Happy Spiritual Birthday To Me!

Today is a blessed and glorious day! Thursday, April 26, 1979, approximately 8 PM, I was saved by the amazing and wonderful grace of God. That was 30 years ago~ and I'm not over it yet!

I've Not Got Over It Yet

(words & music, Liesa G. George)

Copyright, 8-27-97

One night long ago

Jesus came and made me whole.

I've not got over it yet.

He became my Lord-

Something I could not afford.

I've not got over it yet.

No, I've not got over it yet.

Since the day, this blessed Jesus I met.

He gets sweeter every day

Walks beside me each step of the way

And I've not got over it yet.

There's been many pleasures

That have come my way.

All have passed

Just a memory- yesterday.

But the night, Jesus saved me

Oh yes, that night, He forgave me,

Well, I've not got over it yet.

My Lord gets sweeter everyday

He walks beside me each step of the way.

And I've not got over it yet.

It's been 30 years,

I'm not over it yet!

By Faith Ladies Day Pictures, 2

My Cheering Section, aka, The Amen Corner!

Noelle, Natalie, Bethany, Lisa

Me

Mrs. Mary speaking to us about being identified with Christ.

She did a great job!

Mrs. Phoebe~ Powerful!!!

She sang 'The Alabaster Box' and people, She Nailed It!

I had Jesus bumps from the top of my head to the tips of my toes!

Cross Pointe Praise Team

After lunch, they drew tickets for door prizes.

Noelle won a prize.

Natalie and Lisa are checking out the prize Bethany won.

The Girls!

My friend Pam and me.

We've been friends since around 1981.

(She introduced me that day and said that I am a 'mess'.

She's not far behind me!) Such a delight and blessing, she is.

Me with Lisa. This dear lady has been a God send to me.

She is a pastor's wife, homeschool mother, singer, writer, speaker,

and a wonderful friend.

I appreciate Lisa and her daughters attending the ladies day.

Thank you to all the ladies at By Faith Baptist Church for such an

awesome day! I pray we all meet again.

By Faith Ladies Day Pictures, 1

Yes, I'm guilty! I took loads and loads of pictures last Saturday at the ladies conference.

I've decided to post these pictures in two posts. This post is pictures taken during lunch.

The menu was:

Pork loin

Baked chicken strips (in delicious sauce)

Green beans with slivered almonds

Whole potatoes w/ rosemary cream sauce

rolls

The dessert table was full of scrumptious goodies including banana pudding, pies, cakes, ...

The ladies at By Faith did a fantastic job decorating. Each table was decorated in a different theme. It was like being a kid in a candy store when we first walked in the fellowship hall! I started shooting pictures as fast as I could go! This is not all the pictures I took, but it will give you an idea of what a beautiful lunch we enjoyed. Beautiful people, tables, and delicious food!

Noelle, Natalie, and Bethany chose the 'Beauty Shop' theme.

CUTE!!!

This is Mrs. Coward, the pastor's wife.

This young lady did an interpretive dance. Her name is Morgan.

She was sitting at the bird house table!

This is Mrs. Mary. She also spoke at the conference.

She blessed my heart!

Lisa, Natalie, Bethany, and Noelle at our table.

My friend Pam and her sweet mother Marjorie.

This was my favorite table! It was the 'Princess' table.

Another pic. of the 'Princess' table.

'Birdhouse'

Pam decorated a table in... YEP, motorcycle theme!

These men sang during the worship service.

When I took their picture, I told them to visit Life By George, their faces would be there!

The 'Beauty Shop' table

Whoever sat at this pretty table had built in dessert!

There were 'Spring', 'Fall', & even 'Christmas' themes!

Dessert table!

The red velvet cake was to die for!

This is the sign you see as you leave the church parking lot...

'You are now entering the mission field!'

Loved it!!!

Our Identity in Christ, Part 3

(If you haven't read Parts 1 and 2, please scroll down and read them before beginning Part 3)

Continuation of ways we can be identified with Christ:

3. A heart through which Christ loves.

First of all, our greatest love should be for the Lord. Jesus himself said that this was the first and greatest commandment. (Matt. 22:37-38)

When we think about what God is like and what He has done for us, we should love Him even more. The more we love Christ, the more that love will overflow to others.

This goes back to dying daily to self.

I must CHOOSE to love others! I John 4:20, If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar; for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

Verse 21 goes on to tell us, He who loveth God loves his brother also.

Someone once said, "If we all obey the royal law, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself', there would be no need for any other laws."

