In His Hands

It Continues to AMAZE Me

2009-12-12T18:01:00.002-07:00

It has been a LONG time since I posted. I am for the most part using Facebook now. What I have to say wouldn't fit on FB....so...most of you know that I have horses, I love my horses....my horses are on pasture through the winter except for 1 month. Where they are, I don't not have power to hook up a stock tank heater, so when it is cold like it is now, I go every morning and every evening to check the stock tank, the last several days, because of the extreme cold, i have broken ice and removed it from the stock tank both morning and nite, if a horse doesn't have water they will dehydrate just like a human. Trying to make this long story short. The Pasture is owned by one man, but the water I pump from is from another man...this morning, i went and broke ice and removed the ice from the tank....this evening i went to check again to make sure the tank was clear of ice....as I approach the tank I notice that a path has been shoveled clear of snow for me from where I get out of my car all the way back to where the stock tank is. . .of course i was delighted and so very thankful, as I am walking back to the tank, not only has the neighbor shoveled the snow for me, but he has filled the stock tank up for me......this brought tears to my eyes....why can't we treat each other the way this man treats me, everytime, all the time? I went to the door in tears and thanked him profusely, he grins at me and says he is happy to do this "LITTLE" thing for me and my horses....people, we gotta get it right. sometimes we treat each other down right rude, we have misunderstandings and friends get their feelings hurt and then we have the audacity to call ourselves "Christians"! I was humbled by this act of kindness......and am so very thankful that this gentleman is in my life and in my horses, they thank him and so do I.

Thoughts

2009-06-12T07:21:00.002-07:00

One measure of our love for God is what we’re willing to do to share His Word with others.
I was thinking what Christ went through for us. The Scourging, the crown of the thorns, the mockery, the spitting, the carrying his own cross, the humiliation, the crucifiction.....I cannot imagine the isolation HE must have felt!
We go through things on a daily basis, at the time it seems to be a HUGE trial, then I think of what JESUS did for me!
God does not like murmuring and complaining.....PERIOD....What HE wants from us is that we should PRAISE HIM IN ALL THINGS! When we are in the midst of a trial, look up and praise the one, who gave His all for you and me. Then ask yourself this, what have I done for Him? HE asks that we live this life for Him and to share with all who will listen what HE has done for us and what HE can do for them.
If you love the Lord, tell someone about HIM, tell them what HE has done for you.

In His Hands

2009-06-10T08:21:00.002-07:00

This is the day that the Lord has made, I shall be glad and rejoice in it!
The Bible says to praise Him in all things, that He knows what we need before
we do and that His ways are higher than our ways.
Seems like to me that we have the directions on how to live this life
He has given us in His Holy Word......Why is it that we still have such a hard
time of doing just that? We are human that is why, and on this road
to perfection, we are going to make mistakes, we are going and say and
do things that aren't right. I remember my my Mother always saying, honey
I always love you, but I don't like you right now!
Jesus, always loves us, and He will not play games with us, time is too
short! Let us make right our wrongs and press on to the mark of our calling in HIM!
I don't know what lies ahead for me, but I do know that as long as I am hanging on to
Him and keeping his commandments that He will help me through whatever I face.
We will dissapoint each other, but Christ will NEVER let us down, His word says
that He will never leave us nor forsake us. I am thankful this morning that I
am one of the chosen. I desire to be pleasing in all that I say and do.
I long to make heaven my home....be blessed this day.

Attitudes

2009-05-28T16:04:00.002-07:00

As Christians, WE ARE IN A FISH BOWL!
People are watching our every move, every word, they are watching our body language!
We are being watched. When people drive by our Church buildings, we are being watched....are the grounds well kept?
How are we treating each other as we come down the steps after services?
How are we treating each other
in our homes? Do we have an un-saved loved one watching and thinking, I don't want any part of that Christian stuff....just look how they are treating each other!!!!!!!!!!!!
Are we showing the LOVE of Christ to one and all? .....Wake up...we are being watched...What is your attitude, is it reflecting Christ?

Food for Thought-Morning Devotion

2009-05-22T06:30:00.001-07:00

I’m Right; You Must Be Wrong

My friend Ria admires the great blue heron’s amazing 6-foot spread of wings and marvels at his majestic appearance. She welcomes the sight of him gliding in for a landing on a small island in the middle of the pond near her home.
Now, I can appreciate that the heron is a marvelous and unique creature. But I don’t ever want to spot him in my backyard! That’s because I know he won’t be there just to admire the garden.
No, this not-so-fine-feathered version of persona non grata (someone not welcome) will be checking out our pond for a take-out fish dinner!
So, am I right? Or is Ria? Why can’t we agree? Different personalities, history, or knowledge can color people’s views. It doesn’t mean that one person is right and the other wrong, yet sometimes we can be unkind, rigid, and judgmental if there is not agreement. I’m not talking about sin—but just a difference in opinion or perspective. We need to take care in judging others’ thinking, motives, and actions because we too desire that kind of benefit of the doubt (Luke 6:37).
Can we learn from someone who sees things with a different perspective? Do we need to practice a little patience and love? I’m so grateful that God is abundantly patient and loving with me. — Cindy Hess Kasper

You’ve been so patient with us, Lord,Though we are slow to hear;Give us the grace to show such loveTo those we hold so dear. —K. De Haan

A little love can make a big difference.

Luke 6:37-42
37Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
38Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
39And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?
40The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.
41And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
42Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.

Devotion taken from Our Daily Bread

Phone

2009-05-19T06:33:00.002-07:00

I don't know who reads this anymore, and that is neither here nor there now. But,
I know that my heavenly Father knows my needs even before I do.
A couple of days ago I posted a prayer request for my cell phone that I had dropped
when irrigating the pasture around 9:30-10 in the evening. I had dropped it
on the ditch bank, not in the ditch, it had recieved enough water to shut
it self off. When I found it, I came home and posted this request......thank you
Lord God, thank you Lord God.....we tried the phone this morning and it works, PTL!

Please Pray

2009-05-17T22:30:00.002-07:00

This will probably sound pretty dumb to some, but here goes.
I dropped my cell phone while I was irrigating tonite. I didn't drop it in the ditch,
just on the ditch bank. At least 30 minutes had elapsed from the time I dropped it, till
the time I found it AND, I want to praise the Lord, HE led my right to it, you see it was
dark out AND the pasture is knee deep in grass, not to mention the irrigating going
on!
I know it is just a phone, and there are so many others things that could be prayed about and for, but the bible talks about the
desires of our hearts....this phone still has pics on it that Damon sent me...so please
pray for my phone...thank you and God Bless you.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-09T21:37:00.002-07:00

To all of YOU Mothers on Mother's Day.

"Happy Mother's Day" means more, Than have a happy day.
Within those words lie lots of things We never get to say.
It means I love you first of all, Then thanks for all you do.
It means you mean a lot to me, And that I honor you.
But most of all, it means That I am thinking of You on this,
your day, With pleasure and with love.

I miss my Momma tonite. I thought I would never be without her.
Dear Lord, Help me be the Mother to Kasey, that my Mother was to me.

God Bless each of you and Please remember your Mother...on this day and every day.

Where does the TIME GO!

2009-05-04T15:36:00.003-07:00

Can you believe it? IT IS MAY ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My Mother used to tell me, times flies when you are having fun! SHEW!
We are in the 5th month of 2009, it is going so FAST!
I have 16 days left to work, before school is out for the summer.
It has been 13 years, since I have had summers off....I am not sure what to
do with myself. I am thinking of asking for a migrant route, that would
take up 6 weeks, I think, I could then deal with 6 weeks off this summer.
3 weeks before the migrant route and 3 weeks after the migrant route!
I know in that time frame, there will be family camp and convention and
Mr Leonard wants us to make several trips to the hills to get firewood for the
winter. I hope also to get a trip in there sometime to my BFF in pocatello to go
4 wheeling for a couple of days....but I am not on my own schedule, I am on the
Lord's. So I will wait and see what it is HE would have me to do.
Hope all is well in blogland......ME.

Thank you

2009-04-21T08:53:00.002-07:00

Thank you for PRAYING...i feel good as new this morning....Thank you Lord for hearing the prayers of the Saints, I love you Lord God...Thank you.
Please bless those that prayed for me as only you can.
Other news, I have been riding my bike to work in the mornings, It is so beautiful. Just warm enough to need a jacket. Then when route is over I ride back home and take the car in for the noon route. I thank the Lord for giving me the oppurtunity to ride my bike and praise HIM as I peddle to work....love to all ;-)

Please Pray for Me

2009-04-20T20:35:00.001-07:00

My Stomach is upset, I feel like I want throw up!
Thank you.

Why did He die?

2009-04-14T06:20:00.002-07:00

1st Corinthians 1:18
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

We can never grasp the horror of human sin until we realize it caused the Son of God to be
crucified. Not Pilate, not Judas, not the mob......but sin.

The ravages of war and poverty, the wrenching pain of loneliness and rejection, the haunting cry of the orphan and widow, the dying gasps of the world's starving....these and a thousand other tragedies all bear witness to the fact that we live in a world poisoned by sin.

And that is why Jesus died. The terrible, bitter cup of humanity's sin sent Him to the cross. Jesus prayed in those last hours, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Matthew 26:39). There was no other way.
Why did He drink that awful cup? So YOU and I would not have to.

Sin is the second most powerful force in the universe, for it sent Jesus to the Cross. Only
one force is greater....The Love of God.

Thank you Jesus, for the cup your bore for me, help me NEVER to drive those nails into your hands again, with my thoughts, deeds or actions. Be with those in this blog world today and everyday. Grant them the peace that passeth all understanding.

No Matter What!

2009-04-09T12:02:00.001-07:00

1. The Bible still has all the answers.
2. Prayer still works.
3. The Holy Spirit still moves.
4. God still inhabits the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praises to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.

Praise the Lord, HE is the King of Kings and Lord of Lord.

So..Whitey Says!

2009-04-04T18:06:00.002-07:00

So....I have been toying with the idea for several months about not blogging anymore. Whitey says the reason I don't have any responses is because I don't post often enough, that people lose interest. So today, I asked her how to remove my blog, she wouldn't show me how....What should I do.....blog or not blog...does anyone care?

Thankful

2009-03-29T11:55:00.004-07:00

This is the day that Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day, This is the day, that the Lord has made.
I am thankful to the Lord, HE called me by name, HE didn't just say 'hey you'. HE called me by name!
I am thankful for HIS mercy, HIS longsuffering, HIS grace. I am thankful the HE loves me, that HE teaches me, that HE corrects me.
I am thankful that HE provides all of my needs and some of my wants.
But more than all of this, I am thankful and appreciate that HE saw something in me, something HE could use to win lost and dyeing souls. I Praise you this day and everyday. I thank you, the ONE that knows the beginning from the end, the Alpha and Omega, the Great and Mighty God. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords, I thank You.
If you are thankful, reply with what you are thankful for.

25 Random Facts

2009-02-21T11:43:00.002-07:00

1 I LOVE when the Holy Ghost moves during services.

2 I LOVE the silence and do not have the radio or cd player on when driving in the car.

3 I LOVE the smell of fresh cut hay, thunderstorms, and my sweaty horse.

4 I LOVE when my dog spike, looks at me like I am the only thing that walks.

5 I sleep with my bedroom door shut and my window open in the winter.

6 My absolutely favorite candy is See's milk chocolate bordeaux.

7 I love very early mornings, with the birds singing, and very late evenings when the crickets
are chirping.

8 I have two best friends.

9 I LOVE to ride my bike.

10 I like surprises of any kind, I like to try to figure out
what the surprise is.

11 I loved when I was little and we lived on the diary farm in New Plymouth.

12 I used to ride cows when I was little, I would get on one and the rest would follow us
into the milk barn for milking.

