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) 

It's a Beautiful Day

     I was looking up another song to post for this beautiful day and found this one. I think the words are so encouraging. Today IS a new chance for you to make it a positive, rewarding day. We don't know what God has in store for us today but with an open heart and mind, we can accept it with a grateful attitude.
'This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.'  Go out and enjoy it.

Till The End

     I saw something on the news last night that I found disturbing. Pat Robertson, the tv evangelist, had a caller phone in a question on marriage. 'My wife has end stage Alzheimers disease and I wana know if its okay to see other women since she's unaware?' Pat's response was 'It would be better to divorce her first.'
I'm no preacher but I know that's not biblical. There are two biblical reasons for divorce, adultery and abandonment, but getting sick is not included. I thought both the question and answer were appaulling. The news reporter suggested talking this over early in your marriage so you'll know what to do. Umm, wasn't that discussion covered under 'for better or worse, in sickness and in health, till death do you part.'
     Be sure if you ask someone for advice, that the answer given is backed up by scripture. Thats how Satan works, he twists the Truth.

Proving Yourself

     Have you ever felt the need to prove yourself worthy to others? I think it's a common theme in teenagers lives. Peer pressure drives our need and desire to be accepted. There are a few out there that want to be different and set themselves apart from the 'norm.'
     I had to switch schools in 10th grade because Sylvan Hills High School had 3 floors with no elevator, only stairs. I had just had back surgery that summer so I went to North Pulaski that was one level. I knew one person that went there. I had changed schools before but it's never easy. I don't know how military kids do it all the time? Well, I had a World History class with Mr. Fincher. The way he prepared us for a test was to play Jeopardy on the material the day before. We divided up into two teams. As the 'new' kid, of course, I got picked last. I thought, 'I'll show them not to pick me last.' Let's just say I did well enough that time at answering questions to get picked first the next time.
     Did I really need to prove myself to them? No. I just wanted to be accepted and used whatever means I had to try and get rid of 'the new girl' stereotype. I'm not saying you want to fit in with everybody because you shouldn't. It only counts when you fit in with the Lord. Find your own niche in the world with what God gave you. You only have to prove yourself to you.

Changing Weather

     If you've lived in Arkansas, you know the weather can change on a dime. Today the high is 90 and the high tomorrow is forecasted to be 73. I'm not complaining, I think it just gives you a taste of the near future. Its wise to watch the weather so you're not unaware and caught out in it.
     One of our favorite places to fish, while in MO, was Lake Springfield. Its like a very small river that opens up to a small lake. One beautiful, sun shiny day we loaded up to go fish for awhile. The boat, the poles, the dog, the CD player and we're all set. It was a great day so we decided to go down, for the first time, to the large open part of the lake. We fished along the way. To the west is a large cliff that hinders any view past it. After getting to the open area, we see a huge dark cloud headed our way. We decided to fish just 5 more minutes, then we'll head back. Well that cloud was on us faster than a tick on a coon dog in July. I was on the high seat in back with no life jacket on and there was no time to get me down. Marc had one hand on the wheel driving and one hand holding on to mine, so I wouldn't fly out. The winds were blowing and we saw a whirlwind in the park to the east of us. We couldn't make it back in time! We headed for the trees on the other side so we could get outa the boat. Marc jumped out into waist deep sludge. As he was trying to get me out, the tree in front of us started to crack. With the high winds, we thought it was gona fall on us. So, back in the boat..not that we had gotten far, the sludge was thicker than wet concrete. We raced across the lake to the boat launch and huddled under a tree until it was over. As we drove home, soaking wet and covered in mud, we saw trees down all over Springfield. There had been 80 mph winds that day. If that's not mercy, I don't know what is.
     Who knew? We sure didn't. Looks can be deceiving, even with the weather. Be smart, be aware. The weather can catch you off guard, just like that.

Anticipation

     Today my respiratory team is bringing me a new machine with the hope that it will improve my breathing endurance. They came out last week for me to consider whether to try it or not. It was kind of like a Rainbo vacuum sales pitch with all the bells and whistles that sounded just too good not to try. I'm hopeful but not dependent on the outcome.
      When I was young and dumb, I saw on the news a new surgery on the vocal cords to make your voice louder. I was newly married and chose to stay out of school the first year. I thought this surgery would change my life profoundly and it backed up my reasoning on missing school. My hope in the surgery was beyond measurable. They did one side of my vocal cords and gave me too much anesthesia. With devastating effects, I almost didn't make it. I recovered but no change in my voice but weaker lungs now. So here's the stupid part, I decided to do the other side of my vocal cords. Hit me once shame on you, hit me twice shame on me. In hindsight, its probably my worst mistake ever. The results of the second surgery were no improvement in my voice and having to use a breathing assisted machine to sleep at night.
     Trying new things is worth a shot but be cautious. The results can be beyond your expectations, good or bad.

