The Truth About Following Rules

Romans 13:1 ESV ~~ Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

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by Carley Cooper

Whether or not we like it, our society has rules that we must follow.  There are the laws of our city, county, country, and the world.  We have to follow certain rules at work.  God’s Word has laws on how we are to live our life.  Even our own household generally has rules.  There’s no getting away from it.  If we don’t follow those rules there are consequences that will result. 

Results of Breaking the Rules

If we shop lift, we will get charged, and maybe even go to jail.  If we betray someone we will damage a relationship.  If we don’t follow policies at work, we could lose our job.  If we don’t keep our home clean, we will put the health of ourselves and our family in jeopardy; not to mention it will be uncomfortable for everyone. 

Rules, laws, guidelines, and policies are put in place for our own good.  They keep us within safe and appropriate boundaries, which keeps us healthy, happy, close to God, and hopefully, civilized.  If we break God’s laws we are risking our salvation, if we don’t ask Jesus for forgiveness and repent. 

Laws Cannot Be Avoided

So with all that being said, I’ve wondered lately why so many think they can avoid following God’s laws, and then blame God for the consequences, or accuse Him of not being there when He was needed.  The other day I read a Facebook post by someone who was talking about something terrible that happened in their life. 

One of the comments that was left was by a person who wasn’t a believer in God.  The reply said “So where’s God now?” 

I have to say that when I read this, it really ruffled my feathers.  This person was accusing God of not being there because someone else went through a terrible trauma.  I’m not sure where the logic is in that kind of thinking.  Why do people think they can avoid living by God’s rules and not suffer the consequences?  Whether we like it or not, we are living on this Earth under God’s laws.  We live a sinful life, which means we haven’t followed God’s laws.  Therefore trials and trauma’s will happen in our life.  It’s of our own doing.  It’s not because God wasn’t there.  Break a rule, suffer the consequences.  That in itself is a law of God and nature. 

Romans 13:1-7 ESV says "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience."

Obedience has a Real & Beneficial Purpose

Life will go so much smoother, and we will be so much happier if we would just be obedient; not to mention the salvation we gain.  If you’re not a believer, why don’t you give it a try and see what happens.  I promise, if you follow God’s laws, you will be blessed beyond your wildest dreams. 

Let’s Pray

Dear God ~~ You are so wonderful and awesome.  You are perfect, yet because of our sin, the world You created is not prefect.  But, You know how to fix it by making laws for us to follow.  We are blessed because of this.  So often we forget this, and try to live or lives by making our own rules, as if they could possibly be better than Yours.  Thank You that You are so forgiving.  Thank You for giving Your Son, Jesus, to save us from our own sins.  Please help me to always follow the laws of Your Word and the authorities You have set in place in everything I do.  I pray in Jesus name, AMEN

Now It’s Your Turn

Thoughts?  Questions?  Want to share your story?  Ask for prayer? Please share in the comments section.

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Listen to the Doctor!

Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) says “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

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by Carley Cooper

About two years ago I had my worst Bipolar episode.  It lasted for six months, and I honestly didn’t think I was going to survive it.  My life was totally out of control.  It’s a typical trait that Bipolar Disorder patients have a hard time making and maintaining relationships.  I said things during this time to, and about, people that have damaged relationships beyond repair. 

Many other behaviour problems are also typical; like quitting medications and refusing to listen to the doctor.  During this bad stretch, I did this many times.  I changed meds so many times that I lost count.  Most of those times was because I quit taking what the doctor had prescribed for me before giving it a real chance to know if it was going to work or not.  At the time, I really thought I knew best.  I judged according to how I felt at the time to know if I wanted to quit the current medication.  I thought I was being pro-active and taking control of my own health issues. 

I Thought I Knew Best

However, things got so bad for me that I could no longer make my own decisions.  I was in the doctors office one day when I told him that I couldn’t do this on my own anymore.  I finally figured out that I could no longer trust my own opinions when it came to medications and other treatments. 

The doctor asked me “Do you want me to take control?  Will you finally listen to me?”

“Yes” I said.

