Complete Fullness in Christ

If you have neglect, rejection or persecution in any relationship with another person our normal reaction is to doubt our self-worth.  This is such a struggle! For our flesh wants to get angry, feel hurt and be frustrated with the person who has caused the hurt in our lives.  I have found by spending the last couple of years finding my true identity in Christ a complete fullness regardless of who does what to me!  Amazing love, joy, contentment, and peace that one only hopes to obtain in a lifetime.  I have been truly blessed by all of the struggles, trials, and tribulations set in my path that He allowed in my life circumstances to empty me only to be filled with His Love. In a way to be led by the Spirit so that you know every single second is guided by God, never doubting that what is going on is in control of God.  Every person and thing brought into your life is a blessing beyond measure regardless of how they treat you. How can I possibly say this? Because I know that God only wants Good for us and even when we feel like the turbulence is a bit much it is for our betterment some how, somewhere way down the road.  His Mercy, Grace, and Love are so abundantly present in our lives yet we forget to stop and acknowledge Him!  When you know your are consumed with the ONE who is Love and holds you all the time things start happening in your life that leave you in AWE of Him!  Every moment recognizing His Work in your life and being in full thanksgiving with your heart to Your Maker.  There is only Fullness or Completion when we understand who we are in Christ!  No other person or thing can give us comfort and fullness.  If at anytime you place your self-worth on the way someone treats you or your success in life you will feel a void and continue to fill it with things of this earth.  We are called to obtain treasures in Heaven ones that cannot be destroyed.  We are called to seek after Christ all the day long even in our sleep.
Once you obtain the fullness in Christ it is quickly recognized when the flesh starts creeping back in and wants to ruin everything.  The devil is so sneaky and at any given moment will try to attack the precious relationship you have with God.  What Jesus Christ did at the cross is by far the only way to receive the blessed gift of grace and eternal salvation knowing that we are such sinners by nature and weak oh, so very weak without Him.  So heed to this warning in never thinking you will not get tested!  You run the race God has set before you and trust in His strength, always keeping your eyes on HIM in all things!  He is our protector and our all in all!!!  Blessings and Love

What is The Great Commission?

Have you wondered at times in your life what is my purpose?  I know I sure have many times!  I went through many dark periods in my life where I just wasn't sure. A wife, a mother, business owner, a sister, a homemaker, a friend & a daughter, with all of these titles I wondered what was the reason God made me.  Most of the time these questions arose due to being overwhelmed and exhausted not knowing which way to turn.

One day someone asked me

Do you know what your great commission is? 

Well I felt pretty confident in my biblical knowledge at the time (first mistake), I thought that I was serving in the right areas (second mistake in my thinking), I was teaching children's church on Sundays and I had been to women's bible studies-ya know the regular stuff you do as a CHRISTian! First of all I had obtained "knowledge of the word" but didn't grasp it with my heart.  Second I was serving and going to bible studies because I "knew that is what you do" but didn't grasp it with my heart.  I got a little worried at what I should be answering to this question. I started with I'm not really sure what you mean.  Then the conversation was lead to a profound thing in my life that is easily misunderstood...our identity in Christ!  What are you called to do?  Christ calls us to many things like UNITY, to LOVE, to SHINE but why?  Simply put so that others may know HIM!

Jesus' very last instructions before being taken back to Our Father were instructions for His Disciples (are you a disciple?)

Matt 28:18-20
¹⁸And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
¹⁹Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: ²⁰Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Luke 24: 46-47
⁴⁶And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: ⁴⁷And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  
Acts 1:7-8
⁷And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. ⁸But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

His words and instructions are so very important to remember each day.  We are not all called to be pastors or missionaries but we are ALL called to be active disciples! Each of us have been given different talents all that are to work together so that others may know Jesus Christ and the Love of God!
Putting a focus on this alone changes your entire outlook on your "demanding" relationships.  No longer is it that you are just a business owner, husband, wife, parent, etc. You are called by Jesus to share Him to everyone by actions, words and deeds.  During tough times with family or a hard day at work just remember IT IS NOT about your temporary circumstance. YOU, yes YOU are called by a much higher power!  Once we get that this is our main ingredient for life all things seem to change.  Our higher calling can not been done without the power of the Holy Ghost within us leading us the whole way.  We have to change the way we think about serving understanding we are doing good things for others but it is not for them or for ourselves...It is so others may see Jesus in us!  We are glorifying God in sharing the "Good News" but it is not done just from a pulpit.  A simple random act of kindness pleases the Lord just the same.  So as we go on our daily journey let us know and understand our Commission! 

It ain't about me, It ain't about you, It ain't about them...

It is all about HIM!!! 

Dear Lord, I ask that you bless those that have read this and allow for them to know the importance of your commission in their lives.  Knowing this was your last instructions while on earth for us help us to grasp why it was so.  I pray that you continue to shed light on all of the wonderful things you have for us as your children.  Help us to remember you each day in all things.  Help us to be in your presence relying on the Holy Spirit to lead each step of the way.  I am so thankful for your amazing Love and many days wish to shout it on the roof top.  Please take these words I have written and allow them to show You, oh Lord.  You are my everything and I am thankful to be your disciple.  In Jesus precious name Amen. 

