Blog Purpose

Psalm 71;15
''My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,
   of your saving acts all day long—
   though I know not how to relate them all.''


    I read this verse today in my daily reading and thought that is what I want my blog to accomplish.  Yes, I would have to blog all day long and still wouldn't cover everything.  The Israelites were constantly reminded what God had done for them, brought out of Egypt.  I will continue to think about and try to relate to you all the blessed saving acts God has bestowed on me in my life.

Post-it Note

     Has anyone ever tried to explain something to you and by the time they're done, you forgot what you asked?  It reminds me of when we first got computers at work.  Although I'm far from being a computer tech, I was the one at work most comfortable with how to do things on the computer.  I went around and answered co-workers questions.  You have to take in to account, this was about 1998.  One of my coworkers had post-it notes on every cabinet above his computer with every how-to that I told him.  One day he said 'okay, I know how to put in the web address but how do I get it to go there?'  I told him and he wrote down on a post-it note, 'press enter.' 
     Simplify.  People get lost in the details.  I think people often shy away from witnessing because of all the details.  Isn't John 3;16 really the simplified version of it all?  Knowledge of more is good but understanding and accepting this verse is key. '' For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.''

FBF REQUESTS FOR APRIL

FBF MISSIONARY PRAYER REQUESTS FOR APRIL 2012


MARTIN AND HANSY TUOHY

1. "The Biggest Question" gospel DVD. Hoping to pass them out at the local university campus. Pray that not one would go unwatched and that we would be prepared to minister to those who may be drawn to the Father.

2. Hansy and the new baby. Due date is 4/25.

3. Wisdom, joy and courage to follow God's leading whatever this may mean. Current considerations are to either try starting a new church plant here in Denmark or going to Puruandiro, MX.

LESLEY WOLFE

Aaron and Amy, (my co-workers who live in Liberia), are in the process of having their house built.  The first 3 weeks of April, Aaron’s father and brother, Ruben, will be with them, helping Aaron do as much as they can the finish the house so it’s livable.  The last week of April A&A’s language consultant is scheduled for a visit with them, during which time he’ll check their progress, give guidance, etc.  So be praying:

(1)    For Aaron’s father and brother’s 3-week visit.  It’s the hot season right now, they’ll be staying in A&A’s village house (mud and thatch), and, well, life won’t be exactly like it is for them back home in Germany!  Pray for them as they work in the heat, are exposed to malaria bearing mosquitos, are surrounded by Glaro people with whom they will not be able to communicate, etc.! 

(2)    A&A will be making long trips from the village to Monrovia, picking up their April guests.  Pray for safety for them all as they travel…..both by plane and then by car while in Liberia.

TED AND PRISCILLA CLARK

1. Please pray for our huge Easter camp April 5-8.  There are around 450 people scheduled to come.  We need the Lord's grace and blessing for every detail of this camp.

2.  Thank you for praying with us for the new discipleship program at the camp.  The kids are doing well and have been a great blessing in carrying out numerous evangelistic efforts and helping with up-keep on the camp property.  Each morning, we begin with a through-the-Bible study for the whole group, before they go to their various work assignments.  They are memorizing Scripture, reading and studying large portions of the Bible and reading other books to help in their spiritual growth.  Please pray for these young people.

PHILIP AND SANDRA PRIME

1. Lord willing we will be taking the books to Family Camp from the 5th to the 8th of April; pray for safety, that the Lord would hide the bus from the sight of those who might want to stop us for monetary reasons and also that the Lord would use this material to bless His people--helping them to mature in their faith and grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Pray for the new work in Irapuato. Praise God with us for the wonderful help of the Mendoza family. The Lord is maturing Jesús and Delia in the faith and they have proved to be a perfect and valuable complement to the work here.

Thanks for praying for Juan Carlos and Karina. She (and 3 others) was baptized last Sunday (in the river on our camp-out with several other churches). She and her husband Juan Carlos, who is not far from the Kingdom, continue to be faithful.

