Jane's Blog

90 Yr Old Pastor... Going Strong

2012-02-11T02:04:00.003-05:00

I certainly didn't intend to write another blog born out of the AG News email that I receive, not this soon, anyway... but this one is too good to pass up.  It is about a 90 year old pastor who has served for 72 years already and is not about to retire. He leads a congregation of 125 and has an international ministry!!!

The AG News article reported that DiBiase travels several times a year, taking the gospel to Italian and French audiences around the world. In 2011, DiBiase visited Germany, Holland, Belgium and Italy.

Carmine DiBiase has no plans to slow down, much less retire!   If you respond as I did...it will take a few minutes to recover from the shame of using age as an excuse to be lazy in serving the Lord. I included a few paragraphs from the article just to fill you in a bit on this remarkable man who has a passion for sharing the gospel.

"Almost a year ago, DiBiase transferred his credentials to become an ordained Assemblies of God minister. He received his initial AG credentials at the oldest age of any currently official AG U.S. minister.

DiBiase, senior pastor of the Church of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, was previously associated with the Pentecostal Assemblis of Canada and the International Fellowship of Christian Assemblies.

DiBiase worked closely with the AG during his 72 years of ministry. He has supported and promoted Teen Challenge for many years, recently helping found a Teen Challenge Center in Belgium.

What keeps him going at age 90? He stated that it is his passion that keeps him going. Obviously, he lives in the love of the Lord. His passion must be one that is enthusiastic, fervent, personal and endearing!

Passion is defined in Webster’s Dictionary as an intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction; a strong liking, desire for, or devotion; ardent affection; love.

A “big” passion for God means that every fiber of our being is drawn to God and given to God.

Now I understand what drives this 90 year old pastor to continue serving the Lord with such zeal...and it may be his passion that has extended his profitable life to age 90 and going strong.

Passion. It's something to think about. We know whether we have it or not. Could passion be the missing element in our life? It sure is something to think about...

This Ole House

2012-02-10T01:48:00.004-05:00

This ole house once knew my children
This ole house once knew my wife
This ole house was home and comfort
As we fought the storms of life
This ole house once rang with laughter
This ole house heard many shouts
Now she trembles in the darkness
When the lightnin' walks about

This ole house is a-gettin' shaky
This ole house is a-gettin' old
This ole house lets in the rain
This ole house lets in the cold
On my knees I'm gettin' chilly
But I feel no fear or pain
'Cause I see an angel peekin'
Through a broken window pane

Now this ole house is afraid of thunder
This ole house is afraid of storms
This ole house just groans and trembles
When the night wind flings its arms
This ole house is a-gettin' feeble
This ole house is a-needin' paint
Just like me it's tuckered out
But I'm a-gettin' ready to meet the saints

And my old hound dog lies a sleepin'
He don't know I'm gonna leave
Else he'd wake up by the fire place
And he'd sit down, howl and grieve
But my huntin' days are over
Ain't gonna hunt the coon no more
Gabriel done brought in my chariot
When the wind blew down the door

Ain't a-gonna need this house no longer
Ain't a-gonna need this house no more
Ain't got time to fix the shingles
Ain't got time to fix the floor
Ain't got time to oil the hinges
Nor to mend no window pane
Ain't gonna need this house no longer
I'm a-gettin' ready to meet the saints
I'm ready to meet the saints

This Stuart Hamblen song, takes me waay back .... I remember it well...Hamblen wrote this for RCA Victor in1954. But the greater story about Hamblen is this: After a measure of success he became involved in gambling and alcohol....But in 1949, Stuart's wife, Suzy, persuaded him to attend a prayer meeting which was held by Billy Graham in Los Angeles. There he made a decision to follow Christ. He began traveling across the country - involved in Youth for Christ rallies .... various churches....and Billy Graham crusades.

The old house in the above photo caught my eye. I snapped the picture and immediately thought of the song, This Ole House. It's fitting. So are the few lines written by Hamblen:

When you see me fall asleep,

say amen but don’t you weep,

I’ve got so many million years

that I can’t count them.”

Mr. Hamblen, we'll see you one day - and we'll join you in celebrating for all those many million years....so many we can't count them.

God Brought Atheist Group to Pentecostal Meeting!

2012-02-08T22:08:00.011-05:00

When you read about God doing something exciting and different, so different that you know it was God, it's worth sharing.

