Moments In Time

Faithfulness

2010-08-31T07:17:00.000-07:00

Well, yes, I am standing on top of my rock.....been under it way too long!!!

In my last few months of leave of absence, I have been living in the school of hard knocks!!

But, the thing I have learned over and over is that GOD IS FAITHFUL!! I have experienced that over and over....and several times in the past two weeks!!

We have had alot of challenges the past two years---financially and emotionally and physically.

I had an injury in a store almost a year ago that has presented some challenges but through grace, I have been able to do more than I thought!

Things are slow right now for us.....all we can say is our immediate needs have been met! And God continues to provide in areas we are lacking! He also is teaching my children to be resourceful and to depend on His goodness .

Lest I give you only a grim picture, God has afforded some respite this year. We are grateful for times of a little R&R to renew our body and soul!

I will try to keep update more often!!

Blessings!

Grief and hope.

2009-05-30T04:32:00.000-07:00

We have a somewhat daunting task this morning.

We are going to support a family that lost a baby. There was a disease and even though death was imminent, you never can prepare for it.

So, the memorial service is today -

Thanks God for christian friends that can rejoice with you and grieve with you, and hold you until your grief subsides!!

Only God can fill this void and give you hope and even another child if He wills....only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

JESUS, our reason for Life and Hope......our existence.

Pray for this family.

Wher in the world is .....

2009-05-23T04:08:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, as you sit at a blank page, you have no idea where to start!!

If your fears and anxieties are written for the eyes of others, you feel they may perceive you as weak! If you paint a rosy picture, you may portray life as something alot more normal than it actually is.

Through words, we cannot see each others tears or even concerns about life (yes, we are human as well as Christians that learn to trust God!!) We can paint what we desire at the touch of a keyboard!!

And, since the truth is surfacing, I felt my blog was not interesting enough to have faithful readers!

We have had about nine months of hardship to this point. The building industry is slow --- makes for an interesting life in many ways!! We girls have pitches in and have jobs to help fill in the gap. Yes, hubby is working , but we have about 1/4 the work we did have. And, if it seems trusting God for provision is an issue, HE reminds me daily He is in control---the refrigerator broke, tires need to be bought, a retainer is broken, a lingual wire is broken.....the list goes on....
But, I do see God's goodness and mercy in everyday life.

And yes, I can praise HIM!!

Another blessing is the story of #4 getting a college scholarship. Of course, it is only a partial payment, so he are praying for direction ....God opened the doors beyond human comprehension, so HE alone will get the glory for provision ---he will have to provide all the monies necessary! I keep plodding forward by filling our necessary forms, paperwork, applications.....the list is unending.

*** The full story can be obtained by emailing me and I will answer!!**

Yes, there are issues along the way I will not discuss, but there are blessings, such as godly teen girls that have befriended my daughters, that have been such a gap-filler in their lives. I am thankful that God provided these girls to encourage them in their walk. I am looking forward to this continuing for many years!!

I also have been blessed to get paid for a wedding I was coordinator for ....R was the reception coordinator, but we all helped (plus a couple of friends!!)---and M got paid as a musician!
Sometimes, though, marriage counselling can grate on you. We also have the privilege to counsel a bride to be. We took enough money to have a play day with her, and God blessed our friendship and fellowship. We were able to encourage her to move back home and allow God to heal her family relationship. I realize some of my heartache along the way God is using to help others see the cause/consequences of choices!! Praise the Lord.....however, we all cried when we hugged her goodbye this week!!

God is good. I do not know where my steps will go ---He is leading -my job is to continue.....and I do know that in the midst, I have hope.

Questions?

2009-03-01T17:13:00.001-08:00

Today is the birthday of my fourth born. She is 19. As I realize her teen years are almost gone, I must reflect on things I have taught and reinforced in her life to encourage her walk with her Lord. This alone can make her successful in life.

She is serving......ministering with her music, helping in the nursery, and being a discussion initiator in Sunday School. She also uses her talent to teach others. This is also something she is able to do forever either in her home or to provide for her needs and her family's.

A good teacher causes their students to learn. Understanding strengths and weakness in area is a tool to help them learn, and to recognize those areas.

That is why she got assurance of her salvation this past year. She wanted to know that she knew....even though she accepted Christ at a very young age, it was not in her memory, because for as long as she could remember she had been "saved". She was serving the Lord, sharing with others, reading her Bible and doing good. However, there was an unsettled feeling.

We also had a friend, who at age thirty this past year accepted Christ---the assurance for and of eternity.

On this, her birthday, make sure your rebirth day is for real and settled!!!

2009-01-23T22:35:00.000-08:00

"What is Faith?"
By Bob Perks
Someone asked me the other day about my faith.
I rambled on for a moment and seemed to have appeased their curiosity.
Still, it made me think about it more when I got home and this is what I wish I had told them instead:

To see more than what is obvious.
To believe more than what is seen.
To trust when all is lost and darknessfills your days.
To try again when failure is your partner
To give when nothing's left to give.
To stand when falling is expected.
To go on when odds are against you.
To plan when others think you foolish.
To smile when heart break dims your spirit.
To rise above the doubters and nay sayers.
To keep on when others fall behind.
To end each day in praise instead of sorrow.
That is faith.

2009-01-22T15:58:00.001-08:00

We arrived home last evening.

It was a busy and hard week in some ways. Some of you know what it is like to become the parent of a parent.

Someone has to do the hard things; expect those tasks difficult. But, you have to maintain a sense of humor and sanity in every day life!

When your child disobeys you, they get corrected. Most do not refuse that which you know is necessary for their health. Parents do --and you must be the one to say, "No, you will do this!".
Often, they are upset with you.

Sometimes you have to leave them in a rush and proper goodbyes do not happen. You must rest in the fact that you are doing what is right at the time and move on from there.

Bust most of all in all situations, you must trust God. Do not be confused, AND PRAY AND PRAY AND PRAY above all. Often you are exhausted or too busy from the dawning of the sun to get your devotions done, but you MUST PRAY , and be faithful!!

Thanks for those prayers you all sent up on our behalf -we felt them and appreciated them!!

God is good!

Trying Times

2009-01-11T08:44:00.000-08:00

For those of you who read this.....

Please pray for my Mom. She had a heart attack, has bronchitis, a UTI, conjunctivitivitis, and dehydration....add a fall to that and you have quite the mix for an 81 year old woman!!

She is improving, as she has been in for three days now. It is hard to understand her on the phone unless she has the oxygen connected. She also has breathing treatments!

I would love to be there, but do not know what is going to happen at this time. I have some serious obligations the next day or two to take care of.

Pray for my wisdom and also!

Year End Reflections

2009-01-04T15:23:00.000-08:00

We started the year with a burden for a family member.....that care still remains.

We traveled in snow to see my Mother for her 80th birthday as a surprise...we do not know how many more birthdays she will celebrate!

In March, we worked with the special kids at camp. As usual, we laugh and we cry. We make friends and we have old ones we fellowship with. Camp is always an exciting time!!

The end of March brought a wedding and we helped a friend make this a special day for her daughter....lots of hard work, but we enjoyed it!!

April brought Easter and reflection on the death of our Saviour.

May brought graduation from high school for number four! We also attended a few more parties at this time!

June took us back to visit my relatives and to take the girls to camp. Bittersweet, as it was my first time of not being able to stay at the camp, so I traveled back to the mountains to be with family. When it was over, we visited with an aunt and uncle, our very favorites! Our lives are so enriched by them--not only for fellowship but family stories I never knew.....a touch with the past that fills in blanks!

The majestic mountains make me feel sooo close to God......

June brought a birthday party for our second granddaughter. She is one now!!

We also surprised a friend of #4 and #5 on her birthday and took her to tea (out of town)!

June also brought a surprise anniversary party from our kids. All were there....yes, I cried!! I, who am NEVER surprised, got caught off guard!! Old friends were there, as we reminisced way beyond time for the banquet room to be vacated!!! (Old pictures remind you of that journey of a lifetime!!)

July brought a party for our second granddaughter....and we all had fun holding a carnival in celebration!!

August afforded a vacation for the WHOLE family---all of us to the Keys....amazing reminder of God's hand in creation!!! Our week was filled with fun, laughs, stories.....and memories in the making!!

September brought a second wedding for a friend, and we got to enjoy a historical building as the setting for a dream come true for our friend!!

October brought the reality of the economy not being good and so we had to pray even harder for God's provision after several months of "getting by". It also brought the stark reality that the hearts of men are wicked and what they want, they take. I do not know if I have yet come to the point of forgiveness and praying for them yet. I also do not think my heart has yet been thankful for their unmerited deeds!!

October also brought God's provision to #4 and #5 and also to myself that we could help a little in our survival quest!!

November brought a wedding (first ever paying job) and I learned alot about Christians at this time. Some turn to the ways of the world and become so full of pride that you cannot work with them, and an enjoyable event becomes a burdensome event!! I also learned at this time that more often than not unchurched ones are kinder and much easier than those of like faith!!

November also brought family back for Thanksgiving, and our hearts swelled with thanksgiving at the small things God is doing for us in so many ways!

December brought another wedding for someone we have known since birth! We throughout the month, thought tried to do some Christmas events that would continue to keep our hearts full of the season ---the birth of our Lord the focus---and were able to experience that. The wedding was a the culmination of a storybook romance!!

And now to December 31......as you can read in my previous post, God blessed us sooo much that evening ---we had not only fun, food and fellowship, but it ALL was focused around the Word and God so graciously giving us another new year.....

And, I know I did waste time in this past year, not taking every opportunity God gave me to be a witness for him. I oft was, and tried to be sensitive to whatever He led me to do , but I did fail.

Pray with me as I seek Him in all things and even to be thankful in ALL things!!

Matthew

2009-01-04T05:04:00.000-08:00

While attending a Bible Study Fellowship this past week, we were blessed to hear scripture quoted by a young man. He first had said he wanted to pray as the men were to close in prayer, but I guess he got a little timid and could not do it.

He spoke with such clarity --you see , he usually is hard to understand at times because he is a little challenged with his speech.

Joshua 1:9 will always take on a different meaning to our family now, as we will think of Matthew quoting it with such conviction, clarity and memory.

This would not be so impressive in our lives had it not been that he is thirty something and has downs syndrome. He speaks very little to all of us. His Mother taught him scripture when he was young to quiet his heart and fears if he was ever separated from her somewhere and needed comfort. She believes he knows the meaning and is comforted by the verses he learned. He does understand church and God (even if not voicing it or participating) and she says she believes it bypasses his mind and goes directly to the heart!

You see, we as "normal" people use our minds to complicate things of God. Oh to have childlike trust and faith!!

