New Bloggin' Friend and Book Review

I have a new bloggin' buddy...WOOHOO!!! Go visit Paige if you have some extra time at http://paigylin.blogspot.com/ !!!

Pastor Jim Cymbala from the Brooklyn Tabernacle cuts through the "religion" that clutters our Christian walk with this elementary truth: "We need the Spirit desperately. All our cleverness can't transform a single crack addict, heal the heart of a rape victim, or draw a jaded business man to Christ..."

During the last few months of my own personal spiritual "pruning/growth/turmoil" God has shown me that I need to get back to the BASICS: loving God, relentless praying, being continually filled with the Holy Spirit, loving the Word, picking up the shield of FAITH, wielding the sword of the SPIRIT, and loving those God has brought into my circle. Even the BASICS seem over-whelming and unobtainable to me, and they are without being EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit.

Cymbala in Fresh Power takes an intimate look into the first-half of the book of Acts. He asks questions like, "How did the early church do 'it'?" Over and over again I found scripture that said, "They were filled with the Holy Spirit... and they spoke BOLDLY...and many were won to Christ." Don't believe me? Go check out the book of Acts.

Why don't we study the book of Acts? I have been going to the same church for four years, and don't remember one teaching/sermon in the book of Acts. Some say, "Well that was only for the early Church. God doesn't work like that anymore." I have heard others say (with my own ears), "Our church doesn't believe in faith evangelism. People will be offended by boldness." Doesn't the Word say God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow? If polished sermons, elaborate church programs, large choirs, phenomenal Sunday School curriculum, huge sanctuaries, and organized Bible studies won people to the Lord why don't we have more people giving their lives to Christ? Statistics show most of the church growth, today, is between denominations. What is missing, or I think a better question, WHO IS MISSING?

I think we need to take a closer look into the book of Acts. The book of Acts reminds us that the Son of God is sitting at the Father's right hand side, and the only "Agent of Power" in this world is the Holy Spirit. Are we letting HIM work through us, or are we trying to "work" this Great Commission alone?

Food for thought from the book:

1. When Peter and John faced charges with the Sanhedrin, what did they do? They could have ordered a public demonstration (thousands of new Christians were fired-up and ready). They could have thrown in the towel and run; they could have watered down the word so it wouldn't "be offensive" to those listening. Instead, they went to a prayer meeting. The Bible says, "They raised their voices together in prayer to God" Cymbala says "Too many times when we are under stress or opposition, we do EVERYTHING BUT call a prayer meeting. We try to pull political levers, we hold strategy sessions, we "claim the promises" in a rote sort of way instead of praying them biblically. But God said, 'we receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Where? At 'the throne of grace' Hebrews 4:16. What happened? Verse 29 says in response to their prayer, "the place where they were meeting was shaken...and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."

Why was it written that they "were all filled with the Holy Spirit"? Pentecost had already taken place. Cymbala says this proves we can't live off what God did in our lives last week, last month, or last year."

We all need a "fresh dose of the Holy Ghost.

D.L. Moody preached in New York in 1876, and is quoted in the book saying, "A great many think because hey have been filled once, they are going to be full for all time after; but O, my friends, we are leaky vessels, and have o be kept right under the fountain for all the time in order to keep full...Let us keep near Him."

2. "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." John 13:34

Who can love like this? It isn't "humanly" possible. No amount of preaching and church attendance is going to equip the Body of Christ to pass this "litmus test" of Christianity. The power must be "poured out...into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who HE has given us." Romans5:5

ONE LAST THOUGHT...

3. A new definition of GRACE - "God doing for us, by the Holy Spirit, what we cannot do for ourselves."

What/Who POWERS your Christian Walk?

Biggest Loser Challenge - Week 7

Howdy from deep in the heart of Texas!

I am on vacation, but wanted to get this in this post!

Thought for the day from Joyce Meyer:

"You can catch a disease, but you can't catch health."

Your turn:

Name

Weight gain/loss

Did you meet your goal last week?

Goal for this week.

Prayer request.

See you all back here next Monday!

