"When I want to do good, evil is right there with me." Romans 7:21

Romans 7:21-24 21So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? This is what I am struggling with right now, actually quite a bit. I go to bed at night, head on my pillow, reflecting on the day. Then I start to feel either good or bad about the events and my interactions with them. If I'm disappointed than I tell my mind "Tomorrow will be a new day and I plan to do 'this' or 'that' with the children, and then work on 'this'....." Yet tomorrow comes and I find that I am not working on the things I had hoped to but instead fall under the enemies temptation of MY wants, MY desires. It's a bad cycle of my wanting verses God's, and for whatever reason I am having a hard time climbing out of the enemies trap over this. For instance one of my hearts desires is to spend more time with my kids, getting them to start early at scripture memorization, yet when I plan on working with them on this, I end up finding something else to do. A friend calls, so I'm on the phone for an hour, or dinner needs to be made so I plan this out and work on the meal for 45 min. Or I go check the mail and a neighbor stops me and visits for a lengthy amount of time.....all of this preventing me from sticking to my plan; God's plan to have my kids know His word.

Even when I have attempted to read the Bible this week I have found myself putting it off. Why is that? And where did this come from? Why can't I, being an adult mother, have better self control? Especially when I know that if I start the day with God, He will direct my steps for the remainder of the day, thus I will do the things that He desires, rather than what I find tempting..... This has been a heavy burden and shameful part of my existence this past week. Please keep me in your prayers as I work through this, so that I can get back on track with God. In honest humility,

~Sarah

How does one begin a home Bible study group?

How do you start one? How do you announce it? Do you invite just anyone, even someone who may bring division among the lessons and group? Strangers, yes or no? Or do you only invite those who already are saved that attend your church, whether recent born again Christians or mature aged ones? Surely not right?; Because after all God calls us to reach beyond the church, to the unsaved, the lost, the lonely.....Luke 10:2 My husband and I have contemplated beginning a Bible study (often referred to as 'Small Groups'), but are currently just having me attend one that my sister is starting up in February, with a study book by Max Lucado, which I look mighty forward too. Then today I discovered a friend of mine also leads a Beth Moore Bible Study, but how does one begin this? Where did you start? Did you ask your Pastor/Priest/Church Leadership Team for permission? The Baptist church that we belong to does not have 'home study groups', however at a church I attended years earlier (before my husband and I were joined by God) I did belong to a bi-weekly Bible study group, which I loved and miss dearly. Being part of that group meant I was able to learn more from the members, they learned from me, and there was an intimate setting that you just don't get at a big church, such as ours. To me, I don't understand why big churches don't have 'Home Cell Bible Groups' because to me why would this matter? What is the fear? Maybe they are afraid leaders would go off course causing confusion against what the church teaches?....I'm really not sure of the answer, but I don't understand it. Our church does have an 8 AM Adult Sunday School for members to attend before 'real' church starts, however I went to one of these and it was not at all what I expected. It was more or less like going to church within the church; one person led the class while the rest of us just sat and listened, sometimes taking notes, sometimes not. There wasn't group participation or involvement of any kind, that is until the last five minutes when she announced 'If any of you have any questions I'll be here for another 5-10 min. before the regular church worship center begins.' Yes, I love church, learning about God, and being held accountable to His word, but I really, really love and deeply miss Biblical home study groups. That, in my opinion, is where you become bonded and blessed by uniting in deeper depth with those around you who share your same faith. So why do some churches have this and other's don't offer it? Does anybody know? I don't understand this. Aren't 'Bible study small groups' for the betterment of fellowship within the church?

Hard decisions don't come easy; that's why they call them HARD.

