Galatians 5:22-23 ~ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

   I don’t know about you, but I am so thankful that my Savior is patient with me. Patience is an aspect of the fruit of the spirit that I need to work on. Take the word  longsuffering,  which is another word that is used for “patience”, just the word itself sounds dreadful! I don’t know about you, but I don’t get too excited about suffering…and I certainly don’t get excited when it is for a long time!

   However, if we are to be like Christ (Christians), we are to definitely be patient and willing to suffer, no matter how long. Who are we to think we deserve everything now and the way we want it? Jesus suffered, Paul suffered, Job suffered…and God used them all to glorify Him through their trials. They were willing to be obedient…and yes, they were patient.

James 1:2-4 ~ My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

   That is a powerful passage of scripture folks…study it, break it down, and realize what James was saying. He said that we are to be filled with joy when we should be filled with sorrow.(confused much??? ).He then says trials we go through will test our faith..and therefore produce patience. Then he says to let that time of trial and suffering refine you..make you a stronger person…letting the trying times make you like Christ. Sounds like we are supposed to be joyful because through our suffering we are learning how to wait on God, be content in our circumstances, and be more Christ-like. Jesus Christ was persecuted, judged falsely, beaten, murdered…and He was without sin! 

   I know one thing, when I am suffering and waiting on an answer, that is when I get face-down on the floor in prayer. I crave Jesus even more during those times. I for one, am grateful for those times in my past..the ones where I can look back and see that He definitely brought me through. There have been times when I asked God when was the pain going to end..and you know, He didn’t tell me. Guess what though? He carried me!! You may not see it now, but if you are a true believer in Christ, and if you do what James 1:2-4 says, you will reap the rewards. I can  honestly say that everything in my life has happened for a reason..good and bad..and I have chosen to learn from it all..and rejoice! My God is greater than anything! I can truly say that because of Jesus, not Heather, I have made it through difficult times. The patience part is a daily struggle, one that I am working on though. It is all about attitude…it really is.

   I challenge you to look back..don’t dwell on it.. but see where you were closer to Jesus and learned more about Him through your struggles. I am not saying that during my times of struggle that I have jumped for joy because I felt so good because I was struggling. No..not at all..but I did have a peace, and I did have hope, and I did learn to trust in Him more.

 If you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus yet, I challenge you to look and see if you had the peace that comes only from knowing that Jesus has your back. Now is the time to do something about that! Don’t wait until it is too late.

   2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NKJV) ~ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

   Do you get it friends? When you are in a time of longsuffering, having to be patient and wait and trust God, that is when you are being made Christ-like…isn’t that what you really want… He promises to carry us! We just have to release it to Him.

   I want to leave you with a song by Mandisa..called Stronger. I know that this post on patience has actually touched on more than just patience. That is how it works though..they all tie together.

stronger_mandisa_(www.freshmp3music.ru)_www.freshmp3music.ru_

   I love your comments and am thankful for each one of you..that you are taking the time to read these posts. I pray you will all be blessed!

   UNTIL NEXT TIME!   

 In order to know GOD, we must often think of Him; and when we come to love Him, we shall then also think of Him often, for our heart will be with our treasure. ~Brother Lawrence

  So glad you joined me today! I am super excited about sharing some things with you! This post is all about having a relationship with Jesus..one where you will know Him more..or better.

   Life is so filled with activities, work, etc.. It is easy to neglect what is most important. My hope is that you will see the importance of a quiet time, and also see the importance of getting in HIS word! Not making the time to be still and to study God’s word and to pray, is like saying that we don’t need Him and we don’t have time for direction, peace or  joy!

 A definition for quiet time: when we get alone with the Lord and we are quiet before    Him. It is an intimate time..a time of” getting to know ” Him.

  Quiet time or meditation is not, I repeat IS NOT “studying” your bible with the t.v. blaring. That is all fine and well..but, if you want to hear from God, you have to be still, be quiet and take away distractions. You may have to get up earlier (can’t say I am too keen on that idea just yet, being that I like my sleep ) , or take your bible,etc.. with you as you sit and wait to pick up your kids (what I do sometimes). When you find your quiet time, don’t forget to turn your phone on silent…phones can be a huge distraction. (I am speaking from experience )

   We don’t have to make an appointment to spend time with God! He is always available..sad that we are not always available. That is why we must make it a priority.