Panic

     We were reminded yesterday of the panic that struck the U.S. ten years ago. Panic can also strike us from within. If you've never had a panic attack, I know it sounds silly, irrational and unexplainable. I agree but it is also a real and all-consuming fear with a paralyzing effect.
     This happened to me while driving during 1998, I think. I had heard on the news the danger of airbags killing people. As I drove home from work on the freeway, the thought of this happening scared me and I decided to not take the freeway to and from work anymore. So driving home through town had its own challenges. After working 8 hours, I was pretty tired. It became increasingly difficult, in my mind at least, to stop and go thru all the traffic and stop lights. My 20 minute drive home soon became a 2 hour drive. The fear of not being able to brake was like a pressure cooker building with steam. I had to pull over every lil bit and calm myself with deep breathing, regroup and go again. This went on for 2-3 months. Sure people asked where I was and I just said I made a few stops along the way. True, in a skewed kinda way. I didn't tell a soul because what would I do if I couldn't drive???  One day I came to a busy intersection in the middle of town and I literally could not move. My fear-stricken face must have been visible from far, far away. Before I even had a chance to consider what to do, a man from the adjacent street got out of his truck and asked me if I needed help. Normally I would never, but in this case, I scooted over to the passenger seat and let him drive to the Pizza Hut parking lot at that intersection. Sure a million bad things could have happened to me at that moment but I think it was a Good Samaritin moment sent from above. I finally told someone and was asked 'why didn't you use the hand controls?' My fear was so powerful over me, I never thought of that and it was there all along. My mom came up that weekend and helped me practice driving with the hand controls. I drove safely and comfortably for the next 5 years.
     Don't let fears of anything consume you. Talk it over with someone. The solution may be right at your fingertips.

Caught

     Tonight at church after standing up and singing 'Stand Up For Jesus', my friend, Charlene, sat back down. As she did her long shirt got caught on my wheelchair's joystick control, which was powered on at full speed. My chair started turning and pushing her chair with her in it across the floor. Yes, this was during church..lol. Luckily, she got her shirt loose before any major damage was done.
     It reminded us both of being in Cozymel, MX. I was using my old scooter and got stuck in the sand. After some guys carried the scooter to the sidewalk, my dad put me back in it. At full speed, I started driving and soon realized the throttle was stuck and I couldn't stop. This was at our resort and people were everywhere. Yelling? pointless. All I could do was hold on, weave thru the people and aim for the shrubs. Thoughts were 'MOVE' and 'This is gona hurt.' With strength from above I'm sure, I was able to flip the power switch off with my right thumb. WHEW..that was close.
     So make way if you see me coming..lol...well at full speed anyways.  Really I'm a good driver.

Switcharoo

My switch from summer to fall decorations. Enjoy.

Not Now?

You think your word or deed is very small, That what you say will hardly count at all;
But God can take the seed that you have sown, And nourish it until it’s fully grown. —Hess


     I went to a memorial service yesterday for a woman who was known for sharing the Good News with whomever she met and wherever she went. I have a friend, Nancy, who is also a diligent spreader of the gospel. She talks with people, passes out tracts, been a Teen Mission leader and gone on numerous mission trips. I've been with her at times where she starts sharing with someone and I must admit thinking 'not now, Nancy.' One specific time was at Saddlecreek restaurant and the waiter was trying to take our order. Nancy started asking him questions. I thought 'now, Nancy, really?'  It was a selfish thought because I had food on my mind. I do know he received a Bible later that week but God took it from there. The seed was planted. The harvest is His.
     Good for Nancy in being an example to me and the others at the table. There is no wrong place or time to share with others the choice for eternity. So if not here, WHERE? if not now, WHEN? if not you, WHO?

No Fear

 Proverbs 3;25-26  ''Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,  for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.''


     This is for my friend who is leaving for a trip to the Grand Canyon on a motorcycle. Trust in the Lord and His protection are the most important things she is taking with her. His control over all things is a reassuring, comforting thought as they travel so far from home. The prayer circle of friends petitions for their safety on the trip as well as for things being okay at home while they're away. They are not alone on that bike. God is in the invisible sidecar, right at their side, guiding them all the way. Have fun you two. See you soon.

