Faith

"James, a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, To the tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings."
This is how James begins his letter. What he writes next isn't something most would want to read.
James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.' He is telling us to take joy in our trials, that doesn't sound right. Why would we want to take joy in the trials we face? Let's keep reading, 'because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverence. Perseverence must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Has your faith ever been tested? Once I was in the hospital and the doctors told us that I couldn't possibly go home in less than eight months. I couldn't believe it.. eight months of my freshman year of highschool stuck in a hospital. My family, my friends, and a lot of people I didn't even know began to pray that God would heal me quickly. Along with all the prayers my father encouraged me to eat when I didn't feel hungry, do my therapy when I didn't feel like it, and walk when I was tired. It was all preparation to get myself ready to go home. God answered all the prayers, and because I had taken action and prepared to go home, I walked out of that hospital in thirty-three days.
Something I never realized is that it was Biblical for me to do all I did. We had faith I would get better, but we took action as well. In James 2:17 it says, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." Also in James 2:26 "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." I'm not saying that God wouldn't have healed me if I hadn't eaten, done therapy, or walked; but the doctors probably wouldn't have released me because I wouldn't have been physically ready. I took action, had faith in God, and through Him a miracle happened.
Life gets very difficult at times, but if we let ourselves get depressed how is it suppose to help us, it doesn't. If you stay happy or "Take joy", in the difficult times it will lift you up and bring you out of the hard times with a smile on your face. If we are never tested how are we to know our full capabilities? If our faith was never tested how would it get stronger? If life was always easy why would we need faith? So you see, your faith being tested results in you being complete.
In James 1:12 it says, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." With faith in God, perseverence, and actions, life can and will be a lot easier.
James made it pretty clear how we are to live by faith. Let's take action, have faith, and run after God!

Overcome

I WILL overcome

I WILL be happy

MY God Reigns

HE is safety

Are you hurting?

Are you searching?

Are you running?

Are you dieing?

God can save you

Set you free

He will love you

The enemy will flee

You CAN overcome

You CAN be happy

God Reigns

HE can be your safety

He is light

He is promise

He is love

He is Peace

Run to him

Fall at his feet

He will pick you up

Give you strength

You WILL overcome

You WILL be happy

Our God Reigns

HE is our safety

Praise Him

Praise the Lord

Praise his name

Praise God

Day after day

I won't lose hope

I won't give up

I will keep praising him

Day after day

He is my deliverer

He is my provider

He is my comforter

Day after day

Praise the Lord

Praise his name

Praise God

Day after day

Under The Cross

At his feet

On my knees

I am crying out

Set him free

He was innocent

He didn't deserve this

Yet he never complained

HE was the promise

They crucified him

There before my eyes

I watched him bleed

 I watched him die

The promised one

Beaten and torn

Looked at me

Then said "It is done."

So I sit here

On my knees

Under this rugged cross

Under this ugly tree

He was sent

To save us all

My beloved savior

Gave his all

Raindrops

Raindrops, what comes to mind when that word goes through your thoughts? Raindrops.

when I think about that word it reminds me of when I was little, lying in bed hearing the sound of drums on my window. Falling asleep to the constant drum roll
     Wait! I hear something else. It sounds like another drum. Yes! It is the bass drum.  It continues on one after another as thunder claps shaking the entire house. Next thing I know there is an entire orchestra playing outside my window. I can hear the beads as the dog runs through the puddle, and symbols as lightning jumps off my window. THe beautiful violins when water trickles down the vinyl siding of the house.
    Oh what a joyful sound to doze in and out of. What excitement I felt when I heard the first trumpet join in as the wolf howled off in the distance.
    So many instruments, and I get to hear them all tucked into my own little bed. I was almost asleep when I heard the last loud crash of a symbol.
    Everything slowly quieted again and I fell asleep listening to the raindrops from my bed.
   Raindrops, please tell me what goes through your thoughts when you hear the word, Raindrops.

Why I Do It

Psalm 9:1
"I will Praise you, O Lord, with all my heart"

I am flipping through the pages of my Bible when I come to this verse. This verse describes what I try to do everyday... no matter how hard life may seem. I began trying to do this two years ago when I got majorly hurt in  a farming accident. Some People ask me why, after all that I've been through, I would Praise the Lord with all my heart. My answer to them is simply this, it is only a small repayment that doesn't even come close to all that he has done for me. He started years ago, even before he sent his only son to die for me. It goes all the way up to when I got hurt, He was with and and spoke to me, He healed me, revealed himself to me, and showed me how powerful he really is, but it doesn't stop there either. It continues on today, something came up and when I awoke this morning I prayed God would help me see the good in the day ahead. Today he has done two things I will never forget, He provided when I saw no way for it to happen.

