Jesus has given us everything that we need in order to believe, serve and live for Him. He gave us His Holy Spirit and His word.
June the 29th, I received a devotional book from First Baptist Church Chipley Fla at a festival. I began this book on July 1, the second half of the year for the first half of the book. I have constantly been amazed at how often the day's lesson was just what I needed. God is good and His timing is perfect. I am very excited to begin the second half of this book tomorrow and see what blessings God has for me this year.
To summarize this book and to use it to form New Year Resolutions for 2014, here is my list:
1) Begin each day praising and worshiping God and ask Him to open my eyes and heart to opportunities to serve Him daily by serving others....Pay it forward". "Lord Make me a channel of your blessings today."
2) Make me a person of Prayer:
to pray out of desire, not duty
to pray about everything and before everything
to pray with a humble spirit that reaches your heart
to pray in the name of your Precious Son, Jesus.
To recognize that:
Prayer restores, heals and gives rest to my soul
Prayer puts me near the heart of God
Prayer is essential to the Father/child relationship
Lord, teach me to pray according to your will and character for what will bring honor and glory to you with an obedient heart; asking and believing, by Faith with persistence and determination and a forgiving heart
3) To Study and Apply the Word of God.
Help me to apply your wisdom to: My work, my walk and my worship.
Help my to fall in love with you more every day by falling in love with your Word.
Help me to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only.
Help me to hide thy word in my heart so that I may not sin against you
Help your words to direct my path
Lord help me to:
Love and be Loved
To be encouraged and encourage
To forgive and be forgiven
To know truth and speak truth
To Trust and Obey
To Trust God and do good
To delight in your Word and
To delight in You Lord.
Happy New Years
Tomorrow begins a new Chapter
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Very Blessed this Christmas Eve
This is a very quiet Christmas Eve for Mark and I.
Gone are the days of shoving a chair under the doorknob
so that the kids can not catch us up late on Christmas eve
No more trying to figure out how to put "this thing" together
and wondering what to do with extra parts.
No more looking for a strange red light in the sky
No,
this year, Christmas Eve is strangely quiet
We had family Christmas early this year.
Saturday, we had a wonderful day at Mom's.
Sunday, we had all of our children and grands
We love watching them enjoy each other
and we feel blessed.
Monday, I got up early, my Quiet time was almost over....
and the phone rang....
My Mom is heading to the hospital and I am scared
We quickly pack a bag and head to Tallahassee,
thinking about my wonderful Mom and praying.
We find her in the emergency room looking very vunerable.
My strong Mom who feeds the masses and takes care of every one,
can not catch her breath and her numbers look bad.
We all rally around the matriarch of our family.
So proud of my family as we crowd into small rooms to
hear what the staff is telling us about our precious Mom.
The cell phones are working overtime
as we keep every one informed.
She is a remarkable woman.
Even surprising the staff with her
rapid improvement. They were able to get
most of the fluid off her lungs. After many test,
she was able to go home with the promise that she
will follow-up with her doctors.
She is one tough, determined lady
Tonight, we are back home with the Red Cross ERV
in our drive way. There has already been a fire in this county
today with no injuries and a call about a lost child,
where the child was found safe and sound.
Too many blessings to count.
So, even though this Christmas Eve is different
and so much quieter than usual, I realize that
We are truly blessed.
Merry Christmas to all
and to you young parents
have fun
this time goes by very fast,
and hide the extra parts,
in case you need them later...
Gone are the days of shoving a chair under the doorknob
so that the kids can not catch us up late on Christmas eve
No more trying to figure out how to put "this thing" together
and wondering what to do with extra parts.
No more looking for a strange red light in the sky
No,
this year, Christmas Eve is strangely quiet
We had family Christmas early this year.
Saturday, we had a wonderful day at Mom's.
Sunday, we had all of our children and grands
We love watching them enjoy each other
and we feel blessed.
Monday, I got up early, my Quiet time was almost over....
and the phone rang....
My Mom is heading to the hospital and I am scared
We quickly pack a bag and head to Tallahassee,
thinking about my wonderful Mom and praying.
We find her in the emergency room looking very vunerable.
My strong Mom who feeds the masses and takes care of every one,
can not catch her breath and her numbers look bad.
We all rally around the matriarch of our family.
So proud of my family as we crowd into small rooms to
hear what the staff is telling us about our precious Mom.
The cell phones are working overtime
as we keep every one informed.
She is a remarkable woman.
Even surprising the staff with her
rapid improvement. They were able to get
most of the fluid off her lungs. After many test,
she was able to go home with the promise that she
will follow-up with her doctors.
She is one tough, determined lady
Tonight, we are back home with the Red Cross ERV
in our drive way. There has already been a fire in this county
today with no injuries and a call about a lost child,
where the child was found safe and sound.
Too many blessings to count.
So, even though this Christmas Eve is different
and so much quieter than usual, I realize that
We are truly blessed.
Merry Christmas to all
and to you young parents
have fun
this time goes by very fast,
and hide the extra parts,
in case you need them later...
Trust and Obey
The words for today seems to be trust and obey.
Makes me think of the old hymn
"Trust and Obey
For there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus
But to Trust and Obey"
I Found this in my daily devotion book
"God promised to bless Abraham and
to make him a blessing to others.....
If He obeyed Him"
The same promise applies to us today.
We need to ask God to make us more
sensitive to each and every opportunity.
When we encounter those who are
hurting or despondent or desperate,
let us speak words of encouragement.
Ask God to give us the right words to say
and to be open to what He tells us to do.
God blesses us so that we can be a blessing.
Remember, obedience proceeds blessings.
Then I picked up my Franklin Graham book
The chapter title is "learning to Obey"
This lesson
comes from the unsung hero of the Nativity
Joseph
Over and over in the gospels we read...
"And Joseph obeyed the command of the Lord"
Joseph is described as a righteous man
righteousness = living by faith, believer,
trusting God, doing what is right.....Even
if we do not understand or know the end result
Trust and Obey
Joseph heard the message and did what he was told
God knew that He could trust Joseph with the enormous
responsibility of raising His son.
God saw a heart of faith and obedience
Joseph obeyed God and saved His family.
Maybe we can learn from our unsung hero
Thursday, December 5, 2013
How to start the Christmas season
We finished the busy Fleetwood Fall season.
Then, it was time to take a breath and reflect
on all of our many blessings and thank God
Thanksgiving or Giving Thanks.
Now, we are in the Christmas Season.
Our life has become very simple.
We are not into the hustle and bustle
of Commercial Christmas
No Malls
No crowds
No hassles
I pick up little things all year
that I think the kids might like.
Buy something for Mom.
a little something to charity
and I am done!
Our gift to each other is:
Time and Travel.
So, today we travel north
I am studying my Bible
I found a great way to start
this season in Psalms.
"Praise the Lord...Praise God
Praise Him for His mighty acts
Praise Him according to His excellence
Let everything that has breath
Praise the Lord
We were made to worship.
So, we will find something to worship
Worship the one true God who is worthy.
If you sense emptiness in your life,
especially during this season.
Then, find time to Worship God
It satisfies that empty place in your soul
Worship comes in many forms
praise, prayer thankfulness
nature, song, Bible study,
acts of kindness and love.
You will receive joy of the season
that will last a life time.
Begin Today
This Month I plan to read Psalms
to help me worship God.
And
Read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark
Luke and John)
To spend time with Jesus
Sunday, November 24, 2013
The table by the kitchen
We love eating at the Square.
When we walk in,
we are greeted by the hostess
.
Often this will be our new daughter-in-love,
Meagan looking beautiful and working
hard on her second job of the day.
Or it may be her sweet sister
who is taking her new job so serious
and doing a great job.
It may even be our own granddaughter
Becca looking all grown-up and lovely.
Where did the time go?
We see a busy busboy who slows down
from helping everyone in the building long enough
to give us a hug on his way to opening the door.
That would be our Riley with a new hairdo.
Carrie is fluttering around talking to all the folks,
making sure all is well. Where does she get that
energy after a full day at the studio.
Phillip is the man in charge of the front,
no job is too big or too small for him to do
. You can that he is in his element.
We walk past the beautiful tables that Drew
made out of hundred year old cotton carts
with the help of a talented neighbor.
Past the exposed brick walls.
Past the bar that is made out the
reclaimed wood from the same carts.
All the way to the back to our table.
The small table by the kitchen.
Some people think that this is the table
that you get when you have made the table host mad.
But we are just where we want to be.
In the middle of the action.
We can see into the kitchen at all of the
fascinating activities that is going on
to make the magic happen.
We watch the servers or runners
quickly walk into one door
and out the other with
lushes looking food, beautifully plated.
We can hear our youngest son
Drew call out the orders
that result in culinary delights
for all who visit the Square.
The staff is fast and efficient.
We have come to love all of them
and love seeing their smiling faces
when they speed by us
to serve this wonderful food.
We are so proud to see their dreams
coming alive before our eyes.
So, when you come to the Square,
and if you want to be
where all the action is,
we will be glad to share
the best seat in the house.
The table by the kitchen.
When we walk in,
we are greeted by the hostess
.
Often this will be our new daughter-in-love,
Meagan looking beautiful and working
hard on her second job of the day.
Or it may be her sweet sister
who is taking her new job so serious
and doing a great job.
It may even be our own granddaughter
Becca looking all grown-up and lovely.
Where did the time go?
We see a busy busboy who slows down
from helping everyone in the building long enough
to give us a hug on his way to opening the door.
That would be our Riley with a new hairdo.
Carrie is fluttering around talking to all the folks,
making sure all is well. Where does she get that
energy after a full day at the studio.
Phillip is the man in charge of the front,
no job is too big or too small for him to do
. You can that he is in his element.
We walk past the beautiful tables that Drew
made out of hundred year old cotton carts
with the help of a talented neighbor.
Past the exposed brick walls.
Past the bar that is made out the
reclaimed wood from the same carts.
All the way to the back to our table.
The small table by the kitchen.
Some people think that this is the table
that you get when you have made the table host mad.
But we are just where we want to be.
In the middle of the action.
We can see into the kitchen at all of the
fascinating activities that is going on
to make the magic happen.
We watch the servers or runners
quickly walk into one door
and out the other with
lushes looking food, beautifully plated.
We can hear our youngest son
Drew call out the orders
that result in culinary delights
for all who visit the Square.
The staff is fast and efficient.
We have come to love all of them
and love seeing their smiling faces
when they speed by us
to serve this wonderful food.
We are so proud to see their dreams
coming alive before our eyes.
So, when you come to the Square,
and if you want to be
where all the action is,
we will be glad to share
the best seat in the house.
The table by the kitchen.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
New beginnings
We have just come home from the last of the Fleetwood family Fall new beginnings.
This Fall we have:
Moved into the new little house of my dreams and
turned a stable into a new family gathering place
Helped Clint and Anna move into our old house
so that His family can have a new beginning
to raise their growing family at the homestead
A huge show at the art center beginning a new
adventure for Carrie decorating the new wing
for our local hospital. So proud of her.
We got us a new daughter
Drew married Megan giving
us a new daughter to love.
The Square opening.
A new adventure for our family.
Drew, Phillip, Carrie, and Megan
and their staff are working so hard
to bring something special and new
to downtown Moultrie.
Our remarkable Anna
with her quiet strength
has given us a new grandson.
Mark Edward Fleetwood
has joined our family.
Mark and I have added a few new shows and
continue doing some of the old shows that we enjoy.
We have both lost weight with new lifestyle changes
We are working on a new Bible Study and prayer chart.
Life is good
We are truly blessed.
I can not stop thanking God.
This Fall we have:
Moved into the new little house of my dreams and
turned a stable into a new family gathering place
Helped Clint and Anna move into our old house
so that His family can have a new beginning
to raise their growing family at the homestead
A huge show at the art center beginning a new
adventure for Carrie decorating the new wing
for our local hospital. So proud of her.
We got us a new daughter
Drew married Megan giving
us a new daughter to love.
The Square opening.
A new adventure for our family.
Drew, Phillip, Carrie, and Megan
and their staff are working so hard
to bring something special and new
to downtown Moultrie.
Our remarkable Anna
with her quiet strength
has given us a new grandson.
Mark Edward Fleetwood
has joined our family.
Mark and I have added a few new shows and
continue doing some of the old shows that we enjoy.
We have both lost weight with new lifestyle changes
We are working on a new Bible Study and prayer chart.
Life is good
We are truly blessed.
I can not stop thanking God.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
seven steps from daily verses t
Carol gave us daily verses to pray.
From those verses, I found just what I needed.
1) Recognize sin - acknowledge
2) Repent - turn around
3) Return - to God
4) Renew - fellowship
5) Revive - through His Word
6) Remove - sin (temptation)
7) Reassured- by staying in the Word of God
From those verses, I found just what I needed.
1) Recognize sin - acknowledge
2) Repent - turn around
3) Return - to God
4) Renew - fellowship
5) Revive - through His Word
6) Remove - sin (temptation)
7) Reassured- by staying in the Word of God
Saturday, October 12, 2013
this one is for you Carrie
Carrie and Sara are now vegetarians . They eat healthy food and tease me about some of "recipes" that I gave them when they got married. The most famous being :
any pasta
can cream soup
sour cream
any meat
I very seldom use recipes when I cook. I just make it up as I go along.
So, this morning I found this recipe in a magazine
This ones for you Carrie
Chicken Spaghetti
box of spaghetti
can chicken broth
mince onion and garlic seasoning
butter
mushrooms
package seasoned chicken
can of cream of chicken soup
sour cream
milk
processed cheese
This does not seem to go with Carrie and Sara's healthy non-processed food life style cooking
The sad thing is, my first thought was, that sounds good.
It's a process.
Learning how to eat healthy when you are old is very very hard.
Maybe, I should just stop cooking and eat at "The Square".....when it opens
any pasta
can cream soup
sour cream
any meat
I very seldom use recipes when I cook. I just make it up as I go along.
So, this morning I found this recipe in a magazine
This ones for you Carrie
Chicken Spaghetti
box of spaghetti
can chicken broth
mince onion and garlic seasoning
butter
mushrooms
package seasoned chicken
can of cream of chicken soup
sour cream
milk
processed cheese
This does not seem to go with Carrie and Sara's healthy non-processed food life style cooking
The sad thing is, my first thought was, that sounds good.
It's a process.
Learning how to eat healthy when you are old is very very hard.
Maybe, I should just stop cooking and eat at "The Square".....when it opens
Friday, October 11, 2013
Fleetwood Fall
Life is good for the Fleetwood family......a very very busy Fall season. Any one of the things that is going on in our family is enough to keep the entire family busy and excited. Put them all together and you have the:
Fleetwood Fall.
We are going to have a grandson soon.
We are very excited to have another little one join our family and pray for healthy Moma and baby
My baby boy is getting married to the girl I have been praying for - for years.
