Blessed to be Different

On the radio this past week, I heard the DJ quoting Aimee Copeland, the girl who has been in the hospital fighting a flesh eating disease. If you don't know who I am talking about, she was on a zip line when it broke and she gashed her leg open and fell into the river below. The quote below came from her, the girl that has lost both her hands, part of her stomach, and other limbs. She is blessed to be different! I have played that one sentence over and over in my head. What a great example of taking something so negative and finding the positive in it. I know that we all have experienced some negative situations in our lives, but how many can honestly say that they turned it into a positive instead of dwelling on the negative. I sure can't say that I have done that with all the negative in my life. It is always easier to wallow in self pity, rather than try to find the good in the situation. I want to challenge you, the next time you find yourself in a negative situation try to find the good in it. We should all feel blessed to be different, no matter who we are or what we have gone through. God created each and everyone of us to be different!



"'I mean that I am blessed to have the opportunity to experience something that not many other people have the chance to experience,'" Copeland wrote, recalling his daughter's words. "'I am blessed to be able to have a challenge that not many others get to have. I am blessed to have the capacity to share my experience with others and have a chance to improve the quality of someone else's life. I'm blessed to be different.'" by: Aimee Copeland

It all began after her ride on a makeshift zip line across the Little Tallapoosa River snapped. A gash in her left calf took 22 staples to close.

The pain continued for three days. When she went to an emergency room, doctors determined she had necrotizing fasciitis caused by the bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila.

Surgeons amputated most of her hands, part of her abdomen, one of her legs and her remaining foot in an effort to stay ahead of the infection. She has also had multiple skin grafts.

Exert taken from Hlntv.com

Proverbs 1:15 says, "My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your feet from their path,.." NAS

Genesis 1:27 says, "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." NAS

Love in Christ,

Alicia






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Who Says You Can't Rap for Jesus?

I hear "Lose My Soul" by TobyMac on the radio alot. My 4 year old loves it and tries to rap it as well. I decided to look up the lyrics to see exactly what they are saying, because lets face it there is always a part of a rap song that you don't really get. Anyway, after reading the lyrics, I decided I liked this song even more. It has a really great message. They are talking about their careers as song artists, but you can insert your own life into it and apply it to yourself. My favorite line of the song is in the chorus; "I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul." I interpret this line to mean that they would rather have a relationship with Jesus instead of having the things that the world gives them. This is just what I take from it, it could mean something different to you. I just thought I would share the lyrics of the song. If you would like to hear the actual song you can find it on YouTube under "Lose My Soul".


"Lose My Soul"
(feat. Kirk Franklin, Mandisa)

Man I wanna tell you all something, Man.
Man I'm not gonna let these material thing's, get in my way, you all.
I'm trying to get somewhere.
I'm trying to get somewhere,
Thats real and pure and true and eternal.

Father God, I am clay in your hands,
Help me to stay that way through all life's demands,
'Cause they chip and they nag and they pull at me,
And every little thing I make up my mind to be,
Like I'm gonna be a daddy whose in the mix,
And I'm gonna be a husband who stays legit,
And I pray that I'm an artist who rises above,
The road that is wide and filled with self love,
Everything that I see draws me,
Though it's only in You that I can truly see that its a feast for the eyes- a low blow to purpose.
And I'm a little kid at a three ring circus.

I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.

(Mr. Franklin, Step up to the mic sir)

The paparazzi flashes, and that they think that it's you,
But they don't know that who you are is not what you do,
True, we get it twisted when we peak at the charts,
Yo before we part from the start,
Where's your heart?
You a pimp, hustler?
Tell me what's your title,
America has no more stars, now we call them idols,
You sit idle, While we teach prosperity,
The first thing to prosper should be inside of me.
We're free...
Not because of 22's on the range,
But Christ came in range, we said yes now we changed,
Not the same, even though I made a fall,
Since I got that call, no more Saul, now I'm Paul.
(YEP!)