   Charles Stanley says: When we spend time with Him, talking with Him, reading His word and mulling over it, it shows. The opposite is true as well.

   Did you know that even Jesus withdrew Himself from His busy life to pray!?! He knew that alone time with His Father was necessary and of utmost importance!

Luke 11:1 ~ Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught His disciples.”

  It is very important to teach our children also, the importance of prayer and meditation.

   Another good reason to get to know Jesus better is this…Do you really trust someone that you don’t really know? Most likely not! Who trusts a stranger with their most precious things? Not many people. If you read my post (So in Love!!), you’ll remember a conversation that I had with my daughter about feeling close to God. I explained to her that if she didn’t spend time with me, she wouldn’t feel close to me either.

   Also, if you are “meeting” with Jesus every day, you will be a lot more accountable about your behavior. You will want to be more like Him. You know the old saying, (you are who you hang around with), it is true. If you want to be more like Jesus and understand Him better, you HAVE TO SPEND TIME WITH HIM !! It is cut and dry my friends.

   Here are some great ways to get to know Him more:

   – Get involved in a bible study…attending or leading(a great way to meet others who are struggling and learning and growing spiritually)

   – Serve  (yes..serve..start helping and you will find what you are good at..and God will definitely find a place for you to be used)

   – Read a devotion book, commentary,etc.. (always make sure the author writes sound doctrine..it should match up with the BIBLE, the source of TRUTH)

   – Journal when you study..write down thoughts or questions you want answered.

   – Break down the verses to see what they really mean…and be sure to read a few verses before and after when referring to a scripture..use your concordance in back of bible, or a bible dictionary.

   -There are so many apps available on phones and computers now(again, be sure they are sound..not added to or twisted) ex: Youversion, Daily Bible app(droid app), biblestudytools.com(a friend just told me about this site )

   Try a quiet time..I would love to hear back from you about how much better you felt after. Send me a comment and let me know! These are all ways to help you know Jesus more..the best way is by talking to Him(praying) and studying His word.

   Don’t get discouraged and give up on this time with Jesus..some days will be harder than others..I struggle too! Remember that any good relationship requires time..and think of the ones you feel closest to, you probably spend a great deal of time with them. The same goes for our relationship with our Heavenly Father! Except, the benefits are even greater!

Sitting quietly with God is a discipline we need to cultivate. It does not take the place of Bible study, Scripture memory, or prayer. Rather quiet time deepens our walk with the One who seeks our friendship the most. ~Tim Sanford

Blessings to you my friends! Don’t forget to subscribe to SIMPLE TRUTHS  if you’d like!

UNTIL NEXT TIME!

   Ever felt like you were just too far gone for Jesus to want you? Ever feel like you had too many mistakes in your past to be forgiven? Guess what, YOU are WRONG!! That is a lie of the enemy..the enemy(satan) wants you to believe those things. There is no sin too big for God to forgive…as long as you truly feel remorse and desire to know Him.  The first step is to admit that you have sinned. Come on, we all struggle with something..it is our choice how we react to whatever that “something” is.

1 John 1:8-10 (NKJV) ~ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

Romans 10:9 ~ that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

   It is that simple my friends! Why choose to make it complicated?? Here are the facts: We are ALL sinners, and believing in Jesus is easy.  If you want to be forgiven, you have to repent. There are a few fake ways some try to pass off as real: God, I sure am sorry…(that I got caught.) {ouch} and God, I am really sorry and I hope I can do better next time. hmm…  Do you really think you have an intention to “change” ? It requires a real change, a heart change. When you do wrong, you actually grieve the Holy Spirit. See, the Holy Spirit is Jesus living in you(if you are a believer in Christ), not a ghost. I challenge you to look deep and question yourself… have I put my trust in Jesus? Am I saved? Have I been saved but chose to not truly let the Holy Spirit lead me? See…it is not too late..yet. That is grace, my friends. Grace is when God is patient with us, grace is when God gives us chance after chance just because He loves us.

