Words to live by:

"With man this is impossible, but with God ALL things are possible." Matthew 19:26

Saturday, January 29, 2011

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You better hold on...cause here it comes!

Something that I have been thinking about so much lately...I pondered whether or not to put it out there or not, but my heart is heavy. Oh don't get excited, it's not a deep hidden secret about myself or about anybody else...it's something that we will all encounter, some soon and some later, but indeed, we all will go through it.


As I always want to be an encourager for others, uplifting, non-judging, and simply a friend---my thoughts and hearts desires are pure and totally in your favor. SO with all of that said: here goes...


Salvation---God---Jesus---Religion---Riding the fence---Hypocracy---Baptism---Relationship


SO much attention is given to: do "they" go to church? They are all hypocrites over there, so I'm not gonna be a part of it. Don't tell me what to do. I'm tired today. It's raining so I'm gonna stay in. I can worship at home, Not right now-I'm just not ready. I said the prayer when I was a kid...I'm good. I've got my own way of believing. I'm not gonna be a hypocrite so I'll wait til I'm ready. They act snobby there. They hurt my feelings, so forget it!

Wow! Did you find a common bond within each of the statements or questions above? How about the words, "I", I'm", "Me"..to sum the problem up before the explanation, it's not about "ME" (or you)!
These things are all simple excuses to try to aviod something we ALL know we will face. Responsibility. Oh dear...there it is again...forget me---no! But....    sorrrrryyyyy...