I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.
Don't wanna walk away,
Don't wanna walk away

How do I sense the tide that's rising?
De-sensitizing me from living in light of eternity,
How do I sense the tide that's rising?
It's hypnotizing me from living in light of eternity,
How do I sense the tide that's rising?
De-sensitizing me from living in light of eternity.

(Lord what we gonna do,We're relying on you,
all eyes are on you Lord,
all eyes are on you, all eyes are on you Jesus.)

I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.
(Don't let me lose my soul, my soul.)
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
(This is my honesty, Father, won't you cover me.)
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
(Don't wanna walk away, and all those people say)
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
(Don't wanna lose, I don't wanna lose my soul.)

Lord forgive us when we get consumed by the things of this world,
That fight for our love, and our passion,
As our eyes are open wide and on you.
Grant us the privilege of your world view,
And may your kingdom be, what wakes us up, and lays us down.

(Hallelujah, Don't wanna lose our soul,
No, Don't wanna lose my soul.)

Hey excuse me,
I'm looking for the after party,
Toby,
Ha ha, yeah, last door on the left, you'll hear it.
Thanks,
No problem.

Don't let me lose my soul, I never wanna walk away,
I don't wanna lose my soul,
No, no, no.
Don't let me, don't let me, lose my soul,
I don't wanna walk away,
Don't let me walk away,
Na na na na no,
Don't let me lose, my soul,
I'm never gonna walk away.

Love In Christ,
Alicia



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Family Values

I spent time with family over the memorial day weekend.  Every time I am surrounded by family, I am reminded how blessed I am.  If you were to count just my immediate family, you would count 14 including children and spouses.  Yes, that is just my immediate family, so you can imagine how many there are when you add extended family... ALOT!!  The things that I cherish most about my family is how close we are and how much we support one another no matter what it is, good or bad!  Yes, we have are ups and downs and no we do not always get along, but when it comes down to it we have each other's back.  If you were to ask every single person in my family " Do you like spending time with your family?" Every single one of them would answer yes without hesitation.  Seriously!  We love hanging out and being together and we have the most fun!  We have a strong bond and I am forever grateful for it!  All the family values that have been bestowed upon me and my brothers and sisters, have been passed down from generation to generation.  The number one thing that has kept us so close and bonded is GOD!  There is a relationship with God and without that I believe we would not be as close as we are. 

God should be at the top of your family values!  He should be at the head of everything that you do and every decision that you make.  God wants to be involved in your family.  He is always there, waiting for you to say, "OK God, what do you think?"  I know that might sound silly, but it is that simple.  If you never got a chance to have a close relationship with your family, don't worry, you can start over new and have God as the head of your family, just like He wants to be.  If you think about it, God started this whole family when he created Adam and Eve, so He is the leader of us all, but it is our choice to acknowledge Him and listen. 

Family values are so important and when you put God up front as your leader, you can never go wrong.

"I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in Heaven and earth is named (Ephesians 3:14-15)."  You may also want to continue to read verses 16-19

 

God is and always will be part of the family, but it is up to you to acknowledge Him!!

 

Love in Christ,

 

Alicia

Mother's Day Blessings

Proverbs 31:26-31 "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many woman do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive , and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate

I love this verse and it speaks highly of moms. My mom and I have a very special bond. She has taught me so much over the years. She provides encouragement, wisdom, love, and friendship. She is a Godly woman and loves the Lord. I am truly blessed to have her as a mom.


Thank you God for making a mom that was uniquely designed just for me!

Love In Christ,

Alicia

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A Taxi Story

A sweet lesson on patience.

A NYC Taxi driver wrote:

I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.

She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her.. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.'

'Oh, you're such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'

'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly..

'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice.

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice..'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.

We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired.Let's go now'. We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?' She asked, reaching into her purse.

'Nothing,' I said

'You have to make a living,' she answered.

'There are other passengers,' I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug.She held onto me tightly.