Normally, there are some posts that I would just put on my kids blog, but there are times I share things on here when I feel it has something more to do with just my children. Recently my husband and I had a very hard decision to make regarding Hannah, our 5 yr. old. See, Hannah was born premature when I was 27 weeks pregnant and she weighed 1 lb. 9 oz. and was 11 in. long. She wasn't supposed to be born until Nov. 25, but instead took her first breath of life on Aug. 28th 2003. When Kindergarten enrollment began this summer we weren't sure if we should start her or not. The cut off age was to be 5 by Sept 1st, which she was just barely by 3 days ahead, but technically she really wasn't 5 (because her gestational birth would have her born on Nov. 25th). We had a hard decision to make. Should we push her a little and get her started early or have her wait until next year? We asked mounds of advice and even got her tested, which she passed, proving she would excel in K. So we went ahead with the decision to start her early, but as we began the school year I also volunteered at being the 'Room Mom' in her classroom. As I watched Hannah in comparison to the other students, I knew in my heart she wasn't ready. The other students were more mature and social; they were more independent and confident. Slowly, as I studied Hannah's involvement in the classroom, my heart ached as I realized she wasn't ready for K. and in time I began to see her regress in her classwork. Right before Christmas I received her progress report which showed 'M -' next to everything, with the exception of two area's which showed 'M'. ('M' for 'Meeting Expectations', and 'M -' for falling below expectations.) In my heart I knew what had to be done. I was nervous about talking to my husband because I knew he would frown upon withdrawing Hannah; as he is the type that believes pushing your child is better than not; which in his opinion is what is wrong with kids today; they aren't pushed to their fullest potential enough, but instead sit around watching TV all day or playing video games. Granted he has some truth in this but I knew Hannah's situation was different. After MUCH prayer, talking with my husband, then my husband and I both talking to the school principle, then more prayer, and more advise, we made the joint decision to withdraw Hannah and for me to work with her at home the remainder of this year and re-enroll her in K. again in the fall. It wasn't easy and it did sadden us a bit. But then we viewed it from God's perspective. How many times does God withdraw us when He knows we aren't ready for something? How many times has He taken me back to a place in my life that I never finished so that I can finally conquer those areas or fears or setbacks? Admittedly, He's done this often. With all of us from time to time, He interrupts, (that sounds too harsh...let me rephrase that...), He intervenes in order to put us right where we belong; not ahead of our intellect, nor behind our understanding; but rather right where He knows we need to be for our own sake and protection. And for Hannah's sake, God showed us that she needed more one-on-one time with just mommy as her 'teacher', in the same way we all need that one-on-one time with Him as ours.

Gary Chapmans's 'The Five Love Languages'

There is a long list of books that I've heard about through Travis, Billy, Jennifer, Angela, and many other friends but I'll have to interrupt my current reading lists and jump over to Gary Chapman's 'The Five Love Languages' study guide for sake of a better, fulfilling marriage. After that I will go back to my list and start from the recommendations given.

Awhile back I got tons of support about some marriage struggles Jesse and I were facing. You can read back on this post 'Dear God' I wrote and a more recent one 'Marriage Takes Work.' Thank you all for your encouragement and love. Since then, we both decided it was time for some small steps towards help so wouldn't you know it?; Gary Chapman will be hosting his book 'The Five Love Languages' on how to express heartfelt commitment to your mate. The book and teachings discuss how we all have different ways in which identify us and if we express to our spouse our love in what their love language is our marriage would make change for the ultimate better. It's an all day seminar that details: Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. I've heard of this book before, but I had no idea Mr. Chapman's also has 'The Five Love Languages of understanding your Child', 'The Five Love Languages of Teenagers' and the list doesn't stop there. I think that is just awesome!

I was pleased big Jesse agreed to attend the meeting and I am more than thrilled about learning from this author. I'm really excited and hope my husband and I learn more about one another and how to please and support the marriage more. Praise God for people like Gary Chapman that serve the Lord in this unique manner! I am just so excited to attend this meeting with Jesse. And I can't wait for this Saturday to come quick enough!

If you've been through this book with your spouse than can you share how or if it indeed helped you? I would love to hear your success stories.

Frustration

Today it has been a rather frustrating day; mainly my frustration has been towards my two kids, ages 5 and 3. Most days are sweet, but other days not so. And I couldn't help but feel that Christ views us in the same manner; He too gets frustrated with me as I do with Hannah and Jesse. I don't know how God does it; looks at us all over the world, like tiny ants, and tries to warn us from corruption or wrong decisions, or waits patiently for us to answer His knock on our hearts, or just simply the extremelly lost and broken souls that don't know they need Him......I would think that would be frustrating for Him, but I also know that His love is patient and powerful, giving us borrowed time to reach those in need; somehow, someway. I just hope I can make that difference for Him, through Him.

