Only ONE LIFE to live...

We received a call early FRIDAY morning on the 19th of December.  Judy (sister-in-law) had called an ambulance to take Fred (my husband's younger brother) to the hospital Thursday evening.  His Oxygen level was down drastically and he was very weak.  Fred received a diagnoses, I believe this past April,  of renal cancer that had metastasized.   He fought a hard fight and had 8-months to be with family.  Everything was organized and in place for his family.  He took great care of his family.  He passed from this life on Friday evening around 6:30pm EST.

Just an example of Fred's "thinking ahead".  While there I noticed a beautiful vase of roses and a card leaning against the vase.   He had ordered these flowers the day before going into the hospital for Judy's birthday on the 26th.  That's Fred, always thinking ahead, always thoughtful.  Here is what Fred wrote on the card:

He desired an informal funeral/memorial service and that's what we did.  His older brother, my husband, spoke and then Robin his daughter gave her memories and thoughts (more than a eulogy) but spoke from her heart of what her DAD meant to her.

Teresa and Bob (his sister and brother) spoke of fond "family" memories.  Marc talked about his Uncle Fred.  And there were others who spoke fondly of Fred.

 

We cried, we laughed, and we cried some more.  But we did laugh and that I know is what Fred wanted us to do.  He loved family get-togethers.

Round the table.. Micah, Marc, Eva, Kaylee, Sarah, Brynn, Shenyle, and Gavin.

On the left is Judy, Teresa, Eva, and Craig.

  

Uncle Bob and I, keeping the kids occupied.

Papa Bud with Micah and Gavin(our handsome youngest grandsons).

Judy, Fred's wife, looking at the memories of their life together, 41-years!  Best Friends for longer than that!

 

Scott, Fred's son, in quiet thoughtfulness.  A moment of contemplation.

 

Fred's military (Navy) medals and a signed photo with President Reagan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

21 Gun Salute.

 Taps... such a solemn, sad sound.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fred's HAT... 

 

 

 

 

Judy and me.  Judy is stronger than she realizes and while I know there will be "bad" days and moments of grief and sadness, the memories of a loving husband and father will carry her through.  She has family that loves her very much and will keep her daily in their prayers. 

Maggie will miss him too

!

 

 

 

The end of one day in our lives and one life, but never will Fred be forgotten.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If Fred were watching us today, he would have been pleased.  He would have laughed with us and cried with us and enjoyed the grandchildren at play.  He would have added his own special memories of times past.  His spirit was there with us!  He left us with a "smile" on his face. We can only give him a "smile" in return. 

Technorati Tags: Grief,sorrow,laughter,family,loss of loved one,father,friend,husband,uncle,grandpa,God,life,memories

True Meaning of Christmas...

 

Technorati Tags: God,Santa,Christmas,Pastor,Church

RAZZLE DAZZLE

Please, before I post my thoughts, I am NOT a Mrs. Scrooge! But CHRISTMAS has gone “overboard”. I think that’s why I enjoy THANKSGIVING more than Christmas.

Now don't misunderstand me... I think the "lighted" homes are beautiful... most of them :D But when I walk into the malls in our area and observe the shoppers... my heart hurts for them. My mall days are over a couple of days before Thanksgiving and I don't go back until after the New Year!

We’ve let the RETAIL WORLD govern our pocketbook, and the atmosphere of our homes. Our children and even we ourselves, think we have to have certain “gifts” or we have not “received”. I sometimes ponder what we are teaching our children, and not just at Christmas time.

I worked retail briefly as manager of a Hallmark Card & Gift store in Columbia, Maryland for 5+ years when we were there starting a Home Missions church. The holidays were sheer torture! There were very few friendly, appreciative shoppers! Most were rude (to us and other shoppers), demanding, and just unkind in general. You could see the stress in their eyes and stance.

Then when I realized how many people go into DEBT over this holiday... well, it just boggles my mind. I don’t think this is pleasing to our Lord and Savior.

What happened to simple family get-togethers? No stress, just good food and lots of talk and fun.

I had a mother stop by our house Sunday afternoon with her 11-year old son asking if he could rake our leaves for Christmas money. My “mothers” heart melted... Yes, I said, if he could come back Monday after school! Later my husband, knowing I’m partial to little boys (having raised three), “Why didn’t you just give him some money?” NO, NO, NO... I appreciated that young boy’s mother very much! She was trying to instill some work ethic in her son, whether it is by necessity or just a learning process. I appreciate what she is doing.

Again, please don’t condemn me for hating the materialistic side of Christmas! I think maybe having the word “cancer” come crashing into my personal life has given me a different perspective on the “important” things in life.

My joy is complete when I’m with family and friends and rejoicing over God’s love and compassion for us, when we are just enjoying each other for who we are, what we hope to become, and our mutual love for one another. That's when my heart is full and overflowing. I wish I could be with my sons, daughters (in law), and our precious grandchildren more. I miss them so much!

Again, I am not a Mrs. Scrooge... and I know we love to give gifts to one another, but God gave us the best gift we could ever receive... let's not forget!

Hopefully, WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM!!!

Technorati Tags: Christmas Season,Jesus,materialism,razzle dazzel,family,friends,GOD,Scrooge

Are we really a Civilized Nation?