Assembly of God NEWS #2053: February 8, 2012

The Non-Theist Society at Purdue University recently held a provocative fundraiser called the "Send an Atheist to Church" food drive. Apparently recognizing that churches and Christian groups are the target audiences when it comes to raising money for the needy, the group promised they would attend a service of whichever church or Christian student organization donated the most money to its food drive for Food Finders (a local pantry).

"Our students seized the opportunity and together donated more than $300 to win the challenge," says Linda Seiler, director of the Chi Alpha group at Purdue. "That's the most money any group on campus has given since the food drive began several years ago."

Seiler says that they invited the Non-Theist Society to attend the January 13th meeting - the first Friday night meeting of the semester. She says she was only expecting a few to show, but the president of the group said he had been impressed by the enthusiasm of Chi Alpha and had encouraged his entire group to come.

With Chi Alpha students warmly welcoming and intermingling with non-theist members, Seiler says there was little doubt God had orchestrated the event. "When worship began, it was powerful as the presence of God was undeniable," Seiler says. "The students couldn't stop praising God for His goodness. Waves of His presence washed over us again and again. . . what better argument for the existence of God than His tangible presence manifesting among us?"

Following worship, Seiler spoke on the goodness of God based on Genesis 3 and the gospels. "The non-theists were incredibly attentive, and there were moments where I could tell God was speaking directly to them," Seiler says. After the message, students were to divide into groups to talk for 10 minutes or so, but those conversations continued until Seiler had to close the room for the evening.

After the meeting, the president of the non-theist group approached Seiler. "He told me he loved it (the meeting and that he had never been anywhere where he felt such passion in the room, especially during worship," Seiler says. "He said, 'I know I experience it in a different way than you do, but when you all were singing songs, I could tell it was powerful."

Another non-theist group member showed Seiler a list of questions he now had and wanted to know if he could join a Chi Alpha Life Group to talk more; a third non-theist met with a Chi Alpha intern a week later to ask more questions.

"I recently learned that one of our Chi Alpha members started attending the Non-Theist Society meetings in order to maintain a connection with them," Seiler says. "The young man is a former atheist and has a heart for reaching people for Christ - and he's inviting them to attend "The Problem of God Symposium" we're helping to host later this month."
Seiler says that she is excited about the possibilities and the doors that have opened to communicate the gospel to students. "Many of these students are hearing and experience the gospel message for the very first time in their lives," Seiler says. "We're praying that the seeds planted with come to fruition in the lives of Nick and the rest of the non-theists."
For more information about the Chi Alpha at Purdue, see http://www.xapurdue.com. To learn more about the national Chi Alpha program, see http://www.ChiAlpha.com.
--Dan Van Veen

TALK YOUR WAY OUT OF IT

2012-01-18T10:43:00.012-05:00

"There was nothing left for Satan to do, but leave...
then angels came."

We read in Matthew 4 about the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. He was enticed by the enemy ....

1. To fail in His destiny.
2. To fail in His purpose.
3. To fail in His focus.
4. To fail in His authority.
5.  To fail in His testimony.
6. To fail in His future.
7. To fail in His obedience to the Father.

But for every negative word spoken by the enemy; Jesus responded with "THE TRUTH". No debating - no contention - no argument - no difficulty - no struggle...Jesus just said to him: "IT IS WRITTEN" and nothing more.

How simple. How powerful.

Jesus went into the testing season full of power, and He walked out full of power by simply talking His way out! The difference between us and Jesus.... is: He Only Spoke Truth from the Word. In fact, Jesus knew that was all He needed to speak! Satan is a liar and the father of lies and the truth is not in him, therefore, he can't handle TRUTH.

Speaking the Truth ( what God says ) will gain a victory over every test / trial you may encounter.

You can Talk Your Way Out Of Whatever You are Going Through.... Jesus did.

After truth was spoken by Jesus in response to every suggestion made by His adversary:
Satan had nothing else to use - he had nothing else to say - he could do no damage - he ran out of options - and the only action remaining for him was to simply 'leave'.....

"Then angels came to Jesus and ministered to Him"

It's simple. Why don't we try it? We've nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Matthew 4:11 "Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him."

Start talking! Angels are drawn to Words of Truth. You might even have visitors today.
.

