Way Back Wednesday... To the Veterans

     This is me at about 12 on one of the submarines in Mobile, AL.  Was this the foretelling of me being a Navy wife one day?  Nah, we were in the Navy Air division, no ships.
      Today is the 4th of July so I want to salute all the service men and women from the past and present with this post.  Freedom is never free, just like everything else.  The military service calls for not only your ability and strength but often time away from loved ones.  As indebted citizens, we owe our veterans a heartfelt thank you and helping hand when needed.
     'Freedom does not give us the right to do as we please but to do what pleases God,' from odb.org.  Those who have ultimately sacrificed all for us to live freely on a daily basis surely wouldn't want us to take that freedom for granted.  People all over the world are fighting for the kind of freedom that we have here in the U.S.  We are blessed to live in such a country as America.  We are also blessed to have a voluntary supplied military of men and women to defend us as a nation.
     Go out and thank a veteran today.

Bless Our Nation

     Our founding fathers of our nation knew the importance of the blessing of God in its formation.  How far we have strayed from that is almost too great to describe.  Even in my short lifetime, the changes are widespread.  'In God we trust' is still on our currency but is it true?  The liberal movement to take God's name out of schools, public areas and everywhere shows the arrogance of self-reliance.  Will we not be punished for arousing the Lord's anger?  As I'm reading 2Kings now, it tells how different kings and nations either did evil in the sight of the Lord or followed the Lord's will.  What would our account be written as in the annals of America?
     How do we counteract these evil forces?  We must witness to others and the next generation.  We must stand firm in our faith thru all the trials we encounter.  We must elect officials with values like our own beliefs.
     The following is a letter and commentary from my friend, Twylia.  It is a letter between two WWII soldiers that shows the power of sharing your belief in God.

''“Dear Buddy,

Just a note to tell you some good news.  Forty years ago while we were trapped in a fox hole thinking each shot would be the last, I heard you say “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.’  Two weeks later when you were hit in the eye with that hand grenade and we were prisoners and couldn’t get you any help I heard you whisper, “The Lord is my Shepherd again”.  Then as we were able to get you to the river and strapped you to a log to float you down to a first aid station, thinking we were telling you good bye for the last time, you clasped my hand and said, “Elmer, the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want”.  Sunday I went to church and the choir sang, “The Lord is my shepherd”, I remembered you saying it so much.  As the choir sang, I heard the Lord say, “Elmer I am your Shepherd”.  Earl, I ran to that alter and fell on my knees and poured out my heart to Him in prayer.  Now I can say as you did He truly is my Shepherd.  As you will well remember, I was an alcoholic but those words you whispered never really left me.  I want you to know, son, the seed you planted over 40 years ago are just now beginning to blossom.  You lived such a good life before us, we love you for it.  Thanks for witnessing to us even when we were drunk, but most of all thanks for living a Christlike life.  I will always be grateful for you.  Earl, I know this will be hard for you to believe, but I am a changed man.  Thanks again my great buddy for your faith, prayers and friendship.  I will be looking forward to seeing you at the reunion in August.  There aren’t too many of us left.  I am looking forward to telling the gang this year that “The Lord is my Shepherd.  Praise his Holy name”….Love, Elmer.

.

 Never underestimate the power of a seed.  We may never even see some of our seeds sprout here on this earth, just like Earl, but we will know about it in heaven.  The hearts in each generation will pass on to the next generation.  Psalm 145:3-7 says, “Great is the Lord and highly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable.  One generation shall praise Thy works to another, And shall declare Thy mighty acts.  On the glorious splendor of Thy majesty, and on Thy wonderful works, I will meditate.  And men shall speak of the power of Thine awesome acts;  And I will tell of Thy greatness.  They shall eagerly utter the memory of Thine abundant goodness, And shall shout joyfully of Thy righteousness.”  Are we praising, declaring, meditating, speaking, telling, uttering, shouting?  Are we passing it on?  

      Have a happy 4th and may you be blessed by the seeds you plant.  Pray for our leaders and our nation to turn to God for direction so that America will be blessed and bring Him all the glory.

Winds of Life

     Who needs a fan to beat this heat?  I have a couple of friends who just bought air conditioners to get a little relief.  I can't imagine life without a/c or heat.  I know people do it but I'm thankful I don't have to.
     Do you ever feel like the dog above?  When the winds of life are hitting you so hard in the face, that you can't even see clearly.  When you're just trying to stand firm and hold your ground?  Romans 8:26  ''In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.''  Psalm 68:19  ''Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.''  These are two verses from which we can remember Who can calm the winds.  Do we doubt Him like the disciples in the boat, when they woke Jesus up during the storm on the sea?  I'm sure there is evidence in your own life from the past where He has calmed the storms on your behalf.  Trust and obey for there's no other way.
     What is worse than being blind?  Losing your vision.  We must avoid the oasis of this worldly life and keep eternity in full focus.
     As one of my favorite songs says, ''Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.''