I came to this point because I felt backed into a corner and I had no choice but to hand over control.  I didn't really do it willingly.  Since then, I’ve followed my treatment plans exactly as prescribed.  I don’t miss appointments.  I don’t quit or skip taking my medications.  I’m following the advice of the one who is trained and has the experience it takes to know what’s best.  As a result, my life and my health has been stable.  I’m able to function well, and I’m even beginning to be productive again.  So much that I’m going to be starting my own small business soon.  I wasn’t able to do that before.  People around me have mentioned how much I have changed.  My whole world and my mind has slowed down to a “normal” pace.  Life is good.  My heart and mind can even hear God’s voice so much better now.

Controlling Your Own is a Facade

I realized the other day, that our relationship with God often starts out the same way as my relationship with my doctor.  I lived a sinful life that didn’t include Jesus.  I did what I wanted, when I wanted, and I believed I was happy.  I thought I was living well, and in control.  I didn’t see anything wrong with how I lived, and the things I did. 

However, my life eventually spiralled out of control.  It got to the point that I remember one day being at home in my apartment, and screaming, through my tears, at the top of my lungs at God.

“What do you want from me?” I yelled.  “Please take this from me.  I can’t do it any more.”

From that moment my life started to change.  I started to change.  Granted, just like with the doctor, I didn’t give up control easily.  I felt that I was backed into a corner and I didn’t have a choice.  I still didn’t see what was wrong with me.  To truly repent of your sins means you have to give up your own selfish needs and desires.  I didn’t truly understand what this meant.  I couldn’t see why I had to change.  There was nothing wrong with me that couldn’t be fixed by changing other people, circumstances, or the world. 

The Doctor Knows Best

Slowly, as God led me, I changed.  My life changed.  I developed a relationship with Him.  Now, I’m not sure what it was I wanted to hold on to so badly.  When I let the doctor take control of my health, things improved.  When I let God take control of my life, things got better.  Why did my stubborn mind and heart have to try to hold on to control and my own way of doing things for so long?  Truthfully, I’m not sure.  But I’m so glad that I let the Greatest Physician, the God who created the universe, take control of my life.  Who’s in control of your life?

Let’s Pray

Dear God ~~ Your love is so great and merciful that we cannot truly understand it.  Thank You for such amazing and never ending love.  Please take control of my life and lead me.  I want to follow no one but You.  I pray in Jesus name, AMEN

Now It’s Your Turn

Thoughts?  Questions?  Want to share your story?  Ask for prayer? Please share in the comments section.

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Are You Searching for God too?

Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) says “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

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by Carley Cooper

I was chatting, the other day, with a lady at church.  She was telling me a story about how she went to visit the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada).  She went to see the exhibition called The Forbidden City: Inside the Court of China's Emperors.  She said it’s a fascinating display.  Maybe her reaction to it came from the fact that she is a Christian, but she came away from it being amazed at how obvious it is that mankind has always been searching for God.

Oh Lord, Where are You?

Later, I have to say the more I thought about her comments, the more I realized how right she is.  Mankind was separated from God with the first sin by Adam, and we’ve been lost and searching for Him ever since.  We were never meant to live away from God.  We were made to exist with Him to love and be loved.  Life just isn’t going to function properly without that relationship. 

You Can Find Him

Thankfully, because of the sacrifice Christ did for us on the cross, that separation is temporary.  We are able to have that missing relationship with Him after all.  The problem lies with the fact that even though God assures us that He’s with us all the time, we haven’t stopped searching because we are not with Him physically anymore like Adam and Eve were in the garden. 

We need to ask God to help us realize that He is indeed with us.  He will never leave us and He will never change.  The fact is that it’s not God who is doing the withdrawing.  It is us.  We are trying to run our own lives under the mistaken idea that God is not there anymore.  We wander through the long winding roads and paths of life that are leading us on an unnecessary journey through valleys and over mountains.  We are trusting our own feelings and emotions when we should be looking to God for guidance. 

Lay It At the Foot of the Cross

So what do we do to get closer to God?  We have to spend more time communicating with Him through prayer and time studying His Word.  A true relationship with Jesus is vital.  We have to lay our burdens at the foot of the cross.  As we grow closer to Jesus, our relationship with Him will grow stronger, our faith will grow, and we will rejoice in His awesome grace and mercy.  The closer you get to Him, the more He will indeed reveal Himself to you. 

Why don’t you talk to Him today.  Get out your Bible and read just one chapter every day.  It will help you a great deal, I assure you.  Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) says “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Here’s a Psalm that I often read when I’m feeling far from God.  I’m sure it will help you too.

Psalm 139 (NIV)

1 You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
    they would outnumber the grains of sand—
    when I awake, I am still with you.

