Look Further

     This caption makes me think of my friend, Lesley.  She is literally across the ocean serving as a missionary.  As do all missionaries, she has family and friends at home that she loves and misses.  She gives up the common everyday conveniences of the modern world. She faces danger in a country with an unstable government.  These are all reasons that could hold her back from her calling but it doesn't.  Why?  She faces the unknown with courage because she realizes the importance of spreading God's word.  Her translation work of the Bible reaches a people group, the Glaro, that would otherwise be untouched by the Word, but instead left to witchcraft.
     You too can reach your goals and fullfil your purpose, if you don't let things or fears hold you back.

A Star Is Born?

     I love Molly Shannon's character, Mary Katherine on SNL, to say 'Superstar'..lol
    Most kids like to dress up and pretend to be a 'Superstar.' The attention, the glamour and attempted talent is fun.  It makes you feel bigger than you think you are.
     When I was 4, we went to a music show up in Mountain View.  Near the end of the show, they asked if anyone in the audience wanted to come up on stage. I asked if I could and my parents said yes.  They say I got a lil shy after I got up there.  After the show, my dad had to go looking for me.  He found me backstage walking up and down the hall. 'What are you doing,' he asked.  'I'm looking for my dressing room!'
    Often kids will dress up as their role models...teacher, parent, etc.  Be the role model that you'd like to see imitated by your kid.

Just a Sip?

     We all like to sample new things.  You can even make a meal off free samples at Sam's Club on the weekend.  Just try and you'll buy it. Its a gimmick thats proven to work.
     The devil can also deceive us into thinking we can try things just once, just ask Eve.  Drug addiction comes first to my mind on this because so many addicts claim, they just wanted to try it once. Just a sip, just a taste, just a puff is all it took to ruin so many lives.  There are countless sins to avoid because our sinful minds will start to justify why one more time will be okay.  We lose our sensitivity to the moral ground we once believed in and fall into darkness.  Nancy Reagan's 'Just Say No' campaign in the 80's may seem simple but it really is the bottom line.  Temptation will move on to somewhere else when confronted with a non-wavering NO.
     Take a gulp of the good life and pass on the sip of sin.  Let your 'no' mean 'no', even to a sip.

Ephesians 4;19-21 ''Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.  That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.''

The Look

     Okay, apparently some of you out there gave me 'the look' thru your computer screens over yesterday's blog. That's okay.  If you know me very well, then you've probably been on the receiving end of 'the look' from me at some point..lol.  Since my voice is soft, sometimes the opportunity isn't right to say what I want.  Other times, I just know nothing good is going to come from my mouth so I keep it shut.  There are also times when no words are needed.  These are all scenarios when 'the look' might pop out.
     I'll give a couple of examples..lol.  I have an automatic bed and it broke a few months ago.  My dad said he'd fix it one day when I was upstairs taking a shower. Time passed till one day as I was going upstairs, I caught him in the driveway with a toolbox.  I asked, in a leading the witness kinda way, what are you going to work on? His trailer lights. Without a word spoken, I gave 'the look'. My eyes told and his eyes heard everything.  My bed has worked ever since I got back from that shower.
     One day, Charlene and I were out and she needed to run into the neighborhood market. I was going to wait for her in the van. I told her I was fine and there was no need to lock the van but she insisted.  When she came back, the remote wouldn't unlock the doors.  'The look' said with a panic, 'now I'm trapped.'  After a few more tries with the remote, she realized the old fashioned way would work.. the key.  lol. You might laugh but I didn't think of it either.
     We must be careful to watch what are eyes convey to others. Our thoughts can be boldly spoken by rolling our eyes or softly given by a subtle glance. Sometimes we aren't even aware our eyes are saying anything but they do.  Connie, who I worked with, could always tell if I didn't feel well. She'd say, I can see it in your eyes.
     Some times I need to close my mouth AND close my eyes...lol.

I Ate Too Much

     How many times have you felt like this fat cat?  I can definetely over indulge in a few things like guacamole and frozen yogurt.  The miserable feeling after we've crossed the line is certainly not pleasurable or worth it.  So why do we do it?  Boredom, not wanting to waste it, lack of self control, or because you're a member of the clean plate club. We used to go out for lunch on Saturdays with the plan to grocery shop afterwards.  I can't tell you how many times, we got so full that groceries were postponed to another day...ha.
     We must remember our bodies are a gift and a temple, not our own. Respecting our bodies with ample nourishment will make us feel better overall.

Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit

Canton Nov 2011

 We left for Canton, TX on Thursday, Nov 3rd.  The whole town turns into a flea market, with new and old stuff, the weekend before the first Monday of each month. We got there about 830pm.
Friday started out kinda cold so we went to the indoor mall first. 300 vendors there with booths. We ran into the lady who made my bench several years ago. She wasnt here on our last visit and this was her last show to sell at. I wish I had taken a picture with her. She is going to paint 4 new scenes for my bench by early spring.
Friday afternoon we went to the main area with long metal buildings filled with vendors. We brought my new machine so that when I got tired, I could get some air. Well when that time came, my mask broke.  aghhh.  I had a spare in the van so no harm. The crowds weren't too bad Friday.  We ate at dinner at our usual mexican restaurant, Juanitas...free ice cream.

Saturday, oh my gosh, was a mad house. We estimated at least 100,000 people were there. They say the economy is bad? not in Canton.  Jack went with us Sat afternoon. He thought everyone was his best friend, including this one dog, a bull mastiff, that wanted to eat him in one bite...lol.  The traffic picture below is us trying to go about 3 miles back to the rv..took over an hour. For die hard shoppers, its worth it..lol.  Needless to say, we ate in and watched the LSU/AL game. My dad came down with a cold this night too.
Sunday, we thought we were doing good to be ready by 1020am... wait its 920am? Thanks Verizon..lol.  When do you know its time to go home?  The owner at the last store stopped my dad and I at the door and said 'no wheelchairs allowed.'  Seriously?  I'm not sure thats legal but we left it at that and walked away.  If you go to Canton, boycott Laurie Annas... just my lil free advertising plug..lol.
We got home about 8pm Sunday night...whooped. It was a great trip that I've waited over a year for. Christmas shopping mostly done plus a few goodies for me..lol.
Sincerely,  Canton Junkie



Did You Hear?

     When you hear of someone losing their job or being stricken by illness, do you start a gossip chain or a prayer chain?  The best way to help them is to pray for them, not talk about them.  Its easy to talk about why it happened and what should be done from our feeble viewpoints. Oh but little do we know about the big picture.  Petitioning the burdens of others to God is the best use of your mouth.

Outfit Choices

    Is it Murphy's law that if you wear a sloppy outfit, then you'll have more run-ins with people you know? I think its true. We all consider what we think the day has in store for us when we choose our clothes for the day. I think if you wear something you like then it will show thru in your mood and attitude.  Maybe I'm just showing my vain side but its important to care how you look.

It's Not Ours to Decide

The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. —Proverbs 15:2

 

     Well I sometimes watch The Dr. Oz show, if the topic interests me. Yesterday's show was on whether doctor assisted suicide should be legal or not.  I won't beat around the bush as to what my opinion is.  I believe its wrong and the most selfish act one can commit on earth.  I only watched part of the show, which did give both sides, but I get fed up with people being the devil's advocate. No one chooses to be born, God gave you life, so its not your right to end it.  Montel Williams was a guest on the show and told how he fell, on purpose, in front of a cab to try to end his life. The cab stopped in time but how guilt stricken would that cab driver been if he couldn't have stopped. Selfish. Another guest, who was completely disabled, talked of the life she used to have and the one she didn't have now. Yet what she was blessed with, two grown children, she was willing to depart from at her own choice. Selfish. One last guest that I'll mention was a completely disabled man who had thought about suicide but realized how much life had to offer, just in a more confined way of existence.

     Last year towards the end of my hospital stay, my doctor talked to me about hospice. I was totally shocked to say the least. Hospice, in my mind, was for patients that medicine could no longer help. Here I was giving my all, plus more and I'm supposed to agree to surrender? I told him the next day that to agree to hospice was like suicide to me. I was not ready to give up and there was still fight left in me.  The 'H' word has never been brought up again.  [I know hospice is a needed resource for many in desperate, end of life situations].

     There is always hope so don't give in to bad circumstances.  None of us can have the life and abilities of the past because whether its illness or age, we all slow down. Don't throw in the towel, just shake it off and use what ya got.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November Prayer Requests

The following are prayer requests from FBF missionaries. Please join me in praying for them.

Lesley Wolfe
--- Introducing Guy and Keyla Burkhead, who are seriously considering joining
the Glaro team!  They will be finishing their training with New Tribes
Mission in December, and after a year of deputation will be ready to head to
'the field'.  Of course, the Speitelsbachs and I are praying that they will
join our team and work with Aaron and Amy in Freetown, Liberia.  Please join
us in praying for God's clear direction in Guy and Keyla's lives.

---My current co-workers, Aaron and Amy Speitelsbach, will be returning to
Liberia on November 13th.  After a brief time in Monrovia, they will make
the 20-hour trip to the Glaro village of Freetown, in southeastern Liberia,
where they will settle in once again to village life and then get back to
the task of studying the Glaro language and culture.