So you see why I praise the Lord with all my heart. I have a million reasons why I should and one lousy reason why I shouldn't.... Life is hard. Just because life is hard gives me no excuses to stop Praising the Lord, so I really don't even have a excuse not to, so....

"I will Praise you, O Lord, with all my heart"
                                         Psalm 9:1

                                                                                                 ~Katie Leah

A Mother's Love

A mother's love is unconditional, it is like the agape love that is talked about in the Bible. I personally have a lot of mothers that show me this love, all in there own unique way. I have Mom, who has loved me since I was born. My Grandmother, who encourages me to read and write. Mrs. Diane, my second mom from childhood who still buys me things when she see's something I might like. There is Mrs. Angela, My best friend/sister's mom, who is awesome and treats me like her own. and Aunt Edie who is always there with a hug and smile no matter how her day has been. I thank God often for the many mothers he has given me, And I appreciate all they do. I have a one in a million chance, to love and be loved by 5 mothers all at once.

My Mother's Smile

My mother's smile, Brings joy to all.
My mother's smile, Is always there.
In the hardest of times, It never leaves her face.
When she is sad, It grows bigger just for me.
When I do something wrong, It quickly returns.
But no matter what, Her smiles are always filled with love.
My mother is special, I'll never forget her smile.
One day I hope, My smile is just as big as hers.
So I can bring joy to others, Just like my Mother.

My Testimony

          On January 31st 2009, God did something in my life that was so amazing it is hard to describe, but I will do my best.

           I was working with my cousin on my Dad's farm. We were digging holes for the new peach trees that were going to arrive any day. We had been digging holes with an auger since around the first of January. My job was to hold the auger straight up and down so that the whole would be straight for the tree. I held onto the frame that connected to the tractor. Under the frame was the PTO shaft that makes the auger turn and dig the whole and there was a guard that covered the whole PTO shaft to prevent you from getting hurt. At the end there were 2 screws; they were the only things that were not covered. It was a very pretty day and I was enjoying the sunshine and warm air while working. We had just started on another row of holes and had about 100 or so more to go before we were finished with the job. I glanced away for a second and when I did I took my hand off of the auger. When I went to put my hand back on the auger I put it down too low and the screws caught my glove. Suddenly everything was spinning and my first thought was "This is it, I'm going to die." One thing that is so amazing is at that moment... as soon as that thought went through my mind God said, "NO YOU WON'T, BECAUSE I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU YET"  As soon as he said that everything stopped, It was all over. I was just waiting on the paramedics to get there. My Mother, Father, and Brother were in the field next to the one I had been working in, they were instantly by my side. My cousin had run to the road to show the ambulances where to go. They got there, put me on a  stretcher,  put me in an ambulance then took me to a nearby cross road to put me on a helicopter.

             I was flown to Chapel Hill, N.C. and rushed to the emergency room. One thing that is odd was that as they took me off the helicopter I remember looking up at the sky, at how gorgeous it was. It was like God said "Look at that sky, I made it just for you". So in the midst of everything God was still there, just like he promises to never leave your side. Once I was stabilized, the doctor came out into the waiting room where my parents and a few friends were waiting to let them know what was going on. They said that IF I made it through the night, it would be a minimum of  8 months before I even think about going home. Something the Doctor didnt know was that I had an almighty, all-powerful God on my side. 33 DAYS after my accident I WENT HOME!!!  Praise God for performing the impossible!

             In the accident I lost three fingers on my right hand, my hair, and my right outer ear. I was right handed so I had to learn to write all over again. I became ampidextrious and now right with both hands and am currently a part of the Grace Writers Group in Aberdeen N.C.  I also love to ride my horses western style and often hold the reigns in my right hand as well.Many people were wondering if I was ever going to use my right hand "normally" ever again. Once again what is impossible with God?  Two years after my accident I can now do pretty much anything that a "regular" teenage girl can do. I am back to working on the farm, of course with the few exceptions of certain equipment (we no longer use the auger), and I enjoy it tremendously. I was asked to be the NC Peach Queen of 2011, a dream of mine since childhood, and I can do all sorts of other things. I plan to go to New York City this summer on my first Missions Trip, which is what I feel the Lord has called me to do full time after school. So you see, even in the midst of tragedy, God is there. He always has been. He knows what  he is doing, all we have to do is trust in him and He will take care of everything else. I don't think that I would have made it through everything  without God standing beside me the entire way.  Since my accident I have come so much closer to God and he has taught me many things through circumstances and His word.

