Barnes family: Chalk Board Paint ....genius!

Here is Keena painting a section of wall in the garage with chalk board paint. She was sooooo excited to have her own chalk board. What a fabulous idea. We just got done organizing the garage to where it is a safe environment for the kids to play. Now they love playing in the garage. I love having ever inch of my house including the garage organized.

On another note: Last night I was putting Keena to bed. I was so ready to have a little quiet time of my own. I wanted to tuck her in and be on my way. Well, as I say quietly on her bed with tired eyes trying to go thru the motions of getting Keena to bed, I just stopped and starred in to her eyes. For a moment I realized my little one just wanted to be heard. Instead of rushing off I continued to just focus on her and listened to all her little girl jabber. In that moment I knew she felt special because I was just listening. She wasn't really making a whole lot of sense. There was a lot of spider man, doctor, and Hulk talk. I didn't get it but I just nodded my head and smiled. There was one moment that I did catch though and it went like this...

Keena:" now if the man doctor doesn't know anything then you need to go to the women doctor"

OK, I do not know where this came from but when she just nonchalantly stated that I began to laugh hysterically.

Moral of this story is STOP AND LISTEN! Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my own head while Keena is talking nonstop because....well she just doesn't stop. She also made the statement last night in the middle of her conversation saying, "I just love to talk" I am going to make a better effort of TRULY listening to her. She loves it and I love when I know she feels loved.

Relationship, not "religion"

I feel sometime that "religion" is killing people. In 2nd Corinthians 3:6, Paul said, "The code [of the Law] kills, but the [Holy] Spirit makes alive."

There are so many precious people who seek a relationship with God, and the religious community continues to tell them they need to "do" something else in order to be acceptable to Him (Jesus).

Do not be offended by my use of the word "religion." I realize that it has been popular, spiritual-sounding word for centuries. I am only trying to present a clear difference between an impersonal set of rules and regulations and a personal relationship with the living God.

Jesus talked of His personal relationship with the Father, and the religious leaders of His day persecuted Him. I am amazed when I encounter certain people who are opposed to hearing others talk about God in a personal way or about feeling empowered by God. Obviously, Satan hates a personal relationship with God and the power it makes available in the life of a believer.

In certain religious circles, if you and I were to talk about God as though we know Him, we would be judged and criticized. People would ask, "Who do you think you are?" Religion wants us to picture God as being far away-- somewhere up in the sky--not approachable by anyone except the "elite" of the church. And, furthermore, they want us to believe that He can be reached only through rule keeping and good behavior.

This "religious spirit" was alive in Jesus' day, and He died to put an end to it and bring people into a personal relationship with Himself, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. That same religious spirit still torments people to this day if they do not know the truth.

The Law was given in order to show people their need for a Savior. We try to keep it until we realize that we absolutely cannot, and then hopefully we humble ourselves and ask God to help us, which He did in the person of Jesus Christ. As you walk with God, remember to keep your relationship with Him at the center and to keep "religion" far from you.
- Joyce Meyer

Thank you God, for loving me so much that you gave up Your only Son so that if I believe in Him, I will not perish, but I will have everlasting life. I know that You did not send Your Son to condemn me, but that I might find salvation through him.

Chalk Board Paint ....genius!

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