My Thank-You to Jesus

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              FROM:  Taylor

                            Daughter and servant of the Most High God

                           

TO: Jesus Christ

              My Savior and Redeemer

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Dear Lord,

King of kings, Counselor, Comforter, Keeper, Shepherd, Great High Priest, Jehovah-Jireh, Lord of lords, Almighty God, Prince of peace, the Author & Perfecter, Beginning & End, Alpha & Omega, Lamb of God, Yeshua Ha Mashiech,

Thank you...

For all that you are, and all that you do. 

I love you!

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Last week I went through a somewhat scary situation that caused my adrenaline to rush like never before, and had me literally crying out to Jesus for help.  Never before had I needed to call on His name like that--but never before had I experienced the sweetness of His swift answer either.  As I prayed, I verbally pleaded, "JESUS!  In the name of JESUS!"  And immediately He was there.  The next words I spoke flowed so naturally from my mouth... "Thank you."  I had never said those two words before and meant them as sincerely as I did in that moment. 

Looking back now, I wouldn't trade the experience for the world--no matter how scary--because it taught me the meaning of true thankfulness.  I now understand (on some scale!) the overwhelming feeling of desperation and the even more overwhelming comfort of God's supernatural intervention.  And I'm so thankful to Him for that!  Praise the Lord!

I hope you all have been enjoying a very blessed and happy Thanksgiving!  Remember to thank God in EVERYTHING, and for EVERYTHING...  He is certainly worthy. :) 

"Give thanks in all circumstances

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Lessons from a Fly?

Right now a little fly is buzzing around on my computer screen.

I was sitting here wondering what to write for my next post, but the little guy kept winning my attention.  It's like he was saying, "Me! Me! Me!  Post about me!"  I thought,

Well...

Why not?

*embarassed chuckle*

I mean, have you ever wondered why God made flies? Considering the fact that they were included in His creation of the world, I can only assume they're meant to serve some kind of purpose. (However big or small a purpose that may be!)  Still, I can't help but wonder why God created such pesky little creatures.  It's true that He involved them in some accounts told throughout the Bible.  The biggest and most obvious example being the ten plagues in Exodus:

"Then the LORD said to Moses, “Get up early in the morning and confront Pharaoh as he goes to the river and say to him, ‘This is what the LORD says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me. If you do not let my people go, I will send swarms of flies on you and your officials, on your people and into your houses. The houses of the Egyptians will be full of flies; even the ground will be covered with them. “‘But on that day I will deal differently with the land of Goshen, where my people live; no swarms of flies will be there, so that you will know that I, the LORD, am in this land. I will make a distinction between my people and your people. This sign will occur tomorrow.’” And the LORD did this. Dense swarms of flies poured into Pharaoh’s palace and into the houses of his officials; throughout Egypt the land was ruined by the flies." Exodus 8:20-24

Here's another passage I found that refers to 'flies' as well:

"As dead flies give perfume a bad smell,

so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor." 

Ecclesiastes 10:1
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So... not only does God use these insects to fulfill His purposes, but to demonstrate important truths as well! I never realized He used them as a way to compare things good and wholesome to things which are negative and hindersome--when it comes to living out our faith!  Who'd a thunk it? :)

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Well,

I can honestly say that I never would've thought I

could (or rather, should) write a post about flies! 

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But the truth is, this post isn't meant to be about flies.  It's about the Creator of the flies, who chooses to use seemingly small things (such as flies) to serve an even greater purpose (such as the deliverance of God's people from Egypt!)

It's about a God whose salvation lasts forever, and whose righteousness...

will never fail. :)

 

"Lift up your eyes to the heavens,

look at the earth beneath;

the heavens will vanish like smoke,

the earth will wear out like a garment

and its inhabitants die like flies.

{mental picture -- tee hee!}
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But my salvation will last forever,

my righteousness will never fail."

Isaiah 51:6

PRAISE THE LORD ALL THE EARTH.  :)

Home, Sweet Home

As for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.

Joshua 24:15

Our parents are back from the hospital!  Yay!

