Sit With Me Awhile

Listen

2011-02-24T11:34:00.000-06:00

It has been awhile since I have come here to.....just talk. So this morning I thought I would change that. :) Here is a little peek into my life the last two days.

Last night while at church one of the women in our group was just bubbling about what God had done in the past week. She had actually shared some things in Bible study Sunday night..but since I was not there because of a visit from a migraine....I missed it.

Last Wednesday night during our time of prayer she had asked that we pray for one of her cousins who has been lost to serious drug addiction for over 20 years. Many have prayed over the years but for some reason she felt called to ask for prayer for him last Wednesday evening.

We had all already given our prayer requests and began our time of prayer...each praying for the persons requests on their right.

Since she was to my right....I prayed for her requests.

As I began to pray for her requests a picture began to develop in my head. As I prayed for this young man I began to see walls made of concrete block...it was dark and I guess I thought I was looking at some alley between buildings. I couldn't see where it was...it just looked like a closed in place to my minds eye.

And then I felt a heat begin to build in me...kind of like the warmth of a fire...only I was feeling it on the inside. Words began to flow from my mouth that were calling for freedom for this young man....I knew the Spirit was praying through me. He called for the veil to be removed from this mans eyes...for him to be surrounded with the peace and love of God and for him to have a face to face with Jesus.

When I finished praying....I knew that something had taken place. I wanted to jump up and say, "Did you feel that?!...He was here...He is moving on behalf of this guy!!!". But I didn't....it had been so long since I had felt that fire that I thought maybe it was my imagination.

And then church last night.....when the lady who had made the request saw me...her face just lit up.

And I knew!

She spoke about the amazing things she had found out after the service last week. She had not even known at the time we were praying that her cousin had been arrested the day before and was actually in jail.

I think what I was seeing when I prayed were the concrete blocks inside the jail.

Either way.....his life had closed in around him. He told his family that he did not want them to post bail because He had found Jesus right there in jail.

I am just thanking God for the power of prayer! He talks...we listen...we pray what is according to His will and He moves. It is simple and it is beautiful.

And then this morning...if last night were not enough....I had a WONDERFUL talk with a sweet sister in Christ. I just love how He provided FB so that we could keep in contact. And the world thought it was for them! LOL Anyway....I had a sweet conversation with this sister. God used her to encourage my heart once again. Nice to know that He DID NOT put me in the back of the broom closet and forget about me. I am excited about what the future holds....even more excited about those individuals that He will use me to touch. There are so many out there that need to be touched by His love....they need to know that they are loved. Goodness...if it is hard sometimes to believe that this perfect God is willing to love this imperfect me..and I know Him....can you imagine how hard it is to imagine that He loves them and they don't even know Him?

I encourage to you today to reach out with His love. When you are reaching out....remember that you are touching a potential brother and sister. You are touching them with His love....a love that is so intense that it has the power to bring them home.

Well...that is it for now......love you!

Elijah's Coin

2011-02-15T09:09:00.002-06:00

Click on the picture to find it on Amazon.

Recently I was asked by The Cadence Group to review a really incredible book by Steve O'Brien. Here is a little something from the author about this young adult book, published by A&N Publishing.

From the author:

Elijah's Coin is the story of Tom, a young man who has suffered a tragic loss and is spiraling out of control. He's angry, anti-social, and rapidly descending into a life of crime. Then, during a night of folly, as he brazenly commits burglary, Tom encounters the night watchman Elijah King, a mysterious figure with a shrouded past. Elijah, unexpectedly, doesn't turn Tom in but instead becomes a stern and rather cryptic mentor to him. Rather than laying his lessons out in a straightforward manner, Elijah gives Tom an enigmatic coin and sends him on a mission of self-discovery.

This really was a book that I think pre-teens and teens will love. And although this book is presented as a YA book......I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed reading it myself. Steve O'Brien splendidly captures the attention of the reader from the very beginning with a story full of suspense and mystery. As I followed the life of Tom, the main character, I found that I began anticipating the next secret that was to unfold as the story developed. It was obvious that the author did not want the reader to forget the important life lessons taught within this book.....so he included a "sweet" gift in the back of the book.

This inspirational book has the potential to change the thinking of the reader. Although I do not believe that is book would be considered a Christian read......it runs along the lines of many of the lessons taught in the Bible. For those who are homeschooling or your young adult just loves to read....this would be a great book to add to their reading list. And since I am so sold on the value of this book and the fact that I found it a great read....I am going to forward my copy to someone who leaves a comment in the next few days. Remember.....this book is a great for all those who open the cover! So, yes, I will pass this along to adults too.

Thank you to The Cadence Group for sending this out for me to review.

Click on the picture above to check them out on Facebook!

The Yellow Shirt

2011-01-27T14:16:00.002-06:00

Mom sent this to me and I just thought I would share this with you all. It touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes.....I hope it touches your heart too.

I love you Mom.

~~~~~~~~

The yellow shirt had long sleeves, four extra-large pockets trimmed in black thread and snaps up the front. It was faded from years of wear, but still in decent shape. I found it in 1963 when I was home from college on Christmas break, rummaging through bags of clothes Mom intended to give away..

'You're not taking that old thing, are you?' Mom said when she saw me packing the yellow shirt. 'I wore that when I was pregnant with your brother in 1954!'

'It's just the thing to wear over my clothes during art class, Mom. Thanks!' I slipped it into my suitcase before she could object. The yellow shirt be came a part of my college wardrobe. I loved it.

After graduation, I wore the shirt the day I moved into my new apartment and on Saturday mornings when I cleaned.

The next year, I married. When I became pregnant, I wore the yellow shirt during big-belly days. I missed Mom and the rest of my family, since we were in Colorado and they were in Illinois . But, that shirt helped. I smiled, remembering that Mother had worn it when she was pregnant, 25 years earlier.

That Christmas, mindful of the warm feelings the shirt had given me, I patched one elbow, wrapped it in holiday paper and sent it to Mom. When Mom wrote to thank me for her 'real' gifts, she said the yellow shirt was lovely. She never mentioned it again..

The next year, my husband, daughter and I stopped at Mom and Dad's to pick up some furniture. Days later, when we uncrated the kitchen table, I noticed something yellow taped to its bottom. The shirt!

And so the pattern was set.

On our next visit home, I secretly placed the shirt under Mom and Dad's mattress I don't know how long it took for her to find it, but almost two years passed before I discovered it under the base of our living-room floor lamp. The yellow shirt was just what I needed now while refinishing furniture. The walnut stains added character.

In 1975 my husband and I divorced. With my three children, I prepared to move back to Illinois . As I packed, a deep depression overtook me. I wondered if I could make it on my own. I wondered if I would find a job. I paged through the Bible, looking for comfort. In Ephesians, I read, 'So use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will be standing up.'

I tried to picture myself wearing God's armor, but all I saw was the stained yellow shirt.. Slowly, it dawned on me.. Wasn't my mother's love a piece of God's armor? My courage was renewed.

Unpacking in our new home, I knew I had to get the shirt back to Mother. The next time I visited her, I tucked it in her bottom dresser drawer.

Meanwhile, I found a good job at a radio station. A year later I discovered the yellow shirt hidden in a rag bag in my cleaning closet.

Something new had been added. Embroidered in bright green across the breast pocket were the words 'I BELONG TO PAT.'

Not to be outdone, I got out my own embroidery materials and added an apostrophe and seven more letters.

Now the shirt proudly proclaimed, 'I BELONG TO PAT'S MOTHER.' But I didn't stop there. I zig-zagged all the frayed seams, then had a friend mail the shirt in a fancy box to Mom from Arlington , VA. We enclosed an official looking letter from 'The Institute for the Destitute,' announcing that she was the recipient of an award for good deeds..

I would have given anything to see Mom's face when she opened the box. But, of course, she never mentioned it.

Two years later, in 1978, I remarried. The day of our wedding, Harold and I put our car in a friend's garage to avoid practical jokers. After the wedding, while my husband drove us to our honeymoon suite, I reached for a pillow in the car to rest my head. It felt lumpy. I unzipped the case and found, wrapped in wedding paper, the yellow shirt. Inside a pocket was a note: 'Read John 14:27-29. I love you both, Mother.'

That night I paged through the Bible in a hotel room and found the verses: 'I am leaving you with a gift: peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't fragile like the peace the world gives.. So don't be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really love me, you will be very happy for me, for now I can go to the Father, who is greater than I am.. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do, you will believe in me.'

The shirt was Mother's final gift. She had known for three months that she had terminal Lou Gehrig's disease. Mother died the following year at age 57.

I was tempted to send the yellow shirt with her to her grave. But I'm glad I didn't, because it is a vivid reminder of the love-filled game she and I played for 16 years. Besides, my older daughter is in college now, majoring in art. And every art student needs a baggy yellow shirt with big pockets.

"Jesus said: I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father but through me." John 14:6

Author unknown

Emmanuel

2011-01-11T11:36:00.001-06:00

Ventured out again with Juliet this morning...notice that we are still experiencing some gray skies. Just want to give a shout out to God....the one who made sure we did not loose electricity and allowed our heaters to work so well that we did not have to use our gas. Thank you Jesus!

Most everything is still covered in snow...although we jump when occasionally clumps of snow fall from the trees. I couldn't help but notice this creek side rock. It reminded me of times when our lives feel covered and frozen spiritually. But....because we know the Father of Lights....we know the thaw is coming!

That truth brings such joy to my heart.

And here is my crazy girl venturing out into the water.....I can not even imagine how cold the water is. I think she must think it is safer to be standing in the water rather than under trees that are dropping little gifts on our heads. :)

And finally....my heart is warmed by the blue skies peeking out every once in awhile. Glory!

After so many days without being able to see the sun.... it is a relief to see some blue skies today. That joy is tempered by the fact that we have been told there will be a "wrap around" of the storm...so we may see a little more of the white stuff before it is all over.

We are back in the camper now and it sounds like we are being bombarded with tiny little snow bombs as the snow falls out of the trees onto the camper. Juliet is not a happy camper....for such a big dog she can not handle the noise. At the moment she is curled up beside me shaking.....afraid something is trying to get in and get her.

Isn't that so much like us?

Not knowing the true meaning of all that is going on around us we are often sent into a tizzy of frenzy.

Instead.....maybe we should just curl up with God and rest in the ONE who surrounds us and lives in us.

So thought for the day........

Of course it is important to look into the Word to learn more about the One who loves us....

but at the same time

if we look at our lives through His eyes

we will find that there are messages of His faithful love for us "hidden" everywhere.

After all He is...Emmanuel...God with us. :)

At His Command

2010-12-28T20:10:00.000-06:00

Pictures of love.....Just because He can.

Priceless!

Are you listening?

2010-12-10T09:23:00.001-06:00

I have a dear friend who was on her way through Virginia this morning in a horrible snow storm....it came up suddenly almost like a tornado.

We were on the phone talking about how horrible the wind and snow was getting and how people were pulling off the road when all of a sudden I had a though about how horrible it would be if I was on the phone with her when they got into an accident. Right then and there I silently thanked God for their protection. Our conversation went on...she was wearing an ear bud and not holding her hand set.....when all of a sudden I heard her crying out..."O God!, O God!" There was a horrible crashing noise and then silence....I thought the phone had gone dead. Then I heard her calling out to her two kids who had been sleeping in the back of their van...their van is huge and has the raised ceilings. Then she said...."I have to go the van just rolled over I have to call 911". I hung up the phone and started crying (literally) out to God for their protection since she had just talked about how she was following 18 wheelers.

God sweetly brought to mind how I had thanked Him for their protection....He is so loving.

Praise God they were wearing their seat belts!

I waited a few minutes and dialed her phone....her daughter answered. She sounded so strong (she is 16) until she found out who it was and started crying...all the time saying...We are o.k, we are o.k.

You know...I hate to think what this would have been without the Spirit warning me.

When the Holy Spirit brings things to mind.....don't follow the spirit of anxiety and worry....PRAY!

Thank you Jesus for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank you God that you know the end from the beginning! You are awesome and mighty...You still work in marvelous and wonderful ways.

Our lives are in Your hands and nothing touches us unless you allow it...thank You for that protection.

Tracy.....love you sister.

Just talked to her on the phone and they are at a fire station. There were so many accidents that they police could not even get to them...the fire truck was the only thing available. It will be several hours before a wrecker can get to the van....since the weather is so bad.
Her hip is hurting....but the kids are o.k except for a few scrapes from broken glass.
Don't know when they will get back on the road...but I know they need the things out of their van before they can continue their trip.
Thank you God for the fact that YOU ARE GOOD ALL THE TIME!

Words From Today

2010-11-18T11:34:00.001-06:00

The following is from my morning with God....what a journey. This journey began with questions....and ended with the answers He chose for this day.

My prayer....

I am seated in the heavenlies with You

How I wish I could appreciate the View

The things of the earth cloud my sight

They won't go away though I've prayed they might

What is the solution

When will I see your promises fruition

What is the purpose of this mess

For I am told in scripture that You will bless

Set me free...

As I sat listening these were the answers He gave. May the Spirit allow you to follow if this is for you today.

I was reminded that many of us only see God in a Fatherly role...and yet from within Him flows the qualities of both Father and Mother.

After this reminder this is where my heart and mind went....Thank You for being both my Father and Mother. Thank you for not letting go even when I want you to. ( I see a child pulling against the hand of its mother. The mother stands tall and can see the rush of traffic. She knows her child is in eminent danger and that her child can not see the traffic raging ahead. She will not let go even though the child screams and kicks. She picks the child up and carries it away-settling the child-calming it until the child will quietly listen. Even then there is a stubborn heart in that child. A heart that says that she would have been able to handle it on her own. And knowing that the mother will not release the child to walk freely until she grows and is able to see with the eyes of the mother. Soon the child's heart will too quiet and see the wisdom of her mother.)

I see that He is here with me to protect and bring about the Life of Christ in me.

Col. 1:27-29

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentile the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me.

Christ in me the hope of Glory.....His energy so powerfully at work in me.

What an amazing truth!

His life in me....an eternal life.

Next..

1 John 2:25 Here is a bit from a devotional He lead me to...www.raysteadman.org

"Lord, You are in me, and You have come in me to live through me. This situation has been brought about by Your planning and programing. Father, I would not be in it if it were not for You. Now, Lord, do through me what you want to do with it."

I was then lead to a portion in my NIV study Bible that spoke to my spirit......Job 1:7 page 1015......"To be unshakable, faith must be built on the confidence that God's ultimate purpose will come to pass.

Christ in me the hope of Glory.

Thank You for revealing to me this glorious mystery....Christ in me, the hope of glory. Thank you that I can proclaim, admonish and teach everyone with wisdom so that they may be presented perfect in Christ. Thank you that I can labor, struggling with Your energy, which is so powerfully at work in me.

Thank You that I am being renewed in the knowledge in the image of you God.

Col 3:10

and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

And this is the thought He left me with.....Col.3:3....For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

If I am now hidden with Christ in God...my life hidden in Him....are there any worries tucked away in God?

Of course not!

So as I am being renewed in the image of my Creator this soul will come to realize that it is tucked safely away in its Creator and there are no worries allowed in Him.

May God bless the reading and study of His Word.

May we have eyes to see and ears to hear....may it sink deep into the marrow of our bones and bring about the true life He came to give.

He in me...and I in Him.......no worries.

Love you!

Not Alone

2010-11-10T10:50:00.000-06:00

I have had a stirring to return here for awhile now.

I feel the Lord moving in my life....a good thing. And yet, I know that this battle is by no means over.

And so, I think for now........ I will use this area to thank Him for the things that I can see

and the things that I can not see.

The things these earthly eyes can see are not always positive in my eyes....but my spirit man knows He is at work doing something wonderful for eternity.

What I want to do......practice living in the unseen.

Practice proclaiming what has already been set in the heavenlies.

So here goes....

*Thank you God that Keith is in La fighting to provide for our family.

*Thank you for the deeper faith that will be ours on the other side.

*Thank you for the provisions you have promised.

*Thank you for the discomfort that drives me to you.

*Thank you that you are all about protecting your name.

*Thank you for opening my eyes to the beauty all around me.

*Thank you for holding Julia and I with unseen and often unfelt hands.

*Thank you that you are the supplier of all things...not a job, and not my husband.

*Thank you for loving me......period.

And should there be any out there who read this.......

When is the last time you were truly able to say....

Unless God pulls this out I am sunk?

Maybe not forever......

2010-08-26T19:01:00.000-05:00

It seems I have very little to say these days.

And it seems that so many of those that I have been blogging with for a few years have either closed down their blogs or are not blogging much.

I never thought I would say this....but I think my time here has come to an end or at least until I get used to work.

I thought about deleting my blog but there are some things that I have written over the years that I don't want to loose.

And of course I don't want to loose contact with those of you that I have come to love so dearly.

I think of you in the morning on the way to work and I lift you up to our heavenly Father.

I know many of you are on FB....so I will try to keep up with you there.

So we will see what God has planned.....maybe He will bring me back here soon.

If you want to get in contact with me you may leave a comment here and I will get it by email.....or just email me.

I love ya'll dearly!

Earth Is Not Alone

2010-08-23T07:35:00.001-05:00

Recently I finished a book by the new to me author, John Knapp ll.

For those of us who enjoy science fiction you know what it is like to get lost in the story line of a great book.....it is with this anticipation that we open each new book.

I will admit that this book took more than the first chapter to catch my attention......but I am so glad that I continued with the reading. The book begins in our world several years in the future in a little town in Pennsylvania. The earth has been thrown into major chaos after an event destroys all modern day conveniences. And although this circumstance is not what the book is all about.....it surrounds our introduction to the main characters.

As the book begins a boy and girl are being accused of cheating on papers they were required to write. These characters while essential to the story soon disappear into the background as they begin to share the substance of their papers.......a "tale" from another world.

There were times in the beginning that I found the jumping from story to story a tad confusing.....but in the end I found that the author had done a great job tying it all together.

The second story line takes place on another world.....a world where I was swept away by suspense, heroic actions, love and people fighting to defend the honor of our God. Our God found on another world?! At first skeptical, I later found that I loved the authors ability to explain how this was possible.

There were times, so enthralled with the story, that I wished the author had just focused on the story taking place in the world called Zareba. But in the end, I found that both stories were essential to the pulling together of the whole story.

The author definitely leaves the reader wanting more. It was a great read. Ultimately, I found myself looking forward to the next book in this series......The Blood Of Three Worlds.

About the Author;

John KnappII is a former Profess of English at SUNY Oswego and writer of science textbooks for Silver Burdett. His volume of poetry, A Pillar of Pepper, won the first C.S. Lewis Gold Medal in 1983. A former department editor for School Science and Mathematics, he founded (and edited) The Westigan Review of Poetry and the Endless Mountains Story Club. He and his wife divide their time between the (future) "Susquehanna Territory" and Florida. (pg 499)
Earth is Not Alone on Amazon is: http://www.amazon.com/Earth-Not-Alone-John-Knapp/dp/0912290315/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279232364&sr=8-2.

Holding out life

2010-08-16T09:53:00.000-05:00

Today is my day off..... so I thought I would check up on emails and stop in and say...Hi!

As you know I began working at a nursing home last week....not my first preference, but it seems that is where God has planted me. There is a massive amount of info that you must know for the 6 different halls...my mind is a little buggy right now. :) But I thank God for the opportunity to touch others for His names sake. And since I am on that subject.....yesterday was like touching sand paper or maybe pins would be a better word. :) Yes, it was a tad rough. On the way to work in the dark....I asked God to use me to touch others with His love. Kind of funny but who knew He would ask me to be willing to endure their touch in return.

Right off the bat you could feel the rough atmosphere when I walked in the door. So much for peace on the Lords day. I soon had a run in with another CNA....well, she had a run in with me. I had been given info that was not correct and when I followed through....well, it was not nice. I did hold my tongue.....but had to fight hard to hold my thoughts. And then came a run in with a resident....all over how I set up her breakfast.

I was reminded of what my Mom said about how important it is to let God change our insides now......because when we hit those latter years our "skin" becomes thinner and the real us gets out more easily. And sometimes those insides are not as Christ like as we would like others to believe.

