the answer." I laughed at that and thought that kid must have just been a class-clown.

Then I got to thinking- are those of us who are "believers" (PS- I can't stand that term!) willing to accept and admit that? Do we honestly believe that Jesus is always the answer? Not only that, but do we believe that he HAS all the answers and always answers those who call on Him? Hmmm. Toughies, aren't they?

For a while now I've been feeling myself wondering if God hears my prayers. If He has any intention of answering. What I'm really doing is wondering why God hasn't done what I've asked Him to do. Expecting that what I want is what He's going to do. I've really been struggling with one thing in particular. I've asked God over and over, crying and pleading, and He hasn't answered me yet. Or rather, He hasn't given me what I want.

Do you ever do that? Ask God for something to happen, but really you're telling Him what you think is best and expecting Him to follow suit? The God who created us, who formed the very ground we walk on, who breathed life into the first man. He's just supposed to do what we think is best?

Maybe what you're asking Him to do IS His plan. Maybe it's just not the right time. Can I just say this- God answers ALL prayers! He has three answers (though they may vary).

1.) Yes
2.) No
3.) Not yet/Not in that way

Many of us stop at "yes" and think that's the only thing God is allowed to say to us. If your parents only ever told you yes, would that have been in your best interest? NO! "Mom, can I have all the candy I want and stay up and do anything I want?" "Sure, sweetie! I love you."

Wrong! If a mother answered the child in that way, that's not showing love. That's not knowing the best interest and just saying yes to make the child happy. That mother would maybe allow one piece of candy and send the child to bed, because she already knows what the outcome of too much junk and no sleep will be. The child only sees what it wants.

It's the same with God. We think we know what's best, but in reality, He has only the BEST intentions for our lives! He created each and every one of us with a divine purpose.

So, maybe you've asked God for a raise at work. Maybe you asked for that cute guy you know to fall in love with you. Maybe you asked God to heal your dying family member. Whatever you've asked God, He has heard. And He has answered you. If you don't think He has, maybe it's just because it's not the answer you wanted. Sometimes we have to be still and listen to God's gracious spirit, because He is the only one who knows what's best for each of us.

The next time you ask God for something and think He isn't listening or hasn't answered you, step back and wait on Him. Because sometimes His answers are more perfect than our own.

Well- this is where I sign off for the night. Listen to God and serenade the world with His love!

Alive and Well

This is going to be a slightly different post today. A reflection and remembrance more than anything. It's one of those God moments! His grace and mercy are so great! My last post was about my immediate family. There is another family member I would like for you all to meet. She is in heaven with her Creator and she is more whole now than she EVER was in life! Her name- Diana.

My mom grew up with three older brothers and two older sisters. Her oldest sister, Diana, ended up becoming sort of the black sheep of the family. The majority of her adult life was spent between living on the streets and finding shelter from people who only wanted money from her. She didn't make the best decisions. She did drugs, drank and smoked. She lived her life without a sense of purpose.

A few years ago, she finally cleaned her life up- at least a little more. She began reconnecting with my gramma and mom until three summers ago when she came to spend a week with us. This was the first time I remember meeting her. I didn't really know what to expect.

During that week, I saw so much joy inside of her, in spite of all that she had been through and was still facing. She made me laugh and I truly enjoyed spending time with her. I was able to share some of my poetry with her and I know it was a blessing not only to myself, but to her as well.

I remember her telling me multiple times in just that few days that she could tell that Andy and I were soul mates. He and I had only been dating for a MONTH! She said she could tell we loved each other, even though neither of us had even said that yet.

After her visit with us, I talked to her every once in a while. When I told her Andy and I were engaged, over a year later, she was so excited! She was planning to come to our wedding, but it would have meant her not having a place to live. She even bought a dress and everything, which she later told me she wore to church all the time. I told her if it meant her not having a place to live, I didn't want her to come. I would have loved for her to be there, but her safety and shelter were more important! Little did we know we wouldn't have another chance to see her again.

My birthday was in late October, and for my birthday, Diana sent me a card with three poems she had written for me. She knew how much I love creating and reading poetry. I have to say it is one of the best birthday presents I have ever recieved!

Just a couple weeks later, this past November (2011), my mom got a phone call that my Aunt Diana had gone into a coma. The doctor said it didn't look promising at all. My mom got online and booked a flight to California to see her sister one last time. My gramma was at my other aunt's house in Texas at the time, and she met my mom in CA. It was up to my mom to make the decision to pull the plug. To let her big sister go. This was a difficult process for both my mom and gramma. They were able to say goodbye one last time.

Taken just a couple days before she slipped into a coma. She was going to send it to my mom and gramma. This is the last picture we have of Diana.

My mom spent her time at the hospital reading my aunt's favorite scripture over and over Diana, praying over her and singing worship songs. Science may say that when in a coma, people are not aware of what's going on around them, but I believe that she knew my mom and gramma were there- praying over her and praising God. I believe in her heart- she was doing the same.

