Why?

         My 5 year old friend, Makenzie, is in the hospital with pneumonia.  No, we don't understand why such a sweet girl with a heart for the Lord is suffering right now.  As someone who has been a patient of Arkansas Children's Hospital, I understand the heartache of this scary place to a young child.
        God uses us for His purposes in ways that we sometimes don't like.  Makenzie is helping us now to pray more and turn to the Healer of all of her circumstances.  We are learning to put 'love one another' into action by helping this family in need.  We are building our trust in God to provide for all the care and wisdom through the doctors to heal Makenzie.
        May the Lord be glorified in this time of sickness and healing as we all draw near to Him in prayer for Makenzie.

FROG Advice

              Well the best advice from a frog is Fully Rely On God.  After that you can start with these little life lessons from a frog's point of view.
              Make a splash....... Let yourself be known to others.  ''For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.''
              Look before you leap...... There are consequences to everything, good or bad, so don't live your life without forethought.
              Don't jump to conclusions... We worry most about things that never happen.  Let God direct your future, He knows what lies ahead.
             Enjoy a good swim..... When you take care of yourself, you are able to fulfill your purposes in life even better.  Take time to relax.
             Stretch your legs often.... A body in motion tends to stay in motion.  We are given two legs to be mobile, not statutory.  Put one foot in front of the other and keep it moving.
             Spend time at your pad..... ''Be still and know I'm God.''  Take time alone to meditate on God's word.  Our house should be a home, where we feel safe and comfortable.
             Hop to it.... Don't delay or grow weary in doing good.  ''The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.''

Foto Friday

To Be Wiser

               I've had this caption for about a week and today the quote showed up on Our Daily Bread's website.  Here's what they had to say...''There is a connection between wisdom and limiting what we say. Proverbs 10:19 says, “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”  We are wise to be careful about what we say or how much we say in certain situations. It makes sense to guard our words when we are angry. James urged his fellow believers, “Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). Restraining our words can also show reverence for God. Solomon said, “God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few” (Eccl. 5:2). When others are grieving, our silent presence may help more than abundant expressions of sympathy: “No one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great” (Job 2:13).''
             ''Let your speech be better than silence, otherwise be silent.''  Oh if we could only remember that quote and use it as our filter.  Some just have to have the last word, whether it is beneficial or not.  Romans 14;19  ''Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.''  We are to use our words to encourage one another towards a godly way of life.   We don't have to be harsh about it either.  Proverbs 15;1  ''A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.''
            Sure we all want to have our say in things, but is what we have to say more important than what we've heard?  I'm sure we would all benefit from a 5 second pause to process what we've heard before we reply.  I know, it'd be tough for me too.  Sometimes our reply is ready before the other is even finished, huh?
           May we all remember that our words spoken can never be taken back so let's be careful what we let go of off our tongues.

Example

        Okay, I admit that I am opinionated but I hope that I back it up with a strong and good example. What I believe in, does not mean I have mastered.  I am a work in progress.
        Hypocrites are those who say one thing, yet do otherwise.  We lead others more by our actions than our words.  Our greatest example is when God became flesh in Jesus.  Who better to follow?
       'We keep waiting on the world to change' but change begins with each of us and our example.  Go ahead and make a difference... be the salt and the light.

Your Fruit Basket?

           None of us will ever master this caption, but is it even a goal of ours to try to?  A lot of people are walking around with empty or artificial fruit baskets.  Is the Spirit of God being smothered by the spirit of self, therefore producing any Fruit is never achieved?
          Many people can recite what the Fruit of the Spirit are....love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control.. but living out those qualities is hardly ever a thought.
         ''God wants all of us to enter into a true sanctification process with Him so that He can begin the process of molding, shaping, and transforming us into the express image of His Son Jesus Christ. He wants to make us into a better and more holy people. He wants to transform us by the renewing of our minds. He wants to put right thinking into our thought process.  Think about the ramifications of this – that God the Father Himself is allowing us to share in a part of His divine nature by allowing His Holy Spirit to transmit and impart these nine divine qualities right up into our soul and personality!''
        ''Jesus is coming back for a Bride that will be without spot or blemish. He is calling His Church to clean up their act and allow His Holy Spirit to begin this deeper sanctifying work in their lives. However, the choice is up to each individual believer. Sanctification is not something that can be forced upon anyone. God really respects everyone’s free will and He will never force His will or His ways on anyone.  Though some of this may be a bit painful at times, since none of us likes to admit that we have anything that needs to be changed, let the Holy Spirit take you as far as He will want to go with you in this realm – and I guarantee you that your life and your state of well-being will all be changed for the better – much better!''  [www.bible-knowledge.com]
          Check your own basket, not others, and see what fruits you are in short supply of.