   If you have not accepted the free gift of eternal life in Jesus because you think you are too messed up…Guess what? The devil is happy..because he has you right where he wants you. I didn’t deserve it any more than you do, it is a gift. Look at it like this: You have a huge bill and somebody comes along, and out of the goodness of their heart they pay your bill! Well, Jesus gave His life up on the cross..so that you and I could be made pure like Him..and be able to go to heaven.Jesus paid my bill!! Praise God!  See…when Jesus walked the earth people still didn’t believe. They continued in their evil ways..not listening..doing things their own way. God being loving and merciful as He is..gave us a choice. He doesn’t force us to believe. Believe and go to heaven..or don’t believe and go to hell.That is just the way it is, there is no candy-coating the facts! A gift..with a no return policy…a gift that requires faith…a gift that guarantees eternal life and all of the love and support you will ever need. We can’t earn salvation because we do good things or are good enough…we accept the gift of salvation because we need Jesus! Listen to this..you can’t lose your salvation either!!! Jesus doesn’t move away from believers..believers move away from Him. If you are saved but have turned away from Jesus, just turn around..He will be right there.

   If salvation was based on being “good enough”, face it..none of us could ever be saved.
   I would like to share a song with you…listen to the words and enjoy!

   i_am_new_jason_gray_everything_sad_is_coming_untrue_

   My friends…I want to share a quote with you:

When you experience grace and are loved when you do not deserve it, you spend the rest of your life standing on tiptoes trying to reach His plan for your life out of gratitude. ~Charles Stanley (from his book Handbook for Christian Living)

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) ~ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

   My prayer is that you are blessed, challenged, and prompted by this message. Get in your Bible..it really is alive with TRUTH! The more you get to know Him..you will begin to crave Him more! Just turn around..He is there waiting. If you made a decision concerning your salvation or something else..tell somebody..share it!

   By the way..I am writing something on patience, and still plan to share a rock story with you. I write and post on my blog what God wants me to…and this is what He wanted me to write about today. Look for my next post..it will be about having a “relationship” and getting to know Jesus better.

           Until Next Time!

 The playground at school can be fun..but for those that get left out or picked on, it can be a dreadful! Just think..they only get like 15 minutes..but 15 minutes of torment can feel like an eternity. I am writing this post because of something that my tender-hearted child told me about. I am also hoping that it will make us all more aware of each other’s feelings. As adults, we may not have a ”playground”, but we have social functions,work,  etc..

   Maybe you were that child that got picked on. or purposely left out..maybe you were the one that did the picking or leaving out. Or maybe, your child is in one of the two categories. Good news either way, this can be a turning point and you can change your ways right now. God is so merciful like that! He loves us anyway! No matter what..as long as we truly have a “heart” change..He will forgive us and guess what?? He is not like us..He actually  FORGETS!!!

   I am going to share with you a little of what my daughter shared with me..paraphrasing some of it and leaving out names..

   “I teared up today at recess Momma” said Alden.”What happened baby?” I asked. “You know the girl I have talked to you about before..the one that people don’t want to play with?” asked Alden. I remembered “her” and we had been praying for “her”. You see, Alden has shared with me that she feels bad for her. The little  girl doesn’t always have clean clothes..and she has a nervous stomach. To top it all off..there are “mean girls” and “mean boys” that don’t show much compassion. Now I know they are only children..but here is what I want to say..Get involved, talk to your kids, make sure that they are thoughtful and kind and caring. It is our responsibility as parents… We have to teach them to love one another..and we have to do it by modeling that kind of behavior ourselves.

   Okay, I am off my soap box now. Back to Alden’s story.. She said that at recess there was one group of girls with a leader that didn’t want the little girl to play the game. The leader said “We don’t want “her” to play..she …”Well, the leader didn’t know she had just met her match. My Alden has a boldness for Christ! We have taught our girls to stand up for others and to never make fun. You hope that when they are actually in that situation that they will do as you have taught them. Praise the Lord, my Alden did! I asked Alden ,”Well Alden did you stand up for “her” ?” Alden said “yes mam..I told the leader of that little group that my friends and I wanted “her” to play..and I asked “the leader” how she would feel if she was the one that was being left out?!” Alden then shared with me that she asked the girl that was being ugly if she knew about Jesus, and if she was saved..the girl told her yes but that she didn’t go to church. Alden then proceeded to tell her about our church and one of her friend’s church. LET ME TELL YOU..I just kissed her and told her how proud I was of her..and that I was so happy that she has a heart for Jesus! Wow..what boldness from a 10 year old!

