Thursday, March 18, 2010

Golden Anniversary; Unthinkable Loss

Golden Anniversary; Unthinkable Loss

This story talks of all emotions. It talks of greatness of a grand father and his accomplishments, of a grandson who had the same never give up attitude of his grand father and of a dad who was a good support of his family.

It also talks of a tragedy; a loss of a life at such a young age. No matter what age, it is hard to lose a loved one; but when a child is taken, it is devestating.

I was awe struck by the father of the son' comment at the end. It just goes to show, when we are in the right place, we can find joy and peace. Our hearts are heavy with the loss, but we must also look around and see that joy is all around. We just have to be open to it. He's always there with us!

Have a beautiful and blessed weekend all. I hope to be fully recovered and back into everything real soon.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Brianne Matthews: Of Softball, Sorrow

Brianne Matthews: Of Softball, Sorrow

We really need to be "In Tune" to our kids. So many young lives are taken by suicide. If your child is talking about death, listen to them. They may be crying out for help. There were many signs here with this child and it was missed, as so many don't realize. On the outside they may seem happy, but when they discuss something that is totally out of characteristic for them, be alert. Talk to your children to make sure they are doing okay, and not putting too much pressure on themselves.

This is a serious problem. Some parents don't believe in mental illness. Some think that kids just talk. Many times they are crying out for help in the only way they know how without coming right out and saying it. If your child is unhappy, then you really need to be listening to them. Swallow your pride if need be and get them the help they so deserve.

I'm not saying that the parent ignored her daughter. Not the case, but she unknowingly missed some significant signs, along with others. We assume all is good with our kids when they are doing well in school and other things. Friends as well need to be alert to odd behaviors of their friends. Something that happens out of characteristic.

Let's take a stand against child suicides. Let's let these kids know we care about them and are there to listen to them. Let's incourage our children to talk to us about anything; that they don't have to be alone with their thoughts.

Let's pray that we the parents, grandparents, friends are given the insight to notice there is something wrong and children are not needlessly taking their own lives.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Who's Your Boss?

While reading through "Life Principles Bible by Dr. Charles Stanley; Life principle 4, I was captivated by what it said. It is amazing how so many times we can read something over and over and then one day it finally sinks in! Well it did this time. Perhaps due to the Daniel Fast, I'm finally able to comprehend more; or more likely, I'm ready for it. After all, it is all designed by His time.

The title for Life Principle 4 reads: "The Awareness of God's Presence Energizes Us for Our Work. (Deut. 20:1) (S.C., 2005)

Dr. Stanley goes on to talk about three way s one can get the most out of the work you do. One being as seeing yourself as a servant. Col. 3:22 "Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God." Matt. 20:25 "Jesus came to earth not to be served, but to serve--and He instructed us to adopt the same attitude."

When we are at work, we should do our very best no matter the circumstances. Dr. Stanley wrote: "A prideful employee is seldom seen as a 'promotion possibility.'"(S.C., 2005) If we do our work thinking we know it all and can do better than others, we aren't doing our job to the best of our ability. We aren't serving our real Boss!

So who is our real Boss? This is where the second way to get the most of the work you do. "Realize that you work for the Lord Himself."(S.C., 2005) That's right, no matter where we are working, who we are working for, our real Boss is always the Lord. Col. 3:23 "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.

I like what Dr. Stanley had to say about how we need to give a "full days labor whether we think management is fair." That is because we are working for the Lord in reality.

Then came the best part of this Life Principle. Our Pastor has talked many a time about being a part time Christian--yes, guilty sometimes of this very thing--but do you go to church Sunday and Worship and then go to work Mon. - Fri. not giving the Lord much thought or perhaps not at all? Do you practice what the Bible teaches while at work? And then spend Saturday as a day of play, and then back to church on Sunday to Worship; and the circles continues?

If we look at daily life in a worldly fashion and not in a Godly manner, then we are not fully doing our work. We must include the Lord everyday in all that we do. When we worry more about how our supervisors, managers etc. see us, and not how the Lord sees us, then we aren't giving our all.