Juicing is worth it!

I have been asked about juicing machines and I know there are tons out there!  We purchased the Jack LaLanne's Juicer years ago when it was around $250.  It sat in the bottom of the pantry for quite sometime collecting dust after using it once just to make sure it worked :)

So this past year (2011) we watched the documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead (watch it for FREE on hulu-you don't have to sign up just follow this link and wait on the advertisements to finish)
Great insight not so much for me loosing weight (for those who know me, it's not an issue YET) but such wonderful benefits healthwise.  Many folks who juice have reduce their blood pressure, no longer need prescription drugs, and help with maintaining blood sugar. 
The benefits are AMAZING!  I like to juice for nutrition and detoxing.  Right away with two days of adding 2-3 glasses/day my face starting peeling.  I thought maybe it was drying my skin at first, but then realized it was actually clearing up my skin.  The toxins were being released and the dead skin cells were coming on off.  Kind of gross, I know, but I could acutally understand NOW why this was important.
I did run across it being a little expensive and tried to adjust our budget for fruits and veggies one week, then meats the next.  If you are need for more leafy vegetables Harris Teeter runs their Organic Kale around 99cents/lb and there is no weight to Kale so you can get plenty under $1.  My all time favorite is carrots and apples!  I was shocked at the sweet taste and fell in love immediately-quick and easy ones too! 
The best advice I can give is utilize it all!  Pulp (meat some would call it) comes out the back and can be used for various things.  Examples: After juicing strawberries, blueberries, and rasberries I took the pulp and made muffins.  Juicing cabbage & carrots is a great starter for your coleslaw.  There are tons of recipies in the books we got with the machine.  Jack's wife is outstanding in her book (big thick one) on adding it to your daily life, the nutrional factors, and tons of recipes for energy, morning boosters, juices that help in stomach issues, and utilizing the pulp!  

Have fun juicing and do remember the provider of it ALL!  God created these wonderful fruits and vegetables for us to maintain a healthy lifestyle!! 

Genesis 1:29-30 King James Version (KJV)

²⁹And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
³⁰And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.

Organic Farm...really our neighbors!?!

This may turn out to be a little longer than it should but I do want to emphasize how God will lead you and place people in your lives at just the right time! I wish to acknowledge Him first knowing His plans for His children for His purpose... Thank you Lord for your many blessings. Thank you for knowing our hearts and our true intentions of all things. Thank you for knowing more than we do and allowing us to find comfort in You alone. You have continued to show us Your ways and I ask that You help each of us to open our eyes, hearts, and minds to be led by You and Your will for us. Help us to help each other and show Your Love to one another! I praise you Jesus and pray this in Your Loving Name. Amen

This past week has been super exciting not only for homeschooling opportunities but for organics & buying local too! We have had three trips that have been most helpful and an awesome start to some great relationships!

Our trip yesterday was so local that I just have to share the story. Back last October as I started more intense research on local Organics I had a really hard time finding them. Until late one night, I found Mary L Farms on an organic listing website. Now I knew, growing up around here we had farms and dairy farms but NO IDEA any of them could possibly be organic...to my surprise yes there are! I had the pleasure of growing up with some of these folks and had no idea they are doing such great things! I went ahead and made contact through a form online to Mary L Farm to find out some more info and was shocked to find out they do Organic Grass Fed Beef, Organic Turkey, Organic Chicken, and sell Organic Milk to Organic Valley! Now what's a shock is it is less than 4 minutes from my home! Can you say WOW...can't get much more local than your neighbors!

I was diligently working on Organic Christians website and trying to get it going, went ahead and listed the farms such as Mary L and just spent time focused on it for a while. My husband goes to the grocery store right before CHRISTmas and (here goes God) sees the owner of Mary L Farm. Now keep in mind, my husband and I both grew up in this area and have been married for 10 years and now hubby sees him at the store....hmmmm! Well, okay that pushes me a little more to get in contact. Then again within the week my husband sees him again at another store! So now with this situation, we as a family, see God's hand. He leads us when we are watchful doesn't He, in the most amazing ways sometimes. I had put off going to meet farmers and wanted to take my time researching and understanding everything, but God's little push helped us say Hey, maybe we should do this NOW! Good stuff!

So yesterday, we had the absolute privilege of meeting the family of Mary L Farm and experience their entire organic farm. It was so wonderful! They have transitioned into an Organic Farm and seen the differences first hand of conventional milking vs. organic. They were the first dairy in North Carolina to go Organic! They have taken all necessary steps to provide an environment where the animals are nurtured and taken care of so that you can see the animals contentment. I was expecting the "ladies" to be kicking and stressed when being milked but NO they were all calm and collect ready to provide to their loving family! Their gentleness and love for their animals encouraged me so much. To see so many farmers ridiculed I expected something a lot different. This is their life, their livelihood for their family and has been for over 50 years. I have experienced farm life and to be honest enjoy it more than the regular hustle and bustle but it has not been my daily life always. These guys over at Mary L Farm have shown me an even better appreciation for family support (as each work side by side daily to help each other) and a lifestyle that is hard work but worth it!

