In Honor Of National Drugged & Drunk Driving Awareness Month, I want to honor victims of aids.
For years, my dear sister, and Evangelist friend, Ethel Buchanan battled this horrendous disease. Although she was sick, on a zillion meds, didn't have two cents to rub together, and was in the hospital more than she was home, she did not complain. She praised the Lord, ministered to others, and stood on faith, knowing that God heals.
Even though it didn't look as though she would receive her healing, she never blamed God for her disease and affliction, knowing full well she had brought this on herself through the drug addiction and sharing unsafe needles with her druggie friends years earlier. Instead of walking in blame and shame, Ethel persevered and walked in the love, forgiveness, and mercy of Jesus Christ.
And today, Evangelist Buchanan has received that miraculous healing and now she is speaking abroad!
You can be free too. Not only from the sickness and disease of AIDS, but from the guilt, shame, and blame of the past. Won't you come to Jesus and let him set you free? No medicine, no doctor, no person can give you everything that Jesus can.
Check out Evangelist Ethel Buchanan's amazing testimony on My Space @ http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=398029713&blogID=436954734.
And God bless each and everyone of you. Have a safe and happy holiday season. And try hugs instead of drugs!
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Think Before You Drink--Give The Gift That Keeps On Living
When I first met Kim, a bandanna may have covered her balding head, but her brilliant smile won my heart.
I only knew Kim for a few short months. Although her parents had told me the horrendous story of her battle with Ovarian Cancer, this 14 year old girl, never showed her scars of war. Instead, she beamed from ear to ear with new life. Especially after coming through the doors of our church in early spring when she gave her heart to Jesus.
My daughter, Melissa and her quickly became very close. But just as quickly as Kim entered our lives, she was snatched away forever. It wasn't the cancer like most would have thought, due to the enormous tumor they removed nearly a year ago.
No, Kim had already went into remission from cancer. True, it was an absolute miracle of God. The doctors could not believe it, because only months earlier, this girl had been so frail they didn't expect her to make it. But she did, conquering every milestone in her path. Except for one...
It all happened the day she was hanging out with friends, just taking a simple walk in the springtime air, when suddenly out of nowhere a Drunk Driver crossed over both lanes, the ditch, and plowed through the yard where she was walking.
In an attempt to save her two friends (which she did), she pushed them out of the way, taking the full blunt of the accident. Kim always wanted to be a soldier in the Army--that day, she definitely took the front lines.
But it was all so senseless, a young girl, with her whole life before her, gone--gone forever.
People can survive just about anything in life--but being hit by a drunk driver isn't usually one of them. You see, it's not something they can prepare for or choose. NO, the only one who can make that decision, sadly, is the person whose senses are impaired and chooses to drink and drive.
In Honor of Kim Cook, her family, all the other victims of drunk driving, and National Drunk Driving Awareness Month, could you please do us all a favor and think before you drink? Or at the very least, could you think before you drive and endanger someone else's life? You may not feel the impact or the pain, because you're so drunk and numb at the time, but there is going to be a family, like Kim's, who will feel this pain and loss for the rest of their lives.
Kim Cook didn't have to die. So, let's not let her die in vain. Let's grant her the wish of being in the Army--and take action to stop others from driving drunk and end this senseless war. Drunk driving needs to stop, what are you doing to fight back?
Locally, we hope to offer free taxi service to anyone drinking so that don't have to drive drunk. But the best cure to prevent this all together is to not to drink at all. The Bible tells us "not be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Holy Spirit". Why? Because God wants us to have the fun and good times without the hangover and the harm we could bring to ourselves and others.
So, this holiday season, make it your goal to honor God, Kim, and everyone--think before you drink! And try hugs instead of drugs. After all, Jesus is the real reason for the season and what better way to celebrate than spending time with him, his precious Word, and other Christians.
To read about some young girls who are making our roads a safer place, log onto to my website @ www.atime2heal.org and check out their amazing story by clicking on the "whats new" link.
I only knew Kim for a few short months. Although her parents had told me the horrendous story of her battle with Ovarian Cancer, this 14 year old girl, never showed her scars of war. Instead, she beamed from ear to ear with new life. Especially after coming through the doors of our church in early spring when she gave her heart to Jesus.
My daughter, Melissa and her quickly became very close. But just as quickly as Kim entered our lives, she was snatched away forever. It wasn't the cancer like most would have thought, due to the enormous tumor they removed nearly a year ago.
No, Kim had already went into remission from cancer. True, it was an absolute miracle of God. The doctors could not believe it, because only months earlier, this girl had been so frail they didn't expect her to make it. But she did, conquering every milestone in her path. Except for one...