FBF PRAYER REQUESTS--JULY 2012

FBF MISSIONARY PRAYER REQUESTS...JULY 2012


LESLEY WOLFE---

1.       Due to the recent mercenary raids/attacks in southwestern Ivory Coast, which is the Kroumen region of the country (the Glaro are a part of the Kroumen ethnic group), there is a lot of tension right now between the two major, non-Kroumen ethnic groups who also live in this region and the Kroumen.  Long story short, these two non-Kroumen groups feel that the Kroumen are behind the recent mercenary raids/attacks, the purpose being to run them out of the region so that they (the Kroumen) can confiscate their plantations (i.e., cocoa and palm).  This tension has taken hold in our village, too, and is serious.  In fact, three meetings have been called in the last couple of weeks (two by government and military officials, and one by our village elders) to try to address and correct this notion that the Kroumen are wanting to rid their area of these two other ethnic groups.  It’s a serious issue, with each ethnic group now fearing the other.  Please be praying that these two other (and major) ethnic groups will hear and believe what the Kroumen (and in our case, the Glaro) are telling them --- which is, they have no desire or intention of either harming them, chasing them out of our region, or confiscating their plantations.    

2.       With the recent deployment of more military and UN forces in our area, the villagers in Beoue (“my” village) are feeling safe.  They tell me that all is fine there now and want to know when I’m coming back.  My ‘son’, who lives in another town on the coast and is going to school, called me today to tell me that he’d had the same dream twice, which was, someone was telling him that it was now okay for me to return to the village.  I told him that that was great, and that I’d let my NTM leaders know about his dream and see what they have to say!!  For the time being, I’m still on the coast.  I don’t know how long I’ll be here.  But I’m thankful for my accommodations, and the fact that the work of translation can and is continuing from here!!  And I have so many, many things to be thankful for…..like your prayers and concern.  Thank you.

MARTIN AND HANSY TUOHY--

1. Reformation Resurrection camp (10-13 of July). May the teaching (I think the topic is evangelism) be clear and the believers receptive and determined to obey. This is a camp organized by a Reformed Baptist church and attended by believers from Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Germany.

2. As we continue to seek Gods direction for our family: patience, diligence in seeking His face, faithfulness in the day to day ministry opportunities.

MONICA SERNATINGER--

 

1. Please, pray for Jean, Jamie's sister. Recently she had eye surgery and since, she has asked four times for Jamie's last message. I have just finished transcribing it into Spanish and translating it into English. May the Word of God speak to her heart and be saved. I will also be sending it to the rest of Jamie's sisters, Judy and Jessica, and his brother Charlie, Mom Ann and Aunt Janet. Thank you for praying for these precious souls.

2. Please, pray Javis and his dad Rafa. They will be going out of town to work for three months, and will be coming home only on Sundays. They will be surrounded by three other relatives and other men that drink heavily, and in the past have been a great stumbling block for Rafa. May the Lord sustain them. Thank you for praying.

 

BOBBY AND NAMATHA AVILEZ

 

1.       Pray for an extra mile attitude among the House of Hope Staff

2.       Pray that more of our children would embrace the Truth and walk in it. Pray that the Lord would help them to see the sinfulness of sin!

3.    The donations to the orphanage at House of Hope to increase  immediately since they cannot pay for necessities with the recent big drop in donations.     For Wisdom for what to do.       For the Lord to send a church interested in the Shan orphan kids in Thailand.

 

TED AND PRISCILLA CLARK

JULY 8--‐14  Please pray for the young girls camp(13--‐17yrs.) taking place this week.  Pray for the work of the Lord in the lives

of each of the 40 or so girls who will be attending this camp.

JULY 15--‐21  This week is the young boys camp.  Pray again for the Lord’s work in the heart of each of these 50  young men, that

this week would be a turning point in the lives of many, leading to salvation and a greater commitment to and love for the Lord,

His Word and His work.

