Gateways to Joy

It's AMAZING to see the Lord moving right along in today's "social media" society.  Facebook, Twitter , blogging and all the other multi-facet networks that are used via online are all helping Christians around the world to literally connect in unique ways and make a difference in the lives of others.  We're using our gifts and talents in ways that only a decade ago, we never conceived as being possible. Today's post proves this point, and shows us how this is happening in the blogging community around the world. Compassion Bloggers a two year old online ministry works with bloggers in using their influence to help transforms lives of children and their families in poverty worldwide. How are we doing this?  We do this by... posting banner ads on our blogs telling stories that compel, you, the reader, to sponsor a child. Not only that, but we bloggers also get together and travel halfway around the world to see first hand how Compassion Internat...

Do you know the difference?  Did you know there was a difference? Yesterday a good friend and I were talking and he said, "When he speaks he always ask, 'What is Christianity to you ... is it just a "status symbol?" ' "A status symbol?" I replied He then went on to share with me some of his experiences in counseling Christians. Were you aware that some people practice "religion"  Christianity...   to look good ? At first this was hard for me to conceive.  I knew it, but I'd dealt with the opposite.  I was more aware of the Christian who yearned to live right, wanted to live right, but fell from time to time.  Sincereity but flawed human being. I wasn't ready, though Scripture talks about them, to believe that some people carry their Bibles around...talk the Christian lingo, and do what they do JUST and ONLY to look good .  "You know what that is I asked him?" "The awe and the responds is the reward for s...

Please take a few minutes to watch this video of a little boy in the mall who tugs on a ladies coat and asks, "Where's the line to see Jesus?"  As other little children lined up to see Santa. WHERE'S THE LINE TO SEE JESUS?

For several years now, it seems to be the season for cancer to attack my love ones...  I will spare you the details as it will only make me cry...so in essences I'm spared as well. One thing I've come to learn more about and appreciate is God's grace, mercy, kindness,  and love.  I'm understanding it in new and different ways.    But the thing that has really caught me by surprise ... the one thing that my circumstances has taught me to appreciate is something I'd taken for granted.  And that is to have gratitude for ... NOW. THIS MOMENT. I've come to realize this is all I truly have, this moment (and my past). I'm thankful that because of circumstances -- I'm learning to enjoy the small things and I'm learning to enjoy people.  People who are messed up and flawed, like me.  In times passed I was the one who so easily held the mistakes of others against them, so much s...

Dearest friends, Where ever your wanderings take you today, it is my hopes that you stay safe and don't forget to spend at least... Fifteen minutes in His Word (listening to Him) Fifteen minutes (preferably on your knees, but not mandatory) talking to Him And find someone to tell about Him Show someone His compassion today Blessings

S ometimes we, Christians, have a tendency to panic within, even though we know God and believe what His Word says. We panic even though we've experienced Him and His faithfulness.   We panic, at times, when we can't readily see or predict an outcome in certain situations . This week I was revving up to set into panic mode.  You see we had to drop our health insurance (again) because it was simply too expensive. Last week, my older son (17) and I had stomach viruses (we never get sick).  I needed medication that needed refilling, but I had to get a doctors authorization and didn't have the $300, just for the office visit (that didn't include test).  My oldest son fainted...but we have no health insurance.  Our family is among the people who are "uninsured." Have you ever tried going to the doctor or the ER, for that matter with no health coverage?!  It's ludicrous and a very unpleasant and humiliating experience. ...

N othing but the truth is acceptable to God. We sing to Him We speak of Him We serve Him BUT.  Hypocrisy closes the door on FATHER accepting acts of service from CHILD. ... lying ... pretense Father, forgive me, your fragile sinful child. He sees ... He sees through us. He refuses to listen ... MY BELOVED CHILD, he calls to me, " To be close to Me, you must be HONEST with Me. O LORD , do not Your eyes look for truth? You have smitten them, But they refused to take correction. They have made their faces harder than rock; They have refused to repent. ~ Jeremiah 5:3