Hell Is A Real Place!

It's True!

I Am a Christ Follower, Wife, Mom, & Boss

In that order... it's what I am! 

Christ Follower: My role in life is to do all things to glorify my Heavenly Father.  Everything else should come second and should align properly with what the Lord calls me to, do as a servant of His. Some days, I fail greatly. Thank you Jesus for grace. Other days, I am thankful I have His word to rest on and I know/believe it's what truthfully the ONLY thing that gives me the ability to walk in His loving kindness, strength, humility, and righteousness. I cherish the gift it is to be called a daughter of the King. And I try to share the good news with many who I come in contact with, in various ways. To find out exactly what I believe and what our home stands for click here. 

Wife: I love being a wife to Darren. We are high school sweet hearts and were married in Paradise Island, Bahamas. He is my stability outside of Christ.  He is a HUGE gift to me in so many ways.  He loves me in ways I never knew a man could possibly love his wife.  He loves the Lord.  He is so dedicated in everything he does.  He is a hardworker.  My favorite quality about him is his integrity & passion in all that he does.  Those qualities are hard to come by these days.  If there is ANYONE you can trust, it's him.  There are too many awesome physical traits that he contains (I'll spare both him you the embarrassing ones, like a cute tush and luscious lips, haha) but his smile always steals my heart.  His laughter is contagious.  

Mom: I am a momma to three kids: including a set of boy-girl twins.  My role as a mother has certainly sanctified me. I am growing more and more everyday.  I am not perfect, so I try to learn from my mistakes. I rest in God's grace and count new days as an undeserved gift for sure.  I try NOT to compare my mothering to other moms because comparison is a thief in disguise.  I love my kids the way that it feels right.  I discipline them unto the Lord.  I raise them to fear the Lord and hopefully, one day, they will.  I know parenthood is a blessing, even though some days, I consider running away.  LOL! Regardless of the hard times, I cherish and love all of those sweet, funny, special times even more.

Boss: I am a LIPBoss.  I became a lipboss in April.  Anyone who has been following my journey with SeneGence, knows I sell it because I love it.  I don't love it because I sell it.  All of their products are AH-Mazing. I can say that because I have currently tried 90% of everything that they offer. Everything we offer is LONG-Lasting. Once applied, you are golden for the rest of the day.Their products are also anti-aging and they work to improve damage, already caused to your skin, by free radicals such as the sun. SeneGence's goal is to provide long-lasting, all natural, products with the best compensation package for their distributors. To become a lipboss is EASY.  The cost is $55.00: no kits, no hidden fees, no parties necessary.  The BEST PART about taking the chance and becoming a distributor is this...

IF YOU DECIDE to end your journey with SeneGence (and you won't, trust me).... our company buys back EVERY SINGLE ITEM you still have in stock... less a 10% restocking fee.  

SAY WHAT!?!?! It's true.  So, contact me for more details.  I'd love to have you on my team. This role has allowed me focus on my role as a mommy, but it also provides me with a fun, flexible, working position of meeting other women, sharing these great products, and even speaking of my love for the Lord, all while talking about make-up.  

And well... that's me in a nutshell... Christ Follower, Wife, Mom, & BOSS!

That's My King!

Darren put this video together, syncing the words to our pastor's voice.  I love it! Every bit of it.  It shows you the magnitude of our God.  He is so much more than what people make Him out to be.  He is the KING!  The KING of the world.  And those who trust in Him are free from the law of sin and death and awakened to newness of life - life to the fullest and life forever. Apart from Christ's death and resurrection, there would be no freedom from sin, no rescue from darkness, and no reason to celebrate Christmas! Jesus is the reason for THIS SEASON!  

That's MY KING! DO YOU KNOW HIM? Allow me to tell you about Him if you don't!

Name Above All Names

Every year, I treat my home myself to a Christmas addition or 10 (lol).  I fell in love with these ornaments the moment my eyes landed on them. They were way more expensive than I would have liked to have spent on Christmas ornaments, but I had to have them. Jesus is the reason for the season and I cannot put a price on representing HIS names in our home!

In the beginning God created and He NAMED.  He called the darkness night and the light day.  He called the dry land earth and the sky above Heaven.  He created the sun, the moon, and the stars, giving each on its NAME.

Children learn at a very young age that the warm yellow ball int he sky is called the sun.  That is its name.  As they grow older, they learn more about its properties, its size, and its effects on the earth, the ocean, and even their own bodies.  Their knowledge of the sun develops and expands.  

Like the sun, each of us is known by our name.  Meaning is inherent in a name.  Giving identity to an object or a person.  

