And Ashley's 4th Favorite!!

Ashley's First Favorite Song

Ashley's Second Fav!

Ashley's Favorite Song

The Secrets of Johnaton Sperry

Great movie about a 75 year old man mentoring a group of 12 year old boys....reminds us that we are never too old....for God to use.....and, we should be available to God at all times for His glory!

Don't You Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit-

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a fellow turns about

When he might have won had he stuck it out.

Don't give up though the pace seems slow -

You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than

It seems to a faint and faltering man;

Often the struggler has given up

Whe he might have captured the victor's cup;

And he learned too late when the night came down,

How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out -

The silver tint in the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It might be near when it seems afar;

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

Sheep have no furniture/Psalm 23/Phillip Keller

I am moving again...at the end of the month...to an apartment that is closer to work, less expensive, more amenities, mountain range, quieter, newer, ...better walking paths....God is good! Moving is challenging...tiring...but, I am rested from the 3 years of being off....God knew what my future held...I could never have done this if I had not been rested.

He maketh me to lie down.....

My new pastor is truly a shepherd...he doesn't "preach" from the pulpit...he "walks" among the sheep when he is talking...up close...middle school...deaf....older and younger...I like that....He loves what he does...talking about the Lord....loves the Lord....loves people....

He is a gifted teacher....preacher...brother in Christ

He is going through the names of God...last week was Jehovah Roi... The LORD is MY shepherd...

Ps 22 is the Psalm of the Cross

Ps 24 is the Psalm of heaven (Crown)

Ps 23 is the song for us...the road between the cross and the crown

Sheep are dumb and need a lot of help..."I want to be a shepherd" the Lord said.

Sheep need fresh grass....He goes before and removes all the poisonous plants...leads them to fresh grass...Sheep need food

Sheep eat grass...can't digest unless they are standing....He maketh me to lie down

Sheep have a fear of water....He makes a stream for them to drink from

Sheep need protection...He provides the rod, the staff

Sheep need protection from flies.....He provides the ointment...smears all over face...Holy Spirit

(A little fly can lay eggs, reproduce in the nostils and drive the sheep mad)

(A little sin can become bigger...and drive the human to destruction)

The Lord is MY shepherd...I shall not be in want

He maketh me lie down in green pastures

He leads me beside quiet waters

He restores my soul

He guides me in the path of righteousness for His names sake (the condition of the flock is reflected by the care of the shepherd)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, You annoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (NIV)

God goes before us, beside us, and behind us.....He is our Shepherd...and He loves us and cares for us....at all times....

Note: "I realize how WE are the ones that limit God...sheep have no furniture!"

Almost missed an opportunity

I almost missed an opportunity Monday....I went to the break room for lunch....and was looking forward to reading though part of Kay Arthur's Covenant Study.........someone came in, sat down, and began to talk to me.......I was thinking.....uh.........I am in the middle of something here.....

God used my mother's voice......... again.......in my head........"Interruptions are an opportunity......."

I, reluctantly, put down my book....

"I'm a good person....I go to church....."

Lunch was my mission field.....and, I almost missed it.

Ordinary Days

Ann Kiemel was my favorite author while in college...I hate that I got rid of her books.....many many garage sales ago....I can buy them on ebay for less than 1.00 now...but, I just don't order things from ebay...still, I remember one of her writings that talked about "ordinary days." Her dad...grandfather...someone had told her that life is made up of a lot of ordinary days...and said something like...we need to be consistent with those ordinary days....

Ordinary makes me "antcy" ...................to use another term of my mothers....Sitting still...waiting...is sooooooooo ordinary..........

I'm not MIA...or ignoring you....

I know I haven't blogged in a few days...I really just don't have much to say...training is over...I am in my new branch...opening accounts....meeting folks...including my co-workers...coming home tired....and just ready for a long nap...I feel a little flat.....like...I am just going through the motions...biding time until there is something more I need to do....

I will tell you that I walked an hour yesterday....there is a junior college near me....the walking trail is quieter than my neighborhood...not a lot of folks walking...lots of ducks and geese...I have been there a couple times, but never walked around the entire pond...I will only say this...I felt like I was walking through a mine field....duck poop everywhere! I hate to sound gross...but, duck poop is huge! I felt like I was walking through an obstacle course....:) so, I decided to set off to blaze my own trail!

I love to walk alone...because, I really can focus on my talks with God....so...really, I am not alone.....geese were everywhere...they really like the area around the college...still, I was able to find a quiet spot where I walked round and round...and the only other "noticible" creature around was a black crow...and, he was very uninterested in me....

My favorite walks are those that take me round and round...no thought needed to decide where to go, no one to say hello too...to break my concentration...I can just pray and pray....and thank and thank...and confess and confess....and my spirit is strengthened....

Abram was a Gentile

I learned something very important tonight...through my Covenant Study...Kay Arthur....When she said Abram was a Gentile...I thought she had made a mistake...but, thanks to yahoo....I can confirm what I didn't know....

Abram was a Gentile....Wow.....read below.....

Abraham as Model of the Faith.

Abraham lived 500 years before the covenant laws of the Jewish Sabbaths, Holy Days and meat distinctions for food were given to "the Children of Israel" in the covenant of Mount Sinai. There were no Jews or Israelites on the earth during Abraham's time. Abraham is one of the nations, he is a Gentile from which the Jewish race and the Israelites will come. He may therefore be said to be a Gentile and yet father of the Jewish and Israelite race. As descendant from Noah, to live righteously before God, he is required to keep the laws of the covenant with Noah. Gen.9:3 " ⁹And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you. ". That is all the nations, races and all people everywhere on earth after the flood of Noah, (See my article on Acts 15 and the Gospel to the Jews and Gentiles). Abraham knew nothing of weekly Sabbath, the Jewish Passover and other Jewish Feasts that were yet to be revealed in the covenant with the children of Israel, so many centuries after him. Abram never heard of the Ten Commandments written in stone. Yet, because Abraham is a man of faith and righteousness as was Noah, God chose this Gentile to become father of the Jews or Israelites. For this reason, Abraham becomes the model of faith, not only for the Gentiles, because he was a Gentile, but also for the Jew, because he is the father of the Jews or Israelites. Both, Jew and Gentile are able to learn from the example of Abraham's faith.

http://www.auburn.edu/~allenkc/abraham2.html

Windmills

Ashley and I have been enjoying evening rides the past couple nights. We drove into Oak Ridge tonight...it was 75 on the way home...nice and cool...and the mountains are just beautiful...we were looking for the windmills...didn't find them....next adventure....Note to self....look at the internet before you leave...you were there...

http://www.knoxkoupons.com/ktown_photos/photo_gallery/Scenic_Beauty/windrock1.html

http://www.tva.gov/greenpowerswitch/wind_faq.htm

Ephesians 6: 12

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness, in the heavenly places

(New American Standard)

"This is not a wrestling match against a human oponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world.

