Let it be said of me....

In Christ alone will I glory

Though I could pride myself in battles won
For I’ve been blessed beyond measure
And by His strength alone I’ll overcome
Oh, I could stop and count successes like diamonds in my hands
But those trophies could not equal to the grace by which I stand

In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone

In Christ alone do I glory
For only by His grace I am redeemed
For only His tender mercy
Could reach beyond my weakness to my need
And now I seek no greater honor in just to know Him more
And to count my gains but losses to the glory of my Lord

In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone

Like an open book that you can't help but look at...

In this day and age, our society has evolved into a social butterfly. The specific playing ground that I would like to throw a few hard balls at is also known as "Facebook". This social network has given us easy access to the used-to-be private lives of others, all at the tips of our fingertips.

Why is it that we're disturbed and feel like people are prying into our private lives when we find out that someone has been "stalking" our profile or following our conversations with mutual friends? What's the big deal when it comes to the "see friendship" button that have people squirming? It's the same thing as "wall-to-wall" and then some.

Not saying I have all the answers but I do feel like I need to slap a few people in the face and wake them up to reality. HAVING A FACEBOOK IS SAYING THAT YOUR LIFE IS AN OPEN BOOK THAT ANYONE CAN READ WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT!!! Excuse my being blunt, but if you're not comfortable with the previous statement then I suggest you go and deactivate your account. I"m serious.

If you don't want people reading into your "supposedly" private conversations with friends then use other means of communication. Facebook gives everyone the freedom to read what you're saying to anyone that's anybody. Yes, it is creeper-ish* when someone randomly comments on your little love chat to a friend, but hey, go get a room if the two of you want to be left alone.

There's a reason why there's a "comment" and "like" button underneath every post... to COMMENT and LIKE you idiot! When you post something you're saying "hey everyone, here is what is going on in my life and I want to hear your opinions". Yes, some people may say a bit to much and you can't shut them up, but that's your fault for friending them on Facebook. *smirk*

This social network's name wasn't born out of thin air you know... it actually is giving you a hint of what it really is. A book with your face on it. Books are meant to be read, if your's is not, then there's no point in writing one. Can I get an amen?!

So now that I've just promoted the right of creepers with my honest ramblings, I just have to say one last thing. Be a little less open please!! I really don't want to know what kind of food you're digesting, or those personal things you may or may not be participating in. You get the idea. Make your book fascinating but keep all the disgusting and juicy details to yourself and let the reader be or I will unfriend you.** If I really want to know, then I'll ask you personally.


_________________________________



*okay, I make up my own words. Get used to it! Besides, adding -ish to the end of any word makes it special *grins*.


**Just giving you a fair warning... *sly grin*

A man on a white horse

Dear God, I prayed, all unafraid (as we're inclined to do),
I need not a handsome man
But let him be like You;
I do not need one big and strong
Nor yet so very tall,
Nor need he be some genius,
Or wealthy, Lord, at all;
But let his head be high, dear God,
And let his eye be clear,
His shoulders straight, whate'er his state,
Whate'er his earthly sphere;
And let his face have character,
A ruggedness of soul,
And let his whole life show, dear God,
A singleness of goal;
Then when he comes
(As he will come)
With quiet eyes aglow,
I'll understand that he's the man
I prayed for long ago.

-Ruth Bell Graham (collected poems, p. 35)

October {Stone Mountain} trek

So my family and I decided to take a spur of the moment weekend vacation up to Stone Mountain, GA just for the heck of it. So here are some of the moments that made the trip worth it!!

So because everybody knows candy is essential in any kind of exercise, I was preparing my brother and I for the long hike up the mountain. ;) Of course, because we're Voorhees' we can't do anything the way it's supposed to be done (e.g. instead of hiking up the mountain we would dance all the way up!). Another thing, most people enjoy the view at the top of the mountain but we would rather ADD to it by doing fun tricks on the top. You can watch more of our adventures at http://www.youtube.com/user/heathersheree517?feature=mhum.