3...2...1...Go Time!!!

After 9 hours in the car we arrived in Giddings, Texas for Day One of our summer vacation. We are visiting my parents, www.4dbeefmasters.com, for a few days, and then we are heading to San Antonio for....

SEA WORLD

THE ALAMO

THE ZOOand THE RIVER WALK



With my new


while I read...

because I just finished

Have you EVER...

Have you ever seen such sweetness?

Blessed.

Highly Favored.

Apple of God's eye.

My most important ministry.

On loan from God for a short time.

Question:

Yesterday my sweet friend, Judy Jones, asked me, "What will be the only man-made thing in heaven?"

Answer:

"The scars on the hands of Jesus."

Titus 2 - Joyce Meyer

Titus 2 Tuesday was started by Shanda, and it has become my favorite 'blogging day' of the week!!!
Titus 2 says "...Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don't want anyone looking down on God's Message because of their behavior."

I started listening/watching Joyce Meyer about a year ago. I have to admit that I didn't like her "in your face" attitude at first, but as soon as I shook off the sin for judging someone who is BOLDLY speaking the Word of God, I realized the lady was ANOINTED. I love the way she takes the Word of God and helps you apply it to your everyday life.

I haven't read any of Joyce's books although I have heard Battlefield of the Mind is AMAZING.

So many books, so little time!!! (ANYHOO...)

I always DVR her program and watch them while I am ironing Ronnie's work pants/shirts, and it NEVER FAILS that she is preaching about the very thing I need to hear.

This weekend she asked, "Who/What do you put your expectations in?"

Of course I quickly mouthed my church response,

"God!"

Then the Holy Spirit whispered clearly into my heart, "Do you really, Dawn?"

I prayed and God revealed to me that I put my expectations and my hopes into a lot of things: my circumstances, my pants size, the number of comments I have on my blog (oh yea...it's getting real time), my friends, Ronnie's mood, accomplished tasks, etc. etc. etc.

She read Psalm 27:14, "Wait with hope for the Lord..." and she said if you aren't putting your hope in God and God alone you are setting yourself up for failure.

FAILURE. EMPTINESS. DISAPPOINTMENT.

People, things, circumstances cannot help but disappoint you. Every relationship will fall short and let you down. People can surprise you, shock you, and betray you. She said, "...But I have made up my mind that I will not be devastated by these things because the joy of the Lord is my strength."

IT IS A CHOICE. IT IS YOUR CHOICE. IT IS MY CHOICE, AND I MAKE IT DAILY.

She said we have to walk around with the mentality that we are "...more than conquerors in Christ. What does that mean? It means that no matter what problem I have I will overcome it with the Lord's grace and mercy."

I AM AN OVER-COMER.

I AM NOT A BEGGAR, BUT A BELIEVER.

GOD HEARS MY PRAYERS AND IS FAITHFUL TO LIFT ME OUT OF ANY PIT AND PLACE MY FEET ON A ROCK.

She went on to say "... It might take two days, two weeks, or two years, but God will see me through all of it...He will work it all for the good. I don't know what tomorrow holds, but God is with me and I will be better for it."

I needed to hear that this weekend; it wasn't any new revelation or deep insight into the scriptures. It was just simple encouragement. I hope it blesses you as much as it blessed me.

Thank you Joyce!

Biggest Loser Challenge - Half-Way Point

Well we are six weeks into our challenge!!!

Way to go...we still have 11 of the 15 signing in...NOT BAD!!!

Well, I have been a HORRIBLE Biggest Loser Host...with our camping, being sick all last week, and the things I've been dealing with in my personal life I have neglected you sweet girls and I apologize.

BUT TODAY IS A NEW DAY.

TODAY is a day God has made and I am rejoicing in each breath. I am so thankful that Lamentations 3 says that because of God's GREAT LOVE for us we ARE NOT CONSUMED for HIS compassions NEVER fail. They are new EVERY MORNING - Great is God's FAITHFULNESS to me.