Thanks for praying for Jesús Valdenegro. The Lord has matured him in the faith. The Lord used the kidnapping to produce in him a sweeter spirit and a stronger faith.

BOBBY AND NAMATHA AVILEZ

1.       Please pray for our House of Hope kids while they are at home in Burma over the summer holidays. Pray for their safety and protection and pray that many would ask about what they have been learning at the House of Hope and that families, friends and strangers would want to learn more about Jesus.

2.       Pray for the rest of the Avilezs trip to the states.  So far, after over 3000 miles,  we have seen more hotel rooms and some living rooms . We have yet to share in a church but God has His plans and ways so we are in the best hands! We hope to arrive for a 10 day stay at the Faith missionary house on April 9^th! Looking forward to reconnecting with everyone!

MONICA SERNATINGER

1. Our co-laboring missionaries Brad and Lindsay Sturm  recently updated us on the armed assault they went thru, while at home this past weekend, and how the Lord lovingly protected them. Earnestly pray for them. The Sunday before this happened (two weeks ago) they had been here with us, sharing in the Lord's Supper, and stayed until Wednesday morning, since Brad was repairing the tile on our kitchen and fixing other things around our house... They sure are a blessing to us and to many... Please, pray for protection for them and the rest of the missionaries.

2. Thank you for praying for Juan and Erika. They had been struggling in their walk with Jesus. Well, Saturday night, while several of us were away camping (participating in Padres en Accion camp), we received a call from Erika. Juan had been picked-up by the authorities being accused of selling drugs. It was around 5 pm, and he was smoking a cigarette just a few yards from the house of his mother in law when two police trucks arrived, and started demanding from him to tell them where was the drug hidden. Erika, her mother, and the children, all came out to try to convince the police that he did not sell drugs, and had no drugs hidden, but to no avail. They took him anyway to the hill country, they beat him up very badly (all his body and head, except for his face that was covered with a black plastic bag provoking suffocation and choking), demanding, over and over again, where was he hiding the drugs. He kept telling them that he has never sold them, or uses them anymore. Meanwhile, Erika went to the local police and other agencies to try to find out where Juan was and for how long. They told her that no report had come in and they did not know what happened or where he could be. Finally, after four hours, Juan was dropped off at a lonely street, and he called Erika to pick him up. They had also stolen his weekly salary.  As you can imagine, this has been a very traumatic event in their lives, but they could see the hand of God. Juan says that thru all of it, he was praying to the Lord asking for mercy and for his kids, Aileen (9) and Juanito (6). Erika says that she could not imagine her life without Juan and so she was earnestly praying that they would return him alive.

    As the church learned of this, everyone has been very compassionate and helping them. Juan and Erika have felt God's love and care. At the women's meeting she thanked the Lord that now she knew that the church was not only a group but a family... Praise the Lord!  Please, continue to pray for this dear couple, and their family.  Thank you.

Way Back Wednesday-- Washed

     Well, this picture of me in the hot tub is the closest picture I could come up with to relate to the topic.  The caption is more the focus.

      I LOVE a hot shower.  I like the water to be just a tad below causing a 3rd degree burn..lol.  When I was younger, my shower had at least a foot high stepup to get into it.  I hated it because it always scared me.  I had to use the towel bracket to hoist myself in there and cling to as I got out.  I could easily stay in there until the hot water tank was empty.  As the caption suggests, the shower is a quiet, soothing place to think.  I miss that quiet time now that I have to have help and feel rushed.  The best bathroom I've ever been in was in the hotel in Cancun, MX.  It was huge and I suspect they had a huge hot water supply.  As you might have gathered, I'm not into water conservation..lol.

     The most important cleansing is to be washed by the blood of the Lamb.  Are your garmets spotless and white as snow that have been stained with sin?  The only soul-cleansing thing is the blood of Jesus.  I'm so glad we can turn to Him for mercy and grace without animal or other ritual sacrifices.  The shedding of blood has always been required to cover our sins, but Jesus' death and His blood covered once and for all.

