Blessed with Gifts

Amazing Time Together

1 Corinthians 9:25

All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a priza that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

1 Corinthians 11:3

But there is one thing I want you to know; A man is responsible to Christ, a woman is responsible to her husband, and Christ is responsible to God.

1 Corinthians 15:53-557

For our perishable earthly bodies must be transformed into Heavenly bodies that will NEVER die-then at last the Scriptures will come true-

"Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?"

For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. How we thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death thru Jesus Christ our Lord!

1 Corinthians 15:58

So my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is EVER useless.

Galatians 2:20

I myself no longer live, but Christ lives IN me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Philippians 1:21-22 

For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better. Yet if I live, that means fruitful service for Christ. I really don't know which is better. (dedicated to Jason Mitchener ... RIP up there!!)

I love that Galatians verse.... that is where I pulled my @AliveinMe twitter name from--once we got ahold of my then, baby Tory-who was visiting my ex, her now ex dad she only knew as Nathan then anyway. He had remarried and thought he'd try to put some time into her. But he was required to answer my call every day--return anytime I called. Eight days--no return, no pick up. All of twitter and Facebook was on fire in prayers and telling me how to handle it. Just as I picked up the phone to see which of the two states he even had her in and report to the police--my brother had called him, got him to pick up--and used aggressive, yes, some very ripping and fowl language. But he was wanting that kiddo back with his sister--his niece that was named after him. I won't ever forget that day, no matter what quarrel Troy and I may go thru...I always love him--and am grateful for that day.

We all had such a great time at Tory's horse riding competition!! She has had a couple small ones before--but nothing like this. This was really awesome-big step for my kiddo. And a great time for her mom and dad to bond even more tight, given I just went thru some more "family related" issues again. Gives us time to see each other eye to eye and be able to see the real "us' thru our eyes-without having to say a word.

Now it is kind of funny I say that. We all got into conversation about dominance. Only reason I even put 1 Corinthians 11:3 up there... as a reminder to myself that, even though I am, on every subject or any subject-the dominant one in our family-it reminds me it isn't about "dominance." It is about knowing who really is the head of the house-the leader... and if everything crashes, who is the one, thru Jesus, that is responsible to execute a plan for his family for shelter, help... etc. I am supposed to lean on him when in need. And Lord knows, over the past decade off and on they have been big leans while Christ carried-and the last 3 years-Christ had to carry me while my husband carried me too...I think my kid even had to carry me some--that was how much pain it really was. And every time I feel it like it was before-all limbs--and really bad in knees and shoulders from doing nada, then the one thing I ever worry about comes ashore. It haunts me. But it has been a couple months now-and it is clock-work when I have that pain for about 5 days then it dissipates. So, I am very grateful thru all of this, Jesus #1 has been healing me... #2 gave me a husband that does everything and anything he can do to make everything as comfortable and "perfect" as possible thru every storm I go thru. It is like Jesus gave me a man from the "movies." You know-one of the "dream" ones. An extreme change from ex beating to gentle love and kindness. It took me time to adapt to it all. Sounds crazy, but just wasn't how I was raised either. But we click, fit like the iPhone 5 charger--- fits both directions!! :) And we are like me when I lived in Cali-- or anytime I drive... if I ever get a tad lost, I just flip a U turn and follow God's guidance. Always make it perfectly. 

I love the verses about athletes. Reminds me of me as being a competitive gymnast all while growing up... and now as a mom, my daughter competing in horse competitions. I just so enjoyed seeing her go at it this weekend. Not give up. She is very hesitant and fearful of A LOT of things. Reason she is not in gymnastics for sure... she balled thru a few sessions. But ever since she was born, she has gripped toy horses-or wanting to ride them. This from the girl who never wanted to learn to skate, or freaked over ever attempting bike riding lessons?? Just amazing!! But it is in her heart for good! And she sure proved it this weekend with the load of ribbons brought home! Today was absolutely perfect day!! The horse and her were in perfect sync! 

We all have gifts. And it is amazing when we find them. Some found so young. Some completely change later in life, like mine did--mine due to 3rd brain surgery. But God works on us all, and I know we all change over time, constantly. Sometimes we don't even reach for the talents He has sitting right there for us... either just stubborn, or perhaps need to get a little closer to Christ to really see and reach them. He has the answers to everything. The gifts are gifts that sure can bless so many others!! My little family is filled with gifts, and they are a gift. Kinda fits that Edwin McCain song really well- "I Couldn't Ask For More.... If I Tried..."  AMEN..... I love my family dear Jesus.... thank You!!!

And thank You so much for such dear friends--keep them sparkling with gifts... blessings all are to me!!

Bless you all.... much love!!! 

In His Love,

Heather

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do MUST be done with LOVE.  :)