Amazing Grace
Posted by Melinda | Filed under Uncategorized
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine
You know…this song really hits home for me. You can look back on when I first started going to NHC to when I was Saved and Baptized and if you know me….you know it’s been a big deal. The words to this song ring as loud and true as the day is long. I was a lost soul until the day I TRULY found my faith…the day I prayed that prayer to be saved…and then the day I was Baptized at NHC. I was living every which way but straight trying to find my way in this world.
I feel like it took half a lifetime (assuming I might live twice as long as I already have) for God to truly come into my life. And I often sit and wonder….why did it take so long. But you know…God played his part in that. He may have intended it that way…because at any given time he could have come into my life in his own way. But he orchestrated it so that it was partially my decision. (Well - technically…it was all his decision…but he orchestrated it to lead me to it). So I imagine…that is the way he intended it to be. He intended for me to go through the trials and tribulations of 33 years on this earth before I would truly turn to him to guide me the rest of the way through this world. The hurt, the pain, the bad choices, the sin…he WANTED me to go through that. So that I would appreciate this relationship that I am building with him now all the more! And he’s working through the gift he’s given me (poetry) to express some of that and praise him all the same. It means a little more that I’m not “just writing”, but that I’m putting parts of me into the words I write. (Click on the tag “Poem” to see my Faith poetry if you haven’t seen it yet).
I am slowly learning to find the good in the bad and see the Blessing in the burden. So perhaps, every bit of baggage has it’s benefit in some way.
So now here I am in a wonderful church, in a new and fun Community Group and constantly finding ways to serve him in any way I can. Now…I’m contributing to the Youth Ministry at NHC. (Possibly my true calling…kids….creativity….communication…) I’ve embarked on the journey of being a Club 56 Community Group Leader. This past Sunday was my first official “gig” and……..it felt good! Serving God, being with kids, mentoring their faith. Life is good
So when all is said and done…I know it will all come full circle.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by Melinda | Filed under Uncategorized
And friends throughout the day
But thought I’d take a minute
Just to take the time to say
As we all sit at our tables
To enjoy a special feast
I wish you all the best
And hope your day is filled with peace
Some of us are quite content
And know just what we’re thankful for
But some are going through hard times
And so may not be sure
To those who have tough choices
That they still have yet to make
To those of us who’ve falterred
Because we all can make mistakes
To those who feel alone
Because from loved ones you’re apart
To those who’ve lost a loved one
And have grief on your heart
To those who’ve made big moves
And maybe are just unsure
To those who have those hard days
That get tougher to endure
To those with big decisions
Of which path they’ve got to choose
To those who may feel down
Because of holiday blues
No matter what your troubles
For this day leave them behind
May you find a peaceful moment
With no troubles on your mind
Rejoice and Praise our Father
For he will set things right
He will calm your heart
And he will wrap you in his light
So praise him in your blessing
Before you touch your plate
For he is the Most High
And there is no one else as Great!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!
Melinda
Catching Up to Do
Posted by Melinda | Filed under Uncategorized
Well I had a great weekend. Got to check out the Bucky Covington and Jason Michael Covington concert in Raleigh this weekend. My friend Tiffany (who has been supportive in my Faith since the day she found out) invited me. It was a great show. Also made a new friend through Tiffany, Bev. And ran up with someone who I met briefly at the Bull City Trail Ride. Got a chance to get acquainted since the ride was hectic. Very nice and sweet person!
Saturday was uneventful. Got a load of hay for the horses in the morning. Took Taira to see Bee Movie (WE NEED BEES! Ha ha!) Came home and took a nap, then headed to a surprise party for a friend (that turned out not to be such a surprise after all. Well it was the thought that counts!)
Sunday was a big day at NHC.
We’re still in the baggage series and it’s getting pretty heavy. I know I have a pretty heavy bag among all the carry ons that I need to check. It’s a pretty hard one. I know I need to let it go, but it’s one of those that you hold onto. Pretty deep scars associated with this one and they like to surface at the most inopportune times! My church family was MIA in first service (and second - where WERE YOU!!!)and I probably could have used a hand to hold this service. But I know I’m never really alone, so even with an empty chair to my right or left there’s still a comforter.
I attended the Xalt meeting after first service. Looking forward to putting some creative juices to work with Dougie and crew.
