Words

     I know I've blogged on this subject before but I thought this caption was so powerful.  When I hear a parent putting a child down with words, I just cringe.  That is not discipline, that's just hate. I want to say, ''Go get your own self esteem and quit trying to take theirs.''  The boy in the picture has no shirt on and I think that points out the vulnerability of a child.  He has no protection from the harsh words. The destructive words have a choke hold on him and are squeezing the tears out of him.  How awful for someone to subject another human being to such cruelty.
     Are your words building blocks of wisdom or destructing everything within hearing distance?  Discipline instructs and explains, it doesn't tear down the individual. 

    ''The words of kindness are more healing to a drooping heart than balm or honey.''

Ask For It

    








     This is a picture of me on my standing exercise machine.  I've had this machine for about 5 years now and have used it sporadically during that time. I've been pretty consistent with it this year and I believe it has helped in my improvement.
     Last night as I was doing my 20 minutes of standing, I said outloud 'I wish this table could be raised higher.'  My dad then adjusted it and raised it. Oh my gosh!  Do you know how many times I've wished for that in my head but never said it aloud?  Hundreds.  I just didn't think it was possible. Now I can stand straighter without leaning over and it's a lot more comfortable. 30 minutes seems now more probable in my near future.
     As I stood there, I immediately thought of how our prayer lives are often just like this.  We don't pray for things because we don't believe it's possible.  We may decide that Jane or John Doe are beyond help and think it's impossible for them to change.  We may think 'that'll never happen in my lifetime.'  Don't you think that kind of attitude puts God's power on a short leash?  To receive it, we must first ask for it and then wait for His will to be done in the matter.

      I'm adding this caption in here to remind you that prayer does not work like a vending machine.  It is all dependent upon His will.  He sees the big picture and knows the right response to our every prayer request.  'With God, all things are possible.'

The Train is Coming

      So yesterday my dad was going to take me to check out the new yogurt shop, Tutti Fruitti. [awesome]  As we backed out of the carport, I could see a tall Jack Russell-like dog running down the street. My dad said, oh he runs up and down the street all the time. So okay, I figure the dog is alright.  Then my dad stops at the end of the driveway to get the mail.  The dog is now in the middle of the road, distracted by looking at my dad and unaware of the full speed van headed towards him. OH MY GOODNESS! was all I could think as I dreaded the thought closing in. The dog moved just in time and my fears were relieved.
      I think that sets up a good analogy about unbelievers.  Unbelievers don't even notice the death train coming straight at them because they are so distracted by the world.  Many think they can put off the decision and be saved just in the nick of time.  That is not a gamble worth taking.  You're betting all of eternity and more with that wager.
      It's better to get on the train that's headed toward you and go on to a better place, than to just be hit by the train and be no more.  The train will come for each of us, are you ready to get on board today?

      Eva Cassidy sings a great song, 'People Get Ready' ...  click this link to listen to it..   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnjMnSkPQXM

Who's Voice?

     We went last night to Verizon arena to see the ventriliquist, Jeff Dunham.  It was a great, funny show, although uncensored- unlike on television.  My favorite puppet is Walter, a grumpy old man who tells it like it is regardless of what others think. Jeff has six main puppets with all different personalities. It was a good night of laughter.

      The idea of puppets makes me think about our own voices.  God didn't create us to be puppets so He gave us freewill.  Yet, He is our master. Is your voice being controlled by the Master?  It says in the Bible, we are not defiled by what goes into our mouths but by what comes out of it.  If we each had a mouth filter, how much dirt would yours catch?

      Here's a quote I found that makes alot of sense...  'When words reach the tip of your tongue, hold back half of them.'