It's ALL about Him!
Please don't take this the wrong way. I'm not "preaching" to you or judging you or trying to badger you...I've been on the other side. I've said those things. But those days are long ago, and I thank God every day for giving me the wisdom and knowledge I need to really KNOW what it's all about. Actually, my heart hurts for those that don't get it, or refuse to try.
    We are a selfish species, humans. We want, want, want, but it gets harder the more we are expected to give, give, give. Why? Oh believe me...I remember the day when I did this very thing so well. I could do everything "I" wanted but when it came to others or even worse, God...I found every excuse in the book...what about ME???!!! Doesn't anyone care about ME!??!!!   Well the answer to that question is so simple---YES! There is! His name is Jesus!
     It's called sacrifice, selflessness, giving, helping others first, doing unto others as you would "want" them to do to you...and the end result is that YOU---yes YOU---will come out the winner! Believe me, the blessings are so unbelievable and supernatural that I can't hardly explain it. The things in the world that used to mean so much became obsolete, uninteresting, uninviting. It was wierd; those "items" that I craved, just didn't do it for me anymore. I wanted Him...I wanted to know Him better...I studied about Him, I talked to Him, I sang to Him...and guess what??? it started changing...I, Me, Mine became Him, His, Jesus. Do I regret anything? Do I miss anything? Do I have desires to do or seek those other things? Sometimes. But then I call his name...and HE calls me back---"dara", seek only me---I will give you the desires that will make your life complete. He's there---every time.
   Those times that I used to find every excuse to NOT go to worship? Well, there were days when I wanted! needed! to lay in my bed or stay at home or go with my friends...but I persevered and went to worship. Those were the times when He grabbed me the hardest. He said, "thank you dara...I love you"! It was so loud and clear! Every single time. listen to me---Every single time.
   And then after I got over the "ME" syndrome...I started reaching out to others. YOWZA!!!!! My life is abundantly and richly, overwhelmingly FULL!!!! It's just not about ME! It's about Him! Are you getting it? DOn't judge others...you won't answer for them. You will stand before HIM, and he will hold YOU accountable for every thing YOU'VE done. He will not say, "so let me ask? why did 'johnny' do that?" He will ask YOU why "You" did that.
    Have a heart full of joy, compassion, love. Get rid of the hurt. Forgive. I mean FORGIVE. Forgiveness is "letting it go without expecting ANYTHING in return" (because most every time, you will not get anything back, sorry...and then go forward, never to return. They will answer for their own wrong, not you--remember? Find a way (through Jesus) to see the best in even your worst enemy. Wow! Did I say that? Yep? I've done it...I do it...every day. Yes, I have people that have hurt me----a lot... so?...let it go. It wasn't hurting them, it was hurting me. My heart doesn't hurt as much, I can see more clearly, I can GIVE easier. But I couldn't do all that without letting it go---FORGIVING! I needed to honor God, and I could not do this with ahte and bitterness in my heart...and I had it---boy did I have it! But I'm here to tell you, it's gone. Digging down deep, and not returning.
By the way: this doesn't mean that it won't happen again...forgive them "70 x 7"...that's a lot! (That's what Jesus tells us to do.)
     Relationship -- with HIM. It's not about a prayer that you said when you were a child in order NOT to go to hell...a deed...an act...a duty. It's ALL ABOUT making Jesus CHrist LORD of your life. He's the boss, He's the one to please, He's the priority! Not sports, fashion, decor, money, fame, power, popularity, music, cars, houses, on and on and on...It's about building a bond between YOU, yes YOU, and the creator of all things. When you want to know someone better, how do you go about it? Talk, Call, Respond, Do kind things for, Sacrifice...yep. That's called relationship. Jesus wants this from YOU! DOn't feel like he's asking for too much, after you get the hang of it, it's not NEARLY ENOUGH!!! If you prayed a prayer at some point in your life to recieve CHrist as your Savior, was there a chan ge in your life? NOt a change like HE gave you all your desires...but a change like YOU were out to please HIM!!! with everything you did and said...if there wasn't, then????? wellllll...take a real close look. Be careful about this...it could mean everything.
Just to let you know:  he's the best friend I've ever known...he never lets me down...remember it's not about you.
     Obedience -- simply read it for yourself...open the Bible, and see what is RIGHT or WRONG...don't try to figure it out, don't try to make it fit your lifestyle, don't try to re-word it...it's all in black and white (and red)...the rest is up to you. Either do it.........or...not. Your choice. Simple. Also, it's a good idea not to point out everyone else's faults to them...they will probably just turn it around on you and then everyone just gets mad...what good did that do? Look it up: something about "take the PLANK out of your own eye before you remove the splinter from theirs..." just some words I've read in the BIBLE...look it up for yourself.  Just work on YOU. I mean REALLY work on YOU.
   This isn't a game. God (Jesus) knows YOUR heart and YOUR intentions. You easily can hide from all of us...but you CAN NEVER hide from him...not a scare tactic...just truth. THink about it...you can't even try to reason it out with him...he knows your every thought...he knew your name before you were conceived. A lot to absorb huh?
     Reward---The reward for this way of life--- you know!?? (a relationship with Jesus...sacrifice...selflessness)...well???? It says in the Bible, that your reward is being prepared right now...by Jesus himself...that is, in heaven, where you will get to spend eternity. That is, if you decide to make it (your life) all about HIM...get it?
    

To wrap it all up---
       I'm not trying to offend (although it you take this as offensive, then precisely what I'm talking about)...I'm not "preaching" to you...I'm not "pushing religion" on you.
Listen---here goes---(This is the only time it's about you)---It's YOUR choice.
I believe in the Bible and this is where I get my facts.
I believe with every breath that I take that what the Bible teaches is undisputably correct.
I've studied these words.
I believe in them, and try my best to live by them.
No I am not perfect...and don't intend to be...but my JUDGE doesn't expect me to be.
In fact, he made that perfectly clear when HE died for ME.    
Oh wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  
It "IS" about ME!!!
THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!