I once heard that spiritual death occurs because of 12 inches. You see, that is the approximate distance between the brain and the heart!!

Blessings in your walk with the Lord this new year. May you find Him in little things as well as the grand things!

2009-01-03T13:59:00.000-08:00

This from a friend's profile:

I'm passionate about sharing the lessons of grace
that God is faithfully and patiently teaching me,
and I'm committed to encouraging others
to love and know God to such a degree
that their satisfaction in Christ won't allow for any cheap substitutes.

Can we find true contentment with who Christ alone is in our lives. Not the worry, cares or making anything or anyone the God of our being???

May this new year find you fully satisfied!!

God Is

2009-01-01T08:29:00.001-08:00

My challenge to you as we did last evening (and will for some time to come).......

God through the book of Psalms.

Find what it says God is, and reflect on how that rings true in your life, or what that purpose is in your life.

We were only able to do a few verses, and what a wealth of insight!!

Blessings as your head knowledge becomes heart knowledge!!

Reflections on a year gone by

2008-12-30T16:49:00.000-08:00

It has been a year. From fun to the depths of despair, I have leaned on my God and strength.I have been on the mountaintops and have tried not to stay in the valleys.
When life seemed dismal at best, the sun rose again, and there was a new day for me to look upward!

I have not conquered all areas, and I do not live without fear, but I know God is there. The days have gotten easier at times, but I have not forgotten all.

It was in falling down that I learned how to climb.
It was in losing that I learned how to win.
It was in struggling that I found strength.
It was in darkness that I learned to see again.

"Time, faith, the love of my family and friends," .
"If I have time I can begin again. I can build again. I can start over.
If I have faith, I know I cannot fail.
If I have the love of my family and friends, I have purpose."
............................................(excerpt from Bob Proctor)

I have new friends this year. I have bloggers that encourage me. I have renewed old friendships.

Encouraging words have been timely--just when I needed that little uplifting....

Yes, God has provided our needs as well as some of our wants---in His timing, he has performed miracles. Anyone in on the details of our year can attest to that. Some of the trials are still there, not resolved, and will be worked out for His glory in His timing. I would not be truthful if I did not share that giving up has been in and on my mind this year, also!

So, as I start a New Year, may my focus and praise be to the mighty God who sustains me.

Thanks for sharing another year with me!! I hope to grow alongside my friends and family this coming year!

Psalm 121

The True God Is .....

2008-12-24T20:01:00.000-08:00

Wonderful

Counsellor

Almighty God

Everlasting Father

Prince of Peace

Focus

2008-12-22T04:29:00.001-08:00

Most of you have given up on me....but I am still here.

As usual, we have been very busy this week....practice, a recital, and three days preparing and producing a wedding for 300!!

Now, this week is Christmas week---our focus is solely on our Saviour. How humbled I am to think He came for me....

What a rat race......we celebrate many things. We even celebrate birthdays in such huge fashion...and the focus is on the person, not on the gifts! However, Christmas is turned upside down!! Christ seems almost an afterthought to many people!!

You must ask yourself, as I have done this year....is my focus on the Lord, and is my life and are my prayers reflective of that?

I am not saying to not enjoy family and friends --just make sure the Lord is at least recognized as the reason for this season of fun and fellowship!!

Blessings as you walk with Him today!!

Customer Service

2008-12-16T16:26:00.000-08:00

Is it me or has customer service gone down the drain???

Just today, the following things happened:

1. I called a store, and the phone rang at least twenty five times.

2. Recall - same problem

Then, I called a different store chain:

1. Got receptionist who could not direct me to the department I needed.

2. Got tech that gave me wrong info

3. Got two people on toll free number - one who actually looked up the problem
and started the process to resolve it!!

Went to Walmart...waited in a line...Customer Service Rep came to assist cashier and told me to change lines that the cashier was closed (HELLO??? I stood her for over five minutes for.......????)

Changed lines, cashier actually answered her cell as she was checking me out and talked via bluetooth!!

Went to another line to check out in a different department and they changed cashiers just before my turn....the man was older (aren't we all??), and moved SLOWLY>>>>>>>

Hello people ---it is just the Christmas season....Why are there not baggers or at least an assistant in each department!!!

Just an observation, but we are paying lots more for purchases this year than last.......fuel cost has gone down (which was the scape goat for price increases, but I have not noticed food cost decreasing!!)

Yes, I did tell them all to have a nice day!!!! (thank you Lord, that even though I was an hour behind before I got to the final point, I still could walk in the Spirit!!)

2008-12-12T17:21:00.000-08:00

Even when I am not good, God remains good, all the time!!

We as mere fleshly human beings cannot understand the holiness and forgiveness of a God who loves us. Sure, we forgive others, but often with hesitations and of course, we do not remove it from memory!! However, God loves me just the way I am, but loves me too much to leave me that way!!

He is constantly growing me and changing me and keeping me ont he upward path!!

My God is sooo great - and came to earth as a baby, just so He could accomplish His Father's will; all because we sin!!

A Name Above ALL Names

2008-12-09T04:59:00.000-08:00

Have you ever pondered the Word: Christ/and or JESUS?

And, what comes to mind???

Some Words I can think of are:

Holy, humble, grace, mercy, hope, love.......

And the list goes on...

May you think on all these as we enter the time of celebration of the Saviour's birth!!!

2008-12-06T19:49:00.001-08:00

I cannot believe how fast Christmas is coming!!!

And, no, for the first time in forever, I do not have a huge portion of my shoipping done....as a matter of fact, the only person I am totally finishned with is my Mother!! And, so you will not think I am a slacker, I am close to being finished with the granddaughters!! Now, their parents are another story!! And, I have a little something for my girls. And, I do have a little something for #3. Nothing for DH yet, though!! And, to tell the truth, I would much rather not fight the crowds!!! I have ordered a couple of things offline, but still need several gifts I have been unable to locate!!! ARGH!!! However, I know the presents do not the purpose for the holiday make!!

I love Christmas music!! We can be heard listening to it in July---don't laugh--you have heard of Christmas in July!!

I am so excited to reread the Christmas story....I love how God chose to send His son!! I love the lights tht remind me of hope in a dark world!! I love trees, because even the most simple one has a beauty to it!

Look for people to share at least a verse with...I was blessed to share salvation verses with someone yesterday. My job was to plant the seed....Godm sill use others to water, but I know that person is watching the walk of my family and me as they know we are Christians!! And, God knows we are not perfect ---

May your thoughts and heart be turned to the Saviour ---"born to die" for me and for you!!

2008-11-30T04:23:00.000-08:00

Well, to catch up a little:

We had Thanksgiving as a family with everyone on Thursday at my son's home. Yes, way too much food, but lots of fun and laughs and good times.

I had wondered while ironing my pants to go if the "X" on the backside that seemingly would not iron out was indicative of where the meal was to rest on my body!!

Yesterday, the boys took a day out on the boat and the girls took a day to Mount Dora!! Yay!! We had alot of fun---#4, #5, my niece and DIL and me!! There was a large group of people in the town, however, for some special occasion (never figured it out).....and believe it or not, a group of motorcyclists from Tampa!!LOL

#4 was able to find jewelry displays for her wares and we got a notepad for a friend for Christmas. And oh, yeah, we had lunch. Mine was a wheat wrap with turkey and cranberries with sweet potato fries on the side!

Well, this Thanksgiving I am thankful for grace and mercy and the faithfulness of our Father. Yes, I am reminded daily that I do not deserve my salvation nor any of the graces offered by my heavenly Father!! I will strive, however a day at a time to be His child in whom He is well pleased!!

To you, all my friends, thanks for being there , commenting along this journey and for writing your thought to encourage me!!

Sufficient

2008-11-18T19:22:00.000-08:00

I am reminded of the children's song:"
My God is so great, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do."

I have led many groups of children as they sang this. It strikes me that they can know the song, but until God allows a bump in the road, they cannot know the greatness of our Lord!!You have to be at a dead end before God shows you a new way to turn....at the feeling of hopelessness when He shows you hope; and to get up each day with adversity about you for you to feel grace!! Then in my weakness, He makes me strong!!

We have had a lot of dead ends recently, but God is bringing us through!! And when all was lost, hope sprang eternal, and God alone provided a way for us to keep on keeping on!!God has blessed us with some work, the girls have some piano students, and a regular well paying babysitting job. We picked up an office cleaning job, too!! Busy , yes, but it is for such a time as this!!

God has been talking to me through His word. Funny how you can find things speaking to you for your situation that day in Psalms and Proverbs!! Also, while in Corinthians, God impressed me to be a servant above all!! And to give....we need to give to those planting churches as well as on the mission field. You cannot out give God!! Remember it is because of God we have ANYTHING!!

Are you leading others by your testimony and actions?? I weigh this constantly. I am not always tempered in my actions, and must rely on God's grace to get me through the moment.

I have not been blogging, not because I lost hope, I just felt I had nothing to say at that time!!

Thanks for sharing your walk of faith also!!

Fear

2008-10-19T15:41:00.001-07:00

Have you ever been in the grip of fear and believed that God had left you? How about turned His face away because of your actions?

Psalms - Chapter 42

1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
2My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
3My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where [is] thy God?
4When I remember these [things], I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
5Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and [why] art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him [for] the help of his countenance.
6O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.
7Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.
8[Yet] the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song [shall be] with me, [and] my prayer unto the God of my life.
9I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
10[As] with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where [is] thy God?
11Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God.

How quickly we fee alone.....but as the psalmist questions why he was maybe depressed---
In verse 8 we see that in the night a song is given....often depressed persons find it hard to sleep, and the mind can go wild at all hours!! But, God giveth a song, and shows His love all day long!

Where joy, peaace. comfort and wisdom is, God is there!!

May you find that which you seek---the love of God!

Concert

2008-10-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

WOW!!!

The concert....8 hands on four pianos, eight pianists, and then them ALL playing the finale...and encore!!!!

Oh, yeah for the encore, they donned sunglasses (all 8) and played Mission Impossible!!) WAY COOL!

And, the hymn arrangements gave goosebumps!! What a testimony of God-given talent!!

What an awesome blessing!!!! And, there is a testimony and literature for salvation in the program!!

And, I had six girls and myself. Six Christian teens who love the Lord and seek to honor Him in their lives and deeds! Their chatter was music to my ears. They all loved the concert!!

Oh, yes, Marble Slab afterwards was not too bad, either!! We watched the Bay and had a fountain we sat around....a cool sea breeze. O What A Night!

2008-10-14T06:48:00.001-07:00

Now that you are off the floor because I posted, thanks for stopping by still.

