Sing in the Dark

        Well our sermon this morning was on 'Singing in the Darkness--Psalm 77.'   ''I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me.''  How true this was for me after last night.
       My 14 pound cat, Tiger, sleeps in my bed almost every night.  I like it because she has a keen eye for any bug, cricket or spider on the bed.  At 230am last night, she was walking in the bed checking out the new fall decorations on the headboard.  I was awake but did not forsee what was about to happen.  She came over to me and completely laid her whole body on my good arm.  AGHH.. I can't move and she wouldn't budge at all.  I tried to reach my buzzer but it moved further away with each try.  I broke out into a sweat as I reverted back and forth between panic and prayer.  Remaining calm and diligent prayer are the secrets to success in any stressful situation.  After a 30 minute struggle, my arm was free from the weight of my fat cat.
        Prayer does move mountains and does give you needed strength.  I know that singing His praises in dark times is what we need to do but I'll admit this was a true test for me.

Nugget.. No

            This caption reminds me of the song, 'I'm in the Lord's Army.'  Are you really or are you conformed to this world?  We must be bold, brave and firm in our beliefs, regardless what the 'world' says has changed.  The liberal views of today want to chop God's word up into acceptable nuggets that they can swallow.  God's word is healthy for all in it's whole formation.

           We, like the lil chick, must put on the whole armor of God to meet our everyday battles.  We may never fight in the infantry or shoot any artillery, but we all fight with the devil everyday.  Be prepared because the spiritual battle isn't easy for anyone. 

Foto Friday

Trying to be happy for fall

Thursday visit by Grace

Two of my favorite people
Bud and Nancy

My felt pumpkin craft

Pumpkin craft crew

Jack and his TCBY sample

Spider on the deck that
Karla nearly touched

Enough

From a friend to her daughter..... ''I just wanted to say I wish for you enough.....enough sunshine....enough friendships....enough happiness...enough good days to make the not so good seem ok.....enough warmth so you never feel the cold...enough compassion so you never grow hard.......enough love so you can give love....enough self esteem so that you never give up.....you are always enough in my eyes, my Daughter...love you infinity and back again...your Momma''

        I just thought that was just too wonderful not to share.  We are enough and there is no need to prove that you are enough to anyone.  We are all unique and should be proud of our differences.

        God is also enough for you.  When the world walks out and betrays you, God promises to never leave or forsake you.  His grace is sufficient for you each and every day.  He is our Provider and we must turn to Him with our requests, according to His will.

        “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

        When we want to give our loved ones enough, what does that mean?  I think it means 'love that covers all.'  1 Corinthians 13;1  ''If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.''  We are blessed and loved by each other, because He loved us first.

        Never enough?  Yes, we can never do enough to save ourselves from sin.  God sent His Son to pay that debt for all those who believe in Him.

       May you see yourself as enough to the world, but humble yourself enough to see your need for the Savior.

Ponder This

           This picture reminds me of the phrase, 'Things that make you go, hmm.'  I think we often ponder about things we are trying to explain a 'why' to ourselves about.  Because some things will never be answered or explained, I think it is better to ponder in a more reflective mindset.  Hmm, how great and faithful has God always been to me.
           Psalm 64;9  ''All people will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done.''
           Psalm 107;43  ''Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.''
          We have all been at the crossroads of fear and trust, but why do we question which way to turn?  It is true.. we all fear, but not all trust in the Lord.  Trusting in ourselves is probably the biggest deceiver or lie that we fall for.  Humility is the cure for that and reminds us that nothing is done without His help and power.
          As you consider or even ponder this blog, I want you to go 'Hmm' about the loving deeds of the Lord in your own life...... the near misses, the recoveries, the victories, the comforts, and the hardships... He walked with you through it all.  Hmm.

Humankind

Job 6; 14  ''“Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.''


         As humans, we communicate with each other by our speech, bodily gestures and looks.  Is kindness infiltrated into these acts to others that we encounter?  Kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit, but do we bear it?  Without kindness, no act is truly done in love.
       ''In most cases, kindness is not beyond any of us because it usually costs no money. It may take the sacrifice of time and energy. It may require the discipline to be thoughtful of others' needs and to make the effort to act. How much is required to cultivate smiling rather than frowning? to pay a visit? to say a word of encouragement or comfort? to show friendliness by warmly and sincerely shaking hands?''
       Kindness is kind of like a good first impression, you either show it or blow it.  Do unto others, as you'd have them do to you.

