It's All Good

     I've heard a lot of distressing news lately about sickness, death and just daily struggles of others.  It makes me appreciate the blessings in my life more.
    Some wonder why we have struggles but there is value in them.  Perseverance --the greater the obstacle, the greater the glory in overcoming it.  Romans 5;2-4 ''And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.''  If you hadn't been there and done that thru a struggle, could you've ever known you could make it thru it?  Our battle stories help others while they are going thru a similar fight.  Everyone you meet is fighting a battle of some kind so be merciful.
     Life is good....and it's all good.  Even the girl in the caption is going thru the bumps and rocky spots of life but she can smile thru it all.  She even has one hand off the steering wheel because she knows Who really has got it all under control.

Smile

     What is in a smile?  It can be an expression, communication, or an addition to your wardrobe.  A smile is a way of giving your approval.
     A smile expresses the happiness you feel inside.  They are contagious too.  Doesn't it make you feel good to see someone smile?  'Your day will go the way the corners of your mouth turn.'
    'Everyone smiles in the same language.'  There is so much said with just a smile.  Hello across the room is often my message sent with my smile.
    'You're never fully dressed without a smile.'  Whatever you're wearing, a smile will turn it up a notch.  A smile is worth a mile of glitter and glam... and it's free.

Germ-X

    Tis the season for Germ-X.  Well that's not exactly true, it's important all year long to me.  I keep a big bottle of it next to my bed.  I know it burns but it is kind of funny when someone uses it and breaks out in a little raindance and hollars ow-ow-ow, like an Indian.
    I think our true friends can act like Germ-X too.  They can point out our weak areas to us that we may not see ourselves.  They can help us get the dirt out of our lives and lead us to purer lives.  They can burn us with a rebuke for our own good.
    So whether it's Germ-X or Friend-X, consider them a good thing keeping you from the bad things in this world.  'As iron sharpens iron, so does a friend.'

Been There?

     I hope that all of you reading this can relate to this caption.  If you can't then you've probably not been humbled enough.  Adversity through our trials builds us up in our character.  Without them, we see ourselves as self-sufficient and indestructible.
     I am definitely weak in a physical sense but it makes me strong spiritually.  When you reach a point of knowing your needs are bigger than what you can supply, you will seek a Savior.  Whether it takes a broken bone or the stomach flu, recognizing how fast we wither can help us to look beyond ourselves.  Suffering does a soul good when it leads one to a stronger relationship with the Lord.  Let it make you better, not bitter.
     I have been scared at times.  The not knowing and not in control moments can fuel our fears.  You can't let fear be the driving force in your life.  ''I will fear no evil, for my God is with me.''  Let your faith be bigger than your fear.
     I have had my foolish moments.  I have done my own thing and gone my own way but that is part of the journey.  Mistakes are just lessons to be learned from.  'Don't carry your mistakes around with you but place them under your feet as a stepping stone.'  Let your experiences, good and bad, make you wiser in the future.


''The empty place in every heart can be filled only by the Lord. All earthly pursuits of pleasure or purpose fade in comparison to the satisfaction found in His presence.''

Shop or Not?

    Okay so it's Black Friday and the stores are packed with deals and people.  Am I out there in the thick of things?  No, not this year.  I've already finished most of my shopping prior to this day because of the warm weather days recently.  Also, nobody seems to be in the crowd tackling mood that you need to shop till you drop on days like these.
    Does that keep me from missing today's deals?  Heck no!  Online shopping keeps me strong through retail therapy.  If you don't think a shipping charge is worth missing the crowds, the long checkout lines, and the energy spent only to find they are out of what you wanted....then more power to you.
    As with everything in life, we can find a way to do what we want or we can find an excuse not to.  Do what makes you happy, despite the barriers.  As for me, let me shop and nobody gets hurt.  Ha!

Thankful For....

Top Ten Reasons I Am Thankful Today

10.  I am thankful I got to sleep in today till 945 and the phone didn't ring once...oh yeah.

  9.  I am thankful not to have to travel anywhere today because 10 straight years of that was more than enough for me.

  8.  I am thankful for all my electronic devices that keep me entertained and in the Word during all my times of rest.

  7.  I am thankful for Tiger's continuous recovery and the joy I get from all my pets/kids.

  6.  I am thankful that 'Rachel' from Cardholder services hasn't called and left her annoying recording all week about improving my rate on a credit card I don't even own.

  5.  I am thankful for my helper during the week that has raised the bar so high on meeting both my needs and wants that I'm amazed and blessed every day.

  4.  I am thankful to belong to a church where I respect the elders and feel loved by the whole congregation.

  3.  I am thankful for all my friends who encourage me, visit with me, and care for me as their sister in Christ.

  2.  I am thankful for my parents who do all that they can for me, even when I'm the turkey and not just at Thanksgiving.

  1.  I am thankful to be a child of God and His friend.  To know that He watches over me and in Him only do I trust my life and future with because I know of His faithfulness.