13 I LOVED to torment my little brother, till he got bigger than me and returned the favor!

14 I very much enjoy going to different parts of the country and listening to the different
accents in peoples speech.

15 I am an avid people watcher.

16 I wanted to be a nurse, a counselor and a veterinarian, when i grew up. None of those came to
fruition.

17 I was my daddy's boy. Meaning I was a tomboy, and wanted to do everything with daddy.

18 I love to watch children, when they get what you are teaching them....love, love, love that.

19 I have one fear and that is the un-known.

20 I want my husband and daughter, to be proud of me in the WORST way.

21 I love my alone times, when it is just me and it is quiet and no one wants anything from me.

22 I LOVE making people happy.

23 I want to have my actions speak louder than my words, in other words I want to walk the
talk.

24 I love to stand outside when it is raining in the spring.

25 I very much enjoy, Cara Mocha frappes from Moxie Java.

Melissa, i tag you, what are 25 random facts about you.

Katieology

2009-02-20T17:46:00.002-07:00

Let others know a little more about yourself, re-post this as your name followed by "ology" Then tag 20 people of your choice.

FOOD-OLOGY
What is your salad dressing of choice? ranch
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Big Jud's
What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it? Tuna Fish Sandwich
What are your pizza toppings of choice? combo
What do you like to put on your toast?butter, peanut butter and raspberry jelly

TECHNOLOGY
How many televisions are in your house? three
What color cell phone do you have? black
What does the first text message in your inbox say and who sent it? we don't text
Who was the last person to call you? kasey
Are you right-handed or left-handed? Right
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? my wisdom teeth
What is the last heavy item you lifted? 4 bales of hay.

BALONEYOLOGY
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? no.
If you could change your name, what would you change it to?I wouldn't
Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?nope.

DUMBOLOGY
How many pairs of flip flops do you own?none.
Last time you had a run-in with the cops? i wouldn't say it was a run-in, was driving home from the Caldwell nite rodeo and was pulled over, because I had a headlite out.
Last person you talked to in person: My husband.
Favorite Month?March/April, because we celebrate the ressurection of Christ, Praise the Lord.

CURRENTOLOGY
Missing someone?Damon, My Momma and my good old dog blackie.
Mood? happy
What are you listening to? the news on TV.
Watching?the computer while I type
Worrying about? nothing.

RANDOMOLOGY
What's the last movie you watched? Fireproof
Do you smile often? yes.
Do you always answer your phone? no.
Its four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? I don't get text messages.
If you could change your eye color what would it be? wouldn't.
What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? I don't?
Do you own a digital camera? Yes
Have you ever had a pet fish? Yes.
Favorite Christmas song? Chestnuts Roasting on a Open Fire.
Whats on your wish list for your birthday? i wanted new windsheild wipers.
Can you do push ups? maybe one.
Can you do a chin up? not at all
Does the future make you more nervous or excited? excited.
Do you have any saved texts? no
Ever been in a car wreck? Yes
Do you have an accent? no
What is the last song to make you cry?"When the dear panteth for the water, last nite at church?
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? yes, that is when i asked Jesus to forgive me and invited Him into my heart.
Plans tonite. quiet evening with Mr Leonard.
Name 3 things you bought yesterday. eggs, bread and soda.
Have you ever been given roses? yes
Current worry? none.
Current hate right now? hate is a STRONG word, i dislike being lied to.
Met someone who changed your life? When? yes. 1982
What song represents you? I'm Still Holding On.
Name three people who might complete this....i don't know
What were you doing 12 AM last night? sleeping
What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Thanking Jesus and praising His name.

Who to tag, beings, i have no clue if anyone reads my blogs, hmmmmmmm. ... .
kasey, emily, crystal, bruiser, vister sicky, erika...thanks Melissa, this was fun.

2009-02-15T07:38:00.002-07:00

This is the day the Lord has made, I shall be glad and rejoice in it. This song is going through my head. Then this scripture from Hebrews 2:3a how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation?
I have LOTS of friends who say they are Christians, they think that because they don't cheat, lie or steal, and that they are good to people and obey the laws of the lands, that they will make heaven when they die.
I wonder if at times we decieve ourselves into thinking this way? The Bible says that we are called, that we are choosen, that to make heaven our home we must first admit that we are sinners and ask Jesus to forgive us and then ask Him to come into our hearts. But it doesn't end there, we must follow after Him, we must keep his commandments. We must die to self, this is a hard one for me. There are times when I am so pooped, that I just want to set down and rest. But, there are those who haven't heard about Jesus and His saving grace. Who will tell them, what if we all decided we were just too tired to tell others of Jesus? What if the day I learned of Jesus and you learned of Jesus, the person decided they were just too tired?
Oh Lord forgive me, help me to remember the day I was saved. Help me to remember where I came from. Help me to remember that my rest will be in heaven, not in this earthly life.
Even though, I feel that I am of no use, of no value, the Lord has put me here for a reason and that reason is to tell others about Jesus Christ. Yes, there are those who will hate me for my stand, but God will give me the grace to stand. There are those who will go to the other side of the road so as not to have to have a conversation with me. But, it is not about me, it is about the greatest gift I have ever recieved, that gift is salvation. Jesus died for me, and He died for you/ When you hear that knock at your hearts door, open it and let Him in, YOU will never be sorry!
He didn't promise us that it would be a walk in the Rose Garden, but He did promise us that it would be worth it to serve Him and tell others of Him.
I love you Jesus.....This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Thankful

2009-02-13T18:21:00.003-07:00

Have you ever been so over come with Thankfullness, like your soul was suddenly flooded with joy and peace and praise for the ONE who knows the beginning from the end?
As I set here and look at my sleeping daughter, I am suddenly flooded with such and OVERWELMING love for my Lord, such a Praise for HIM.
I am so thankful, that HE has choosen me. I want to be ever about HIS
business, ever about and ready for what it is that HE has for me to do
in this work.
Valentines day is tomorrow. Praise the Lord, HE was our very first Valentine.
Thank you Jesus and Happy Valentine's day to all.

Learning from Abe Lincoln

2009-02-12T06:12:00.002-07:00

The day before his 52nd birthday, Abraham Lincoln left Springfield, Illinois, to become President of the United States. With the threat of civil war looming, he said goodbye to the friends and neighbors who had come to see him off.

“I now leave,” he told them, “not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.”

Lincoln’s reliance on God for guidance and strength reflects the instruction of Solomon: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6).
On this 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, we celebrate his kindness, integrity, and courage. And we can also learn from him how to face a daunting future with confident hope in the Lord. — David C. McCasland

Into His hands I lay the fears that haunt me,The dread of future ills that may befall;Into His hands I lay the doubts that taunt me,And rest securely, trusting Him for all. —Christiansen

Living without trust in God is like driving in the fog.

Scripture reference..Proverbs 3:1-8

Taken from Our Daily Bread, Feb 12th, 2009.

Our 16th President of the United States, knew not what was ahead for him....but he continued on, leaning on the Lord, for guidance and wisdom. We can take a page from HIS-STORY and learn from this remarkable president. We know not what is on the morrow, but we know the ONE that does. HE says HE will never leave us nor forsake us....in these times, the challenges that are ahead, we too, like President Lincoln can say...Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. ....... .to God be the Glory.

Awesome Devotion

2009-02-09T06:50:00.002-07:00

1 Peter 2:9-17 (King James Version)

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

Something’s Wrong With Harry

Every morning Harry, a Christian, walked into his office singing a song from the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical Oklahoma: “Oh, what a beautiful morning; oh, what a beautiful day! I got a beautiful feeling, everything’s going my way!”
But one morning, he forgot to sing. Harry soon noticed that something was wrong at the office; everyone around him seemed on edge. When he finally asked a co-worker what was wrong, she replied, “You didn’t sing this morning, and we thought you were upset!”
Harry had become known for such a cheerful, positive spirit that his co-workers were sure something was wrong with him that morning. Harry hadn’t realized how closely people were watching him, and he resolved from then on always to come to work singing.
First Peter 2 reminds us that people are observing our lives (vv.11-12). To be good representatives of Jesus Christ, Peter teaches that we’re to be submissive to authority, to live an honorable life, to do good works, to honor all people, and to fear God (vv.12-17).

The testimony of our lives can give us opportunities to share the good news of Jesus. So we might want to ask ourselves, “What do people see in me?” — Anne Cetas

Help me to sing a joyful song For those bowed down with care,A song of hope and freedom For those in dark despair. —Andrews

Do others see Jesus in you?

Praise the Lord

2009-02-08T07:54:00.002-07:00

Psalm 8:9
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

All creation is an outstretched finger pointing toward God.

Oh, Praise the Lord people, keep your eyes on Him and ALL of His
majesty. If we don't praise and worship HIM, the rocks will cry out! I don't wan't to be replaced by a ROCK!
Our redemption draweth nigh.............WAHOOOOOOOOOOO!

NEWSFLASH

2009-02-07T15:59:00.001-07:00

This may not be noteworthy to a single soul but me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But
I just changed my own headlight on my car, ALL BY MYSELF, just me and GOD!
I am so proud of me, now if I could just figure out these stinkin wipers!!!!!!!!
Hope all is well in blogland....

Our Children

2009-01-28T07:07:00.003-07:00

This was taken from Our Daily Bread this morning Jan 28th. Our Children, we all want better
for them, than we had ourselves. But what we want more than anything for them, is that they
have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.....it is our RESPONSIBILITY as parents to train
up our child(REN) in the way he/she should go and when they are old they will not depart from it.

Exodus 20:1-17

Murphy’s Laws are observations about life that seem to have the weight of experience behind them. You’ve probably heard this one: “If anything can go wrong, it will.” Here’s another one: “You can’t do just one thing; everything has its consequences.”
My own experience seems to confirm many of Murphy’s Laws, but it’s that second one that I would hang on the wall as a motto. Wrong choices have their consequences. For example, if we choose to live for pleasure, that will affect our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren (Ex. 20:4-5). If we walk away from God, we may discover that our children have taken that trip with us. Later, even if we return to Him, they may not.
But there is also good news. Devotion to the Lord has its consequences too. Men and women who live in faith before God can have a strong influence on their children and their children’s children. If they live a long life, they can witness the effect their faith has had on several generations. What satisfaction it brings to older people to see their posterity living for Christ!
Murphy and the Bible agree on this point: “Everything has its consequences.” — Haddon W. Robinson
If you sow seeds of wickedness,Sin’s harvest you will reap;But scattered seeds of righteousnessYield blessings you can keep. —Sper

People who follow Christ lead others in the right direction.

Eat it, breathe it, live it, talk it, walk it. Our children are watching and so is everyone else.
God Bless each of you this day, as you travel the strait and narrow way.

Happy Birthday to my baby brother, Mark, may you be blessed beyond measure as you strive to live your life the Bible way.

Brotherhood of Christ

2009-01-17T07:37:00.004-07:00

Taken from Our Daily Bread, 1-17-2009

On August 8, 2005, the world learned of the dramatic rescue of seven Russian sailors trapped in a small sub entangled in a fishing net.
The men had survived 3 cold, dark days on the bottom of the ocean and had less than 6 hours of oxygen left.
Meanwhile, up above, a frantic, unified rescue effort by Russian, Japanese, British, and American personnel was underway.
Finally, the sub was freed.
The Russian Defense Minister praised the operation, saying, “We have seen in deeds, not in words, what the brotherhood of the sea means.”

