Thankful Thursday

As always, there are so many things that I am thankful for. Too many to write, as I'd have to turn it into a book, and that wouldn't be good on here. ;)

1) I'm thankful for knowing the Lord our God. For His purity and Love, His teachings, and His lessons.

2) I'm thankful for Jesus' great sacrifice, dying on the cross for our sins, and saving us.

3) I'm thankful for the beauty He provides of us. The wildlife, the sunrises/sets, plants, architectures, so many sites, so much beauty.

4) I'm thankful for the roof over our head keeping us dry, the food on our table each meal, a job to provide us with the means to get what we need, and clothes on our back.

5) I'm thankful for transportation, for it would be really tough to have to walk every where, or even go by horse now days.

6) I'm thankful for the church family, allowing us to be together and learning more about how to live the way the Lord wishes for us to live. To have the continuation from reading the Bible and given a better understanding of what it says.

7) I'm thankful for family and friends who are there for one another.

8) I'm thankful to have been provided good, caring doctors that are taking the time to find out what is going on.

9) I'm thankful for having the faith to know all is well, that we are taken care of and there is no need for worry.

10) I'm just plainly thankful to be alive; living, learning, breathing, preparing for eternal life with our great Savior, the Lord our God.

Government Spending

I received this in my e-mail today and think it is awesome! So decided to share it with you all. I was going to try to stick to just three posts today, but decided I wanted to get this one out here. I'm thinking this would be awesome for all of us to sign in agreement and send it to our congress, senate, etc. to get the point across that we are tired of government spending. So here is the note.

This is from an article in the St. Petersburg Times Newspaper on Sunday.
The Business Section asked readers for ideas on "How Would You Fix the Economy?"
I think this guy nailed it!

Dear Mr. President:
Please find below my suggestion for fixing America 's economy.

Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan.
You can call it the Patriotic Retirement Plan:

There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force. Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:

1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings - Unemployment fixed.
2) They MUST buy a new American CAR. Forty million cars ordered - Auto Industry fixed.
3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis fixed.
It can't get any easier than that!
If more money is needed, have all members of Congress and their constituents pay their taxes...

So if you think this is a good idea, pass it on to others. Otherwise just ignore it. God Bless!

Testimony

Don't you just love testimonies of the greatness of His love. Today I heard one of the most endearinig I've heard yet. A mother of an eight year old had e-mailed a friend on Easter Sunday and stated that her daughter had fallen off the swing and was hurt, so they rushed her to the hospital. She is 8 years old, very active and vivrant, a sweet little girl. At the hospital she had an MRI done and found that she had a tumor in her kidney. I can not recall the type, but it's cancerous.

During the duration of the treatments the little girl went through, many family and friends from all around had travele to be there while the little one went through her surgery to have the tumor removed. Mom commented to her friend that she couldn't believe all the negative messages she received. Her friend told her that her husbands and her first thoughts were, "why her Lord, why her?" The mother said, "Why not?"

You see, the mother's faith in God is so strong, her belief being in the Lord the way we hope to be. She stated that they were blessed as the daughter fell off the swing and hurt herself, and at that time had no idea that she had this tumor. There were no signs of it. By the grace of God, she had that minor accident to find it! By the grace of God, this little one had it caught in time. She is handling the chemo treatments well. There has only been one time she got sick due to missing some medication.

It's funny, so unique how He works in our lives. Pastor has talked about negativity being a downfall, and positive being the works of the Lord. This mom instead of looking at the negative aspects of what her daughter was going through, dwelled on the positive.

Think of it this way; by mom having a positive attitude, she is able to transfer this to her daughter. Her daughter picks up on it--and we all know that positive thinking helps us heal faster--takes on a positive attitude and is kept as cheery as possible and walks through her trials in a much better position than if she had negative vibes around her and picked up on them.

By having the positive thinking/behavior, the enemy was blocked. Had it been reversed, the doors and windows would have been wide open for the enemy to walk in and go to work on your exposed soul.

Did this make you stop and really think? Did this make you want to change your outlook on life? I know it sure did me. I've been working on this very thing anyhow, but hearing this, the strength of a mother who could have caved to desperation instead lifted her daughter up to the Lord. Praise the Lord for this wonderful mom and her insight.

What a great testimony, don't you think? If this doesn't open eyes to His greatness and faithfulness, I don't know what will.

Be Blessed. Make a ripple and watch it grow and grow and grow (thank you Hon for this idea). Remember to always P.U.S.H. {{{Hugs}}}

Believing in God's Healing

Received some news today. The Lord is letting me know I'd better wake up and start taking better care of myself. I'm a bit slow in doing so and I guess I needed a little extra push. Hehehe.
For starters, my chiropractor tells me I need not push myself when trying to exercise to start out slow.
Hmmm, now how does one do that??? ;) I can be very impatient. Huh, impatient, no way! But yes indeed, must admit to it. Yes, instead of riding that bike 20 minutes right off the bat, start with 7 and gradually build up. Ohhhh, that's why the body hurts so bad, baby steps instead of full board. But, but, but...I like to be active, I like to move, can't stand being idle, whah, whah, whah. Okay, finally give in, guess the right way is better.
Plus he says it sounds like I suffered a mild stroke called a TIA. Okay, had a feeling that's what was going on, but wasn't able to go to the hospital.
Then the doctor this afternoon tells me the same thing. She thinks I suffered a mild stroke. Okay, it runs in the family, but at my age, oh yeah, getting older, darn. But at my age??? Hehehe. Sorry, couldn't get off that one. Had to throw in one more. ;) So we get to go in for a brain scan, (MRI) next Wed.

I'm not trying to make a joke out of the whole thing, as it was scary going through it. Hubby and Jay were really worried. But you know what, for the first time the news was taken calmly. God does that to you. When I left her office, I told Jay--he and A went with me--and he put his arm around me and said, "wow, I'm so sorry mom." I was like, "it's okay, the Lord is doing something in my life. He's trying to tell me something. I really believe He's trying to tell me to take better care of myself." So I'm like okay, I'm believing in healing. He's going to take care of me. I just need to listen. :) And yes, I have a stubborn streak in me too. I must really have him pulling on his hair often. Thank heavens He has a sense of humor, or I'd really be in trouble. ;)

So, if you wouldn't mind taking a stand with me, praying for healing and that the MRI will come out okay, the numbness in my feet goes away, the neck pain and headaches subside for good, the back pain ends, and the FMS and RA goes no further, and all the other numbness and pain subsides, it would be really appreciated. Prayer in numbers goes a long way. I'm not asking for sympathy, as there are many out they suffering way worse conditions, and that's just now who I am, just asking for prayer. It's one of those bumps in the road where He's saying, "hey, I need your attention. You need to start taking better care of that tent I loaned you. I need you healthy and fit so you can do the work that I want you to be doing for Me!"

