Summer Contest

It has been a while since my last contest. So, I think it is time to have another one! I am thinking cake. Of course, behind cinnamon rolls, that is my favorite dessert! ;~D So before we go much further, you need to be thinking about what your favorite kind is. Let me give you some suggestions that I'm fond of:

• Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Cake is always good!!



• Then, there is Yellow Butter Cake with Chocolate Frosting (pick up on my theme? LOL)



• Oh, yes, my German Chocolate Cake is pictured ~ delish!



• There is always Hummingbird Cake (with bananas & pineapple)



• My Daddy's favorite was always Coconut Cake



• How about Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting? yummm....

I know, I know! There are SO many choices. Have you made a decision yet?? Well, I know that some of you regular contest entries are out on vacation. I'll have to do another one once everyone gets back and school starts. So, when you are ready, hit the comment button at the bottom. Give me your name and the type of cake you'd love to enjoy! I'll take names until Wednesday, August 3rd. Delivery must be local please!! Good Luck everyone!!

"Trust in the Lord, and do good; (so) shalt thou dwell in the land,
and verily thou shalt be fed." Psalms 37:3

Garbage in, Garbage out

Remember Happy Days? Or Bob Newhart Show? Home Improvement? Cosby Snow? Maybe I Love Lucky or Andy Griffith Snow? I remember watching some of these growing up with my parents. Sitcoms that the whole family could watch. Yes, there would be jokes that I didn't get until I watched re-runs when I was older, but it was funny for everyone.

We are missing that today. Today I just typed in the top for for this week. Here are some of the shows from the top 100 to choose from: NCIS, the Bachorlette, Gossip Girl, Keeping up with the Kardashians, and Family Guy. How things have changed!

We need to realize that what we are watching and what we are reading ~ these things that we input our minds ~ do effect us. Remember when they used to say, "Garbage in, Garbage out"? It applies here as well. A few weeks ago my husband and were re-watching a Jim Carrey movie that we haven't seen in years. As we were watching it, I became so aware of all of the bad language in the movie. I remember that it had some, but it really bothered me how much it had. I realized how much I have changed through the years because the movie was not near as funny now.

So much of the television is covered with shows that you cannot watch with your kids. We watch alot of Nickelodeon, Disney, games shows like Minute to Win It or Smarter than a 5th grader, and animal shows. If it is something that my kids shouldn't be watching ~ is it really something that I need to watch either?? Do I need to watch toddlers dressing like adult women screaming at their parents? Or adults getting drunk and sleeping with who ever is there?

I am not a big t.v. person anyway. I have always loved music and books more. Yet, some of those hair bands that I loved growing up, I can only hear one or two songs and I am ready to turn it. I do flip stations on commercials and listen pop and country. There are songs from every genre that have a great message. But, I feel so much more calm when I listen and sing to songs of hope. Little reminders from the radio that God loves me. They are even better when the kids are singing in the car with me! :)

Books are harder for me honestly. I read a lot of Christian living books. But ~ I love all of the other books as well! Romance, mystery, novels. Whatever! And I know that some of the books that I read are plain ol' garbage. But I love the happily ever afters or the solving the mystery or life stories. I love spending an hour or two with characters that come alive in the pages of a book. Yet I know that God could make better use of my hour or two than reading something that won't help me in this walk of life.

So what I am trying to say is that I guess as flawed humans, we each have some garbage that we must work on in ourselves. Each of us with our own garbage that we struggle with. We are not God's finished product yet. We just need to make sure we are not becoming the trash dump!

"Finally, brothers, what ever is true, whatever is honorable,

whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is

commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy

of praise, think about these things." ~ Philippians 4:8

Family Secrets

As you have read through my posts, my childhood had a lot of traumatic things. We were never allowed to talk about these things to anyone ~ not even to each other. It was the giant elephant in the middle of the room that everyone walked around. I couldn't even talk about it to my mother. It would make her cry and upset and she would tell me that she didn't want to talk about it. (I did try through the years.)