Jesus is a man of many names - some scholars say as many as 300 - which trellis us right that HE is not like us.  Getting to know the names of Jesus introduces us to who He is.  It's the starting place for discovering the greatest treasure, a relationship with the eternal GOD.  In learning the names of Christ, our understanding of Him grows and we begin to know Him as He is.  

The celebration of CHrist's birth has gotten lost in a swirl of fairy tales and merchandising.  Think about it, the stunning miracle of God becoming human has become trivialized with toys, tinsel, and trips to the mall.  

What's the solution?  The bible teaches us that fixing our eyes on Jesus is best. Learn HIS names and in doing so, you will know more of Him.  

May His names adorn your home at CHRIST-mas and beyond - as you give prominence to the one whose birth we celebrate on December 25, the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.

HE shall be called,  

JESUS - Jesus is a form of the name Joshua.  Do you know another Joshua in the bible? Joshua led the people of Israel into battle and inspired them to keep believing that God would one day deliver them.  

Savior - a savior is someone who rescues another person who is in trouble.  God sent his son, Jesus, to be our rescuer.  He saves us from drowning in our sin. Praise God!

Christ the Lord- a lord is someone who has great authority over others.  For Jesus to be our Lord means that He is our ruler.  

Emmanuel - "God with us!"  God with you, God with me.  Not a God who is wondering the galaxies somewhere, but here.  Present.  Living with us.  

Wonderful Counselor - Have you ever been perplexed?  Unsure of which alternative is best when making a decision?  Kind of like my thoughts on buying a puppy for my children for Christmas?  Have you been discouraged over a relationship with a spouse, friend, or a sibling?  Jesus is our wonderful counselor.  His advice can always be trusted.  His guidance is unparalleled. 

Mighty God - Mighty God is not bound by the forces of nature.  He can part the red sea or conceive, with one invisible cell, an infant who would be Jesus and he wants you to know His power.  Nothing is too hard for God.  We don't always feel this way about God do we?  We cry inwardly saying, "I can't do this" or "There is no way out!"  Just like the israelites did when staring at a vast body of water that blocked their escape.  Can you believe that Jesus is your mighty God?That he can provide a way of escapee for you, too, when you need it?

Prince of Peace - Every human heart longs for peace without end.  But it cannot be found on earth.  NO KING has ever lived even the most benevolent, who has ruled with perfect peace. All kings are human, flawed, and prone to error, but Jesus is name Prince of Peace.  This name brings the great promise of life without conflict.  HALLELUJAH!!!! There is only one who is divine, sinless, and who can rule with perfection.  His name is JESUS! 

Pumpkin Carving 101 & The Gospel 101

Okay, so you will be able to see, from the photos below, that we are NOT professional pumpkin carvers, nor are we artists.  Jax gets the biggest "thumbs up" for his patience and interest in completing not only his pumpkin, but also helping Tyson with his very detailed pumpkin.

A Pumpkin Must Be Chosen- Just like we choose our pumpkins, at a pumpkin patch, God graciously chooses all who trust Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.  (John 1:12)

 Jax chose to carve a Ninja Turtle.

I warned Tyson that this TIGER would be a tad too detailed, but he didn't want to listen.  

Our precious, princess wanted to carve Sophia onto her pumpkin, but the pumpkin was too small. So... daddy chose to carve Jesus onto her pumpkin instead.  We told her we would buy her another pumpkin, before Halloween or Thanksgiving disappears, so she can carve her own pumpkin too.

 Cleaning Our "Dirty" Pumpkin

We explained to our children, just like a pumpkin is dirty inside, so are WE.  We are filthy sinners who need to be cleaned. God forgives and washes away our sins because Jesus shed His blood on the cross. (Psalms 51:2; Colossians 1:14). 

We removed all the "dirtiness" from the pumpkin.

Afterwards, Tyson, Jax, and Darren got to work "pricking" their pumpkins.

 Lilah watched from the side. :( She didn't seem to care AT ALL though.

We used this special tool to make our carving much easier.

It's a battery operated, power saw made for pumpkin carving.

When everyone got over the pumpkin carving, I had to finish the small details.  

 A NEW CREATION:

Our pumpkin became a new creation, through out help of being carved. Just like God changes those who accept Him into new people whose hearts desire to please Him instead of self aka "sin". (2 Corinthians 5:17)

A Pumpkin Should Cast Light.

We placed a candle in our pumpkins and they cast light to those who drove or walked by. God fills Christians with His Spirit and allows His love and joy to shine brightly through them.  (Matthew 5:16).  

Are you like a Harvest Pumpkin?

