I know it's been quite some time since my last post, and that passing of time is the reason for this post. My life is in a flurry of activities that still cause me to pinch myself to see if I'm awake, or if I'm actually dreaming!

Dreams coming true, major life changes, transition, kingdom business filling my days, and all that... you know?

In a recent post, I declared that I intend to be a better blogger! What I meant by that was that I fully intended to become a "daily" blogger. I intended to show up with a nicely polished post that reads more like a magazine article than a blog post.

As you can see, that's just not happening... and that's the reason for my apology to God, and to myself! I just don't function like that! I'm a ruminator, sifter, sorter, organizer, planner, deep thinker, and all around butterfly type of personality. I am the unique creation that God designed me to be, and I am learning to celebrate my uniqueness instead of beating myself up for not being a good "daily" blogger!

I have a goal to achieve, and I do whatever it takes to get to the end result that is always pressing in my heart. Kingdom communication is important to me, meeting the critical needs of people matters to me, broken hearts are my primary target and I am working on several projects that relate to that agenda.

This post is to let you know that I intend to stop trying to function like other bloggers, and just be myself. You may not see me here for long periods of time, but that's not to say that I'm sitting idle! I have built a lot of new structures since my last post, and I need to take some time to catch my breath before I introduce them to you.

But, I shall... and I hope you will think that they are worth the wait! I hope they matter to you as much as they do me, because they are structures that are specifically related to the needs of the homeless, mentally ill, impoverished and imprisoned.

I have experienced many of those issues for myself, and I am delighted to tell you that I have recovered (mostly) from the dark pain associated with them, and I am now living in the warmth and comfort that I needed for so many years!

Now, you must remember; I cope with the roller coaster of bi-polar disorder; so although I may sound at times like Miss Suzy Sunshine, I still have my moments when the lights go down and I  must once again face the dark emotions that are associated with the process of recovery. Re-framing one's thoughts and emotions can be a full time job, and it can also be completely exhausting.

But, the good news is that those periods of angst are further apart and less severe than they have been in years past... and so; I hold firmly to my faith in the Sonshine and my progression toward wholeness!

God is good, he has healed my heart, mind, body and spirit... it's my deep desire that those with broken hearts can find the same comfort that I have experienced. I intend to do everything I can to assure you that God really does have a good plan for your life.

It often takes a long time to find it, but I assure you, it is very much worth the wait! So, for now... I'll go catch my breath, but I will be back soon (eventually!) to share more about the adventures that have been birthed in the long dark nights of my battered, and very weary soul.

It's a story I hope you won't want to miss!

Social Networking, SEO, Tag Clouds, Banners, Icons, Tweet Me, RSS Feed, Tagboards, HTML, CSS

Have you ever thought about using the internet to share your passion, knowledge and love for the Bible? Are you a virtual social butterfly? Do you find yourself drawn to your computer at various and sundry hours of the day and night? Are you consumed with thoughts of how we can take the message of Jesus to the world? Are you bursting with ideas to help address the critical needs of the body of Christ?

If so, it's obvious that you belong in God's Media Army! The goal of "Christian blogging" is to harness the power of the internet to overtake, overthrow and cast down the principalities that bombard mankind with every manner of evil speaking.

The internet abounds with relentless distractions to the task of finding and engaging in your kingdom goals and purposes. It's time for people of faith to take back the airwaves, clear the air, and clean up the clutter of lives that have been devastated by dark and stormy life circumstances! 

When people need help, they need someone to point them in the right direction... blogging provides a means of communication that can actually make that happen! One of the most exciting features about blogging is that it's FREE! There are paid services if you want them, but there are innumerable platforms that offer their basic service at no charge to you, the blogger.

Advertisers want the opportunity to put their goods and services at the fingertips of as many people as possible, so they make it really easy for you to gain access to their publishing platforms. You use their service for free, while they plug in their ads based on what you are "peeping" on the internet. The subject matter of your posts provides them with the key words they need to deliver advertisements that are relevant to whatever it is that's on your mind.

I write about a wide array of subject matter, so that gives me access to the most up to date information about my area of interests. 

Bible studies and crafting plans, social networking, a passion for helping charities, addressing the social issues of homelessness, systemic poverty and domestic violence are at the forefront of my thinking lines. As you can imagine, my resource list is extensive! 

