Only through Christ

This morning I was questioning myself if I should go to church or not since I was not feeling well. I kept feeling a tug on my heart for me to go, so I did. I am so glad I went! The youth group put on a wonderful performance which really moved me and the message today was something God really wanted me to hear. I have been battling in bondage for the past 3 years. I feel comfortable sharing with others what I battle with because after this long I am so tired of trying to keep it a secret. I have a phobia called mysophobia which is basically germaphobia. Every time I give in to my flesh I end up feeling so guilty that I end up building a wall because I feel like how am I supposed to come to God when I can't even give this sin up. Well this is what it says in
Romans 7:24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 7:25 I thank God-through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

It then goes on to chapter 8 saying
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I am in Christ so I have no condemnation and what I need to do is cry out to Him because He is my deliverer. Only through Christ can I be free from this.

There is one other verse that really spoke to me today and that is verse 6.
Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

I want this so bad, life and peace. I am so thankful that we can all have this by accepting Jesus into our hearts and by keeping our minds set on Him.

I really love this verse Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

because His Spirit dwells in me I have life. Thank you Father God for loving me so much that you gave your one and only Son to die for my sins. Only through Him can I come to you and be forgiven, only through Him I can have everlasting life and peace that surpasses all understanding. I love you Father and I pray that everyday that I can lay all my burdens down so my focus will be on you and not my flesh. Forgive me of my sins and help me to live according to the Spirit. In Jesus mighty name I pray, Amen!

Tommy Boy

Thomas aka Tommy Boy just loves playing with his action figures. It is so fun watching him play. He is so serious but imaginative at the same time. He sets up these scenes for his action figures, it's almost like watching a movie come to life. Robert & I think he is going to be the next George Lucas. Thomas is so content when playing with his action figures it is something he really enjoys. Thomas is also full of energy and is such a happy boy (most of the time) every morning he comes running in our room with so much excitement to see us first thing. He is also a very loving boy and I hope that is something that he won't grow out of. It is such a blessing to have a son that brings so much joy and excitement into our lives everyday. Love you T!!!!

Katie Girl

Katie girl is such a girly girl. Just like me when I was a young girl. She loves playing with her barbies, dressing them up and making them look all pretty. She also loves to write and draw. She is so creative, she even wrote a little song about Jesus. She inspires me everyday by her sweet and loving ways. She is like a little mother always wanting to take care of everyone and everything. She loves helping me with chores and always asking what she can do to help me. I feel so blessed to have such a sweet & loving daughter who daily makes it her goal to please God & her family. I love you my sweet Katie girl!!!

Together

When I first met my husband I wasn't the biggest football fan, let alone a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. If anything I was a San Francisco 49er fan to support who else but my dad. Well after many years (19 years) I am happy to say I love football and even more I love the Steelers. My husband has loved the Steelers since their winning streak in the 70's known as the "Steel Curtain" era. He has always loved the Steelers and he never waivered between teams. Since we have been married 11 years we were able to enjoy watching the Steelers win two Superbowl's. Watching the Steelers play is something I truly enjoy doing with my husband. We jump up and down together, scream together, stress together and get excited together. To me this is a symbol of our love for one another. We have truly grown as one over the years and we really enjoy everything about one another even football and watching the Steelers win the Superbowl.