19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
    Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
    your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,
    and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
    I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

Let’s Pray

Dear God ~~ Wonderful, loving Father, even though it’s hard for us to see sometimes You are always there with us.  You know us better than we know ourselves.  You know what’s best for us.  Thank You for never leaving me or giving up on me.  Please help me see myself the way you see me.  I pray in Jesus name, AMEN

Now It’s Your Turn

Thoughts?  Questions?  Want to share your story?  Ask for prayer? Please share in the comments section.

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Do You Use Holy Emotions?

~~ 1 Corinthians 2:4 (AMP) ~~  And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power [a proof by the Spirit and power of God, operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them]

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by Carley Cooper 

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The Bible tells us that we are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27 NIV).  This is not just in His physical image, but His personality and character traits as well.  We feel happiness, sadness, love, hatred, joy, anger, calm, excitement; and the list goes on.  God feels these things as well.  Since God is supreme, He is holy.  Every thought, word, and deed of His is holy; while we are not holy because we are broken through sin.  This is where we differ from God.

What are Holy Emotions?

Recently in an online forum that I take part in, a lady asked “What are holy emotions?”.  It got me thinking.  After some research this is what I came up with:  Holy emotions are what we feel when the Holy Spirit is leading our emotions, instead of following our own hearts and minds. 

Stop!  Listen!  He’s Talking!

Left to our own devices, we usually speak before we think.  Other times, we think too much before we speak and end up filtering out many of our initial emotions; including God’s voice talking to us.  What results is broken relationships, with Him and each other.

On the flip side, others also give us words and actions in return that are just as harsh.  This is one reason why we are told to guard our hearts.  People speak before listening to God’s voice, and everyone ends up getting hurt.  The pieces of our broken relationships get scattered and can’t be repaired to be as they were without God’s input.    

Love Others as He Loves You

What we should be doing is listening to the Holy Spirit.  When we do this, we speak God’s holy words, thoughts, and feelings; we express His holy emotions.  We will do what He wants us to do, and feel what He wants us to feel; instead of our own self-absorbed thoughts and feelings that we can’t take back once they’re out.  Letting God lead us means we don’t have to try to persuade others with our own wisdom.  We are not even capable of showing God’s glory without His power working through us.  Our response to other people in various situations, especially upsetting ones, is usually much different than what God’s response is.  When He works through us, we respond to circumstances and other people in love rather than anger, disappointment, or unforgiveness.  By allowing God’s holy emotions to be evident in us, our faith is resting on His power, not on our own understanding (1 Corinthians 2:5 AMP)!  Do you use holy emotions? 

Let’s Pray

 ~~ Dear God ~~  Your love is so wonderful that it’s something that I cannot truly grasp.  It’s perfect and can fix every bad situation that I get myself into; if only I would listen to You more.  Please let my emotions be Your holy emotions, so that Your love, glory, and mercy shines through.  Thank You for being patient always.  Help me to show Jesus to others all the time.  In Jesus name I pray, AMEN.

Now It’s Your Turn

Thoughts?  Questions?  Want to share your story?  Ask for prayer?  Please consider sharing in the comments section; even if the link you clicked to get here was on another site.  (If you’re on the homepage, click on the post headline, and scroll down to find the comments section.)

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Great Writers Series: Connect

~~ Psalm 27:11 (NIV84) ~~  Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

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by Carley Cooper

It’s day Ninth of the 15 Habits of Great Writers challenge.  Just to recap for those new to this series, so far the habits we’ve talked about are: Declare, Believe, Initiate, Practice, Prepare, Steal, Start Ugly and Build.  The ninthe habit of great writers our challenge host, Jeff Goins, tells us is to ‘Connect’.    

The challenge was to connect with people that we will need in our career of being a great writer.  Those would be Friends (those who can help us, and who we can help), Fans (that would be you, Sweet Followers!), and Patrons (the leaders and influencers in the industry). 

I read this and my Social Anxiety started to squirm again.  Then, I realized that I’ve already taken the first steps to connecting with these people.  I know several authors, I chat with a few others online now and then, and I have fans; which is a list that’s growing slowly but surely all the time.  I love all of you!  Truly. 

