To Live A Life Well Lived

To Live A Life Well Lived http://malousemail.multiply.com/ ...there is much more to life than what it has been...still have much to learn. I have not arrived...I will keep on keeping on...to grasp that for which Christ laid hold of me; learning to cast away all that hinders and stretching forward and upward in faith...to answer God's call and receive His great and precious promises to those who believe... Thank you for visiting my site. Walk with me...Humor me...as you look at the pictures, read my blogs, check out the videos or listen to music. Please feel free to advise, to comment, to share...I would love to hear from you... This race we run, we run in faith...See you at the finish line dear friend. God bless always. Much love, Malou Fri, 22 Aug 2008 02:23:42 -0000 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:51:22 -0000 To Live A Life Well Lived http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/logo http://malousemail.multiply.com 100 100 Discipleship - Ideas From a Common Tao <img border="0" class="alignleft" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SKx9XAoKCDQAAFMKKR81/IMG-2281.jpg?et=bI%2BrNQLbGTsfvwQMXB7EPw&nmid=0">No title to speak of here, except Wife, Mom, Friend, Daughter, Sister, Volunteer, etc. One of the first verses my son John's memorized is this: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..." And it goes on to say, "baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20) First off, God's word hasn't changed. So, if you have any issue about the word DISCIPLE, then bring it up with God, because it came from Him. Can anyone every perfect discipleship? For one who's going through it, I believe the process isn't over until life is over. I am no expert, but I am constantly being discipled, learning from whoever is willing to teach me - be it one to one, through podcasts, by reading books, actively engaging in life groups, or attending conferences and/or seminars, etc. Some thoughts on discipleship: 1) It is enriching - God... http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/138/Discipleship_-_Ideas_From_a_Common_Tao Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:51:22 -0000 To Be Like Christ <img class="alignleft" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SJtfMwoKCDQAAFYWQAA1/DSC07396.JPG?et=t556PO6lOs9M6ykviMloAw&nmid=0" border="0">For a long time I'd feel bad for failing in my "quest" to be like Christ. Even today, I'd make this or that mistake. If I were faint of heart, and if I could do it, I'd have given up on myself a long time ago. I was striving to be, to do, to think according to some people's definition of what a servant of God should be like. And yet always coming up empty. As such, I judged others accordingly. And for that, I repent. I am so glad God has not given up on me. I am just recently learning to understand that those who love Christ really do love Him. It is an innate desire that God deposited in us - to love Him who created us. But in our minds, we fail too well, and too often. Why? Because it becomes more like a duty than a desire. I have realized that on our own, we can't please Him or even attempt to be like Him. Therefore, as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling as Paul exhorted us to, this verse gives me a deep sigh of relief: "...for it is God who ... http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/136/To_Be_Like_Christ Thu, 7 Aug 2008 20:10:05 -0000 Distractions <img class="alignleft" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SJiOXgoKCDQAADID3yM1/IMG-2386.jpg?et=kMQ7WNKaemWV4XQt5fXeLQ&nmid=0" border="0">It has been more than four years since I chose to stop working to fully focus on training and supporting my children. And right now is a critical time for us. The kids are growing up. The family's needs have increased. The price for basic necessities have been raised. But the resources have remained the same. I have to confess that I have gone as far as looking at the ads for work. I get excited just thinking about it: the perks, the thrill of meeting deadlines, the accomplishment, and the instant gratification. My mom's always seen me as a career woman, simply because she knows I love being out there, doing work, earning my own keep. Then I remember the very reason why I did not pursue a career in the hotel industry in the first place. Oh, I used to see myself back then, owning my own condo in a high rise building in the midst of a bustling city, flying from one destination to the next, training key people to help make a success of the chain of hotels I'd be a part of... http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/135/Distractions Tue, 5 Aug 2008 17:07:55 -0000 John's Questions <img border="0" class="alignleft" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SJdbBwoKCDQAADJfHBw1/IMG-4459.JPG?et=40ieXl8%2CvlTKghLB%2BP1x8g&nmid=0">"Mommy, when I grow old, will I die?" I was reading in my room when John came in, plopped himself on our bed, rolled about while playfully wielding his sword, and asked me all sorts of questions. With a pensive look on his face, he asked: "Mommy, what does heaven look like?" "What does God look like?" "Where does the devil live?" "What does hell look like?" "Will little