THAT is the goal of blogging for the faith based community. In order to solve the massive problems that face us, we must be able to access the divine connections that God has lined up for us. The internet facilitates the implementation of God's good plan for all of us. 

I'm really excited about what is happening in my personal encounters with Jesus. He has changed the way I think about everything, and that's been a change for the good! The internet, television and radio have been key factors in the healing process I have experienced over the past several years.

I have found my voice through the instruments of blogging, social networking and faith based websites. I find myself on the brink of transcendence today... I have finally "heard" what the Word of God says about me, and it has changed me from the inside out.

In the words of one of my little cousins, "That's an AMEN situation!"

I desperately needed help for my broken heart, and Jesus has been relentless in his pursuit of changing my thinking lines. I was really good at stinking thinking, so it took him a while to clear the air at my house! That's the reason I enjoy my life so much... that's the reason I am so excited about what I get to do everyday!

I have discovered the fact that I love to coordinate communications. I love social networking, blogging, writing lenses at Squidoo, and thinking about how to solve the problems that plague mankind.

Yup, I'm a rescuer! In psych terms; that can be a derogatory handle, but I've learned to consider things from the perspective of a full spectrum. Being a rescuer can be one of life's most rewarding endeavors when you rescue from a foundation of balance and proper boundaries.

Life is good, problems CAN be solved, and effective communication is the key to both! Therefore, I blog.

Now that I have a better grasp on my full circle of life, I am continuing to sweep away the residue of chaos that was the hallmark of my life for such a long time.

God's mercies are new every morning, and I intend to fully engage in them... every single day of the year. Would you care to join me on the adventure of engaging in God's good plan for my life?

You never know where His good plan for me will intersect with His good plan for you. You never know, the fact that you are reading this blog post may very well be just the connection He has in mind for us. If you think it is; let me know...

I'll be happy to hear from you, and together; we can take the next step in God's good plan, for ALL of us!

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." Lamentations 3: 22-26

  

Well, as you can see, I'm setting myself up for a real challenge with this post!

I love to write, so one would think that it would be a simple matter for me to fill a blog to the full and overflowing, but I haven't yet been able to make that happen.

I post to my spiritual blog on a semi-regular basis, but there are long periods of time between posts there as well. So, the question for me becomes, why haven't I been able to develop the fully loaded blog of my dreams?

The answer to that question can be found in the pages of my online activities that have been birthed through social networking. I joined Squidoo in October, 2006; and my life has been dramatically transformed because of my level of activities there.

My diverse interests are reflected in the lenses, websites and social networks that I have built to house the expression of those diverse interests!

So, in order to maintain my own sanity, I have established this blog as the communication hub that will allow me to keep you posted about whatever happens to be on my front burner at any given moment. The pages of this blog will change to reflect the projects I am working on.

I invite you to follow along as I take this first step in the adventure to bring full and complete order to my online world! Social networking is a powerful tool if it is used to it's full advantage. I have dreams of helping to change the world for good, so I'm excited about this opportunity to share my activities with you.

Connie's House is my signpost to the world that I am here, I am armed and ready to take on the task of being the change that I want to see in my community, my city, my country and my world. I invite you to join me, the world's a mess; and it's going to take ALL OF US to clean it up!

My favorite quote about accomplishing good things can be found here:

"I can do all things THROUGH CHRIST who strengthens me." Phillipians 4:13

With that being said, I'm off to do some much needed housekeeping. It's time to clean up the clutter so I can get back to my studio and engage in my passion for creative living! Have a great day, and I'll see you soon.

Connie

Do you hear them? Voices, that is...

It's a common sight to see people walking our streets, obviously engaged in a conversation that is taking place inside their heads.

How do you respond to the sight of the one who is engaged in a bitter battle with an unseen foe?

Do you ignore them, mock them, avoid them, pray for them...

Are you moved to tears?

Do you lose sleep as you wrestle with their plight and your desire to do something to help them?

Do you hear their voices? Do you hear the silent screams of those who walk the streets of our nation as they plunder through long days of sad realities that seem impossible to overcome?

 Do you care? Does it matter to you that people are suffering?

I am haunted by the faces of those who wander the streets of my city. I am approached daily by someone asking me if I have some spare change...

