Freedom Filled Days...

Hi Everyone - Greetings & Happy Thursday...

It's amazing how "life" fills your days. Before you know it 3 weeks have passed and you wonder where the time has gone and what filled the days.

I'm getting somewhat "tripped up" with posting on my blog because I haven't yet downloaded pictures from my camera. Somehow, I've got it stuck in my head I need pictures so my blog and writing will be more interesting. Other fellow bloggers do not always post pictures - so, it's just this "thing" that I need to get over and just move on with my writing...writing is what it's all about. There is freedom in them words! It's not that I don't have pictures--my camera is bursting with captured "Kodak" moments. That just means you'll all be looking at an album when I get them loaded into the computer...hmmm...a reason to take a break, grab a cup of your favorite tasting, yummy coffee!

Do you remember what you were doing the morning of Sept 11th?

I do...my sister & I had just parked the car to come into work and the announcement came over the radio - I could hardly believe what I was hearing. Today is a day to remember those that lost their lives because of the horrific acts of terrorism played out on the United States. We should never forget what took place! This website is set up as a memorial: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2001/memorial/index.html . It lists all the names of those who died that day. If you feel led to pray, pick a name and pray for that person's family. Today would be especially hard as they remember last moments, words said (not said) with their loved ones.

We are so blessed in the USA! Our freedom is a gift. It is envied by many and hated by many--around the world. This freedom we enjoy as citizens of the US has been fought and paid for with men's lives. Another man died for your freedom--freedom from enslavement to sin and all it's entanglements--Jesus Christ. Your life has been fought, bought, and paid for by Jesus' death & resurrection! This freedom from sin gives us the right to be called sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father - joint heirs of His Kingdom.

Let us remember! Enjoy your Freedom!

So, if the Son sets you free, you will be fee indeed! John 8:36

I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels. Isaiah 61:19

A Sister who is free in Christ ~ Jodie

BIG Step! Smile & say "cheese"...

My first "official" picture post. I'm not digital savvy yet - just getting used to my camera. I've taken some great pictures and will have lots to post - just got to figure out how to load them to the computer. I will be on a roll then.

This is Tina (on the right). Don't we look cute? You can access Tina's blog at http://www.tinavega.blogspot.com/. She hosts a monthly scrapbooking crop called "Faithbooking" (another passion of mine) which is how I met her. I thoroughly enjoy the Faithbooking crops. We are learning to do more with our pictures than slap them in a book - we are learning to journal the thoughts and ideas which capture those "Kodak moments". By journaling in the albums, legacies are left for our families. Tina has an awesome testimony and I love her enthusiasm, creativity, humor, and the insight she brings to God's word. She is also building her photography skills - she's taken some great pictures, experimenting with different angles and lighting, etc. I was visiting with her on Sunday and asked her to take a few pictures of me in my car for my post and she also took this one.

I'm going to do some fiddling with the camera. Until tomorrow...

Jodie

"Stepping Out" - Happy 1st Month Blog Anniversary!

Wow, how time does fly! It's already been one month since I published my 1st blog post and I haven't posted since. I was really excited to get my blog out there into "blog land" and then got cold feet and somewhat of a "writers block". I have to admit that I've been somewhat intimated by the thought of others reading my thoughts and also started comparing my blog site to others - their sites are more pretty, picturesque, etc.

Well, God is so good to a person who is directionally impaired at times.

I was reading one of the posts (July 27th) on Tina's blog, http://www.tinavega.blogspot.com/,

where she was talking about being more than just a "godly wallflower". That in spite of our fears & discomfort, to actually trust the Lord and follow through in what He's directing you to do. He will lead & guide as you "step out" in faith from your comfort zone. She ended with this scripture in Exodus 4:12 - The Lord said to Moses, "Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." This scripture spoke volumes to me. In sharing more of my "writers block" with Tina last Sunday, I was able to talk through some of my fears and what she basically shared with me is that we are all unique and our styles are different. Being different, what I have to say will minister to someone in a unique way from what another person would say. The thing to remember is the "why" to your blog. Why am I blogging... to share and, hopefully, encourage others on in their faith. I just need to be faithful to ask the Lord what is on His heart to share, to put my fingers to the keyboard, and He will fill the words.

Ok, so today I'm reading a few of my favorite blogs and I come to KelliGirl's, http://awesomegodordinarygirl.blogspot.com/, post and am blown away because God is, again, leading (telling) me to "step out". She talks about her writing procrastination and choosing to dedicate her writing to God. She captured a statement from another writer's blog which got my attention, that even though the road as a writer can be difficult, if we have a God-given talent to write, we must use it. We have no choice. God demands nothing less. She referenced Matthew 25 where Jesus teaches his disciples about the parable of the talents.

Yes, God, you now have my full attention!

I have been given this wonderful gift of writing. Not everyone can put down in words what is in their heart (or their head). By not using my gift, I am not "being" all of who God created me to be.

What are your gifts and talents? My dad's favorite discussion topic is discovering what your gifts and talents are that you've been given - they are what comes natural to you. Sometimes they're buried under a lot of "junk", but they are there. When God created us, he put a treasure of talents within. You have a special gift - listen to what the Lord is saying, "step out" and trust.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

Jodie

On the Road...

to blogging - finally! Yes, I have made the plunge and am now an official "blogger". My friend, Michelle, said "Jodie, you know it's real easy to set up a blog site. You can set it up and tweak it later - just do it!". Good advice - thanks Michelle! I just needed a little push and to know that it didn't need to look perfect at first. I've been contemplating this for weeks now. Part of my delay was coming up with a "title" for my blog. There are so many awesome, inspiring titles. I wanted something that would sum up in a few words and reflect the journey I've been on with the Lord - the lessons, the healing, and the love I've received through the words whispered to my heart and penned upon the lines of my journal. Oh, the Lord is good! Michelle & I went to hear Beth Moore speak at the Target Center this weekend. It was awesome! God met us in a BIG way! In her message, Between A Rock and A Hard Place, she used the words "Road To Freedom" which caught my ears and my pen. Michelle & I were discussing the message on the way home and then it clicked - that's the title of my blog. Woohoo - an answer to prayer!

So, I am here and publishing my first post - I'm pretty excited! Pictures will come later - I am not digital picture savvy yet (I have friends who are...). My desire is for this to be a vehicle of ministry - for you , for me - as the Lord leads my fingers to type what He's whispered to my heart. My prayer is that as this "Road to Freedom" is traveled, these words will bring you and I the encouragement, healing, and hope we need and the Lord offers up to us to embrace.

Good night and God Bless! Until tomorrow....
Jodie