Recipe for the week:

Doc's Chili

Biggest Loser Cookbook (a must buy)

3 cups of chopped yellow onion

1 1/4 pounds of lean ground turkey (Ronnie couldn't tell the difference between the turkey and ground beef)

1 can (28 ounces) of roasted diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup fat-free chicken broth

2 T chopped garlic

2 T chili powder

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp mustard powder

1/2 cup black olives (optional)

1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

Coat a large saucepan with a few sprays of olive oil and let onions cook until they are soft. Add turkey and cook until no longer pink. Add tomatoes, pinto and black beans, broth, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and mustard powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and let simmer (I let is simmer for about 40 minutes). You can garnish with the olives and cilantro.

Makes 12 servings - 150 calories per serving, 2 grams fat, 5 grams of fiber.

It's that time again!!!

Name

Did you meet your goal this week.

Goal for next week.

Weight Loss for the week & total loss for the first half of the challenge.

Prayer request/praise report

My turn:

Dawn

I didn't even work out for 30 minutes last week due to my cold =(

This week I want to get in 5 hours of work out.

I lost 1 pound which brings me to 4.5 pounds for the first six-weeks.

Praise - I am refreshed and full of joy this morning for the first time in weeks. Thank you Jesus.

Your turn:

One Word

I got this in an email from my sweet, sweet, friend, Belinda at eddins4.blogspot.com.
Thought it might make a quick, easy, AND fun post! I have been sick all week with something I picked up at the lake, so I am ready for a little fun!

Where is your cell phone? Charging


Your significant other? cuddling

Your hair? dry

Your father? rancher

Your favorite thing? relationships

Your dream last night? horrible

Your favorite drink? Sonic

Your dream/goal? FREEDOM

What room are you in? office

Your hobby? Children

Where do you want to be in 6 years? Ranch

Where were you last night? Home

Something that you aren't? Perfect

Wish list item? Furniture

Last thing you did? Hillsong

What are you wearing? PJ'S

TV? Cartoons

Your pets? wishing

Friends? amazing

Your Life? work-in-progress

Your mood? hopeful

Missing someone? Mom

Drinking? water

Car? Yukon

Something you’re not wearing? bra =) HA!

Your favorite store? Mardels

Your favorite color? Red

When is the last time you cried? Yesterday

Vacation? Sea World

Your favorite place? home

Favorite plate to eat? Fajitas

Favorite place I'd like to be at right now? Stanton

Your fear? BUSYNESS

Quartz Mountains

We went back to the Quartz Mountains (north of Altus, Oklahoma) last Friday to camp for the weekend. I read the historical marker while Ronnie was loading the boat and found out the lake actually flooded a small town. The small town was devasted by a tornado in the early 1900's, but a few people remained there until 1942 when the dam was built that flooded the town. Drew and Kade called this "Jaquar Mountian". Ha!
My two handsome boys!!!
Drew and Ronnie wetting a hook Friday evening! Drew was so sad the fish were not biting.Saturday morning the boys played in the water while Ronnie and I soaked up the sun and talked (without interruptions). This was my favorite part of the whole weekend. It was fabulous!!! The water was really shallow and the boys spent HOURS jumping and splashing.
Kade was having trouble getting his pants back-up after going potty. I had to take a picture before I helped him with the problem. =)

Drew playing golf Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon Ronnie's brother and sister-in-law came out to ski and tube around the lake with us. Then Kade helped Ronnie cook some burgers.
Don't you love Ronnie's chair? Ha!

Getting ready to cook S'Mores.

Saturday night, right after the sun went down a storm started building. Ronnie called his Dad to check the weather and found out it was on the both sides of us, but it was moving north to south. We decided to ride out the storm, and the boys fell asleep to the sound of rain falling on the tent. Ronnie and I stayed up most of the night praying through the thunder and high winds and thanking God the boys were sleeping through the entire thing. I am so thankful I married a 'manly man'...he took care of every thing.

I realized this weekend how incredibly blessed I am to be able to go to sleep every night in a house and not worry about my children's safety. It's a blessing I take for granted too often.