~~~~~

On Saturday I became part of a conversation on Ghost hunting. If you have moved around the t.v channels you know that there are a few programs promoting searching out what we are NOT to be messing with. But there were two ladies who wanted to go on tours...one who claimed to be a Christian....to see if ghosts were even real. And then one of the women looked at me and opened the door when she asked......Where do these ghosts come from?" I asked if she really wanted me to answer her question..and she nodded yes. I promise I tried to do a brief wrap up.......but bottom line.....I told her the ghosts were fallen angels or demons and the Bible tells us that we are to have nothing to do with them.

I told here they were not individuals "stuck" between heaven and earth....to be absent from the body is to be present with Christ. Not sure one of the nurses appreciated my explanation. But that is o.k.....we don't answer to man.

I couldn't help but wonder if Sunday was a little rough because truth was clearly spoken on Saturday.

And then I got this in my devotional emails this morning......if you have time it is a quick read.

What I want to remind you of before I go..........WE must be willing to speak of Him wherever we go.

And then we need to remember that our enemy WILL try and shut us down. If we withdraw from those we are called to share His love with....our enemy is given the chance to gloat.

May our actions make the enemy and his crew TREMBLE.

Here is the devotional I received by Os Hillman.

Rejected for Christ
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman
08-16-2010

"And they took offense at Him...." Matthew 13:57 Jesus taught in the synagogue in the community He grew up in. He was raised as a local carpenter's son. No one saw any miraculous powers in this young boy's life. But something changed as He became older. "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?" Those in the community could not reconcile God's work in someone they thought they knew simply as the carpenter's son. God brings every person who is committed to Him out of their normal routine into a new revelation of Himself that impacts others.
Is the move of God so evident in your life that it invites scrutiny from friends or coworkers? Jesus confronted the issues of His day without fear of being rejected. A life of obedience will be an affront to the systems of this world. When God begins His deeper work in you, it will be a stumbling block to those around you. When you are rejected for Christ, consider that Christ is affirming His call on your life and you are becoming a threat to the kingdom of darkness. How many of satan's workers do you suppose have been assigned to thwart God's activity in your life? Those who sit in a pew from week to week and never speak the name of Christ in the workplace require few opponents because they represent no threat to the kingdom of darkness. How are you impacting the kingdom of darkness? God has called you and me to impact the lives around us for His Kingdom. Your words may be an affront to those around you; do not fear this. God will use your words and life to draw others to Himself. You are His ambassador in the workplace. He has placed you there for this time to extend life to those who live in darkness.
Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.

AMEN and AMEN!

Under The Open Sky...pt 1

2010-08-07T19:50:00.000-05:00

Sitting on the hillside David wondered how long it would be before it was his turn. Hadn't he trained with his brothers for the past few years? Had he helped his brother fight off the bears and wild animals who wanted to steal his fathers sheep?

When would they see him as more than the baby of the family?

With a deep sigh he pushed himself to his feet as his eyes scanned the night sky.

Shoulders slumped in frustration he turned to make his way back to those still gathered around the night meal pot. He could hear the voices of his brothers as the recounted the events from their time in the hills. And, he knew that his father would be making plans for them to start out again once the sun came up.

And once again he would be told to stay home and keep father company.

He was ready!

He already had his little pouch ready for the dried food he would carry. And father had help him choose a strong branch to carve his staff. It would come in handy for keeping stray sheep from falling off the rocky cliffs. He knew the normal route that his brothers took and had even scouted some on his own so that when the fields became bare he knew just where to take the sheep for green lush grass.

Sure he would miss having his father near to talk to. But he had been taught that although a shepherds life could be lonely-his heavenly Father would always be with him. He had spent much time learning about the God who would never leave him or forsake him.

What more did he need?

Standing outside the tent he almost jumped when he heard his name.

"I think David is ready father. I know that you love having him near.....but he will be a strong shepherd. He is responsible and it will be to our benefit to be able to separate the flocks that have gotten so large. We need to move on to greener pasture so that the ewes will have plenty of green grass to support the babies that will be soon here."

David's heart did a flip in his chest! Would his father agree that he was ready?

His heart was beating so loudly that he feared he would miss the response he so longed to hear.

"I know that David has been ready for awhile now. And I admit that it is this fathers heart that has kept him from the hills. I will speak to him tonight and see if he feels he is ready for his own flock. Now, let us move on to subjects that will bring laughter instead of loneliness to this old mans heart."

David could hardly breathe! He wanted to run in and throw himself into his fathers lap, but he knew he would have to wait for father to come for him. He would have to carefully watch his words or father would know that he had been listening in on a meeting he had not been invited to attend.

Trying to calm his heart he wandered out to his favorite rock. Looking into the bright night sky he offered up thanks to the great Shepherd. He knew in his heart that God had been preparing him for this moment. And when he sat under this same night sky days away from family and friends that the same God would be watching over him.

Raising his arms in praise he spoke into the night sky, "You are my shepherd, I shall not want."

(Psalm 23)

~~~~~~~~~

Unlike David, I know that there are many women out there today that find themselves in situations that they feel they are unprepared for. Women who look across the table at a man and wonder how they could have lost the love they once held dear in their hearts. Wondering where things had gone so wrong.

I was at the same spot years ago. I remember just wanting to tuck tail and run.

And.......I did. I thank God now that during that time when I wandered away from my marriage and the church-- He was still my Shepherd. Of course I did not realize at the time that I had all the tools I needed to stay and face the fight. My trip into the outside world was a search to fill a void. A search to find someone or something that would fill that all consuming void.

You may have experienced some of what I am talking about.

You search daily for a reason to stay. Maybe you stay for the kids. Or maybe it is because you don't think you could support yourself the way the man in your life has.

Whatever the case......God wants you to know He is right there.

I can tell you...He can heal your heart. And He will fill your open heart with a love for your husband that you never knew was possible. He is there to guide you and hold you as you walk through this time.

I know how hard it can be.

And on top of all of this......He will fill the void in your heart.

He has prepared you for this time.

I pray you will call out to Him now.

He is listening.

He is waiting.

A WORD in the night

2010-08-05T12:47:00.000-05:00

Night before last.....while in a deep sleep a word came to me.

I do not remember the dream that brought the word to mind...if there was a dream....but while still asleep I told myself not to forget the word floating in my head. And even while drifting off to another dream scene...my mind kept reminding me to not forget this word. I will say that I have not had this type of thing happen before. Dreams- yes...floating words-no. This word although familiar as a word....was not one that I would ever use naturally and so I was unfamiliar with its definition.

I was reminded over and over in my sleep to look it up when I woke up.

Pretty cool! You and I both know that many times the feeling of a dream will linger when we wake....and yet the elements of the dream are like a distant fog. This was not. As soon as I got up the word began running through my mind over and over.

Excited to see- what surely must have been from the Lord- I pulled up the dictionary on line and put in the word. I have to admit that it was unfamiliar enough that I misspelled it. :) But thank heaven they knew what I was trying to spell and up popped the word in the night..........UBIQUITOUS.

Maybe this definition is familiar to you...but just in case this word is not a normal part of your daily vocabulary- here is the definition listed on Dictionary.com.

"existing or being everywhere, esp. at the same time; omnipresent:

ubiquitous fog; ubiquitous little ants."

I'll have to say that I was pretty excited to see that....I knew it was a message from God.

Maybe it is some part of a puzzle that He will fill in at a later time....or maybe it is an answer in itself.

You see at this time I am surround by several women who need to know that God is Ubiquitous.

Here are a few scenarios so that you can understand what I mean.

A woman who has been told that her cancer has returned....and this time

instead of two tumors....there are six or more. Hope is slim.

A woman who finds that she no longer loves her husband or even trusts him.

A woman who is staying with her husband because he provides well for her family...there is no love.

A woman with a new child who does not know how her family will be provided for as her husband returns to school.

And a woman raising two children while her husband is off doing military duty.

A woman walking with the Lord while her husband refuses to get his life right with God.

And there are a few more that I won't list. All of these women have needs that can not met by me.

And although I would love to be the cure all....not that they are asking me to be.....I AM NOT-- even though I would love to touch each of these lives and bring healing.

BUT.......HE IS!

How I have learned in the past few years that...... He IS.

I think that maybe God is leading me to tie in these lives with the Psalm 23.

So if I am hearing Him right.....I would love to come back and show how He IS through the verses found in this chapter.

Till then......The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

And in the meantime while you sleep....remember this....

14 For God does speak—now one way, now another—
though man may not perceive it.

¹⁵ In a dream, in a vision of the night,
when deep sleep falls on men
as they slumber in their beds,

Job 33

Stranger here

2010-07-25T10:45:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know......I am becoming a stranger here!

But, life has been oh so busy and time on the computer has been little to none.

Since I was here last.....we welcomed our first grand-baby! She was born on the 14th of this month....8lbs 4oz. Her name is Annalise Nicole Brumfield and of course I think she is a beauty.

We took a quick weekend trip and spent 24 hours on the road in four days.....just to see her and hug her Mom and Dads neck.

Here is "grandma" trying to get Annalise out of her milk stupor to get that much needed burp.

It was sweet to be able to spend some time caring for her while Mom got a little sleep. I have already placed a photo album on FB so I won't put anymore pictures here. But we had a great time....and we hope to see her again before she graduates from high school. :)

We got back this past Monday and I began training with a company I am now working for. Home Instead Senior Care is a company that is functioning across the united states-its goal is to provid non medical care for those seniors who want to stay in their homes as long as they can. I trained for several hours on Tuesday and began working my first case on Wednesday. My sweet client is 99 years old and you would never know it. We got along great and I do hope that after our conference at Lake Junaluska this week I will be able to go back and continue working for her. As you can imagine we had some great conversations as she told me a little about her history. She says she is a Christian and I look forward to being able to read the Bible to her since her eye sight is almost gone.

I am going to keep this short. This week we will be doing our conference on the lake. Please pray for all the lives we will touch. Pray that God will prepare their hearts and ours for the wonderful work He wants to do.

I do miss you guys. I don't know if my time here is coming to an end.....I seem to be finding less and less time to be here. I have been asked to participate in a new ministry web site that will be opening soon and I am praying about my involvement with this new work of God. I so don't want to loose touch with all of you.....you have touched my heart in ways you will never know until we reach the other side. Forgive me for not being able to get around to check on you.....this week will be packed full so there is no way that I will make it around. But I do want to get around once things settle in to a normal schedule. I love you and I think of you all often.....sweetly remembering you in my prayers.

Keep doing the thing He has called us to......one day soon we will reap the reward of our labors.

May His grace and peace surround you!

Goodness!....God knows the love for you that is in my heart. :)

Unexpected Treasures by Dr. Mikel Brown

2010-07-01T11:39:00.001-05:00

The Cadence Group recently asked me to do a review of the book-- Unexpected Treasures by author, Dr. Mikel Brown. Here is an introduction to this-new to me-author.

Dr. Mikel Brown was born in the fifties during the mid-civil rights movement. Raised part of his life in Cabrini Green Projects in Chicago during the sixties and later moved to predominately-white suburbia on the South Side of Chicago in 1968; he has seen his life go from one extreme to the next. While being the only black family in his Chicago Southside neighborhood, young Mikel endured extreme prejudice. He could have made the choice to become bitter, but he decided to become better. Excuses are claims to your missing resources and they stifle your creativity to be resourceful. When the obvious is a fact, facts are subject to change. Two negatives will simply short-circuit your power, but if you combine the positive and the negative-what you have is a release of power.You become empowered to live life to its fullest.
"Your life is not short of resources...you lack the knowledge to be resourceful," says Dr. Brown. Your treasures are neatly stored and compiled in one of the most unexpected places--you!

After reading the following on the front cover of the book..... I have to admit that my intent was to read through the book in order to do the review I had promised I would do. I have never enjoyed reading self help books.....the store shelves are loaded with them. I tend to think that there are too many authors out there that claim the right to help people based on their own life experiences....and this tends to put me on my guard. Add to that the fact that I could not find anything on the front or back cover about God being the essential ingredient needed to achieve this success.....well, I began reading with a slightly critical eye. Dr. Mikel, says that by reading Unexpected Treasures-you will be introduced to 72 ways to uncover your hidden wealth....hmmm.

While reading through the book I noticed that each new chapter...each chapter is only two to three pages....seemed to jump to a new subject. Eventually it dawned on me-- this book is like the daily devotions so many of us read each day. There is a new gem to be found in each chapter! And on top of that...by the time I had made it through a chapter or two Dr. Brown brought God into the picture. And for Dr. Brown..... each new picture(day) must begin framed by the hand of God. He clearly states that success in our lives will only begin by bringing God into the picture at the beginning of the day..... and ending the day with the only One who can keep our life on the right path. He talks about the principal of sowing and reaping and how we will never be able to escape that godly principal. Dr. Brown also covers some great guidelines to help us control and guide our thought life. There are many biblical principals found in this book.....it is kind of like have a godly mentor on hand... 24/7!

I think this is a highly resourceful book......and I will keep it on hand to reread in the future.So many Christians need to be able to move beyond their past....and this book is a great stepping stone.

Here is a little more information about Dr. Brown.

"Dr. Mikel Brown is an author, businessperson, and a religious leader who resides in El Paso, Texas, with his wife and three children. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with more than 27 years of experience.
Dr. Brown has has helped many people achieve success in business, marriage, personal development and peak performance. He is the President and CEO of CJC Enterprises and owner and CEO of Power Communications Network, through which he conducts seminars and special events. He is the author of Building Wealth from the Ground Up and How to Fix Your Marriage without Using a Hammer."

UNEXPECTED TREASURES

Dr. Mikel Brown

Published by CJC Publishing Company

(If you click on the name of the book...you will be taken to Dr. Mikel Browns web page)

Goodness gracious!

2010-06-23T14:38:00.000-05:00

....it has been awhile!

As you can tell....... I am back and all seems to be working well here on the blog. I spent about a month being blocked off and on because of google-analytics....some type of tracking device. It took me awhile to find a way to block it....but now the ghost device seems to be working.

I will have so much to catch up on with you all....I'll be by to do a fly over and catch up on the news on your blogs. I have missed you all!

I got back yesterday from my trip to La. and Texas.....can you say, HOT?!? HOT AND HUMID!

Julia and I were the only ones that got to go.....Keith has been doing some part time work for a pest control company so we didn't want to mess with that. Still waiting for a full time job to come in.

I will be filling out an app today for an agency that is looking for CNA's. Just don't think I want to work in a nursing home...this company is a temp company so it may work into something full time.

Back to the trip.

We got to La. and got to see Michael and Cassie (my son and his girlfriend)....I might also add that I got to feel Annalise moving in her Mommies tummy. I said, "Hey gir,l I have been praying for you." Since we have not yet decided on what she should call me......not terribly thrilled about being call grandma, grandmother or anything of that sort.....so I could not officially introduce myself. Cassie is getting real close to bringing this sweet bundle into the world.....I do hope that we will be able to go back to see her soon after she is born.

Our second night at Mom and Dad's was a tad rough.....I would gather the temps were in the mid 90's....and the air went out! OH MY GOODNESS!!!! how fast one realizes how spoiled they are! We should have gone to my sisters....... but since we were leaving early the next morning for Texas I thought I could handle it for one night. After a cold shower....no hot water involved here.....and very little sleep....and another cold shower....we were on our way.

Thank you Jesus for allowing someone to invent air conditioning!

Our conference started on Sunday.....and although we had been told we would be responsible for 18 kids....we ended up with 25. Mom and Dad have been doing this since I was 5...(I know that is a long, long time)...and so not much takes them by surprise. We had enough projects........the kids made the neatest lap table that they will be proud to use for many years to come.

Teaching went great. I mentioned that I was teaching Psalm 23..... by teaching a story about a boy named Manuel and his lamb named Mischief. It is an incredible resource.....and although it was actually developed to teach to adults.....the kids love it. I broke the story down into 5 teaching sessions...always leaving the story at a climatic point. Maybe it is wrong....but I just love hearing the groans from the kids when I stop the story and say.....well, we will have to find out tomorrow what happened. :)

At least I know they were listening. ;)

In the afternoons I had plenty of time to read and rest while Julia spent time down at the river. I took two books and finished two and started another while back in La.....I have really enjoyed reading these books by Terri Blackstock.

After the conference we headed back to Mom and Dad's for a few days. We got to stop in Lafayette and have a shrimp po-boy with Michael......he was spending the weekend helping a friend on his crawfish farm. You know........ it is always hard saying good-bye......really strange thinking that the next time I see him he will be a Daddy. Still praying that he will get his heart right with God and raise this little sweet one in a God centered home.....He is faithful!

We spent Father's Day out at my sister's house....it was fun and Mom and I made the most incredible refreshing salad. Maybe I will share it since it was super easy and stores well.

I got to catch up with some friends that afternoon...would have loved to have had time to stay longer MawMaw.....but I will see you in a month! :)

That night I had a chance to catch up with Keith on details from home....it was a rather bizarre conversation. Well the info I got was anyway. You see Keith had not gotten much sleep the night before because of an intruder. That's right.....an intruder! And yes, we will start locking our doors at night. Keith sleeps like a rock and so it was good that Juliet was at home with him.....she turned out to be a pretty good guard dog. I am not sure what time it was..... but someone (the police are looking for them and know who they are) just opened the camper door and happy as you please.....came on in. Juliet started growling and barking...which woke Keith....he sat up in bed and said, "Hey man, what ya need?" (kind of funny in hind sight) He actually thought one of the neighbors must have been knocking for awhile and finally decided to try the door. When the guy did not respond but took off running.....Keith jumped out of bed and took off after him-- but didn't catch him. With no shoes running across rocky ground...it was either his feet or catch the guy. He came back and realized that the guy had gotten a few items..tools...from outside before he decided to come in. We thought that it might have been a visiting camper......but it turns out that it was the adult son of one of the women who lives here. I would say that it is not very smart to break into any ones home......but especially not smart to break in when someone is home! So.....we have gotten the tools back and they are waiting for the guy to surface and then he will be charged. Sad.

Back to trip......

Monday was filled with camp planning. Since I am not sure if I will get to do the conference at Lake Junaluska....I wanted to make sure my sister and Linda were all ready to go. That went well and I left Jeannie(my little sister) with only a few details to take care of. I brought my missionary story home with me to study....we will see if God allows me to participate this year.

And then it was time to hit the road!

Julia and I both got excited when we finally could look up and see our beautiful mountains looming ahead of us. We had a great reunion with Juliet and Keith yesterday.....and tonight I will make up for my absence by fixing him a Louisiana po-boy!

Isn't it nice when your absence can be fixed by such a small thing....well that and a huge watermelon from Washington Parish! :)

It is great to be back.....both in my mountains and back to the blogging world.

I love ya and will be checking in with each of you real soon.

And maybe I can figure out a way of sharing what I taught the kids in a few post here.....I really think you would enjoy it.

Though None Go With Me

2010-05-29T19:21:00.000-05:00

I haven't been here much......I hope I can say it is because God has been talking and I desire to listen.

It is funny how God will use whatever He wills....when He knows that ears are open. I have had a great longing begin to rise in my heart. A longing to sit and listen and be changed forevermore.

Sometimes we all know that our eyes can get locked on the trials.....and we forget that the outcome in His hands will be marvelous. And that is where.... in the last few years.......I have often found myself......eyes and emotions locked on what I could see.

I had forgotten the deep gut wrenching prayers said so long ago....but He had not.

Prayers to know Him more. Prayers....asking Him to make sure I would be found faithful till the end.
Little did that pure heart know what it was asking for.

But......He was faithful to answer what was already in His will for me.

And so the trials began.

Each trial designed and allowed by the hand of my loving Father.

Have I been lost at sea? No

Have I been beaten and tossed in jail? No

But the trials I have experienced......like Paul.....have given me a greater understanding of the God I chose to serve. A God who knows just what must arise so that things are revealed in me that have need to go. Things that were soon replaced by a growing trust......a trust that I recognize as very precious gift.

A gift that I believe can not be taken from me by anything this world may throw at me.
I am so glad that He called......and that I answered.
Do I wish that someone would have warned me what would follow?
Yes, but I don't think it wouldn't have stopped me from praying that prayer. Yes, I can be mighty stubborn. Although, maybe it would not have taken me so long to figure out what was going on had I known. I don't know......I guess when you are lost in the middle of the storm you probably wouldn't have a tendency to remember warnings anyway.......you are just concentrating on what you have to do to keep your head and heart above water. :)
It has been rough.

Recently I finished reading the book by Jerry Jenkins, Though None Go With Me. I didn't realize till I started looking up one of the hymns in the story......that it had been made into a movie that I had already seen. I highly suggest the book over the movie.
In this book there is a young girl who has heard Gods call for her to come. She is a rather serious minded girl.....(yes I could identify with her)......and since she already knew that she did not fit into the world around her.....she obeys and answers that call.
Not long after that she sits down with a pastor and they have a talk about the decision she has made. And if you don't mind I would like to share a little bit of that with you since it touched my heart.

Pastor Hill nodded, moisture from his forehead collecting in the creases beside his mouth. "Unfathomable love and grace is beyond me and most everyone but young girls." Elisabeth scowled, wondering if he was criticizing her naivete. His sad smile was like his wife's. It was as if he could read her mind. "I pray you will always stay close to Christ, despite any cost. True devotion requires a sacrifice."
"It hasn't so far," she said, and that made him smile again.
He gazed at her, and she wondered if the meeting was over. She had more questions now than when the conversation had started. He reached for his Bible. "I need to tell you," he said, "that when you feel drawn closer to God, you must remain open to his call. The nudging in your spirit may be evidence that God wants more from you. And Jesus said that to whom much is given--"
"'Of him shall be much required,'" Elisabeth said. "'And to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.' Luke 12:48."
"You are remarkable," the pastor said, leafing through his Bible. "Elisabeth, Paul counts all things but loss compared to knowing Christ and knowing the power of Christ's resurrection. The power that raised Jesus from the dead can work in our lives. Think of it! But see what follows. As Shakespeare would say, here's the rub. Read it."
"'...and the fellowship of his sufferings.'"
The pastor appeared to look upon her with pity.
"What does it mean?" she said.
The more of God you want, the more of Christ you'll get. Most are content to stay out of the deep water."
"I can't tell if you're warning me or encouraging me."
"Both, Elisabeth. God does not call us to a closer walk to make our lives easier. Pray about your desire for a closer walk," he said. "I know few with the stomach for the cost. If you are called, you must go. But the rewards are few."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Do you have a desire for the deeper water?
Have you heard His call to "Come"?
Then I would like to pray over you
a prayer very similar to the prayer that the pastor prayed over a Elisabeth, at 14.
~~~~~~
Dear God, I plead with you to touch my sweet friend's life. She seeks a closer walk. May she be willing despite a cost you never reveal in advance, so that she does not give up because of the weight of it. God may my sweet sister follow steadfastly the ONE in whom there is no change, neither shadow of turning. Thank you for calling her. Thank you in advance for the incredible things you are going to show her and for the unimaginable glory you are going to bring to your name through her life.
May she be found faithful till the end.
For your names sake.....Amen.