kids grow old and die, grow old and die, grow old and die?" "Can I have beans?" "I remember Mickey Mouse. He had beans, and Donald Duck was angry with him and he threw the beans in a hole in the ground and while they were sleeping, a beanstalk grew. I want to go up in the beanstalk. May I have beans?" "Mommy, when you grow old, will you die?" I thank God for teaching me through His word and the many people around me who have coached me and continue to do so, be it through conversations, by example, or via broadcast (eg. Charles Stanley, Joel Osteen, Andy Stanley, etc.) and books (eg. Joyce Meyer, Charles Spurgeon, Oswald C... http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/134/Johns_Questions Mon, 4 Aug 2008 17:52:59 -0000 Changes and Contentment <img class="alignleft" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SJUpEwoKCDQAAHjTPnc1/IMG-5054.JPG?et=ScnSLdZA62aUsICwfrz7WQ&nmid=0" border="0">People are moving. They are kind of changing gears. Under God's radar, He knows where He will lead them. So far as I know I am staying put, at least for now. But then, I came to thinking the other day, well, what if God moved me to some nice suburban environment that had a Nordstroms Rack close by and many ivy league schools around it? Would I be satisfied? If God moved me back to CA, where I'd have access to every cuisine imaginable, to my family and dear friends, to HMOs and recreational parks and celebrities, to mountains and beaches and vineyards... Hmm... That's it? Will that be the end of my quest? Will that be the reason for my contentment? (I'd be very happy, that's for sure...) God's purpose for moving people has nothing to do with what is convenient for us. It simply has to do with the best He has planned for those He loves - that's us. (Don't count yourself out. God loves YOU.) When changes come, Lord, please let my heart be content, because, having sought Your... http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/133/Changes_and_Contentment Sun, 3 Aug 2008 03:35:05 -0000 I Need Your Input <img class="alignleft" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SImYiQoKCDQAAH4oGQE1/IMG-1417.JPG?et=Ir47rDprP40vtPlTxWOHYA&nmid=0" border="0">I value your opinion. Out of the blogs listed below (just click on the title to be able to read them), would you list what you think to be the top 5? I appreciate you. Thanks! 1. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/97/Hi_Baby..." style="text-decoration: none;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">Hi, Baby...</a>2. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/114/Which_Building_Takes_Precedence" style="text-decoration: none;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">Which Building Takes Precedence?</a>3. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/7/A_Testament" style="text-decoration: none;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">A Testament</a>4. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/21/How_Does_God_Answer_Prayer" style="text-decoration: none;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">How Does God Answer Prayer?</a>5. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/96/Faith_that_Sees" style="text-decoration: none;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">Faith that Sees</a>6. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/129/Whose_Perception" style="text-decoration: none;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">Whose Perception?</a>7. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/41/HOW_RICH_ARE_YOU_Blogs_in_a_Blog" style="text-decoration: none;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">HOW RICH ARE YOU? (Blogs in a Blog)</a>8. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/42/I_AM_" style="text-decoration: none;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">"I AM"</a>9. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/127/The_Goal" style="text-decoration: none;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">The Goal</a>10. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/10/You_Know_What_Just_Hit_Me" style="text-decoration: none;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">You Know What Just Hit Me? </a>11. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/50/From_Disillusion_to_Destiny" style="text-decoration: none;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">From Disillusion to Destiny</a>12. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/52/Astonishing_Freedom" style="text-decoration: none;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">Astonishing Freedom!</a>13. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/67/67" style="text-decoration: underline;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">When God's Shakin' He's Bakin' Good Cookin’ Worth Takin’</a>14. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/79/Would_You" style="text-decoration: none;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">Would You?</a>15. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/120/Staking_Your_Claim_to_the_Promise" style="text-decoration: none;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">Staking Your Claim to the Promise</a>16. