Lessons from a Dog

                                                          Moses [when we first got him]

It doesn't seem like it has been this long since we have Had Moses.  One thing is for sure Moses has lived up to his name in many ways.  Moses stays outisde in a lot since we first got Him he has gotten out the bakc of the lot, the front of the lot, the side of the lot.  If anyone was to tell him about a Wall He  would just look at you  and think Wall what Wall?

You see even though Moses has a lot he does not let that stop him from getting out of the lot.  Moses does not even see the lot as a Wall if you will.  Moses just has this attitude I will conquer the Wall by getting out.

We live in a Society where I will believe it when I see it.
But that is not how Faith in God Works.
A person must first believe it before they will see it.

Let's face it everyone has Faith
A person goes to a Doctor they have not met before
He writes a prescription that you can not read
You take it to a pharmacy
Someone fills that prescription that you have not met
Then you begin to take the medicine

Moses [puppy] has Faith
He thinks you put me up but I will get out for I don't see any barriers and trust me He gets out no matter how cute he looks.

As a Christian where is Your Faith  level at?
What are you belieiving/trusting God  
Remember if its in the Bible God can still do it today
The only limitations that God has are the ones that you and I place on God as individual.
If we don't place any limitations on God then He is at liberty.

Again I ask where is your Faith Level at?
What are you beliving/trusting God for?

"You have not because you ask not" -- James 4:2

Pioneer

BILLY GRAHAM
Nearing Home 
Life, Faith, and Finishing Well

This is a book where he reflects on his life. He also shares some of the valuable lessons that he has learned here on Earth.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book is:

"Likewise, the elderly would be wise to consider the contribution the young make even to our lives. They will see our mistakes, and they will see our triumphs. We will hopefully recognize their struggles and accomplishments and encourage them as they face the unknown future." 

"God has taught every generation, through blight or blessing, to look to Him as the source of all things. The greatest remedy to any challenge, including the generation gap comes from the Word of God because when the Word of God is proclaimed, God Himself blesses it."

God has used Billy Graham to impact so many people from homeless people to Presidents of the United States asking for advice.

He paved the road for a lot of people in the Ministry. He believes Male or Female God can use you all you have to be is AVAILABLE.

Young or Old. Old or Young this book is full of Wisdom for those that are seeking it.

This would make a great Christmas Gift

Developing Your Influence

The 360 Deagree Leader
By John C Maxwell

Influence is something that can be developed with the proper teaching.  Its not the position that makes the person but its the person that makes the position.

Dr. Maxwell is always saying "Leadership is Influence noting more nothing less"

Regardless of the Chapter this book will guide you on how a person can increase their influence regardless of their position within an organization


The average intervert will influence over 10,000 people in his or her lifetime.

This book literally takes a person regardless of where he or she is in the organization and helps them raise their lid by showing them how to increase his/her influence with the people they come in contact with on a daily basis.

The higher a leader's position is the more a servant they should be.  That is certainly true of  EQUIP Leadership.  A Non profic organization founded by Dr John C Maxwell in 1996

EQUIP Leadership is committed to training and developing Leaders all across the Globe.  I should know I'm just one of many that is being trained.

One of the Key ingredients about the EQUIP Board is Servanthood.  Connecting is really ALL ABOUT Others.

One of my favorite stories was about the Fullfillmest Challenge where it says
"Leadership is more dispoisition-- influence others from wherever you are"
Later on in the  Chapter Dr Maxwell talks about Doug Carter [Senior Vice President]of EQUIP and the impact  He brings to the  EQUIP Leadership Organization.

Regardless of the Chapter this book will guide you on how a person can increase their influence regardless of their position within an organization

Remember "Leadership is all about influence nothing more nothing less.

Has God Spoken?

Has God Spoken?
Proof of the Bible's divine Inspiration
By:  Hank Hanegraaff

This book was written so that if anyone ever had doubts about God Speaking.  His or Her doubts would end here. The Author uses the following to reveal the fact that yes God has indeed spoken:
M = Manuscript
A = Archarologist's
P = Prophetic
S = Scriptural

One thing is for sure  the author spent a lot of time  in writing this book which is a reflection of how serious He takes God's Written Word "THE BIBLE" .  To say that it took years to write this would be an understatment.