Wal-Mart Stampede... and we think we live in a civilized nation.  When times get tough... look out.  If we'd run over someone to get a "bargain" and save a few bucks, what do you think we'll do when the economy has hits rock bottom and we don't have what we consider to be the necessities of life.   WATCH OUT! 

Remember this is a CIVILIZED NATION and we're a CIVILIZED PEOPLE. 

Link to story:  Wal-Mart Stampede

 

Technorati Tags: Civilized Nation,Stampede,Wal-Mart,Bargain,Economy

Officially Here????

I received my Venti Skinny Hazelnut Latte in this cup today!  Does this mean the Christmas season is officially here?  :D

God and Country or Starbucks and Country?   Just joking!

 

Technorati Tags: Starbucks,God and Country,Latte,Christmas Season

Real Beauty or a Deathly Stench

A recent testimony from one of the Sisters in our church caused me to reflect on WATER, if my cup was just full and stagnant, or if it was overflowing my cup.

As I’m known to do, I pursued the topic in my mind and pondered upon it for several days. I went back to a day years ago in my childhood when I had wandered off from our trailer parked in a remote “trailer park” and headed out into the desert investigating my surroundings (being the curious child that I was).

After walking, what seemed like a long time to me, I saw a group of green trees and shrubs off in the distance and proceeded to find my way to them. Soon, I could see water beyond the tree line and being in the middle of the desert it looked so inviting and beautiful. I started walking faster as my excitement mounted at my “discovery.”

It was so pretty, the green trees and the water was so still and quiet. Nothing moved. Quickly I approached the trees and moved down to the edge of the water.... Yeeeweee, what an awful, disgusting smell penetrated my nostrils. As I knelt down to move the water with a stick I could see the green slime and the green swirling blobs moving around under the surface of the water. It was a deathly stench that swirled up from the depths of this pond!

This reminiscence made me consider... Do we sometimes look so pretty (HOLY) on the outside but we are filled with green slime and stink on the inside (decaying from inside out)? Do we look good from a distance, but when approached, there is a stench inundating from the source of “stagnant” water! Aren’t we supposed to be full of the “living water?”

John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Oh, my prayer is “never let me be filled with the stagnant water of self-worth, pride, an unholy attitude, unmerciful, unloving, uncompassionate, uncaring, and self-centeredness. Let me remember your WORD, your MERCY, your COMPASSION, your KINDNESS, your CARING, your UNENDING LOVE toward mankind. I never want to be “too good” to hug the unhuggable, love the unlovable, speak to the unspeakable, and pray for the PRAYERLESS.

Are we “beauty at a distance” with an Ungodly STENCH when approached? LORD help us to be full and overflowing with Your LIVING WATER!!!

Real inward beauty or a deathly stench, it’s our choice to make.

Technorati Tags: Truth,Beauty,Holiness,Stench,Slime,LIVING Water,stagnant

Please Pray

Please help me pray for my mother who fell in the kitchen while making breakfast for my dad. She is in pain and we've had x-rays and she may have to have a CT scan next week. We will know more about the x-rays Monday after the radiologist has looked at them. The Doctor didn't see any breaks, but we hope there isn't any fractures. She is in pain once the pain med wears off.

Thank you for all your prayers.

This WORLD is NOT MY HOME...

This World is Not My Home...I'm just a passing through...

Remember that old song? I remember singing that song all through my childhood and young adult life. It’s been awhile since I’ve heard it. It was brought to mind recently.

Let me preface this post by saying, “I am proud to be an American”, and I enjoy living in the United States of America with all the privileges that includes. I was born here, grew up here, and I’m still here! I enjoy living here.

BUT... THIS WORLD (USA included) is NOT MY HOME!

This country was birthed on the HOPE of religious freedom. And while this freedom may have been interpreted beyond our forefathers intent – none the less, it is a freedom many other countries do not allow.

However, I do believe that the “Christians” freedoms will be slowly and subtly removed. While we are required to be tolerant of stated Biblical sins, we are not recipients of that same tolerance by “others”. I believe this is only going to escalate as time marches on.

The recently elected President is by the “people’s choice”. There is a generational change taking place. Our world as we have known it is soon passing. We don’t know what changes await us. I do not FEAR these changes. I personally know the one who is in ultimate control.

My concern is not in whom our country VOTED in as President, but my concern is if WE, the CHURCH, are ready and how WE the CHURCH will handle this change.

I am concerned for our YOUTH—Church and World. We must not let down our standards, give up teaching our doctrine, or compromise our beliefs in any way.

We must not lose our HOPE of a better place, greater than this world that’s being prepared for us (and I’m not talking about a mansion filled with “possessions”).

This change is going to precipitate the “sifting” of the Church like never before. We will be tried, tested, and persecuted. We will learn where our true priority lies. We will learn what is MOST important to us. I pray it’s not our homes, cars, clothes, and all the extra trappings this World throws at us as necessities.

I do believe there is coming soon, a time when we won’t give those “things” a second thought or glance. The TRUE BELIEVER will have risen above the materialist greed this World offers.