The book of Ephesians talks about the unity of believers in Jesus by referring to the oneness of “the household of God” (2:19). The Gentiles, who were once “aliens” and “strangers” (v.12), had now been “brought near by the blood of Christ” (v.13), uniting them with their Jewish brothers and sisters.
This unity is to permeate the efforts of the Christians today.
Believers in Jesus are commissioned to undertake the most important rescue effort. People are dying without Christ. Praise God that united mission efforts are bringing hope, salvation, education, and relief to desperate people around the world. That’s what the brotherhood of Christ is all about. — David C. Egner

In Christ there is no East or West,In Him no South or North, HE wants that all should come to the knowledge of HIM.

A healthy church is the best witness to a hurting world.

IS your lite shining, does it need to be polished up some?

I am a walking, talking Bible to some, what they see, what they hear, is how they will view ALL, "Christians".

Is your, Is my walk the same inside the 4 walls of The Church, as it is out side of The Church?

People are watching, do they comment that there is just something about that person, that they would like to know about?

Get ready, Jesus is coming, and He is coming soon!

Praise Him in ALL THINGS

2009-01-10T07:36:00.003-07:00

Good Morning Bloggers

It is a beautiful day here in Idaho, the skies are clear, it is cold, the sun is just starting to rise.
I am praising the LORD in ALL THINGS.
When Kasey and Damon were married, and she moved away to make her home with him, I was devastated. All I had known for 21 years was taking care of that girl, hauling her from one end of the state to the other rodeoing, whatever the reason was we were together doing everything.
The point i am trying to make is...i spent so much time worrying about her, was she ok, will she be alright, does she miss me too!
Had i spent that time praising HIM in all things, that time of seperation would have not only been easier on me, but i would have had a growth in the Lord. I missed out on both!
The Lord is well able to take care of ALL of our needs, HE sees the BIG PICTURE! HE holds the beginning and the end, rest in HIM this day and everyday and PRAISE HIM IN ALL THINGS.
God Bless each of you this day as you endeavor to serve the Lord and the people HE puts into your lives. YOU may be the ONLY BIBLE someone will see today!

The Tongue

2009-01-05T05:41:00.004-07:00

How many times have we put our "tongue" in gear before our mind was?
Can a rung bell, be un-rung?
Many times we have used harsh words and didn't realize the effect it had on the one who
received those words.
A friend told me that her husband made a comment that she had been rude to him, with
her comments. She was oblivious. She of course made it right by him and is striving
to not repeat this error again.
We all know how it feels to be on the receiving end of this tongue in gear, mind on idle, mentality.
Let us, me, pause just a moment before we say something we will have to repent and make right for....God Bless each of you this day......

Proverbs 10:11-21 (King James Version)
11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
14 Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.
16 The labour of the righteous tendeth to life: the fruit of the wicked to sin.
17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

Thanks a lot,” the man behind the postal counter said to the person in front of me. The clerk, Jon, had seen me in line and was hoping I would overhear him. When it was my turn, I said hello to Jon, who had been a student of mine when I taught high school in the 1980s.
“Did you notice what I said to her?” Jon asked. “I told her, ‘Thanks a lot.’” Sensing that I was missing his point, he explained, “Remember what you told us about the term a lot? You said a lot was a piece of land, not a phrase to use instead of much.”
Astounding! An English lesson from a quarter-century before had stuck with Jon through all those years. That speaks clearly to us of the importance of what we say to others. It also backs up one of my favorite lines by poet Emily Dickinson: “A word is dead when it is said, some say. I say it just begins to live that day.”

The words we say may have long-term consequences. Our comments, our compliments, and even our harsh criticisms may stick with the hearer for decades.
No wonder Scripture says, “He who restrains his lips is wise” (Prov. 10:19). The words we speak today live on. Let’s make sure they come from “the tongue of the righteous” (v.20). — Dave Branon

Father, help me live today With thoughtfulness in what I say, Confronting wrong with truth and fact, Expressing gentleness and tact. —Hess

The tongue is a small organ that creates either discord or harmony.

Taken from Our Daily Bread

I Refuse to be DISCOURAGED

2009-01-01T10:18:00.004-07:00

Good Monring, it is 10:18 AM MST. Happy New Year :-)
I came across this Poem, that I posted in Dec of 2006.
As we start this new year, we do not know what lies ahead.
What we do know is that our personal Lord and Savior is
alive and well, and through HIM, we can lead a VICTORIOUS
life in HIM. Here it is....

I Refuse to be DISCOURAGED,To be sad, or to cry; I refuse to be downhearted,and here's the reason why...I have a God who's mighty, Who's sovereign and supreme; I have a God who loves me, and I am on His team. He is all wise and powerful, Jesus is His name; Though everything is changeable, My God remains the same. My God knows all that's happening; Beginning to the end, His presence is my comfort, He is my dearest friend. When sickness comes to weaken me, To bring my head down low,I call upon my mighty God; Into His arms I go. When circumstances threaten to rob me from my peace; He draws me close unto His breast, Where all my strivings cease. And when my heart melts within me, and weakness takes control; He gathers me into His arms, He soothes my heart and soul. The great "I AM" is with me, My life is in His hand, The "Son of the Lord" is my hope, It's in His strength I stand. I refuse to be defeated, My eyes are on my God; He has promised to be with me, as through this life I trod. I'm looking past all my circumstances, To Heaven's throne above; My prayers have reached the heart of God, I'm resting in His love. I give God thanks in everything, My eyes are on His face; The battle's His, the victory is mine; He'll help me win the race.

2009

2009-01-01T01:14:00.002-07:00

It is 1:14 AM MST. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just a few thoughts to share.

Have you reflected on the things in 2008, that may have been a hindrance,
in your walk with the Lord? Have you thought about the things that were
accomplished this past year for the Lord?

This year, 2009, I want to live is such a way as to bring others to know of HIM!

As is customary, tonite, we had a watch nite service. The question was posed to us,
what thoughts do you have for 2008 and what do you desire, or intend to do in 2009?

I want to Praise the Lord, for the trials, the blessings, the failures, the times where I felt
like no matter what I did, it was all WRONG. I want to praise the Lord, for the times of
teaching, the times of correcting and the times to lean on HIM and learn from HIM.

It seems that words cannot begin to describe the JOY I have in my heart, because,
HE IS STILL DEALING WITH ME!

For 2009, I want to be in HIS will, that my lite, that HE has given me, would shine
a little brighter in this dimming world....but even more than that, I want to PRAISE HIM in
ALL THINGS. Praise HIM, for HIS goodness, HIS mercy, HIS long suffering, HIS grace, HIS
LOVE for me. I thank HIM, that HIS love is so tangible and that HE LOVES ME!

I don't know as anyone reads this blog anymore, if there is someone who still reads, remember, HE LOVES YOU, HE died a horrible death for you, and you know what, if you were the only human alive, He would die that horrible death for you! That is how much HE loves you. That is how much HE loves the Father.

We have been given and Example, to model our lives after, that example is, Jesus Christ. These days, it is not very popular to stand for Jesus Christ, but as the boys of the feiry furnace....let me stand for You Jesus, I love you.....blessings to one and all, this New Year.

AMEN

2008-12-28T08:49:00.002-07:00

Soul Food

Psalm 19:7-14 (King James Version)

7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Grocery shopping with my wife, Martie, is like taking a seminar in nutrition. I’ll often pick up a box of something that looks good, and she’ll say: “Look at the label. Are there trans-fats? What’s the calorie count? How about the cholesterol rating?” I have to confess that if she weren’t the nutrition cop in my life, I’d look like Shamu the whale!
More important than making good choices in the grocery store is thinking carefully about the food we digest for our souls. I love the verse that says: “Your words were found, and I ate them” (Jer. 15:16).
When we read God’s Word, we have to be doing more than checking it off our to-do list. We have to read it to digest it. Slow, thoughtful absorption of the Word of God with quiet reflection on its implications is high in nutrition. His Word provides all the ingredients we need to thrive spiritually:
a direct connection to the sustainer of our soul
brain food that makes us wise and discerning
a daily check-up revealing the condition of our hearts
preventive medicine keeping us from sin
a spiritual shower of peace, hope, and comfort
Eat God’s Word. It’s a spiritual feast! — Joe Stowell

God’s Word provides the nourishment That Christians need if we’re to grow; But if we do not feast on it, A vibrant faith we’ll never know. —Sper

The Bible contains all the nutrients for a healthy soul.

Taken from OUR DAILY BREAD

Snow

2008-12-23T07:03:00.005-07:00

Snow, isn't it pretty!

My JRT, Spike, being

squirly in the snow!

I did up nine loaves of banana bread yesterday.

Got four of them delivered out to Kuna, for

my nieces and nephews CHRISTmas.

Will be doing cookies and not sure what else

today. Finished knitting a scarf, hat and scarf set

went out to Aunt Patti.

Have a good day one and all.

2008-12-22T08:09:00.003-07:00

Pics of this years CHRISTmas card for Bobbinoggin. The Christ is Born and the Immanuel CHRISTmas tree are this years, the other 2 were on kitchen table from previous years stash.

Merry CHRISTmas to all.....it is SNOWY here. The neighbor has his tractor out clearing the lane we live on.....if it warms up just a touch, I could go make a snow man....ha ha!

Pass it ON!

2008-12-19T07:32:00.002-07:00

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning

Commentary..My confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year.. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a crèche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away. I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to. In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking. Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?' In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK. Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.' Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing yet? Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us. Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it.... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in. My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully, Ben Stein, aired on CBS Morning.

2008-12-16T08:37:00.002-07:00

This devotion spoke to my heart this morning. During this season especially, for those who have lost loved ones, it is paticularly awkward to talk about, bringing the loved one into a conversation, or being hurt because it seems as though their loved one has been forgotten. If you know of a family that is hurting this time of year due to a loss of a loved one, or loss of employment, show them the love of Christ, call them, encourage them, let them know that you are praying for them and that you haven't forgotten their loved one, or the situation that they are in. Maybe even share a special memory of that loved one, that will let them know that you still care about them.... my words are so inadequate...here is the devotion....God Bless each of you this holiday season, please remember the reason for the season, share Christ's love with whomever God lays on your heart.

He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. —Psalm 112:7

Our life had always been rather simple. When my wife and I were first married, we were not looking for riches or fame—just a way to glorify God with whatever He gave us to do. In all arenas of our life, that purpose stayed clear. As our children grew and I began working at RBC Ministries, our goal continued to center around glorifying God.
But then, in 2002, came bad news of the worst kind. Our third child, 17-year-old Melissa, was unexpectedly ushered into heaven. Suddenly, we were forced to rethink things. Could we, in our new identity as bereaved parents, still find a way to glorify God? Or did this unbearable circumstance alter our perspective and goal?
We’ve spent a lot of time pondering that question. When the One you’ve entrusted with your children to, allows one of them to be taken, it would be easy to stop trusting, serving, and pointing others to God. But the psalmist’s words showed us the way. He said that the person who fears God “will never be shaken . . . . His heart is steadfast” (Ps. 112:6-7). And so we—and you, no matter what you are facing—can continue to be “steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”

Even in the face of “evil tidings,” the task remains: Glorify God. — Dave Branon

Griefs bravely borne may serve Him And richly glorify, As quiet waters mirror The beauty of the sky. —Nicholson

Trust through sorrow brings triumph over sadness.

This was from taken from Our Daily Bread.

Rejoice in The Reason for the Season

2008-12-10T07:56:00.000-07:00

During an all-night festival in Paris, five young people, apparently drunk, broke into the Orsay Museum and left a 4-inch gash in a priceless painting by Claude Monet. Culture Minister Christine Albanel said the painting could be restored, but she was deeply disturbed at the damage done by “a purely criminal act.”
One news headline read: “Monet Masterpiece Marred.” To mar is to injure or damage; to spoil, disfigure, or impair. It’s an apt description of sin’s effect on us. We know well the results of our own choices made in ignorance or defiance of God.
As we approach Christmas, it’s good to remember why Jesus was born. The Son of God did not come to establish a nostalgic, family-oriented, commercially successful holiday. The angel told Joseph: “[Mary] will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).
Christmas began with a present from God to His sin-damaged world: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).
The masterpiece of God’s human creation, marred by turning away from Him, can be restored when we give our hearts to Christ. — David C. McCasland
He came into this world a babe,This world that He Himself had made;He came to do the Father’s will,That ended on dark Calvary’s hill. —Newstrom
Jesus came to earth to repair our sin-damaged lives.