(God's word translation)

I received a call tonight from a church member asking me to join the choir.

I almost went to Nashville this weekend to work with the Kurdish people. (Paperwork not complete)

I am contemplating teaching Sunday School...

And the forces continue to keep me down...I lost my temper tonight...an email....with a "former friend"...and my first thought was "Now I will never be able to do those (above) things...I am unworthy of working for God."

Just what the enemy ordered....he wants to throw me down....to keep me from leading anyone from darkness into light....What can I say? O wretched man that I am? Did that stop Paul? No. I used to wrestle with "perfection." God has delivered me from most of it..but, I still wish I was perfect...for God...100% of the time...I never want to ruin my testimony. But, the enemy does.

God, forgive me...deliver me from evil....

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil."

We wrestle not against flesh and blood

¹wres·tle

Pronunciation:

\ˈre-səl, ˈra-\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

wres·tled; wres·tling \ˈres-liŋ, ˈras-; ˈre-s^əl-iŋ, ˈra-\

Etymology:

Middle English wrastlen, wrestlen, from Old English wrǣstlian, frequentative of wrǣstan

Date:

before 12th century

intransitive verb1: to contend by grappling with and striving to trip or throw an opponent down or off balance2: to combat an opposing tendency or force <wrestling with his conscience>3: to engage in deep thought, consideration, or debate4: to engage in or as if in a violent or determined struggle <wrestling with cumbersome luggage>transitive verb1 a: to engage in (a match, bout, or fall) in wrestling b: to wrestle with <wrestle an alligator>2: to move, maneuver, or force with difficulty

— wres·tler

Take Up Your Cross or you cannot be My disciple

Mother and I have often talked about: What does it mean to "take up your cross and follow Me?"

Henry Blackaby's book "Experiencing the Cross" puts it this way...in Chapter 12

"We tend to think mostly of our need simply to count the cost of following Him and of doing God's will in our life. Certainly, we have to do that. But I believe there is more here. I think He specifically wants us to recognize, accept, and bear the cost involved in dealing personally with our sin. We cannot understand the cross of Jesus Christ without grasping that it's primarily about God's confrontation with man's sin. Jesus is telling us that for you and me to even think of following Him in a worthy manner, the cross must be central in our life-which means dealing with sin must be central in our lives.

It's unthinkable to say, "Father, thank you for laying the sin of the world on Your Son. ...but please don't talk to me about sin in my life. I just want to have the joy of following You."

Jesus LEARNED to be obedient...Heb. 5:8

....through the things which He suffered.

I bought a copy of "Experiencing the Cross" today by Henry Blackaby....

PG>39..."I've had people say to me, Henry..I find it so difficult to obey."

Sometimes I will answer, "Would you like to learn to be obedient the way Jesus learned?"

"Oh, yes, I would."

Then I'd read them this verse,

"Though He was a Son, yet He LEARNED OBEDIENCE by the things which He suffered. It was in the ENDURANCE OF AFFLICTION that Jesus took hold of obedience.

The Father heard His Son's intense cries and answered them by pointing Him to suffering and to the cross.......

Bring on the Rain...Mercy Me

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Is the Lord God Almighty

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8HgAVenbUU

The Blessings of Brokenness by Charles Stanley

God has really used this man, and this book to train me....I don't know why I think of myself just trotting down this gold pathway to heaven...I see the road to heaven in my mind....but somehow, I forget to paint in the trials....I have had to change the way I paint the picture in my mind...I was forgetting to put on my camaflouge suit...getting ready to dodge the bullets....When did I forget I was in a war?

And...when did I forget that God is always molding me and shaping me....?

Here's the part that spoke to me today.....

"When we experience diffiicult times or feel great inner pain and turmoil, we usually try to assign blame. We say one of two things: either "The devil caused this" or "God caused this." The great likelihood is this:::::The devil caused it, and God allowed it.

He next talks about Job..but, here is the part that spoke to me..."Throughout Jobs pain and losses, God never abandoned Job for EVEN A MOMENT. He knew at each step of the way how Job was being afflicted. God also knew he was refining Job.

I drew a picture of me life today....(stick figures are my specialty)! And I drew arrows at me...listing all the painful things that have happened in my life....divorce, troubled finances, living single, loss of job, unmet desires, lonliness, confusion, depression....

God was standing there when those arrows came...and He allowed them to come....

My stick figure had a happy face....and I was thinking....if my way of glorifying God is to smile through the trials...then so be it....if he wants to rain more trials on me....well, I will still smile...with His help.

Anyway...once I finished my quiet time...this song was on the radio..pretty good timing.....

See Let it Rain Next

Kurdish People

At my last missions conference, FB Jax was hosting missionaries from the middle east...to keep this short for today...I walked around...looking at the booths....and tucked away was a table...with a huge picture of one man.....his eyes looked sad to me....and the caption was, "There is a Kurdish Proverb that says the Kurds have no friend but the mountains." At that moment, I wanted to go to them, and tell them "What a Friend We have in Jesus!"

Last Sunday (we just joined a new church), the pastor was talking about our new missions director, that we are going to be the host church for training churches on getting more involved in missions...then mentioned our new Kurdish ministry....

My ears perked up....the largest population of Kurdish people are in Nashville....Tennessee....

Ashley and I came to Tennessee because she felt in her heart that she wanted to go to Nashville...to go to Vanderbilt for her masters...

We'll see what happens......

Back to counting my blessings

I am noticing that my blogs have been very "downcast" lately...Like David....I am willing to share with you those moments of despair.....but, God picks me up and keeps me going...still....I need to count my blessings...

I had a good week...I am blessed to have encouragers...(you know who you are), blessed to have the strength to make it...with a good attitude....

Ashley has begun to like going to garage sales with me....and WE love it....we live in a good area and the past 2 weekends we have found a few really nice clothes, shoes, and sweaters for 1.00! It's fun to find little things...like a treasure hunt! Ashley and I were playing rummy last night, and commented about how we wish we had a card shuffler...well..we found one of those today....at a garage sale...new...for 1.00....originally 20.00...fun to find the bargains...she found 4 Gap sweaters for 1.00 each...we found a Dirt Devil to vacumn the stairs for 5.00...:) and a New Scrabble game for 2.00....we had accidently sold ours and like to play..oh, and a Black and Decker toaster oven for 7.00....we had been wanting a toaster (ours is in the POD) , but didn't want to pay 19.00 for a cheep one, and 40.00 for a better one...so, we are happy!

Then we came home and had strawberry rice Krispie Squares...Ashley made them in the microwave!

It's been a fun day!

Lord I am Yours....Rebecca Lynn Howard

One of my favorites...

