Foto Friday

Charlene in Oklahoma

 

Two is company, three is a crowd and you want on here
too Angie?

Ran into Belle at the Shoporama in Cabot

Bath n Body Works sale stash

 
 

Not In My Power Alone

"As we face difficulties, others can see that something - some power, some knowledge - enables us to handle them in a way that isn't natural. ANd when they ask, they find out that the difference is God. They see in us HIs grace, and this brings glory to the One who fills the vessel." (From "LOrd, I Give You This Day by Kay Arthur) 




          My friend, Cathy, posted this to me on my facebook page.  What a blessing to me that someone else could see God working in my life.  If there ever was an earthly goal to be met, it would be... 'use me for Your glory Lord.'
          From Spurgeon.....''It is a poor faith which can only trust God when friends are true, the body full of health, and the business profitable; but that is true faith which holds by the Lord’s faithfulness when friends are gone, when the body is sick, when spirits are depressed, and the light of our Father’s countenance is hidden. A faith which can say, in the direst trouble, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him,” is heaven-born faith. The Lord afflicts his servants to glorify himself, for he is greatly glorified in the graces of his people, which are his own handiwork. When “tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope,” the Lord is honoured by these growing virtues. We should never know the music of the harp if the strings were left untouched; nor enjoy the juice of the grape if it were not trodden in the winepress; nor discover the sweet perfume of cinnamon if it were not pressed and beaten; nor feel the warmth of fire if the coals were not utterly consumed. The wisdom and power of the great Workman are discovered by the trials through which his vessels of mercy are permitted to pass. Present afflictions tend also to heighten future joy. There must be shades in the picture to bring out the beauty of the lights. Could we be so supremely blessed in heaven, if we had not known the curse of sin and the sorrow of earth? Will not peace be sweeter after conflict, and rest more welcome after toil? Will not the recollection of past sufferings enhance the bliss of the glorified?''
        We would never choose suffering for ourselves but God has to break us in order to build us into who He wants us to be.  I certainly know that my journey has been paved by God's grace, mercy, strength and patience so I hope that my life shines brightly for Him for all to see.

DIY Jewelry Party

Charlene and I

Gloria's necklace n earrings

Karla's necklace n earrings

September's collage pendant

September's pendant and
Grace's necklace n earrings

Betsy's necklace with
her helper, Hank

Me, Gloria, n Grace

Hard at work/fun

             What a fun girl's afternoon we had on Tuesday.  Charlene was generous enough to bring and share her jewelry supplies so we could have a do-it-yourself jewelry making party.  September brought a bag of her jewelry supplies too.  These are some creative ladies.  We enjoyed smoothies and spinach dip while being artistically challenged with the wide assortment of beads and more.  We also enjoyed a good visit with each other.  Good girlfriends in your life are a true blessing and time spent together is a treasured memory.      [For a bigger view, you can click on the individual picture]

More Winter

       Oh how I loved the little taste of spring weather that we got last week.  Old man winter is still alive and well so his return this week is not a big surprise.
      This caption definitely illustrates one thought of mine on winter.  I hate being bundled up because I can't move.  Most people don't consider the weight of layered clothing but just how cute it looks.  I think 'weight' of clothing first dawned on me in junior high.  I wanted a cool leather school coat because everyone seemed to have one.  Well I got one and I hated to wear it.  It weighed probably half as much as I did.  Which is worse.. too cold to move or too weighted down to move?  So if you see me without a coat, I'm risking the former over the latter.
     So there is a time for every season and I'm just glad we're on the tailend of this winter season.

Outlook

     
     Your outlook on life can only be improved by the Great Physician.  When the Holy Spirit is in your life, you will see past yourself and see the need to 'love one another.'
      I am blessed with great eyesight but my vision is really based upon my faith in what is yet unseen.  If you're still holding onto your rose colored glasses, then I encourage you to really see who you are as a sinner and see your need for a Savior.
     When we see things through Christ's perspective, our choices are not based on earthly influences.  The world's views will change but the Bible's instructions never will.
     With biblical glasses to see through, your outlook on this life and your eternity should be filled with hope, joy, love and His promises.  'My future is so bright, I gota wear shades.'

