If You Can Use Anything, Lord, You Can Use Me...

If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me.
If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me.
Take my hands, Lord, take my feet.
Touch my heart, Lord, speak through me.
If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me.

I remember a story in the Bible days.
You took a man called Moses with a rod in his hand.
You told Moses, "Take the rod in your hand,
Stretch it forth, and walk on dry land."
If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me.

If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me.
If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me.
Take my hands, Lord, take my feet.
Touch my heart, Lord, speak through me.
If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me.

I remember a story, I remember it well.
He took a shepherd boy, David, with a sling in his hand.
He took the rock with the sling in his hand,
He flung it forth and the giant fell dead.
If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me.

If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me.
If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me.
Take my hands, Lord, take my feet.
Touch my heart, Lord, speak through me.
If You can use anything, Lord, You can use me.

Yes

I'll say, "Yes, Lord, Yes. To Your Will and to Your Way." I'll say, "Yes, Lord, Yes. I will trust You and obey." When Your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I'll agree. And my answer will be, "Yes, Lord, Yes."

      I have had this song stuck in my head for the last few hours. I just wanted to share it.

Storms...

      Wow. It sure has been quite a while since I posted last. Wow. I didn't realize how long it had been!


      So, I was thinking the other day (like a month or so ago - while driving to the church) about something that I'd like to share... 


      I was driving to church and it was storming really bad - raining so bad, I could barely see to drive. It was pretty crazy. Anyways, the sky was really dark, right when I left my house, and I remember thinking about how flooded the church parking lot and lawn would be. LOL. I seriously couldn't see any blue sky at all when I left my house. But when I started getting closer to the church (close to North Medford High School), I saw blue sky. It looked really amazing and gorgeous! I pulled up at the church and there was no flooding or anything - in fact, it was barely sprinkling when I got there. I know this is kinda cheesy, but I instantly drew a parallel between that and our spiritual lives. We could be going through a huge storm in our lives (spiritual or not, I guess), and can't see an end to it. No matter how far off we look, all we can see is the storm that we are going through. God promised us in His Word that "...this too shall pass..." No matter what storm(s) we are going through in life, it will pass.


      Just a little something that I was thinking about. Not very "deep" or anything, but I wanted to share it. 

Happy 25th Birthday, Kraig!!!

*Happy Happy Birthday! From Applebees To You! 

I Wish It Was My Birthday! 

So I Could Party Too! Hey!*

      I just want to give a huge shout out to my awesome husband, Kraig, on his 25th bday! Wow! 25 years, babe! You are old!!! Seriously though, babe... I am so proud of the man you have become! Sigh. It seems like only 40 months and 5 days ago, we were saying, "I do." Sigh. We have both changed since then....but one thing is majorly different with you (and not with me)...you are old. I, however, am still young! - But I will try not to rub it in too often =P It brings tears to my eyes knowing that you were once young, but you are now old. I love you and I will always be here for you if/when you need me! And I am really thankful because I know that goes both ways (you will always be there for me)! Words could never express how much you mean to me...I love you!

      So, I completely stand by what I say when I say that you're perfect...however, this isn't quite the same kind of "perfect" that I am referring to. But you DO cook amazing, so I'm good with that =D Anyways, I saw it and I thought of you! I am so blessed to have such a perfect husband as you, baby!

      I love you so much! I am so glad that I got to marry my best friend! I love you and I hope you are having (and will continue to have) an AWESOME 25TH BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did wanna say something serious, but I couldn't really think of what to say. So, instead, I will just put this...

I love you so much!

The Great and Mighty Wonders of His Hands...

Morning sun, mountains tall, 

God above designed them all.

Running streams, desert sands, 

just a few of the wonders of His Hands.

I'm amazed when I see

All He's done, and to know He did it all for me.

Oh, how great! Oh, how grand!

Are the great and mighty wonders of His Hands.

On a hill, on a cross,

He stretched out His Hands to save a world so lost.

In the pain, was a plan,

This would be the greatest wonder of His Hands.

I'm amazed when I see

All He's done, and to know He did it all for me.

Oh, how great! Oh, how grand!

Are the great and mighty wonders of His Hands.

