Burdens

 “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens” (Psalm 68:19).


     Every one of us deals with daily burdens. It may be of no significance to someone else but to us, it's a weight on our shoulders. We often want to avoid it or work our way around it but facing it is usually the outcome.
     In 10th grade, I had just had back surgery and couldn't climb stairs. Therefore, I had to ride the 'special' bus to my new high school. The bus had a lift that I would stand on and raise me up to get on board. I felt humiliated and embarrassed to be on this bus, especially to a new school. I came home the first day and just cried. It was going to be a long, miserable year. The next day, I met a friend on the bus who had cerebral palsy. She was in the same boat as me but had already ridden this bus for 2years. We became good friends not only on the bus but at lunch too. My view of the bus never became 'pleasurable' but I did get to know the rest of the riders as people and to think less of myself.
     Daily burdens are not carried by us alone. God shares in them and teaches us with them. He will provide whatever we need to get through them every day.

Good?

     Have you seen or heard of the new campaign sign on city buses called  'Are you good without God?'  It's a slogan from an atheist group. Let's break it down. First, 'Are you good?'  NO. The bible clearly states that no one is even close to being good. Mark 10:18 (NIV) “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.  Secondly, 'without God?'  Your pure existence is dependent on God. You can choose to deny Him but you're not self sufficient by any means. So to even ask, 'are you good without God?' is wasted breath. You are nothing without God. He supplies your every need, every day. Luke 11:3 (NIV)  'Give us each day our daily bread.' Thank Him for all the goodness in your life, despite how bad we really are.

Phil 1;6  ''that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.''

On the Porch

Here's our Mr. Scarecrow on our front porch. Yes, he's a little on the chubby side but he needs to be so that you can see him from the road. He adds a lil fall flavor to our plain white house. I love decorating for the different seasons. I would love fall, if my allergies and ragweed were erased from it. I'll just try to imitate Mr. Scarecrow's smile and 'grin and bear it.'  Happy Fall Yall!

Press on...

“In spite of illness, in spite even of the archenemy sorrow, one can remain alive long past the usual date of disintegration if one is unafraid of change, insatiable in intellectual curiosity, interested in big things, and happy in small ways.”

― Edith Wharton



     We are all disintegrating in some form at this very moment. Our days are numbered and are being used up one by one. I know of someone who has just succumbed to their disability. Its a sad state of existence as a hermit, not only for them but their family. I hear of people that have been diagnosed with an uncurable diagnosis, not deadly just debilitating, and say they'd rather just go on to heaven. I think this is a bad attitude. Of course, we should look forward to meeting our Maker but you can still make a difference in the world around you. Acceptance of the changes in you is critical. Don't give up, just work thru it. Keep your mind active. Conversation, games, reading...whatever your mind enjoys. Get involved with a project. We all have something to offer.  Savor the precious little moments that happen all around you. Watching a squirrel outside or taking a short drive can refresh and rejuvinate your mind and soul.     Go on, get off the bench and do something that shows your alive and well.

Justice

Deuteronomy 16:20    ''Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you.''   

   When we feel like we've been done wrong, the seeking of justice is usually not far behind. My friend's two year old daughter was recently asked during family worship time, if there was anything that she wanted prayed for. ''Justice!'' was her reply. ''I asked for a stroller with flowers and I didn't get it.''  That's as hilarious as it is cute. How does a 2yr old even know the word 'justice' and the correct meaning? Law school bound I think.
     The second year we lived in IL, we had an apartment in Naperville. One day during the dead of winter, I was home alone. I heard noise from outside our front door and concluded that someone was stealing from our woodpile. I hopped on my scooter, as fast as a turtle can go, and headed out the door for some vigilante justice. Well without a coat on, my pursuit was short lived. As I froze to the core, I thought 'what are you really gona do, if you do catch 'em? This scooter can't even jump the curb.' I went back home and reported the incident to the apartment complex's office. The police did catch the teenage thieves because we weren't their only victims in the complex. 
    In our self-reliant culture, we tend not to talk to the Lord about things we have under control or think we can handle ourselves. But we are instructed to seek His guidance in all areas (Phil. 4:6) and acknowledge our need of Him. He is just and will take care of all things on our behalf, now or later.

Rough Week

     It has been a rough week of battling congestion. A postponed vacation trip. Outings that I anticipated but got cancelled due to coughing. Today is Sunday and I've made it thru the week. Its been a great day today with church and Olive Garden for lunch. Also, my friend is here for the weekend to be my joy booster.  Small things can mean big moments with a grateful heart. Looking forward to a better week of health and opportunities.

