Someday Shoes

Everyone has a someday shoes kinda of dream....you know the one that you dare to hope for.  The one that you tell yourself that you can never achieve.  Here is a hint! You can do it.  How you may ask? I have some much going against me.  The thing that you need to remember is to have faith in yourself, and then ask God if to help you with it.  For me there was a time when I was just barely going from day to day, let alone giving in to the hope of things I had dreamed about.  Here I was a single mom trying to make ends meet.  All I knew was that my kids and I needed Jesus.  I would dare to dream that someday God would introduce me to a wonderful Godly man who would be willing to be my husband.  A man who would  be willing to help me raise my kids in a biblical way,   One thing I needed to do was let go of that dream and give it to God.  I also had to work on my own self worth and how I felt about myself.  You see I am not a slender girl, I don't have a lot of money and I trust to easily.  I had to learn that I needed to see myself as God sees me...The apple of His eye, the one who He hung the stars and the moon  for.  I had to come to the realization that He would provide for my needs nothing more or nothing less.  In this lesson of life, I learned that I needed to take care of the monies He gave me. The hardest one was still keeping my trust in people even if they hurt or disappointed me.  This was hard for me, for I had to learn to forgive and let go. Moving on and not letting myself become hurt after someone hurt me was a hard thing for me to do, but with God's grace it happened.  Did you know that God is a faithful God?  He gave me my Ray who is willing to love me through the thick and thin.  Willing to stand beside me and lead in me a way  that God intended.  I am still not rich, but I am not wanting for things.  God always comes through and provides for the needs of myself and my kids.  He is teaching me to trust unconditionally, but trust with wisdom and grace.  God is faithful to surround me with a best friend who gets me on a level that only best friends can get.  I have 4 amazing kids who I love to the moon and back, then to infinity and beyond.  My challenge to you is to put on your someday shoes and start walking towards the wonderful plan God has for you.  He only has your best interest in mind.  Do you dare to reach out and take a hold of the dreams God has placed in your heart?? Go ahead take hold and know that I am fighting for you as well...You got this...Just my 2cents...

Candy Cane and Jesus!

The Candy Cane Story

A candymaker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would remind people of the true meaning of Christmas; so he made the candy cane to incorporate several symbols for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ. He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy. White to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the Church, and the firmness of the promises of God.

The candymaker then shaped his cane into the form of a "J" to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to the earth as Savior. It could also represent the staff of the "Good Shepherd" with which He reaches down to to reclaim the fallen lambs who, like sheep, have gone astray.

Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candymaker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.

Merry Christmas from Walking With Him. May you feel the peace of the Lord upon you and yours.~Missie 

Happy Thanksgiving!

I would like to take a moment  to thank each and everyone of you, who read my blog.  I pray that you and yours Thanksgiving is blessed, filled with family fun, and lots of memory making moments.  As you go through day take a moment to give thanks to the One who made everything possible.  With many prayers of blessing to be sent your way...enjoy this day. Just my 2cents, Missie

Be Thankful!

As I left the store and got into my car, my phone rang.  It was work asking if I could fill in a shift.  My response was please make me your last resort, and if no one else can I will.  You see I was on the way to a friends house for lunch.  This friend needed fellowship and prayer...let's be honest I needed it as much as she did.  My phone rang again...I told them I could do it, but I was not very cheerful about it on the inside.  The type of shift I was doing was to help someone have some free time to run errands, get a haircut, and to have dinner with a friend.  Knowing this was part of my decision to say yes.  I texted my friend telling her what was going on, and in the next few minutes she humbled me.  She told me she understood we could make our plans for the next day.  Then she said go in peace sister, I love you.  With a humbled heart I headed to complete the job at hand.  Driving down the street I saw a sign that had two very powerful words on them. "Be Thankful".  Instantly I said a prayer of thanks to God, because I had a job and the ability to make someone else's life a lot easier.  In that moment I was thankful for all that He does for me.  When I took my focus off me and was able to look outward life became a lot easier.  My prayer to God is that  in these moments of self focus I can recognize what is going on and do a heart change.   I know it won't be easy, but that is where God's grace comes in.  That knowledge along helps me realize how much He loves me. Just know that what He extends to me  He extends to you as well, so if you have moments of self focus.  Don't sweat it God is there to help you through.  Just my 2cents

 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Ephesians 5:20

Georgia, My Amazing Friend!

Meet my amazing friend Georgia, read her story of overcoming fear, family restoration, and with God's help defeating personal demons.  I am so encouraged by her life's story...it brings me great hope to see what God has done in her life.  Take a read and you will walk away knowing that no matter what the enemy has planned for you.  God's plan is greater! 