              This is just my story and the great things God did! He loves you so much and he is always there, always listening. If you don't know God and would like me to tell you more about him please, e-mail at dancing-124@hotmail.com,or if you just would like talk. Thank you for reading and I pray that God Blesses you tremendously                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                           ~Katie Leah

Psalm 16:3

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

This is a verse I recently found when reading my Bible. Since then  I have often thought about how true that verse really is. Though I am only 16 I have learned that anytime I do something I want to go smoothly, I have to first stop, clear my mind, and dedicate what I am about to do to the Lord. What really amazes me sometimes is that God will help you accomplish what you are doing and then add a few of his own designs to the project. No matter what you are doing, he is willing to come along. Even if all you do is talk to Him.So commit whatever you do to the Lord and let Him join you. You just might be surprised what the two of you can accomplish.

                                                                                                                                              ~Katie Leah

Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley was, to many people, an idol. They looked up to him and tried to be like him. He was a great musician, many people knew him. He has been dead for a number of years now, but is still remembered. His music and what he did has been passed down to children and grandchildren alike. How long will he be remembered? Probably many years from now. As I listen to people talk about hearing him speak and sing, I wonder what it would be like to hear him myself. All this leads me to another thought, there was another man who brings even more awe to his crowds  than Elvis Presley. Thousands of people came from all around just to hear Jesus speak. What would it be like to hear him speak? Certainly more interesting than Elvis Presley. Why is it then that people would prefer Elvis? I think because Elvis had great stories, Jesus had great Truth. People want a good time without being corrected. With Elvis they can say "That is what he did but I think he was wrong.", With Jesus they cannot do this.

A True Friend

I have a friend, He is always their when I need him. I have known him personally for 12 years now. He has been their with me through the good times and the bad. The hurts and the rejoicing. When I have a problem He is there to listen and always has the best advice. His Dad Wrote a book and it is wonderful, over a million copies have been sold. He has given me gifts before and loves to surprise me. If I need a shoulder to cry on He is always there. Even though He is an old friend of mine He never ceases to amaze me. I am always learning something new when I talk to Him. His name is Jesus Christ, and He is always looking for new a friend. If you need a True Friend I can introduce you to him. Let us bow our heads and Pray. He is waiting on YOU.

Sometimes The Truth Can Make Us Mad

Many people don't like truth because it makes them mad. It shows them were they are wrong, it tells them what they don't want to hear. They want life to be happy all the time and not take it in the bad. Most people want to be right all the time when, truth is, they can't always be right!

My God is still in control!

Today is a beautiful day even though the wind is a bit chilly. I am sitting here with a blanket across my lap, my favorite dress on, and family all around. We are having church, we are all happy, we are all in good health, we are all safe. My Father just shared with me that Gaddafi, leader of Libya, has given his civilians weapons to fight, and that he wont give up even to the end.

Let me back up a little bit. Not long ago, Egypt had protesters against a government that was controlling, also another country the same. They are both now out from under that government. Libya saw what these other countries were able to do working together as one, but Gaddafi refuses to step down. He started murdering protesters, and now the United Nations and the United States are at war with Libya. More to protect the people of Libya from their leader, Gaddafi.

So I am sitting here with family, clothes, and happy. Then I start to wonder what they are going through. Do they have Jesus? Most of them... probably not . Are they innocent? Most of them... yes. So they have to go through all this turmoil and watch as all this happens to their country that they have known all their lives. Are they happy? Probably not. Do they have clothes? Maybe not. Do they have their family members? Not all. Are they safe? No. I sit here and feel helpless. What can I do for my country as well as theirs? Life is a precious thing that is taken for granted all to many times. Innocent people have lost their life. Should we do anything since we are safe? Of Course! They don't have blankets and clothes always at hand! You ask "What should we do?". First of all we must Pray! Pray for our troops over seas, Pray for our troops who are still on our soil. Pray for the troops of other countries. Pray for our citizens, Pray for citizens all over the world. Pray for the citizens of Libya, Pray for Gaddafi.

In the Bible Saul went around killing people for their beliefs and thought nothing about it. One day while Saul was traveling God appeared to him and changed his life. He became blind for a while, He sought after God, and God restored his sight. Then after his name was changed to Paul, God used him to change the lives of many people. If he did that with Saul, then why can he not do that with Gaddafi?  He is still just as Marvelous, Powerful, and Loving. He has performed miracles before so why not now?

