Jesus Is...

     Have you ever thought of all the ways that you could describe what Jesus means to you?  I thought this caption was a good representation of that.  Of course, this is a limited description.  As one song says, if the ocean were filled with ink it would bleed it dry to describe Him and His love for us.  Each of these adjectives should have a special meaning to you and your relationship with Him.  If it doesn't, I encourage you to seek out what that could mean to you in your life today.

Pop To It

      Well, I can tell you I am no pop-tart and I don't pop out of bed.  Even when I could get out of bed on my own, I didn't jump out of bed.  I need a few snooze button minutes or just a few minutes to think about the day ahead.  What if your bed did spring you out of bed?  Would you hit the ground running or go buy some tie down straps?
      We certainly want others to jump to our needs or wants on occasion.  C'mon, let's go already, or get on with it might be some phrases used.  I'm glad the Holy Spirit pushes us gently in what we need to do in obedience with what we've been given.
      Every day is a new opportunity for us to get what God wants us to do done.  We should pop to it with a spring in our step.  I know those first few steps in the morning may take a lil caffeine push but we can do it. 
    


   

Be Kind

  
     Okay, so today I'm writing this blog mainly as a therapeutic session for myself.  I may have to read this caption till I've memorized it. 
     Sometimes we need to hold back our critical thoughts and not try to micromanage everything.  Whatever we think was done ignorantly, doesn't always need to be voiced.  As much as your tongue wants to lash out, keep your lips like an impassable wall. 
    Having a patient heart keeps us from saying 'well if you'd done it this way, you wouldn't be in this mess.'  We all make mistakes and theirs is no worse than our own.  We judge others with a finer toothcomb than ourselves often.  That's really not fair, is it?
    Matthew 7:2  ''For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.''
    Ouch, I'm stepping on my own toes.  I'm going to go give some grace, even if it kills me........lol.

Celebrate

     I first want to say this blog is not written for any particular person but go ahead and put your steel toe boots on now before reading further. [giggle]  I think this blog topic is a theme that strikes a chord with many of us.
     The caption above says 'Celebrate' the little things.  It does not say focus on or get caught up on the little things.  How many times does something little, drive you bonkers and practically consume all your thoughts?  What if a kind word said to you highlighted your day as much as a snide remark ruined your day?  Our focus is often on what's not right than with what is.  A good habit to practice on is to find positives in a negative situation.  Yes, it can be done. We must also learn to let things go.  Don't dwell on it till someone feels like telling you 'Enough already.'  Ask yourself  'is this really going to matter a year from now?'
     Celebrating the little things means taking nothing for granted.  Another day of life, a phone call from a friend, slowing down before the cop saw you, or tripping but not falling on your face.  These are just a few simple little things to do a lil happy dance over, like Woodstock is doing above.
     Sing it with me, 'Celebration time, c'mon.'

Way Back Wednesday.... I Thought?

     Well this caption takes me back to a funny, now not then, story.  The first year I was married we lived at Sugar Creek apartments and had a cocker spaniel puppy, Brandi.  We were not supposed to have a pet because we couldn't afford the 325 deposit.  We kept her anyway, secretly..lol.  One day Marc took her out to potty and it seemed to take longer than usual.  So, I went out to check on them and found Brandi alone??  I could think of no good reason why he would willingly leave her by herself.  I looked all around to no avail.  I decided he had been kidnapped.  I took Brandi in and called his sister to see if I was overreacting before calling the police.  She agreed that I should call so I did.  I told them everything that had happened but they insisted I needed to wait a few hours.  A few minutes after I got off the phone, Marc walked in. I'm sure I lashed out with 'Where have you been? I just reported you kidnapped.'  You what???  He had met some neighbor guy and was talking computers.  Ughh, the panic it caused! 
     Years later when we were buying our house, the bank informed us they couldn't process our loan till we took care of a lien on us.  A lien?  We were clueless as to what that was about.  It turned out to be that pet deposit.  Well we paid it and could afford it alot easier at that point.  Luckily, we didn't have other past due pet deposits from any other places we'd lived.

     We may try to get away with or hide things but it will come back to bite you.  It is better to deal with it now and seek forgiveness, than pay for it later.  Romans 2;5 ''But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.''

Tattoos

     Well I am not a fan of tattoos.  First of all, I don't know of anything I would want on my body forever.  One time in Mexico, they offered henna tattoos, which are temporary.  I thought about it but I couldn't think of anything that I would want to be on me even for a few days.  Secondly, I am not into elective pain.  Tattoos are a permanent scarring of the skin and that has to involve pain on some level.  Thirdly, if God wanted a certain design on my skin, then He would have arranged my freckles accordingly.  Fourthly, the Bible says not to do it.
     Tattoos are a popular trend at the moment.  If you want to make a forever statement, then use your body as a living example for Christ.  Your actions and attitude speak louder than a tattoo that needs to be explained.