Why Christians Should Not Celebrate Halloween

2011-10-27T00:45:00.002-04:00

!
The origins of Halloween lie deeply rooted in the occult, and Christians should not participate in this celebration. The October 31st holiday that we today know as Halloween has strong roots in paganism and is closely connected with worship of the Enemy of this world, Satan. It is a holiday that generally glorifies the dark things of this world, rather than the light of Jesus Christ...The Truth

\October 31st has long been known as "The Festival of the Dead." The Celtic tribes and their priests the Druids celebrated this day as a marker for the change from life to death.

Those involved in witchcraft use the night for their rituals. It is a festival of the dead and it's a time
when witches attempt to communicate with the dead.

Christians should absolutely NOT be involved with occultic practice or divination. Note God's command against divination in Deuteronomy 18.

Occultists believe Halloween is a time of transition between life and death. Some occult practitioners practiced divination and believed you could learn the secrets of life and wisdom by lying on a grave and listening to the messages from the long-departed.

They also taught that spirits and ghosts left the grave during this night and would seek out warmth in their previous homes. Villagers, fearful of the possibility of being visited by the ghosts of past occupants, would dress up in costumes to scare the spirits on their way. They would also leave food and other treats at their door to appease the spirits so they would not destroy their homes or crops but instead move on down the road. That is the real reason why kids dress up in costumes today and go door-to-door seeking treats.

Occultists also would try to scare away the spirits by carving a scary face into a pumpkin. This horrible appearance of the scary face would hopefully move the spirit on to another home or village and spare that home from destruction. Sometimes the villagers would light a candle in the pumpkin and use it as a lantern (Jack-o-Lantern).

Participating in Halloween says we agree to a holiday that promotes witches, divination, haunted houses, and other occultic practices.

Christians should not endorse or promote Halloween. The real reason we don't agree with Halloween is not that we are against people who have different opinions about the event - but we stand "against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12, NKJV).

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 ("Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.")
James 1:27 ("keep oneself from being polluted by the world")
3 John 1:11 ("do not imitate what is evil")
Romans 12:9 ("abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.")
Deuteronomy 18:9-14 (do not learn to imitate detestable ways, including spiritists, sorcerers and witchcraft)

The Truth About Halloween

2011-10-27T00:14:00.000-04:00

I published this information last year - compiled by Scott Thomas of Lakeland, Fl. I thought it appropriate to post again. Many people seem to be uninformed of the truth of Halloween, thus causing a wide acceptance of this Un-Holy day and ignoring the effects it can have on children.

"Halloween was not the original name of this day. the Pre-Christian Druids and Celts of Northern Europe held a celebration every Nov. 2nd called "The Vigil of Shamhain", lord of death. They held the belief that Shamhain, the lord of death, was overpowering their sun god (Muck Olla), because the leaves were falling, the days were shorter and the weather was getting colder. Their belief was that Shamhain sent the spirits of those who had deceased over the past year into animals, because of the evil they had committed while alive. Then, on Nov. 2nd, the Vigil of Shamhain, those spirits would be released to go back and visit their homes and family members with acts of horror and evil. Therefore, in efforts of keeping these released evil spirits from coming to their homes, a ritual of this holiday included locking up various species of animals (including humans) in wicker cages and burning them alive, all in attempts of appeasing Shamhain and preventing the visitation of these evil spirits upon their homes!

Christians, desirous of their own fall celebration, refused to participate with the Druids, and established Nov.1st, one day earlier than the Vigil of Shamhain, as "All Hallow's Day" (recognizing/honoring christian martyrs and saints). In reaction to the Christians' action, the pagan/satanic worshippers counteracted "All Hallow's Day", preempting them by one day - October 31st, with their own celebration, "All Demon's Night." This festival evolved into the 'high holy day' of all opposing Christ(ianity) and was celebrated via incantations, sacrifice, satanic worship/rituals and horrors for all who opposed them. Finally in a horrid attempt to Christianize the paganistic holiday, the eve prior to "All Hallow's Day" became known as "All Hallow'en" (Oct. 31st) which was eventually shortened to "Halloween."

