Modern Day Nehemiah

I just wanted to post about yesterday. I've been going through The Book of Nehemiah with one of my chapter studies. During reading and meditation time I heard the Lord say to me, " Invite T.J. and Shayla Mc Cormick over for dinner this very evening," Jesus wanted to encourage them. I love to do what God tells me, so I devised a plan to do that very thing, The Lord wanted to use me to encourage them with the very book that I had been going through, The Book of Nehemiah. I usually ask for confirmation about what God tells me to do so I prayed and asked the Lord to confirm to me if I were to share the encouragement with these two church Planter's then T.J. would ask me himself what God told me to say to them. I just want to say for the record that JESUS LOVE and ENCOURAGEMENT towards this couple is active and powerful. God allowed me to speak His word over T.J. and Shayla last night. They have been called to a huge undertaking of planting a new church in Ft. Lauderdale Fl. and I am blessed and humbled to have a teeney part in this mind boggling undertaking that they are committed to do to completion. Please here what God is saying; Any of us could receive a call from God to Go, do not delay, walk in the path He has purposed for you, If it breaks your heart and causes you to fast and pray, it's something you will need to look into. Opposition will be a factor doing the will of God, stand fast never give up on the vision God has given you. God will give you people who have the same vision, He will build the wall. It may take months to see something coming together, just keep praying and stay committed. Don't be afraid to admit your fear, this is where your strength in Him comes from. Do not allow fear to stop you. God is always in charge. Plan ahead. Don't tell everyone everything all the time. When it is time, God will help you share it with enthusiasm, inspiring people to want to be a part of your vision that God has planned out ahead of time for you to do. Team work = action. During difficult times of discouragement, fear and opposition depend on Gods strength for the building vision . Persevere through and rally the people. Everyone will feel a part of the building process, encouragement goes along way. Strategy can be learned through reading Gods word. There will be people needed to build and people to pray and intercede against spiritual attacks, Pray with weapons of warfare! Pray God's justice is carried out. Combine prayer with preparation and planning, keep vigilant and watch over what has been entrusted to you. And don't forget effort! Are you tired yet? That's just the tip of the iceberg. Accomplishing any large task is tiring. There are always pressures that foster discouragement-the task seems impossible, it can never be finished, too many factors are working against us. The only cure for fatigue and discouragement is focusing on God's purposes. Nehemiah reminded the workers of their calling, their goal, and God's protection. If you are overwhelmed by an assignment, tired, and discouraged, remember God's purpose for you life and His special purpose for the project.

Hear me, O God

Life is kinda funny..." NOT!" Especially when I have my self will in my head going in one direction. And then suddenly everything gets turned around. "WOW" What did I just hear? Is that the attack of SELF PITY again rearing it's OH SO UGLY HEAD? I was so not expecting that ugly demon spirit to show up. Reading my devotional today, I thought I was covered by divine protection of being attacked spiritually. I was reading how King David was praying to God, he said, "Hear me, O God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy. When I read that this morning, I literally breezed over it, I did not take the scripture to heart. I just went on to the next verse, and kept going till I was done. I was not prepared for the day, not really. During transitional times in life I'm starting to think, I better not think. I should never lean to my own understanding. I've got to only depend on God for EVERYTHING. Once I start to do stuff in my own power that is when I'm left wide open for the enemy to attack. I will study, I will praise, I will confess, God is always there to here my prayer. REMEBERING... Satan will tempt us and appeal to our self will in effort to make us useless for the Lord. PART TWO A.M. DEVOTIONAL, Jesus heals a demon possessed boy. Jesus comes up to His other disciples and a crowd of people and some teachers of the law, during an argument, when they see Jesus they are filled with wonder and run up to greet him.( I ask myself, when I'm having my devotions is my heart really in it? Am I filled with wonder? Do I run to greet Jesus with a heart of expectancy?) Jesus asked what they were arguing about.( Jesus is asking me what is the problem in my life) A man came up to Jesus and told him about his demon possessed son( Do I really tell Jesus what is going on inside my head?)( He needs me to tell Him, this is how my faith will grow) describing what the demon would do to the poor boy, The father of the boy told Jesus, that this Demon robbed the boy of his speech( they can cause us to say things that we shouldn't, or think words that should not be spoken), it would seize him,( have you ever felt grasped by evil thoughts or felt captured by wrong motives?) throw him to the ground,( do you ever just feel beat up like you've been pushed to the ground to grovel?) made him foam at the mouth,( physical attacks) it would gnash his teeth together,(physical pain) it made him become rigid,(stressed out) it would on occasion try to throw him in the water or fire to kill him.(tripping or falling like you've lost your balance for no good reason) This evil demon was very strong,( Sometimes, It can feel like the evil demon spirits, if they were aloud, would possess us too if they had permission, they can only harass us from the outside, but that feels bad enough when it is happening. Christians are being attacked on many levels when evil spirits are battling us from the unseen world) "The disciples could not cast it out," The boys father said to Jesus" I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not." O UNBELIEVING GENERATION,"Jesus replied "HOW LONG SHALL I STAY WITH YOU? HOW LONG SHALL I PUT UP WITH YOU? BRING THE BOY TO ME." So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. he fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boys father "HOW LONG HAS HE BEEN LIKE THIS?" " From childhood," he answered." It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us. 'IF YOU CAN?' said Jesus. "EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE FOR HIM WHO BELIEVES." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Trust and Confidence is an ATTITUDE, that the bible calls Belief or Faith) It's not something we can obtain without help. Faith is a gift from God, no matter how much faith we have, we never reach the point of being self sufficient. Faith is not stored away like money in the bank. Growing in faith is a constant process of daily renewing our trust in Jesus. So next time I have my devotions, I will have them with the correct attitude of confidence and trust believing in faith that God will make all things possible for me and he will take care of the evil influences that oppress me.