One hour of {sun}

On the mountains of North Carolina:
(Collected Poems, Page 125)

If I could have each day
one hour of sun,
glorious,
healing,
hot,
like now –
then
let Winter come!
Not
mild and brief,
but
wild, without relief;
let the storms rage,
let the winds blow,
the freezing rains
lashing my windowpanes;
then
let it snow!
long
and
deep
and cold.
I would not mind at all:
it would be fun…
if I could have
each day
my hour of sun.

Only You

Dusty my soul tonight.
Earth has been dear.
Bewildered, I come to You,
Father God, hear.
Idols that charm me,
dreams that allure,
pains that alarm me,
suspense to endure,
memories that linger,
thoughts that ensnare,
a heart that is aching,
all crumpled by care,
unsatisfied, restless,
scarce able to pray—
everything, everything
take it away.
Only You,
none but You,
Jesus alone:
ashes the rest to me,
songs with a groan,
take them each one away—
mind not my tears—
lift me above this earth’s
joys and its fears,
give me Yourself alone—
nothing beside—
so will I be with You,
content,
satisfied!

-Ruth Bell Graham

[If] I marry...

If I marry: He must be so tall that when he is on his knees he reaches all the way to heaven. His shoulders must be broad enough to bear the burden of a family. His lips must be strong enough to smile, firm enough to say no, and tender enough to kiss. Love must be so deep that it takes its stand in Christ and so wide that it takes in the whole lost world. He must be active enough to save souls. He must be big enough to be gentle and great enough to be thoughtful. His arms must be strong enough to carry a little child.

-Ruth Bell Graham (at age 17)

The written word...

It's amazing how many lives are impacted with the written word.  How one simple quote can change your whole perspective on things.  Words of a song exchanging secrets between your heart.  Be careful then and choose your words wisely...

~heather sheree

{I'm giving my life to the only one that makes the moon reflect the sun}

Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

{Roses and their meanings...}

Red Rose: The most popular of all rose colors, red roses symbolize deep love, romance and passion The red rose has long been a symbol of beauty and perfection and can also symbolize courage. A dark red or burgundy rose depicts a beauty that is uncontrived and unadorned.

White Rose: White roses represent purity and innocence and can also symbolize reverence and humility. They are often used in bridal bouquets as a symbol of spiritual love, unity and new beginnings. White roses are also used in sympathy arrangements for funerals.

Pink Rose: Pink roses convey a message of elegance, grace and gentleness. Deep pink often signifies appreciation and gratitude while light pink signifies admiration, joy and sweetness.

Yellow Rose: Yellow roses symbolize friendship, happiness and warmth. Yellow roses can also convey a desire to start anew or give a relationship a second chance after a quarrel or misunderstanding.

Orange Rose: The bright and bold color of orange roses represents enthusiasm, energy. Orange roses can also convey pride in an accomplishment or celebration of a new beginning or venture.

Purple Rose / Lavender Rose: Lavender or Purple Roses express the feeling of love at first sight.

Peach Rose: Peach Roses can convey many different sentiments such as gratitude, appreciation, admiration or sympathy. They can also convey friendship and sociability. A pale peach rose symbolizes modesty.

Coral Rose: Coral Roses represent desire, passion and excitement. It also says "I admire your accomplishments" and represents good fortune.

Blue Rose: Blue Roses symbolize mystery or something desired, but unattainable. Blue roses do not occur naturally and are artificially colored.

Yellow Rose with Red Tips: A yellow rose with red tips symbolizes friendship falling into love.

Here's my [dad's] number....

APPLICATION FOR PERMISSION TO DATE MY DAUGHTER

NOTE: This application will be incomplete and rejected unless accompanied
by a complete financial statement, job history, lineage, and current
medical report from your doctor.