We will find that simply gathering together in small or large groups for prayer, praise, and worship of the MOST HIGH will provide our JOY and will be our greatest priority.

Oh yes, I know... We are in this world (but not of it). I have to go to work to pay bills and feed my face and buy gas for my car... but these are only for my earthly, fleshly existence.

As one grows older and sees the changes taking place and reviews the changes that have already taken place in their own life span... then you begin to realize, this is truly HISTORY in the MAKING and you begin to contemplate what the future has in store.

That’s when PRAYER becomes the only solace for the heart. We travail for our children, grandchildren, family, church family, and the lost of this world. Only true intercessory prayer is going to SAVE the LOST of this generation. The “pull” of this world is both subtle and strong at the same time. PRAY for OUR CHILDREN, they are and will face a World we’ve never known.

I leave you with these scriptures:

• 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 & 17-18
• 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
• 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 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.
• John 15:19
  If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
• John 17:14
  I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
• John 16:33
  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
• 1 John 5:4
  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
• 1 John 2:15
  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
• John 9:5
  As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

(This was written in the wee hours of post-election morning. I was unable to post it online before leaving for work.)

Technorati Tags: Bible,Prayer,future,beliefs,God,Church,WORLD

Mother of a Prodigal

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

3 John 1:4

I realize that John is speaking of “spiritual children” in this verse of scripture; however, I have made it personal to me as a mother whose desire is to see her children walk in truth.

I’ve posted this short verse on the closet door in my study/office/computer room. It is prominently displayed and catches my eye the moment I sit down or walk by. It’s a reminder (as if I needed one) to pray for my children, ALL my children (those in our church family, other ministry friends children, but especially for the ones I physically birthed).

How blessed you are if your children are walking in truth. You should THANK God continually!

Satan knows the heartaches he causes parents when he “thinks” he has drawn a pastors or ministers child, or one of our church family’s kids away from the truth. He is attacking our children every day no matter what their age. He goes for the “jugular”... he knows how precious our children are to us. He means to draw blood... He means to hurt, kill, and destroy. But MY FAITH is in God’s WORD!

But I have NEWS for him... and I’m not being “smug” either... because I know that anyone of us can falter at any moment... after all, we are still in this degenerate WORLD and we still wear this fleshly robe. I am CLAIMING my children, my grandchildren, my church children, my friend’s children in the Name of JESUS!

I remember once hearing Sister Nona Freeman speaking at a Ladies Retreat in western Maryland... she was telling us about how she prayed for her lost children... YEARS of prayer... telling us “DON’T STOP, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY”. I have the tape...still. It never leaves my mind. I can hear her words to this day... and that is approximately 18 years ago.

Don’t stop, Mom and Dad, keep praying. There is HOPE in their returning. The Word of God gives us that!

One Mother’s Day Sunday, I spoke on God-appointed Mothers in the Bible and the challenges they faced, including our mother of origin, Eve.

I also read the following:

Mother of a Prodigal

Where is the mother of the prodigal son
On that day so long ago?
What were her thoughts
And what were her fears
As she watched him turn to go?

How many times in the dark of night
Did the tears slide down her face?
Did she get out of bed
And fall on her knees,
Just to pray that her boy was safe?

How were the days when she did not know
Was he alive? Was he warm? Was he well?
Who were his friends?
And where did he sleep?
Was there anyone there she could tell?

But, oh, on that day when she looked down the road
As she had looked since her son went away,
Did love unspeakable flood her soul?
Did she cry?
What did she say?

I think when the father had welcomed their son
And the boy had greeted his brother,
That the servants made a path
For him to enter the door
And the waiting arms of his mother.

I don't know who wrote this, but they surely had a mother’s heart.

I WILL NOT lose the vision of seeing my prodigals coming down the road to home. I still have HOPE and belief that TRUTH will prevail.

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray,
and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
Ps 55:17

I know that some of my children may read this... please remember I love you very much and pray for you continually!

Technorati Tags: family,prodigal,motherhood,prayer,HOPE,Vision,long road home

Will our economy Collapse?

World Network of Prayer

September 26, 2008

Dear Friend and Prayer Partner.
    I am sending you information I received in a letter from Pastor Ken Wilde, head of the National Center in Washington, DC. He is onsite with a prayer team as you receive this letter.
    Yesterday he met with a Senator who is on the Senate Banking Committee. That senior Senator proceeded to inform him of the details of the crisis that we are now in and its ramifications. He informed us that last Thursday we were hours away from a total collapse in our economy! 

Ken Wilde goes on to say:
It was barely averted by taking some steps to bolster the mutual fund accounts. This Senator has been in coordination with his committee and with the Treasury Secretary, the Federal Reserve President, and with the President in attempting to come up with a plan that will bring our economy back to solvency. This is a serious and major concern because it affects all of us.
I think that this is no less a threat than the attack by terrorists on September 11, 2001. Once again it is time for Christians and Americans to humble themselves and pray to the one true God that we would hear from heaven and He would heal our land. I felt the Lord speak to me that it is time to call for Sacred Assemblies to be held across the nation and that we in concerted effort cry out to God in humility and repentance to heal our land. We may not be a nation that is known for setting up idols of wood or stone, but perhaps, we as a nation have been guilty of worshipping the idol of materialism and greed. I do know this, if we repent, God will relent!