Some would look at our lives right n0w and believe it is upside down, however, I prefer to believe we are in transition....things are changin. I only have one homeschooler in my home after 22 years of homeschooling!! My next to youngest is teaching paino and has a couple of home businesses. #5 also teaches one student and helps in the business. We are praying for more students and sales.

God has provided for us abundantly for thirty years, and I believe He will never leave us. Right now, the housing and commercial building industries are SLOW....the slowest ever!! And, my husband happens to have a job related to that induesty! So, our times are in our Lord's hands!!

We still have two weddings left in this year, and one is in thirty days, so we will be quite busy from here on out...

We also are diversifying and trying to get a home party system going. Pray for our endeavors that they are what God wants.

We have been given tickets to a piano concert tonight---eight hands, four Steinways....I cannot imagine...we are excited and thankful for the opportunity.

Random Day

2008-09-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I apologize for my lack of posting---I have been on this page at least twenty times, but maybe it is writers block or maybe my excitedness just is not exciting!!!

I do, however, follow your blogs!!

Today has been a different day....I started it by reading a card from my favorite aunt and uncle---they are so godly and encouraging....then came one from my Mother, one from my oldest brother, one from my oldest sister, one from my next sister and brother in law. Then, there was a call from my next oldest sister, my oldest sister, and my younger sister, then my next to youngest brother. Then followed my granddaughter singing to me ---I love her laughter and telling me she loves me!!! No, I have not lost my mind, but this was a day more different than I can remember....today is my birthday..I do not like to celebrate it big...I am just not like that!! However, my siblings (except sister and brother in law) rarely call!!(BTW, I have two more brothers, too) So, it is weird to have them all call in one day!! (P.S My Mother just called, too!!) (Plus #3 told me a bunch of times "Happy Birthday" before he went to work!!)

My daughters took me to lunch at a Greek restaurant and then we had pedicures---relaxing time!!(Right now they are practicing piano for a wedding tomorrow-- a BEAUTIFUL serenade!!

Each year I realize some things are not worth dwelling on, some things, you just let go and move on ! You must see just what is important and what your passion is!! Also, realize that those things you pour yourself into have a higher yield!! (like your children!!) Life , or should I say the Lord has a way of changing your direction when you least expect it....

I have an acquaintance that is close to my age that posted online that she was busy trying to find out what her purpose on this earth is!!????????? Does not God tell us to tell others the reason for our hope, and to work, for the day is coming....Yes, my salvation at age 9 assures me I AM GOING TO HEAVEN, and that noone can change that!!! My hope is in the Lord!!

I would be amiss to not thank each and every one of you that I know and that blogs your life for me to read, a BIG THANK YOU!! You have given me laughter and different perspectives by putting your life out there!! I am grateful to sit and read your online journals!!! I do pray for you and your lives, and that is a privilege.

No, I am not where I can or will be ....nor am I totally what God wants me to be , but I am a work in progress!!

May you be blessed today, also!!

stumbling blocks??

2008-09-13T08:06:00.000-07:00

Brick walls show how dedicated

you are!

2008-09-05T06:16:00.000-07:00

Do you have any idea what a blind rooster is?

It is one that cannot tell light from dark.

Well, we are blessed to have one living in close proximity to our home. He crows at 3, 4 and 6 AM. He crows at 4 in the afternoon, as well as 6 P.M.

He crows as the sun sinks on the horizon.

He crows when it is high noon.

The only time I do not hear him is when it is storming...

He may be crowing then, but I cannot hear for the thunder and lightning.

Maybe the problem is mine and my insomnia some nights!!

Crazy Observation

2008-09-03T04:33:00.000-07:00

You know my quirks and how I see things that others do not, so...

When we arrived back from vacation, as I walked toward the porch, there was something sticking out of the sand. It was light brown, and partially uncovered. When I brushed the sand away, I noticed it was a part of a shingle from our old roof. Yep, the one that had been there 23 years that we replaced last year! That's not all....it was shaped like a heart ! I guess as we unloaded the car, I put it on the back of the car so I could use both hands to carry something inside. Well, I forgot about it!!

That was until TUESDAY (we got home on Saturday)...we had driven to church and a restaurant across town with the family, back home, D & S had taken the car into Tampa to visit friends, and then to Inverness, and then on Monday, we took them to the airport and home, (mind you, loading and unloading luggage). Well, on Tuesday, when I went for groceries, and was putting them in the back, there was the heart still on the runner on the back of the car....unphased by the travels!!

Yep, it is now inside, as a reminder that 24 years ago, we built this home and lots of love (and tears) have grown our home, and we have weathered alot of travels and involved family and friends, but the heart is still there....at home...!!

HOME IS WHERE YOUR STORY BEGINS!!

REPENTANCE----how does it look???

2008-08-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, I apologize---I have been here many times, but unable to write what I was internalizing!!

Guess my biggest thoughts recently have been about repentance.

WHAT DOES REPENTANCE LOOK LIKE IN MY LIFE??

You know, when children are small, they usually apologize with a "sorry!"....but one who truly is sorry shares a hug or a tear along with that "apology".

We as adults think we can preface an apology with "If I have somehow offended you, then....."
We should just say "I realize I have offended you,please accept my apology AND forgive me!!"

Thus our stance before a HOLY God......we offend in so many ways, but do not repent (or turn away ) from this pattern of behaviour! We must recognize our position before a God who is both righteous and holy. And, He has expectations from His children, whom He purchased with His blood. Our lives and actions as well as our dress and our lack of time with our Lord only reflect our lack of turning away from ourselves.

God had alot to say to the Corinthian church about their lack of repentance, attitudes, and goings on in the church....check it out!! He oversaw the authorship of a couple of books pertaining to this matter........HMMMM must have been important, and oh yes, still relevant for today!!

Gifts from the Heart

2008-08-01T07:38:00.001-07:00

According to legend, a young man while roaming the desert came across a spring of delicious crystal-clear water. The water was so sweet he filled his leather canteen so he could bring some back to a tribal elder who had been his teacher. After a four-day journey he presented the water to the old man who took a deep drink, smiled warmly and thanked his student lavishly for the sweet water. The young man returned to his village with a happy heart.

Later, the teacher let another student taste the water. He spat it out, saying it was awful. It apparently had become stale because of the old leather container. The student challenged his teacher: "Master, the water was foul. Why did you pretend to like it?"
The teacher replied, "You only tasted the water. I tasted the gift. The water was simply the container for an act of loving-kindness and nothing could be sweeter. Heartfelt gifts deserve the return gift of gratitude."

I think we understand this lesson best when we receive innocent gifts of love from young children. Whether it's a ceramic tray or a macaroni bracelet, the natural and proper response is appreciation and expressed thankfulness because we love the idea within the gift.
Gratitude doesn't always come naturally. Unfortunately, most children and many adults value only the thing given rather than the feeling embodied in it. We should remind ourselves and teach our children about the beauty and purity of feelings and expressions of gratitude. After all, gifts from the heart are really gifts of the heart.

Michael Josephson

WHAT IS YOUR GRATITUDE QUOTIENT????

My God

2008-07-31T17:40:00.001-07:00

God never ceases to amaze me!!

His grace is sufficient for me for the moment I need it.

His peace encompasses me.

His love envelopes me---

His Holy Spirit reassures me---when I am in doubt or feel alone.

His angels surround me and make me aware that I can do all things through HIM. I have more strength and stamina and feel a cal presence in the midst of it all.

Jesus blood constantly is washing me....knowing my sin grieves a Holy God...but I am as white as snow because He paid the debt I could not pay.

God puts a song in my heart, and when the days are dark and dreary, I have joy because He give me a song!!

He sends me friends---some I know, some I do not, just to show me He provides a family for me that knows him and can share my joys and goals.

He intercedes for me.....and I know His children do that for me in prayer, and I am soo privileged to also lift them up in prayer, too!!

GOD IS THERE........

Life

2008-07-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

We make a living by what we get

But, we make a life by

what we give.

Winston Churchill

2008-07-18T17:19:00.000-07:00

Due to rising energy costs,

The light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off!

Karen Linamen

My God

2008-07-13T04:14:00.000-07:00

My God is The Voice:

* The voice that says, Peace be still

* The voice that calms the storm and wind and waves

* The voice that calms my anxious soul

* The voice that beckons me to "Carry on"

* The voice that draws me to His side for peace and comfort

* The voice that says "Come, I forgive you" when I have sinned against Him

* The voice that commands the sun to shine ---even when it seems the darkest

* The voice that gives that deep peace and hope that confounds mankind

Listen for that voice in your soul!!

PATRIOTISM

2008-07-08T10:23:00.000-07:00

One other observation:

The communities are patriotic!! A troop was returning from a stint in Iraq, and THOUSANDS of people waited for hours just to greet them!! Not just friends and relative, but community!!
It was THEIR Soldiers who had been fighting. A local journalist waited ALL DAY at the facility (in a rural area) not just interviewing and adding the personal side of the return, but updated every hours or so by contacting the buses hauling them home!!

Everyone was bedecked in red, white and blue and waving flags.

And, they did it with pride or our Free nation and offered prayers of thankfulness for their safety and return!!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

A TRIP BACK IN TIME

2008-07-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

I observed and learned a few things while on the road again:

People are nicer in the south!!

Never overlook a time to greet a person at the drive through window (even on the road)....engage and ask how they are and of course, be gracious!!! You never know whose life needs some encouragement at that moment!!!

Family is everything, and sacrifice for them is nothing compared to the bond you have for a lifetime....quirks and all!!

Neighbors need to be uplifted, too!! That support system may be the only one they have in this life, even if they do have friends and family in the area!! this speaks volumes!! A meal, some freshly baked cookies, a pot of soup.......do not let the opportunity pass you by!!

Attend a little league game or a high school football , basketball, or baseball or soccer game.....
AMAZING the nice people you meet there.....just to be an encouragement to a younger person...winning or losing a game!!! Encouragement is not soon forgotten in the lives of our young people!!

Also, a word of correction in a calm manner goes farther with a younger person than a yell and frustration!! (and if deepens your relationship with them)

You may have to become the parent of a parent one day....a simple arrow prayer as you attend to them helps to soothe difficult situations. Your inconvenience brings them hours of fond memories .....even just a car ride is a great outing for them!! (Make sure there are ALWAYS bathrooms in the area......)

Even the most backward acting---not very eye pleasing- person has a heart, and often is just waiting to jump at the chance to serve you or to share a precious memory with you---do not overlook them for fear of who they are!!

True Chrisitians can be found anywhere---seeking God and to serve Him, and your heart can be blessed if you inconvenience yourself to worship with them on their turf.......(of course likeminded worship is good......but a little different is uplifting).

Friends are there---no matter the distance or the time....praying for you and your endeavors....and you know that is what sees you through!!!