My earliest memories are of fear. I remember fearing my father was going to kill my Mum. There was a lot of domestic abuse at home and that took a toll of it's own. I remember seeing silhouettes of demonic faces and many strange spiritual experiences growing up. My memories of my childhood and predominately based around fear. It's all quite blurry though and only pop up on occasion through different reasons. Satan had a hold of my life at a young age and controlled not only my family but me. I couldn't recognize it but as I look back it was blatantly him. I have some knowledge of witch craft being a big thing on my fathers side. my father is Papua New Guinean and my Mother is European. I grew up in a family with 6 siblings. Lust has always been a main factor in my life. I'm not proud to admit it but yeah it is what it is. As I got older anger became a big thing too. I was pretty much Satan's puppet. but on the inside I was deeply hurt, scared, sad and angry. I strived to do the best in everything I could and would get frustrated and down on myself when I couldn't achieve to a high standard. Feelings of inadequacy. I was about 8 when I moved from Papua New Guinea to New Zealand. Life was still stressful. My father was an alcoholic and my mum was HIGHLY strung. So yeah negative experiences. I was mentally and physically molested as I got older and dabbled in alcohol and drugs extensively. That REALLY messed with my perceptions and out view on life. It made me erratic and my mind was all over the place but it was my escape from reality. I tried everything and anything I could get a hold of and was very promiscuous. Pretty much a pleasure seeker. Wanted a form of happiness and nothing would suffice. When I came to Christ a couple of years ago it was the happiest and most free I had ever felt in my entire life!! I didn't have a personal connection with Christ but he's been preparing me. After I cam to Christ and went back to the world things were worse then I'd ever been. Everything just went to certain extremes and my mind was a mess. I got clinically diagnosed with psychosis which was a literal nightmare. My perception of reality was distorted and I lost any sense of reality and normality. Since then I've been trying to keep my head on my shoulders lol. I mixed with the wrong people and got even more hurt and damaged. But there is a good ending lol. I have a wake up call and realized the severity of the path I was heading down and pleaded with god to give me hope and my life back. I can't do it without him. I am feeling better then ever since I handed anything and everything over to God. He's my Father and I talk to him like I'd talk to myself hahah the peace is inexplicable and I'm so happy and joyful. I've stopped substances and am confronting my demons. I have a lot of baggage but I take up the cross each day and the purity that comes with being forgiven and new is awesome!! God is soooo good. He's restored my family. My Dad's saved and is a completely new man. My parents are back together. And I can fight the devil now! I've been blinded the majority of my life but Satan will reign over my life no more!!!! I thank God for his love, compassion and mercy. His peace is beautiful and I feel cleansed and pure. Such an amazing feeling! I'm not where I want to be but I'm far from where I was! Glory to my Father. God is good!

Ephesians 2:11-14

11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcised by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Thank you my friend for sharing. just know that your testimony will bring many people courage and hope. ~Missie

When I think of a flower that represents Georgia and the new life she has been given. The peach blossom reminds me of her.

Rejection into Acceptance

Let's face it we all have been rejected a time or two.  In that moment of feeling rejection fall upon you,  it is quite painful, and can hit you into the depth of your soul.  This feeling of not being wanted can leave us standing asking ourselves what just happened?  How did I move from being loved, wanted, and some ones friend to...nothing of importance?? This may sound like I am over dramatizing it, but am I? Take a moment an ponder the time when you felt unloved, unwanted.  Now, hear my heart I am not trying to drudge up some old memory that you tried to bury a long time ago.  A memory where you built walls around and will not let anyone or anything get past. Don't worry you can keep if safe if you want to...but why not take a moment and try to move past it. Try to heal from the hurt and help with future hurts.  

The first step in the healing process is to realize that you are amazing!! You are worth something and if someone does not accept your worth it is their loss not yours. This may sound a little prideful, but in order for you to move on you need to know your importance.  Stop spending the time trying to list all your faults to yourself this only brings you down.  Here is a little disclaimer: yes, should want to fix the problem and try to move on.  We are always called to make it right with our brother and sisters.   What I am saying is let's focus on you! You are what is important.  How you feel about yourself and how you see yourself is important.  Did you know that the One who created you loves you beyond life itself?  In addition, you were created to live your life to the fullest. Any type of thoughts that are full of shame and doubt are not meant for you.  Anything that tries to bring you down is also not meant for you.  You are meant for greatness, you are chosen among many.  Angels sing over your daily.  Every time you have a moment of triumph the Heavens open in your honor.  Every time you have a moment of helplessness the Heavens pray for you.  It is says in God's word if He is for us than no one can be against us. (Roman 8:31)  Do you see the power in those few words?  If the God who created everything into existence is for you, then nothing can come against that.  Just take a moment and let that set in, take a moment to feel the love behind His words. My prayer for you is that you realize how truly important you are.  How wonderfully made you are and how blessed the people around you are.  You bring such joy to many people without you even knowing it.  Did you know one small smile or wave to a child might be the only  love they will ever feel?  One kind word to an overworked store clerk makes his/her day in an instant your words were spoken.  One I am sorry my bad to someone who wronged you can change a cold heart into a warm one.  I challenge you to look in the mirror and say one kind word to yourself, even if at first you don't believe it.  Keep doing this and you will start to change and feel the confidence God has placed in you.  You are yet to realize it.  Here is a neat little trick I do to pick myself up off the floor when I having a good old fashion pity party.  I make myself say a kind word to someone, offer some form of encouragement to someone who looks like they need it.  Then when I see their face light up with hope and gratitude it takes my focus off of me and onto others.  It is not always easy to do,but it in the long run it is worth it.  Just remember that your are worth more than you know.  Just my 2cents ~Missie   

Doors open...Doors closes...