Expectations

2008-12-03T08:53:00.002-07:00

You can expect to enjoy God’s presence when you honor Him with your life.

Philippians 1:12-21 (King James Version)

12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

In all I think and say and do,I long, O God, to honor You; But may my highest motive be To love the Christ who died for me. —D. De Haan

(taken from our Daily Bread)

Show Yourself Caring

2008-11-30T08:27:00.002-07:00

At this time of year and all year really, the Lord calls us to show love and compassion. This mornings devotion from Our Daily Bread says it all. Show special care to those that have family overseas involved in the Armed Services. Show special care to those who have lost loved ones. Show yourself as Jesus instructed and He lived...love thy neighbor as thyself.....hope you think about and enjoy this devotion.

Romans 12:9-21 (King James Version)

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

The next month will be very difficult for many people who are still reeling from a loss this past year. The crippling hurt caused by the absence of a loved one can cloud holiday gatherings and even dim the desire to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Poet Ann Weems has written:
Some of us walk into Advent tethered to our unresolved yesterdays, the pain still stabbing,the hurt still throbbing. It’s not that we don’t know better; it’s just that we can’t stand up anymore by ourselves. On the way to Bethlehem, will you give us a hand?
In Romans 12:9-21, Paul gives ways to express practical Christianity in our relationships. One seems especially needed at this time of year: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (v.15). We can “give a hand” to grieving friends and family by understanding their sorrow and not expecting them to “get over it” in time to celebrate the holidays. We can freely mention the name of the person whose death has brought such desolation and then share a fond memory. We can be quiet, listen, and pray for God’s help.

Only God can heal the deep wounds of the heart, but we can lend a hand. — David C. McCasland

If I can help some wounded heart, If I can by my love impart Some blessing that will help more now—Lord, just show me how. —Brandt

No one is strong enough to bear his burdens alone.

A Convenient Christianity

2008-11-29T08:52:00.002-07:00

This devotion really made me think this morning, am I really dead to self, my interests, my desires, my time, Or, am I totally sold out to Christ? Is there a little bit still in me, that wants my way? I am examining my heart to make sure that I am not living "A Convenient Christian lifestyle"!

Matthew 16:24-28
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

So many television programs, so little time to watch them. Apparently that’s what our culture thinks, because now technology allows us to see an hour-long program in just 6 minutes or less! The Minisode Network has pruned episodes of popular series into shorter, more convenient packages for interested viewers. “The shows you love—only shorter” is how it’s advertised. All to make our life more convenient.
Some have tried to make the Christian life more convenient. They choose to practice Christianity on Sunday only. They attend a religious service at whatever church makes them most comfortable. They give a small offering and are nice to fellow churchgoers—nothing that requires much effort on their part. That way they can have the rest of the week to themselves, to live as they please.
That would be a convenient Christianity. But we know that following Jesus is a lifestyle and not a Sunday-only convenience. Being a “disciple” calls for giving up our lives for Him (Matt. 16:25). It’s about living as Jesus calls us to live, daily giving up our plans and purposes for His. A relationship with Him causes us to be concerned with our thoughts, decisions, attitudes, and actions—all to make our life joy-filled for us and pleasing to God. — Anne Cetas
The Christian life is more than justA prayer of faith made in the past;It’s dedicating every dayTo live for Christ and what will last. —Sper
Faith in Christ is not just a single step but a life of walking with Him.

2008-11-28T09:57:00.004-07:00

The Bounty

G'Pa carving the bird.

Kasey getting lots of help making gravy.

Honey enjoying Thanksgiving!

Thankyou Jesus, for all of your blessings.

Banana Bread and Cranberry Salad

2008-11-26T18:13:00.003-07:00

My family teases me about being "Donna Domestic"!
I hope they will enjoy this cranberry salad, I still need to make the corn casserole.

Thankyou Sis Reyes, for the banana's....the bread recipe is from Megan's recipe. We

are short a loaf, Mr Leonard REALLY enjoyed that one!

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all.

Blackie

2008-11-25T22:40:00.003-07:00

This is our good old dog Blackie. Kasey brought her

home one afternoon. As she got off of the bus,

she saw her in my mother's trash can, trying to

get something to eat. She was very thin. It was

during hunting season, we are sure she ran away.

She is very afraid of the sound of guns, fireworks, etc.

We are not sure how old she is, we are guessing 14.

She is a good old doggy...she has done her job well

around the Leonard household.

Hope you are all enjoying your families this

Thanksgiving, remember to take care of the

four legged family memebers as well.

Tell someone you love, Thank you.

Blessings...me.

Jobs

2008-11-21T17:14:00.002-07:00

I remember my mother singing, I owe, I owe, so off to work I go.....boy howdy.
I am looking for work, have a real nice lead...please pray for the Lord's perfect
will. I want to be where HE wants me to be. I do have a financial obligation, that
I would like to get taken care of.....so, I look , I look, I pray, I pray..and think
He won't close one door w/o opening another....to all, thank you for praying.
Praise the Lord in ALL things...love and prayers to all and HAPPY WEEKEND.

Mr Leonard

2008-11-19T12:30:00.001-07:00

Mr Leonard and Spike and Josie Lynn.

We are waiting for him to get up so we

can do some errands. He worked last nite

so, he is getting his beauty sleep.

Love and prayers to all....me.

Mr Leonard's Buffalo Hunt

2008-11-14T22:01:00.001-07:00

Mr Leonard's Buffalo, should be good

eating.

Prayer Request

2008-11-12T06:43:00.003-07:00

Please be in a prayer for a long time family friend. This would be my oldest friends, father in law and Bobbinoggin's Grandfather. He is facing some difficult health decisions....please pray for wisdom and discernment, and the peace that passeth ALL understanding...love and prayers to all.....and, Praise HIM in ALL things.

Pretty in Pink

2008-11-10T19:14:00.003-07:00

Drum Roll Please....Not only is this a good

picture of my kasey baby, Please notice the

hat....are you ready.....yes, yes, I actually

made this...it is so cute....very pretty pink, with

a multi color black yarn with matching pink in

it....OK Melissa, what you think?

Beings this is my very first attempt, please, ONLY

kind criticism.....and, I even made my JRT, Josie Lynn

a sweater.....wowzer....love and prayers to all, Sis Katie.

2008-11-09T16:20:00.003-07:00

This is my Mr. Leonard....on the left holding the 2 smaller
salmon. The 2 gentlemen on his left holding the 90#
halibut are his buddies that accompanied him to Alaska.
Mr. Leonard caught the halibut....love and prayers to all.

Day 3

2008-11-07T15:22:00.002-07:00

Received my "FINAL" paycheck today.

today, was hard emotionally...specially when you hear different things.
I had always done a good job for my company, worked hard, was loyal.
Didn't get involved in work politics, lead a Godly life at work.
This Chapter is now over. I am looking forward to what the Lord has for me
ahead....i want my company to make it...i mean i want the company i used
to work for to make it.......please keep me in your prayers as the Lord leads
...my heart is broken,
but my spirit is still in-tact....PRAISE THE LORD.

2008-11-06T16:58:00.002-07:00

Hello,

Day 2....this is a strange time for me. I have had a regular job, since....1972. With a brief period between 1983 and 1984 not working full time. I kind of feel
like I do not have a purpose, if that makes sense. I did some research, and losing
gainful employment is likened unto a death....I feel at a loss.
I know God is in control. I know that HE will not shut one door without opening
another...so I am resting in Him. One thing is for sure, HE has given me the peace that passeth ALL understanding. As I pulled out of my company's parking lot yesterday, it really hit me....that I would no longer go there every day and leave there everyday. Then yesterday afternoon as I sat in my living room, thinking, God, what is it you have for me, what will I do now?
I love the Lord and am so thankful that HE has me in the palm of His hands. I think of the song Tennessee Ernie Ford used to sing, when I was a child...He has the Whole world in His hands...that means me too, bloggers...He knows my name, He called me.
Whatever lies ahead, I am better suited to deal with what comes my way...because of HIM. The Bible, our road map, says to Praise HIM in ALL THINGS....Glory be to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords....be blessed this day and Praise His Name.

2008-11-05T12:45:00.002-07:00

Today was my last day at the company I have worked at Since January of 1996. Of course, I will no longer receive emails at that address....love and prayers to all.

The Devil’s Workshop

2008-09-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

One night a man had a dream. He found himself in the devil’s workshop. All around the room were shelves and racks on which tools of all kinds were arranged neatly.
“Welcome to my workshop,” the devil said. “Feel free to look around. I’ve never had visitors, it might be kinda nice to have someone to talk to while I work, if you have any questions let me know.”
So the man took himself on a little tour of his surroundings. He admired the various implements he saw, and wondered at the uses of some of the others. Many were obviously of an antique design, their uses unknown to this man. He had almost completed his circuit of the room when he noticed something, which struck him as odd. Turning to the devil he said,
“You have a well equipped workshop here. Do you mind if I ask what sort of work you do in it?”
“Not at all. You see I work to destroy those who would follow the Bible and believe in Jesus. It all started with the serpent act I pulled off in the Garden of Eden. The outfit I wore for that little number is over there in the corner. After that I built this workshop and began collecting these tools. If you look in the closet over there you’ll find the Babylonian Clothing that Achan took and hid in his tent. The Golden calf that the Israelites worshipped while Moses was on mount Sinai is now serving as the legs for my workbench. The other part of the money that Annanias and Saphira kept back from the apostles, is in that little box over there on that shelf. I don’t mean to brag, but I have been very successful in my efforts to steal souls away from the One who would be their Saviour. It is very rewarding work.”
“This is all very interesting. But I have one question.”
“What is that?” asked the devil.
“You have gone through all the trouble to build this workshop and collect these tools, but none of them have ever been used. You have them and they sit on their shelves or hang from the walls, but you have never used any of them. Why?”
“Have you gotten to the workbench yet? On the workbench is my most prized and useful tool. With it I have caused all kinds of havoc in the church, and have turned many against God, and against each other. Have a look.”
The man made his way to the workbench expecting to see a cunningly devised masterpiece of diabolical ingenuity. So he was surprised when he discovered that the devil’s most prized possession was a plain, badly worn and battered wedge. It had the marks of many hammer strokes marring its once shiny surface. Scratches and gouges covered it from one end to the other.
“I don’t understand.” The man said, after a long moment. “Why would this be your favorite tool out of all of the ones on the shelves and hanging from the walls? Why would it be this wedge?”
“With that wedge I can widen even the tiniest crack in the church into a division that will tear families apart. I have divided congregations that stood against me for years with just a few careful taps of my hammer behind that wedge. If I find a place to drive that wedge into, the people usually do the rest of my work for me. You have never seen a group of “saints” behave in such a way as they do when I have had a chance to drive that wedge in between them. The fighting, backbiting, and gossip are like music to my ears. The anger and hatred that sometimes results is a wonder to behold. They blame me for the things that take place in the church but all I did was tap the point of that wedge in, they did the rest. Of course I was there observing and enjoying every minute of the chaos that resulted.”
“Has your wedge ever failed you?”
“Once or twice, not very often though. When I had Peter arrested, those people prayed until God sent an angel to release him. Usually though if I can get my wedge into even a tiny crack, I am assured of success.
Now, I need to sharpen it again. There is a church I have had my eye on for some time and I think it’s about ready for my wedge.”