Low Carb Grilled Chicken Salad

This is the best chicken salad recipe, I make this usually once a week, I serve it on a grilled croissant or crackers. You can also top it on a bed of your favorite salad for the real low carb experience. Try it You'll like it! This is a "two serving" recipe. Now that it's just my husband and I most days, I'll give you the recipe that I use for two. Just double the recipe or triple it for serving amounts needed. RECIPE; #1. One half of a CHICKEN BREAST chopped in tiny cubes( see picture) #2. CELERY one stalk chopped. #3. ORIGINAL CRAISINS, about the same amount as the celery, approx. 1/3 C. #4. MAYO, not miracle whip! approx. 1 C. Add seasonings; LAWRY'S, lightly sprinkle, do not use too much it is very salty. GARLIC POWDER, sprinkle over. SEASONED PEPPER, I love pepper, sprinkle over generously. GROUND THYME, two dashes. Mix it up, chill in frig 1 hour. ENJOY!

Craft Night Was Rosey !

I wanted to post for all to see what we made on "Our First Craft Night." Sorry if my pictures are not the quality of my personal photographer, Jennifer Soos, but she was kind of busy and totally forgot and left her camera at home. It's ok Jen, I have gotten over it! You all will just have to suffer through the bad photography taken with my awesome 8.2 mega pixel kodak! I wanted to give a quick shout out to my girls who showed up in the rain. 1. Leanna Huff, Sweetest Girl Ever! Thanks Leanna for the totally cool paper dollar rose. 2.Grace Cuff, my awesome decorator friend! Who may I add drives a VW Beetle like me...! 3. Jennifer Soos, My daughter and BFF+ personal photographer. 4. Dionne Chang, My other daughter, when her Mom is gone up north. She is a dollysweetie face! All the women in my life are the most precious gifts God has given me. I used to pray that God would give me one really special friend, but He sees fit to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Now to all of you who could not come, There will be other nights. Home Girl Out!

Craft Night-Come See

Everyone is invited to CRAFT NIGHT, we will be "TRYING" to make Our Beautiful Paper Roses. I went to Michaels yesterday, picked up all the supplies for the creation of the roses. I sat down last night to pre make a rose and got blown away, WOW! Everytime I make one I'm impressed. They look so real and they are quite easy to make. On a scale of 1 to 10. One being simple and ten being impossibly difficult, I would rate the rose about a 3 1/2. There is some level of difficulty, but with PATIENCE and LAUGHTER we will accomplish the project. It is worth it to learn how. Arts and Crafts are a favorite past time for me, I spend alot of time researching and making new things that don't cost alot, and the satisfaction levels run high, I guess you could say I'm addicted to crafting at all levels! If anyone has questions, please e-mail me at dhawkins14@tampabay.rr.com or leave a comment on my blog. I'm pretty sure my photographer, www.jennifersoosphotography.com is coming to take pics! See you all tonight! Home Girl Out!

PERFECTION GUARANTEED !

Just wanted to update everyone on a new concept I will be using for Home Girl Designs. Along with great info, decorating tips, plus inspirational meditations, I will be plugging my most favorite people in business. These people have far exceeded others in their line of business. I completely believe in their dedication to their vocation. These special individuals are to simply say "AWESOME AT WHAT THEY DO" "THEY ARE THE BEST OF THE BEST" !!! Here are a few of the greats: Everyone who sees this blog has loved the pictures. #1. Jennifer Soos of Jennifer Soos Photography. She is located in Palmetto, Fla. Notice my teeth, I really wish you could of seen them before, I owe my smile to my orthodontist. #2. Dr. Frank Pazulski of Sarasota. He is worth the drive! Locate him on the web at www.sarasotabraces.com The Hair! OMG! #3. Joy Davis of Salon 50. Joy rocks the house when it comes to hair design! Love her! She is located in West Bradenton. Love my peeps! Home Girl... Out!

