Shop Lifting

Well, I ventured to Walmart today with my 19 month old daughter. Going to the grocery story when you have a huge list of items to purchase is never fun. Then, add a 19 month old who is energized like there is caffeine running through her veins - well it just can't be good.

Francesca and I were actually doing fairly well. I had her DVD player with me, her favorite turtle, and her annoying Elmo telephone. I had my "big bag" so I was well equipped and prepared to deal with whatever was thrown my way. As we proceeded up and down each aisle, Francesca had managed to obtain a few items to play with from the shelves. (package of very well sealed colored erasers, animal crackers, etc.). After being in Walmart for almost 2 hours, we proceeded to the check out line. I knew my "Francesca in a good mood and cooperating" window was closing, so I quickly threw everything onto the belt.

After taking everything out of my cart, putting everything back in, and paying for my items, we quickly headed to the car. But, as we were walking out the door, the very loud "draw attention to yourself" beeper started going off. The very nice 90 year old Walmart greeter, "quickly" made his way towards me.

Why was I making the beeper go off? I had this horrify picture of me finding some items that Francesca had taken off of a shelf, stuck them in our cart, or worse in my purse, and I would be convicted for life in jail for shoplifting. As I began to sweat, we began the process of elimination. After a LONG ordeal, it was something on my person that was causing the beeper to sound in the air strike!

Guess what it was? An Elmo DVD that I had stuck in my "big bag" for Francesca to watch for her round two as we turned down aisle 127. I hate Elmo! All to say, the nice man let me go freely to my car with the Elmo DVD in hand. Thank you Mr. Walmart greeter!

How Christ does this same thing for us everyday, "you are free my child, but only because of me."

Beautiful!

Have you ever seen something and you literally feel a tug at your heart?

I was sitting in church this morning and noticed a teenage boy sitting by himself. I really hate seeing people sit by themselves. Adults - well sometimes sitting by yourself is a real treat. Moms, you know what I'm talking about! :) But, for a teenager to sit by themselves, well that is a different story. As I sat there wondering if anyone was going to ask to sit next to him, the most beautiful thing happened. I watched another teenage guy, who had his friends sitting on either side of him, stand up and walk over to the guy sitting by himself. He then nodded his head and sat next to him.

It was the most beautiful thing to see the effect it made on the student who was sitting by himself. A smile appeared, his shoulders raised a little, and I believe he actually started listening to the sermon with an accepted heart.

I admire the student who got out of his seat. Sometimes it takes US getting out of our comfort zone, taking a stand, and moving toward what God has called us to do. Are you still sitting there? Are you still staying in your comfort zone? Are you ready to take a stand for Christ?

Sometimes the hardest part is taking the first step. But you have to remember that God goes before us, He follows behind us, and He is all around us. We can never escape from His presence. He will give you the strength you need.

Take a step.

It's still January, so I haven't ruined my new years resolution just yet. :) As you will see, I will be blogging more often. So, thank you for reading, being a fan of I.D. Ministries on facebook, and for following us on Twitter!

For those who have ever heard me speak before, you know about my precious little toy pomeranian Cozmo. He is the one that is on about 5 medications daily, his knee caps go out on him often, he has a collapsing trachea, kidney issues, hypothyrodism, and the list goes on and on. I LOVE Cozmo! I have taken care of him for about 8 years now. (when I say taken care of him, I have REALLY taken care of him) He is my baby. And, yes I know that even though he is a dog, he is a part of our family. (and monthly bills) ;)

This month, Cozmo passed away. I was devastated. In fact, I still am. I have been grieving his death and can't seem to stop crying about it. I have been asking myself, why am I taking this so hard? I think I have cried harder about this than at my Nana's funeral a few months ago. And then it hit me. . . . . . I have been grieving without hope. Will I ever see Cozmo again? I really don't know. And not knowing equals no hope.

Have you ever grieved without hope? If something should happen to you, would others grieve over your death without hope? Have you ever placed your trust in Jesus and given your life over to Him?

1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 14 says, "And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died."

Do you know of someone that doesn't have hope in Christ? Let's begin 2011 with an urgency to reach others for Christ. How much more sorrow is there when a human being dies and there is no hope of ever seeing them again. I heard someone once say, "we will do everything short of sin to reach others for Christ." What are you doing to reach the lost? Have you truly given your life over to the Jesus? Why not? He is waiting. It truly is the greatest decision you will EVER make!

All to bring attention to Him!

Courtney Bullard