I love you girl! I know the road is not easy. When you get to those moments when you are tempted to say....What in the world did I get myself into?!?
Hold on.......the good things that are coming.....well, they will blow your mind!
Don't grow weary in mind and body and give up just before you reach the summit.
And if you have already been walking this path for awhile.......Ready to go a little deeper or rather a little higher?
Let's continue to move from glory to glory.
Because we know that scripture stands true and if you really want it.....Mat 5:8.
\o/

The rest of the trip

2010-05-19T14:24:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday was Tracy's birthday....the day we chose to head out for Philly.

This was my first trip here.....so there were a few things I wanted to see..and a few things Brian (Tracy's husband) wanted to eat. :) There was an Italian fair happening that day so we raced through the street...filled with all kind of Italian goodies...to make our way to lunch at the original restaurant that invented the Philly Cheese steak.

I wish I could remember when they opened...I think the very early 1900"s.

Yes, that is the line we had to stand in. Actually there was another line but it was for Jeno's across the street.

The lines pretty much met in the middle of the street and the cars were so used to them that there was no rudeness.....they just went around. The line went really fast and you had better have your cash and order ready when you get to the window or you would hear...NEXT!

I wanted to try what most everyone likes so I got the meat with sauteed peppers and onions and whiz.

The latter being some type of liquid cheese......that really made the whole sandwich come together.

So if you are ever in the area....try Pat's!

We then headed off for a few of the attractions. Here is Independence Hall...as seen through the building that houses the Liberty Bell. BTW.........the bell used to be housed in the steeple area you see.

I might also add that if you saw National Treasure....some of it took place here. I seem to remember Nicholas Cage finding some glasses on top of the roof.

And here is the Liberty Bell.

And here.....Tracy and I in front of Independence Hall.

So after spending a total of about 4 or 5 hours walking we decided to stop for dinner before heading home.

I wish I could remember the name of this place.....maybe Cuban Libre.

It was the most incredible place I had been in a LONG time.

The restaurant was open to the outside....and the inside....Oh my goodness!

This picture really does not do it justice.

It took awhile to figure what I would order because the food combination's were so unusual.

This was one of the dishes we ordered......doesn't that look great!

All of the food coming out of the kitchen was so creative. I could have really sat there and just enjoyed looking.....but we got to eat and it was fabulous!

Thank you Brian for taking us out!

These were incredible lights......someone did a fantastic job decorating this place.

The next day we headed off for Gettysburg.

It had been about 10 years since I had been there....seems like I end up going here abut every ten years.

First with Mom and Dad, then with Keith after we got married, then back for our ten year anniversary, and now 11 years later.....Here I am again.

We visited the Wills house.

The room below....with the same bedspread.....was the room Lincoln stayed in the night before he delivered

the Gettysburg address. The story is that he finished up the last touches here at the Wills House.

We had lunch at a sidewalk cafe and finished up our tour by driving through some of the battle ground. We saw this monument below and thought how strange and sweet that someone had left a wreath.....

maybe they are decedents of someone who fought here.

Well that about wraps it up! We had a great visit.....talked and talked and could have talked some more. :)

But it was time to go home and return to life as normal.

Thanks for joining me on a reader's digest version of my trip.

Thought I'd Share

2010-05-18T09:54:00.002-05:00

So as ya'll know I bravely headed off for PA..on my own with my GPS....to visit with my friend Tracy in Mechanicsburg, PA. I left bright and early Thursday (5:00) morning and got there about 2:30.

This is Tracy.

She welcomed me with open arms and I got the grand tour of her lovely home.

It was so good to be together....we haven't really seen each other in about three years. And since they have only recently moved to this area this was a great time to see her new home and spend her birthday with her.

We ate at a great restaurant on Thursday night and then went to see a movie.

On Friday morning we headed out for Amish country. I hadn't been there since I was in my teens....at which point I thought it would be nice to become Amish. It just seemed like a simple life without all the pretense and show....and I kind of liked that idea.

We stopped at a great place....if you are ever in Bird-n-Hand or Intercourse, PA....you must stop here.

I don't know why it is coming up this way......funny because it was not saved on my computer this way.

It was a great place with all types of fresh fruit and veggies, counters where you could sit and eat and plenty of other hand crafted items to buy.

Tracy ended up buying a shoo fly pie.....it was pretty good and brought back great memories of my last visit to Amish country.

Here are some pictures I took while there....although the Amish I am told do not like to have their picture taken....and I wonder why? :)

These were young kids making there way through time.....town. :)

Here was a young girl mowing the front lawn.

And I just thought this was cool.....those who do not feel the need to move with society..... and UPS....who keeps us on top of things.

It was just a very peaceful day.....the atmosphere just made you feel like you could breathe a little better.

I still think it might be nice to live like this.

We also got to visit a great place with all kinds of shops and restaurants in Intercourse, PA. Wish I could remember the name....but if you pass it....you really can't miss it.

We ate at a nice place and just enjoyed sitting by the window watching the world go by.

I will stop here....but I will be back tomorrow with our trip to Philly.

Forgot to put this up....one of the Amish farms. BTW.....all these fields are plowed the old fashioned way....no tractors here. :)

Sorry ladies

2010-05-14T19:03:00.000-05:00

I am so sorry girls. I was on my way to PA to see my friend Tracy for her birthday...and I saw this really cool sign in the yard of the church. So being the savey person that I am I decided to text it to my blog. Guess I should have checked it out at home first :) It was a really cool sign....and since God and I had been having some real cool conversations...I thought I might fill you in.
So...no, I have not gone over the edge, nor was I speaking in tongues......although I did get a great laugh at the comments.
So here it the sign....I SENT YOU A TEXT---GOD. My first thought was....goodnes can you imagine what that would cost? And of course it cost Him a whole lot more than a bank roll to get that text to us. So....I just wonder if we really realize how many people have paid a precious price to get His words to us. Do we value it?
So that was the long of the short that I sent by phone.......sorry it came through as gibberish.
I am still in PA....and will return home on Monday.
Today we went to Lancaster and I got some really great pictures of the Amish. I'll post those and the details of my trip whenI get back.
Love you bunches........thanks for caring. :)

Wonders never cease!

2010-05-11T11:50:00.000-05:00

SO...I have told you about my workout buddy(Elayne) who has cancer....Melanoma.

Cancer.... that the doctors have said will deliver her to the gates of heaven.

Thank the ONE who sits on heavens throne....they were wrong!

I don't know if I told you about her going through I-L2 treatment.....treatment that did not work as the doctors thought it would. It was a sad day when she found out that news.

BUT.....it did stop the growth of the tumor in the lymphoids of her lung.

Of course we know that God had a hand in this!

This morning she had a visit with a lung doctor and he says that because of the lack of growth....and no evidence of cancer elsewhere in her body......he will be able to go in and remove the tumor.

So....there was a cancellation Monday.......and that is the day he will remove it from her body. \o/

Please be praying Monday morning for God to guide the surgeons hands as he works on the body of our sister in Christ.

We know that all good things come from our Father.....what a gift we have been given!

The doctor thinks that after this she will be cancer free.....what a journey we have had.

Our God reigns!

Yes, even over the words of doctors!

Thank you for your prayers.

Goodness what a day!

2010-05-10T18:36:00.001-05:00

Back on line!

Several months ago God gave me this and I wanted to share it with you. So yesterday I decided to put it in a post....but it was a no go. I would later find out..... after a sweet friends prayer...... that my Malaware thought my blog was a danger. :) Pretty funny.

After a little intro you will read what He shared with me.... and now looking back....I understand it in full.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As a little girl witnessing was a normal part of the Sunday afternoon routine. That morning we would leave our home and head for our church in the French Quarter of New Orleans. After the morning service, we would go upstairs to the apartment over the church and have lunch and then take a nap.

After the nap, Dad would grab some tracts and stale bread, and we would walk through the French Quarter to Jackson Square where we would enjoy feeding the pigeons and passing out gospel tracts to people lingering on the benches.

How times have changed! Now that little girl has gray lingering near her temples; you may no longer feed the birds in Jackson Square, and I don’t get terribly excited about the chance of passing out tracts. Gasp!

I know, I know….for shame. But I do think that if you and I were sitting face to face, there would be a nod of agreement. It is strange how often that discomfort appears when it comes to witnessing to those we do not know.

And yet, if you have been in the family of God for any period of time, you know that we were told to GO! Go into all parts of this earth and tell the lost that there is a God who loves them so tenderly. And because of that great love....He sent His one and only Son to die for their sins. Yet I still hesitate….how I wish that little girl was still here to offer her boldness when it comes time to tell others about God.
Sometimes we all need a little nudge to get out there.
So on the way to church a few months ago, God gave me a visual lesson. This has happened several times in the past and believe me…it gets my attention. He knows I am a visual learner and that I love to watch movies. Sometimes He runs His own production just for me!

As the scene begins to develop in my mind’s eye, I realize that we have gone back to the time of castles, kings and small villages. Villages filled with people who rarely see the wealth of the kingdom that exists right beyond the walls.

As I watch, I see a young woman burdened with the knowledge of a truth long forgotten.

How could she forget the day He came for her and how her heart had jumped as she lay in her bed and heard His tender call? Moving into the palace, as a little girl of five had changed her life.

Yet, when the King told her last night that she still had sisters held captive by the enemy outside the wall, she wondered why no one had gone out to get them. She looked down on her clean white linen dress and knew she could no longer continue to sit joyfully at the King’s table when she knew her sisters were still missing.

In her head the story ran again and again….. creating such intensity of emotion in her heart that sleep evades her. As she lays in bed, the light of the lone candle flickers in the corner.. tears for the long forgotten truth sliding down her checks. She knows the King’s heart weeps for the daughters the enemy had stolen. It became obvious that night at dinner as He talked about roaming the streets calling out for them.

She dresses hurriedly leaving her handmaidens to sleep. Wrapping her cloak around her shoulders........ securing the cape over her head......she slips past the guards at the gate. She glances quickly side to side, and her heart beats rapidly as she sets out leaving behind the familiar territory of the palace.

Her feet quickly cover the cobblestones. She is now walking through the same dark streets the king has walked. Her feet sidestep the debris in the street, and her face changes as she begins to recall the life she once lived. Spurred on by those memories she continues further into the sleeping streets.

As the sun begins to show itself over the worn ragged homes, she continues her search for the lost daughters. She wants to tell them that the King is waiting for them and how it feels to be enveloped for the first time by the arms of the King, her Daddy. They need to know how it feels to be protected by the forces of the King..... while having all needs met by the endless riches of the kingdom. She is so excited!

Lights begin to appear in windows as her long lost family rise to face a new day. Her heart beats faster but her feet begin to slow. Fear begins to show on her face as she begins to feel a bit insecure. She knows she is far from the guards that stand watch over the gates of the palace……..what had she done?

What was she thinking…what will she say? “Good morning. I am here to let you know that you are my sister and you were kidnapped from the King when you were born……He loves you and wants me to bring you home!”….. On my, that would get a great laugh.

She has made a terrible mistake, putting her head down she turns quickly before anyone notices her. But in mid turn, she runs right into another cloaked figure. Steadied by two strong arms, relief floods her heart as she looks up into the eyes of the One she has grown to love and trust.

“Oh Daddy, I am so glad you came. I so wanted to bring one of Your daughters home, but I have failed. I don’t know what to say. I am so sorry.”

“My daughter, you have not failed Me. I am so proud of you. I know the fear in your heart. You do not have to do this alone; I am here. Remember how I called you? Remember how you knew in your heart that you must answer that call? It will be the same with each new daughter who comes home. I will call, and they will hear My voice. All you need to do is tell her about your homecoming and what you know about Me. Hold her hand as she walks toward me. Do you think you can do that?”

Tears form in her eyes as she looks into His face.....and with a tender smile and nod they turn toward the sound of her sister’s voice.