NAME_____________________________________  DATE OF BIRTH_____________

HEIGHT___________  WEIGHT____________  IQ__________  GPA_____________

SOCIAL SECURITY #_________________  DRIVERS LICENSE #________________

BOY SCOUT RANK AND BADGES__________________________________________

HOME ADDRESS_______________________  CITY/STATE___________  ZIP______

Do you have parents?                     ___Yes  ___No
Is one male and the other female?  ___Yes  ___No
If No, explain:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Number of years they have been married ______________________________

If less than your age, explain
____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________


ACCESSORIES SECTION:

A. Do you own or have access to a van?             __Yes  __No

B. A truck with oversized tires?                   __Yes  __No

C. A waterbed?                                     __Yes  __No

D. A pickup with a mattress in the back?           __Yes  __No

E. A tattoo?                                       __Yes  __No

F. Do you have an earring, nose ring,              __Yes  __No
pierced tongue, pierced cheek or a belly button ring?

(IF YOU ANSWERED 'YES' TO ANY OF THE ABOVE, DISCONTINUE APPLICATION
AND LEAVE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY.  I SUGGEST RUNNING.)


ESSAY SECTION:

In 50 words or less, what does 'LATE' mean to you?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

In 50 words or less, what does 'DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER' mean to you?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

In 50 words or less, what does 'ABSTINENCE' mean to you?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________


REFERENCES SECTION:

Church you attend ___________________________________________________

How often you attend ________________________________________________

When would be the best time to interview your:

father? _____________

mother? _____________

pastor? _____________


SHORT-ANSWER SECTION:

Answer by filling in the blank.  Please answer freely, all answers are
confidential.

A: If I were shot, the last place I would want shot would be:

______________________________________________________________

B: If I were beaten, the last bone I would want broken is my:

______________________________________________________________

C: A woman's place is in the:

______________________________________________________________

D: The one thing I hope this application does not ask me about is:

______________________________________________________________

E. What do you want to do IF you grow up? ___________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

F. When I meet a girl, the thing I always notice about her first is:

______________________________________________________________

F. What is the current going rate of a hotel room? __________________

I SWEAR THAT ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED ABOVE IS TRUE AND CORRECT TO
THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT,
NATIVE AMERICAN ANT TORTURE, CRUCIFIXION, ELECTROCUTION, CHINESE
WATER TORTURE, RED HOT POKERS, AND HILLARY CLINTON KISS TORTURE.


_________________________________________________________
Applicant's Signature (that means sign your name, moron!)


_______________________________      ________________________________
Mother's Signature                      Father's Signature

_______________________________      ________________________________
Pastor/Priest/Rabbi                     State Representative/Congressman

Thank you for your interest, and it had better be genuine and non-sexual.
Please allow four to six years for processing.

You will be contacted in writing if you are approved.  Please do not try to
call or write (since you probably can't, and it would cause you injury). If
your application is rejected, you will be notified by two gentleman wearing
white ties carrying violin cases. (you might watch your back)

To prepare yourself, start studying Daddy's Rules for Dating.



Daddy's Rules for Dating
Your dad's rules for your boyfriend (or for you if you're a guy) :

Rule One:
If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a
package, because you're sure not picking anything up.

Rule Two:
You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so
long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your
eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them..

Rule Three:
I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear
their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips.
Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are
complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue,
so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear
showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However,
in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact come off during the
course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and
fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.

Rule Four:
I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without utilizing a
'Barrier method' of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes
to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.

Rule Five:
It is usually understood that in order for us to get to know each other,
we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please
do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of
when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only
word I need from you on this subject is: 'early.'

Rule Six:
I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date
other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter.
Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to
date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I
will make you cry.

Rule Seven:
As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and
more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on
time for the movie, you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her
makeup, a process than can take longer than painting the Golden GateBridge.
Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like
changing the oil in my car?

Rule Eight:
The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter:
Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool
Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing, holding
hands, or happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to
induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything
other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka - zipped up to her
throat. Movies with a strong romantic or sexual themes are to be avoided;
movies which feature chain saws are okay. Hockey games are okay. Old folks
homes are better.

Rule Nine:
Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a potbellied, balding, middle-aged,
dimwitted has-been. But on issues relating to my daughter, I am the
all-knowing, merciless god of your universe. If I ask you where you are
going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole
truth and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres
behind the house. Do not trifle with me.

Rule Ten:
Be afraid. Be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the
sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming in over a rice paddy
near Hanoi When my Agent Orange starts acting up, the voices in my head
frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter
home. As soon as you pull into the driveway you should exit the car with
both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a
clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then
return to your car - there is no need for you to come inside. The
camouflaged face at the window is mine.