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/121/Give..." style="text-decoration: none;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">Give...</a>17. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/125/My_Fathers_Hand" style="text-decoration: none;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">My Father's Hand</a>18. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/126/Meant_To_Be_Rich" style="text-decoration: underline;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">Meant To Be Rich</a>19. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/128/Growing_Pains" style="text-decoration: none;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">Growing Pains</a>20. <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/130/Is_He_Able" style="text-decoration: none;color: rgb(204, 153, 0);">Is He Able?</a> NOTE: If you are not a multiply user, you may use malousmarche@yahoo.com to let me know what you think. http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/132/I_Need_Your_Input Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:23:02 -0000 Is He Able? <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIjKqAoKCDQAAEMdZRI1"><img border="0" class="alignleft" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SIjKqAoKCDQAAEMdZRI1/IMG-4015.JPG?et=ELvXMPOlLlXE9N0J5JTYcw&nmid=0"></a>“When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’‘Yes, Lord,’ they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith will it be done to you’; and their sight was restored.” (Matthew 9:29-30) A lot of us are like blind men. We don’t see. How much do you think God can do for you? Have you ever heard of “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think?” What do you think that looks like? Imagine a scenario of such provision. Without taking what you have done (your sins, your successes, your failures, your triumphs), are doing, or will ever be able to do into account, how capable do you think God is? Think beyond that, and then some more. We want to think God CAN, but in our mindset, it would depend only on either the strength of our faith (faith is the focus, not God) or our accomplishments (or lack thereof). We forget this part: That in spite of knowing how much sin we will... http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/130/Is_He_Able Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:23:29 -0000 Whose Perception? <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIZFuAoKCDQAAE5bD841"><img class="alignright" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SIZFuAoKCDQAAE5bD841/IMG-2414.jpg?et=ldljdzvTS5eBrso718rLgg&nmid=0" border="0"></a>Do not live according to the perception of others about you. They always will consider or imagine or judge you to be “something.” But don’t think and act and say things to fill the mold they have conjured up for you. God has set you apart. Don’t settle for anything less than God’s best. “How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Selah Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him. In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah” (Psalm 4:2-4) Lay down the dreams you have for yourself, so that God can put His amazing dreams for you, in you. Be shaped by the Potter and not by other clay. Live according to how God has perceived, conceived you to be. Now what that is, you are still at a point of figuring out. But, let it be that your life is after pleasing God and not man, so that you may ... http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/129/Whose_Perception Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:34:58 -0000 Growing Pains <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SIQS@goKCDQAAGsFPCY1"><img border="0" class="alignleft" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SIQS@goKCDQAAGsFPCY1/IMG-0625.JPG?et=ieHjaDu%2C9nU%2Bw8HqXoxZSw&nmid=0"></a>Today’s preaching was on worrying. “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Mt. 6:27) As I listened, being encouraged to believe, to have faith, to keep staring at God and His promises instead of the circumstances I find around me, I knew in my heart that I knew what that looked like. I kept whispering to God, “I want to go back there. I want to go back there.” Back there where? Back there where I could hardly be moved by anything. The world’s gotten bigger for me; the concerns have grown amazingly real. “Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Ps. 55:22) Thoughts… Questions… Wonderings. Has my faith grown cold? Have I lowered my standards? Have I lost sight of who God is? I know this for sure: all things will pa... http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/128/Growing_Pains Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:20:56 -0000 No Paula, So Bobby Had To Do We went to Savannah to have lunch at Paula Deen's Lady & Sons Restaurant, only to find out they were fully booked until dinner. We had to resort to ordering "to go" and just visiting her store. 