Way Back Wednesday.....Celebrate

     This was the dress-up night on our 7 day cruise to the Caribbean in 1989.  We departed from San Juan, Puerto Rico and went to Barbados, Martinique, St. Thomas and I think St. Marteen.  I had never been on a cruise before, so it was fun to get dolled up just for dinner.
    Psalm 145:7  ''They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.''  We had much to be thankful for as I had just graduated from high school and recovered fully from my first bout with pneumonia.  
     Looking back helps to remember how good God has been to us.  Good memories are more desired but the rough times to get to the good are just as praise worthy.

Tact

     Well I'm going to the dentist office today to get my teeth cleaned.  Now what if that was all we had to do to make what comes out of our mouths cleaner and sweeter?  It doesn't work that way though.  It begins with our thoughts and then flies thru our open airway to the world.
     Tact is the acute sensitivity to what is proper and appropriate in dealing with others, including the ability to speak or act without offending.  My friend told me the other day that sometimes my blogs are hard in its subject matter.  I said 'well I'm no Joel Olsteen', which means I don't just write what you want to hear.  I hope my blogs come across as real and with applicable messages of benefit.
     We can all use a little tact and still get our opinions out there.  I think grace is key to that.  I think if we give grace to others, our words will be more graceful.  Yes my mind can be quite the smarty-pants but I have to be smarter than that to not let all that out.. ha.
   

Enough

    Doesn't God give us more than enough?  Sometimes we think we've had enough trials but never enough blessings.  I think that's when we need to check our accounting.  It all works for our good, as this caption illustrates.  If we only had sunshine and no rain, how much would we miss.  We need both.
     One of my new songs I'm working on says 'bring me joy, bring me peace, bring the chance to be free, bring me anything that brings You glory.'  Everything in our lives is useful in our process of sanctification to becoming more Christ-like.  He will not give us more than we can bear.  'My grace is sufficient.'
     When you think 'that is enough', be careful not to focus on the -ugh.  'His mercies are new every morning.'  Sometimes we need a push to keep going or a push to keep us humble.  Every push gets us where we need to be, even when we don't like it.

Path of the Wind

         Have you ever wet your finger and held it up in the air to tell which way the wind was blowing?  Yeah, I can't tell either.  I can't tell you the time by looking at the sun either.  If I get lost in the woods, it's up to you to find me because it all looks the same to me.
         The same is true for where God will lead us on our journey's path, we don't know where He'll take us.  Without His guidance, we wander around lost in circles.  We hit the same stumbling blocks and dead ends over and over.  We often get frustrated with ourselves for repeating the same mistakes. 'Lead, follow or get out of the way' is how we often express our lack of direction and impatience when we depend on the world's leading, instead of God.
        When we surrender our will for His, the path seems to make more sense with time.  Even if you don't understand, you can trust that He is working for your good.

Saturday Look

      This is what I envision for Saturday mornings.  No rush, a nap on the couch and food at my fingertips.  Is it laziness or just relaxing?
      We must be cautious not to make it habit forming.  We can get too comfortable at staying at home and not fellowship with others.  We think 'oh they won't miss me' but your presence is a witness itself.  One of my favorite songs starts out 'there's a quiet understanding when we're gathered in the Spirit.'  It is important for believers to get together and share how God has been working in their lives.
     It is rare that you'll regret something you did attend but more often you'll regret you didn't go.  I can guarantee you, life doesn't wait for anyone.  So get involved or get left behind.

Happy Friday

   For a lot of you, it's the end of a long work week.  Happy Friday could mean payday, a weekend to look forward to, or just finally it is Friday.  Whatever day it is, we can find something to be happy about.  Sixty seconds of despair means you missed a minute of happiness.  Happiness is a conscious choice, not always an automatic response.  You are as happy as you choose to be.]

      ''If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands.  If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands.  If you're happy and you know it, then your life will surely show it.''  Children's songs often tell the simple truths of life, like happiness.

      ''Don't worry, be happy.''  Enjoy today because tomorrow has enough trouble of its own.  May your Friday be happy, regardless of what happens.

 

Anger

           Anger is a weapon of destruction used by the devil on and within ourselves.  When we lack self control of our anger, it often displays itself thru yelling.  I hate yelling and yes I've done my fair share of it.  It certainly does no good but keeps the vicious cycle going.  ''Don't raise your voice, improve your argument.''  Unless your rival is deaf, there is no need to get louder.
          We should remember God hears and sees everything we say and do.  If your arguments were recorded, what would they show?  Gentleness, meekness, forgiveness?  Believing you are right doesn't justify any less lack of self control.
          'Anger is a feeling that makes your mouth work faster than your mind.'  So slow down and think before you speak.  'Anger doesn't solve anything. It builds nothing but can destroy everything.'  Anger doesn't hit a single target, it shatters like bird shot in a wide range.  'Anger is one letter short of danger.' Isn't that warning enough to control it?
         Mark Twain tell of the destructiveness of anger in ''anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.''  Holding on to anger only hurts yourself, so let it go.  ''We will understand it better by and by.''