Some things love is not:

jealous

hostile

arrogant

Love does not act unbecomingly

Love does not seek it's own

Love is not easily provoked

Love does not hold grudges

Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness

Some things love is:

patient

kind

considerate

gentle

Love lifts others up

Love seeks to serve, not to be served

Love covers a multitude of sins (forgives)

Love seeks to reconcile others with the Lord

Love remains steadfast under suffering and hardship

What does love look like?

Love looks like Jesus!

God commands us to love others and that includes our enemies and the unlovely. God's love is not a feeling, but an action. It is a choice!

The word "LOVE" is over-used and misused these days. People love people as long as they get something in return, or as long as the other person is pleasing them, doing things "their" way, etc. That is not love. Love is unconditional. Love is even when that person gets under your skin and on your nerves, you choose not to forsake them, and you choose to do them good anyway!

I have gotten to the point that I feel like when I tell someone I love them, I need to explain what that means to me. Do some studying on love; know what love really is; know what God says about this precious word.... God's love will make a difference in how you love others!

And finally...

4. To be identified with Christ, We need to have hands through which Christ helps.

When I begin to love others the way Jesus loves me, I will begin to understand unconditional love. This unconditional love will change me. Not only will I be able to tolerate people I once couldn't, I will find myself being good to them.

We are not saved by our good works; we are saved to do good works.

Matthew 5:16 is one of my favorite verses. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.

When helping and serving others, we should have the right attitude and motive. Ask God what you should do. Love is the key to doing good and serving. We make many choices each day from the time we get up in the morning until we go to bed at night. Some things we choose doesn't matter. ( I gave the example of me in the paper towel aisle at the store. I stand there for several minutes looking for just the right print! The print really is not all that important.)

I want to encourage you to purpose in your heart and make up your mind to choose daily to be identified with Christ, to be more like Him.

Choose to be your best for Christ.

Choose:

Godliness over worldliness- Faith over unbelief- Hope over hopelessness- Giving over greediness- Praise over complaining- Courage over fear- Freedom over condemnation- Obedience over rebellion- Forgiveness over unforgiving- Prayer over worry- Love over hate- Joy over unhappiness- Gentleness over harshness- Kind and pleasant words over discouraging words.

Choose truth over untruths- Choose God's will over your will- Choose to make a difference in others

JOY = JESUS, OTHERS, YOU!

Choose to tell others.

Our works should come from a heart of love for Christ and a desire to obey Him. Galatians 6:10- As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

One word of caution: Let us not be so busy that we leave our first love. We must not be so busy that we neglect our personal relationship with God and our responsibilities to care for our husband and children. We need wisdom from God to know how to balance our service.

My mother is a fine example of serving others as well as always balancing that service. She never neglected my daddy or me. She served others on a regular basis by sending cards to the sick and bereaved, and by blessing them with a meal or dessert.

Have you ever said or heard someone say..."I meant to." "I thought about it." I can think about cooking meals for my family, but if I don't put action behind it, my family will go hungry.

THE SMALLEST DEED IS GREATER THAN THE LARGEST INTENTION.

Examples of ways to serve: cards, calls, food, kind word, smile, pat on the back, hug,....

You will end up being the one that is blessed by serving. Serving is addicting and contagious!

I pray you have been blessed by reading "Our Identity In Christ"

I desire to be more like HIM!

Our Identity In Christ, Part 2

I want to encourage you to die daily to self and to choose each day to live according to God's will, not the flesh.

I read the following somewhere:

A Christian is...
A mind through which Christ thinks.
A voice through which Christ speaks.
A heart through which Christ loves.
A hand through which Christ helps.

I want to share with you 4 ways that will help us to be identified with Christ:

1. A mind through which Christ thinks:
(Oh be careful little mind what you think...)
What are we to think about?
Philippians 4:8 answers that question.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things.

What we think about can identify us with Christ. If Satan can gain control of our thoughts, we will have a life of crisis full of confusion, discouragement, worry, envy, impurity, and on and on. Some ideas on things to think on...

A. Memorize scripture
(Psalm 119:11) Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.
B. Read good Christian material
C. Listen or sing good Christian songs.
D. Pray
E. Praise
F. Praise some more!

Psalm 119:14 is my prayer each day.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.



2. A voice through which Christ speaks.

Proverbs 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Ask: What do I talk about?

I Peter 2:1 tells us to lay aside all evil speakings!