'Can't complain. Bobby Deen was at the store to greet us - perfect timing, the lunch crowd wasn't there yet, so we had a bit of time to chat with him. And the food! Paula's signature breaded chicken...And the peach cobbler...And the banana pudding! M-m-m! It was well worth the trip. We were planning to go around some more after having a picnic at River Street, but our driver was grumpy na. We had no choice but to drive back to Hilton Head or else walk the whole 40+ miles to our hotel. http://malousemail.multiply.com/photos/album/122/No_Paula_So_Bobby_Had_To_Do Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:14:58 -0000 The Goal <h5><a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SH0FjwoKCDQAAGGsLDQ1"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SH0FjwoKCDQAAGGsLDQ1/IMG_2435.jpg?et=N17G4NFojqOy2230QY%2B%2Bpg&nmid=0" border="0"></a>In 1 Peter 5:1-5, Peter urges, </h5><h5>"To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. </h5><h5> Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" Pursuing a goal beyond our grasp of eternity -...A vision of God's infinity etched in our hearts...The destiny we have in Christ alone,...Our faces set like flint...The very core of our being testifies to our tremendous ongoing fight of faith - Cann... http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/127/The_Goal Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:20:12 -0000 Hilton Head, South Carolina The summer's been full for us - goodbyes, volleyball games, science camp, Honey's (Eben) first recital, guests (they are such blessings!), small trips, the conference, and more camps in the next few weeks. Two weeks ago, we had the pleasure of having Ja for a short visit. We went to Hilton Head, SC, then to Savannah, GA, and then visited Andy Stanley's North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA. That was one full week. To think that as we came back home, I didn't even have time to do laundry because we got right into the North Am conference. Now we're getting back to the normal swing of things. Enjoy the http://malousemail.multiply.com/photos/album/120/Hilton_Head_South_Carolina Tue, 15 Jul 2008 06:22:49 -0000 Meant To Be Rich <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SGkwqQoKCDQAAGssGCY1"><img border="0" class="alignleft" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SGkwqQoKCDQAAGssGCY1/IMG_0855.JPG?et=ZiMygnwvF8yMyqzFBEXfMA&nmid=0"></a>Eben and I had a discussion on BLESSING yesterday on our way home from church. This point was clear: GOD WANTS TO BLESS YOU! - He is able to do so exceedingly abundantly above all you can ever ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). And I am not just talking about finances. I am talking about any and every aspect of your life, particularly relationships (more about this in the next post). - You are meant to enjoy God's blessings. No more poverty mentality. If you tell God "Ok na 'to" (this is enough), then fine. If mediocre is enough for you, that's all you'll get. - If you want to be a mere spectator, then don't envy the actor, the giver, the runner, the one who's chosen to live life and live it to the full (John 10:10). Fair enough? - You are meant to bless others with your blessings. The problem with people who tell God "this is enough" is that they're usually just thinking about themselves. - The only ceiling/cap/limit to the riches God is able to pour into your life ... http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/126/Meant_To_Be_Rich Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:20:05 -0000 My Father's Hand <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SGhtfQoKCDQAAElxi3Y1"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SGhtfQoKCDQAAElxi3Y1/DSC07394_2.JPG?et=h2DDtnWmlk6Yhs3Um%2BqbMQ&nmid=0" border="0"></a> Keziah was 3 when she memorized her very first Bible verse: "The Little Children and Jesus People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them." (Mark 10:13-16) I have never been so moved by needs and concerns as I have been these past two years. I felt like an adult, the one who makes the big decisions, one of the older people, you know. I have to be honest and say, I don't like the feeling. This does not have anything to do with age or physical deterioration. It has to do with how I have been viewing how these concerns and needs are going to be met. I now see that I kind of ... http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/125/My_Fathers_Hand Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:56:32 -0000 Set Up! <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SGXQJAoKCDQAADl@dSk1"><img border="0" class="alignright" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SGXQJAoKCDQAADl@dSk1/IMG_1666.JPG?et=Dqu03t%2B281Iwj%2BauPXFunA&nmid=0"></a>Have you ever imagined the way we get set up in the spiritual dimension of life? The devil sends his minions, knowing the circumstance you are in, the characters involved, and their weaknesses he's observed for years and years. One minion whispers a lie to you, as another whispers an assumption to a friend or a colleague or a relation. If you are not alert to the enemy's tactics, you'll fall for the lie and there you go jumping head first into conclusions which are far from the truth. The stage gets set up for revenge, division, anger, bitterness, and more untruths. "Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset--rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole bo... http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/124/Set_Up Sat, 28 Jun 2008 05:48:12 -0000 