Mark 16:15 (New International Version)
15He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
~~~~~~
Luke 15:4 (New International Version)
4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?

I originally thought He gave me this for an online article I had been asked to write. But since the circumstances did not come together with editing....I let it sit in documents. And although I know it still needs some work....I now know that He used this in my life to prepare me for the CNA class.

What an awesome God we serve.

Surprise, surprise...well, not really :)

2010-05-06T20:09:00.000-05:00

Just thought ya'll might like to know that I will be famous soon.

Well....kinda sorta. :)

I'll explain in a bit so you won't be looking for my name on the list of Pulitzer prize winners. ;)

We ended our Jobs Now program today with a real graduation.

It was kind of funny and very much unexpected. I was dressed to come in and pick up my certificates.....not dressed to walk the stage. And so since misery loves company I was glad to see that I was not the only one dressed casually. And then of course they added to my discomfort by letting us know that the pictures they were taking would be put in the local paper.

So....Hello! to Waynesville with me in my Capri's. So see I'll be kind of famous...at least you won't be seeing those pictures on the most wanted list. \o/

It was a beautiful time...ended by a sweet blessing from God. Remember that great talk we had about God at the end of one of my clinical s? I figured that it would be another that saw the fruit from the seeds planted...but God had a surprise for me. As I was leaving one of the young ladies asked for my number.....which I gladly gave. And then she ended by telling me why she wanted my number. You see she was one of those who has been seriously hurt by those calling themselves a Christian. There had been much damage done by the enemy and she had walked away from God and began searching elsewhere. She said she believed in God but did not believe the church was for her. But after our talk at the nursing home she had begun speaking to her husband about what God was saying to her.... oh she is a newlywed. She told her husband that she felt like it was time for her to return to the church. :)

And she wanted my number because she doesn't live to far from me and she wandered if it would be o.k if she called me and maybe went with us.

Do I even have to say how excited I was? You see her husband lives in Florida...he is in school for the Navy and she is living here with her parents and doesn't know anyone in church.

I told her I would be glad to have her join us. So God is working. If there was no other reason for me to go to school than to have this sweet one return to the fold....it was worth it all.

Be praying for her.

Then I rushed out of graduation.....but not before I got a piece of the cake they had bought for us....and went to Julia's school to sit with her while she had lunch.

Then off to a sweet friends house who had a graduation gift for me! And one that... I might add.... God provided so that I could go and take my state exam. He does supply our needs!

It was a beautiful day.....aren't they all when we are walking with Him?!

So tomorrow I will mail off my papers to get my test date. You can be sure I will let you know so that you can pray. :) There is another Christian woman from my class that will be sending in hers tomorrow too. We would like to be able to go together so that we can save some money on gas and have a little bit of support for each other. So we will see what God says.....it would be neat to find out that we had been scheduled on the same day. You can pray about that if you would.

That is it for now.

Keep praying.....His moving!

Love ya big time!

Season and Soldiers

2010-05-05T09:52:00.000-05:00

Do you think that we will ever get used to the seasons that we experience as a child of God?

As an earth bound person.... I find no surprise when the weather starts to cool and the leaves begin their turn followed by their migration to the earths floor. And yet......I am often caught by surprise when as a believer something happens and the path that was so clear before me...well....it suddenly disappears. There have been many times I was so busy enjoying the scenery that I was surprised to find myself knee deep in the brambles. How in the world did I not realize that I was no longer on the path.

BUT...now that I have the revelation...and a few briers in my shins......what will I do?

Sometimes pain is good. It not only wakes the flesh...and stops it from doing further damage to itself....but it also wakes the spirit that has begun to drift like a raft cut loose by a raging current.

Why the sudden need to be found standing?

I wish I could go into the details.....but God knows. I will say this....a couple that we have come to love and respect has experienced how cleverly the enemy can use those who have been blinded by his schemes. I thank God for this couple because I don't know how Keith and I would have made it in this last year and a half without them. God knew what we would need...and He provided it through this godly couple in our church. We are not the only ones touched by them.....our daughter became part of the family of God because of the ministry of the husband. Many more marriages were helped by this couples faithful witness.

And while I drifted.....the enemy worked......and I was not at my post consistently like I should have been.

We have experienced what they are experiencing...being the target of the anger, the betrayal and being treated like you are the enemy. The pain is almost like experiencing the death of a loved one.

Could God have stomped out the flames that the enemy lit? Most certainly!

Will God use this for His glory? You had better believe it!

The situation has made me spitting mad. Not mad at those with feet walking this earth....but mad at the enemy. Mad at the physical and spiritual pain that this brother and sister are living in.

Mad that I allowed similar situations a couple of years ago to sit me down and snuff me out....or so I thought. But what I find is that there is still an ember. An ember that was lit long ago....and ember that The Holy Spirit has continued to fan.

Is it important to heal and get healthy after a spiritually potentially mortal wound?

YES!

I wanted so bad to jump right back up on the "horse".

And yet....He continued to say, "Peace be still".

And like a pouting child.....I decided that if He wanted stillness..... I would just not move!

I would feel the stirring...and get all excited that this time of sitting was finally over.

But when I rounded the next week....still I sat.

But as I have comforted this sister with the same comfort I was given.......I have gotten a clear

GET UP NOW! from God.

He did not make us warriors...to have our rusty armor become our tomb.

Did you hear that? As I was typing that I got a clear picture of my armor.

But unlike armor made of silver...that once pitted looses structural soundness......the living armor given to us by our God....once cleaned it becomes alive with the eye blinding glory of our God.

We are all called to be soldiers.

Some are called to march ahead and proclaim His glory and the favor of the One leading us.....and then come the ones who have been made ready for the "hand to hand" combat. We each have a assigned position.

Each soldier has an assignment.....do you know yours?

And if so......are you manning your post?

-----------

In a side note...:)......finished up class this week \o/!

And as God provides......I will go and take my state exam.

Thank you for all your prayers.....I do thank God for you as He brings you to mind.

You are precious!

And you are gently and greatly loved!

All in a days work

2010-04-26T19:35:00.000-05:00

After a day of cleaning up "accidents", changing beds, feeding those unable to feed themselves and saying good-bye to a sweet woman.........I was exhausted and ready to say good bye to the day.

We have been working a shift that starts to get really slow around 3:00.....most are taking a nap or playing bingo or some other event planned for them by the nursing home.

And since we don't finish up until 4:45......the time drags miserably.

At the beginning each individual had a long list of skills they had to perform while being checked off by a teacher....but since we have all been checked off on each skill......... the teacher decided to hold a meeting so we could practice for our state test.

We met in a conference room around 3:00 and we began oral drills.

A state skill was called out and we had to speak what we would have done.

We did this for awhile and then conversation began to drift. We began to talk about how we each of us found our way into the program.

Some are there because they are on their way to the nursing home....and others like me were there as a change in career.

Our teacher who knew I was from Louisiana asked how far I had lived from New Orleans. And of course that led to the food and filth found in New Orleans. She and her husband (a pastor) had made a visit there several years ago. Since she knows I am a Christian she mentioned that while in the French Quarter she was amazed by the feeling of the "darkness" in the air. AND......we were off!

I shared about spending much of my early years there with Mom and Dad's ministry.

I was excited to find myself caught in the middle of a discussion about God..

And before I knew it the women were opening up about their pasts.......their relationships with God and how they had strayed. Now....of course our teacher could not say too much....but she did jump in when she could. We actually spent about and hour talking about what had driven some from church and how they knew that they needed to return to the Lord. The one conversation that I thought was the sweetest?

There is a young girl who was raised in a "Christian" home. And like many of us have experienced in one way or the other.....the authorities in her life wore the label but their lives did not match what they claimed. She said that she believed in God.....but had an open mind to other things. There was such pain bound up in her sweet voice.....my heart really went out to her. I could have sat knee to knee with her...as could a few others in the room.....and told her of the Love of the One who sits on the throne.

But since I didn't want to put her on the spot......I waited until our meeting was over and asked her if I could speak to her just a moment. I told her I didn't want to be pushy but I would like to tell her a little something. I told her that I wanted her to know that often we picture God in a warped way when the one telling us about God does not live a godly life. I told her that before God showed himself to me I pictured Him as some harsh, unloving God ready to smash me as soon as I did something wrong. I didn't want to put words in her mouth....so I just encouraged her to go for the real picture of God in the Bible.

And I asked her to ask God to show her who He was.

She said...you know my step dad has been telling me the same thing.

And of course I had to tell her......."He loves you so!"

So....it was a good day!

And remember me telling you awhile back about the girls being really ugly to the guy in our class?

One of those ladies was in our group.....and she admitted that she had drifted from the Lord and needed to return! I was riding on a cloud on the way home today.

You know we often want to avoid those who are harsh and mean......but they need the love we carry. I have been praying for her......and today God opened the door.

Please pray for the seeds that were planted today. Tomorrow is our last day of clinicals and then we go into mock testing to get us ready for the state exam. I am excited about what He has done and anticipate what He is going to finish in this time left.

Thank you for your prayers......prayers that were for those you did not even know about. :)

God is good

All the time

God is good!

He is faithful to complete that which He started!

Love you big time!

The Winner is.......

2010-04-23T17:42:00.000-05:00

Well...it is that time!

This drawing was a tad more difficult because a few have already had Holly

use her "magic" touch on their blogs.

So starting from the first person who wanted a make over to the last person...there were 5 ladies.

So....of I went to the random number site....and here is the winner.

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2010-04-23 22:29:49 UTC

And counting down.....Terri of Mystic Equus is the winner!

Terri is a fairly new blogger....stop in and check out her story....she is a fantastic writer and she is sharing her story. And if you love horses....this is a woman after your own heart!

Congratulations Terri...you will love working with Holly.

Send me an email with your email and I will give you Holly's info.

I'll contact her first to let her know to expect your email! :)

It has been a wild week...but at the moment my poor brain is suffering over load.....so I will come back later to talk about the week and the sweet way God carried me through.

Only a week and a half left!!!!!!!

Love you and I will be by later to check in on you.

Thank you for the sweet prayers and thoughts.

A Beautiful Day

2010-04-17T19:11:00.000-05:00

So....it seems that is must be time for another post. :)

First, thank you for all of your prayers!

The week ended well.....the final exam is over and now the hands on begins.

Yikes!

But before the work begins....it was time to get out and clear my brain.

It was time for a little R&R....so today I took Julia and a friend to Fun Depot.

The three of us enjoyed playing the games and did a little go cart riding--this always brings out the competitive spirit in me. I think the lady in front of me finally got the idea and she sweetly moved over and let us pass. :)

If not for that delay......I would have come in first!

Fun Depot is located in Asheville and unknown to me.....it is owned by Christians. It was my first time there and I was a little surprised when I walked in and saw the 10 Commandments posted on the wall. But since our area is in the Bible belt..... I figured that they were just trying to remind people to watch their p's&q's. That's right....no running people over on the go cart course! ;)

We spent a few hours enjoying ourselves and when it was time to leave I looked over at the indoor put put golf course and what words smacked me in the face?

Each post- for writing down your score- held a sign with a verse that spoke of the ways to salvation!

It is so good to see that this company is not afraid to share what it believes.

It was a good day!

Soooooo....about clinicals next week....ugh!

I am referring to the idea of...well.....giving "personal" care. I know, I know.....it will be different when I get there and it is something I am doing...and not something I am thinking about. You know...giving someone a bath while being observed for technique.....that just makes me a tad nervous.

There are a list of steps that we were taught to follow....and without getting too personal.....no one wants to have to say, "Secuse me Ms So n So...but I messed up, do you mind if I do that again?"

So...please Dear God....if You could please help me get it right the first time I would really appreciate it. :)

I feel my blood pressure rising just thinking about it.

I will get to wear comfortable clothes......so....looking forward to that at least. Who doesn't enjoy wearing new clothes? :) See there is a silver lining to every cloud.

Speaking of silver linings......I have a little something to

give away!

Yes, although I have barely had time to get around in blogdom the past month....I won something. My sweet friend Holly was giving away a blog make over...and although I thought I was just commenting....I won it.

Now we all know that I love the last make over she gave me.....and I really want to keep it. I just think it is me at this time in my journey........so I shall pass it on.

For the next week....while I am changing beds, brushing other peoples teeth(can't think about that either), and giving baths.....you can leave a comment and win a blog makeover! This is what it includes!

So......leave a comment........and I will draw a winner on Friday sometime.

And then I will pass Holly's email on to you that ya'll can get started...right in time for Spring.

If you are interested in what kind of work she does....here is the link.

Crown Laid Down Designs

She does a great job.....just ask Leslie!

Love you...talk to you soon!

Real Quick

2010-04-10T10:02:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to stop here and say Hi!......real quick. :)

School is going well....I ended another week with a fried brain.

And I might mention that that is what happens to a brain when it is over exposed to studying...not drugs.

I got laughed at in class by a few when I used that term....seems this "MawMaw"
needs to watch what terms she uses.

All went well this past week. I enjoyed our classes and did well in my labs and test.

We are getting ready to enter rough waters this coming week.

It is our last week of class time.

In that week we WILL manage to cram 10 chapters worth of stuff involving STD's, Respiration, Physical Anatomy, Cardio System..........into my already full brain.

I am not sure....but it seems to me that this brain might just be a tad overworked at this moment....and possibly a little behind on filing all that has been put into it in these past weeks.

We shall see just how awesomely made my brain is...as the week progresses.

If you remember...or you could do it now...pray for me this week coming.
I will have a test Tuesday, and a test and a final exam on Wednesday...YIKES!
And although, not getting an A in this class will not change my GPA.....I still want to know the info and get a good grade. And because of your prayers......it would be nice know that I will not to have to go through this week with a knot in my stomach.
Ya know what I mean?
After next week....we start clinicals.
Those will only last for a week (8:15 to 4:45) and then the mock testing for our State test.
So we really don't have much time left....it has gone by so fast.
I tried the other day to snag a picture of our lab...but it was a no go. When I told them I was going to put it on my blog you would have thought they thought I was some type of celebrity.
I would have had to get special permission and written approval....all for a picture or two of a dummy.
:)
Anyway, I wanted to let you know about something that has been going on in our class.
I am sure if you have ever been in a Nursing home....or maybe in a hospital...you have experienced those that would rather have their teeth pulled than serve you with a sweet attitude.
Bless their hearts....but we have about 5 of those in our class. My heart really hurts for them and I have spent time in prayer for them.....their actions and words reveal who they are serving.
Because you will be who you are no matter where you are.....they have chosen to cruelly pick on the one lone male in our class. He is a little odd and a tad older....he admits to having ADD and he kind of lives in a world of his own...but he is so sweet.
After about a week....I had had enough...and I spoke up to them and one of our teachers. I think the word first spoken to them was.....BEHAVE!!!
Honestly...it was like being back in the worse possible grade school experience you could imagine.
I have had the honor of becoming this guys partner in lab so that he does not have to endure their ridicule all the time. There are a few other Christians in our class.....the depth or lack of depth of the relationship shows.
Now that one other lady and I have joined the hit list......some are starting to step up to the plate.
It is great to see them joining the side they should...instead of staying silent.
If you stay silent....you are not innocent.....your hands do not stay clean.
You have to choose a side.
I know that if you are not out in public working you might not experience this often.......but there are those who are being hurt and they need those with His heart to rise up. That is us!
We do have a teacher or two who are Christians....and in an after class chat session one gave some info about her life and husband. She mentioned that she was a Christian and that after years of loving each other she was glad that she and her husband would spend eternity in heaven together. The male in our class spoke up and said that he would like to know that for sure...but the coin had not landed yet. Do you know the jump that took place in my heart beat? Each morning on the way to school I pray for God to use me. How incredible would it be for me to have the chance to bring this brother into the fold.
Please pray for him.....the Spirit is calling. :)
Well.....I guess this was not so quick....but it is what has been stirring in my heart.
I love you guys.....I'll try and post again toward the end of the week when I will be able to breathe again.
I think of you often and thank God for the word of your testimony....keep it up!
Thank you in advance for your prayers.

Oh My Goodness

2010-04-01T19:17:00.000-05:00

I know....it has been awhile since I have been here.
I would have loved to have had my camera with me this past week...you would have loved it too.
You would have gotten a great laugh at my expense.
You might have enjoyed watching me change the sheets of a bed while a dummy patient got flipped back and forth....or maybe enjoyed my embarrassment (we have a mixed class) as we learned how to give a bed bath to a female. I am sure the one male was probably just as embarrassed when we learned how to give a male a bath. I do feel sorry for this one guy in our class...especially since there are a few in our class that are enjoying giving him a hard time. I would like to put them over my knee...thought I left that stuff behind in grade school. Kind of a scary thought.....they are now trained to use defibrillators.

I have learned a lot....and kept an A average...it is nice to know my brain still works.
As you know I am taking CNA classes.
Most states follow the guidelines that have been set for all those taking CNA training....usually 75 hours of class time and clinics and then you can take your exam. But North Carolina decided that that was not enough. We will have filled 162 hours of school time and clinic time by the time we finish our exam. Those hours used to be spread out over 4 months...but unknowingly..... I ended up in a class where our hours are spread out over 5 weeks! Yikes! I guess you know why I have not been here much. We have already lost two students and will probably loose several more because you have to stay on top of the studying....tests come often and usually cover 4 to 5 chapters. This week we had two tests.
To tell the truth...my brain is on overload...and I am pooped!
But....I am having fun and meeting some neat people.
The ones that I seem to have drifted toward will not be stopping with the CNA class....several are already scheduled for summer classes....they plan to go on to become RNs.
So.....I am thinking about that....I don't know we will see what happens after this class.
When I think about what I have seen and experienced with CNAs in the past (not good).....I might just hang out for awhile....I don't know.

BUT...no school tomorrow!!!!!!

I do have some studying to do...and I want to check in on some friends :)....so the day will fly.

That is it for me.....

no pictures yet....

I'll have to see if I can bring my camera....maybe the dummies won't mind if I put them on my blog. :)

I hope to be back soon.

Have a great Resurrection Sunday!

He LIVES!

Love ya

Still alive and well

2010-03-24T15:40:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to pop in and let you know that I have not fallen off the face of the earth. :)

I have been running a marathon of errands this last week trying to get all things done

that must be done

before I get lost in school for the next six weeks.

Can I say that I am just a tad nervous?

Not for the school part....but for all the hours I will be spending outside the home.

I am sure that you will understand how I want to make sure that my family does not feel neglected.

Looking for some real guidance from God.....and I am fully confident that He will work all of this out according to the plans He has already made.

But I still have butterflies.

I'll try and come back tomorrow and let you know how the first day went.

Talk to you soon!

Our Campground

2010-03-10T21:39:00.001-06:00

I have had a few questions about where we live...so I thought I would fill ya'll in on life in our campground.

We live in a beautiful area of the smokey mountains....kind of down in a valley in the city of Waynesville.

Along the side of our campground runs a beautiful creek......you have seen it in some of my previous snow pictures. It is crystal clear and stays cold year round. The kids love playing in it...and it sports some pretty nice size trout.

As you can imagine it adds so much to our enjoyment.....the sound is wonderful.

We are not the only ones living here year round.

There are about 15 residents...some families and a few single people.

There are a few who leave campers here and use them as a home when they are in the area working.

For the first year...we have almost been here two years....we really only got to know one of the families.

When we moved our camper this week we moved next to them.

Why so many people living in a campground?

I would have to say that the story is not the same for everyone.

You know our story.....we remain until He tells us to leave.

Some are here because they are on disability...and this is what they can afford.

Some are here because they came to this area because of its beauty and decided that they love the community. You would be surprised at how you come to depend on the people living around you.

I think in some ways we probably are more neighbors than some in "real" neighborhoods.

If you need something you ask.....we have helped with water problems, electrical problems, heater problems.

And occasionally my brother picks up a load of bread from the day old bread store.....and we fill our freezer and pass the rest out.

And you know in the last post we were able to help with babysitting.....and help Beth get to the hospital to have her baby when their car ended up with a flat at the last moment.

There are a few here who have some serious health issues and Keith has been blessed to be able to pray with the husband of one before the husband followed the ambulance carrying his wife.

We share meals.....and give when we have extra.

Not all those living here are what most people would choose to label them...you know uneducated homeless people.

Yes, it was a shock last year to find out that we are considered homeless.

We have people with college educations...who have worked hard and now find themselves without jobs.

And there is a retired policeman who lives here.....he looks like a real biker dude. :) He is the one who is going to help us train Juliet.....it was sweet of him to offer.

If you ride through the campgrounds in our area you will find that many of them have full time residents.

I don't know their stories...but I know that they need us...you and me.

Did I ever think I would live in a campground?

No.

Do I long to move?

No.

It is funny how at peace I am here.....I feel I belong. My heart is becoming linked to the people here....and I know it is part of His plan.

Soon we are going to schedule a barbecue for the whole campground....Keith and I feel it is something that God wants us to do. The weather is getting warmer and it will be a great opportunity to meet those who stay indoors during the cold.

I do pray that we become bolder in our witness.

We want to touch their lives as He would have.

Can't you just imagine Him here? Pulling in in His camper and slowly reaching out to those He sees....those rarely seen by others. It kind of excites me....and the thought of pulling out of here one day....it kind of makes me sad.

So that is the story......the story of our time.. so far.... in our home on wheels.

Thanks for the questions....feel free to ask anytime.

:)
Here is a little something extra for you.
I know we are longing for spring.

..which means flowers, strolls in the sun and lemonade.
And while we may not get to enjoy the first two yet...you can enjoy the smell of the lemonade.
Click on My Garden Hat and go on over to enter to win a lovely candle.

This and that and shots...oh my!

2010-03-09T17:22:00.000-06:00

Goodness it has been a busy week or so.

It seems it has been non stop and I am having to snatch bits and pieces of time to come here and keep up...so be a tad patient as I get used to life on the busy side.

But then I don't think I even have to ask do I?....that is why I love you so!

So....Saturday and Sunday I spent the day with two sweet little ones. My friend Amy had duty...and since her husband is off being trained before he is deployed....she needed a grandma in training to watch her kids.

So bright and early...it was beautiful with the sun coming up over the still snow covered mountains....I made my way to her house. The kids and I did great...we always do....but the new dog...lets just say that I was not a welcome house guest. Poor thing...he had had a rough life till Amy got him a few weeks ago. Hmmm..I do hope that I did not bring back unpleasant memories. :)

Day two was much better. Amy's little girl loves to put the leash on the dog and he will follow her around for hours. So since he refused to follow me outside the first day to go to the bathroom...the second day we improvised. Can I just say that I feared an explosion the first day.....9 hours is a long time to go without going.

The next day I let little bit put the dog on the leash...and then very slowly I approached her and picked her up.

Now like a slow moving train we made our way out the back door into the yard...where little bit then put macho/previously emotionally hurt dog....on zip line. And wala! we had water works!

Who knew taking a dog out to the potty could require such imaginative thinking?

After that first time...we had the system down pat.....and I guess after the relief we offered...he decided he liked me after all. I was glad to finally part of the family.....I don't think I have ever had a dog dislike me before. It was quite a relief when he finally walked over...without the growl.... to let me rub his ears. :)

And then Monday I raced in to register for my CNA class. All of that went well and the color of my scrubs will go lovely with my eyes! That is was a pleasant surprise...who wants to be stuck wearing pepto pink?

And get this...I have to have proof that I have had my MMR shots.

And guess what....I have no clue where I would find that info.....so....I get to get them again! Joy! Joy!

I wouldn't think this would be good for a body...but if the nurse says it is a must do..it must be o.k.

I'll be taking care of that lovely task this week. :(

After that bit of good news it was time to run home because we were moving.

That's right.....moving a full 7 campsites to the right. Can I just say that it was the easiest move I have made?

It was. We moved down to the end by a family that has children Julias age. We had fun barbecuing with them last night...I have a huge grill and so when Beth looked out her window and saw what I was doing...she asked if her meat could join ours. It was kind of fun and we all love our new home-site. It is closer to the fast moving part of the river....so we have great sounds for sleeping.

Why tell you about our move?

Just thought you might need to know we have moved

in case you decided to come for a visit in your home on wheels.

Goodness..how fun would that be! :)

At this moment Beth and her hubby (our new neighbors just in case your brain is working like mine lately) are at the hospital getting ready to welcome another life into the world. So this grandma in training is once again child sitting. We are packing this camper wall to wall tonight with sleepers. Well...not literally....but if someone else shows up they will have to take the floor. Aren't I a lovely hostess. :)

I guess that is about it...I shall let you know if there is an adverse reaction to the shots.

I hope I won't end up being a case study.

Love ya'll dearly...I'll be back soon with the next saga from our home on wheels.

Certified Nursing Assistant

2010-03-03T19:37:00.000-06:00

Well....I made it in. Why don't I feel like jumping for joy?

I had my meeting today with my case worker and found that I had passed my tests

and gotten all my paper work finished.

And this means that the government is going to pay for me to take the CNA course.

Not only that...but they will pay for my books and anything else I have to have.

That means when I have to have shoes, scrubs etc....I tell them what I need and they pay for it. :)

I do hope they let me wear clogs again...that is something I grew to love in the restaurant business.

I'll have to have my instructors fill out paper work saying that I am coming to class..no skipping..and then report to my case worker when I finish the course and test--6 weeks.

Can I tell you that I am a tad more than nervous about that test?

I know they will prepare us...but I have never been fond of being a failure. :)

Dear God...please don't let there be a lot of math!

And....I have been out of school for at least 15 years...does this brain still work?

My case adviser told me it would start working fine.....I am going to hold him to that!

So around the 25th of this month....I go back to school five days a week from 8 to 5.

That just might just take some getting used to.

I think I will be pulling out the ole crock pot....that or we will be eating lots of beans since that is about what Keith is used to cooking when I don't.

Maybe I should send him to culinary school. :)

Of course I won't be bringing in any money during this time...but when I get out they will get me a job.

Should I decided that I do not want to stop at CNA....they will pay for me to keep going. Dean, my adviser, told me that he had a woman start with CNA and is now going for her LPN. It is nice to know that they will pay for as long as I want to go. He mentioned that I might want to go and become a phlebotomists.....you know that sweet person that comes in and draws out vials and vials of your blood. :)

I don't like watching them do that to me...but hey.....maybe it will be different when it is someone else?

I will say that I just NEVER saw myself going in this direction.

But who knows what God knows that I don't.

At LEAST the uniform will be comfortable and I won't be working in the heat of a kitchen. :)

If this is what a CNA is trained to do.....then I guess I do have a jump start. :)

Love you thanks for taking this journey with me...oh...and since we are taking this journey together...anybody want to take my test?

o.k...just thought I'd ask ;)

Meet Juliet

2010-03-02T13:45:00.001-06:00

You know after our Rusty passed away...after 15 years with us...I wasn't ready for a new dog.

And we were going to wait until we were in a home without wheels....but the heart wants

what the heart wants. :)

Julia and I began to feel the need....and Keith finally got on boat.

Really...we didn't have to try to hard to convince him.....we just had to put our foot down about a smaller dog or we would have come home with something huge.

I told him he could get one when we get a house.......since there is only room for one dog in this camper.

So today we brought our newest baby home.

Meet...Juliet.

Julia and Juliet going for their first walk to meet the neighbor kids...the kids were almost as excited as she was about her getting a dog. That is sweet friendship!

Then it was time for a bath.....and a little snuggle time to stay warm while she dried.

They tell us that she is a boxer/terrier mix...she reminds us of Rusty without the pug.

Keith and Juliet.

Is that too sweet or what!

She is already close to 20 pounds at 5 months although she does not look that big....so she will get bigger.

Right now she is resting by me on the couch while I blog...I think her romps in the snow wore her out.

And although I really wanted something much smaller

I think she will make a loving addition to our family.

And MawMaw....just in case you are reading this.....Julia got Juliet a pink camo dog collar.

Thought you might appreciate that. :)

Mentor Stalking/A New Day

2010-03-01T19:56:00.000-06:00

So...... I feel like talking.

So.... I thought I would come here and talk about what is going on in this mountain girls life.

Well....I don't know that I can carry that label totally....seems I just don't sound like it...yet.

But I do feel like I am starting to fit in at church a little bit more.

Does anyone know what it is like to go to a new church?

I have been going there for almost two years but still felt like I was a visitor.

And then last night during our Hosea Bible study I felt something change. One of the women who has lived here all of her life spoke about how the people in this area tend to be a little clannish.

As the newbie I spoke up and said that I had noticed that a bit....but that it was o.k...one day we would become part of the group. (I thought...hmmm maybe after we have been here 20 years)

And then...

I was totally surprised when about an hour after we had been home- I received a call from her.

She was afraid she had offended me and said the Spirit would not let her rest till she called and apologized.

I do remember thinking during our conversation that I wondered if any of these women would one day open their lives to me......but I wasn't in the least offended.

We had a great talk and then she invited me to lunch....I was really surprised.

And then today-- I got a call from another woman that I have been working with in Awana's....and she invited me to come to a Pampered Chef party. My first thought was..oh no, how do I get out of this?

(No...not a fan of those sell parties where you usually feel like you have to buy something)

But.....she then went on to say that it would give me a chance to get to know them.

Surprise! That really touched my heart.

A little something else about this past week.

I was on my way to a test...one I had to take to see if I could take the CNA class...when I heard someone on the Christian station talking about mentoring.

This has been a huge topic for me....has been for several years. So...watching the road...I turned the radio up just in time to hear the man say that it was each persons responsibility to find a mentor.

That was a different thought....one that I had never really considered. I guess that I just thought someone would tap me on the shoulder and say....Hi, I am your mentor!

But hey....I was up for something new...time to be brave!

There is an older woman at church that I have been watching....not stalking...just watching. :)

I heard her give her testimony several months ago...and was pretty intrigued. She talked about her prayer life...how it had changed her life. And how she and another woman at church have been prayer partners for over 20 years.

And then Sunday before last we had a great move of the Spirit in church.....it was just heavy.

I looked across the sanctuary..remember I go to a Baptist church.....and I saw her get up and begin to walk the back of the church. I could tell she was praying. That got me excited. It has been so long since I have walked in that realm. Those times of being caught up in the Spirit....times when you knew that your prayers were being used to fight a battle in the heavenlies. I miss that!

I think you know where I am going. Sunday morning I had a little conversation with God and told Him that if I ran into her...even though you have to remember

she really does not know me....I would ask her to mentor me.

Sunday morning...didn't see her. O.K......no big deal.

Then Sunday night as I was trying to round up my crew....there she was.

Doesn't sound like I am going in for the kill does it?

But..unfortunately she was talking to someone and I needed to go get Julia from the other side of the church. O.k God....if she is still there when I get back...I'll ask her.

I never knew our church was so big....but with Julia in tow I finally made it back.

And there she was!

So.....bold as you please.... I walked up to her and just asked.

No need to beat around the bush.

I don't know if I took her by surprise....but you know I did feel the need to give her an out....so I asked her to pray about it. :)

And she said she would.....would pray about it..so now I wait.

Pretty exciting.

I do have to throw in the fact that hubby was standing there when I asked....he knows her because he goes to Wednesday night church and Sunday night service. I go too... but I am in Bible study and Awanas.

After I gave my little spiel.....he was sweet enough to lean over and warn her. :0

Yes, he reached over and put his arm around her shoulder and told her that she had better beware because I was really going to challenge her!

Bless his heart.

I will tell you that I just had to keep my mouth shut.....well one of us had to.