However, If you are looking for an easy read this is not.  There were many times that I had to use "Chronological Guide  To the Bible"  along with this book so that I could understand.

It would make a great  gift for Pastor Appreciation's Day

In compliance with the Federal Trade Commission  I recevied the Book from Book Sneeze a Division of Thomas Nelson Publishing Company.

In Today's Economy It is Possible to Save Money and Live Below Your Means at the Same time

 I recently went shopping at Harris Teeter

Hormel Complete 2.47
Vic Savings 50-
Price You pay 1.97

Hormel Complete 2.47

Vic Savings 50-
Price You pay 1.97

Hormel Complete 2.47
Vic Savings 50-

Price You pay 1.97

2 @ 2.59 Dole Juice 5.18

2 @1.25 Yoplait Greek 2.50
Vic savings 50-
Price You pay for 2  is 2.00

International delight  2.49
Vic Savings 50-
Price you pay 1.99


Scanned coupon for Hormel Dinner 55-
Scanned coupon for Hormel Dinner 55-
Scanned coupon for Hormel Dinner 55-
Scanned coupon for Greek Yogurt 50-
Scanned coupon for Creamer 55-

Scanned coupon for Dole Pineapple Juice 50-

Multiplied Coupon for Hormal Dinner 1.10-
Multiplied Coupon for Hormal Dinner 1.10-
Multiplied Coupon for Hormal Dinner 1.10-

Multiplied Coupon for Dole Pineapple Juice 1.00-
Multiplied Coupon for Dole Pineapple Juice 1.00-


Multiplied Coupon for Greek Yogurt 1.00-

Multiplied Coupon for Creamer 1.10-

Discountable Total 3.48
Senior Citizens 17-
2% NC Sales Tax 3.46
pd 3.46

Not bad for 8 items Saved 13.60

Granted on the receipt when it says Multiplied  it usually says Multiplied coupon

Here are some Key rules to follow
 PLAN AHEAD

The more I spend in planning the smoother  the execution goes.

Here are some key websites

http://www.southernsavers.com/   Have coupon policies for a lot of Major Chains
- they even have a coupon data base

Personally, I order  at least 85% of my coupons

Coupons repeat every 4 weeks
sales every 6--8 weeks

Here are some safe websites
http://www.thecouponclippers.com/ New coupons come out on Saturday 
However, if you order New coupons on Saturday they will not be shipped until the following Tuesday
I like the fact that I can select and pick the quanity of the coupons I order

http://www.buycoupons.org/  

Both coupon websites have been on The Today Show Multiple times

I only order coupons for products that I already use

There is no sense in buying something that you already do not use.  Chances are if you don't already use  it unless its a new product you may not use it.

I like the fact that I can select and pick the quanity of the coupons I order.
Remember just because you have a coupon  if the funds are not there than don't get it.

I have a small coupon organizer  which I divided  into
Pantry
Meat
Staples
Diary

Hope this helps and  remember  its your dollar























This week was Tripple coupon week at Harris Teeter
Where they triple Coupons up to 99 cents
Normally they just double coupons up to 99 cents but not more than 20 coupons can be used per day

"Rumors of God" Experience the Kind of Faith You've Only Heard about

 Rumors of God -- Experience the Kind of Faith You've only Heard about
By: Darren Whitehead & Jon Tyson

"We believe God is writing an epic, global, redemptive story that evey single one of us is invited to."
How true    there is no doubt that the Holy Spirit spoke through the authors.
Regardless of where a person is on their journey this book is written with such simplicity that it stretches the reader's faith.  I must admit when I was reading the book it reminded me of Walk Across the Room
There is a lot of truth in the title along "Rumors of God"  There is a Bible Verse "You have not because you ask not"  which raises a question what prevents a person from asking when God has our very best interest at heart.   Since God has given man kind free will it really is up to each individual to claim God's promises and blessings or to only read about them.  The breakdown the authors give and how it is told with such simplicity makes this book a must have for any beleiver.  Personnaly this book could not have come at a better time.   Personally so thankful that the Authors were willing to be vessels for God as a result I grew and learned so much.  