A. Speak of the Lord.
B. Speak well of others.
C. Speak out of a heart full of God.
D. Sing praises to God!

(I then told a story about the feather pillow)
One time there was a father and his son. The father gave the son a pillow full of feathers and told the son to open the case, take the pillow throughout the neighborhood and to leave one feather on the front doorstep of each house. The son didn't understand why, but being obedient, he did as his father told him. The son left a feather on each and every front doorstep throughout his neighborhood. He then went to his father and told him that he had done as he instructed. The father said "Well done. Now go and retrieve each and every feather that you put on the doorsteps." Once again, the son did not understand but was obedient to his father. An hour or so later, the son returned to his father and said, "Father, I tried to get back all the feathers, but some of them were already blown away." The father said, "Yes, my son. The feathers are like our words. Once they are said, we cannot get them back."

It doesn't matter how much we apologize, plead insanity, make excuses, etc., once our words are said, the damage is done!

James 3:10, Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

James goes ahead telling us that a fountain cannot bring forth both sweet and bitter water at the same time.

We need to avoid places that promote gossip and people who enjoy gossip.
We should be positive.
If all else fails~ KEEP OUR MOUTHS SHUT!!!

We need to practice using our tongues to
glorify God,
encourage others,
pray for others.

(I then told about my friend Lisa calling me on the cell phone when I was in Barnes and Noble.)
I was browsing one day and my phone rang. It was Lisa. Our family was going through a hard time. Lisa told me that she knew I was in a public place and I might couldn't stop and close my eyes, but that she felt the need to pray for me. So, she did! Right then and there, she prayed for me and my family over the phone. What a blessing! What an encouragement!

(Will continue with Part 3)

Our Identity In Christ, Part 1

Friends, I don't know if I'm washing or hanging out lately. Life By George has been busy to say the least. Do any of you know where I can find another me? Lol. I will post about the ladies conference I spoke at Sat. in sections. That's the only way I can do it justice.

Saturday was a most beautiful day. When Noelle and I pulled up in the parking lot of the church, I looked at her and said, "I'm soooo glad I took my aspirin this morning, or I'd have a stroke right now!" There were boocoodles of cars in the parking lot and the church was huge! I love to sing in front of huge crowds, but speaking is different story. I have spoken at numerous ladies events, but never one this big. I honestly didn't realize it was such a "big" day! I even started questioning in my mind on whether I was REALLY suppose to be there to speak! Each guest was greeted at the door by a very nice lady who held the door open for everyone. We then registered, received our program for the day and a ticket to save for a drawing for door prizes at the end of the conference. I immediately found the ladies room. I went in and just caught my breath real good~found my dear friend Lisa in there as well! Lisa, Natalie, and Bethany attended the luncheon. They along with Noelle were my cheering section. Lisa said they were the Amen corner! My friend Pam filled me in on details and then I just sat and waited on my turn. The pastor's wife welcomed us and opened with prayer, a praise team sang several songs, and then, Pam introduced me! I started my time with a song to calm my nerves. I sang "When He Sees Me". That song calms me, yet lifts me at the same time. They gave me 45 minutes to do my thing. I took my cell phone up there with me so I could keep up with the time, but I was so nervous, I forgot what time I was suppose to stop! I don't think I went over though, because the rest of the day was on schedule. When I wear my glasses, I can't walk! I haven't gotten the hang of bifocals yet! So, I sang my song, then, went to the podium, put my glasses on, confessed that I couldn't see without them, but couldn't walk with them on, and forged ahead!

The theme for the day was "Finding Our Identity in Christ". Galatians 2:20 was the theme verse used that morning. I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; ;yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I love words. I told the ladies that I very seldom use large words, but nevertheless, I do love words. My study on the theme began with my Webster's dictionary. Identity = the state of being the same in qualities, substance, and nature. Identify = to recognize. Identification = evidence of identity. I talked about identity theft and identity crisis comparing the two with Satan stealing our identity in Christ little by little, and then, we end up with an identity crisis, which is a state of confusion and a time of danger. Sin is the result of identity theft and crisis in a Christian's life.

My identity in Christ began April 26, 1979, almost 30 years ago. That's the day I accepted Christ's great salvation. That's the day I was born again. We cannot be identified with Christ if we don't know Him; not just know about Him, but have a personal relationship with Him.

I also talked about the benefits of being God's child.
1. I'm a joint heir with Jesus
2. I have special permission to run to the throne room of God and throw myself at His feet.

In First Corinthians 15:31, Paul says "I die daily". Each day, we have to make the choice to die to self. We have to make the choice to say no to flesh and yes to Christ. When I get Liesa out of the way and yield myself to God...
I have a Burden-Bearer to lighten my load through life.
I have a Fortress to hide me from the enemy.
I have a Shield to protect me.
I have a Guide to lead me.
I have a Comforter to console me.
I have a Shepherd to take care of me.
I have a Lily in my valley.