I do understand that I will never know everything that my mother went through. Why? She won't tell me. It's some how another secret like the rest of my childhood. She has told me that those things that happened in her childhood will go to the grave with her. Yet, because of this burden that she carries everyday, it effects her relationships with others. How could it not when everything is a secret?? So even now, her father is still hurting her and effecting her life. (From him, is where the abuse started) When people ask her about a trip she went on, she thinks they are being nosey. Everything is some big conspiracy or secret. And because of this view she has, she doesn't have any real friends. Which leads to me trying to fill another role besides daughter. . . again.

With my own family, it is not that way. I didn't like growing up like that. (who would?) We are a pretty open and honest family. Things that happen ~ we talk about and pray about. We talk about Luke's autism. The kids know that they can ask me questions and talk about it. My brother that doesn't have anything to do with us, we talk about it and even discuss mine and their feelings about it. My Dad passed away in 2009 and we talk about it. And, my mom doesn't understand why I tell my kids so much. It's because I'm tired of all the secrets!!! When there are secrets, they still can hurt you. They still have power over you. Once you bring them out into the light. . . their power is gone. God can begin to heal and put you back together again.

It is sad to say, although I do love my mom but I don't want to end up like my mom. I want to do better. Right now, all she has to help fulfill her life is me and my family. She talks with her sisters once a month. She doesn't have any hobbies and doesn't like to read. She expects so much from me. And with that, I am bound to disappoint. When I am older and my kids are grown, I want to have the home they want to come back to. The one where the grand kids want to visit because grandma will make them cookies and play games. I want the home where my nephew and nieces bring their kids. Not only that, I want to have a life besides my children. I want to have friends that I still stay in touch with and see often. Organizations that I volunteer frequently. Places that I'd love to see.

Family secrets are a sad way to grow up but knowing that I determine the future brings me happiness. I do not have to repeat history. Just as the abuse ended with my, the secrets can stop as well. I have to keep trying with my mom to break her out. . . to help her move on. Yet, I know it is a decision that she has to make for herself just as I did.

"Nothing makes us so lonely as our secrets."

~ Paul Tournier

To Bloom

We are here in the mud and junk that this life brings. Those things in our life that can bring us down. The things in our life that make us worry...make us cry out to God. It could be health. Or a job situation. Or maybe a stack of bills that just keep coming. Maybe it is just one thing after another. Little things that on their own wouldn't hurt you, but again...and again... and again...you just get tired of fighting. Too tired to go on.

Our situations will never be perfect while we are here in this world. There is pain and suffering, even for the believer. But ~ even now ~ God wants us to bloom where we are planted. To look up towards the sun/Son, our Savior, and let our roots grow in faith through the trials. Not just grow and make it through, but to bloom...to prosper.

Right were your at ~ that is where you are supposed to be. In Psalm 37:23, it reminds us that our steps are ordered by the Lord. He knows where you've been, where you are, and where you need to go. So, take a look around. This is where your supposed to be. Find joy and laughter. Find and make moments that you can treasure later. Look and seek for the reason God has placed you there. Is there someone that needs what you can give? We all have gifts that God has given us. We just need to take a moment and not only find those people ~ but to take the time and share what we can. Maybe our gifts and our time can help another bloom.

"...for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and
every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and
hunger, abundance, and need. I can do all things through Him that
strengthens me." ~ Phillippians 4:11-13

Friendship that Lasts

This week we have been watching all of the old Harry Potter movies. One or two a night. Sitting on the couch with my boys while my daughter tries to stay away cuddle in a chair with a pillow and blanket. No, I've never read the books, but Joey has. He got all of the Harry Potter movies last year for Christmas. It was the first time that I have actually sat down to watch them. Usually it's while I'm cooking dinner and I have no clue what's going on when I come back.

And, I do realize that they had to be "pretty good" to stand the test of time. After all, my twenty-one year old nephew saw some of the in the theater when he was younger. And now, several years later, my own kids are watching them. I was surprised about how much I like them. The story doesn't boil down to good and evil, although it plays a part. It isn't about witchcraft. This story is about the human spirit. The spirit in us that keeps going after everything (and everyone) says not to. It's the story of friendships that will last.

You watch Harry grow for a boy my own son's age and mature into a man. He has lost so much through the movies. His parents have been gone from the start. His aunt & uncle treat him terribly. His godfather dies. His mentor/teacher gets killed. Friends get injured and killed. Tragedy after Tragedy. (so glad it's fiction!) Plus, Harry has a thing trying to kill him. Yet, through every obstacle, he gets back up to fight another day. And, although their fate is unknown and a little shaky having Harry as a friend, Ron and Hermoine stood by him through it all.