So Lord, I'm listening loud and clear. You are trying to help here and teach. I'm ready to take the time to really listen and follow your lead. Please forgive me for being so stubborn. I believe you are trying to help my whole family as Sarah, AA, Dad, J, and I are all suffering from many similar things. I'm here Father, take me, use me to find out what is happening so that we may all be mended and all the rest except dad being younger can be cured without all the tests. You are an awesome Daddy, and I'm believing in Your great healing for each of us. Not just my family, but for all those that are suffering, in chronic pain, with terminal illnesses, that You are going to heal them Father!
Father, I'm believing in healing all to glorify Your great Name! So we can be living testimonies to your great love! So we can go out and lead your lost sheep back to you Father. So others can learn of Your great love. Healing to be good servants of Yours Daddy. Take me, I'm Yours, lead me, guide me, I lift us all up to you to be better servants to You Father God. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Thank you and God Bless you All!

Opinions Requested

I'm asking for all of you to comment on whether you feel it is in bad taste to have a representative picture of Jesus on my side bar. I know we don't know what He looks like. Many of us, and even some Bibles including the originals have pictures used to show examples of Jesus. I'ts not intended as an idol, to say this is what He looks like or anything like that. But if any others find it offensive and any other pictures I've used, please let me know.

You all know my heart for the Lord, and know that I would never intentionally deface His great name. I do however appreciate the fact that someone commented that to call the top side bar picture of Jesus a portrait of Him was not the right thing to place on there and have therefore removed that title. Thank you all! Blessings through Him to all of you!!!

Testimonial of Faith and Trust

As you all know, this week we've been talking about faith and trust. Well, the Lord let me know exactly what it is all about today. I was put to the test to see if I'm listening to His words as I write them or not. I failed miserably. But this is a testament to God's love and faithfulness.

Today I looked up flight and car rental plans. Hubby had found one that sounded a bit high, so I went through the program I always do, Expedia.com. They've come through for us every trip we've had to make. If any one needs to book a flight, get a car rental, and/or a hotel, they are the ones to go through. It's so handy.

So I found a good deal for us, book the flight and reserved the car. We are headed to San Diego later on! But only for a couple of days. :( Wish it was a week or two, but hey, it's better than nothing. Anyhow, I got the flight booked and car reserved and found out a few minutes later that we would not be there in time for our nephews graduation.

All the graduations we've been to have been in the late afternoon, early evening. Oh no, not this one. It is in the morning. Scheduled 17 minutes before our scheduled arrival time. I told hubby not to worry that I would go back in and change the date. We decided to leave a day earlier. I get on there and it reads that the airlines would charge us 150.00 per ticket for any changes or cancellations plus Expedia would charge up to 30.00 per ticket for the same thing.

Okay, panic sets in, hubby is upset big time, pacing the floor wondering what to do. So he says, go ahead, we'll have to pay it, but that is a rip off. So I see a button where I can go change it, and it would show me what our extra charges would be. So I click on it and start over. Hubby comes in the room and says, "somethings not right. You are re-booking, not changing." I tell him not to worry.

Hee hee, the joke was on me. I get it all done and nothing came up with the charges, so I start to sweat it out...anyone catching the mistakes here? So I go into look up my itineraries and low and behold, we have not two, but 4 tickets reserved. The original booking and the changed date booking. Auuuggghhhhh. Okay, I'm in a major panic now, and tell hubby to call and ind out what happened, as we sure aren't going to pay for the tickets and all the other stuff.

Okay, now here's where I went wrong. First off, I didn't read everything carefully like one should, mainly because I had read it all before many times. Second and most importantly, I didn't pray about it and seek help. Instead I instantly thought we were screwed and was going to have a high bill that we don't need. Will I ever learn? Or should I say will hubs and I ever learn? hehehe

Hubby calls Expedia, explains what happened, gave them the itinerary numbers for both bookings and walla, it's all taken care of, no extra charges, they were great about it. We both looked up and said, "Thank you Lord." Is He good or what. Then He says, "What have you been writing about?" I'm like faith and trust. I start chuckling. Hubs asks what? I told him here I've been doing a series on faith and trust and did I use it today. No! Yet look what He does, He took care of us! He just let me know that I need to practice what I preach. (Blushing deeply now).

So I thought I would share my story with you all as it is a great way to show what faith and trust is all about. Whew! I love how He takes care of us. I just remembered; when hubby got off the phone he said, "Someone sure is looking out for us! No extra fees, they cleared the first booking and said, 'No problem since you just booked it tonight just a little bit a go." Oh yeah, He was looking out for us alright. Praise God.

Another testimony here that I just realized, Thank You Lord. I just love how He works with us. Hubs business has really slowed down to the point where he may have to lay off his partner. He doesn't want to have to do that, I may need to go back to work, and still take care of the kids. He may have to work a second job. Wow! How did we get to this point. It happened so fast. Well hubby has been worrying over that. Remember the verse from Luke about worrying?

Well today he sat down and figured up all the costs of the business and their pay, and Praise the Lord, the pretty much have what they need to pay it all! We just need to keep the faith and trust. One way or another, no matter how glum things may get and look, He comes through, He provides, He takes care of us!

With the days of economic tough times, it is more important than ever to have faith and trust in the Lord. Pray or should I say P.U.S.H. Believe! For those not in the Lord, learn about Him and give your soul to Him. He will take care of you. Be the tiny mustard seed that was planted properly and grow!

Trust and Faith Part II

Remember the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:4-7 (NKJV)?
4 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?
5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!
7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance."

Dr. Charles Stanley says this: "The Lord is neither cold-hearted nor matter-of-fact about finding His lost sheep and bringing them home. He takes great joy and feels great excitement in re-establishing a close bond with His wandering creations."