Believe... <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SGT1iQoKCDQAACZoI-A1"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SGT1iQoKCDQAACZoI-A1/IMG_1172.JPG?et=7iiPwYVfYuRV%2Bu4Lh%2CjXRg&nmid=0" border="0"></a>Wouldn't it be amazing if: - We are constantly aware that the supernatural power of the living God is our way of life? - To be astounded by God's greatness and blessed miracles is an everyday experience? - Every question is readily answered by, "Yes, God can do it!" and be honored to see Him see us through because we stood in faith? As we pray in faith to a loving Father, the mighty God, we receive the privilege to see the power of His sanctifying work in our hearts, minds, and souls; then see His faithfulness made manifest over that which we pray for. Lord God, thank You for blessing us beyond our possibilities. Surely Your faithfulness is unfathomable. "Jesus said to him, 'If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.'” (Mark 9:23) http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/123/Believe... Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:09:41 -0000 How Big is God? <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SGPcDwoKCDQAAAlnDEE1"><img class="alignmiddleb" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SGPcDwoKCDQAAAlnDEE1/IMG_0920.JPG?et=wnjTMQJ8Q1M%2CKIbu%2BwQpeg&nmid=0" border="0"></a> It has not ceased to amaze me that we serve in a big ministry. I am not referring to just one part of the body of Christ, but the whole body of believers. By God’s grace we were given a big faith for big tasks to serve a big God. I have seen the simplest of folks produce great things for God's glory. And they remained like little children, unapologetic about their big faith. I have also seen it happen when people in big ministry start thinking they are big. They get puffed up, and somehow, God starts getting small. Then their egos blow up. Finding themselves in a humbled stance, their own big dreams reduced to smithereens, they realize it was a big ministry, not because they are big, but simply because God is big. Exactly how big? I am afraid this might be an understatement, but let's try this:God encompasses all of creation, from beginning to end, from the visible to the invisible, from first to last. He is so big in fact that, every element in the immense mysterious u... http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/122/How_Big_is_God_ Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:04:54 -0000 Give... <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/119/1"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/2/photos/119/300x300/1/IMG_1612.JPG?et=llOKuUH3HtUh1BAaWfIePw&nmid=102833669" border="0"></a>Whatever your station in life is, God's called you to give of yourself.  If He who is God willingly did it, all the more should you. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) Jesus came in humble obedience to the Father who sent Him.  He sacrificed by dying on the cross to save us from all our sins - past, present, and future. But to you, to each one of us, His call is to be a living sacrifice: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."  (Romans 12:1) I know of this lady, a successful physical therapist.  One of the things she loves to do is give - of her time, of her finances, of her efforts... Some have marveled at how patient she'd be in picking people up and spending time with them, even paying for their drink or their meal.  She wouldn't mind... http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/121/Give... Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:43:48 -0000 Keziah's Dance Recital at TPAC Ann Carroll School of Dance had a 3 show run at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center for its students' recital. Kez had a performance for ballet, tap, and jazz on Friday, but the Father-Daughter dances in which she and her Dad took part in were performed on all three shows (Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday evening). It was amazing! All the girls, the participating parents, and 2 extra boys performed excellently. I wish I could've taken much better pictures, but I was at the very back during the first show and no flashes were allowed at all. These photos don't do much justice to the vibrant costumes, beautiful artistic moves and awesome choreography of the dances. Sure hope you enjoy them in spite http://malousemail.multiply.com/photos/album/118/Keziahs_Dance_Recital_at_TPAC Sun, 22 Jun 2008 07:03:35 -0000 Staking Your Claim to the Promise <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SFq3eQoKCDQAAAeleps1"><img border="0" class="alignleft" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/2/photos/upload/300x300/SFq3eQoKCDQAAAeleps1/IMG_0949.JPG?et=6APvHXTqBU4vOOEWg%2BGUYg&nmid=0"></a>My take away from the first part of Joyce Meyer's teaching on "Total Transformation" is this: "God can use you even while He is changing you." We tend to berate ourselves regarding the mistakes we continue to make; so much so that we become so self focused, relying on our own abilities to make things right. The anointing to be able to do what God's called you to do is from God; it is of God. He can use the simplest of folk as well as the most complex of