Way Back Wednesday... Relax

       In the hammock beside the Little Red River in Pangburn, AR with my Brandi, now that's a relaxing moment.  We all need moments just to enjoy a little time to kick back and not be bothered.  We are often in a hurried rush during our day that a moment to sit down is just a time to crash.  Real relaxation has a peaceful and calming effect.  I think those moments are a good time to count blessings and thank God for His faithfulness.  There is no tension reliever better than the time you spend turning your worries and struggles over to the Lord.  A massage or soothing lotions may give you the physical stress relief you need but don't forget to work on the inner tension of the soul's struggles.
        With the holidays just around the corner, remember to take time for yourself and don't let the tension build up and explode.

Like Little Children

      God says He wants us to come to Him like little children, so today I want to share three examples by little children recently.  Kids are often a reminder of what a softened heart looks like.
      JOY..... a little 2.5yr old fellow, Moses, was sitting in a short pew by himself.  The church congregation was about to sing Happy Birthday to someone and he got so excited. He was so happy that he not only clapped but smacked himself in the head with both hands.  When is the last time you were that excited for someone else?  Are we like Job 9;25  ''My days are swifter than a runner; they fly away without a glimpse of joy.''
     SHARING....  my little 3yr old friend, Jed, had a baseball cap on at church when his 6yr old cousin took it like she owned it.  He didn't fuss one bit but just waited patiently for her to return it when she was done playing with it.  Do you share your possessions with patience and without grumbling?  Proverbs 22:9  ''The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.''
     ASKING.... when I have friends over with kids, I often give out popsicles so they're kind of expected.  Before coming over, Jed asked his mom if he could have 'one of those things' when he got here. The mom says only if Angie offers you one.  So 'well can we ask her to offer us one?'  This reminds me of how I can twist my prayers into my will, instead of seeking God's will.  John 16:24  ''Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.''

     May we seek to be people with gentle spirits filled with kindness and love like the little children around us.

Salute a Veteran

     Yesterday was Veterans Day but it is recognized again today in government offices.  I wanted to give a salute to one of my favorite veterans, Pascal ''Bud'' Hancock, with a blog post on his service duty.  Bud has not only served in the military field but also in the missionary field. 
      Bud was born on Dec 30, 1930.  He became a believer at 12, but not strong.  After marriage and beginning AF assignments, he began to see the need for a more Godly life. He learned to fly while in college, but after graduation and joining the Air Force, he was selected to train as a Navigator because of his test scores. From the beginning of his career he flew several kinds of aircraft- all  cargo, troop carriers, humanitarian ferrying missions.
      In 1967 he got a Vietnam assignment at the peak of the war. He moved his family of 5 from Iowa where he was teaching in college for the AF, back to home in Tenn -"just in case".   Praise the Lord that he came back after 13.5 long months.
     Flying in Vietnam was not as dangerous as for on the ground troops, but once a plane was shot down, there were usually no survivors or they were captured.  He began to really trust in the Lord for every minute. carrying and unloading US troops while under fire -both ground and air attack;  and the terrible task of carrying out the wounded and dead. Moving refugee civilians to more safe areas.  Supplying needed supplies and food , etc. The bases in Vietnam were never safe, snipers were all around.
       The workhorse C-130 plane he was flying in Jan 1968 in Southern Vietnam was hit near the Cambodian border.  His crew was unloading huge "bladders" of gasoline and VietCong snipers were all around the runway in the trees.   Soon his plane was gushing its own gas supply from bullet holes to the point of not being able to take off again.  Bud saw this and dashed from the plane into the woods, cut a green stick from a small tree and dashed back. Under extreme ground fire, he climbed onto something and whittled that stick into a plug that stopped the bullet-hole leak in the engine gas tank temporarily and gave the pilot time to get the plane air born  and back to a safer base. God used that small act to save the crew of 9 and a multi-million dollar airplane. The US military recognized his act of bravery with a Distinguised Flying Cross (DFC) award.
        After returning from that Vietnam assignment, the next mission was Germany where he flew the same types of planes, but these planes were converted into "spy planes" for flying over to Berlin and back, taking continuous photos of Russian activity.  Another very dangerous activity (completely unknown to his family!)  Again God was good. The navigator had the huge responsibility of keeping the plane within the UN restricted air corridors and a 10 feet deviation could mean being shot down.   They called themselves the ''Berlin for lunch Bunch''  For 5 years he flew this and other routes daily,   under this pressure. This airplane crew was sworn to secrecy for 10 years,---- he has only recently revealed his "job" in Germany to his family!
       His family grew to 7 by now, and the Lord had smiled upon him because Bud now knew his wife and 4 oldest children had accepted Christ also. 
       These were 2 of Bud's AF career assignments.    His best job has been being a daddy and a husband, which he has excelled at.  After he retired from the AF, he taught some college courses, sold real estate until his children were established in college etc, then God allowed him to follow his leading to be a part time missionary to many countries and touch many lives, and be impacted with the love of so many for almost 27 years.
       ''Every job is a Christian job for a Christian.''  May Bud's life be an example to all in times of uncertainty and the verification of God's faithfulness.