So if God will do everything in His power to save that one lost sheep, then why would we think He would leave us to wander around hopelessly lost? He is always there for us no matter the circumstances. When we feel He's not listening when our hearts are crying out and we are weary, remember He's carrying us at that time.

Remember the Poem by Mary Stevens: "Footprints in the Sand?" You can go here and read about the history of the poem and read the poem. The poem is copyrighted, plus it is more affective when seen with the scene and the words rather than typed out here.

Habakkuk 2:4 says: "Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith."

The just shall live by his faith. This right here is telling us to live by faith. He wants us to have faith and not be a prideful being which puts us in the wrong frame of mind, unable to hear him.

2 Samuel 22:2-4 (NKJV) talks about trusting the Lord our God.

2 And he said: "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
3 The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, You save me from violence.
4 I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies."

With this verse I am going to use the Message Bible as well. It starts out by saying: "David prayed to God the words of this song after God saved him from all his enemies and from Saul."

2-3 "God is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. My God--the high crag where I run for dear life, hiding behind the boulders, safe in the granite hideout; My mountaintop refuge, he saves me from ruthless men.
4 I sing to God the Praise-Lofty, and find myself safe and saved."

Now the (NLT)

2 He sang: "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
3 my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my Savior, the one who saves me from violence.
4 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and He saved me from my enemies.

I like to use different translations at times as it can help those that are just coming to the Lord or who haven't yet. Sometimes one translation may be harder to grasp than another. Such as the original King James Version can be fun to read making it a bit intimidating. This is not say it's not good. All the Bibles are the same thing, it's the written Word of the Lord. Our book of instructions.

With this on trust, it is saying that God is going to save us from our enemies, we just need to trust in Him to do it, sing praises to Him and keep the faith!

So today I will leave you with an all time favorite. Psalm 23:1-6 (NKJV)

1 The Lord is my Shepard; I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of the righteousness for His names sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord, forever!

I have to admit, I like the way it sounds from the regular KJV.

So here is the KJV

23 The Lord is my Shepard; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of the righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

I do have a tendency to be a bit nostalgic at times. Bear with me please. ;o)
I like how Dr. Charles Stanley talks about v 1. He had a remark stating that if we have the Lord, we have everything, but without Him we have nothing. In order to have Him in our lives, we need to trust in Him and have faith in Him.

Stanley also says about v 6:
"We cannot always see goodness and mercy ahead of us, but when we look behind us, we see them. That helps us to look ahead and see more clearly, where we glimpse our place at God's side forever." Again, to me this is basically reminding us to keep the faith and trust in Him.

Be Blessed. Make a ripple and watch it grow and grow and grow! And always remember to P.U.S.H. Have a beautiful day!

Award for Everyone

This is just to remind you all that this award is for all of you who visit, as you are all my friends. I love you all dearly and appreciate all of you. So please feel free to take the award! Just click on it in the post below and show others how much you are appreciated and pass it on to those you cherish.

Award

The award came from Tami from Diary of a Mad Woman. Thank you Tami, you are such a sweet woman. This is absolutely beautiful! I too love humming birds. You done an awesome job. Someday I'll learn how to do all this stuff and make some awards as well. Your hummingbirds brightened the day big time!

Now this is what you all do. You grab the award and award "all" your blogging buddies as well. As I am awarding it to "all" of you!!! You are all the best. Love you all. Have a wonderful week!

Tagged

I've been tagged! Yes, I read her post, so I must be considerate. ;) Tami at Diary of Mad Woman had this on her blog. Play along now, ya hear. Be sure to visit Tami and read her answers.

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To
1) Another day off!
2) Visiting Family
3) Trip to San Diego, even if it is only for 2 days.
4) Having my back and neck adjusted again so I can move more freely
5) Working in the garden
6) Being out doors more
7) Getting my house organized finally
8) Learning more

8 Things I Did Yesterday
1) Cleaned
2) Showered
3) Cooked
4) Rode the stationary bike
5) Went shopping with hubby
6) blogged
7) Took a nap (always tired now a days)
8) Read the Bible

8 Things I Wish I Could Do
1) Have more time with hubby
2) travel to see all our old friends
3) Get healthy
4) Visit Germany again and see other surrounding countries
5) Walk like I used to
6) Go swimming every day
7) Know the Lord better
8) Be able to help more people

8 Shows I Watch On TV(I don't watch much TV)
1) 24
2) Dirty Jobs
3) Myth Busters
4) The Gaither Homecoming
5) Charles Stanley
6) Occasionally CSI
7) Golf
8) Baseball

8 People I Tag If you’re reading this, I tag YOU! Send me a word back letting me know if you do it, and I’ll come over to your blog and read your awesome answers!

Relax Sunday

Today I'm going to do this a little bit differently. I started the the series of Faith and Trust and this will build from it.

Trust in the Lord our God that He will provide an give you a wonderful day. Have Faith in the Lord that He will lead you to do the right things.

Relax today in His love and spread that love. Hug your children/grandchildren. Tell them how much you love them and that you thank the Good Lord for them. If you family isn't close by, call them and tell them how much you love them, and how thankful you are for them.

Take time to pray, tell Him how much you love Him and How it's all for Him.

Relax and let Him hold you and walk with you. Stay in His presence and have faith and trust that your day will be restful and relaxing. For without faith and trust in Him, your days become disheveled.

I hope you all have a beautiful relaxing Sunday and remember to include Him in your day! After all, He is the one that gave us this day of rest. May the Lord our God pour out His blessings upon you today and always. May He give you strength and wisdom to carry you through. May the love He has for us shine through us and overflow unto others. Make and ripple and watch it grow and grow.

Remember to always P.U.S.H. Love Him, Love everyone, even your enemies.

I leave you with: Luke 6:27-36 (NKJV)

27 "But I say to you who hear; Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,"

28 "bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you."

29 "To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either."

30 "Give to everyone who asks of you, and from him who takes away your goods do no ask them back."

31 "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise."

32 "But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them."

33 " And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same."

34 "And if yo lend to those that from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back."

35 "But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the un-thankful and evil."

36 "Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful."

Relax, let the sun shine in your heart! Many hugs, lots of love, and blessings to you all!!!

