He's Got You

        One time, when I was a child, we were at the lake and anchored the boat a little ways from the bank to have lunch.  I don't know what it was but I needed something from the boat. I had my shoes on and proceeded to go out there. Then and there, I learned the weight of my shoes and the lack of strength in my legs with them in the water.  Whatever I needed, now wasn't so important and I got out of the water.
      You too may be weighted down by things in life; like your job, bills, or responsibilities, but God will provide you with strength and all your needs.  God will not take you further than His grace can save you.  That drowning feeling from life's troubles can be scary and overwhelming but as the caption explains we always have a Watcher and Rescuer waiting for us to call on Him.
   2 Corinthians 4;8-9  ''We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.''
      2 Corinthians 4; 17  ''For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.''
    

Way Back Wednesday-- The Villas

     This is a picture of me when I was in 6th grade and we lived in a subdivision called The Villas.  It's about 4 miles down the road from where we lived now.  The dining and living rooms had very, very high celings with skylights in them.  I liked living here.  The subdivision had a pool right across from our house and I could ride my bike without much traffic danger.
     Oh and AJ's dairy bar was within walking distance.  I suppose things seemed safer back then because my parents let me walk there with friends. We had to walk to the end of the neighborhood, cross a drainage ditch, then cross Batesville Pike just to get there.  A choc/vanilla swirled ice cream cone was the goal. Yum.  There was a corner gas station on further up the street that we rarely walked to for candy.  It was quite a hike for me and not really worth it either.  When I see how busy the street is now, I wonder if it was less so back then?
      The dangers we have faced and will face are certainly out there, whether we acknowledge them or not.  Be thankful everyday for His protection that was and is and is to come. 

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?

What Have I Done?

 

     I am looking at my computer right now just like this pug and thinking 'What have I done?'  I hit a try something new button for my blog and I don't like it and now I don't know how to change it back.  So I've spent the last hour, unsuccessfully, trying to fix it and relearning how to blog.  Is that what the pug is going to try to do on his daily walk, try to undo the pizza fiasco?
     Guilt can be a powerful force.  It can be a good thing tho to show us our need of repentance.  Forgiveness is there waiting for us.  We just have to seek it and ask for it.

What?

     If I had a nickel for every time someone has agreed with me and not known what I said, I'd have a pretty sweet bank account.  I've done it too so don't go all guilty on me.  Just so you know, I usually know when you don't get what I've said. I often try to rephrase it and sometimes that works. It's better for both of us if you just ask me to say it again. I'm telling you here and now, it doesn't hurt my feelings or offend me. If we had a DVR's rewind button for life's conversations, I bet our buttons would be used quite often.
     The Gospels of the Bible often tell of the same parables that Jesus spoke of.  It not only is an accountable record of events written by different people but maybe God knew we needed it said more than once for us to get it.  If we missed the parable of the mustard seed in Matthew, then maybe we'd understand it in Mark.
     'What?' is a fair question so don't be afraid to use it.  God knows whether we hear Him or not and it's a pretty good bet, He'll repeat it till you hear... loud and clear.

Already There

     I found this poem on a friend's facebook page and thought it was good enough to share.
     Isn't it comforting to know that God has already seen and planned for our future?  We can look back on our past and verify this with all the accomodations that were made on our behalf.  I had been on an old type of ventilator at night for 13 years when it stopped meeting my needs.  I ended up in ICU for a week.  My doctor offered a new, different type of machine but wasn't sure if it would be sufficient.  God met my needs with this at just the right time.  Other doctors in the past had told me this type of machine wasn't right for me but I think it just wasn't the right timing in God's plan for me.  I need not worry because it's out of my control but under His.
     When you're driving to Florida from Arkansas, do you worry about Alabama as you leave your driveway?  No, you have a lot of ground to cover first.  That's how believers should consider our journey of life. Know your destination but trust that God and His guidance will get you there.  ''Some thru the waters, some thru the flood. Some thru the fire, but all thru the blood.''

Good Words

     Who doesn't love a compliment?  We all love flattering words that make us feel noticed.  I wore my pink monogrammed jacket this morning to church.  A friend asked me if the 'A' was for Awesome?  I smiled and said yes.  If we all know how good a compliment feels to us personally, and we do, then why isn't our speech filled with them?  Your words can be the difference in somebody having a good day or a bad day.  Compliments can also be good conversation starters.  If you want to talk to someone but aren't sure what to say, start by telling them something you like about them.
     Colossians 3:12  ''Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.''
     Compliments are an act of random kindness, so go on out there and act on it.
    