Many are disheveled, dressed in tattered clothing... Others reek of alcohol or are obviously under the influence of some sort of drug or chemical substance.

The common factor is the deep, deep sadness that I see in their eyes. Hopelessness is a monster that robs a human being of their ability to engage in the beauty of life; or to comprehend it's potential for joy and happiness.

I've been hearing voices for the past several days, and one in particular.

In his address to the Republican National Convention, John McCain stated that "he would extend his hand to anyone who would help him get this nation moving again."

 That's just the call to action that I've been waiting for.

I long to help bring change that reaches all the way down to those who are walking the streets of my city.... Especially the children.

When I reach out to share my change; my heart weeps because I would rather offer them a quiet room with a comfortable bed, a hot meal, and the opportunity to sit with them and develop a plan that will end their homelessness.

The day is coming when that is exactly what I will be able to do.

Voices can bring pain, and voices can bring change. I've endured the haunting voices of my past as they echoed through my memory banks... I've endured the old tapes that held me captive to my history for many, many years.

I have also experienced the freedom that comes once you speak back to those voices and forever silence their taunting accusations and shame.

The holidays will be here very soon, and the celebrations of Thanksgiving and Christmas will once again lay heavy on the hearts of those who have no place to call home.

 With each passing year, holiday festivities are losing their ability to sadden my heart and hold me captive to the pain of holidays past.

This year, I am prepared for the holidays to come... I know what it's like to be overcome by grief and sadness during the seasons of celebration that amplify one's aloneness.

I'm one of the voices that John McCain is looking for. I'm the voice of one who can offer insight into issues that are beyond the scope of his experience.

In his address, he spoke of "antiquated governmental systems, and why they are no longer accomplishing the purposes for which they were created."

I am thrilled to think that there is the potential for me to be the voice in his ear that could point him to real and viable solutions concerning the issues of homelessness and poverty alleviation.

Yes, I hear many voices rumbling in my head as I try to sleep. I hear the voices of candidates who assure me of their intent to bring much needed change to our government...

I hear the voices of men and women in my neighborhood asking for spare change...

As I continue to forge a new life for myself, I become more intent on becoming the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves.

The day is fast approaching when more and more people will be engaged in a conversation with a voice that is taking place inside their head...

And that voice will be mine.

 

 

Who are you?

Why is it you find yourself reading this blog?

What is it about God's Grace Notes that captures your attention?

I'm not talking to everyone... just a chosen few.

Those of you who drop in from time to time.. browse my posts, then silently slip away.

A blog can be somewhat like a whisper in your ear... it softly beckons you to draw closer. To listen more intently...

There's something being said that you find intriguing, and you don't want to miss it.

That's how it is with the Bible... it has beckoned to me for years. I have read it, studied it;

I have written in mine from cover to cover... not just one, but many of them! They tend to wear out as the years go by...

I have poured out my deepest needs, concerns, fears, failures, hopes and dreams into the pages of this book.

I heard a statement the other day that has captured my thoughts.

It was just a short out-take from a message that Jentezen Franklin was preaching on TBN.

It's not verbatim, but it's the part that captured me:

"There have been times in my life when I couldn't hear God. When I can't hear God, I read God... and when I read God I begin to hear God. When you need to hear God, you need to read His book... when you begin to read this book, then this book begins to read you!"

I so totally relate to what he was saying! There have been times in my life when it seemed God was a million miles away... far away and unable to hear my whispered prayers for help.

There have been times that I have felt like He's been in the very same room, and couldn't hear me shouting at the top of my lungs!

This journey we know as "life" certainly is a peculiar trip, isn't it?

Sometimes it seems as if life is hell- bent on stealing absolutely every good thing from us that life is supposed to have to offer!

So, today I'm wondering... who is it that I'm speaking with? Who is it, that like myself... are hungering for more than just a religious status quo?

I'm tired of hearing that the world is out of control...

I'm tired of the poverty, abuse, neglect and forsakeness I see in the faces of so many people!

There are some amazing organizations and groups of people who are taking the needs of the world to heart, and have established some incredible ways to help.

Kids who are forced to live on the street is a outrage in our country of such extreme abundance!