Please Pray for Aaron

As you all know, it breaks my heart when I know of children especially to be going through this trial. Isn't he just a cutie. Any way, he is battling a type of cancer. You can learn more about him by going to Julie's blog at Contentment Corner. You can click on the link on my side bar. Please be praying for this dear boy and his family. God Bless you all!

Faith and Trust

This post is to discuss faith and trust in the Lord. The reason for this choice is there has been so much going on in so many peoples lives lately that has had many questioning why would this happen, why aren’t my prayers being answered, is He listening…The list goes on.

Our Pastor has been talking about Faith and Trust a lot. I’ve heard others talk about one or the other or both often. It’s been a big subject more than usual lately. It’s been placed on my heart to take my time and really look at this subject in the Bible and share what I find and learn. One could say, “Well if you’re a Christian, a believer, then trust and faith should not be a problem.”

Well in a sense it seems it should be this way. When we read Scriptures, we know it is stated over and over again how we are to trust our Lord God for everything. We should have faith in the Lord as well. How could we lose it? Why should this be a subject that needs to be discussed?

For one, we are of the flesh, like it or not. We are not perfect, nor will we ever be. There are events in our lives that can leave us wondering, questioning, doubting, etc. For instance, this is something that happened recently to someone. They prayed for safety for their son when driving for the first time. Shortly after that, the son had an accident, (not his fault). Thankfully he was not hurt, but it put the family in a worse financial situation than they had been in. The question came, how can this happen right after praying about it? Why would God do this?

This is where faith and trust comes into play, but we fail to see it as naturally we are confused, and it’s hard to see at the time. This is when it is good to talk with others we know that are in the Lord. It is easy for someone that is not going through that situation to remind them that even though it doesn’t seem right, it’s confusing; God has a plan in our lives. We are a works in the making. He may have done that to teach the son something, or the parent, or the family. We don’t know and may never know.

The important thing here is we need to hold onto our faith in knowing that God is there. He already knew this situation would happen. He had it planned for a reason. The good thing is the Lord was thanked for keeping the son safe and not injured. Blessings, count our blessings. When we are able to wave off the negative aspects and look at the blessings, we can overcome our displeasure's and questionings a whole lot easier. Have faith and trust that He is doing what is needed to be done. He has a good reason for what happened. Perhaps even it happened to teach the other party involved a lesson and you were used as He knew you could handle it. You were the one with the faith and they are not. We never know. Just believe, trust, and keep the faith!

I’m going to do this subject in a series. I don’t know how many days I’ll do this, but what ever it takes without making it too long each time. And then there will be other subjects to follow. It was placed on my heart to pick a different subject from the concordance and discuss it here. I thought okay. I know I’ll learn more from this, and hopefully it will help others and prayerfully lead at least one, but hopefully more to the Lord. I would like to know how you all feel about this. Be honest.

I’m going to end today’s post with this Scripture from Matthew 6:25-34 (NKJV) and the definitions for Faith and Trust taken from Merriam Websters On-line Dictionary.

Faith: 1 allegiance to duty or a person; fidelity to one's promises; sincerity of one's intentions.
2 belief and trust in and loyalty to God; belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion; firm belief in something for which there is no proof
3 Something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially: a system of religious beliefs.

Trust 1 assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something; One in which confidence is placed.
2 Dependence on something future or contingent; reliance on future payment for property (as merchandise) delivered.
3 a property interest held by one person for the benefit of another; a combination of firms or corporations formed by a legal agreement; one that reduces or threatens to reduce competition.
4 a change or duty imposed in faith or confidence or as a condition of some relationship; something committed or entrusted to one to be used or cared for in the interest of another; responsible charge or office

25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink: nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more that clothing?”
26 “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
27 “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?”
28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toll nor spin;”
29 “and yet I say to you that even Solomon, in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”
30 “Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?’ Or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?”
32 “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”
33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.”
34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Matthew 6:25-34 (Message Bible).

25-26 “If you decide for God; living a life of God-worship; it follows that you don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes, or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to Him than birds.”
27-29 “Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.”
30-33 “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think He’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way He works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how He works. Steep you life in God-reality, God-initiative, and God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.”
34 “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”

Fitness Friday

Join Brenda and the rest of us. Start at Brenda's at The Family Revised

Okay, so I'm going to go out on a limb here and try it again! I decided I needed to do something with my unhealthy self, found out about this program at great granny grandma's and decided to join. We have assignments, and today's is to write about awesomeness. So here goes.

I think it is awesome that there are those out there willing to support one another through our trials of becoming healthy.

I think it's awesome to have so many great friends through the blog-o-sphere.

I think it's awesome to set a goal and be able to accomplish it with someone else.

Now to catch up, I'll do the first assignment as well. Tell you what my 5 goals are.

1. To get my family and grand children on a healthy eating plan.

2. To finally be secure with my looks. (I know we are suppose to love ourselves as we were made by God, but I do believe He would rather have me healthy and a good size).

3. To not worry about the expense of eat healthy and just buy the right foods.

4. To stop making excuses and just do it! (Exercise that is and eat write, I guess that would help, huh?)

5. To be more positive about all this instead of negative which does no one any good. ;) So in other words, have a can do attitude and stick with the plan!!!

So there you have it. Please pray for me! I'm going to need lots of divine intervention, and I don't mean that lightly either.

So how did I get to this point of basic desperation? Well, I've had a wait issue most my life. I'm not blaming anyone but myself, but while growing up, I always heard, eat some more. Go ahead finish it off. You've got room for a little more don't you? And on and on. I learned to love food. Then while in the military, I became too thin. Okay, we know the yo-yo thing is very unhealthy. I was happy, but my body wasn't. Then I became pregnant, which the first pregnancy wasn't too bad, I lost most the weight and got back into my clothes shortly after. But then came the second baby. She was born 15 months after the first. Oh boy, did I gain weight. I had a hard time taking it off. Then I lost and looked great. Then I went back to work, ate like a pig and was the heaviest I'd ever been. Then I went on a diet a while later, and looked great, then put it back on in Europe. Came back, started walking every day, and doing aerobics, looked and felt great, was eating right as well. Then gained it all back and then some. So it's been an on going battle.

