Friday, July 17, 2015

Foto Friday

Freddie the frog

Baby Russell's first swim party







Me at age 9.... catching some air




Gourmet popsicles..yum





Saturday, July 11, 2015

Getting Through It

The Survivor’s Creed by Max Lucado . . . You will get through this.  It won't be painless.  It won't be quick.  But God will use this mess for good.  Don't be foolish or naïve.  But don't despair either.  With God's help, you'll get through this. . . . (HopefortheBrokenHearted.com)



                       I know of many people today who are hurting for different reasons.  I thought I would share this poem of encouragement to help them persevere.   James 1;12  ''Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.''  James 5;11  ''As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.''
                      As the poem says, it's going to hurt and healing takes time but remember there is purpose in our struggles that benefit us.  Look for what God is trying to show you.  God is with us in all things and that is a comfort beyond all measure.


Friday, July 10, 2015

Foto Friday

Visiting at the Rew's house
Maru, Rebekah, Gloria, my mom
And swim kids

Dinner at Zaffinos
Ferdine, Nori, Nori's brother, and Randy

Jacob bushhogging with my dad



My 2nd cousin, Addison


Thursday, July 9, 2015

Be Soft

Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness.  EPHESIANS 4:32   And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.


                       What you 'let' control your heart will be revealed in your words, actions and reactions.  You either have control of it or it will control you.  What is 'IT'?  Negativity, harshness, bitterness, unforgiveness, hatred OR gentleness, kindness, humility, forgiveness, love.
                       As Christians, we should maintain the softness and flexibility of our hearts.  We don't live in a perfect world so don't expect a life without flaws and mistakes.  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.''
                      Some have said that because of my physical struggles that I could complain and be bitter but that's not the kind of example and reflection I want to be.  My goal is to be a light to the world with no shadow of darkness.  This won't be achieved until heaven, but it's worth striving for.  Are you striving for it too?


Sunday, July 5, 2015

Foto Sunday

At church with Susan F.

Karla's birthday







Birthday dinner for my dad
at Whole hog cafe



Friday, June 26, 2015

Foto Friday

Abigail, Gloria, Ferdine, Rebekah
visiting

Friday fun in the pool




Fun on the trike 

Chris and Stephanie Davidson
and family visiting

Monday, June 22, 2015

Pool Time





     










                        ''I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.''   I used to love to swim and just be in the pool.  With increased weakness, that pleasure got altered to just sitting on the steps. While I used to be able to swim the length of the pool, jump off the diving board, and retrieve objects off the floor of the deep end.... well, the steps just don't offer that excitement I desire.
                        Karla follows a young boy, Tripp Halstead, on Facebook who was permanently injured when a tree limb fell on him.  He uses this WaterWay Babies floation device in the pool.  Karla showed it to me and I ordered it with the hope of having some freedom in the pool.
                       Today was our trial run and it was a success.  It may look goofy and I need a little more practice, but it's worth it to me.  You can only fly, if you're willing to spread your wings and try.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Constant

God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. We’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love. We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. (1 John 4:17-19 MSG)



                         There are not many constants in this world, even gravity can be defied.  Unless a promise is from God, there is no full proof guarantee that it will be honored.  Even our own feelings waver with our moods and circumstances.  What do we rely on for no doubt consistency?  Not yourself, not the world, but in Christ alone.
                         How we live our lives reflects what we believe. If you fear the Lord, your life will surely show it.  The quote above tells how God's love for us is not wearied, is relentless, is determined, and priceless just to turn our hearts to Him.  Only Christ's love for us remains true through all our downfalls of wrong thinking and wrong living,
                        'At whatever cost' is a very bold statement.  God will do what it takes to bridge the gap between us and Him.  For all, He sent His Son to pay our debt of sin.  For each of us personally, He will allow trials and triumphs to draw us closer to Him.  Your situation in the world is far less important than your relationship with Him.
                        May we all remember that as many times as we have failed Him, that He remains faithful to us in love.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Trust Him

Have you been missing out on God's blessing? Here's a verse that gives us a "prescription" for receiving a very special blessing from God.



                  Do you ever question how God answers your prayers?  The Bible says ''Ask and you shall receive, if its His will'', but it also says ''His ways and thoughts are above ours.''   Our prayers are usually on 'general' terms because we know we don't know the whole story like God does.  We leave things in His hands, which is to 'depend on the Lord.'  We let go of the burden, which is to 'trust Him.' Then we rest in His faithfulness, which is 'He will take care of you.'
                 I pray for strength regularly, especially in regards to my breathing.  As my breathing range has been challenged from less than 2 minutes to 2 hours without air assistance, I certainly know what it is to be air-hungry.  So has my prayer for strength been given a 'no', because my body hasn't been restored to full capacity?  My prayer was answered with my Trilogy air machine.  It is portable, which allows me to go where I want.  It gives me a boost when my lung muscles need a break.
                So, yes..... I will surrender my control over to a life of dependence and trust because only He will take care of me through eternity.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Amazing Love

God doesn't want something from us. He simply wants us. ~ C S Lewis



                Amazing love so divine, and yet He cares about this little heart of mine.  I get overwhelmed thinking of all the people, past and present, that God has created and cares for.  His love is infinite and endures forever.
               When reading about the prodigal son, we see the human race and it's desire for more.  As sheep we wander and hopefully make a Christ centered change to return to Him, but our Father and His love never changes.  He loves us through sin and shame, always wanting us just the same.
              ''Did I want what I wanted, or did I want what He wanted, no matter what it might cost?''...by Elisabeth Elliot