      I encourage you today, to go get washed up with His soul-cleansing power.

      No one sings it better than Alan Jackson... click to listen here.. http://youtu.be/R52heyok9Ps

Do You Know Me?

     Have you ever felt like Cookie Monster when he was given crackers?  Or you might have been on the giving side, just trying to be helpful and got the rash rejection?
     Every time we go to Pig n Chik to eat catfish, someone will ask me if I want tartar sauce.  Have I ever?  No, not so far in this lifetime.  I'm not saying it's a big deal but I can relate to this caption.
     Do you think God ever thinks that of us?  I would bet He does when we do things that are not what He wants from us.  How many times does He have to tell us 'no' on the same sinful thing?  
     The rashest rejection is the one for unbelievers at the Judgement Seat one day.  God will say 'I never knew you' before sending you to an eternity separated from Him.
     We would be wise to get to know Him better each day thru The Word and learn what He wants from us.  May our acts in this life never cause Him to say 'It's like you don't even know Me.'

Don’t listen to the Word of God
And then ignore what you have heard;
Instead obey God’s will for you—
Be doers of the Word. —Sper

Cupcakes

     As I head to the doctor today for my two month checkup, I have in tow with me butterfly cupcakes.  My friend, Charlene, helped me make them yesterday.
     I think it's important to thank people who help you in different ways in your life.  Sure it is their job but a little treat showing appreciation goes a long way.
     My doctor's office is great and I can feel the love as soon as I come in.  What a great feeling to not dread a medical appointment but to look forward to it?   Of course, I'm feeling pretty good now so that does help.
      Show the people in your lives that you appreciate the job they do for you in your life.

Jellybean Prayer

      You've probably considered your ability to see as a gift from God but did you consider the colors as a gift too?  I watched a video the other day where black n white pictures were transformed by colors.  How much more profound and beautiful they became. What an artist God is with his paintbrush.
      Jellybeans are a favorite springtime candy.  I usually think more about the flavors than the colors.  My favorite are cinnamon and buttered popcorn flavors.
      I thought this jellybean prayer was rather insightful.  A whole new way to look at jellybeans.  If we could see everything as a gift from God in some form, I think we'd be a more thankful and grateful society to Him...as we should be.

Make It Real

       This caption reminds me of the people who have 682 friends listed on Facebook.. or more.  Really?  I think it was Dale Carnegie who said if you can name 5 friends on one hand, you have a lot.  Sure we all have people we know or can at least call an acquaintance but that's no equivalent to a friend.  A friend knows the good and the bad about you, the highs and the lows of your moods, and is a help to you without even being asked.  That's what a 'real' friend is.
        I can say I am truly blessed with a couple of handfuls of real friends.  I am thankful to have 3 of them visiting today.  They know the dirt and the hurt that has hit me but also have shared the spotlights of great moments in my life.  I am thankful for friends that never end.
       

''The greatest sweetener of human life is Friendship. To raise this to the highest pitch of enjoyment, is a secret which but few discover.''

Piece of my Mind

 






     Okay so from this caption, we now know what lies ahead for my future.  Giving someone 'peace of mind' is a far cry from giving someone a 'piece of your mind.'  ha
     I recently ordered myself a new coffee mug with Maxine on it.  It says 'Everyone is entitled to my opinion.'  lol  I can honestly say I'm an opinionated person but I hope that I am open-minded enough to not totally reject a rebuke without at least giving it some thought.  ''The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind.''
     Pieces of my mind are certainly more apt to fly out of my mouth when under pressure.  You can't relate to this?  Yea right.  Sometimes the pieces can fly right back at you and smack you in the forehead.  One time at the airport, the ticket counter person seemed to be going slower than slow.  I slammed my fist down on the counter and said 'YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE US MISS OUR FLIGHT.'  He calmly said, 'ma'am you're flight has been delayed.'  'Oh, okay, good' was all I could humbly say.
      We must have a firm foundation of our beliefs that are unwavering but our opinions can often be quickly given without thought or merit.  Sometimes people don't want to know what we think but if they do, they will ask.
     