Be Wise

     Well as I thought about this caption on Proverbs 19;20,  I wondered why owls are associated with wisdom? I Googled it and the results were less than satisfying. One reason was because they ask questions...who, who, who? Another was because Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, was often depicted holding an owl. One last reason I'll mention is because they're nocturnal and function well at night.
     Well humans have different standards to meet to be considered wise.  To be wise does not necessarily mean to know everything because you can't.  Sure we've all gone thru the teenage phase of thinking we know it all but hopefully we've grown past that.  Wisdom involves seeking knowledge and instruction.  So often people will just go around in circles getting no where because they refuse any advice given or refuse to even listen to a viewpoint other than their own.
      How wise are we when we try to put together or operate something without reading the manual?  Hours of frustration should tell us.  Our manual to living life, the Bible, tells how valuable seeking and getting wisdom is in the Book of Proverbs.
      If you are struggling with something in your life, seek out a trusted friend ...preferably older if you're young, and be open to advice and instruction.  After that make sure it's in alignment with what the Bible says.  Then you can make a 'wise' decision.

Find the Beauty

     Yes, it is dark and dreary outside right now.  The rain is pouring down at a pretty fast rate.  It's not the sort of day that makes you want to run outside and do all your errands today, does it?
      It is a pretty ugly day but can we find some beauty in it?  1] We definetely needed the rain with all the fire dangers in the past few days.  2] Rainy days give you time for indoor projects that may have been pushed aside. 3]  It cleans away some of that pollen that has been causing havoc with allergy sufferers. 4]  Alot of people sleep better when it's raining so maybe those that are sleep deprived can catch up a little today.  5] The rain may cause some of us to pause and slow down a little, even if it's just for a day. 6] Hey it could be snow, it is only March.
       So today, if you want to be bummed about the rain remember the attention you give it can be both positive or negative, it's up to you.

Way Back Wednesday--Revved Up

On top of  the world

Sand dunes at Burns Park

   













     


   

      When I see these pictures, guess what song pops into my head?  'Glory Days' by Bruce Springsteen.  Yes, I could have been the next Danica Patrick on three wheels.  We have a picture somewhere with me in mid-air on my three wheeler.
      My dad bought me a motorized wheeler when I was two but my mom thought I was too little for my own wheels at the time.  So at age 7, I got my own Honda 150 three wheeler.  I guess it wasn't my first ride because I had a go-cart prior to this.  Okay, so this was my first wheels to fly with..ha. I couldn't shift gears with my foot so my dad attached a metal stick to the gear shifter. Now I was all set.
     So here in lies my need for speed!  The power at your fingertips gives a thrill like no other.  The splash of the mud on your face and clothes is like a shower of joy.  I wouldn't trade the memories for anything.
     You might be wondering why the helmet isn't on my head while I'm riding?  Of course, I had the 'NO FEAR' covered and my parents knew 'God was near.'  I usually wore my helmet, unlike my seatbelt later on.
     A friend of mine asked me the other day 'if I was a wild child?'  In some ways, I'd have to say yes. God knows our hearts and He knew my adventurous heart.  Have you ever wondered how many guardian angels are assigned to you?  I think I have an army watching my back.  THANKFULLY.

 

Jeans

     Okay so this cute lil orangatang needs this pair of overalls about as much as I need a new pair of jeans..lol.  At least that's what it reminded me of, but don't they make him look cuter.  That's how new clothes make me feel.  When I was a teenager, it was a rare occasion to find me in anything other than jeans.  I loved the look and the feel of them.  As I grew older and weaker, I didn't have the strength in my hands and arms to wear them. You might not understand that, unless you have arthritis or something like it.  Jeans are heavier and harder to pull up, the zipper takes dexterity and the button is a challenge to coordination and finger strength.  So for years, I wore knit pull-on pants.  Thankfully, leggings and such became the fashion norm.  I didn't feel like I was in old lady pants. Now that I have reached the point of having to have help getting dressed, one of the perks is being able to wear jeans again. Yes, you can pull a positive out of a negative, if you try.  It's just a matter of perspective. So if you ever see my collection of jeans, [yes I know it's too many], just remember I'm making up for lost time..lol.
     Have you ever done without something you loved for awhile, then appreciated it more on its return?  It could be carbs, or a long lost friend or anything.
     I guess this blog has a two fold message.. 1] you can turn a loss into a gain with the right viewpoint, and 2] appreciate the lil things in life, like jeans.