Perhaps we need to heed the words Benjamin Franklin spoken during Constitutional Convention he spoke these words: I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth-that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the Ground without his Notice, is it probable that an Empire can rise without his Aid?"
We are now at a moment in time at which we, and our leaders, must devote ourselves to a time of prayer and repentance and acknowledgment that we surely cannot survive unless God himself intervenes.

With the multiple crises facing our nation it appears that a "Perfect Storm" of spiritual darkness is brewing in the atmosphere of our country.
If you take even a brief look at the various events in today's headlines you begin to see that we are on the brink of a "perfect storm" of darkness. The recent terrible hurricanes earlier this fall that ravaged the gulf coast give us a glimpse in the natural of the raw destructive power of storms. It was declared on many newscasts by reporters and governmental officials that our gulf coast infrastructure cannot take much more of this! We must gather our spiritual meteorologists, reporters, aid workers, appointed officials, and financial resources and prepare to push back, offer aid, and strengthen the spiritual infrastructure to withstand the chaos that threatens to swirl around us. One glance at today's headlines gives us a glimpse at our national stormy spiritual weather forecast. Probably foremost on our minds is the economic storm that threatens to engulf us!

This is not a Republican storm, nor a Democratic storm! This is an American storm!
Regardless of where you stand politically, I am certain of where you stand spiritually! America has been the largest mission sending, humanitarian providing nation that has ever existed! Do you think that the Kingdom of Darkness will sit idly by and not try to hinder? If evil can stop us from continuing to send missionaries, and stand for freedom and justice, then all the good that our nation has done spiritually and economically for the past 200 hundred years ceases! If Satan can deplete our resources, perhaps he feels he can diminish our destiny! When our president states that "Our entire economy is in danger" that brings a dark cloud over missions financing and evangelism.

THERE IS MORE AT STAKE THAN JUST THE ECONOMY!
What does it mean when the cumulative headlines scream at us and our enemies pronounce our end! The ardent Muslim president of Iran, Ahmadinejad, declared a few days ago at a United Nations speech right here in our nation that allows the "freedom of speech" (while Christians are persecuted for speaking up for Jesus in his nation!), that the 'American empire is reaching the end of the road'! I pray that his bitter words not be fulfilled! The European Union warns us that Iran is nearing the ability to arm a nuclear weapon. North Korea removed the seals from its nuclear plant and chased out the inspectors stating that it was restarting its atomic program. Russia arrived with its Navy in Venezuela for exercises today! I am not trying to be political! I am trying to be practical!

You have never heard me speak like this, but please don't tune me out! I am not trying to become an "Endtimes Fanatic"! These are all real headlines! This appears to be a Satanic "Perfect Storm" of events! It's not about whether America has always done everything right, we haven't. It's time to repent for our nation, and the spirit of greed and pride that seems to have brought us to the brink of calamity!
There is no doubt that we are in perilous times. There is more at stake than your mortgage or retirement!

There are eternal consequences to this moment in history!
During these difficult times I have been comforted with a scripture out of Psalms:
"I would have been without hope if I had not believed that I would see the lovingkindness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord. Be strong. Let your heart be strong. Yes, wait for the Lord". (Psalm 27:13-14, NLV)

Today, I (Pastor Ken Wilde), with the National Prayer Center is meeting with more Senators and Congressmen. Not to politic, but to pray! Not to decide who was right and who was wrong, but to ask for God's mercy. Would you please pray that God will give them favor? And that the leaders that they meet with would have the courage to call for a time of prayer and repentance. That they would have the wisdom of Solomon and that many would join them in humility before God. He is the only one that can help in times like these.

These are critical times-the time to pray is now. Please join us in prayer and invite your friends and church to a season of prayer until we see breakthrough for our nation. This is about more than banks, and stock markets, this is about darkness against light. The only answer is to seek God and His wisdom.

Here are some Prayer Points:
1. Pray for a spirit of humility and repentance among our leaders.
2. Pray for an answer to this economic crisis.
3. Pray for favor for Pastor Ken Wilde and others when meeting with Congressional leaders.
4. Pray that Congressional leaders would heed the call for prayer at this moment.
5. Pray that Christians would understand the signs of the times activate prayer at a new level.
6. Pray for wisdom for our President, Congressional Leaders, and Financial Leaders.
7. Pray that God would hear our prayers and heal our land as we humble ourselves in repentance before Him.
Please feel free to forward this to anyone you feel would benefit from it and would be interested in praying.

Thank you for your concern and prayers.
Thetus Tenney
International Coordinator
World Network of Prayer

 

Technorati Tags: Economy,Economic Collapse,Prayer,United States,NEWS,Endtimes

Missouri Visit - Osage Beach/Camdenton

We left Tuesday the 9th for a visit with Bud's brother, Fred and family.  We had a wonderful visit filled with the presence of the Lord. 

Here are a few photos:

Bud's younger brother Fred during a moment of contemplative conversation.  Fred has cancer and has started another round of Chemo without radiation this time.

 

 

 

 

"A kitchen moment"

All the Childers men are excellent cooks!!!!