Way Back Wednesday.... A Crush

     Have you ever felt you had some kind of connection with someone but didn't know why or what it was?  I started Sylvan Hills Elementary during the 5th grade. I made a best friend that year but in 6th grade I thought I had found 'the one.'  lol  His name was Paul Dunn.  I thought we had alot in common.  We were both slim, short and blonde.  We differed tho in popularity, he was and I wasn't.  I did what I could tho to try to win his heart.  Well my first attempt was sharing half of my possessions, a fruit rollup.  What doesn't say love like half of a strawberry fruit rollup?  Okay, so a bolder attempt was made.  We were standing outside on the lil porch of our trailer-housed classroom with each of our best friend's at our sides.  I asked Paul, 'Do you wanna kiss?'  He was like, 'um, um, I don't know?'  I said, 'well that's ok' and handed my best friend a Hershey's kiss. He said, 'oh, okay yea.'  [I was braver, way back when.]  As we went on to jr. high, I didn't have very many classes with him but my crush never ended till we both went to different high schools.
       Sometime after I moved back here, I saw on channel 7's news program a story on a Paul Dunn Golf Tournament [ http://www.pauldunnclassic.com/ ] Could it be the same guy?  I looked into it on the internet and it was.  Paul had been stricken as an adult with ALS.  [Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.]   Paul did get married and had a child before losing his fight with the disease.
       Was that our hidden connection?  That we would both fight a neurological disease in our lives.  Paul had many, many friends so a memory of me may not even have ever crossed his mind.  But if it did, I hope that my struggles and perserverance at that young age encouraged him during his fight. 
      You may never know if or how you influenced someone's life, so make sure you are a positive influence.

What's Your Lesson

Revelation 14;13 ''Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”  “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

     My friend, Gloria, and I both attended our friend' sister's funeral this weekend.  Gloria blogged on it yesterday and I didn't want to do a repeat of her blog.  But, at bible study last night, this verse that was used at the funeral came up again. Then I saw this caption that went with it so well.  So I'm going to share some of the message with you from the funeral in a lil different way than Gloria.  I encourage you to read hers to at  http://www.underherwings.blogspot.com/
  
     4 Words of Encouragement

     Rejoicing..... those that have committed their lives to the Lord and passed on are 'blessed..from now on.'  You can be sure they are now happier than they've ever known possible.  They are face to face with Jesus and can clearly see now.
      Resting.......oh, doesn't it make you anxious for heaven to know you'll one day 'rest from your labours.'  No more struggles, no more pain, no more heartache.
      Rewarded..... this is what the caption above is explaining.  Your life is teaching a lesson for generations to come. 'their deeds will follow them.'  It was brought up last night, that the deeds of the unsaved, like Hitler, would be a scary thought to follow you.
      Reunion.......we will miss our loved ones who have passed on, but it's only temporary for those who trusted in God's saving grace.

    These are four bold statements that believers can not only be comforted by but look forward to.  I hope that the lesson your life will leave will be worth sharing for all generations.

Sassy

     I love it when people show their unpredictable, sassy side of themselves.  I think this picture captures the essence of that.  I like people who don't define themselves or their activities by their age, within reason of course.  I think it's a great reward when people can retire but that doesn't mean you check out.  We are still responsible for bearing spiritual fruit till we pass on. 
     My favorite event of the year is the FBF Talent Show.  There you will see personalities come to life and often in unexpected ways.  One that was forever memorable was when Bruce Rew dressed up like Julia Child.  He showed 'how to cook with your laptop.'  It was hilarious when he poured batter on the keyboard to make waffles.  Now Bruce is a smart business man and so that comes with a certain stereotype so this was a totally unexpected side. I loved it.
     We are all multi-faceted so let us all be daring enough to show our 'sassy' side to others in our lives.  Serve others in your life with a full of life spirit.  If someone can't muster a smile, make sure you give them yours.