Original Author
Unknown

A Glimpse of H I S T O R Y

2008-09-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

The gospel can be summarized by an overview of our H-I-S-T-O-R-Y:

H—How it all began: A good creation (Gen. 1:31)

I—Iniquity. Sin entered creation (Gen. 3) and grew.

S—Selection. God selected a people to be a channel of His grace, yet they rebelled (Rom. 9:1-5).

T—Truth. God sent messengers of truth but they were mocked and murdered (Matt. 23:37).

O—God's only Son. Christ lived and died for our salvation (John 3:16)

R—Redemption. Christ dying on the Cross for our salvation (Gal 3:13).

Y—Your choice. God's salvation is freely given to anyone and everyone who will receive him. (John 1:12).

No matter what your history may be, the God of all history desires that you come to faith in Jesus.

Happy Birthday Kasey Baby

2008-09-08T06:07:00.002-07:00

At 8:35 pm, you will turn 26 years old. I tried to paste you a pretty happy birthday sign....but couldn't get it to work for me. God bless you and keep you
as you celebrate this birthday, love momma.

Wait Patiently

2008-09-05T10:43:00.000-07:00

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

JAMES 5:7,8

The farmer must wait patiently for his crops to grow; he cannot hurry the process. But he does not take the summer off and hope that all goes well in the fields. There is much work to do to ensure a good harvest. In the same way, we must wait patiently for Christ's return. We cannot make him come back any sooner. But while we wait, there is much work that we can do to advance God's Kingdom. Both the farmer and the Christian must live by faith, looking forward to the future reward for their labors. Don't live as if Christ will never come. Work faithfully to build his Kingdom. The King will come when the time is right.

"27 TIPS FOR A BETTER LIFE"

2008-07-02T09:09:00.002-07:00

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day and while you walk, smile and pray. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself so seriously.

12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what kind of prerequisites came with their journey.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. GOD is a healer.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

22. Envy is a waste of time and a place of bondage. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

25. Please send this to everyone you care about and know that the Lord has His hands on you.

26. Trust Him and depend on Him even when you don't understand why you are where you are.

27. Untie His hands with your thoughts of rationality and let Him bless you so that He will be Glorified.

The Duck and the devil

2008-07-01T07:48:00.001-07:00

There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm.

He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods..

He practiced in the woods; but he could never hit the target..

Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner.

As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck.

Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved!

In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to see his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.

After lunch the next day Grandma said, 'Sally, let's wash the dishes'

But Sally said, 'Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen.'

Then she whispered to him, 'Remember the duck?'

So Johnny did the dishes.

Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, 'I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper.'

Sally just smiled and said, 'Well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help'

She whispered again, 'Remember the duck?' So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.

After several day of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's; he
finally couldn't stand it any longer.

He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.

Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, 'Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you.'

Thought for the day and every day thereafter?

Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done... And the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.) ..whatever it is...You need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing.

He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you.

The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness;

He not only forgives you, but He forgets.

It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved.

Go ahead and make the difference in someone's life today.

Share this with a friend and always remember:

God is at the window!

Are you "Kept"?

2008-06-20T10:59:00.002-07:00

Did you know that I am a "KEPT" person?

You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind,

But GOD kept me sane. (Isa. 26:3)

There were times when I thought I could go no longer,

But the LORD kept me moving. (Gen 28:15)

At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong,

But the LORD kept my mouth shut. (Psa. 13)

Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough,

But GOD has helped me to keep the lights on,

the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc.., (Matt. 6:25 -34)

When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up.

When I thought I was weak, HE kept me strong! (I Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30)

I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me!

I'm blessed to be "kept."

Damon=JOY

2008-06-19T20:43:00.001-07:00

Damon, you were the Truest Light...You are so missed. This day a year ago, we lost you....we were desolate and you were promoted to glory...the ache is still here in my heart. I miss the phone calls from you. A person never realizes how much you love someone, until they are gone. I didn't realize how much you meant to my heart, till you left us a year ago...it is still like an out of body experience...the joy, the fun, the fellowship, then that hour, where time stopped for us. If only I could hug your neck one more time, and tell you how much I love you, how much I appreciate you, how much of a hole you have left in my heart, in the hearts of our families, friends and specially Kasey. YOU were such a jewel, to all you came into contact with. One day Damon Broyles, I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN. Until that time, I have my memories of you, that I think on OFTEN. The Bible says to praise God in ALL things, Damon, the day you were promoted was such a hard day to praise the Lord. I did praise HIM though, do you know why? Because the Lord now has you, I can just see you making our mansions ready, painting them all to perfection, I can see your smile, your quirky smile.
This day is hard for us still here on this earth, and it has been hard ever since you were promoted. The thing that makes it better for us, is knowing, YOU MADE HEAVEN, that YOU ARE in the PRESENCE of GOD, That you have walked the streets of Glory with JESUS.
I miss you Damon Broyles...so much. But, I rejoice, in that, you are SO happy, you are SO healthy, YOU can BREATHE and YOU made heaven even better because you are there...I love you, I love you...

Something to think about

2008-06-10T07:43:00.002-07:00

Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage?

His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone.
He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone.
Once he survives the night, he is a Man.
He cannot tell the other boys of this experience because each lad must come into manhood on his own.
The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do
him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way
he could become a man!
Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him.
He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.

We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, our Heavenly Father is watching over us, right there beside us.
Moral of the Story:
Just because you can't see God doesn't mean He is not there.
'For we walk by faith; Not by sight.'
~ 2 Corinthians 5:7

If you liked this story, pass it on. If not, perhaps you took off your blindfold before dawn.

Prayer Changes Things!!!

Wet Pants

2008-03-31T08:50:00.002-07:00

Come with me to a third grade classroom..... There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet. He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened. It's never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives.

The boy believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his head down and prays this prayer, 'Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat.'

He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he has been discovered

As the teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap.

The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, 'Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!'

Now all of a sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out. All the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is wonderful. But as life would have it, the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to someone else - Susie.

She tries to help, but they tell her to get out. You've done enough, you klutz!'

Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, 'You did that on purpose, didn't you?' Susie whispers back, 'I wet my pants once too.'

May God help us see the opportunities that are always around us to do good..

Remember.....Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.

Each and everyone one of us is going through tough times right now, but God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can. Keep the faith.

Bears repeating....John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

JOhn 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

John 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.

Thought for the Day

2008-03-27T06:14:00.001-07:00

If I have brought a gleam of light
To cheer a darkened day,
If I held out a friendly hand
To help along the way.
Then in these acts of kindness done
It is not me you see,
But glimpses of that Loving One
Who chose to dwell in me.

Bloggers, have a blessed day.

Through Me

2008-03-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

Through me
let there be kind words, a warm smile, and a caring heart.

Through me
let there be a willingness to listen and a readiness to understand.

Through me
let there be dependability, steadfastness, trust and loyalty.

Through me
let there be compassion, forgiveness, mercy and love.

Through me
let there be every quality I find, O Lord, in Thee.

Pastor's Business Card

2008-03-05T10:12:00.002-07:00

A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door.

Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote "Revelation 3:20" Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
on the back of it and stuck it in the door.

When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, "Genesis 3:10."

Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Genesis 3:10 reads, "I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked."

Remember when the funniest jokes were the clean ones? They still are!

"A cheerful heart is good medicine" (Prov. 17:22)

Challenge

2008-03-03T06:08:00.002-07:00

This was the devotion in the Daily Bread for Today...can you, will you, do you accept this Challenge, God Bless each and everyone.

Numbers 14 (1-5, 26 & 27)
1 And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.
2 And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!
3 And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?
4 And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.
5 Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.
26 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
27 How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.

A pastor in Kansas City gave what seemed to be an impossible challenge to his congregation—to go 21 days without complaining (the amount of time some say it takes to develop a new habit). Special bracelets were distributed to participants as a reminder to live complaint-free lives. A movement was started, and millions of bracelets have been distributed all over the world.
The biblical principle “Do all things without murmurings and disputings” (Phil. 2:14) is an important one. The ancient Israelites discovered this when, because of their constant complaining in the wilderness, they were judged by God and not allowed to enter the Promised Land (Num. 14).
How can we learn to develop a noncomplaining, positive attitude that will please the Lord?
• By disciplining our thoughts (Rom. 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.). We need to meditate on Scripture and remember our blessings.
• By confessing our critical spirit and committing ourselves to obedience each time we fail (1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.).
• By enlisting God’s help and the help of others. The Spirit will empower us as we depend on Him (John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.). — Anne Cetas
Because God helps us, doing all things without complaining is not an impossible challenge.
Lord, help me stop complaining
When things don’t go my way;
Instead, give me a thankful heart
For all You do each day. —Sper
A complaining Christian is a contradiction in terms.

Puppy Size

2008-02-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

This is one of the neatest stories you will ever hear. You will

know Precisely what this little girl is talking about at the end.

' Danielle keeps repeating it over and over again. We've been

back to This animal shelter at least five times. It has been

weeks now since We started all of this,' the mother told the volunteer.

'What is it she keeps asking for?' the volunteer asked.

'Puppy size!' replied the mother.

'Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for.'

'I know...we have seen most of them,' the mom said in frustration...

Just then Danielle came walking into the office

'Well, did you find one?' asked her mom. 'No, not this time,'

Danielle said with sadness in her voice. 'Can we come back on

the Weekend?'

The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed

'You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's Always a supply,' the volunteer said.

Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. 'Don't Worry, I'll find one this weekend,' she said.

Over the next few days both mom and dad had long conversations with her.

They both felt she was being too particular. 'It's this weekend or

We're not looking any more,' Dad finally said in frustration.

'We don't want to hear anything more about puppy size either,' Mom added.

Sure enough, they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday

Morning. By now Danielle knew her way around, so she ran right for the Section that housed the smaller dogs.

Tired of the routine, mom sat in the small waiting room at the

end of The first row of cages. There was an observation window so you could See the animals during times when visitors weren't permitted.

Danielle walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically

to Take a closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out and she held Each one.

One by one she said, 'Sorry, you're not the one.'

It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup.

The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up The dog and held it closely. This time she took a little longer.

'Mom, that's it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I know it!'

She screamed with joy. 'It's the puppy size!'

'But it's the same size as all the other puppies you held over the

Last few weeks,' Mom said.

'No not size... The sighs. When I held him in my arms, he sighed,' she Said.

'Don't you remember?

When I asked you one day what love is, you told me love depends on the Sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sigh!'

The two women looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn't know Whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug the child, she did A little of both.

'Mom, every time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy

come home From work and hug each other, you both sigh. I

knew I would find the Right puppy if it sighed when I held it in

my arms,' she said.

Then holding the puppy up close to her face she said, 'Mom, he loves Me. I heard the sighs of his heart!'

Close your eyes for a moment and think about the love that

makes you Sigh. I not only find it in the arms of my loved ones, but in the Caress of a sunset, the kiss of the moonlight and the gentle brush of Cool air on a hot day.

They are the sighs of God . Take the time to stop and listen; you will Be surprised at what you hear. 'Life is not measured by the breaths we

Take, but by the moments that take our breath away.'

Hope your life is filled with Sighs!!

One Nation, "Under God."

2008-01-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

One day a 6 year old girl was sitting in a

classroom. The teacher was going to explain

evolution to the children. The teacher asked

a little boy: Tommy do you see the tree

outside?

TOMMY: Yes.

TEACHER: Tommy, do you see the grass

outside?

TOMMY: Yes.

TEACHER: Go outside and look up and see

if you can see the sky.

TOMMY: Okay. (He returned a few minutes

later) Yes, I saw the sky.

