YOU ASK WHY I FOLLOW THIS JESUS? You ask why I follow this Jesus? Why I love Him the way I do? When the world's turned away from His teachings And the people who serve Him are few. It's not the rewards I'm after Or gifts that I hope to receive It's the Presence that calls for commitment It's the Spirit I trust and believe. The Lord doesn't shelter His faithful Or spare them all suffering and pain, Like everyone else I have burdens, And walk through my share of rain. Yet He gives me a plan and a purpose, And that joy only Christians have known, I never know what comes tomorrow, But I do know I'm never alone. It's the love always there when you need it; It's the words that redeem and inspire, It's the longing to ever be with Him That burns in my heart like a fire. So you ask why I love my Lord Jesus? Well, friend, that's so easy to see, But the one thing that fills me with wonder is Why Jesus loves someone like me. -- Author Unknown This poem c...

I have been trying for days to figure out how to add my award to my blog. Thanks to Jan, I finally did it. This is my first blog award and I am just so tickled!! I will definitely like to extend this award out to Melanie (Monday Through Saturday ) and Randi Jo . Also I want to send it back to Jan (Bold and Free) . It's great to know that I have friends in cyberspace. I hope to add more friends to my list. Your Sister in Christ, Toia

Don't forget this is the last day for the scavenger hunt at Bold and Free!! Great prizes are being offered. It's not too late. Check it out - Bold and Free Enjoy!! Your Sister in Christ, Toia

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (John 1:1-5) Your Sister in Christ, Toia

God's Left Hand Little Bobby was spending the weekend with his grandmother. His grandmother decided to take him to the park on Saturday morning. It had been snowing all night and everything was beautiful. His grandmother remarked... "doesn't it look like an artist painted this scenery? Did you know God painted this just for you?" Bobby said, "Yes, God did it and he did it left handed." This confused his grandmother a bit, and she asked him "What makes you say God did this with his left hand?" "Well," said Bobby, "we learned at Sunday School last week that Jesus sits on God's right hand!" Author is Unknown Your Sister in Christ, Toia

"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." (John 8:36) In this edition of Freedom Word Fighters Friday, I want you to know that once Jesus has set you free, you are indefinitely free. You are no longer subject to chains, shackles, and ties. You are free. There maybe times when you don't feel so free. You maybe feeling depress or low due to a situation you are currently facing or random thoughts playing over and over again in your mind. But that's ok. Though we are free spiritually, we still have battles to fight. However, we must choose not to let the battles we are fighting consume us. Yes, you are going to feel defeated at times. Yes, you are going to get frustrated and aggravated. That's naturally. How you deal is the main thing. When you feel all these not so good emotions, go ahead and let it out. Even David, himself, vented to the Lord in anger. Read what David had to say in Psalm 22:1-2, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me...

Thirteen Bible Scriptures I Love to Read It's hard to say which scriptures are my favorite, but I do have some that I love to read and hold near and dear to my heart. Though I have many scriptures I love to read, I thought I narrow them to thirteen. Have a bless Thursday!! 1. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16 2. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28 3. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." -Ephesians 2:10 4. "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." - Psalms 139:14 5. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own under...

"As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly." (Proverbs 26:11) When I first read the first part of this scripture, I immediately thought, "Ewww!". Think about it. The dog eats his own vomit. How digusting!! And it's only because the dog doesn't know any better. So, being that the dog is not really all that intelligent in his eyes the smart thing to do is return to his vomit and eat it......wrong.....and.....Yuck!!! In most cases, people vomit because they are very sick. And whatever is in their system making them feel deathly ill, they have to let it out one way or another. One of those ways is vomitting. But after we were to vomit, do we return to it ready to chow down..........No!!! I don't think so. For one thing that's gross. My point is why keep doing the same thing over and over again, when it is no good for you spiritually, physically, and/or mentally. Make up your mind to change. Stop returning to the same ol' junk. It...

Beatitudes for the Home BLESSED are the husband and wife who continue to be affectionate and considerate, loving after the wedding bells have ceased ringing. BLESSED are the husband and wife who are as polite and courteous to one another as they are to their friends. BLESSED are they who have a sense of humor, for this attribute will be a handy shock absorber. BLESSED are they who love their mates more than any other person in the world and who joyfully fulfill their marriage vows of lifetime of fidelity and mutual helpfulness to one another. BLESSED are they who attain parenthood, for children are a heritage of the Lord. BLESSED are they who remember to thank God for their food before they partake of it, and who set apart some time each day for the reading of the Bible and for prayer. BLESSED are those mates who never speak loudly to one another and who make their home a place where "seldom is heard a discouraging word". BLESSED are the husband and wife who faithfully attend...

Your Sister in Christ, Toia

I read this poem on A Wise Woman Builds Her Home , which she read it from Clothesline Alley. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin. "I'm whispering "I was lost," Now I'm found and forgiven. When I say..."I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need CHRIST to be my guide. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need HIS strength to carry on. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it. When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name. When I say... "I am a Chr...

