never, Never, NEVER Give Up!

It's been 13 months since I last posted...guess it's time to do this again! As I said earlier, I'm not apt to post very often, but after Diana introduced me to her new site last night, I'm inspired to add to mine...although I'm sure it's not going to come even close to measuring up to hers!
She's done an awesome job of sharing her hobbies and recent accomplishments, such as making violet (the flower) and also dandelion jelly!

It's been a year filled with many blessings, some hardships and pain as well. But through it all, I've been helped to draw near to God and claim His promises. He is faithful and I know that I can trust him to take me through each day this coming year.

One thing I've learned, no matter how bad a situation is, never, Never, NEVER give up!
Daily Bible reading and prayer time is essential. This is the most important thing I can do in the day. I started making up a list of all the reasons why we should read the Bible every day. The list is very long and I will wait until a later time to post that on as I'd like to share that. Probably the best reasons are that it keeps us from sin and also gives sustenance. We can expect to live in victory (no, we don't have to keep trying only to fail again.) and to have joy and peace in our lives in spite of the trials or difficulties.

A very special young man from Australia named Nick Vujicic ("Voy-chitz")--you can find him on the web--is living with a very challenging disability, yet he accepts it as a gift from God. He shares his story with people around the world and--I guarantee it--when you hear him speak, it'll bring tears to your eyes. He has the look of victory and joy on his face and there is no question that he's sincere. I can't feel sorry for him, because he has found the secret to a joy-filled life. He loves Jesus with all his heart and instead of bitterness and resentment (as some of us may tend to have, when we find ourselves in situations that we don't like.) he is filled with God's love, joy and peace. Because of his message, many people are being won to Christ. You HAVE to hear him speak! I have been inspired by his message of hope and victory.

He reminds us that God doesn't seek out our capabilities in order to serve Him. He seeks our availabilities. He can give us victory, peace and even joy when circumstances in our lives don't make sense or God turns our life upside down. We can see the glory of God in Nick's life--in his difficult circumstances--and recognise, as he does, that it's all a miracle of God's grace.

He challenges us, "If I can trust God in my circumstances, you can trust Him in your circumstances. We can't, shouldn't, compare sufferings. We all know what it's like to be lonely or broken. It's not about me, not about my achievements. It's not about what I can do or can't do. It's about who I've become by the power of Jesus Christ. God has given me His love and when things happen in my life and in your lives, that we don't understand, is God worthy of my thanks and of my praises? The joy of the Lord is my strength! Because Jesus Christ is loving you so much that He died for our sins and He's given us each salvation!"

"This life here is temporary. That's the greatest joy of all! We can each be thankful that God has made us the way we are. I am living a purpose He has for me. I stand before you as a miracle of God to prove to everybody, a pure example of God's grace, love and perfection and that I am a miracle."

"We are more than conquerors. Circumstances do not have to change for you to become victorious--it's our hearts that need to be filled with the Holy Spirit."

"The world is looking for hope. Teenagers often look in the wrong places for that hope....turning to drugs, alcohol, sex and even suicide. If you can find one positive thing in your life, hang onto that. (Not on what you don't have.) We need vision. We can make choices....we can be thankful. Perspective is everything. Even if the whole world tries to discourage you, you don't need to give up. I wouldn't change anything about me. I see this as a gift, because I can offer hope to others (like to teens) who need hope. Be thankful for who you are. I don't have arms and legs, but I do have beautiful eyes! Find one positive thing and expand on that. what is your vision?"

"Be better equipped to live life to your full potential. The day you believe you've reached your fullest potential, you have not. You still have today! You have choices. The only limits I have are the ones I put on myself. Have no limits! Keep on going forward. One step at a time to your fullest potential!"

"God doesn't let anything happen in your life, without a reason. Even the worst part of our life, He can use for good. He has a purpose. Just because we can't see (or understand) that purpose, doesn't mean that purpose isn't coming. He tells us, in Philippians 8:28 to be anxious for nothing...to let our requests be made to God and to guard our hearts in Christ Jesus."

"How do we let the peace of God override the pain and fear, doubts and circumstances in our lives? It's hard to see our loved ones hurting and know we can't do a thing about it. But God is reliable and He never fails. He tells us not to be anxious and to trust Him. Faith is a decision, a choice we need to make. We make the decision to trust in God. This is victory. My circumstances don't conquer me, because I already have victory and trust in God's grace and perfection, even when He says no. Don't let the enemy steal your joy when this happens."

"No matter what you're going through today, God is going to pull you through! We aren't alone. The circumstances may not change, but God is going to pull you through. It's not about me, it's about God and what He's going to do in your life. He can give you peace, joy and victory in the middle of your circumstances. God doesn't "owe" us anything. He's given us life and provided salvation for each of us. He forgives us and takes away guilt and fear when we accept His salvation."

http://www.crystalcathedral.org/hour_of_power/videos/nick.php
You can also find video clips on You Tube and Nick has a website: Life Without Limbs