Who's Bed?

           Well it hasn't come to this YET, but if I didn't have a queen size bed, it just might.  The night before last, Tiger got a hold of my second buzzer and rang it twice during the middle of the night.  Last night, she didn't get on the bed at all.  She slept in one of the two pet beds I have for them.  I slept all night for the first time in two months.  My sleeping trouble hasn't been due to Tiger but this picture with all the pillows reminded me of our efforts to comfort me and my hip.
          Since I did get a good night's rest, it did make for a better day and more energy.  I knew this day would come eventually, but sleeping on marshmallows did cross my mind....haha.  

Foto Friday

Baker girls

Maru and me

Charlene, Jessica, Jeshua n me

Maeola and me

Valentine flowers by Betsy

Jack undercover

New spring pillowcase
 made by Charlene

Tiger snoozing on my shoe

My remodeling thought

When We Don't Understand

          Today is just marked by a cloud of sadness.  As many good memories I have of Springfield, Missouri, we are all too often reminded that evil has no limits or boundaries.  Yesterday a 10yr old girl, Hailey Owens, was abducted out of her neighbor's yard and killed by a predator that they have now arrested.  I can't even fathom the pain of the family and how evil can strike out of nowhere into one's own private and personal space.  We can understand the hardship of disease and death of a loved one but when pure evil robs us of a loved one, we are at a total loss.
        'Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.'  Romans 12;19

        We all want justice for those who are innocently wronged in this world.  We would like to hurry up the meeting of the judgement day so the perpetrator could meet their Maker.  As much hurt and anger as one may have, we must leave it to God's timing and punishment.  Yes a lifetime sentence without parole is deserved but God's wrath will be much more fitting.  I hope those who hurt innocent children go to the deepest, darkest places of hell.

        Please remember the Owens family in your prayers because they truly need comfort from the great Comforter and Healer right now.

Speak Life

Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. —Ecclesiastes 5:2

        Aren't we our own worst critics?  Our thoughts are a powerful influence on how we value our own self worth.  Is your thought rhetoric a positive or negative influence?  Do you really listen to what you're telling yourself?
        Self confidence is built by more than just a few successful endeavors.  It begins with not only encouragement from others but also what you speak to yourself in your mind.  'You can't live a positive life with a negative attitude.'  It also still is true from way back when that 'Can't Never Could.'
       The verse above says don't be rash with your mouth but what comes out your mouth began in your head.  We often say things to ourselves or about ourselves that we wouldn't dare say to someone else.  Why?  Belittling ourselves can become a bad habit and happen so often we don't even notice when we do it.
      In bookstores there are always a 'self help' section.  Start by helping your own heart and mind by being a voice of encouragement to yourself.

           

Overcome

1 John 4;4  ''You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.''


          We can see suffering and overcoming in others all around us.  What is the difference?  A sense of hope, for better things to come and a better tomorrow.
          I was downtown about a week ago near the library.  As we drove by, we saw three homeless men sitting together.  My first reaction was judgemental because they were all smoking.  I thought how could they afford such an expensive habit and yet not afford basic necessities.  I pondered their lack of hope in their lives and wondered whether I might too seek temporary relief to ease my distress.  I really don't know if I could break the cycle, if I were homeless and without hope.
         Ministry to the lost and homeless is all about telling them about true hope found in God.  The burden of suffering eases when you know you aren't alone.  The strength to overcome your trials is driven by your belief in One who is greater than anything in this world.
        John 16; 33  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”   What a comforting verse for us all in our times of trouble.  Don't let the world steal your joy and hope.