Scott is in the middle.  He was having a good time with company.  Judy (sister-in-law) is observing. 

When Bud cooks, I don't mind being the observer!!!  As my mom says, he always comes up with something GOOD!

Brynne had to smother GREAT Aunt Pam with kisses.  She was my little buddy while we were there. 

She took about a 40 minute nap on my lap one afternoon.  I decided to join her. 

 

 

 

Brynne and Kaylee.  I had to get a photo of both with me before we left.  Kaylee is a busy little girl.

Grandpa Fred and Grandma Judy are enjoying living near the girls.  I envy them!  I miss my grandkids so much!

 

 

 

Robin(Fred & Judy's Daughter) and Craig with their girls.  We enjoyed visiting with them.  Robin grilled a pork loin one night that was delicious! 

 

 

 

 

Bud and Scott enjoying a quiet moment together at the State Park on the lake.

We had taken Scott for a ride while Fred & Judy were at Fred's medical appointment. 

Stopped for a milkshake and hamburger at Sonic's. 

 

 

We stayed at the beautiful Tan-Tar-A Resort on the lake where Craig and Robin work.  Thanks to them we stayed at no expense to us.  This was a blessing!  Thank You, Craig and Robin!

 

 

The Entrance to the resort with a beautiful winding drive to the main entrance. 

 

 

 

 

 

We stopped by on the way back home and visited with our middle son.  I have more photos to post of our visit there next time.

August 2008- SlideShow

My puny GRIPE for today...

Technorati Tags: BAM,Books A Million,Barnes & Noble,Books,GRIPES,Browser unfriendly

Question: Has anyone visited their Books A Million store recently? Were all the coffee tables removed?

In our city the BAM store has removed them. I didn't get a chance to find out if this was a permanent removal. So, now BAM is becoming "browser unfriendly" again. Hubby and I never used to shop BAM stores because there weren't any chairs except around the coffee shop area to sit with your coffee and check out your chosen stack of books and magazines and decide which ones you were going to purchase. So, we frequented Barnes & Noble only. Then Barnes & Noble removed their chairs and most of their tables. So, we quit going there as BAM had put in comfortable chairs and coffee tables in front of the chairs... So, now what's up?????

We walked into our local store today (hubby needed to get out of the house after almost 10-days of hibernation due to illness) and went back to obtain seats in our favorite section of the store... and to our dismay there weren't any tables to set our books and coffee on. Needless to say, we didn't buy coffee and within 15 minutes we had left the store without buying anything. Now I won't tell you how much of our money we left in BAM during the past month... but I'm secure in saying it was worth the price of a coffee table! We won't be back if they become "browser unfriendly" again. Really they need to keep the "regulars" as we do SPEND money there. But we are getting a brand new larger Barnes & Noble... so, unless it's unfriendly too, BAM beware! We won't be back for a looooooong time!

Anyone else run into this? Want to complain? Call 1-800-876-4510 M-F

Technorati Tags: BAM,Books A Million,Barnes & Noble,browser unfriendly,GRIPES,disappointment

Autumn peeked around the corner at me today...

Today was beautiful. Autumn peeked around the corner at me and winked... as I spied a "woolly worm" crawling across our sidewalk this morning. This is the first I've seen this summer. It was all dark brown. Now I know that some of you "old timers" know what that means as to what kind of winter is forthcoming.

I love early autumn before all the leaves fall from their elevated positions above me. Earthy autumn colors are my favorite. To me they represent home, hearth, good food, family togetherness, and warm cozy evenings around the wood stove (or in previous years-the fireplace). The cool days and chilly nights are invigorating and give me back all the energy that humid summertime drained me of. There's a spring in my step, and a willingness to "move" that's not there on those HOT HUMID days. I love to take long walks and feel the warmth of the sun on my face.

I know that we NEED all seasons... just like in life... ALL SEASONS are for a reason and have a particular purpose in our life... some seasons are easier than others and some we "trudge" through only because we know a "better day" is on its way! Aren't the PROMISES of God awesome?!!!

I'm so excited about what I feel at the First UPC in Dayton. I know that the messages lately may have seemed a tad bit hard, but it is getting each one of us ready for what He has planned. I know that I want to be ready, and in a place of total commitment to be used anyway He wants to use me. If we're not committed wholly to Him... how can we expect to win the lost? There are so many hurting, hungry souls that don't have a clue what they really need or even how to find it. I want to always be in a prayed up condition and be sensitive to His leading. I want my spirit to mingle with His Spirit and be in constant contact! I desire the WORDS that come out of my mouth to be uplifting, encouraging, and never demeaning or churlish.

Tomorrow is SUNDAY, and I’m expecting another visitation from the LORD in our services.

PRAYER makes the DAY!

Family Time

We were privileged to have two of our sons visit us this summer.  Marc and his family in June and Tim and his family in August.  So, we were able to visit with all the grandkids but three.  Hopefully, we will see the others this year too!  Chloe our Great granddaughter will be TWO YEARS OLD on the 25th of this month.  I can't wait to see her.  I know she's grown so much since I saw her last August.  And OH MY, Kailee has grown-up so fast.  She's going into HIGH SCHOOL this year!