Keeping the pagan rituals in mind, costumes were worn in order to make the people look like evil spirits, so that the evil spirits that had been released would mistake them for other evil spirits. However, in the event that you could not dress in a costume, you could avoid horrors in your home by appeasing the evil spirits by offering them a "treat" on your front door step. If they liked it, you were safe; if they didn't like it... Finally, the carved face in a pumpkin carries a depth of significance. The World Book Encyclopedia, 1977 edition, vol 9, page 24-26, says, "The apparently harmless lighted pumpkin face of 'Jack-O-Lantern' is an ancient symbol of 'a damned soul'." The folklore story holds that a man named Jack was banned from heaven and hell and his spirit was left to wander the earth with his lantern until Judgment Day. History holds that people would place these 'lit pumpkins' on their porches in order to display their sympathetic nature towards the satanist - gaining mercy from the horrors that were to be released.

It's more important to follow Christ than tradition. The act of recognizing and participating in any of this day's festivities is, in fact, celebration. Stand for righteousness...and please God.

Reference material: The Occult Conceit - A New Look at Astrology, Witchcraft and Sorcery, by Owen S. Rachleff

Worm Gruntin in Sopchoppy Florida

2011-09-13T19:59:00.007-04:00

--
Arkansans take heart. We are no longer the only country bumpkins of the world. Other states have areas just like ours....you know, that certain out-in-the-boonies place--that's no bigger than a tree stump...and the name of that metropolitan area offers little hope for it to be included in the highfalutin listins' of highfalutin society. We've always called these little places, podunk towns.

In 1869, Mark Twain wrote an article called "Mr. Beecher and the Clergy", defending a friend, the Rev. Thomas K. Beecher, whose preaching had come under criticism. Among its roughly 1800 words, he said of the controversy...They even know it in Podunk, wherever that may be.

A few months back I printed a list of the cities of Florida (just to help me out on the job). That's when I noticed a town called 'Sopchoppy'. Sopchoppy is a city in Wakulla County...part of the Tallahassee, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2004, the population recorded is 465. Course, that was a few years back. Who knows what the population is by now.

Sopchoppy. Arkansas had/has a Booger Hollow - In Arkansas you call it Holler.

Booger Hollow was a tourist attraction in Pope County ( my home county). According to the sign near the town's entrance, it has "a total population of 6 humans and one coon dog" ( Update: the sign actually says, " Population 7...countin' one coon dog " )

When I googled 'Sopchoppy' I learned a bunch. Never in my life have I heard of Worm Gruntin' or Worm fiddling, or Worm charming until I googled 'Sopchoppy'. Learn something new every day.

In 2000 the "Worm Gruntin' Festival" began in Sopchoppy, Florida, which claims to be the "Worm Gruntin' Capital of the World". The event includes a ball and the crowning of a "Worm Gruntin' King and Queen". The Festival is the second Saturday in April every year 8am till 10pm.

Worm Gruntin' is a method of attracting worms from the ground. Most worm charming methods involve vibrating the soil, which encourages the worms to the surface. "Worm grunting" refers to the use of a "stob", a wooden stake that is driven into the ground, and a "rooping iron" which is used to rub the stob.

And to think: in 2008 researchers from Vanderbilt University demonstrated that the worms surface because the vibrations are similar to those produced by digging moles, which prey on earthworms. Betcha the Worm Gruntin' competitors could have given Vanderbilt that information and saved a heap of research money. They could've studied something more important, like why little children fall off tricycles. I forgot, that one has already been done.

Below is a video, via YouTube, that you can watch and learn about Worm Gruntin. This couple makes a living at it. Hey, don't laugh. You probably watch Swamp People. This is no different (believe me).

Worm Gruntin in Sopchoppy Florida - YouTube
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKNv6ZrC5mg -

Well, I halted my research of Sopchoppy with the Worm Gruntin discovery. I'm sure there's more to the place...but I'll probably never know. Nope. I don't do worms. No Place, No Where, No How, No Time.

Americans, we 'done' ourselves proud! Out in them thar' hills and swamps. Who knows what you will find....or where.....

Have fun Americans! We're still somewhat free! Enjoy while it lasts.

....

GO HOGS !

2011-09-10T22:10:00.002-04:00

Tonight I'm watching the Arkansas Razorback's play football.

It's good to see the Hogs play and tonight they are on a roll....so far the score is Hogs 45 - New Mexico 3.

Even though I don't know any of the players, they represent "home" and that gives a good, warm feeling. You never go far from your roots...

Wow, another touchdown! 52-3 Razorbacks!! This should be an exciting season!!

