Foto Friday

Betsy n the kids dropped by for
some mask fun

3 lil masqueraders

Jack n my Dad getting Karla
here by 9am

2 weeks till spring

I wanna build a snowgirl

Snowgirl  'Destiny'

Snow makes Jack frisky

Karla's creation

4 wheelin fun

Wise Decisions

Proverbs 13;16  ''All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly.''


                     When we know better, we should do better.  I don't think we can ever reach the level of wise, but we can gain wisdom.  Wisdom provides instruction, discernment, knowledge and 'turns a person from the snares of death.'
                     Job 28;28  ''And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”
                    The worst mistake that we all make repeatedly is in our decision to trust ourselves, before we trust in God's will for our lives.  Manipulation is how we try to change what we know is not right into an 'acceptable' form in our minds and yet it is still wrong as ever.
                  'Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.'  What does that 'fear' mean to you?  To me, it means knowing I am not in control, God has all the power over me.  It means His consequences are just and undeniable.  It means acknowledging that He has the power to kill both the body and soul.  How can we even begin to be wise without humbling ourselves to the Creator of all?
                   For all those, who make the mistake to not give their heart and soul to God... it is your decision, but God is always wanting and waiting for you to decide differently.

Keep the Negativity Quiet

                   Who ever said, ''I need more negativity in my life''....... no one ever!  I believe there are two kinds of people, encouragers and discouragers.... which are you?  No one is given the right to put other people down thru name calling, labels or snide remarks.  When a person makes ugly remarks, it is more of a reflection of ugly on them alone.
                  Some people don't watch the news because of all the negative effect on their minds, so why do we breed negativity in our lives?  Low self esteem, anxiety, and stress are some reasons but I think the root cause is that it's just a bad, bad habit.  I think we all need to screen our thoughts before they become our words.
                 

THE Answer

                      There are some questions in life that have no earthly answer to be found, but the answer lies within God's ways and thoughts that are above ours.  Sometimes we seek love, acceptance, trust, and favor from others, when only God is the one we need to ultimately please and provide those things.  Sometimes we place blame and hurt on others, instead of giving the forgiveness that God never denied us of.
                     'God will deal with and defeat the devil at some point in time.'  Leave it to God to avenge your wrongs, as He can do way more than you could even dream of.  We aren't meant to know all the why's that we come up with, but we can trust in His Word and the victory He has promised.

Foto Friday

Going upstairs for my shower
in my Christmas robe

Karla and me selfie

Going back downstairs

Jack too

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

Jack loves to go to
Scoopdog

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

Thursday visit from Gloria

Cathy's visit on Friday

Bad Kellogg driver

Very bad Kellogg driver

Show Me The Way

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


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

PBR Time

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

Foto Friday

Crack candy ingredients

Live the Message

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

Meaning of a Snowman

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