I saw it coming...

I just wanted to re-post a comment I blogged about in January of 2006. I'm not usually the type to say I told you so, but I will here. And don't expect your "representatives" (yea, right) to do anything to help us now. I don't know about you, but the cost of gas is killing me. I just pray that someone with some pull finds some guts to stand up and push through some reform. Get the EPA, and the environmental wackos out of the way and drill. Then build some new refineries and get the gas flowing. Let's get energy independent, and we must do it now!

Anyway here's my profetic post:

Get used to it!
I've heard a lot of complaining and griping over the past 4 to 6 months about the price of gas going up, up, up. Up until a few weeks ago I was one of the loudest shouters (who me, and I'm usually so quiet). Then oil drilling in the Alaskan Wildlife Refuge was voted down by Congress yet again. I just can't believe that the Republicans have a majority and still can't sneak this one through. It is one of the most important domestic economic issues to ever face our country, and yet political pressure groups have so much power and influence that it may never pass. We have the worst case of politicians who are in the pockets of lobby groups we've ever seen. The Congress is no longer lead by the best interests of their constituency, but by what is the best for their continued political power and $ Gain $.Today the Oil prices went up yet again, and they are quickly headed to where they were after Hurricane Katrina. All I'm saying is don't expect Congress or even the President to get as upset as we are and actually do something about it. Because while we're making our measily salary and living month to month, they are sitting there in their multi-million dollar houses with their mades and nannies asking what the problem is. So stop worrying and losing sleep, because your representative sure isn't.That's my 2 cents!

Happiness comes from God alone!

I have a reputation for being quite a hard head. Lessons others learn and hold on to tightly sometimes take me quite a while to learn. Then, when I do learn them, I seem to forget them very easily. This is the case with waiting on the Lord and the happiness that most see from true patient openness to God's leading. I can not even begin to tell you how many times God has gotten a hold of my heart through circumstances and life changing issues. These are the times when I am able to slow down and truly hear and heed the still, small voice of God. Then in what seems like hours, I've allowed myself to take full control yet again and do things my way. I even realize then and now that my happiness is 100% linked to where I stand in relation to God controlling my life. If I am yielding to him and relaxing in his arms, then I am happy and thriving. At the times where I am control I may feel slightly more comfortable for a time, but I begin to be less and less happy and very bitter.

I found this verse today and thought it was fitting for this issue:

James 5:11Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

I have seen in my life and the lives of many friends the impact at laying our lives at the alter of God. We have so many things in our lives that we hold so tightly to, and they begin to get in the way of letting God control our major decisions. I have been inspired by friends this week that chose to consider giving up a big dream vacation because of a family medical situation. Then things begin to ease and look a lot less grim. After they gave up that tight hold, God gave it back to them with a peace that is unexplainable. It is amazing how many decisions lie ahead of me right now. It is completely overwhelming when I try to take it all on all by myself (cause I'm so tough- yea right), but with God nothing is impossible. It is amazing upon that realization how the clouds roll back and the peace comes over my life. And with peace comes real and true happiness. That happiness is only achievable with a life truly laid on the alter for God to control.

Now, don't get me wrong, I haven't changed that much. I'll still slip back into bitterness and overwhelmed dispair. God will still have to slap my hand. For now I will bask in the happiness and peace that only my God can give.

Twilight Jumpers!

I wanted to share this shot as well. It is a silouette of one of my Boys and two children of some friends. This was taken at dusk near Smith Mountain Lake Virginia. I personally love this shot.

Smith Mountain Angels

I just wanted to share a shot I took 2 weeks ago near Smith Mountain Lake. It was taken in the evening. I wonder if it will look anything like this when Jesus comes again breaking through the clouds?