~~~~

Tomorrow will be a new day for us/me.

I have court tomorrow morning...and it will close out my GAL case.

And unless God appears in a burning bush and tells me to take another one...I won't.

I do feel like He brought me into the program for just this case.

And then from court I will run for my 1:30 meeting to find out if I am going to be starting CNA classes at the end of this month. I am still not sure what God wants me to do. I am not sure if I see myself in this job...please pray about this. At my 1:30 I think I will find out if the government is going to pay the full price of the class...it is not cheap. I have been asking God to show me if He wants me to do this by providing the means for me to go.

I guess I still don't feel settled about the whole thing.

We will see.

Then tomorrow when I get home from all the running...I will be greeted by the newest member of our family.

Her name is Juliet...which means little Julia. Guess who picked that name out? :)

As soon as I get some decent pictures I will introduce you to her.

(Julia is reading over my shoulder and said that I forgot to tell you that Julliet is a dog..sorry.)

I guess that about does it.

Thanks for listening to me ramble. :)

An Awe Inspiring Drive

2010-02-25T21:15:00.000-06:00

Sometimes it is just good to change up the schedule.

Time to leave behind the phones and mundane duties that call for our attention.

There are so many things out there that we are missing.

Little touches by God....today was a day to take some of those things in.

Time to ride beside my man...enjoying the tour and the company. :)

We haven't had a lot of snow lately....but the lingering cold has been used by God

to show us the creativity of His hand.

And although the streams still run........portions find that the white of ice replaces the white of white caps.

Keith had picked this ride out for me awhile back. He had been out hunting for a job when

he happened on these great formations of ice clinging to the rock sides.

But the time was not right for a ride....so he had to wait until the snow returned and the scenery was created.

The location safely stored in his GPS.....the weather was finally right.

It was really great that this was an out of the way road....because there was no place to pull over......and since I wanted to jump out with my camera.......I did not really want to meet some wild driver unaware.

Many of the free flowing creeks were frozen......but almost hidden was this little stream still making its way down the mountain side.

Here you see what all those little streams joined to create.

I don't know why this fascinates me so.....maybe it is that since I was raised in Louisiana the closest we ever came to this look was when white icing was was drizzled over the side of a chocolate cake.

Both beautiful.....but only one is hand created by our Creator. :)

A Trumpet Call

2010-02-23T23:02:00.003-06:00

So let's try something a little different here.

I don't know if I mentioned that I have been doing a study

on the book of Hosea by Kay Arthur....but I have. ;)

We are up to chapter nine...... but I would like to backup a bit and share some thoughts

