Last Minute

     I thought with the holiday weekend coming up that some of you might relate to this caption.  There never seems to be enough time to get everything ready, is there?  I suspect we think more about everything on the to-do list than just tackling one thing at a time. We become anxious, short tempered, and frantic.  What a combination!  That 'last minute' comes so quickly.  Suddenly we can wash the dog, use that soapy water to mop the floor and do laundry all in 20 min because the guests will arrive in 30min.  Been there?  Oh sure, now your out-of-breath self is sure fit for company..... not.
    One of our pastors recently talked about the Mary and Martha story.  Mary benefitted from Jesus presence and company, while Martha was more concerned with the to-do list of His arrival.  Are you a Mary or a Martha?  It's understandable to prepare for something but don't lose the joy of the event.  Don't get so tired in the before setup that you can't reap the pleasure of your company.  The idea that your guests will be judging your house with white gloves and a critiquing eye is more in your head than theirs.
    Do what you can in due time but don't fret over what you can't do.  If you're spent, then people may not want to spend time with you.

    ''Procrastination is the thief of time.''

    ''Procrastination and impatience form a system of checks and balances.''

Way Back Wednesday-- Think It Thru For You

 

     I thought since the Arlington, TX area has been in the news this week that I would write a story about my time there.  I lived there from 1991-1993.  During that time, I had two vocal cord surgeries that I've blogged about before.  I want to talk a little about the time after that in this blog.
     As a result of the surgeries, I had to begin wearing a ventilator at night to sleep well.  Not a thrill for a newly married couple.  I had to go overnight for a couple of days to have a sleep study done to get the correct settings for my machine.  That all went fine but two things didn't go over so well with me. First, they sent in a psychologist to see me.  Well, I nipped that in the bud.  As soon as they introduced themselves, I said 'just stop right there, I have nothing to say and I better not get a bill for this.'  The second thing that happened is more of my focus here.  This is the time of my life when I began having my swallowing and coughing troubles so the doctor recommended I get a feeding tube to help avoid the problem.  Needless to say I was shocked and told him I was not ready for that kind of invasive intervention and would deal with it.  Twenty years later now, I think of all the enjoyment of food I've had and the pleasure I would have missed all those years.
     I tell this story to say that you must heed advice but in the end, you have to decide what is best for you.  My doctor now has recommended a trach for me for some years now.  When I found out that it would result in me no longer being able to speak or eat ever again, I took that option off the table.  Medical technology is great but 'you' must decide your limits.  By the way, this in no way advocates euthanaseia.  There is a time tho to resist further medical attention.
     This also plays out in your eternal fate.  Heed advice but only you can decide for yourself.

Flea Market Heaven

     Canton, TX is known as the world famous flea market heaven.  Keep it a secret tho, too many people already know, lol.  We just got back from our spring voyage to this little town. It was a great trip, despite a lil 'spice of life', as my friend put it.  I got some cool stuff but just going and looking is worth it in itself. They have lots of decorative sign sayings but my favorite one this time was   'A smoking section in a restaurant is like a peeing section in a swimming pool'.  How funny but true!
     If I could sum up this trip in one word, it would be 'Protected.'  The following aren't negatives of the trip but just examples of His protection over us wherever we are.

  1]  On the way down, two ceiling fan blades broke off but no one was hit by them.
  2]  I sucker punched the towel rack with my bottom lip but I didn't knock out my tooth that occasionally pops out.
  3]  When it rained Saturday morning, we had the option to go to the indoor market place.
  4]  We did have a tire blowout on the way home but it didn't cause a wreck or hurt the other tire next to it.
  5]  A beer toting man came to our door but went away peacefully after my dad gave him some matches so he could light his cigarette.
  6]  Even tho we spent a noisy night camped on an access ramp off the freeway, we had everything we needed.
  7]  Although the wait for tire repair service tested/zapped my patience completely, it was resolved and at a lower cost.
  8]  Everything was just as we left it when we got home, perfectly fine.

   This is just a short list of the few ways I know that we were blessed.  God is good all the time, even in the trying moments of life.

Blog Purpose

Psalm 71;15
''My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,
   of your saving acts all day long—
   though I know not how to relate them all.''


    I read this verse today in my daily reading and thought that is what I want my blog to accomplish.  Yes, I would have to blog all day long and still wouldn't cover everything.  The Israelites were constantly reminded what God had done for them, brought out of Egypt.  I will continue to think about and try to relate to you all the blessed saving acts God has bestowed on me in my life.