I may not understand all there is about the game, but I sure do like to watch the Hogs play...

Football season concides with the start of school and the fall season is born anew announcing the holidays that are just around the corner. Great time.

God is good to give us a life down here with some fun things to enjoy! I hope He likes to watch the Hogs play, too. Betcha' He does.

Have a great weekend!
...

Benjamin

2011-08-21T14:46:00.003-04:00

.
I haven't met him yet. But, I know his name. It's Benjamin. I can't wait to see him. He's due to arrive around Thanksgiving. No, he's never been here before....He's never been anywhere before, actually. But he will make his first appearance in Arkansas. Now, I fully intend to be there, although he won't remember who is present at his debut of life...

I prayed for him the other day. Prayed that he will be a man of God...with a heart for God. He doesn't know about homework...or the fun he will have, or the girl that will one day steal his heart. He's just a baby. Sleeping and nourishment will be his focus and he will cry about both of them any time, any place, day or night.

His name is from the Hebrew name בִּנְיָמִין (Binyamin) which means "son of the south" or "son of the right hand". Benjamin in the Old Testament was the twelfth and youngest son of Jacob and the founder of one of the southern tribes of the Hebrews.

Benjamin will be my fourth grandchild. I have Brooke, Scott, Chloe and now Benjamin. Great-G-children are Lexie, and Noah. I am blessed! They are all beautiful. Absolutely, I'm prejudice! Each of them won my heart the moment they arrived!

Bank on it. This will be a great holiday season and I'll certainly post pictures of all my babies - even the grown ones!

Children really are a gift from God.

I know you feel the same about yours...
.....

Favorite Photos, by me...

2011-08-11T19:14:00.000-04:00

Taking photos has been a source of pleasure for me...I'm sharing a handful of them on this particular blog. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So I've just saved lots of writing time and you won't have to take time to read!

Just enjoy the view!

:)

An Open Gate...

2011-08-07T18:02:00.000-04:00

Psalm 118:19 "Open to me the (temple) gates of righteousness; I

will enter through them and I will confess and praise the LORD."

I Come Before You, Lord

Into Your Presence

I Come Before You, Lord

Through temple Gates

of Righteousness

I Come Before You, Lord

In the Holy Name of Jesus

With Hands Lifted High

In Worship and In Praise

- - - Jane Powell

What Are You Doing With Your Life?

2011-08-03T21:05:00.008-04:00

Life is the period between birth and death. Some have referred to this period of time as the dash...the dash that appears on a tombstone between the date of birth and the date of death. It is also known as the time between birth and the present time!

Life should be a period of time when we are functioning with energy...it should include activity, laughter, and some fun along the way. But, just because it should be that way...doesn't mean it is that way. If allowed, people and circumstances will lull us into deadness while we are alive.

"I have one life to live and it ought to be better than this." She and her husband were raising their children, plus children of relatives. Their house was full. Something was always happening which demanded attention, energy, and finances. They were stressed to the max.

At times we feel the darts coming our way. Each of us have a new story to share every day. We could easily bend someone's ear for an hour just venting.

Lillian Dickson said, "Life is like a coin. You spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once."

Phrases about life include: Larger than life, Not on your life, The time of your life, As big as life...but there is one phrase that we could all benefit from, and it is "Come to life". It means to recover consciousness, to become animated and vigorous! And, yes, this is possible, no matter what you are going through...it isn't always easy, but it is possible.

The answer to an unfulfilled, mundane life is to become animated and vigorous...on purpose.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

I like the Amplified Version ...I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)."

To the full till it overflows...to the full, containing all that can be held, and spilling over...

Jesus gives us permission to Come Alive.

Imagine trying to pour a gallon of water into a thimble. That is how life should be for us...abundant, overflowing.

It pleases God to see His creation animated, full of vivacity and spirit; living an active life full of strength and force...stimulating those around us, because we are alive.

Henry David Thoreau said, "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation." But Jesus came to give us life abundantly. Grab the reality of this! If you are living with regrets, as though your life is wasted, then it is time to take ownership of your thoughts and actions and begin to steer the ship of your life into happier waters. It's not too late.

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a duty, complete it,
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life...fight for it.

What are you doing with your life? Remember the thimble...and...

Come alive.
...

Dear God, I'm sorry...