Broken lives, torn by sin,

Just one touch of His Hands brand new again.

Born in love, free to stand,

As a new and glorious creation of His Hands.

I'm amazed when I see

All He's done, and to know He did it all for me.

Oh, how great! Oh, how grand!

Are the great and mighty wonders of His Hands.

      

      Sometimes I wonder how evolutionists can really believe that this beautiful world just came about by a "big bang" or something like that. I have only been to a few (comparatively) of the United States and a little bit of Canada...I have seen some pretty amazing things: scenery that I was just in awe of and I could look at for hours and not get bored. I know that there is still so much out there - things that are way more amazing than I have ever seen...and probably ever will see. But there is one thing that I see every day that is so much more complex than any other part of the universe. The human body. I read things about the human body, the mind, etc...and I am in awe. Seriously...how could someone honestly believe that the human body evolved from apes....or even from some goop or something. It's crazy. Well, I was just thinking of this song and started to think about the different "wonders of His Hands" and thought that I'd write about it real quick. 

      

      There is a passage in the Bible that comes to mind when thinking about this:

      O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who has set they glory about the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast though ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. When I consider thy heavens, the work of the fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou has ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou has made him a little lower than the angels, and has crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowls of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is they name in all the earth!

~Psalm 8:1-9

Shout Outs!!!!

      There are some people in my life who I am extremely thankful for! I am thankful for all of you, but I am not going to be able to take the time to name all of you, so I will just name a few - but just know I am thankful for YOU too:


Kraig ~ You are seriously the most wonderfulest husband a girl could ever ask for! I fall more in love with you with each passing day! You are my hero! You are my best friend! You are my mate for life, baby! Hee hee. I love you so much and I am so sooo sooooooo soooooooooo thankful for you!!!!! Love you!


Pastor & Sis Murphy ~ You both have been such a great help to me. Such an inspiration. I am so thankful for both of you. I love and appreciate you more than words can say. Thank you so much for being there for me. For praying for me. Pastor, you are the best Pastor I could ever ask for. I really am thankful that you are my Pastor/___. Sis Mother, ZOOIDS, you are a CWAZY lady, that's for sure - but I love you! I am so thankful for you!


Shaikell ~ I really need to come up with a name for you! Seriously! LOL. Just wanted to thank you for being there for me. I am soo soooo soooooo glad that we took math together. LOL. Otherwise, who knew what our relationship would be like right now. LOL. I love you and I am thankful for everything you do! -Grandma Ralph =P


Amber ~ Yes, that's right. I am thankful for you. Can't really say a whole lot...I don't want you to get a bigger head than you already have (hee hee). But I am glad you are my big little sissy. Love you!


Mom & Bryan ~ Y'all rock my socks! I always look forward to spending time with you two...you guys always make me laugh :) Love you two so much and I look forward to the next time we get to see each other!


Dad & Jeanie ~ I love you both! Y'all are awesome! There is so much I could say about you guys, but I don't think I have enough time or space. LOL. Jeanie, I am so glad that you are my step-mom. I love you! Dad, I love you and I am thankful for you!


Nikki ~ Dude. You're a mom. LOL. You have a daughter! HAHAHA! Love you!


Peyton ~ You are seriously the best niece I have ever had! I love you so much and I wish I was closer so I could watch you grow up (instead of having to wait 3 months to see you every time). You rock my socks, baby girl :)


Ashley ~ Dude! You're getting married! That's CRAZY! LOL. I am so looking forward to your wedding - it's gonna be beautiful! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of it! Love you and I am so happy for you!


Bill Pops & MIL ~ So, I am kinda partial to you two. I mean, you guys DO have a pretty awesome daughter-in-law. Seriously. How many people wish they could have a daughter-in-law like you have?!? A LOT - that's how many! hee hee. Seriously though, I am thankful for you both! I mean, for one, y'all raised a perfect son. Seriously...I don't know if you realize this or not, but you really raised a perfect son. I have been married to him for almost 3 1/2 years and I have yet to find a flaw...except for the one he married. LOL. Anyways, love and appreciate you guys :)


Briana ~ I don't really know what to say. You're crazy. LOL. I am thankful for you! Love you, girl :)


Joel ~ I miss you like crazy! Love you. 'nuff said there.