We are very excited to have Megan join the family.
Our daughter Carrie is having her year long photography project for CRMC: "Art on the Wall" gallery opening Oct 24 at the Colquitt County Arts Center.
We are so proud of her and this once in a life time opportunity to give back to her community.
The Viohl/Fleetwood adventure called the opening of The Square is just around the corner.
This will be a life changing challenge for these two families. We are so proud and are waiting in anticipation to see what this new business can do for our community. Downtown Moultrie seems to be coming alive with new growth and excitement thanks to this new generation.
Mark and I are bouncing around with projects all over while still maintaining our little business.
Fleetwood to-do list
9 shows
clean out the barns
and storage rooms
at old house
Church
go to the Square to paint
showers
decorate new building outside
go to Lowes
take care of girls for Doctor appointment
clean house
meet with Megan about reception
and rehearsal dinner decor with
Jane and Susan
buy paper products
Sara and David home
family meal
Bible study
WMU
Tennis Match
Take Becca her book bag
Watch Riley and Jet for busy parents
find a new camera
clean up again
Go to Lowes
cut grass
clean out storage unit
hang ceiling tiles
call Doctor about Mark's heart check up
buy groceries ( who has time )
take out trash
pick up pizza
Update Red Cross status
go to Lowes
Do report for business
sales tax
Mom's gone
Mom's back
What are we going to wear for:
opening
wedding
rehearsal
remember to eat right
remember to eat
take lunch to the guys at the Square
Go to Lowes
take Viohl Kids where they need to go
pick up sweet girls
feed the family again
Set up for show today at Farm Bureau
go by hospital to visit friend
get gifts to newly weds
Riley's birthday
quiet time
Phillip is leaving a long to-do list for the Square
While He and Carrie do beach photo shoots
Expo coming
get pictures for power point ready
find bottles and wash
blood work next week
drug store this week
skillet festival next weekend
find all cast iron
calico coming
cancel mule day
Wedding 2nd
baby due 7th
Becca birthday 7th
Sara's birthday 8th
my birthday 9th
I plan to take a nap for my birthday
and just think
Thanksgiving and Christmas
are just around the corner
Pray for my crazy busy family
Fleetwood Fall.
We are going to have a grandson soon.
We are very excited to have another little one join our family and pray for healthy Moma and baby
My baby boy is getting married to the girl I have been praying for - for years.
We are very excited to have Megan join the family.
Our daughter Carrie is having her year long photography project for CRMC: "Art on the Wall" gallery opening Oct 24 at the Colquitt County Arts Center.
We are so proud of her and this once in a life time opportunity to give back to her community.
The Viohl/Fleetwood adventure called the opening of The Square is just around the corner.
This will be a life changing challenge for these two families. We are so proud and are waiting in anticipation to see what this new business can do for our community. Downtown Moultrie seems to be coming alive with new growth and excitement thanks to this new generation.
Mark and I are bouncing around with projects all over while still maintaining our little business.
Fleetwood to-do list
9 shows
clean out the barns
and storage rooms
at old house
Church
go to the Square to paint
showers
decorate new building outside
go to Lowes
take care of girls for Doctor appointment
clean house
meet with Megan about reception
and rehearsal dinner decor with
Jane and Susan
buy paper products
Sara and David home
family meal
Bible study
WMU
Tennis Match
Take Becca her book bag
Watch Riley and Jet for busy parents
find a new camera
clean up again
Go to Lowes
cut grass
clean out storage unit
hang ceiling tiles
call Doctor about Mark's heart check up
buy groceries ( who has time )
take out trash
pick up pizza
Update Red Cross status
go to Lowes
Do report for business
sales tax
Mom's gone
Mom's back
What are we going to wear for:
opening
wedding
rehearsal
remember to eat right
remember to eat
take lunch to the guys at the Square
Go to Lowes
take Viohl Kids where they need to go
pick up sweet girls
feed the family again
Set up for show today at Farm Bureau
go by hospital to visit friend
get gifts to newly weds
Riley's birthday
quiet time
Phillip is leaving a long to-do list for the Square
While He and Carrie do beach photo shoots
Expo coming
get pictures for power point ready
find bottles and wash
blood work next week
drug store this week
skillet festival next weekend
find all cast iron
calico coming
cancel mule day
Wedding 2nd
baby due 7th
Becca birthday 7th
Sara's birthday 8th
my birthday 9th
I plan to take a nap for my birthday
and just think
Thanksgiving and Christmas
are just around the corner
Pray for my crazy busy family
Monday, October 7, 2013
Week five of Gideon
Oh how I wish that our hero could finish well.
God can still use his life to teach us to:
"Trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not into our understanding
In all our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our path."
Gideon went from the timid, frightened, depending on God , Hero
to a vindictive, angry, reacting and retaliating leader
of an large army dispensing cruel judgement.
The domino effect began when he stopped asking God and
started reacting to the actions of those around Him.
He traded in a close relationship with God
for the adoration of others.
He forgot who really won the victory
and became "The Man"
Our Sunday school lesson says to leave retaliation to God
Mark says to respond not to react.
The lesson says to trust God
to make all things right
in that day the wicked will be judges
and the faithful will be rewarded.
Mark says, Payday some day
Today's devotion quoted D.L. Moody
"True faith is Man's weakness leaning on God's strength
When man has no strength..if he learns to lean on God,
He becomes powerful."
The sermon on the Radio tells us that Jesus is our example
when He was on the cross,
"Father forgive them, for they know not what thy do."
His power is seen in what he has
the authority and power to do
and chooses not to do.
To be like Jesus:
" when we have the desire to be critical of others,
take that as a cue to bless and encourage them instead."
respond with positive
instead of
reacting with negative
J-esus
O-thers
Y-ou
God can still use his life to teach us to:
"Trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not into our understanding
In all our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our path."
Gideon went from the timid, frightened, depending on God , Hero
to a vindictive, angry, reacting and retaliating leader
of an large army dispensing cruel judgement.
The domino effect began when he stopped asking God and
started reacting to the actions of those around Him.
He traded in a close relationship with God
for the adoration of others.
He forgot who really won the victory
and became "The Man"
Our Sunday school lesson says to leave retaliation to God
Mark says to respond not to react.
The lesson says to trust God
to make all things right
in that day the wicked will be judges
and the faithful will be rewarded.
Mark says, Payday some day
Today's devotion quoted D.L. Moody
"True faith is Man's weakness leaning on God's strength
When man has no strength..if he learns to lean on God,
He becomes powerful."
The sermon on the Radio tells us that Jesus is our example
when He was on the cross,
"Father forgive them, for they know not what thy do."
His power is seen in what he has
the authority and power to do
and chooses not to do.
To be like Jesus:
" when we have the desire to be critical of others,
take that as a cue to bless and encourage them instead."
respond with positive
instead of
reacting with negative
J-esus
O-thers
Y-ou
Gideon week four
For Gideon week 4, I was in the mountains of Kentucky have trouble with signal and kept losing blogs.
So, I will go over what meant a lot to me. It was about the patience of God in dealing with his children.
Grace = getting what you do not deserve
Mercy = not getting what you deserve
She used Gideon's gift to have us look at our own gifts. Gifts given to us by God, to be given back to God, for Him to use when and how He chooses for our good and His glory.
Hiking through the mountains, I thought about what gift God may have given me and I came up with this.
I think God wants me to be His cheerleader
To exalt Him
To praise His word
To build up His children
I have been a cheerleader most of my life.
I had four brothers, so, I naturally gravitated toward sports
My sister was a very precise cheerleader, with a perfect split and perfect movements,
very thin and looked good in her uniform, every hair of her long straight hair in place.
I could not do a split , my hair was a mess and my movements were okay at best
But, I was very enthusiastic and very vocal (imagine that)
and I knew the game. I knew when we were on offence and defense. '
When we needed a first and ten or to hold that line.
To be God's cheerleader, I need to know and grow.
I realize I am still a mess, and make bad moves.
But I am very enthusiastic and learning more every day as I study His word and pray and grow.
I hear Him tell me constantly, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workmen that needth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
On page 102, she asked us what practical things could we do to prepare our gifts to be used by God
I wrote:
Practice,practice,practice
Study, study, study
Pray, pray, pray
Take the time effort and energy = sacrifice that is pleasing to God
She gave us 4 steps to giving our gifts to God
Prepare it
Present it
Put it down
Pour it out
See how God uses your gifts.
So, I will go over what meant a lot to me. It was about the patience of God in dealing with his children.
Grace = getting what you do not deserve
Mercy = not getting what you deserve
She used Gideon's gift to have us look at our own gifts. Gifts given to us by God, to be given back to God, for Him to use when and how He chooses for our good and His glory.
Hiking through the mountains, I thought about what gift God may have given me and I came up with this.
I think God wants me to be His cheerleader
To exalt Him
To praise His word
To build up His children
I have been a cheerleader most of my life.
I had four brothers, so, I naturally gravitated toward sports
My sister was a very precise cheerleader, with a perfect split and perfect movements,
very thin and looked good in her uniform, every hair of her long straight hair in place.
I could not do a split , my hair was a mess and my movements were okay at best
But, I was very enthusiastic and very vocal (imagine that)
and I knew the game. I knew when we were on offence and defense. '
When we needed a first and ten or to hold that line.
To be God's cheerleader, I need to know and grow.
I realize I am still a mess, and make bad moves.
But I am very enthusiastic and learning more every day as I study His word and pray and grow.
I hear Him tell me constantly, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workmen that needth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
On page 102, she asked us what practical things could we do to prepare our gifts to be used by God
I wrote:
Practice,practice,practice
Study, study, study
Pray, pray, pray
Take the time effort and energy = sacrifice that is pleasing to God
She gave us 4 steps to giving our gifts to God
Prepare it
Present it
Put it down
Pour it out
See how God uses your gifts.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
God's patience
In session 4 of Gideon, Priscilla used a lot of verses to explain God's patience
So, I decided to look them up tonight.
"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above and beyond all that we ask or think or even imagine according to the power that is at work in us." Ephesians 3:20
I can just see Priscilla at a conference talking about God doing abundantly above and beyond what we can think or ask, or imagine. Beyond
Beyond
Beyond
Anything that we can think or ask or even imagine.
He is able.
Exodus 34:6A
The LORD GOD is merciful, compassionate and gracious...
slow to anger, long-suffering and abounding in loving-kindness and truth.
Nahum 1:3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in POWER
She took 1 Timothy 1:16,15,14,13,12 and discussed them backwards from 16 - 12
to explain that Paul was an example of God's perfect patience.
Even tough he declared himself chief among sinners,
God showed him mercy and abundant grace and love
by strengthening him and using him
to serve Him by serving others
1 Peter 3:20
"God showed his patience by waiting while Noah built the ark to send the flood."
Genesis 18:26-33
Shows us a discussion between God and Abraham....."will you spare this place for the sake of
50.....45.....40.....30.....20......10 righteous people?" God agreed to spare the nation if only....
they could find 10 righteous people in the entire nation.
In Jonah, God gave Nineveh 40 days to repent and sent a reluctant prophet.
Titus 2:11-12
"The grace of God has been revealed bringing Salvation to all"
2 Peter 3:9
"The Lord is not slow about His promise to return.
But patient, not willing that any one should perish but \
wanting all to come to repentance,"
From Genesis 4:26 where during the time of Enoch,
"The men began to call upon the name of the Lord"
To Judges where, "Everyone did what was right in there on eyes"
God has shown His patience over and over again for His people
From Adam and Eve in the garden where sin came into the world
To Jesus, who came to die and bring hope back into the world
God has been showing his patience and love for his people.
So, I decided to look them up tonight.
"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above and beyond all that we ask or think or even imagine according to the power that is at work in us." Ephesians 3:20
I can just see Priscilla at a conference talking about God doing abundantly above and beyond what we can think or ask, or imagine. Beyond
Beyond
Beyond
Anything that we can think or ask or even imagine.
He is able.
Exodus 34:6A
The LORD GOD is merciful, compassionate and gracious...
slow to anger, long-suffering and abounding in loving-kindness and truth.
Nahum 1:3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in POWER
She took 1 Timothy 1:16,15,14,13,12 and discussed them backwards from 16 - 12
to explain that Paul was an example of God's perfect patience.
Even tough he declared himself chief among sinners,
God showed him mercy and abundant grace and love
by strengthening him and using him
to serve Him by serving others
1 Peter 3:20
"God showed his patience by waiting while Noah built the ark to send the flood."
Genesis 18:26-33
Shows us a discussion between God and Abraham....."will you spare this place for the sake of
50.....45.....40.....30.....20......10 righteous people?" God agreed to spare the nation if only....
they could find 10 righteous people in the entire nation.
In Jonah, God gave Nineveh 40 days to repent and sent a reluctant prophet.
Titus 2:11-12
"The grace of God has been revealed bringing Salvation to all"
2 Peter 3:9
"The Lord is not slow about His promise to return.
But patient, not willing that any one should perish but \
wanting all to come to repentance,"
From Genesis 4:26 where during the time of Enoch,
"The men began to call upon the name of the Lord"
To Judges where, "Everyone did what was right in there on eyes"
God has shown His patience over and over again for His people
From Adam and Eve in the garden where sin came into the world
To Jesus, who came to die and bring hope back into the world
God has been showing his patience and love for his people.
We can pray
Big Mike walked up to the front of Mom's church on crutches and sang. He had hip replacement and due to complications has been in pain for some time. I love going to church with Mom and to see the same faces that I saw when I was a little girl. This church is struggling, suddenly without a preacher, but the core group keeps on keeping on serving God and praying. I wrote down a few words from the song that Mike sang.
I can pray
calling on your name
What can I do
to bring them to you
and my words
don't get through.
Till the walls
come tumbling down
You can pray.
The Lord hears
us when pray
We will pray
Will you pray?
I know that when I have a prayer request
That I can call Mom and her church will
go to the throne of God and pray.
Now I feel like we need to pray
for this special church called Faith.
I can pray
calling on your name
What can I do
to bring them to you
and my words
don't get through.
Till the walls
come tumbling down
You can pray.
The Lord hears
us when pray
We will pray
Will you pray?
I know that when I have a prayer request
That I can call Mom and her church will
go to the throne of God and pray.
Now I feel like we need to pray
for this special church called Faith.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
The Living Word
Woke up at Mom's at 5:30 this morning. My Bible was in the car,so I grabbed one of Mom's Bible. This one was given to her in Memory of her Daddy, my Granddaddy, Ezra Simpson. It is a large print, (nice for early morning, dim light reading) red letter, King James version. In the front of this Bible, I found these words The Living Word.