Biggest Loser Challenge- Week 5

I am not at home, so this week's post will be short. We just got in to my in-laws from our weekend camping trip in the Quartz Mountains near Altus, Oklahoma (pictures to come)!!!

So let's cut to it:

Your Name

Did you meet your goal last week?

Weight loss for the week

Goal for next week

Prayer Request

My turn:

Dawn

No, I didn't meet my goal of working out 5 hours because of our camping trip. I only got in 4 hours and 15 minutes =(

Weight loss...(update to come)

Goal for next week...5 hours of working out with 90 minutes of strength training.

I am asking for prayer for Divine joy, renewed energy, & direction/confidence in the next steps God wants me to take. I need God's strength to walk by faith and not by sight. I need prayer for God to help me carve out time this week to just be STILL and know that HE IS GOD!!!

Verse for the week:

Romans 1:23, 25

"They traded the glory of God who lives forever for the worship of idols made to look like earthly people, birds, animals, and snakes...They worshiped and served what had been created instead of the God who created those things."

I had to read that a few times this weekend. I was convicted. I don't want to 'trade-in' God's glory for the 'perfect figure'. My body is God's temple - it needs to be healthy, not perfect. I don't want this quest for the 'ideal' body to become my focus. It is a thin line...I don't want to cross it!

Max Lucado says, "What makes us special is not our body but the signature of God on our lives. We are his works of art (Eph 2:10)...We are significant, not because of what we do, but because of WHOSE we are."

Wow!

Be encouraged this week by the one who created you. See you back here next Monday!!!

Your turn:

(my recipes are at home, so feel free to share your favorite recipe with us!!!)

Caution: Splash Zone!!!

The boys went over to our neighbor's, Royce (a.k.a Boyce) and Debbie, house yesterday to swim. Their daughter, Chelsea, had her friend, Nick, come in from Portland. So we had to do a little celebrating West Texas style. Royce and Debbie's other daughter, Kelly, and her husband, Justin, came in for the festivities as well. Justin throwing Kade in the air. As soon as he came down he would say, "More high please!"

Poor Justin and Nick were stuck 'playing' for over an hour!

Nick throwing Kade in the air! Kade jumped in off the ladder to Nick 20+ times. He would say, "One, Two, Three, Ball (translation: cannon ball)!!! Nick was so patient.
Drew jumping off the ladder. He wouldn't even get his head wet a few weeks ago.


Justin and Nick were literally throwing Drew back and forth across the pool to each other.

Drew said they are his "best friends in the whole world!" =) Ha!

Boyce holding his granddaughter Kate. Kate is Kelly and Justin's baby girl!

Drew's Story

Drew asked, “Mama, do you want to hear my train story?”

I put down the laundry, went into the living room, and heard the following story:

“A long, long time ago there was a little boy named Drew. He had a train, and he blew his whistle (Drew points to Kade and Kade shouts,"WooWoo!!!"). Drew was pulling his train and the hook came off, so Drew had to eat a lot of beans (this comes from Popeye cartoon when he eats spinach for strength) and he pulled, and pulled, and PULLED. He fixed the train. Amen!”

Yes, he ended it with, "Amen!" It works I guess !=)

I am so glad I didn’t miss that moment. So precious.

Titus 2 Tuesdays - Marcia Reed

Titus 2 Tuesday was started by Shanda, and it has become my favorite 'blogging day' of the week!!!

Titus 2 says "...Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don't want anyone looking down on God's Message because of their behavior."

I wish I could be around Marcia Reed all the time. How wonderful would it be to design a purse I could just tuck her into, so I could see her sweet face each day? Without a word, I can look at her and feel loved.

REAL LOVE!!!

Her eyes shout the joy of the Lord, and you feel refreshed and strengthened in their gaze. Her hugs have healing power; her smile calms the deepest of fears. I know (and Marcia would tell you) this love doesn’t come from her…it comes from the Lord.