It's a 'BLOGAPALOOZA!'

Hey check us out!!!! Our blog posts of 'What we learned from 2008' is posted on Middle Zone Musings website. It's called a 'Blogapalooza!' You still have time to join and there are well over a 100 blogs noted so far. All you have to do is visit the link above and find out more from Mr. Robert Hruzek, a happy Southern man with silly notations, who heads the show. But don't forget to leave a comment for Jesse and I there? You still have until January 25th (I believe) before time expires for you to enter. And later tonight I plan on sharing what my hubby and I learned from 'The Five Love Languages' live conference we attended just now. What I will say for now is that it was awesome and well worth the 6 hour lessons to live through by Christ.

'The Five Love Languages'

Well, yesterday, as some of you know, big Jesse and I went to our first marriage conference. It was held by Gary Chapman, author of 'The Five Love Languages'. The meetings was 6 hours and was very entertaining, biblical, and had mounds of wisdom that taught Jesse and I so much as a married couple. There was so much we learned that there's no way for me to fit it all into a single post. If you've never heard of Gary Chapman or his books, than you can learn more about him here. Each of us have our own unique personality 'language' and if we don't learn this than we won't bond with that person too well. For instance, my 5 yr. old's 'love language' is very obvious; she loves quality time. She desires one-on-one, undivided attention and focus. This makes her feel loved more than anything else. However, my 3 yr. old son's language is.....I have no idea....I assume his is also 'quality time' but in a playful way like hitting the baseball with daddy, or tickling mommy randomly, but I believe he also has more than just that one....I'm still trying to figure his out. Anyway, we bought about 6 different books at the conference yesterday and the two I have started reading is 'The Five Love Languages' so that I can serve and love my husband more, and 'What Now?' so that I can learn how to balance the kids needs and affections with my spouse. 'What Now?' is the primary reason big Jesse and I decided to go to the the conference in the first place. 'What Now?' is a book about marriage after having children and how to get your love life back in order in the mist of handling and being interrupted by your little ones. It's a great book so far because it reflects (for me at least) exactly what I needed to learn; all my time was spent on the children that I often felt as though they were all that existed, often leaving my husband and I to wonder 'What about us?' Anway, we both learned a lot and did a ton of note taking. I am pleased to say that my husband was in agreement with Dr. Chapman's suggestion about going to at least one Christian marriage conference per year for a successful and blessed marriage.

God Cleans Our Dirty Laundry

I was doing my usual, very dreaded laundry (very dreaded, did I mention that? ) and as I poured the laundry detertgent with bleach into the washer, I had a revelation come to me. Hmmmm.....this is so often that the Good Lord does with me. He takes me, unclean, filthy, full of grime and over and over and over again, washes me. Just like the clothing in my house. I wouldn't want Hannah to walk around never washing her clothes, or worse, never changing little Jesse's puffed out 'Pull Up' (Yes, he's a slow bloomer, he does wear big boy briefs during the day, but at night we pull out the 'Pull Up's.) 'Pull's Up's, by the way are very impressive; it's like they can hold the Niagara Falls with just one of them. Okay, so where was I? He removes all the dirt off of me from the day and refreshes me righteousness, love, and adds sweet smelling aroma for my ashes, (sometimes He has to add some Stain Remover to get rid of the 'junk' that I've allowed to affect me from the world) and swirls me 'round and 'round to clean me. Then He allows me to soak long enough before He concludes that once again I'm presentable. Laundry, YUCK, but a necessity, a must, and more important is the required laundry that God puts us all through during certain times of our lives. I just hope I'm not placed in the dryer. :D And my favorite, liquid soap? Well usually I buy liquid only and various brands, then of course I scent test the one's I'm interested in and most times go with Brand names for cleaning products (otherwise generic products are the norm in our home). However, recently we purchased liquid 'Sun with Bleach', which was unfamiliar to us but wanted to give it a try (yes, the scent imprisioned me to the sale). And as I gathered the clothes very early today the detergent couldn't resist but remind me of His Son. I used it this morning as a teaching lesson to my 5 year old saying "Okay, now let's allow the Sun (Son) do what He's most best at; removing the stains and grime that weren't meant to be there..... here goes!" as we poured the soap in together. We talked about this on our drive to kingergarten; about how Christ removes so many impurities from us and by golly, I think Hannah understood everything I was teacher her. Praise God!!! Psalm 51:2-7

Marriage takes work. So what does God say? Do you put your spouse first or your children?