Foto Friday

Before haircut

 

Jack w/rotissierie chicken

My lil friend, Maggie

 

New bed for Tiger n Tux

Vance in the fire pit

Valentine sweater n haircut

Karla and I on 2-14-14

He Loves Us So

 
          We love because He loved us first.  He loved us while we were still sinners.  ''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.'' John 3:16    Did you catch that?  He didn't just love the world but He so loved us.  His love resulted in a Savior that bridged the gap between our sin and God.
         In an unrelated lyric by Eric Clapton, I think our grasp on God's love for us is explained... 'And the wonder of it all, is that you just don't realize how much I love you.'   We really don't do we?  As many times as we fail Him, His forgiveness is always there waiting for the asking by the repentant heart.  I think the caption above illustrates that God's love has no boundaries.  We are the ones who have built up the walls and have hardened our hearts to His will in our lives.

         1 John 4; 7-8  ''Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.''

         I hope your Valentine's Day is all about the Christ-like love that He has shown us by His example.

Who Would It Be?

         Before I give my answer, I would like everyone who comments to answer the question for themselves.  We may not know the person you're talking about but whoever you choose will reflect something about you as well.
        My choice comes from the past because they aren't available at this point in my journey.  I would choose my Uncle Jim.  He had diabetes and was a double amputee but that in no way defined him.  He was a husband, father and a hard worker to say the least.  If I choose one word to describe him, it'd be 'inspiring.' When I was a young adult, he told me 'Don't ever let anyone tell you what you can or can't do.'  He worked for the AR Hwy Dept but he was also an inventor.  He designed an electric horse for kids with disabilities to ride and compete in.  He was a believer who trusted in God's path for him.  In the end, he knew his time was near and that no medical intervention was going to delay his homecoming.  His hardships in life gave him wisdom but greater than that was his faith that gave him peace.
       I'm sure an hour with my Uncle Jim wouldn't be enough so I look forward to our reunion on that heavenly shore one day.

Psalm 57

           I missed yesterday's sermon on Psalm 57 so I thought I'd check it out myself.  I liked both of the captions above regarding this Psalm by David.  I think they both illustrate how God can be the only One to revive and renew our hearts through His grace.  When our hearts are fixed and confident in God, then nothing should deter us from telling others about how He has worked in our lives.  We should wake up every day thanking Him for another day to share our song with the world around us.  I think these lyrics from 'I could sing of your love forever' say it best......

''Over the mountains and the sea

Your river runs with love for me

And I will open up my heart

And let the Healer set me free

I'm happy to be in the truth

And I will daily lift my hands

For I will always sing of

Of whenYour love came down

[Chorus:]

I could sing of Your love forever''

   

Show Me The Way

              We often use emoticons, like a smiley face, in our text messages to better express ourselves besides our words.  As Christians, our words about our beliefs are not enough but must be displayed in our actions and attitudes as well.
             I think the caption above is a great place to start.  If I could sum up the 14 ways into one word, it would be 'compassion.'  ''The etymology of "compassion" is Latin, meaning "co-suffering." More involved than simple empathy, compassion commonly gives rise to an active desire to alleviate another's suffering.''
           Psalm 145;8-9  ''The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.''
           We know the Lord is compassionate by His great mercy on us.  He has spared us from what we deserve thru His Son.  He truly listens to each of our prayers, cries and tears.  As you can see, six of the fourteen ways of showing Christ to others is 'listen.'  Proverbs 12;15  ''The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.''
         Give people your true attention, it costs nothing but your time.  'Sometimes words are not enough to show someone that you care about them, sometimes it takes a little effort.'

The Brrrrrrright Side

             Okay so who hasn't had enough of the snow and frigidiculous temperatures?  I know 'the kids.'  As ongoing and never-ending as it seems, we must remember that it could be worse.  We have much to be thankful for.... indoor plumbing vs outhouses, electricity vs sitting cold in the dark, central heat vs putting another log on the fire, shelter vs homelessness..... and these are just the basics.
            I have to go outside and up the driveway to go upstairs for my showers.  I often psych myself up before going out the door by saying that whatever the weather is like, it could be worse.  'It's 15 degrees but at least it's not raining.'
           Other people in the world pray for just a tad of what you have daily.  So as we all complain about our 'spoiled' conditions, just remember to add some thankfulness into that monologue.