Home agian, Home again!!

2008-07-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it has been over a month since I posted!!

Since then:

My grandaughter turned one year old and had a party....

My kids gave us a surprise 30th anniversary party.....

#2 and wife came for the weekend.....(SURPRISE!!)

The girls and I went to camp for one day to surprise their friend for her 18th birthday, and we helped for the day....

We spent a day and night in Brevard to visit friends from VA that were already there...

We shopped in our favorite antique store, toy store and ate at our fave soda fountain....

Spent a few days in TN doing touristy things ....the grils got to visit a caverns...

Saw our "new friend" from Belgium....who works in the best southern restaurant!!!.....

Went to a baseball game......

Went to our first auction.....

Of course the highlight is THE WILDS!!!

Missed yall.....read posts once.....prayed often!!

Camp is coming

2008-06-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

It is once again time for camp. (23rd)

We first will go to visit Mother and family in TN. (17th) for a few days.

Please pray as we make preparations and get the car ready (urgh!!) for travel. Also, this will be the first time I cannot stay at the campsite, so I will be traveling back across the mountain to Tn for the week. Pray for safety for the girls at this time and for their spiritual growth and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Also, that I might also be spiritually revived!!

Thanks my friends for caring enough to pray!!

Introspect

2008-06-03T06:15:00.000-07:00

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."

Robert Louis Stevenson1850-1895, Essayist, Poet and Novelist

MEMORIALS

2008-05-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

Today, I know of six families at least that are active military...

We also know several others that we attended church with who are still active duty.

Most are young (early twenties).....most have young families and their even younger wives are here at home with them away in war ravaged countries. Some have been to those countries several times...

One is finishing up boot camp....after pursuing a masters degree....

One mother lamented that he was going to war again in the fall...she was praying against his return...

A couple are chaplains---one going to war soon and the other here giving hope to those returning with issues and those families who lose loved ones....(these are thirty- something in age)Yes, they have families, too!

Most have families that are away from them, living in a far away state---their military family is their immediate support.

However, in all these cases, they have one thing in common---they love the Lord and look to Jesus for their life and support!!

God bless these men for serving....and giving....

TODAY I WILL AKE A DIFFERENCE

2008-05-26T08:45:00.000-07:00

Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of their thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.

I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.

I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It's OK to stumble - I will get up. It's OK to fail - I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.

I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.

Today I will make a difference.
Max Lucado

Delight and Commit

2008-05-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

I know that we all have heard this verse, repeated it to others, and even claimed it!!

But, have we used it in the right context? Have we used it as our laundry list for God...

"You see, God, I am doing good, so give me ................(fill in your blanks)..."Do we only Expect things of God, rather that giving 100%, we do the obligatory rather than the hard things just to get by!!

However, the first part of the verse commands: Delight yourself in the Lord---this not only means to be a Christian, but to have joy in the Lord.The Old Testament. Two of the most common Hebrew terms for delight are hepes [,pej], "to bend towards, to be inclined towards [an object or person], " and rasa [h'x'r], "to delight or take pleasure in."
God delights in the obedience of his children more than in sacrifices (1 Sam 15:22). Obedience to his commands so pleases God that he will prosper his people as they walk in his way.

I may be way off key, but I believe that one must find joy and contentment in the Lord, and Him alone and then, he causes us to have the desires of our hearts. (do we not often find once we get the desires of our heart it is not as we envisioned it to be??) God wants all our actions to be inclined to Him -FOR HIS GLORY!!

WE WOULD BE AMISS TO EXCLUDE THE FOLLOWING VERSE:

5: Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

If you commit, you have a 'contract' to perform as you have promised!! But, friends, sin enters daily, and we get to busy to give God His due!! He who is our reason for living surely deserves first place on our priority list.....when we trust and walk in Him, HE give us the answers and provides....

As long as we work on life's issues by ourselves, they will never work......I also believe we cannot help others God puts in our way unless we first are committed to delight ourselves in Him alone!!

Our words are void unless we put them into action!

MY GOD

2008-05-10T19:45:00.000-07:00

MY GOD CARES

We all can repeat the verse "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you"..

But, do you truly trust Him with the "little" things?? Do you believe He can take care of them...I sure am guilty of feeling I should not "bother" God with the little things, but this is how total dependence comes through trust!!

Another song comes to mind:
Cast thy burden upon the Lord
Cast thy burden upon the Lord
He will not fail you, He'll walk beside you
He'll even carry you, and sustain you...

You see there is a verse that precedes the well-known one:
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of
God, that He may exalt you in due time.Casting all your care upon Him for He careth for you."
I Peter 5:6,7

Get busy casting...and quite working things out in your flesh (yes, I address myself here also!)

PRAYER

2008-04-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

WHY PRAY??? Because Prayer brings POWER!!

1. To get help in the time of need...............Heb. 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly before the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace in the time of need.

2. To gain forgiveness of sin...............I John 1:9
If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

3. For spiritual strength......................Luke 8:16
No man, when he hath lighted a candle covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed, but setteth it upon a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

4. It makes God more real to the believer..........James 4:8
Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you ......

5. It brings joy..........................Psalm 16:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life; in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

6. It is God's way for providing for our needs............Matthew 7:7
Ask and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.

7. It is God's cure for worry and it is commanded ........Phillipians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.

Without HIM I Could do Nothing

2008-04-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder why God puts some people in your lives, or certain ones to cross your mind or path at random times?? I believe that He does that because at that time we would be the best person to pray for them and encourage them!!

I also believe that He wants us to direct people back to Him. I do have friends that have gone for years without gracing the doors of a church and then cannot figure out why their lives are such a dead end when they have not fellowshipped with Christians, and worked out situations in their own power, and have never even tithed to the church and wonder why their money goes.....and even their health!!

I want to say "How can you expect God to bless you when you have spiraled into a deep hole, and you do not even give Him lip service except an occational prayer when you are in a bind????????"

I personally CANNOT DO WITHOUT GOD IN MY LIFE---I am nothing and neither does my life amount to anything aside from my walk and communion with my Lord!!

How long can people beat their head against the wall and not figure that God does require something of them as His child?? they were bought with a price......

SMILE-LOL

2008-04-20T14:14:00.001-07:00

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter" e.e. cummings

MY GOD

2008-04-17T04:52:00.000-07:00

MY GOD IS MUSIC AND SONG:

A few years ago, I was confined to bed for a period of time. All I had was my radio that occasionally would pick up Chuck Swindoll and James MacArthur. I cherished those messages.
But, the thing I missed most was music in my home. Yep, through all those piano, violin, mandolin and banjo lessons, and my DH's guitar and trumpet, I LONGED TO HEAR THAT. Hymns, arrangements.....Christ honoring music!! It could have filled every minute of every day.

You see, I cannot read music....I can force myself after a time to guess a note, but cannot read it!!
I hear the music and am able to sing it and by ear I play a few songs n the piano. But, I love to have a song in my heart....

A person long ago said when you cannot remember a Bible verse (Satan is always busy trying to help us forget!!), then to recall songs....and God can give you joy in the midst of your day.

For the song and music in my heart put there by our Lord, I am forever thankful!!

MY GOD

2008-04-16T18:27:00.000-07:00

My God is........HOPE!

A lost and dying world often has no desire to awaken each morning for lack of hope. This an addicted society searching for hope in many ways...drugs, alcohol, perversions...

However, I face each day knowing because of HIM, I can face that day, the task, and with HIS help can work through things a step at a time. HIS GRACE gives me my stick-to-it-ness!

I must depend on him, as he will let me try to do things on my own and face them within myself but I truly want the outcome HE gives, as His ways are above mine.

EPH 3:30
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

HOw much better God's grace for my day to day life------without HIM I can do nothing; without HIM I'd surely fail.

JESUS....there is just something about that name.....

Parenting Again!

2008-04-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

I have become a Mommy again--

to a six week old little girl!!

She is ADORABLE----(and this is my DH's description when begging to bring her home!!)

She was abandoned...and found alongside a busy highway! He called several times to convince me just how adorable she was!!

In case you have not figured it out, she is a kitten...her name is Reese...she is black and white with tawny spots on her feet, above her eye and her head....her paws are white....she has light green eyes...she is a baby....she loves to play until she drops....she of course has toys and we even bathed her (she did not smell so cute when she arrived here!!) She is potty training , however, and one of of three times finds a place other than the litter box to go.....D#2 suggested diapers!! And, yesterday, that did not sound too bad to me, either....

She sleeps all night segregated, and loved to come and curl up at various times with a little meow and then purring as you caress her!!

We believed she lived in a home, as she wanted in immediately, and she must have pottied in a cardboard box..... she is healthy ....

So, if you think pf me, pray I do not tire of the mess....it can ruin dinner!!!

MY GOD

2008-04-09T18:45:00.001-07:00

My GOD CAN....

HE can set a table in the wilderness.....

HE can change the hearts of kings.....

HE can calm a violent storm, or even cause hte winds to howl....

HE can provide miracles, which seem so distant a prayer from our lips....

HE can lighten loads we were never meant to carry....

HE can........(you fill in the blanks)

I am reminded of that gospel song.....Can HE, Could HE, would HE , did HE....
can HE could HE would he , yes He can He could HE would and HE did!

MY GOD

2008-04-08T19:39:00.000-07:00

My GOD is KING OF KINGS...

Much attention is given to those with wealth or fame here on earth, but I am the daughter

of a KING who is the RULER of the earth......He is rich and owns the cattle on a thousand hills..

Even earthly kings will bow to HIM, evn if they refuse to acknowlege HIM here...

Because, HE IS RULER OF ALL!!
"The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof !!"

BUNNY TRAIL

2008-04-07T05:27:00.001-07:00

Me, I live on bunny trails........

My thoughts are interrupted or I think of something because of another thought!!

We spent last week serving at camp. It was a special needs camp......there were some less needy in the families, and #4 and #5 were blessed to work with them in the mornings. They gave their hearts and energy and God blessed them......they expected nothing ad were blessed with memories and relationships and also unexpectedly rewarded monetarily!!! God is in the blessing business!!

We were blessed to have a nice RV to stay in that belonged to my niece and her husband. I received a gift card to a restaurant from the retreat staff, which I passed along to them, and were able to bless them.....they delivered and set up the home and returned to take it down and transport back here....they sure are sweet!!

The parents took up a love offering for kitchen staff, and I received some cash...about enough to pay gas....which has NEVER happened before---you see, I do this for the Lord...not Pat, not my friends, but because I am blessed to meet these families and pray for them and their children!!
Most of you know how my heart for kids is!! We never expected to receive anything but our meals for the week and to gain some new "friends" along the way, and to enjoy the fellowship of our friends who live and work there!!