Just a few short days later, she passed away. Her body still and gone, but her spirit more alive than ever! There is no doubt in me that she is in Heaven this instant singing with the angels- ever praising her Creator!

I will leave you with the three poems she gave me for my birthday. There is no doubt in my mind from the words she wrote that she is in Heaven today! She didn't know it, but just a month after writing these, she would see the beauty and peace she wrote about. Enjoy, as I have enjoyed them!

#1
I stood on a mountain high
To look up in the shy
Talking to God through Jesus
Telling Him what a wonderful world he has created
Th trees, birds, butterflies and all of nature
But one creation I truly love is the people
The Christian warmth
And their loving ways
You can't beat it
You know them on the streets
By their smiles and sparkling eyes
You know Jesus is near
And you smile back without a word
Telling them how you understand
That there is no greater love
Than God through Jesus

#2
There was a man named Jesus
Who was tortured and beaten
He was a true believer
In his Father God
He never stopped believing
Even in the end
For he knew he had great wealth on the other side
Where there was peace and harmony
All around in this spiritual place
One like no other
Where the wild animals
And man come in harmony with one another
And this was called Paradise
It's full of beauty
Everywhere you look
That your heart is overjoyed
You are free of evil things
That can cause despair
So stay with the one who truly loves you
Who will show you the way
Of all great things
That you deserve

#3
God on high
Looking down on us
To see what we are doing
Believing in the Lord
Who is good
Or the devil
Who is evil
Go the right path
And you will see
All the beauty in the world
Go the wrong path
And all you see
Is the dark side of the devil
Eternal light is what I want
And happiness
So that the Lord is with me
The evil and devil will keep you
Down in love and spirits
So please stay with the Lord
For righteousness, lovingness and kindness

Fam(ILY)

What is family? Is your family those you share blood relation with? Is your family those friends you can't imagine life without? In Hawaii, the word "ohana" means family. This word is used not only for blood-relatives, but close friends as well. I would consider that true for myself. I heard a quote one time that I just love! "People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person." I am grateful for everyone who has ever been a part of my life, but those lifetime people- I don't know what I would do without them! My friends mean so much to me, but even more than that, my family is my cornerstone! So- here's where I start bragging on MY family- at least my immediate family.

My sisters mean the world to me! We may not always get along the best, and I may not spend as much time with them as I would like to, but life without them- NO THANKS! Mary and Claire are both older than me and ever since I can remember, I have looked up to them. They are so talented and just a joy to be around! Except for that time when I was little that they told me the hairdryer would suck my brains out. Or that the sauteed onions in my food were worms my mom was trying to make me eat. Or when they told me to name one of my paper dolls Feces because it was a cool name. Or... well. I guess that's all in the past now! I always enjoyed being their guinea pig for makeup and hair (even if my brains got picked out with bobby pins a time or two). I always wanted to be around them, because more than just looking up to them, they were a comfort to me, and still are! I don't think they realize how much they mean to me and how much I appreciate them- and that's not something I should be proud of.

I have another sister as well. I recently had the privilege of meeting Allison. My dad had her before I was born and she stayed with her mom. I grew up never knowing about her until a few years ago. I finally found her and we started talking a couple years ago. She lives a few states away, but Andy and I were able to make it down there for her wedding this past October. Meeting her for the first time was like a dream! It was like finally meeting a missing piece of myself. I enjoy talking to her and getting to know more about her life. I just wish we lived closer so we could get to know each other even better!

My gramma is such an extraordinary lady! If there was ever one regret I had in my life dealing with other people, it would be how little I have shown my appreciation and love for my gramma. She has done so much for me and I have taken her for granted too many times. I remember watching Jeopardy every day with her when I was younger. I've also always enjoyed playing games with her too (except I could do without her Pictionary skills). There is so much more I could have been learning from her over the years. I have decided to ask her to spend a little bit of time each week to just hang out- just the two of us. I look forward to learning more about her life and just talk about anything in general. I love my gramma!

Last, but most definitely not least, my mother. My hero. My rock. She has been through so much hurt in her life. She has overcome so much. God has truly blessed me with an incredible mother. She loves God with everything in her and has lived her life as an inspiration to me. She has been my strength through so much, even though I'm sure in those moments she thought I wanted nothing to do with her. So many times I have been a total poop head to her, but what she doesn't realize is it has been those moments when I've been the most grateful for her!

I have been blessed with an amazing family. I wouldn't know what to do without a single one of them. My mom, gramma and sisters have all played a huge roll in who I am today. I thank God everyday for allowing me to be part of such an incredible group of women.

Does your family know how much you appreciate and love them? Don't let another moment go by without showing them how much they mean to you!

Well- I need to go make dinner. Or at least cook up the three pounds of hamburger meat sitting in my fridge before it goes bad! I hope you will join me for more Sarahnading later! Go make it a great day!!