It all happened the day she was hanging out with friends, just taking a simple walk in the springtime air, when suddenly out of nowhere a Drunk Driver crossed over both lanes, the ditch, and plowed through the yard where she was walking.
In an attempt to save her two friends (which she did), she pushed them out of the way, taking the full blunt of the accident. Kim always wanted to be a soldier in the Army--that day, she definitely took the front lines.
But it was all so senseless, a young girl, with her whole life before her, gone--gone forever.
People can survive just about anything in life--but being hit by a drunk driver isn't usually one of them. You see, it's not something they can prepare for or choose. NO, the only one who can make that decision, sadly, is the person whose senses are impaired and chooses to drink and drive.
In Honor of Kim Cook, her family, all the other victims of drunk driving, and National Drunk Driving Awareness Month, could you please do us all a favor and think before you drink? Or at the very least, could you think before you drive and endanger someone else's life? You may not feel the impact or the pain, because you're so drunk and numb at the time, but there is going to be a family, like Kim's, who will feel this pain and loss for the rest of their lives.
Kim Cook didn't have to die. So, let's not let her die in vain. Let's grant her the wish of being in the Army--and take action to stop others from driving drunk and end this senseless war. Drunk driving needs to stop, what are you doing to fight back?
Locally, we hope to offer free taxi service to anyone drinking so that don't have to drive drunk. But the best cure to prevent this all together is to not to drink at all. The Bible tells us "not be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Holy Spirit". Why? Because God wants us to have the fun and good times without the hangover and the harm we could bring to ourselves and others.
So, this holiday season, make it your goal to honor God, Kim, and everyone--think before you drink! And try hugs instead of drugs. After all, Jesus is the real reason for the season and what better way to celebrate than spending time with him, his precious Word, and other Christians.
To read about some young girls who are making our roads a safer place, log onto to my website @ www.atime2heal.org and check out their amazing story by clicking on the "whats new" link.
God bless you and have a safe and happy holiday season! Merry Christmas!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Before You Run Away
In Honor of National Youth Homelessness and Runaway Awareness Month...
Before you run away, let me tell you what it's really like out there on your own.
You think, like I did, it's going to be so cool, I can finally do what I want and make my own decisions. Oh yeah, like deciding what park bench you're going to sleep on, or where you can warm your frozen toes, or what garbage bin you're going to eat out of.
I lived out on the road for 2 years, homeless, hitchhiking around the USA. I was beaten, robbed (of the little bit of money & clothes I had), frozen, starving, kidnapped, raped many times, forced into dancing & prostitution, and nearly killed. Yet I had a safe, warm home to go to. Not where I felt important or loved, but still I had a place to go.
Many teens may not have a safe warm place at home. Some will end up prostitutes within the first 24 hours after they leave home. Some will end up raped, kidnapped, or even worse--killed. You think it won't be you or your child, but think again--I thought the same thing.
Luckily I prayed every time when in a dangerous or life threatening situation and God came through and set me free.
Maybe you're not a teen but know someone who is. Maybe you're not a runaway, but you know someone who is or is about to...
Won't you help me by raising awareness to keep teens off the street. Stand Up For Kids is one of the few organizations that help kids stay safe when they're homeless. Won't you support their cause and see what you can do to help your local chapter? http://www.standupforkids.org/
Another way you can help is by purchasing my book "Run For Your Life" which is my life story of all my encounters running away After teens read this, they'll be running in a whole new direction--not to all the things I did, but to life in Christ! Books are available on my website http://www.atime2heal.org/.
Before you run away, let me tell you what it's really like out there on your own.
You think, like I did, it's going to be so cool, I can finally do what I want and make my own decisions. Oh yeah, like deciding what park bench you're going to sleep on, or where you can warm your frozen toes, or what garbage bin you're going to eat out of.
I lived out on the road for 2 years, homeless, hitchhiking around the USA. I was beaten, robbed (of the little bit of money & clothes I had), frozen, starving, kidnapped, raped many times, forced into dancing & prostitution, and nearly killed. Yet I had a safe, warm home to go to. Not where I felt important or loved, but still I had a place to go.
Many teens may not have a safe warm place at home. Some will end up prostitutes within the first 24 hours after they leave home. Some will end up raped, kidnapped, or even worse--killed. You think it won't be you or your child, but think again--I thought the same thing.
Luckily I prayed every time when in a dangerous or life threatening situation and God came through and set me free.
Maybe you're not a teen but know someone who is. Maybe you're not a runaway, but you know someone who is or is about to...