 God put a million million doors

 in the world,

For His love to walk through,

One of those doors is you.

 ~Jason Gray~

One thing God has really been teaching me lately is the importance of letting Him open doors for me. Yet, at the same time letting Him close certain doors that I have been blocking open so they won't shut.  Let me ask you this? Have you ever went to open a door and was pushing on it and it would not open?  Then you look at the door closer and realize it is meant to open by pulling on the handle.  Well, if you think about it that is a glimpse of what we do to God.  We are so busy trying to do things in our own strength we forget to let Him be in control.  We go through out our day struggling and barely maintaining, when if we would just listen life would be much easier.  Some of us have very independent spirits going through life putting ourselves in charge.  If you are doing this you are not alone, I am right there with you, because I know that my way is definitely better.  When in the truth of the matter I am way off base.  When I decided to let God guide my steps things started to happen in my life that I never dreamed would happen.  I finally stopped pushing on that door that was meant to be pulled open.  Let me share a secret with you: an ah-ah moment I had...God is meant to be there for you, He is meant to guide your steps, He is meant to protect you.  Let me add He is not a controlling God, he loves you that is why He gave you a free will.  A will to decide what you want to do with your life.  This is one of the things that I love about my God.  He loves me so much that wants to give me a choice.  Well I chose Him in a heart beat!!  I know from experience that He has my best interest in mind.  Let me give you an example: I recently walked through a door that was opened for me, a door that needed in the long run to be closed.  He knew that I needed to open this door and walk through, it to learn that He has something better for me.   Sometimes He allows us to go through things in His strength not ours.  By doing this we can know that He is with us the entire time.  Waiting for us to turn to Him with trust and a open heart.  Yet, there are times when He firmly closes a door, and we don't know why.  We may be standing there going what just happened??? In that moment instead of being angry with Him, we should be thanking Him for protecting us.  This is easier said than done, for we let our human side get in the way.  Trust me I have done that a time or two...maybe three or four...okay maybe more than I can count.  Just remember in any situation there will be a choice on whether or not to open or close a door.  My prayer for you is that you give it to God. 

   

Don't be stressed or let anything steal your peace from what God has for you...You are loved!...just trust in the door He is opening and closing for you. Just my 2cents~Missie

God Opened Loves Door...

If I hear the phrase, "maybe you are meant to be single" one more time...I am going to scream!!  When I felt in my heart of hearts that God had someone special for me.  I knew I was not to spend the rest of my life single.  What I had to realize is that I could not let my desire to be married become an obsession.   I had to learn to let go and give it to God.  I had to let my wants and desires become His not mine.  I have to be honest with you I went around that mountain more than once.  I even planted  some flowers and built a park bench on that dreadful mountain.   I can laugh at it now, but just a couple of years ago I probably would be crying instead. Calling out to God asking what is wrong with me.  Then it hit me one day maybe I am not ready to be someones helpmate.  With this thought process starting to form, I then turned my what is wrong with me plea into to make me worthy.  Better yet help me become worthy of being someones wife.  I slowly opened my tightly closed hand, opened it palm side up, and said God I give this to you.  Wow!! Such freeeeeeddddommmm!! Such freedom I felt when I finally let go.  I found God on a different level I had never have had before. Yes, I had my relapses and I would find myself starting to climb the mountain again.  The difference this time was with God's help I could see what I was doing and stop climbing.

Then God did something amazing for me!! He introduce me to a man who taught me how to love the way He intends us to love.  A man who puts God first and is willing to help me in my relationship with the One who created me. A man who builds me up and tells me daily how beautiful I am.  For the first time in my life I am starting to believe that  I am beautiful.  My friend Jennifer has a saying, a woman blossoms like a flower when a man loves her.  The thing I would like to add to  is when a couple puts God first they both blossom.  With God at the center of the relationship it has a fighting chance.  I am not saying that the relationship is going to be all rosy and nothing goes wrong.  In fact, there will be times when it will get down right difficult.  In the moments of trial is the time to  be open and honest...even if it hurts. To not let pride get in the way of making things right.