Priorities

     I thought this caption was so true.  The world and its needs from us are often demanding.  Everything is needed  'Now. Right now.'
     I watched a movie last night, where the woman was juggling her life but just couldn't keep from dropping a few balls.  We must prioritize the things in our lives on the basis of importance.  We must separate the breakable balls from the ones that will bounce back, even if we drop them. 
     'If it's important to you, you'll find a way. If not, you'll find an excuse.'  I know of friends who say they can't go to church because of a medical condition but they can go to all other out-of-the-house functions.  Hmm?  Priorities?
    

“The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”

Decisions

     Oh my goodness, all I can say is 'SCARY.'   Let's just say if I saw a spider that big near me, then a toilet would be an appropriate place for me, lol.  I hate spiders, not as much as snakes but still.
     What if we thought about each of our decisions so quickly before acting on our impulses?  What if we considered the outcome and possible consequences before we go after something?  Do we consider alternatives or are things one way no matter what?
     Any decision should begin with whether it is right or wrong.  That should be simple enough.  The problem in deciding things is often due to our sinful nature trying to justify why the wrong isn't so wrong.  As believers, we are indwelled with the Holy Spirit and should be warned and convicted of risky decisions and behavior, like the spider.  He's saying, 'Do you really want to do that?'

"Decisions become easier when your will to please God outweighs your will to please the world."

"When you have to make a choice and don't make it, that is in itself a choice."

"Choices are the hinges of destiny."

     Often people want to put off their decision on who they will serve in this life, God or self.  It's really not a delayed question but a choice/decision made every day.  The consequence is your eternal destination.  You can't sit on the fence on this one.  Revelation 3;16  ''So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.''

Prayer Order

    
     This caption reminded me that we should put our needs and wants last when we pray.  There is a simple acronym, ACTS, to help us remember everything to pray for.

A-Adoration.  We should praise God for who He is.  That He is just and never changing.
C-Confession   Recognize your sinful faults and nature and ask for forgiveness. 'Renew in me a steadfast heart.'
T-Thanksgiving   Count your blessings. Be grateful for another day of life. Thank Him for the hills and the valleys of your journey.
S-Supplication  Tell of both your needs and those of others.  Be specific, expectant and submissive.

     The Bible points out that our prayers are often ineffective because we don't pray under the right conditions.  James 4;3  ''When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.''

He's Got You

        One time, when I was a child, we were at the lake and anchored the boat a little ways from the bank to have lunch.  I don't know what it was but I needed something from the boat. I had my shoes on and proceeded to go out there. Then and there, I learned the weight of my shoes and the lack of strength in my legs with them in the water.  Whatever I needed, now wasn't so important and I got out of the water.
      You too may be weighted down by things in life; like your job, bills, or responsibilities, but God will provide you with strength and all your needs.  God will not take you further than His grace can save you.  That drowning feeling from life's troubles can be scary and overwhelming but as the caption explains we always have a Watcher and Rescuer waiting for us to call on Him.
   2 Corinthians 4;8-9  ''We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.''
      2 Corinthians 4; 17  ''For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.''
    

Way Back Wednesday-- The Villas

     This is a picture of me when I was in 6th grade and we lived in a subdivision called The Villas.  It's about 4 miles down the road from where we lived now.  The dining and living rooms had very, very high celings with skylights in them.  I liked living here.  The subdivision had a pool right across from our house and I could ride my bike without much traffic danger.
     Oh and AJ's dairy bar was within walking distance.  I suppose things seemed safer back then because my parents let me walk there with friends. We had to walk to the end of the neighborhood, cross a drainage ditch, then cross Batesville Pike just to get there.  A choc/vanilla swirled ice cream cone was the goal. Yum.  There was a corner gas station on further up the street that we rarely walked to for candy.  It was quite a hike for me and not really worth it either.  When I see how busy the street is now, I wonder if it was less so back then?
      The dangers we have faced and will face are certainly out there, whether we acknowledge them or not.  Be thankful everyday for His protection that was and is and is to come. 