Never Forsaken

     Our message today was from Psalm 9 and about nations forgetting God.  All across America this is happening and we will suffer the consequences.  The lack of morality, ethics, and a sense of entitlement has overtaken the sensitivity of the moral majority.  'In God we trust,' needs to be applied in our lives, not just written down.
     Psalm 9 starts out with what we are to brag about.  ''I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.''  We often think we deserve a gold star for a good deed we've done but do we recognize all our daily blessings from Him?  In our tithes, in our speech, or in our prayers?
     For those that do believe and trust in Him, Psalm 9;10 is comforting.  ''Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.''  I think of the lyrics, ''I will remember you, will you remember Me?''  As much as we'd like to give all we can, we still fall short.  God never fails at anything, anytime, any where.

Monkey See, Monkey Do

     Okay I think I need more than two hands to apply this caption to my self control resources.  It's hard not to judge, discern appropriately, and be a positive influence all at once with others.  I saw a sign yesterday that said 'you cannot hide your influence.'  That is true, whether you're a good or bad influence.  Your actions affect people, sometimes even from far away.
     'Flaws'... it is always easier to be a fault finder with others.  We harp on things that don't matter and don't let it go.  Yet our own mistakes are just overlooked and easily forgotten.
     'Discern'....use your brain people.  Listen to people you respect and have a godly influence in your life.  Just because something is said doesn't make it true or right.
     'Be kind'..  the frontal lobe of our brain is a built in filter, don't bypass it.  Kind words are comforting.  Unkind words held back takes self control and not giving in to your full vent of anger.
     'Look for good'.... avoid negativity.  You can always find something good in others, just focus on a positive.
     'Gossip'...  we all know things that are 'dark' about others but it isn't right to be the voice of it to all. We shouldn't use our knowledge to be a spreader of negativity, take it to the Lord in prayer.
      'Encourage'...  may all our words be uplifting and of benefit to those that hear them.  Love one another in speech and actions.

All Things

    ''Let all things that have breath, Praise the Lord.''  We are surrounded by evidence daily of God's creations.  How can anyone deny His existence and power?  We are to walk by faith, not by sight but what we do see should affirm our beliefs.  That doesn't mean we know the formula to the creation of life, like H2O, but we know there is a Master of creation.
     There is so much we do not know or understand.  His ways and thoughts are so far from us, its an endless quest to try to comprehend much.  Trust is the centerpoint to our faith.  Throw out reason, the whys, the now whats and just let Him lead your way.
     When even a squirrel can be thankful for the warm sunshine, why aren't our bodies and mouths in constant praise for all our blessings?

Who Do You Believe?

Ephesians 4;17-18  ''So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.''

     How foolish we are when we think we know more than the Word?  People say 'life didn't come with an instruction manual' but we actually did and it is the Bible.
      I think the common dismissal of certain things in the Bible is just misunderstanding and lack of study.  I know for myself that I didn't understand the command for women to wear a head dressing.  Do the Muslims have this right?  No, it is referring to our hair.  We aren't to shave our heads like men do.  This is just a personal example of mine on finding the true meaning.
      Some commands are more simplified so that there is no confusion.  The Ten Commandments for example and we can't even follow those completely without sin.
      Our minds will seek to obtain it's will, if not trained in the scriptures.  Do the mistakes you make everyday remind you of how often you are wrong?  The Bible is the most tested and studied book ever written.  Our hearts do become hardened with each rejection of His will for us.  We shun the Light and give in to the darkness of evil.  You may think 'evil' is too harsh a word for your choices but anything that opposes God's will is wicked.  Who will we become if we follow Him whole-heartedly? Colossians 3:12-13, “Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, bearing with one another, and forgiving one another.” We can't pick and choose sections of the gospel to believe and reject the hard parts.  It all matters for your best interest.  
Proverbs 3:5-6  ''Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.''