The Horn

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. —Colossians 4:6

 

     There are two types of people in this world, horn blowers and non-horn blowers. I am a definite horn blower. I would use the horn on my scooter if it packed a punch but it doesn't, its like a squeaky lil mouse.  One day I was driving home from work on a two lane road but still in town. A car coming from the opposite direction suddenly did a U-turn right in front of me and was now the car in front of me. I had to slam on my brakes, with countless cars behind me, to avoid hitting the car. Boy, I was ticked. I laid on that horn like there was no tomorrow. Well, I forgot about the stoplight just ahead and of course, it turned red. The reckless driver now proceeds to get out of his car and walk towards me???  Oh my gosh, I thought, maybe I held the horn a lil too long. I'd heard of window bashing road rage so I didn't know what to expect. I cracked the window to a bare minimum to hear him say, 'I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have done that.' Relieved from fear, I was more than forgiving..lol. I said, 'its okay, just get back in your car.'  Whew, that could have gone a lot differently.

     A temper and a horn can put you in a compromising position. Grace in your speech can calm it all down rather quickly. Go ahead and blow your horn but maybe a little more controlled.

Stress

     I'm not stressed today, I'm actually cool as a cucumber. I just liked this lil caption to inspire this blog. Stress is a powerful thing that can consume us and be a negative example to others. If left undealt with, our bodies can literally be destroyed by it. I worked with a lady who had terrible stress at home and I'm sure the cancer she developed and died from was a consequence of that stress. Stress can cause sleepless nights that often affects our mood and health the next day. Have you ever been a snappy turtle because of stress? Oh I have been. Stress is part of life, it will come, and we can't avoid it completely. So how should we handle or react to stress? First and foremost, stop and pray about it. If you seek wisdom, you'll get it. It sure beats running around in circles trying to resolve it your own way. Second, ask yourself  'am I making a mountain out of a mole hill?'  Is it really worth getting all worked up over or is it best to just let it go? Third, I'd suggest to talk it over...calmly. Cool down before you even attempt a discussion. Stress will digress when you press with less.  The world can be a stressful place but if we put stress in its place, we can live and react with grace and peace.

Blessings



     'Count your blessings, name them one by one.'  The feedback I have gotten back from my blogs have been an overwhelming blessing to me. I look forward to reading the comments every day to see how whatever I said touched my reader's lives. The video above tells how blessings come in all different forms. Do you count 'trials of this life as His mercies in disguise?' It is a blessing that God will do whatever it takes to draw you near to Him, regardless of your pain or pleasure. I think if we could think of everything as a blessing, good or bad times, then we could see and accept our lives as part of God's plan more willingly and less of a fight. Yes, I was looking forward to going to Canton this weekend but my trial of being sick shows me that I am blessed with good medicine, praying friends and the comfort of home. That's the best bargain you'll ever find.

One Year Ago

     Well it was one year ago today that I went into the hospital and wasn't sure I'd come out. That was a day of seeing the doctor, having a bronchoscopy, non-stop coughing, an ambulance ride and a very long night of near suffocation. I asked my doctor, 'will I ever get back to where I was before?'  He said, 'it'll be a long road.'  Well that's not only true but an understatement. God has been merciful to me by giving me this past year. He has also used me to show His strength, comfort and power thru prayer to myself and to others. I've learned alot on this journey of recovery about fear, trust, patience and His timing. No one would have questioned it if I had been called home that day but apparently I am still in His plans with work to do. What He gives, I'll gladly take and what He takes, I'll gladly give.            Blessed beyond measure every day.

No Limits

    
     When I see people with fully functioning bodies just wasting away their lives and abilities, I get pretty frustrated and disgusted. So when I see someone, like Nick Vijisic, it is such a boost to my thoughts. Here's a guy with no limbs motivating a world wide audience with his testimony. How inspiring! Instead of complaining about what he doesn't have, he is grateful for all he does have and witnesses with that.
     Gripe or motivate? Is your glass empty or full or meeting all your needs? Whatever you think you're lacking in life, its not there for a reason but you can overcome it. Matthew 19:26  Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  From the movie, Soul Surfer, in which Bethany Hamilton loses her arm to a shark bite...she says '' I don't need it to be easy, just possible.''  If we could all be as driven in our lives, imagine the possibilities??
  
If you use what little you may have
To serve the Lord with all your heart
You will find that He can do great things
When you begin to do your part. —Sper
    

FBF Prayer Requests for October

     The following prayer requests for October are from FBF missionaries. Please join me in praying for their needs.

Martin and Hansy Tuohy
1. Hansy is expecting again! Due at the end of April sometime. 

2. Still seeking God's clear direction on whether to go and serve in Mexico or stay in Denmark. Also, if so, before or after the baby?


Bobby and Namatha Avilez

1.      Please pray that we can kick the pink eye problem we have been having! Trying to get our kids to see that handwashing and not being around their sick friends will help to stem the problem.

2.       Please pray for our new staff couple from India who are in the final stages of coming over to join us. We are expecting them about the middle of October!