With all of my heart, I raise my hands....to worship you....with all that I am...

Lifting my voice to the One I adore.....let go of myself.....Lord, I am Yours.....

There was a debt, I could not pay....but, with the cross, You took it away...

Now I am free, I am free, I can't ask for more.....

No longer mine....Lord, I am Yours!

Temptation will come....my whole life long

Lord, when I'm weak, You make me strong,

The flesh and the Spirit are always at war.....

But the battle's not mine

Lord, I am Yours!

With all my heart, I rasie my hands.......to worship You.....with all that I am!!!!

Lifting my voice to the One I adore....let go of myself.....Lord, I am Yours!

Let go of myself.....LORD...I am YOURS!

Forgetting those things which are behind

I press on..........

Behind...one minute ago....

Why?

Sometimes it's hard not to ask, "Why?"

Hymns...

I grew up singing hymns....I really like the songs that we sing today...but, I am thankful for the hymns....

I hope children these days are learning the lessons you can learn from singing a hymn....there is such conviction in hymns...

Have Thine Own Way, Lord, Master...today...Search me and try me...

To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot...O Lamb, of God I come.....

What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus...

Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war...with the cross of Jesus...going on before...

Life isn't always fair/"Have Thine Own Way, Lord"

Was it fair that Joseph was thrown in prision? Or that he was left there...did his life seem "fair" at all? I haven't had this test in awhile...unfortunately...I would not give myself a passing grade....No, it wasn't fair what happened to me...but, what was and is my reaction?

I want life to be fair....always....I want to be treated fairly...always...

The Spirit and the flesh wage war.....

The flesh says, "I am not going to act Christlike....I want to be mad....I want my way.....I am going to be mad......I'm not going to......

"Have Thine own way, Lord....have Thine own way...

Thou art the potter, I am the clay,

Mold me and make me...after Thy will....

While I am waiting...yielded and still....

Have Thine own way, Lord.....have Thine own way...

Search me and try me....Master, today

Whiter than snow, Lord...wash me just now...

As in Thy presence, humbly I bow....

Have Thine own way, Lord....have Thine own way

Wounded and weary...help me I pray

Power all power surely is Thine

Touch me and heal me...Savior divine.

Have Thine own way, Lord...have Thine own way

Hold o're my being, absolute sway

Fill with Thy Spirit, till all shall see

Christ only, always, living in me.....

"Jesus...Don't You Care?" Mark 4: 38

"Do you believe the Bible is 100% inspired by God? If your answer is yes..like mine...then we must believe that every story....was sovereignly placed there for ONE reason....for God too tell us...you and me....."I love you!"

I find it interesting how we often disect the Bible...focusing more on the faults of those we are reading... I can tell you today that I am probably like every single person I read about in the Bible....

"Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him,

"Teacher, do YOU not CARE that we are perishing?"

I can't tell you how many times I have spoken those same words to the Lord....in the past....and how many times I have only been hindered from saying them, because of this story....

God put this story in the Bible ...to show us...you and me...that we would have those times where we think He is asleep....when our world is so rocked by the storms of life that we feel we are going to die....and we wonder...Jesus....do you not CARE? Sovereignly he knew what we would face, gave us men to identify with, to answer that question.

"Have faith..I am in this storm, too."

A song I love that I heard in college.....

"When I think I'm going under...part the waters, Lord.

When I feel the waves around me...calm the sea...

When I cry for help O hear me Lord and hold out Your hand

Touch my life....still the raging storm in me....

Knowing You love me..helps me face another day

Hearing Your footsteps, drives the doubt and fears away

And in the night of my life, I see the promise of day

Here is my hand....show me the way.....

When I think I'm going under...part the waters, Lord.....

Another version adds

I need Thee every hour...most gracious Lord

No tender voice like Thine can peace afford

I need Thee O I need Thee

O bless me now my Savior, I come to Thee...

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain

Come quickly and abide Or life is vain

I need Thee O I need Thee....every hour I need Thee

O Bless me now My Savior, I come to Thee...

O bless me now My Savior, I come to Thee....

Restraint

I cannot imagine the restraint of Jesus....to have created the world...to be allknowing..all powerful...all wise....and to have restrained Himself for 33 years......

Page 56 line 5

What is Sovereignty?...Supreme power....controlling influence......

Yesterday I was blue...ok...life has ups and downs....Rick Warren said once that he used to think life was full of ups and then downs...now he believes...they just run side by side...Whatever the case..life is not easy.

Something disappointing happened at work last week...and I am not getting paid for the next 7 days.....I felt very depressed about it yesterday..I was reading through Facebook...trying to cheer myself up...it was working...sort of.......tears continued to stream...

Then, I read from a posting...."Grab the nearest book...turn to page 56, line 5 and post whatever is on that page." Here is what was on the page starting from the top.....

afraid. I will provide for you and your children........

afraid...I will provide for you and your children......

Line 5 really didn't matter after that....it was God speaking to me and assuring me that He is in control....that He is my provider..

Backing up a page...."But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is not being done, the saving of many lives...So then, don't be....afraid....I will provide for you and your children....

Think about it....had she asked for another page...and another line....is God Sovereign...Yes...

Does he care about the sparrow? yes......

Normally I don't do this sort of thing...but, I grabbed the nearest book...my Bible...

High School Reunion -30 years Part 2

Reunion is to be continued...I have written more...3 times...but having trouble saving it...perhaps it is too long....will continue later....

High School Reunion-30 years

It was sweet....from the moment I stepped in the door...it was sweet.....I was seeing faces I hadn't seen in over 30 years....."Do you remember who I am?" I ran to the filing cabinet of my mind that was covered with dust....and quickly blowing the dust away..... opened the drawer and began to pull out the file...Class of 1978.

Some of the men were the toughest to remember....they were still "boys" when I last saw them and here they were...taller, broader...and so mature looking .."Please, don't ask me to remember....where is your nametag? and, wait a minute...I need my glasses.....I can't read your nametag without them" ...oh, time had caught up with us....

As I made my way around the room, glancing into faces and back into the file....I asked myself...is that ????

The night continued that way....with hugs, and pictures, and the matching of faces to files....and hugs and pictures and the matching of faces to files..

David Deese was asked to pray..."And Father, God........and Father God......and Father God....if anyone here is not saved....let them be saved today..." David Deese...who was he in high school?

You see, the thing is...the reunion was put together by someone I hardly knew....in fact, when he called me....I had to go back to the yearbook, find his face, and try to remember him from high school and..honestly, I could not remember Matthew Rose....

And yet, he had asked David to pray...and Reginald....and Miriam...and Bobby.....and Kenneth, and George...

Interesting that Matthew and I had the idea to put the reunion together, at the same time...in two different states...in January 2009..I started making a spead sheet....and then, he called, and told me he already had the lists, was going to put the reunion together...and I, anticipating a move...thought...great...."I"ll help you, Matthew...anyway I can." "

"Great, he said...you can be the MC."