2011-07-22T19:35:00.012-04:00

Today I answered a call that came in on my line at work and used the designated greeting. The first words spoken on the other end were laced with anger: "My G-d!" ... the woman unleashed her frustration because of the necessary wait time until a phone was free to receive her call. I was blessed to share a few minutes out of my life with this angry woman (NOT) ! She continued spouting her displeasure while using the Holy Name of God to express her frustration.

I haven't recovered from hearing her words. Sure, I know it's par for the course. It's just people!! Let it roll. Get over it.

But when I hear His Name spoken with such disrespect, it hurts. If it hurts me...how much more it must break the heart of God.

So, in this blog, I just want to say,
"God, I'm so sorry...
I'm so sorry for all the people who use your Holy Name as a curse word...
I'm so sorry people have no respect for You...
I'm so sorry they don't love You...
I'm so sorry people think you don't matter...
I'm so sorry they don't know how wonderful You are...
I'm so sorry they don't love Your Name...
I'm so sorry they don't really know You...
I'm so sorry Your Name is not praised as it should be...
I'm so sorry that the woman used your Name today as a way to simply express anger...
I'm so sorry..."

A couple of weeks ago, I was on the phone with another lady who was calling from an attorney's office - she spoke to another person briefly (in another language) and then in swearing tone, I heard her say: Jesus Christ. Since I was still on the phone with her, I couldn't help but say, I know Him! There was silence ... and I proceeded to handle business...

I should spoken up today, too...but I was stunned. "I'm sorry, God, for not speaking in Your defense."

I am so sorry, Lord. Forgive us for our sins...
...

YOU'RE LEAVING HERE...

2011-07-11T20:41:00.007-04:00

I started a temp job a few weeks ago. About fifteen of us experienced a crash course and by the 4th day we were touring the small second floor cubicles which were to become our home for a few months. I noticed the permanent employee cubicles were decorated with everything imaginable - personalizing their home away from home.

On our first day in our 'personal cubicle' most in our group quickly decorated with frames and pictures...collectibles of all sorts. Me? I figured since it was a temp job, there's no need to get all gushy with it and settle in with artwork and trinkets. A lady next to me bought a clock (with a chicken on the face of it) and hung it on her cubicle wall.

I did use a push pin to hang an extra spanish looking paper napkin. That's my decoration.

I just don't see the need to settle in as permanent in a temporary position.

It reminds me of this life - on this earth. It's not permanent. Some folks work so hard to make this a permanent home...they have forgotten that this is temporary. We are leaving this world one day - headed to the dwelling place of God. Don't get too caught up with things you will leave behind. Albert E. Brumley's song "This World is Not My Home" has been on my mind:

verse 1:

This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through

My treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue,

The angels beckon me from Heaven's open door,

and I can't feel at home in this world any more.

verse 2:

They're all expecting me and that's one think I know

My Savior pardoned me and now I onward go.

I know He'll take me through, though I am weak and poor

and I can't feel at home in this world any more.

verse 3:

Just up in Glory Land we'll live eternally

The Saints on every hand are shouting victory

Their song of sweetest praise drifts back from Heaven's shore

and I can't feel at home in this world any more.

Chorus:
O Lord you know, I have no friend like you
If Heaven's not my home, then Lord what will I do?
The angels beckon me from Heaven's open door
and I can't feel at home in this world any more.

No, I just don't feel like we will be here very long. This world is not our home. Jesus is coming back for us. Just any day now... but then, that's another gospel song that I don't have room to share....

Remember, this is all temporary....don't get too comfy...
.

GET AN ATTITUDE!

2011-06-25T18:32:00.017-04:00

We are complex, valuable, and funny people. Each with unique features. But we are alike when it comes to emotions...we all feel the effects of spoken words or non-verbal language from others. People have the ability to cause a sense of defeat or they can create a sense of victory within us. Here are the results of sensing victory or defeat:

Victory or Defeat -- It's All About Attitude

When People Sense Victory         When People Sense Defeat
They sacrifice to succeed                  They give as little as possible
They look for ways to win                 They look for excuses
They become energized                     They become tired
They follow the game plan                They forsake the game plan
They help other team members         They hurt others

Somebody wrote:
Attitude, to me, is more important that facts. It's more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill.

Winston Churchill said, Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. But, I believe attitude is a BIG Thing that makes a BIG Difference!