Tasks

      I am never going to be a Michaelangelo or Jonas Salk and be remembered for some great task on earth but that's okay.  I think to be remembered for being consistently giving to others in your life is a better legacy to leave.  We need to have a giving heart without expectation in return.  Satan puts selfish thoughts in our heads like 'what did they ever do for me?'  The following verses challenge those thoughts.
      2 Thessalonians 3:13 '' And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.''
      Galatians 6:9  ''Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.''
      Romans 2:7  ''To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.''
      I don't know about you but it makes me feel good inside to give to others by words, my time or gifts. I recently gave help to an old friend of mine to try to help them get back on their feet.  Others questioned my generosity and thought I was being conned or taken advantage of.  I wasn't but even if I had been, my heart was in the right place.  A friend in need helps a friend in deed.  I am not blessed with things to stockpile it for myself but to share the blessings with others.
      May your journey in life be filled with wonderful tasks and not held back by waiting on one big task.

Take the Time

     I've dedicated myself to reading the Bible in a year with the online schedule that does 4 sections; the OT, the NT, Psalms and Proverbs.  So far I've done pretty well in keeping up to date.  Today, I realized I was three days behind..uhoh.  I've had a couple of hours of quiet time to myself today and realized this was my opportunity to catch up.  Sure I could have watched tv or taken a nap or done countless other things but sometimes you have to make priorities on what's important and of value to you.
      The world won't stop without you so go ahead and shut it out for a little while.  Even Jesus went away to be alone with God on occasion.

Soaring

        So as I was pondering about what to write about today, I saw this tract, like the caption above, on my desk that Marge Nosek had given me long ago.  It reminded me of the eagle yesterday, so I thought I'd share the tract with you.

        Yesterday, some friends came over to visit for a couple of hours.  It was a great, fun time and a joy booster to me.  As we sat out on the deck, someone noticed a bird circling in the air above us.  Is it a hawk?  No, it's an eagle!  I didn't even know there were black eagles.  I thought to myself of how God lifts us up on eagle's wings and I knew at that moment I was being lifted up in more ways than one.

       I can relate to this poem pretty well.  I've had many earthly things that I worked for taken away. I've never done without but instead been replaced with things I didn't have in mind.  The second paragraph pretty much defines my life. Physical strength has transformed into spiritual strength. Less of me, more of Him.  To resent it, would just dig a deeper hole.  His will for us is often beyond our understanding but it is more important than our own will.  Proverbs 16;9  ''In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.''  The last paragraph tells how we can reach the highest high with a grateful heart when we just give Him praise for where we are.  'Let Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.''

Delayed

      The other day as we were about to park the van for church, we were stopped by a friend.  'Don't go in there, a skunk has been in there,' they said.  Thankful for the warning and that we gathered for church in the fellowship hall instead.
       It's a lot easier to be understanding, patient, and grateful when we know 'why'.  That's often not the case but that doesn't mean there isn't a reason for it. For the most part, we go about our lives as blind mice.  We can't see what's ahead but God does.  Delays can be a blessing.
       I think about the time my cat, Georgie, was very sick.  We had done all we could for her as far as medicine would do.  We went to church and then to a missions meeting afterwards.  It seemed to take longer than normal and I was not happy about being delayed so long. I wanted to get home to check on her.  When we got home, we could tell she had died just shortly before.  As much as I wished to have been there for her, God spared me of seeing her suffer.  I am grateful because He knew there was nothing I could do.
     From intouch.org........''In the Christian life, learning to wait is vitally important because until you do, you'll never be able to walk in obedience to God, have an effective prayer life, or experience the peace of resting in His loving sovereignty. We must learn to trust His judgment--about not just the big events in our lives, but also the trivial ones which cause us to become irritated, impatient, or even angry. If we're sensitive to His instruction, each delay has a lesson.''
      Delays show us we are not in control, but Who is. 

Way Back Wednesday

     Some things of the past are better left there and unspoken of again.  They say time heals all wounds but I disagree. Forgiveness is the bandaid of all wounds.