     Leviticus 19;28   '‘Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.''

Don't Be a Warrior

     Are you a warrior?  This verse reminds me of those people on Black Friday who trample over people just to get a television at a discounted price.  Hey, I'm all for a good bargain but I don't lose all respect for others and run them down to get it.
     Our society has become increasingly impatient.  When did 'instant-gratification' replace 'good things come to those who wait?'  I know I've been spoiled myself with my TiVo and can't hardly watch regular television with all the commercials.  I think that's a good thing but I wonder if it makes me impatient in other areas?
     Self control is widely under used I think.  Whether it's anger, food, or our mouths, we need to use a lil discipline on ourselves.  You can see the lack of self control in the increased crime rates, the obesity of our society, and the profanity that we hear all too often.  We can control what we want to, including ourselves.
    ''The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.''  May you be a vine that produces such fruit and not a branch that needs cut off.

My Cup

I love this poem but don't know who wrote it.  Just wanted to share it.

Drinking from my saucer  I've never made a fortune, and it's probably too late now. But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow And as I go along life's way, I'm reaping better than I sowed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed. Haven't got a lot of riches, and sometimes the going's tough But I've got loving ones all around me, and that makes me rich enough. I thank GOD for his Blessings, and the Mercies HE's bestowed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed. I remember times when things went wrong, My faith wore somewhat thin. But all at once the dark clouds broke and the sun peeped through again. So LORD, help me not to gripe, about the tough rows I have hoed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed. If GOD gives me strength and courage, When the way grows steep and rough. I'll not ask for other blessings, I'm already Blessed enough. And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads.. Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed.

Till We Meet Again

     My favorite missionary family, the Avilez's, from Thailand have been here over the past week.  They have an orphanage over there that now has 43 children.  They not only provide food, shelter and education for the children but they teach and steer them towards the Lord.  God's word is the foundation to which they build everything upon in the children's lives.  A work ethic is not only taught but expected/required of the kids.  To quote Bobby, ''do you think the kids won't have to work when they become adults?''  The entire Avilez family sacrifices so that the children can return home to their villages and tell others about the Lord.  What a spiritual fruit bearing vine to be a part of.
     The Avilez family only gets to come back to the U.S. every four years.  After they leave on Monday, I do not know whether we will see each other in another four years.  Of course, I hope so.  I don't worry about it tho because I know both of our futures are held in His hands with His plans.
     If you are interested in learning more about their wonderful, inspiring ministry... go to http://www.shanorphanage.com/ 

Sing It Back To Me

     Thursday night, we went to dinner with two people I didn't know well but had felt like I wanted to get to know better.  What a blessing that gut feeling turned out to be.  New 'friends' in my life outside of their job environments.  They both work in the healthcare field so that gives you a clue to their thoughtful, giving nature. Our two hour dinner was filled with the laughter I hadn't felt in years.  Uninhibited, pure belly rolling, tear engaging laughter.  They both have my type of sense of humor.. yea, a lil warped..ha. I truly needed a night out like this one.
     Each day His mercies to me are new and so are the blessings.  I am thankful for friends.. old and new.

Questions

Lord, may I be approachable and open to listening
to others’ questions. May I not feel threatened but
instead have confidence that You will give me wisdom
to know how to reply or where to find an answer.
from the daily bread



     We have all heard before that there are no stupid questions.  That is how we learn but are we open to questions ourselves?   Others may want to know what we think about certain things or just may be searching for a second opinion.  A friend of mine hesitantly asked me if she could ask me something.  Of course, I said.  It was a beautiful day and she asked, 'if you could do anything right now, what would you do?'  I said, swim or rollerskate.  People just want to understand how you handle difficulties and see what your uninhibited desires might be.  It is better to ask and find out than just assume what you think in your own mind.  Being open to questions should show your transparency.  Questions aren't intrusive but show an interest and provides information.
      Someday someone may ask you a very important question, 'in what and where do you find your hope?'  The Bible says we should always be ready to give our answer so that we may lead others to that hope, Jesus.
     May we all be an open door to others questions, it may lead far beyond your thoughts.

Way Back Wednesday......I Have Plans For You

     Well this is about as far back to my beginning as I have blogged about before.  Now this is what the 70's looked like...the hair, the striped pants, the vinyl couch.  Good thing I came along to add some style to this place, huh?  Just kidding. 