Post-it Note

     Has anyone ever tried to explain something to you and by the time they're done, you forgot what you asked?  It reminds me of when we first got computers at work.  Although I'm far from being a computer tech, I was the one at work most comfortable with how to do things on the computer.  I went around and answered co-workers questions.  You have to take in to account, this was about 1998.  One of my coworkers had post-it notes on every cabinet above his computer with every how-to that I told him.  One day he said 'okay, I know how to put in the web address but how do I get it to go there?'  I told him and he wrote down on a post-it note, 'press enter.' 
     Simplify.  People get lost in the details.  I think people often shy away from witnessing because of all the details.  Isn't John 3;16 really the simplified version of it all?  Knowledge of more is good but understanding and accepting this verse is key. '' For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.''

FBF REQUESTS FOR APRIL

FBF MISSIONARY PRAYER REQUESTS FOR APRIL 2012


MARTIN AND HANSY TUOHY

1. "The Biggest Question" gospel DVD. Hoping to pass them out at the local university campus. Pray that not one would go unwatched and that we would be prepared to minister to those who may be drawn to the Father.

2. Hansy and the new baby. Due date is 4/25.

3. Wisdom, joy and courage to follow God's leading whatever this may mean. Current considerations are to either try starting a new church plant here in Denmark or going to Puruandiro, MX.

LESLEY WOLFE

Aaron and Amy, (my co-workers who live in Liberia), are in the process of having their house built.  The first 3 weeks of April, Aaron’s father and brother, Ruben, will be with them, helping Aaron do as much as they can the finish the house so it’s livable.  The last week of April A&A’s language consultant is scheduled for a visit with them, during which time he’ll check their progress, give guidance, etc.  So be praying:

(1)    For Aaron’s father and brother’s 3-week visit.  It’s the hot season right now, they’ll be staying in A&A’s village house (mud and thatch), and, well, life won’t be exactly like it is for them back home in Germany!  Pray for them as they work in the heat, are exposed to malaria bearing mosquitos, are surrounded by Glaro people with whom they will not be able to communicate, etc.! 

(2)    A&A will be making long trips from the village to Monrovia, picking up their April guests.  Pray for safety for them all as they travel…..both by plane and then by car while in Liberia.

TED AND PRISCILLA CLARK

1. Please pray for our huge Easter camp April 5-8.  There are around 450 people scheduled to come.  We need the Lord's grace and blessing for every detail of this camp.

2.  Thank you for praying with us for the new discipleship program at the camp.  The kids are doing well and have been a great blessing in carrying out numerous evangelistic efforts and helping with up-keep on the camp property.  Each morning, we begin with a through-the-Bible study for the whole group, before they go to their various work assignments.  They are memorizing Scripture, reading and studying large portions of the Bible and reading other books to help in their spiritual growth.  Please pray for these young people.

PHILIP AND SANDRA PRIME

1. Lord willing we will be taking the books to Family Camp from the 5th to the 8th of April; pray for safety, that the Lord would hide the bus from the sight of those who might want to stop us for monetary reasons and also that the Lord would use this material to bless His people--helping them to mature in their faith and grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Pray for the new work in Irapuato. Praise God with us for the wonderful help of the Mendoza family. The Lord is maturing Jesús and Delia in the faith and they have proved to be a perfect and valuable complement to the work here.

Thanks for praying for Juan Carlos and Karina. She (and 3 others) was baptized last Sunday (in the river on our camp-out with several other churches). She and her husband Juan Carlos, who is not far from the Kingdom, continue to be faithful.

Thanks for praying for Jesús Valdenegro. The Lord has matured him in the faith. The Lord used the kidnapping to produce in him a sweeter spirit and a stronger faith.

BOBBY AND NAMATHA AVILEZ

1.       Please pray for our House of Hope kids while they are at home in Burma over the summer holidays. Pray for their safety and protection and pray that many would ask about what they have been learning at the House of Hope and that families, friends and strangers would want to learn more about Jesus.

2.       Pray for the rest of the Avilezs trip to the states.  So far, after over 3000 miles,  we have seen more hotel rooms and some living rooms . We have yet to share in a church but God has His plans and ways so we are in the best hands! We hope to arrive for a 10 day stay at the Faith missionary house on April 9^th! Looking forward to reconnecting with everyone!