  I explained to Alden that her actions could have changed the child’s outlook on life. I also encouraged her to continue to play with her and show God’s love to her. Alden said”Momma, I still feel so bad for her.” I explained to her that compassion and empathy were blessings,  even though it hurts so bad sometimes. She and I share those “gifts”. I know exactly how she is feeling..it is like we feel their pain..and want to do something to stop it now! It sometimes feels like a blessing and other times a curse. I also told Alden that she didn’t want her to feel bad for her..she  probably just wanted her to be kind.

   I am so thankful that Alden was bold and brave and filled with Jesus! If we could all just remember that we are capable of doing the same thing! Love one another…treat each other with the same kind of love and mercy that Jesus gives us. There are so many hurting children and adults..we all want the same thing and that is love and acceptance. Children are just children..learning from us and from each other. Let’s make sure we are modeling the kind of behavior that we would want them to have. Let’s be involved..teaching and forgiving..not condemning. Nobody is perfect, we have all made mistakes..but it is about what you learn fom them and not repeating those mistakes.

   Here are some verses that I want to share with you..I encourage you to get in HIS word..

John 15:12 ~ This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

1John 4:20-21 ~ If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother who he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?  And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

Psalm 103:12 ~ As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions(sins) from us.

    Blessings to you all…

   UNTIL NEXT TIME! :)

So glad you have taken the time to stop by today! I have had so many thoughts going through my head this week..so much I want to share with you… However, God put it on my heart to share somebody elses story. The story I am sharing with you is about a good friend of ours, Mr. Roger Sims. You may know him as the Rock man or Rock The World Ministries or the guy with the Jesus rocks. He is an obedient servant of Christ..not afraid to share God’s love with anybody! He really ROCKS!! Now..I am simply going to retype the story as written by one of his friends. Here goes..hope you are blessed!!

THE STORY OF TWO FISHERMEN

The first fisherman in this story is Lucas. Lucas has been a welcome visitor to this particular pond for sometime now. As I rode by him on the pond dam, I waved politely, like I normally would. Lucas would usually ride his bike out and fish on this pond 2 or 3 times a week. But this was the first in months that I had seen Lucas fishing. Today as Lucas was fishing there was a large crowd gathered on top of the hill, just 100 yards or so from the pond. The crowd was dressed in camouflage and was strategizing for an afternoon dove hunt. This was a pay hunt organized by the Organization for Christian Outdoorsmen to raise money for missions. As truck after truck filed past Lucas on the pond dam he probably figured they were all hunters. He didn’t know about Roger. Roger and I previously, that day had an interesting conversation about how he wanted to be a farmer but God had called him to be a fisherman. When the last truck came by Roger stopped and asked Lucas if he minded him getting out and talking with him for a while. Lucas answered, “No but, Don’t you want to go hunting?” Roger said, “I’m not a hunter I’m a fisherman.” So they dropped Roger off and went on to hunt. Roger said, “Man I want you to know I love you.” About that time Lucas caught a nice spec and asked if Roger would hold his pole while he put fish on his stringer. “You mind if I throw out there one time?” asked Roger. “No sir” said Lucas. Well he cast out and immediately tangled his line, saying I’m sorry man, I’m not much of a fisherman.” Lucas looked at him oddly. Roger said, “man why are you looking at me like that?” knowing Lucas thought he had contradicted himself. Roger said, “you see, you are fishing for food to eat so you can live here on the earth. I want to offer you something that you can accept and live eternally. Have you ever been saved Lucas?” Lucas said, “I hear people talking about being saved but I don’t understand saved.” Roger said “saved means you were lost in a world of darkness but now you are free because you’ve accepted the light that is Jesus Christ.” After much discussion and scripture sharing Roger found out Lucas had 8 brothers and sisters and 2 parents that were all lost. Roger asked Lucas if he believed in Heaven and hell. Lucas said, “yes sir”. He said where is your family going when they die? Lucas said, “man they’re going to hell, and I am one of them going to hell.” Mr. Roger said, “Lucas you don’t have to go to hell. You can pray to accept Jesus into your heart and have all your sins washed away.” Lucas said, “not me..I’ve got too many sins.” Roger said, “I guarantee you don’t have anymore than the rest of us.” Lucas said, ” I ain’t much on that praying.” Roger said, “I can lead you right through it and keep it real simple. Now would you like to become a Christian?” Lucas said “yes sir.” Roger put his hand on Lucas’ shoulder and led him through the sinners prayer. Roger told me that the 2 of them prayed and wept for several minutes and right there beside that pond Lucas got saved. We need to pray for Lucas. We need to pray that each one of us would become fishers of men… because God has called us all to be Fishermen.