Dad is doing well now.  He was able to get his final plasma exchange yesterday morning, and they removed his port sometime soon after.  He was discharged only a few hours later, and got home sometime last night.  As far as his symptoms go, they appear to be mostly resolved--praise the Lord!  

Thank you all so much for praying. I'd like to ask that you please keep Emily in your prayers too.  She's recently been moved to ICU because of liver failure, and I know her family would covet your prayers as well. 

May the Lord bless you and keep you!

Q and A

Moriah at Uniquely Fashioned for His Glory

tagged me a few days ago with the five questions below. 

Thank you, Moriah! 

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1) Why did you start a blog, and how long have you been blogging?  I started blogging because I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to share my life and study of God's word, while being a witness to others for Christ!  I've been at it for a year and nine months now.

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2) Who is your favorite singer or song?  I think my answer to this question is probably different everytime!  I have soo many favorites... but this time I'm going to choose Rebecca St. James.  She was my absolute favorite artist for many years.  And I even got the chance to meet her at a Girls of Grace conference 5 years ago!

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*big cheesy grin*

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3) How many siblings do you have?  I have three sisters: 

Shelly (16), Eliza (13), and Samantha (11)

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4) What do you want to accomplish most in life?  That would be

the Lord's will. ☺

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5) How tall are you?. I am 5' 1.

Ironically, when I was born my parents were told I would be tall!

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Well, that's it!

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Thanks again for tagging me Moriah!  Now I'm just going to

pass this along to anyone that sees it and wants to give it a try. ;-)

Have a blessed evening, everybody!

Read All About It!

In this post you will find a conglomeration of random topics including:

• My feelings on the first of November.
• A hospital update.
• Mustard.
• Femininity.
• Laughter. 
• And Scripture.

...All rolled into one...

...tee hee!

#1

It's officially November.

Yay!

#2

Update on Dad.
When I talked to my mom this evening she said my dad was feeling pretty good, which is a praise!  He is scheduled to have his last plasma exchange on Thursday, so we're hoping he'll get to come home sometime this weekend. :)

Also, everything is finally approved for Dad to begin his MS treatments. Once he's out of the hospital he will be able to start monthly infusions for a drug called Tysabri. We're praying that it helps to relieve him of all his exacerbations, but most of all that the Lord be glorified through it!


#3
Did You Know?
Mustard works nicely as a quick pain reliever for most burns.

Emphasis on the word "most" in that last sentence.  In a bit more severe case (such as the one pictured below) I've learned it really is quite pointless. lol!
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(The above incident happened a few months ago. 

As I lifted a lid off a pan of boiling soup, the steam shot right out and burned my wrist!)

#4

Feelin' Feminine?

Eden is hosting this month's Feelin' Feminine Challenge, starting November 4th!



{Just click the button to find out more!}



I've loved getting to see past participant's outfits each day during the challenge, but I've never participated myself.  SoOo, I've decided I'm going to join in this Thursday!  Since I already wear skirts and dresses most of the time, this should be an easy challenge... But it will be a fun excuse to show a glimpse inside my wardrobe! ;-)

#5

Laughing Out Loud.

"Our mouths were filled with laughter..."  Psalm 126:2

Since Mom and Dad have been in the hospital, my sisters and I have slept in their bedroom together for the last few nights.  Well, before we went to sleep yesterday we all took turns praying, and then turned out the lights and lay down.  After a few minutes of complete darkness and silence... Shelly busted out laughing!  I looked over at her and said, "What are you laughing about?!"  She responded by mimicking a funny noise I had made earlier that day.  You see, Eliza and Samantha were watching a movie while Shelly and I tried to take a nap that afternoon.  As the two of us were lying in the bed, I had noticed something on my blanket that looked like a spider.  I sat up quickly and realized it was only some black string.  The room was completely quiet as I dropped back down on my pillow with an accidentally strange, high-pitched sigh of relief. 

Needless to say, that's what got her rolling with laughter at 10:00 last night.  And once she started laughing, I started laughing.  We ended up sharing the story with Eliza and Samantha.  Then all four of us were laughing and mimicking the same "funny noise" over and over. 