for you to chew on in your spare time.

~~~~~

Often I go out to the creek to think and breath

when I need a little change from my home on wheels...yes, the walls do tend to close in after a while.

During one of my recent visits I looked around and wondered if my eyes were taking in what another persons eyes would see if they were viewing the same scene for the first time.

Was I missing anything? Had I grown used to the picture and thus begun missing the true picture?

And yes, I know that these thoughts were sparked by the messed up lives of God's people in Hosea.

And so using one of my pictures I would like to take you on a visual lesson of sorts.:)

If any of the children of Hosea's time had come for a visit with me by my creek

I do believe this is the view they would have seen.

(click on this and you will get the full effect)

It would have been their norm.....and yet we would have been seeing the same scene in totally different way.

Of course you and I seeing it for the first time know

that something is not right....it has been warped by human hands.

And similarly- over time the parents and leaders of Hosea's time...had become to warped and twist the land they lived in. Their children would consider the wooden idols in the living room as norm.

Each new drift from God bought change to their culture.

And since the drift had not begun with them.....the scene they may have seen when they were younger....may

have looked a tad like the one below.

Looks pretty good doesn't it? Pretty normal. But just like this picture has been added to......their ways began to change and add to perfect picture that God had designed.

It was a slow process.....and it did not happen over night.

But soon those changes became the norm.... for them.....and the children they would have.

A people called to come apart and be separate....were the same people who began a drift to mingle in marriage and life style with the ungodly nations around them.

Makes you want to scream...Helllllloooo!!! don't you see what you are doing?

And we know that God sent prophets their way to do just that....and still the people did not listen.

Generations went by and God had had enough. He had called and chastised.....warned and wept and now it was time for His people to face the seeds they had sown.

They refused to see things in the "black and white" way that God had so paitiently lain before them.

Their hearts were cold.

And their eyes blinded by the evil in their hearts.

Lying, cheating, adultery, murder, idol worship and even lying about God abounded in their towns.

And God let them become the slaves of the very people they were supposed to rule.

Does this not sound like we are reading about our own times?

Don't just evaluate this by the bodies outward actions....we don't see what is going on in the hearts and minds of other believers....but I know what goes on in mine.

And so of course these things led me to evaluate if I was seeing the real picture of my life according to the Word of God or a picture of life that had been tinted and twisted

by generations that have gone before.

I know...heavy stuff...and we are tempted to say....

Dude, do you have to be so serious!

But don't you think that the people of Hosea's times might have said the same thing in just a different way?

It might have sounded like this......

By my word!...here comes that man who married that harlot(snicker)let us move along before he brings us down with all those words about how angry our God is about us

sleeping with the temple prostitutes.

Pish posh....everyone is doing it...what is God going to do anyway....punish us all?

And yet...slavery came even they had been warned.

God is just and fair.....all will have been warned before the punishment comes.

I mean really...we know what scripture says...or at least we should know.

Bibles are everywhere....Christian books line the shelves of even secular bookstores.

No excuse.

And yet in my life.....as I have been reading and studying Hosea.....I know I am so far off of the mark.

I am one of the priest of our generation...you are too if you are a believer.

But if the priests of our generation are not being led in the inward man by God.....we are leading the people astray by our actions.

And God is going to hold me accountable....because He is a God of justice.

If He has called the priest/guardsmen of the wall to sound the trumpet when danger is coming and I don't...scripture says I will be held accountable. (EZ 33)

Even Paul spoke of how his hands were clean because he had done what God had called him to do.

There would be no blood on his hands.

Below is the original picture untouched by "mans" hands.

It is truly beautiful in its undistorted form.
And so is the life that is being controlled from the inside by God.
I want my life to be like this picture. Pure and undefiled as God intends it to be.
God is calling us......calling us back across the line we have crossed as His people.
And so the question is.....how did the people of Hosea's generation first step across the line?
Why did they step across the line?

Hosea 4:
6 My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me.
Since you priests refuse to know me,
    I refuse to recognize you as my priests.
Since you have forgotten the laws of your God,
   I will forget to bless your children.
7 The more priests there are,
  the more they sin against me.
They have exchanged the glory of God
  for the shame of idols.

We are the priest of this generation...the priest of the new testament.
If the priests of the Old Testament had wandered so far away ....could possibly the priests of our generation have missed the mark and distorted the picture?
What is the "reality" our children see?
I know some would consider this post preachy......but it is time to blow the trumpet.
Past time.
Ez 33 will give you a clear picture of what I am talking about.
If the priests of the generations before had been truly blowing the trumpet.... would we
be where we are today?
And if we refuse to blow the trumpet......what type of generation will follow?

"My people have been destroyed because they do not know me."

Do you know where your trumpet is?
Join me on the wall?

Bits of blue

2010-02-17T21:44:00.001-06:00

Leaving behind the large crowds...... they settled into what they were so familiar with...... glad for the quiet that they would enjoy if even for a short while.

Crowds on the far shore waited for the precious cargo they carried.

Cargo that was tired and in need of a break.

And so they talked quietly as He slept in the front of the boat. Among the discussions were tales of the blind who had regained their sight, the lame who were now rushing here and there enjoying healthy legs.

They looked lovingly over at the sleeping man....simply amazed

that they had been chosen for this incredible journey.

But soon tired bodies began to droop as others took over the sails...each secretly longed for a soft spot to lay an exhausted bodies. Adrenaline does strange things to a body...and they were only too aware that racing energy leads quickly to muscles that scream for relief.

Just as a few eyes were beginning to droop a strong steady breeze began to build.

Lolling heads settled back in to sleep knowing those in control were more than

capable of getting them to the other side.

It wasn't until a little later....when the cold spray of water hit them... that their slumber was brought to an abrupt end.

Looking out over the edge of the boat

they noticed that the stars were no longer reflected on the water...instead white caps clearly spoke of rough times to come.

And although groans of frustration for a harder trip were heard...none were alarmed at conditions

they had often seen before.

Alas, the calm self assurance lasted only a while longer as the winds began to stir the water into a frenzy.

A few looked toward the front of the boat a tad aggravated that their friend would soon be driven from His rest by cold water already beginning to fill the bottom of the boat.

Concerned shouts could be heard by a few as the boat rolled side to side.

No one knows who first mentioned waking Jesus.

Surely they would not even have to wake Him...they were confident that no one could sleep under such horribly dangerous conditions.

Long afterward with great shame they think it was probably their combined shouts that woke Him.

Rolling over He sat up and stretched before He stood in the rocking boat.

He was greeted by a unanimous.....

"Lord do you not care that we are about to drown?"

And with that He looked out over the raging water and whipping wind and raising His arms

He spoke using His quiet authoritative power........

"Peace Be Still".

With breath still held...... they marveled....the storm was no more.

All eyes turned in astonishment to look at the man who claimed obedience from even the wind and the waves.

Peace be still has been His message to me for the past year.....I am still learning to obey

as well as the wind and the waves. ;)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tonight this was the story (with a few changed words and lots of added hand motions) that

I told in our Awana's class.

We have the three and four year olds.....all boys I might add. :)

You have to really be on your toes to keep the attention of these guys.....and how sweet of God to provide such a great drama filled story to teach us all about His power.

I love to see their faces often amazed by the things that us older folks.... having heard these stories so often.....probably take a little for granted.

It was a great evening...that ended with probably a tad to much sugar...sorry moms. :)

Here was the snack I prepared.....who knew the disciples looked so much like Veggie Tale characters.

Yes, they are supposed to be little boats...the blue is the water coming over the sides.

Notice that one is missing a crew member......no he did not go over board.....there were just more boats than crew members. :)

I found these little guys in the Easter candy section at Walmart.....so sweet of them to make them for me.

The finished product just made me smile......you should have seen the faces of the boys.

It was nice to see them get such joy out of something so little.

Remember to have a little fun and spread the joy....life is often WAY to serious!

See........even these trees captured a bit of fun after a recent snow.

Life is short....find something to laugh about today!

The Short and Sweet of it

2010-02-11T19:53:00.001-06:00

This is a readers digest version of our life the last week or so!

First I guess I should say that Keith did not hear back from the tractor place. :(

And although I was a tad down about that....I do know that God is taking care of us and in His time Keith will get a job. Till then....we rest!

My name did make it in on the sub list although there was a mess up with my paper work.

I was told that I should have a business card to pass out...so since I am professional now ;)

here is what I picked out.

Of course the info on the card is going to be different...duh!...but you get the idea. I had looked at a card that was a little more taaaadah!.....but I think this gets the idea across without looking pretentious.

Elayne is home and doing fairly well.

She is having some problems with fluid in her lungs....so we will probably make a trip to Asheville tomorrow so that she can have an ex-ray done. Please be praying for her spirit....it is pretty low.

And pray that God will give the doctors in Charlotte wisdom as they decide Tuesday if she will be able to have any more I-L 2 treatments.

I got Beth Moore's new book today...anybody else reading through it?

In case you are not familiar with the new release it is---

So Long, Insecurity you've been a bad friend to us.

Let me know if you are reading it...maybe we can have some discussion.

I know that they are doing a discussion group over at the LPM blog....but there are so many women participating that it might be fun to do something a little smaller here.

What say you?

And for the last bit of news.....found out today that instead of the Carpal Tunnel that I was told I had....I have some pretty decent arthritis in my right hand. Surprise, surprise!

So I am going to be able to get a custom brace made for my hand and do a little physical therapy.

And...... yes Mom, I will go and get some yam cream so that we can see if the progesterone will help. :)

Anybody else know of any home remedies?

That is about it from this cold section of the country.

How are you doing?

Ready for some warm weather? I was just thinking today how nice it will be to sit out at the picnic table for a meal......but not for a few months.

Love you....stay warm.....you are blessed!

Who Dat!

2010-02-07T20:51:00.001-06:00

If I would have know that us moving would have allowed them to win the SUPER BOWL....I'd have moved a lot sooner! LOL

Congrats to the team and all of us loyal fans!

I won't go there but you can bet that pastors all over will be pulling spiritual lessons out of this one by the dozens!

Job news and this and that

2010-02-03T20:41:00.001-06:00

A few of you have asked how Keith's job interview went....

He thinks things went very well.

The lady who did the interview said that she thought Keith had gotten the job.

The morning before the job Keith and I prayed that God would put him where he wants him.

After all.....any missionary going into the mission field prays about where God would have them go....so we want him where he will be of the greatest service to our God.
We will find out Monday what God has planned.

And I finished getting all my paper work in for the school board.....so hopefully I will be all cleared to start subbing on the 8th of this month.

I am trying not to let my head run ahead of the plans of God...but it would be so cool if this works out.

This would allow me to be at home when Julia needs me....and home in time to cook dinner for my family.

We shall see.

And I wanted to bring you up to date on my friend Elayne...my workout buddy that has cancer.

She started her IL-2 on Monday in Charlotte. This has been the only treatment that has shown it can cure her type of cancer. Of course we know that God can do this with a word...but until then we do pray that He uses this to destroy the cancer that has invaded her body.

There have been many of us praying for her as she goes through this....it is a pretty dangerous procedure.

I have talked with her on and off the last few days and her spirits are high.

Here is a picture of Elayne that her husband sent me

The treatment causes you to gain about 20 pounds of fluid in about 3 to 4 days......so she wanted me to see what she looked like on the heavy side. :)

But see the sweet joy on her face?

That is the girl I know and love.

She is getting very tired now..this picture was taken yesterday......and this

is when the dangerous things start to happen.

She will have her 8th treatment tonight at 11 and then tomorrow they will do blood work to see if her body can handle any more treatment for now.

Please pray that as this treatment proceeds that God will show her how near He is....the doctors have been astounded at how she is doing.....I would say that is proof positive that He is holding her lovingly in His hands.

She should be home by Saturday...and then be home for two weeks to recoup before she goes back for another round.

Thank you for your prayers.....please keep it up.

If you have time.... the following is a excerpt from Prime Time With God....it just made me smile.

I can think of a few people here that are in that dark spot.....He has a purpose....rest in Him.

Deep Things
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
02-02-2010 "He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light" (Job 12:22).

One of the great mysteries of the Kingdom is how God uses the darkest times in our lives to reveal greater depths of understanding of His ways. The only way we can receive these deeper things is to be driven to the depths of darkness. It is here that we discover important truths that He plans to use in our lives and the lives of others.
There is a process God uses to draw us into greater levels of intimacy. The first phase involves a depth of soul experience that causes great pain in our lives. We seek God for deliverance from the incredible emotional pain this causes. Our primary motivation for seeking God is to get out of our pain.
During this time, God meets us in the depths of darkness. We discover that He never left us but is in the midst of the darkness. We develop a new relationship with God. Gradually our motivation turns from removal of pain to love and intimacy with God. This is the place our Heavenly Father desires us to be.
During this season God will make spiritual deposits into your life. Others will be making withdrawals in the future from your life as well. You see, God reveals deep things in darkness that will be revealed in the light.

He always has a purpose! \o/

And because I am a LOUISIANA girl a heart........GEAUX SAINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)
This just goes to prove that you should never, Never, NEVER give up!
Proud of you boys!

Love Letter Contest

2010-02-01T15:14:00.000-06:00

It is about that time......Valentines day is coming up!

And as women we often wonder what romantic thing our man will come up with to show us his love.

Well....what about doing something for him?

I got something neat today in my email from Focus On The Family....and I thought I would pass it along in case you don't get their emails.

This month they are having a love letter contest.

Each day they will draw four winners and out of those four...one couple will win some really neat things.

Grand Prize Includes:
-	Round-trip transportation to Colorado Springs, CO.
-	Two nights at The Broadmoor Hotel and Resort.
-	Tickets to the live Focus on Marriage™ simulcast event.
-	An exclusive dinner with the speakers.
-	Autographed books.
-	Essentials of Marriage™ products.

How about that for a grand prize?

Of course the winners each day will win something too.

All you have to do is write in three hundred words or less why you want to grow old with your man.

Pretty simple.

If you would like to join in the fun.....click on the link below.

They will ask you to register and then that will take you to a form to fill out.

If this does nothing more than just help you remember the loving feelings you have for your man.....It will have been worth it for you both. :)

Love Letters Contest

White days

2010-01-30T10:27:00.001-06:00

How are you doing?
Don't you wish sometimes that we could just have a back and forth conversation?
But since this is mostly one sided..unless of course you leave a comment.....
I thought I would fill you in out what has been going on in our neck of the woods.

This past week seemed to fly by.

I had an interview this past week with an agency that provides care for handicap adults. The lady was really sweet.....even asked if I was sure that I wanted the job since I have a younger child. You see the hours were horrible.....3-9 three to four times a week and rotating weekends....and occasional over nites where you only get paid till 10. That is just strange.

Anyway, I did not take it......just don't feel a peace about being away from Julia so often....she really needs a Mom at this age.

Then it was Keith turn.....they are opening a Tracker Supply Company here soon....and Keith had an interview. It was a mass interview and from that they would pick others to come back for another interview.

He got a call yesterday that he would be having another interview on Monday....so please be praying about that if you would. Keith would LOVE working for this company I think...he is a real people person and he loves anything to do with the great outdoors. Did I mention that he likes shopping there too? :)

I don't know if I mentioned that I was going through the process to become qualified to substitute in the cafeteria system and in the classroom....but that is what I have been up to.

I went Thursday to have a TB test....got the result yesterday....I am all clear. And as the nurse told me what I wold have seen if I hadn't been.......let's just say that I am glad I did know in advance what could have happened to my arm. :)

And yesterday was the class we had to take to be prepared to be a substitute in the classroom.
Nothing like watching videos of school lock downs, hearing from nurses about all the "lovely" things I could be exposed to from the bodily fluids of sweet children.....and finally learning that I might just sub for children who don't understand what I am saying because of language barriers.
But overall it just seemed like a lot of information-repeated over and over- that a person with basic intellect should know.

And because of snow coming in.....a 6 hour class turned in to a 3 hour class!!!!!! \o/

I have gotten all of my paperwork turned in...the board will meet on the 8th...and at that time I should be ready to enter the school system.

Joy, joy! ;)

And, I don't know if I have ever mentioned that I never finished college.

At the time I was one math class from getting my degree.....after 7 years of college!

Nothing like not being able to decide what you want to do and add to that changing colleges 4 times.....and then because of family and a child I just decided to work and leave school behind.

Wellllll.....I think I may go back and finish up.

I have gotten the paperwork to order my transcripts and when I get those in I will go in and see what I need to finally get that piece of paper that this world loves so much.

And I think it will feel good to have finished something and closed out that area of my life.
And finally.....I have just been able to get picture from the illustrator that did pictures for the childrens book I wrote and am trying to get published.
If you remember the story is about a little seed named Kyle and all the fears he has about growing up.
I thought you might like to see the wonderful job that Holly Turner did.
Wish I could print out the whole story here....but that is probably not wise.
But here are some pictures.

These will be painted if the publisher would like to use Holly's work.

I so hope that they do.....she really brought the book to life.

Don't you just love how she portrays the farmer....and she added the dog and cat to the pictures...I love that touch.

Notice the little smile in the picture below.

Hasn't she done an incredible job?
Now we will just have to see what God has planned for this little book.
I have the next one forming in my mind....it will be neat to see it come to life on paper.

Ya'll have a great weekend.....hope you are able to get to the house of the Lord tomorrow!
Be blessed!

The End pt 3......until the next lesson begins :)

2010-01-27T07:14:00.001-06:00

Several years ago I did a study by Kay Arthur on the names of God.

It really opened my eyes to things about God that I didn't know.

I mean we all know that when you hear a name...that that name entails much more than just this human body.

Goodness, I hope that made sense.

When you hear my name you may think of the fact that I am a mother, a daughter, that I was a cook,etc. And some of you who know me better may think of character traits when you think of me.

Why would God be any different?

In the last post I talked about my journey in getting to know God as my Abba Father and as Jehovah-Rophe, the God who heals.

Here is the most recent lesson from my heavenly Father.

From somewhere in my childhood a fear developed concerning finances and provision. Part of the reason I went into the restaurant business was because we had no money and I was so afraid of being homeless.

You know the scripture where God says not to let the enemy get a foothold?

He has had his hand on my throat since I was a very little girl. Fear was the tool he used to control me.

There were so many times where God provided a home for us, jobs for me and my husband.....and more recently provided for us financially when He sold our property back in 2008.

And yet the fear still had a huge grip on my life.

And this was the year He decided I should really get to know Him as Jehovah-Jireh----the Lord my provider.

I do understand that not everyone has fear in this area.

Maybe it came from limited funds when I was growing up....although we always had a home and food to eat.

Maybe it was because little ears heard things and misunderstood them.....but I have a feeling that that fear just spread its roots and touched any area of my life that it could.

I could talk for quite awhile about how that fear spread to such a point that in my mid teens I could not stand to be alone at night. This fear lasted into my mid thirties....when perfect love and obedience finally cast that fear to the road. :) Thank you Jesus!

So.....God had provided so much.....why could I not trust that He would provide for us?

I had seen it done before.....Keith would need more construction work for his company and we would pray and the work would come in. It happened to many times to count....and yet the fear continued.

You see I know now that in my mind there was always something in my mind that I could fall back on should God not come through.

We had a house that was ours and we didn't owe anything on it...so I wouldn't be homeless.

(That home had to be torn down shortly after Katrina)

Then God allowed us to sell our property at a great price.....we had plenty in the bank.

(We moved here and Keith could not find a job and before we knew it the money was gone)

Well, if Keith could not get a job I could....goodness any restaurant would be thrilled to get someone with my experience. (I have turned in so many applications and yet no one has hired me)

On and on I could go.......but

finally there were no more crutches.....He had removed everything.

And like a child who has gotten lost.....I cried and emotional pain was right close to the surface all the time.

And like a child who has had their blankie taken away.....I got mad! Stompin mad!

How dare God take away all my security.....how could He do that to me.

Didn't He remember that as women our greatest need is security?

But like anyone who's arms are so full they can't hold anything else......He had to remove what was in my hands so that I would have room to wrap my arms around Jehovah-Jireh.

I know that you could probably tell from my scattered posting and then the heavy nature of my posting that there were some serious things going on.

The battle for surrender was on!

I was so angry that I didn't want that touching anyone. And I could have given in and embraced God...but I let that anger turn to depression. I am sure you know that the clinical definition of depression is-- anger turned inward. I remember standing out by the creek looking up into the night sky....all they while screaming on the inside at this God that promised to be our provider. Where was He? Why was He not honoring our faith and our giving from the past? How could He brings us here and just leave us?

Didn't He know it was His name on the line?

On and on it went till I just wanted to die.

Then a few sweet friends....that I have never met face to face....they began to remind me what I already knew as truth. BUT....I knew those truths ....only they had not yet made the shift to wisdom.

I felt something start to stir....and God who had seemingly been quiet for so long.....He began to speak.

Those prayers were working.

The first message? When I am ready to release you from this prison I will...remember Joseph?

When I think about that whole prison scenario now.....I see that I was literally locked away in a prison of fear. The key had been put in the lock long ago.....and yet I sat huddled in a dark corner.

And finally....that little spark....because of all those people praying. Something changed in me as I decided to open my mouth and claim Him as my only hope. I actually told a woman in our camp ground that I would be lost if it were not for Him.....and no, we were not talking about salvation at the time. :)

That little spark?

Well, it burst into a bright blazing fire as God revealed Himself and the plans that He had been orchestrating.

I just found out that Sunday before last that while we were hearing that a group wanted to pay our rent....there was a sweet young lady pouring her heart out to God on our behalf.

And did you know that God had already provided for our finances back during the first half of the year when God allowed Keith to get in just enough work to get us a tax refund?

He had been working on our behalf for a whole year as we had been working for Him up on the mountain.

He had already provided before we got to the end of our money and started praying.

And do you know that the other source of money was actually provided well over 15 years ago?

I won't go into that story because it is really long.

None of these past few things would have been

available without our God PROVING that He ALONE would be our provider.

I can not tell you the break that took place in my heart when I began to see what He had been working on..........for years..........He is not a liar.

He is Jehovah-Jireh!

That little girl that had been locked away for so long stood slowly to her feet as the door opened and a bright light penetrated the cell. At first she could not see anything but the outline of a rather large man.

But when she heard the voice that called her by name......she flung herself in His direction.

Wrapping her arms around His waist tears of joy flowed freely.....and as He whispered words of love healing and comfort came.

Do you know Him as your provider?

Do you know that He is capable and more than willing to provide anything you need?

There is but one catch.......He will not stand by silent and allow you to become more attached to the supply than the Supplier.

Are you locked away in a jail of the enemies making?

If you belong to God there is a key already in the door of the jail cell.

Call to Him and He will come running.....He loves you so....and it was for freedom that He set us free.

Goodness how I love you guys.....let's walk in freedom!

O.k...part 2

2010-01-25T21:45:00.108-06:00

So...when I stopped last I was heading off to college thinking that I was going into counseling.
Yes, I guess I wanted to earn my Dad's approval by being just like him.
Boy did God have a huge lesson to teach me there!

All through high school I must have seemed pretty approachable...because it seemed to me that everyone came to me with their problems. I guess I just figured that that must have been God's way of telling me what my future would hold. Big mistake.

I arrived at Bryan College shy and insecure. Really.....if my roommate was not there to go to a meal with me...I wouldn't go. I was so blessed with my roommate...and although we only had two years together we have kept up with each other over the years.

I don't know when the change took place....but all of a sudden during my second year God gave me the idea to start accountability groups. Here I was almost to scared to speak to a stranger and I was organizing and leading several groups that would meet in our room for scripture and then split to meet in small groups.

The only problem...as I was studying the word of God on a daily basis and praying.....there was something missing. I was gaining a mass of knowledge...but it seemed so empty. There was a huge void in my life.
I ended up leaving Bryan...a small Christian college...and I transferred to Louisiana State University.
Talk about small town girl going to the big city!
I had really transferred there to be close to a boy that I had begun dating by mail and phone. Not a good idea...but God used that semester to start showing me something about myself. I learned that I loved literature and delving into the meaning behind the authors work. God would later use this joy in my studying of His word......but I was not ready for that yet.
The relationship with the boy broke up (God really protected me there!) and I again transferred to another University.
It was during that time that I met Keith and we eventually got engaged.
I will say that during this time I began to drift away from God. I knew God did not approve of my life style and figure He would rather I was not around. Through my studies I became more self confident....but only in my own abilities.
From there....after a few events...we married and thoughts of school had to drift into the background.
I married and soon a child was on the way.....at this point God was in the distant past.
I was miserable, my marriage was miserable and our finances were in shambles. Fear was ruling my life.
Knowing that I must handle this situation......I enrolled in Culinary school. Ending up in fine dinning- I rose quickly in my field...I neglected to remember that talent comes from God.....and I became very prideful. I won awards, met some incredible people and had visions of moving away to build my name.
This pride led me to put school and my job before my family. My heart still hurts when I think of what I put my husband and my small son through.
And although I look back on those years as a mess.....I do know that God was showing me something about myself. I do believe He was using this time to build my self esteem. So...I could survive on my own financially.....but did I really want to live with the same consuming emptiness? My marriage finally split...we separated for a year and a half before God finally got through to me.
We both had some growing to do.
I continue to pray that God will faithfully heal the damage done to my son during these years.
Keith and I finally began to work through our problems and I moved jobs so that I would be able to be home more often. Because I was in my thirties and not wanting to wait to late to have another baby.....we soon decided for me to go ahead and try. I got pregnant the first month.
By the time I was about 4 months pregnant God arranged for me to be home full time.
He was ready to begin drawing me back to Himself.
I look back on this time with such tenderness in my heart.
But this time it would not be all about gathering knowledge.....it would be about me getting to know Him as my Daddy God. I remember the first time I told Him I wanted to know Him....it was a massive turning point in my life. And over the next few years I began to realize that He wanted me to come to Him as a little girl.
He would not turn me away....He loved me just as I was.
But what I learned was that there was a harshness in me that He needed to remove. He used relationships and His growing love in my heart to do that. It was an excruciating experience that took awhile...but one that replaced hardness for tenderness.
I still made so many mistakes...but I learned that He would not turn His face from me.
And .....I learned He was proud to call me His child.
During this time I also began to see my earthly father in a new light. I began to see the love I had for him....and I learned that I needed to know that he was proud to have me as his daughter.
And do you know that God answered that desire?
I was in my thirties when I...like it was yesterday....remember dad putting his arms around me as he told me how proud he was of me. I felt like a huge hole in my heart just closed up in healing.
But do you see how God worked that? First He let me know how proud He was of me....and then my earthly father. He knew I needed to be fulfilled in Him first....and then the rest was just an extra gift.
In case I gave the impression that my dad was totally unfeeling...I will say that I do remember him often in my teens telling me he loved me. But my heart could not receive it....God had still to open my heart.
And He did!
So I had learned to know God as my Daddy God...but there are so many different ways to know Him.
The next area....as my provider......that lesson would take several years before I finally GOT it.
I would like to head into that area in my next post.
He is a GOOD God....a God that can only love you.
He wants His little girl to come running to His arms....shoes slapping on the marble throne room floor-arms outstretched. :)
He sees the one you will be....and He promises never to stop until He brings you safely over that finish line.
And unlike an earthly father who would be tempted to keep from you anything that might hurt.......He is never hesitant to let you go through things that cause pain when He knows the other side will offer you incredible glimpses of who He really is.
The pure in heart will see God. Mat. 5:8

Ok...here it is

2010-01-25T11:18:00.000-06:00

I mentioned in my last post....sorry there have been so many, I promise to get back to the occasional post soon....but I want to get down on "paper" what God is showing me and this is the best way to do it.

So if you are up for the journey...join me....and if not that is o.k too..we only have so much time in a day. ;)

I need to step back and fill in some details so this all makes sense...and those details start with my Dad.

My Dad came from a huge dysfunctional mess.

He grew up on a dairy farm in Michigan and then from there they moved to Flordia where my Dad's parents separated and Grandad moved back to Michigan.

My Grandmother ended up marrying 3 times.... with 12 children coming from those marriages. I know she told my Dad at an early age that she expected him to stick around and take care of her in her old age.