The third way to get the most out of your work is: "Realize your pay comes both now and hereafter."(S.C., 2005) Dr. Stanley explains that we naturally need to be paid while doing our work her on earth in order to survive; but you aren't going to get paid all you are worth here. But if we put in our all while here we will be greatly rewarded when we go home. Remember, our Boss is watching every move we make. If we show Him the respect He deserves, do our very best and include Him in everything we do, our reward is going to be unmeasurable.

And the very last paragraph and sentence asks and answers some very good questions:
Do you see yourself as a servant? Do you consider Him your real Boss and work
"as unto the Lord," no matter how menial or boring your job might seem? Have you
realized that you have a tremendous reward coming later for faithful labor
performed now?
If so, you are getting the most out of your work. (S.C., 2005)
This came at the perfect time--of course--as I've been dealing with what I do, and realized that I need to change my ways. This all started about a week ago. So much is being revealed lately and then I read this and wow! Talk about a "hit-you-in-the- face moment!" I won't go into detail, but I've realized lately that I need to change the whole way I've been acting and going about things and need to ask to be led, instead of being that bullheaded self that I have a tendency to fall back into. This Life Principle was the icing on the cake so to speak.

I love His perfect timing, how He opens our eyes at the right moment when we need it the most. Since coming back to the Lord, I can't imagine life without Him. Nor do I know how I did it without Him. Well, yes I do. He was always there; just waiting for me to come back. Because when I look back and think about it, I shouldn't be here today. I actually did die once and came back.

Miracle? You bet. It wasn't my time yet, it was a moment that He used to tell me something. It just took many years to realize it. Worth it? You bet! Hubs and I both have many a great testimony to tell. A bunch of hogwash? No way! There is no other explanation for what has happened in our lives. It's all right there in the Bible. it all explains the answers to what has happened over the years. Granted some of what we have to testify to is embarrassing, but if it will help someone, then it was all worth it.

But that part is for another whole new post. I'm so full of ideas once again!!! Lately, it's been like writers block for me. But that's because I was going through another dark moment in life. That's okay though, because each one opens more new doors, chains are broken, healing happens, and eyes are opened! Yup, God Is Good All the Time!!! Be blessed all.

Reference:
Stanley, C.F., 2005. "Life Principle Bible: New King James Version." Copyright 1982 by Thomas
Nelson, Inc.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The Daily Fix: Cover a Scratch or Chip in Your Hardwood Floor - DIY Life

For those of you out there with hard wood floors, this is an easy fix to any markings on your floor. I thought we were going to have to redo the whole floor in our kitchen/diningroom, but may not have to now. I love our flooring, but being a soft wood, it gets marked up easily by chairs and dropping things. We have marks everywhere, which we may still have to redo the whole surface, but at least we now have the knowledge of what to do when they first appear and keep it from getting so bad.

Hope this article is helpful to others as well. Always looking for DIY ways versus all those expensive fixes that often occur.

The Daily Fix: Cover a Scratch or Chip in Your Hardwood Floor - DIY Life

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Translate

Can anyone tell me how to translate when someone uses a different language in comments? I have received comments in Chinese or Japanese or something and have no idea what they are saying. Thanks!

He's Not Finished With Me Yet!

The song "Wait and See" by Brandon Heath brings comfort during what I'm experiencing right now.



The night has been long. Lay on the right side and it hurt. Lay on the left side and it's better but have to lay a certain way. Kept waking up having to reposition. Up at 3:30 am as I couldn't sleep. More lumps on the head. The ones already there have grown. I now have one on my shoulder about the circumference of a baseball, and one in my armpit about the size of an egg. Still all on the left side. Along with numbing in my forhead and the top of my head. I don't feel well and am just wiped out. Have been the past couple of days. It's getting to where it hurts to talk.

Am I scared, well I woldn't say that, but yes, concerned. But then this morning--I love God's timing--hubby turned on some worship music on the tv and the above song came on. I knew then it was meant for me. He's not finished with me yet. I have a lot more to do here on earth before He takes me home. Am I ready to go home? Yes as I can't wait to meet our maker and leave the ways of the flesh and world; but know that I'm needed hear right now. I need to learn more aobut our Father and grow closer first. He has work for me to do first. So a certain peace and comfort has come over me.