Yes, there were several of the kids I could have brought home...they were adorable!! But many of them smile on the outside, and have an anger inside that can cause destruction of home, family and life. This was unique because there were very young (3) up to maybe aged 14! But God is in the miracle business and HE can change hearts and minds and homes, and offer HOPE....

Oh yes, this is our 4th year of doing this!!

MY GOD

2008-04-07T05:24:00.000-07:00

My GOD is Life.......

He gives life to guide in a very dismal and darkened world.

His life is the ultimate example for us,

He gives us life to feel we can conquer, stpe, walk or even crawl....toward HIM......because HE can reenergize that life in us!!

Feel alive in HIM...........

MY GOD

2008-04-06T14:11:00.001-07:00

My GOD is patient:

I want an answer when I want it, and thus my circumstances affect my attitude.

If I am in a rut or a hole, often, my diligence in Bible Study and Devotions are more lax and

I find myself not "praying without ceasing"(ie prayerful in all things at all times).

However, my GOD waits, and gently draws me when I approach HIM.

You see, HE is there watching me move away, or continuing in a sin or transgression, but HE

lovingly waits on me to realize where I need to be....close to HIM.

Oh, that this trait would be reflected in those about me in my own life!!

MY GOD

2008-03-29T16:03:00.000-07:00

My GOD is all powerful---

He not only creates the storm, he can stop it or make it rage...

He makes a rainbow during or after the rain for us to see and enjoy, but also as a promise,

He makes the sun shine and the moon to shine.....

He created man, and through the miracle of conception and birth can allow a mother's body to function just as it should while supporting the growing baby!

He can forgive and forget my sin----I struggle with forgiveness and forgetting!

This is the tip of the iceberg for God's power....explore and observe for your own enlightment!!

My GOD

2008-03-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

My GOD is longsuffering.....

Do you ever repeat the same sins over and over....confess and repeat....

God is there, waiting and forgiving over and over....and waiting!!

My GOD

2008-03-27T07:01:00.001-07:00

MY GOD IS FAITHFUL

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. “
Jeremiah 29: 11-13

MY GOD IS..

2008-03-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

My GOD is HOLY.......

my utmost reverence is due Him.....and in my life , I must know my position before a Holy God! I am truly humbled to think I can have a Father that is unlike any other.......

MY GOD IS

2008-03-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

My God is all-knowing!

He knows my heart, my hurts, my dreams and goals, my NEEDS........

After all, HE created me!!

JOHN 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made."

MY GOD

2008-03-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

MY GOD IS LIFE....

"And that HE was buried and HE rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures"
I Corinthians 15:4

He came that we might have life -----and He died on the cross so I may have life through Him!! All that witnessed His life knew he was sinless (as evidenced over and over in the Word!)

This Ressurrection Day, may you realize He is no common god, but the ONLY one who can rise from death to give live!!

May you find life because He lives!

MY GOD

2008-03-22T06:11:00.000-07:00

My GOD is ...Strength

When we often reach the end of our rope or the road, HE IS THERE.....to carry our burden or

to give us a new perspective or just enough inner strength to take

one.....more....step.....

Character

2008-03-22T06:09:00.000-07:00

The Nature of Character
Abraham Lincoln was very concerned with character, but he was also aware of the importance of having a good reputation. He explained the difference this way: "Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing."
Put another way, your reputation is what people think of you. Your character is what you actually are.
In a world preoccupied with image, it's easy to worry too much about our reputation and too little about our character. Building a reputation is largely a public-relations project; building character requires us to focus on our values and actions. Noble rhetoric and good intentions aren't enough.
What we're looking for is moral strength based on ethical principles. Character is revealed by actions, not words, especially when there's a gap between what we want to do and what we should do and when doing the right thing costs more than we want to pay.
Our character is revealed by how we deal with pressures and temptations. But it's also disclosed by everyday actions, including what we say and do when we think no one is looking and we won't get caught.
The way we treat people we think can't help or hurt us (like housekeepers, waiters, and secretaries), tells more about our character than how we treat people we think are important. People who are honest, kind, and fair only when there's something to gain shouldn't be confused with people of real character who demonstrate these qualities habitually, under all circumstances.

Character is not a fancy coat we put on for show. It's who we really are.

....(a little sidetrack from CHARACTER COUNTS.....and this is one of the reasons I homeschool my children---for them to have character and to THINK...)

MY GOD

2008-03-20T05:57:00.000-07:00

My God is FORGIVENESS...

I mess up DAILY!!! But, God forgives me....

MY GOD IS LIFE......

He was my substitute on the cross when the penalty of my sin was paid for....
A common God or man could not have done that!!

MY GOD

2008-03-19T17:45:00.000-07:00

My God is GRACE....

to take the next step in life or to see me through the darkest hour!!

He only gives me grace for my life---noone else's or their trials!!

MY GOD

2008-03-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

My God is sovereign....He has a plan for me and my life.

One word to say what my God is: HOPE

Another one: FAITHFUL

Jesus said: I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH and THE LIFE, noone cometh unto the father but by ME. John 14:6

WHO IS GOD??

2008-03-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT YOUR GOD?

Do you know the verses that you could share with someone to explain His Deity?

What is one thing (one word) God is to you?

Off and Running

2008-03-03T18:13:00.000-08:00

WE are back full swing to "normal" life.

If you consider babysitting one day (which involved a trip to the mall for Allison to get sutures at Build a Bear,lunch out with Emma, a trip to the bead store, and Wal Mart, brunch out with friends, a pedicure , and dinner at the Spaghetti Warehouse--and my next to youngest birthday--it is hard to imagine she is 18!!!! Oh, and by the way, this all took place Friday and Saturday!!
We were exhausted yesterday!!! And today, there was Chem class (after a long morning or mopping the kitchen and hall, and laundry , some cleaning, feeding the cat (stray), making a salad for lunch, getting dressed to go out, Sam's Club, Allstate and Publix, and home to finish up dinner. Wow, I am tired just writing it...oh yes, I watered the plants today and got in devotions and exercise!! Oh, and the family played Jeopardy together for prime time tonite!!

Tomorrow, we have piano at CCC, and a friend's sons' baseball game in the afternoon.(sans rain)

My Mother received about 30 cards from friends---what a blessing for her 80th birthday!!

The Lord is reminding me to look for His presence all the time...

GUESS

2008-02-25T07:14:00.000-08:00

WHAT DO:

SNOW,11 dogs, one cat, fuzzy calves, southern drawl,gemstone jewelry and badge holders,FOOD, Apples to Apples,UNO, four restaurants, three flea market booths, six Dr. appointments, a birthday, two sisters, two nieces, a brother-in-law, a nephew by marriage, two great nephews, a great niece, basketball, baseball, and Italian and a Belgian, a tea house,and Aunt, a christian college,a hospital a set of twins a four year old, piano and violin lessons, another Grandma, a friend, five more puppies and mountains have in common????Oh, and a daily does of Super Wal -Mart!!! ---antique stores, a toy store, and a favorite sandwich shop-have in common????

Well, you guessed it right!!! We girls drove to Tennessee.....we had fun, but one knows when it is time to return home!!!!

Thanks to those of you who sent the birthday cards to my Mother (she turned 80 on Saturday)
She has had a lovely week of surprises and fun as well as memories!

Antique stores, toy stores and the sandwich shop are all places we visited on the way home for our debriefing!! (***SMILES***)

At any given time 13 of those people and 6 dogs and one cat may have been in the same house together!! (YIKES!!)

ONE LAST COMMENT---if you have NEVER played apples to Apples, get the game and get ready to laugh until , well, you know, your giggle box makes your sides hurt!!

If you have questions, please ask!! I will explain....

GOD IS THERE........

2008-02-11T04:27:00.000-08:00

Some of you know that I have been praying about a visit to my Mother this week. The girls and I have been tring to make money with our home industries....and God has blessed. We are leaving Wednesday!!PTL...

Now, for God's provision.......I took the car in to be serviced on Sat. I had a coupon...you know me.....#1... they were surprised, b/c they had not seen any .#2... it was a FABULOUSLY CHEAP DEAL!!!.....well, after two hours, I notice a small statured young man with blue gloves on waiting to see my service writer (had a feeling about his presence out there!!)....to which I was called to the counter as soon as he returned to the repair area. You see, I got an oil change, air filter, tire rotation, all fluids topped off, a new fuel filter, and ........WELL, the fella was the mechanic who broke a clip taking off the fuel filter, and the WHOLE line has to be replaced now (ALL THEIR COST---but cannot be ordered until this morning and not installed before maybe Wednesday if shipped in a timely manner!!)....SO, I ended up with a new rental car, which has been okayed for our trip ----which uses less gas than ours, and is NEW---now I am not complaining about mine--we love its comfort and size and all that, but GOD HAD A PLAN. It will also be easier for my Mother to get in and out of!! It IS NOT as comfortable, so please pray for my back to hold up, but I am SOOO thankful---and the dealership is treating us!! (SMILES).....not bad for a $90 investment!!! I admit I had a shocked look on my face....but was also in awe at the same time, b/c I was praying for God's plan in all this!!

Yes, we know it is colder there, and yes, we do have warmer clothes, and yes, we do have a plan !!! So for those who contributed and those who are praying ---thank you from the bottom of my heart ----Mother will be 80 on the 23rd......I am asking friends to send her cards, which will be sunshine to her as she has been in for a while now as the weather is COLD (however, it was 70 degrees one day las week -----does it ring true---"Ye shall not know the seasons??)
I know she will be happy to see us, and that will be a blessing!!

My exhortment to you is to not see obstacles, but to see the hand of God as HE works out the details of your life!!

2008-02-08T17:54:00.000-08:00

SOMETIMES

GOD CALMS THE STORM

AND SOMETIMES

GOD CALMS HIS CHILD

AND LETS THE STORM RAGE

PUNXSUTAWNEY

2008-02-02T07:54:00.000-08:00

HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY!! Now, have you ever wondered exactly what a shadow can do to tell you weather for six weeks?? Now, let's get real!! Meterologists cannot even tell us weekly....sometimes even day-to-day!!! Just thought I would throw that in there!!

We are just chillin today!! Having a girl's day in....Dad has a birthdya tomorrow!!

Things at our house are keeping us in the praying and planning mode!!
Need to continue praying about visiting my Mom....her 80th birthday is February 23rd. I would have to go the week before!! (Aaron's birthday is that day, too!) Right now the expense would be great and we would need to have a slight auto repair!

The Lord has provided a wedding for us to help with in March, as well as working at camp the following week. It is sooo fulfilling to help then (even though tired is a state of being!!0

Hopefully, we will do a tea in April or early May, which we ABSOLUTELY love to do!!! This will be for a small churhc in Tamps, which we did last year and thoroughly enjoyed!!