Monica and Quico Sernatinger

One week ago, we attended Sra. Sara's funeral. For several days before she died, the doctor that controlled her pain had been sharing Christ with her three times a day! PTL!!!! They believe she did go to meet the Saviour and is with Him... Her last words were "I am so happy that my heart can barely stand this happiness"  Please, continue to pray for her husband Trino, and her children and their families, Nacho y Lolita, Sara and Juan Manuel, Lupe y Gustavo, that they may continue the Bible study and be saved.

Next weekend, the Lord willing, Quico and I will be going to Mexico City to visit my brother and two of my father's sisters, Tia Finita and Tia Carmelita. Both of them were very impacted by Jamie's funeral and the testimony of his life. May we present the gospel clearly to them and may they be saved... I have been praying for them for years!

Also, I beg your prayers for a two sessions conference that I have been asked to teach in Salamanca on October 8th.  May this be of an encouragement to the believing ladies in this faithful church

Phil and Julia Zimmerman

We need prayer for our son, Jacob: his salvation, and his agreement to get the help we are asking him to get. We have gave him some choices, and one of those is to go into Teen Challenge for the life addictions he is struggling with. Please pray for the Lord's guidance for us, as well. There may be other opportunities, and we need to know what is best for him.

Ted and Priscilla Clark

 

Please pray for Caleb, as he begins his time away from home, studying in a secular environment. Pray that he would grow in his love for the Lord and His Word, as he begins  to live a life more  independent from us.  Pray that he would  be a powerful witness  to those around him, both in life and word.

Please pray for Chucho and Rosa and their family.  We are seeing an amazing new openness in them, since Chucho’s accident, and we feel they are very close to a personal understanding and acceptance

of the gospel.

Lesley Wolfe

Pray for her classes she's teaching at NTM training school to end well in October.

Pray for her preparations as she goes back to the Ivory Coast in the coming months.

The class I’m teaching finishes October 7^th, and, after grading all their papers, I will be leaving for Little Rock on the 16^th.  I fly out to Ivory Coast on November 1.

Due to the death of our village’s chief a week ago today, the elders will be choosing, from among themselves, who will be the next chief of our village.  Please pray that God will lead them to choose an elder who is worthy of respect and will  bring about good for the entire village.

.

A Rose Filled Day

It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so easily,
But in my hands they die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God's design,
Then how can I have the wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?

So I'll trust in God for leading
Each moment of my day.
I will look to God for guidance
In each step of the way.

The path that lies before me,
Only my Lord knows.
I'll trust God to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.


     Today at church Nancy H. gave me a soft, pink rosebud from her flower garden at home. Then when I got home, I had an email from Patsy that included this poem. So I'm calling today, a rose filled one. Have you ever tried to pick off a few bad petals of a rose and it all just fell apart?  The rose is made up of layers upon layers that build upon each other to form a beautiful ending. Our lives can do that too, as we learn from each layer or times that we go thru and build upon that. We must seek His word and His will because we are so fault-ridden. There is so much we do not know or understand so how can we even think about calling the shots without His guidance. He knows your future, regardless of your plans, so place your trust in His guaranteed hands.

People Pleaser?

"Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant." Galatians 1:10 (NLT)


     Do you find it hard to say 'no' to a task asked of you? Do you feel bad if an event doesn't go as planned because of you? I am a partial people pleaser, we won't discuss percentages..lol. Today I don't feel very well and my music lesson was certainly not up to par. I feel like a let down when I can't make the most of our time. I've been to events, like concerts, movies, or dinners, with people and had to leave early. The guilt is a powerful grumble inside me to not disappoint those I'm with. I often push the limit, just to stay a little longer. I'm glad I have understanding people in my life that will roll with the punches. They know its not on purpose, its just part of life.
     So this verse is not an easy one for me to swallow or to apply in my life. I guess you just have to do what you can. when you can, with whatever you can. God gives us opportunities and those setbacks help build character, test your responses, and draw you nearer to Him. You can't please everyone so just make sure God is pleased with you.

Not Getting Up

     I should probably postpone this blog till winter but this picture reminds me of the following story. We lived in DeKalb, IL so I could attend NIU for my senior year of college. My 2nd semester, winter-spring, started in mid-January. I woke up to the sounds of the weather report from my radio alarm clock. It was 30 below zero with a 70 below wind chill!  I waited to hear that school was cancelled. It never happened???  I held on to my southern weather roots and refused to even consider going. Know your limits and this was waaaaaay past mine. Turned off the alarm clock and stayed under that electric blanket till who knows when..lol. The following two days of classes were cancelled. I went the 4th day but it was still cold as ever. I was raised in the south and belong in the south..lol...for more reasons than just the weather, too. 
Sincerely from,
GRITS... Girl Raised In The South.