What bothers me most is the thought of needles going into these things that already hurt. The thought of a needle going in my neck makes me nervous. The numbing stuff is even worse. But better to know what is going on than keep suffering.

Please say a prayer for my family and I. I know hubby and son and sister is very concerned. Ask for peace and comfort to come over them as well. Thank you and God Bless!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Doctor/Science Mystery: Once Again!!!

I swear my side of the family should really consider selling our bodies to science. They would have a field day with us. Today I went in as I had a lump on my left elbow that showed a few weeks ago. Yes it burns in there constantly but figured it was another ganglion cyst and blew it off.

Then two days ago I found two lumps just in the hairline of my forehead on the left side. They itched like crazy. I figured I probably had those darned underground zits popping up. Then one became really red all around a large area.

Then last night I found a good sized lump in front of my left ear. It hurt. Today I found an even larger on in the gland on the left side of my neck. That's when I decided to go get checked out.

I saw a practioner student first, who was totally confused and went to look some things up. The PAC came in next and she was flabbergasted. She had ideas, but nothing fit what was going on with me. She went and talked to my doctor who decided on a cat scan.

I was not thrilled with that, as I've had so many MRI's, a cat scan and x-rays in the past two years. That didn't make her happy, and I agreed to have it done.

Well that showed no infection going on in there, but did show a lot of nodes, which explains why I've found two more lumps.

So now they are trying hard to get me in to see an ear, nose and throat specialist to have some biopsies done. Ughhhh. I am not thrilled with that notion at all. I may end up in the ER tonight if the lumps continue to grow. The one by my ear is causing an ear ache now. The one on my neck is creating an uncomfortable pressure, and something is causing some blurring in my left eye.

The blood work drawn hasn't come back yet. I'm hoping to hear something back on that yet tonight. We'll see. So here I sit, wondering what in the world is wrong with me. I'm not pannicked and actually find it a bit hilarious as this is par for the course. Each of us three girls and my daughter have experienced the unknown so many times. It's our family. We are sciences mysteries. But please don't let them know. I don't want them banging down our doors just yet. ;)

I have to laugh, as worrying solves nothing and can actually complicate things more, and I just find a peace in my heart knowing that the good Lord will take care of me. I will take what ever is handed; but Lord, when are You going to give me my health back so I can go on to do the work You have planned for me??? Although, and this has come to me a lot lately, that perhaps I'm going through these things to be able to share a great testimonial of His great love!

So my final question: has anyone ever experienced this sort of thing? If so, what did it turn out to be, and what did they do for you? Thanks! So if you all could say a prayer for us, as my family is going through this with me, I would greatly appreciate it, as in numbers we are stronger!

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Police Credit Dog With Saving Lost Toddler's Life - AOL News

I love stories with happy endings. Mans best friend. Thank the Lord this baby is safe and sound. I can't even phathom going through what the parents must have endured during the time she was missing. So important to know where your children are and what they are doing.

Police Credit Dog With Saving Lost Toddler's Life - AOL News

Friday's Funnies




Please Read This Carefully, as I don't want anyone I care about to get hurt.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Millionaire Gets Rid of Everything!

For some time I've felt that hubs and I need to get rid of "stuff" that we have in our home. We don't live richly, but we do live in a nice home. I used to desire a larger--well not necessarily larger, but a home set up differently with a different kitchen and bath. Coveting is so easy to do, and I'm guilty. When I catch myself, I stop it--but sometimes forget. Ahh the ways of the world/flesh; gets us everytime. The important thing is we realize and stop ourselves.

After reading this article:
http://www.aolnews.com/money/article/money-made-life-miserable-so-millionare-karl-rabeder-is-giving-it-away/19356181?icid=main|hp-laptop|dl3|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fmoney%2Farticle%2Fmoney-made-life-miserable-so-millionare-karl-rabeder-is-giving-it-away%2F19356181

I realized there was a good reason for my feeling like we needed to unload some "stuff" in our house. I've slowly been doing that the past year and can't wait to do more! The article made me thankful that we aren't rich--and honestly, I've never wanted to be, as it seems to change people. Uppity people that think they are better because they have money and nice "things" I have little respect for due to the fact that there are so many people hurting out here and we should think of them instead of turning our noses in the air. The competing to see who can do better than another just drives me insane!