Before Christmas I wrote a 'Dear God' letter to Him about the burdens I've been carrying. In that post I mentioned that my husband and I were having some struggles but I didn't mention what they were, mainly out of privacy. However today I think it's okay to discuss just one of the issues; the balancing act of being a mom. Before my husband and I were married our time and attention with one another was not a problem. Even when we first were married, still no problems, that is until we had our first child, Hannah. Two years later arrived little Jesse. That's when we began to encounter our first 'real' issues. I understand that I don't really need any Scripture telling me that my husband comes first because I alread realize I made my life blood-covenant with my husband until death do we part. I know there is the important verse: "For what God has brought together let not man take apart, for they are no longer two, but one." Matthew 19:6 I also understand that our children are pieces of Jesse and myself, but as husband and wife there is a contract that we pledged before God, witnesses, and one another that we would love, honor, and obey. And the verse above stated that '...let no man take apart..' I agree that includes anything or anyone, yes, even our children. However, where I struggle as a mother of two young ones, a preschooler and kindergartner, is that they require 95% of my demands; the other 4% is divided among housework, being a 'room mom' in my daughter's classroom, making dinner, running whatever errands need to be ran, making important phone calls, and the list goes on.....so where is there time for my husband and I? Every since we've been blessed with kids; we can't seem to agree on even the simple things when it comes to them. For instance; our daughter had a bad, bad cold this last November and he felt we should let her body fight it on it's own and wait it out, yet I was in pain watching her feel miserable and wanted to give her some OTC meds. So we argued. Another time our son didn't get his way with something and came crying, tears down his red face, to me (mommy) wanting comfort. Now, I know I should not comfort him when daddy rebukes him and I didn't but I'll admit it wasn't easy. It broke my heart, but I knew it was the right thing to do. The problem lies in the fact that my husband didn't realize I had already told our son 'yes' to something he now told him 'no' to. But I couldn't tell my husband during that scene, however I did share the details about it with him later. Even still we argued. In a nutshell, my two kids see me 80% more of the time than they see daddy so they naturally come to me for everything; questions, answers, meals, comfort, bath time, permission for things, Hannah learning to read, etc. I love them, but get exhausted from their constant 'pulling' on me and I can feel the affects of it wearing on my marriage; which troubles me. They have all my focus while my husband is spared. How fair is that? But how do I handle it when my kids are this age? Hannah and little Jesse are so young though; so small. Isn't it normal that at age 3 and 5, they require so much and I shouldn't ignore that, right? So, even when my husband is home and the kids interrupt or start to fight over a toy or whatever, I always answer or go to their aid immediately, leaving my husband irritated and feeling abandoned. But shouldn't I, I mean someone needs to right?? I can't very well let them fight and ignore it while my husband continues to talk about his day? I feel the necessity to stop the fighting. I don't want my husband to feel neglected though; and I hate that he gets mad with me, but I just don't know how to handle this. We seem to argue about everything in regards to them; even their bed time hour and routine with what's best for them. I've prayed about this, but still am not able to get a hold of how to put my husband first and teach my children they come second. I just don't know the answer. How does one balance out their life; church, marriage, kids, responsibilities......????? God, once again, I need your guidance. My husband and I both do.

I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I have too much respect for the Bible.