Adam Cook, the Youth Pastor is back to work. Keep him in your prayers, but at least he’s out of the bed. Been waiting to catch up with him after a few e-mails to see if I could help out with the Youth Ministry before his accdident and this Sunday was the first time we got to catch up. So I sat in on the Club 56 service to see if I thought I could plug in and it was great. In fact, I sat in on one of the small groups with a leader who is having to step down for a bit…and well looks like I’m going to be a new Club 56 CGL! I’m very excited. Getting to work with the kids and serve God at the same time. So keep me in your prayers that I will “Be all that I can be!”
I also attended the Guest Services semi-annual meeting. I was asked to write a rap for the occassion in appreciation of Guest Services. Here’s how it went”
Today we’re giving praise
Giving thanks to all of you
Because we are so Blessed
By everything you do
You volunteer your time
And you do it graciously
Helping everyone feel welcome
When they come to NHC
From helping park the cars
To greeting all our guests
Collecting Offerings or
Keeping Coffee Fresh
Dedication
Committment
You show in every task
If it needs be done
We seldom have to ask
Everything you’re doing
Is noticed every day
Service with a Smile
Because it is your way
So thanks for all you do
And all of your hard work
In glorifying God
At New Horizon Church!
In case you don’t realize how important all of these volunteers are, they are the people helping with parking, greeting you at the door, welcoming you at Guest Services, providing coffee and biscotti between services and overall being the warm and fuzzy at NHC. I personally can attest, that the warm and fuzzy played a big part in my continuing to attend NHC to the point of being saved and Baptized in a months time.
I think the Casting Crowns “Does Anybody Hear Her” video has a great scene that relays the importance of their roles. The girl in the video has been out on the town. She’s been noticing the cheerful church group. This day she has been out all night, looks a wreck and decides to pull into the church. She tries to straighten out her hair and clothes to go into the church. A mother passing by gives a “look” and herds her child away. The cheerful church group approaches to enter the church. The girl looks hopeful that they will welcome her in, but they continue to chatter and walk right in past her without a word. There’s nobody to give her that “we’re glad your here. Come on on” warm fuzzy - - - and she turns and does NOT go into the church. If only there had been greeters at the door…..
I also think this video is a good example of how even if you are NOT a greeter or a member of Guest Services elsewhere…it’s important that you give out that warm and fuzzy vibe. Especially to someone who may look like they are a newcomer…not sure where to go…looking for someone to just say “HI! WELCOME TO NHC!”
Maybe you can offer that type of warm and fuzzy. Come hang out with me at the door as a greeter one service and maybe you might find that this could be somewhere you can contribute to the warm and fuzzy at church! If not, we can find something for you to do. But give it some thought. Let me know!
Well this week is Thanksgiving. We have lots to be thankful for. I will be going to moms for the day and have a movie date in the evening. I will miss my friend Michelle who has spent the past couple of Thanksgivings with us…but she’s in North Dakota. Sigh. It will feel a little emptier without her. But I will be thankful for all that I have and all that God blesses me with, friends near or far who care about and love me, a new accepting church family, my beautiful daughter and family, the animals God has put in my care and the grace of God that he awakens me every day and is finding ways for me to use my gifts to serve Him. Feel free to let me know what you are thankful for. Will blog again soon…
Mel
Faith Poetry by Me
Posted by Melinda | Filed under Uncategorized
PURPOSEFULLY GIFTED
I’ve questioned many times
That I am where I’m meant to be
That you knew what you were doing
When you created what is …me
So many times I questioned
What I could be meant to do
I wondered why you’d choose me
And what I could mean to you
I took the gifts you gave me
For your purpose and your cause
I only knew to use them
Just to seek my own applause
I hid from you in fear
I didn’t want to realize
That my purpose could be clear
Until you reached and pulled me to you
Lord you held me there so tight
You filled me with your peace
Wrapped me in your love and light
Now I’ve never been so sure
Is to share the gifts you gave me
To bring others close to you!
COMMON THREAD
We are all woven by God
Like a cloth
Our threads chosen carefully
Each of us woven to be unique
Made of individual fragile threads
Yet created with the strength
To endure the snags of life
Some of us have common threads
Snagged and tattered
Pieces of us that have become …unwoven
But our creator designed us to be snagged
He uses our tattered edges
Our fragile, common threads
To bind, to strengthen
And weave together
To become one unique and special
Patchwork quilt…of common thread!
Melinda
YOU WON’T BREAK ME
I feel your presence today
I know why your here
I know your motive
But you won’t break me
You’re lying in wait
For me to be vulnerable
Waiting for my walls crash down
But you won’t break me!