When kids are delegated to the streets, the light of their spirits are often squelched before they even realize how creative and beautiful they really are!

It's our loss, really...

Children are creative, bright, intuitive, energetic, enthusiastic.. sounds like the ingredients necessary to create a life filled with great joy, don't you think?

Joy is contagious, so our nation and our world are robbed of a spark of hope as each one of these young lives are crushed under the burden of living (surviving) on the streets of our nation.

Apalling, isn't it?

Why do you think this bothers me so much?

As you can see, I'm linked to many of these organizations that offer hope and help to people in need.

Grief support, spiritual support, help for the homeless, and those who offer food for the children...

Why do you think?

Yes, you guessed it. Because I've been there, done that. I've been a child of the streets, and I know how lonely and frightening it is to be so.

I survived the nightmare. I not only survived; I've become very well educated in the arena of emotional, social and religious extremes, as well as the poverty, despair and homelessness that is often born of them.

I'm well acquainted with the shortcomings of the religion that fuels the flames of failure in a heart torn by grief.

That's why I've built my own little kingdom known as

 God's Grace Notes!

It may not seem like much... just a few pages in a blog, a fledgling website and a heart's desire to change the world!

www.godsgracenotes.com

It may not SEEM like much, but it is.

I've come to understand that ONE VOICE, one person, one song, one bright idea, one tiny little note of love can change the world for someone in desperate need.

Did you know that a roll of toilet paper can sometimes be a miracle?

When you are homeless, or living in a shelter... your own roll of toilet paper becomes a golden treasure!

It's something most people take for granted, and yet... so many people don't even have the ability to keep their homes filled with such a basic necessity.

There just has to be a better way for us to govern our world.. and there is!

The Bible tells us that...

"of the increase of His government there shall be no end."

That's speaking of Jesus. Now, there's a man who knows how to meet the needs of people!

"Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this."

Isaiah 9:7

The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this!

The whisper of His voice is rumbling in my heart.

It roars louder each day, as I am surrounded by broken hearted children, women who live in fear or dread of the man that should be their provider, people who are suffering from physical illnesses, mental turmoil, and a host of spiritually wounded warriors.

That would be those who "used to go to church"... but don't go anymore. Most will emphatically tell you that they got out and they are never going back! 

You say that sounds like a rough neighborhood? Well, it is.

I live in the same world you do, and yes; it is a very rough neighborhood.

The difference is... I'm no long afraid to speak up and do what it takes to change my neighborhood. I'm not afraid to reach out and do what I can do to change my own little corner of the world.

Again, it may not seem like much, but it is. Any good thing that is done for someone else has the potential to change their world for good.

Kindness has the ability to give a broken hearted person the opportunity to see themselves from a different vantage point.

It's the thing that changed my life... one small kindness after another, year after year; little tokens of love that have brought me to the place of BELIEVING the grace notes that have been delivered to me from God's Word.

Words of love, encouragment, hope, acceptance, celebration, inspiration, compassion and approval have led me to a place of my own personal epiphany!

I KNOW that God loves me.

 I tried to earn that love for a lifetime; but God refused to accept my actions that were steeped in faulty perceptions about our relationship!

The thing is, that now... I don't even try to earn his love. It's free and unconditional. It's been the wooing of that still small voice of love and approval that has led me to this place of celebration...

This place of understanding, this place of personal experience is life-transforming!

It's led me to the brink of transcendence!

My journey has led me to the place that I can now ask the question...

Who am I talking to?

Why are you here?

What is it that's stirring within your heart that has compelled you click on a link called

God's Grace Notes?

I know what it is... it's that same wooing voice that is beckoning you to bend an ear.

You hear something that you are straining to comprehend, and you don't want to miss it either!

Take heart, Dear Reader.

God is leading us closer and closer to the place that He intends for our lives to intersect!

I am fully convinced that He has a GOOD Plan for ALL of us... and I refuse to let go of that hope that propels me ever forward.

I hear the heart cries of a nation of suffering saints...

I hear the moans of hungry children, who have no means of providing for themselves.

I hear the depression of battered hearts who have lost their spark of life.

I'm not the only one who hears...

JESUS HEARS...

...and He fully intends to do something about it!

I'm listening closely; because His plan is for us to pay attention, and be ready to deploy at a moment's notice!