Dawnella ~ Seriously! I wish I lived a little closer. LOL. We seriously need to hang out some time...whenever both our schedule will allow. LOL. I love you and miss you like crazy! I think about some of our conversations we used to have...man, I miss you! LOL. Love ya!


Hadassah ~ I love you so much! I am so thankful for you, little sissy :) You have seriously become like a little sister to me! I love you! Thank you for everything! Seriously! You have no idea how much you mean to me! Thank you for you prayers (I know you pray for me)! Love you!!!!!


Sethy ~ You honestly think that I'd write all of this and forget you?!?!? NADA, my friend! LOL. Just wanted to say that you rock! I love hanging out with you! You have a way of making me laugh (not very many people can do that). LOL. You are such a nut - but a good nut :) LOL


And, last but not least, Michael ~ Yes, that's right. I am thankful for you, Michael. LOL. Love our little "hand shake" thing. lol. "boom wah chee" or whatever it is. LOL. You rock, Michael! Don't ever change - unless it's for the better. Hee hee. Seriously though, you're awesome :)


      I don't like giving shout outs very often because I know I missed someone/s and I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. So, as I said at the beginning of this, I am thankful for you too!!!! God bless all y'all!!!!

Footprints...

One night, I had a dream - 

I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord

and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.

For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints,

one belonged to me and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of my life flashed before me,

I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

I noticed that many times along the path of my life,

there was only one set of footprints.

I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest

and saddest times in my life.

This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it.

"Lord, You said that once I decided to follow You,

You would walk with me all the way.

But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life,

there is only one set of footprints.

I don't understand why in times when I need You most,

You should leave me."

The Lord replied,

"My precious, precious child,

I love you and I would never, never leave you.

During the times of trial and suffering,

when you saw only one set of footprints,

it was then that I carried you."

-Mary Stevenson

      This poem has always spoken to me. There are times in all of our lives when we go through times of "trial and suffering" and we feel like we are all alone. I remember one of the very first times I read this poem, I got to the very end and read the part where it says, "...it was then that I carried you" and I started to cry. Why? Because it's so true. The Lord will carry us when we don't have the strength to walk...or even to stand. If we keep our eyes on Him, He will never fail us. The Bible says,

"...for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

-Hebrews 13:5b

      It's a promise. God will be with us through everything. We just need to learn to trust Him to carry us when we don't have the strength to walk anymore...and that, my dear friends, will preach :) Just sayin.....

Lead Me, Lord...

It's hard to know the first step

When I don't know the way

Each turn is so uncertain

I learn to walk by faith

But You gave me a promise

That You will never leave

That You will lead and guide me

Lord, I do believe

Lead me, Lord

I will follow

Lead me, Lord

I will go

You have called me

I will answer

Lead me, Lord

I will go

Your plans for me are perfect

I never need to fear

For though at times I feel alone

I know that You are near

My heart just longs to follow

I'm willing to obey

Take my hand and lead me

I'll follow all the way

Lead me, Lord

I will follow

Lead me, Lord

I will go

You have called me

I will answer

Lead me, Lord

I will go

      I woke up this morning with this song on my heart. I just want this to be my prayer. No matter what difficulties come my way in life, no matter what challenges I face, no matter what happens...I need to trust the Lord - that He knows the way, that He is leading me, and that He definitely knows what is best. The first verse of this song really speaks to me. It is easy to trust, when you know what's going to happen. It's easy to let someone lead you somewhere, if you can see what's coming. But try putting on a blindfold. It's so much more difficult to trust someone when you are completely helpless. It's like that way with life. I have a blindfold on. I can't see what tomorrow holds and what tomorrow may bring. But God already knows. I just need to learn to trust Him with everything in my life.

I Have Made My Decision....