Avoid the Impulse

     Haven't we all felt like quoting this caption with a passionate tone in our voice?  We've all got the 'I told you so' persona somewhere inside of us.  For some it may be close to the surface while others have it hidden deeply. I gave a friend of mine, who is a teacher, a sign that says ''Its my way, or the hallway.'' lol  So in some authoritative positions, this is appropriate. I can tell you from experience in losing my independent abilities, that giving that power over is not easy.  Sure I've had my routine ways of doing things and for someone else to defer from that and do it another way is not always easy to swallow.  Micromanaging tho is not a becoming feature.  It can backfire.
     We all make mistakes and hopefully learn from them.  God could certainly use this quote against us at judgement but He won't. His love carries no record of wrongs because we are cleansed as white as snow through His Son's blood.
     Let us point the Way to others without pointing the finger. Remember, we are all a work in progress within His timing.

Strength

Psalm 147; 10-11  'His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, 
    nor his delight in the power of human legs;

     the Lord delights in those who fear him, 

    who put their hope in his unfailing love''





     This was from my daily Bible reading today.  It reminds me of the fact that God gave me all the physical strength He desired for me and that is enough.  He cares more about my heart for Him than anything my hands could ever perform on this earth.  Even tho our strength from of ourselves will fade, our strength thru and in Him should become stronger and stronger.
      I also included this caption in reference to all the battles fought in the Bible.  If God was not with them, then a defeat was inevitable.  As we attack our daily battles, we too must have God on our side.  We are as small as this chiuahua but with God, we have a firm foundation beneath us.
     Yes, ''at dawn we attack'' the struggles of each new day but His mercies are new each day.  Great is Thy Faithfulness.

At What Cost?

     Can you relate to this caption?  I'm not talking about pet accidents at your house but an unrestrained force within you.  Sometimes our end goal of something is more important to us than the destructive path we took to get there.
     How we approach someone with advice can speak louder than the actual words spoken. There are several Proverbs on the value of a soft, kind spoken word rather than a harsh one.  Proverbs 15:1  ''A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.'' 
     Our actions without words can cause the same destructive path.  I think of car chases where innocent people are hurt because the cop won't let the criminal go at whatever cost.  There needs to be some thought put into how we handle things before we act upon them.
     Our emotions can take us on a bipolar rollercoaster path too.  As in our sermon from last night, self control and waiting for the right time can keep us from going off track.  We can get so fired up, that we can question where the words are coming from, truth or feelings?
     The means to an end has important meaning in itself, not always justifying the end.

Way Back Wednesday--Ride On

 









    This is me at about age 9 on my cousin, Jamie's pony--Blackie.  I remember this vividly because it was so much fun riding the pony in their front yard.  It makes me want to go ride down at Hearts n Hooves down the street right now.
     Life is like a horse.  You are riding along thinking you've got it all under control and then without warning, you're knocked to the ground.  The falls remind us of how little power we really have.  Trying to guide our lives without God's direction is like riding bareback with no grip on anything.  Your hands should be gripped on the reins of God's word.  It will guide you wherever you go.
    I hope your happy trails are guided by His light.

Chattanooga 2

   








     When I left you yesterday, we had finished day one of the trip.  So Friday, we went to see the Chattanooga Choo Choo.  What used to be the former train depot is now an historic hotel.  They have old train cars that have been converted into hotel rooms, 2 per car.  The Choo Choo train was the first train to connect the North to the South, via Cincinnati to Chattanooga.  
     Well while we were there looking around, we kept seeing these fancy street rod cars drive by...loudly.  There happened to be a National T-Bucket car show behind the hotel.  These are all hand-built kit cars.  One guy said you can give the same kit to 3 guys and come out with 3 different cars.
     The weather was hot, 98 average, so during the heat of the day we went to Tennessee's biggest mall, Hamilton Place.  I thought I had hit the jackpot when I left with 3pairs of jeans and 2 shirts.  Apparently, I'm too tall and too small.  I had to return 3 of the items.
     Later that night, we went to ride the Incline Railway.  It's the steepest railway in the world.  It is not handicap accessible so my dad carried me on and I left my scooter there.  You can miss out or adjust to the circumstances.  The ride is smooth and fun, it just looks intimidating.  A great view.  They say you can see 7 states from Lookout Mtn.
     Now it's 10pm, are we going to eat dinner?  We went to an italian/greek restaurant called Portofino's.  It is excellent.  My dad and I split chicken florentine canneloni..yum..and my mom had chicken parmasean.  We met another family there from Columbia, MO.  They gave us their bruschetta as they left.  It was sooo good, I had it for breakfast the next day.
      So Saturday begins with the I-75 Flea Market.  It was not impressive and literally means flea market.  Was it a waste of time?  No, I bought 3 skirts for 5 bucks each and my mom bought some dishes.
     After we returned my stuff to the mall, we cruised around downtown and went to Coolidge Park.  There is a carousel down there that was built in 1874.  It closed an hour before we got there so I didn't get to ride it.  We walked around down there for awhile, probably more than my dad's feet had in mind.
     My friend, Betsy, had told me about Clumpie's Ice Cream shop and it was down there so we went.  It was no secret that this was a good place because there was a long line.  Yes, it's worth the wait and I got a '1/2 Pint' t-shirt that called my name.  You might be thinking, I thought ice cream made her cough?  Yes, it does and it did but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and hope for the best.
      Sunday we drove back and despite us leaving early and gaining an hour, the terrible traffic past W.Memphis got us back at 1130pm.  We all had a great time and made some good memories.