HERITAGE

America  recently celebrated another Bithday.  Another Birthday was The Celebration of KING JAMES BIBLE which celebrated its 400th Birthday.

So what was the values that went in to forming America 
http://gochristfellowship.com/about-us/sermon-archives/#action=watch&series=53&sermon=179

 I can promise you that you will learn at least one thing

IT's NOT ABOUT ME

IT"S NOT ABOUT ME

"What would change if we finaly found our place and lived in it?"

Best selling author Max Lucado turns the greatest lie we've believed on its head. You know the one that says "It's all about me" and sets our sights on a different goal. "We were not made to live this way." -- Max inisits

I must admit I always look forward to reading books by Max Lucado. Oh how he just paints a picture with words.
This book is no different. Here are just a few of the quotes:
"God does not exist to make a big deal out of us. We exist to make a big deal out of Him. It's not about you. It's not about me. It's all about Him."
"God - centered thinking acknowledges, "It's God's; I have to respect it."
"My pain expands God's purpose.' " Life makes sense when we accept our place."
"We move from me-focus to God focus by pondering Him, witnessing Him"
"Beholding HIM changes us" -- Max Lucado

It really is all about God and we are only vessels should we answer the call that God has on our life. As so many of us know only the things from God has a voice. In addition to having a voice, there is no end why because its from The Creator God Himself.

This is a must have for every believer regardless of where they are on the journey. Oh by the way be prepared to hear God's voice in this. You can't help but read this book and come closer to God. I know I did

Know Who you Pray to

 I work at a Call Center where the calls are dealing with Health Insurance.  

In between calls I was reflecting on some of the Notes that I had taken from the Internat Campus at Saddleback. 

Reflection of this notebook could not have come at a better time.

On one of the Sermons it was talking about "Know Who You Pray To"

Man did this really get me to thinking.

So I wanted to share some things I came with.

I pray to the Creater of the Universe.
I claim every promise in the Bible as Mine
I receive every Blessing in the Bible as Mine
God is raising me up.
I have God's divine favor.
What God did in the Bible He can still do today.
God has gone before me and paved the road He wants me to take.
I will seek God first.
I will give God the glory for He alone is Worthy.
God created me to be a vessel.
Father, I thank you in advance that you will never give me anything that can't flow through me.
Thank you for that even in 2011 God can still do the same Miracles that I read about in the Bible.
What is a lunch to one person, when you factor God into this He can still feed a multitude.
Thank you Father for you still give Manna
Thank you Father that you are my Strength, MY Hope, My Healer, My Provider 
Thank you God that everything I will ever need is found within your Written Word
With God's help I can do what God has called me to do.
I have God's Divine Favor
I'm annointed
I'm predestined
God silences all of Heaven just to hear my Voice
I'm an overcomer
My God shall supply all my needs
There will never be anyone Greater in me than God
God's word is eternal ; it stands firm in the Heavens above.
I'm Blessed
If God is for me than who be against me?
When God made me He broke the Mold
God has given me gifts and talents that are to be used for His Kingdom.

The good news is the same is true for you. 

   

One Birth Changed History

 I was sitting at my desk when I looked and saw one of my sayings: 

"ONE BIRTH CHANGED HISTORY " 

Here are some of the things that came to mind about the Birth of Jesus

He came to fulfill all of the prophecies in the Old Testament
He came to set the capitives free and bind up the broken hearted
Once Sin entered the world there was a price that had to be paid for us.
We were bought by a price that we could not repay.  We are not our own.  We are to be bondservants to the Kingdom of God.

The  judgement between the Old Testament and the New Testament would definately change.
In the Old Testament there were 12 tribes.  Therefore there had to be twelve disciples.  In fact this was so important that in the book of Acts after Judas had ended His life.  Another disciple had to be chosen and that was Mathais.

John talks about if the all the miracles that Jesus did when He was here on Earth that they would not be enough room  to record it.  So just how many miracles are recorded in the book of John?

39 miracles are recorded which I thought was interesting since in the Old Testament has 39 books.