March Prayer Requests

FBF MISSIONARY PRAYER REQUESTS FOR MARCH 2012


MARTIN AND HANSY TUOHY

1. Wisdom and courage as yet another church discipline (this time, here in Esbjerg) issue has come up that I am trying to deal with.

2. Endurance for Hansy these last two months of the pregnancy.

3. Evangelistic DVD outreach. We are looking at passing out a new DVD which presents the gospel of repentance and faith clearly to all the college students here in Esbjerg. (http://www.wretchedradio.com/biggestproject/)

TED AND PRISCILLA CLARK

We have begun some major remodeling and construction projects on the main camp buildings.  They involve enlarging the women’s bathroom and eventually, adding 12 new family apartments for our large camps.  We need to have these at least semi-completed before our next large family camp (the beginning of April).  Please pray that the Lord would provide for us all the help we need to finish these projects on time.

Pray for the preparation of numerous Bible teachings for this Easter camp—so that the Lord would guide each one of the various teachers as they prepare, and that the result would be great growth and edification in the lives of the believers who attend the camp.

Please continue to pray for the new believers in our church.  Pray that this would be a year of deep spiritual growth in their lives.

DENNY AND ARLENE NORRIS

We have written in the past concerning Sara, who knows the Lord and attends the church with her 4 children.  She and her family have suffered greatly because of the actions of her husband, Leonard.    For the last 2 years, he has been very negative towards hearing the word of God or having any kind of relationship with us.  Last Tuesday, however, I visited alone with him for several hours.  I left him a couple of evangelistic movies to watch and am praying that God will humble his heart to hear the gospel.  His wife let me know that he watched one of the movies very intently.  Tomorrow I plan to have breakfast with Leonard and share the gospel with him.  Pray with us that he will either start reading the Bible on his own or begin am evangelistic study with me.   Romans 10:17 “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”

Freddy and Eileen first heard about Christ through Florencio and Eusebia, who encouraged them to participate in a Bible study with us.  Freddy and Eileen’s work schedules and activities have made it difficult for the study to be consistent.  Pray with us that God will use His word to bring faith to their hearts.  This last Friday we studied through the first half of John 1.  Freddy appears somewhat skeptical but is listening; Eileen absorbing it all up like a sponge.

BOBBY AND NAMATHA AVILEZ

1.    Rejoicing that a House of Hope prodigal son has come home. He left because he wanted to be “free” but he ended up becoming enslaved by vices. Last week he came by to beg for money for food. I told him that he should come back to live at the House of Hope. He said “yes” and is back. Please pray that Kitisak would fully surrender his life to the Lord!

2.    Pray for Bobby and Namatha’s health as they get ready for their states side trip which begins on March 6. Pray for their health. The family has been battling flu like symptoms for a couple weeks already!

BILL AND TREVA TURPIN

Praise for a God-honoring, very successful first attempt to hold a teenage winter retreat.  We had prayed for snow and cold weather in order to do broom ball down on the lake and do to other winter activities.  God answered as the snow was too deep to get down to the lake with a vehicle and it was so cold we couldn't walk them down as it was the coldest day of the year with temps hovering around 0 degrees.  But the teaching of the Word, the godly counsel of excellent adult counselors and the fellowship around the 2 different blazing fireplaces was so precious.  All but 2 of the girls in the bunkhouse responded overwhelmingly in testimonies to God working in them.  The guys also had great response to the Word.  Praise His Name!!

 

Most urgent request:  the need to build the new dining hall is urgent as we could barely get the 32 campers and 12 counselor/speakers into our meeting room(certainly couldn't feed them on the patio as we do in the summer).  Our summer camps are much larger so the need is pressing.   We are just a little short of funds to begin.  Also need volunteer cement finishers and much earth moving to lay the foundation. 

 

Next request: volunteer college-age counselors and speakers for summer camps.