Chattanooga 1

sea dragon

 

    Well last Wednesday was the first day of summer so we headed to Chattanooga, TN for a summer vacation.  As always before we head out on a big journey, we pray for safety and blessings for the trip.  I can say we had a great time and no problems.
     We got off to a late start, 2pm, but that's not unusual for us.  As they say, that's the way we roll.  We arrived at 230am EST.  This was our first trip with a GPS and the guide chick is good but not perfect.  So she took us thru a trailer park in these wee hours of the morning at first instead of the rv park, a few feet further down the road.  We get to the rv park without a reservation and proceeded to trespass and take an open spot.  They didn't care the next day and even tho they were booked up, they found us a spot.
     So Thursday, we went to the TN Aquarium for four hours.  It is quite impressive with a freshwater building and a saltwater building.  Its much more than fish.  They have turtles, frogs, snakes, butterflies, penguins, jellyfish, seahorses, birds and more.  You start at the top floor then cascade down ramps to each floor with different exhibits.  My two favorite things were the sea dragons and the penguins.  The sea dragons look like the creatures from the movie, Avatar.  I'd never seen anything like it.  The penguins were so playful.  They even had a baby penguin there.
     Later that evening, we drove to Lookout Mtn to catch the sunset.  We also drove around to check out the sites on the mountain.  One of which was the Craven house.  Its a battle site where the Union took possession of a key territory.
     I'm going to continue my trip story on tomorrow's post.  I've included some pictures from this first day on here.  So see you tomorrow.

Comments

     I want to thank all of you who read my blog.  I enjoy the feedback I get in the comments section.  Sometimes they are better than what I wrote but they always complement the blog as backup.
     This is a how-to post in case you want to comment but don't know how.  The easiest way is to click 'comments', type in the box your thoughts with your name, then select 'anonymous' under profile, then click 'publish.'  There is a security confirmation that follows.
     I just wanted to put this out there for those that have told me they have wanted to write but are unsure of it.  I'm also happy to post comments for people who email or facebook me, as I do now.
     Looking forward to hearing from you.

Seek His Face

     Are you one who likes to stick their head in the sand or do you face the music head on?   We probably all do a little of both.  The serenity prayer says it best, 'help me to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.'  Some things in this life are just purely scary and we like to just put it out of our minds and maybe it'll go away.
     A friend of mine recently made the decision on her own to move to assisted living.  I can understand how frightening this decision was to consider and be made.  I admire her self-imposed direction in her life, instead of waiting to be a victim of circumstance.  She faced the fact that her age and strength were becoming a more significant factor in her daily life and she changed what she could to live more safely and happily.
    We must face the fact that at some point we will each die, but we can change our eternal destiny.  Be wise and seek His face.

Psalm 27:7-9

^'' Hear my voice when I call, Lord;
    be merciful to me and answer me.
 My heart says of you, “Seek his face! ”
    Your face, Lord, I will seek.
 Do not hide your face from me,
    do not turn your servant away in anger;
    you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
    God my Savior.''

Way Back Wednesday---Feeling Small

   I think this picture was in Galveston, TX when I was about 4 or 5.
     Do you ever feel this small in this big world?   I do when I am in a big crowd or think of all the billions of people on this earth.  I wonder how one person can make a difference?
    Well, one person did make an eternal difference--Jesus.  He became flesh and bore our sins on the Cross.  God also made each of us to carry out His purposes on this earth in a different way.  We are important to Him and we're no small thing in His eyes.
    So don't ever feel small because you were built with a big idea in mind.  He knows all about you inside and out.     Luke 12;7  ''Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.''  As we grow in our lives, we should grow in Him.

Discuss It

     Okay, this could turn into a touchy blog but I'm going to try to keep it calm, cool and collected.  Do you have a closed mind or are you willing to at least hear another side?  I can agree to disagree on topics but I want my side heard.  Some people are more than willing to tell you what they think but then have a deaf ear and a far away look when it's your turn.  Can I just say, I hate that!  I know people like this and therefore I avoid certain subjects with them because my point is mute to them.
     I think debate is good.  I think it can strengthen your beliefs because you have to explain why you think the way you do.  Discussing things can point out false teachings.  I like things to be validated with proof and not just believed because someone said it.
     An open mind can also lead you down the wrong path tho.  Many churches have an 'open door' policy and have accepted cultural ideas that aren't biblical.
     So I guess what I'm trying to say is stand your ground but don't shut the other person out.