Of course that did not settle well with him....and by the time he was 12 he was on the road hitch hiking back and forth from Florida to Michigan. I can not even imagine the turmoil of this kind of life.

My grandmother was a rather large force to be reckoned with. She was an Italian Mama...black hair and you always knew when she was in the room....she was rather loud. She married once before she married my Dads Dad and then again after they divorced. Dad says she was involved in tea leaves and astrology...anything that would bring her hope.

I remember Dad telling us stories about how God looked out for him as a young person....you see he would not become a Christian until he was 25....and God had great plans for my Dad. When Dad was 16 he was out riding the back roads between Florida and Michigan and took a corner too fast and went crashing out into a corn field. He lay there for awhile before he heard a voice calling his name....."Dewey, Dewey is that you?'

Now no one but God knew where my Dad was...so who could possible be out there calling his name?

Come to find out....one of his Aunts had been out on the road...saw the accident and thought that maybe that was him. How sweet our God is to watch out for us even before we bear His name.

Side note.....I will tell you that my Grandmother did take Christ as her savior before her death...what a blessing that was!

And then Dad joined the Air Force at age 18. He had never finished high school so they wanted him to get his GED....but he wanted to go to school and finish that way. So during the day he would go to school and work on Air Force engines at night.

Then about 2 years into his time there he began to attend the church where my Mom's Dad was the pastor.

And although my Mom had been raised in the Baptist church...she had never become a Christian.

Remember that the next time you look around your church and assume that everyone there belongs to God.

Mom and Dad began their married life.....both young Christians.

Dad had his crazy background....and Mom was raised in a family where she never heard her father raise his voice. Matter of fact...Mom lived such a sheltered life that when they got married she refused to kiss Dad when the ceremony was over. All because she would have had to kiss him in front of her parents! And that was the first fight of their married life. :)

What a combination!

I'll stop there....but I wanted to fill you in on some information so that you could understand my roots.

My parents would later be called to the ministry....and along the way they were given 4 children.

And as you know....one of those children was me!

Before I go into where God has taken me-- I want you to know that I do believe God has healed the wounds in my father's life. I can not even imagine what he went through at such an early age. But I do know that he was left with wounds and that the effects of those wounds were passed to me. But thank God I can say that those wounds have been healed by my Daddy God in Heaven and I know that my earthly Dad loves me dearly and I him. I am the person I am today because God gave me to my parents. And I thank God for them....and I thank God for me.

-------

From my first memories as a little girl....I remember being fearful.

Fearful of what was coming and fearful of people.

I was shy....and as I grew I did not like who I was. I remember Mom and Dad being very involved in the ministry.....and although we had some great vacations and fun times around the house...I don't remember Dad being really involved in our lives. Now memories can be deceiving....and our enemy loves to fill our minds with lies.....so I am just speaking of what I remember. I don't remember Dad being the one a little girl runs to to crawl up in his lap. But I do remember Dad being the one I ran to in the middle of the night when I had nightmares. I remember him praying for me so that I could go back to sleep.....I had horrible night terrors.

I do believe this was satans first attempt to try and destroy me. It created horrible fear in me....and I still remember some of those dreams vividly to this day.

I knew my Dad was doing great things for God.....and I was proud of him. But I do remember wondering when I was going to be important on his list. Of course as I hit the puberty state....these thoughts were enlarged by crazy hormones. I often wondered if he saw me.....I know he did when I did things wrong.

Did he see that I was a great basketball player......did he see that I was trying to be a spiritual leader?

I even went off to college wanting to become a counselor just like my Dad.

Sounds pretty depressing doesn't it?

But the best is yet to come!

I'll stop here because this is getting long.

But I wanted to write these things down so that I remember the journey......and what a blessing that journey has been. Goodness how I love my Dad and my heavenly Daddy God.

I'll write more of this journey a little later.....time to get up and go run some errands.

Love ya girl!

He is FAITHFUL!

What you are looking for

2010-01-24T20:47:00.000-06:00

I have just been so blown away by the works and words of God.

Out of the darkness and silence is coming truth that expands this shrunken heart.

I have had some incredible time lately with Keith that has brought much healing to us both spiritually.

Friday the planned day got a little transformed when God allowed Keith and I to spend the day together

getting his- new to us-truck.

While on our way he began to open up and tell me some of the things that God had been speaking to him...and surprise, surprise....God had been speaking the same things to me. It was so sweet.

I'll talk more to you about those things as details grow.

But we are seeing God begin to use us in areas that we would not have imagined.

Those seeds that were planted....He is nourishing a harvest.

And then today at church...well it was just a blessing.

Our pastor talked about Paul and how he cried out to God to remove the thing that was causing such pain and aggravation in his life. But God in His great wisdom was not about to remove whatever it was..... because He knew what incredible gifts Paul would receive because of that pest of the enemy.

I have so often cried out for God to get me out of things.....and yet things did not change.

I have seen ropes hanging that I thought would provide great escape routes.....and yet when I reached for them.....they were forever elusive.

And the truth is.....sometimes what we are longing for so deeply....

can only be found in the circumstances we are in.

Did you hear that?

Sometimes the horrible circumstances you are in....have been allowed by God

to give you just what you are longing for.

Maybe you are longing for a closer walk with God....and you are reading the Bible and praying...but seem to be getting no closer to what you are longing for. And then life tips and flips.....and God offers you a chance to lean in and see His face and Him at work. You and I have a chance.....we can get angry and pout and scream for God to change things NOW....or we can turn and run straight into the arms of our Daddy God.

And boom!...when we choose to run to Him....we get the longing of our heart.

He is all about teaching us and giving us the good things He has planned for us.

How about this scenario.....

You look at your marriage and it is not what you would love it to be. You begin to petition God on behalf of the marriage that you know He wants you to have. All of a sudden your husband seems to get even more distant and arguments and strife increase. What in the world is going on! This is not what you asked for...isn't God listening? Maybe the enemy tells you it would just be a whole lot easier to take what was and just settle for less. You have a choice. Either listen to the enemy and forget asking God to change things....or KNOW that God is at work and refuse to listen to what your physical eyes are telling you.

I pray that you will press in.....press in to God and let Him work with your silence and prayers.

He is mighty to save!

I know I am probably rambling....but if this encourages one weary heart...it is worth it. :)

He loves you so! I have learned so much lately of His tender love.

Tomorrow I want to talk about how He- through our circumstance- has totally expounded on His character as my Daddy God. I learned several years ago about Him being my loving Daddy God....not a God who sits in the heavens watching and waiting for me to do something wrong so that He can smack me on the head.

Yes, He hates sin....but He does not hate me.

And as a gentle teacher.....He is ever willing to patiently teach me the right way.

It just dawned on me today that He has been busy revealing to me- through our circumstances- another side of His character. And if He had changed our circumstances when I wanted Him to.....I would have missed such a blessing. So if you are willing to read....then I want to get this on "paper" so that I will not forget it.

Thanks for walking .....and for walking forward with this sister.

Keep walking....HE is faithful!

He is faithful to complete that which He began in us......His blood sealed that promise.

It is time to laugh

2010-01-23T12:02:00.001-06:00

I just felt like visiting for a little this morning.

I wanted to sit and share the peace that is dwelling in my heart....not because life is perfect...but because of the perfect One that dwells in my heart.

You know.... I've heard people who have said things like that...me included ..and I wonder what would happen if their life got tipped upside down. Would they still say the same thing?

And then these things happened:

Katrina

Rita

My son turning in rebellion and all the horrors that intailed

Not being able to build our house

Horrors at church

Moving into a camper

Moving into a rental to take care of my FIL the year before he passed

Moving back into the camper and coming here

And then running slap out of money with no job in sight

And that is the readers digest version!

It has been a rough ride....and yet....I am still here.

And I have learned and am still learning..HE IS FAITHFUL! I believe that DEEP in my soul.

Even in the most excruciating events.....He is there holding my hand and holding at bay the one who would love to destroy me and mine.

What a picture of our Father God!

And so my heart sings and my spirit laughs in the face of my enemy and His.

Ha! Ha! a chest deep laugh that smacks in the face of an enemy that thought he had sealed our fate.

That's what happens when you walk by sight.....you miss what is happening in the Spirit. ;)

The following was left in comment by Karen...my tomorrow girl.

"With the high praises of God in your mouth and a two edged sword in your hand, you will march right into the victory side right into Canaan's land"

Not sure why I'm thinking of that song, but I see you laughing, laughing in the face of adversity, which may sound so unlikely and impossible, but it's maybe a spiritual laughter, a laughter that overcomes, that breaks heaviness, that breaks through.

Over the few years that I have known Karen, I have been so encouraged by what the Lord has spoken to her about my life. It has spurred me to move on....not to sit, soak, and sour.

I have in no way done this thing perfectly...and have certainly done my share of sitting.

But because of what I know.....I couldn't stay there.

This battle we are in.....it is not this world trying to beat this soldier down...that is just the disguise of the enemy.

There is a song that we sing in Summer camp that goes something like this.....

We are the soldiers of the army

of salvation

that God is raising up to save the world

And we won't lay down our arms until every nation

is bowed on bended knees before our Lord.

He is raising up an army...He is training an army. He loads their packs with great weight and like a platoon leader-- He takes them on long hikes in the rain to improve their endurance. It is survival training...He knows the attack of the enemy is coming.....and He will never send His troops out unprepared.

As the hike grows longer and the troops begin to weaken from the fatigue and cold....He runs along side shouting the words of truth that light a fire within and brings renewed energy to weary souls.

He knows how far He can push each individual....and when the one begins to falter He brings alongside two that will hold up the arms of the spent one.

And then times of rest come for all.

Packs removed... muscles begin to relax.....the quiet of the evening settles into bones

and eyes close in peaceful slumber.

He sits close by with a proud smile.....ever watching for danger.

And so begins the evening of a new day.

And each soldier soldier slumber deepens as their spirit hears....Peace Be Still.

---this soldier signing out! ;)

The God of Abraham...my God

2010-01-19T21:08:00.000-06:00

I know some of you read Mr Oswald Chambers....this morning this hit me.

Kind of puts new understanding to the verse...lean not to your own understand, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. ;)

And I quote.....Whenever God gives a vision to a Christian, it is as if He puts it in the "the shadow of His hand" (Isa 49:2). The saint's duty is to be still and listen. There is a "darkness" that comes from too much light-that is the time to listen. The story of Abram and Hagar in Genesis 16 is an excellent example of listening to so-called good advice during a time of darkness, rather than waiting for God to send the light.

When God gives you a vision and darkness follows, wait.

God will bring the vision He has given you to reality in your life if you will wait on His timing.

Never try to help God fulfill His word.
(and in the meantime)

...........There is never any need to pretend that your life is filled with joy and confidence; just wait upon God and be grounded in Him. (Isa 50:10-11)

I can not even begin to tell you the things in this that hit me at gut level.
I am a thinker...not bad when it comes to meditating on Him. But for most of my life I have tried to figure out ways to help God. Like He needs help figuring out my days and my future. You know those IF thoughts?
I am a pro at those thoughts.
And yet this past week God began to remind me that that needed to stop. And so-once again- I began the practice of putting up the mental hand to my thoughts.
There is never a place so secure as in Daddy God's hands.
And so I began the journey back to those hands.
Admitting the condition and the state I was in was the first big step. I was a mess...depression at the deepest two weeks ago....never been there before. And honestly, I just wanted it all to be over.
Yes, I just asked Him to take me.
But He had and has a purpose and a plan....He is not just trying to squish me like a roach. :)
And then last week something in me started to change.
He was working...He is faithful!
He had a plan and He has been working it for awhile.
The process is not finished....but today we got a huge blessing from Him that we were not expecting.
It was a huge boost to my faith. And a great big hug from Him.
As you know we were down to the end.....or so our physical eyes told us. ;)
I can't tell you the humiliation I have experienced because of that....but there was also a huge lesson in that....but that is for another time.
So.....God has provided for us by our taxes!
Last year what we got back would not even pay a months rent. And since we had made so much less.....I wasn't expecting anything. And boy were we in for a surprise....He is so faithful!
I feel like I got a huge wink from God tonight.
It is so lovely to know that He has been working on this surprise for a YEAR!
Thank you for your prayers....DO NOT STOP!
He has a plan and He is using the body to bring it to fruition.
I love Him and I love you.
But I think both of you already knew that. ;)
Be blessed as you have blessed!
Hope this post makes some kind of sense because honestly my thoughts are all over the place. ;)

He is listening..better yet....He is speaking

2010-01-17T20:05:00.000-06:00

This past week has been a wild one.

Still no jobs....but goodness have I filled out more applications than I can count.

And although I wonder what He has up His sleeve regarding this family.....I know

that He is listening and talking.

As you can imagine I have been really fighting fear, anger, and a huge bit of irritation concerning our situation.

I made myself turn on the Christian station on T.V thinking that maybe He would speak to me about my life.

What did I landed on? Joyce Meyers talking about the moth and its whole journey to becoming a beautiful butterfly. Of course the stage that hit me was the moth...encased in the cocoon....turning into a mess of liquid. :)

.I thought...hmmm, I can identify with that feeling. Mush...that pretty much matches the way I have felt lately.

But then of course- Joyce did not leave me in the mush stage....she did talk of that lovely end...the butterfly.

I have always thought that was a great analogy of the Christian life...but have you ever really thought about the fact that no one seems to deal with the fact that that poor butterfly lives only a short while?

And so......up an at 'em....life must go on!

Then a sweet friend called to tell me that God had shown her in a vision that I was having some real problems with bitterness and anger toward my hubby.

Nothing like having God reveal your secrets to another!

But, I was able to tell her that.... yes, I had been aware of this and God and I were working through this so that the enemy did not gain a stronghold. And since my "dirty laundry" had been aired to another by God..... I advised her to keep praying because I know the enemy would love to try and destroy my marriage.

A marriage which... is safe in the hands of our Father. :) I do love my man.

And then next....God had been dealing with me about the life of Joseph while he was in prison.

And the fact that Joseph was not getting out until God was good and ready...no matter what Joseph tried to do to insure his release.

(Why do I always think of the butcher, the baker and the candle stick maker when I think of those two guys with the dreams?) :)

And finally, I told God that I heard Him and was listening. But did have a little laugh this morning when I turned on Charles Stanley and he was preaching on the same thing!

Nothing like a little repetition to make sure I really got it!

I get it God...really.....not getting out of here till you have prepared me.

Thank you God for not giving up on me!

We were also blessed this morning at church when God moved the hearts of the Senior Sunday school class. They want to pay our rent for this next month. Keith and I were both in tears......He is faithful!

This has been such a ride. So full of ups and downs.....I am so glad that He is the one who built this roller coaster ride and He is the one who is in control of the stops and starts.

And I thank Him for you and your prayers....please don't stop!

This sister wants to make it to the finish line.....no turning back.

He is dealing with my heart...and one day I will be able to tell you all that we have been through and just how much He has used you to help us cross the finish line. Well at least the finish line for this part of the race!

I love you....and I am praying for you as well.

May we all take this week to look a little closer into the face of the ONE who promises to not give up on us! Look deep into the face of the ONE promised not to stop the work He began

until we stand face to face with Him ...... in that promised land. \o/!

It will all be worth it!

He promises.

Our Visit

2010-01-09T16:33:00.000-06:00

Just so ya'll don't think the holidays were miserable :) I thought I would post a little of our family time.

We had Christmas Day over at my brothers house...fun was had by all and it was great having Michael, Cassie, and Mom and Dad there.

The rental Mom got was not available till Saturday...so Mom and Dad stayed with my brother and Cassie and Michael came and camped out with us. Michael tried his fishing pole out in the creek behind us and this is what he manage to get to shore.

He was pretty proud...wish I could say that we ate it....it was a beauty. It was so nice having Michael near...we had not seen him in over 6 months. I know this is a normal part of being a parent...but it is still hard.

Then it was time to get the rental ready for everybody.

It was so exciting because it was the first time we had ALL been together in several years.

The house was great...supposed to sleep 10....hope they don't know that for one night it slept 23!

The kitchen and dinning room area was pretty big...but still we sometimes had to eat in shifts.

This is my younger brothers boys....they other two were probably hanging out with Mom.

You know it is always a little uncomfortable meeting someone who will be joining the family.

Will they think the family is strange?

Will they fit in?

I think we have found a true fit for our family. What do you think?

This is Cassie (Michael's girlfriend) and Keith letting me know that they did not appreciate me pulling out the camera. She is sweet.....I think she will fit right in. :)

See the little game? Keith is trying to help Cassie remove as many pegs as possible so that she doesn't earn the ignoramus title. I'll not tell you how that went. ;)

On New Year's Eve my sister

informed everyone that we WOULD be taking family pictures. Have you ever tried to round up 23 people.....half of them being children 12 and under?

First we tried just the four of us(my bro David, me, Jeannie, and my brother Dewey who lives here)

can you tell my patience is getting a little thin already. Every time the three with cameras would try and get a good picture someone would run through the frame or someone would flash during the wrong time.

Hope someone got one a decent picture of me....since everyone else in this picture was cooperating.

Then it was time for grandparents and grandkids.....HA!

All the kids...notice my brother trying to keep one of his in the picture?

I took the shot and the little bit was gone again!

Here we are..see everyone looking in different directions?

That is what happens when you have three people manning the cameras!

At least we have a memory.

So... fun was had by all....and maybe next year we can do it again.

So went the reunion of 2009/2010!

Until then

2010-01-06T18:46:00.001-06:00

The morning dawned a little later than normal because of a two hour delay.

It has been colder here at night..6..they haven't seen these temps in years.

So with the roads frozen with some ice and a little dusting of snow......we got a little break.

(Side thought here )

Did you know that it is illegal in our area to go out and start your vehicle

so that it can warm up while you finish getting ready?

Who knew?!

Shhhh.....don't tell anyone....but I have broken the law a lot lately. :)

I do think it is a tad hard to drive when your body is frozen......we shall have to see if this family continues to break that law. I wonder if the police keep this law?

And so off to school we went....in a warm vehicle...because I broke the law.

And blissfully unaware of our guilt we crossed the bridge to get to the school and we were greeted by a little God glitter.

The ground was covered by it.......a little personal touch by God that made me smile.

Sorry, I didn't get a picture....it is kind of hard to drive a standard and use a camera. I am sure the other Moms appreciated my use of wisdom this morning. But you would have loved a peek at our mountains all white from there oh so cold night.

Yes, I am a Jeep woman right now.

Elayne was so sweet to let me use her extra vehicle while Keith is looking for a new used truck.

Did you know I have always wanted a Jeep?

So God is giving me a little taste of something I have wanted since my youngest was a babe.

Sad to say but it was a bit down hill this afternoon.

I am afraid that my emotions just got the better of me and I just rolled over and gave in.

I know, I know......how could I sink so low?

I would say I have had ENOUGH.....but I guess God thinks differently.

Why oh why?

So evedentally God thought it was time for me to have a ~~friendly~~ firm/loving pep talk from three people. One of them actually had the nerve to ask me what I would tell one of my girls if one of them was acting like I was. Oh yes he did!

I don't think he appreciated my response....the poor thing will have to sleep next to me since we don't happen to own a dog house. :)

He was right of course.....but to be honest I can't wait to shoot that right back at him the next time he gets down. I know....for shame!

(Jumping subject..kind of)

So this afternoon as I was out trying to empty our frozen holding tank....and I took a moment to look around at His frozen creation.

There were massive globs of ice hanging from sticks.....and then ice that was more pie shaped as it dipped up and down in the moving stream.

It was all beautiful...and put there by the hand of God.

He was near!

And so as I cried out to Him.....wondering in my flesh if He had forgotten about me..about us. He hasn't and took a moment to remind me of Pauls words in Hebrews.

You know those words where Paul reminded us that HE promised NEVER to leave us or forsake us?

And yet....still my flesh groaned.

My mind flashed back over all the times He had come to our rescue...and yet where was He now?

Does He see that this is NOT good?

And here is where I begin to have one of those back and forth conversations inside myself....come on....I know you have done it to. O.K...some call it a pep talk...call it what you may...we all do it.

It went something like this.....

"Now Sharon.....you know He sees all. And you know that if this was going to destroy you...He would stop it. And you know that this would have to work out for your good....or He would be a liar. And Sharon...you know that is not possible....because He is not man."

And so...since misery loves company.. ;) I went looking in the good book for someone who would pat me on the back and say....Girl, I understand!

And just where do you think I landed.......right...the book of Psalms. When I get to heaven I will have to give David a good ole pat on the back for being honest....and writing it down! :)

And here is a little tid bit of our time commiserating together. ;)

I run to you, God; I run for dear life. Don't let me down!
      Take me seriously this time!
   Get down on my level and listen,
      and please—no procrastination!

Amen and amen..don't let me down!

Hmmm.....David, don't know if I would have told Him not to

procrastinate. But..I guess I have probably said that with my heart.

Be kind to me, God—
      I'm in deep, deep trouble again.
   I've cried my eyes out;
      I feel hollow inside.
   My life leaks away, groan by groan;
      my years fade out in sighs.
   My troubles have worn me out,
      turned my bones to powder. .

Ahem....talk about having me pegged! Deep trouble here God! SIGH!

Warm me, your servant, with a smile;
      save me because you love me.
   Don't embarrass me by not showing up;
      I've given you plenty of notice.

Just a smile God....maybe a red bird?

(head bowed)...I know You love me.

Um David, that last line makes me want to back up a little.....nothing like telling Your Maker what to do.

But like you.... I would say that is exactly what I have been doing...amid reminding Him of the promises He made in the word.

So I will end the day thanking Him that He is God and I am not....and with a reminder of the truth from a man who was a man after God's own heart.

Love God, all you saints;
      God takes care of all who stay close to him,
   But he pays back in full
      those arrogant enough to go it alone.

Be brave. Be strong. Don't give up.
      Expect God to get here soon.

Soon Lord? Soon?

And if you would like to read this Psalm in it's entirety.....go on over to Biblegateway.com.

Still here

2010-01-03T13:48:00.000-06:00

Missing you girls!

Just wanted to stop in and let you know that I am still here.

Family left this morning after having been here since Christmas Eve...so it has been very busy.

We basically spent the week in the rental that Mom and Dad had rented for family coming in....it was nice to

to get out of the camper for awhile. ;)

I'll be around to check in on everyone as soon as I get my house back in order.

Love you guys bunches.

Have A Blessed Christmas!

2009-12-23T10:38:00.000-06:00

Times of stillness and beauty

2009-12-19T11:18:00.003-06:00

There are those times when He says, Peace be still....and the snow begins to fall and quiet falls.

The air alive with activity....brings a silent hush to the country side.

People stop their endless scurrying and settle down to enjoy Gods creative hand.

Trees are draped in white....only to willing to carry the weightiness of the contents of Heavens storehouses.

And then the night falls.....and in the silence God drapes the world in a hush that brings rest.

And though His people sleep.....He is ever on His throne guarding and protecting.

\o/

Morning dawns with views that make one catch their breath at the purity of the Masters work.

Breaks in the clouds....give way to glorious blue skies....

The scenes leave one in a state of incredible awe....with these treasures given so freely here on earth..... what must heaven be holding in store for those who are found faithful to the end?

Life is not a picnic....:)......but oh the glory that awaits those who have selected the

high road...the road seldom chosen by those who would rather an easy journey.

Isaiah 55:10& 11 (Amplified Bible)

¹⁰For as the rain and snow come down from the heavens, and return not there again, but water the earth and make it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater

¹¹So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Blessed be the name of our Lord.

We have a winner!

2009-12-18T08:23:00.002-06:00

Sooooooo today is the day!

Some sweet person who left a comment is going to get a blog makeover.

So I am going over to the random number generator .......I'll be right back.

And the winner is

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2009-12-18 14:08:15 UTC

Now secuse me while I go back over and see who the winner is....I'll be right back. ;)

And the winner is....

Leslie of....... Do You Weary Like I Do

Girl have fun working with Holly....I look forward to seeing what the two of you come up with.

Thank you Holly for this sweet gift...what a generous heart you have.

Really she does....love this girl!

If you haven't met Holly of Crown Laid Down...go on over to her site and check her out.

And if you would like to have her do a little makeover on your site...the tab to her design blog is at the top of the page.

We are getting snow, snow, snow....maybe up to 10 inches!

Stay warm!

Love you guys!

The Perfect Storm?

2009-12-17T07:32:00.001-06:00

So the last couple of days have been rough....but I know I am not the only one out there who has been hit by a few things. So last night as I went to church to help with the Awana'a program my heart was a tad heavy.
You see....because of unforseen circumstances we are once again without a job.
But what God had prepared for me there was something that would wrap my heart in something sweet....a gentle hug was given to me by my Father.
There are people praying.....it means so much....thank you.
And I know that my co-worker from last night does not read my blog...she does not even know about it....but I so want to thank God for her. You see there were some things that were just not right about Keith loosing his job.....and I was dealing with a bit of anger. And sometimes that anger gets aimed where it should not.
Just being honest here.
But God allowed this young woman to speak to my spirit and soul.....I know He knew I needed that.
After a day out looking for a job.....I really didn't want to go to church last night.
But He had prepared something for me and I was so glad I did not miss it.
And when I got home....these were the thoughts that followed.
Thank you for your prayers and thank you for listening.
You are precious!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

wikipedia.org

If a storm was coming....

a storm you thought would destroy your life....what would it look like?

A lost child

A lost job

No money

An accident

Cancer

Being falsely accused

A friend turning on you

A spouse that leaves

Is that wave getting big enough to cause a flutter of fear in your heart?

What in your imagination could happen that would bring an end to who you always thought you were?

Could something happen that would bring your relationship with God to a grinding halt?

Now maybe....you say, "nothing could take me there".

Or maybe you have walked this walk long enough..... that you know better than proclaiming that.

Our enemy is so used to creating storms..many just in our minds...but I am sure

it comes easy to him these days.

He has been at it for as long as we humans have been hanging around on this earth....I would gather he has perfected his craft. (The last few years of my life agree with this)

And yet.. as I envision that huge wave coming my way.....what catches my minds eye are the stones

that are being flipped around underneath that massive wave.

The stones once a bit larger...at first would not so easily be dislodged.

But as the storm continues to rage on and on.....and the beating is taken......their size decreases.

Can you picture it?

Now picture that smooth stone being picked up by the hand of a young boy.

If that stone could speak....

it would tell you that the hand is a tad clammy.

And adrenaline was duly noted as blood rushed through the veins of that hand...the pulse almost audible.

But the rock would also tell you that after all it had been through....it would allow no clammy hand
or raging pulse to disturb it.

Being picked up....again.... is just the next step in a long journey.

.What the stone did not know was that it had been prepared for this very special day.

It was not aware of the master plan.

It did not know that it had been set in the perfect place....by those "perfect" storms.

A perfectly positioned spot that would give easy access to a young boy ready to fight an enemy face to face.

And do you remember that with that stone....they defeated the enemy!

Little David....God...and a stone.

Want to be used by Jesus?

Have you asked Him to use you?

Then expect the enemy to try and take you out with the "perfect storm".

But KNOW this......our Creator never stops a work till it is finished.
Yes, He has final say.
And sometimes in His wisdom He knows that it is not the time to tell the storm...Peace Be Still.

He will never stop a storm that He knows

will create a unique weapon to bring down the schemes of the enemy.

Have you ever really thought about the fact that He has known about those schemes

before they became schemes?
That is a cool thought.

So when the perfect storm comes...and it will.....remember He is there.

And when the storm passes... it will be His confident hand that reaches down to

gather you to Himself......just before He aims His perfect weapon at the enemy. ;)

Can't wait to take the enemy right between the eyes!

Love you guys!

(Don't forget to check out the post below if you would like a new blog makeover--drawing Friday)

Come one.... come all !!!!!!

2009-12-12T20:28:00.002-06:00

No.. we are not going to the beach..(it's too cold)..but Christmas will be coming early for one dear person.

A dear friend of mine was having a give away.......so of course I entered.....and I won!

Now there is a hitch.....the give away was a blog make over.......

Yes, a new header and background.

The hitch.....I love my recent blog makeover which was done by the same person who is doing the giveaway.

(Just a note....this is not the picture that will go on your blog...it is just the picture that represents the package)

So I have been given permission to pass my win on to you!

How cool is that?

Now ya'll....everybody needs a little sprucing up every once in a while. ;)

So...should you choose to jump in...and I know you will....Holly will be the one you will be working with.

She is really fantastic...and has her own style. Matter of fact..... you can click on the whitecap picture and it will take you to her site and you can look at some of the stuff she has done.

Alright...nuff said....do a little something for yourself and leave a comment I will enter you.

How is that?

And please, please, PLEASE...pass the word.

Enter as many times as you like...really...it's free...so pamper yourself!

Alright I'll hush.

Drawing will be next Friday..December 18th.

Come one...come all!

Tis the Season

2009-12-11T08:46:00.002-06:00

Tis the season for all those holiday things. Above you see our church float in the process of the final touches.

If I remember correctly the theme this year was "A mountain Christmas".

Our float was to represent all those in the back woods. :)

Once the float was all put together the guys hooked up the chimney and we had smoke!

It was our first time participating with our church...Julia and I had fun walking the parade route passing out candy canes with little cards inviting people to our live nativity that will start this Friday.