LESLEY WOLFE

(1)    For Camille and Francis, who are learning to read and write Glaro.  They are both having difficulty writing Glaro right now, but I’m not too concerned about it b/c they are in the very early stages of learning how to identify and write the tones of their mother tongue.  Pray that they would be able to do this as the weeks progress.  (We three and BK get together 2x/week --- Friday mornings and Sunday afternoons, for about an hour each time.)

(2)    For Claudine, who told me that she wants to learn how to read and write Glaro again (she was in the class in 2001, but said she’s forgotten everything she learned…).  I’ve invited her to join us on Fridays and Sundays.  Pray that she will.  I’m hoping that if these three could become proficient in reading and writing Glaro that, in the future, I could pull them into my work of translation in some capacity, which would be a tremendous help to me.

Troubled

'Troubled'
When I am troubled and lost in deep dispair
I bundle all my troubles up and go to God in prayer.
I tell Him I am heartsick and lost and lonely too
That my mind is deeply burdened and I don't know what to do...
But I know He stilled the tempest and calmed the angry sea
And I humbly ask if in His love, He'll do the same for me.

     I had a friend, Marge Nosek, who used to mail me little notes of encouragement. She is with the Lord now and free from all troubles.  The other day I came across this 'Troubled' poem she had sent me and wanted to share it with each of you.
     We have all felt overwhelmed by troubles in our lives at one time or another.  I know Marge struggled with daily pain and loss of vision in the last years of her life. She sought comfort in her memorized verses or in someone reading scripture to her.  Prayer was also a key element in her life.  The first time I heard of a 'prayer warrior', it was in reference to her.
      I don't know what you're personally struggling with.. sickness, heartbreak, lonliness or whatever the case may be...but God does.  As the caption says, go to the Rock that is higher.  The world often has a deaf ear but He is always listening. 'Oh the struggles that we often bear because we do not take it all to Him in prayer.'  The line is always open, He is waiting for your call.

Hiss

      I have two cats, Tux and Tiger.  They are sisters from the same litter.  A stray cat hid her newborn litter in our doghouse.  One day we found them and I said 'oh I want one.' My dad said 'no, these are wild and not good as pets.'  Okay, that answer seemed to satisfy me.  Well the next day, I went out with my aide to put some food out. She caught Tux and put her in my lap. Tux fell asleep in my lap and my dad's theory went out the window. So they said I could have one. Well, I actually need two, lol, so they can play together. And the rest is history.
      Tiger and Tux have completely different personalities.  Tiger is like the big sister of the two, even tho they're the same age. Tiger is friendlier, easy going and more adventurous.  We had a covered playpen in here, when they were kittens, for them to sleep in at night.  Tiger crawled out all the time, Tux not once.  Tux is partial to who she likes, a bully with the dog and a lil demanding.  She loves to lay flat on her back, anywhere.
      The caption above is what I think Tiger must say to Tux every morning.  Tux is like a 9o'clock wakeup call that you didn't request, lol. She cries at the bottom of the stairs to be fed. If Tiger goes over to her to tell her to have a lil patience, she gets a bold HISS in the face.
      So is this blog about getting up on the right side of the bed or patiently waiting for things or both?  Of course, it's both.  It's easy, I know, to get up with the attitude of 'I want what I want and right now' and when that doesn't happen, our mood goes sour.  All I can say is take a deep breath, hold your horses and cool your engines.  Tux has yet to starve and I bet you won't either.

Talents

               
  
      I go to a church where music lessons are offered at no charge.  The talent over there is overwhelming to say the least. I go first in the recitals so I don't have to follow anyone, lol.  I have taken hammer dulcimer lessons for a few years now.  I don't consider myself to have a talent for it so I try to make up for it with effort. I enjoy it and I think it shows an example of working thru your limitations to others. 
       A woman at church, who is 95 this year, has a talent for sewing. She has shared that talent most of her life by making pillows and lap quilts for others.  Age hasn't stopped her so what's stopping you?
       We all have something to offer. I think we are often hindered when we compare ourselves to others.  Would Celine Dion sound so special if we could all sing like her?  Whatever your talent is, share it with others.  You may have to branch out and try something new to find a hidden talent you never knew you had.  I took a risk with this blog and as pitiful as it started, it has become my new favorite hobby.  Things may take a little time to develop because most of us aren't born prodigys, we have to work at it.