     The beginning for me started in Conway, AR.  Both my parents were students at what is now UCA.  It was Sept 2, 1971 when I arrived at 1;31am at Conway Regional Hospital.  [I think they're still trying to get a refund on me..lol.]  No, they were/are proud parents.  My mom doesn't exactly recall how long the delivery took because she thinks she passed out.  Back then, dads weren't allowed in the delivery room and he wasn't happy about the nurse not letting him carry me out of the hospital.

     I'm sure they knew God had big plans for both them and for me.  Did it turn out how they imagined?  No, but we all know that His ways are wiser than ours.  We have all prospered through trials and triumphs.  He has protected us from harm over the years. 

     The future is not scary because of the hope given thru Jesus Christ. Some may think, this is not what I planned for my life but it was planned before you even came to be.  You're the co-pilot, not the pilot.  I will one day be face-to-face with my Creator and thank Him for my well thought out life plan.  I have been blessed with great parents and a great life.......and I'm not even done yet.  Looking forward to the future plans ahead.

Say Nuffin'

     Oh, if we'd only learn a little bit from the 'Winnie the Pooh' classic storybooks.  Our mouths are so ready to give our unfiltered thoughts, that this is such a hard task for some of us. Have you ever known it was best to say 'nuffin' but you just had to tell one person your thoughts?  Yes, me too.  Sometimes I read stuff on Facebook, like gripes, and I think this is of no benefit to anyone. 
     It is not hard to be nice so why can't our words be too?  I read a sign the other day that said 'You should walk a mile in another's shoes before you criticize them, that way you have their shoes and you're a mile away.'  haha.  Maybe the rabbit in the caption is wiser than that. 
     May your words today be uplifting and encouraging, otherwise may they be silent.  Remember.....If you feel like huffin' and puffin', its best to say nuffin'.

'When you have nothing to say, say nothing.'

Pull Over

     Well can you tell Maxine and I are a little unsympathetic?  This blog is for those who 'want it' without the 'work for it.'  Our society is trying to be pushed into that kind of handout mentality.  Sure Canada has healthcare for all but does anyone ever mention the long wait for all for procedures? Not hardly.  Does your age matter whether you're considered fixable or put out to pasture in socialized medicine? Absolutely.  'Freeloader' used to be a negative term, has it changed in your mind?  I fear Obama will get a second term because of this moocher way of thinking.
     We begin teaching the 'work ethic' with chores for children.  The 'entitlement' attitude will set in if they aren't required to pull their weight in some form. You can see the change in television.  'Little House on the Prarie' shows often made a reference to chores being done, before play I might add.  I can't even tell you a show on air now that promotes chores for kids.
     When I turned eighteen, I qualified, due to my disability, to receive a Social Security check.  I never once thought 'hey I'm going to live off that and others.'  I wanted more not only for myself but of myself as well.
     Be a working example to those around you and hopefully they will see the benefit of it.  'Nothing is free in this world' is a lesson to be taught.

Proverbs 21:25
The craving of sluggards will be the death of them, because their hands refuse to work.
Proverbs 19:24
Sluggards bury their hands in the dish and will not even bring them back to their mouths!
Proverbs 6:6
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!

HAPPY EASTER

     HAPPY EASTER.  I hope you are celebrating this Resurrection day with a thankful heart. Believers can rejoice that one day we will be in the Promised Land that awaits us. 
     Getting up at 6am for church at 8am is a once a year event for me.  Was it worth it?  Absolutely.  To hear friends sing songs like 'Amazing Grace', 'Christ Arose', 'Alive', and 'Upon that Tree' was a beautiful way to praise our Savior for this day.
      I encourage you not to be a CEO [Christmas n Easter Only] church visitor.  We should worship Him every day of the year.

The Tomb

     I thought this was a neat centerpiece that anyone could make for Easter.  It has the three crosses on the hill representing Jesus being innocently crucified with the other two criminals. It shows the empty tomb with the stone rolled away.
     intouch.org  ''Jesus' resurrection proves that there is life after death. So many people today think that earthly existence is all there is. But this belief robs life of purpose and meaning. God created us as eternal souls, and Jesus demonstrated that death is not the end--much more awaits us.''
     A bunny rabbit can symbolize spring but let's remember Jesus' death and resurrection is the only true symbolization of Easter.  We have hope thru Him on this holiday because He followed thru on God's plan to pay our debt of sin for us. He escaped death thru the resurrection and in there, lies our hope.  He has gone ahead to prepare a place for us. 