It's time for me to close this portion of pondering prose...

So, who are you?

Who's listening?

What are you doing to help change the world?

What is it in your world that needs to be changed?

Can you help me?

Can I help you?

You never know... but as each day passes; and we each step more fully into our purposes...

We may find that we are destined to meet... face to face!

Won't that be great fun? I look forward to working together with others who are determined to change the world for good.

I was given some good advice by one of the Director's of a homeless shelter...

She said, "Start where you are, and do what you can with what you've got."

It seemed a trite platitude to me at that moment... but that was then; and this is now.

Now, I understand what she meant. Now, I can fully embrace where I am; but now I am also straining more intently to hear the whispers of the man who directs me about the what's and where's of what I can do.

So, I'll keep posting as I ponder; I'll keep listening for your responses; whether small or great... I'll be listening as I pray.

...and we'll let the Governor of Peace take it from there!

In the interim, Godspeed... and Shalom

I'll talk to you again soon,

Connie

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

 

 

Greetings, Fellow Grace Notes!

Come on in, but please take your shoes off,

 and walk softly today.

I have a cake in the oven,  and I don't want it to

fall while it's baking!

The Bible instructs us to care for the widows and orphans...so, that's what I'm working on again today! It's exciting, but it's a HUGE job; so I've been scouring the countryside, looking for some recruits to help me.

Guess what?

I found some of them today!

I'm so excited!

But the funny thing is; they don't even know yet, that they have been recruited! They don't know that they have the potential to change the world, one widow; and one orphan at a time.

 But, I do.

I see their talent, and skill, and strength, and knowledge, and wisdom, and kindness and determination.

They don't even know that the future of our world is in their hands!  But, I do... I see; they are wonderful!

You may be one of them as well, and we just haven't connected yet!

God's Good Plan for ALL of Us is all about timing and the proper ingredients!  Like the science of baking a cake... one ingredient at a time; in it's proper order, baked for just the right amount of time, at just the right temperature.

Our relationships are like that! We go about our daily lives, not even realizing that just "being" is part of a bigger recipe than we realize!

So, when it's time for us to meet; we shall!

Until then, I'm going to be busy with these raw diamonds that I discovered today. You should see them; they are exquisite!

They need some polish, and shaping, and refining; but I have a friend who is a jeweler, and He will be designing some unique and one-of-a-kind settings for them.

It's so exciting.. I can scarcely wait to see where He places each one of them!

I know, I know... there are a lot of metaphors in this post. I just can't seem to help myself!  If you'll notice, that's how the Bible is written; it has many, many metaphors.

Pictures of everyday life; so we can grasp the ideas behind them.

Jesus often used the words:

LIKE and AS

It's my favorite way to chit chat. You know, like; the Valley Girl kinda thing!!!  Like, really!

LOL! I'm having a lot of fun today; just enjoying being in the bubble of dreaming, and planning, and thinking, and listening, and chatting with my Father.

You may not know my Dad, but I'm sure you've heard of him. My favorite name for him is "Dad", but you may know him as God!

Whooo hoooo!

 Now, THAT's what His good plan is all about! It's his intention for everyone to come to realize that He is LOVE, and He wants us to become His children!

He's a good father, who takes good care of his children. You know the old saying:

Like father, like son; Like mother, like daughter

Well, God is spirit, and so are we, so he's got both genders covered in that analogy!

In most cases, kids grow up to be just like their parents so that's why I'm busy baking cakes today.

I have some friends and family who are working on the basics, you know; things like meat and potatoes; milk for the babies.

But I intend to top off the meal with beautiful, sweet, fluffy cakes!

There's a lot of work to be done; you know we have a lot of widows,  orphans and homeless folks in the U.S. and around the world...

So, it's high time we get busy...

Would you care to join me?

If we say we love God, and that He lives in us, then we need to act like him. He's a God who feeds the hungry, and comforts the wounded, he heals, and gives people the opportunity to live in joy, peace and happiness.

 We all need to be doing the same things. We need to help take care of the hungry and lonely people in this world who have been beaten up by their life circumstances.

I found a vein of gold nuggets today, and I'm getting ready to engage them in helping me with the task of feeding the widows, orphans and homeless in our community!