SO for now...These are My Thoughts.
Dara

Friday, January 28, 2011

Well, today was a day of thinking mainly. As I drove alone (which isn't very often) to Atlanta, I pondered so many thoughts. I turned my praise music on and off I went, to the big A.T.L.---as I drove, I wondered if God would place someone in front of me today that I needed. I was just going to pick up some new jewelry for the new season, but I thought that maybe I would meet up with someone that would need or know Jesus, hmmmm.
As I drove, I inched my music up louder and louder...I was praisin' in the car goin down I-20!!! HA! I loved it! It didn't bother me that I was singin' to the top of my lungs or that I was raising my hands toward the heavens...and it didn't matter who saw me doing it! For that ride was just me and my Savior! I even laughed out loud a few times, for whatever reason. It was good. God is good.
I love capping over the hill just past six flags when you can see the high rise city of Atlanta...I don't know why this multi-cultural, busy city makes me feel at ease...it was a beautiful morning.
It was a rather relaxing day...strolling you might say. I was about to leave to come home when I talked with one last person. I didn't get his name...somehow we managed to talk about what it is we do for a living...he was a good looking young man, working part time at one of my vendors but also about to head to what???? Seminary??? and a part time Youth Pastor??? I found the person I was to speak with...or should I say, God put him there. We talked about out ministries, his work as a missionary and his hopes of continued blessings. In the middle of a simply jewelry purchase, the young man that was helping me was a Christian. Thank you GOd for the little things. I enjoyed our talk...sometimes you just wonder, if in such a city as this, are there people out there that think the same as you, believe the same as you, worship the same as you? Yes.
THe drive home was gorgeous...Atlanta high rises in the background, sunshine in the foreground...Jesus took the wheel. I sa tback and listened to him, laughed a little, sang a lot, smiled, waved...again, it was good.
This may all sound silly or one might ask, and????
Well, it's just...simple. Me and Jesus had a great day together. What more do you want? I'm full.
and so for now, These are My Thoughts...
Dara

Thursday, January 27, 2011

My first blog...here goes nothin?

Well, I guess I've joined the world of blog...I'm just gonna start by wingin' my thoughts at this very moment. At first thought, I've always wanted to write, so I guess this is kinda like doing that.
Maybe I can use this blog spot to share my thoughts and feelings to my precious friends and family...by the way, I really do feel like one of luckiest people in the world with the great people I am surrounded with...so those of you out there that help me throughout each and every day...I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

For a tiny snippet about me:
I am 45 years young/old...you can take your pick. It really doesnt matter to me. I feel like I am around the 20 year mark but I'm sure I don't look it:)
I have 2 precious children with whom I am most proud...I don't claim to be the best mother in the world, but I can promise that I give it my best shot. It's not a competition but better yet, a gift and challenge each day. 
I am a full time ministry leader...I am director of the preteen minsitry at Hill Crest Baptist Church but I also spend a lot of time with all ages of chilren (mostly from 4th grade thru college aged), I must admit that these children have helped get me through some of the hardest times in my life, whether they realized it or not.
I also truly am a writer. I love to write ministry related dramas in order to portray the teachings and expectations of my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am not here to judge, I am but a humble servant. I am also a teacher of sorts...as I love to teach the stories of the Bible. A future goal (hopefully sooner than later) is to hold a conference in order to teach women (of all ages) some of the things and teachings that God has laid on my heart. All things I teach are designed to help women better their lives through a closer walk with Jesus.
I don't mind if people think I am a Jesus freak...sometimes I am. I simply know how abundant life is WITH him and i know how empty life is WITHOUT him! I've been on both sides of the track...and I hope to NEVER leave the path I am on now. I love JESUS and I am PROUD of it!!!
I am also Creative Events Director at Hill Crest Baptist Church as well as Supervisor of Women's Ministry.
Along with the above priorities, I sell jewelry! It's in my blood...I have sold jewelry for 25 years and really do believe when us women wear it, we just feel better! HA!
I am a student at Jacksonville State University and plan on completing a BFA degree in December 2011 with a concentration in Graphic Design. People often ask what I plan on doing after I graduate...first, I plan on celebrating with some close friends in NEW YORK CITY and then I will just sit back and be proud of the accomplishment...a single mom, full time ministry director, hard work...wow! But ultimately, I will simply BE STILL and KNOW that HE IS GOD...I will listen.
For the rest of my life: I plan on making each day count as much as possible, teaching people all that I can about how to live a life pleasing to God, raising my children to be proud of the life they have made for themselves, and loving every minute of every day that God so richly blesses me with.
I'm actually excited about this new adventure in the blog world...talk again soon...but for now, These are My Thoughts.
Dara Murphy