Isn't that what we all want out of this life? Shouldn't that be our goal? It doesn't matter what life throws at us ~ shouldn't we dust ourselves off and keep going? And when we are down because this life gets to be too much, friendship is what we need. Friendship can heal. Friendship gives hope because they believe in us ~ even when we don't. That is the kind of friend that I want to be. Those lasting friendships where silence is comfortable and says so much don't just happen. Those old friends were once new friends. Every friendship has a beginning... I believe that we need to have more of these beginnings.

"For a faithful friend has no price. And there is no weight for his goodness."

Learning Delays Part 2: Autism

I have already wrote about three of the things to look for learning disabilities. The first one was lack of eye contact. Babies as young as 3 months of enjoy looking people in the eyes. The second one was sensory issues. This could be from foods, clothing, visual stimulation, and noises. The third one that I wrote about was delays in school work. It is sometimes hard to look at where your child is and compare it to where they should be. These behaviors on their own, could be certain disorders or delays. Yet, if you combine them, they could point towards Autism. It effects 1 in 110 children. Or 1 in 70 boys. It is likely that some one you know is effect by Autism. I'd like to go over some other behaviors that are associated with it.

Here is a list of behaviors that you can look for:

• Insistence of the sameness of routines


• Aloof manner apparent to strangers and family members


• Low frustration tolerance and tantrums


• Difficulty starting conversations with others


• Uncomfortable with physical affection (ex: hug) Or the opposite like Luke where he wants to touch everyone


• Pretending can be difficult. (Ex: A banana is a fruit, not a phone. A broom is used to clean, not to fly. Objects are used for their purpose, not for pretending/imaginative play.)


• Over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain


• Impaired fine or gross motor skills


• Non-responsive to verbal instructions (can tone you out)


• Happy not playing with friends but sitting (by themselves or with you) and watching. Luke enjoys playing with his friends but also needs to just sit and 'chill out' too more than other children.


• Odd motor mannerisms

So, what can that look like in a child? When Luke was younger, he would have meltdowns or fits frequently because of minor changes in plans. He would fall on the floor crying because I said we had to leave now. (I learned to give him warnings before making changes) Luke used to have terrible handwriting. It took 6 years of occupational therapy but he now has one of the best in his classes! The last one "odd motor mannerisms" could be what people think of with a child flicking their hands back and forth. It could also be just the way the hold their hand or, as for Luke, the way he holds his head. The low frusteration level means many things for Luke. It could be not winning a game (bowling the other day - close to meltdown). It could mean school work getting hard so he tones you out. It could also mean Faith singing a song in the car could annoy him. It varies day to day. Oh, and Luke with pain...wow! He used to do a head butt that could bring tears to your eyes! (he would laugh!) Even now, he has a such a high pain tolerance that he has had several ear infections without us knowing. Yet, if I pop a zit ~ you would think I was killing him. So weird this autism thing is.

To have autism, you don't have to have everything on the list. Every child is different. Luke is so high functioning that others couldn't see that he has it. One of the books I read on autism told about a young man that didn't get diagnosed until high school! If any of these behaviors remind you of a child in your life, please just keep loving them and they will teach you many things through life. There are many books at the library and book stores to learn more. These kids ~ they are worth it!

Spotting Learning Delays

I know that I am not an expert by any means. However, I have learned many things in the past twelve years of raising Luke and working with children with disabilities. The first thing that you must realize is that every child is different. There might be a text book list of what you can expect from autism or downs syndrome for instance, but your child doesn't have to have everything on the list to be considered for learning disabilities. Luke finally got a diagnosis for autism when he was around 10 years old. I knew that he had it since he was three but I could not get anyone else to see it. Even doctors with lots and lots of letters after their name couldn't see!!

Now, that I know some of the behaviors to look for, I can see them easier. Those little things that don't notice or you think doesn't matter ~ you realize they are part of their behavior and indeed are important. Those little things add up to the whole picture and without those little pieces ~ we would never understand the big picture.