I want to start eating right again and stick with it. There isn't a whole lot of exercising that I love to do that I can do. I have back problems that keeps me from aerobics. (crying). I have rheumatoid arthritis that has basically ruined my knees and was told no more walking (sobbing hysterically) I love walking more than anything. Also have FMS (fybromyalgia) which works with the arthritis and makes it unbearable to even move some days. And now, well now I have numbing in half of my feet. Am still working on finding out what that is all about. I also have neck problems that can bring on horrific headaches to the point of not being able to function. The last one had the left side of my face numb and then the left side of my body felt that way. I can't go to the gym as there really isn't a whole lot I can do there, so it's money that really wouldn't be put to very good use. Swimming is my only option, but again, money is an issue.

So here I am. We have a stationery bike which I got back on finally yesterday. Boy did that feel good! Paying the price today, but that's okay. It will take time and will not give up this time. One day at a time. God will take good care of me, as He wants us to take good care of His tents that He has loaned us while here on earth. I say good luck to all the others doing this as well. I'm believing in success!!!

Friday's Funnies

I was going to try to find some funnies for today until I visited Kim's blog at Homesteaders Heart

I haven't laughed this hard in a while. I couldn't stop laughing after watching the second video. I had to watch it more than once. I was laughing so hard my hubby thought I was losing it. Plus commenting was very difficult. So instead of posting something that might be funny, I am sending you all over to her site right away. You won't regret it, believe me. Enjoy. Laughter after all is the best medicine!!! ;)

E-Book

Michelle at Scribbit: The Life of Motherhood in Alaska has an e-book that you can download. The book is a guide for those just starting to blog, or for those that want to fix your blog up. She has a lot of good information and ideas in there. It down loads to a pdf file or you can go to Amazon.com to down load as well. Click on her link on the side bar to receive your book if you would like one.

Commenter Recognition

Today's commenter recognition goes to Hon at God is Our First Love. She has been with me from the very beginning. She's a beautiful woman of the Lord. If you need inspiration in the Lord be sure and stop by her blog and read. Be sure and go to 5MinutesForMom.com to see more that have been recognized. You are all loyal commenters and I thank you all! I try to recognize someone different each week.

The 1930's - 1979 Era

This has been around for a long time, but a bit of a different version. I so love this. It's so true, but sad that many don't see it.

To Those of You Born in the 1930 - 1979.
TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!!
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can and didn'tget tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribscovered with bright colored lead-base paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had baseball caps not helmets on our heads.
As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes.
Riding in the back of a pick-up truck on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one
actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon.
We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar. And, we weren't overweight. WHY? Because we were always outside playing...that's why! We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And, we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's and X-boxes. There were no videogames, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no person al computers, no Internet and no chat rooms
WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no law suits from these accidents.
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.
We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them.
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever.
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how todeal with it all.
If YOU are one of them? CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good. While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave and lucky their parents were. Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it ?

God's Love

Yesterday was one of the best days I've had despite the constant pain and discomfort. I'm so thankful for God's love and the way he works.

I believe I have talked about my daughter with an Atheist fiance and one of his two boys being the same way. In our trips taking them to school and back often, we get a chance to talk and I play kids worship music most of the time. R would complain before but has given up on that. I figure the more you expose them, the more the Lord will sink in.

Well yesterday the Lord was speaking strongly to him and we were truly blessed. The baby was really fussy and usually rides good in the van, but yesterday he complained a lot. So on the way back home, I put in Jules new choir CD and C calmed down right away! Then R commented, "Well I guess he's going to grow up to be just like you guys." I sat quietly in thought and then the Lord gave me the word, "It's the peace of the Lord."

Well this brought up questions from R! He asked if it's bad not to pray or say grace everyday. I told him that it's not bad, but God does love to hear from us and the more we talk to Him the closer we come to Him. I used myself as an example that I haven't been praying regularly lately and have been having some difficulties. But when I pray regularly, (and I should have added read the word daily), then I'm much happier.

Shortly after this--I love God's timing--we see a vehicle that had the drivers side back in all crunched in with the trunk buckled up and the back window gone. This was an old Cadillac. R commented, "Man, I hope that dude has insurance." I told him that he probably didn't otherwise he wouldn't be driving around like that. I then said that I would add him to my prayers tonight. R said, I'm going to pray for him right now. I was shocked!!! So he was quiet, then said, "I just prayed that he would get Progressive." I love the way of children, from the mouths of babes.

So I told him that I felt that this man needed more than insurance that he probably needed a job or something, that he was obviously down on his luck. The inside of the car had parts of the roof falling down. So R got quiet again and then said he prayed that the Lord would help in what ever he needs. That really touched me. Here was a child determined to be like dad and not believe and all of a sudden he's praying for someone else. He's normally all about himself.

I told him that I was really proud of him and he made me very happy. This made him feel good too. Then he said, "Omah, you do need to pray for him because you are so much closer to God than I am. He will answer your prayers faster than he will mine." I told him that God listens to everyone and especially to children with caring loving hearts. and that the more people that pray, the more powerful those prayers become. He liked hearing that.

When we got to their house R commented that this was the happiest day of his life! I asked him if he knew what was going on. He asked what and I told him that God was working on him and He was pleased with him for coming to Him. I let him know that God was making his day better. He thought that was cool.

God's love; where would we be without it. This is living proof of the strength of His great love for His children.

Relax Sunday

Just wanted to share this with you.

God's Hand of Discipline is a Hand of Love!

For all the heartaches and the tears,

For gloomy days and fruitless years,

I do give thanks, for now I know,

These were the things that helped me grow!

A verse from Webshots.com

Just felt those few words said so much. Have a blessed relaxing Sunday!

Commenter Recognition

I don't know why I always have such a hard time remember when this gets posted, especially when I love taking the time to recognize all you wonderful friends out there. Today's recognition goes to Denise at Shorty Bear's. Be sure and stop by and visit her if you don't already. She is an awesome woman with a heart of gold! She is probably the only one that has ever taken the time to go through at comment on almost every post on a page at one time. Thank you so much Denise. That was so sweet of you to do. I want so badly to get back to doing that very thing. I know how precious time is, so it just shows how very kind, caring, and loving you are to take that kind of time. May God pour out His blessings upon you!