Here are some photos taken during these visits:

Nana and Poppy relaxing at the camp site.

Our oldest son, Tim on the Carousel at Coolidge Park in Chattanooga,TN

Below- the THREE MEN on a bench!

Kailee at the Camp

 

This is a photo of the inlet (a part of Harrison Bay-Tennessee River) that Tim & Terri were camping at. We live less than 4 miles from this park.  And we take long walks here.  It's beautiful, especially early spring and fall.

 

 

 

This is a pic of the fountain area at Coolidge Park and the kids are allowed to play in it.  There are all these zoo animal fountains surrounding the center fountain.  They have a lot of fun during the HOT summer days.  This park is right next to the TN River.  If you look off in the distance you will see one of the four bridges that cross the river into the City of Chattanooga.  WE LOVE IT HERE!

 

I've already posted some of Marc and Shenyle's  Florida Beach Vacation, but I have some more to post and will next time.

Well that is all I have time for this year.  I have more to post and more to write... but it will have to wait until later.

Who's Your GOD?

Again, I refer back to my Sunday School class last week and the lesson for that day.

"Jesus Loves you and wants to be your God"

In teaching the lesson to my young students I was again reminded of what's important from the simple lesson I was teaching.

All week I've been mulling over in my mind the lesson title and realizing that is really all God wants from us, is to be our GOD.  God with a Capital "G".  We have many gods (lower case "g") in our lives.  They can be all encompassing gods or as trivial as a "Starbucks" latte.  It all depends on our attitude. 

Can you "take it or leave it" or is your life "upside down" if you don't have it? or do it? or buy it? or wear it? 

I remember a time many, many years ago, hubby had ben laid off from his job and there wasn't any money coming in.  NONE!  We had two infant sons at that time and didn't have any money to pay the gas bill.  It was disconnected!  Oh me!  I thought the world had come to an end.  I was very young then and pregnant with our third son...  :D   Life changed drastically for me for a few days!  It was winter and cold.  I went into a "pity party" attitude.  We finally got a small electric heater and put it in our bedroom and that was the only warm room in the house.  We lived in that room for several days.  Cooked on a hot plate and ate in the bedroom. 

Needless to say, we survived!  At the time I thought life was awful  :D.  Whew, has my perception of life changed.  After 37 years.... YES, Praise God, it has.  God has a way of giving you a NEW outlook on LIFE. 

Even what we think of as necessities can become "gods" or "idols" in our lives.  Not everyone in this world has the luxury of "flipping the switch".

In spite of all the above... all HE wanted was to be MY GOD through whatever came my way. 

I feel that the United States is spiraling downward quickly and not just in morals, etc. but in the way we live and consume.  I feel that eventually we're going to be covertly "owned" by China.  My son's plant just closed down because of China.  We get everything from China.  Oh my, I won't get on that soap box.

Do I live the simplest life I could?  NO!  Do I still consume? Of course!  But I'm trying to learn not to buy needless junk... stuff I find that once home I never use.  I really NEEDED it didn't I?  I am trying to eat healthy and eat more organic (without additives and hormones added, or genetically grown) foods!  It's hard to change. 

I'm not doing away with change or learning new things or even technology in general... but hey, let's LIVE LIFE and not lead a life fed to us by the MEDIA or Hollywood.  Our individual time span on this earth isn't very long.  Let's make the most of it.

CHOOSE GOD to be your GOD!

A Story from my mind...

The following is a story I've started this morning as it came to mind, it's unfinished and I'm still working on it...

 

The White House Past

The house on the hill glowed white against the stark blackness of the night as if it were painted with moon dust. Chesnee stood at the vine covered entrance gate as memories of the past bombarded every nerve ending she possessed.

Shuddering, she gasped for air. “Oxygen, she needed oxygen.” Inhaling as much as her lungs could hold, and then exhaling slowly, slowly, savoring the release of tension that had her body paralyzed . She slipped through the gate and stood still, listening for the subtle night sounds.

Creeping closer and closer to the white glow she became aware of the shadows flitting from room to room and window to window. “Who were they or what where they?” she whispered to the darkness.

Chesnee remembered being told the house was vacant and had been abandoned many years ago by the legendary Coolidge family. She had become fixated on the previous owners spending hours of her precious time online or in the libraries researching the history of each owner, filling endless notebooks with articles, photos, and even mundane gossip provided by the locals.

She stood up straightening her back bone in an attempt to muster courage to move her feet toward the door. She was finally going to step inside after all these years. Chesnee glanced down at her lifeless feet. It felt as if the past was forbidding her to move forward.

“Come on, MOVE IT!” she told her feet. Lifting her right foot then her left, she inched closer to the path leading to the side door. She wasn’t quite ready to boldly walk through the front door. Besides, if she entered through the side door, maybe her entrance would go unnoticed by the occupants inside. Chesnee wanted time to investigate the rooms of the past before announcing her presence to the INVADERS of the house.

Reaching out tentatively she touched the door knob. NOTHING! Bewildered and unsure of her feelings, she turned the knob inch by inch. Cautiously pushing the door open, Chesnee peered through the crack in the door.

To be continued. . .

