Give it ALL

"God can do a lot with a little if He has all of it!" said, the Rev. Jerry Falwell back in 1996. I had taken note of his sermon on the front page of my Bible that Sunday morning. A few weeks later I would be diagnosed with Lupus and my husband told I had only a few months to five years to live. Thankfully, that was not stamped on my foot! Thankfully, this quote was stamped on my heart.

You have to ask yourself, "What am I going to do with what I have?" God will use whatever it is and make it more than you can imagine. The only way though, is if you give it - all of it. Turn to Acts 3:1-10 and read 'Peter Heals the Crippled Beggar'. In verse 5 it reads,

"So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them."

He obviously was expecting a handout but what he got was a life changing miracle, a life changing message. Notice that he was expecting something! Let's look at this two different ways.

First, place yourself in Peter's role. Realize people are expecting something from you. Your children are watching, your husband is needing you support, etc... How can you when finances are crippling your efforts? How can you when relationships are strained? How are you to give something when your own soul is not being fed? The answer - Giving it all to Him then expecting something in return. Open your heart and soul for what He wants to give you. It will always be just what you need!

Is something crippling you? Give it to Him! He can give you hope and healing. Despite that which is crippling you, you can do mighty things if you have given it all to Him. This is how one can smile, one can be joyful despite any pain. Expect Him to help you. Verse 8 reads,

"He jumped up to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God."

People were amazed at him. When we give everything and allow ourselves to receive the gifts He wants to pour out on us, then we too will not be able to contain ourselves! That kind of joy and hope has no limits! When you can realize that God is your source for everything and He is so ready to take it all and do this mighty creation and mighty act through YOU - then honey, you are going to rock this world!

Are you ready to be available? Are you ready to give it all and let Him do a lot in and through you? What are you going to do with what you got?

People may not remember what you wore, what you did, or even what you said but they will remember how you made them feel!

* All scriptures came from my "Life Application Bible - New International Version".

Destination Disney

This week for Destination Disney we asked:

Share your stories, pictures, memories, just whatever! Maybe you have actually had opportunity to visit Disney for a 4th of July celebration – if so, please tell us about it.

This was from a Holiday Fireworks Show at Epcot. The Holiday's are our favorite time to visit Disney. The fireworks are always a spectacular show and a great way to end our day. We most love it when we can share it with friends and family. We are blocked on the fourth, but did enjoy Epcot on the 3rd last year. My cousins were in town to celebrate one's 50th Birthday! We had not seen each other in many years so this was very special. We ended our visit by viewing the special Fourth of July fireworks show at Epcot. It rattled our chests and made us cheer once again!

Destination Disney Prompt

July already?!  Where has this year gone?!  In honor of yesterday’s holiday, here is THIS WEEK’S TOPIC ---

DISNEY FIREWORKS!

Share your stories, pictures, memories, just whatever!  Maybe you have actually had opportunity to visit Disney for a 4th of July celebration – if so, please tell us about it. 

If you’re a non-blogger, leave a comment here with your answer.  Otherwise, blog about Disney Fireworks on your blog – but don’t forget to come  back here and link up so we can all read about your fireworks experience!

Freebie Friday at TIH - A Free Fourth

So let's celebrate FREEDOM by finding FREE crafts and activities to do with your family this weekend! Make memories with your family, they are a life-time gift!

*** Artist Site Helps ***
This site has a lot of advertisements and you will want your sound OFF but they have a wealth of awesome ideas for all ages. These are crafts you can display proudly and can serve to liven up your cookout! There are tips on decorating your bikes and glasses - perfect for those last minute parade entries! We are going to try a few for our table top.

*** Family Crafts and FUN *** This Disney site offers a wealth of ideas, several you can print and do now!

***Free Lesson Plans*** Sign up for free Holiday Mini Units!

***Free Activities In YOUR neighborhood!*** Check here to find free local events! Go to about.com and click on cities and neighborhoods. You can then navigate to find free local events for this Fourth weekend and beyond! I check here weekly and plan about two or three weeks out. We have enough free activities found already to keep us busy all Summer!

***Holiday Food*** Well food is not free, but you can find free Holiday recipes at a myriad of sites. My faves for Holiday Food Fun: Kraft and Disney's Family Fun.

I wish all of you a safe and fun, memorable Fourth of July! Enjoy this time making life long memories with your family and friends! Celebrate our freedoms and remember those who have fought for you to have such!

Flashback Friday - Patriotic Memories

When you were growing up, did your family do anything special to celebrate Independence Day or other patriotic occasions? Did you hang a flag? What about neighborhood or town parades, picnics, neighborhood parties, etc.? Did you attend fireworks displays? Were personal fireworks permitted where you lived and, if so, did your family do them?

My Flashback:
As a child I was raised to be patriotic! I am thankful for that teaching. This was a daily living characteristic of our family, but we did step things up around the Holiday's. I remember marching in parades with my Blue Bird troop. I recall riding on a church float!I remember flags, cookouts, and music! One of the most memorable was in 1976! The other was in 1988.

My Daddy was one of two local Pastor's of our small Ohio town. We had such a great Bicentennial Celebration! Local church choirs put on a Patriotic Cantata. I remember being so proud as I stood in my time period outfit singing a duet with my Dad. Everyone was dressed in time period outfits. The show was put on under a pavilion. There was a parade, time period crafts, great food, music and fireworks. One afternoon, during the three day celebration, the local men put on a reenactment in the hills and woods beside the church. I still have the images of watching this battle take place in front of my almost seven eyes. My heart raced as men jumped from behind trees, others falling to their 'death', the fear when we saw the Red Coats approaching. It was that day I realized how sad and terrible war is. I remember asking question upon question. My dear parents took the time to answer and explain.

In 1988 I had another memorable fourth weekend! My mind flashbacks to a busy weekend. My Mother was out of town. I was working as a nanny and as a Church Children's Church Assoc. that weekend. Each night, my boyfriend, of a year, and I had plans to visit one of the many free firework displays in OKC. It was now Sunday, and we had planned a picnic lunch at the local lake and then plans to catch more fireworks. I rushed home from my church job and got the basket ready. Dad was teasing me as I took special care to make sure everything was perfect. I had fried chicken, beans, the works! I could tell he was a little sad he would be spending the afternoon alone. My boyfriend arrives, and after talking with Dad a bit we head to the car. We get things in, and as usual he has the door open for me. Before pulling out of the driveway, this handsome 19 year old cannot contain his love and excitement a moment more. On this Fourth of July weekend, 1988, he asked me if I wanted to get married "now - not someday"! It took a moment for me to realize what we was saying. We were officially engaged! A year later we would have a beautiful wedding. All these years later, every Fourth Weekend is a celebration of our love and our own fireworks ;-)

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