I realize this was a long post…but oh what a glorious true story!!!

I pray you are all blessed by it and share it with others. I have several things I plan to share with you in the next several days…one includes a rock story and my youngest daughter..

UNTIL NEXT TIME!

I am just SO in love with Jesus! Yep..you heard me right…in love with my Lord and my Savior! I remember a time when I would hear people say that and think…hmmm..must be something wrong with me. I mean I’m a believer..but I don’t go around saying ” I am in love with Jesus!” Why don’t I feel like that. Something is missing.. How can I be really saved and not have that feeling?

I got saved at a very young age. I was at a church camp at Camp Tygart..it was in the tabernacle. One of the things that I struggled with for a long time, something that the devil just loved…was that I didn’t remember “the date”…I allowed myself to think thoughts like..” Well, you don’t know the exact date so you couldn’t really be saved.” and “You’ve done things you shouldn’t have”.. so…you guessed it ” you aren’t really saved”. Oh and…”You aren’t in love with Jesus the same way ” so & so” is..so you couldn’t really be saved!”

I was so sick and tired of the devil telling me those things..and sick of allowing that doubt in my life! One night at a church service on a Sunday night, I walked down front and one of the ministers prayed with me. That was a huge turning point for me! He asked me if I knew I was saved as I shared with him the doubts that were a constant for me. I told him yes..and he prayed with and over me for me to not believe the lies of the devil and for the devil to leave me alone! Wow! That was just such a huge relief! Why did I allow the devil to make me doubt my salvation???

Back to being in love with Jesus… I now know the feeling!! Let me tell you..it is awesome! You know what though?? It requires work! ( work? You say.) Yep..any relationship requires work..or time. I shared in an earlier post about my sweet 10 year old, and how she told me ” Momma, I know I’m saved but like I just don’t feel like I am as close to God as I should be.” I told her to think about it like this: If you didn’t talk to me or see me or spend time with me, you wouldn’t feel close to me either. She got it..and I told her to feel closer to God that she could get read her bible, talk to Him throughout the day, etc..

John 15:4 ~ Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

I began to seek Him more the past several years..reading scripture, having devotions with my family, changing what I listen to on the radio, talking to God all through the day, attending bible study. You know what..sure enough..I began to really fall in love with Jesus! Time…that’s what it takes. Walking the walk…not just talking the talk.

2 Chronicles 7:14 ~ if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Well, now I am full out ( is that even a phrase? Lol) sold out for Him! He really does meet my every need !! I used to think that there must be something wrong with me (or with them.. ) because I loved Jesus and I believed in Him..but they were all sappy about it and I wasn’t…
It was because I didn’t take the time to really..really get to know Him and allow Him to completely have control over my life. I needed to give Jesus more of my time than I gave to anybody or anything else!

As I have learned to switch places and let God drive..I have had peace that surpasses all understanding..I smile so much more…I am smiling at this very moment as I type this out! For real! I encourage you to just Let go of it…and Let God. Y’all..He is the only true source of peace and joy in this sometimes awful world. Why would we want to put our hope and trust in the things of this world…what a disappointment we are in for when we do! Things and people will…yes WILL let us down. Jesus never has and NEVER will! Just try it..you can all be in love with Jesus! It really is the best feeling in the world!

Funny thing is this, I really became even happier when I recently stepped out of my comfort zone to be obedient to Christ! I would like to tell you that feeling this way and being obedient to Him means that the devil will not mess with me now. Guess what? Not true…see when you do things to bring glory to God ,the old devil doesn’t like it. But guess what else? My God is greater..my God is stronger..my God is higher than any other! God’s got my back! That’s right and He has already overcome this world!

I know I have shared this verse recently..but I love it..and it applies to this.
John 16:33 ~ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

If you’ve been trying to live life on your own, your way..and you realize it’s not really working..why not give Jesus a try?

If you would like to leave me a comment or a prayer request or a question..please feel free. I would love for you too! I want to thank you for taking the time to read my blog. If you feel like someone else needs to read it..please share this with them..and if you would like to receive an email when I publish a new post please subscribe to my blog..I would love to share with you! Most importantly though , if you long to feel closer to God or if you don’t know that you will go to heaven when you die..please don’t feel like it is too late.