SERVIN UP THE LOVE

Hey Everyone, This Morning was "THE HOMELESS BREAKFAST" We go on Saturday mornings at 7:00 a.m. We hang out with the homeless to offer support, encouragement and the love of Jesus. But what always happens, they end up BLESSING ME INSTEAD. I always pray that God will use my hands and feet to minister the truth of Gods Great Love and care through SERVING AND FELLOWSHIP. I sit and listen to their stories, and I always think that could be me, It truly could happen to anyone. Now don't get me wrong there are alot of these people who choose to live this way. They will even admit that they made the wrong decisions in life and this is where they ended up being homeless and destitute. Never the less I still need to go, I'ts what GOD REQUIRES of me so I do it. It has turned out to be one of the more rewarding events in my life. There is something very precious when your being obedient to the Fathers call on your life, Nothing can get better than that. What is He telling you to do ? What is your purpose for being here? Are you fullfilling THE GREAT COMMISSION? If you can answer YES than well done faithful christian! If the answer is no, then you still have time find out what He wants of your life and when He tells you... SERVE HIM with all you have. HOME GIRL OUT!

Busy At Home !

To be self controlled is a wonderful thing. Controlling the self is hard but achievable with the help of a daily dose of Gods word for purity. With the culture of our day it is easy to just give in and go with the flow. For all of us who are out of work because of circumstances out of our control, we should keep busy at home! I'm finding , while I wait for Gods leading in my life that there are so many projects that are getting my attention now. It is really a most wonderful time to reinvent myself and to do projects that I could only dream of before! Besides all the "Home Girl" projects and crafts that I'm planning, I've been able to work on being kind to my husband. I've found this is something that has got to be cultivated, just like my garden. I must tend to it, I plan for it and feed it. I run a small group, we've been studying " The Power Of The Praying Wife" This small group has been so life changing for me. I really feel like I'm living out Titus 2:5. The scripture says; to be self controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Nothing can top that! I will sing and Praise my God forever. " HOME GIRL " OUT!

Over Cast Day=Great Garden Day

Hey, today is a great over cast day to enhance your garden, I recently found a really inexpensive nursery down the road from me 5 miles east from Greyhawk Landing. The nursery's name is H&H. They are located on SR 64, approximately 8.5 miles east from interstate 75. Happy Gardening!!

Everything's coming up roses...

I will be HOSTING and TEACHING a craft class on May 20, 2009. We will be making "Paper Roses" out of coffee filters! For all of you who want to be simply amazed, this class is for you. Every time I make one of these roses, I find it hard to believe it is possible to construct something that looks so amazingly like the real thing. I have limited space for this class so please leave me a comment if you would be interested in attending. There is no charge for this class, just show up to have fun! Hope to see you there!

Coming Alive!

Today this blog will come alive thanks to JENNIFERSOOSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM If anyone needs a great photographer she's your woman! Jenn and I had so much fun last evening shooting for the blog. Please check her out if you want to get blown away by her PHOTOGRAPHIC GENIOUS. She is a true ORGANIC PHOTOGRAPHER, I can't say anymore about her picture taking secrets, but... "The Secrets" are what make any artist who they are and "The Secrets" set them apart! Other photographers would probably die to get their hands on her knowledge and vision. But they can't, Jennifer will be the first to tell you that her vision and genious come Direct from her God!

The Original Home Girl!

This is The Original "Home Girl" You will hopefully find alot of cool stuff on here in the near future that has to do with the home. My main objective is to help you with all your decorating issues or questions. Getting you to think about your personal spaces inside or out. Ask yourself, "What is this space saying to me?" " What do I want this space to do ?" Whatever you want to work on, I want to help you with. One on One. I can come to your home and get you to the place where you want to get to with your own special living spaces. Or you can ask me questions right here and I will give you my thoughts. I've been in the decorating business for the last 13 years, I specialize in color and design plus taking what you already have and redirecting the design elements to create your own personal style that you are comfortable with. I don't want to change who you are, just realign your space to complement a more peaceful environment with the items you already have. In the near future I will be adding real products that anyone can purchase from my store. Home Girl Designs is a work in progress and will grow as the concepts develop over time. I hope all of you will enjoy the trip through a decorators life.