If you are one who can help, then pray about HOW, WHERE, WHEN and HOW MUCH God wants you to do!

  by carload...  by jeepload... or by wheelbarrow!

If you are one who is in need, pray for God to connect you to that person who has the ability to help replenish what's missing in your life.

There's a hungry world out there just waiting to see the light of God's glory rising upon his dear children.

 Let's be like Jesus, and FEED THOSE MULTITUDES!

Well, I have to run for now, the bell is ringing on my timer, and I need to go take care of my cakes.

Stay tuned,

My life is changing fast since I found God's GOOD plan for me. I've finally discovered the difference that real love makes in your life; and I want to share the sweetness of it!

Like a piece of warm, sweet, fluffy, homemade cake!

Until we meet again, be blessed!

Connie

Dear Driver: It's time for a cake run!

...and I've got a trainload full of 'em!

 

 

I've been wandering my favorite crafting stores; and like most retailers...they are filled with holiday trimmings...

Santas and reindeer...angels and dolls made in the likeness of the baby Jesus...

Wood ornaments to paint, and crystal balls to fill with icons of the season...

It's a traditional time of great joy and celebration... or is it?

Thanksgiving and Christmas should be times of great joy, peace, celebration and a time of peace on earth; goodwill toward men...

It's a time when we reflect on the blessings of the year; and offer our thanks for abundance, provision and blessing...

It's a time of exchanging gifts and great food; sharing movies and activities; crafting time for moms and kids...football for the guys...

(I know there are guys who like to craft and gals who prefer football, but I'm a traditionalist; and it shows in my expressions!)

It's a time of preparing for the approach of the new year, and we begin to reflect on how we intend for things to "be different" next year!

We spend time thinking about, and planning how we intend to do things differently in the fast approaching new year...losing weight, no more smoking and eating better seem to always rank high on the list of things to do to improve our lot in life.

The hard part is enduring the holiday season while we wait for the long anticipated "New" year!

For many, the holidays are a time of great loneliness; sorrow and desperate emptiness. I should know...I spent many years in that place of lonely desolation. It's a terribly painful reality for far too many people; and this year, my hope is to share with you some really great news...

I have experienced a time of great personal reformation! I have found the answers that I needed to begin to experience success, peace, and the changes in life that come from learning a new way of living!

I've experienced a time of great challenge, that has resulted in great healing...and you can too!

I invite you to join me as I continue my own journey through "taking charge" when it comes to the holidays (and every days!) ...and learn how to enjoy the days and seasons that all too often bring great sorrow, despair, and in many cases; a time of hospitalization due to mental anguish.

I see that it's been many months since my last post to my journal...that's because I've been busy living in the activities that are part of my changing life!


Squidoo has been a part of that change, and I love being able to express my creativity in an environment that has broadened the parameters of my life!
Becoming a Squid Angel has been a tremendous joy in my life...if you are unfamiliar with Squidoo.... I invite you to stop by my "Angel" lens to check it out...

Life's Direction...

Life Direction...focus...goals...dreams and plans....in a word, HOPE!

I've spoken to several people lately who are struggling with lack of direction for their life...

 It seems elusive...out there...somewhere, over the rainbow...

Lack of knowlege about what to "do" with themselves...

It's been on my mind for some time, and I know there are many people who feel they are floundering around in the dark when it comes to their purpose in life...

I was thinking (again!) the other day; and was impressed with this thought...

Listen to the verse in Jeremiah 29:11...

"For I know the PLANS I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future."

The answer is in that verse!

That wording comes from a newer translation...the King James version says...

"I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

The phrase that really stuck with me was

"an expected end"

Great lives demand great expectations...and many of us struggle with that...

We expect the worst!

We expect trouble...

Whenever good things DO happen, we don't expect them to last...We expect the rug to get pulled out from under us...

After all, that's what's always happened in our lives; so why should we expect anything different?

We get into a self-defense mode...we learn to become great fire-fighters! We run around like chickens with our heads cut off...running here and there; solving problems, dealing with emergencies....

Trauma and drama...

Over and over and over and over.....

Well; you get the idea!

 Yup...living life like that will make ya green around the gills!

So...what's the solution?

Where's the answer?

How am I supposed to find out what the reason is for me being "here"..

