Days to come...

My last post was on "Days Gone By..." the history of our lives. 

At some point in our life the realization that our days are numbered and God is the one who knows that number really becomes a loudly proclaimed TRUTH.

I suppose the subject of mortality has been in the back of my mind ever since my "cancer" diagnosis a few years ago.  Once "death" almost smacks you in the face I think one begins to "think" a little differently about "life and living".  You begin to review your "living" of life and what may once have been so important suddenly becomes the "least" important on your list. One's outlook on life drastically changes.  Your WINDOW's view of the WORLD is different today than it was yesterday when you thought your life was in your own hands.  We never "expect" to die. We always think that's for older people and until it hits your own life or family it seems distant.

Yes, I believe God is totally in control of my life.  Yes, I believe in His faithfulness, and love.  No, I'm not doubting His mercy and goodness.  He is GOD and He is GOOD all the time.  Yes, I believe in His WORD.  I love His Word.  I love to feel His presence HUG me and I love to feel His Shekinah Glory sweep over the congregation during a church service.  I love God with ALL my Heart, Mind, and Soul!!

I KNOW He's there through all of life's twists and turns, ups and downs.  Yes, He's there!  Even during a trying day full of trials and hardships... He's there and I know he's there!  Some of my days are not perfect in this imperfect world I live in... but He's there!  I'm not giddy with a school-girl infatuation, I've a deep rooted love and JOY in my Salvation!

When "those days" come... I can begin to "Praise Him" and praise right through the trial.  I've had the Holy Ghost since just after my 8th Birthday... He has never disappointed me.  I'm not one of His perfect children (are there any?)... I have my days when I have to get a grip on my attitude.  I work with the public everyday and I cannot reflect inner feelings to my clients. 

I'm one of those pilgrims who are on a journey through this world and I'm headed for the PROMISE Land.  The path may be rough at times... but there's always the "refreshing time" of His presence when He's walking right beside us, leading and guiding us on that path. 

As a pastor's wife of 40-years, I've seen those newly birthed struggle with the cares and concerns of life and sometimes the baggage of their past life seems to cling tightly.  My concern is that we pray, teach, and be REAL people to these who struggle with trials and tribulations. 

Time marches on... tomorrow will be here in about 4 minutes!  I want to be REAL to those who enter into the realm of my life and through the doors of our church.  I want to encourage them... "you can make it through".  Hold tightly to those out stretched hands. 

Maybe some who are reading this think I'm being "un-joyful", I'm not!  But I've seen the hurting, the helpless, and the hopeless.  Our cities are full of them.  My heart goes out to those who are "forgotten" or "overlooked" and I'm not just talking about the homeless.

And there go I, except by the grace and mercy of God...

I never want to forget that could be me.  Yes, I'm thankful I was raised in a God-fearing Pentecostal-Apostolic home.  Yes, I'm thankful for Sunday School teachers and ministers/pastors who taught the Word.  I'm thankful for the fellowship of my Brothers and Sisters in the LORD.  I'm thankful for a husband/pastor who preaches and teaches God's Word.  I am blessed!

Well Tomorrow has arrived...and it's another Day I choose to purposely live for Jesus. 

Let's be REAL for JESUS... I always think of the "Velveteen Rabbit" story... I want to have bare spots, torn spots, lose an ear or eye, come unstitched with the stuffing hanging out from  being "used" everyday.  I want to be vulnerable, open and willing to be used anyway He wants to use me.    I don't want to be stuck on the shelf and never taken down. 

Let Him choose me, that's my prayer!

 

Technorati Tags: Thoughts,Bible,JOY,God,REALNESS,Vulnerable,thankful,mercy,grace,Praise

Days Gone By...

January 2009 is almost past... wow!  Time is rapidly progressing.  Yesterdays seem to be coming faster and faster and tomorrows arrive too quickly!  We are in the FUTURE before we even realize it.  Our days become HISTORY much to swiftly.

I remember when I was very young and thinking that summer was forever!  The days seemed endless and we played "outside" from early morning until late at night.  Then some where in my span of life... the days started getting shorter and shorter.  It seems I no sooner get to bed than it's time to wake up! 

The phrase "Days Gone By" popped into my head while I was reading my Bible during my morning quiet time.  I'm still pondering all that it implies.

I was reading and thinking, we don't always remember that these are REAL people with REAL problems so similar to us today.  Relationships, financial, clean water and edible food, worship, belief, faith, doubts and on and on...  Yes, REAL people just like we are today.  Same desires emotionally, physically, and spiritually...  Same "intentions" of doing what is RIGHT in God's sight...  And yes, we have the same struggles in keeping those good and desirable intentions. 