Job 34:28 ~ for He hears the cry of the afflicted.

Until Next Time!
Heather Dawkins

Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) ~
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Peace ~ I just love this word and I especially love the feelings that peace evokes! I love the verses that speak of peace as well! I don’t know….they just give me such a sense of hope and yes…peace! I love music…and another old song that comes to mind with this word, it goes…the Peace that passes all understanding..is a blessing that will never fade away…the peace that passes all understanding never passes away! Don’t those words just give you hope and make you smile?! There are so many great songs that are about peace! I love music…especially Klove!

Philippians 4:6-7 ~ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus

There are times when you just wish for a little bit of peace….like when your kids are fighting ( don’t tell me I am the only one), or when you and your spouse are not seeing eye to eye ( it’s bound to happen…that’s life!!), when your finances aren’t so good, when you are sick…the list goes on and on. You might say something like ” I just need some peace!” or “I need some peace and quiet!” What are you really saying though?

What gives YOU peace? What do you depend on to give you the feelings of peace? Are you depending on someone or something that isn’t lasting? Or do you look for peace in the only true place you will ever find TRUE PEACE…JESUS CHRIST..THE PRINCE OF PEACE??????

Isaiah 9:6 ~ For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulders, and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Ever wonder why the things in this world don’t ever fully satisfy your needs and wants? I mean, sure a new pair of shoes can make my day…but do they give me peace?…of course they don’ t ! Styles change…then you need something else to replace it. Sorry if you feel like this is a 20 questions post…I do realize I am throwing questions out left and right…sometimes that’s what helps me though….(To question myself, my motives, my actions.)
Think about what you do when you are anxious or afraid or worried or …now get this one…angry..ouch! Things can’t give you true peace…things going your way at the time can’ t either.

The truth of the matter is this: The things of this world are temporary and ever- changing..the only thing that never ever changes is Christ’s love for us and He never changes…

Hebrews 13:8 ~ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

If you have Jesus and you know the real meaning of love and the truth about joy…then you are on your way to having peace. Real peace…
The trials in this life can leave you in a bundle of nerves!!! IF you let them. Have you ever had someone honk their horn at you…and I mean really lay down on it? And you didn’t even do anything wrong…ex: you are driving down a busy road on the inside lane…about a 1/4 mile up somebody has decided to let a huge RV try to get out onto the( busy lunchtime traffic) road…you keep driving and reach the point where the RV is in the inside lane holding up traffic..and they blare their horn at YOU! You were just coming down the road…you had no idea that that person was there and you certainly don’t have ESP!! Then they pull out behind you and get right up on your tail ( trying to intimidate you) and AGAIN BLARE their horn…for a long time. ( LOL) Well..that happened to me today…and guess what I did???? I leaned up n looked in my side view mirror and then I turned Klove up really loud! Hahaha You know what..it felt good! I didn’t get mad or yell at them in my car…this time. Now, just so you know…I did contemplate getting out of my car and just standing there looking at them….but I said…nahhh…that would be outright stupid! So, when the light turned green..I went on…and you know…I never once got angry! Now that is supernatural stuff!!! That’s JESUS! I had a choice to have peace or let someone’s actions make me upset…and I am so glad I picked peace! Satan loves it when we give in…
Now…I know it’s wrong…but I then had just a second where I said a little prayer that if it was His will that they get a speeding ticket for being ugly! I am just being honest…don’t even tell me you’ve never done something like that.(haha) Looks like I still need to work on my peace…but it’s a daily…minute by minute thing really. Right after I said it…I was convicted..so thankful my Jesus keeps me in check.

As I tuck my girls in at night..sometimes they tend to drag it out…and the other night I said” come on Logan…please hurry up( she was trying to locate her rubber bands for her braces ) ..and she says ” momma, you need to have patience” and I said ” patience is just not something I have a lot of”…and she said well u should…and I said ” you are so right Logan, it is a part of the fruit of the Spirit…and if we want to be like Jesus then we have to have ALL of the parts of the fruit…” So, you see…I still have a lot of work to do myself! Kids are really good at pinpointing where you are lacking…. . I am so thankful that my Savior is patient with me! (I will be sharing more about patience in my next post on the fruit of the Spirit.)

I am going to keep working on where I fail Jesus…what about you? What are you going to do? Make Jesus happy or give in?

My prayer is for you to be blessed and have the Peace that surpasses all understanding!