You will stalk me when I am at my best
You will prey on me when I am down
Seeking the tiniest hole to rip open
But you won’t break me
I will always be one step ahead
Strengthened by Faith
Forgiveness and redemption
You won’t break me
Guarded by angels
In flesh and in Heaven
They pray for me…with me
…and for you!
So you won’t break me!
For I am held in His hands
He who lives in my heart
And no matter how hard you try
You won’t break me
I was broken when He found me
He cleansed and rebuilt me
To never again be broken
So see…you can’t break me
For I am a blessed child of God
When God rocks our World
Sometimes God might rock our world
And we, at first, don’t understand
To test our Faith, but build our strength
And prove He holds us in his hands
Sometimes we doubt and question Him
That He would let us go through pain
That He would darken up our days
Instead of sun…He’d bring us rain
But through the storm, hold strong in Him
Trust that He will bring you through
Because he dwells within our hearts
With a love that’s pure and true
So through your storms hold onto Him
Trust that He will not let go
He loves us more than any man
And more than we could ever know.
JOURNEY TO THE CROSS
God sent to us his son
To walk among us as a man
That he loved us all that much
We may never truly understand
He was sent to save mankind
To be our saviour…Jesus Christ
He would walk here in the flesh
Until his Holy sacrifice
His miracles were many
Through his time of ministry
He raised the dead…on water walked
Even cured blind men to see
He preached of true repentance
That our wrongs could be undone
And he preached of the Good News
Of Heaven’s Kingdom sure to come
At his last Passover meal
He prophesied he’d be betrayed
By one…his own disciple
So in Gethsemane they prayed
Was by a kiss…he was arrested
Without a chance…he would be tried
And walk a Journey to the Cross
Where he would be crucified
But there upon that cross
That would not be where it eneded
For He would be resurrected
Then to Heaven be ascended
With the promise to return
And for this day we all wait for
When he will reign as King of Kings
And as the Lord of Lords!
Melinda 2008
We have bookmarks of this poem from the Xalt Journey. Let me know if you’d like to share this with someone!
Romans 5:3-5
Sometimes it rains
And we tend to lose sight
The clouds overtake us
And make dim our light
We’re anguished and hurt
We see nothing to gain
And we turn to Him asking
“Why would you bring pain?”
Yet He may remain silent
Offering not a word
And cause us to question
If prayers have been heard
For a time we may suffer
In worry or fear
And don’t recognize that…
We do preservere
He does not leave us
For we are never denied
We may not feel him
But He’s there at our side
And when the rain clears
And our hope is renewed
We give Glory to GOD
That he carried us through!
Forgiveness
Forgiveness should come easy
But it seems for us, so hard
To take something someone’s said or done
And hold no ill regard
Sometimes we’ve been cut deeply
And we carry in our heart
Emotions that we can’t let go
To give a brand new start
Sometimes we let consume us
Placing contempt and blame
We tend to walk the other way
Or cringe at someone’s name
But how can we refuse
To forgive someone for the hurt
When we know WE were forgiven
By our Father, not on earth
We’ve been ultimately forgiven
Our sins were swept away
Through a holy sacrifice
And it’s in his name we pray
So for him we must forgive
Just as he’s Forgiven us our sins
And every time you do this
Know that you honor him!
Sometimes I Stray
Away from his word
God’s song plays softly
But to me is unheard Sometimes I get busy
And throughout the day
I fail to make time
To praise God and pray Sometimes I falter
When sin tempts my name
And instead of forgiving
I’m quick to place blame Sometimes I come close
To following lust
And I turn from God
Reluctant to trust Sometimes I have doubt
In the Faith and His Grace
And start second guessing
God’s dwelling place But though I may stray
And choose to walk alone
My God will be patient
And will welcome me home!
CARRIED
Carried… while my soul weathered the storm
My light flickered dimly, battered and worn
Carried…through trial I felt destined to fail
A soul lost at sea, with no wind in my sail
Carried… at times I felt too weak to stand
When I couldn’t go on, He offered his hand
Carried… until I could stand on my own
And walk once again, only never alone
Carried…not once does He threaten to leave
Simply promises love if I only believe.
In his Love that’s forgiving
A love pure and true
The love of my GOD
Always carries me through!
Melinda
This poem was inspired by the recent viewing of Nooma: Rhtym by Rob Bell (www.nooma.com) It yielded for great discussion and really got us thinking. An A+ recommendation in my book!