What is really interesting is  the Bible has 66 books.     
39 in Old Testament and 27 in New Testament - 40 authors.  It was written over a time period that was over 1,000 years yet it never lost its harmony.

Even in John Chapter 17 which is known as the High Priest Prayer Jesus asks God to protect those that would accept Him as His LORD and Saviour.  

When we pray and say In Jesus Name we are simply saying Father thank you for the gift of Jesus for if it was not for your precious Son I would not have a relationship with you today.

Needless to say the list goes on and on.  But these were just a few thoughts that came to my mind when I read  "ONE BIRTH CHANGED HISTORY'  and it did so much more.

In fact Jesus continues to intercede on our behalf.

Things that are rare yet they seem to go a long way

A word of encouragement

A smile

Adding value to those you come in contact with

Having a friend that is a good listener

Asking someone how they really are thing is the answers fine and okay are not acceptable.  Because you really do care

Taking a deep breath

Looking for a need

Sharing your lunch with someone

Allowing others to go before you

Realizing its not the circumstances that matter so much as it is your attitude.  For attitude goes a long way especially in the final outcome

Listening to God's voice

To keep it short and simple.  It just means being a vessel for God.  Being depedent on God.  You came to serve not to be served.

Prayer

Put Your DREAM to the Test

When I think about the countless hours that Dr John Maxwell spent in research to help people  reach their dream.   There is so much knowledge within the pages of the book  which makes me thankful He was willing to spend that amount of time doing research.

Having learned so much from John Maxwell and being a part of EQUIP[a non-profit organization].   I was excited to get this book to say the least.  For the readers who already know their dream.  This book will help you acheive it and not give up. This book is designed to help you achieve your dream when you follow the steps that are in the book.

But what about those whose dream  are in the process of dying?  This book is even more for them and those who are not quite sure what their dream may be.  When you read this book be willing to approach it with an honest attitude.  After all if you are not honest with yourself than who will be.  At the beginning of each chapter has a list of questions as well as at the end.  Its designed that way to help you acheive the dream that is within you. 

I know for myself it made me realize that my ultimate dream was to see people come to Jesus.  Just to see people accept Jesus as their LORD and Saviour for Eternity really does hang in the balance.

I believe if the reader is willing to answer the questions honestly they will be able to come up with a game plan to reach the dream and not give up without ever reaching it.  Plus there is an additional bonus in this book there is also "A DREAM MAP"  

 For those who may not know what their dream is well its even more for you.  The only thing that I would add to this book is another book which is "My Life Plan By: Michael Hyatt" Whcich will help you stay focused on your dream.  An excellent gift for the upcoming graduates

Thankful for the Art of Listening

I don't know about you but I have had conversaions with the another person thinking that they were listening only to find out they weren't.

What you are about to read would not have taking place had I not listened to a friend of mine.  With the economy being the way it its and gas prices it seems more and more people are learning how to coupon.

This past Sunday I went to Harris Teeter to buy groceries.  Here is what my receipt looks like.   
Here are some key rules Harris Teeter will double up to 20 coupons a day up to  99 cents.
I don't buy something unless its an item that will be used.  Usually oce a quarter Harris Teeter usually will double coupons  up to $1.98 and usually once each quarter they will triple coupons.

http://www.southernsavers.com/ is an excellent website that lets the consumer know in advance of what will be on sale at various grocery stores and if they have access to a coupon it will give you that info as well .  Pretty cool huh?? 

HARRIS TEETER

Idah Baby Reds Instant Potatoes                                                        1.19

Vic Savings                                                                                          .60-

Price You pay .59   

Idahoan 4 Cheese Instant Potatoes                                               1.19

Vic Savings                                                                               .60-

Price you pay .59

Idahoan Instant Mashed Potatoes                                        1.19

Vic Savings                                                                       .60-