People are funny in that another person can affect one's attitude in an instant. A look, a spoken word (or many words), a freely given opinion......they can stir your emotions, causing you to have a sense of victory or a sense of defeat. Then you respond accordingly! Something about that just doesn't seem right. How do we refrain from allowing external 'people' to affect the internal 'us'...

Thomas Jefferson said: Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.

Keeping the right mental attitude is key! Often, a positive "I can do this" attitude exists simply because you choose to have that attitude, regardless of external influences. It's a challenge to block out negative attitudes brought on by negative people, negative circumstances, and negative self-talk.

I Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord....

Get an attitude!   An attitude for victory. ON PURPOSE, become steadfast...unmoveable! There are advantages to having a victorious attitude: increased life span, less depression, reduced level of distress, increased sense of well-being, along with stronger coping skills.

Dummies.com says:
A positive attitude doesn't guarantee success, but a cynical attitude guarantees failure.

It's for sure...if you have an attitude for victory, you will enjoy life a whole lot more. And who is there among us that doesn't need to have a bit more fun out of life?

Just tell me...who?
.

the FIRE in you...

2011-06-10T09:36:00.016-04:00

The fire inside of you knows no age.

Fire represents passion for life. A passion is something that stirs energy and adds value and meaning to life. It's that thing that excites you when you think about it. It may be a dream you've carried for years, yet the one thing you've longed to do has not manifested as an actual accomplishment.

We all have at least one dream. And none of us are through living. Most have a bucket list...written in their heart, if not on paper. The fire inside burns so that your dream can be fulfilled, no matter your age.

There is a:

-term called Bucket List...meaning: a list of things to do before you die.

-web site called bucketlist. It is a place where you can jot down your life's ambitions, then tell the story once they've been accomplished. You know all those things you swear you're going to do before you die? This is where you keep track of them.

-movie titled The Bucket List. I didn't see the movie, but research reveals the storyline. A corporate billionaire and a working class mechanic have nothing in common except for their terminal illnesses. While sharing a hospital room together, they decide to leave it and do all the things they have ever wanted to do before they die...according to their bucket list. In the process, both of them heal each other, become unlikely friends, and ultimately find joy in life.

Today I taped a quote (posted on fb earlier) on my computer monitor:

There aren't any rules around here.

We're trying to accomplish something.

The fire inside will burn until the intent to do something is turned into action. People won't remember your intent - but they will remember the manifestation of the fire that burned in your heart.

If there is 'little' in your life and you desire 'much' let that be a motivation for action. Turn hindrances into the motivating factor which launches your beginning.

* Manifestation of the dream creates momentum.
* Momentum increases the fire inside.
* Momentum says that your small step of accomplishment
can be repeated.
* Momentum intimidates negative forces or opposition in your life.

A football team is motivated...they have momentum...after making a touchdown. One touchdown creates energy and belief that they can make another touchdown. They are pumped! Their fresh display of momentum intimidates the opposite team. This principle applies to you and your dream.

Make a start. Get pumped! You've got a life to live. And only one life. There is a fire inside of you that knows no age. What do you have to lose?

.....

Andy, Benji and Marley

2011-06-05T22:35:00.007-04:00

I went for my usual evening walk around the 1/4 mile loop this evening...and I learned a lesson. Don't look down at your feet while walking.

I was walking and listening to my mp3 player, in deep thought, looking down...suddenly a small black lab bounced into view around my feet - I was startled! Then I looked up and saw two of his friends, size medium and large, running toward me. I gasped slightly, a little frightened...until I noticed their owners hurrying to assure me that the dogs were friendly.

The man had three wide leashes hanging loosely around his neck. I wondered why they were hanging around his neck instead of the dogs.

My second lap around the loop brought me in contact with the labs again. This time I welcomed the smaller one as he bounced up to me with his tail wagging. In a brief visit with the owners I learned the names of the labs: Marley, Benjamin, and Andy. Andy was the heaviest and the oldest.

I tried to imagine life in their house with three large labs.

The lady appreciated the fact that I was 'gracious' about her dogs scaring me. Probably because she knew they should've been on a leash. I'm thankful they were labs...for they are usually friendly dogs.

A startling moment was turned into a pleasant memory. Maybe my attitude had something to do with it. Now, if I should meet Marley, Benji, and Andy on my walk, I will be glad to see them.

Nice boys.