From the creation in Genesis with the words, " In the beginning God Created", we see God is active with His plan and purpose. Max LaCado says that, God is always active, even when we can not see it. He created a world for His crowning glory Mankind. "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He Him , Male and Female, created He them." Genesis 1:27
God's love is revealed throughout the Living word of God
The Word of God:
lives
breathes
and acts
through the lives of people
In the Living Word we see:
God's love in action and
God's ultimate sacrifice
The Living Word
teaches wisdom
equips
reveals God
gives practical advice for life
allows us to spend Time with God
The Living Word is:
Truth
our only Hope
the Good News (Gospel)
our Daily bread
(are you starved)
relevant today
His love Letter to us
God's blueprint for a Blessed life
The living Word of God tells the greatest story ever told
We are to live the Living Word
B-I-B-L-E
B asic
I nstructions
B efore
L eaving
E arth
From the creation in Genesis with the words, " In the beginning God Created", we see God is active with His plan and purpose. Max LaCado says that, God is always active, even when we can not see it. He created a world for His crowning glory Mankind. "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He Him , Male and Female, created He them." Genesis 1:27
God's love is revealed throughout the Living word of God
The Word of God:
lives
breathes
and acts
through the lives of people
In the Living Word we see:
God's love in action and
God's ultimate sacrifice
The Living Word
teaches wisdom
equips
reveals God
gives practical advice for life
allows us to spend Time with God
The Living Word is:
Truth
our only Hope
the Good News (Gospel)
our Daily bread
(are you starved)
relevant today
His love Letter to us
God's blueprint for a Blessed life
The living Word of God tells the greatest story ever told
We are to live the Living Word
B-I-B-L-E
B asic
I nstructions
B efore
L eaving
E arth
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
God Bless America
Waiting for the bank to open while sitting in the shade, I watched an American flag dancing in the wind. The song "God Bless America" came to mind. While singing, I thought about the words. Unfortunately, we often sing songs and don't ever think about the words.
" God Bless America",
and He has.
We are a blessed nation.
"Land that I love"
do we?
do we still love our country
The more I travel,
the more I fall in love
with our country and it's people
"Stand beside her"
We need to stand up for
our country and to ask
God to stay with us
instead of pushing Him out
"And Guide Her"
Who do you think he was
asking to guide our country?
It had to be God
We are asking God to guide
our country when we sing this song
Do we really mean it or it just
words to a pretty song
"Through the night"
through dark times
are we in dark time?
"With the light from above"
That settles it right there
He is talking about God
Asking God to lead us.
Then I saw the shadow of the flag
dancing on the roof of the bank
This thought hit me....
We are a shadow of the nation of our
forefathers who wrote patriotic songs
like:
"God Bless America"
and meant.
Think about that the next time
you sing this song
lets mean what we sing
God Bless America
" God Bless America",
and He has.
We are a blessed nation.
"Land that I love"
do we?
do we still love our country
The more I travel,
the more I fall in love
with our country and it's people
"Stand beside her"
We need to stand up for
our country and to ask
God to stay with us
instead of pushing Him out
"And Guide Her"
Who do you think he was
asking to guide our country?
It had to be God
We are asking God to guide
our country when we sing this song
Do we really mean it or it just
words to a pretty song
"Through the night"
through dark times
are we in dark time?
"With the light from above"
That settles it right there
He is talking about God
Asking God to lead us.
Then I saw the shadow of the flag
dancing on the roof of the bank
This thought hit me....
We are a shadow of the nation of our
forefathers who wrote patriotic songs
like:
"God Bless America"
and meant.
Think about that the next time
you sing this song
lets mean what we sing
God Bless America
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Sara is Home
Sara is back from California. She is the baby of the family and we spoiled her rotten.. The thing is, she is not rotten, she is delightful. She is a free spirit and her best quality seems to be love. She loves completely and does things for others as naturally as others breath. She takes care of orphan children in Africa, teaches art to adult mentally handicap, serves coffee as a barristers, and jumps around spreading her own special kind of joy. Every thing she does, she does with all her might and in a spirit of love.
When I got sick, she stayed on the computer for hours and brought be an entire book on solutions for my health issues. She is very into nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. She has only been home a few days and will soon be gone for her next adventure.
In the short time she has been home she has painted a princesses castle for her nieces that delighted them both. Helped her sister at the Square with the hard work of knocking plaster off the walls to expose the beautiful brick behind it. Not a very glamorous job. She cooked a healthy meal for us and hid our salt and talked to me about what she has learned in about nutrition. She made a salad for her sister and took it to Carrie's studio to share with Renee. Last night she went to Drew's with lentil and couscous to cook for them and talk to him about healthy veggie dishes for the Square. Tomorrow, she will guest teach a yoga class at the coffee shop.
We miss her when she is gone, but you can not tie her down. She has to go to spread more joy and help others where ever she goes or what ever she decides to do next.
When I got sick, she stayed on the computer for hours and brought be an entire book on solutions for my health issues. She is very into nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. She has only been home a few days and will soon be gone for her next adventure.
In the short time she has been home she has painted a princesses castle for her nieces that delighted them both. Helped her sister at the Square with the hard work of knocking plaster off the walls to expose the beautiful brick behind it. Not a very glamorous job. She cooked a healthy meal for us and hid our salt and talked to me about what she has learned in about nutrition. She made a salad for her sister and took it to Carrie's studio to share with Renee. Last night she went to Drew's with lentil and couscous to cook for them and talk to him about healthy veggie dishes for the Square. Tomorrow, she will guest teach a yoga class at the coffee shop.
We miss her when she is gone, but you can not tie her down. She has to go to spread more joy and help others where ever she goes or what ever she decides to do next.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
back to work to rest
We have been home for 35 days - 5 weeks
some kind of record for us since retirement.
We will be going back to work Wednesday
Flea across Florida in Madison Florida.
I will be staying at Mom's, where
She will be spoiling me rotten
All we have to do is
set up and sell stuff.
We need to go back to work to rest
Since we came home we have:
Had two yard sales
moved into a new house
had guest 4 weekends
and Sara back from California
this weekend......yea
cooked a few family meals
built storage room
built roof for stable
shoveled stuff in stable
made compost piles
put in drain tile
in driveway and stable
had trees cut down around stable
had man fall through old stable roof
redid old stable roof
put in electric wire
and fans and lights
explored the woods on property
gone fishing in our pond
put in gravel drive way
Driven ERV for Red Cross
Met Megan's Grandparents
Wedding and shower plans
Started new Bible Study
Kept our precious grand kids a few times
Helped Clint build princess castle bed
and move his family into our old home
and clean out his old house
and paint and repair
At night, we compare
bruises, cuts and sore muscles
we have both lost weight
I think that we have bought
a life time of projects for Mark.
But for now, it is time
to go back to work
so we can rest and let
our poor old bodies recoup
some kind of record for us since retirement.
We will be going back to work Wednesday
Flea across Florida in Madison Florida.
I will be staying at Mom's, where
She will be spoiling me rotten
All we have to do is
set up and sell stuff.
We need to go back to work to rest
Since we came home we have:
Had two yard sales
moved into a new house
had guest 4 weekends
and Sara back from California
this weekend......yea
cooked a few family meals
built storage room
built roof for stable
shoveled stuff in stable
made compost piles
put in drain tile
in driveway and stable
had trees cut down around stable
had man fall through old stable roof
redid old stable roof
put in electric wire
and fans and lights
explored the woods on property
gone fishing in our pond
put in gravel drive way
Driven ERV for Red Cross
Met Megan's Grandparents
Wedding and shower plans
Started new Bible Study
Kept our precious grand kids a few times
Helped Clint build princess castle bed
and move his family into our old home
and clean out his old house
and paint and repair
At night, we compare
bruises, cuts and sore muscles
we have both lost weight
I think that we have bought
a life time of projects for Mark.
But for now, it is time
to go back to work
so we can rest and let
our poor old bodies recoup
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Back to James
Can you believe it.
I am back studying James again.
I studied it for over a year.
We did a study on it from the Bible.
Then, Beth Moore did a study on James
We did that one.
Then one by Kay Arthur.
I spend months memorizing most of it.
I see verses from it all over the place
Now, our Sunday School lessons
are based on the Book of James.
This time the theme will be:
Pressure points.
Does any one out there
besides me
feel pressured by:
time
temptation
partiality
words
conflicts
retaliation.
Maybe, we all need to study
James
one more time.
I know that I am slow
God knows, I must still
have some lessons
to learn from the
step-brother of Jesus Christ.
When I get to heaven
I am want to look him up
and talk to him
or maybe just listen to him.
I am back studying James again.
I studied it for over a year.
We did a study on it from the Bible.
Then, Beth Moore did a study on James
We did that one.
Then one by Kay Arthur.
I spend months memorizing most of it.
I see verses from it all over the place
Now, our Sunday School lessons
are based on the Book of James.
This time the theme will be:
Pressure points.
Does any one out there
besides me
feel pressured by:
time
temptation
partiality
words
conflicts
retaliation.
Maybe, we all need to study
James
one more time.
I know that I am slow
God knows, I must still
have some lessons
to learn from the
step-brother of Jesus Christ.
When I get to heaven
I am want to look him up
and talk to him
or maybe just listen to him.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
The Shack
Several years ago when this book came out, it cause quite a stir. A friend gave it to me to read and warned me that some people hated it and others loved it. When I finished the book, I was not sure and about it tucked it away on my book shelf.
I found the book while I was going through and giving away a lot of books during our move. This labor day weekend was kind of quiet. So, I picked it up and re-read this thought provoking book. I decided to get past the tragedy that set the story in motion and the way it described God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Wisdom.
This time I was looking for lessons to be found . Of course the Bible is my primary source for learning, but I like to read things that make me think.
When Mack said that he would go talk to God because he felt obligated, this was the response.
"Don't go because you feel obligated. That will not give you points around here. Go because it is what you want to do."
How often do we read the Bible, go to church and pray or even give or serve because we feel obligated ?
Words spoken to Mack by God to think about when tragedy strikes
" I want to heal the wound that has grown inside of you and has come between us...There is no easy answer that will take your pain away. Life takes a bit of time and a lot of relationship."
"I often find that getting head issues put out of the way first, makes the heart stuff easier to work on.......later... when you are ready"
"Only I can set you free. But freedom can never be forced. The truth shall set you free and truth has a name and it is Jesus. Every thing is about Him and freedom is a process that happens inside a relationship with Him."
Trying to describe God
"I am holy and wholly other than you The problem is man tries to take the best version of themselves and project that to the nth degree, add all the goodness they can perceive and call that God. " I am above and beyond all you can ask or think." Even though we can not grasp God, He still wants to be known by us. So, He sent Jesus. You still can not grasp His nature. That is a good thing. Who wants to worship a God who can be fully comprehended?.... Not much mystery there. "
Love and Relationship
God is the great( I am who I am) and can not act apart from Love
Relationships are never about power. One way to avoid the will to assert power over another is to limit oneself - to serve -a choice to facilitate a relationship and to honor it. We often do his when dealing with the infirm, sick, the very young or very old.
True Devotion
Love expressed - good - simple - warm - intimate - genuine
Jesus loves the Father and wants to please Him and praise Him and really enjoys spending time with Him...Holy and Pure
relationship with the trinity
Jesus is living in us and us in Him through His Spirit
Jesus created the world as the Word before He ( the Word) became flesh
Mankind is intended to be in the very center of God's love and purpose.
The Trinity wants to share with us the Love, Joy, and Freedom and Light that they already know.
The real underlying flaw in our life is that ,.....We don't believe that God is good and we don't trust Him
Trust is the fruit of a relationship in which you know that you are loved.
God IS good and desires only what is best form us. We can only believe that in a relationship of love.
Freedom
Freedom involves trust and obedience inside a relationship of love.
God does not justify pain and lost, but redeems it.
We must give up our right to decided what is good and evil on our own terms. Choose to live in Him..to do that, you must know, God is enough and trust Him and learn to rest in His inherit goodness.
God = I am good Evil = absent of good
I am light Darkness= absent of light
I am life Death = absent of life
Results: apart from God = evil - darkness - death
We must give up our rights
after all
Jesus gave up His right and willingly became a servant
HE gave up everything so that He could open the door
that would allow us to live free enough to give up our rights
and to learn to serve Him by serving others
Live in the present
God is in the present
We are to live in the present.....not the past
.although we can remember and learn by looking back
(but don't get stuck there)
for sure, don't dwell in the future with fear
Because you rarely picture Jesus when you are worrying about the future
The person living in fear will not find freedom in His love
Because they do not believe that He really loves them
they do not trust Him with their future.
Submission
Submission is not about authority or obedience
it is all about relationships of love and respect
Eden
In Eden we abandoned relationship with God to assert our own independence
men and women
most men find fulfillment in achievement
most women find fulfillment in relationships
Jesus loves the church
My church is all about people
and Life is about relationship
We can not build it
only Jesus can build the church
You don't have to figure it all out
Just be with Jesus
Jesus is not fond of the trinity of
terrors that ravage the earth and
deceive those He cares about
Religion - politics - economics
Abundant Life
Jesus came to give life to the fullest..
the simplicity and purity of enjoying a
growing friendship and relationship
with Him
sinking in sin
It is extremely hard
to save a drowning person
unless they are willing to trust you.
When you start to sink
lets Jesus save you
do not worry
even if you do not'
understand
Just trust Him and
grow in your love.
God's purpose
His purposes are always
an expression of love
God's purpose is:
to work life out of death
to bring freedom out of brokenness
to turn darkness into light
It is all about Jesus
He is the center of purpose
through His death and resurrection
God is fully reconciled to the world
reconciliation is a 2 way street
God has done His part
totally, completely, finally
It is not the nature of love
to force a relationship
But it is the nature of love
to open the way
God is a verb
I am that I am
I am alive
dynamic
ever active
always moving
Holy Spirit verbs
confession, repenting,
living, loving,
responding, reaping
changing, sowing
sunning, dancing, singing
We have a knack for taking a verb
that is alive and full of grace
and turning it into a dead noun
verb: ability to respond and expectancy
alive and dynamic full of life
noun: responsibility and expectation
dead, full of law and fear and judgement
Respond not react
to every situation
under the power of
Holy Spirit
Priority list
Jesus does not want to be first on your list
He wants to center in all that you do
Find Holy Spirit in the Bible
Don't look for rules and principle
Look for relationship
Please help me live in truth.
As you can see, the book gave me a lot to think about.
There is much more, but I am tired and going to bed.
Read " The Shack" and see if it makes you think about
God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Wisdom
and relationship
and love.
Good night.
I found the book while I was going through and giving away a lot of books during our move. This labor day weekend was kind of quiet. So, I picked it up and re-read this thought provoking book. I decided to get past the tragedy that set the story in motion and the way it described God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Wisdom.
This time I was looking for lessons to be found . Of course the Bible is my primary source for learning, but I like to read things that make me think.
When Mack said that he would go talk to God because he felt obligated, this was the response.
"Don't go because you feel obligated. That will not give you points around here. Go because it is what you want to do."
