Foto Friday

Going upstairs for my shower
in my Christmas robe

Karla and me selfie

Going back downstairs

Jack too

The sled has shrunk over the years
so I gave it to the twins

Jack loves to go to
Scoopdog

Butterfinger and Cookie dough concretes
Karla and I won them from
Scoopdog

Thursday visit from Gloria

Cathy's visit on Friday

Bad Kellogg driver

Very bad Kellogg driver

Show Me The Way

youtube link...  http://youtu.be/5Eu85pZNoWY


                   I've had the song, 'Down to the River to Pray', stuck in my head today.  The lyrics remind us all... sisters, brothers, fathers, mothers, sinners... to seek out time with God.   When we pray, we humble ourselves saying 'Good Lord, show me the way.'
                  I think the setting of the river reminds us to get away from worldly distractions and draw near to God in His peaceful created place.  Of course, we can't always go to a nature environment but we can find somewhere to be alone with God.
                 What kind of gift is time alone with God?  It's a gift of peace, when you lay your burdens down to the only One who can take care of everything.  It's a gift of love, when you not only ask but thank God for the desires of your heart.  It's a gift of assurance, when we are too far away to physically help, prayer can be the biggest help.  It's a gift of humility, when we know and acknowledge God is in control of our entire life.
                As followers of Jesus, we should all do as He did and seek out quiet time by ourselves to pray.

PBR Time

                           Yes, I'm a little bit country.  Last night, six of us went to see the Blue Def Velocity Tour of Professional Bull Riding at Verizon Arena.  It was fun to go and see the wild action, because you never know what will happen.
                           As is true for me, you never know if it'll be a good night or not with my cough.  The lighter fluid they used to create the fire on the dirt caused a lot of fumes.  My air machine concentrates the room air into forced air so I had a struggle with the chemically strong fumes going into my mask.  My dad and I did have to leave early, but we enjoyed the first hour n half.
                          Some might say, 'you just shouldn't go if you have to leave early or if something could happen' to which my reply would be 'you stay home, I'm going.'  I was born a risk-taker.  Life is about living and making the most out of what you're given.  I was given 1.5 hours of exciting fun last night and it was worth every penny and cough it took out of me.
                         Whether in bull riding or life, every 8 seconds count so make the most of it.

Foto Friday

Crack candy ingredients

Live the Message

             Sometimes I feel at a loss for words to say to people, in whatever situation they may be in.  Some don't want to hear advice but they can still draw strength by what they see in you.  Your life is an ongoing example of....... how you handle things, have compassion, help others, experience joy and sorrow... which all should point to God.
             I struggle with why some of my friends remain unbelievers and what my role is in drawing them nearer to God.  Only by the grace of God will they be saved and in His timing, but I do want to be a seed planter with my life.
             My desired life message of the gospel...... See the strength that is not my own, see the ways He provides for my needs, see the comfort He gives in my trials. and feel the love He allows me to share.
             

Meaning of a Snowman

              Hmm, look what I found to give me more meaning to my snowman filled room.  I've never heard such a faith based description of a snowman to God's love to us
             As humans, we were each made to be a reflection of God's image.  What do others see in you.. worldliness or righteousness?  As believers, we are convicted by the Holy Spirit when we reflect darkness instead of His light.
            My favorite snowman characteristic is the ever present smile on their face.  It reminds me that no matter my situation or circumstance to choose joy.  Smile through it all... or at least try to.

Friday Foto and Blog

            This week has gone by so fast so this is the picture of the week.  Karla brought me these pretty tulips today and my Aunt Corene sent me this handpainted valentine card she made.  Love is in the air.

            We are told to encourage each other on in love so my question to my readers is ''How were you encouraged by someone this past week?''  Please share in the comments or email it and I'll post it. I think it inspires us all to hear examples.

           I read in a devotional..... 3 ways to encourage each other..... 1]  Spend time with someone who does something better than you and learn from them, 2] Find a prayer partner, 3]  Spend time and share with someone who is a step behind you in their journey.

          

 

Gain, Yet Forfeit

Mark 8;36  ''What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?''

          There are 3 points to keep our soul in touch with God and not fall for the ways of this world. 1] Deny thy self, 2] Pick up your cross, and 3] Follow Jesus.  We are not of this world but merely passing through it.

         ''We must deny ourselves absolutely, we must not admire our own shadow, nor gratify our own humor; we must not lean on our own understanding, nor seek our own things, nor be our own end.'' We are more than flesh and blood but more importantly souls within this body.
          The troubles or afflictions of Christians are referred to as crosses.  So to 'pick up your cross' is to ''manage our affliction so it is not a stumbling block or hinderance to our service to God.''  When our focus is on what we can't do, then what we can and could do gets lost in the shuffle of our priorities.
         ''To do well and suffer ill, is to follow Christ.''  We follow Jesus because we trust in His birth, death and resurrection and His Word guides us in how to follow Him.  The world and its ways are not trustworthy so don't forfeit your soul for it's lies.

           We are each responsible for our own souls by accepting or not the grace that saves us and was afforded for each of us.

Foto Friday

Fun visit with Lisa and Chris

Dad's cooking while Mom's in CA
Chicken looks burnt but its just
the marinade.

Gloria's visit

Always in Need

Psalm 40; 17  ''But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay.''


              Oh how we forget how poor and needy we are without the grace of God.  When our lives seem to be going without a hitch, we often forget how much we rely on God.  We fall into the sin of arrogance, pride, self reliance and boasting.
             We look to God for help in crisis faster than we do as a daily source of help.  ''A daily devotional is better than a new year's resolution.''  What if God only thought of you as often as you acknowledged Him?
             We need God, like we need oxygen.  He should flow through us and radiate from us.  He is the one who gave life to the body by breathing air into the nostrils.  When our breath is gone. so is this life.  Without God, our life is an endless struggle to find meaning and purpose.
            As the song goes, 'I need Thee, oh,  I need Thee.  Every hour I need Thee.  Oh bless me now my Savior, I come to Thee.'