Looking back....he did more than I ever would have or could have done...Oh, I might have had some different pizzazz, but, I would have never thought it ok to have so much mention and focus on the LORD in the reunion....thank goodness, that ultimatly, God was in charge....and He knew...and chose Matthew Rose....who was perfect for the job!

The fish fry was great....eating grits with fish reminded me that I was raised in the South....honestly, the food was good!

The music started, and yes, we were reluctant at first...to get out there and dance....I'm not sure how we managed to break out of our "comfort zones" but we were soon dancing to the tunes of the 70's that we knew and loved so well...."The electic slide?????????? I had attempted this dance at numerous weddings....always went left when everyone else was going right....I looked at Cindy...she was floundering a little herself...."Aren't we (since we were the cheerleaders) supposed to be the leaders of this kind of thing?" We both laughed...and continued to dance.

I looked at Sherry....HUMM...she can really dance...wasn't she the majorette?? :)

More dancing...more water...more water...did we say, "MORE WATER?" It was as if we were in a gym in great clothes...not stopping for anything but WATER!" WE laughed and joked "Must be the age."

"Cindy...can't you remember a dance we used to do in the 70"s..." She remembered one, and we began teaching it to the group...it was actually, to me, easier..but the group loved it...especially one of the guys in the group...didn't have his name...but, he was a lot of fun.

The electic slide began playing again...(a real favorite that night), and I grabbed Brenda...she had been trying to help me all night....here we go...she went left...I went right..she went up..I went back.....

"Naomi, it's in 4's. Count to 4...." It was the same guy I had taught to dance, and that comment was all I needed to hear to change the future of my dancing! :) I had it! It was like scoring a touchdown....and the cheerleader in me screaming inside....yes!

Friday night was fun.....

The next morning, Mother was asking me about the night...

"Was Reginald Miller there? He has been such a blessing to the community..so instrumental in working with kids in the area.."

"No...I said...didn't see him.....but, there was this great guy there...I taught him a dance...he taught me the electic slide....I need to get his name...He didn't have his nametag on...."

Next morning at breakfast..."Cindy....who was the guy that taught me the electic slide?"

"Oh, that was Reginald Miller!"

What a riot! Boy to man....that's all I can say....he must have gained 70 pounds of muscle since then....!:) We all had a good laugh about that one!

Breakfast was fun...."Why don't we do a 50th birthday bash next year together....?"

A black and white ball....

Note: Community center has already been reserved for next July!

Friend of God

One of my favorite songs is:

I am a friend of God, I am a friend of God, I am a friend of God...He calls me friend.....

I was listening to that song yesterday, and reflecting on the fact that God is my friend....sticks closer than a brother...what does He think of my friendship toward Him? Am I a faithful friend? Oh, that He could always say of me.....she is a good friend......she is always there when I need her....she always lends a listening ear....she helps me....supports me....loves me...

Busy month...Time with God

It has been a busy month....and I miss those long sits with the word...long sits with the LORD. I am painfully aware in times like these how much I need the LORD....nothing good dwells in me...and, I depend upon God to infuse me with His love, His grace, His mercy, His compassion, His goodness...In ways....though....it is good for me to see how very weak I am....that it is ALL because of Him.....I can understand why my brothers of old often made alters to the LORD....it takes time to build...time to make that determination that nothing is going to distract from the fact that God is ALMIGHTY...and WORTHY OF OUR BEST....WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE.....WORTHY OF OUR LOVE AND TIME AND.......FRIENDSHIP...... Things in life get in the way...distract us from the most important which is....worship of the ONE who gave us breath....the ONE who sustains us daily with every good thing.....the ONE who knows us best....and loves us most.....the ONE who is patient....and understands that we are...but dust.....

Robbed...."Made me Glad"

I hadn't met my new manager until yesterday...we were scheduled to meet at 4:30....I arrived on time, and he proceeded to show me around the entire bank....I was supposed to meet the investment banker...but, he had been called to a meeting...so, I left around 5:10....well...the bank was robbed at 5:19....fortunately no one was hurt...but, I am safe....I pray for the angels of God to surround that office...it has been hit twice in less than a year...it is the newest branch...beautiful inside...I am going to be very close to the teller line traffic....but, God is my stronghold...I go nowhere without Him....He is my protector...

This has become one of my favorite songs....Made me Glad.....

I will bless the Lord forever
I will trust Him at all times
He has delivered me from all fear
He has set my feet upon a rock
And I will not be moved, and I`ll say of the Lord

You are my Shield, my Strength
My Portion, Deliverer
My Shelter, Strong Tower
My very present help in time of need

Whom have I in heaven but You
There`s none I desire besides You
And You have made me glad
And I`ll say of the Lord

You are my Shield, my Strength
My Portion, Deliverer
My Shelter, Strong Tower
My very present help

You are my Shield, my Strength
My Portion, Deliverer
My Shelter, Strong Tower
My very present help in time of need

My very present help in time of need
My very present help in time of need

It's miraculous...it's..a miracle...

A couple from China came in yesterday...around 4...they needed to make a deposit...get same day credit...and still had to pick up the check...since the branch I was in had 4:00 cutoffs...I recommended my new branch...10 miles away....that did not have a cut off until 6:00. They spoke little English...I took out a sticky note..wrote down the address, manager's name...phone number....they weren't even sure they would make it in time..I looked up the milage on my GPS...1o miles... they still had to pick up the check...and THAT person was working....long story short....they did make it to the branch...my office....around 5:30...but, it had just been robbed! Thankfully, I had given them the phone number...they called the manager from outside...he gave them another branch phone number and address...and they made it....5:58....when they came inside today, he told me that it was....and he began searching for words....miraculous......it....was....a ....miracle....I was thinking...yes....then he mentioned God....turns out...they are Christians...and...we could celebrate together about how God does still do miracles.....he parts the sea....it was the detail of the phone number....had I not written it....he wouldn't have made it......it's the little things we do....that can make such a huge difference! The neat thing was....we weren't even scheduled to be in the branch that we were in at the first of the week...someone called us to "fill in" and we were there 2 days...the 2 days they needed us! :) God is a good God! I love it when you see the hand of God...just gives you that sweet confirmation that He is always working for us....and with us....and loves us...every little detail is important to Him

The Old Testament

I love the Old Testament........I remember the times I said to my mother, "Why did they put the Old Testament in the Bible? I just don't get it!" Oh....that was before I discovered the links between the old and the new...now....I can hardly stay out of the Old Testament....the desire of my heart is to teach a group of people who want to KNOW....who are hungry for the truth of the word of God....I remember hearing a story once of a young kid who wanted to be taught by a certain teacher...the teacher took him out into the water, held him down under the water until he almost passed out....and when he let him up for air....the kid asked, "Why did you do that?" The teacher replied, "When you want to learn as much as you wanted to breathe....THEN, I will teach you."