How often do we read the Bible, go to church and pray or even give or serve because we feel obligated ?
Words spoken to Mack by God to think about when tragedy strikes
" I want to heal the wound that has grown inside of you and has come between us...There is no easy answer that will take your pain away. Life takes a bit of time and a lot of relationship."
"I often find that getting head issues put out of the way first, makes the heart stuff easier to work on.......later... when you are ready"
"Only I can set you free. But freedom can never be forced. The truth shall set you free and truth has a name and it is Jesus. Every thing is about Him and freedom is a process that happens inside a relationship with Him."
Trying to describe God
"I am holy and wholly other than you The problem is man tries to take the best version of themselves and project that to the nth degree, add all the goodness they can perceive and call that God. " I am above and beyond all you can ask or think." Even though we can not grasp God, He still wants to be known by us. So, He sent Jesus. You still can not grasp His nature. That is a good thing. Who wants to worship a God who can be fully comprehended?.... Not much mystery there. "
Love and Relationship
God is the great( I am who I am) and can not act apart from Love
Relationships are never about power. One way to avoid the will to assert power over another is to limit oneself - to serve -a choice to facilitate a relationship and to honor it. We often do his when dealing with the infirm, sick, the very young or very old.
True Devotion
Love expressed - good - simple - warm - intimate - genuine
Jesus loves the Father and wants to please Him and praise Him and really enjoys spending time with Him...Holy and Pure
relationship with the trinity
Jesus is living in us and us in Him through His Spirit
Jesus created the world as the Word before He ( the Word) became flesh
Mankind is intended to be in the very center of God's love and purpose.
The Trinity wants to share with us the Love, Joy, and Freedom and Light that they already know.
The real underlying flaw in our life is that ,.....We don't believe that God is good and we don't trust Him
Trust is the fruit of a relationship in which you know that you are loved.
God IS good and desires only what is best form us. We can only believe that in a relationship of love.
Freedom
Freedom involves trust and obedience inside a relationship of love.
God does not justify pain and lost, but redeems it.
We must give up our right to decided what is good and evil on our own terms. Choose to live in Him..to do that, you must know, God is enough and trust Him and learn to rest in His inherit goodness.
God = I am good Evil = absent of good
I am light Darkness= absent of light
I am life Death = absent of life
Results: apart from God = evil - darkness - death
We must give up our rights
after all
Jesus gave up His right and willingly became a servant
HE gave up everything so that He could open the door
that would allow us to live free enough to give up our rights
and to learn to serve Him by serving others
Live in the present
God is in the present
We are to live in the present.....not the past
.although we can remember and learn by looking back
(but don't get stuck there)
for sure, don't dwell in the future with fear
Because you rarely picture Jesus when you are worrying about the future
The person living in fear will not find freedom in His love
Because they do not believe that He really loves them
they do not trust Him with their future.
Submission
Submission is not about authority or obedience
it is all about relationships of love and respect
Eden
In Eden we abandoned relationship with God to assert our own independence
men and women
most men find fulfillment in achievement
most women find fulfillment in relationships
Jesus loves the church
My church is all about people
and Life is about relationship
We can not build it
only Jesus can build the church
You don't have to figure it all out
Just be with Jesus
Jesus is not fond of the trinity of
terrors that ravage the earth and
deceive those He cares about
Religion - politics - economics
Abundant Life
Jesus came to give life to the fullest..
the simplicity and purity of enjoying a
growing friendship and relationship
with Him
sinking in sin
It is extremely hard
to save a drowning person
unless they are willing to trust you.
When you start to sink
lets Jesus save you
do not worry
even if you do not'
understand
Just trust Him and
grow in your love.
God's purpose
His purposes are always
an expression of love
God's purpose is:
to work life out of death
to bring freedom out of brokenness
to turn darkness into light
It is all about Jesus
He is the center of purpose
through His death and resurrection
God is fully reconciled to the world
reconciliation is a 2 way street
God has done His part
totally, completely, finally
It is not the nature of love
to force a relationship
But it is the nature of love
to open the way
God is a verb
I am that I am
I am alive
dynamic
ever active
always moving
Holy Spirit verbs
confession, repenting,
living, loving,
responding, reaping
changing, sowing
sunning, dancing, singing
We have a knack for taking a verb
that is alive and full of grace
and turning it into a dead noun
verb: ability to respond and expectancy
alive and dynamic full of life
noun: responsibility and expectation
dead, full of law and fear and judgement
Respond not react
to every situation
under the power of
Holy Spirit
Priority list
Jesus does not want to be first on your list
He wants to center in all that you do
Find Holy Spirit in the Bible
Don't look for rules and principle
Look for relationship
Please help me live in truth.
As you can see, the book gave me a lot to think about.
There is much more, but I am tired and going to bed.
Read " The Shack" and see if it makes you think about
God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Wisdom
and relationship
and love.
Good night.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Words from Monday devotion. Gideon study and The Shack
"Lord, I rejoice in the living and loving relationship that I enjoy with You . Thank you so much for freedom and life in Christ. Empower me to walk in your power and to bear lasting fruit for you"
Fruit:
1) winning souls for Christ
2) manifestation of God's Spirit of God in us
3) Spiritual growth in character
4) productive service and ministry for Jesus
All of the above + completeness in Christ = Fruit
Gideon study
Empowerment by God's Spirit is a necessary for success
Our Goal:
1) see truth in God's word
2) open our selves to His activity daily
3) learn from good examples
4) seek to inspire by being a good example
We have two roles:
student ..to learn from others
teacher..others learn from us
Notes from The Shack
"Everything is about Jesus and freedom is a process that
happens inside a relationship with Him.
The God who is the great "I AM" can not act apart from Love.
God is love
Love and Relationship
Have a wonderful Labor Day and drive careful.
Fruit:
1) winning souls for Christ
2) manifestation of God's Spirit of God in us
3) Spiritual growth in character
4) productive service and ministry for Jesus
All of the above + completeness in Christ = Fruit
Gideon study
Empowerment by God's Spirit is a necessary for success
Our Goal:
1) see truth in God's word
2) open our selves to His activity daily
3) learn from good examples
4) seek to inspire by being a good example
We have two roles:
student ..to learn from others
teacher..others learn from us
Notes from The Shack
"Everything is about Jesus and freedom is a process that
happens inside a relationship with Him.
The God who is the great "I AM" can not act apart from Love.
God is love
Love and Relationship
Have a wonderful Labor Day and drive careful.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Friday Bible study and devotional
I struggle with health issues, so I was blessed when the bible study and today"s devotion came together with a word for me and maybe for you.
"Thank you lord for another day....to live for You. I am Your servant. Help me this day to be a healthy, responsible follower of Christ"
I am responsible for making wise healthy choices, until they become healthy habits. So, that I can serve Christ by serving others.
"We will not be perfect here on earth, but should be consistent in our service and obedience to God."
"God is still searching, ( not for perfect people), but for individuals who are passionate about Him and committed to His call on their lives.
A call to Love Him and love others.
Martin Luther can still inspire this generation with this quote.
"My conscience is captive to the word of God"
The Word is where we get our instructions.
He states that he has two days on his calender,,,This day and that day.
This day....To live for Christ and bear fruit
That day....To appear before Christ and give an account
Live this day to be ready to give an account on that day.
"Thank you lord for another day....to live for You. I am Your servant. Help me this day to be a healthy, responsible follower of Christ"
I am responsible for making wise healthy choices, until they become healthy habits. So, that I can serve Christ by serving others.
"We will not be perfect here on earth, but should be consistent in our service and obedience to God."
"God is still searching, ( not for perfect people), but for individuals who are passionate about Him and committed to His call on their lives.
A call to Love Him and love others.
Martin Luther can still inspire this generation with this quote.
"My conscience is captive to the word of God"
The Word is where we get our instructions.
He states that he has two days on his calender,,,This day and that day.
This day....To live for Christ and bear fruit
That day....To appear before Christ and give an account
Live this day to be ready to give an account on that day.
Friday, July 12, 2013
I want to see Jesus
We were on the road all day today, So, I had a lot of time to study. I am reading Anne Graham Lotz book "I Saw the Lord." My Bible chart has me reading in Luke and Ephesians and they all tie together.
Her book is a wake up call for the heart based on Chapter six of Isaiah. In Chapters 1-5, Isaiah is a preacher pointing all the ways his nation sins against God and what they should do. Chapter 1:16-19 gives these instructions: Wash yourselves
Make yourself clean
Cease to do evil
Learn to do good
Seek Justice
Reprove the Ruthless
Help the oppressed
Defend the Orphans
Plead for widows
Isaiah was a good preacher and moral man who knew the problem facing his nation SIN
and urged them to repent and get right with God. But something was missing and He did
not realized it until Chapter 6
When He Saw the Almighty Lord sitting on
His Throne and His robe filling the temple
In the light of The Holiness of the Almighty God, he saw himself and was destroyed and undone,
Job did the same thing when he was confronted by God
Moses face shine so much after an encounter with God that He had to wear a veil.
Just reading chapters 7 and 8 of Luke we find these encounters with Jesus. The Bible is full of them
The faith of the centurion caused him to see Jesus for who He was and realized that he was unworthy
He trusted Him to heal with just a word and Jesus praised him for his faith.
When Jesus brought a widows son back to life, the city was gripped with fear, and they glorified God.
There was a group of ladies who recognized who Jesus was and ministered to Him
Jesus stopped a storm causing his disciples to wonder who was this man
He brought Jairus daughter back to life
He healed a woman with a 12 year disease with just a touch of his hem and her faith
Jesus sent demons out of a man and into pigs causing the city to come out and ask Him to leave
AND the King of the universe, got into a boat and left ( I hope that we are not rejecting Him)
Then there is the sinful woman who wept tears all over his feet and poured perfume and wiped
his feet with her hair. Such humility..Do you think that she realized who He was?
This story made me think of one of my favorite songs that I had not heard it a long time.
"I can only imagine"
A little later that song came on the radio (God's timing)......a few verses I like
"Surrounded by His glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
or in awe of you be still
Will I sing for you Jesus
or on my knees will I fall
Will I sing _H_______
or be able to to speak at all
I can only imagine"
Saul saw the light of Jesus and it changed the course of his life forever. Even changed his name
to Paul and he wrote most of the new testament. In the first chapter of Ephesians we see the redemption story of salvation through Jesus Christ by the will of the Father. His grace freely bestowed on His beloved...us. Sealed by the Holy Spirit that He promised to send.
In verse 18, He prays that the eyes of our heart may be enlightened so that we can know.
Let's move from head knowledge to heart knowledge.
I know that this is a lot, but I guess, I am just trying to say is, we need to really see God through Jesus and the word and have what Ann Lotz calls a personal revival.
Be still and know that I am God Psalms 46:10
She suggest we make two list and to mediate on them
List 1)
Examine our self against this list of Sin and be honest and add more as needed
In gratitude
neglecting Bible study
Envy
critical spirit
unbelief
unconcern for lost
hypocrisy
pride
family neglect
slander
lying
cheating
robbing God
anger
Jealousy
gossip
worry
doubt
immorality
Then all the things we should do that we do not do
List 2)
make a praise list of every characteristics of Jesus
This should help us see Jesus and self
I want to see Jesus.
"
Her book is a wake up call for the heart based on Chapter six of Isaiah. In Chapters 1-5, Isaiah is a preacher pointing all the ways his nation sins against God and what they should do. Chapter 1:16-19 gives these instructions: Wash yourselves
Make yourself clean
Cease to do evil
Learn to do good
Seek Justice
Reprove the Ruthless
Help the oppressed
Defend the Orphans
Plead for widows
Isaiah was a good preacher and moral man who knew the problem facing his nation SIN
and urged them to repent and get right with God. But something was missing and He did
not realized it until Chapter 6
When He Saw the Almighty Lord sitting on
His Throne and His robe filling the temple
In the light of The Holiness of the Almighty God, he saw himself and was destroyed and undone,
Job did the same thing when he was confronted by God
Moses face shine so much after an encounter with God that He had to wear a veil.
Just reading chapters 7 and 8 of Luke we find these encounters with Jesus. The Bible is full of them
The faith of the centurion caused him to see Jesus for who He was and realized that he was unworthy
He trusted Him to heal with just a word and Jesus praised him for his faith.
When Jesus brought a widows son back to life, the city was gripped with fear, and they glorified God.
There was a group of ladies who recognized who Jesus was and ministered to Him
Jesus stopped a storm causing his disciples to wonder who was this man
He brought Jairus daughter back to life
He healed a woman with a 12 year disease with just a touch of his hem and her faith
Jesus sent demons out of a man and into pigs causing the city to come out and ask Him to leave
AND the King of the universe, got into a boat and left ( I hope that we are not rejecting Him)
Then there is the sinful woman who wept tears all over his feet and poured perfume and wiped
his feet with her hair. Such humility..Do you think that she realized who He was?
This story made me think of one of my favorite songs that I had not heard it a long time.
"I can only imagine"
A little later that song came on the radio (God's timing)......a few verses I like
"Surrounded by His glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
or in awe of you be still
Will I sing for you Jesus
or on my knees will I fall
Will I sing _H_______
or be able to to speak at all
I can only imagine"
Saul saw the light of Jesus and it changed the course of his life forever. Even changed his name
to Paul and he wrote most of the new testament. In the first chapter of Ephesians we see the redemption story of salvation through Jesus Christ by the will of the Father. His grace freely bestowed on His beloved...us. Sealed by the Holy Spirit that He promised to send.
In verse 18, He prays that the eyes of our heart may be enlightened so that we can know.
Let's move from head knowledge to heart knowledge.
I know that this is a lot, but I guess, I am just trying to say is, we need to really see God through Jesus and the word and have what Ann Lotz calls a personal revival.
Be still and know that I am God Psalms 46:10
She suggest we make two list and to mediate on them
List 1)
Examine our self against this list of Sin and be honest and add more as needed
In gratitude
neglecting Bible study
Envy
critical spirit
unbelief
unconcern for lost
hypocrisy
pride
family neglect
slander
lying
cheating
robbing God
anger
Jealousy
gossip
worry
doubt
immorality
Then all the things we should do that we do not do
List 2)
make a praise list of every characteristics of Jesus
This should help us see Jesus and self
I want to see Jesus.
"
Spiritual food....the word
Christians today have the potential for two problems when it come to Spiritual food which is the Word of God.
1) Spiritual starvation
Never spending time feasting on the word of God. Which makes one complacent and stunts their growth.
2) Spiritually fat
The second one may surprise you. With all the access to materials for Bible study we are in danger of becoming fat and sassy in the word. Making us self-righteous, judgmental, prideful, and unkind with lots and lots of head knowledge.....too full of ourself..
To those who much is given, much is required. When we eat too much, we can become overweight with no energy. The remedy is to exercise.