Why do we fight so hard and struggle against the powers of this World?  That's the warfare of the OLD carnal fleshly nature and our NEW nature filled with His Spirit!  I've seen New Converts (and some not so new) struggle and wrestle with these two natures and decide they just don't have the energy to "keep on keeping on". 

Why is it so hard?  My thinking is... we just don't totally "give up" and submit to His Spirit and His Will for our lives. 

What's the saying: 

Live HARD for Jesus and it's easy...  Live EASY and it's hard.

I may have messed that quote up some, but you get my point.  Whenever we put our mind to do and live RIGHT that's when the struggle truly begins.  Spiritual Growth occurs during those struggles.  Endurance... Enduring... Patience... Waiting... those are words that many of us just don't like to hear.  We are a NOW generation and I admit, when I've set my mind to do something, I want to do it now!  I want to "git er dun" too!  It's hard for me to realize God may not want "it" done right now!    Sarah (and Abraham) jumped ahead of God's plan... Rebekah took it upon herself to orchestrate God's plan... and on it goes.  Aren't we just as guilty?

I'm not sure we'll totally master this "struggle" until we are "outta here"... but I'm trying and I'll keep on trying!  I've found that in my humanity and struggle to be totally dependent on God and His Will (and not trying to manipulate Him)...  He's so patient, longsuffering, and compassionate, ever loving! 

I can see His tender look and hear His quiet loving voice filled with patience:

Daughter, daughter, you just don't know... wait and see...

Bless the LORD, O my soul...

 

I woke this morning with a heavy heart and "my spirit" was downhearted.  Not totally aware of the reason for my downheartedness, I worked through the morning, being careful NOT to let my spirit reflect outwardly.  

At 1:30pm I jumped into my car for my hour lunch break thinking I was going to run some errands like I usually do.  I soon found myself  parked in a parking lot just down the street from where I work, asking myself "what am I doing here?"  I soon discovered the reason I had parked.

Grabbing my Bible out of my satchel, I opened immediately to Psalm 103... these words jumped out at me: (the underlining is my emphasis)

Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.

I then read on:

Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases.

Who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies,

Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The LORD executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.

He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.

Read all the verses... but then again beginning with vs.17:

But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children's children.

To such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them.

The LORD has established His throne in heaven and His kingdom rules over all.   (Read on...)

The last verse of Psalm 103:

Bless the LORD, all His works, in all places of His dominion.  Bless the LORD, O my soul.

Well, needless to say, after reading this chapter... my heart was once again refreshed and full of God's love and mercy and my faith and trust in His will was strengthened!  How could I ever have doubts about His will?  After all these years.... you'd think I'd have learned to trust Him in ALL things, right?  Be honest though... you have your moments or days too.  But WE Don't STAY there!  We press on toward the prize...

I still am not totally sure what the heavy heart was all about... but I know that when He is ready to show me, He will !!  One can always find just what is needed and required for the soul through prayer and His precious WORD! 

I have never been disappointed in God's response to my prayers! 

My afternoon was much better than my morning!  I was re-assured of His love and mercy and so thankful for His longsuffering!  God is Good ALL the time!

I'm thankful I have that hour during the middle of the day to "touch base" with Him when the morning quiet time just wasn't long enough!  He is so gracious to "reach out" and meet me there!

 

Technorati Tags: Prayer,Soul,Musing,thoughts,Mercy,THE WORD,Bible,Psalm 103

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

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

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

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.

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!

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.)

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.

We're Back from Pigeon Forge...

This first photo was taken about 30 minutes before service time. We had to get there early to get good seats. We like to sit close to the front. Eight of us and Anna Rose our newest baby went this year. I rented a 15-passenger van... we had plenty of room to spread out and we took the back seat out so we had plenty of room to stack our luggage and snacks for our room. I had made reservations in January and we were able to get adjoining rooms. That was nice because we didn't have to run back and forth in the halls to get to our rooms. We really enjoyed our time together. Of course, we did learn who snores, who grinds their teeth and who takes the longest showers on earth! LOL

Sis Cindy Miller aimed straight for the heart matter of living for God. It was excellent. She's a great teacher and teaches from the Word! I truly enjoyed her. I had read her books but had never heard her speak.

Nap time for Anna Rose and Sis Margaret.

This is what you could call a "hair fixing" production line. I thought it was cute. It was an effort to save time and trying to get everyone ready at the same time. LOL It worked!

Amanda - Results of work.

Ashley, "lookin' good."

As you can see we did have a GREAT time! God was good and even though it started snowing... we stayed for the Saturday morning session and by the time we got on I-40 and I-75 the snow had pretty well let up. We had a safe trip there and home! God is good and we're already looking forward to next year.