Way Back Wednesday--- DNA Testing

   

     Well with the crappy results of the presidential race delivered to us last night, I thought this would be an appropriate time to stick with the same theme.  So I'm going to talk crap today, literally.
     The picture above is of me at work doing the mail.  We had to open and make an account log of the samples we received each day to be tested.
     My specialized job at the lab, for which I was hired, was DNA testing.  It was a brand new way of testing at the time.  In the mail, I would receive an arm length glove that had been used to get a fecal sample from a cow.  Yea, gross.  I'm no country girl either.  I had to take the poopy samples and dilute them with water before running a 3 day test.  This test was for Johne's disease in cattle.  This is a chronic mycobacterial infection that affects the lower intestine of cattle.  My test was looking for the presence of that bacterial DNA.
     I also did DNA testing on turkeys.  The samples were provided by throat swabs to get the DNA.  This test was for avian mycoplasmosis, which is a contagious respiratory infection in turkeys.  I did have one sample come up positive and the whole flock was killed.  I felt pretty bad about it.
     So I don't have any wise words except that your job may involve things undesirable to you but that was my job.  Some attitudes today prevent folks from getting a job because people think they're too good or above that.  You're not.  Any job is better than a government handout that makes other people pay your way.

Blessed in Disguise

     How many of you out there like to vacuum?  How often do you do this chore, weekly?  I have my area vacuumed three times a week because of my cat's and dog's hair.  There is also a different kind of vacuuming that goes on here quite often.  I have a cough assist machine that is like a vacuum for my lungs.  Can you imagine having to vacuum your bedroom or the whole house every time you ate something?  That is my daily trial of keeping my lungs clear.  It may take 5 minutes or 30 minutes
      Although it is painless, it is bothersome.  I have to recognize this chore as a blessing because without it I would be sick more often.  Actually I wish the machine had become available to me sooner because it is such a help.
      Let me share three assurances to remember when troublesome circumstances arise.  First, God will meet all our needs at just the right time.  Second, we are never alone.  God is with us every step of the trial.  Third, God's love is eternal. He will never forsake us.
      I haven't always had this burden to bear but I know it is for my good and I'm blessed to have my needs met, both physically and spiritually, from above.

Tomorrow

     I know for myself, it is a common habit to tell what my intended plans are for the near future.  ''I'm going to ...... or I will see you there on .....''  I have a friend who has been a diligent example to me when he always follows his spoken plans with ''the Lord willing.''
     This week in bible study, the term practical atheism was referred to as planning without the thought of God's involvement in those plans.  The book of James warns against such self confidence because we don't know one minute to the next what will happen.  We are to set goals and make plans but we want them fulfilled according to God's will, not just our own.
     I know it's fun to look forward to an upcoming event and when something interrupts or cancels the plans, the disappointment is real.  When that happens, we have to trust that it happened for a reason.  You may have been spared of something bad or blessed in an alternate way.  A survivor of 9/11 had this story.... the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, took the various means to get to work
but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.
      So make your plans but make sure you know and realize that they are subject to change by the Great Planner of all.

 James 4;13-16  ''Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.”  How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”  Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil.''

FBF MISSIONARY PRAYER REQUESTS..NOV 2012

FBF PRAYER REQUESTS---NOV 2012

LESLEY WOLFE--

1.        Please pray that Amy, my co-worker in Liberia, would remain healthy for the remainder of this year.  The last full week of October she was sick again with malaria (her 5^th time this year).  She and her husband, Aaron, will be travelling to Monrovia, Liberia’s capitol, in January, and we’re hoping that she’ll be put in contact with a capable doctor who can hopefully diagnose and then prescribe something that will irradicate the malaria parasites that we’re guessing are in her liver.

2.       Please pray for Guy and Keyla Burkhead, who hope to be joining our team in the not too distant future.  I’ve not heard from them recently, but last I knew they are still heading this way.  So, I know that they’d appreciate prayer for all the plans and decisions and preparations that they face.

TED AND PRISCILLA CLARK--

We have our huge family camp, hosting about 400, the weekend of the 17-19th.  Pray for the Lord's help, grace,

and blessing to be poured out on this time.

Pray for Arturo and Monica who are struggling with their rebellious daughter who refuses to submit to their authority

or the Lord's.

MONICA AND QUICO SERNATINGER--

Martin and Hansy Tuhoy arrive to Puruandiro on Wednesday, November 7. Please, pray for traveling mercies and a smooth adjustment to life in Puruandiro. They will be a great encouragement to the church here and to us personally. May they be very blessed as well, and all for God's glory.

Please, pray for our neighbors Hector and Veronica and their sons, one teenager and two boys. They have come to several events, and she is coming to the women's meeting. May they desire to study the Bible to discover Jesus and be saved.

MARTIN AND HANSY TOUHY--

We'd appreciate prayers for our long journey to Puruandiro on Wed. Nov 7th. Also that we would honor God as we try to help out with the needs there.

Please also pray for the evangelism going on here in Esbjerg. That they would continue and grow in furor to preach the gospel.

 

BOBBY AND NAMATHA AVILEZ--

 

1.       Praise the Lord that we have a gardener who is doing amazing work and will be a big help to our training program. Praise also the Lord also that we have a brand new cook. Pray that she will have a love for cooking and a love for the kids! Pray for Namatha as she trains her.

2.       Pray for the new land as we ink the ownership at the end of this month. Pray for the building up of the kids, the kind that’s more important than any building we will need to build at the new property.