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.....

El Roi...The God who sees

A young college student came into work yesterday...I could tell that he ONCE had money....he had a Louis Vuitton wallet....I say, "ONCE" because he mentioned on the way out that it was rough being broke...that he had to go to court today....I could tell he was struggling...I thought about him this morning.....When he walked into the bank again today...I waved...I was glad and startled to see him...I wondered how he was doing. He sat down and began waiting on someone to help him....I was hoping it would be my trainer and me...and, it did work out that way...."I'm glad to see you today...I thought about you this morning..how are you?" He began to share that he went to court today to be evicted from his apartment...he has 10 days left....His dad died when he first came to Tennessee...his dad was an attorney....they used to have money.....His mother just lost her house. He can't find a job due to the economy.....He's a Junior...studying accounting.....maybe it's because I saw myself in him....maybe it was because I saw my son in him....he is about my son's age......but, something inside me wanted to help him.....God loves you....I told him....He cares....and He will see you through this....the manager waived some fees.....I emailed my contacts here....I hope I can do something to help him....If the only reason I went to work today was for him.....it was worth it.....work can be boring....but, helping someone......just never is...................I'm glad I have had trials in my life....not because I like trials....because, I don't....but, I know it makes me sensitive.....to the needs of others....I know how it feels to stuggle....to have and to not have.........the school of hard knocks is actually......a good learning environment....so, today, I thank God for the trials....for the strength to get through them...the wisdom to learn from them....the opportunites it opens up.....I have "surrendered" to life.....I rest in knowing that God is in control....He is working all things out...for His glory...for the help of those on this planet that need Him....that need to know that He SEES, He knows...He loves....He cares....

"My Utmost for His Highest"

God has used this devotional book in my life for years......."Having the reality of God's presence is not dependent on our being in a particular circumstance or place, but it is ONLY dependent on the DETERMINATION to keep the Lord before us continually." 7/20

Paul said...I determined to know nothing but Jesus Christ....and Him crucified.....

Doctrine of Thanksgiving

Pastor Homer G. Lindsay was my pastor at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville for many years. He is in heaven now...but, God still uses things he said to mold me...shape me.....One of those things is the Doctrine of Thanksgiving....hardly ever preached...but, oh, what a difference it makes in my life! There is a profound difference in my life when I determine to thank God all day for everything in my life...I tell myself..."Look for things to praise the LORD for today!" Oh, the things I would have missed had I not started this practice..

So, today I thank God for who He is....a personal God of love and compassion, mercy and forgiveness...gentle and humble in heart....always present...always positive...always guiding and cheering and blessing.......I am thankful that He is in control...and He is all wise, all knowing....what a comfort....I am thankful that He protects me, and provides for me....and teaches me.....to be patient...and wait....and trust....I am thankful for His word, and for my brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone before me....who left a legacy.....who God has used as an example in my life....I am thankful for my heritage....that I am a part of the plan of God...that one day I will sit in heaven with everyone who loves Christ...and has followed His call to be His disciples.....I am thankful for every minute I experience the presence of God in my life....for every breath I take and know He is right beside me....I am thankful for every believer who has a passion for Christ....who determines to know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified....

I am thankful for eyes to see, and the understanding to watch the heavens....to imagine the curtain that separates me from seeing the eyes of God....thankful that I know He is there...and one day...I will be with Him....thankful for all of the unique creatures that He has created and for the opportunity to see so many of them....and then to think that He has said, "No eye has seen nor ear has heard...nor has it enterered the heart of man all that God has prepared for those who love Him.

I am thankful for my parents, my children, my relatives, my friends (new and old)...and for those future friends ahead....

I am thankful that I am in Tennessee...because that is where God wants me....and all I want is to be where He wants me to be....I am thankful for the peace in knowing that I am in the will of God...I am thankful for this nice place to live, for everyone who has made it possible for us to be here. I am thankful for a job...that I start tomorrow....I am thankful that it is a confirmation that I am where I am to be...I am thankful for health, and purpose, and vision, and the strength God gives to press on....

I am thankful for all the hundreds of things He gives me that I can so easily overlook...just the fact that I am an American, born in a free country...and even now...when our freedoms are being stripped away....I am free.....and always will be....because I am free in Christ....

I am thankful that God has given me the faith to believe....first in the fact that He died for me, and eternal life is by grace alone....second.....faith to believe that He has my best interests at heart...and that He is in control...and no matter what I face.....He is yoked to me....and I to Him.

I am thankful for God....the Father.....God....the Son.....God.....the Holy Spirit.....all that I need, I find in Him....."whom have I in heaven but Thee, and besides Thee, I desire nothing...my flesh and my heart may fail....but, God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

I am thankful that God keeps me on the path....for those He has surrounded me with....to keep me close to Him.....for the knowledge that nothing good dwells within me......except Him.....and that I am a sinner saved by grace.......grace.....sweet grace..........

And yes, I am thankful for lemon cookies, the game Twist, my new 15.00 pool from Walmart that I had a blast using today.....suntan lotion...the way it smells in the summer.....watching cardinals fly overhead....and clouds change formations...watching my daughter smile....and my dog refuse to swim....quiet moments.....the way my condo has "come together" so quickly....feeling good about the way things look........talking to old school friends and laughing at their jokes....taking deep breaths....and being able to say....it is well with my soul.......

Ps. 89: 15-18 The Joyful Sound

"How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!

O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance.

In Your name they rejoice all the day, and by your righteousness they are exalted.

For You are the glory of their strength, and by Your favor our horn is exalted.

For our shield belongs to the Lord, and our king to the Holy One of Israel.....

Jehovah Jirah

The Lord will provide....oh, how the LORD loves us....He is the faithful shepherd, and He will provide....Oh, yes...He will provide......I sold a bedroom set today....Craig's List....had tried to sell it before I left Orlando...but, I guess it was meant for this family...she was EXCITED....well, that surely makes "letting go" easier....God answers prayer....He brought a buyer....God provides....God provides....

A Job

"O my strength, I will sing praises to You; for God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness." Ps. 59:17.

God is my stronghold...yes, I am weak....but, He makes me strong....He is my strength...my song...my help...my fortress...my deliverer.....

I have a job offer...I thank Ashley...for finding the job on the internet....a month ago....I thank God for the faith to believe, the patience to wait, the resources to endure...the encouragers....the prayer warriors...His presence that comforts me....for His word...for the examples in His word that give me faith....He is a God of promises...of love....of mercy...of grace.....

I thank God, again, for my parents, my daughter, those who sacrifice and believe in me...and support me...through trials....thank you, O God...for your sweet blessings.....