The Patrons... well, I’ve been in touch with a few self-publishing companies.  They’re very nice people, and they sent me some great info packages.  But the best Leader that I need on my side , is the one that I’ve asked to be my Guide and Leader since the beginning.   That would be Jesus.   He has brought me the people I needed thus far, exactly when I needed them, for everything from starting to write in the beginning, to those who have encouraged and helped me in many ways since then.  He helps me write, He led me to start blogging (He even chose the theme of Worship Melodies!).  What greater contact would I need on my team?!   

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~~ Dear God ~~  Thank You, Father, for giving me this talent for words, for the passion to use it, and for leading me so far in this journey.  I pray that You will continue to lead my every step, and every page I write.  Please continue to bring me the people that I need to continue to advance.  I ask that my work will help others, always; and to show Your glory in every work.  In Jesus name, AMEN.

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Job Qualifications

~~ Ephesians 2:10 (NASB) ~~  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

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by Carley Cooper

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I went to a small business college, and I graduated with a diploma that, at the time, qualified me to be a Computer Programmer and an entry level Accountant; topped off with some business courses.  After I graduated I had a very hard time finding a job.  For a very long time I heard the same old thing from every potential employer “Sorry, but you don’t have experience.  Come back when you’ve have some experience.”  Not one of them, though, told me how I was supposed to get experience without being hired somewhere  

So, what job did I finally get?!  I’m glad you asked.  I ended up working at a job that I was over qualified for; Mary Brown’s Fried Chicken, in St.John’s, Newfoundland, as a kitchen / counter worker.  I don’t even know if the job actually had a title.  It was not at all what I had dreamed about, but it helped pay the rent on my first apartment.  A few years later, I finally did get a great office job that I loved; after I moved to Barrie, Ontario.  It happened to be with The Salvation Army; a Christian charitable organization, so I felt that I had an even bigger purpose than just enjoying the work.  I loved it so much that a big chuck of my time there were extra hours as a volunteer, and it didn’t even occur to me to mind that I didn’t get paid for so many extra hours. 

Then, life took a big unexpected turn.  I was in a nasty car accident that turned my life upside down and left me in physiotherapy for two years.  It was a six-car pileup on an icy Ontario highway.  My injuries lead to other health issues, and eventually, I had to leave my job.  Around that same time my marriage ended.  My health issues got worse; and the end result is that I’ve only had work-at-home jobs since (either helping to run a business, or doing something creative).  I’ve technically been out of the workforce for a long time now.  Though, I still have health issues, I would love to get back into it.  I don’t want to sacrifice my writing for it, but the problem is that now I feel under qualified for anything and everything.  I did get some further education in more recent years, but even still, my education is way out of date, and I don’t have recent experience.  That is, outside of a volunteer job that I do one day per week at the church office.  I figure that no one in any industry that I would want to work for would take me seriously, let alone take a chance on hiring me.

It is the same feeling that I get when I think about being called to work for God.  I don’t feel qualified.  I don’t even feel like I’m taken seriously by those around me let alone hope to get a ministry; or a position, where I could lead someone to Christ or to discipleship.   I’ve made so many mistakes in life; committed so many bad sins.  Most of the time I don’t even feel qualified for an entry level position, let alone to be have a dream career! 

The other day someone left a comment that said “Carley, As usual another AWESOME Blog.  It seems as though you have become my Spiritual Life Coach.  What would I ever do without you?  Blessings my friend.”. 

Another person left a comment on one of my other blog sites that said “Carley... You are the best blogger ever!!  You are smart and funny!  I just found your blogs and can't wait to read the rest... Thank you.”

I replied with a thank you and telling the people how much it meant to me and how honored I was to receive such compliments.  It humbled me more than I can say.  I know that in God’s eyes, humility like that is a very good thing.  However, it makes me feel a little confused as well.  Sometimes even a little dishonest.  That’s because the truth is, that most days I feel like I’m treading water and sinking fast.  How could I coach anyone when I don’t know what I’m doing myself?  I can’t imagine that I am the ‘best ever’ anything.  Well, except the best Carley; but that could potentially lead me to a whole series of other thoughts and questions, which I’ll leave for another blog.  There are those that have way more education, experience, intelligence; and a better relationship with God than I do who aren’t the best ever.  I have no clue where I’m supposed to be in life, or what direction I’m supposed to go in.  I feel like I’m probably the only one who’s still so lost at this late date in my life.  Most people I know seemed to have figured out so much at an early age.  Why haven’t I?  Where did I get lost?  The only things I know about myself with much certainty are that I have some sort of a gift in written words, that my heart desperately aches every day for a relationship, and that I do feel vastly different from the rest of the planet (which traces back to my Social Anxiety and Bipolar Disorders).