Until Next Time!
Heather Dawkins

 It has been a few days since my last post. I have had so many things floating around in my head..but didn’t feel led to post until now. God and I were talking this morning…yep..we do that! I thought I knew what I was supposed to tell y’all….well…God gave me the title of this post and said “Somebody needs to hear this…TODAY.” I said to God…ummm…really??? You want me to do this right now? What do I say? [while cleaning my bathrooms, I might add.. ] I looked up [why I do this I am not sure]..but I tend to look up to the right when I am talking back out loud to Him.. haha…some of y’all may think I am nuts by now…but that is OK..God thinks I am somebody. See, I know this message is coming from God..b/c even as I am typing right now I have no idea what I am going to type next. I have prayed and I know my God is faithful and He will tell me what to say. So..whoever reads this, my prayer is that you will get something out of it that you or somebody you know needs at this very moment. Know that Jesus loves YOU!

                                                           NOBODY TO ANYBODY

 Most everyone at some time in his/her life has either felt like nobody needed or wanted them..and if you have not then you know someone who has felt like this. I am here to tell you that  is a  LIE  from the devil!!! We all have our pity parties at one time or another in this life. Why do we listen to that little voice that says:[ You don't fit in here!..Nobody wants you here!..You are not good enough to do anything for Jesus!...Who are you trying to fool?!..You aren't cool enough or pretty enough to hang out with them!..You are not capable!..Nobody wants to hear you talk or read anything you write!..They don't like you!.. They all are staring and talking about you!...They don't want to talk to you!] These are just a few examples of what the devil may try to tell you…they are all things that he has tried to get me to believe about myself.

 I am not one that feels extremely comfortable in social situations. My sweet and wonderful husband is my opposite on this. He is much more at ease when talking to people he hardly knows..where as I on the otherhand will freeze up. More honestly..I will say “Nope..uhuh..I am NOT going!” [if there is a dinner or meeting that I have to go to with him] or I will go and be a bundle of nerves…praying the whole time..but still a bundle of nerves. I don’t know why I am like that…I am working on it though. I just get so nervous..I listen to that stupid voice that says “you don’t fit in”, “you are just a house-wife and stay at home momma”, and “you aren’t part of their group”, ”you won’t have anything to say”. When the fact is, I am God’s child…and I do fit in with HIM. I guess I just have never “owned my space”. I am working on it though..with God’s help. I want my girls to “own their space” …I don’t want them to feel like I have..so I am working on me first. I challenge you to do the same, and to be conscious of the fact that you aren’t the only one with struggles. With God in the driver’s seat you can do anything! You are not a “nobody” to God…and He is the one who matters most!!!

Here are some verses to turn to when you are feeling like a “nobody”:

Matthew 16:23 (NKJV) ~ But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) ~ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

John 16:33 (NKJV) ~ “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Luke 9:56 (NKJV) ~ For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.

                                                             SOMEBODY TO GOD

 God wants you and me to know that HE thinks we are SOMEBODY!!!! Isn’t that awesome..that GOD thinks you are SOMEBODY!!!! I don’t know about you but that makes me want to just SHOUT!!! How is that even possible?? That is definitely one of the many questions I can’t wait to ask Him when I get to heaven! There are some things that our human minds just can’t grasp!

 He wants you and He desires a relationship with you and me! A relationship requires time and communication..let’s not forget that this applies to our relationship with our Heavenly Father. My youngest daughter and I were talking on the way to take her to school one morning. Praise be to God, both of our daughters have taken that first step and asked Jesus to save them. However, she said ” Momma…I know I am saved..but….I just feel like I am not as close to God sometimes as I want to be to Him” Bless her heart..she was being convicted(Praise the Lord!) and it was really bothering her! I was so excited! Yes..excited! I told her..”baby..you know how you like me to spend time with you and talk to you? Well, we have to do the same with Jesus..it is a relationship..if you didn’t spend time with me then you wouldn’t feel close to me either..right?” She got it then! It was like a weight lifted off her shoulders. I told her that it was a normal feeling and that I had the same feelings sometimes. We have all been there…and I want to encourage you as well. Read the scriptures…don’t add to them..they are the TRUTH…when we add to and twist them that is wrong! The TRUTH is good enough! We may not always like it…but truth is truth.

 Jesus loves you and He thinks…no He KNOWS you are somebody that He wants to love and to use to bring Him glory!