Out of the mouths of babes...

Where do I start?  I wish I had been journaling all these amazing things I hear from my Sunday School students!  I could write a book.  Children are wonderful and amazing little people, if you REALLY listen to them.  Hardly a Sunday goes by that I'm not either almost in tears (they can relate some heart-wrenching stories) or chuckling to myself listening to them.

Children are much more aware of what's going on around them than we realize!  They can be as talking, doing some activity with their hands, and even scuffling with their best friend and STILL be aware of what you're saying and what's going on in their presence.  Don't be fooled by that "blank" look they can give you!   :) 

I've been teaching on angels, heaven, salvation, etc. the last few Sundays and this past Sunday I was teaching on heaven, what it's like, how to get there, who'll be there, etc.  And when I gave the illustration of  "in the twinkling of an eye"... and we'll rise to meet Him in the air... and I said "kind of like a balloon when you let it go"... and one little guy said, very earnestly and seriously, " You mean we're going to BLAST off?"  Yes, Robert... one of these days we are going to blast off this ole earth... and we've got to be ready.

Kids do make you think about things... sometimes we just rattle something off to satisfy their persistent curiosity... but they do hear what we say!

This same little guy, who is into all the ACTION heroes of this world... when I was telling about how Jesus could have called 100's, 1000's, and even 10,000 and more of angels to save him from dying on the cross... Robert's little eyes became very thoughtful and he repeated after me, "100's, 1,000's and tens of thousands of angels, WOW, a whole ARMY of Angels".  He was totally in awe that Jesus didn't call his army of angels to save him from dying.  That he chose to die on the cross for our salvation.  It is awesome.  It never ceases to saturate my soul with His love and compassion when I hear this preached or relate this to my students.  It is not an "occurrence" way in the past!  When we come to Jesus for salvation... he has died for each and every one of us.

The ANGELS rejoice when we find Jesus!  How awesome can that be?  My students thought that was neat and proceeded to "rejoice" like they thought the angels do!  (I wish we could let loose and do what they were doing in our worship services, or at least do it more often than we do.) 

He is JOY Unspeakable and FULL of GLORY...

 

(I will try to remember and write what I hear... it's awesome and amazing to listen to these little people.)

Ready, Willing, Waiting...

Judges 4:15-22 (English Standard Version)

15 And the LORD routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army before Barak by the edge of the sword. And Sisera got down from his chariot and fled away on foot. 16And Barak pursued the chariots and the army to Harosheth-hagoyim, and all the army of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword; not a man was left.

17But Sisera fled away on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. 18And Jael came out to meet Sisera and said to him, "Turn aside, my lord; turn aside to me; do not be afraid." So he turned aside to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug. 19And he said to her, "Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty." So she opened a skin of milk and gave him a drink and covered him. 20And he said to her, "Stand at the opening of the tent, and if any man comes and asks you, 'Is anyone here?' say, 'No.'" 21But Jael the wife of Heber took a tent peg, and took a hammer in her hand. Then she went softly to him and drove the peg into his temple until it went down into the ground while he was lying fast asleep from weariness. So he died. 22And behold, as Barak was pursuing Sisera, Jael went out to meet him and said to him, "Come, and I will show you the man whom you are seeking." So he went in to her tent, and there lay Sisera dead, with the tent peg in his temple.

Jael had become tired and disgusted with the injustice in the land. She was not easily intimidated or fearful. She was not a "me" person. Her interest went beyond herself and she observed what was going on around her. She was concerned for "all" involved and how what was happening effected all around her. She was not a "for the moment" person. Jael realized there was more than just her needs and desires. Her interest and concern went beyond her own peace and security! She knew there was MORE! When her time came... she didn't hesitate to drive that peg through his head. She killed the enemy. She took advantage of the opportunity that came her way and accomplished her purpose for that day! How many times have we let the opportunity to "kill" the enemy slip by us?

How often do we wake up feeling... "LORD, what does today hold?" "What is my purpose for today?"

I recently heard... "heavy clouds today, but no rain..." Do you often feel the heaviness of heart (a burden) but don't see any rain? We look up and see the rain clouds, but never feel the rain fall on our cheeks! Could the rain we need to feel on our cheeks be the tears of repentance, submission, and commitment? We must be in a place to receive the rain from above.

Jael was willing to risk her own life so that others could find peace, security, and prosperity. Are we willing to sacrifice so that others can find this truth?

I've been doing a lot of thinking :) lately... and one of my thoughts has been on the question of, "What are the IDOLS in my life?" "What keeps me from praying, reading THE WORD, studying THE WORD, and my total commitment to soul winning?"

Think about what IDOLS you have in your life. Is it something that takes up your time? Is it something that puts you in financial bondage? Is it something that consumes your thoughts? Is it something unbiblical?

Please, don't misunderstand me... We are here in this world and we live "LIFE". I'm not talking about never having any enjoyment in life or even having things we enjoy. But when they consume us and deprive us of an "intimate" relationship with Jesus our Savior... something's not right. Sure, there might be times when we must miss church for work... but not consistently! If we choose (and I know these are hard times financially) to miss church consistently, eventually it will show outwardly because inwardly we are starving and malnourished. We must HEAR the WORD preached and taught.