Compelled

I just have to write this. I have been blog visiting tonight, (finally have some extra time, Praise God), and was reading, "Not Perfect, Only Forgiven by Smile, Jesus Loves You." The post was World Broken. What a heart warming post it was.

Her post talked of so many hurting, but this is all I'm going to say, as I hope you all will go read her blog. Any way, Pastor has been talking about our duties for some time. How we really need to be servants of the Lord. How we need to be willing to lead others to the Lord.

There are so many ways to do this. Simply by smiling when in public and a show of kindness makes people wonder why you are always so happy and kind. When they ask, there is your opportunity. God has opened a door!

When you see someone needing help, instead of looking around to see if anyone is going to offer it, do it yourself.

When you see someone down on their luck, do what ever you can to help them. Pray for them as you pass by if there is nothing you have to offer. The power of prayer! Never forget how Jesus spent much of His time in prayer. We should be doing the same.

As Pastor Ken has said over and over, you do not even have to say God, Jesus or whatever the case may be. Just show kindness, then when that door is open, you can start talking about Them then. Don't start Bible thumping someone right away. Just show them the love of Christ.

I'm wondering how many take the time to stop and look at the people around them. Do you look to see if you can tell how their day is going? Do you ever get angry with clerks that are grumpy with you and then snap back at them? Do you get agitated and nasty with waitresses who bring you an order that isn't correct? Have you chewed an employee out for not doing what you needed?

Next time take the time to ask yourself, could they be going through a rough time, could they be sick and still working to support their family, could this be a single parent worried about their sick child at home. And the list goes on. There are a number of things that could be bothering that person at the time.

When you come upon a problem that makes you uncomfortable or agitated, take the time to say, "I hope your day gets better for you." Offer them a "real smile," and be genuine. Sarcasm doesn't do anyone any good. If you think about it, when we get angry with someone, don't you usually feel worse after the fact?

If the person tells you some or all of what is going on in their lives, then ask them if you can pray for them. If they have the time, ask if you can say a quick prayer right there with them. If it is something where they could really use a friend, offer to talk to them when they get off work.

Just simple shows of kindness can really change a persons life. Don't be afraid to swallow your pride and offer up a cup of kindness, and then think about how both of you will more than likely have your cups half full rather than have one that was already almost empty become completely empty, and one that was half full become less.

Thank You Father for this great reminder. I so want to have that kind of heart, like Yours that never shows anger, that never gets upset because someone isn't behaving the way I would like them to. Thank You for leading the way, showing how to love the way You love us. Oh Daddy, You are the God of Love, You are Love. I so want to walk in Your foot steps, to be the loving person you created us to be. Please fill my heart with that kind of love for others. Please help me to love "all" our brothers and sisters whether they have come to you or not. Help me to love thy enemy instead of turning the other way. Daddy, I need Your guidance, for I can not do it alone. Without You, I'm nothing. Thank you Father for Your faithfulness, for you love, for Your guidance. How I love You so! You took this empty life and turned it right side up and gently guided it in the right direction. My prayer is that I can now fulfill Your goal for me. That I do as You wish for me to do. Thank you Father. In Jesus Name, Amen

Our Pastors wife is an inspiration to so many. Pastor Ken tells us of how she loves to start a conversation with anyone. If they are having a rough time, she shows kindness. How awesome is that? I don't think there is a mean bone in her body. She is the shining example of how we should be. How I pray to be more like her. She spends a lot of time praying as well. Hmmm, I need to really change my ways. Don't you just love how He talks to us and tells us where we should be headed in subtle ways? I sure do. Have a beautiful, blessed weekend!!!

Please Pray for April Rose

You can visit mom's blog here.

I have a hard time hearing of anyone dying, or struggling with a serious disease. But there is something about children that really pulls at the heart strings. This little girl, April Rose is not yet born. The doctor says she is a sick little girl that will not make it. Her heart rate is down to 80. We all know this is not good.

But you know, the awe inspiring part that goes with this is that the parents are waiting on the Lord to decide what to do. Mom said that doctors wanted to induce here 7 weeks ago, that April would not make it. 7 weeks later, April is still fighting. Mom and dad are believing in the Lord, praying, and waiting upon Him. The doctor is wanting to take April now and says it is dire for them to do so.

Personally, I can understand where they are coming from. For by His time, by His plans, what is to happen will happen. God had it all planned out a long time ago. No matter what happens, if she is meant to live, she will. If she is meant to go home before her parents get to know her, she will. They will meet here later on.

So please be praying for April Rose and her parents for strength to continue, for their faith to remain strong, for April to make it through this pregnancy alive and well if the Father so chooses. Pray for discernment as well that the parents will hear loud and clear the voice of God as to what He wants them to do. Thank You and God Bless.

Please Pray for Jesse

Jesse is a 16 year old beautiful young lady who loves the Lord and has been battling Luekemia.

I'm sure you noticed the button on the side bar. Please be praying for her, visit her site and leave her words of encouragement and support. There is a button on her blog to buy raffle tickets for an I-Pod as well. The money goes to help with medical expenses. You may also leave a donation for the family. Let's show Jesse and her family that we care and love her and are praying for a full recovery! Thank you and God Bless!

Friday's Funnies

What reminded me of today's funny is reading Beliefnet's religious jokes. The get some pretty good ones in there.

The joke told of a little girl who asked her mom if they could leave the church during the sermon. Her mother told here no, and asked her why she wanted to leave.

She told her mom she didn't feel well.

Mom asked her if she felt like she was going to vomit.

The little girl said yes.

Her mother told her to go outside and go around to the back of the church to the bushes and vomit back there.

So the little girl ran out and came back very soon afterwards.

Her mother asked her if she vomited.

She said she did.

Her mother told her she wasn't gone long enough to go around to the back of the church to get sick.

The little girl replied, "don't worry mommy, there was a box on the front steps that said for the sick."

Could you imagine? At least it wasn't all over the church seating area, or on the floor, or all over her and her mom and anyone else that may have been sitting near. And on this note, I think I will save my personal story for next week. ;) I know, I'm so mean. Hope you all have a beautiful and blessed weekend.

Remember to laugh often, and definitely smile. You all have beautiful smiles, don't waste them with frowns. Besides, it makes people wonder what you are up to. Hee hee, Ha, Ha. :)

Make a ripple and watch it grow and grow and grow. And remember to Always P.U.S.H.!!! Happy Friday!