MONICA SERNATINGER

1. Our co-laboring missionaries Brad and Lindsay Sturm  recently updated us on the armed assault they went thru, while at home this past weekend, and how the Lord lovingly protected them. Earnestly pray for them. The Sunday before this happened (two weeks ago) they had been here with us, sharing in the Lord's Supper, and stayed until Wednesday morning, since Brad was repairing the tile on our kitchen and fixing other things around our house... They sure are a blessing to us and to many... Please, pray for protection for them and the rest of the missionaries.

2. Thank you for praying for Juan and Erika. They had been struggling in their walk with Jesus. Well, Saturday night, while several of us were away camping (participating in Padres en Accion camp), we received a call from Erika. Juan had been picked-up by the authorities being accused of selling drugs. It was around 5 pm, and he was smoking a cigarette just a few yards from the house of his mother in law when two police trucks arrived, and started demanding from him to tell them where was the drug hidden. Erika, her mother, and the children, all came out to try to convince the police that he did not sell drugs, and had no drugs hidden, but to no avail. They took him anyway to the hill country, they beat him up very badly (all his body and head, except for his face that was covered with a black plastic bag provoking suffocation and choking), demanding, over and over again, where was he hiding the drugs. He kept telling them that he has never sold them, or uses them anymore. Meanwhile, Erika went to the local police and other agencies to try to find out where Juan was and for how long. They told her that no report had come in and they did not know what happened or where he could be. Finally, after four hours, Juan was dropped off at a lonely street, and he called Erika to pick him up. They had also stolen his weekly salary.  As you can imagine, this has been a very traumatic event in their lives, but they could see the hand of God. Juan says that thru all of it, he was praying to the Lord asking for mercy and for his kids, Aileen (9) and Juanito (6). Erika says that she could not imagine her life without Juan and so she was earnestly praying that they would return him alive.

    As the church learned of this, everyone has been very compassionate and helping them. Juan and Erika have felt God's love and care. At the women's meeting she thanked the Lord that now she knew that the church was not only a group but a family... Praise the Lord!  Please, continue to pray for this dear couple, and their family.  Thank you.

Way Back Wednesday-- Washed

     Well, this picture of me in the hot tub is the closest picture I could come up with to relate to the topic.  The caption is more the focus.

      I LOVE a hot shower.  I like the water to be just a tad below causing a 3rd degree burn..lol.  When I was younger, my shower had at least a foot high stepup to get into it.  I hated it because it always scared me.  I had to use the towel bracket to hoist myself in there and cling to as I got out.  I could easily stay in there until the hot water tank was empty.  As the caption suggests, the shower is a quiet, soothing place to think.  I miss that quiet time now that I have to have help and feel rushed.  The best bathroom I've ever been in was in the hotel in Cancun, MX.  It was huge and I suspect they had a huge hot water supply.  As you might have gathered, I'm not into water conservation..lol.

     The most important cleansing is to be washed by the blood of the Lamb.  Are your garmets spotless and white as snow that have been stained with sin?  The only soul-cleansing thing is the blood of Jesus.  I'm so glad we can turn to Him for mercy and grace without animal or other ritual sacrifices.  The shedding of blood has always been required to cover our sins, but Jesus' death and His blood covered once and for all.

      I encourage you today, to go get washed up with His soul-cleansing power.

      No one sings it better than Alan Jackson... click to listen here.. http://youtu.be/R52heyok9Ps

Do You Know Me?

     Have you ever felt like Cookie Monster when he was given crackers?  Or you might have been on the giving side, just trying to be helpful and got the rash rejection?
     Every time we go to Pig n Chik to eat catfish, someone will ask me if I want tartar sauce.  Have I ever?  No, not so far in this lifetime.  I'm not saying it's a big deal but I can relate to this caption.
     Do you think God ever thinks that of us?  I would bet He does when we do things that are not what He wants from us.  How many times does He have to tell us 'no' on the same sinful thing?  
     The rashest rejection is the one for unbelievers at the Judgement Seat one day.  God will say 'I never knew you' before sending you to an eternity separated from Him.
     We would be wise to get to know Him better each day thru The Word and learn what He wants from us.  May our acts in this life never cause Him to say 'It's like you don't even know Me.'

Don’t listen to the Word of God
And then ignore what you have heard;
Instead obey God’s will for you—
Be doers of the Word. —Sper

Cupcakes

     As I head to the doctor today for my two month checkup, I have in tow with me butterfly cupcakes.  My friend, Charlene, helped me make them yesterday.
     I think it's important to thank people who help you in different ways in your life.  Sure it is their job but a little treat showing appreciation goes a long way.
     My doctor's office is great and I can feel the love as soon as I come in.  What a great feeling to not dread a medical appointment but to look forward to it?   Of course, I'm feeling pretty good now so that does help.
      Show the people in your lives that you appreciate the job they do for you in your life.