I have made my decision

I have staked my claim

I have drawn a line

In the sand

And I won't be ashamed

With the world behind me

And the cross before

By the grace of God

I will serve the Lord

      This song has been on my mind a lot the last few days. I love the message it gives. Lately, when I have been singing it around my house and stuff (thankfully, no one has been here to hear me), I have kind of been singing it to the devil. I know that might sound weird. But I have been wanting him to know that my mind is made up. There is nothing he can do to me to make me give up. I'll be honest, there have been many times in my life when I have just wanted to give up. I have wanted to "throw in the towel." I'm sure some, if not all, of you have been there too. But the last few days, I have been singing this song and letting satan know that I am not giving up. I have made my decision. I will serve the Lord. No matter what. No matter who of my friends and family decide to give up this fight and quit this race, I will not. I will keep on fighting. I will not give up. My decision is made. By the grace of God, I will serve the Lord.

The Spirit of Fear...

"For God hath not given us  the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 

2 Timothy 1:7

      
      I have had this verse on my mind a LOT today. I am so thankful that God has not given us the spirit of fear. So many times, we get afraid of something - sometimes it's a "natural" fear: the fear of heights, the fear of insects/reptiles, etc. And, other times, it's a fear that the devil has put on us. For instance, there have been several church services that I remember being a part of and the Spirit of God will start to move in a very strong way, and I'd look over and see someone (sometimes a visitor, sometimes not) shaking with fear. What is that? It's the devil trying to convince that person that whatever is going on there is not something that he/she wants to be a part of. That's basically it. I've seen it. I'm sure you have seen it - if you have been around the church for a while. You may not know what's going on, but that's it. They will be shaking with fear. The Bible says that God hath not given us the spirit of fear. That's right. Fear is a spirit. We, as humans, don't like to talk a whole lot about spirits. We get intimidated. I'm guessing it's because we don't really know a whole lot about them and, because of that, they intimidate us. There is another verse in the Bible that says,

 "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba Father."

Romans 8:15

      Jesus is our Father. He is someone we can go to with whatever we are feeling. I know there are some who, when they think of their earthly father, do NOT want to refer to Jesus as their Father. Simply because their earthly father has not been a father. But, the great thing about Jesus is - He isn't "JUST" our Father...He is our EVERYTHING! Anything and everything that we need...it is found in Jesus. If fear is holding us captive, then we need to get a hold of our Father and beg Him to take that away. I've seen kids with their dad's because...if they want something bad enough, it is VERY difficult (and nearly impossibly) for their dad's to say "no"...they try to, but if the child wants it bad enough, then they will keep persisting and, after a while, the dad has no choice but to give in. Why? Because they love their children and want them to have everything that child's heart desires. 

      I guess that's just something I have been thinking about and so I figured I would put that on here...I hope everyone is having a great day! God bless!

PEYTON PICS!!!!

I just wanted to put some pictures up here of my awesome niece, Peyton :) There are a few from the day she was born-7 days old. Then a few of when she was up to about 6 months old. She is the cutest baby I have ever known. I love her so much! I can't believe that she will be turning 1 year old in just over a month. CRAZY!

I Need Your Mercy

I need Your mercy

I need Your grace

I need Your Hand

Leading the way

I can't make it without You

Not for one day

I need Your mercy

I need Your grace

      I have had this song stuck in my head for most of the day. You know, so many times, people think about the judgement of God - and that's not necessarily a bad thing to do, because we will definitely be judged by God one day. But God is also a merciful God. His mercy goes beyond our understanding...beyond our comprehension. When I was younger, every time I would hear the word "mercy", I would think of a game we used to play (or, I'm sure, some of us still play every once in a while!). I never really knew what mercy meant. 

      Webster's Dictionary defines mercy as: compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power; a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion 

      I know this doesn't really define God's mercy near to its extent. But, today, I have been really thankful for the mercy of God. We, as humans, do bad things. It happens. We mess up. Like I said, we are humans. But, our God is merciful.

      I am just really thankful for the mercy of God. Jesus, I need Your mercy and I need You grace. I honestly, like the song says, can't make it without You - not for one day. Thank You, Lord, for Your Mercy.