That being, God's green earth...in the body I call "me"...in the family I live in...the place I work...

Why am I "here"...in any given one of those "here's?"

That's a good image of what my "here" looked like...a whirling tornado of a life....

The question is how to stop it?

The question is, How do I change it?

How do I find that lofty "purpose" that seems to elude me?

Believe me, I understand the turmoil!

  After a while, I found myself beginning to feel like the Captain of the Titanic...this ship's goin' down; and there' nothing we can do but man the lifeboats!

Well, boys and girls....ladies and gents...

I can see I'm going to have to take a break...you have to remember this is very "emotional stuff" we are all dealing with...

Such intense emotion, and digging so deeply into our psyche is exhausting work!

It's the reason you're tired, and maybe even cranky at times!

  Oh, yes you are...don't kid yourself!

If you're floundering through a cesspool of frustration, aggravation, lack of direction, floundering in chaos and desperately needing answers...

Yer gonna get cranky!

So, give yourself a break! Take time to do something just for you...

This problem is a marathon, not a 100 - yard dash!

I remember how angry that used to make me feel....I wanted an answer, and I wanted it NOW!

Well..the answer is on it's way...actually, it's right under your nose! Yes, the answer is in your very own mouth!

So, while I take a break...I'll leave you with some parting thoughts to ponder!

(my daughter is coming from out of state to visit for a few days, and I simply must finish getting ready! So excited, ready for a few days away from the office...)

But, once again, you are on my mind this morning...

You, who struggle with purpose, with identity, with need for pearls of wisdom about your life...

You, who are in pain...who feel despair; frustration; loneliness; sorrow; lack of direction; negative emotions that generate and perpetuate turmoil in your home...

It's you that is on my mind and in my prayers again today...

I want you to know that you are NOT ALONE!

I want you to know that I am praying for you daily...we are the Body of Christ, and that means we are connected...

What affects you, affects me...and vice versa!

So, for now; I'd like for you to think about the phrase...

"an expected end..."

Another word for that would be "RESULTS"

What kind of results are you seeing in your life?

How's your love life?

How's your bank account?

How's your relationship with....well, with everybody?

How's your relationship with God?

How's your state of mind?

How's your health?

Those are good questions for you to consider...and when I come back from spending some much needed time with my
"Baby Girl"...I'll tackle this issue with you again...

Mediating on these kinds of questions was a big part of my solution...reading the Bible and asking God about these very questions led me to a place of ANSWERS!

...a place of SOLUTIONS!

...a place of CHANGE!

It's what I want for  you too...Change for Good!

Hope for your future!

As I've said before, God has a good plan for all of us...and since he's building the church, we're going to somehow be connected in this life...

The question is HOW...WHY...and what do we do with our connections?

I'm excited to be getting answers in my own life...seeing marvelous changes that keep the sunshine cranking at my house....

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It's wonderful when a plan comes together, and you understand what God meant when he said he had a really good plan for you...

I don't live in dark caves of despair, gloom and doom anymore!

You can move out of that neighborhood, too...and I'm building a place that you just might be interested in!

God really does have designs on you...He MEANT it when he said he  really DOES have a good plan for you too!

If you're reading this...you're a part of his plan for me!

You see, nothing happens by accident!

Psssttt...that's the "plan" part...

Think on those questions...ponder God's word...consider your WANTS and DESIRES...

What makes you happy?

How do you like to spend your time?

What's your passion?

There's a method to the madness...and together, we'll find it; define it...and use it to discover God's Good Plan for ALL of Us!

Godspeed, my Friends!

Remember, you are loved...

You are blessed...

and YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Love in Christ,

Connie

His Holy Space...

This video is absolutely riveting...

It will compel you to seek God...it will move you to tears...this child has shaken the throne room, and I challenge you to listen as she prays...

 The gates of hell lay in piles of rubble at this childs cry to heaven...

She prays with the intensity and fervor that shakes off the shackles of depression, grief, despair and aloneness that plagues those who are immobilized with fear, pain, sorrow and suffering...

 

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence , and the violent take it by force.

 

Matthew 11:12

Listen, and learn how to pray...

Listen, and be encouraged...

Listen, and be delivered...

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

 

Jeremiah 33:3

 

http://www.hisholyspace.com/view_video.php?id=82