TEACHER: Did you see God up there?

TOMMY: No.

TEACHER: That's my point. We can't see

God because he isn't there. Possibly he just

doesn't exist.

A little girl spoke up and wanted to ask the

boy some questions.

The teacher agreed and the little girl asked

the boy: Tommy, do you see the tree

outside?

TOMMY: Yes.

LITTLE GIRL: Tommy do you see the grass

outside?

TOMMY: Yessssss!

LITTLE GIRL: Did you see the sky?

TOMMY: Yessssss!

LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the

teacher?

TOMMY: Yes

LITTLE GIRL: Do you see her brain?

TOMMY: No

LITTLE GIRL: Then according to what we

were taught today in school, she possibly

may not even have one!

(You Go Girl!)

FOR WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT"

II CORINTHIANS 5:7

copied from KaseyBaby

Advice from an Old Tennessee Mountain Man

2008-01-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.
Keep skunks and bankers and lawyers at a distance.
Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.
Words that soak into your ears are whispered... not yelled.
Meanness don't jes' happen overnight.
Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.
Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.
It doesn't take a very big person to carry a grudge.
You cannot unsay a cruel or unkind word.
Every path has a few puddles.
When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
The best sermons are lived, not preached.
Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen anyway.
Don't judge folks by their relatives.

Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.
Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't botherin' you none.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.
Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.
The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every mornin'.
Always drink upstream from the herd.
Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.
Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.
If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God.

Christian ways to reduce Stress

2008-01-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.

16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19 Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus ."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33 Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.
"If God is for us, who can be against us?"
(Romans 8:31)

Live Simply

2008-01-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were reminiscing at a reunion and decided to go visit one of their old university professors, now retired.

During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress in their work and lives.

Offering his guests hot chocolate, the professor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot of hot chocolate and a tray with an assortment of cups - porcelain, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the hot chocolate.

When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said, "I want you to notice that all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plainer, older and cheaper ones. While it is common for you to want only the best for yourselves -- THAT is the source of your problems and stress.

That fancy cup that you are drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate; In most cases it is just more showy or expensive -- and in some cases it even takes away from the enjoyment of what we drink.

What all of you really wanted was hot chocolate, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups...And then you began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this: LIFE is the hot chocolate.

Your job, money and position in society are the cups; --They are just tools to hold and contain life.

The cup you have does not define, nor change the quality of life you have. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate God has provided us.

God makes the hot chocolate, man chooses the cups. The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything that they have.

DIRECTIONS TO OUR FATHER'S HOUSE.

2008-01-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

Make a Right onto Believeth Blvd.

Keep straight and go through the Green Light, which is Jesus Christ.

There, you must turn onto the Bridge of Faith, which is over troubled water.

When you get off the bridge, make a Right turn and Keep Straight.

You are on the King's Highway - Heaven-bound.

Keep going for three miles: One for the Father, One for the Son, and One for the Holy Ghost.

Then exit off onto Grace Blvd.

From there, make a Right turn on Gospel Lane.

Keep Straight and then make another Right on Prayer Road.

As you go on your way, Yield Not to the traffic on Temptation Ave.

Also, avoid SIN STREET because it is a DEAD END.

Pass up Envy Drive, and Hate Avenue.

Also, pass Hypocrisy Street, Gossiping Lane, and Backbiting Blvd.

However, you have to go down Long-suffering Lane, Persecution Blvd. And Trials and Tribulations Ave.

But that's all right, because VICTORY Street is straight ahead!

AMEN!!!!!

Life is God's gift to you.

The way you live it............is your gift to God

Making Pancakes

2008-01-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

Six year-old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor.

He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.

Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad.

He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove and he didn't know how the stove worked!. Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky.

And just then he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon 's eyes. All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him.

Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process!

That's how God deals with us.. We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend, or we can't stand our job, or our health goes sour.

Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do. That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him.

But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying to "make pancakes" for God or for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried...

I was thinking. and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that needed rekindling or three words needing to be said, sometimes, "I love you" can heal & bless! Remind every one of your friends that you love them. Even if you think they don't love back, you would be amazed at what those three little words, a smile, and a reminder like this can do.

Show Your Love To Everone Every day And Never Stop "Making Pancakes." l

The Wooded Bowl

2007-12-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table.

But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor."

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl!

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometime he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?"
Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work .

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.

People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

Reach out and touch someone today, we all need to feel that we are of value to someone.

JESUS is the REASON for the SEASON...

A Baby's Hug

2007-12-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

(Courtesy of Kasey Baby)

A Baby's Hug
>
> We were the only family with chil dren in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a
> high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly,
> Erik squealed with glee and said, 'Hi.' He pounded his fat baby hands on
> the
> high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was
> bared
> in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.
>
>
>
> I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose
> pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of
> would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and
> unwashed.
> His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so
> varicose it looked like a road map.
>
>
>
> We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands
> waved and flapped on loose wrists. 'Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I
> see
> ya, buster,' the man said to Erik.
>
>
>
> My husband and I exchanged looks, 'What do we do?'
>
>
>
> Erik continued to laugh and answer, 'Hi.'
>
>
>
> Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man.
> The
> old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came
> and
> the man began shouting from across the room, 'Do ya patty cake? Do you
> know
> peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo.'
>
>
>
> Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk.
>
>
>
> My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik,
> who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who
> in
> turn, reciproc ated with his cute comments.
>
>
>
> We finally got through the meal a nd headed for the door. My husband went
> to
> pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat
> poised between me and the door. 'Lord, just let me out of here before he
> speaks to me or Erik,' I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my
> back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I
> did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's
> 'pick-me-up' position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself
> from my arms to the man.
>
>
>
> Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their
> love
> and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his
> tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw
> tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and
> hard
> labor, cradled my baby's bot tom and stroked his back. No two beings have
> ever loved so deeply for so short a time.
>
>
>
> I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his
> eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice,
> 'You take care of this baby.'
>
>
>
> Somehow I managed, 'I will,' from a throat that contained a stone.
>
>
>
> He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in
> pain. I received my baby, and the man said, 'God bless you, ma'am, you've
> given me my Christmas gift.'
>
>
>
> I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran
> for
> the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so
> tightly, and why I wa s saying, 'My God, my God, forgive me.'
>
>
>
> I had just witnessed Chri st's love shown through the innocence of a tiny
> child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a
> mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding
> a
> child who was not. I felt it was God asking, 'Are you willing to share
> your
> son for a moment?' when He shared His for all eternity.
>
>
>
> The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, 'To enter the Kingdom of
> God , we must become as little children.'
>
>
>
> If this has blessed you, please bless others by sending it on. Sometimes,
> it
> takes a child to remind us of what is really important. We must always
> remember who we are, where we came from and, most importantly, how we feel
> about others. The clothes on your back or the car t h a t you drive or the
> house that you live in does not define you at all; it is how you treat > your
> fellow man that identifies who you are.
>
>
>
> >
> 'It is better to be liked for the true you, than to be loved for who
> people
> think you are......'

Thorns

2007-11-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

Sandra felt as low as the heels of her shoes as she pushed against a November gust and the florist shop door.

Her life had been easy, like a spring breeze. Then in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a minor automobile accident stole that from her.

During this Thanksgiving week she would have delivered a son. She grieved over her loss. As if that weren't enough, her husband's company threatened a transfer. Then her sister, whose holiday visit she coveted, called saying she could not come for the holiday.

Then Sandra's friend infuriated her by suggesting her grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer. She has no idea what I'm feeling, thought Sandra with a shudder.

Thanksgiving? Thankful for what? She wondered. For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life but took that of her child?

"Good afternoon, can I help you?" The shop clerk's approach startled her.

"I....I need an arrangement," stammered Sandra.

"For Thanksgiving? Do you want beautiful but ordinary, or would you like to challenge the day with a customer favorite I call the Thanksgiving "Special?" asked the shop clerk. "I'm convinced that flowers tell stories," she continued. "Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this thanksgiving?"

"Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong."

Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the shop clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you."

Just then the shop door's small bell rang, and the shop clerk said, "Hi, Barbara...let me get your order." She politely excused herself and walked toward a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and long-stemmed thorny roses. Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped: there were no flowers.

"Want this in a box?" asked the clerk.

Sandra watched for the customer's response. Was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers! She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed.

"Yes, please," Barbara, replied with an appreciative smile. "You'd think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again," she said as she gently tapped her chest. And she left with her order.

"Uh," stammered Sandra, "that lady just left with, uh....she just left with no flowers!

"Right, said the clerk, "I cut off the flowers. That's the Special. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet."

"Oh, come on, you can't tell me someone is willing to pay for that!" exclaimed Sandra.

"Barbara came into the shop three years ago feeling much like you feel today," explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had lost her father to cancer, the family business was failing, her son was into drugs, and she was facing major surgery."

"That same year I had lost my husband," continued the clerk, "and for the first time in my life, had just spent the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too great a debt to allow any travel."

"So what did you do?" asked Sandra.

"I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I've always thanked God for the good things in my life and never questioned the good things that happened to me, but when bad stuff hit, did I ever ask questions! It took time for me to learn that dark times are important. I have always enjoyed the 'flowers' of life, but it took thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort. You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."

Sandra sucked in her breath as she thought about the very thing her friend had tried to tell her. "I guess the truth is I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God."

Just then someone else walked in the shop. "Hey, Phil!" shouted the clerk to the balding, rotund man.

"My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving Special....12 thorny, long-stemmed stems!" laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue-wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.

"Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously. "Do you mind me asking why she wants something that looks like that?"

"No...I'm glad you asked," Phil replied. "Four years ago my wife and I nearly divorced. After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord's grace and guidance, we slogged through problem after problem. He rescued our marriage. Jenny here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she learned from "thorny" times, and that was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanks for what that problem taught us."

As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, "I highly recommend the Special!"

"I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life." Sandra said. "It's all too...fresh."

"Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that thorns make roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember, it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns."

Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on resentment. "I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out.

"I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a minute."

"Thank you. What do I owe you?"

"Nothing. Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me." The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first."

It read: "My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant."
Praise Him for your roses; thank him for your thorns!

2007-11-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

My Momma was released from the hospital this morning, she was transported to the health care facility, that she currently resides at as a non care needed resident....only this time she is in the full care end of the facility...she has edema in her legs and belly, her legs are looking much better, however she cannot use them, she cannot walk, she cannot stand, she cannot move at all without help...and even then it is hard to move her about...she promised me that she would not give up, that she would do all of the physical therapy, that she would work on getting better. I am thankful for my mom....she loves me, and appreciates me and she tells me every time i go to see her.
i know how hard it can be this time of year to be in the place where she is, i see the residents that are so happy all the time, and then there are those, who have given up hope and are waiting to die...it is very sad, very sad. I often wonder which is worse to be gone so quickly like Damon, or to live like this, no one visiting, with out hope. I also think of the care givers, how hard it must be for them to try to encourage those, w/o families, how draining and thankless their work must be....cannot we not even take a moment for our elderly, they took care of us when we were young, cannot we not take a half hour for them...the bible states what we sow, so we shall reap...what we give, we get...take the time to visit with someone today, take a half hour to stop at a hosp, or a rest home and make someones day better....you will be the one blessed for your time and they will too...i am guilty of this, seems i am always in a hurry to get home, what is the hurry, compared to eternity?
Today was the first day back to work, it is nice to know that i was missed, several people stopped by my desk, emailed me and said they had missed me and was glad i was back....what a blessing to receive encouragement.
i want to be a blessing to those around me, i want to be an encourager, i want to take the time to listen and console, just like my Jesus does for me....i want to be a living bible to all of those the Lord places in my path...I am Thankful tonite, I am thankful and appreciative of the many blessings...keep on the firling line saints, our redemption draweth nigh.