Love is Give and Take

     ''The love in your heart wasn't put there to stay...love isn't love til it's given away''

    This is a quote I got from my good friend, Twylia. I'd never heard it before and thought it was great. If love did stay in your heart and was never expressed, how would you be perceived? Loving or self-centered? Love can be expressed in many ways, even if you're not a touchy feely type of person. A thoughtful note, a helpful deed, a word of encouragement, a listening ear, an unexpected surprise, a daily prayer...thats just a few ways to show someone you care about them.
     When I went to the University of Texas in Arlington for one year, I stored my scooter in the Church of Christ student center. I made friends there and attended a women's bible study there. Sometime during the year, we drew names and each of us got a secret pal. It was very cool to come to school and find something every so often on my scooter.....a candy bar, a note, flowers, etc.  It just showed I was thought of and loved. Of course, I did the same for my secret pal. That's just as much fun, to give than to get.
     As the Coke commercial goes, 'What the world needs now is love, sweet love. No not just for some, but for everyone.'

[This blog changed as I wrote it because I had a completely different tangent that I was headed toward. I think this is a better direction...more love focused.]

Prove It To Myself

     Don't you find that things are easier to accept if you believe in its purpose? I've worn leg braces since I was 6yrs old. During the summer between 7th and 8th grade, I decided I didn't need them anymore. We are all geniuses as teenagers, right? ha.  All I needed were my blue Nike tennis shoes. It seemed to be a success around home until I went to band camp at Henderson State University. That required more walking than I ever imagined. I wasn't going to give in, I had something to prove to the doctor, my parents and myself. As the week was coming to an end, I fell and sprained my ankle. That was enough to show me that my braces were for my own good and protection. I'm grateful a sprain, not a break, was all it took.
     If you believe that everything has a purpose and is for your benefit, you will be able to accept and handle anything. Proverbs 19:21  'Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.' 

Weirdo Removed

     Today I went to the dermatologist and had a mole removed. The biopsy of it on my first visit came back as 'atypical cells.' So I was referred to a skin cancer specialist. He said today, it wasn't melanoma but just a weird mole that needed removed. They took a 3'' size football off of my abdomen. Dave Sanders called it a 'tummy tuck'...lol.  So far its been no big deal and painless.
     This was a very minor trial, if I'd even call it that. I've copied some truths from intouch.org to help you deal with the trials you face and how to respond. 

1. God is in full control of the timing and intensity of your trial and will not allow it to go beyond His boundaries.
2. He has a specific purpose for your suffering which you may not understand until it is over.
3. This trial will prove to be profitable if you submit to God and trust Him through it.
4. Trying situations are opportunities for faith to prove genuine and grow stronger.
5. When you endure extreme pressure with unexplainable peace and joy, the Lord will demonstrate His sustaining power to a watching world.
6. Your difficulties are used by the Father to produce Christ-like character.
7. God will walk with you through all trials.
8. The Holy Spirit will enable you not only to survive but also to come out a conqueror.

Its On Me

     Some friends of ours recently went to the Peabody Hotel's restaurant, Capriccio's, for their anniversary dinner. My dad brought up the memory of the time I took them there, back when it was the Excelsior Hotel, so I thought I'd share it with you.
     I'd say I was about 12, when I decided to take my parent's out for their anniversary. I had saved up money from selling vegetables on the side of the road in front of our house. I wanted to take them somewhere special and where they'd never been before. In the eyes of a 12 yr old, the Excelsior was a fancy and ooh la la place. We made reservations and went. I stuffed four 20 dollar bills in my pants. I was so excited and probably felt too big for my britches, lol. I told them to get anything they wanted, and don't just get a salad either, I had it covered. We had a great meal........until the bill came. My dad told the waiter to give it to me, not him. I reached in my pocket, NOTHING? the other pocket, NOTHING? Get up, look all around the table, NOTHING!!  I had lost my 80 bucks. Disappointment as my dad paid for the dinner is an understatement. We left our phone number with the restaurant in case they found it.  Yea right, how likely is that? Well, they called and had found four 20's in a wad. Amazing that they're are still honest people out there. Yes, I paid my dad back even tho he said I didn't have to. ''Yes I did, it was my treat and it's on me.''
     Generosity will last a lifetime especially if taught and shown by you at an early age. Giving to others is a great expression of joy with a priceless reward in return.

Whatcha Thinkin'?

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7a (KJV)

     Are you a dweller? I can be, especially if something is bothering me. Our thoughts are often a reflection of our hearts. If we think about what we're going to say to get back at the person who has offended  us, it shows our heart is in a dark place rather than a forgiving place. If we think about how to make someone's day extra special, it reflects a joyful, giving heart. People often lose sleep because of thoughts running thru their heads. Turn it over to the Lord in prayer and get a good nights sleep. A restful heart is a peaceful heart.

 Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (NIV)