The Notebook

Daniel Bedingfield

Scripture

Be still and know that I am God. Psalms 46:10

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Let not your heart be troubled nor afraid. John 14:27

Jason Mesnick

Dear Jason,

You and your son have so much going for the both of you! I know that God has a plan and purpose for your life. The scriptures say…

Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)
I am so amazed at your strength and determination. No matter what happens in life, you choose to never give up. I can see the bond and love that you have with and for your son. It is very inspiring to me because I am a single mother with a two year old. I have been raising my son from birth and although it has been a big challenge, I have never lost hope and I kept my faith in God. That is what has kept me going. Having God in my life brings an amazing joy and peace about the situation and I don’t ever have to worry where my life is going. I am finishing up my last year in college and will graduate with a Civil Engineering degree. I have always been strong, independent and very focused on my goals. No matter what happens I never let things get in the way of doing what I want in life…and one of those things is making sure that I am able to provide for my son and give him everything he could ever want and need in life. We have so much fun together and spend a lot of time outdoors.

My family has played a major role in the both of our lives just like yours. They have been so supportive and almost like second parents for my son. It is such a joy to see the awesome and growing relationships my son has and will have with his grandparents. I couldn’t ask for anything better.

I have tried dating and was in a relationship for a significant amount of time. I loved him, but he was young, like me, and just not mature enough or ready for children. To me, it is extremely important that whoever I am dating accepts and realizes that this is not just a relationship with me, but my son as well. I will not date anyone who does not understand that no matter how I feel about them. It is so refreshing to see the wonderful bond you have with your son. He is your whole world. That makes me smile. You are so awesome! I wish you the best of luck. There are many people out there, including me, that are praying for you and wishing you the best on the show and in life…not just you, but your adorable son, as well.

The other day I went to the library and stopped by the restroom on the way out. I know this sounds somewhat odd, but there in the stall was this small piece of paper with a message written on it. What perfect timing. You know what it said? “God is so in Love with you that He even numbers the hairs on your head. (See Luke 12:7) Have you ever been in love? Remember you couldn’t get that person off of your mind, well God Loves you even more than that and thinks of you even more than that. He gave his only son so you wouldn’t have to go to Hell and so He could be your best friend. He gives you joy like nothing else on the face of this earth and He is the biggest high you”ll ever have if you follow him and receive Jesus as your personal savior.”

You take care and God bless!!!

Stephanie Lathim

These Days

“Choose For Yourselves.”

I went to a Shawn McDonald concert over the weekend with Downhere and Jason Gray. I received a small booklet from K-Love with inspirational words. Here is one that stood out to me.

Choices

Our lives are like icebergs. Only 15 percent is visible; that’s reputation. The rest, our character, is below the surface, hidden. Character is what we think but never share. It’s what we do when no one’s watching. It’s how we react to everyday aggravations. It’s how we handle failure-and success. The thing that has made us what we are is our choices. At the end of a successful career, Joshua challenges the people of Israel: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” So the choice is yours!

French writer Francois de la Rochefoucauld asserted, “Almost all our faults are more pardonable than the methods we think up to hide them.” Ever notice that people with the weakest character tend to place blame on their circumstances? They talk a lot about poor upbringing, financial difficulties, the unkindness of others, or other circumstances that have made them victims. Your circumstances may be beyond your control, but your character is not. You can no more blame your character on your circumstances, than you can blame the mirror for you looks. Developing character is always your choice. Every time you make a character-based decision, you take another step forward in your spiritual growth.

Stephanie

Amazing

God is so amazing. I thank him for all of the blessings he has brought me. He is an awesome God! He will never leave us or forsake us and He always knows what is best. We must trust in Him and follow His will for our lives. Never give up hope!

Beauty for Ashes

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When sorrow seems to surround you
When suffering hangs heavy oer your head
Know that tomorrow brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fearGladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When what youve done keeps you from moving on
When fear wants to make itself at home in your heart
Know that forgiveness brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fearGladness for mourning
Peace for despair

I once was lost but God has found me
Though I was bound Ive been set free
Ive been made righteous in His sight
A display of His splendor all can see

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fearGladness for mourning
Peace for despair

Better Hands by Natalie Grant

Inspirational Song…

It’s hard to stand on shifting sand
It’s hard to shine in the shadows of the night
You can’t be free if you don’t reach for help
You cant love if you dont love yourself

There is hope when my faith runs out
Cause I’m in better hands now

It’s like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down
It’s like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground
So take this heart of mine there’s no doubt
I’m in better hands now

I am strong all because of you
I stand in awe of every mountain that you move
Oh I am changed, yesterday is gone
I am safe from this moment on
[In Better Hands lyrics on http://www.metrolyrics.com]

There’s no fear when the night comes ’round
I’m in better hands now

It’s like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down
It’s like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground
So take this heart of mine there’s no doubt
I’m in better hands now

It’s like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down
It’s like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground
Its like the world is silent though I know it isnt true
Its like the breath of Jesus is right here in this room

So take this heart of mine there’s no doubt
I’m in better hands now
I’m in better hands now