Jellybean Prayer

      You've probably considered your ability to see as a gift from God but did you consider the colors as a gift too?  I watched a video the other day where black n white pictures were transformed by colors.  How much more profound and beautiful they became. What an artist God is with his paintbrush.
      Jellybeans are a favorite springtime candy.  I usually think more about the flavors than the colors.  My favorite are cinnamon and buttered popcorn flavors.
      I thought this jellybean prayer was rather insightful.  A whole new way to look at jellybeans.  If we could see everything as a gift from God in some form, I think we'd be a more thankful and grateful society to Him...as we should be.

Make It Real

       This caption reminds me of the people who have 682 friends listed on Facebook.. or more.  Really?  I think it was Dale Carnegie who said if you can name 5 friends on one hand, you have a lot.  Sure we all have people we know or can at least call an acquaintance but that's no equivalent to a friend.  A friend knows the good and the bad about you, the highs and the lows of your moods, and is a help to you without even being asked.  That's what a 'real' friend is.
        I can say I am truly blessed with a couple of handfuls of real friends.  I am thankful to have 3 of them visiting today.  They know the dirt and the hurt that has hit me but also have shared the spotlights of great moments in my life.  I am thankful for friends that never end.
       

''The greatest sweetener of human life is Friendship. To raise this to the highest pitch of enjoyment, is a secret which but few discover.''

Piece of my Mind

 






     Okay so from this caption, we now know what lies ahead for my future.  Giving someone 'peace of mind' is a far cry from giving someone a 'piece of your mind.'  ha
     I recently ordered myself a new coffee mug with Maxine on it.  It says 'Everyone is entitled to my opinion.'  lol  I can honestly say I'm an opinionated person but I hope that I am open-minded enough to not totally reject a rebuke without at least giving it some thought.  ''The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind.''
     Pieces of my mind are certainly more apt to fly out of my mouth when under pressure.  You can't relate to this?  Yea right.  Sometimes the pieces can fly right back at you and smack you in the forehead.  One time at the airport, the ticket counter person seemed to be going slower than slow.  I slammed my fist down on the counter and said 'YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE US MISS OUR FLIGHT.'  He calmly said, 'ma'am you're flight has been delayed.'  'Oh, okay, good' was all I could humbly say.
      We must have a firm foundation of our beliefs that are unwavering but our opinions can often be quickly given without thought or merit.  Sometimes people don't want to know what we think but if they do, they will ask.
     

Way Back Wednesday.... A Crush

     Have you ever felt you had some kind of connection with someone but didn't know why or what it was?  I started Sylvan Hills Elementary during the 5th grade. I made a best friend that year but in 6th grade I thought I had found 'the one.'  lol  His name was Paul Dunn.  I thought we had alot in common.  We were both slim, short and blonde.  We differed tho in popularity, he was and I wasn't.  I did what I could tho to try to win his heart.  Well my first attempt was sharing half of my possessions, a fruit rollup.  What doesn't say love like half of a strawberry fruit rollup?  Okay, so a bolder attempt was made.  We were standing outside on the lil porch of our trailer-housed classroom with each of our best friend's at our sides.  I asked Paul, 'Do you wanna kiss?'  He was like, 'um, um, I don't know?'  I said, 'well that's ok' and handed my best friend a Hershey's kiss. He said, 'oh, okay yea.'  [I was braver, way back when.]  As we went on to jr. high, I didn't have very many classes with him but my crush never ended till we both went to different high schools.
       Sometime after I moved back here, I saw on channel 7's news program a story on a Paul Dunn Golf Tournament [ http://www.pauldunnclassic.com/ ] Could it be the same guy?  I looked into it on the internet and it was.  Paul had been stricken as an adult with ALS.  [Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.]   Paul did get married and had a child before losing his fight with the disease.
       Was that our hidden connection?  That we would both fight a neurological disease in our lives.  Paul had many, many friends so a memory of me may not even have ever crossed his mind.  But if it did, I hope that my struggles and perserverance at that young age encouraged him during his fight. 
      You may never know if or how you influenced someone's life, so make sure you are a positive influence.