One of the first things that I notice about children is their ability or inability to have eye contact. Luke has a hard time with eye contact like many children with autism and learning delays. When he was younger, it was noticeable so. As he has gotten older, he is able to make eye contact but honestly, he still doesn't like to for very long. It makes him uncomfortable. Some studies show, that infants as early as 3 months old have a preference for looking into people's eyes than any other part of the face. Amazing! So, when a child does not like you look into your eyes when they are speaking to you or you are speaking to them, it should be a warning sign.

Another thing that is easy to spot is children's sensory issues. Sometimes it is in food. (things feel weird in their mouth so they won't eat it) Sometimes it is their clothing. (elastic bands around their waist, roughness of corduroy, turtlenecks) Sometimes it is visual stimulation. (bright lights and things around like at a grocery store) For some children, it is sounds. (high pitched noise, music too loud.) Most children have more than one sensory issue. Luke's main issues have been with visual and hearing. Bright lights have always bothered him more than the other children. Also, music or high pitched sounds can drive him crazy sometimes.

Also, you have to be take an honest look at where your child is in his/her school work. Which, honestly, is very hard to do. The teacher may tell you that everything is fine and not to worry because your child is not behind in her class. But, I can tell you from experience that every school is different. My son was going to a school with a large ESL group and was placed in their 'help' sessions because he was on the same level as a lot of these kids. (although my son could speak English just not read it..but that's another post!) According to his teacher, he wasn't behind because after all, look at her class. However, once I moved him to another school, I was able to see just how far behind he was. In another example, my girlfriend has a son, J.W., my daughter's age that has always struggled to keep up in school. She was told that J.W. was passed basically because he was white last year. (Seriously?!) What they were doing in J.W.'s first grade class are things that my daughter did in the middle of kindergarten. J.W. is now going into 4th grade and still struggles. She is moving this summer so the kids can go to a better school. I believe that every school does try but there is such a difference in the schools, even within the same school district. Find out what your child should be doing for their age or grade for yourself.

Those are just three of the many signs of a possible learning disability or delay. There are several others but those are the first ones that I notice. I think I'll do another post with some other signs to look for. It is so important to start younger with these issues. Help is out there!! The younger they are started with therapy the better. These kids deserve support from their families and from us. So many times the parents are in denial that anything could be wrong with their child. So instead, of searching and trying to get help and answers, anger usually surfaces because they don't want to face it. If you are concerned about your child or some one you may know, do some research so when you talk to them, you know a little about what your talking about. (might help calm down any anger that may arise) Also, do it with love. So much in this life can be overcome with a little love.

Let the Music Play

Joey's First Performance at the Walton Art Center

My teenager has made it back from band camp. Five whole days of instruction at the University of Arkansas. He loved it. Yes, I do think that he must have missed me a little bit. He did call me or text me every night. :) I'm sure that not every other teenager did that.

Of course, when he came back I could see him trying to grow up a little bit. He actually sat on the couch and told us about it. He actually wanted to talk with us and tell us everything!! :) Usually, we have to ask lots of questions and get a few answers. I am hoping that this experience will motivate him. It will make him actually want to practice. Right now, he is happy with just getting by. Teenage thing, I think. "Why study when I make A's or B's without studying?" I've tried to teach good study habits. Luke and Faith have learned them. What is it about first children??

Joey is moving on up to jr. high this year. It will bring some changes to his life. He actually signed up for two pre-ap classes this year. (can you believe they are offered to 8th graders??) I'm think that he will have to learn some study habits this year which will be good for him. I am proud of him. Joey has always wanted to be in band and if lugging around the biggest instrument in the band is what it takes ~ he will do it. I believe that this concert will be the first of many for my little tuba player. And, if the Lord allows, I'll be cheering the loudest and the mom trying to get up there with the band to get the best picture. (nooo.....I didn't do that...no one came up to me and told me to get down from up there...nooo...not at all!)

"Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance, praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with sounding cymbals; prise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!"
Psalm 150:3-6

Spirit-Led Mom

This is the book that I have been working on lately. I say working for a reason. I can read through a book in day, maybe two. But ~ just reading though it ~ I don't let it sink in... help me...give me something to think about... pray about. And that is what I want.