Inner Beauty

     Isn't this the cutest caption?  Well I did go and get my haircut yesterday.  There is a crucial day when your hair is perfect one day and the next day it is a complete train wreck.  Do you know about that day?  If you're like me, the hairdresser is never available in that critical moment.  Wait? with this mop growing on my head at an exponential rate?  What a relief that one hour in the salon chair can bring.  I also got my eyebrows waxed which is a painful, yet worth it, experience.  Afterwards, it looks like you put red lipstick around your eyebrows.
     This caption also reminds me of those pink foam rollers.  After a restless night of sleeping in them, my hair looked about like this dog's.  Serious manipulation had to be done to get the desired look, instead of a frizzed out mess. I think I was about eleven when I vowed them out forever from my head.
     While I think it is in a woman's nature to be a little vain, we must remember that our inner beauty should shine the brightest.  1 Peter 3;3-4 ''Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.''  My friend, Twylia, gave me a card this week with part of this verse on it.  I'm glad she could see past my mop-head into my inner beauty at the time.

Last Minute

     I thought with the holiday weekend coming up that some of you might relate to this caption.  There never seems to be enough time to get everything ready, is there?  I suspect we think more about everything on the to-do list than just tackling one thing at a time. We become anxious, short tempered, and frantic.  What a combination!  That 'last minute' comes so quickly.  Suddenly we can wash the dog, use that soapy water to mop the floor and do laundry all in 20 min because the guests will arrive in 30min.  Been there?  Oh sure, now your out-of-breath self is sure fit for company..... not.
    One of our pastors recently talked about the Mary and Martha story.  Mary benefitted from Jesus presence and company, while Martha was more concerned with the to-do list of His arrival.  Are you a Mary or a Martha?  It's understandable to prepare for something but don't lose the joy of the event.  Don't get so tired in the before setup that you can't reap the pleasure of your company.  The idea that your guests will be judging your house with white gloves and a critiquing eye is more in your head than theirs.
    Do what you can in due time but don't fret over what you can't do.  If you're spent, then people may not want to spend time with you.

    ''Procrastination is the thief of time.''

    ''Procrastination and impatience form a system of checks and balances.''

Way Back Wednesday-- Think It Thru For You

 

     I thought since the Arlington, TX area has been in the news this week that I would write a story about my time there.  I lived there from 1991-1993.  During that time, I had two vocal cord surgeries that I've blogged about before.  I want to talk a little about the time after that in this blog.
     As a result of the surgeries, I had to begin wearing a ventilator at night to sleep well.  Not a thrill for a newly married couple.  I had to go overnight for a couple of days to have a sleep study done to get the correct settings for my machine.  That all went fine but two things didn't go over so well with me. First, they sent in a psychologist to see me.  Well, I nipped that in the bud.  As soon as they introduced themselves, I said 'just stop right there, I have nothing to say and I better not get a bill for this.'  The second thing that happened is more of my focus here.  This is the time of my life when I began having my swallowing and coughing troubles so the doctor recommended I get a feeding tube to help avoid the problem.  Needless to say I was shocked and told him I was not ready for that kind of invasive intervention and would deal with it.  Twenty years later now, I think of all the enjoyment of food I've had and the pleasure I would have missed all those years.
     I tell this story to say that you must heed advice but in the end, you have to decide what is best for you.  My doctor now has recommended a trach for me for some years now.  When I found out that it would result in me no longer being able to speak or eat ever again, I took that option off the table.  Medical technology is great but 'you' must decide your limits.  By the way, this in no way advocates euthanaseia.  There is a time tho to resist further medical attention.
     This also plays out in your eternal fate.  Heed advice but only you can decide for yourself.

Flea Market Heaven

     Canton, TX is known as the world famous flea market heaven.  Keep it a secret tho, too many people already know, lol.  We just got back from our spring voyage to this little town. It was a great trip, despite a lil 'spice of life', as my friend put it.  I got some cool stuff but just going and looking is worth it in itself. They have lots of decorative sign sayings but my favorite one this time was   'A smoking section in a restaurant is like a peeing section in a swimming pool'.  How funny but true!
     If I could sum up this trip in one word, it would be 'Protected.'  The following aren't negatives of the trip but just examples of His protection over us wherever we are.

  1]  On the way down, two ceiling fan blades broke off but no one was hit by them.
  2]  I sucker punched the towel rack with my bottom lip but I didn't knock out my tooth that occasionally pops out.
  3]  When it rained Saturday morning, we had the option to go to the indoor market place.
  4]  We did have a tire blowout on the way home but it didn't cause a wreck or hurt the other tire next to it.
  5]  A beer toting man came to our door but went away peacefully after my dad gave him some matches so he could light his cigarette.
  6]  Even tho we spent a noisy night camped on an access ramp off the freeway, we had everything we needed.
  7]  Although the wait for tire repair service tested/zapped my patience completely, it was resolved and at a lower cost.
  8]  Everything was just as we left it when we got home, perfectly fine.

   This is just a short list of the few ways I know that we were blessed.  God is good all the time, even in the trying moments of life.