  I thank God daily for Ray.  He has put him in my life only to better it.  I for once feel a completeness that I have not ever felt before.  This is not meant to take away from my relationship I have with God, only in a has deepened it.  I ask God daily to guide me into becoming the wife He has called me to be, and I pray daily that we remember to put God first in our relationship. My prayer for you is what ever is keeping you from realizing what God has for you.  You open your hand palm side up and let go.  If you are not sure what is holding you back, meet God in a quiet place and ask Him.  He will tell you in a gentle loving way.  Just remember that doubt and condemnation is not what God has for us, so if you are feeling this ask God to help you.  He will for He loves you with a never ending love and He only wants the best for you..What I hope you take away from this is: There is freedom in Christ, let go, and let God bless your hearts desires the way He wants to.  Just my 2cents, Missie

       

Reading God's Word?

Confession time...I don't read my bible everyday...Maybe I should explain myself.  I was taught that you need to read it everyday and to memorize God's word.  I completely agree that the bible should be read daily for this is how we learn the teachings of Christ.  Where my struggle was memorizing the scripture. The leaders of my church would always ask me, "how is your walk with God, how is your daily bible reading, how are you doing in getting into the word and memorizing it"?  I would give the cookie cutter answer...My walk with God is great, I know he loves me, I really try to read my bible every day, I am struggling with memorizing His word.  Then I would receive the look, you know the one.  The one that says you are not trying hard enough.  The look that stated if you really loved the Lord like you say you do, you would obey His commandments by getting deeply into His word.  Getting His word so embedded into your heart that when you are asked for a scripture it came readily to my tongue.  Then would come the "loving" counsel on what I could do better.  How I could manage my time better, how I could focus more on Him than earthly things. We would set up an appointment to revisit this issue to see if I was able to resolve my struggle in any way.  I would nod in agreement thank them more loving me enough to help me through this.  I would then walk away feeling like a failure, because I was not holy enough to embed Christ's word in my heart.  I would cry out to God and ask Him what is wrong with me that I can't do a simple thing like memorize His word.  I knew the stories of the bible, I knew what God wanted from me, and yet I felt like I was failing Him.  A small part of me knew that this type on condemnation was not from Him, but from man.  Another thing that would happen if I went to a leader for counsel  the scripture was used to condom me.  Meaning it was used in such a way that I always felt like missing the mark.  The thing is I trusted this leadership to guide me with a Christ love and to help me with life in a Godly biblical counsel. One day I was speaking to a good friend telling him a little about my struggle.  His reply really opened up my eyes.  Yes, you need to get into God's word daily, don't beat yourself up if you miss a day or two.  Isn't better to know the teachings of Christ and to really know them? The bible is His words to life and as long as we read it and learn from it then everything is okay.  As far as memorizing scripture, yes it is nice to have a couple go to verses.  Don't panic if you tell someone a story in the bible and you can't remember the scripture reference. Remember God's word does not return void and as long as you a planting a seed to bear fruit then you are on the right track.  In addition, scripture is not meant to used as a control tool.  It is a guide to help you with every life situation that you are going through.  With all this being said I can now pick up my bible and read it the way it is meant to be read.  The amazing thing about this process is I am learning to fall in love with His word and I am starting to find that excitement on what He has for me today.  So if you are having this same trouble, relax take a deep breath and give it to God.  This is just my 2cents,

Forgiveness = Grace?

The other day I had a good friend do something to me that shook to me the core.  I was in a state of shock when I found out what my friend had done...What? You thought that would be okay to do? On what level of crazy selfishness were you coming from?  Then as I was in the middle of my self-righteous rant, I realized I should do the right thing and give it to God.  I went into prayer and prayed for her, our relationship and our friendship.  I felt a peace come over me as the Lord said, "give her grace".  I was like sure I can do that...so I thought.  I realized that yes I could extend grace, but yet I was confused and could not get past the hurt.  I called a friend of mine and she asked me what my idea of forgiveness looked like.  I told her it meant to provide grace.  Her next challenge to me was in asking what did grace look like to me.  I gave the standard answer, to give undeserved favor, because that is what was given to me.  True was the response given, but think about this: One you can forgive and extend grace, but you have a choice on whether you want to move forward or not with a person or a situation.  This gave me pause, I mean I can forgive and let go at the same time? I always thought if happened then I would come across as offended.  Not be the type of person who wants to work things out. When in fact it gave me a chance to take inventory of my relationships.  Is this friendship a healthy friendship, or is it a one sided one?  Then I pointed the finger back at myself and asked, am I being a good friend?  Am I being the type of friend that you can count on in a pinch, that you can laugh till your sides hurt.  Am I being that friend that is true, honest, and shows integrity? It was a very rewarding thing to do, to look at all the areas of my life.  Then at the same time I gave my friendship to God asking Him to help me out in this process.  You may be asking what was the end results of all this soul searching? Well, I forgave and moved on.  It was a hard thing to do, but let's be honest if a friendship is not healthy then one needs to let it go.  I am not saying to be rude or act in such a manner it causes hurt.  There are such things as common courtesy  and manners.  One more word of advice that I have found very helpful, don't let your emotions rule you! Nothing is accomplished by this. If you find yourself in a situation where you are hurt, confused or angry give it to God and let Him take over.  He has your best interest in mind and won't give you anything you can't handle. Just my 2cents, Missie