I love that at the end of each chapter, it gives verses to mediate on. Throughout the book, it gives real women's experiences. I can strive to be one of the Spirit-Led women. One of my favorite paragraphs on discipline in the book is:

"Asserting authority as a parent goes with our job description. As much as we might want to be best friends or pals to our children, that facet of the relationship comes primarily after they have become adults. During their formative years, we parents - with all our human frailties - are the most important authority figures in their lives. We must not abandon our responsibilities."

Motherhood is such an important role we have. We are shaping these young lives with our behavior, actions, and words. It is vital that our children see us as the Christian mother that God has called us to be. Not just because we say we're Christian. Many of the world call themselves Christians. But that we show by example that God is the center of our lives. That our children see us pray. They hear us talk about God (not just at church). Our children see us reaching out to help others in need. They see forgiveness in our actions and words.

It is a reminder also that God will give you what you need, when He knows your ready. That means it is in His time, not yours. Also, you must be quite and still. Slow down. I talk with God all of the time. It is harder for me to just shut up sometimes! So, although God might be giving me the answer that I've asked about twenty times already ~ I am too busy to notice or catch the answer. That is one thing I need to work on. Be still and QUITE. Being a Spirit-Led Mother is too important to miss it because I'm too busy. It is hard work. I haven't lived through the teenage years yet and I'm realizing that it's hard. There will be sleepless nights. Lots of tears shed. But, God has told us that all our hard work is not in vain. We will reap what we sow as long as we are persistant and never give up. Our children are worth it!

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap,

if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to

everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."

Galatians 6:9-10 ESV

While Joey's At Camp...

Luke got a strike!

Faith won the game!

Little Owen chillin' out at splash pad

Ellie is wondering where did the water go

I dropped Joey off at the University of Arkansas band camp on Sunday morning. It is Joey's first camp experience at all. He was SO excited!! So, until I pick him up on Friday, it is just Luke and Faith with me this week. I'm trying to do a few things fun since Joey is off and having fun. Seems fair, doesn't it?

Monday we began the week with a game of bowling. Sounded great since it's been over 100 degrees outside lately right? Well, Faith won the game with a total of 93!! I came in second in the 80's somewhere. Luke only made it to the 60's. That did not go over with Luke. My autistic child came out. Tears were shed because he was not ready to leave. He wanted to try again...and again. (this is my child that hits the "play again" button until we kick him off the Wii) I pretty much told him I'm not fighting with him. We are leaving now. Not talking back with him or arguing, I just got my shoes and walked towards the door along with Faith. Luke got the point and put his sandals on and got into the car. I let him pick lunch and that kinda' got him out of his funk that he was in.

Today we made plans to meet a friend and her two children at the splash pad in Rogers. I thought it would be great for a 2 year old to run and play. My kids still like it because theirs buckets of water that pour on your head, what's not to like? :) We ate and Subway and stopped a couple second hand shops in Rogers. I LOVE going through the books!! My kid-o's get books for 25 cents to a dollar. I get books for a couple dollars too. A bookstore but better because everyone gets books without breaking the bank.

I'm not sure what the plans are for tomorrow. I guess we will see. It has been weird without Joey. Luke doesn't have the big brother to bug and drive crazy. I would think that it would help his autism. When actually, it hasn't. Luke has had more autistic moments these past few days than in weeks! Even my husband has noticed. Just two more days then things can get back to the 'normal' that I am used to. (you remember right? the fighting over who's turn it is to help with dishes post? LOL)

Woman's Self Esteem

I was thinking today. It is sad that my post that gets the most views daily is about self-esteem and self-worth. (you can click to it here) On blogger, there is a page you can go to that lets you know what pages get viewed the most. And everyday ~ it is my one about self-esteem. So many people out there are searching...looking for something to feel good about....not liking what they see in the mirror. It can be scary what they find looking outside.

I've been there. Look around and you think, "I'm not pretty enough." Sometimes your words are, "I'm not smart enough." There are SO many of the "I'm not's." I'm not...good enough? thin enough? kind enough? I'm not ... a good cook? a good mom? a good wife? So, many things that women especially fill in that blank with. What's yours?? When I'm having a rough day, the "I'm not's" start to fill my own head. I can become paralyzing!!