--- I hope to be back in the village by Thanksgiving day, and once the solar
 panels have been replaced on the roof of my office and my power producing
 gadgets are all hooked up, I'll be back to translating, focusing on the book of
 Matthew these next few months.

---The village chief in Beoue died in mid-September and a new chief has yet to be
appointed by the Glaro elders from among themselves.  Please pray that God
will direct their choosing of the new village chief, and that he will desire
to do good for the village and all of us living there.

Phillip Prime and Family
         
Please pray that the Lord would use The Way of the Master evangelism course to help our church better share Christ and have a renewed compassion for the lost.
Please pray for the salvation of Juan and Karina. They live across the street from where our church meets on Sundays and have shown an interest in spiritual things.

Lord willing we will be heading to family camp in a few weeks with the bookmobile. We would like to praise the Lord for His provision of new tires for the    Bookmobile!

Martin Tuohy and Family
1. Continue to wait on the Lord for peace and clarity as to if He wants us to serve in Puruandiro, MX or stay in Denmark.

2. Wisdom and discipline to take full advantage of the current ministry here while we wait. Teaching and evangelism.

Bobby and Namatha Avilez
1.        Pray for  adjustment to culture and language for new staff, The Kents, as they settle into their new ministry roles!
2.       Pray for a great start to the second semester

Ted and Priscilla Clark

We really need prayer at this time for wisdom in planning our upcoming Christmas outreach.  It is always a huge undertaking, but we continue to feel that it is worthwhile, as we have seen the Lord working through this event throughout the years. How we need the Lord’s thoughts to put together a program that would glorify Him, present His message as clearly as possible, and be a delight for the listeners at the same time as it is used to convict them of their sin and need for Christ.

We will be hosting our very large Family camp, followed by our large missionary gathering for Thanksgiving.  Please pray for the Lord’s merciful protection over many who will be traveling in for these occasions.  A couple of families will be traveling 10 hours or so from Northern Mexico, and many families from surrounding cities.We are so grateful for the wonderful speakers the Lord has provided for this camp.  Pray for great wisdom for them in presenting these truths from Scripture, which could make all the difference for these families.  Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to accompany the teachings and reception in the hearts of the people.

Invest in Today

    I just found this and copied it.  I don't think there's any more that needs said.

A Great Example

      When I read this caption, I immediately thought of one person, no pun intended..lol. That would be Phillip Persson.  He is one of our pastors at church.  One of his causes is teaching kids music for free on almost any instrument they choose.  Never seeking applause but instead teaching them discipline, a work ethic and faithfulness thru music.  He also expresses his love for the Lord through song writing. He has written songs for many occasions, like weddings or child dedications, not to impress others but to express God's will and  desire for that situation.  Philllip has taught me music lessons on the hammer dulcimer for a few years now. I have recently taken a break from those and his absence on Saturday mornings has truly been felt.
      I could go on and on about the great example he sets for us all in many different areas of the church and with his life but I just wanted to give a glimpse. 
      Our ultimate example tho is Jesus.  As Christians, let others see us as a good example of what it means to be a believer and follower of Him.

Memory in the Making

     Our past is our own. We can share bits and pieces with others but nothing you say or show can really encapsulate all that it means to you. Its like sharing your favorite photo album, your enthusiasm will always be greater than whoever you're showing it to. This video by John Kilzer takes me back to the past, as do many songs for people. Its not good to live in the past tho because we must move forward and grow from our experiences.  There is a time and season for why and when things have happened in your life. Don't get stuck in the winter of your journey when spring has so much to offer.

     'Don't look back, you're not headed that way' is a quote from my friend, Twylia.  If we focus too much on what was then, our eyes won't see what's ahead or right in front of us. We wouldn't want amnesia because memories are part of who we are but we must not dwell there. Make the memories of today then move on to tomorrow.

100th Blog

     I can't believe that I've written 100 blogs already but thats what blogspot tells me. Actually this is the 100th.  It seems like just yesterday my friend, Gloria, was urging me to start a blog. I had been reading hers, Under Her Wings, for awhile and just thought it to be an overwhelming task. Well I jumped in with both feet blindly and somehow didn't drown as I expected. It is now my favorite hobby.  I'm so glad Gloria lit the spark to the little fire inside me that I can share with you.  The blog has taught me a lot through looking up relevant bible verses, to sharing my opinions on difficult subjects tactfully, and the growth of dear friendships.  What a blessing this blog has been to me.  I look forward to writing it every day that I can and am anxious to see what is in store for the blogs to come.
     Thank you to all who read my blogs.  Thanks especially to those who comment on here, verbally, or by email to me. Your support means alot.
     And that's that!