Friends Foto Friday

Frustrations

       
        Ugh, I really don't like this caption.  Am I really to believe that my frustrations are within my power to control?  That's a lot of self discipline to expect from one person, right?  Self control is one of the fruits of the Spirit, but how much do we bear it?  I think we've all felt this way at some point and are ready to place blame anywhere but at ourselves.
        We've all seen people talking/yelling on their cellphones with their arms flailing about with exaggerated gestures and we think about how silly they look.  Ah, but yet for the grace of God go I when I get frustrated about even little things.  We often overreact and make a mountain out of a mole hill.
        Proverbs 25;28  ''Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.'' We are able to hold back and not let the rage of anger overcome us, if we want to.  'You don't have to attend every argument that you're invited to.'

Really?

Just a few real life examples that make you think.. Really?

----Upon entering an elevator, does that wheelchair go backwards?
----When calling in a to-go order for a baked potato with grilled chicken, 'It's gona take 20-30 minutes to cook the white chicken, let me ask my manager if I can take your order.'
----At the DMV, if you can't sign your name just put your hand on top of someone's hand that can
      sign.. it counts the same
----When making a phone call and they whisper back at you, just because your voice is a whisper
----When your total is 3.01 and you try to give the cashier 5.01... whatttt?

This blog post intends no harm or ill will, but just a few funny moments to shake our heads at.  We've all been there so feel free to share one of your moments.

Be Brave

         One of my friends told me, 'You write what I'm too afraid to say.'   2 Timothy 1;7  ''For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.''  We often shy away from subjects that make others and ourselves feel uncomfortable about, but that doesn't mean it's not worth talking about.  I don't mean in your face, down your throat bullying conversations either.  Gentle and thought provoking discussion should be on the level of your counterpart.
        There is no question and answer that matters more than, 'If you died today, do you know where you'll spend eternity?'  Most people avoid this question, because they feel it's too personal to ask.  As a believer, it is up to you to speak the truth to others and help rid others of false ideas.  It is never left up to us to 'save' anyone, but we can lead others to Christ with our testimony, our conversations and our lives.
        On another note, I also encourage 'real' conversation among your fellowship of believing friends.  We are all guilty of the 'How are you? Fine' conversation that ends there.  We need to know one another better so that we can actually have a heart that cares about one another's life issues.

Sing in the Dark

        Well our sermon this morning was on 'Singing in the Darkness--Psalm 77.'   ''I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me.''  How true this was for me after last night.
       My 14 pound cat, Tiger, sleeps in my bed almost every night.  I like it because she has a keen eye for any bug, cricket or spider on the bed.  At 230am last night, she was walking in the bed checking out the new fall decorations on the headboard.  I was awake but did not forsee what was about to happen.  She came over to me and completely laid her whole body on my good arm.  AGHH.. I can't move and she wouldn't budge at all.  I tried to reach my buzzer but it moved further away with each try.  I broke out into a sweat as I reverted back and forth between panic and prayer.  Remaining calm and diligent prayer are the secrets to success in any stressful situation.  After a 30 minute struggle, my arm was free from the weight of my fat cat.
        Prayer does move mountains and does give you needed strength.  I know that singing His praises in dark times is what we need to do but I'll admit this was a true test for me.

Nugget.. No

            This caption reminds me of the song, 'I'm in the Lord's Army.'  Are you really or are you conformed to this world?  We must be bold, brave and firm in our beliefs, regardless what the 'world' says has changed.  The liberal views of today want to chop God's word up into acceptable nuggets that they can swallow.  God's word is healthy for all in it's whole formation.

           We, like the lil chick, must put on the whole armor of God to meet our everyday battles.  We may never fight in the infantry or shoot any artillery, but we all fight with the devil everyday.  Be prepared because the spiritual battle isn't easy for anyone. 

Foto Friday

Trying to be happy for fall

Thursday visit by Grace

Two of my favorite people
Bud and Nancy

My felt pumpkin craft

Pumpkin craft crew

Jack and his TCBY sample

Spider on the deck that
Karla nearly touched

Enough

From a friend to her daughter..... ''I just wanted to say I wish for you enough.....enough sunshine....enough friendships....enough happiness...enough good days to make the not so good seem ok.....enough warmth so you never feel the cold...enough compassion so you never grow hard.......enough love so you can give love....enough self esteem so that you never give up.....you are always enough in my eyes, my Daughter...love you infinity and back again...your Momma''

        I just thought that was just too wonderful not to share.  We are enough and there is no need to prove that you are enough to anyone.  We are all unique and should be proud of our differences.