2 Corinthians 4:7-8 says, “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.”

Marcia is the Certified Ministry Assistant (a.k.a. – she keeps everyone and everything going) at First Baptist Church in Seminole, Texas. Six years ago we moved to Seminole, but I can’t remember the first time we “met”. I do remember her voice. Each time I would call up to the office, I would hear genuine warmth and love in each encouraging word she spoke to me. Marcia is never too busy for you, she never rushes you out of her presence, and in her presence you are always brought closer to the Prince of Peace.

Marcia listens.

She really listens, not just the kind of listening with head nods, but she listens with her heart.

She HEARS me.
James 1:19 says, “Let every man be quick to hear (a ready listener), slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.”

I saw Marcia this past weekend. I have been struggling the past few weeks, but when Marcia hugged me the flood gates to my heart opened. I felt safe. The tears that came were not tears of sorrow, but tears of thankfulness because I mattered to someone. Her eyes say that I not only matter, but that I am special. Her smile reaches to the very depths of my soul and confirms she is truly glad to see me.

Plain old me!

I know that this isn’t a ‘human’ characteristic. Marcia loves God so much, the Spirit of God manifests HIMself in everything she does. She radiates the love of Christ. She has ‘the glow’. It is contagious; you can’t be around her and not shout out praise to the Great I AM.

Marcia’s love walk with the Lord actually has tread marks.

The rubber is on the road…her theology and her reality collide and what is left is an explosive trail of God’s grace and love abounding towards each person she comes across.

“Love talked about is easily pushed aside, but love demonstrated is irresistible.”

I love you Marcia. Thank you for praying with me, thank you for encouraging me, and thank you for loving me right where I am. Thank you for being a Titus 2 woman to so many women in West Texas.

You are beautiful.
“You should clothe yourselves instead with beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so pleasing to God.”

1 Peter 3:4

Biggest Loser - Week 4

We made it!!!

We are 1/3 of the way through our Biggest Loser Challenge. I know some of us have not lost as much weight as we hoped to, but we ARE ALL healthier than we were 4 weeks ago!

Verse for the week:

Galatians 6:9, "Let us NOT BECOME WEARY in doing good, for at the proper time WE WILL REAP A HARVEST IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP."

Lunch Recipe:

Chicken Quesadillas

1 can of white chicken meat

4 whole wheat tortillas

1 cup of 2% cheese

1 cup of your favorite salsa

Dump the chicken and salsa into a pan and cook over medium heat until it simmers. Coat another pan with non-stick spray and add one tortilla. Fill one side of the tortilla with 1/4 of chicken mixture, add 1/4 cup of 2% cheese, and brown both sides. Quick, easy, and the kids love it too!!!

Total WW points - 6

Let's get to it:

Name

Did you accomplish your goal last week?

Weight lost for the week

Goal next week.

Prayer request

(I am sorry I didn't email everyone this week, but I did pray for you each by name daily.)

MY TURN:

Dawn

I drank 80 oz of water everyday but Saturday. I exceeded my goal for working out...I got in 4 1/2 hours this week. Woohoo!

Lost 1.5 pounds this week.

Next week I want to work out for 5 hours and make 90 minutes of that strength training.

I need prayer for supernatural joy even though right now I am walking through a valley.

Don't forget to pray for all 14 of the ladies participating in this challenge.

1. . Adrian

2. Holly

3. Shannon

4. Haylee

5. Amber

6. Jennifer

7. Belinda

8. Natalie

9. Amy

10. Kassie klwjmw69@yahoo.com

11. Jackie

12. Nicole
13. Becky becky.vetter@southwestheritagecu.com

14. Jamie

YOUR TURN:

Putting the "swing" back in tire swing!

They went around,

and around, and around!!!
We went to the "Castle" Park in Levelland with my friends Holly and Haylee. We all have boys, so there were five little boys in all!

Drew sportin' the scratch Kade gave him this morning.Kade sportin' his "I am too cute to do anything wrong" face!!! =) Ha!
Drew showing me his "excercises"!!!

Cash Man (Holly's little boy)

Casen (Haylee's youngest) and Drew!

Next Friday's Outing: Science Spectrum in Lubbock!!!

"Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see."
--Corrie ten Boom

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Friday's catch at Lake Allen Henry.