Romans 12:1-2 tells us to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service. We are not to be conformed to this world, we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind, that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect, will of God.

Alabaster Box

Alabaster Box

(CeCe Winans)

(Turn speakers up to listen to this touching song)

The room grew still

As she made her way to Jesus

She stumbled through the tears that made her blind

She felt such pain

Some spoke in anger

Heard folks whisper

There's no place here for her kind

Still on she came

Through the shame that flushed her face

Until at last, she knelt before his feet

And though she spoke no words

Every word she said was heard

As she poured her love for the Master

From her box of Alabaster

Chorus:

And I've come to pour

My praise on Him-like oil

From Mary's alabaster box

Don't be angry if I wash His feet with my tears

And dry them with my hair

You weren't there-the night He found me

You did not feel what I felt

When He wrapped His loving arms around me

And you don't know the cost

Of the oil in my alabaster box

I can't forget

The way life used to be

I was a prisoner

To the sins that had me bound

I spent my days

Poured my life-without measure

Into a little treasure box

I thought I had found

Until the day-when Jesus came to me

And healed my soul

With the wonders of-His love

So now I'm giving back to Him

All the praise He's worthy of

I've been forgiven

And that's why

I love Him so much

Ladies Conference/Luncheon

Tomorrow is the day!!! "What day?" you ask? I was invited a couple of months ago to speak at a ladies luncheon. I felt like the day would never arrive; it just seemed so far into the future, and lo and behold, Lord willing, tomorrow, April 18, that day will be upon me. I've spoken at several ladies events and to be honest, I just eat it up....I love it!!! AFTER IT'S OVER! ha. As for this week, I am just beside myself with anxiety over it. I trust God, I just don't trust me sometimes. I'm not speaking to a bunch of ladies about a new kitchen gadget or how to's to decorate or something, I'm speaking to them about the most important subject known to man: THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE! I take that as a great responsibility. The theme for tomorrow is "Our Identity In Christ". The verse the morning is centered around is Galatians 2:20, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

I desire your prayers. I desire for Christ to be seen and felt in hearts and lives. I desire to be a vessel of honor and a sweet smelling savior to my Lord.

Should any of you local gals like to attend this luncheon, you would be very welcome. By Faith Baptist Church is located in Pontotoc, MS and the conference begins at 9 AM. Mary Beasley will also be speaking. There is no charge. Lunch will be served after the conference. For more information, contact me at my email address, slnc4g@nexband.com. I would be thrilled to see you there! Most importantly, PRAY for me. Pray God gives me exactly what I stand in need of for tomorrow. Thanks.

Lord, Fill My Bucket

Lord,

I crawled

across the barrenness

to You

with my empty cup,

uncertain

but asking

any small drop

of refreshment.

If only

I had known You better

I'd have come

running with a bucket.

By~Nancy Spiegelberg

Wednesday In The Word: Spring Cleaning

For today's post, click below:

http://kjvblogs.blogspot.com/2009/04/wednesday-in-word-spring-cleaning.html

Easter

Cale & Noelle
We attended church with Scot's parents Sunday morning.
Their cantata's are always so good; this year was no exception!
We were very blessed.

This is where my Life By George all began!

Cale, Scot, Gordon, Nora Ann, and Noelle visiting after church.

Happy Anniversary Daddy & Mother

Happy 45th Anniversary

To my wonderful parents-

James & Elwanda Gentle

1964 ~ April 11 ~ 2009

What Wondrous Love Is This

Matthew 28:6 is my son's favorite Bible verse. He's quoted it for many years. It's a good verse to memorize because in this verse, there is hope, there is life, there is victory! In this verse, there is eternal salvation for all who believe; sin's chains were broken and Satan was defeated! He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.



BUT...



I have been guilty of reading through the events leading up to that verse so quickly and it's almost like it all happens within minutes. That's not true. I need to stop and remember the suffering, the humiliation, and the betrayals my Lord felt. I've never really felt alot of physical pain in my life. There was a time that I had migraines quite often, but other than that and child birth, I've really never hurt alot. My mind cannot even fathom the pain and suffering Jesus felt. Just being chosen to die and being innocent is painful enough for me! I can just hear me saying, "This is not fair." And it wasn't. Jesus was offering eternal life to the very people who wanted him crucified. I can hear me again, "Fine, you don't want to go to heaven, don't!" He was scourged, stripped, spit upon, they smote him on the head with a reed, mocked him, put a crown of thorns on his head, and all of this was before they nailed him to the cross.