Starting Each Day

     I think I should tape this to the ceiling over my bed so I can awake to it each day.  It would be a wise move on our part to ask for help as we begin our day.  We humble ourselves when we recognize our weaknesses and draw strength from Him.  My friend tells me when she has a bad day, its usually because she didn't start her day with quiet time with the Lord.  The every day world, we call life, bombards us with stresses that can only be dealt with properly by the fruit of the Spirit.
     Ask and you shall receive is His promise.  When we try to handle it on our own, we are set up for calamity and failure.  Step into His Word before you step into the world.

Anxiety

     In general I can remain calm under pressure but on occasion I can turn into 'anxiety girl.'  I probably watch the news and save it to my stored memory to recall it when appropriate.   I think this side of me only comes out when it involves somebody close to me.
     Not too long ago, before I went to bed my dad said he had to meet someone early the next morning.  Well even though I'd never met this person, I had preconceived ideas about them.  So I prayed that night and the next morning that my dad wouldn't get murdered.  I thought about going with him and I'll give of myself on about any cause, but just don't ask it of me before 10am, okay?  lol
     When our dog, Jack, goes on one of exploring escapades, I can turn into anxiety girl until he returns.   I think of how he might have been run over, caught somewhere by his collar, or stolen by research thieves.
     All of this worry has no benefit.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything prayer and supplication.  As the song says 'Let the peace of God reign.'   We must turn over to Him what we cannot control and leave it to Him.  If I'm going to leap somewhere in a single bound, let it be my voice to His ears.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, DAD

     Happy Father's Day to my Dad.  Yes, I admit I'm a spoiled daddy's girl.  He does his best to provide me with everything I need or just want. He used to go on many business trips and always brought me something back.  One time, I think from Denver, he brought back on the plane with him a life size Papa Smurf.  I bet that got a few looks, lol.  I can say he was strict enough for me to never consider sneaking out my easily accessible bay window as a teenager but generous enough to teach me about the joy of giving.  We are alot alike in that we are few on words, think over things too much at times, have a humorous wit and we are both genetically earmarked.  I love you, Dad.

Vacation

     Most of my church is leaving for Rock Haven church camp tomorrow.  The kids look forward to it every year.  It is a chance to get away from the hum-drum of everyday life.  It is also a chance to learn more about God's word and apply it in daily life.  Even tho friends are there, it is different to be with each other for a whole week.  I think this frog reminds us to not let little arguments get out of control but to let things go.  We must pack wisdom to take with us on trips, as well as clothes.   Remember, you may be the only Bible some people ever see.

Truly Live

     Some people think that living a Christian life means a mundane, boring, and restricted life.  That is certainly not the case.  I would ask 'what sin is it you don't want to give up that is worth risking eternity for?'  I'm not saying the Christian's life is sin-free but instead forgiven.  With our Savior by our side, we are freer to experience the joys of life and handle the hardships.
     I had a discussion with a friend about this very topic.  According to her, the life she has is self built and self attained.  She is uncertain of eternity and feels this life may be all there is.  She wants to live it up in this life with her rules as her guide.  Well that's foolish thinking.  Hebrews 11;1  ''Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.''  Everything comes from God or He allows it to draw you to Him.  As the ant prepares for harvest, we too must use this life to prepare for eternity, not selfish gain.  God has prepared a place for believers but are you prepared to go there?
     You can live to the fullest with less fear when your burdens are laid at the Cross.

Exaggeration

     Do you know people who embellish the truth?  It makes you doubt some of the things they say in general.  Now did this little rabbit see a real giant carrot, a plastic carrot, a carrot grown in Alaska or is it a carrot he dreamed up?  I wonder if he's trying to rally the other rabbits into Mr. McGregor's garden with his impressive tale.
     When we are known to be truthful, people will take you at your word.  Exaggeration tho can lead to distrust.  Is exaggeration an attempt to get attention?  I'd rather hear your story, even if it's boring, in truth than with false embellishments.
     There is also the 'one-up' factor.  Some people feel the need to tell their better story as soon as yours is over.  I hate that.  It gives the impression that you didn't even care about the first story but that you just want to tell yours.  The Bible says do not boast on anything but the Lord.
     Just tell it like it is and say 'and that's that.'  No more and no less equals out to be just enough.

     Proverbs 12;19  ''Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.''