Burdened

      Last night, I didn't get a wink of sleep. I lay in bed almost all night long just thinking about different things. I got up this morning and felt very burdened for a dear friend of mine. I have been missing this person so much the last few weeks....but today, especially. I can't really describe the feeling that I have, except to say that I am incredibly burdened. I'd like to think that I have been friends with this person for about 11 years, or so. There have been times when this person was the only one I could talk to, when I felt that this person was the only one who really understood how I was feeling, etc. I'd like to believe that we are still friends - however, we are not near as close as we once were (time does that, I guess). I love this person and this person will always have a special place in my life and in my heart.

      My husband wrote this poem last night and it really explains how I have been feeling about quite a few people in my life. He did a good job at writing it - but even this poem can not convey the true emotions of how he was feeling last night...and how I have been feeling as well. Anyways, I just wanted to share this poem....

You were there at the altar when I gave Him my all
You were the crowd around me when I walked through the mall

We talked and laughed and prayed together
And for Him we said we'd live forever

We chatted online though miles apart
Letters I wrote that conveyed all my heart

But now that time has rolled gently on
I look back at years in my life's dawn

I'm still here trusting what I thought then was true
And hoping and wishing I could say the same of you

You had the same teaching and doctrine I did
How did you lose it, from when we were kids?

And though I'm so thankful for all I've received
I can't help but wonder: Was I the only one who really believed?

Written By: Kraig A. Rucker

Jan-16-2012

2011

      So, I have been thinking, the last couple of weeks, about how I would sum up 2011...and then write it on here. However, the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to forget it...

      2011, for me, was one of the hardest years I have ever had. Not really for any specific reason, but when I look back on 2011, I never want to go through what I went through again. 2011 was a very difficult year for me. Some of you know quite a bit about it, some of you know a little bit about it, and others of you know nothing about it. I am not really going to go into any details on here, except to say that I never want to go through that again. And, thankfully, I don't have to. 2011 is in the past and it is going to stay there (can I get a witness?!?). LOL.

      The first part of my year went great. I went back to school (RCC) in January and stayed in school through both Winter and Spring terms...I got on the honor roll and that was nice :) I took a Math class (each term) with Shaikell and, ever since then, we have become pretty close. I am thankful for that. She has been my sounding board quite a bit. And, I honestly don't know that we would be as close as we are now if it were not for us taking Math together. I had a work at home job, which I really enjoyed. My niece was born in February and that made life great as well! I mean, yeah, I had struggles just like anyone else, but my life seemed to be doing pretty good. Then, sometime toward the end of June, stuff started happening and, without going into much detail, it felt like my life was spiraling downhill. And fast. Some people see, on Facebook, that I give a lot of "shout-outs" to my Pastor and his awesome wife. Well, that is because I owe them...a lot. They, along with my husband, were there for me...a lot. I don't know how I would have survived these last 6 months or so without them. 'nuff said there.

      So, I guess, if I were to sum up the year 2011, I would say that it was full of memories - both bitter and sweet. There were times, this last year, that I laughed harder than I had ever laughed before (mostly with Shaikell, I would have to say). And then there were also been times, this last year, that I have cried harder than I had ever cried before. There are one or two things that I regret about this last year; but, for the most part, I would have to say that I am thankful for everything that happened. Not necessarily for the sake of having those experiences, but for the relationships that were formed due to the experiences. I believe that, because of some of the things I went through, there are a few relationships that are stronger than they were before. I am also learning (very slowly, but surely) to trust again. It has not been easy (can I hear an "Amen" from those who know what I am talking about?), and it is not over yet; but, I trust, it has been worth it.

      Going into 2012, I would appreciate your prayers. There are still a few things that I am trying to get "ironed out," etc...I am hoping and praying that this year will trump last year by a long shot :) God bless all y'all :)

No Sweeter Name

No sweeter name than the Name of Jesus, no sweeter name have I ever known
No sweeter name than the Name of Jesus
No sweeter name than the Name of Jesus, no sweeter name have I ever known
No sweeter name than the Name of Jesus


You are the life to my heart and my soul
You are the light to the darkness around me
You are the hope to the hopeless and broken
You are the only truth and the way


Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Jesus, You are the life to my heart and my soul
Jesus, You are the light to the darkness around me
Jesus, You are the hope to the hopeless and broken
Jesus, You are the only truth and the way