Okay, I guess you had to be there. ;-)

 
#6
Random Bible Verse to Close

When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

Restore our fortunes, LORD,
like streams in the Negev.
Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.
Psalm 126


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Praise the Lord all the earth!
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Confidence in the Name of the Lord

"Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared." Pr 3:25-26

Well, my dad is in the hospital again.  But this time it's under much better circumstances when compared to his last stay in June/July.  ...Let's consider the blessings, shall we? :)

#1

Mom got to drive him there herself,

instead of having to call 9-1-1.

#2

He's fully responsive,

instead of being totally unresponsive.

#3

Well... I can't think of anything that fits here. 

It just seems like there's always a "number three!" ;-D

Last week (and the week before) Dad started to slowly go downhill again.  We noticed his balance and coordination were off and that he was having more trouble cognitively.  Each day his symptoms seemed to gradually worsen.  Mom ended up calling his MS doctor last Thursday and the doctor said he wanted to do an MRI.  On Monday they got that done, and then yesterday they called and said he needed to be admitted in the hospital!  (Even with all the surprises we've had thrown our way, we honestly weren't expecting to hear this one!) We found out he has a new, large 'enhancing' lesion on his corpus collosum.  He also has a smaller lesion on his medulla, which controls the swallowing.  Thankfully that lesion isn't considered to be enhancing.  They were able to get Dad started on IV steroids last night, which they'll administer every 24 hours through next Sunday.  They are also going to get him started on plasmapheresis treatments, hopefully sometime tomorrow.  That being said, he will probably be in the hospital for a minimum of 10 days. 

I can honestly say I'm feeling quite confident right now.  And while the doctors, nurses, and entire medical staff are awesome at this particular hospital, our confidence does not lie in any one man's ability alone--but solely in God's healing power and provision!  "For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh..." Philippians 2:3b 

Like always, God is in complete control of everything and we trust that He will work all things out according to his perfect will.  In the mean time, we will continue to pray, trust, hope, and believe. :)

The fruit of righteousness will be peace;

the effect of righteousness will be quietness

and confidence forever.

Isaiah 32:17

This is the confidence we have

in approaching God: that if we ask anything

according to his will, he hears us.

1 John 5:14

Time for Another Miscellany Monday!

{Click to join the fun!}

 

#1

Clouds.

Shelly took pictures of some beautiful clouds that were in the sky last night, but there's just no way these photos could do them justice!

 Isn't God's handiwork amazing?!

 

"The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the works of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they display knowledge."

Psalm 19:1-2

#2

I Love Doodling.

Yes, it's true.

 I love doodling on sheets of paper. That being said, it's not unusual for someone to find something lying around the house with "Taylor" written all over it! 

#3

Dad's New Toy.

*wink* My dad now has his very own scooter! (Really a motorized wheelchair.) It belonged to my mom's aunt, but since she doesn't use it she gave it to our family. We need to buy a new battery before it will work, but it was so funny to see dad sitting in the seat moving the joystick around and making "vrooooom" noises! Haha! He can't wait to get that thing working. :D

#4

"Punch it Margaret!"

Ever since I was a little girl my parents have often used this phrase when driving.  Of course, my sisters and I never really understood what it meant. We just knew it was supposedly from a really old commercial.

Well...
Mom and Dad,
I found the commercial!

↓

...Tooo funny! :D

#5

En el principio creo deos los cielos y la tierra.

TRANSLATION:

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."  Genesis 1:1

I learned to say this yeeears ago. (And it's still pretty much the only sentence I can successfully speak in Spanish!)

#6

Skirts + Too Much Wind = Prepare for Lift Off!

Today has been TERRIBLY windy. 

On days like this I've learned through trial and error that you want to wear longer, heavier skirts when you go out.  ...Preferably something denim. ;)  Otherwise, you just might fly away!

#7

Random Bible Verse

Alrighty, time for a random Bible verse to finish...

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Ephesians 5:19-20

I pray you all have a very blessed week as you give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! ;-)

Random Questions Tag: 8 + 8 = 16

Since I was tagged twice with the same "8 Random Questions" tag, I decided to combine both of them together in one post... Therefore making a grand total of 16 questions! ;)  

The first set is from

Buttercup at Soaring on Wings Like Eagles 

and the second one is from

Polka Dot at Life's Too Short Not to Wear Red Shoes. 