''Kind words can warm for three winters, while harsh words can chill even in the heat of summer.''

Fear

     Have you ever been told 'you might feel a lil discomfort' before?  Then when they did the procedure, you felt like yelling 'for crying out loud, THAT HURT.'  I used to be extremely fearful of needles.  If I had to give blood for some reason, I'd work myself up into a panic and be halfway to passing out before they even stuck me.  It became such a habit, that I'd warn the nurse that if I didn't lay down then I'd pass out.  When I got older, I had to check my blood every few days for awhile.  I got over the fear of giving blood with that ordeal.
     I'm still needle shy tho.  I went in for my 2nd filling in my life at the dentist's office a couple of years ago.  I noticed the dentist hiding something behind his back.  Then I saw that HUGE needle.  My tooth needed filled but my heart was more filled with fear than anything with the sight of that needle. I said, 'what are you planning on doing with THAT?'  [I'm a pretty outspoken patient]  He said it's just a lil numbing medicine.  NUH-UH. I said 'no, I'm good without it.'  I did do fine with it all and no needles. I hope he wrote that on my chart..lol..'no shots for her.'
    Fear can be a good thing tho.  It can keep us from danger and getting hurt.  Psalm 111:10 ''The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.''  God doesn't sugar-coat the pains of hell.  He clearly warns us and it should stir up a fear in us of an eternal life separated from Him.  Matthew 13:42 ''They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.''
     Put fear in its proper place and you'll be eternally blessed.

What Was I Thinking?

     Before I turned 40 last year, I told my doctor 'they say everything changes when you turn 40.'  He said 'no, it's  60' because he was closing in on that age.  I think something changed because this caption hits a little too close to home and a little more often now.  Has your train gone off track more than you like to admit?  They say to keep your mind healthy and alert, you should do word games or read or do anything thought provoking.  I play scrabble everyday with friends online so would my mind turn to mush without that daily activity?  I hope not.
     Our thoughts can not only disappear on us but can become tainted. Yes, the mind can be both active and mush at the same time. Our thoughts can often turn into our words so we must try to keep them on a positive note and out of the gutter. Philippians 4:8  ''Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.''

Would You?

     These are lyrics to one of my favorite songs, ''Chasing Cars'' by Snow Patrol.  I think its a song about feeling all alone and wanting just one person to care.  It makes me think of alzheimer's patients and their loved one just lying next to them and holding them in their hospital bed.  I don't know of such a display of love by man greater than this.  We don't have to wait for a sick, bed-ridden moment to show someone that we can do without our routines and let go of the noise of the world for a while.  How?  A walk together without ipods, a day off from work and not working on any to-do list, prayer time together or whatever you can think of.  Like the song title says, we are often just chasing cars in our lives with no quiet time.  The world will not stop for you but you can stop your world from spinning out of control.  Hit the pause button, every once in a while.
     No matter whether you feel alone or not, you can take comfort that Jesus is right beside you. He is our Comforter and Counselor above all else.  He cares more than anyone about you and the struggles you face.
    

Way Back Wednesday

    Oh my goodness, I look so short in this picture.  Look at that hair? Sometime shortly before this,  I had a radical moment and chopped my hair off that had grown to the middle of my back.  Actually, my Aunt Robbie did it for me and begged me not to do it.
    I was about 13 here.  This room was a dark room for developing film when we first moved here.  It was attached to a tiny bathroom.  The garage was attached to both and after a year or two?, it became my bedroom. So I was pretty thrilled to not only get my own bathroom for the first time but a jacuzzi too.
    I am wearing my Girl Scout t-shirt that I got at camp a few years earlier. Camp Minnetonka, I think. It took me forever to outgrow clothes.. and still does.
     I share these pictures of the past to show how good God has blessed me thru the years.  I hope you can look back at your own pictures and count it all as blessings too.