Thanks-giving

2007-11-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

Good Morning
What are you thankful for?
I look at the word Thanks-giving, and I thank of the many things I am thankful for.
The Church
Salvation
Sanctification
Baptism of the Holy Ghost
Vision
My Husband
My Kasey and Damon
My Family
My Church Family
Friends, True Friends
My Job
My Home
all of these things and more, much more.
As i travel on this day, I think of the lost souls, what are they doing this thanksgiving, do they have families and friends who love them, who know the Lord, but have not told them of Jesus?
Then I look at the word Thanks-giving again, and I ask myself, am I giving of the Lord as the Bible tells me, to go ye forth into all lands preaching the gospel? Am I taking for granted, so great a gift of salvation? Am I doing my reasonable service/duty?
Someone did theirs for me....have I been GIVING back?
To me, that is what Thanks-giving is about, giving of the gift of Jesus. Giving of the time the Lord has allotted me to give. Time is running out. When we stand before the Lord, will we have anyones blood on our hands?
This is not meant to drag anyone down, this is meant to encourage, to remind, to exhort...on this day of Thanksgiving, ask the Lord to put someone in your path, that you can share the greatest gift ever given....going forward purpose in your heart to reach out. WE are being watched. We say we are Christians, are we just talking the talk? or are we walking it too?
Jesus is the way, He is the truth and the only way to God the Father...AMEN
Happy Thanks-Giving.

Thoughts

2007-11-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

Good Morning,
It is 6:47 am on Sunday morning the 18th of November. I have been up since before 5...thinking about things, my life, my choices, my salvation, sanctification, MY CHURCH, The Church of God. Praying and expecting a mighty move of the Lord this morning, I love the Lord, I love HIS Church, the bible says that even the gates of hell shall not prevail against her....Praise the Lord, the bible also says, if I don't praise my Lord, then the rocks will, I do NOT want to be replaced by a rock.
My momma is not doing well. She has health problems that concern me, i love her and want to help her have a enjoyable time in her latter years, but i fail so much of the time (in my opinion) of doing that. She is going to the hosp on tues to have fluid drained from her abdomen, she has just had this done 3 or 4 weeks ago, the dr, was innept...he didn't take much fluid it off and it upset my mother, so she got in the mode of not caring...now her legs are so swolen from fluid her skin looks like it is going to rupture. I am not one for conflict, but finally I and my sister in law say something to her about not being stubborn and taking care of these things, she can't walk very well because of her legs being so swolen, she has asked for the wheel chair back. Please pray for her, I love her very much, she is my mommy.
My Mr Leonard, for those of you who know him, he is a character, if he knew how much I love him, it would all go to his head. He is very wise. He is a very good Judge of character. When we were first married, I didn't appreciate this wisdom, now I do. He and I went to visit our Friend Bill on friday nite, Bill is very sick. The Dr's have given him two months to live. I over heard Bill telling his grandaughters if he could die right now it would not be soon enough....Bill has been an upright man all of his life, but he needs the Lord, please pray that the Lord will reach him, before he goes off into eternity, please pray.
Wow so I am not much of of one to go on about stuff on line....but I just want y'all to know that I very much appreciate your love of Kasey. Aside from the Lord and His Church....she is our joy, we miss her and love her....thanking you all for taking care of her since Damon's promotion, thank you for your encouragement and prayer in this time. Word's cannot express the gratitude of this mother's heart....Thank you Lord for watching over her and thankyou for giving her friends and family that love her and pray for her.....love and prayer, sis katie.

WE NEED TO STAY SENSITIVE TO GOD

2007-11-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God.
ZEPHANIAH 3:2

The kingdom of self is a dangerous place to live, for we exclude the God who made us. In that self-centered condition, we don't trust God and don't seek him or his wisdom. That's what happened to the people of Jerusalem. Since they relied on themselves, so much, God could not reach them with normal discipline. Discipline would have to be harsh in order to get their attention and turn them around. When we rely too much on ourselves, we begin to believe that we don't need God. A healthy sense of self-worth and self-sufficiency does not deny our need for God's strength and guidance, but don't become so self-sufficient that you no longer recognize God's discipline when it comes. When we stay sensitive to God, he won't have to take drastic measures to help us.

God only gives the best to those who leave the choice to HIM

2007-11-13T15:28:00.000-07:00

Once there was a man who asked God
for a flower ………And a butterfly.

But instead God gave him a cactus
And a caterpillar.

The man was sad, he didn’t understand
Why his request was mistaken.

Then he thought:
Oh Well, God has too many people
To care for.
And decided not to question.

After some time the man went to check up
On his request that he had left forgotten.

To his surprise from the thorny and ugly
Cactus a beautiful flower had grown.
And the unsightly caterpillar had been
Transformed into a most beautiful butterfly.

God always does things right,

His way is always the best way, even
If it seems all wrong.

If you asked God for one thing and received
Another…….TRUST.

You can be sure that he will always give
You what you need at the appropriate time.

What you want…..is not always what you need!

God never fails to grant our petitions, so keep
On going to Him, without doubting or
Murmuring.

Today’s Thorn…is tomorrow’s flower.

God gives the very best to those who leave
The choices up to Him!

"JESUS NEVER FAILS"

Jesus Never Fails

2007-11-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell.
He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups. And set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard.
As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of little boy. 'Mister,' he said, 'I want to buy one of your puppies.'
'Well,' said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, 'These puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money.'
The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. 'I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?'
'Sure,' said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle. 'Here, Dolly!' he called.
Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur. The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence. His eyes danced with delight. As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little ball appeared, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner, the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up...
'I want that one,' the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, 'Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would.'
With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking back up at the farmer, he said, 'You see sir, I don't run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands.'
With tears in his eyes, the farmer reached down and picked up the little pup. Holding it carefully handed it to the little boy.
'How much?' asked the little boy.
'No charge,' answered the farmer, 'There's no charge for love.'
The world is full of people who need someone who understands.

Turn your eyes to Jesus, HE sees, HE understands and HE is waiting with out stretched hands.
No matter what is going on in your life, HE is the answer..... and HE is the solution....and always remember....JESUS NEVER FAILS.

The 7 UPS!

2007-11-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

1. Wake Up!
Decide to have a good day."This is the day the Lord hath made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up!
The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance,But the Lord looks at the heart."I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!
Say nice things and learn to listen.God gave us two ears and one mouth, So He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking."He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!
For what you believe in.Stand for something or you will fall for anything. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time,We will reap a harvest if we do not give up.Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up!
To the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up!
For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up!
Your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6

A POSITIVE THOUGHT

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring, and a sunrise every morning.

Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.He could live anywhere in the universe, and He
chose your heart.What about the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem; Not to mention that Friday at Calvary . Face it, He's crazy about you.

God answers
Knee-Mail!

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

To all of you in blog land, place your cares, your concerns, your worries at the foot of the cross, then leave them there. God is on the scene, HE sees your trials and your struggles. He knows what is best for each of us. Lean on Him and let HIM take care of you and all the cares you have....HE IS ABLE.....Always remember....."JESUS NEVER FAILS"!

Beginning Today

2007-10-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

Beginning today I will no longer worry about yesterday.
It is in the past and the past will never change.
Only I can change by choosing to do so.

Beginning today I will no longer worry about tomorrow.
Tomorrow will always be there, waiting for me to make the most of it.
But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without first making the most of today.

Beginning today I will look in the mirror and I will see a person worthy of my respect and admiration.
This person looking back at me is someone I enjoy spending time with and someone I would like to get to know better.

Beginning today I will cherish each moment of my life.
I value this gift bestowed upon me in this world and I will unselfishly share this gift with others.
I will use this gift to enhance the lives of others.

Beginning today I will take a moment to step off the beaten path and to revel in the mysteries I encounter.
I will face challenges with courage and determination.
I will overcome what barriers there may be which hinder my quest for growth and self-improvement.

Beginning today I will take life one day at a time, one step at a time.
Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my self-image, my desire to succeed or my capacity to love.

Beginning today I will walk with renewed faith in human kindness.
Regardless of what has gone before, I believe there is hope for a brighter and better future.

Beginning today I will open my mind and my heart.
I will welcome new experiences.
I will meet new people.
I will not expect perfection from myself nor anyone else: perfection does not exist in an imperfect world.
But I will applaud the attempt to overcome human shortcomings.

Beginning today I am responsible for my own happiness and I will do things that make me happy. . .admire the beautiful wonders of nature, listen to my favorite music, pet a kitten or a puppy, soak in a bubble bath. . .pleasure can be found in the most simple of gestures.

Beginning today I will learn something new;
I will try something different;
I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer.
I will change what I can and the rest I will let go.
I will strive to become the best me I can possibly be.

Beginning today. And every day.

By Penny White; Copyright 1990

Damon

2007-10-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

we all take life so for granted..i never in a million years ever expected that Damon would not be a part of our everyday lives...NEVER...it is so hard to grasp at times...it is like i will wake up from a terrible dream and it will be all better...i treasure the time i had with him, he was a living angel on earth, he was such a special individual and to have had the honor of knowing him, was and is a blessing from the Lord. i will never forget his sweet way of teasing me about my stampin up and the way i could tease him about his southern vocabulary...i have prescious memories of Damon, very prescious and am truly thankful to have had him for my son in law...he blessed my soul, by just being him....thank you Lord for Damon, thank you Lord for loving me enough to have had him in my life...thank you Lord, Thank you.

Why?

2007-10-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

So, I am sitting here at work, and for some reason I decided to clean out my checkbook...i am one of those people that keep their receipts until the purchase has cleared the bank...so i am going through my receipts and i throw some away and keep others...then I come to a receipt from walmart for the 19th of May....and on it is the last things I purchased for Damon....exactly one month later HE was PROMOTED to glory...my question...why am i hanging on to this reciept, why have i kept the receipt for the casket spray....why do i hang on to this kind of stuff? It won't bring him back...why, why, why?

OLDER THAN DIRT

2007-10-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

>>> "Hey Dad," one of my kids asked the other day,>
"What was your> favorite>>fast food when you were growing up?"
"We didn't have> fast food when I> was>>growing up," I informed him.
"All the food was slow.">