Get In The Game

     This past Wednesday my church had a Tribulation Trail.  It was composed of 6 different scenes scattered all over the grounds of the church outside.  The scenes covered the rapture, the antichrist, the mark of the beast and the hardships of the 7 years of tribulation.  It was very good and made it real.
     When I say we covered alot of the church grounds, I mean all over.  We went from the old church front, to the woods across, to the new church front, to the basketball court, to the barn, and out to the deep woods. It took me a little longer to get to each scene than others but my wheelchair gave new meaning to 4wheel drive.  It was a rough and bumpy ride but the trail was well worth it.  People waited patiently on me and made a path through the crowd so I could see everything.
      I had expected to skip the last scene because it was deep in the woods down a trail.  As it was time to go on or turn back, Phillip said ''c'mon you've made it this far, you can do it.''  So I did press on and finish the trail.
      This wasn't a race for anyone but did turn out to be a test of endurance for me.  Maybe my efforts will not only be of benefit to me but show as a witness to others to not let circumstances defeat your desire to participate.

Moderation

      Does this picture cause any flashbacks of last night and all that Halloween candy?  Was it of your kids or did you include yourself?  We often want to taste it all at once or at least have a constant flow of the goodies.
      Moderation, not depravation, is key. You don't have to go by the all or nothing theory but just pace yourself.  ''The heart is great which shows moderation in the midst of prosperity.''  We are to save for a rainy day, not just blow it all at once.  Sales often go up at the first of the month because people get their monthly checks then and stock up.  The tendency to spend it all without thinking ahead is a common flaw in society.
      In everything we must exhibit self-control, even something as good as honey.  Proverbs 25:16
''If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit.''

Way Back Wednesday---Downsizing

     










          This was our house in 2001 in Walnut Grove, MO.  It is about a 20 minute drive north of Springfield.  It was a beautiful house with the perfect layout for someone in a scooter.  The yard was just a little over an acre.  Across the street was a milk farm, so it was definetely filled with country air at times.  The town was so small, it had one red light.  Two of my coworkers also lived here.
         To say that I downsized is an understatement.  I moved from a 2000 plus square foot house to a 500 square foot room.  I cut back in all areas of my life, not just possessions.
         A house does not make a home.  Sometimes God strips us of all that we consider important to remind us to make Him first and above all else.  It's not a pleasant process but a necessary one.  He will do whatever it takes to draw His children back to Him.  'He gives and takes away, my heart will choose to say, BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD.'  Memories were made here, both good and bad, and I wouldn't trade them for anything.
         Whether your own downsizing is caused by the economy or a storm, remember we are blessed beyond measure.  There is a difference between needs and wants.  God provides for all our needs and we are never truly without.

Lamentations 3; 19-24
''The thought of my suffering and homelessness
    is bitter beyond words.^]
 I will never forget this awful time,
    as I grieve over my loss.
 Yet I still dare to hope
    when I remember this:

 The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
 Great is his faithfulness;
    his mercies begin afresh each morning.
 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
    therefore, I will hope in him!”

A Cheerful Heart

      There is only so much prescribed medicine can do for the body.  The soul suffers too during illness.  Doesn't the soul really feed the body in some ways?  If our hearts have a peace that endures, won't it carry us through the most difficult times?
       When I have been in the hospital, the visits from friends do as much to get me better as the next round of medicine.  It builds my desire to press on and focus my thoughts on getting back out there.  If you focus on the room, the IV, and the pain.... I believe it will drain you and take longer to get well.  Laughter is the best medicine.  It gets your blood pumping and your mind on other things.
        I encourage you to visit those who are going through hard times.  Don't just ask about the current problem but fill them with the joy and hope of tomorrow through a cheerful heart.

Take a Seat

     If you've ever been to a government office, this caption reflects the attitude that you'll receive from most of the workers there.  The Department of 'whatever' is often a waiting place for you to get the run around when your name is finally called.
     People want more government in their lives?  Do you want all your activities to need a permit or have regulations?  I know we used to go mudding in our jeeps but the areas allowed got smaller and smaller to grant such access to fun.
     How many of you out there avoid the emergency room because of the long waits?  If the government goes to socialized medicine, you can expect long waits for everything, not just emergency trips.  Countries who now have 'free' medical care, also have long waiting lists for surgeries.  How would you like to wait 6 months for a procedure you need now?
     This is just some food for thought until you cast your vote.  Remember as you wait in that long voting line, think to yourself.. 'Do I want my life run by the government on an even bigger scale?'

Bon Qui Qui Nite

1. 