The images you are about to see are real and sincerely saddened me. Though they were done by my 3 year old son, and though I realize he didn't understand or mean what he was doing, I was still shocked and sad. Last night, when our son was supposedly in bed sleeping, he was doing nothing of the sorts. My husband went to check in on him, and much to our surprise little Jesse was sitting on top of his dresser (assuming he climbed the drawers one by one) and got hold of his very first Bible; the one he received when he was only 9 weeks old. It was a precious gift which was presented to us in front of the church congregation on the day we had little Jesse dedicated by our pastor, Dr. Charles Redmond. Well the Bible no longer looked the way a Bible should look but instead was shredded page by page, torn apart, crumpled, drawn on, even the back cover was somehow partially torn off. As some of you know I recently have started a separate blog dedicate solely to my kids. It's just a journal of their lives so that I don't ever forget or miss the precious things they so often do, or in this case the misfortune that they do (Hannah and Jesse) . This is definately an entry that will be posted later on during the day to their page, but I also wanted to post it here as well. I love and adore my children and I know that little Jesse was just being a little boy, climbing furniture (ever so quietly), making messes, and tearing apart books.....including God's book. Daddy scolded our son somewhat harshly; not just because he ruined the Bible but also because he could have seriously been injured from being up so high on the dresser. I, well I picked up what remained of the Bible and for a split second, the enemy tempted me to throw it away, after all, it was destroyed. But I couldn't. I just couldn't bring myself to do such a thing, not to God's word. Not the Bible. There is so much respect and honor that my husband and I, and our household, have for our Bibles (we have multiple one's by the way). We don't ever like to see one sitting on the floor or in the kitchen where it might get food or water on it, or even outdoors unless it's in some body's possession. That's just how we are; and to our amazement this is just what our pastor himself discussed this morning in church, to which my husband and I exchanged the look of '3 year old's!!!' But really, it doesn't matter to us how messed up, disfigured, worn out, old, or shabby the Bible is; I just can't ever bring myself to put one to waste. I just couldn't do it! I won't do it. There's nothing that would bring me to do such a thing unless God told me that by doing so the garbage man would read it and be saved. That's the only way! So today I sat here trying my best to put the pieces of the Bible back together. It hasn't been an easy task, but a delicate and precious one at that. The first image is of the 'Presented To' page which managed to still be in tack, thankfully. The other images weren't so lucky as you can see. And finally there is the image of me trying to salvage what I could back together. Some of the pages I fear are not recoverable (images you don't see), however I won't give up on them, not on the Bible. I have too much respect for the the Bible. Lessons for the day? 1) Don't assume that your precious memorabilia that you thought was out of reach really is. 2) Check on your younger ones more often, especially during silence.

Why is their blog forever changing?!?!?

Why all the blog background changes you might ask? It's because I can never seem to settle on finding a background (3 column) that really 'grabs' me ya know? I do engine searches often to find backgrounds that I hope fit my (and my husbands) hearts with how Jesus is the center of it....ya know what I mean? I want our blog background to visualize who we are, what we stand for, what we are about. Of course that is obvious by our blog title and by reading through our posts, but the background image is important to me just the same.

I think it's about that time.....time for me to pay someone to create a look, the look, that I feel represents Christ in my (Oops, and my husband's) life. Something different, unique, and designed for our blog with an image that reflects Christ in us; the image which I can't find anywhere online, but is in my head (kind of). I kind of know what I'm looking for but not exactly. I think I'll know when/if I find it. It's the same feeling you have as you seek out your son or daughter's name before (or after) they are born....once you find/hear the name, you say 'That's it! That's it!! This will be our son/daughter's name.' And that's how it is with getting my blog 'just so'.

So anyway, that's why you see my blog change backgrounds so often. It's not because I'm bored, because believe me, I have things to do (cough, cough....the dishes still haven't cleaned up after themselves tonight. What's up with that?!) But it (and this may sound odd to some) just bothers me that I don't have the Christ theme that I desire in my heart for my (Oops again.....dang it!) OUR blog. So please bare with me. If you know of a reputable, yet reasonably priced, blog designer that can assist me with personalizing a 3 column background with Jesus as the focus, then please, by all means, let me know........

Oh, and this background here, with the snow?.....I'm just too tired to keep looking right now for other backgrounds, so it'll be this way until.....until....who knows really...... Going to bed now; it's 2 AM here. Good night!

Higher Calling Blogs!

Yesterday I joined a social community, Higher Calling Blogs, a network that believes God cares about YOU and your daily life. I want to take this time to encourage you to join their site as well. For quite a long time I have had their orange badge pasted to my sidebar, often visiting thier site to read up various posts to encourage and inspire me through my walk with Christ. However, for some goofy reason, only known to God, I did not even realize I could join their network. Had I done so in the past I would have been able to do so much more than I did by just reading the community links. Not to mention, by joining their site, you will get your blog or site, listed on their Google Reader, which is a posting of various blogs for you to 'pick' through that peek your interest, read, and make new friends with the creator of that blog/site. This really gets your site out there in the open for others to learn about who you are and what you're blog is about. Praise God for such a site as Higher Calling Blogs, because we all need a place to go to for a good 'pick me up' on your faith walk with God and this is just the place, I believe, you will get just that. So either click above at the link I listed or click to orange badge I have posted on my right sidebar to go check them out!