 I want to leave you with one more passage of scripture that God has laid on my heart to share..I usually know they are from God when I can’t figure out on my own how they fit in with what I am saying… Thank goodness God is in control and not me!

Philippians 2:3-4  (NKJV) ~ Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

 UNTIL NEXT TIME! 

 Heather Dawkins

Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) ~ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. Against such there is no law.

JOY!!!!!!!!!!!
What does the word JOY mean to you? What does it make you think of? Does it make you think of good times with friends or family? Perhaps it makes you think of a beautiful sunshiny day, a day at the beach, a newborn baby, a cuddly puppy, a fun day of fishing or hunting, or even a yummy slice of homemade cake or pie !!!

Truth is that those things are all great…but they are not what JOY is about. The “things” I mentioned above are “things” that can make you happy….but happiness and joy are not the same.
Have you ever heard it said that happiness depends on your circumstances? It is the truth..you can be happy but still not have joy. It is also the truth that you can still have joy when it seems like you should have nothing to be happy about due to your current circumstances.

True Joy comes from knowing that even when you feel like the trials you face feel like the end of the world, that you have a Savior who is just waiting for you to turn to Him…He is waiting with open arms to rescue you and guide you. Jesus is the only one who never changes and will love you no matter what. Matthew 11:28 ~ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

A great way to remember the word JOY (something my mother-in-law says) J- is for Jesus, O- is for others, and Y- is for yourself. So…Jesus first, then others, and yourself last. Hmmm…sounds like this is another “unselfish” aspect of the fruit of the Spirit.

I can’t say the word JOY without thinking of the childhood song: I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart..down in my heart..down in my heart………to stay and I’m so happy, so very happy…I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart…
Joy ~ Rejoice….
Philippians 4:4 ~ Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice!

1 Peter 4:12-13 ~ Beloved do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

James 1:2-3 ~ My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

In this life, we are guaranteed some heartache and pain…but we have to remember the pain and suffering that Jesus endured for you and me. Hebrews 11:3~ For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

Life is filled with ups(happiness) & downs( sadness, despair), but with Jesus as your rock you can rest assured that you will still have JOY! I believe that one of the best things you can do when you feel like you have nothing to rejoice about is to start praying for others and quit focusing on yourself. You will begin to see what JOY really is about. Jesus, Others, and then Yourself.

When the Lord leads me, I will share about the next aspect of the fruit of the Spirit… Peace.
Thanks so much for stopping by…my hope and my prayer is to reach more people for Christ, and to share with you just how much He loves you!

I love quotes…here’s one I’ll share with you:
Joy is not in things; it is in us. ~ Richard Wagner

Until Next Time!

Heather Dawkins

As we hear on the news today about the devastation that different parts of the world are
experiencing.(earthquake in Japan, tsunami in Hawaii, aftershocks, etc…), my heart aches for those that do not really know Jesus. The hope and peace that comes from knowing Him…I just couldn’t imagine trying to get through these trying times without Him!

The Bible tells us in John 3:16~ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. It is just that simple! Why do we make it seem so hard?? He loves us and wants a relationship with us, but He gives us the choice…It is a free gift! Romans 6:23~ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. That makes me smile!! See, I know I am no where near perfect..but God wants ME and he loves me for me. You know what? He loves you too…there is nothing that can keep Jesus from loving You! Sure, we can definitely grieve Him, but He will ALWAYS love and forgive us. If we really know Jesus we will want to make Him happy…not grieve Him.

1 John 1:8-10 (NKJV)~
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

If you know Jesus, then great! This is still for you though… We have a job to do…it is our responsibility as authentic believers who profess Jesus as our Lord and Savior, to spread His love and truth! 1 John 2:3-6 ~ Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him”, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk just as He walked.

Does this mean if you aren’t “perfect” that you aren’t really saved? Of course not! If we were perfect, we wouldn’t even need Jesus.

If you don’t really know Jesus, it is not too late! Take that step, you won’t regret it! Talk to Jesus, talk to someone who knows more than you, a friend, a pastor…but please don’t think you aren’t good enough. Jesus wants you just as you are…He can work miracles!!!!

Thanks so much for stopping in to read my blog! I am learning as I go, letting God take the lead.
It is a daily effort to have a relationship with anyone..yes, even with God! God Bless you all!

Until Next Time!

Heather Dawkins