I'm back

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

                                                            Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

   This winter seems to have lasted forever for me. Perhaps it's because since December many things that were out of my control have happened. I don't know about anyone else out there but when things are out of control for me I seem to hibernate, withdraw into myself. Fortunately, I have a husband, three grandchildren and a couple of close friends who won't let me so that. 

  I have had a time of blessing during this absence and I've had tears. I've had moments where it seemed that I didn't know how I would ever get through it. The situations in my life aren't necessarily going away but I can lean on God. It's so easy to forget that's He's there because I can't see Him; yet I feel him in the events of the day. I can see his hand of healing on various parts of my life and I know He will bring me through everything for His glory.
  So what is next? The Lord has brought many things to my mind. I haven't written in quite a while. I started editing a drama I wrote several months ago and am getting excited about upcoming episodes. Another thing that I am becoming excited with is the marriage of my son that will take place in early May and then I will be traveling to Spokane, WA to meet some friends that I have never met before. Lastly, I am hoping, Lord willing to go on my first mission trip. With the Lord's help and provision I plan to go with a group to Jamaica just before Thanksgiving to share my faith.  

  You can see that with spring coming up I have many things the Lord is bringing to my mind. I am excited about the road ahead. Now, if He would only do something with all this snow! :)

  

What's next?

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

  What do you have planned for 2013? Do you make resolutions that are unattainable and then feel bad that you didn't reach them? Do you not make resolutions at all because you know that you more than likely won't reach them? I used to resolve to cut out all chocolate or all ice cream out of my diet. The resolve usually lasted about three days before I succumbed to a chocolate bar or something equally decadent. 
  I haven't made a resolution for years but I do now make goals. For instance, my son is getting married May 4 and I would like to be down a few dress sizes to look good in the family pictures that will be taken. I would love to lose 100 pounds between now and then but that's not realistic. What is realistic is doing the best I can with exercising and calorie intake and losing at least two to three dress sizes. Will I lose 20, 30 or even 50 pounds? I don't know. It's in the Lord's hands and mine to make sure that I do what it takes. What if I can't lose that much? Will my son love me any less? I doubt that my son will love me any less if I can't lose the pounds I would like to lose. 
  There are other goals that mean more to me too. I want to read my Bible more, pray more, witness more? What can I do to achieve those goals? I always tell myself I don't have the time to read my Bible or pray, but what about the time I spend online? Could I possibly use any of that time? Yes, I can do that. I could eliminate quite a bit of time from my schedule.
  What about you? What do you want to accomplish in this year? It's true that we are nine days in, but we still have 356 more days and if you do make a mistake, you still have more days to make up for it.I'd love to hear from you!

Dear Father,
Help me to remember you this year.
Help me keep my promises and trust You 
to bring me through whatever comes my way
this year.
In your precious name,
Amen

New book available now!

Cascade of Tears is a book about surviving chronic illness and pain. When I was diagnosed with lupus, epilepsy and Grave's disease, I felt like my life was over. But now, after over six years of pain and struggling, I've reclaimed my life. This book is my way of sharing my journey through it with the world and helping readers get past their illnesses and the limitations. Knowledge is power! You can get this book at lacreshahayes.com! She would be glad to hear from you!

What is Different This Christmas?

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’” — Luke 2:10-11

 Doesn't it seem like yesterday we we celebrating last Christmas and here it is again, a year later. The TV and newspapers are full of advertisements telling people to get the best gift for someone at their stores. They're more than willing to tell you what that best gift is: jewelry, cars, furs, clothing. All of these gifts sound plausible to the average person.but for the person who loves God, we know that Christmas has a totally different meaning. I confess that I often let myself get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas. I worry about purchasing the right gift. I worry that people won't like what I got. I get concerned about having my house and my tree just so. Yet the truth is that it's not about the decorations or the trees or the shopping or tinsel but it's about the son of God who came to earth as a baby over 2000 years ago to be born to a virgin. He later grew up, was betrayed and died on the cross for our sins. We know this, most of us do anyway. Yet, I know that sometimes I get caught up in the same rat race. So what is different this year? For me, I am regaining focus. Oh sure, I completed my shopping weeks ago and the presents are wrapped and ready to place under the tree but I realize that this isn't the most important thing to me. This year it's about the True Gift that was given to us. My prayer for you is that you have the opportunity to take a break from all of the hustling and bustling to regain your focus as well.

Dear Father,
Thank you again for sending your Son to die for me.
Thank you for the remembrance
of the gift you gave us so many years ago.
Help me to be an encouragement to others about what you have given us.
In your precious Son's name,
Amen.