We haven't baked the seeds yet, but they remain in our refrigerator for when we can find the time.  Tyson hasn't even been home, from school, for 5 minutes, and he's already asking to bake the pumpkin seeds. No doubt it will take place soon!

Celebrating My 1,000th POST!!!!

THIS is my 1,000th blog POST.  I wanted to do something really creative in honor of it, but rather than making it "selfy", I quickly decided to give this "celebration" total GLORY to God, by sharing my testimony with you all!  I was given the opportunity to share my testimony at church, several years ago, but I have NEVER shared it on my blog.  Here is the story of how my life changed from darkness to light and how the grace of God has created a clean heart in me.

"Ever since I can remember, my mother has taught me about the Word of God, made me attend Church on Sundays, as well as attend private schools.  I even recall my mother taking me to a Billy Graham crusade where I “signed a card” and accepted Jesus into my life.  My mother told the world I was a believer and was so proud of me.  I’m sure I thought my job was done.  At age 14, I moved to New York to live with my father.  I attended a Catholic school for one year, but I was never really forced or asked to attend Church, after all, my father didn’t attend either.  At age 15, I moved to Roanoke, VA.  We attended Our Lady of Nazareth for a while, but our family was never consistent about going.  Darren and I started dating when I was 15 ½.  We never really shared our religious thoughts or beliefs, but I knew Darren was the one for me.  Once we entered College, occasionally we would discuss topics such as the Bible, Hell, and Heaven.  Many of Darren’s views made sense to me, and I adopted them as my own, but little did I know they were not scripturally based, they were simply made up.  One of my favorite of Darren’s views was “There is no such thing as Hell.  If God is ALL loving, there cannot be a place that is all evil.”  Over the last ten years or so, my mother would visit and try to breathe the Word of God into our lives.  Darren and I wanted nothing to do with it.  I vividly remember telling my mom, “Please, just stop trying to force this into my life.  When the time is right, I know I will turn my life over to Christ.  I’m just not ready yet.  And every time you try to force me to know more, I just want to rebel and turn as far away from being a Christian as possible.”

In November of 2007, I reached my all time low.  Some of the most significant people in my life (well people who I thought were significant at the time) were dropping out of my life like raindrops.  Other than that, my life should have been fairly “perfect”.  I had a gorgeous home, a brand new car, no debt, a healthy child, and I was married to my high school sweet heart, but I was the most miserable person in the world.  It was then that I realized something BIG was missing in my life.  The only thing I could come up with, the only thing I felt that was lacking in my life was God/Christ.

I had two friends in my life, Jill Higginbotham, being one of them, and Sara Warren, who were avid Church goers and it just seemed as if their lives couldn’t get any better.  They were positive and very upbeat about life in general, but one thing was for sure, you could tell that they loved Christ.  I found myself feeling three emotions when I would leave their presence: conviction, optimism,  and hope.  I wasn’t sure why, but I looked forward to being around them as often as I could. 

The manner in which I came to know Christ happened in a strange way.  What I mean by that is, I did things a little backwards.  One day, while running on the treadmill, side by side, with Jill, she invited me to attend a Monday Women’s Bible Study, so I started with that.  I then stepped out of my shell and attended Wednesday services and finally Sunday services.  Looking back, Jill and I laugh as we reminisce on me saying, “I don’t mind going to bible study or Wednesday night service, but Sunday services is not for me.  Saturday and Sundays are reserved for family time”.  For a year, Tyson and I attended Church and Church functions without the accompaniment of my husband.  As a matter of fact, every Sunday, when I would return home from church service, I would feel convicted, but in a good way, I would feel so refreshed, but as my feet entered my home after the service, Darren would do something or say something that would cause me to lash out in anger.  He would sarcastically say, “Boy, that Church is really doing you a whole lot of good, huh?”  Needless to say, I eventually learned to deal with his comments in a Christ like manner and I turned to my sisters in Christ for prayer and support. 

I decided in June I wanted to be baptized at the River Baptism.  The days leading up to my baptism were bitter-sweet.  I never told Darren that I was getting baptized, so as much as this was such an exciting day for me, I was so crushed that the person I wanted there the most, to cheer me on, was not only NOT present, but was unaware that I was even going to be baptized.  I didn’t tell him because I could just hear him say, “You’re getting baptized in a river.  HA.  What are you in some kind of cult?” 

By the grace of God and through Jill and Sara’s discipleship, I was baptized on July 13^th.  From then on, I crave listening to the Word of God and my life just seems so complete now.  I know this is going to sound like a speech that you hear at the grammy’s when one wins an award, but I do want to thank 3 people for my salvation: first and foremost GOD.  I thank God everyday for choosing me and this life I now live. Although I know Jill and Sara wouldn’t want to take credit for my salvation, in a sense they should.  They were the instrument that lead me to Christ.  I thank them for their obedience to the word, their dedication to share it, and their determination to stick with me.  And finally, I am so grateful for each and every one of my family members in Christ!  You all provide me with the love that I lacked from those “significant” people in my life who, for now, I no longer feel equally yoked with."