How Rude

     I like this caption because now my reaction to rudeness can be to think how weak they are, instead of just getting angry back. I think you can go out and find rudeness almost anywhere any day of the week.  Why is that?  Short tempers, impatience, lack of understanding, arrogance and pride are just a few reasons. I think this applies to vocabulary too.  Cursing is just rude. A good comedian can tell a joke without any foul language but a weak comedian fills his lack of talent with obscenities.  Rudeness isn't a becoming feature so lets try to avoid it in ourselves and others.

 

''A rude nature is worse than a brute nature by so much more as man is better than a beast: and those that are of civil natures and genteel dispositions are as much nearer to celestial creatures as those that are rude and cruel are to devils.'' M. Cavendish 

Proverbs 2;12-15
Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
   from men whose words are perverse,
who have left the straight paths
   to walk in dark ways,
who delight in doing wrong
   and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
whose paths are crooked
   and who are devious in their ways.

Your Word

''One thing you can give and still keep...is your  word.''


    We all know people who do what they say they're going to do and those who we say to ourselves, yea I'll believe it when I see it. It's easy to entrust someone with a task or favor, if we believe in what they say they will do.  Our word is our bond to others. If you say it, fulfill it. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Its better not to over extend yourself in commitments than to agree on something and disappoint those counting on you. It used to be that a handshake and your word was as good as a written legal document. Where has our word gone?
    Yes, life happens and things get bumped but we all can be understanding and forgiving to those situations.  For the most part tho, we need to be people that can be trusted to do what we said we'd do.
    The following I copied from Todd Smith's website.
      Starting today, become a person who lives up to your word and does what you say you will even when circumstances change.
       Uphold your word with a good attitude. Remember that it was you who said “yes” in the first place.
       Take every opportunity to learn from your commitments so that you can make better decisions in the future.
       Finally, do you have any unfulfilled commitments? Do them now. You will feel better.

Keeping your word is one of the most effective ways to earn the respect of others and build a solid reputation, both personally and professionally.

4 Things You Can't Recover

     We've all wanted a re-do over some things we've done. If only it was that easy but we'd probably make even more mistakes knowing we could take it back. This caption tells us of four things that can't be redone.
     'The Stone' thrown can't be hurled back. Anger can make you want to throw something or give that slow car in front of you a lil push. The consequences of clean up can really bring on the regrets.  ''Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. —Romans 12:19
     'The Word' cannot fly back into your mouth, no matter how much you want to take it back.  We often get so wrapped up in wanting to express our thoughts and opinions, that we forget to run it thru a filter first.  James 1;19-20 ''My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.''
     'The Occasion' can never be recaptured exactly the same way. I truly hate to miss out on events that I've planned on but sometimes its unavoidable. There are other times tho that I really didn't have the desire to go but went anyways, I later realize all the good things I would've missed. Hebrews 6:12 ''We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.'' 
    'Time' is passing as we speak. If we cherished time like we should, we would live more in the moment. I told a friend of mine, who was so busy with her kids activities that she had very little time for herself, enjoy it because this time will never happen again.   Psalm 89;47  ''Remember how fleeting is my life. For what futility you have created all humanity!''
     Its important to remember these four things are quick to be done or passed by but they will not come back for a second chance.

Put 'Em On

     Sometimes you have to just put your big girl panties on!  Sometimes people have said to me, I know its hard for you to [something] but you do it anyway. Whatever that [something] is, I do it because its important to me. Just because [something] isn't easy, doesn't mean its not worth doing.
     We all deal with tough situations, hopefully not every day.  When those times come, although difficult, its best to deal with it right then or as soon as possible.  Don't cower or be intimidated, stand up for what you know is right.  Like they say, 'if you don't stand for something, then you'll fall for anything.'  Often we will give in to peer pressure or just conform to what society calls normal but thats not what we are called to do. We were made in His image and are to be transformed into His likeness.

Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2 Corinthians 3:18
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

The Tomlin Concert

     What an awesome night we had. Everything of the night just went perfectly. It began with great parking just across the street. The concert was sold out and began on time. The first song was 'Our God is Greater.' Chris sang about an hour then the female, Kristy Nichols sp?, sang 2 songs. Then there was a speaker talking about how all of God's creations from stars to whales create a symphony of song to sing praise to God. Then Chris sang another hour or more. Sometime during the concert, a guy came up to us and asked if we'd like to meet Chris after the show. YESSSSSS. I prayed that I wouldn't have to cough and miss this opportunity. I'd never been backstage before. It was cool and he was nice. We were gone 4 1/2 hrs this night and it couldn't have been better. 'Our God is an Awesome God'

Chris Tomlin

     Going to the Chris Tomlin concert tonight with Charlene and David.  Hoping for a good, fun, cough-free night with wonderful, uplifting music. Here's a couple of videos if you've never heard of him before.

okay, just one more