Pup, Pup

The gentleman you see picture here is an amazing man.  He saved this dogs life, here is his story: My son Corry and I was getting ready to meet my daughter Melanie to go back to school shopping.  I was driving down the road I see this dog hanging out the window of an RV struggling with everything that he had.  I pulled over got out and was trying to figure out how to get the dog free from his deadly leash.  As you can imagine he was fighting and in full panic mode.  What he had done was jump through the open mess covered window of the RV. It was close to 100 on the outside, so I can only imagine how hot it was on the inside.  I started talking to the dog telling him he was going to be okay and I would get him down.  I called him pup pup and just kept talking in a calm smooth manner.  I was frantic how was I going to get this dog free??? As the dog calmed down and was just hanging there Chris pulled up, jumped out of his truck, grabbed the dog and started trying to get Pup Pup free. He told me to stand back because he did not know how this dog was going to react once he was free. After what seemed like an eternity Pup Pup was finally free. Chris gently laid him on the ground, and the dog was not moving.  Chris immediately started CPR.  He was talking to the dog telling it was not his day to die. I leaned down and started petting Pup Pup and also was giving words of encouragement. After about 5-10 mins of this the dog started moving. I had water in my van so I went and got it, Chris gave it to the dog.  While Chris had  been giving CPR  I was on the phone with a police dispatcher, she stated that animal control was not open today and she did not have an officer available.  She asked if I could take him to the vet and the vet would take care of him.  Now that the dog was somewhat stable Chris and I took him to the closest vet there was.  We get the dog there, the vet gives him a clean bill of health.  Pup Pup is going to fine. She ask if we want to file a report, Chris says no it does not look like a case of neglect for the dog looks healthy. The vet agrees and says the dog was very lucky we came along when we did. The unfortunate part of the story was the vet had to charge us for the visit. Chris automatically pulls out $60.00 and says will this cover it. The vet says yes, I offer to pay some of it and Chris would not accept my money.  I know that the vet did not charge him the full amount of the visit.  When we were checking out she told the receptionist that this would be enough. We went to take the dog back home and the owner was not there.  Chris left a note with his number saying I have your dog everything is okay call me if you want him back.  I give a personal shout out to Chris for going the extra mile to save the life of Pup Pup.  This speaks volumes to me, because as he was giving CPR to the dog he was very close to tears.  Some may say this is just a dog, but my thought process is if one is going to give so much love and care to animal.  Then this is a special kind of person who God will smile down upon daily.  This type of person puts himself above others while not caring what the cost is. Chris, I pray that God bless you above and beyond what you bless others with.  Just my 2cents, Missie

Melanie!

melanie

 means dark lady in Greek. Awesome person and someone you should definitely get to know. Someone funny and loves to make people laugh. Isn't afraid to get embarrassed and a great friend. Hard to be serious at times, but she's always going to make the right choices in the end. A very lovely lady and great at pranks. Someone whose outgoing 

A person who will always get to the point and hates too many details. It wont interest her - AT ALL. Will listen and hear things that you wont even have to say out loud. She naturally understands people and accepts them. Even the weird and different. Has extremely high ambition and morality but wont force any on anyone else. 
Loves to flirt. Is Beautiful. Gets lots of attention. Good to bring to any party. 
Loves cartoon characters and she will ALWAYS be a big kid herself ! 
Very girly/ good at fashion but will still play video games and play wrestle now and again. Has a million followers. 
DON'T EVER EVER argue with a Melanie. 
Shes right. YOUR wrong. End of story. 
It doesn't matter if you had a point , she has ten reasons why your one reason doesn't work. AND even if its not logical - coming from HER its the most Intelligent and believable thing you have EVER heard in your life! She is lawyer material. 
Just shut up. 
Shes right. 
Your wrong. 
Everyone's  happy. 

Or at least you will be...shes very loving and forgiving and fun to be around. So DON'T waste time arguing! Go to that party or that mall. Where there's a Mel there's a new adventure! willing to try new things. She's pretty, smart.

 ~Urban Dictionary~

I had and idea to write about my daughter Melanie, I was going through all my thoughts on how I wanted to describe her...Then I remembered Urban Dictionary and so did a search on her name and this is what came up.  You know what? It fits her to a T!! I would like to add that she is fiercely loyal and she will get your back in a moments notice. 

She is loving and kind and wants to please others without losing herself in the process.  The sense of humor she has is amazing and funny, maybe a little off at times...but whose isn't??.