Price you pay  .60

Total = 1.78 

2 @ 99 Hershey Special Dark Candy Bars 1.98 buy 1 get 1 free

Hormel Complete Lasagna Dinner                          2.47

Vic Savings                                                       .50-

Price You Pay 1.97 

Hormel Complete Spaghetti Dinner          2.47

Vic Savings                                             .50-

Price you pay $1.97

2 @ 2.39 Uncle Ben Wild Grain Broccoli & cheese Rice   4.78

2 @ 1.20 each Vic Savings 2.40    

Price you pay for  2 == $ 2.38  

StarKist Tuna Lunch Kit                             2.19

Vic Savings                                               .19-

Price you pay 2.00 

Crest Toothpaste 4.6 ounce              3.65

Vic Savings                                   1.16-

Price you pay 2.49

Blue Bunny Buy 1 get 1 free [each item rings up @ 1/2 price ]        6.59

Vic Savings                                                                              3.30-

Price You pay 3.29

3@ 2.89 Yo Crunch 4 pack yogurt                              8.67

3@ $.89 = Vic Savings                                          2.67-

Price you pay for 3 is  $6.00  

Bailieys Irish Liquid Creamer                         2.59

Vic savings                                                .92-

Price you pay 1.67

 Scanned Coupon                          .75-

Scanned Coupon                          .85-

Scanned Coupon                           .75-

Scanned Coupon                       .75 -

Crest Coupon                          1.50-

Scanned Coupon                      1.50-

Scanned Coupon                        .55-  

Scanned Coupon                    1.00 -

Scanned Coupon                    1.00-  

Scanned Coupon                    1.00-

Scanned Coupon                   1.00-

Multiplied Coupon                  .44-

Multiplied Coupon                  .75-

Multiplied Coupon                    .44-

Multiplied Coupon                     .44-

Multiplied Coupon                         .50-

Multiplied Coupon                               .55-  

7.75% NC Sales Tax     .35

2% NC sales Tax           .36

Balance Due                 11.22

Paid                      11.22

The Same Items without a Vic Card and  w/o coupons would have before tax $ 38.96

The Same Items without aVic Card but with any coupons before tax =  23.94

By taking the time to listen and go the extra mile  I saved 15.02 just in coupons

For additional information on money saving ideas

Check out:

http://www.southernsavers.com/

 &

http://couponmominwnc.blogspot.com/

    

    

  

      

Age Old Question

This past Saturday I watched a message from Dr. Maxwell that aasked a question so many people have.  Are my prayers getting through?

When you listen to this  you will want to take notes.  Personally I think watching this will do a person more good than me talking about it.  

http://gochristfellowship.com/   On the right just click on Latest sermon

The Take Action Bible

Put the Word of God into action. The Take Action Bible features real-life stories and full-color photos of people who are putting their faith into action. Actions range from raising money with a lemonade stand to relocating on the mission field. Read their inspiring stories, and follow their examples with 52 ideas for you to put God's Word into action.

The Take Action Bible is just that.  From Cover to Cover you will read about people who answer God's call to GO/ SERVE / GIVE / HEAL/ AND TEACH.  God's word commissions us to reach out to those around us.  To seek God's voice and to be a vessel for God. 

From Genesis to Revelation God calls ordinary people but then again were not the Disciples of Jesus just ordinary people with an extra-ordinary calling.

Some of the features of this Bible is its Concordance along with a Bible Reading Plan. 

Along with its Translation and text notes it has a 52 Take-Action idea.

The New King James Version is fairly easy to understand.  It even includes a PLAN to read the Bible in One Year.  The Bible is divided into 8 Sections.  At the beginning of the each Section it has a brief introduction for that Section of the Bible.  I really enjoyed the Maps in this Bible. I personally found it to be durable  with its Ultra-Slim Bible text.  Once again it is easy to Understand.   This Bible makes a great graduation gift.

To review this book BookSneeze has provided me with a complimentary copy of  The Take Action Bible for review but no further compensation was provided.

Max on Life

Max on Life
Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions

In this book Max address everyday questions that you might say we all have about Hope, Hurt, Help, just to name a few.
In My opinion Max Lucado is gifted when it comes to writing. He has a way of where He just paints a picture with words regardless of the question His answer is filled with Christlike love. Its almost as if who ever the reader is Max is writing it just to you. Each page that I read I couldn't help but feel the Love that Max has for His brother and for His sister in Christ. But even more important I could not help but feel the holy spirit.