      You might be thinking 'Bon What What??'  Well Bon Qui Qui is a character created by comedienne Anjelah Johnson.  BQQ is a ghetto blasting smartie pants that doesn't take any flack from anybody.  She worked at King Burger, where you can get your order your way but DON'T GO CRAZY.  If your order gets complicated, she will call SAC-CURITY.
       So here are the 14 of us who got together to show off our wannabe ghetto, world smacking selves. It was a fun night of enchiladas, junk food, and lots of laughs.  We watched a one hour standup routine and cracked up at all the true- isms that came up.
        That's about all I can share because what happens in da hood, stays in da hood.

Not Clearly Seen

       We often ask 'Why?' or 'What is going on?'  Our power went out this morning and I thought these very phrases.  After a few minutes, an ambulance and fire trucks raced down the street.  I therefore got a better picture of the problem and shifted my focus a little less off of my needs.
       Sometimes we can see later why something happened but not always.  We have to see that whether it is sorrow or joy that is brought to us, it has a purpose in refining us.  Our life's journey is not just a survival mission but one of transforming us into who we are meant to be in Christ.  We are sometimes called to do our part for the Kingdom and reject what our flesh would prefer.
       Our human nature tends to want to put our needs first but that's not what the Bible teaches.  My friend has a bracelet with 'THIRD' written on it.  She says it is a reminder to put God first, others second and yourself third.
       We each play a part in this whole world so when we shift our minds off just ourselves, we will more clearly see a bigger picture.  One day we will see the masterpiece of the Master in all its wonder.

Sneaks Up On You

     Okay so I haven't made that many biscuits in my life but I've made enough to know opening them scares me every time.  I know the 'POP' is coming but so is my jump reaction.  My friend and I were making cupcakes the other day when the icing canister wouldn't work.  Suddenly, it popped and we both jumped like we'd been shot thru the kitchen window.
      The shock of death is coming as well but we don't know when it will hit us.  Are you going to say, 'Wait, I wasn't ready?'  Are you terrified with anticipation?   There is no way to avoid the biscuit can of life from popping and saying it's over.  We need to be prepared and ready at any time to leave this world.  The can of life is hard and tough but after the pop there is a softness that awaits us.
       May you be prepared to jump for joy as the jack-in-the-box does, when your time is up on this earth.  It will be more fresh and satisfying than waking up to the smell of biscuits in the oven.

Way Back Wednesday-----Parasailing in Maui

   



      These are pictures from June 1994 in Maui.  My parents treated Marc and I to a 5 day all inclusive vacation to Maui.  Everyone should go to Hawaii at least once in their lifetime.
       We took 500 of our own money to pay for things we wanted to do while we were there.  I'd have to say this last full day of our vacation was one of the favorite days of my life.  We were in the hotel lobby and Marc said 'we can do anything you want today, it's your pick.'  Really, anything?  So I went over to the brochure case of activities and this brochure on parasailing caught my eye.  I hesitated because I knew Marc was not a fan of heights but he did say anything.  I took it over to him and he said okay without any fuss.
       We found the boat down by the ocean's marina area.  As we got out on the water, the butterflies in my stomach came alive.  There was no backing out now but we gladly let the other couple go first.  As I recall, you go up 750 feet in the air.  Whoa!  The picture of me above is before we took our turn, I have no idea what I looked like after... maybe as green as my shirt.  While we were up there flying like the birds, the seat tilted because of our weight differences.  It added a little to the fear factor but we quickly took in the moment and enjoyed our heavenly flight.  It was one of those things you wish you could do twice but it's too expensive.
      We did different adventures every day we were there and maybe future blogs will include them but parasailing topped them all.  I encourage you to set aside your fears and enjoy life's moments of adventure.

Not So Cool

     I don't know about you but in a mirrorless, unrecorded, videoless room, I think I'm pretty cool in my own mind.  Now if I see myself in a mirror, hear my own voice or watch a video of me dancing..... the awkward reality hits me.  I'm not so cool.  That's okay tho, as we need to be comfortable with who we are.  We weren't made from a cookie cutter so our strengths and weaknesses vary individually.  We should embrace our differences.
     As we studied James in our bible study last night, we are to humble ourselves.  ''God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”  We may think we are 'all that' and more but it is in our best interest to kick ourselves off that pedestal.  Romans 12:3 ''For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.''
     I really don't like humbling moments.  They usually come in the form of a fall or some display of which I say 'I hope nobody saw that but me.'  They are necessary tho to keep us in check from being too proud.  Proverbs 16:18  ''Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.''

Built For God

^''For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.''         2 Timothy 1;7

     I have said before that we should all realize that we were made by God for God.  So when I read this caption it made me consider, 'Am I doing what I was built for?'  Or am I playing it safe with no real impact in other's lives?
     We can consider our use of spiritual gifts. Whatever yours may be.. if you don't use it, it will decay.  The more we use it, the better we will become at it.  We can't let our fear of failure drive our intended purposes away.
      We can also consider our ways in which we spread the gospel.  Yes, I am on the shy side in person with strangers but my boldness comes out behind the keyboard.  We don't all have to share in the same way but it is important to share your faith in some way.
      What shall we fear with God on our side?  Embarrassment or looking foolish is probably at the center of it but it all boils down to pride.  Be a bold witness without getting on a soapbox.