I was tagged by Melanie to a meme of fives. So here it is... 1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. 2. Each player answers the questions about themselves. 3. At the end of the post the player than tags 5 people and posts their names, than goes to their blogs and leaves a comment, letting them know they done got tagged and to ask them to play and read your blog. What was I doing 10 years ago? 1998 1. Giving Birth to my son, Michael 2. Living in an apartment 3. Moving 4. Missing my Uncle Jerry's Funeral (in the hospital giving birth to Michael on the same day) 5. Starting a new job Snacks I enjoy..... 1. Yogurt covered raisins 2. Sweet and Salty Bars made by Nature Valley 3. Oatmeal Raisin cookies 4. Homemade chocolate brownies 5. Pop Tarts 5 Things on my to-do list today..... 1. wash dishes 2. workout - I'm in dire need of getting rid of this junk in my trunk :) 3. relaxing 4. clean my room 5. grocery shopping Things I would do if I were a billionaire.... 1. Build...

For this edition of Freedom Word Fighters Friday, it's about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. God gave His Son Jesus that we may live in abundance and have freedom. Jesus died for our sins and rose on the third day. Jesus paid it all for our freedom. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." (John 10:11) "He [Jesus] went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." (Matthew 26:39) "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) "He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." (Matthew 28:6) May the word of God continue help us maintain our freedom. Freedom is for all who believe that God rose Jesus from the dead and accepts Christ as they living Sa...

He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil. (Proverbs 17:20) It is wise to steer away from anyone who possesses these qualities. People who operates from a deceitful heart and has a perverse tongue are not the type you should have in your circle of friends. You would have to love and pray for people like that from a distance. Deceit is the noun form of deceive, which means to mislead or falsely persuade others. Deceitful people wear many masks. They find good in nothing. They are pessimistic and negative 99.9% of the time. Deceitful people are wolves in sheep clothing and have a form of godliness, but deny the power of the Holy Spirit. If they have a deceitful heart, no doubt about it, they have a perverse tongue. The perverse tongue in Proverbs 17:20 is not implying anything sexual. It's about twisting everything that is good and clean into something bad and evil. A perverse tongue speaks the opposite of what the Word of God says i...

"I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8:10)

A kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they drew. She would occasionally walk around to see each child's artwork. As she came to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was. The girl replied, "I'm drawing God." The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like." Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing the girl replied,. . . . "They will in a minute." Author is Unknown Christian-Jokes Remember that the JOY of the Lord is your STRENGTH!! So, LOL LOL LOL, until it hurts.

What's Your True Color? My Result: Yellow You're yellow , the color of joy and energy — two things you definitely bring to everyone around you. It's hard for anyone to be sad or lonely in your presence; your sunny disposition and cheery outlook just won't allow it. The warmth of your personality shines through in the kindness you show friends and family (and strangers, too). Always ready with a lighthearted joke or heartfelt compliment, you know how to make people feel good about themselves, so they can't get enough of you. Yellow is a warm and inviting color for a warm and inviting person — you! What are you? http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=colorogt&c=50652

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9) My 3rd edition of Freedom Word Fighters Friday is about not giving up and growing tired. When we are on our journey of fulfilling our destiny and purpose God has for us, we may not see fruit producing as fast as we would like. We want that instant gratification not the delay gratification. We want to see the proof in the pudding right away. Yet, we fail to realize that even a farmer doesn't receive his harvest overnight, after planting his seeds. A farmer waits for his harvest. In the midst of his waiting, he takes care of his crop by watering them, removing weeds, and keeping them safe from pesty little bugs. I'm sure everyday the farmer tends to his crop, he feels tired when the sun goes down. But he's tired from working hard each day, which his naturally for a human. However, he's not tired of taking care of his crop. He's not going to throw the ...

Thirteen Chocolate Candy Bars I Love To Eat I love to eat chocolate, especially when its combined with peanuts, caramel, and or peanut butter. Here is a list of my favorite chocolate candy bars. Sometimes I even like to crush them in vanilla ice cream and blend it together with my blender, of course. If you have a sweet tooth, my Thursday Thirteen is delicious. 1. Butterfingers 2. Hershey Milk Chocolate Bar 3. Twix 4. Mars Bar 5. Heath Bar 6. Three Musketeers 7. Kit Kat 8. Reese's Peanut Butter Cup 9. PayDay 10. Milky Way 11. Snickers 12. Nestle Crunch 13. Mr. Goodbar Enjoy!! If you have a favorite chocolate candy bar, please share. Happy Thursday!!! Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thu...

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold. (Proverb 22:1) NKJV Choosing a good reputation over great riches for being held in high esteem is better than silver and gold. (Proverb 22:1) NLT To be or not to be that is the question. To be someone of a good reputation of having moral standards or not to be someone who has integrity rather than have great riches. According to Proverbs 22:1, a good reputation (a good name) and favor with God and people is far more important than wealth. Having a good name means that you can be trusted. You are not shady, selfish, conceited, or a back-stabber. You are consider to be a friend...someone who is trustworthy. A good reputation leads to favor. Living the way God wants you to live and let your light shine among people give you favor with God. God's favor is what open doors to opportunities to your dreams. It doesn't matter how rich you are, people still will not want anything to do with yo...