God gives us many resources and it is His will that we use them to move from head knowledge twelve inches south to heart knowledge. He feeds us His word so that we have the energy to run the race of His kingdoms work. We can exercise our faith by building a relationship with Him and others.
STUDY_PRAY_APPLY
1) Spiritual starvation
Never spending time feasting on the word of God. Which makes one complacent and stunts their growth.
2) Spiritually fat
The second one may surprise you. With all the access to materials for Bible study we are in danger of becoming fat and sassy in the word. Making us self-righteous, judgmental, prideful, and unkind with lots and lots of head knowledge.....too full of ourself..
To those who much is given, much is required. When we eat too much, we can become overweight with no energy. The remedy is to exercise.
God gives us many resources and it is His will that we use them to move from head knowledge twelve inches south to heart knowledge. He feeds us His word so that we have the energy to run the race of His kingdoms work. We can exercise our faith by building a relationship with Him and others.
STUDY_PRAY_APPLY
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Day 1 Workcation
We were suppose to leave town around 11:30 after Doctor appointment. But things happen and we ran around town until 4:30 ( that's another story). Today was suppose to be one of the work days of these Workcation. I made up this word to describe this trip.
We only made it 295 miles to Cartersville. When we get close, I go online and look for hotels and call. The Howard Johnson had a great price and a good review about the hotel clerk. When I told her that she was the reason we choose this hotel, she almost teared up. When some one does a good job, it never hurts to let the know. Kind words never hurt.
We hiked on a country road behind hotel with loud cicadas and lots of lightning bugs. Tomorrow, we need to go to Tennessee, pick up trailer and stuff out of storage and take it to Kentucky, drop it off and head west. The adventure begins.
We only made it 295 miles to Cartersville. When we get close, I go online and look for hotels and call. The Howard Johnson had a great price and a good review about the hotel clerk. When I told her that she was the reason we choose this hotel, she almost teared up. When some one does a good job, it never hurts to let the know. Kind words never hurt.
We hiked on a country road behind hotel with loud cicadas and lots of lightning bugs. Tomorrow, we need to go to Tennessee, pick up trailer and stuff out of storage and take it to Kentucky, drop it off and head west. The adventure begins.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Can't sleep
When I was a little girl, the night before any trip my Daddy would have to give us magic water to help us sleep. I think it was blue food coloring in water, but it did the trick. I could use some now.
Tonight, I can not go to sleep. I can not turn off my mind. We had all the kids over for supper (except our Sara still in California). I am constantly please and amazed how well they all get along. They all have so many exciting things going on in their lives and I spend a lot of time praying for them. This weekend they are planning a big family yard sale at Drew's house. I love that.
We will not be here. In some families, the parents stay home and the kids travel. We have it backwards. Our kids will be home holding down the fort, while Mark and I go play for about a month. We feel really blessed to have neighbors who watch out for things and adult kids who are willing to house sit, cut grass and even clean out storage houses while we are gone.
We have been to and bought in all the states of this beautiful country, except for six. If all goes well, after this trip, we will be down to two states. We should hit Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Utah and many stares in between. We are planning to wait for cooler weather for Arizona and Nevada. We will finish with a huge sale in Kentucky called the 127 or world's longest yard sale. Hopefully, to pay for this trip.
Next week, we will be married for 37 years and feel very blessed to still be on this journey called life with my best friend.
Tonight, I can not go to sleep. I can not turn off my mind. We had all the kids over for supper (except our Sara still in California). I am constantly please and amazed how well they all get along. They all have so many exciting things going on in their lives and I spend a lot of time praying for them. This weekend they are planning a big family yard sale at Drew's house. I love that.
We will not be here. In some families, the parents stay home and the kids travel. We have it backwards. Our kids will be home holding down the fort, while Mark and I go play for about a month. We feel really blessed to have neighbors who watch out for things and adult kids who are willing to house sit, cut grass and even clean out storage houses while we are gone.
We have been to and bought in all the states of this beautiful country, except for six. If all goes well, after this trip, we will be down to two states. We should hit Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Utah and many stares in between. We are planning to wait for cooler weather for Arizona and Nevada. We will finish with a huge sale in Kentucky called the 127 or world's longest yard sale. Hopefully, to pay for this trip.
Next week, we will be married for 37 years and feel very blessed to still be on this journey called life with my best friend.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Book of Isaiah
Just finished the book of Isaiah - 66 chapters, hard to understand book about God's love and the rebellion of His people.
About a servant who caught a glimpse of God's glory and holiness and realized how unclean he and his nation was. He was commissioned to go tell his people and accepted with words," here am I, send me."
He was a prophet who told of the coming child, born of a virgin, who would be called Immanuel, God with us, the prince of peace.
He tells of war, corruption, trials, judgement and the rise and fall of nations. Of the remnant who praises God and trust in His protection and is delivered through God's gracious mercy with a glorious future. He tells of God's greatness and how he comforts and encourages His people and blesses them.
He warns us of the folly of Idolatry (putting anything before God). God's supreme power is all over the pages of Isaiah. He shows us that He is the one true God who promises deliverance and salvation that reaches to the end of the earth. He promises to help His servants and that they will be lifted up. His invitation of Salvation and mercy extents to all and He promises that His word will not come back void. But that it will accomplish what He desires.
Isaiah tells us of the Lord's unfailing love and praises Him for all that He has done and rejoices in His greatness, mercy and love. He warns us to not grieve the Holy Spirit, but to remember the days of old. He tells us that," eyes have not seen, nor hears heard about a God like our God who acts on behalf of His people who wait on Him". He is our Father and the great Potter and we are his children and His clay. We are the work of His hands.
There will be a final Judgement and salvation. He will preserve a remnant to inherit and serve. He is creating a new heaven and new earth. Be glad and rejoice. Our work will not be in vain. He will bless those with a humble contrite heart who tremble at His word. For He knows what we do and knows or hearts. He will gather us up and we will see His glory.
Not sure where I go from here. I will have to check my Bible chart to see what section I go to next.
Have a blessed day. Mark is up and we have to go to work to get ready for our next adventure.
About a servant who caught a glimpse of God's glory and holiness and realized how unclean he and his nation was. He was commissioned to go tell his people and accepted with words," here am I, send me."
He was a prophet who told of the coming child, born of a virgin, who would be called Immanuel, God with us, the prince of peace.
He tells of war, corruption, trials, judgement and the rise and fall of nations. Of the remnant who praises God and trust in His protection and is delivered through God's gracious mercy with a glorious future. He tells of God's greatness and how he comforts and encourages His people and blesses them.
He warns us of the folly of Idolatry (putting anything before God). God's supreme power is all over the pages of Isaiah. He shows us that He is the one true God who promises deliverance and salvation that reaches to the end of the earth. He promises to help His servants and that they will be lifted up. His invitation of Salvation and mercy extents to all and He promises that His word will not come back void. But that it will accomplish what He desires.
Isaiah tells us of the Lord's unfailing love and praises Him for all that He has done and rejoices in His greatness, mercy and love. He warns us to not grieve the Holy Spirit, but to remember the days of old. He tells us that," eyes have not seen, nor hears heard about a God like our God who acts on behalf of His people who wait on Him". He is our Father and the great Potter and we are his children and His clay. We are the work of His hands.
There will be a final Judgement and salvation. He will preserve a remnant to inherit and serve. He is creating a new heaven and new earth. Be glad and rejoice. Our work will not be in vain. He will bless those with a humble contrite heart who tremble at His word. For He knows what we do and knows or hearts. He will gather us up and we will see His glory.
Not sure where I go from here. I will have to check my Bible chart to see what section I go to next.
Have a blessed day. Mark is up and we have to go to work to get ready for our next adventure.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Last lessons from Job
I finished Job this weekend and did not have my Sunday
School book with me. So, I did lessons July 7th and 14th
to work with the chapters that I read over the weekend.
The lesson suggested we make a list of insights and questions
gained from the last chapters of Job,
So, here it goes
Elihu (remember he is the youngest) reproves Job sharply,
saying that he speaks the truth, "for I am a well- rounded
man with perfect knowledge of God."
Oh be careful of the man who knows it all
His truth is "God gets your attention through adversity and
when you repent your wicked ways, you end your days
blessed in prosperity and pleasure."
Oh be careful when man tries to speak for God.
Pray and study the Bible with the help of the
Holy Spirit to hear from Him yourself.
God spoke to Job and told him to listen
God proceeded with an onslaught of questions
Where were you...
Do you know...
How...What...Who
Have you ever...
Have you seen...
Can you..
Can your voice..
Do you understand.
Can you explain..
When does...
Who causes...
Tell me about..
Now, Do you still want to debate with the Almighty
Jobs answer:
I have nothing to say
(can you see him put his hand over his own mouth)
I have already said too much
(sounds like me)
"I did not see or understand things too
wonderful for me to comprehend
My suffering was nothing compared
to the glory being revealed"
One glimpse of the awesome glory of Almighty God
causes Job to step back and see himself and repent.
I know now that I have avoided the book of Job
every since a college professor told our class that
God was wrong and had no right taking Job's\
kids away and then replace them with new kids.
Her statement was "A child can not be replaced"
I did not and still do not have an answer for that.
I do know that God does not owe us an explanation
He is God
I will not try to speak for God
I just know that God loves us and that He is in control.
This situation with Job is an example. It took special
servant of God to teach his generation and us a powerful
lesson. The traditional "truth" that God always punishes
evil and rewards good IS A LIE FROM THE DEVIL.
They believed it then and we tend to still believe it.
Until it happens to us, then we need to find answers in Job
God was very angry with Job's "friends" because they did
not speak truth about Job or about God. He told these self
-righteous men to bring sacrifices and have His servant Job
pray for them. Then He would hear His servant's prayer
and not punish them as they deserved because of their folly.
How did Job feel?
After all they had said about hime when he was at the lowest
point of his life. His willingness to pray for them showed
spiritual maturity and a growing relationship with God.
Our prayer life shows a lot about our relationship with God.
We all have what my Mama calls character building situations.
They provide opportunities to grow and mature in faith..
Building character and our relationship with God by
moving head knowledge to heart knowledge.
We will never have all the answers about the mystery
surrounding human suffering. But we can learn to
trust the Lord, submit to Him and be open to know
Him better and to build a loving relationship with this
awesome God of the Universe through our circumstances.
Good bye Job....I'm glad I studied your book
School book with me. So, I did lessons July 7th and 14th
to work with the chapters that I read over the weekend.
The lesson suggested we make a list of insights and questions
gained from the last chapters of Job,
So, here it goes
Elihu (remember he is the youngest) reproves Job sharply,
saying that he speaks the truth, "for I am a well- rounded
man with perfect knowledge of God."
Oh be careful of the man who knows it all
His truth is "God gets your attention through adversity and
when you repent your wicked ways, you end your days
blessed in prosperity and pleasure."
Oh be careful when man tries to speak for God.
Pray and study the Bible with the help of the
Holy Spirit to hear from Him yourself.
God spoke to Job and told him to listen
God proceeded with an onslaught of questions
Where were you...
Do you know...
How...What...Who
Have you ever...
Have you seen...
Can you..
Can your voice..
Do you understand.
Can you explain..
When does...
Who causes...
Tell me about..
Now, Do you still want to debate with the Almighty
Jobs answer:
I have nothing to say
(can you see him put his hand over his own mouth)
I have already said too much
(sounds like me)
"I did not see or understand things too
wonderful for me to comprehend
My suffering was nothing compared
to the glory being revealed"
One glimpse of the awesome glory of Almighty God
causes Job to step back and see himself and repent.
I know now that I have avoided the book of Job
every since a college professor told our class that
God was wrong and had no right taking Job's\
kids away and then replace them with new kids.
Her statement was "A child can not be replaced"
I did not and still do not have an answer for that.
I do know that God does not owe us an explanation
He is God
I will not try to speak for God
I just know that God loves us and that He is in control.
This situation with Job is an example. It took special
servant of God to teach his generation and us a powerful
lesson. The traditional "truth" that God always punishes
evil and rewards good IS A LIE FROM THE DEVIL.
They believed it then and we tend to still believe it.
Until it happens to us, then we need to find answers in Job
God was very angry with Job's "friends" because they did
not speak truth about Job or about God. He told these self
-righteous men to bring sacrifices and have His servant Job
pray for them. Then He would hear His servant's prayer
and not punish them as they deserved because of their folly.
How did Job feel?
After all they had said about hime when he was at the lowest
point of his life. His willingness to pray for them showed
spiritual maturity and a growing relationship with God.
Our prayer life shows a lot about our relationship with God.
We all have what my Mama calls character building situations.
They provide opportunities to grow and mature in faith..
Building character and our relationship with God by
moving head knowledge to heart knowledge.
We will never have all the answers about the mystery
surrounding human suffering. But we can learn to
trust the Lord, submit to Him and be open to know
Him better and to build a loving relationship with this
awesome God of the Universe through our circumstances.
Good bye Job....I'm glad I studied your book
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Ramblings of a "good girl" of days long gone
Two things that Mom told me about when I was a baby were:
1) I Always had my foot in my mouth when in the crib (imagine that)
2) I always screamed when put in the church nursery
I grew up in church and learn to love it. I was at church every time the doors opened. Sunday school, G.A's,
Training Union (night church) and even the choir even though I could not sing. I was afraid of Mr. Red and if he caught me trying to leave church on Wednesday night before choir practice, I ended up in the choir loft. I was always preacher's pet and teacher's pet in church and school. I loved school and could not wait for the first day of school. I lived next to the school . So, every year before school started, I would go meet and help my new teacher and visit with my old teachers. The only negative remark on my report cards would be,"she sure likes to talk." Really?
I had one preacher when I was a preteen that had me condemned even though I was always there, even on Saturday nights for Youth Rally's and was a good girl. He had three reasons.
1) I wore my skirts too short
2) I like to square dance
3) I worked in Tobacco
This kind of confused me. After all I was a little bitty thing and was not showing anything inappropriate. Square dancing was a safe environment where no smoking, cursing or drinking was allowed. My big brothers were always there and kept an eye on us. Mom and Daddy felt safe about letting us go. And working in tobacco was a country girls way to make money in the summer that would last all year. For Mom and Dad, with six kids, it was free baby sitting and kept us out of trouble. We were at the Herring family farm and we had a blast. Four girls and about a dozen boys working and playing together. It was hard work and very hot. Lunch meant a touch football game or water fights. After noon snacks were water melon or on rare occasions, Mr H would come out in his truck with soft drinks and snacks for all of us.
Mom was a bookkeeper and a smart teacher/Mom. She kept a note pad in a drawer with our names at the top of the page. She put all our money in the credit union where she worked. If we wanted money for activities such as the movies or skating, it came off our column. When made money babysitting or in my brother's case catching chickens at night, it would be added back into our column. No fighting or fussing or begging for money. We could see our column and our money had to last all year. That included our one week vacation to Dekle beach with pin ball machines and candy/ice cream store.