The above testimony was written 2+ years ago.  As I look back, even just two years ago, I realize even how much more my sanctification in Christ has developed.  I am grateful for the sound doctrine that is preached, faithfully in our church.  I am thankful for the brothers and sisters in Christ that hold me accountable and shower me with love and encouragement.  I praise God that my husband NOW loves the LORD and that our children are being raised in a godly home.  ALL GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST!  

What Does TRUE Repentance Look Like?

REPENT & BELIEVE! That's what it takes to be HIS and to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but there is a difference between believing with your HEAD and believing with your HEART.  AND there is difference between wordly repentance and TRUE godly repentance.  The first is more obvious than the latter.  So, here is a narrowed down version of what true godly repentance looks like.  Are you on par?

It is not always easy to tell the difference between godly sorrow or worldly sorrow. Godly sorrow seeks a healthy relationship with God, others, and yourself. Godly sorrow leads us to do our part in admitting our sin as well as repairing damaged relationships.

Worldly sorrow just wants the trouble to go away. Just say whatever is necessary to fix the problem, and then you can get back to whatever you want. Worldly sorrow only looks out for it’s best interest. Those displaying worldly sorrow are never sorry enough to change.

Jared C. Wilson gives us a few more indicators of what true repentance looks like in his post “How Do You Know When Someone Is Repentant?: 12 Signs.”

Wilson writes:

How do you know when someone is repentant? In his helpful little book Church Discipline, Jonathan Leeman offers some guidance:

A few verses before Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 18 about church discipline, he provides us with help for determining whether an individual is characteristically repentant: would the person be willing to cut off a hand or tear out an eye rather than repeat the sin (Matt. 18:8-9)? That is to say, is he or she willing to do whatever it takes to fight against the sin? Repenting people, typically, are zealous about casting off their sin. That’s what God’s Spirit does inside of them. When this happens, one can expect to see a willingness to accept outside counsel. A willingness to inconvenience their schedules. A willingness to confess embarrassing things. A willingness to make financial sacrifices or lose friends or end relationships. (p. 72)

These are good indicators, and I believe we can add a few more.

Here are 12 signs we have a genuinely repentant heart:

1. We name our sin as sin and do not spin it or excuse it, and further, we demonstrate “godly sorrow,” which is to say, a grief chiefly about the sin itself, not just a grief about being caught or having to deal with the consequences of sin.

2. We actually confessed before we were caught or the circumstantial consequences of our sin caught up with us.

3. If found out, we confess immediately or very soon after and “come clean,” rather than having to have the full truth pulled from us. Real repentance is typically accompanied by transparency.

4. We have a willingness and eagerness to make amends. We will do whatever it takes to make things right and to demonstrate we have changed.

5. We are patient with those we’ve hurt or victimized, spending as much time as is required listening to them without jumping to defend ourselves.

6. We are patient with those we’ve hurt or victimized as they process their hurt, and we don’t pressure them or “guilt” them into forgiving us.

7. We are willing to confess our sin even in the face of serious consequences (including undergoing church discipline, having to go to jail, or having a spouse leave us).

8. We may grieve the consequences of our sin but we do not bristle under them or resent them. We understand that sometimes our sin causes great damage to others that is not healed in the short term (or perhaps ever).

9. If our sin involves addiction or a pattern of behavior, we do not neglect to seek help with a counselor, a solid twelve-step program, or even a rehabilitation center.

10. We don’t resent accountability, pastoral rebuke, or church discipline.

11. We seek our comfort in the grace of God in Jesus Christ, not simply in being free of the consequences of our sin.

12.We are humble and teachable.

As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.

– 2 Corinthians 7:9-11

The Great Commission On WHEELS!

While in Myrtle Beach, I spotted this Mobile Home in the Wal-mart parking lot.  I couldn't help but take the family over to read the front, back, and sides of it.  It was then... that we came across the driver, who was also sporting wearing some TRUTH.  I thought this was something worth capturing.  The kids enjoyed playing with his dog, while Darren and I discussed our beliefs.  Sadly, his "truck" and t-shirt said all the right things, but we left telling him we would pray for him, because he sure was NOT ministering properly OR in humility.

He said one thing correct... "JESUS IS LORD!"

FORGIVENESS

LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!

WHY I hate religion, but LOVE Jesus