Discernment

     I couldn't pass this caption up. I thought it was too funny.
     Discernment is the act or process of exhibiting keen insight and good judgement.  We need it in all areas of our life. We need to choose who is good in our lives and who are not. Some people are so naive/gullible and desperate for direction in their lives that they will latch on to whatever sounds good.  Like TV evangelists that promise to send you a prayer cloth that will make all your troubles go away, if you send them 50 dollars.  That cloth is as valuable as the kleenex I blow my nose on. The best things in life are free and that includes prayer.
     Scamming people has become a popular crime lately by mail or email.  A friend of mine had her email hacked to find out information and then was sent a phony email asking for money. It was sent as if it was from a friend but it turned out to be scammers in Nigeria.  Another example is when my aunt received a check in the mail with instructions on how to send them money to get more.  Luckily the bank teller thwarted that scheme.

     From the 'Grace to you' website..........First Thessalonians 5:21-22 teaches that it is the responsibility of every Christian to be discerning: "But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." The apostle John issues a similar warning when he says, "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1).

     We watched a dvd series this summer in bible study and paused it several times to contradict what the pastor was saying with scripture.  Don't believe everything you hear, use discernment and check it with scripture.

Merciful

    Mercy is defined as compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.  A friend of mine once told me that after reading my blogs, she realized 'mercy' was not my spiritual gift.  Really?  Another friend has told me 'I'm glad I'm your friend because I wouldn't want to be your enemy.'  This all makes me sound like the big bad wolf.  I am forgiving, it just may take me a lil bit to get there. I've never been on jury duty and there may be reason for that, lol.
     God's mercy is faithful and quicker but also just.  God does have a point in which he will give people over to their evil ways.  His grace and mercy are always available tho. Our hearts can be as hard and wicked as Pharoah's but His mercy remains.
     May we all recognize our own failures when others fail or disappoint us and show mercy more often to them.  I'm not saying it's going to be easy but it's going to be worth it.  Don't be a doormat either, God has limits too.

  Romans 1;28-32  '' Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents;  they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.''

Way Back Wednesday--Bull Shoals

     Well I don't have a story to go with this picture and I don't have a picture for my story so I'm combining them on this blog.  I was about 7 here and that's about the age that I was when we took a camping trip to Bull Shoals.
     I'm not a big fan of camping but my parents like to go so we went alot while I was growing up.  Back then, we had an orange and white striped camper that fit on the back of the truck.  It was tiny. It had a stove/sink to the left, a table that folded into a bed on the right and a bed over the cab of the truck. That's it, a far cry from the RV now.
     We went fishing during the trip, which I always loved. On this particular trip, we had fished all day and were headed back UP the shoals.  Well the rocks weren't too kind to our motor.  We'd go a little ways then a shearing pin in the motor would break.  We drifted back down and try again. We had about 4 pins with us and everyone of them broke. At one point, they both got out of the boat and tried to walk the boat upstream.  My mom who had her lifejacket on lost her grip and footing and floated off out of sight. So I'm in the boat alone and my dad, without a lifejacket, has a hold on the boat. If he had lost his grip, I would have been like Unsinkable Molly headed for trouble.  He got in the boat and we found my mom clinging to a limb not too far away.  So now what?  My dad, who must be related to McGuyver, had a nail-like object that he turned into a pin.  It was a last ditch effort.  He had my mom and I get out of the boat and walk the brushy bank. 'What about snakes?'  He said it was too cold for them and there wouldn't be any.  So we walked and he made it across the shoals this time.  It is still a vivid memory to me so I must have been scared out of my mind.  Oh, and guess what was outside our camper door the next morning?  Yes, a snake.
     We only see a glimpse of God's protection over us but isn't that enough to make us tremble at the thought of being separated from Him?