We had such a great childhood with plenty of play mates right at home. We did not realize that money was tight. Neighbor kids were always in the front yard playing stick ball, foot ball, croquet and other games including hidden forts in bushes and space ships in trees. We could walk any where we wanted and play on school play ground or the bowl (a sink hoe ) and walk to town with out any worries. We could also walk to the soft ball field for games all summer. We came inside when it was time to eat. After school T.V. was Flintstones, Little house on the Prairie, That Girl , Walton's, I dream of Jennie, Flipper and such. There was always a board game going somewhere in the house. Chess, checkers, Chinese checkers (mom's favorite) and if Daddy was playing penny poker. We all had a jar of money with our name on it that stayed near the table. If I lost as much as 50 cents, it was time to go to bed. Monopoly sometimes lasted for days with board staying on the table for days.
I know that I sound like an old fuddy -duddy, but I wish kids today still had some of these advantages of not
being so advantaged with so many toys and gadget and organized teams. With time just to play and stay innocent a little longer. My Daddy has been gone a very long time and would be shocked by most of what is on T.V. today.
Family is important and time is one of the most important gifts that we have been given and that we have to give. Ramblings of a good girl of days long gone that is turning into a pretty good old girl.
1) I Always had my foot in my mouth when in the crib (imagine that)
2) I always screamed when put in the church nursery
I grew up in church and learn to love it. I was at church every time the doors opened. Sunday school, G.A's,
Training Union (night church) and even the choir even though I could not sing. I was afraid of Mr. Red and if he caught me trying to leave church on Wednesday night before choir practice, I ended up in the choir loft. I was always preacher's pet and teacher's pet in church and school. I loved school and could not wait for the first day of school. I lived next to the school . So, every year before school started, I would go meet and help my new teacher and visit with my old teachers. The only negative remark on my report cards would be,"she sure likes to talk." Really?
I had one preacher when I was a preteen that had me condemned even though I was always there, even on Saturday nights for Youth Rally's and was a good girl. He had three reasons.
1) I wore my skirts too short
2) I like to square dance
3) I worked in Tobacco
This kind of confused me. After all I was a little bitty thing and was not showing anything inappropriate. Square dancing was a safe environment where no smoking, cursing or drinking was allowed. My big brothers were always there and kept an eye on us. Mom and Daddy felt safe about letting us go. And working in tobacco was a country girls way to make money in the summer that would last all year. For Mom and Dad, with six kids, it was free baby sitting and kept us out of trouble. We were at the Herring family farm and we had a blast. Four girls and about a dozen boys working and playing together. It was hard work and very hot. Lunch meant a touch football game or water fights. After noon snacks were water melon or on rare occasions, Mr H would come out in his truck with soft drinks and snacks for all of us.
Mom was a bookkeeper and a smart teacher/Mom. She kept a note pad in a drawer with our names at the top of the page. She put all our money in the credit union where she worked. If we wanted money for activities such as the movies or skating, it came off our column. When made money babysitting or in my brother's case catching chickens at night, it would be added back into our column. No fighting or fussing or begging for money. We could see our column and our money had to last all year. That included our one week vacation to Dekle beach with pin ball machines and candy/ice cream store.
We had such a great childhood with plenty of play mates right at home. We did not realize that money was tight. Neighbor kids were always in the front yard playing stick ball, foot ball, croquet and other games including hidden forts in bushes and space ships in trees. We could walk any where we wanted and play on school play ground or the bowl (a sink hoe ) and walk to town with out any worries. We could also walk to the soft ball field for games all summer. We came inside when it was time to eat. After school T.V. was Flintstones, Little house on the Prairie, That Girl , Walton's, I dream of Jennie, Flipper and such. There was always a board game going somewhere in the house. Chess, checkers, Chinese checkers (mom's favorite) and if Daddy was playing penny poker. We all had a jar of money with our name on it that stayed near the table. If I lost as much as 50 cents, it was time to go to bed. Monopoly sometimes lasted for days with board staying on the table for days.
I know that I sound like an old fuddy -duddy, but I wish kids today still had some of these advantages of not
being so advantaged with so many toys and gadget and organized teams. With time just to play and stay innocent a little longer. My Daddy has been gone a very long time and would be shocked by most of what is on T.V. today.
Family is important and time is one of the most important gifts that we have been given and that we have to give. Ramblings of a good girl of days long gone that is turning into a pretty good old girl.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
One Year Daily Devotional Book
Mark and I had a good time at the watermelon festival, even if we did not make much money. The people were so nice. The food and art show were great. Mark came back from one of his walks and said that the local First Baptist church were giving away devotional books. I walked over and talked to two very nice people and they gave me this beautiful book that was put out by their church.
I love the way things work out. I brought the book home and realized that the next day was Monday July 1 and I could start this book with the last 6 months of the year. I told them that I might share what I find on my blog page and they gave me their blessing. So, here I am on Wednesday, week one, day three, of devotions and it fits so well with what I studied yesterday in Galatians.
Galatians, Chapter 5 compares Faith and Law and tells us that Law is our teacher that leads us to Christ so that we can be justified by faith in Him. We are to walk in the Spirit , set free by Christ. But we are not to use this freedom to indulge in sinful nature, but instead to serve on another in Love. All law can be summed up in this one statement " Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and your neighbor as yourself." I do not have to _______to be saved, but because I am save, I will_______out of love for Christ. You fill in the blank
The fruit of the Spirit are Love, Peace, Patience, Kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Today's devotion begins with. "Lord here I am, another day, which is nothing short of a gift from you. May I treat this day in a way that acknowledges Your goodness. Bless you."
Did you catch those last two words. Bless You. I have heard God bless you, but I have never heard Bless You God. Lord, I want to bless You. How can I bless you?
Next, I read, "Do not neglect the gifts that are in you...Meditate on these things, give yourself entirely to them so that your progress may be evident to all ".
So, I am to meditate on the Word of the Living God and not neglect His gifts so that my growth and progress blesses God and others.
"Undoubtedly, the gifts the Lord has placed within us are intended to serve as an encouragement to others. Clearly, God intended Spiritual gifts to benefit the whole body of Christ. The Lord has given us abilities to use for His glory and the good of others...and to advance His work. What a privilege."
It is a process, and God is not finish with us yet. We are given gifts from the Holy Spirit and we are to use them to further His Kingdoms work and Bless Him by blessing others.
"As you live this day, mediate on these things and consider ways that you can use you God-given abilities to benefit those around you. Be totally consumed with His will and His work. Live today (and every day) in a way that counts for Christ."
God bless you.....You bless God....by blessings others What a concept.
I love the way things work out. I brought the book home and realized that the next day was Monday July 1 and I could start this book with the last 6 months of the year. I told them that I might share what I find on my blog page and they gave me their blessing. So, here I am on Wednesday, week one, day three, of devotions and it fits so well with what I studied yesterday in Galatians.
Galatians, Chapter 5 compares Faith and Law and tells us that Law is our teacher that leads us to Christ so that we can be justified by faith in Him. We are to walk in the Spirit , set free by Christ. But we are not to use this freedom to indulge in sinful nature, but instead to serve on another in Love. All law can be summed up in this one statement " Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and your neighbor as yourself." I do not have to _______to be saved, but because I am save, I will_______out of love for Christ. You fill in the blank
The fruit of the Spirit are Love, Peace, Patience, Kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Today's devotion begins with. "Lord here I am, another day, which is nothing short of a gift from you. May I treat this day in a way that acknowledges Your goodness. Bless you."
Did you catch those last two words. Bless You. I have heard God bless you, but I have never heard Bless You God. Lord, I want to bless You. How can I bless you?
Next, I read, "Do not neglect the gifts that are in you...Meditate on these things, give yourself entirely to them so that your progress may be evident to all ".
So, I am to meditate on the Word of the Living God and not neglect His gifts so that my growth and progress blesses God and others.
"Undoubtedly, the gifts the Lord has placed within us are intended to serve as an encouragement to others. Clearly, God intended Spiritual gifts to benefit the whole body of Christ. The Lord has given us abilities to use for His glory and the good of others...and to advance His work. What a privilege."
It is a process, and God is not finish with us yet. We are given gifts from the Holy Spirit and we are to use them to further His Kingdoms work and Bless Him by blessing others.
"As you live this day, mediate on these things and consider ways that you can use you God-given abilities to benefit those around you. Be totally consumed with His will and His work. Live today (and every day) in a way that counts for Christ."
God bless you.....You bless God....by blessings others What a concept.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Back to Job for Truth
I love reading the Bible, especially the parts that make you feel good. Like the Love Chapter found in Corinthians, the Psalms for worship , Proverbs for wisdom and of course stories of the old Testament that we learn when we were kids. I tend to avoid prophetic books that are hard to understand, like Daniel and Revelations. Rev 1:3 says, " Blessed is the one who reads these words of prophecy.
Then there's Job. I am back in Job following my chart and Sunday School lesson. It seems like Job has become my summer reading.
I think that one of the things that bothered me about Job, is, it looks like Satan has manipulated God to hurt one of his children. But the more I read, the more I realize that God really is in control. Maybe it takes something this disturbing and powerful to break age old traditions that are deeply rooted and learn truth.
For generation these people believed with all their hearts that God always punishes evil and always blesses good. This gives us a nice fuzzy feeling, until some thing happens that we can not understand. Today we tend to believe the same thing. Remember the people of the bible are real people and we meet people just like them today. There are fair weather friends, those who "always knew things were to good to be true. We all know those who " know it all " and some who are just glad that it is not them.
Even Job believed this and that he would always be blessed and live out his life doing good, surrounded by family. That is one reason that this( fall from grace) rocked his world so badly. He really wanted answers and all he got was more abuse from every one around and seemly God too. What did I do wrong? God know everything, He knows my integrity. He longed to go back to before all this happened to him. He needed answers. Please tell me. If what I believe is true, then......then.... then what? This caused a conflict of belief in Job and often in us and may be the only way to grow and learn truth.
Even a young man who though he had all the answers presume to speak for God. What a fiasco that was. Be careful, never presume to have all the answers. At 19, I thought I had all the answers and that any one older just did not understand. Now that I am older , I realize that I will never have all the answers. I do know that I do not want what I deserve. I choose mercy over justice every time.
Why do bad things happen to good people? The truth is, we just do not know., and we may never know on this side of Heaven. But we do know that God is love and He is control.
Then there's Job. I am back in Job following my chart and Sunday School lesson. It seems like Job has become my summer reading.
I think that one of the things that bothered me about Job, is, it looks like Satan has manipulated God to hurt one of his children. But the more I read, the more I realize that God really is in control. Maybe it takes something this disturbing and powerful to break age old traditions that are deeply rooted and learn truth.
For generation these people believed with all their hearts that God always punishes evil and always blesses good. This gives us a nice fuzzy feeling, until some thing happens that we can not understand. Today we tend to believe the same thing. Remember the people of the bible are real people and we meet people just like them today. There are fair weather friends, those who "always knew things were to good to be true. We all know those who " know it all " and some who are just glad that it is not them.
Even Job believed this and that he would always be blessed and live out his life doing good, surrounded by family. That is one reason that this( fall from grace) rocked his world so badly. He really wanted answers and all he got was more abuse from every one around and seemly God too. What did I do wrong? God know everything, He knows my integrity. He longed to go back to before all this happened to him. He needed answers. Please tell me. If what I believe is true, then......then.... then what? This caused a conflict of belief in Job and often in us and may be the only way to grow and learn truth.
Even a young man who though he had all the answers presume to speak for God. What a fiasco that was. Be careful, never presume to have all the answers. At 19, I thought I had all the answers and that any one older just did not understand. Now that I am older , I realize that I will never have all the answers. I do know that I do not want what I deserve. I choose mercy over justice every time.
Why do bad things happen to good people? The truth is, we just do not know., and we may never know on this side of Heaven. But we do know that God is love and He is control.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Moses's Mom
A man from the house of Levi married a daughter of a Levi and they had a son during a very bad time to have a son. All of the baby boys were to be thrown into the Nile river by order of the new King of Egypt.
Joseph, all of his brothers and the king that invited them to live in the choice land of Egypt had all died.
The Israel people were very fruitful and had increased so much that they numbered greater than their host nation. The new King got nervous and appointed taskmasters over them and afflicted them greatly. The more he afflicted them, the stronger they became as a nation inside a nation. They even tried to get the midwives to kill baby boys, but they feared God and would not do it. SO, this is why this horrible law was passed down about the time Moses was born.
When Moses's mother saw her new infant child, she saw how beautiful he was. (Imagine that, a Mom thinking her baby was beautiful.) She was able to hide him for three months. That had to be a very tough time. First, she could not share her joy with others who had lost their babies and she had to be gripped in fear every time the baby boy cried out loud.
She made the hardest decision of her life to save her precious boy. She took a papyrus basket and covered with with tar and pitch to make it water proof and safe. She placed the basket among the reeds by the banks of the Nile river and sent his big sister to watch and see what would happen to him. Talk about a a babysitting job, She proved her self to be a quick thinker and up to the task at hand. The Pharaoh's daughter and her maidens found the basket, saw the baby boy, knew he must be a Hebrew child and took pity on the beautiful baby boy.
Big sister quickly stepped forward and offered to find a nurse maid to take care of the baby. The Princess agreed. This is how the mother of Moses got paid to be her own child's, nursemaid until he was weaned and taken back to the palace to be raise as the son of the Princess. This special Mother had to give her son up twice to save his life.
Later, God used this baby called Moses, because he was drawn from the water, to free his entire nation from bondage.
A Mother's love is a powerful thing and they will do whatever it takes, even if it breaks their heart.
Joseph, all of his brothers and the king that invited them to live in the choice land of Egypt had all died.
The Israel people were very fruitful and had increased so much that they numbered greater than their host nation. The new King got nervous and appointed taskmasters over them and afflicted them greatly. The more he afflicted them, the stronger they became as a nation inside a nation. They even tried to get the midwives to kill baby boys, but they feared God and would not do it. SO, this is why this horrible law was passed down about the time Moses was born.
When Moses's mother saw her new infant child, she saw how beautiful he was. (Imagine that, a Mom thinking her baby was beautiful.) She was able to hide him for three months. That had to be a very tough time. First, she could not share her joy with others who had lost their babies and she had to be gripped in fear every time the baby boy cried out loud.
She made the hardest decision of her life to save her precious boy. She took a papyrus basket and covered with with tar and pitch to make it water proof and safe. She placed the basket among the reeds by the banks of the Nile river and sent his big sister to watch and see what would happen to him. Talk about a a babysitting job, She proved her self to be a quick thinker and up to the task at hand. The Pharaoh's daughter and her maidens found the basket, saw the baby boy, knew he must be a Hebrew child and took pity on the beautiful baby boy.