Last of all we should Pray that God will lead the rest of us in where we are to help. He could just want you to be in continual prayer, sent to the front lines of battle, or somewhere in between. We all have a purpose, even if it seems to be as small as a smile, it can make a big difference. So sitting here safe and sound my heart is with those on the front lines, those that are in their homes scared, with Gaddafi as he continues on. For myself I am going to start by praying and see where God wants me. Will you join me in Praying? God has done so much, I Believe HE can perform yet another miracle. God will never let go of us, through the calm times and through the storms. No matter where we are or what is going on. Hallelujah for my all-loving and all-powerful God still, and always will, reign in the High Heavens!!!

God Is Like Air

God is like air,
You can't see it but it's there.

God is like air,
Without it you will surely perish.

God is like air,
It is always provided but your decision whether or not to use it.

God i s like air,
Has unattainable strength and yet so gentle.

God is like air,
So free but has been abused.

God is like air,
Always with you even if you don't acknowledge it.

God is like air,
You can't see him but He's always there.

                                                                                      ~Katie Leah

Dreams

Anais Nin once said "Dreams are necessary to life."  It got me too thinking.... are dreams really necessary to life? Can you live without dreams? You can but how boring would that be. Yes, you can have goals, but dreams are more than that.  When you finally reach that goal it is a really good feeling; but when your dream finally comes true the joy you experience can't be described by words. I have known people who have dreamed dreams but then something happens, they slowly start letting it die, and before they know it dreams are considered "for kids" and have no meaning. Something I have asked many times is why do they let their dreams die? Is it because people tell them that dreams are useless, that what they dream will never come true, that their dreams are of no value. I have been in a position in my life where I could have given up my dream to become  missionary. Sitting in a hospital not even able to feed myself at 14, how could I possibly become a missionary? Well,  my family kept telling me that I shouldn't give up and they continued to pray for me. So with a lot of help and strength from God, I got out of the hospital way sooner than planned.  Two short years later I plan to go on my first missions trip to Panama City, Panama. Now, would I be coming to the point in my life where My dream is coming true, if family and friends hadn't encouraged me to pursue my dream? Maybe people let their there dreams die because no one encourages them to pursue their dreams. They think that they aren't good enough to chase.  If you see someone that you think might need a little encouraging in their dreams don't be afraid to speak out. You never know what they will accomplish.

                             So, are dreams necessary to life?     Yes, I would definitely say so!


                                                                                                    ~Katie Leah

"Jesus Wept" -John 11:35

Jesus Wept... Why was Jesus weeping? Was it because He missed his heavenly father, or because he knew he would soon leave us? Was it because the people persecuted Him, or because they didn't know any better? So many things could have been going on, and one would never know exactly what from only these two words..... Jesus wept!

                                                                                          ~Katie Leah

New Year

Every year we rush around
Not caring what everyone else is doing because we are too caught up in our own plans.
We constantly complain,
and we are never happy.

Holiday's come and go,
with barely any recognition.
We never notice who comes to celebrate
and once again complain about the mess we have to clean.

With Christmas we ask for a ton of stuff,
we get all we want,
we still are not satisfied,
the complaining continues.

In a lot of cases we dont realize how well off we are,
until something tragic happens,
then  we crash,
wondering what happened.

Where did the time go?
How did we miss it all?
Why did we stop caring?
When did it all start going this way?

this is a case that many people find themselves in,
and realize something
Life isn't about having the best clothes or things
but sharing it with the ones you love.

Not many people realize this until something happens
and they have a wake up call
Don't put yourself through something that can be prevented
look around and see what God has to offer.

He has already offered you his son,
and a life of eternity with him,
now all you have to do is believe
and let him lead the way.


                                                                                         ~Katie Parsons

Today

Hello world,
Hello sunlight.
Hello Birds,
And your beautiful sight.

Hello fresh air,
Hello breeze.
Enjoy the day,
Just look at the bees.

Enjoy the sunshine,
Enjoy your day.
Be a child,
And just go play.

Enjoy life,
Don't let it past.
Tomorrow's a gift,
That wont always last.

So enjoy your family,
Enjoy your friends.
Enjoy today,
Before it ends.


                  ~Katie Leah

Mothers

 Are mothers special,

Are mothers kind.

Are mothers something,

That will never leave your side.

Will mothers love you,

no matter what you do.

Are mothers everlasting,

 Is she special to you?

Are mothers awesome,

Are mothers cool.

Are mothers our friends,

Just like at school.

Yes they are,

And so much more.

My mother is awesome,

How about yours?

                                                        ~Katie Parsons