them all - as He wills. He will not start using you when you become perfect. He'll use you even now as He molds you. He can bless you and fulfill His promises for you NOW. But you need to remember: All these things, everything, is about God, not about you. If you can't accept this, then you can go ahead and go around the mountain once again, until you get it. When you get to your wit's end, then it might just be time to understand that you need to go through and not around. Jesus knew this from the get-go so that, as He was te... http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/120/Staking_Your_Claim_to_the_Promise Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:47:16 -0000 Today's a New Day <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SFhjnwoKCDQAAH0egxk1"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SFhjnwoKCDQAAH0egxk1/IMG_0028.JPG?et=X15fsExPKroyfVuNuQP2pA&nmid=0" border="0"></a>Today's a new day dear friend. Have you gotten a hold of the new thoughts God's given you? Or are the old thoughts of the past depriving you of the new things God is doing before you? There is such an abundance of grace in trusting God. What is the grace of God? We wouldn't know until we decide to trust in Him. "One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. "Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind." (Philippians 3:13-16) "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it ... http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/119/Todays_a_New_Day Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:53:55 -0000 Outside Looking In <a href="http://malousemail.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/upload/SFcjegoKCDQAAAhhtJg1"><img class="alignleft" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SFcjegoKCDQAAAhhtJg1/IMG_0907.JPG?et=Xc3vBkgKwDpCM0Ggc4Akuw&nmid=0" border="0"></a>He looks through the window. He sees people in various forms of occupation: - surgeons deep in the sensitive complexity of a sophisticated brain surgery, - a passionate painter deep in his own world of expression and impression, - a writer pushing words into an artistic scheme, - the intense basketball player pursuing well thought out maneuvers in his head, - a zealous dancer executing intricate steps with crazy delight Can he do it? Will he dare try it? What if he fails? What if he falls flat on his face? What if it is too hard? God calls you, and those whom He calls He equips excellently - that is, if they are willing to get out of their boundaries of ease and dare believe that God will supply the grace to will and to do for His good pleasure. "This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." (Titus 3:... http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/118/Outside_Looking_In Tue, 17 Jun 2008 02:09:46 -0000 Dinner With Ptrs. Jun, Kenneth, and Ado... Joining us were the Camcams, Pam, Nice and her kids. A fun evening with fun folks. So great to have them all over. (Pictures courtesy of Pam. Thanks, Pam!) http://malousemail.multiply.com/photos/album/116/Dinner_With_Ptrs._Jun_Kenneth_and_Ado... Wed, 4 Jun 2008 03:43:25 -0000 Man in Perversion Needing Conversion <a href="/photos/hi-res/upload/SEMCNgoKCDQAAGQFyao1"><img border="0" class="alignleft" src="http://images.malousemail.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/300x300/SEMCNgoKCDQAAGQFyao1/IMG_0691.JPG?et=FPSAbrD6OSyhM%2CXAjCq3Tw&nmid=0&nmid=98955982&nmid=98955982&nmid=98955982&nmid=98955982"></a>It took me aback. A reply to one of my photo albums came from a man I do not even know. This guy, in his ignorance, thinks I am the only Malou that exists. Malou is one of the most common names in the Philippines. Like I said, I was taken aback by what this dude wrote. The content of that reply is not for one with a weak heart, and I am sorry for anyone who happened upon it. My question was, why God? Why did You allow such a man to come upon my site, take the extra measure of signing up, just so he could write his filth into one of my blogs? The answer came like this: “Because no one is praying for him.” Oh… Ok. I forgive him. I am praying that God will meet him where he is, and minister to him, meeting the needs of his spirit, his soul, and his life. Only God can do that, right? I am praying this dude will be born again in Christ and live a life that is free from all things ungodly, that God will use him for His glory. I may never know the ... http://malousemail.multiply.com/journal/item/117/Man_in_Perversion_Needing_Conversion Sun, 1 Jun 2008 20:12:34 -0000 Come See What I See Some of the things I see from behind the lens...all God's designs - one way or http://malousemail.multiply.com/photos/album/115/Come_See_What_I_See Mon, 19 May 2008 08:25:08 -0000 Our NJ/NY Trip Highlights John and I joined my brother Roy, his girlfriend JoAnn and her mom Tita Luz, my mom, my sister Ellen and her family for a week of eating, cooking, long walks, sight seeing, pictures, and nights out celebrating Mom's 60th birthday, Mother's Day, and JoAnn's graduation...A bit tiring, but so much fun! Here's a sampling of the 1,000+ pictures we took...a lot of memories and new discoveries. http://malousemail.multiply.com/photos/album/113/Our_NJNY_Trip_Highlights Sat, 17 May 2008 02:50:35 -0000