I think many times consumers forget a family is up at 3-4am starting their day and not finishing until late at night, to provide for US! Let me ask you, do you know your farmers? Are you buying from them and helping support your neighbors? I think we take for granted, consumers as a whole, all of the work involved and the giving of the farmers daily (7 days a week). The farmers like Mary L Farm do not get the credit they deserve, well I guess appreciation they deserve for their daily sacrifice for our families.

Since we homeschool I was able to take my daughter who bottle fed a baby calf and baby goat for the first time, watched cows actually get milked, see the ways Mary L Farm is trying to make a difference from an environmental stand point with their cooling system and organic means, gain new friendships and a new perspective on family support..thanks to this gracious family! An experience she will hold dear for her life (as will I) and a chance to share with her something she cannot get from a workbook! Please see pics and video on Organic Christians Facebook Page

Let me leave you with a few things to think about...what does community mean to you? Have you taken an effort to say thank you to your farmers or taken the time to even meet them? Do you appreciate the support and effort that goes into what you eat? And lastly, probably most importantly are you aware that God has placed folks in your life so that you can help, encourage and support them? What can you do today to say thank you to them?

LET ME SHARE A PUBLIC THANK YOU TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY AT MARY L FARM! What you all are doing is wonderful and I am encouraging everyone in this area to help support you guys! Your kindness to us was unbelievable and the knowledge you shared was an experience I would not have wanted to miss. So thank you, thank you for getting up every morning and taking such effort in sharing your daily work with us. You are admired and appreciated for your hard work even though many take it for granted, please know God sees how you hard you work and it is for Him we do all things! Much Love and Blessings!

HELP SUPPORT THE FAMILIES YOU KNOW BY BUYING LOCAL

Are you embarrased to be a CHRISTian?

Over the past few months I have watched Facebook constantly to see if there is a trend in posts!  There have been tons of scripture, inspirational quotes, prayers, and others post thanking God.  Now, I do understand that it depends on who your friends are and the pages you are receiving newsfeed from, however I have a diverse range of friends and I still have seen this happen.  After viewing a recent video that went "Viral" Why I Hate Religion, but Love Jesus, these lines seemed very important for me to share...

"Now I ain't judging I'm just saying quit putting on a fake look

Cause there's a problem if people only know you're a Christian by your Facebook

I mean in every other aspect of your life you know that logic's unworthy

It's like saying you play for the Lakers if you just put on a jersey"

So with that said, I can see the good that has come out of Facebook and the opportunities to share God's word with others.  The downside is it for real?  Are those sharing their faith doing so away from the virtual world of Facebook?  Are we growing as a Christian community being Courageous in our Faith or merely just online? 
I saw recently a post that said I have Talked the Talk, now it is time to Walk the Walk!  Isn't that we are called to do...live the life according to Jesus' example?  Loving others, Encouraging one another, Supporting fellow brothers/sisters.  This doesn't just mean online, it means everywhere All the time.  I recently put a Cross decal on my car and it has made me think twice about the image I am portraying-the word "accountability" comes to mind.  Not by law, but by example of good things that are pleasing to Glorify God!  Can a car decal do that...yes it most certainly did for me. The same goes for the clothing line through Organic Christians (huge reason for doing this)...  As I wear a shirt with a Cross or scripture, I am professing that I am working on being a disciple of Christ.  Desiring to share love, testimony, God's grace, whatever it may be that leads others down a better path for their life.  So do I feel a sense of accountability for my actions, more so now in courageously and outwardly expressing my faith.  During my time with business expos, chamber events, and business dealings over the years, I felt I needed to be politically correct.  I understand being respectful of others-don't get me wrong, I try very hard to do that, but I have found more often than not folks WANT to talk about God and their walk with Him.  It is amazing once you open the line of communication how similar we all really are.  Maybe it's where we live in a small southern town or maybe God is MOVING like crazy and pushing us towards UNITY with one another.  I have just been taken back by all of the posts and comments that have shown we do want to talk about God, Jesus, Love, Prayer, Inspiration (in-spirit), Encouragement, Support!  So this gentlemen who openly expressed his heart for the Lord through a viral video, is alot like the rest of us...wanting to express the True Love of Jesus.  Now, not all that he said was theologically accurate, but you could tell his genuine intentions were from the heart and to me that is what matters most!  So regardless of your scripture knowledge you can show that you are a CHRISTian and believe in the power of the Cross!  Let us remember every day and pray that we take the opportunity to be courageous!  Our relationship with the Lord is an individual one but we all have the chance to Shine His Light to each other!  Praise God that we live in a country that has Freedom of "Religion" and Freedom of speech.  So don't be afraid to let someone know you are a CHRISTian (Jesus Follower), what you say or do may impact someones life forever...in a Good Way!

There are many scriptures of boldness, bold to speak, courage,  (great study to do on these words) but may I just leave you with a couple...
Eph 3:12
¹²In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him
Psalm 31:24
²⁴Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.