One day I'll understand

I just received an email. I was supposed to meet for an interview today at 11:00...now he is asking for 11 tomorrow or 1 on Monday....I was supposed to know something about First Tennessee early this week...then it changed to "maybe next week." God knows I need a job...We are praying....I DONT understand....at all.....I don't understand.......there are a lot of things I don't understand about my life......but, God says DO NOT LEAN on your own understanding....I don't understand...but my faith is in God.......I may not like the path....the problems.....but, I will still follow and trust....and sing......praises to His name.......I press on toward the UPWARD calling of God in Christ Jesus!

So Do Not Worry

So do not worry about tomorrow...for tomorrow will care for itself.....Each day has enough trouble of its own.....for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.....Matthew 6: 25-34

Sufferings

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.....and we know that God CAUSES all things to work together for good to those who love God...to those who are called according to His purpose........He who did not spare His only Son........but delivered Him over for us all...........how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Romans 8: 18-32

For the mind set on the flesh is death......but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.....Romans 8: 6.....

Perseverance

"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:13

"Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me; for I am afflicted and needy. Preserve my soul for I am a godly man; O You my God, save your servant who trusts in You. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to You I cry all day long. Make glad the soul of Your servant, for to You O LORD, I lift up my soul. Ps. 86: 1-4

There are times we must cry out to the LORD...He allows His people to suffer......and it is in Him that we find rest for our souls....."for your ways are not my ways, and your thoughts are not my thoughts....trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding...in all your ways ackowledge Him and He will direct your paths......

Not liking this walk

I am not liking this leg of the journey...I miss the house in Orlando....windows galore...the pond outback.....the constant influx of birds.....I have situated my furniture here where I can see outside the best I can....Ashley and I spent almost 6 hours wacking down vines behind the house.... I can see the cardinals now when they hop up on the fence...and, yesterday, I saw a bunny through the door, through the fence slats...but, I will be honest with you...I hate looking for a job...it's discouraging, frustrating...I worry about the bills....and, I know I'm not supposed too...but, it's hard....I want to give up sometimes....so, I guess you just sit down...have a little cry...and keep going.....I don't know how people do it without encouagers in their lives..I was hoping to get up here and enjoy the mountains....it's tough to enjoy anything when you worry about making the bills.....and then, you have the enemy over your shoulder....telling you that God has forsaken you...He won't come through....He has forgotten about you.....mean things like that.....I quote scripture....and keep going...Jesus Christ....the Lamb of God.....is my shepherd.....I shall not want......

Comparisons

It's challenging not to compare your situation with others....some people just "seem" to have no problems...

Discouraging

Job hunting can be discouraging...it's tough getting up day after day and encouraging yourself when you face rejection after rejection....one of the tough parts about it is you never get any constructive feedback as to why you might not have been chosen...and then, there is the problem of whether or not to take 2 part time positions verses 1 fulltime...the bills never stop....

Walking by Faith

"Consider it all JOY my brethren when you encounter various trials...knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance...and let endurance have it's perfect result that you may be perfect and complete...lacking in nothing..."

O God...increase my faith..... for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ! IJNA

Tears

This was one of those days that was challenging to get through...For the most part..I know I am tired...and SHOULD be in bed right now...I have done a lot in the last 2 weeks...moving is tiresome....Jim Tillman...the neighbor awaiting brain surgery came over and edged my yard, took 3 vines bushes (roots) out of the yard...he had already put nails in the fence the other day..just noticed....God is good....He does reach down with loving arms...through others....still....this afternoon...I was just tired and blue....I finally wrote a letter to God....sometimes it just helps to get it all out on paper....I must have written 15 pages....front and back...the cries of my heart.....once it was out....the peace came back....still tired....but, peaceful.....I'm glad we can be honest with God about how we feel....He knows our hearts and minds......I later took a walk and met Jim's wife who was walking their dog, Sandy....met Larry who was walking his dog, Ajax....and met another gal...forget her name...and her dogs were walking her! Ha! No kidding!

Amazing Love...Rachel Robinson

I'm forgiven... because You were forsaken, I'm accepted...You were condemned...now I'm alive and well, Your spirit is within me  because You died and rose again! Amazing Love....how can it be? That You my King would die for me? Amazing Love... I know it's true....and its my joy to honor You in all I do....I honor You! You are My King.....Jesus You are My King....You are my King! Jesus You are my King! Amazing Love...how can it be? that you my King would die for me? Amazing love, I know it's true...and its my joy to honor You....in all I do...I honor You....in all I do....I honor You. "

A Resting Place...Paul Wilbur

"My soul finds rest in God alone, my peace depends on You! In that place of quiet rest, He fills me from within....He pours on me His Holy Oil...Spirit of the Living God.....Then He takes me by His hand and comforts me with His love....comfort me with Your love....Those who wait upon the Lord new strength He gives to them...He gives them wings like the eagle that they might soar with Him....He weaves His strength into their lives..the Spirit of Adonai.....then He gives them all of His peace to guard their hearts and their minds...guarding their hearts and minds.....so come My soul now take your rest, find your peace in Me.....the Holy presence of the Lord that fills you from within....O pour on me Your Holy Oil...Spirit of the Living God.....fill my cup Lord I lift it up...until I overflow..........O pour on me Your Holy Oil...Spirit of the Living God....fill my cup Lord I lift it up....until I overflow......

My prayer for Israel....Psalm 130/125/128

O Israel, hope in the LORD; for with the LORD there is lovingkindness, and with Him is abundant redemption. And He will "redeem Israel from all his iniquities..."...Peace be upon Israel. Peace be upon Israel.

Waiting/Galations 2:20

I had 3 interviews last week....Wed, Thurs, Fri....for the same company...I am waiting for their decision. They like me...said I scored high on the test, resume looks good...that I will fit in...but, you never know...they might think I am overqualified....(she mentioned that I would be taking a step backward at first), wrong age...who knows....it's tough getting a job these days...I have had my share of no's....still, I trust the LORD. My body is His....though I groan.....I yield.....to His will...for my life....I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me and the life which I now life in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me!

More neighbors

I have met more of my neighbors....what a great neighborhood! One of the men, a couple doors down, has Parkinson's disease...will have surgery on the 15th, 22nd. He has screws in his head in preparation for the surgery on the 15th. The pace maker will be put in on the 22nd. I met him because he was asking me if he could help me....just like the LORD....on the cross...and thinking of others....the mark of a matured disciple....

People of Tennessee

The owner of the home was so helpful the day of the move...she called the airport and got the flights confirmed..which, thankfully, saved time. She and Gary have been great! He drove the truck back to Penske for me...on Sunday....what a blessing. Mary and Ward came to see us on Sunday...brought us a plant.....one of the neighbors came over to give me a loaf of Amish bread. She also gave me a "starter bread" which will allow me to pass on the bread...fun! We look forward to making friends...