Listening

    James 1;19 '' My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak''


     I copied the following from one of my devotionals today, which inspired this blog. ''Talking is sharing but listening is caring. Take a tip from creation.  Ears aren’t made to shut but the mouth is. Put away your sermon, save your advice and just listen. Sometimes the best gift a friend can offer is a listening ear.''
     People often have to listen closer to what I'm saying because I talk so softly. In general tho, are you a good listener?  I think eye contact is a very important part of listening. It shows you are focused on what the speaker is saying. Are you really listening or just waiting for them to finish, so you can say your two cents worth? Proverbs 18:13 'To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.'  I know I'm guilty of this, especially when I don't agree with what's being said. I could probably respond better in all discussions if I would listen to the whole thing. Sometimes though, no response is needed or wanted, we just want to vent. That's when a good phone call or visit with a friend is the best solution. Saying 'I know what you mean' or 'I understand' is all you need to hear.
     You can close your eyes and close your mouth, but the ears are always open. So listen up but with that being said, be careful what you listen to also.

Smilebox

Customize a slideshow design

Let It Shine

"In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."
Philippians 2:15

 

     The dark is scary. How comforting it is to a child to just have a little night light to go to sleep at night. It's not much but they know its there. We, too, have a little light inside each of us that comforts, guides and protects us. How brightly we let it shine in our lives is up to us. I do think we have an aura around us that can project a sense of light or darkness.  Darkness is everywhere and if you block the light, it shows itself in the form of a shadow. God's light will shine through you if you accept Him. Sharing how God has worked in your life is a bright light to others. John 8;12    'Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  One day there will be no more darkness but until then, don't hide in the shadows,  let your light shine brightly.

40th party

Here are a few pictures of my 40th birthday party for those of you not on facebook.  It was a great time of 32 friends, barbeque, cake, and music. If I'd known 40 was so great, I'd done it a long time ago..lol.

Friends Change

     'You don't have to change friends if you realize friends change.'  Have you heard that before? We all change hopefully as we mature and grow into new stages of our lives. For example, whether you've been over time blessed with a family of your own or been struck by sickness or injury, we must be accepting of that change. Thoughts like 'geez, can't you go out alone?' or 'its just not like it used to be' can be detrimental to a 'true friendship.'
     Two friends, I'll call A and B, that I grew up with are an example of this. Friend A has accepted my physical changes over the years but yet can talk to me as if I hadn't changed at all. I see her kids as just an extended part of her now. Friend B lived down the street from me 9 of the past 10 years and yet hasn't stopped by once, with invitation. Through talk from others, I know how her life has changed. I'd rather not be friends than to be fake friends.
     I know its easy to grow apart and distance can sometimes interfere but I encourage you to stay in touch with your true friends. Realize tho their demands in their lives may have changed, be understanding and accomadating to those needs.

Fine at Forty

Psalm 139;14   I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

     Well I made it thru the night and the transition went smoothly, I made it to 40.  Alot of people may think I don't look 40 but unlike Obama I have the birth certificate to prove it, ha. I see people on television and think 'good grief, I'm older than them?'  I know that God made my small frame and weak muscles with a purpose in mind and not just to make life more challenging for me. My strength is not physical but is from Him and that's all I need to keep this 40yr old spirit going.

30's End Today

     Well today I am 39 for the last time, tomorrow is the big 4-0. My thirties have certainly been one of change, growth and maturity. The start of the decade was rough but overall its been good. I've met people, now friends, that I wish I'd known sooner but it feels like I have known them forever. I've gotten to travel... Mexico 4 times, Las Vegas, Nashville, Branson, and Texas many times. Many memories made. [pictures at the end] I've become a member of a church that I consider a big part of me. I have lost 3 pets along the way but gained 3 more.  As my disease is progressive, I have become physically weaker but stronger spiritually. To quote John Piper, “Only one life, twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.''   So heres to the next decade, may it bring glory to Him in what we make of it together.

Seeing Pain

     Oh how I hate to see others in pain. I am a 'want to fix it' type of person. You can see discomfort in one's eyes, body movements or just feel it in your heart. Sometimes its an easy fix, like readjusting someone's pillow in bed for them, but often it's only fixable by God's power through prayer.
     I took my dog, Brandi, to the vet once and they cut her nails. No big deal, right? They cut too much, she cried and it bled. I'm used to blood from working at the lab but this was my baby dog's blood. I started passing out and they had to take me out. I know it sounds silly. Just seeing my loved one in pain hurt me to the core.
     This blog is for my friends/loved ones that are hurting tonight. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sometimes the best advice needs no words