'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.'

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut.It was the sound of the closing of a life..

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day,I could hardly talk.What if that woman had gotten an angry driver,or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.


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Guest Post: Dr. Gene Wilkes

Running: A Metaphor for Life

This weekend I will run my tenth marathon since 2000. The Grasslands Trail Run will be my first trail marathon but not my first trail run. Trail running is my preferred environment and community for running. Running on dirt in forests, fields, and mountains is how running has always been done. I have run as many 25M and 50K trail runs as I have marathons during this same time period, and I have finished a 50M run, DNF'd one other, and attempted one 100-miler, which ended me at mile 73.


Why the partial running resume? I like to run. I haven't been to a psychologist yet to dig into why my obsession is so deep or why I started running ultras until I was 45. But, more important than why I like to run, running--distance running--has become a metaphor for life for me.

I reminded my listeners this past Sunday as Legacy Church that long-distance running is a metaphor for life because somewhere in a long run you come to the point you want to give up.

It's usually mile 18 to 20 in a marathon. Under normal conditions, you ask yourself, "Why am I out here? What's the point of this pain? No one is chasing me. I'm not getting paid to do this. I want to go home." That's when your training and mental strength come into play. If you are not injured or have not mismanaged your fuel or hydration, finishing is up to you; your faith, your values, who you really are. At the crisis point of pain, you can quit and go home or push through the pain and finish what you set out to finish.


Life is a series of long runs. Marriage, parenting, and calling are all life-long runs that somewhere along the way you want to give up. And many do. Injury or mismanagement of supplies and support can sideline you, which adds another dimension to the run, but finishing the race is the goal of living.

My favorite passage of Scripture that describes this metaphor is Hebrews 12:1-3. Here it is:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (italics and bold, mine)
The writer of this letter had to be a runner; or, at minimum, knew one. He knew the importance of those who encourage you (a cloud of witnesses). He knew lighter is better. (throw off everything) He knew running with perseverance (endurance) was the key to finishing the race (marked out for you). He knew keeping your eyes on another runner in front of you was important to finishing the run. He knew trusting a runner who had completed a more difficult race (Jesus) would inspire you not to quit (lose heart).

The key to running the race of life and the way you will never grow weary or lose heart is to keep your eyes on Jesus during the run. No ultramarathon, even Hard Rock in CO, matches what Jesus did for you on the cross. His endurance run of suffering, shame, and opposition is an example matched by no one; and, he endured it all so we can finish the race of life, be victorious, and rest in eternity with our hero, rescuer, and leader.

I love running, and endurance running is my metaphor for life--and I put my trust in the one who has completed the most difficult and most significant race of all, Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of my trust.

What's your metaphor for life?

I'm a member of North Texas Trail Runners. Check them out on the web and on facebook. Or, come out to the run this weekend and meet some of the runners and volunteers.

Posted by faithrunner at 7:17 AM 2 comments
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Labels: Grasslands Trail Run, Hebrews 12, Legacy Church, marathon, North Texas Trail Runners, trail running, ultrarunning


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Ponder This...

I was driving to work this morning, listening to the radio like I always do when a verse in a song got my mind to reeling. The verse talked about how God loves us so much that He gave His only son to die for our sins. ONLY son!! Think about it, before we existed, you, me, moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandparents, brothers, sister, etc. God gave up His ONLY son for us! He loves us that much, even before we or our great, great, great grandparents came to be. I have a 4 yr old son that I love more than anything and would do anything for. So, when I think about how much more God loves him than I it is really hard to comprehend. It's ok, because we are not supposed to comprehend or understand God's ways. It is too much for our human brains to take. So, pondering the fact that God loves all of us more than our parents and families could ever do, blows my mind! Plus the fact that He loved us before we even existed is CARAZY!!! So, just a little something to think about this week. God LOVES YOU no matter what!!!!!

John 3:16. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only son..."

Love In Christ,

Alicia


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