Each and every one of us is called to the job of spreading the gospel (Mark 16:15 NIV84), and to create disciples for Jesus (Matthew 28:19 NIV1984).  As unsure I am of my own qualifications; I know that God doesn’t see me as being incapable.  I love Him, and I want more than anything for my heart to be like Jesus; the way God wants it to be.  I’m willing to let Him change me; even though it’s hard.  The bible is filled with characters that were inexperienced, sinful, and even willingly ran from their calling.  However, God chose them to do the job anyway.  He loved them nevertheless.  We don’t need prior experience, or knowledge; before He is willing to hire us.  You see, He not only has already planned and prepared our jobs for us, but He provides us with on the job training.  I really want this job.  How about you?  The benefit package is out of this world!  

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~~ Dear God ~~  Thank You so much for creating a job position especially for me.  Please let me feel Your peace within me with each and every day of doing Your work that goes by.  Give me confidence in my abilities, and help me to have stronger faith in Your leading.  Please keep me in humility, and let me feel joyous in every duty that I fulfill.  In Jesus name, AMEN.

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Happy 1st Birthday!

~~ Exodus 15:26 (NIV84) ~~  He said, “If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes... I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

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by Carley Cooper

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We’re having a birthday!  Worship Melodies is one year old.  To celebrate the occasion of our birthday today, I thought it would be fun to share with you, the story behind how Worship Melodies was born.  You see, it really wasn’t my idea in the first place to do this.  Here’s how it all happened...

One day last year in 2011, somewhere between mid to late April, I was sitting on my couch with my laptop in front of me; working on one of, at least, a dozen big projects that I have on my desktop at any given time.  That issue, of too much work at hand, is another whole blog by itself.  It stems from a problem that lies somewhere between insufficient time management skills and racing Bipolar mania-episode thoughts.  Anyway, as if someone flipped a switch, my mind suddenly went from my task at hand to “I have to start a blog site.”  Before I even realized the thought was there, I had spoken it out loud to myself.   The flipping the switch part, could be a Bipolar matter, but after I spoke those words I realized what I said.  Wow, I’m staring my own website.  Cool!  Sometimes, I think, the racing thoughts matter can be a good thing, because in the next few minutes I had come up with a basic website plan and purpose. 

First, the whole point would be so I can share my journey; the ups and downs of the lessons I’m learning on my way toward God. 

“However, if I’m going to do that”, I thought, “I absolutely have to make it so others can be helped and learn as well.  Otherwise, what’s the point?  I have to lead others to God by using my own life and talents.” 

I saw the whole concept immediately.  It would be a travel theme.  You know... my ‘journey’; like a travel log.  Then I spent the next several hours writing down the specific goals that I wanted to accomplish, and by knowing these goals I would have a title for my blog. 

“Ah ha!  That’s it”, I said.  “I absolutely love that title.  My new site will be called ‘Enlightened Expedition Diaries’.”  


I know what you’re thinking; “Huh?!”  Well, bare with me.  You’ll hear the music in a minute. 

Next I went to work on the design.  I spent the next two weeks, day and night, working on it.  I had the URL reserved, and the background shot was an old treasure map with a compass sitting on top.  The fonts were all picked out to match in designs that fit an old world, pirate-type theme.  After two weeks, I was almost done. 

“Just another day or so”, I thought “and I’ll be finished the design and ‘assembly’ work.”

Wrong! 

At that point in my website design work, one afternoon Blogger.com crashed.  People all over the internet; all over the planet, were freaking out and in a major panic looking to string someone up in a painful way.  In the end, the only way for the Blogspot team to get the site up and running again was to roll back to a past maintenance backup.  Everyone’s work for the previous week was gone.  Forever and ever, AMEN; gone!  There was a lot of very upset people in the world that day; and I was one of them. 

LESSON ONE learned in this journey: Backup as you go!  It’s not just a cute and fluffy theory.  It could actually be handy sometime.

I was back to a website that was only half finished.  “Grrrrrrr”. 

However, I got right back to work and spent the next week redoing everything I had just finished.  Then the day came.  The site is done.  I just need to write a few posts to start.  So, I went online to do some research to see what would be a good first post. 