We have a wedding in September and then one in March....we have more responsibility in those two weddings. All three weddings and brides are different...FUN!!

Have a blessed Lord's Day!

HERE SHE IS

2008-01-26T21:03:00.000-08:00

Not bowing to pressure or anything---I have just tried to gather my thoughts to put them down!!

Let's see ---
Tonite I attended a "house blessing" for a friend's new house. There were seveal families there, and we had food (all Baptist eat when there is s gathering!!LOL), there was a short devotion, a couple of duets (including "God Bless Our Home"), and a dedication prayer....It was fun to see old friends and chat and also help celebrate this occasion!

Please pray for me as I have been asked to share witha class of college kids about homeschooling....All you who want can email me your thoughts the word "homeschooling " evokes! I have sooooomany verses that support what I do, and my calling!!

The girls and I had a great visit with Pam and Shane....they are such a joy to fellowship with....you must see Shane's dimples!!! And, he smiles all the time!! It is also good to see how Pam's arthritis is not crippling here and she has more mobility!!

Well, other than the fact that my granddaughters are not moving to Belgium, I guess that is all the news for now!!

Eternity

2008-01-14T03:43:00.000-08:00

Have you ever pondered ETERNITY?

When does eternity start? AT THE MOMENT YOU ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOUR!! .....I had never viewed it that way until yesterday when reading 2 Corinthians 4:18
"[18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Chapter five goes on to talk about our bodies, etc. and being clothed by God. Verse seven is:

"We walk by faith and not by sight" and then a couple of verses later:

9] Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

Have you ever thought of some of the things we would be doing if there were no eternal sight?

Maybe: not witnessing, not reading the Word, not teaching or telling others of the hope that is within you, spending ALL your time as you desire.....working or playing, not mindful of others,self centeredness, etc........

Sounds as though we are a lot like that anyway......not caring to look at our living for God, praising Him, glorifying Him, telling others, going or sending others in our place to spread the Word (Thank you, Rita and family, Jackie, Rebecca and others for going for us!!)....

IF I truly am clothed in righteousness, as a daughter of the King, I must serve my Lord and Saviour in the light of eternity as it is taking place.........N O W!

Looking

2008-01-03T16:41:00.000-08:00

It's easy to see the light but we need to value the darkness, too. There you will find the lost and lonely who are always left behind.

Anyone can find a rose in a field of dandelions, praise its beauty and bathein its perfume but who will see the value in what appears to be weeds?

We can celebrate the first one to cross the finish line, but who will see the magnificent effort of the one who finished last?

You can stand in awe of the master architects who built the Taj Mahal but who is moved by the maintenance workers who clean and shine it daily?

You can climb to the top of a mountain and pound your chest for having accomplished the feat. But who sees the miracle in the creation of both you and the mountain?

Yes, you are a total summation of all you believe, all you choose to see and all you don't.

Maybe God really gives us just one day to live, but many chances to see it differently.

What have you been missing?

copied from Bob Perks 1/03/08

If this is an indication!!

2008-01-02T04:49:00.000-08:00

Once again I am reminded that God indeed has a sense of humor!!

ON January 1st, the first day of a New Year, not only did I awaken with a slight headache (for which I took some extra sleep time in the afternoon), but my stove broke....yep, the error message scrolled across the display!! Now this is not the first time it happened, but it is the first time I have been unable to make it go off!! And, the funny part is, (Pam will love this), my black eyed peas were through cooking, but NOTHING ELSE....nothing to go with them!! Today, I may have to see how porkchops work in a slow cooker!! (I make me some other meat)...
I just have to be home to watch them! And, the girls and i are off to the funeral for Mrs. Dannie.

If this is an indication of the year to come (I thought last year had a lot of excitement), then I must employ some more seat belts for the ride!!

To you and yours , a most blessed day!!

JM's MEME

2008-01-01T15:03:00.000-08:00

My husband, the girls and I had a fun evening (NEW YEARS EVE).

Create in me a clean heart, O Saviour

As you know, I only have one computer to get on occasionally, thus my limited contact.

Life is GOOD!! (Do I sound schizophrenic???)

When your three year old granddaughter calls and shares her day, and says, "Grandma, I miss you!!" Then, you know it is time to go visit her, which I did the next day!

Today the girls and I are attending a wedding.

Hello, all!!I am at the WILDS along with about 1500 other people/campers/sponsors/and workers!!

Yes, I am home...., and my feet hit the ground working!!

WOW....it has been some time. We had no internet except at the hospital

What do chemistry, piano, math, speaking Spanish, word of the day and beads have in common?

Here is a pic of my son, and granddaughters.

Are you faithful to which you have been called?

(This, my fellow bloggers is the first sentence of each post of the month on my blog for 2007....
Blessings to you in 2008!)

Endings and Beginnings

2007-12-31T18:06:00.000-08:00

Who can believe that it is the very last day of the year!?!?!!?

I do remember many things that took place or happened in 2007, however, the rest of the year was a blur! What was I doing--what was I thinking? 365 days ---gone!

I do know many memorable things ---meeting my daughter in law and her family, MADDY GETTING SAVED AND ME CRYING SO HARD I COULD NOT SPEAK TO HER, a new granddaughter, camp and staying in the mountains with friends, son #2 getting married, a few weeks taking care of my Mother, sister and BIL, antiquing, learning to paint (craft type painting---), home renovations (cropping up out of disaster and three weeks of NO A/C in Florida)...a wedding of a dear friend,cleaning and painting for a visit with son#2 and DIL, and a great big family issue in there with the econlmy and building trade screeching slowly ...

All this made for an interesting year. Today, the girls and I had lunch in a small town and went to a couple of antique shops---good times. I also learned today that a dear Christian older lady who was the epitome of a Southern Belle ---graceful and stately....passed away. Her husband, amidst his health problems cared for her --she says he spoiled her. I am sure he now will be praying to go home. She was 91....a precious child safe and no longer suffering in her Father's arms---my family is blessed to know her!!

Now, for a new year---I pray my walk with the Lord is deepended each day, that my family seeks the Lord and to love and serve Him with their hearts, that I may be effective for Christ, and able to serve Him, and that above all we are true examples fo what Christ is!And last but not least, ever mindful of God's grace in my life.

May I be found faithful!

Blessings to you in 2008!!

Ordinary??

2007-12-26T07:58:00.000-08:00

You know, we each have an identity. That is who we are, and how others know us to be......most of us have a few unknown things about us, but as a whole and as Christians, we are identifiable!

Yesterday, we reflected on the birth of a King. Jesus Christ. King of the Jews.

A newborn baby.....

His mother was a virgin, and probably rejected and ridiculed. Pregnant sixteen year olds in that time was a thing of dishonor. Nowadays, it is accepted and publicized,not hidden, and almost a badge of honor. Joseph, her fiancee, was concerned---about his relationship with her and what others might say. He considered "hiding" her to overcome the comments and people. But even as young as they were, they chose to listen, believe and obey the message of the angels!!

Herod hated this baby that was "spoken about". He was the self proclaimed KING of the Jews!!
Thus his desire to kill the babies to get the right one!!

You see, Christ's life here was not any easy one---even those who knew Him rejected Him as who He was---the Saviour. He had siblings ---no doubt they were not all loving and kind nor believed Him. He was hated, rejected, abused, and unwanted by those He came to seek and to lead to salvation. His chosen ones, the disciples also were unbelieving to Him at times, and even did not choose to obey Him. He died a public humiliating death because of ME!!

But, He chose me.......

And His grace and mercy are alive in me. His death gave me eternal life ---and HOPE.

A sweet baby, held in His mother's arms....with all the needs of any other human newborn, infant, boy and man...suffering the same as you and I with friends, family, work, ministry,and life.

YET, so very different.

Eve of Chistmas

2007-12-24T04:44:00.000-08:00

We were at a friend's home yesterday and she always does such fun things to make any occasion fun. She asked us adults (6) including her husband what one special memorable Christmas we had. It was neat ---some childhood, some aduly memories.. What Fun !!

My Challenge to you---post a memorable Christmas anecdote on your blog. but let us know!! (like we won't check daily!!???)

Well, I am going to wrap some gifts today and bake some.....tomorrow we will go to #1's home for an early dinner.....he is cooking. I am supplementing! #2 and DIL are here....we are having a great time!! We had family pics on Saturday. Then, we went to Build a Bear....yep, the MALL (scary music)!!Yep, in and out of the mall in thirty minutes (three stores)!! But, aside from fun todya, we are just enjoying each other's company......DH and #2 and #3 may go to the mall (DH says it is tradition!!LOL)---

So, as you reflect on our Saviour's birth and the reason he had to come ---OUR SIN---have a thankful heart that you are His chosen child!! And, reflect on the specialness of His presence in your life and the blessings that relationship brings!!

TO YOU AND YOURS--

A MOST BLESSED CHRISTMAS!!

Faithfulness

2007-12-01T14:41:00.000-08:00

Are you faithful to which you have been called? I do not mean busy in the church, but just being a wife, Mom, sister, or friend??? And are you there fulfilling that position, even if you are too busy or you feel it does not need you or that you don't want to be bothered???

In the middle of the night (4:00 AM), these word rang in my head and heart:

Great is Thy faithfulness
O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not thy compassions they fail not.
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness
Lord unto me.

Will the Lord find us faithful? Aren't you glad He is always faithful, no matter how bad we feel or mess up or what IS going on around us????

Christmas Hope

2007-11-28T06:45:00.000-08:00

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!

Yep, the music, the decorations, the gifting, etc......

I love my house decorated for Christmas.

But, I do not get the tree up before early December.

And, I do but presents throughout the year (no lay-aways, just sales and mark-downs....or those deals too good to pass up!!)

But, I think we have rushed thanksgiving, to where we cannot focus on thankfulness and how truly blessed we are!! I mean decorations have been out since September in the stores!! Come on!!

And, I do believe our focus should still be thakfulness when Christams arrives....

The greatest gift and th egreatest story of ALL time!!

Our only way to salvation and an eternal hope!! JESUS CHRIST WAS BORN A BABY!!

Have you ever pondered just how Mary must ahve felt??? I know how I fell holding a baby---and carrying them prior to that time---WOW!!!

So, as you approach each day---consider the gift you have at your disposal, and TELL OTHERS---if only one a day---give the wrold your reason for hope!!!

Mom

2007-11-18T11:48:00.000-08:00

Found this old card with the following:

mom courage:

The mental, moral and physical strength needed to cope

with the comedy, tragedy, and the drama of family life.

Pray as you focus on thankfulness this week, and may you realize this highest calling God has given you!