Right now it’s playing all around
It’s a never ending song
And a joyous, peaceful sound
With each new saved believer
A new instrument chimes in
To amplify the chorus
Glorifying all that’s Him
Each of us in the song
For we each have our own place
He’s made us each a note
In our own intended space
Sometimes you may not be in tune
For a moment with the chord
Yet the song will be forgiving
And still glorify the Lord
Sometimes you may not hear it
When your faith has gone astray
But the song plays loud and strong
When you’re living in God’s way
The song is steady growing
Through our faith and in our hearts
And if you miss beat or two
The song will willingly restart
A poem inspired by the NHC Baggage series. www.havebaggage.com
I’ve been on a trip…
And while on this trip
I have faced many fears
I’m still on this trip
As I live day by day
I’ve collected some baggage
While on my way
I carry it with me
It makes some days slow
For it so weighs me down
Wherever I go
There are bags filled with feelings
That are burden to bear
Feelings so painful
That they are hard to share
From deceit to abandon
To fear and abuse
Bags upon bags
That are serving no use
But I’m ready to check it
It’s time that I should
And If I check it with God
I can check it for good
He’s willing to take it
And keep it for me
So my load will be lightened
…and my soul will be free
To continue my trip
For the journey is long
But with the baggage checked in
I know I can go on
I know you have baggage
As most of us do
But if you are ready to check it
God has room for yours, too!
TEMPTED
I’ve been tempted
By ways common to man
Fell weak in the past
And was unable to stand
Tempted by anger
Sex, money and sin
And before I found God
The devil would win
But then God stepped up
And he showed me the way
To stand up to temptation
Now I simply just pray
1st Corinthians 10
Says that a way out
Will be given by God
Now I have no doubt
Through the Word of my God
I’ll be given a hand
So whenever I’m tempted
I know I can stand
So if you’re feeling tempted
You can turn to him, too
And just trust in His Word
And he will guide you through!
Melinda
And…if you have a story to tell about being tempted or how to fight temptation, please go to www.beentempted.com and share your story. It will be posted completely anonymous!
On My Knees-
A poem about deliverance and redemption!
On My Knees
I cry
I weep
I am humbled by Him
On My Knees
I concede
I submit
I surrender to Him
On My Knees
I beg
I plead
Ask forgiveness of Him
On My Knees
I Pray
I worship
I give glory to Him
On My Feet
I Praise
I am raised
I’m cleansed of my sin
EVERY DAY’S A BLESSING
Every Day’s a Blessing
A gift from God himself
When we say we’re Blessed
We don’t mean monetary wealth
For every day’s a Blessing
When we awaken to the sun
Cuz He who is our Savior
Is He who sees it done.
Every day’s a Blessing
And so is every friend
Wether you see them every day
Or every now and then
Every day’s a Blessing
Even when the day is tough
For He will see you through it
And decide you’ve had enough
Every days a Blessing
Every laugh and every tear
He smiles down upon us
He wipes away our fear
Every days a Blessing
Every gifts a Blessing, too
For He’s blessed us each with one
And some with more than two
Every day’s a Blessing
And so is every word
But know the biggest Blessing
Is one not seen or heard
For every day’s a Blessing
And so is every night
For even when our eyes are closed
We are Blessed to see his light.
THE DOOR
I praise you every day
My Savior…how you reign
Not a day on this earth passes
That I will not praise your name
There’s no other above you
Or who’s love is great as yours
For you found me when I was so lost
And pulled me through that door
You cleansed me, made me new
Forgave me of my sins
Shut the door behind me
And let the new me in
I praise you every day
Though you are worthy of so much more
And I pray that you will never
Let me fall back through that door
You are He who’s most exalted
You are He who reigns above
And you are He who is the Savior
With an everlasting love….
UNBROKEN
You put me back together
When I was a broken piece of art
Glued my lost soul back together
And gave me a new start
The vision you designed
I know was meant to include me
As I walk with you on this journey
I can only hope that’s what I’ll be
You constantly amaze me
With the blessings that you bring
And I see a whole new vision
When I look at everything
Now I praise you every day
As I worship only you
And I know that you are with me
In everything I do
There’s no limit to my Faith
Nothing out of reach or sight
And even when I’m in the darkness
I will always see your light!