The 8 pound bass broke his fishing pole. I asked him if he was bummed about the pole, but he said, "It just makes it a better 'fish' story."

Titus 2 Tuesdays - Jana Gregory

I just LOVE Titus Tuesdays. I love to that through Shanda at ateachableheart.blogspot.com, I am connecting with sisters-in-Christ all over this nation. Thank you Shanda!!!

Titus 2 says "...Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don't want anyone looking down on God's Message because of their behavior."

Sanctify - to set apart, to make free from sin.

Synonyms: holy, pure, consecrated.

I wish you could meet Jana Gregory. I met Jana 3 years ago when I went on my Walk to Emmaus. Jana spoke this past November about "Sanctifying Grace" on the last walk I worked. It was so good, so life-changing that I had to get her notes. I want to share a portion of her talk with you today...

Jana began her testimony describing the time she and Jim (her hubby) spent in Argentina as missionaries...

"I don't remember her name, but I remember her home and the beautiful flowers that grew in her yard. She lived in a small community in Argentina, and she invited us over to her house after Jim had preached a meeting at her church. She was so proud of the unique and colorful flowers, and she wanted to share with us her gardening secret. She said, 'You'll never guess what I do--I water these plants with the water I collect when I rinse out my menstrual rags."

At this point Jana had every one's attention =) Ha!

"Up until a few decades ago, women had to use cloth rags during the time of their periods. Now I know that it's not a really pleasant idea for us to think about that now, but I want you to really think about what it would be like to use cloth rags during your period. (At this point she was holding up torn strips of white cloth).

"Think about how limited you would be as to what you could wear, where you could go, what you could do. Think of the things around you that become stained with your flow of blood. I don't know about you, but I definitely think that I would feel "unclean" in that situation. Every month, I would be reminded of my 'uncleanness'...It's hard for us to really wrap our minds around the 'unclean' idea because of the hygiene products we have today, but I want you to look at Isaiah 64:6."

"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags."

"Guess what "filthy rags" translates to in Hebrew. Menstrual rags."

"Think about the most EXTRAORDINARY and SACRIFICIAL act that you could do/have done for God. You wrap that 'gift' up so pretty in a colorful box with a big bow (and present it to your King), and when He opens it, what does he find?"

Not a pretty picture is it?

Jana goes on to say,

"The holy is actually the common infused by God's Spirit and transformed for His service."

READ THAT AGAIN...what she said was so profound to me!

"So, our sanctification has to do with God's transformation of us into persons whose actions in daily life are expressions of the Lord. (Our sanctification has nothing to do with OUR EFFORTS to be 'good Christians'.) He can take those menstrual rags, and like our Argentine friend, rinse them out and use them for something beautiful."

What sanctifies me isn't the ways I try to be "good" or the "good" things I think I do.

The only thing that will "set me apart" & "make me pure" is the Spirit of God that is transforming me from the inside out.

I heard an evangelist compare self-righteous acts to being a glove with no hand in it. My glove can be sturdy, clean, and have all the bells and whistles. BUT, with no hand in it, my glove is useless.

WITHOUT A HAND IN IT, MY GLOVE IS USELESS.

When we are doing church work that leaves us feeling tired & burned-out, you can bet we are trying to operate a glove without THE HAND in it! I AM GUILTY, SO GUILTY!!!

BUT,

if my glove is filled with the Spirit of God I am in business. Big things start happening without me even 'working' because it is the hand of God working in me and bringing EVERYTHING into motion. I am being filled/changed/sanctified from the inside-out.

Thank you Jana for being a Titus 2 woman in my life. The joy of the Lord radiates from your face each time I see you! You are a truly gifted teacher. God bless you and your sweet family!

One Last Deep Thought:

What is total repentance?

I think when I rise to Glory and see Christ's face, I will be ashamed not only my sins, but my 'good deeds' and 'sacrificial acts'. Does total repentance mean you take your best and your worst, roll it up into one, and place it under the Cross? Does it take the blood of Jesus covering even our 'best moments' to become worthy of entering HIS Glory?