Words

     I know I've blogged on this subject before but I thought this caption was so powerful.  When I hear a parent putting a child down with words, I just cringe.  That is not discipline, that's just hate. I want to say, ''Go get your own self esteem and quit trying to take theirs.''  The boy in the picture has no shirt on and I think that points out the vulnerability of a child.  He has no protection from the harsh words. The destructive words have a choke hold on him and are squeezing the tears out of him.  How awful for someone to subject another human being to such cruelty.
     Are your words building blocks of wisdom or destructing everything within hearing distance?  Discipline instructs and explains, it doesn't tear down the individual. 

    ''The words of kindness are more healing to a drooping heart than balm or honey.''

Ask For It

    








     This is a picture of me on my standing exercise machine.  I've had this machine for about 5 years now and have used it sporadically during that time. I've been pretty consistent with it this year and I believe it has helped in my improvement.
     Last night as I was doing my 20 minutes of standing, I said outloud 'I wish this table could be raised higher.'  My dad then adjusted it and raised it. Oh my gosh!  Do you know how many times I've wished for that in my head but never said it aloud?  Hundreds.  I just didn't think it was possible. Now I can stand straighter without leaning over and it's a lot more comfortable. 30 minutes seems now more probable in my near future.
     As I stood there, I immediately thought of how our prayer lives are often just like this.  We don't pray for things because we don't believe it's possible.  We may decide that Jane or John Doe are beyond help and think it's impossible for them to change.  We may think 'that'll never happen in my lifetime.'  Don't you think that kind of attitude puts God's power on a short leash?  To receive it, we must first ask for it and then wait for His will to be done in the matter.

      I'm adding this caption in here to remind you that prayer does not work like a vending machine.  It is all dependent upon His will.  He sees the big picture and knows the right response to our every prayer request.  'With God, all things are possible.'

The Train is Coming

      So yesterday my dad was going to take me to check out the new yogurt shop, Tutti Fruitti. [awesome]  As we backed out of the carport, I could see a tall Jack Russell-like dog running down the street. My dad said, oh he runs up and down the street all the time. So okay, I figure the dog is alright.  Then my dad stops at the end of the driveway to get the mail.  The dog is now in the middle of the road, distracted by looking at my dad and unaware of the full speed van headed towards him. OH MY GOODNESS! was all I could think as I dreaded the thought closing in. The dog moved just in time and my fears were relieved.
      I think that sets up a good analogy about unbelievers.  Unbelievers don't even notice the death train coming straight at them because they are so distracted by the world.  Many think they can put off the decision and be saved just in the nick of time.  That is not a gamble worth taking.  You're betting all of eternity and more with that wager.
      It's better to get on the train that's headed toward you and go on to a better place, than to just be hit by the train and be no more.  The train will come for each of us, are you ready to get on board today?

      Eva Cassidy sings a great song, 'People Get Ready' ...  click this link to listen to it..   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnjMnSkPQXM

Who's Voice?

     We went last night to Verizon arena to see the ventriliquist, Jeff Dunham.  It was a great, funny show, although uncensored- unlike on television.  My favorite puppet is Walter, a grumpy old man who tells it like it is regardless of what others think. Jeff has six main puppets with all different personalities. It was a good night of laughter.

      The idea of puppets makes me think about our own voices.  God didn't create us to be puppets so He gave us freewill.  Yet, He is our master. Is your voice being controlled by the Master?  It says in the Bible, we are not defiled by what goes into our mouths but by what comes out of it.  If we each had a mouth filter, how much dirt would yours catch?

      Here's a quote I found that makes alot of sense...  'When words reach the tip of your tongue, hold back half of them.'