~~~~

Then on Tuesday we went to Asheville with our small group, to Grove Park Inn, to see the ginger house collection....and they were amazing! This has become a Christmas tradition that I love.

My nephew was manning the camera...can you tell by the look on my face that I was not entirely sure that we would even be in the picture! :)

I actually didn't care to much for the winner this year,

so I took a picture of the ones I thought were interesting.

If you look close you will see that this participant decided to bring a little "reality" to their gingerbread house.

Standing at the front door is Mrs Obama...the girls are playing to the left

and look who is sitting on top of the chimney.

That's right.....our president is playing santa claus.

Not sure if there was a statement there or not.

This is the one that I thought was pretty cool. Look at the detail above the door!

How they do all of this?

Here is a close up of one of the birds....it was amazing.

Then on Wednesday the rain began!

We had a mess of rain...and many of the rivers were coming out of their confines.

I went out and watch as the river quickly became swollen....everything in its way got swept up in its fury.

It had a strange beauty.

I remember thinking that lately I have been taking a trip in that river.... often felling like one of those limbs I saw being tossed around.

But eventually the river receded and those branches came to "rest".

I am sure if they could speak you would have heard..."Well it is about time-enough is enough!".

Ha!....and then came the cold weather. Down into the teens we plunged.

Not only had those branches been displaced from their trees, tossed into a roaring river...and then shoved

in amongst others like themselves...but now they were being submitted to more harsh treatment.

Then morning came.....and this is the effect of the nights work.

A tangled frozen mess?

Maybe not....

Again I thought that maybe one day I would have something in common

with these limbs that had lived through such harsh events.

At this moment I can't see the beauty that will come.

After all when the branch below looks down at its tip......it does not get the full benefit of what has been created. Its view is so limited.

But those looking down into the river from above see an incredible thing.

To me it looks like something that should be hanging from a chandelier. Beauty in the midst of debris.

A beautiful piece that when touched by the light ...will send thousands of orbs of light all over its surroundings.

The final thought?
When Jesus submitted to leaving His heavenly throne......He came down-- willing to be tossed about by the things this world would throw His way.

He knew that this suffering would be a willing price to pay...in the end.

And so....even though I do not understand the things going in and around me....I will submit to this season. There is a hidden beauty that I can not yet see.

I leave you with this little piece from a morning devotion by....Prime Time With God.

~~~~~

When faith doesn't see results it challenges what we believe. We must pray as Job prayed: "Teach me what I cannot see" (Job 34:32). God says there is a purpose in everything we go through. .........Our greatest tests come when we cannot see positive results from our faith and obedience. In such cases we must die to our expectations and entrust them to our Lord.

Tis the season to TRUST. :)

It will be a beautiful thing!

He is....

2009-12-06T17:39:00.001-06:00

Thought I would give ya'll an update on my sweet friend.

This was taken on Thursday when I took Elayne to one of her Radiation treatments.

This coming week she starts week two of treatment....things are going well and she is not feel the effects of the treatment yet. They have said that after this week she may start getting a little tired. I am so thankful that

God has given me the opportunity to be with her during this time. There are two other ladies who are taking turns taking her to her appointments...John, her husbands calls us Elayne's Angels....after Charlie's Angles. :)

Please continue to pray for her. She has four weeks total of radiation and then they are going to see if she is still o.k to do a special treatment called.....IL two treatment. Because of the type of cancer she has this is the only treatment that has shown success. I am asking that Jehovah Rapha....The God who heals....steps in and blows the doctors away with His healing hand.

I thank Him that His will will be done in this...... as it is being done in heaven.

Then Friday night we were visited by a familiar friend.

And that is just how I felt as I looked out the door and saw those beautiful white flakes coming down.

Saturday we took a quick drive up to the ski slope and as you can see-- we did not get enough to keep them from having to make a little of the man made stuff.

Alas......I forgot to bring my pot of cactus in and I am afraid that they won't make it.

I just love this time of year.

And even though the trees are bare.....I see the hand of God everywhere.

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse" (Rom 1:19-20).

He makes the evidence of Himself so clear.....that not one person will be able to stand before Him in the end and say...."I did not know You existed".

And I know in my life......He is there.

And so I thank Him for the evidence of Him in and around my life------

things like..... a check that showed up that I was not expecting; pictures from my computer that I found on a google site that are the ones I lost when my computer got wiped, two little jobs that have been offered that will provide some extra cash for Christmas, for our church and the people there who love us, and for our warm home when the temperatures outside where in the teens!

I see His hands everywhere.....He is our Jehovah-Jireh (our provider); Jehovah-Shalom (our peace); El Shaddai (our strength giver) and El Olam our Everlasting God!

And how could we ever forget that He is our Emmanuel.....God with us.

\o/

Remember....we have not because we ask not...don't know why I needed to write that...but it is true!

Love ya girl

Checking in

2009-12-01T07:13:00.001-06:00

Don't have much time here this morning but wanted to stop in and say......Hi!

We had a great Thanksgiving....hope you did too.

I am off to court this morning. I SOOOOO hope that this will bring my case with the Guardian Ad Litem to an end. We are asking the Judge to return the children to their family.

They have been out of the home for a year now....and since all charges have been dropped it is way past time for us to step out of this families life and let them move on.

Other than that I have applied for a part time job....waiting to hear on that...hopefully soon.

Oh....and did I tell you that I am going to be a grandma?

I will go into those details a little later....btw...our son is the father to be.

But..... me a grandma?

Sounds a little strange.....do you ever feel old enough to be a grandparent?

That will have to do for this morning since I need to run and get everything ironed so I am in proper attire for court.

Thanking God this morning that He chose to pursue and come after us by sending His Son.

Love you and you and you.....infinity!

2009-11-24T13:30:00.000-06:00

I know ya'll are all probably getting ready for the big day that is coming up. Julia will soon be out of school and maybe I can talk her into helping with some cooking this year. :)

But..... before I fire up the oven to make the below pie.....I wanted to stop in and share a little love.

(If you can not read this recipe click on the picture and it will take you to the site.

I have made a few changes to the recipe after doing a little reading in the comments.)

~~~~~

It is so important for me to let you know how thankful I am for you.

I look back on this year....yes, I know it is not over yet......but as I look back and consider all

the wonderful things our Lord has done...... and thank Him for carrying us through-- I would be way off if I did not include you in my thankful list.

What would I have done without your support?

This year has been a doozy for sure!

There have been so many ups and downs....what a roller coaster ride.

But...... He is faithful!

Who would have thought at this time last year

that we would have the harvest of gratitude that we have?

~~~~

So I stop now and offer thanks to God for our families...both spiritual and physical. \o/

I thank Him for the way He has supplied our needs and kept us safe within His loving arms.

Are any of us homeless?

Are any on the brink of starvation? ;)

Are any of us without a God who knows the very number of the hairs on our heads?

Are there any of us who do not have our names written in the Lambs Book of Life?

(If your name is not there..... I would be glad to let you know how you can get published.) \o/

We are a blessed people!

Thank you Father for the family You provided for us by your blood.

A family that will never be taken from us.

Thank you most of all that you love us unconditionally....what a love that is!

Father let us see our lives through Your eyes.

Let us see how blessed we are.

Let us walk in the assurance

that neither height nor depth can ever separate us from your Love.

We touch our heads to your feet....we are so unworthy...but oh so grateful

that You did not pass us by.

As You look into our hearts

may You find a wealth of love and appreciation

that belongs only to You.

Amen

Have a blessed Thanksgiving day!

Love ya girl

So let's seeeeee

2009-11-20T08:11:00.003-06:00

I guess it is time for a little update about what is going on in our next of the woods.

Everyone is doing well and God is at work.

Let's see......I am trying to go through some physical changes. :)

This past Tuesday morning I got up and got myself together to go to a meeting for the first time.

I found out about a group called TOPS through a sweet blogger named D. She lives in Canada and has been a member of this group for awhile now. She has spoken of what a help this group has been to her weight loss.

So I got on their site and found out that we have a group here in our area!

The meeting starts at 9:00 with a weigh in being the first thing on the agenda.

I dropped Julia off at school and came home to hurry to get myself together...who wouldn't be in a hurry to step on a scale for strangers. I grabbed my clothes and scurried to get my shoes on....only to find that I could not find both my socks. The clock was ticking as I madly looked around for that one missing sock. Finally giving up the search I went back in my room to get another sock and came back in to sit on the couch to put that sock on......only to find that the missing sock was already on my foot! :)

Yes, just a tad scatter brained.

I arrived at the meeting and was sweetly greeted by the other members.

And then..... the moment that I had been waiting for arrived.....it was my time to step on the scale.

It is nice that you don't really do this momentous moment in front of the whole group.

Everyone stays back as you jump on the scale....well not jump but lightly step on the scale...ha! like that is going to influence the outcome any.

BUT..... I was pleasantly surpirsed when I stepped on their scale and realized that my recent move to get off sugar was indeed working!

I have been off sugar a little over two weeks now and have lost VERY close to 10 pounds. Wahoooo!

I enjoyed the meeting...the women were very sweet and I look forward to getting to know them better.

One of the older women lost the most weight and I couldn't help but grin as they placed a little tiara on her head and sang a song for her success.

Honestly, I don't know if this is a help or hindrance to loosing weight. :)

I wasn't even wearing the jewels and I felt myself blushing.

But hey....if joining this group gets the weight off--- I guess I will have to be willing to wear the tiara.

Do I dare take a camera just in case I get to wear the lovely tiara?

Next in news.....

This weekend Keith and I will celebrate our 21st anniversary!

We are going to park Julia at my brothers and head for destinations unknown.

It will be nice to spend time alone with my man

as we head in a direction of the country we have not yet explored.

I guess I will be taking my camera....hopefully to find some neat scenery.

Speaking of Keith.....he is LOVING his new job. He began this new job about three weeks ago.

One of the men in our church owns the company, Appalachian Antique Hardwoods and Keith got in just as they were closing out hiring for a new project they are starting.

It is an incredible company and he is enjoying...."Making History....Again".

At this point he is working with a team of four making furniture out of antique wood for a very large company.

I can't release the name of the company because the press release has not happened yet...but here is a picture of my man being silly with one of his creations.

Here is a better picture of the whole thing.

They are making tables, lamps, mirrors, coffee tables and a few more additions to come.

He is really loving what he is doing....and should the Lord continue to bless...this business will greatly provide for our family. And think about this....over a hundred years ago when a farmer built a barn-- God knew that one day someone would come along to remove that wood and use it to meet our needs financially.

Pretty cool!

Other than this.....we are just in waiting to see what God has for us next.

As far as the ministry on the mountain? I am doing some research in order to set up PR packets for Mountain Top Experience. If you remember you could pray for what God has in store for this place.

And although we are not sure that it is God's will for us to be working there when it opens....I know God wants this place to open for His glory. Our enemy has been fighting this opening for awhile now...but where the Spirit of the Lord is.....the enemy is powerless to stop what God has in store.

There is still a small financial need to get this place finished.....so we would all appreciate your prayers.

I guess that is about it.

I pray you are doing well and that you clearly see the hand of God at work in your life.

Love ya....talk to you soon.

Come, come now!

2009-11-16T21:09:00.006-06:00

Come now!

all you who toil with wearisome effort

who feel loaded down with burden

and I will cause you

to cease from any movement

so that you may collect My strength and recover.

Rise up

under my yoke

and walk and learn from Me

for I am gentle and humble in heart

and you will listen

and know Me

and find rest for your soul.

I could really preach a sermon on these two verses.....but I won't. :)

You may notice that these verses sound a tad different.

I went into the Greek and found the true meaning of some of the words figuring that there were some great hidden truths....and they were there.

I pray this ministers to your soul the way it has mine.

Holy Spirit open the eyes and ears of the reader today.

Sink this truth down into the marrow of their bones.

Let them leave today knowing right where You have them.

Let them listen and know You and find rest for their souls.

Love ya girl....and yes I mean it. :)

It's been soooooo long!

2009-11-13T16:32:00.000-06:00

Today I got to climbed through our storage unity..... it has been almost three years

since I have seen some of the things in the bixes.

Tomorrow is our Mother Daughter tea at church and I was blessed to be asked to sponsor a table.

That means that you decorate the table for the theme.... this year it is---Thanks and Giving.

Ya'll I LOVE doing this type of thing.

Back during our time in Louisiana.......when I was teaching our women's Bible study...I would end each study with a meal for the women. It was a time for me to pull out all those culinary skills from the restaurant business...and pull out all the stops with the table and room decorations.

I just loved it!

But alas....we moved and all those things have been moving

from one storage to another...for almost three years.

It was such fun crawling over all the boxes...ripping off tape (sorry Keith) and finding all kinds of neat things I

had really forgotten I even had. It was like Christmas/Birthday all over again!

Some were things that had been given to me to use in my new house.....and one day

I believe they will have a home! :)

But till then..... it was so nice to pull them out and start envisioning what I could do with my table.

A friend (Tracy) had given me a demitasse set.... and Keith's Mom had given me a tiny tea set...so between the two I had plenty for the girls and women.

I went this morning to set up my table and I thought ya'll might like seeing what I came up with.

These pictures are not the best but you get the idea.

I wish you could see this close up....sitting in between the candles is the cutest little mouse. The little pillows will be giveaways for the ladies along with the little jar candles.

I can't wait till I have a chance to do this type of thing more often. I want to encourage those of you

who have things hidden away in your cabinets that you would love to use...USE THEM!

There are so many women who would love to get together for a tea or afternoon luncheon.

You don't have to make everything.....let them bring their specialty...or have a cookie exchange with Christmas coming up.

And just think how great it would be to get a chance to share your life and the LOVE of our Father.

If you don't want to do this in your home...then see if you can schedule something like this at your church.

I know a lot of churches do this type of thing.....jump in if you have not.

Tomorrow my SIL will be speaking at our tea. She will be talking about their journey through cancer with their young son......and how even in the rough times you can be deliberately thankful.

Please pray for her...she is a tad nervous.

Just a thought....this Sunday when you are attending your local church.....ask God to show you a young woman/mother who needs a hug and word of encouragement.

I promise you....she will in turn encourage your heart.