Thank you for thinking of me girls! :) 

Here are the rules:

Answer the eight random questions. Then come up with your own eight questions and tag eight people to answer them!

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Tag #1
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1) Are you a "talk on the phone" person or an email/texting kind of person?

That's a good question.  You see, I don't care much for talking OR texting... but if I had to choose I guess I'd go with talking!  Although, texting would actually be more comfortable for me just because I inherited the dreaded "I hate talking on the phone disease" from my Daddy. ;)  Nonetheless, talking is more personable and I appreciate that more!

2) Post the lyrics to your favorite song.

Well, I have several favorites... but this is one of them:

HEALER

by Kari Jobe

You hold my every moment

You calm my raging seas

You walk with me through fire

And heal all my disease

I trust in You, I trust in You

CHORUS

I believe You're my healer

I believe You are all I need

I believe You're my portion

I believe You're more than enough for me

Jesus You're all I need

BRIDGE

Nothing is impossible for you

Nothing is impossible

Nothing is impossible for you

You hold my world in your hands

And here's a video with the song if you'd like to listen... :)

3) If you could re-live any day in your entire life, what would it be?

I don't think I would choose to do that because I can honestly say I'm content with everything that's happened in my life!  Each mistake has been a chance to learn and grow and (to be honest) if I got the chance to re-live something I just might make it worse!

4) If you were the ruler of a desert island what would you do to get people to come live there?

Well, I would only want people living there who were 100% sold out to and in love with Jesus Christ.  That being

said, I would do my best to promote the Truth and leave the results up to God!

5) What is your favorite book of the Bible?

I think I'm gonna have to go with the book of Hebrews.  I just love how it contains so much Old Testament history and applies it to the New Covenant.  It's amazing how everything points towards Christ. 

God is THE BEST author, for sure. ;)
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6) Where is your favorite place to be in the entire world?

Yepper. :)
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7) If you could do anything you wanted for one whole day, what would it be?

Serve God, help make a difference in someone's life ...and maybe even celebrate with a Sonic Java Chiller.  ;-) tee hee

8) What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

I'm a thinker.  So I love the opportunity to sit in peace and quiet with nothing to do but think, read, pray or meditate on God's word!

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Tag #2

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1. What character from a fictional book/movie do you most identify with?

This is such a tough question for me to answer!  I know it's not a fictional story, but the first thing that always comes to mind is Mary Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie. 

↑And you gotta love Pa Ingalls too! =)

2. Do you have any new obsessions? (a movie you can't stop watching, a CD you keep listening to, etc.)

Hmmm.... nothing comes to mind! 

3. What is a clothing accessory that you couldn't live without?

This is gonna sound silly, but that would be my black undershirt.  I seriously have to wear it with 80% of all my blouses!  ...You should see me in my 'panic mode' when I can't find it. lol!  I only have the one, so when it's missing I have to search high and low until it's safe and sound again. ;)

4. What is your favorite color combination (for clothing)?

I know I am sooooooo boring, but I have to say I love black and white together.  Someday I'm gonna be really sick and tired of those two colors! lol  Someday...

5. Do you own red shoes? ;-)

Yes!  I have a pair of slip-on tennis shoes that are red with white laces. ;) 

6. Do you have a signature scent, or a scent you generally like to wear?

I don't typically wear perfumes, but when I do I use Juicy Couture.  Love that smell... :)

7. What is one thing that you want to do before you die?

Witness the impossible made possible through Jesus Christ.

8. Is there something you wish more than anything that you could do but know that isn't possible during your life on earth? ;-)

I'm sure there's something I could think of... but nothing comes to mind at the moment.  Besides, with God *all* things are possible, right? :)

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Alrighty.  I'm going to cheat a little bit and skip out on tagging eight others.  How 'bout this:  If either of these tags look like fun to you... then they're all yours.  Go for it! ;)   

Have a blessed weekend, everyone!