Big sister quickly stepped forward and offered to find a nurse maid to take care of the baby. The Princess agreed. This is how the mother of Moses got paid to be her own child's, nursemaid until he was weaned and taken back to the palace to be raise as the son of the Princess. This special Mother had to give her son up twice to save his life.
Later, God used this baby called Moses, because he was drawn from the water, to free his entire nation from bondage.
A Mother's love is a powerful thing and they will do whatever it takes, even if it breaks their heart.
Samuel's Mom
The book of Samuel begins with a woman's prayer asking God to allow her to become a mother and a promise to dedicate this child to God. Her prayers are answered with a precious baby boy that she loves. Her husband understands and tells her to do what she thinks is best and prays that the Lord will give her the strength to fulfill her promise. Hannah prays and thanks got for this blessing and dedicates this child to Him. She checks on him and brings clothes to him as he grows up in the temple. God blesses her with more children and she continues to pray for this special child....Samuel ,The child that she asked God for.
"The boy Samuel continues to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with man". Samuel 2:26
This verse reminds be of another Son. Luke 2:52 describes most of the childhood of Jesus in this one verse,"And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man." Not a bad life to be compared..
Samuel was to parents who were willing to pray for and dedicate him to God and God used him to fulfill His purpose and plan. Chapter 3 begins with this sad statement. For , in the days , when Samuel was a boy serving the Lord by ministering to Eli the priest, messages from the LORD were very rare and there almost no visions.
The rest of this chapter tells us that God spoke (awesome words). God spoke to this child. By verse 19,this child has turn into a man of God. "As he grew, the Lord was with him and everything he said was wise and helpful." Chapter 21 gives of the results of a praying Mom willing to dedicate her child to God. "And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh and continue to appear, because He revealed himself to Samuel with messages (the word of the lord) and the word went out to all his people"
Apply the word
As moms today, we are not usually asked to leave our child at the temple to be raised by a priest. But we are asked to take them to church and to dedicate them to the Lord, and to pray for them daily. Hopefully, they too will grow, "in favor with God and man". Give them to the Lord and stop trying to control everything in their lives and they will grow to depend on God. Then, God can use them for His plan and purpose. Maybe even to bring His word back to the people.........................Pray for your kids
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
My Bible Chart
If any one reads my blog, I may have them confused about my Bible chart. I have read tried to read Bible straight through, but that is hard because you can get bogged down in Leviticus and give up completely. Reading it through chronologically is interesting, but you need the right bible or a chart and bounce around a lot. I have tried reading a little old, a little new and a Psalms and a Proverbs everyday. It is kind of hard to keep up with. I have even read it through alphabetically, from Acts to Zephaniah. I wanted to try something different.
I was talking to my brother Glenn and he said that he reads three chapters from each section of the Bible..The Law, The history, poetry, major and minor prophets. Not sure what he is doing with the New Testament. Any way, I took his ideal and tweaked it a little and made it my own. I have seven sections.
Genesis-Deuteronomy
Joshua-2 Chronicles
Ezra-Song of Solomon
Isaiah-Daniel
Hosea-Malachi
Matthew-Acts
Romans-Revelations
I left Psalms and Proverbs out of their section
I read Psalms when I feel like worshiping God and Proverbs when I need a little wisdom.
I try to read 3-5 chapters from each section and Mark it off with llll/llll/ sort of, the slash is suppose to go through the four to make five.When I finish a book from a section, I check it off and go to the next book of that section.
If I get stuck somewhere, I stay as long as I want to. I am not legalistic about how many chapters I read a day. I have no idea when I will finish or if it will come out even. I am just enjoying studying every day and seeing what God has in store for me that I can apply to my life.
You do not have to wait until Monday to start, or the first of the Month or even January the first.
There is not just one way
there is no special time
to study the word
Just find your way
and start today.
I was talking to my brother Glenn and he said that he reads three chapters from each section of the Bible..The Law, The history, poetry, major and minor prophets. Not sure what he is doing with the New Testament. Any way, I took his ideal and tweaked it a little and made it my own. I have seven sections.
Genesis-Deuteronomy
Joshua-2 Chronicles
Ezra-Song of Solomon
Isaiah-Daniel
Hosea-Malachi
Matthew-Acts
Romans-Revelations
I left Psalms and Proverbs out of their section
I read Psalms when I feel like worshiping God and Proverbs when I need a little wisdom.
I try to read 3-5 chapters from each section and Mark it off with llll/llll/ sort of, the slash is suppose to go through the four to make five.When I finish a book from a section, I check it off and go to the next book of that section.
If I get stuck somewhere, I stay as long as I want to. I am not legalistic about how many chapters I read a day. I have no idea when I will finish or if it will come out even. I am just enjoying studying every day and seeing what God has in store for me that I can apply to my life.
You do not have to wait until Monday to start, or the first of the Month or even January the first.
There is not just one way
there is no special time
to study the word
Just find your way
and start today.
Back to Job for wisdom
The book of Job has always bothered me because the what -if's and why questions are impossible for us to answer or understand. Chapter 28 helps.
Job is able to move from asking "why me" to,"where can wisdom be found". His friends, (who think that they are so wise) find their wisdom in legalism and cold tradition. There is worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom.
They are both described in James 3: 14-17. Worldly wisdom comes from below and is bitter , jealous, arrogant, with selfish ambitions and lies against the truth.. It is earthly, sensual, unspiritual , of the devil and the cause of confusion and all sorts of evil.
Wisdom which is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, loving, reasonable, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruit. unwavering, without hypocrisy.
His friends showed none of the characteristics of wisdom, but instead were being used by the devil to use their "wisdom" to persecuted Job. What Job needed and was looking for were answers and all he got was abuse. He was searching for wisdom and understanding and declared it more precious than jewels;priceless.
Man's treasures are made precious by their being rare and hard to find. They have to dig deep and work hard to find it. And when they find it, it brings joy to them for awhile.
God's treasure is wisdom and understanding that begins with the humble reverent fear of our good and Holy God and turning from evil to God in all situations. It brings joy and life
Where can this treasure be found........Dig deep and search for it diligently in the word and through prayer
Study
Pray
Obey
Apply the Word
Job is able to move from asking "why me" to,"where can wisdom be found". His friends, (who think that they are so wise) find their wisdom in legalism and cold tradition. There is worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom.
They are both described in James 3: 14-17. Worldly wisdom comes from below and is bitter , jealous, arrogant, with selfish ambitions and lies against the truth.. It is earthly, sensual, unspiritual , of the devil and the cause of confusion and all sorts of evil.
Wisdom which is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, loving, reasonable, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruit. unwavering, without hypocrisy.
His friends showed none of the characteristics of wisdom, but instead were being used by the devil to use their "wisdom" to persecuted Job. What Job needed and was looking for were answers and all he got was abuse. He was searching for wisdom and understanding and declared it more precious than jewels;priceless.
Man's treasures are made precious by their being rare and hard to find. They have to dig deep and work hard to find it. And when they find it, it brings joy to them for awhile.
God's treasure is wisdom and understanding that begins with the humble reverent fear of our good and Holy God and turning from evil to God in all situations. It brings joy and life
Where can this treasure be found........Dig deep and search for it diligently in the word and through prayer
Study
Pray
Obey
Apply the Word
Thursday, June 20, 2013
A little proverbs
Today between shopping and riding, I read a little proverbs. Three verses caught my eye today.
Proverbs 19:22
"What is desired in a man? Kindness, steadfast love and loyalty"
Living bible simply states,"Kindness makes a man attractive"
Lord , Thank you for my Mark. The first quality that I noticed in him was his kindness. I tell young people to find someone who treats them with kindness and gentleness. Watch how they treat their Mama and other senior ladies. Because, one day , you will be that senior lady. Well, that is where we are today. And Mark is still the one who melts my heart with his kind gentle spirit.
Proverbs 20:7
"The man who walks righteously in his integrity- His children are blessed ( happy) after him."
Living Bible simple states," It is a wonderful heritage to have an honest Father"
Lord, Thank you that the Father of my children is a man of integrity. A man that they can look up to and emulate in life and in business. When Mark was Agency Manager at Farm Bureau, there was never any question about his ethics. He believes in doing the right things. He was so honest that he never had to worry about any thing that he did at work and could sleep like a baby at night. I am very proud to be married all of these years to a man that I can trust with my life and my future. The kids know that they can always come to him and they will receive an honest answer, even if it is not what they want to hear. Our kids are truly blessed.
The last verse made me smile
Proverbs 20:29
The glory of young men is their strength, but the beauty and attractiveness of old men are their gray hair and experience.
I love this verse. Although, Mark is still strong and has very strong character, I love the part about the gray hair
Recently, Mark let his hair grow long. It was soft, white and curly. But I had a feeling when summer came, that would change. The good thing about retirement is, all you have to please in grooming is your self. So, now it. is a very short buzz and I love it that way too. Unfortunately, our Daddies did not lived long enough to even have gray hair. So, I know that I am blessed to still have him here to go, work, play and enjoy our life and family together.
Thank You Lord.
Proverbs 19:22
"What is desired in a man? Kindness, steadfast love and loyalty"
Living bible simply states,"Kindness makes a man attractive"
Lord , Thank you for my Mark. The first quality that I noticed in him was his kindness. I tell young people to find someone who treats them with kindness and gentleness. Watch how they treat their Mama and other senior ladies. Because, one day , you will be that senior lady. Well, that is where we are today. And Mark is still the one who melts my heart with his kind gentle spirit.
Proverbs 20:7
"The man who walks righteously in his integrity- His children are blessed ( happy) after him."
Living Bible simple states," It is a wonderful heritage to have an honest Father"
Lord, Thank you that the Father of my children is a man of integrity. A man that they can look up to and emulate in life and in business. When Mark was Agency Manager at Farm Bureau, there was never any question about his ethics. He believes in doing the right things. He was so honest that he never had to worry about any thing that he did at work and could sleep like a baby at night. I am very proud to be married all of these years to a man that I can trust with my life and my future. The kids know that they can always come to him and they will receive an honest answer, even if it is not what they want to hear. Our kids are truly blessed.
The last verse made me smile
Proverbs 20:29
The glory of young men is their strength, but the beauty and attractiveness of old men are their gray hair and experience.
I love this verse. Although, Mark is still strong and has very strong character, I love the part about the gray hair
Recently, Mark let his hair grow long. It was soft, white and curly. But I had a feeling when summer came, that would change. The good thing about retirement is, all you have to please in grooming is your self. So, now it. is a very short buzz and I love it that way too. Unfortunately, our Daddies did not lived long enough to even have gray hair. So, I know that I am blessed to still have him here to go, work, play and enjoy our life and family together.
Thank You Lord.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Helen Keller lesson
I am reading a 1974 book about women for women.
Helen Keller is quoted saying that it would be a blessing for everyone to be stricken blind and deaf for a few days. The darkness would help sighted people appreciate sight and the silence would help those who hear to recognize the joy of sound.
She asked a friend coming back from a long walk in the woods what she noticed. The answer was nothing in particular. Helen said that she could not believe that she found nothing notable. Helen, who could not see or hear, found hundreds of things in the woods to enjoy with her other senses.
Open your eyes and really see. Open your ears and really listen. Open your heart to all of the wonders in this beautiful world that God created. Fully engage every day to have the abundant life that Jesus died on the cross to offer to those who will receive.
Helen Keller is quoted saying that it would be a blessing for everyone to be stricken blind and deaf for a few days. The darkness would help sighted people appreciate sight and the silence would help those who hear to recognize the joy of sound.
She asked a friend coming back from a long walk in the woods what she noticed. The answer was nothing in particular. Helen said that she could not believe that she found nothing notable. Helen, who could not see or hear, found hundreds of things in the woods to enjoy with her other senses.
Open your eyes and really see. Open your ears and really listen. Open your heart to all of the wonders in this beautiful world that God created. Fully engage every day to have the abundant life that Jesus died on the cross to offer to those who will receive.
My walking secret
Mark and I love to walk; on the beach, in the woods, the mountains, state parks. hiking trails, river beds, dirt roads, fields, pastures, and all kind of interesting places. But on occasion, we have to walk around the hotels, in town, on sidewalks.
I realize something. I can not step on a crack on a side walk. I will increase or decrease or even do a two-step to not step on a crack. If the sections are even, I take a large step over the crack, taking three steps and then just over the crack and can get four steps in without hitting the dreaded crack. I also find myself counting as I step....1,2,3,..1,2,3,4....1,2,3, repeat. A side walk with large section requires more steps and side-steps to make it work. I have done this for years and never thought much about it. I wonder if I am the only one. I know that I began this odd side walk walk when I was a small child and heard that terrible poem. "Step on a crack...Break your mothers back."...................I Love my mom
I realize something. I can not step on a crack on a side walk. I will increase or decrease or even do a two-step to not step on a crack. If the sections are even, I take a large step over the crack, taking three steps and then just over the crack and can get four steps in without hitting the dreaded crack. I also find myself counting as I step....1,2,3,..1,2,3,4....1,2,3, repeat. A side walk with large section requires more steps and side-steps to make it work. I have done this for years and never thought much about it. I wonder if I am the only one. I know that I began this odd side walk walk when I was a small child and heard that terrible poem. "Step on a crack...Break your mothers back."...................I Love my mom
Words....The Twilight Zone
I love to read and study. I love the written word and of course I love the Word (the Bible). Traveling is my favorite time to study. Mark puts on music and drives and I get to spends hours reading and studying.
Maybe an episode of the old twilight zone will explain my love of reading. In case you are not old enough to remember Twilight Zone. It was a 1960's black and white T.V. show , with thirty minute episodes and narrated by Rod Sterling. It was scary for it's day and made you think.
In this episodes, there was a nerdy old gentleman with thick glasses who loved to read. He was a bank teller and would hide in the vault to find uninterrupted reading time. While he is in the vault reading, the big one hits and the atomic bomb destroys everything. When he comes out of the vault, he realizes that he is all alone. As he wanders around the wreckage, he finds the library and is surround by what he loves best...books, as for as you can see. A loud noise startles him and he stumbles and his glasses fall off his face and he hears them crash to the ground. It closes with him clutching his beloved books with no way to read them.
It has been years since I saw that episode and it may something about me that I still think about it and it seems like a nightmare to me.
Welcome to my world
Maybe an episode of the old twilight zone will explain my love of reading. In case you are not old enough to remember Twilight Zone. It was a 1960's black and white T.V. show , with thirty minute episodes and narrated by Rod Sterling. It was scary for it's day and made you think.