God's choice to use Jael was because she was willing, obedient (the opposite of obedient is rebellious), and had a yielded heart. She was READY to be used. She was WAITING to be used. She ANTICPATED being used, and GOD used her.

Are we WILLING, READY, OBEDIENT and WAITING in ANTICIPATION for God to use us?

Just a few thoughts on my heart... God's blessings on all.

A Good Report...

God is good all the time, all the time God is good...

Even as we journey through trials and hard places in life... Yes, God is STILL good! He's still in charge and still is Master of our lives.

This has been a tumultuous week for me. Again, I had to endure the process of "cancer or cancer free".

Thursday I was scheduled for my quarterly Cystoscopy and biopsies. Always, with the negative thought trying to invade my mind, "will they find invasive cancer this time?"

• 5:25 am Up and getting Bud (husband) ready and off to work.
• 6:25 am Good Bye Kiss, Bud tells me, "I love you and you know I've been praying for you and will be thinking about you today." I observe the "worried" look behind his expression. He's going to work this morning and will be back around 11:30 am to take me to the hospital.
• 6:30 am I sit in my recliner reading and trying to calm my mind. Jesus and I have a wonderful conversation. I am assured that all is in HIS HANDS and nothing is going to happen to me that is not His Will. We will go through this together, Hand in Hand!
• 8:00am The craving for my morning coffee (I can do without the FOOD... just give me my coffee!!!) is strong... I have to get up and DO something to avoid the Caffeine URGE!
• 9:00 am The URGE passes...
• 10:45 am Start to get my things ready... pack my little black bag.
• 11:00 am Shower, fix hair... and I'm ready to go when Bud gets here.
• 11:30 am Bud's home and changes clothes, grabs his Bible and a book.
• 12:15 pm Dad, Mom, Bud and I have prayer and we're off for the hospital's Same Day Surgery Department.
• 12:45 pm Nurse calls and says can I come in NOW... he's got an early opening. YES, I want this over with... "I'm in the parking lot now... will be up in 10 minutes."

And thus the day goes on... I was back in the preliminary surgery area and the man next to me was having a complete Cystectomy done and the bed across from me was have a Nephrectomy. I am lying there calmly, basking in the love of Jesus and feeling his peace enfolding me with the comfort I need for this circumstance of life!

I hate to be anesthetized! I don't like NOT being in control of my person! But once the injection... I quickly fall asleep.

• 3:30 pm I peek out from under my heavy eyelids... "Yes!!! ...I'm still among the living."

When I'm finally able to answer questions, the nurse asked... "Do you want something to drink?" "YES...strong black coffee!" And she brings it to me, "Freshly brewed." Ummm, so good! Could this be a sin? :) I sincerely hope not!

Finally, I'm back in the room and they are getting me ready to leave in an hour or so. I'm not nauseated this time... wonderful! I feel pretty good... Actually, I feel wonderful! It's GOOD NEWS... the surgeon did find a small spot... feels he got it all and took the usual biopsies of different areas of the bladder. Told Bud he felt all is well... and nothing to worry about!

• 5:45 pm HOME... home never looked so good to me! Bud fixed a wonderful dinner of yellow squash, corn on the cob, carrots, peppers, cabbage, candied sweet potatoes, and Italian meatballs. It really is a pleasing combination... :D

Yes, God is good all the time. Even had I received a BAD report... God would still have been there... and He still would have been GOOD! He is ever present with us!

PS ~ A bit of humor: While getting ready for surgery... the nurse told me that I would have to take off my hairpiece! :D Bud quickly told her that was NOT a hairpiece. You could see the look of disbelief in her eyes. So, I took out the two clips holding my hair up and down it fell... she said... "Oh my gawd...that really is all yours." :D

Tuesday's Muse...

I Woke up this morning feeling fine... I woke up with heaven on my mind...

This morning was beautiful.  Had I time, I would have sat on the porch for a while savoring the smell and taste of the soothing liquid in my "mug" and enjoyed the morning coolness, listened to the song birds, and resting my eyes upon the myriad of colors of the flowers.  Yes, today was a GOOD DAY to be living for Jesus!

  This is a photo of one of the birds enjoying our offering. Aren't the yellow gladiolas beautiful? 

 

 

The photo is of our Day Lilies.  They are a vibrant burnt orange.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is part of our front porch.  We enjoy our flowers and front porch.  The glider came from hubbies parents and several generations have enjoyed it.  The Triple planter stand came from his parents also.  I'm rather sentimental and these items were always on their front porch.  I wanted it on ours too.  So, we now have them! 

 

 

This is Bud's grapevine and some mums that our youngest son left with us for taking care of their puppy while they vacationed in Florida. 

 

         This is "Teddy".

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our tomatoes are coming along nicely and we've already picked a few.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bud enjoying the glider and the fruit of his labor. We love plants and gardening.

 

 

 

 

Our sons and grandsons still enjoy the glider which is probably over 40+ years old.  That's my dad and his dog and Marc our youngest son and his son, our grandson, Micah.  I've more photos of family that I'll post at a later date.

 

Just thought I'd share a bit with you this evening.