      From Matthew Henry commentary,  'God hath delivered us from the spirit of fear, and hath given us the spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. The spirit of power, or of courage and resolution to encounter difficulties and dangers;--the spirit of love to God, which will carry us through the opposition we may meet with..........the spirit of love to God will set us above the fear of man, and all the hurt that a man can do us;--and the spirit of a sound mind, or quietness of mind, a peaceable enjoyment of ourselves, for we are oftentimes discouraged in our way and work by the creatures of our own fancy and imagination, which a sober, solid, thinking mind would obviate, and would easily answer.'

Time Management

       I've become a time manager as my weakness in breathing has progressed.  Sure I used to work 8 hour days and be up and active the other 6 hours of a day.  Now a 3 hour break without air is considered an accomplishment.  I often have to choose activity A or B, not both.  A friend says, ''prior planning prevents poor performance.''  I can testify to that, in that if I don't rest before something I won't last as long as I want.  I have to prioritize my desired activities within my window of energy allotted to me.
       How long are you going to last?  Are you preparing now for eternity?  Our days are numbered and passing by at this very moment.  Are you managing your time wisely?
       We will reap what we sow so I hope you are using your time to plant seeds worth producing.  Invest your time into that which benefits both you and others.

Pray then Vote

     Here are some verses to pray with and consider before voting Nov. 6th.  Remember, you have no right to complain if you don't exercise your right to vote.  May our country turn back to God in all its ways and recognize our trust in Him.

II Chronicles 7:14 - If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, will heal their land.  

Acts 17:30 - Pray for repentance for yourself and for our nation.
Psalm 32:6-7 - Pray that Christians will be motivated to pray faithfully for this election and that the Lord would deliver us from the wrong leaders.
Proverbs 16:13 - Pray that our nation will listen to the truth and not be led astray.
Psalm 125 - Pray that those who trust in the Lord will not be shaken.
Psalm 86:14-17 - Pray that the Lord would defeat those who have no regard for Him in this election.
II Kings 13:16 - Pray that the Lord would put His hands on the man of His choice for president (and his team) and guide them in this election.
Daniel 2:20-22 - the Bible tells us that God sets up kings and God deposes kings.   God is in control.  
Luke 12:54-57 – Pray that God's man and our nation will be discerning and do what is right.
Psalm 16:7-8 - Pray that the Lord would give wise counsel and guidance to His choice for president in this campaign.
Proverbs 1:5-6 - Pray that God's man will listen with discernment, add to his knowledge, and receive wise counsel in this campaign.
John 16:33 - Pray that the man of God's choice would be given wisdom and ability from the Lord to overcome any obstacle or difficulty during this campaign.
Philippians 4:13 - Pray that the Lord's choice for President will have special strength and unusual ability from God.
Psalm 18:32-36 - Pray that the Lord would arm the man of His choice with strength; would guide him in battle (this election); and would sustain him and give him victory.
Hebrews 11:32-34 – Pray that God's man could, through faith, persevere and maintain his courage throughout this election.
2 Corinthians 12:9 – Pray that the Lord would empower and enable his man in any area of weakness.
Habakkuk 1:5 and 3:2 - Pray that the Lord would do something that would utterly amaze us and give His servant victory.  

Sharp Edges

     How easy is it for you to walk barefooted across a rocky parking lot?  I know kids do it but my feet are just not that tough.  The jagged, sharp edges just make me cringe at the thought of them poking in my skin.
     Sometimes life can be like a sharp edge that drives us into who we are to be.  We want that thorn removed but yet God says His grace is sufficient.  He uses our weaknesses to make us spiritually stronger.  I personally just have come to accept my weak traits without focusing my life around them the best I can.  I know there will come a day without any of them to bear.  What a glorious day that will be.
     Have you ever reached a point in life where you've tried and failed in all your efforts?  'What more can I do,' may have run thru your mind.  That is rock bottom.  The Rock of Ages is awaiting your awareness of Him for strength and all your needing at the time.  Our sense of helplessness is like a lighthouse light leading us to Him.
     When we hit the bottom, there is no where to go or look but up.

Discernment

     I can always tell when the litter box needs changed.  No, it doesn't take long before it overwhelms the room.  No one wants to linger in a stinky room.  Even my cats want a clean bathroom to go in.  Who can blame them, I want my bathroom clean too.
     Our minds should be as quick to discern what is right or not right to expose ourselves to.  False teaching should be like a bad smell to you as well.  Some preachers just do sermons on what sounds good or what they think people want to hear and avoid the subject of sin and repentance.
     The Holy Spirit is our discernment guide to a believer's conscience.  We get that feeling that this is wrong and it's up to us to follow that.  We must use the Word to confirm that we are in agreement with the direction God wants us to take.