CHRISTMAS 2007
As you open presents
At the starting of this day
I hope you’ll take a minute
Before you do and pray
The novelty of Christmas
Presents, ribbons, bells and bows
Sometimes overpowers
The reason all should know
No Santa can outdo
With a reindeer driven sleigh
The gift our God gave all
On this very Blessed Day
Christmas is to celebrate
A very special birth
The day that our Lord Jesus
Came to be with us on earth
So Praise God that he was gracious
With the gift He came to bring
A Saviour for us all
His son…our Mighty King!
THANKGIVING 2007
Thanksgiving we’ll be with family
And friends throughout the day
But thought I’d take a minute
Just to take the time to say
As we all sit at our tables
To enjoy a special feast
I wish you all the best
And hope your day is filled with peace
Some of us are quite content
And know just what we’re thankful for
But some are going through hard times
And so may not be sure
To those who have tough choices
That they still have yet to make
To those of us who’ve falterred
Because we all can make mistakes
To those who feel alone
Because from loved ones you’re apart
To those who’ve lost a loved one
And have grief on your heart
To those who’ve made big moves
And maybe are just unsure
To those who have those hard days
That get tougher to endure
To those with big decisions
Of which path they’ve got to choose
To those who may feel down
Because of holiday blues
No matter what your troubles
For this day leave them behind
May you find a peaceful moment
With no troubles on your mind
Rejoice and Praise our Father
For he will set things right
He will calm your heart
And he will wrap you in his light
So praise him in your blessing
Before you touch your plate
For he is the Most High
And there is no one else as Great!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!
Here are a few poems that were created out of Friendship
I created this poem when Belinda (one of my BESTEST friends and my sister…) and I began to establish that our frienship was more than aquaintance. (We all know - I have LOTS of acquaintances…but my true friend circle is small and intimate). So this was just a little something I put together for her to let her know just what kind of friendship she could expect from me! Yup- I still love you girl and I hope that these words have held true for you!
I am no Fairweather Friend
I do believe in thick and thin
In being there when times are tough
And helping out when things are rough
I am no Fairweather Friend
Waiting for tifts to just self mend
I believe in talking through
And I can say I’m sorry, too!
I am no Fairweather Friend
Just to say it once again
I believe in Midnight Calls
To pick you up, if you might fall!
I am no Fairweather Friend
Never ever have I been
I will be there to help you out
And this my friend - don’t ever doubt!
I am no Fairweather Friend
I’ll be there right ’til the end
And you should know these words are true
I hope you are the same way, too!!
I wrote this poem in frustration with a friend. She had gone through some very hard times and I helped here weather the storms…but the storm had passed and she still waited for me under the umbrella.
SHALLOW WATERS
Once again your soul needs saving…once again I am the one
I throw a life preserver and bring you back afloat
Warn you to learn to swim (or next time don’t leaev the boat!)
But here you find yourself again, you scream as your arms flail
You’re calling out my name to rescue you (it never fails!)
So here I am again…life preserver in my hand
But telling you to save yourself, because I know you can
It was me this time who pushed you, just to see what you would do
They said you’d still feign drowning, I swore it wasn’t true
So now you sit there drowning in not enough to even swallow
Refusing to stand up like you don’t know the water’s shallow
As I stand knee deep beside you with my head high in the air
You could simply stand up with me and yet don’t try to care
Will you choose to stand or drown until the very end
And if I watch you drown yourself…am I less of a friend?
Tags: my poetry
Carried (A Poem)
Posted by Melinda | Filed under Uncategorized
My light flickered dimly, battered and worn
Carried…through trial I felt destined to fail
A soul lost at sea, with no wind in my sail
Carried… at times I felt too weak to stand
When I couldn’t go on, He offered his hand
Carried… until I could stand on my own
And walk once again, only never alone
Carried…not once does He threaten to leave
Simply promises love if I only believe.
In his Love that’s forgiving
A love pure and true
The love of my GOD
Always carries me through!
Melinda
My KLove Thankful Submission
Posted by Melinda | Filed under Uncategorized
But in addition….you win a Thanksgiving feast for your family from Honeybaked!
But that’s not the best part. If your submission is read on the air you win TWO of everything. That means an additional meal for a family in need in your area. Not to mention maybe the possibility of putting God into another family’s heart with the gift of the Bible and two inspirational books.
So while it would be nice to take the work out of cooking this Thanksgiving…I’m hoping to feed a family in the area and if they are not already walking with Christ….maybe start them on their journey. We are not all as blessed as to be able to afford to feed our families and it would be nice to make a difference in helping one family this Thanksgiving by reassuring someone’s faith!