When God looks at you, what do you think He sees? Your wrinkles that keep muliplying? Or gray hair that won't go away? No, God knows the the number of hairs of your head! He knows your needs before you do. He is there on your good days and your bad. Yet, when He looks at you: He sees His child and He loves you. It is amazing, is it not? Through everything, God loves you and He made you just the way you are. There are no mistakes with God, Only Purpose!! Children born with autism or downs syndrome are not a mistake ~ they are here to fullfill a special purpose. Just as YOU are! You are here for a purpose! You are loved just the way you are. Your mistakes and failures can be forgiven by just asking. Our self esteem and self worth begin there. Knowing that, You are loved now and forever just as you are.

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten

before God. Why, even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Fear not,

you are more value than many sparrows." ~ Luke 12:6-7

Path of Anger

Anger.

Five little letters but when they are linked together become so much more. It is one thing that everyone experiences. It has been around as long as man was here. And, anger itself is not always a sin.

"Therefore having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil." Ephesians 4: 25-26

The word 'anger' can sometimes be translated into passion or energy. To me, those two words can describe moments that I have been angry. Yet, being passionate towards the work of God or God's word ~ is a good thing. God has even been angry! In Mark 3:5, God look around in anger at their hardened hearts. BUT, when anger is selfish or to put others down ~ it becomes a sin.

And, like most people, this slips into my own home. I've never had to deal with a sibling with disabilities. I don't know what it's like for Joey and Faith. I realize that everyone handles things differently. Faith tries to help and be more understanding. But, Joey. . . I realize that a 13 year old boy has a lot of hormones running through his system that even he doesn't understand. Yet ~ this anger that he has towards his brother is too much sometimes. I know, I know...siblings fight. That's what I hear all of the time. Brothers will fight. They are supposed to. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

To a 13 (almost 14) year old boy, nothing in life is fair. To add to the hardship of being a teenager ~ he has a brother that requires more attention and "gets away with everything." (Which Luke doesn't but if you ask Joey ~ he does.) I have talked with Joey. Explained things to him. Joey knows why in his head, but in the heat of the moment, he yells: Life is not fair! Which in the heat of the moment my reply usually is: No it isn't!

I do wish that those moments of all us cuddling in the living room watching a movie would last forever! Those moments where we play games without an argument. Those moments when we eat at the table together talking and sharing. But, sooner or later, we have to get up and do the dishes...which brings us back to who's turn it is to do it!!

Your Own Independence Day!

It's Independence Day!

It feels like the 4th of July here!

My brother's birthday is July 3rd, so this holiday does make me think about him. It is sad, but I don't even know him. Yes, he still lives in same city as I do. But, he is a stranger. I remember that his favorite pie was cherry and his favorite candy bar was 3 Musketeers. Those are things a little sister remembers from her big brother.

Kent and I were talking a few nights ago about our families. This conversation goes into how much a Yarbrough he has become. (that's in regards to his grandfather... which is not always a good thing!) Then, it goes to my family. Seriously. What can I say about it? Abuse. Emotional and physical. Secrets. Depression. My childhood had so much stuff in it that I could be several characters in a soap opera!! LOL (yes, I can talk and make jokes now.) My family chain has been very twisted for generations.

But ~

I had my Independence Day!

Those chains from my childhood have been broken. They no longer hold my hands down and tie my feet to a sinking stone. No longer is my mouth taped shut with secrets inside. No longer will the chains be carried on to my own children. What has tied you down? What has silenced your voice? Most of all. . . how do you break the chains?

I believe the first step...the very first step... is to know deep inside that you are loved. You are loved no matter what you have done. Or what you think you have done. It doesn't matter what your parents did or didn't do. It doesn't matter if you grew up rich or poor. You are loved. You can never go so far, that God's love cannot reach you. If you are down and cannot find a way out ~ look inside yourself. Because out of all the places that God chose to live ~ He chose your heart. He is not only found in a pastor or priest. He is not living in a church building ~ He is living in you. With God's help, you can find your voice again. With God's help, you can break free and have your own Independence Day!

"I will put my spirit within you..." Ezekiel 36:27

"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's spirit dwells in you?"

1 Corinthians 3:16