One of my favorite pages is at the very beginning where He compares God's Love to Human love. Here is just a brief outline of that.
"Human love is convenient."
"God's love is eternal. You are always on God's itinerary."
"Human love is limited."
"God's love is unlimited."
"Human love is emotional."
"God's love is committed", etc...
Max ends this with something I need to remember for myself which is :

"We should all have someone in our lives on whom we can look back and say, "I saw God's love in that person." -- Max Lucado

Regardless of what you may be facing for everyone is facing something Max has a word of hope, encouragement, at least a couple of words to stretch your faith and bring you closer to God. No doubt this will be a best seller and will speak to Millions of people. What a blessing it has been to preview this book.

God;s Promises

In a world full of uncertainity.  Now more than ever we need God's Promises.
The purpose of this book is to bring each believer to a closer, intimate relationship with God then they ever had before. The closer a person is to God the more others can say "Now that is someone who loves God"  Have you ever noticed that God has a tendency to Whisper in your Ear versus Shouting.  I believe that God Whispers in a person's ear intentionally.  This book not only refreshes the inner part of each person reading the book but brings them to a Closer, Intimate level. 
The writers of this book have a gift they don't just write but they paint the picture for the reader.
God's Promises along with God's Word have withstood the test of time.
God's Promises Devotional Journal consists of over 15 of the top Christian Authors from Max Lucado to John MacArthur, Chuck Swindol, and the list just continues.
A great gift for Mother's Day, Birthday's, Graduation gift or maybe you yourself just want to grow closer to God.  Maybe its you that just needs to hear God's Voice more than you ever did before.
If that is the case than this is the book for you.  

101 Rules for Relationships

"Everyone has a story the question is do you know it?" -- Rick Warren


"What a person does today becomes their legacy." John C. Maxwell

"Bigger on the inside and smaller on the outside." John C Maxwell

If there is anyone who is a Guro in this area it would be the author Billy Hornsby. He is one of the Founders of ARC [Association of Related Churchs}, Serves On EQUIP Board, spends countless hours working with Missionaires, Pastors, lay people. One thing I can say about Pastor Billy is He loves people.


101 Rules for Relationships was written with the intent to help stretch a person. Whether you are talking to someone at work, at the Grocery Store, spending time with friends there is something that you can learn from the other person to strengthen that relationship. I'm convinced that each person knows at least one thing that I can learn. To do this requires me to be an effective listener which I might add is an art.

This is a book that once its read can strengthen a person in so many areas.

In essence its to help each person who has this book grow for Pastor Billy knows that adding value to someone's life is extremely important.

The Faith of Ronald Reagan

"For you see your calling, brethern, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.  But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty."
                                                                                                             -- 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 

For Ronald Reagan to become President  he felt that it was indeed a calling.  President Reagan is credited with restoring America's economic crisis at the time, ending the cold war and tearing down the Berlin Wall without firing a shot. That in itself was having God's favor. 
One of the reasons God has a tendency to choose the foolish things is so people will seek Him and say only God.

Some remember President Reagan as an Actor, others remember him as President Reagan, yet others remember how the Nation came together to Mourn His Death. But do you remember the faith of President Reagan? Did you know that he appointed more women into office than Presidents before Him?  But do you remember the faith of President Reagan?

I have learned a lot about President Reagan that I must admit I did not know.  If you are interested in learning more about President Reagan or maybe you want to find out some more about his faith well this is the book for you.

Voices of the Faithful Book 2

For those who has ever wanted to know what goes on in a day of a Missionaries Life.
 This is the book. It lives up to its name and then some. This is also an excellent book to help anyone regardless of where they are on the Christian journey to develop a more intimate relationship with their Heavenly Father. I especially love how the months are divided into sections. For example the month of January begins with prayer. Another month is focused on God, our Loving Father ecetra..

 God really is LOVE. One of my favorite quotes is: "If God's behind it, you'll have a mighty hard time stopping it." -- Beth Moore
Friends I only know that in my personal journey as a Christian I want God to be behind it. Life is too short for anything else.