Sieze the moment ---they pass way too fast!!

BE ALL GOD INTENDED YOU TO BE!

An Admonishment

2007-11-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

In lieu of the post by Jungle Mom, I read the following on a blogs, and it rings sooo true:

Here is a quote from Pastor Martin Niemoeller, a church leader who opposed Hitler.“First they came for the Communists, but I was not a Communist so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists, but I was neither, so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew so I did not speak out. And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me.”

Also, a friend is suggesting we send cards to the ACLU for Christmas----wonder how their "winter holiday" will be affected?

Have you pondered the "Family Trees" issue from Lowe's? I mean isn't the Family Tree a list of your ancestors---represented by the branches each family represents.....do they think we are to hang only family names as decorations (BTW, the decorations are described as "holday" items....and the current ad just calls them "trees"....all this by inundating them with emails which caused a retraction the next day!!)

So, what do you think about our taking a stand??????

TIME PASSES ON

2007-11-15T19:32:00.001-08:00

I cannot believe it has been sooo long since I posted.

What have I been doing? Who knows---Busy with everyday stuff!! School, piano, babysitting my granddaughters.......helping a friend car shop and phone shop......just STUFF!! And, have spent hours on the phone and online trying to get an airline ticket refunded and making reservations for #2 and DIL to come home for Christmas (it will be wonderful to see them, as it has already been four months)!!

We also are still in the midst of a family crisis--keep us in your prayers.

We attended the funeral for a friend's Mother yesterday ---there was a clear gospel, as there were unsaved ones there...and some outspoken Catholics. All in all, it was a tribute to the "colorful" person she was!!

Can you believe we have been to a wedding, a funeral, two birthday dinners, and the month is still young? I think we will celebrate most of Thanksgiving day here.....then have dessert later at #1's home.

Life is going way too fast....I detest Christmas shopping, but like shopping Christmas week even less. I am really pretty far in the process, as I buy throughout the year!!

I read all of your blogs daily and do pray regularly for you and you posted needs as well as the ones I know about...

Blessings to you as you serve our Lord!!

#1, Grands....

2007-11-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a pic of my son, and granddaughters. They are at a cafe in Brasschaat, Belgium. This is across from their new home (in Jan.). Cafes have playgrounds for the children so the parents can enjoy thier meal. There are random playgrounds/toys throughout town, for the children, as you walk everywhere there!

Between the chocolate and they playgrounds, grand #1 thinks it may be ok to be there for a while!!

Blogaversary

2007-10-29T05:24:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a year since Pam kept "encouraging" me---of course, lovingly all the way (did I mention we referred to her as the 'gestapo'??) to start a blog.

Unbelievable......at first, would not even publish my thoughts as I was embarrassed, however.....

One of my first posts was regarding some heather that had been planted a few years ago in our flowerbed. Well, guess what? I was walking through the yard a couple of days ago, and, there before my eyes were some patches of heather in the grass---with flowers. I believe the Lord is still reminding me that He has things He is encouraging me to work on!! I guess contentment is one of them, as we have been without A/c for six days (we are awaiting the repairman this AM to install a new one!!)....also, two weeks ago, we had to have a new roof installed. So, it goes left unsaid that times are stressful, and I have whined about the heat, as one cannot sleep well in a house used to being spoiled with A/C which now hails a temp of 84 plus degrees!!

Anyway, the Lord is good, and shows me daily His presence and His work!!

I am not guaranteed tomorrow, so I must make a difference today!!

God bless you as you seek to serve our Lord!!

Culture through the eyes of a kid

2007-10-27T06:37:00.000-07:00

Well, the family has returned from Europe. You can check out pics.

www.howards.myphotoalbum.com

Look at the top album: Belgium trip

Grand #1 says" The milk is gross there---it tastes funny and is warm".....
EXPLANANTION- They shop almost daily in Belgium. Everything is FRESH, thus no need for large refrigerators in your home...and freezers are almost non-exixtent. And, since she likes milk COLD, this was not palatable to her kinda warm!

"The chocolate is soooo good"....yep, they are known for their chocolates....there are many family business that make it daily there and you can watch them. Also, the hotel puts boxes fo chocolate out for you twice a day. The first I tasted was weird, but this current kind is creamy...with any flavor you could wish!! DIL says this time the orange one is her fave.

THE ROOMS ARE SMALL....yep, in Europe, all rooms are small...in the hotels, you must look long and hard andd pay a premium to have more that an area to fit a twin bed in.

YOU CANNOT BUY YOUR FAVORITE ITEMS AS IN THE USA....yes, you can, for the most part, but you must be able to read Dutch (half the country is Dutch, and half French)...and you must be prepared to spend about 40% more!! DIL was excited to find formula....but it is like $50 here and $70 there!

YOU HAVE THE SEASONS THERE....Yeppers. six weeks of warm 70 degrees or more and the rest is chilly or cold!!

SMOKNG IS BANNED WORLDWIDE....not quite so....everyone sits outside at the cafes/restaurants and SMOKES....air pollution at its finest! )I was concerned and asked if they smoked outside the entry way of buildings and offices and restaurants...and this was the reply)

KIDS ARE BORED IN RESTAURANTS AND PARENTS HAVE TO LEAVE WITH UNRULY ONES......not so ---they have playgrounds by the cafes/restaurants, and the parents can dine outdoors to "keep an eye on them". (BTW, food costs in a cafe/restaurant costs 40% more, also)

MACDONALDS IS NOT EVERYWHERE...Oh, yes it is alive and well in Europe...I asked if they had weird menu items....(they do in China...like tofu and some other local delicacy items!!)...and to their knowledge, they do not (NOTE: in the regular restaurants, the burgers are not served with buns, just the patty!!)

YOU GAIN WEIGHT BECAUSE OF THE INFLUX OF ITALIAN FOOD EVERYWHERE!!! You must walk or bicycle almost everywhere, so one has the propensity to lose weight!!

And for the fashion saavy: Welsh women are fashionistas (even the young)...all must coordinate (gloves, boots, socks, etc!!) INFANTS INCLUDED!!

Also, the "drains are funny and small round holes"...this from a 4 YO ---mom did not notice, but for a kid who takes regular baths, I believe the observation!! Guess there is no 'screen over the drain'!

This almost makes me sad...we have about ten weeks till they will be gone....

A web cam and plane tickets (three, of course) are on my list for Santa!

Meditate on It

2007-10-21T21:21:00.000-07:00

I Cor 15:10
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain;

Have you ever felt insignificant? WEll, except for the Lord and His empowerment to and of us, we are NOTHING!!

God loves us just the way we are, but loves us too much to leave us that way!!

Our Family

2007-10-13T17:36:00.000-07:00

Here is the depiction of my family......have not tried addign the DILs and Grands.

Best we can do with the clothing options, etc.

Keenan - Fisherman
Me - Mom
Josh - Buisness man
Derek - Groom
Aaron - Surfer
Miriam - Happy
Rachel - Ballerina ---LOL
This was fun---we did another hilarious one!!! I did need a little assistance to upload it....
one day I will be able to do it myself (kids click too fast for me to understand the semantics of it all!!)

Pray you are blessed with joy and feel the love of our Lord as you worship Him tomorrow!!

PSALM 121

GRANDS

2007-10-09T15:35:00.000-07:00

Well, some of you know the joys of having grandchildren, and how cute their sayings are!!

Maddy called a little bit ago. She needs Allison's birthdate...
You see, they are going to Belgium for a visit in a couple of days.....all the beginning of them moving for three years!! Well, Allison is her bear we got for her at Build a Bear the first time we got the privilege of babysitting her while Mom and Dad were away. (She has four hearts...one from Grandma, one from Mimsy, one from Rachy, and hers, of course....and we all kissed them before we put them in and sealed them!!) Anyway, we had to try to find a dated...she losted the birth certificate) and she needs it for her "passaport" so she can travel abroad!! Oh, and she got her picture taken for it and posted....(they sell them at Build A Bear!)

Who knew a four year old could be sooo CRAZY??? Must belong to me!!!

Sayings

2007-10-07T18:14:00.001-07:00

Call me demented or crazy or any of that stuff, but I have been thinking.....

There are alot of crazy sayings people grow up hearing/saying.....guess my recent trip to Tennessee brought some to mind...

1. I'll slap you silly
(come on, who gets silly when they get slapped.......MAD or crying but not silly!!)

2. You're gonna poke your eye out
(Kids are careless, but seriously, how many did you know growing up or did you warn as
an adult who REALLY poked an eye out???)

3. Sing before breakfast, cry before supper
(Is everyone supposed to be morose or grouchy when they awake????? So should we
ban all music - including humming or singing????No music in the heart, head or
voice? And as for they crying thing - only the joy of the lord in the morning may
bring tears of joy before dinner!)

4. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!!
(come on....don't repairs cost alot more once something breaks????And shouldn't one use good judgement about the upkeep of something, i.e. oil, etc in a car????)

5. If you drink that too fast, it'll freeze your insides!!
(puh---lease!!! What ones of us has not drank down a cold sweet tea, an icee or even
a milkshake.......maybe our insides have been 'iced over for years!)

6. If a frog pees on your hand, you'll get warts!
(don't they all do that when you pick them up.....are all people who work with frogs
and curious children covered in warts?????)

7.If a spider swings down in front of you, you're gonna get a letter.
(my goodness, what an active arachnid population.......thus the need for the postal
service and ever increasing need for postage increases!!So, keep those eyes pealed
for our little friends, and then run to the mailbox!)

8. If you watch TV too much, your eyeballs turn square!
(wonder what shape computer screens make your eyes?? Wonder what effect flat
screens have....or even high-def.......or now BLUE RAY????)

Stay tuned for more!!

Until then, I am praying for you!
PSALM 121

Mini Catch-up

2007-10-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

What do chemistry, piano, math, speaking Spanish, word of the day and beads have in common?

Yep, it's another schoolyear underway in our household.

As a side treat, all are learning permitting processed for business and insurance!! (Life skills) and is beneficial for a lifetime!!

I still am reading your blogs; just a little behind time with posts....Forgive me!!

Oh yes, and I did grow a year older (didn't you spill the beans Pam?)LOL

Tomorrow, I get to go to Grandparents Day at you know who's preschool!! She is keeping the program secret, but I am sure we will have fun together!! The cool addition is that those kids not having grandparents there will be able to "adopt" from the senior citizen's class from the church. BTW, that group is going to sing for us, too!!

Will post an update later......

You ARE in my prayers!!

Real Life

2007-09-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

We have hit the home in a full run. Many of you know I work for my husband and so I have lots of catching up to to in the day to day stuff....also, we started school....Chemistry, piano, Algebra, Spanish, English, Government and History....Sound familiar to anyone??LOL.....we are at a slow start, as I am still reeling playing catch up!!