Many a time when we've seen someone on the corner with a homeless sign, we stop and give them what we have on us; but when I have nothing on me, it breaks my heart to just drive by. I do pray that the Lord fixes their situation, but still feel empty hearted. If I could, I'd take every homeless family in and help them.

My whole point here is be thankful for what you have. Accept it when you are given a financial struggle, as it's the Lord working on us to draw us nearer, and/or teach us a lesson. Honestly, when we struggle financially like we are right now--due to no construction going on--I realize He is probably telling us to slow down and live within our means. I have a habit of getting excited when we have money and buy for the grandkids "stuff", and things they need. But the stuff they "need", I have a tendency of going overboard, as I just want to make sure they have what they need and not have to want for. But wanting for things is a good lesson in life.

All too often in today's world with all the latest gadgets and what not, kids are spoiled and become selfish. I'm thankful I grew up in the country and wanting. We didn't have the newest and coolest "things" that came out. We didn't have game systems, VCR's and what not. We had animals and a large garden and hay field. We had to walk, ride bike or horse--or in the winter time thankfully we had snowmobiles; but could only take them occasionally due to gas--to get to our friends house, as our parents both worked full time. We lived at least a mile from our friends except for one house, it was a 1/4 of a mile. Did we ever complain, oh yeah, you bet we did. We were jealous of those that lived in town. We coveted what they had.

Today, I'm glad we lived like that. I'm sooo thankful that we didn't live in town, as many of them are now struggling in life, drug addicts and alcoholics. Some are of course living on the high life. Jealous, no way! I do hurt for those that are struggling. At one point in life, I wanted them to hurt like I did. I wanted to "get back" at those that turned their noses up at me, and they still do, as I "hated" them at the time. Such a hurtful word. Now I pray for them.

So for every struggle we go through, its for a reason. It's a testimony to those that are lost and confused. It's a testimony to those going through the same thing, that it's okay. The Lord is working on us. For we are all a work in progress as long as we are here on earth. Instead of moaning and groaning, we should be listening for his voice and follow the path he sends us on. Think about it; Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights in the desert fasting. He had nothing for that time. He was tempted but never gave in. We must learn to do the same. Be blessed all, and live the life the Lord intends for you to live and rejoice in what you have!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Be Sure to Check This Out!

Today I finally had time to check my followers list and found new followers. When visiting the first one I cam across, I was elated with what I found. This person truly is a child of the Lord! The article talks about a problem that occurs all too often.

I remember when I had started to go back to church. I went with a friend. Upon arriving there, I realized that people were unfriendly. They would look you up and down and scowl. You might get one or two smiles, but that was about it. I was dismayed, but loved the Pastor of the church. He was down to earth, and knew how to spread the word in terms everyone could understand.

Eventually hubby decided to go to church. He church shopped until he knew we were to go to the church we are now members of. We knew the minute we walked in that it was where we were suppose to be. We were instantly greeted with smiles and blessings. We met with a Pastor and they welcomed us and made us feel like we had known him for years. We have attended ever since, and our Pastor encourages everyone to get to know one another and fellowship with one another. We have several small groups that meet to help one another with our walk with Christ.

But at the article I read said, we often neglect to welcome newcomers and they end up feeling like they don't belong. Go here:http://predestinedgoodness.blogspot.com/2010/02/part-2-lost-and-lonely-people.html to read the article. Thanks to Free In Christs writer.
A very good article that talks about foods that help with different things can be found here. Some most of us already know about, some I had no idea, and perhaps some of you are'nt aware of the benefits as well. There is also an article on anti-cancer foods that follows the slide show at the end of the article.

http://www.aolhealth.com/healthy-living/longevity/superfoods-by-decade?icid=mainhp-laptopdl3link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolhealth.com%2Fhealthy-living%2Flongevity%2Fsuperfoods-by-decade

If this does not link you to it, just copy and paste the link in your url bar.