I've been tagged!

I've been tagged for the second time; this time by Jamie over at 'Kids....Me & RAW III'. I still have the 'Tag' from my previous tag, so it saves me the time of typing out the rules. The only difference with Jamie's tag is that her rules mention to only list 6 random/wierd facts, and Tag 6 others, not 7 as my photo tag shows, so however you decide to follow it is fine with me. I'll just do the 6.

1. Not many people know that I had Lasik Eye surgery done almost a decade ago and it's one of the best things I've ever done.
2. My weakness is anything with chocolate chips in it, especially ice cream.
3. I eat a Big Mac oddly. I take it apart, separating it into two individual burgers (the top from the bottom) which leaves the bottom patty exposed w/o a top bun. Then I eat them one at at time.
4. As much as I regret admitting this; I do adore SpongeBob. I even find myself laughing out loud when my kids are watching it.
5. Once when I was still in high school, I hung out with the wrong crowd, went to the mall w/them, didn't know they were stealing things, our group got caught (I, of course, confused) and we all spent one night in the police departments cell block thingy.
6. I have a problem w/being a night owl. I stay up waaaaay to late, regretting it because then I HAVE to get up early the next morning since I have little one's to care for. Thankfully I'm not a grumpy morning person, just quiet for about an hour or so.

My tuuuuurn....so now I tag the following 6 folks: Let's find out what's weird/odd about them that maybe nobody knows shall we........Let's see here......Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.....I chose these 6 to take on the role....(I made that rhyme up myself so you can applaud me at any time!)

1. Carol
2. Travis
3. Andy C.
4. Marcie
5. Billy Coffey
6. Angela (Who by the way, has a wonderful cookie recipe on her blog.)

Operation's of 2008

My son asked me today to open one of his 'shared' gifts my daughter and him received from this last Christmas. 'Oh, cool, the game 'Operation'. I thought to myself 'A game I used to play as a kid and can now relive that memory as I play with Hannah and Jesse.' I realized quickly upon opening the box that the game had the same concept as from my childhood, even the same patient (Sam) to be operated on, but there were some changes to it, some improvements which made the game more organized, interesting, silly (Sam has boogers now to be removed) and quite fun.

As we took turns 'operating' on Sam, The Good Lord's Spirit fell upon me about the operations He performed on me in '08. Some were good, some not so fun, and some I objected to, but were necessary during my walk with Him. I know you're first thought may be 'Some of your operations from Him were good? What do you mean by that?' Well, what I mean is that it was good for my growth in Christ. Here are the minor and major surgeries that God performed on me, and mind you some of these were not 'out patient' procedures; some were under ICU in God's care for many months of '08, and then of course there were some that were minor, that God just removed a little something here and there, or gave me a 'rebuke' shot when needed. My operations:

• Attitude. I didn't know it yet because I thought I was already free from this, until God gave me 'the look' when I was doing something inappropriate, which made me look bad, as well as my example of serving Him.
• Anger. I was raised in a broken family full of major problems, anger issues, and neglect towards myself, sisters and brother. This created a lot of insecurity, confusion, self consciousness, self doubt, and deep, deep routed anger within me that God forced me to face as He prepared me in the operating room for some much needed surgery. This was the 'good surgery' because I recognized and cried out to Him about helping deal with my past, and as always, He never fails, and performed the necessary duties of healing the distorted emotions and unhealthy mindsets that plagued my mind. This surgery probably took up most of 2008 and even now He returns to do a full body 'check up' to make sure the 'things' He removed did not return.
• There are other operations that God has performed that weren't so fun and yes, I resisted Him awhile before giving in, but through all the procedures He did on me, they were all worth it for the betterment of my life and for serving Him. I praise God for his healing powers and I thank Him for loving me enough to not keep me the way I am, but to grow and improve me for His glory.

"God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." Acts 10:38

So, readers, what healing operations did God perform on you in '08 that made you a better child for Him?