What's Your Lesson

Revelation 14;13 ''Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”  “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

     My friend, Gloria, and I both attended our friend' sister's funeral this weekend.  Gloria blogged on it yesterday and I didn't want to do a repeat of her blog.  But, at bible study last night, this verse that was used at the funeral came up again. Then I saw this caption that went with it so well.  So I'm going to share some of the message with you from the funeral in a lil different way than Gloria.  I encourage you to read hers to at  http://www.underherwings.blogspot.com/
  
     4 Words of Encouragement

     Rejoicing..... those that have committed their lives to the Lord and passed on are 'blessed..from now on.'  You can be sure they are now happier than they've ever known possible.  They are face to face with Jesus and can clearly see now.
      Resting.......oh, doesn't it make you anxious for heaven to know you'll one day 'rest from your labours.'  No more struggles, no more pain, no more heartache.
      Rewarded..... this is what the caption above is explaining.  Your life is teaching a lesson for generations to come. 'their deeds will follow them.'  It was brought up last night, that the deeds of the unsaved, like Hitler, would be a scary thought to follow you.
      Reunion.......we will miss our loved ones who have passed on, but it's only temporary for those who trusted in God's saving grace.

    These are four bold statements that believers can not only be comforted by but look forward to.  I hope that the lesson your life will leave will be worth sharing for all generations.

Sassy

     I love it when people show their unpredictable, sassy side of themselves.  I think this picture captures the essence of that.  I like people who don't define themselves or their activities by their age, within reason of course.  I think it's a great reward when people can retire but that doesn't mean you check out.  We are still responsible for bearing spiritual fruit till we pass on. 
     My favorite event of the year is the FBF Talent Show.  There you will see personalities come to life and often in unexpected ways.  One that was forever memorable was when Bruce Rew dressed up like Julia Child.  He showed 'how to cook with your laptop.'  It was hilarious when he poured batter on the keyboard to make waffles.  Now Bruce is a smart business man and so that comes with a certain stereotype so this was a totally unexpected side. I loved it.
     We are all multi-faceted so let us all be daring enough to show our 'sassy' side to others in our lives.  Serve others in your life with a full of life spirit.  If someone can't muster a smile, make sure you give them yours.

Priorities

     I thought this caption was so true.  The world and its needs from us are often demanding.  Everything is needed  'Now. Right now.'
     I watched a movie last night, where the woman was juggling her life but just couldn't keep from dropping a few balls.  We must prioritize the things in our lives on the basis of importance.  We must separate the breakable balls from the ones that will bounce back, even if we drop them. 
     'If it's important to you, you'll find a way. If not, you'll find an excuse.'  I know of friends who say they can't go to church because of a medical condition but they can go to all other out-of-the-house functions.  Hmm?  Priorities?
    

“The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”

Decisions

     Oh my goodness, all I can say is 'SCARY.'   Let's just say if I saw a spider that big near me, then a toilet would be an appropriate place for me, lol.  I hate spiders, not as much as snakes but still.
     What if we thought about each of our decisions so quickly before acting on our impulses?  What if we considered the outcome and possible consequences before we go after something?  Do we consider alternatives or are things one way no matter what?
     Any decision should begin with whether it is right or wrong.  That should be simple enough.  The problem in deciding things is often due to our sinful nature trying to justify why the wrong isn't so wrong.  As believers, we are indwelled with the Holy Spirit and should be warned and convicted of risky decisions and behavior, like the spider.  He's saying, 'Do you really want to do that?'

"Decisions become easier when your will to please God outweighs your will to please the world."

"When you have to make a choice and don't make it, that is in itself a choice."

"Choices are the hinges of destiny."

     Often people want to put off their decision on who they will serve in this life, God or self.  It's really not a delayed question but a choice/decision made every day.  The consequence is your eternal destination.  You can't sit on the fence on this one.  Revelation 3;16  ''So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.''

Prayer Order

    
     This caption reminded me that we should put our needs and wants last when we pray.  There is a simple acronym, ACTS, to help us remember everything to pray for.

A-Adoration.  We should praise God for who He is.  That He is just and never changing.
C-Confession   Recognize your sinful faults and nature and ask for forgiveness. 'Renew in me a steadfast heart.'
T-Thanksgiving   Count your blessings. Be grateful for another day of life. Thank Him for the hills and the valleys of your journey.
S-Supplication  Tell of both your needs and those of others.  Be specific, expectant and submissive.

     The Bible points out that our prayers are often ineffective because we don't pray under the right conditions.  James 4;3  ''When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.''

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.