"C'mon,> seriously. >>Where did you eat?">>>> "It was a place called 'at home,'" I explained.> "Grandma cooked> every>>day and when Grandpa got home from work, we sat down > together at the> dining>>>room table, and if I didn't like what she put on my> plate I was> allowed to>>sit there until I did like it.">>>>
By this time, the kid was laughing so hard I was > afraid he was> going to>>suffer serious internal damage, so I didn't tell him> the part about> how I>>had to have permission to leave the table.
But here> are some other > things I>>>would have told him about my childhood if I figured> his system could> have>>handled it:>>>>
Some parents NEVER owned their own house, wore > Levis , set foot on> a>>golf course, traveled out of the country or had a> credit card.
In> their>>later years they had something called a revolving> charge card. The > card was>>>good only at Sears>> Roebuck. Or maybe it was Sears AND Roebuck. Either> way, there is no>>>Roebuck anymore.
My parents never drove me to soccer practice. This > was mostly> because we>>>never had heard of soccer. I had a bicycle that> weighed probably 50> pounds,>>>and only had one speed, (slow).
We didn't have a > television in our> house>>until I was 11, but my grandparents had one before> that. It was, of> course,>>>black and white, but they bought a piece of colored> plastic to cover > the>>screen. The top third was blue, like the sky, and the> bottom third was>>>green, like grass. The middle third was red. It was> perfect for> programs>>that had scenes of fire trucks riding across > someone's lawn on a sunny> day.>>>
Some people had a lens taped to the front of the TV> to make the> picture>>look>> larger.>>>>
I was 13 before I tasted my first pizza, it was > called "pizza pie."> When>>>I bit into it, I burned the roof of my mouth and the> cheese slid off,> swung>>>down, plastered itself against my chin and burned > that, too. It's> still the>>>best pizza I ever had.>>>>
We didn't have a car until I was 15. Before that,> the only car in> our>>family was my grandfather's Ford. He called it a > "machine.">>>>
I never had a telephone in my room. The only phone> in the house was> in>>the living room and it was on a party line. Before> you could dial, you > had>>to listen and make sure some people you didn't know> weren't already> using>>the line.>>>>
Pizzas were not delivered to our home. But milk> was. >>>> All newspapers were delivered by boys and all boys> delivered> newspapers.>>>I delivered a newspaper, six days a week. It cost 7> cents a paper, of> which >>>I got to keep 2 cents. I had to get up at 4 AM every> morning. On> Saturday,>>I had to collect the 42 cents from my customers. My> favorite customers> were> >>the ones who gave me 50 cents and told me to keep the> change. My least>>>favorite customers were the ones who seemed to never> be home on> collection>>day.>> >>
If you grew up in a generation before there was> fast food, you may > want>>to share some of these memories with your children or> grandchildren.> Just>>don't blame me if they bust a gut laughing.>>>>
Growing up isn't what it used to be, is it? >>>>>>
MEMORIES from a friend:>>>> My Dad is cleaning out my grandmother's house (she> died in> December) and>>>he brought me an old Royal Crown Cola bottle. In the > bottle top was a>>stopper with a bunch of holes in it. I knew> immediately what it was,> but my>>>daughter had no idea. She thought they had tried to> make it a salt > shaker>>or something. I knew it as the bottle that sat on the> end of the> ironing>>board to "sprinkle" clothes with because we didn't> have steam irons.>
Man, I>>>am old.>>>>>>>>>>
How many do you remember?>>>>
Head lights dimmer switches on the floor.>>
Ignition switches on the dashboard. >>
Heaters mounted on the inside of the fire wall.>>
Real ice boxes.>>
Pant leg clips for bicycles without chain guards.>>
Soldering irons you heat on a gas burner.>>
Using hand signals for cars without turn signals. >>>>
Older Than Dirt Quiz: Count all the ones that you> remember not the> ones>>you were told about Ratings at the bottom.>>>>
1. Blackjack chewing gum>>
2. Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar> water>>
3. Candy cigarettes>>
4. Soda pop machines that dispensed glass bottles>>
5. Coffee shops or diners with tableside juke > boxes>>
6. Home milk delivery in glass bottles with> cardboard stoppers>>
7. Party lines>>
9. P.F. Flyers>>
10. Butch wax >>
11. Telephone numbers with a word prefix> (OLive-6933)>>
12. Peashooters>>
13. Howdy Doody>>
14. 45 RPM records>>
15. S&H Green Stamps>>
16 Hi-fi's >>
17. Metal ice trays with lever>>
18. Mimeograph paper>>
19 Blue flashbulb>>
20. Packards>>
21. Roller skate keys>>
22. Cork popguns>>
23. Drive-ins >>
24. Studebakers>>
25. Wash tub wringers>>>>
If you remembered 0-5 = You're still young>>
If you remembered 6-10 = You are getting older>>
If you remembered 11-15 = Don't tell your age, >>
If you remembered 16-25 = You're older than dirt!>>>>
Have a great week...love from idaho

Glass of Milk

2007-09-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water! . She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it so slowly, and then asked, How much do I owe you?" You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness." He said .. "Then I thank you from my heart." As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit. Many year's later that same young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. >From that day he gave special attention to her case. After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words ... "Paid in full with one glass of milk" (Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly. Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: "Thank You, God, that Your love has spread broad through human hearts and hands." There's a saying which goes something like this: Bread cast on the waters comes back to you. The good deed you do today may benefit you or someone you love at the least expected time. If you never see the deed again at least you will have made the world a better place - And, after all, isn't that what life is all about?

Look up, for your redemption, draw nigh...thank you for all the prayers...sis katie.

God Bless Mothers who Drugged Us!

2007-09-20T07:16:00.000-07:00

God bless mothers who drugged us!
The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question, ''Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?''

I replied: I had a drug problem when I was young:
I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals.
I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.
I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults.
I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profane four-letter word. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad's fields.
I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.
Those drugs are still in my veins; and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; Thank you Momma.
To all Momma's out there who have "DRUGGED" their children...God Bless you...and thank you Lord for Momma's who still care....be blessed...sis katie.

Five Simple Rules to be Happy

2007-09-18T05:22:00.000-07:00

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

No one can go back and make a brand new start.
Anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.

God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.

Disappointments are like road bumps, they slow you down a bit but you enjoy the smooth road afterwards.

Don't stay on the bumps too long. Move on!

When you feel down because you didn't get what you want, just sit tight and be happy, because God has thought of something better to give you.

When something happens to you, good or bad, consider what it means.
There's a purpose to life's events, to teach you how to laugh more or not to cry too hard.

You can't make someone love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved, the rest is up to the person to realize your worth.

It's better to lose your pride to the one you love, than to lose the one you love because of pride.

We spend too much time looking for the right person to love or finding fault with those we already love, when instead we should be perfecting the love we give.

Never abandon an old friend. You will never find one who can take his place. Friendship is like wine, it gets better as it grows older.

May today there be peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

Love to all, Sis Katie.

2007-09-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

It started to happen gradually.

One day I was walking my son Jake to school. I was holding his hand and we were about to cross the street when the crossing guard said to him, "Who is that with you, young fella?" "Nobody," he shrugged.

Nobody? The crossing guard and I laughed. My son is only 5, but as we crossed the street I thought, "Oh my goodness, nobody?"

I would walk into a room and no one would notice. I would say something to my family - like "Turn the TV down, please" - and nothing would happen. Nobody would get up, or even make a move for the remote. I would stand there for a minute, and then I would say again, a little louder, "Would someone turn the TV down?" Nothing.

Just the other night my husband and I were out at a party. We'd been there for about three hours and I was ready to leave. I noticed he was talking to a friend from work. So I walked over, and when there was a break in the conversation, I whispered, "I'm ready to go when you are." He just kept right on talking.

I'm invisible.

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.

I'm invisible.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.

She's going8 she's going8 she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this."

It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:

No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.

These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.

They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.

The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

To all of you....be blessed, and encouraged, God sees and hears all...love and prayers, sis katie.

-VERY INTERESTING-

2007-09-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

1. The Garden of Eden was in Iraq!
2. Mesopotamia, which is now Iraq,was thecradle of civilization!
3. Noah built the ark in Iraq.
4. The Tower of Babel was in Iraq.
5. Abraham was from Ur, which is in Southern Iraq !
6. Isaac's wife Rebekah is from Nahor, which is in Iraq !
7. Jacob met Rachel in Iraq.
8. Jonah preached in Nineveh - which is in Iraq.
9. Assyria, which is in Iraq, conquered the ten tribes of Israel.
10. Amos cried out in Iraq !
11 Babylon, which is in Iraq, destroyed Jerusalem.
12. Daniel was in the lion's den in Iraq !
13. The three Hebrew children were in the fire in Iraq (Jesus had been in Iraq also as the fourthperson in the Fiery Furnace!).
14. Belshazzar, the King of Babylon saw the "writingon the wall" in Iraq
15. Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, carried the Jews captive into Iraq
16. Ezekiel preached in Iraq ..
17. The wise men were from Iraq ...
18. Peter preached in Iraq ...
19. The "Empire of Man" describedin Revelation is called Babylon , whichwas a city in Iraq ! And you have probably seen this one: Israel is the nation most often mentioned in the Bible. But do you know which nation is second? It is Iraq ! However, that is not the name that is used in the Bible. The names used in the Bible are Babylon , Land of Shinar , and Mesopotamia ... The word Mesopotamia means between the two rivers, more exactly between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers ...The name Iraq, means country with deep roots. Indeed Iraq is a country with deep roots and is a very significant country in the Bible. No other nation, except Israel , has more history and prophecy associated with it than Iraq And also, This is something to think about: Since America is typically represented by an eagle. Saddam should have read up on his Muslim passages ...The following verse is from the Koran, (the Islamic Bible) Koran ( 9:11 ) - For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle.. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah;And there was peace. (Note the verse number!) Hmmmmmmm?!

what y'all think of this....sis katie

Sand and Stone

2007-08-31T06:32:00.000-07:00

TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING
THROUGH THE DESERT.
DURING SOME POINT OF THE
JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN
ARGUMENT; AND ONE FRIEND
SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE
IN THE FACE.

THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED
WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT
SAYING ANYTHING,
WROTE IN THE SAND:

TODAY MY BEST FRIEND
SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.

THEY KEPT ON WALKING,
UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS,
WHERE THEY DECIDED
TOTAKE A BATH
THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN
SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE
MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING,
BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.

AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM
THE NEAR DROWNING,
HE WROTE ON A STONE:

"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND
SAVED MY LIFE ".

THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED
AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND
ASKED HIM, "AFTER I HURT YOU,
YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW,
YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?"

THE FRIEND REPLIED
"WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US
WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN
IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF
FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.
BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES
SOMETHING GOOD FOR US,
WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE
WHERE NO WIND
CAN EVER ERASE IT."

LEARN TO WRITE
YOUR HURTS IN
THE SAND AND TO
CARVE YOUR
BENEFITS IN STONE.

THEY SAY IT TAKES A
MINUTE TO FIND A SPECIAL
PERSON, AN HOUR TO
APPRECIATE THEM, A DAY
TO LOVE THEM, BUT THEN
AN ENTIRE LIFE
TO FORGET THEM.

DO NOT VALUE THE THINGS
YOU HAVE IN YOUR LIFE, BUT VALUE
WHO YOU HAVE IN YOUR LIFE !

God Bless each of you that read this blog...be safe this Holiday weekend...and PRAISE the LORD...AMEN

Cherokee Legend

2007-08-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage?>
His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him> alone.>
He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the> blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it.>
He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is> a MAN.>
He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must> come into manhood on his own.>
The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild> beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him> harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat> stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he> could become a man!>
Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his> blindfold.
It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the> stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his> son from harm.> >
We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, our Heavenly> Father is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us.
When trouble> comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.> >
Work for the Lord, the pay isn't much but the rewards are> great and the retirement is out of this world!!!

God's Cake

2007-08-02T12:32:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?" Here is a wonderful explanation!
A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away. Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely Mom, I love your cake.""Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers.
"Yuck" says her daughter.
"How about a couple raw eggs?"
"Gross, Mom!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"
"Mom, those are all yucky!"
To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!
God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!
God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

our Damon was promoted to Glory...if only i'd known, if only i'd have known.

2007-07-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

1 month ago today, all of our lives changed. for the better having known him, having loved him, one month ago today...

2007-07-19T22:09:00.000-07:00

we decided to have mcdonald's for breakfast, Damon got his usual sausage biscuit and this time orange juice to help break up the congestion

2007-07-19T22:07:00.000-07:00

growth....LOL...it was just going to be another fun day, with all of us together. another fun day to enjoy one anothers company

2007-07-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

show me the growth, it was damon...LOL. he had his arms wrapped around her, they were walking in unison..he said with a big grin, that he was her

2007-07-19T22:03:00.000-07:00

day, i was so proud oh him for that. kasey called from the back bedroom that she had a growth, this concerned me some, she come walking out front to

2007-07-19T22:02:00.001-07:00

Wood, i was in the living room, reading Damon's Bible, he had the VLB pamplet, where you read your bible through in a year, he hadn't missed a single

2007-07-19T22:00:00.000-07:00