Psalm 139

Oh Lord, you have searched me and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.
You hem me in-  behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your spirit?  Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.  When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.  All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!  How vasr is the sum of them!
Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.  When I awake, I am still with you.
If only you would slay the wicked, O God!  Away from me you bloodthirsty men!
They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord, and abhor those who rise up against you?
I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

He Only Takes The Best...

God saw he was getting tired,
and a cure was not to be;
So he put His arms around him,
and whispered, "Come with me."
With tearful eyes
we watched him suffer,
and saw him fade away.
Although we loved him dearly,
we could not make him stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
hard-working hands to rest;
God broke our hearts
to prove to us,
HE ONLY TAKES THE BEST!

Today we went to a funeral for an old friend who was a father and husband of 55 years... and this was a poem that was on the front of the memory book.  It brought tears to my eyes as it reminded me of all those last moments we had with my dad before he was called home. 
Battling cancer is such a physical and emotional drain on the victim and those around him.  It was such a heavy weight on my dad's shoulders and the rest of my family. 
I'm so blessed that my relationship with him grew those last few years:)  So now I can say He truly only takes the best!!

To "live like you're dying"........

You hear the phrase "live like you're dying" quite often.  There is even a country song based off that line!  So why is it that we put so much importance in the things that mean nothing in the end?  Why is it only when we're losing ourselves that we realize what the valuable things in life really are?
When people receive the news of their time left to live, it is only then that they know what to go and make right.  They feel the urge to not put off til tomorrow what could be done today.  I know that if some of us knew the number of days we were to live, we would hurry to rush and finish the things we want to do.... we would stop procrastinating to do good and share the Truth!
Everyday we should be saying, "Just one more!  Lord, I just want to bring one more to Christ before you take me back home!"  Yet we shy away from opportunities and put it off til tomorrow...
Is there something that you feel God has asked you to do but you keep putting it off?  Pray about it.  Ask God to reveal to you what it is you're doing and make a change right now!! 
Live like you're dying!!! 
Live like Jesus is coming for you today!!!

{Count your Blessings}

Our Gracie girl... *love*


Each child is a blessing from heaven... and I have 5!! My nieces and nephews are my weakness:) Hallel (9), Hosanna (8), Victoria (7), Peter (4), Grace (2)!!!

"It's okay bear... I still love you!" *Grace kissing bear* You can't get much sweeter than that...

When the music fades...

After finishing my 40 day journey through Rick Warren's book (Purpose Driven Life), which I do encourage you to read, there were some messages that really stood out to me that I would like to share from time to time.
You may have heard it before that your act of worship is not only singing praise songs in a building with fellow believers every Sunday, but it is how you live your life every moment of each day. I know that I had been told that many times but I didn't quite grasp it for the longest time, not until Warren shared the story about the man who wrote the song "Heart of Worship". This man challenged his church to look for different ways they could worship God besides singing songs. He had the worship team take a break for a while and there ended up being no praise and worship time for a few Sundays. In the meantime, while his congregation found the meaning of an act of true worship, he was writing a song. When the people came back again filled with joy, he played this song before anything else began. That song was the "Heart of Worship"... now if you remember the words to that song, you should now gain a better understanding of what it meant.
"... I'll bring you more than a song, for a song in itself is not what you have required. You search much deeper within, throught the way things appear. You're looking into my heart. I'm coming back to the heart of worship, where its all about You. Its all about you, Jesus. I'm sorry Lord for the things I've made it..."

Be encouraged by this and I pray that you'll bring Him more than a song and worship Him in everything you do today!!

<3

"Home Address"

My home address?
Christ.
In Him I dwell,
wherever else I be.

As Bird in the air,
as branch in the vine,
as tree in the soil,
as fish in the sea.
He is my home.

My business address?
Here.

Little piney cove,
or London,
Corinth,
Calcutta,
or Rome,
Shanghai,
or Paris.

My business address?
Wherever He puts me,
but He is my home.

-Ruth Bell Graham