Unstoppable

         I watched the movie/documentary, Unstoppable, last night.  The theme is about our lives being part of God's greater plan, even when we don't understand.  Tragedy happens, without discrimination.  'All things work for good for those that believe in Jesus Christ.'  It doesn't say 'if you're good, you'll only get good.' We all experience trials and we may never see the benefits in this life, but that doesn't mean they don't exist.  God promises they do.
         My own life has been an example of this.  The last three times I have been in the hospital, I have come out with a machine or medicine that I could not live without.  I didn't know the outcome during the trial's experience on me, but I did have His Word hidden in my heart that enabled me to trust.
         God's plans and purposes are unstoppable.... what a blessing for us.

Foto Friday

The 2-sided Jim Shore pumpkin
my dad got me for my
birthday in Canton.. Sept n Nov side

October side

RED shirt Friday
Remembering Everyone Deployed

Reasons

            Do you ever question what you are doing when you just seem to be on the go all the time?  I think some have nervous energy and feel the need to be busy all the time.  Some, on the other hand, are always busy helping others however they can.  Is there purpose in our scheduling madness?
            Psalm 46;10  ''He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”''
           Sometimes we get so busy trying to solve the problems of our own little worlds that we forget to turn to the true Solver of all our trials.  God surely must laugh when we run around like chickens with their heads cut off.
         Ask yourself often, 'What is my reason or purpose in doing this?'  Are you bearing spiritual fruit, feeding self pride, or pleasing the crowd?  All of our works should be done in the spirit to please and glorify God.
        'May the love in our hearts be manifested in the fruits of our labors.'

43rd Birthday

        Yesterday was my 43rd birthday, but I was too tired to blog about it.  It was a wonderful day of food, fun, and friends.  I organized a girls birthday luncheon at Whole Hog barbeque.  It couldn't have went any better, no air assistance or cough, just good fellowship with each other.  The presents I received were right on target for my likes.
        Later in the day, I was treated to Tutti Frutti by the owner... yum.  I visited with more friends later on that evening.  What a full day of smiles, laughter and memories.
       43 years is a long time, actually the oldest I've ever been.  My God who knew me and formed me in the womb is the One who sustains me through this journey and I have no cause or fear for my future... He is my Rock.

Rich, the owner of Whole Hog,
celebrating with us

Susan Franco made me a
'and that's that' tshirt

Jelly from Twylia

Gloria put together and framed
the puzzle pieces I had sent her
this spring

My new clothes collection

Best fro-yo in town

Frisco/Canton Texas Trip

   


      Well that was the longest that I've ever gone without the internet, but it was well worth it.  We left Tuesday for Frisco, TX for my pre-birthday road trip.
      Wednesday began with shopping at IKEA and Sam Moon Trade Center.  We all met up at 2 o'clock for our IFly indoor skydiving reservation.  As much as it was my idea and desire to indoor skydive, it was for my safety not to have my prayer answered.  Charlene, Kristy, Karla and my dad did get to IFly and it was fun to watch.  Flapping cheeks, concentration to the max, and balance gone awry.  Yes, its hard not to be a little envious of their flying adventure but I'll reserve my flight time till heaven.  After IFly, the sisters met up with family and we went to the Frisco Marketplace.  I got my favorite Orange Julius drink too that I had been craving.
         Thursday, we headed for Canton.. the flea market town of all towns.  We got to do a little practice shopping before the big day of shopping on Friday.
         Friday, we woke up to rain..... WHAT?  It was a blessing tho and cooled things off till the afternoon.  We shopped hard and long with many bargains conquered.  That night we went to Juanita's for my birthday dinner, my first time to eat out in a restaurant since Oct 2013.  It went well with a little air help.
        Saturday after a little morning shopping, Kristy headed to Austin and we headed back to LR.  Great people sharing a great time making great memories.

Happy

         To live in the present and make it memorable is a key to happiness.  Each day is a gift from God and although we often take it for granted.. it is not promised to us.
         Will what you did today have a lasting impact?  It is often the little things that matter most.  A kind word, an unexpected compliment, a shared smile.....it doesn't take much to make a person's day.  We all need joy boosters in our lives.
         Accepting where you are in life is part of maturity.  You are where you are in life based on your choices, goals and self motivation, if you don't like it.. change it.  Some things we cannot change so then we just look for the bright side of those situations.
         Last night, I used my air during part of the church service.  As my pride struggled, I considered the blessing of my air being portable.  I was where I wanted to be and accepting what I needed helped me visit with others after the service and made the most out of my day.

Foto Friday

Ice buckets for the challenge

Our before challenge shot

Rew girls visit

Katherine playing the shark

Jessica and Becca

Happy in the shade

Cutest puddle jumper