Stop!  Wait a minute!  “It’s all wrong”, God said.  “It’s gotta be a music theme.”

Truthfully, my heart sank.  “What?  Are you serious?  Oh, but Lord, this is so awesome.  Look at it.  I got a great design and a super cool name, and a treasure map!”

“Music”, He said.

“I’m not a music person, not that I wouldn’t wanna be someday, but I don’t even know how to play any instruments.  The only thing I know about music is what I like to listen to”, I replied.


LESSON TWO: When God gives you an idea, or a command, stop and listen to Him about the details of how He wants it done!


But, there I was, back to designing it all again.  Granted, I was a little cranky about it at first, but the more I worked on it, the more it grew on me.  Some of the work, such as layout I was able to save and use, so I wasn't really back to square  one.  I just needed a new name, URL, background, fonts, email address, and other such things.  So I spent another afternoon coming up with a new name, based on the idea that we are to ‘sing’ God’s praises, even through the tuff stuff.  After another week, I was finished;  again! 

Ta... da!  “This is awesome", I thought.  "God was right.” 

LESSON THREE:  Don’t argue with God.  You won’t win.  God is always right.  Huh, funny thing... it seems that I remember learning that lesson once before. 

Well, I knew then when I finished my design, that this endeavour would be a success.  I don’t necessarily know in what form that success will come, but I know that God told me to do this.  He even picked out the theme.  I pray always, that He would use me to write messages that will touch other’s hearts.  God is leading me in this at every step. 

So, I decided on the topics for my first few articles.  I had read that one should always begin a blog site with, at least, a few posts.  The first one I called, conveniently enough, ‘The First Post.’  

I know, some would say, “for a creative person you’re not very creative.”  But, I liked it. 

Then, I came up with the next couple post ideas and I wrote all the articles.  The next step was to ask Pastor Henry to proof read everything before publishing them; to make sure my writing was good, and my theology was biblically sound.

LESSON FOUR:  Pastor Henry is a cool dude... that is, for an old guy... and especially when he likes my work!  That’s why I've since started baking him a batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies every once in a while.  My Grandma used to tell me “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”  Granted, she was talking about finding a husband, but I figured I could apply the theory to any situation involving keeping a man happy.  Hmmm, that reminds me.  He might be due for another batch. 

The last step was to publish everything and announce it to the world... well, at least to everyone I know anyway.  Which I did in a mass email, and by telling all my friends on Facebook and Spark People. 

LESSON FIVE:  the blessings never stop when you listen to God.  So on that note, it already is a success. 

My writing has grown and improved through this venture.  My self-confidence is improving.  I am growing closer to God.  And, I am told all the time, by you, my loyal readers, how much I touch your lives with my work.  This is my own little ministry that takes place here in this little corner of the world wide web; and all I really long for is to let others know my heart, in hopes that you will be drawn closer to God just like I am.  Therefore, you too can know His wonderful love and grace through the miracle of His Son, Jesus Christ.  You tell me how much I bless you.  Thank you so much for that from the bottom of my heart and soul.  However, I feel that it is me who is blessed the most, by God through you.  I love each and every one of you.  It’s a very Happy 1^st Birthday!     

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~~ Dear God ~~  Thank You for the journey.  Thank You for the struggles because, without them, I would not have lessons to write about.  Thank you for the awesome site concept, and for my online friends and readers who support me with each and every post.  Thank you for bringing me into this ministry.  I look forward to seeing where it will lead.  I love You, Lord.  In Jesus name, AMEN.

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~~~~ Birthday Gift Give-Away! ~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIVE-AWAY CLOSED ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

See comment section below for winner announcement

Worshipers... to celebrate Worship Melodies 1^st Birthday, I'm giving away a Birthday Gift!  Please leave a comment about the blog in the comment section below, and you would win a Chris Blakley prize package!  The package contains his last 3 CD’s; plus, a copy of his new book, Words of Thought......or not. 

Chris Blakley, based out of Clearwater, Florida (with connections to Barrie, Ontario), is a musician, singer and songwriter that preaches the gospel.  His music will thrill and inspire your heart.  He is an inspiration and encouragement to people of all ages.  His soul stirring songs draw people to Jesus.  His style of music varies from rock, contemporary and southern gospel.  

CD’s titles include:

• Chris Blakley
• Redemption
• 4Given – including the song ‘I May Be Down’ from the video below. 