So wish me luck! This was hard- you know my poems tend to be longer and this one…could have been SOOOO long. But I tried to squeeze it all into less than 100 words. And there are probably a gazillion other submissions. If mine happens to find it’s way across the air it would be wonderful. If not - I am still thankful for the gift that I’ve been blessed to write such poems as this.
This Pastor Has Guts
Posted by Melinda | Filed under Uncategorized
to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the
usual generalities, but this is what they heard: “Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to
seek your direction and guidance.
We know Your Word says, ‘Woe to those who call evil good,’ but that is
exactly what we have done.
We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have
exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice .
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable .
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self
esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor’s possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it
freedom of expression .
We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it
enlightenment .
Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and
set us free. Amen!”
The response was immediate. A number of legislators walked out during the
prayer in protest!
In 6 short weeks, Central Christian Church, where Rev. Wright is pastor,
logged more than 5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls responding
! negativ ely. The church is now receiving international requests for copies of
this prayer from India , Africa and Korea .
Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, “The Rest of
the Story,” and received a larger response to this program than any other he
has ever aired.
With the Lord’s help , may this prayer sweep over our nation and
wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called “one nation
under God.”
The one thing he “forgot” to do at the end of his prayer ~ the Bible tells us to pray in Jesus’ name. (taught in John 14:13-14) SO WE PRAY IN JESUS NAME, AMEN!!
If possible, please pass this prayer on to your friends. “If you don’t stand
for something, you will fall for everything.
Baggage (The Poem)
Posted by Melinda | Filed under Uncategorized
I’ve been on a trip…
And while on this trip
I have faced many fears
I’m still on this trip
As I live day by day
I’ve collected some baggage
While on my way
I carry it with me
It makes some days slow
For it so weighs me down
Wherever I go
There are bags filled with feelings
That are burden to bear
Feelings so painful
That they are hard to share
From deceit to abandon
To fear and abuse
Bags upon bags
That are serving no use
But I’m ready to check it
It’s time that I should
And If I check it with God
I can check it for good
He’s willing to take it
And keep it for me
So my load will be lightened
…and my soul will be free
To continue my trip
For the journey is long
But with the baggage checked in
I know I can go on
I know you have baggage
As most of us do
But if you are ready to check it
God has room for yours, too!
Back from the Beach
Posted by Melinda | Filed under Uncategorized
The weather…as you can see…was phenomenal. We got a little wind on Friday and the waters were rough, but that was it. Still t-shirt/sweatshirt weather. It was beautiful! Being out on the beach and looking out at the ocean watching the waves crash in all their splendor really puts you in touch with GOD!
It was a great time for a great cause. This is my second year in attendance, Taira’s first. She was so excited about the whole darned thing. It was a great time and it was spent with some of my very best friends which made it all the more special!
Get this - this event was started by a great guy named Jack Monroe. He started the event in an effort to save riding horses on the beach. So he and a few guys got together and held the first ride 26 years ago with about 20 horses and raised $3200. Guess how much this ride gauged this year? $304,000!!!!!!!! (Did you just spit your drink onto your computer screen? That’s a LOT of money!)
It gets bigger every year. When Jack started this ride, he was doing it fortwo reasons, to support a good cause and preserve the horseback riding on the beach. I bet he had no idea how big it would get. I think there were close to 1300 horses on the beach this year - quite a jump from 20 doncha think? Every rider makes a donation to participate and then in addition has the option to collect more money in fundraising efforts. Since starting this event, Jack Monroe has had 5 heart attacks…but not until later in his life and in the history of the ride. And where do you think help came from? The American Heart Association…a cause he’s been supporting for 26 years. Go figure! Somewhere in there is God don’t you think? I do! God put Jack on the path to raise money for a cause that would be his own saving grace later down the road.
Thank you to all and anyone who donated to this cause…and if you haven’t….consider it for next year because I will be going again next year! There’s no feeling in the world like the one I get right here:
The only down side of this trip is that I missed church on Sunday and it was the first in the “Baggage” series. I know I have a lot of baggage so I really am looking forward to it. I know since the Forgiveness Message Jamie gave a few months ago….I’ve really been able to let go of some things and step in the direction of forgiveness and the emotional burden has been lessened by doing so. So now…maybe I can reap the same benefit from learnng how to check all the baggage I’ve been toting in my heart! Waiting for the podcast to pop up.