Testimony of God's Will

Yet another great testimony happens in our lives. God is always so amazing.
I wrote before of hubby getting the business when his boss retired. Well hubs had been looking at another career opportunity in Abu Dahbi (Arab Emigrants in Iraq) that would have taken him from home for 1-5 years. He prayed and prayed, as well as did we about what he was suppose to do. He was so sure this job overseas was his answer to the failing economy problem and the answer we had been looking for.

As time went on, we both felt that it wasn't the answer, but he wanted to keep following the job prospect just in case. Secretly I prayed it would not go through, as I was not looking forward to the separation, but also prayed that God would show us the right direction to take. Then came the handing over of the business he now has. I was excited and happy for him, yet he was still curious about the job prospect in Iraq. I was shocked.

Well today we received the answer that he is right where he belongs, and talk about a lift off the old shoulders. We were both relieved. Somehow in the backs of our minds, we knew this was where he was meant to be, as why would God put him here in this position if he were meant to travel abroad?

So once again, He gives us a silent reminder to always pay attention to His desires for us. Not to try and make those decisions on our own. What a precious Father we have, never doubt Him for one minute. He is always looking out for our best interests. We might not always agree with His decisions, but always remember, He knows the outcome, something we can never know!

Thankful Thursday

I'm so thankful for so many things. But today there were many lessons taught and learnt. Today was the funeral of our dear friend; Ira Joe Beasley, age 47; taken by cancer faster than was predicted. He's greatly missed. I'm thankful that he went in His sleep peacefully. I'm thankful that He is with our Father and no longer suffering.

But the lessons leared today came from watching the family and seeing the hurt and pain they were experiencing while dealing with their grief. How each one relied on one another for support and comfort. I'm thankful that such a large gathering filled the funeral home to overflowing to show the love and support of such a great son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. A man that served his country for 24 years and always done the best he could. I'm thankful his family was shown how much they are loved.

I realized more than ever just how important family and friends are. I realized that instead of looking at the negative side of things, we must always look to the positive, as we never know when our time will come. When we will see that last smile, when we will no longer hear their laughter, when we will no longer be able to hug them and tell them we love them, and the list goes on. I'm thankful for this wake up call/reminder.

I'm thankful for my family and friends, and all that our Father provides for us. For without Him, we would not recieve comforting, healing, inspirations, and all the things we have in our lives. I'm thankful for my grown children who have children of their own despite how frustrated I may become with them when they don't do things the way "I" think they should. I'm thankful He finds way to get our attention and say, "hey, I gave you these people in your life to love unconditionally, just the way I love you."

Thank you Daddy for being so loving, so kind and generous. Thank you for bringing me back to reality and making me see just how lucky I am. For as with Ira, the doctors told the family that he would be around for a while. They expected that and were not prepared as well as they might have been. But then we can never be fully prepared to lose a loved one. So thank you Father for reminding me, that no matter what a doctor or someone might try to tell us, we never know when our time will end, as it all you that life and death occurs. In Jesus Name, Amen!

God v. Science

This has been around many times, but feel it is very good. So I thought I would share it.

GOD vs. Science
A science professor begins his school year with a lecture to the students, 'Let me explain the problem science has with religion.' Theatheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.
'You're a Christian, aren't you, son?''Yes sir,' the student says.
'So you believe in God?
''Absolutely.
''Is God good?
''Sure! God's good.
''Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?
''Yes.
''Are you good or evil?
''The Bible says I'm evil.
'The professor grins knowingly.
'Aha! The Bible!' He considers for a moment. 'Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?
''Yes sir, I would.
''So you're good...!
''I wouldn't say that.
''But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could.Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't.
'The student does not answer, so the professor continues.
'He doesn't,does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?
'The student remains silent.
'No, you can't, can you?' the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.
'Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?
''Er...yes,' the student says.
'Is Satan good?
'The student doesn't hesitate on this one. 'No.
''Then where does Satan come from?
The student falters. 'From God'
'That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son.. Is there evil in this world?
''Yes, sir.
''Evils everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?
''Yes.
''So who created evil?' The professor continued, 'If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.' Again, the student has no answer. 'Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?
'The student squirms on his feet.
'Yes.
''So who created them?' The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. 'Who created them?' There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized.
'Tell me,' he continues onto another student. 'Do you believe in Jesus Christ,son?
'The student's voice betrays him and cracks. 'Yes, professor, I do.
'The old man stops pacing. 'Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?
''No sir. I've never seen Him.
''Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?
''No, sir, I have not.
''Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?
''No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't.
''Yet you still believe in him?
''Yes.''
According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?
''Nothing,' the student replies. 'I only have my faith.
Yes faith,' the professor repeats. 'And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.' At the back of the room another student stands quietly for a moment before asking a question of His own.
'Professor, is there such thing as heat?
''Yes,' the professor replies. 'There's heat.
''And is there such a thing as cold?
''Yes, son, there's cold too.
''No sir, there isn't.
'The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested.
The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain.
'You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees. ''Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it. 'Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.
'What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?
''Yes,' the professor replies without hesitation. 'What is night if it isn't darkness?
''You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word. ''In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?
'The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester.
'So what point are you making, young man?
''Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.
'The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time.
'Flawed? Can you explain how?
''You are working on the premise of duality,' the student explains. 'You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought. ''It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing.Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.
''Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?
''If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do.
''Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?
'The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.
'Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?
'The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided. 'To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean.
'The student looks around the room. 'Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?' The class breaks out into laughter.
'Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir. ''So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir? 'Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.
Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. 'I guess you'll have to take them on faith.
''Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,' the student continues. 'Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?
'Now uncertain, the professor responds, 'Of course, there is. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.
'To this the student replied, 'Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.
'The professor sat down.

Hebrews 13

This weekend seemed befitting for the Book of Hebrews, Chapter 13:1-21

1 Keep on loving each other as brothers.
2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing
some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
3 Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow
prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed
kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be
content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never
will I forsake you."
6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I
will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
7 Remember your leaders, who
spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and
imitate their faith.
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and
forever.
9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange
teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by
ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them.
10 We have an altar from which those who minister at the
tabernacle have no right to eat.
11 The high priest carries
the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies
are burned outside the camp.
12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to
make the people holy through his own blood.
13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the
disgrace he bore.
14 For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are
looking for the city that is to come.
15 Through Jesus,
therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of
lips that confess his name.
16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others,
for with such sacrifices God is pleased. 17 Obey your leaders
and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an
account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that
would be of no advantage to you.
18 Pray for us. We are
sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.
19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be
restored to you soon.
20 May the God of peace, who through
the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that great Shepherd of the sheep,
21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and
may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be
glory for ever and ever. Amen.