PLUS, if you are the winner and would like the CD’s and the book all autographed personally to you, I will personally ask him to do that before I ship the CD’s and book to you.  Note, however, it will be 3 – 4 weeks before I will see him again in order to ask him to do that. So shipping time will be 4 - 6 weeks before you receive them.  ~Carley

DEADLINE: Friday, June 1^st, 2012 at 12:00 Noon (EST)  

A winner will be drawn from the names listed in the comment section below, here on this post titled 'Happy 1st Birthday' on the Worship Melodies website.  The name of the winner will be posted in the comment section here on this post 'Happy 1st Birthday' after 12:00 Noon and before  12:00 Midnight on Friday, June 1st, 2012.  So please come back to see if you’re the winner, and email me your contact details.  If the winner doesn't contact me by the following Friday on June 8th, 2012 at 12:00 Noon (EST), a new winner will be chosen.  (See the Contact page for Worship Melodies contact information).  

Chris Blakley Prize Package

Click this website title link to see Chris's website:

Chris Blakley Ministries Website

Click this website title link to see the Blakley family website, and to hear more clips of Chris's music.  If you're in the Barrie, Ontario area and would like to see Chris preach and perform, he is in town once per month.  Message me and I'll send you the deets:

Note: that Pastor Garnet Blakley, from Barrie, Ontario, passed away in January 2012 from cancer.  He was an incredible evangelist and a man who led many to Jesus.  He won't be forgotten.

The Blakley Family Singers Website

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~~~~ Photo Opp ~~~~

June 24, 2012 - Carley with Chris Blakley 
(Right after He autographed the CD's for winner, Ravyna)

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A Total Transformation

~~ Romans 12:2 (ESV) ~~  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

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by Carley Cooper

Microsoft Office Copyright Free Images

They say that hindsight is 20 / 20.  Looking back on the timeline of my life I can see so many places where God was obviously intervening on my behalf to guide my path.  This is something that I am overwhelmingly grateful for.  One of the bible studies that I took part in a couple years ago taught us how to create a timeline of our own lives.  On this timeline we learned to plot the important events in our lives; then we marked the points where we could see that God had obviously stepped in to have some input, even during times before we were Christians.  It was a fascinating exercise that taught me a lot.  I was amazed at how many times God took care of me when I didn’t know it at the time.  I was also stunned that as I looked at each event, and considered the options had I not taken on the path I did, that there wasn’t one event that I wished would have been different.  Even the painful ones, eventually ended up leading me to a place that I wouldn’t want to go back and undo.  God’s ways, timing, methods are all perfect. 

One of these events where God inserted Himself into my life started in 2006 when I began a quest to ‘fix’ my head (that is, to improve my mental health)!  Romans 12:2 (ESV) tells us to renew our minds so that we can get to know God’s perfect will.  I didn’t have a real relationship with God at the time, so I didn’t approach this goal with a biblical reference in mind.  My decision to make this goal and pursue it came strictly out of fear.  It was fear that I would end up in the hospital if I continued on the path I was on.  My health and my life were very rapidly declining.  I was at a point where I felt I had no other option but to make some big changes now!  Pastor Henry at church has told me many times that “God does not waste anything.”   Romans 8:28 (NIV84) says that "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  As I look back I can see this was certainly the case with my fear.  2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) tells us “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  God used the fear that the enemy had been controlling me with to help me make the first steps toward having real relationship with Him.  It was my fear that pushed me, but God used it to show me that I do indeed have a sound mind that is filled with His power and love.

Even if I would have thought more deeply about my goals, I  still would never have considered the idea that to renew my mind (to improve my mental state) would also require changes in my physical body, emotions, and spiritual health.  Each area is important to  creating a renewed, sound mind.  God led me into this realization step by step.  My own personal goal was simply to rid myself of Chronic Depression so that I could get my life back and become a fully functioning human being again.  It never occurred to me to even think beyond that.