        God is also enough for you.  When the world walks out and betrays you, God promises to never leave or forsake you.  His grace is sufficient for you each and every day.  He is our Provider and we must turn to Him with our requests, according to His will.

        “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

        When we want to give our loved ones enough, what does that mean?  I think it means 'love that covers all.'  1 Corinthians 13;1  ''If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.''  We are blessed and loved by each other, because He loved us first.

        Never enough?  Yes, we can never do enough to save ourselves from sin.  God sent His Son to pay that debt for all those who believe in Him.

       May you see yourself as enough to the world, but humble yourself enough to see your need for the Savior.

Ponder This

           This picture reminds me of the phrase, 'Things that make you go, hmm.'  I think we often ponder about things we are trying to explain a 'why' to ourselves about.  Because some things will never be answered or explained, I think it is better to ponder in a more reflective mindset.  Hmm, how great and faithful has God always been to me.
           Psalm 64;9  ''All people will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done.''
           Psalm 107;43  ''Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.''
          We have all been at the crossroads of fear and trust, but why do we question which way to turn?  It is true.. we all fear, but not all trust in the Lord.  Trusting in ourselves is probably the biggest deceiver or lie that we fall for.  Humility is the cure for that and reminds us that nothing is done without His help and power.
          As you consider or even ponder this blog, I want you to go 'Hmm' about the loving deeds of the Lord in your own life...... the near misses, the recoveries, the victories, the comforts, and the hardships... He walked with you through it all.  Hmm.

Humankind

Job 6; 14  ''“Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.''


         As humans, we communicate with each other by our speech, bodily gestures and looks.  Is kindness infiltrated into these acts to others that we encounter?  Kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit, but do we bear it?  Without kindness, no act is truly done in love.
       ''In most cases, kindness is not beyond any of us because it usually costs no money. It may take the sacrifice of time and energy. It may require the discipline to be thoughtful of others' needs and to make the effort to act. How much is required to cultivate smiling rather than frowning? to pay a visit? to say a word of encouragement or comfort? to show friendliness by warmly and sincerely shaking hands?''
       Kindness is kind of like a good first impression, you either show it or blow it.  Do unto others, as you'd have them do to you.

Unstoppable

         I watched the movie/documentary, Unstoppable, last night.  The theme is about our lives being part of God's greater plan, even when we don't understand.  Tragedy happens, without discrimination.  'All things work for good for those that believe in Jesus Christ.'  It doesn't say 'if you're good, you'll only get good.' We all experience trials and we may never see the benefits in this life, but that doesn't mean they don't exist.  God promises they do.
         My own life has been an example of this.  The last three times I have been in the hospital, I have come out with a machine or medicine that I could not live without.  I didn't know the outcome during the trial's experience on me, but I did have His Word hidden in my heart that enabled me to trust.
         God's plans and purposes are unstoppable.... what a blessing for us.

Foto Friday

The 2-sided Jim Shore pumpkin
my dad got me for my
birthday in Canton.. Sept n Nov side

October side

RED shirt Friday
Remembering Everyone Deployed

Reasons

            Do you ever question what you are doing when you just seem to be on the go all the time?  I think some have nervous energy and feel the need to be busy all the time.  Some, on the other hand, are always busy helping others however they can.  Is there purpose in our scheduling madness?
            Psalm 46;10  ''He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”''
           Sometimes we get so busy trying to solve the problems of our own little worlds that we forget to turn to the true Solver of all our trials.  God surely must laugh when we run around like chickens with their heads cut off.
         Ask yourself often, 'What is my reason or purpose in doing this?'  Are you bearing spiritual fruit, feeding self pride, or pleasing the crowd?  All of our works should be done in the spirit to please and glorify God.
        'May the love in our hearts be manifested in the fruits of our labors.'

43rd Birthday

        Yesterday was my 43rd birthday, but I was too tired to blog about it.  It was a wonderful day of food, fun, and friends.  I organized a girls birthday luncheon at Whole Hog barbeque.  It couldn't have went any better, no air assistance or cough, just good fellowship with each other.  The presents I received were right on target for my likes.
        Later in the day, I was treated to Tutti Frutti by the owner... yum.  I visited with more friends later on that evening.  What a full day of smiles, laughter and memories.
       43 years is a long time, actually the oldest I've ever been.  My God who knew me and formed me in the womb is the One who sustains me through this journey and I have no cause or fear for my future... He is my Rock.

Rich, the owner of Whole Hog,
celebrating with us

Susan Franco made me a
'and that's that' tshirt

Jelly from Twylia

Gloria put together and framed
the puzzle pieces I had sent her
this spring

My new clothes collection

Best fro-yo in town