Be Wise

     Well as I thought about this caption on Proverbs 19;20,  I wondered why owls are associated with wisdom? I Googled it and the results were less than satisfying. One reason was because they ask questions...who, who, who? Another was because Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, was often depicted holding an owl. One last reason I'll mention is because they're nocturnal and function well at night.
     Well humans have different standards to meet to be considered wise.  To be wise does not necessarily mean to know everything because you can't.  Sure we've all gone thru the teenage phase of thinking we know it all but hopefully we've grown past that.  Wisdom involves seeking knowledge and instruction.  So often people will just go around in circles getting no where because they refuse any advice given or refuse to even listen to a viewpoint other than their own.
      How wise are we when we try to put together or operate something without reading the manual?  Hours of frustration should tell us.  Our manual to living life, the Bible, tells how valuable seeking and getting wisdom is in the Book of Proverbs.
      If you are struggling with something in your life, seek out a trusted friend ...preferably older if you're young, and be open to advice and instruction.  After that make sure it's in alignment with what the Bible says.  Then you can make a 'wise' decision.

Find the Beauty

     Yes, it is dark and dreary outside right now.  The rain is pouring down at a pretty fast rate.  It's not the sort of day that makes you want to run outside and do all your errands today, does it?
      It is a pretty ugly day but can we find some beauty in it?  1] We definetely needed the rain with all the fire dangers in the past few days.  2] Rainy days give you time for indoor projects that may have been pushed aside. 3]  It cleans away some of that pollen that has been causing havoc with allergy sufferers. 4]  Alot of people sleep better when it's raining so maybe those that are sleep deprived can catch up a little today.  5] The rain may cause some of us to pause and slow down a little, even if it's just for a day. 6] Hey it could be snow, it is only March.
       So today, if you want to be bummed about the rain remember the attention you give it can be both positive or negative, it's up to you.

Way Back Wednesday--Revved Up

On top of  the world

Sand dunes at Burns Park

   













     


   

      When I see these pictures, guess what song pops into my head?  'Glory Days' by Bruce Springsteen.  Yes, I could have been the next Danica Patrick on three wheels.  We have a picture somewhere with me in mid-air on my three wheeler.
      My dad bought me a motorized wheeler when I was two but my mom thought I was too little for my own wheels at the time.  So at age 7, I got my own Honda 150 three wheeler.  I guess it wasn't my first ride because I had a go-cart prior to this.  Okay, so this was my first wheels to fly with..ha. I couldn't shift gears with my foot so my dad attached a metal stick to the gear shifter. Now I was all set.
     So here in lies my need for speed!  The power at your fingertips gives a thrill like no other.  The splash of the mud on your face and clothes is like a shower of joy.  I wouldn't trade the memories for anything.
     You might be wondering why the helmet isn't on my head while I'm riding?  Of course, I had the 'NO FEAR' covered and my parents knew 'God was near.'  I usually wore my helmet, unlike my seatbelt later on.
     A friend of mine asked me the other day 'if I was a wild child?'  In some ways, I'd have to say yes. God knows our hearts and He knew my adventurous heart.  Have you ever wondered how many guardian angels are assigned to you?  I think I have an army watching my back.  THANKFULLY.

 

Jeans

     Okay so this cute lil orangatang needs this pair of overalls about as much as I need a new pair of jeans..lol.  At least that's what it reminded me of, but don't they make him look cuter.  That's how new clothes make me feel.  When I was a teenager, it was a rare occasion to find me in anything other than jeans.  I loved the look and the feel of them.  As I grew older and weaker, I didn't have the strength in my hands and arms to wear them. You might not understand that, unless you have arthritis or something like it.  Jeans are heavier and harder to pull up, the zipper takes dexterity and the button is a challenge to coordination and finger strength.  So for years, I wore knit pull-on pants.  Thankfully, leggings and such became the fashion norm.  I didn't feel like I was in old lady pants. Now that I have reached the point of having to have help getting dressed, one of the perks is being able to wear jeans again. Yes, you can pull a positive out of a negative, if you try.  It's just a matter of perspective. So if you ever see my collection of jeans, [yes I know it's too many], just remember I'm making up for lost time..lol.
     Have you ever done without something you loved for awhile, then appreciated it more on its return?  It could be carbs, or a long lost friend or anything.
     I guess this blog has a two fold message.. 1] you can turn a loss into a gain with the right viewpoint, and 2] appreciate the lil things in life, like jeans.