I love this girl with all my heart.  She has put plenty of smiles in my heart and on my face.  Melanie, daughter of mine you make me proud in more ways that you will ever know.  God truly gave me an angel when He made you. Love you to the moon and back and then to infinity and beyond. ~Mom

GENDER: Feminine

USAGE: English, German, Dutch

PRONOUNCED: MEL-ə-nee (English), ME-lah-nee (German)   [key]

Meaning & History

From the French form of the Latin name Melania, derived from Greek μελαινα (melaina) meaning "black, dark". This was the name of a Roman saint who gave all her wealth to charity in the 5th century. Her grandmother was also a saint with the same name.

The name was common in France during the Middle Ages, and was it introduced from there to England, though it eventually became rare. Interest in it was revived by the character Melanie Wilkes from the novel 'Gone with the Wind' (1936) and the subsequent movie adaptation (1939).

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VARIANTS: Melany, Mellony (English)

DIMINUTIVES: Mel, Melina, Melinda, Mindy, Malinda, Melantha (English)

OTHER LANGUAGES: Melánie (Czech), Mélanie (French), Melánia (Hungarian), Melania (Italian), Melania (Late Roman),Melanija (Macedonian), Melania (Polish), Melanija (Serbian), Melánia (Slovak), Melanija (Slovene), Melania (Spanish) ~Behind the Name~

There is Truth is this Claim it!

 This is Francesca Battistelli, she is an amazing Christian music artist.  Here is the link to her new video He Knows My Name from her If We are Honest album.  enjoy there is truth in this song, claim it for yourself. Just my 2Cents~Missie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7fL0CbXK3o&app=desktop
                                                             

I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me. John 10:14

Love of a Child

Children are a heritage from the Lord,

    offspring a reward from him.

 Psalm 127:3 

The love a child to me is the one of the most amazing gifts God can give us.  As a parent I can not begin to fathom how and why my children love me.  For I am not perfect and I make mistakes on a daily basis.  Yet at the end of the day I can look at my children and know that they love me unconditionally. I can honestly say with every fiber of my being the feelings are mutual.  When children are born their whole lives are dependent on us.  My point is that the love and trust they have for us is given to us at such a young age.  As they grow older into toddler years that love and trust is still there.  Even when as an adult I didn't always make decisions with their best interest in mind.  Sometimes I would even put my needs first.  Not something that I am proud to admit, but something I have done in the past.  I look back now and I am amazed that they still call me mom.  I will let you in on a little secret...God is the reason why they still love me and are in my life.  Without Him stepping in and showing how much He loves me.  Without me letting go and letting God be the center of our lives my family would not be the family it is today.  We are not perfect, but we are there for each other willing to do what it takes. Now that my children are older I look at each one of them in their own individual light. I see them for what they are and how amazing they are.  Again I am humbled by the gift God has given me.  I just want you to realize that God is in control and if you don't have the relationship you want with your own child.  Don't loose hope, keep giving it to God. He is the almighty restorer and all thing are possible with Him.  I am not saying this is going to be an easy road to travel,but with God it can be done.  I have four kids, two girls and two boys.  There was a time when my oldest girl and I was barely speaking to each other, now we are the best of friends.  Now I am living with my second oldest girl and we are rediscovering a lost relationship that I did not realize how far apart we had become.  This new discovery is wonderful and I look forward to making it stronger and stronger.  Again, I give God the full credit for the restoration He is providing.  God is faithful just trust in His timing. He means all things that we go through for the good.  At the time of the trial we may not understand the reasons behind what is going on, but God does and He has got our back.       Just my 2cents, Missie

             

The Simple Things...

For the past 5 years I had been fighting heart pain.  Why did I not go to the doctor to get it checked out? out? One simple word...Pride... Yup pride kept me from going in to the doctor to see what was wrong with my heart.  I did not want to admit that something was wrong with me.  I changed my eating habits and started walking, which turned into 2 days of weekly exercise.  The pain eased up but never went away.  Now 5 years later just before I am to move to Twin Falls to start a new chapter of my life.  I was house sitting doing nothing but relaxing.   My heart really started to hurt then I got scared that I was having the symptoms of a heart attack.  I called my daughter, Jessica and she went to the emergency room with me.  The good news was I was not having a heart attack, but they could not find a reason for the heart pain.  I was referred to a cardiologist for additional testing.  I had been taking 3-4 ibuprofen pills about every 3 hours and drinking a lot of caffeine which was not making anything better.  After going to the emergency room I quite taking the medicine and eased up on the coffee.  I had basically over medicated myself in order to fight the pain.  I was scared to take the medicine and find myself right back where I started.  I did not give up my daily Americano's, then I noticed after I drank them my heart started to hurt. I called my doctor and she had me come in for an after emergency room follow up.  As I was telling her what my symptoms where she looked at me smiled and then asked me what I thought was wrong.  In that moment I knew what was wrong...I was stressed beyond belief and my body was trying to tell me about it.  She agreed then told me to quite drinking caffeine.  What??? no caffeine for 3-4 months?? Is she kidding?? Does she not know how much I love my coffee?? Then I remembered why I was here and I agreed with the treatment plan she was giving me.  I am now here in Twin, taking medicine for stress and anxiety, and drinking decaf.  My heart pain only flairs up every now and then. I just take a moment take a deep breath and try to relax.  I now only take the ibuprofen for pain if I need to.  The stress and anxiety medicine has definitely taken the edge off of things.  I am only to be taking this medicine for about 4 months maybe less if thing improve the way they should. Now days I take things as they come, and I take time for the simple things.  As I sit here drinking my cup of decaf sharing part of my life with you in hopes that I bring you encouragement.  My prayer is that things that I write about give you courage to get through the ups and down life gives you.  My prayer is that you have a relationship with the One who created you. Just know He loves you beyond your wildest imagination.  If you ever need a prayer partner let me know.  My advice to you is listen to what the Lord is saying to you, take time for the simple things and finally enjoy life that God gave you.  Just my 2cents, Missie  