Son #3 is home from the midwest....he got very ill, and we shipped him home as soon as he could travel. DIL #2 is sick in Pa. with bronchitis and an upper respiratory infection......so remember her in your prayers. Also, that the Lord would work in all our children's lives and that they TRULY would know Him and desire to serve HIM!!

We visited Maddy and Emma on Thursday (and DIL #1 also).....Of course we had lots of laughs.
One cute Maddyism: As she was in her play area looking for something in particular, she stated in an emphatic voice "My goodness decoratious!! This place is a royal mess!!" We ROTFL!! She told us a girl in her preschool class had old-fashioned plain bandaids--hence her need to have a colorful on a new boo-boo!!

Emma is adorable---she saw me and smiled a toothless grin!! She coos and "talks".....and thinks everyone talking is just in conversation with her!! She sure is growing and has those cute, fat cheeks and thighs and rolls on her arms and wrists!!

We are having some family issues regarding my Mom, so keep me and my tongue in your prayers!!

Pray for us as I will pray for each of you as you seek to serve our Lord and Saviour!!

Until next time.........................................

Back to Sunshine and Palm Trees

2007-09-14T17:49:00.000-07:00

WOW....it has been some time. We had no internet except at the hospital (yes we did go back by there one day just to check email!!LOL)...Anyway, we are home.....all the news in a nutshell is as follows:

My Mom had a cardiac cath and was found to need three bypasses. Seeing as how she is almost 80 years old and has many other health issues, she decided not to have any surgery. WE had our ups and odwns there...she is obstinate to say the least. We did laugh together and share many memories, though.

My sister had a miniscus repair to her knee a week ago (she thought everything was gettting repaired).....she got the news today she has a cyst on the exterior of the knee and will require further surgery. ......she said we left a week too soon!! LOL

My BIL was not able to have his treatment and got the results of an MRI on his back this Monday....the spine looks the EXACT SAME AS BEFORE SURGERY....hmmmm....me smells a crooked neursurgeon!! Thus, all his pain and his legs and feet swelling and them just flying out from under him as he tries to walk.....And now he has to wait to confront this doctor for a couple of weeks and then seek some relief/treatment!! (This Dr. accused him of being a "drug seeker" when he complained of paralysis and pain post op.....hmmm....this is the guy who LOVES to work and build in his spare time and roust with the Grandkids and waits on my sis and mom hand and foot....now why would he want pain????

My son has moved to St. Louis for a month with the company he worked for this summer. At the present moment he is very sick....we encouraged him to see a Dr. or hospital or something ASAP (coughing up blood for two days is never good!!).....and we plan to get him home ASAP!!!

God has taught us alot....thankfulness for the rich grace we have through Jesus Christ......the loving friends who pray for you and you know that is the reason you make it through hard times.....assurance that God loves us even though the world tosses its garbage.........My girls told me many times in the past couple of weeks how glad they were God gave them me for their MOM.....they also were thankful of my expectations for them and how our crazy lives are so orderly compared to those not seeking God or His help in their lives....blessed to be able to choose Christian friends that are your "family"!!!

"And if I rise on the wings of the dawn ---even there Your had will guide me".......those words ring familiar as I slept very little recently, but had grace and strength to make it through the day!!

So, my dear friends, thanks for your prayers (continue them.....we are under seige).....and blogworld will be scheduled once again!!

Heading to the Hills

2007-08-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

As we age, many things affect our lives we did not anticipate. We also change our thinking on how we would accomplish or do certain things.

Often, we become caregivers for older relatives or parents. I have been that for my Mother for twenty years (actually helping for mor than that.); but for the past two years, I encouraged her to live in Tennessee with my sister. SHe was not happy when she left here, but praise the Lord,is now happy to see us wehn we visit and is very teary-eyed when seh greets D1&2.

I am now needed to help take care of her fo a while ( she will be having heart surgery). Also, my sister will have knee surgery amn my BIL has to have some back treatments. All that said to say, "THEY NEED HELP". I, along with my trusted sidekicks, will be the ones to perform that service.

Thus, I will probably not be able to keep in touch...but I will try.

Keep us in your prayers.

I Hear Bells(Wedding, that is!!)

2007-08-14T18:19:00.001-07:00

DRUM ROLL, PLEASE,

I present you with the first set of pictures, taken by #1!

http://howards.myphotoalbum.com/

Se if you can guess family members by clues in the pics!!

Blessings to you!!

Self Improvement

2007-08-13T07:44:00.000-07:00

Not Another Self-Improvement Program

Why Grace Changes Everything

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. - Galatians 5:17

God will allow us to follow self-help, self-improvement programs until we have tried them all, until we finally come to the honest confession, "I can't do it. I can't be righteous in my own strength!" It is then, when we admit our utter powerlessness, that we find hope. For it is then when the Lord intervenes to do a work that we could not do for ourselves.
- Chuck Smith

I WILL LIFT UP MINE EYES

2007-08-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

How blessed we are!!

I have been reflecting on my position.
As a Christian.
As a Wife.
As a Mother.
As a daughter.
As a grandmother.
As a friend.
As a teacher.
As a mentor.
As a person.

Do I have conviction enough to stand?
Do I die to self in forder to have life?
Do I parlay my need for a walk with Christ every minute of the day?
Do I show a steadfastness that has carried me this far?
Do my relationships point to Christ?
Do I give the lessons I have learned with hope?
Is Christ all I need?
Can the world about me always see Christ through me?

You see, I am my worst critic. I beat myself up over responses and relationships.
I do know however, that whatever state I am in, I do love the Lord with all my heart, soul and mind, and that my life, and all its relationships I desire to give glory to Him.!!

I eill always be mindful, though, that others are looking for a glimmer of hope in life, and I know that this is afforded only through a personal walk with my Saviour!!

My life verses are Psalm 121 - therin I have promises filled with encouragement and hope.

In a seeking world, I have found position.

Thunderclouds

2007-08-09T05:12:00.000-07:00

We are closer to getting pictures, so, in the mean time, I will write a short post.

We hit turbulence (a big storm which the pilot had tried to miss, but it was EVERYWHERE!!)...we had been informed about 200 miles out of this storm. (I bet you've had some fun flights, too, Rita!! But, your planes were smaller!)

Anyway, of course, it was the usual bumps, until we hit a free fall area and kids started screaming (I believe they get to watch too much TV and movies!!!),

We were privileged to have two pilots sitting across from us who live in Tampa. They did not seem concerned, so, the girls, Anita, the pilots and I were laughing and enjoying the ride. One female pilot looked at me and saw I was not concerned, so she said "Woo, hoo, here we go!!)

Then we were free falling again!! when the stewardess came over the p.a. system and said everything was fine and that it was just turbulence, some mouthy young lady yelled, "No it isn't!!"....to which my friend turned to me and said, "Well, if we are going to heaven, I can't think of anyone better than you and the girls to go with", to which I heartily agreed!!

We did land with alot of rain on the tarmac, but it was a fun flight!!

Return to Reality

2007-08-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am home...., and my feet hit the ground working!!

I have been busy....thank God we took two extra days in Pa. and visited Hershey Park,,,,,,,,no, it DOES NOT SMELL LIKE CHOCOLATE ALL OVER THE PARK.....one could only wish. The girls had their first ever roller coaster rides ...and second. They were able to ride with my niece and a friend whose flight was cancelled the night before!! I cannot ride as I get this pounding headache, so most are just spectator rides for me. Anita and I (a longtime friend from Fl. and I walked around and observed....and yes, I did bring DH some fudge...

WE also were able to spend a couple of hours (+or-) at Valley Forge....I love that place.....I can envision all those people encamped and George and his crew laboring there....and, of course, the great woman behind the man, Martha!! It was great.

The rehearsal dinner was fabulous---I will post pics......we had a dining room with french doors across one end which opened onto a balcony, and everyone loved overlooking the golf course!
It was beautiful to see all the foiliage, etc, and to watch a storm roll in!! The food was great and the fellowship was wonderful!! I included all out of towners who traveled in!

I must say, the wedding was a blur....too busy for a short time, but we were able to share dinner Sat. nite and breakfast on Sunday morning with friends, and then everyone went their separate ways....some home, some off touristing, and some to explore, but most went home, including DH, son#1 and family and son#3.......wish I had a week to go there and relax and just do whatever!!!
(Do you see a $49 in the search for future reference???)

Maddy was adorable as a flowergirl...she and Madeline, another 4 YO accompanied Luke, the ringbearer and were had a great time!!! When we were in the dressing room for the last hour, everyone ate and change clothes (to preserve wedding clothes) and they little girls were playing in their slips, and Maddy called out in a sing-song voice "we're playing in our slips!!! WEEEE'RE
NAKED!!!" Of course, we all died with laughter!!

The girls were the best guest book attendants ever (and cute, if I must gloat!!!)....Aaron was a handsome best man, and Josh, Tracy and Emma were the finishing touch to complete the family!!

And yes, I held Emma every chance I got!!

The song for the lighting of the unity candle was one my son wrote for Sharon, and a friend from college days played the piano and sang and another young man the violin(of course a violinist for a violinists' wedding!!)

And to answer all the questions, as soon as I learn to post pics, you will get some!!!

I feel like I am in a time warp....the rain is a constant reminder of the slight turbulence we hit approaching Tampa.....we laughed, but others were not so happy........will elaborate later!!

One last update....my Mom goes for testing with the neurologist tomorrow, Friday.

God is good!!

REHERSAL DAy

2007-07-27T04:21:00.000-07:00

Hello, all, from PA!!

Most of our out of town guests (Floridians) are arriving today.....
It will be a busty time for those needing tuxes, etc!!

God blessed us tremendously, and I was able to get the bowls, candles and roses ($4 dozen) for my table decorations for the dinner! The banquet supervisor at the country club is lending me her personal mirror tiles to go on the bottom. My roses are pink,. red, orange, yellow, purple and white....we will do the petals a little later this morning.

The bride is getting nervous, and up to this moment (the day is still young) we have only had one complication to preparations. Today the bridal party will decorate the church and reception hall (tables only there).....the church and hall are within a ten minute drive!!

I have my bags arranged for our guests (donea t 5:30 this morning) and do n ot believe we are lacking anything.

My niece arrived late yesterday and the girls and I have had a grat time with her!

Pray that all goes well and that all grandparents, etc. remain well...some are in poor health (the brides grandfather was a well known preacher, but suffers from a tyoe of Parkinsons that is taking his life slowly each day!!)

Than ks for you prayers and love.

You are in my prayers, also!~!!!