After reading a book about improving health issues, I decided that my first order of business was to lose weight.  I felt that I couldn’t possibly have a healthy mind without a healthy body.  I had become very much overweight over the previous decade due, mainly, to medications.  I found a wonderful program, called Spark People, that taught me to change my lifestyle to one of healthy living; not a dieting approach.  Slowly, I not only learned to change my eating and exercise habits, but how to do it in a healthy way and to make them stick!  I lost a lot of weight.  In addition I learned how to incorporate new healthy habits and to set goals in other areas of my life.  I also learned that food can affect one’s mental health much more than I could have ever imagined.  Through much reading and research I found that there were foods I needed to completely eliminate from my diet; and others that help with depression and should be included on a regular basis.  It worked!  I can’t begin to tell you how drastically my mind changed as well as my body just by changing my diet.  I went from not being able to care for myself at times, to a living an independent life. 

Once, I reached my goal weight I realized that the real work was about to begin.  I knew that the basic ‘operating system’ in my brain  contained mostly negative programming.  This came from a lifetime of experiences.  The bottom line here is that from very early in my life, my mind was programmed with depressing and harmful information.  I don’t blame anyone.  I see it as “that’s just the way it was.”  Whatever the case, I knew I needed to change my natural thinking patterns.  But how to do that?  It seemed like an impossible task; especially for someone who was single and alone, didn’t have much support or knowledge on how to do this.  So, I started reading everything I could get my hands on.  I spent my days eating healthy, working out, and educating myself on how to change my mind. 

As I began to research this subject one of the first things to cross my desktop was the concept of ‘Positive Affirmations’.  I had never heard of it before, but the more I read about it the more fascinated I became.  I read that this idea first began with Norman Vincent Peale, and his book The Power of Positive Thinking.  I also read about some controversy, but I didn’t let that hinder me.  I was on a quest for health and life and nothing was going to stop me.  I started very simply by writing positive statements on index cards.  I would begin my days by reading through my stack of cards.  Later I was given a book of positive quotations as a gift; and I made it a point to read a few pages from that book daily as well.  Then I added a meditation program, which is a daily 30 minute audio program that claims to help change brainwaves in a healthy way.  There are no voices, just sounds, but it helped me.  More and more my mind was changing.  I found myself starting to naturally think in a positive way.  I still have to work at it obviously.  I have been diagnosed as Bipolar since then which adds to the compilations.  I have to be aware that if I don’t make it a continuous quest that negative thinking could slowly creep in and completely take over again.      

Later, I had help from a medical standpoint by participating in a mental health outpatient program at my local hospital.  This program helped me learn how my relationships were faulty, how to cope with my past, and how to deal with my emotions.  Granted learning these lessons to the full is also an ongoing process and likely always will be, but it helped me grow even more by helping me to understand what had happened to me and why.

The most important change was in growing spiritually; developing a relationship with Jesus.  God led me through a very winding road to the church that I now attend.  I started by going to counseling with the pastor, which led to me being able to truly forgive those that have hurt me most in my past.  It also led me to being able to truly open my heart to allow the Holy Spirit in to begin His work in changing my heart as well.  I started to learn how to socialize again.  I  learned how to develop a prayer life and how to put daily bible reading and devotional habits into my life.  I learned how to worship God; whether that meant volunteering in the church office, or listening to praise and worship music when I’m alone. 

This is obviously an extremely condensed version of my story, but it will show you how God led me through the process of renewing my mind, so I could learn His will for my life; and in the process grow closer to Him than I ever would have imagined possible.  God has good plans for each one of us who has invited Jesus into our hearts.  Like every one of God’s children, my journey and series of struggles will continue until the day I stand before Him.  However, I know that His will for my life is to be productive, happy, healthy, and to have a relationship with Him.

If you are in need of renewal, just know that He will guide you through every stage.  If you don’t currently have a relationship with Jesus, you can begin now by asking Him into your heart.  Confess that you are a sinner and that you want Him to be your Lord and Saviour; and that you are willing to let Him change your heart and life to follow Jesus.  Tell Him that you believe that He died on the cross and rose again from the dead to save you from your sins.  Tell Him that you believe Him; that you know you are forgiven, and that you have faith.  He will guide you through the next steps.  Just listen to His voice in your heart.  You will hear it. 

My expedition in this world was / is long and difficult; but I wouldn’t go back and change it for anything.  Though it all started with fear, this journey has led me to a relationship with Jesus; to eternal life with Him. 

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~~ Dear God ~~  Thank You for every stage, struggle, and obstacle in my journey on this earth; because it brings me closer to You each and every day .  Continue to change my heart to become like that of Jesus; and continue to use me to bring others to Him as well.  May Your will be done, Lord, in every part of my life.  In Jesus name, AMEN.

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