Matthew 27:33-35
And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

Jesus loved even while he was suffering. He was understanding even while he was suffering. He was forgiving even while he was suffering.

Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.


Luke 23:42-43 And he (one of the malefactors on a cross beside Jesus) said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.


My words are so inadequate describing the events that lead to Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Let us not forget these events. And let us not forget the REASON he suffered, bled and died. "I" am the reason. You can substitute your name for the "I". Friend, he died just for you. What wondrous love is this, O my soul! Love Him, Praise Him, and Serve Him today!

What Wondrous Love Is This

By: American Folk Hymn

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this

That caused the Lord of bliss

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,

When I was sinking down, sinking down,When I was sinking down

Beneath God’s righteous frown,

Christ laid aside His crown for my soul for my soul,

Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing;

To God and to the Lamb I will sing;

To God and to the Lamb, Who is the great I AM,

While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,

While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.

And when from death I’m free I’ll sing His love for me,

And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,

And through eternity I’ll sing on.

He Lives

He Lives

I serve a risen Saviour,

He's in the world today;

I know that He is living,

Whatever men may say;

I see His hand of mercy,

I hear His voice of cheer,

And just the time I need Him

He's always near.

Chorus:

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and He talks with me

Along life's narrow way.

He lives, He live, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives:

He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me

I see His loving care,

And tho my heart grows weary

I never will despair;

I know that He is leading

Thro' all the stormy blast,

The day of His appearing

Will come at last.

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,

Lift up your voice and sing

Eternal hallelujahs

To Jesus Christ the King!

The hope of all who seek Him,

The help of all who find,

None other is so loving,

So good and kind.

Sunday at Enterprise

Last Sunday, our family worshipped at Enterprise Baptist Church in New Albany. Their pastor and family, our dear friends, Bro. Tony & Lisa Monk, Natalie and Bethany were in Louisiana. Bro. Tony was preaching a revival in LA. Bro. Kevin Merritt, another dear friend of ours was filling in for Bro. Tony. Bro. Kevin preached a wonderful message. Our family enjoyed our day with these sweet people. I don't have pictures of everyone, but everyone there was such a blessing to us. Maybe next time we visit them, Bro. Tony, Lisa, and family will be there as well. I think their next get together we are attending is later this month on a Sat. evening. They invited us to a wild game supper!

Bro. Bobby and Mrs. Janice were so kind to invite our family to their home for lunch. Bro. Bobby told me that possum innards is better the second day than the first! He was kidding. (I hope) ha. I will surely have to check things out at the wild game supper before I partake! Mrs. Janice had prepared a delicious lunch of steak & gravy, pork chops, mashed potatoes, peas, rice, squash casserole, corn bread, and a scrumptious apple cake with ice cream for dessert!

Notice the chili pepper plates on their wall.

Mrs. Janice's kitchen is decorated in chili peppers. The peppers on the wall were painted by their pastor's daughter, Natalie. Mrs. Janice had chili pepper plates, pictures, and she even had a chili pepper tree! Very pretty and very appropriate. This woman can eat hot peppers without blinking an eye, or in my case, without tears in her eyes!

This is Bro. Bobby and Mrs. Janice's daughter Brandy and Brandy's husband Mark, better known as 'Mater'. (Do you see a resemblance of one of the characters from the movie CARS?)
It's fine if you do, he already knows it! ha.


This is Miss Gabby. She is Brandy and Marks daughter.


This is Brandon and Jonah, Brandy and Mark's sons with Cale.

A field of pretty weeds!

After lunch, our family went back to the church to rest in the prophets chambers until time for the evening service. Noelle needed some cough drops, so I ran in Wal Mart to get some, and decided to pick up this pretty lily for Bro. Bobby and Mrs. Janice for being so kind to us.
I told her that lunch was 'de-LILY-cious'!

Scot resting.

His eyes closed for a couple of hours immediately

after this picture was taken.

The evening service had alot of good singing.

One of the specials was sung by Mrs. Gayle and Bro. Jimmy.

Bro. Kevin preached on "The Valley" (Ps. 23:4) that night. It was just what I needed.

He is always such an encouragement.

This is Gayle's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Grubbs.

Can you believe they've been married over 50 years?

They look and act so young!

Noelle & Mater

He loves to make her blush.

After the Sunday night service, the church served hot dogs

and hamburgers. There were so what-you-talking-about good desserts too!

Scot and Bro. Kevin listening!

Gayle with Mrs. Amanda Merritt