Tennessee

We have been in Tennessee a week today....what a week this has been! The mountains are beautiful.....Blue Ridge Mountains....mornings are cool...the windows are open right now....last night Ashley, Demi and I took a walk down some trails near our house...no more flat land....I keep singing "The Hills are alive!!!" Ashley is getting a bit tired of hearing the song! Last night I saw lightning bugs for the first time! I had no idea they were "still around!" I thought we had captured them all-putting them in jars-when we were kids! We have eaten at Cracker Barrell 4 times :)...it's about 1 mile from the house as is almost every other shop you can think of. We are in a great location...very close to everything...library....schools...banks...shopping centers....I am still really tired. I woke up at 10:00 yesterday...yes, I had already been up once to let Demi out...but, went right back to sleep....still....I am tired.....moving takes a lot out of you! We have done an amazing job of getting everything in the house and organized....we have really accomplished a lot in this short week.

Moving

Moving went well...the men I hired were supposed to load the truck Thursday night...but, they had to work. Fortunately, I was able to leave the truck parked at Penske...met the guys in the early Friday morning...and drove to the house. It took them 6 hours to load the 26 ft truck...8-2...and still, everything didn't fit. After they left...somewhere around 2:30ish...Ashley and I realized...."we still have a lot of work to do!" Four hours later, we left the house...cars packed so tightly we couldn't see out the windows...and, we left a lot of "stuff" behind in the garage...Christmas tree....Duncan...our 3 ft scarecrow....who has traveled with us wherever we go....we tried to get a trailer, but none was available at this short notice...we hated to leave, but knew that we had a 5 hour trip ahead of us...We arrived in Ocilla at 12:30AM. Mother had bought orange fluff for Ashley...and chicken salad from "The Shoppes." We devoured the food! The orange fluff tasted so good. Saturday morning came early...we traveled over 6 hours..and made it to Farragut around 3. Left the house by 6 to get the guys to the plane...lots of hurrying...but, we made it!

Psalm 63: 3-7

"Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You! So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name....for you have been my help....and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy!" 

Praise God for my renters

I must tell you that I almost cried when I walked into my house in Jacksonville yesterday....God handpicked my renters.....I drove into the driveway....and, it was a......" home"........flower baskets.....hanging from the eaves.......I had a warm feeling before I entered the house...and when I walked in....the beauty of the "home" took my breath away! I want to blog more later...but, I right now I have to shout it from the rooftops....THANK you, O God....for Larry and Sandy!

Two more days in Orlando

We have 2 more days here...Lots of packing to do today...and, time always seems to race when you need it to slow down...yes, I should be packing..but, God is so worthy of my praise. I must tell you that He is an incredible God! Yesterday, I had multiple appointments in Jacksonville...only He could orchestrate yesterday for me....Up at 4:00, left by 5:15, drove to Jax...dropped Demi to the vet by 8, breakfast, dropped Ashley off to her hair appointment at 9:00, drove to visit my renter's in Jacksonville, off to lunch, now to my hair appointment by 12:30, on to the doctor appointment by 4:15, pick up Demi 6:30 ande back to Orlando...got home at 10:00....I should have logged the distance....just to tell you more about how He accomplised all this for us...and, we even had a stop or two along the way...one was to cash in a year old 70.00 massage gift...we traded that for shampoo products....God is good! So much to do...but, no stress....everything timed like an orchestra....we sooooo underestimate the abilities of God!

The Presence of God

I cannot imagine life without His presence....I have a replica of the Ark of the Covenant that I picked up from The Holy Land in Orlando. I imagine the Jewish priests preparing to pick it up and carry it when God said it was time to move on.....I imagine them carrying it....step by step.....setting it down for the night....always having the presence of the Lord with them.....How thankful I am that I am never alone....and that I do carry the presence of God with me.....and that, He.. carries me.....

"Made me Glad"

"I will bless the Lord forever, I will trust Him at all times, He has delievered me from all fears, He has set my feet upon a Rock, I will not be moved, but I'll say of the LORD, You are my shield, my strength, my portion, deliverer, my shelter, strong tower, my very present help in time of need. Whom have I in heaven but You, there's none I desire above You, You have made me glad, and I'll say of the Lord....you are my shield, my strength, my portion, deliverer, my shelter, strong tower, my very present help in time of need......

Demi does the hula!

Demi went to the groomer today...poor thing....she was looking more like a sheep dog than a yorkie! She has never gone that long without a haircut...I couldn't even see her eyes...But, now...she is cute again!....I took her to Luna's Pet Luau!  When I picked her up...she was wearing a lei! (Pictures to follow)! 

Walking with Jesus...

...makes me a better person...if I have said that already...let me say it again! Jesus changes my life....every day...for the better.....

The value of ONE

"Mama...will you always follow me.....wherever I go....like, Aunt Naomi follows Ashley?"  This was a question my 10 year old neice asked her mother....God has a plan for each of our lives...my "following Ashley" to Orlando, and now to Knoxville....is God's plan....for us.......God continues to teach me about Himself...through my children.....Probably the most important lesson I am learning as a parent is the value He places on ONE individual. The truth is..I'm not following Ashley...We are following the Lord...and He has us walking arm in arm....supporting one another...encouraging one another...I need her....she needs me...Mother and daughter...sisters in Christ!

To Tythe or Not to Tythe

I have to admit that, along with my many weaknesses, tything is still a challenge for me...I have robbed God...and, I am not proud of it....it is a security thing....but, when you are obedient...what a blessing! I know that when I don't tythe..I am not only robbing God...but, robbing myself of the blessings of giving! But, today, I really sensed the Lord telling me to tythe...and I did....and would you know...that I needed to buy more packing boxes this afternoon... packing paper (that would have cost 8.80) a box...got to the UHaul store....and in their "free box" section....was a dish box...the size I needed..... FULL of paper....no need to buy paper now...and so many boxes that I could have for free....I just stood there stunned! I love those overwelming moments when you know that God has just blessed you for being obedient....for...blessing others! I stood there and praised the Lord outloud in the store....Halleluia! 

America

Thank you, God, for allowing me to be born in America...home of the free....and, thank you for making it possible to stay free...in Christ....for all eternity!

Being real

I want to clarify my mood today...and to tell you the truth...I am not even sure I know....I have reached the "I don't want to pack anymore," stage...and "I am just ready to get there." stage and the "not one more garage sale!" stage...I am a bit grumpy! Money is tight, I need a job...dread looking for one...alright...maybe I should just get all the grumps out in one blog and be done with it. I want to be real. My goal is to allow Jesus to live through me at all times, and many times I achieve that...but, there are days that Naomi takes over, and she gets worried, scared, frustrated, disappointed, discouraged, depressed...I appreciate God.....He didn't use the entire Bible to tell us about all of the great moments in the lives of His saints...He let us see that they were real! They were men and women that God dearly loved...who dearly loved God..but, they too got worried, scared, frustrated, disappointed, discouraged and depressed. So in counting my blessings today...and I have many....I want to thank God for making the Bible real.....and for using real people like me....to bring glory to His name!