Friends

     I love this picture.  My friend, Betsy, gave me a puppy calendar for Christmas and this is one of the  pictures from it.  Friends are so valuable in our lives.  They will listen to our never-ending, sad, pitiful me stories that no one else wants to hear.  They will tag along with you for no reason just so you don't have to go somewhere alone.  They will bring you your favorite snack when you're too sick to go out and get it yourself.  They will pray for you whether you're on a hill or in a valley in your life.  They will know if you say you are 'Fine!', that there's often more to the story.  They will know what you're saying across a room with just a glance of the eyes. 

      King Solomon had written about the value of friends as well. In Ecclesiastes we read, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up” (4:9-10).

     Friends are like family, I can't live without them.  We become to look alike too, don't you think?

Time Traveling Tuesday

     In 1989, we went on a 7 day Carribean cruise.  I think we flew to Puerto Rico and caught the ship there. It could have been one of the stops but I don't remember anything there but the airport.  It's been a few years so my memory is a little faded. 
    We went to several islands but I'll start with Barbados.  We went to Bluebeard's Castle.  I think it was on the beach here that a suspicious guy came up to us trying to sell jewelry.  We suspected he had drugs in the lower drawer of his jewelry box.  We did buy a conch shell somewhere on the island.  Good grief, it stunk in a few days. The lil animal inside had died. yuck.
     Martinique was another island.  I liked the shops here. They looked like storybook shops. French influence I suspect.  Sunbathing here can be a lil shocking.  The women go topless here..yes you read that right..on public beaches. I think this is the same island that our bus tour stopped at a nude beach.  We didn't get off the bus.  We saw more than we wanted from there, lol.
     St. Thomas was the most American of all the islands.  We tried to take a taxi or bus tour on each island to see the 'sites' in the few hours you're given by the ship to be on shore.  We took a bus tour here.  The driver got us up close to the iguanas in the trees as he dared to get as close to the edge of the cliff as possible.Eating, shopping and beach lounging were our main activities.
     St. Marteen was another island.  We went to this beach and needed some shade.  We found this tree and couldn't believe no one was under it.  Well, some people soon told us, it was a poisonous tree that dripped sap.
     The cruise ship itself was nice but the room was the size of a matchbox with bunk beds.  This picture of me was from one of the dress up dinner nights. It was fun and I may have gotten the islands mixed up but that's about all I remember because it was way back when.

Hot Topic

     I'm going to talk about a hot topic with me but I'll try not to get too hot about it.  We are all going to get sick from time to time but some of it's avoidable.
     I don't understand why some people 'think' it's okay to expose others to their or their kid's feverish illness. Love thy neighbor as thyself does not mean make your neighbor feel as bad as you do.  Nor does share the wealth include germs, viruses, or the flu.  This is not just a self centered blog but other people miss work and/or have unexpected doctor bills they can't afford just because of the exposure.  If you think that you're so important, that you can't miss church, school, work, or whatever...then I encourage you to take a moment to humble yourself.
    For all those who do stay home when sick, I thank you and Lord willing, will see you next time.

Ice

     I've lived most of my life in the South but a few years were in the North.  If you watch the news today, you'll see how many people should not be behind the wheel in anything but sun or rain.  I went from driving in Dallas to driving in Chicago and that will make you learn how to drive in bad winter weather quick.
    3 pointers for driving in slick conditions.  1] Slow down. Give yourself extra time to get where you're going.  A ditch is not a short cut.  2] Patience.  Those other drivers are usually more of a danger than your own driving.  Speeding around them because you lost your patience, could make you lose more control than you ever imagined.  3] Stay focused.  People often rubber-neck or gaze off during regular driving conditions but your brakes aren't that fast when it's slick. 
     Snow is the same in the north and south.  You don't have to freak out when driving in it, just take your time.

Aging

     Now I know the real reason why our family has never been a fan of buffet restaurants..lol. It's an aging reminder. Besides the fact that the food has all been touched or sneezed on by everybody.   
      I love Maxine. I think she's wise yet sarcastic enough to tell you the truth like you've never heard it before.  If you know who 'Walter' the puppet of Jeff Dunham is, I think they'd make the perfect couple.  oops, I just checked, he's already married.
     Aging is not easy.  I think we do have to be able to not only laugh about it but to embrace it. I think the recent headlines of Demi Moore's struggles with getting older are sad for her.  I think it shows a lost soul when all you have to cling to is the flesh.  It's going to change, fade, die and return to dust so I think the soul should take priority.
     Gray hair is from the trials God has brought you thru.  Sagging is from all the years you been blessed with being exposed to gravity.  Short term memory loss is so you can remember the old times even better. 
     They say 'only the good die young' but let's keep on aging gracefully and say 'only the best, outlast the rest.'