Won't you help me by raising awareness to keep teens off the street. Stand Up For Kids is one of the few organizations that help kids stay safe when they're homeless. Won't you support their cause and see what you can do to help your local chapter? http://www.standupforkids.org/
Another way you can help is by purchasing my book "Run For Your Life" which is my life story of all my encounters running away After teens read this, they'll be running in a whole new direction--not to all the things I did, but to life in Christ! Books are available on my website http://www.atime2heal.org/.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
How To Forgive When We Can't Forget
Is that even possible? To forgive someone when you can't forget the horrible thing they did. Yes, actually it is.
My first hubby was physically abusive (hit, kicked, pulled my hair, threw me down stairs, raped me, trapped me in rooms, kidnapped me, burnt me with lit cigarettes, and he had numerous affairs and left me for my older married sister who was separated from her husband). Yes, it hurt! BAD! I thought worse than any pain I could ever feel. He was my first love. The only one I completely trusted. Only to be hurt and rejected like all the others.
My second hubby seemed to be the perfect gentlemen while we were dating. He opened doors for me, brought me flowers, and told me I was the most beautiful woman in the world. However, when he proposed to me, I felt this strong urge (I now Know as the Holy Spirit) telling me not to marry him. I married him, knowing God could and would forgive me and he did. But the pain I endured the next 7 years was a hundred times worse than the beatings I withstood in my first marriage. Not only was my husband addicted to pornography and had an affair, but he also molested our 3 children.
After that marriage I was totally devastated and didn't feel as though I could trust anyone, let alone forgive all the men that had hurt me since I was a little girl. Yet, because I held onto all that pain and bitterness and wouldn't let go, they weren't the ones hurting; I was.
When God tells us to forgive or we will not be forgiven, it's for our own good. With bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness in our heart, we will not have peace or joy. The joy of the Lord is our strength and peace brings health to our mind.
God totally wants us to be healthy. He understands we have feelings. But we also have a choice. We don't have to "feel" in our hearts like forgiving someone, we just have to make the choice to do it. Forgiveness isn't a feeling, it's an action. We simply say, "I forgive you. I may not like what you did to me or my children, and I'm not going to continue to let you hurt or abuse us. But I forgive you."
Just saying those three simple words "I Forgive You" releases us from a bitter spirit and allows us to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It worked for me and I know it will work for you.
God's ways are so simple. It's us who always tries to complicate everything. He knows we may never forget what happened to us, yet he also knows that with His Holy Spirit's power we can forgive and be free! Take Joseph in Genesis 36:25-37:14 for example. Even though his brothers tried to kill him and sold him into slavery, he forgave them, even before they asked him too!
So why not say: I forgive you to everyone who has hurt you and be set free today. It only takes a second. And you'll have a lifetime of joy and peace!
My first hubby was physically abusive (hit, kicked, pulled my hair, threw me down stairs, raped me, trapped me in rooms, kidnapped me, burnt me with lit cigarettes, and he had numerous affairs and left me for my older married sister who was separated from her husband). Yes, it hurt! BAD! I thought worse than any pain I could ever feel. He was my first love. The only one I completely trusted. Only to be hurt and rejected like all the others.
My second hubby seemed to be the perfect gentlemen while we were dating. He opened doors for me, brought me flowers, and told me I was the most beautiful woman in the world. However, when he proposed to me, I felt this strong urge (I now Know as the Holy Spirit) telling me not to marry him. I married him, knowing God could and would forgive me and he did. But the pain I endured the next 7 years was a hundred times worse than the beatings I withstood in my first marriage. Not only was my husband addicted to pornography and had an affair, but he also molested our 3 children.
After that marriage I was totally devastated and didn't feel as though I could trust anyone, let alone forgive all the men that had hurt me since I was a little girl. Yet, because I held onto all that pain and bitterness and wouldn't let go, they weren't the ones hurting; I was.
When God tells us to forgive or we will not be forgiven, it's for our own good. With bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness in our heart, we will not have peace or joy. The joy of the Lord is our strength and peace brings health to our mind.
God totally wants us to be healthy. He understands we have feelings. But we also have a choice. We don't have to "feel" in our hearts like forgiving someone, we just have to make the choice to do it. Forgiveness isn't a feeling, it's an action. We simply say, "I forgive you. I may not like what you did to me or my children, and I'm not going to continue to let you hurt or abuse us. But I forgive you."
Just saying those three simple words "I Forgive You" releases us from a bitter spirit and allows us to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It worked for me and I know it will work for you.
God's ways are so simple. It's us who always tries to complicate everything. He knows we may never forget what happened to us, yet he also knows that with His Holy Spirit's power we can forgive and be free! Take Joseph in Genesis 36:25-37:14 for example. Even though his brothers tried to kill him and sold him into slavery, he forgave them, even before they asked him too!
So why not say: I forgive you to everyone who has hurt you and be set free today. It only takes a second. And you'll have a lifetime of joy and peace!
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