Tasks

      I am never going to be a Michaelangelo or Jonas Salk and be remembered for some great task on earth but that's okay.  I think to be remembered for being consistently giving to others in your life is a better legacy to leave.  We need to have a giving heart without expectation in return.  Satan puts selfish thoughts in our heads like 'what did they ever do for me?'  The following verses challenge those thoughts.
      2 Thessalonians 3:13 '' And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.''
      Galatians 6:9  ''Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.''
      Romans 2:7  ''To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.''
      I don't know about you but it makes me feel good inside to give to others by words, my time or gifts. I recently gave help to an old friend of mine to try to help them get back on their feet.  Others questioned my generosity and thought I was being conned or taken advantage of.  I wasn't but even if I had been, my heart was in the right place.  A friend in need helps a friend in deed.  I am not blessed with things to stockpile it for myself but to share the blessings with others.
      May your journey in life be filled with wonderful tasks and not held back by waiting on one big task.

Take the Time

     I've dedicated myself to reading the Bible in a year with the online schedule that does 4 sections; the OT, the NT, Psalms and Proverbs.  So far I've done pretty well in keeping up to date.  Today, I realized I was three days behind..uhoh.  I've had a couple of hours of quiet time to myself today and realized this was my opportunity to catch up.  Sure I could have watched tv or taken a nap or done countless other things but sometimes you have to make priorities on what's important and of value to you.
      The world won't stop without you so go ahead and shut it out for a little while.  Even Jesus went away to be alone with God on occasion.

Soaring

        So as I was pondering about what to write about today, I saw this tract, like the caption above, on my desk that Marge Nosek had given me long ago.  It reminded me of the eagle yesterday, so I thought I'd share the tract with you.

        Yesterday, some friends came over to visit for a couple of hours.  It was a great, fun time and a joy booster to me.  As we sat out on the deck, someone noticed a bird circling in the air above us.  Is it a hawk?  No, it's an eagle!  I didn't even know there were black eagles.  I thought to myself of how God lifts us up on eagle's wings and I knew at that moment I was being lifted up in more ways than one.

       I can relate to this poem pretty well.  I've had many earthly things that I worked for taken away. I've never done without but instead been replaced with things I didn't have in mind.  The second paragraph pretty much defines my life. Physical strength has transformed into spiritual strength. Less of me, more of Him.  To resent it, would just dig a deeper hole.  His will for us is often beyond our understanding but it is more important than our own will.  Proverbs 16;9  ''In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.''  The last paragraph tells how we can reach the highest high with a grateful heart when we just give Him praise for where we are.  'Let Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.''

Delayed

      The other day as we were about to park the van for church, we were stopped by a friend.  'Don't go in there, a skunk has been in there,' they said.  Thankful for the warning and that we gathered for church in the fellowship hall instead.
       It's a lot easier to be understanding, patient, and grateful when we know 'why'.  That's often not the case but that doesn't mean there isn't a reason for it. For the most part, we go about our lives as blind mice.  We can't see what's ahead but God does.  Delays can be a blessing.
       I think about the time my cat, Georgie, was very sick.  We had done all we could for her as far as medicine would do.  We went to church and then to a missions meeting afterwards.  It seemed to take longer than normal and I was not happy about being delayed so long. I wanted to get home to check on her.  When we got home, we could tell she had died just shortly before.  As much as I wished to have been there for her, God spared me of seeing her suffer.  I am grateful because He knew there was nothing I could do.
     From intouch.org........''In the Christian life, learning to wait is vitally important because until you do, you'll never be able to walk in obedience to God, have an effective prayer life, or experience the peace of resting in His loving sovereignty. We must learn to trust His judgment--about not just the big events in our lives, but also the trivial ones which cause us to become irritated, impatient, or even angry. If we're sensitive to His instruction, each delay has a lesson.''
      Delays show us we are not in control, but Who is.