Which Road?

     Roads take us to where we want to go but we have to be on the right one. Today many people have a GPS in their car to help keep them on the right road to their destination.  My dad and I were in the van the other day with his new GPS.  It was trying to guide us to a cupcake shop in Little Rock.  Well even though I had never been there before, I had in my mind where it was and thought the GPS was wrong.  So we went a different way, which ended up being the long, wrong way..lol.
    Some people say that all roads or paths of religion will get you to heaven. That couldn't be any more wrong. I've heard it explained this way... let's say you're at Verizon arena, just pick a road..any road, and follow it and eventually you'll get home.  Seems pretty silly, doesn't it.  Well, the only road to your eternal home is thru Jesus Christ. John 3;36  '' Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.''
     Are you like Alice or do you know where you want to go?  Doesn't it matter to you?  You are going to need a spiritual GPS to guide you, it's called The Bible.  Your mind may think it knows better but this GPS is never wrong.  Start your journey today.

The Frog and the Gator

     My aunt in California sent me this picture to blog about.  What do you see from the picture?  I see three things that we could draw an analogy from.  I usually stick to one topic but I'm going to go for three on this one.
     First, it reminds me that we should choose our friends wisely.  Not everyone you consider a friend has your best interest in mind.  I think if this alligator really just wanted to give his frog friend a lift, then he could have done it with a closed mouth. I think the gator has a secret motive, 'lunch.'  Psalm 10;7  ''Their mouths are full of lies and threats; trouble and evil are under their tongues.''
     Secondly, it reminds me of how we don't know when the Lord will return or call us home and we need to always be ready.  Matthew 24; 42-44  ''“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.''  That frog has no idea how close he is to death and it can be over for him in an instant. 
     Thirdly, it reminds me that if you play with danger, you're going to get bit.  The frog thinks he is just going to sneak a peak into the darkness of evil and yet he's not only risking his toes but his very life.  Proverbs 22;3  ''The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.''
     A picture speaks a thousand words but I'm not going to say or type that much.  God does speak to us thru nature so does the picture say any more to you?  I'd love to hear.

Way Back Wednesday

The driveway

Before the pool, driveway and sunroom

Before the deck, carport and
basement renovation

View from the road before
removing 60 trees



The backyard



  
     This is where we moved to about 28 years ago.  My dad's aunt and uncle lived across the street since he was a little boy.  He dreamed of owning it one day and the dream came true on a 2nd try.  My parents couldn't afford it the first time they made an offer so they waited a few years and tried again.  I remember us looking at some other houses and this one just looked like alot of work.  My 12 yr old eyes could not see the vision they had in mind.  I did my share of blade work and trailer hauling with our riding lawnmower on these 2.5 acres.  I'd say it all worked out after all.
      Don't you think this is how God sees us?  A tangled mess that needs alot of His work in our lives but yet with a vision of a beautiful ending.  Of course, maintenance is required thru His word, prayer and our fellowship with other believers.  Thankfully, He thinks we are worth the trouble too.

C'mon Already

     Well, you may think I blog about patience alot but it's something I know I need to get better at.  I may seem patient but my thoughts have said everything these flowers are saying in the caption above.  I think I was wired to be an independent person because it has never bothered me to do stuff alone.  I actually enjoyed it.  As my wiring has failed me, I've been forced to rely on other people. I don't know of a faster way to learn patience.  If you adhere to the phrase 'if you want it done right, do it yourself' then you have a steep road ahead of you when, not if, you want help from others.  Patience isn't always about waiting but also understanding your way of doing things is not always the only way.
     Maybe an example would help me illustrate what I'm trying to say.  Are you a navigator in the car but sitting in the passenger seat?  You may know the quickest way from point A to point B, but when the driver takes the path of A -D- C- B, it takes patience to not say anything.  I am a navigator in the car so if people ask me which way I want to go, I sometimes practice patience by saying 'either way, it doesn't matter.'
    Patience, use it before you lose it.