   

Celebration of Independence!!

Taking a moment to wish all of you Happy 4th of July! As you go through your day take time and be thankful for the true meaning of this day.  Blessings to you all, enjoy the time you have with your family.  Give them extra hugs and say I love you more.  They are precious gifts from God just for you. Just my 2cents, Missie

Twin Falls...

I am moving...this is something that I had not planned to do...but when the decision to move was made final...it felt right on so many levels.  I have lived in the Kuna/Meridian area all my life, so the move to Twin is really a big step for me.Why am I moving? One is to go to College of Southern Idaho, it has a great nursing program. Two to be closer to my daughter Melanie, her brothers and I have an opportunity to reconnect with her.  Three...a story for a different day.  I am really excited about this new chapter in my life.  This a chance to start fresh and learn new things about myself.  A chance to step way out of my comfort zone.  What I leave behind in Meridian is very near and dear to me.  My oldest daughter just got married to an amazing man who I know will take care of her.  This is one of the reasons I could move with peace in my heart.  I will be leaving a Church family who I was getting to know and love.  I leave my bestie who has been there for me through my ups and downs.

Now as I move to Twin, I must admit I am a little anxious of what lays ahead.  To help with this I am asking God to plant my family in a church and to send me some girlfriends I can relate with.  Friends that will help me grow in Him.  I look forward to the new school year, it is going to be a tough one.  I have the opportunity to apply to nursing school this October!!! Just saying that makes me feel like my dreams of becoming a nurse is so much closer.  I just know as God closes one door He is opening many others.  I know that He has my best interest in mind and I trust Him with all that I have.  If God is asking you to step out of your comfort zone or change something in your life so drastically...Just listen and trust He has got your back.  Just my 2cents, Missie

Expectations...Trust...Loyalty...Grace

 Expectations:  the act or the state of expecting, to wait in expectation.  I have really thought about what the true meaning of this word means as it applies to my life.  There was a time when I would place expectations on people and then get mad when they did not meet them.  I had no idea I was doing this until a really good friend of mine pointed it out.  I called her one day in tears and was explaining to her why another friend of ours had wronged me.  Much to my surprise she did not sympathize with me, but instead she gently told me were I had some wrong thinking.  I was prepared to get mad at her as well...how dare she not take my side and listen to my grievances!!  Then as I listened to what she was saying I suddenly began to realize that she was right.  If I were to keep placing expectations on people in the long run I would end up a very unhappy person.  In other words I was setting up other people to fail, giving me a reason to be disappointed with them.  My job in relationships is to meet other people half way.  If they don't do what I think they should  it is not the end of the world.  As long as I keep myself right with God and give all my relationships to Him then life will run a lot smoother.  I can't control what others do or think, but I can control me...The the first step into setting the foundation of relationships is trust. Which is the confident expectation of something to hope for.  In order to trust someone else I needed to let go of expectations that threatened to ruin a friendship.  I believe the next layer in the foundation of relationships is loyalty.  Loyalty means to be faithful in commitments and obligations.  Basically, to be loyal is like a dog to it's owner.  To have a dog like loyalty means going the extra mile and doing things without being asked.  The last but maybe not the final layer I would like add is grace.  Grace is to give undeserved favor to someone.  Who knew that keeping and maintaining friendships  would be so hard and yet rewarding at the same time. I believe the most important ingredient is keeping God in the center of everything that you do.  He will walk with you in every step of the journey in your life.  He will place people in lives that will build you up and tear you down (which just makes you stronger if you let it). I look forward to getting to know everyone who He places in my life...They are a blessing that I need to be thankful for.  Now as I look back to the conversation I had with my friend.  I now realize even as some the words she spoke to me were hard to hear they needed to be said.  I thank you Inis Fox my amazing friend, for helping me understand what God has been telling me along. Thank you for loving me enough to speaking His truth.  To help me see how much He loves me so, I can love as He loves. Give undeserved favor as He has given it to me.  Just my 2cents, Missie