I do believe in angels visiting us in the most unusual places as well. There was a time when a man whom we'd never seen before during our drinking days showed up at the bar and sat next to us and started talking to us about Jesus. He knew things about us that there is no way he could have known even by guessing. It creeped us out at first, but then something came over me and I had a feeling he was an angel from heaven. From that day on, I started to hate alcohol. It started to make me sick to my stomach. Coincidence? I don't think so. Divine intervention, most definitely.

17-21 Reminds us of the importance of prayer, to obey, to respect what Jesus sacrificed for us. His sacrifice and His coming again, as was Easter.

May the Lord be with you constantly so that you may be in constant conversation. Recieving leadership through Him is the only way to live a good life. May your heart, eyes, and ears by open to Him. Let Him guide you through the days and the nights. May He bring peace to you. May we never forget the great sacrifice that God the Father, and Jesus Christ made for us. God be with you now and forever. Amen

Say It Forward Friday

Today's commenter recognition goes to Sue at Rabbit Run Cottage. I met Susie Q through here almost from the begining. She's a fun woman with a love for family that is just astounding! Susie always has something sweet to say. I doubt there's a mean bone in her body. You can see for yourself by visiting her blog.

Customer Service

Ever have those days when all these ideas for a post come at once, yet there are days when there is nothing. I completely forgot about this one. I was prompted to write about it last night too on my way home. So this is the reason for so many posts lately. Ideas are pouring out of me. ;~)

Customer service has been amazing as of late. It made me think, are managers telling their employees they need to try extra hard to be nice in times of struggles. Are more coming to the Lord and are sharing their happiness? Is the financial condition of our country not having much of an impact. Are more customers being nicer which has put the employees in much better moods?

I mean really. I've been experiencing some awesome customer service lately with an occasional grouch now and then. The one that really impressed me the most was a young man probably early 20's maybe even 19 who was amazing. He was polite, helpful, and smiled the whole time!!! Now tell me, how often do you see this these days? I can't begin to tell you how much that lifted my spirits. I left the store with a huge smile on my face, a skip in my walk, and a song in my heart and I thanked the Lord and commented, Lord that young man can teach many of us elders how to behave ourselves. It was refreshing to see.

Then the thought came, "Daughter, you have Me in your heart, you share that with the people you meet whether verbally or just being kind, or just a simple smile and understanding heart. When you take Me with you, people can tell and they give it back to you through Me." How cool is that. All the more reason to stay in constant conversation with Him. To always have Him in your heart and soul. What a difference in life He has made! Thank You Sweet Father God, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit! Amen!

Sad Times

I'll start out with a happy note first. Guess what Tami, it was raining here. You know what that means!!! Puddles!!!!!! Waaaaahhhhhooooooo! ;)

Now on the down side. There was a reason for the rain drops. The cloudy sky with the rain falling was so befitting for the mood felt. There was tears from heaven falling. I received a call from my sister next in age to let me know that our good friend Ira passed away this morning. The Lord blessed him by taking him at 5:15 am while he was sleeping. He had been doing so good, seeming to fight the battle with so much cancer. We are thankful there was no suffering when he went. He is with our Father in heaven now preparing a place for his family. No more suffering. No more knee pain. No more battles with cancer. No more radiation and chemo treatments.

I do ask that you pray for the family. He had three girls. The oldest being married and gave them grand children. Unfortunately he will not be here to watch them grow up and enjoy them, but some day they will all be together.

Regardless how prepared that our loved one is dying, it never makes that loss any easier. They are a good family, believed in our Lord, were loving people. Pray for comfort for them all during this time of grief.

Also, my next in age sister also found out that her husbands uncle is in the hospital battling with pneumonia and the prognosis is not good. The doctors do not expect him to live. We all know though that miracles do happen. We have heard those words to be prepared for someone to not make it and then pull out of it. So please pray for Ralph for healing.

Also, my brother-in-law has been TDY (on temporary duty) during all this. His good friend just lost his mother two weeks ago and now another good friend dies and his uncle not doing well. So if you could pray for strength for him and a early release to come back home safely. Pray for my sister and their daughter as well, as it has been a really rough time going this alone with him gone and having to give him the news while away.

Thank you all so much. I know your hearts are big, your love for the Father is all gracious and our prayers will heal, raise up, give strength as we all pray together. Thank you Father. Amen

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter Everyone! I hope you all have a Beautiful and Blessed Easter weekend. Stay safe, smile, be happy! I'll see you all back here Monday!
Love and Blessings to you all!
Make a ripple and watch it grow and grow and grow.
Remember to always P.U.S.H.

The Rapture Will Come...

I received this video in my e-mail today. Thank you Cindy! I'll tell you what, it's short, but powerful. The church scene will grab you.

Following

Exodus 15:26 with part of v. 25

"There the LORD made a decree and a law for them, and there he tested them. 26
He said, 'If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what
is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his
decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians,
for I am the LORD, who heals you."

Proverbs 6:16-19

16 "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him.
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among
brothers.

God makes it quite clear in these two Scriptures what He expects of us. While watching the movie, "The Passion" again, I was reminded of how badly I want to be a follower, to not sin. For I do not want all that Jesus endured for our sins to be in vain.
It is comforting to know that if we listen to God, He will take care of us.
By keeping from the six things the Lord hates, the seven that He detests, we will be taken care of.

Wireless Printer Give Away

Rhoda at Southern Hospitality is offering an HP C6380 Wireless Printer give away. If you would like to enter, go there and check it out. You can learn more about it by visiting the HP site as well. Also, you may go to blogher to enter for more chances to win. From what I understand, the printing of photos is so easy. It's wireless, no wires, freedom to print from anywhere in your home! It's a all-in-one printer. Wouldn't you just love to have one. Go visit Rhoda's and make sure to let her know I sent you.