In this episodes, there was a nerdy old gentleman with thick glasses who loved to read. He was a bank teller and would hide in the vault to find uninterrupted reading time. While he is in the vault reading, the big one hits and the atomic bomb destroys everything. When he comes out of the vault, he realizes that he is all alone. As he wanders around the wreckage, he finds the library and is surround by what he loves best...books, as for as you can see. A loud noise startles him and he stumbles and his glasses fall off his face and he hears them crash to the ground. It closes with him clutching his beloved books with no way to read them.
It has been years since I saw that episode and it may something about me that I still think about it and it seems like a nightmare to me.
Welcome to my world
Monday, June 17, 2013
on the road again
Well, the Red Cross has not deployed us......yet
We have done some local Red Cross things
and have a meeting next Tuesday night.
It is too late to sign up for VBS
We saw all kids and grands except Sara
(She called Daddy on Father's day and sent a picture
of herself with baby goats in California)
Spend Sunday with Mom.
So, we packed bags, boxes, food box and Red Cross bag
and headed west. We were going to go NE but storms
are heading that way, so we headed west instead.
We went through GA, FLA. ALA and ended up in MISS.
Red Cross has become a major priority for both of us.
But, we can not stay home and wait.
They will call when they need us.
In the mean time.
We are on the road again.
We have done some local Red Cross things
and have a meeting next Tuesday night.
It is too late to sign up for VBS
We saw all kids and grands except Sara
(She called Daddy on Father's day and sent a picture
of herself with baby goats in California)
Spend Sunday with Mom.
So, we packed bags, boxes, food box and Red Cross bag
and headed west. We were going to go NE but storms
are heading that way, so we headed west instead.
We went through GA, FLA. ALA and ended up in MISS.
Red Cross has become a major priority for both of us.
But, we can not stay home and wait.
They will call when they need us.
In the mean time.
We are on the road again.
one word-three words
Can you describe your life in one word?
Mine would be :
Relationships
Three words for today
Study
Pray
Obey
Mine would be :
Relationships
Three words for today
Study
Pray
Obey
Back to Job for a lesson on friendship
Job 14-21
Who said that life is fair?
This the answer I use to give my children when they whined about something not being fair. "Who said life was fair. If life was fair, My sister would be fat and I would be skinny, cause she eats more than I do. How is that for a mature answer?
Job's friends are still rubbing salt into his open wounds. They are charging him with all sorts of iniquities that are proved by his words. They accuse him of speaking like the devil and of being an arrogant know it all who thinks he has a monopoly on wisdom. All because of a long standing traditional wisdom. God protects the good and punishes they wicked. Job's calamities, in their small minds proves that he really is a wicked man.
Remember, these are his friends, who came to comfort him. They end up tearing him down to build themselves up. After all, God was not punishing them. He was punishing this self-righteous know it all "friend". In their hearts, they had long suspected that he really could not have been as good as he seemed. The green eyed monster always had them a little jealous of all his prosperity.
Do we secretly enjoy seeing those who make us feel inferior get what is coming to them. Do we think, "I am so glad that it is them and not me'. Do we laugh when the car that just cut us off and races by is stopped by the blue light special down the road? Do we put down others to build ourselves up? Do we turn our heads from poverty or disaster because, we do not want to be brought down? Are we fair weather friends? Or even fair weather fans? What kid of friend am I? Do we come across as Job's friends did as haughty and self-righteous and no friend at all.
I think about the song." What a friend we have in Jesus" He is our friend-redeemer-savior and so much more. He is also our example on what a friend should be.
Lord help me to be a friend who builds up and does not tear down, one who is there when needed and one who loves at all times.
Who said that life is fair?
This the answer I use to give my children when they whined about something not being fair. "Who said life was fair. If life was fair, My sister would be fat and I would be skinny, cause she eats more than I do. How is that for a mature answer?
Job's friends are still rubbing salt into his open wounds. They are charging him with all sorts of iniquities that are proved by his words. They accuse him of speaking like the devil and of being an arrogant know it all who thinks he has a monopoly on wisdom. All because of a long standing traditional wisdom. God protects the good and punishes they wicked. Job's calamities, in their small minds proves that he really is a wicked man.
Remember, these are his friends, who came to comfort him. They end up tearing him down to build themselves up. After all, God was not punishing them. He was punishing this self-righteous know it all "friend". In their hearts, they had long suspected that he really could not have been as good as he seemed. The green eyed monster always had them a little jealous of all his prosperity.
Do we secretly enjoy seeing those who make us feel inferior get what is coming to them. Do we think, "I am so glad that it is them and not me'. Do we laugh when the car that just cut us off and races by is stopped by the blue light special down the road? Do we put down others to build ourselves up? Do we turn our heads from poverty or disaster because, we do not want to be brought down? Are we fair weather friends? Or even fair weather fans? What kid of friend am I? Do we come across as Job's friends did as haughty and self-righteous and no friend at all.
I think about the song." What a friend we have in Jesus" He is our friend-redeemer-savior and so much more. He is also our example on what a friend should be.
Lord help me to be a friend who builds up and does not tear down, one who is there when needed and one who loves at all times.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Developing the mind of Christ
Three stages of developing the Mind of Christ according to the study are:
1) Set your mind
2) Renew your mind
3) Gird up your mind
1- Set your Mind
Give God your will
Decide your focus daily
Stay focus on the LORD
Choose to obey
Take every though captive
Say yes Lord
Obey
2-Renew your mind
Be transformed
by renewing mind
constantly growing
washing cleansing changing
like flowing rivers of
living water
New insights
Spiritual growth
3-Gird up your mind
Be ready for action
Be prepared
Mentally ready
Stay Alert
Study, Pray
Meditate
on the Word
read up
fessed up
prayed up
Qualified for service
So, Jesus is our example
We must set our mind
Stay focused on Jesus
Like a flowing river
of living water
constantly renewing
changing and growing.
Then we can be prepared
for service for Him
The best part- God
gives us the will to have
"The Mind of Christ"
Then He enables us
He will complete the work
Our job is to stay focused
on Jesus the Author and
perfecter of our faith.
He is our example
Monday, June 10, 2013
Judges and Job
Saturday I finished Judges with some of the hardest reading in the bible. It finished with these words, " In those days there was no King; every man did whatever was right in his own eyes." Judges 21:25
Does this sound familiar. This is what happens with out God. Lord, forgive our nation, humble us and drive us back to you. The way for evil to win, is for good to not take a stand for righteousness.
Sunday, we did a lot of riding. So, I tackled Job, which is next according to my bible chart and is what our Sunday School lessons are on this month. Job is hard to read. So much sadness and unanswered questions. But the lesson suggested we read it and take notes on what Job's friends did that was helpful and what they said that was hurtful and to use it to learn more about dealing with suffering people.
I read chapters one through thirteen and these are some of the things I noted.
What the friends did that helped
They came
to comfort
cried with him
sat speechless
for 7 days
THEN, they opened there mouths and it went down hill from there.
Eliphaz started on a positive note
"your words have helped many"
"you told many to trust God"
"you have encouraged the weak"
"BUT now, when it touches you, you are broken and dismayed
Where is your confidence and faith in God now
Where is your integrity now
I know the truth
God takes care of good and sends misery for sins sown.
Take my advise; confess sin and do not despise His wrath
My experience says man is mortal and we all die
confess and your sons will be great"
This my paraphrase of what he said.
The last statement is an especially cruel for a man who has just lost family.
Bildad went right to the point, a very cruel point.
"your children sinned and God punished them
"If your are really good, God will protect you"
When my youngest son was facing open heart surgery,
I was told, that if I prayed and my faith was strong enough,
he would be healed.
Some advice does more harm than good
Zophor accuses Job of being guilty and just told him to repent
With friends like that.......
Job had asked for help and instead was being hurt. Tired of defending himself, he finally said.
"Oh, that you would have kept silent, that would have shown more wisdom" Job 12:5
We can not explain why bad things happen to good people. So, we might as well not try.
Instead, just love them, pray for them, sit with them. cry with them, write a note, call, invited them, do practical things that help, but please do not try to explain why.... it does not help.
Does this sound familiar. This is what happens with out God. Lord, forgive our nation, humble us and drive us back to you. The way for evil to win, is for good to not take a stand for righteousness.
Sunday, we did a lot of riding. So, I tackled Job, which is next according to my bible chart and is what our Sunday School lessons are on this month. Job is hard to read. So much sadness and unanswered questions. But the lesson suggested we read it and take notes on what Job's friends did that was helpful and what they said that was hurtful and to use it to learn more about dealing with suffering people.
I read chapters one through thirteen and these are some of the things I noted.
What the friends did that helped
They came
to comfort
cried with him
sat speechless
for 7 days
THEN, they opened there mouths and it went down hill from there.
Eliphaz started on a positive note
"your words have helped many"
"you told many to trust God"
"you have encouraged the weak"
"BUT now, when it touches you, you are broken and dismayed
Where is your confidence and faith in God now
Where is your integrity now
I know the truth
God takes care of good and sends misery for sins sown.
Take my advise; confess sin and do not despise His wrath
My experience says man is mortal and we all die
confess and your sons will be great"
This my paraphrase of what he said.
The last statement is an especially cruel for a man who has just lost family.
Bildad went right to the point, a very cruel point.
"your children sinned and God punished them
"If your are really good, God will protect you"
When my youngest son was facing open heart surgery,
I was told, that if I prayed and my faith was strong enough,
he would be healed.
Some advice does more harm than good
Zophor accuses Job of being guilty and just told him to repent
With friends like that.......
Job had asked for help and instead was being hurt. Tired of defending himself, he finally said.
"Oh, that you would have kept silent, that would have shown more wisdom" Job 12:5
We can not explain why bad things happen to good people. So, we might as well not try.
Instead, just love them, pray for them, sit with them. cry with them, write a note, call, invited them, do practical things that help, but please do not try to explain why.... it does not help.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
God's Garbage Girl
"We are the garbage girls
we were our hair in curls
we wear our dungarees
way up above our knees
we never play with toys
we just adore the boys
La La La LA La La
La La La LA La La"
That is the song that we pre-teenagers sang as we rode on the back of the truck to the dumpster with Mr. Hamilton at Dekle Beach. That was a long time ago.
I am much older now
my hair is still curly
I wear my dungarees
way down below my knees
I now play with toys
I just adore my Mark
Well, it doesn't rhyme but you get the point.
We took a long walk on our first morning in Kentucky around a nice neighborhood near our hotel. We past a ditch that was full of trash that had fallen out. I thought to myself, what a shame, some one should clean that up. To which I heard a voice say,"why not you?" My response was that I did not have a bag. About 100 yards from there I saw a bag on the ground. Oh well, too late maybe next time and kept walking with out picking up the bag. Again I felt in my spirit " Learn to obey Me in little things if you plan to obey Me in big things." I had heard a sermon earlier that day that said." just do the next thing". OBEY.
I started hearing the song, " This is my Fathers World" in my mind. When was the last time I even thought about that song? I may be slow, but, I got the point. I started picking up pieces of trash as we walked. Mark asked me if I was the garbage girl. I told him that God told me that this was his world and that He did not like it messy. So we continued our walk, picking up trash as we walked, (By the way- great exercise). Our hands were getting very full when I found a nice big ice bag and filled it up and took it to the dumpster near the hotel.
Mark and I love nature and always leave campgrounds and work stations cleaner than we find them. That is just being a good steward. But I think maybe I should start carrying a bag in my pocket when we walk. Mark said that it is kind of like the star fish story....we may not be able to save them all, and we can not pick up all the trash. But, we can pick up stuff as we travel around this beautiful country selling stuff.
we were our hair in curls
we wear our dungarees
way up above our knees
we never play with toys
we just adore the boys
La La La LA La La
La La La LA La La"
That is the song that we pre-teenagers sang as we rode on the back of the truck to the dumpster with Mr. Hamilton at Dekle Beach. That was a long time ago.
I am much older now
my hair is still curly
I wear my dungarees
way down below my knees
I now play with toys
I just adore my Mark
Well, it doesn't rhyme but you get the point.
We took a long walk on our first morning in Kentucky around a nice neighborhood near our hotel. We past a ditch that was full of trash that had fallen out. I thought to myself, what a shame, some one should clean that up. To which I heard a voice say,"why not you?" My response was that I did not have a bag. About 100 yards from there I saw a bag on the ground. Oh well, too late maybe next time and kept walking with out picking up the bag. Again I felt in my spirit " Learn to obey Me in little things if you plan to obey Me in big things." I had heard a sermon earlier that day that said." just do the next thing". OBEY.
I started hearing the song, " This is my Fathers World" in my mind. When was the last time I even thought about that song? I may be slow, but, I got the point. I started picking up pieces of trash as we walked. Mark asked me if I was the garbage girl. I told him that God told me that this was his world and that He did not like it messy. So we continued our walk, picking up trash as we walked, (By the way- great exercise). Our hands were getting very full when I found a nice big ice bag and filled it up and took it to the dumpster near the hotel.
Mark and I love nature and always leave campgrounds and work stations cleaner than we find them. That is just being a good steward. But I think maybe I should start carrying a bag in my pocket when we walk. Mark said that it is kind of like the star fish story....we may not be able to save them all, and we can not pick up all the trash. But, we can pick up stuff as we travel around this beautiful country selling stuff.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Mountain Top Experience
We just got back from another wonderful Beth Moore conference. Mountain Top experiences are great, but what do we do when we get back home.
Lord, "I need you here-now-daily."
"I needed you direction"
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path"
"I will never leave you or forsake you"
TIME is so important and to precious to be wasted.
Time is God's gift to me, what I do with time is my gift to God.
I started a new June prayer journal.
This time I do not want to just make a list of wants and needs
I need and want a relationship with my Father in Heaven.
One that is constant, real and growing
I want to learn: to listen and obey
to study and learn and grow
to love you more and more
I spend a lot of time looking at baby picture on facebook posted by moms and grand-mamas. I love it.
I can not stop writing the word precious (the name that I often call Olivia).
You have to agree with me that these pictures are precious.
Beth Moore showed pictures of her sweet darling grand babies.
Then she related it to God looking down on His children
saying,"That's my baby girl, she is a precious treasure to me."
Today, spend time with the one who thinks you are precious.
Lord, "I need you here-now-daily."
"I needed you direction"
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path"
"I will never leave you or forsake you"
TIME is so important and to precious to be wasted.
Time is God's gift to me, what I do with time is my gift to God.
I started a new June prayer journal.
This time I do not want to just make a list of wants and needs
I need and want a relationship with my Father in Heaven.
One that is constant, real and growing
I want to learn: to listen and obey
to study and learn and grow
to love you more and more
I spend a lot of time looking at baby picture on facebook posted by moms and grand-mamas. I love it.
I can not stop writing the word precious (the name that I often call Olivia).
You have to agree with me that these pictures are precious.
Beth Moore showed pictures of her sweet darling grand babies.
Then she related it to God looking down on His children
saying,"That's my baby girl, she is a precious treasure to me."
Today, spend time with the one who thinks you are precious.
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