One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. (Psalm 27:4-5) Your Sister In Christ, Toia

Hello, my name is Toia - blog owner of Designer's Original. Designer's Original encourages, inspires, empowers you and uplift your faith in Jesus . It's full of fun and cool stuff as well. This blog will help you discover who Jesus is and develop an everlasting loving and intimate relationship with Him, giving you hope and joy. Designer's Original is the home of the Freedom Word Fighters Friday, Scripture Sunday and Words of Wisdom Wednesday . Check out some my articles located under encouragement or inspirational. Coming soon.....Designer's Original Bible Study . I am a wife of 12 years to my dear husband, Larry. We have three beautiful children Jonathan - 12, Michael - 9, and my little princess, Ketirah - 5. I have been blogging passionately, since the beginning of this year and I love it. To learn more about me check out my profile and don't forget to leave a comment so I can stop by. Please don't forget about 5 Minutes for Mom Ultimate Blog Party - March...

This is my second edition of Freedom Word Fighters Friday. Mostly all battles that we fight are spiritual, which takes far more energy than a physical fight. That's my opinion. Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Because we are in a spiritual battle, we have to fight with spiritual weapons. It doesn't matter how strong you are physically, if you are not equally or stronger in the spirit, you will be fighting a losing battle. One of the many ways to strengthen our spirits, is the Word of God. God's word is like a hammer; And is sharper than any other physical sharp sword ready to slice and dice strongholds, chains, shackles into shreds. So, the scripture that I am bringing to the table to fight is......... THERE is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, w...

Cereals I Ate When I Was A Kid Do you remember some of your favorite cereals you loved for mom to buy and you loved to eat? Some of them tasted so good you didn't even mind eating them without milk. Today, I still eat some these cereals on my list dry. 1. Trix 2. Cap'N Crunch (original and berry) 3. Fruit Loops 4. Apple Jacks 5. Cheerios (Regular or Honey Nut) 6. HoneyCombs 7. Cocoa Puffs 8. Fruity Pebbles 9. Pops 10. Lucky Charms 11. Honey Smacks 12. Sugar Crisp 13. Frosted Flakes Other cereals not listed: Rice Chex, Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, & Franken Berries Happy Thursday!!! Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants Your Sister In Chr...

When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. (Proverbs 11:3) ----------------------------------------------------------------- To be prideful is to be arrogant, conceited, and downright stubborn. Many people will sacrifice relationships, jobs, and everything else for that matter for the sake of pride. It is so hard to humble themselves in order to make a wrong.....right. Nothing good ever comes from the result of pride. Throughout the bible you can read about the consequences of pride. One of those consequences is shame. It's easy to become full of shame when you have lost everything due to pride. You began to realize all that is gone wasn't worth the price you paid for being so prideful and stubborn. You can lose everything with a blink of an eye, if you don't have wisdom. There is no possession in wisdom. Most importantly, there is no wisdom in pride. However, there is humility in wisdom. This is important. If you are under a spell called pride, you ...

There was a religious lady that had to do a lot of traveling for her business, so she did a lot of flying. Flying made her very, very nervous, so she always took her Bible along with her to read as it helped relax her on the long flights. One time, she was sitting next to a man. When he saw her pull out her Bible, he gave a little chuckle and smirk and went back to what he was doing. After awhile, he turned to her and asked, "You don't really believe all that stuff in there do you?" The lady replied, "Of course I do. It is the Bible." He said, "Well, what about that guy that was swallowed by that whale?" She replied, "Oh, Jonah. Yes, I believe that, it is in the Bible." He asked, "Well, how do you suppose he survived all that time inside the whale?" The lady said, "Well, I don't really know. I guess when I get to heaven, I will ask him." "What if he isn't in heaven?" the man asked sarcastically. "The...

Randi Jo is doing an awesome series on forgiveness and so much more. It's broken down into 4 parts. 1. Forgiven, Redeemed, Freed! 2. Love & Forgiveness in Relationships 3. Mercy & Love not Condemnation 4. These Relationship Truths applied to Marriage. It's awesome. Check it out. You will truly be bless. http://randijosjourney.blogspot.com/ Your Sister in Christ, Toia

8) For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved ([ a ]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; 9) Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] Ephesians 2:8-9 Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation Your Sister in Christ, Toia

Your Five Factor Personality Profile Extroversion: You have high extroversion. You are outgoing and engaging, with both strangers and friends. You truly enjoy being with people and bring energy into any situation. Enthusiastic and fun, you're the first to say "let's go!" Conscientiousness: You have medium conscientiousness. You're generally good at balancing work and play. When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done. But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it. Agreeableness: You have medium agreeableness. You're generally a friendly and trusting person. But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism. You get along well with others, as long as they play fair. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism. You are very emotionally stable and mentally together. Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly. Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: ...