Missing The Presence of God

Let me ask you a question...before you give a ready answer, take a moment and look deep inside of you and ponder your answer before you give it.  Do you ever feel like you are in a dry season?  A season where you don't feel the presence of the Lord?  Where you know that He is there but you ask yourself is He really  there.  That is where I am at.  I know that I am loved and that God is there  for me. At times I wonder where He is at...I mean I see Him in all areas of my life and the life of others.  Yet I feel disconnected.  Then the verse from Romans 8:29 comes to me, nothing can separate me from God.  When I first read this verse I did not fully understand it.  I was thinking that my sin could separate me from Him. Which in a sense it can but, I am doing the separating not Him.  When I understood this then a sense of peace came over me, God never leaves us, He is always waiting for us to return to Him. His love for us is unconditional and never ending.  So in the times of a dry season I think that as long as you recognize it for what it is then things will be fine.  Now that I have recognized what is happening my feeling of disconnect is actually turning into anticipation.  I can seek the Lord and ask Him to show me the areas in my life that is keeping me from His presence.  Then my next prayer request is the answer that is given I receive it with an open heart.  My encouragement to you is that as you go through dry seasons just know that God is with you and for you. Take heart and know the season will pass and everything will be okay.  Just my 2cents, Missie  

Character

I was taking Corry to school and I suddenly realized we had forgot his scooter.  He uses his scooter to help him get home.  He then told me it is as school I got it taken away from him.  Then he told me why, he had been told twice not to ride it on the play ground. With his second warning a teacher took it away from him, telling him he will get it back at the end of the school year.  He told he knew it was his fault and understood why it was taken away..  I told him good job, but I will call the school and see if he could have it back.  We live about a mile from the school and on the days I work this helps him get home.  I called and spoke to the safety coach told her what was going on and asked if there was anyway he could have it back.  She was surprised to know it had been taken away, because usually they inform her of what is going on.  She told me she would check into the matter and get back with me.  When she called me back she was informed by the principal that Corry had been rude and disrespectful and was not willing to listen to him.  As she was relaying this to me, she expressed her surprise for she had never know Corry to act in such a manner.  All this was done in front of another teacher, so she told me she was going to get with that other teacher...Another phone call from her and she tells me that the other teacher told her that Corry was in fact very respectful. He gave up his scooter up with no questions asked. The condition Corry needed to follow was that he was to bring his scooter straight to the office every morning and he would get it back.  She had a conversation with Corry expressing this and told him he could have his scooter after school.  The next day I asked Corry to grab is scooter and he tells me that he went to the office and the secretary would not let him have it.  The principal said Corry could not have it until the end of the school year.   After hearing this I called and spoke with the safety coach explaining what happened again. She was very apologetic and I just laughed told her I was not mad.  That I understood miss communication and just was asking that he gets it back today.  She reassured me that would happen.  Then she preceded to tell me how proud she was of Corry for being respectful and willing to obey his teachers and the secretary.  She told me most kids his age would have not acted this way, and was thankful that as a parent I was patient and understanding. I love this kid and all that he is, I am thankful daily for the mighty man of God he is turning into...Just my 2cents

   

A Mother's Day Journey

My mom with Jessica and Corry

As I stood in front of the Mother's day card section, a wave of sadness washed over me.  For I knew it would be hard finding a card for my mom.  I was doing this more out of obligation than honor....I knew that whatever card I picked it would not be fitting.  You see I spent the first 6 years of my life with my mom.  I really don't have a lot of memories of my time spent with her,but what I do have they are not pleasant.  These memories are filled with drugs, explosive tempers, and different "uncles".  When I was 6 she gave me up and I became a ward of the State of Idaho.  Thankfully her first husband took me in as his own. ( this is a story for another day). I did not meet my mother again until I was 18  and newly married. We tried to keep in touch but eventually lost track of each other.  Then I was reacquainted with her when I was 34 and a mother of 4.  As we got to know each other we struggled to start a relationship it was rough at first, but through time it got better.  Now we meet once a month and talk on the phone weekly.  Yes, we still have our ups and downs as we dig through the emotions of the past. We are learning to communicate in an open and honest way.  As I look back through my life and realize she probably did the best thing for me, by giving me up.  I understand now that this was her best option and I don't fault her in any way.  I love the fact that she is in my life, and I am thankful for her....Today as  I stand in the Mother's day card section as my hand reaches out to select the perfect card for her.  A smile appears in my heart and on my face.  I can't wait to see what treasure I will find. Love you mom to the moon and back, and then to infinity and beyond.  Missie