Cow udders

You can always find humor in a day...if you are connected to the right encouragers....Ashley and I have had chapped lips..and can't really find anything that works. She was on a website, and discovered that "Bag Balm" is great for chapped lips....now, this is the stuff the cow farmers rub-2 times a day if they are good to their cows-to keep the udders healthy~! So, I am officially trying it...will let you know in a few days! :) 

What keeps me going?

What keeps me going through my trials of life? ."The Hiding Place.".... a movie that still continues to impact my life....Lice, beatings, suffering, and Betsy's words "No hate, Corrie....No hate." What luxuries I have enjoyed as an American....

Doubt

to be inclined to disbelieve...be skeptical of....to be fearful or suspicious of....to lack confidence in...to be uncertain.....there are levels of doubt that one might have in a relationship with God. There are those that doubt that God exists, that He really did come to this earth, that He is the only way to eternal life, that He is love, and just, and merciful, and.......but to have spent time with God...will leave little doubt that He is who He says He is.....but walking with Jesus means we cannot expect a life of certainty...God is master of the "unexpected." Jesus was walking on the water one day, and calls Peter to, "Come." Eyes on Jesus...he jumped out of the boat and started walking ON water. Recorded in the same chapter of Matthew was the beheading of John the Baptist...John spent his ministry IN the water....assured that Jesus was the Christ..."Behold, the Lamb of God, "he said, "who takes away the sin of the world! I myself have seen and testified that this is the Son of God. (Jn. 1: 29-34). Strong men of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, in today's language we would say that these men were "on fire for Jesus Christ" and yet...doubt...."But seeing the wind....he became frightened.....and beginning to sink.....(Matt. 14:30) Peter became "uncertain." About to be beheaded....for following the will of the Lord...John the Baptist became, "uncertain." "Are you the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?"John asked.(Matt. 11:3) Yes, I believe God is who He says He is and can do anything with His power. but, there are times I am tempted to doubt... ....We can love Jesus with all our hearts...believe He is who He says He is...but it is the "unexpected" that can catch us off guard...I admit, I like certainty. I like money in the bank, a nice steady job, immediate answers to all of my requests. Though I like to see the Lord perform miracles..I don't always like the situations He puts me in....Jesus brings us to a place that we cannot depend on ourselves for the faith we need to handle the circumstances He places us in. With confidence we look to our sister in the faith...Fannie Crosby...blind from birth who wrote:

"All the way my Savior leads me, what have I to ask beside? Can I doubt His tender mercy, who through life has been my Guide? Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in Him to dwell! For I know, whate'er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well. For I know, whate'er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well! All the way my Savior leads me, cheers each winding path I tread, gives me grace for every trial, feeds me with the living Bread. Though my weary steps may falter, and my soul athirst may be, gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! a spring of joy I see; Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see! All the way my Savior leads me, Oh, the fullness of His love! Perfect rest to me is promised in my Father's house above. When my spirit, clothed immortal, wings its flight to realms of day, this my song through endless ages; Jesus led me all the way; This my song through endless ages; Jesus led me all the way!

For truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move from here to there, and it will move, and nothing will be impossible to you. Matt. 17: 20

Our ways/His ways

I just booked a flight from Knoxville to Orlando for 2 men I just hired that are helping me move....our ways are not God's ways. In some ways...this is not going to be the easiest route...and, I am not saving THAT much money...If I used the mover....they pick up my things...I get to spend a few days with my parents...get to Knoxville...they drop everything off and walla...wellaa??? Tadaa??  Anyway...that's that....Instead, I am now going to pick up a Budget truck, drive it to my house, they load, I book a motel and 2 flights back, spend less time with my family, and..oh, and I will now need to take them to the airport. "Are you SURE God, this is what you want me to do?" Isn't it interesting that we are ALWAYS leaning toward looking out for ourselves? Well, maybe YOU aren't...but, I tend to be this way...I am competitive...agressive...don't want to think I got the bad end of the deal...ever....I like things to be easy, smooth...and....I want what works out best for ME! God wants to bless them...that's all I can tell you.....and, it's really not even my job or God's will for me to try to "figure it all out!" I am a little unsettled at the moment..."Well, maybe I should just try to talk the other guy down." No, it's done....I can't be wishy washy...the tickets are now paid for...non refundable....I have no idea what God is up too, and maybe never will...I walk by faith...yoked with Jesus...it's His money....His plan....He is LORD....and HE is so  not like me....He is not selfish...doesn't look out only for Himself...doesn't always take the easy path....is willing to go out of His way.....inconvenience Himself...to show love.........

"Greater love has no man than this...that he lay down his life for his friends...."

"I am Blessed" Rachel Lampa

"I am blessed, I am blessed...from when I rise up in the morning, till I lay my head to rest, I feel you near me..you soothe me when I'm weary, O Lord...for all the worst and all the best....I am blessed."

Encouragement

I am so thankful for the encouragers in my life....most importantly...the LORD....but, it would really be tough if I didn't have people in my life like my Mother, my daughter....they are like God's bookends for me......I look left and right....and find 2 reasons why I am who I am....they are my encouragers, my cheerleaders....my source or accountablity....my friends.....

Eating an Elephant

How do you eat an elephant??? One bite at a time...or so my Mother reminds me! :) She even sent me a stuffed elephant as a reminder! Yes, as I look around this house...I will just eat this elephant one bite at a time..."Will it all get done, my Lord?" "Yes...my love....it will!" I am greatful for the help of the LORD each and every day! He gives me peace, strength, and gently reminds me...stay focused on today.....one day at at time.....and sing along the way.......

Job 28:26/Rain

"For He looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens....

When He imparted weight to the wind and meted out the waters by measure, when He set a limit for the rain and a course for the thunderbolt.....

I have been thinking about yesterday's post...regarding the ravens cry....God sees everything....I am fortunate to have a pond behind my house. It is a retention pond with a fountain in the middle.....that is always flowing...the birds love it here....I have been watching this white bird for days....he walks around the pond all day.....fishes...wanders up to the neighbors houses...door to door...and then back to the pond to fish some more....Nature belongs to God...everything is God's...and God said that nature was "very good." He loves His creatures....and yes, we need the rain....but, so do the animals...and creatures of this world.....

"His eye is on the sparrow...and I know He watches me..... I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free....for His eye is on the sparrow....and I know He watches me!"