.....

Dr. Death is dead...

2011-06-03T14:09:00.004-04:00

Dr. Death, Jack Kevorkian

Nicknamed "Dr. Death", Kevorkian died at age 83. He helped 130 people end their lives from 1990-1999. Kevorkian's ultimate goal was to establish "obitoriums" where people would go to die. Doctors there could harvest organs and perform medical experiments during the suicide process. Such experiments would be "entirely ethical spinoffs" of suicide.

My few days of studies in preparing to teach on the Rapture, The Bema Judgment, and the Great White Throne Judgment, spurs speculation regarding Kevorkian's eternity. I leave his final spiritual condition in God's hands, for that is between Kevorkian and his Maker. We know that Jesus forgives all sin.

He likened himself to Martin Luther King and Ghandi. He called prosecutors Nazis, his critics religious fanatics.

Dr. Death seemed convinced that he was doing something for suffering humanity. My concern is that he didn't allow God to be the supreme authority in determining the death appointment for each of the 130 people whom he assisted in entering eternity. Could one of them have received healing before death? Could that person have then turned to the Lord for salvation, if not saved? Did any of them enter heaven after an assisted-suicide death? Questions. Lots of them. And I don't have answers.

Kevorkian once said, "I put myself in my patient's place. This is something I would want." I wonder why he didn't have someone provide that same relief for him in his last days. Who knows, maybe he requested it - but who would help him? And I wonder what he thinks about it now.

It makes one think. It surely does.

:)
.

AMEN! Oh, did that hurt you?

2011-06-03T09:06:00.009-04:00

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Dangerous words: prayer and amen!

Chief U.S. District Judge Fred Biery declared that the Schultz family and their son would “suffer irreparable harm” if anyone prayed at the high school graduation...he banned students and other speakers from using religious language in their speeches.

There are times when words fail, even me! This is one of those times. Oh, to be profound as the great Ralph Waldo Emerson, to think with the depth of Ted Dekker, but alas, it is not to be! I have but a simple blog.

Among the banned words or phrases are: “join in prayer,” “bow their heads,” “amen,” and “prayer.” and....remove the terms “invocation” and “benediction” from the graduation program - His ruling also prohibits anyone from saying, “in [a deity’s name] we pray.”

If they violate the order they will find themselves in legal trouble! Judge Biery ordered that his ruling be “enforced by incarceration or other sanctions for contempt of Court. But, the judge did grant students permission to make the sign of the cross, wear religious garb or kneel to face Mecca.

I wish I could just turn my head, or at least put my head in the sand (at the beach). I wish my feathers didn't get ruffled.....but they do!

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott called the ruling unconstitutional and a blatant attack from those who do not believe in God -- “attempts by atheists and agnostics to use courts to eliminate from the public landscape any and all references to God whatsoever. This is the challenge we are dealing with here, (It’s) an ongoing attempt to purge God from the public setting while at the same time demanding from the courts an increased yielding to all things atheist and agnostic.”

Ah, but then, perhaps I do have Dekker depths. Now I understand!

Now I understand why it caused the student a great deal of anxiety.
Now I understand why the Schultz family and their son would “suffer irreparable harm.

1. The words we speak are powerful
2. Life and death are in the power of the tongue.
3. By confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord and believing in our heart, we can be saved.
4. Speaking words (with faith) produces power to move mountains.
5.  Words of worship brings God into the atmosphere of our praise.
6. Words of praise elevate us into the presence of God.
7.  Praise words are disgusting to the devil and he runs away from them.

Romans 10:10 "...and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Matthew 17:20 "And Jesus said unto them.....for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."

Psalm 22:3 "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel."

Judge Biery you have just confirmed what the Word of God has been trying to get us to understand all along! We owe you a gratitude of debt.

I am so excited! My feathers are ruffled...but with the excitement of truth! I am dangerous to the devil. So much so...that he can't tolerate a simple word as 'amen' in a high school graduation.
So. AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! And may we all close with a resounding Amen!

Amen.
:)
.

...how to stop WORKING FOR POVERTY

2011-05-30T14:37:00.010-04:00

--
iStudy - #1 (May 30, 2011)

Haggai 1:1-13 God’s people were not blessed. Due to a state of discouragement they had stopped their efforts in rebuilding the temple, and that’s another story. At this time they were living in nice houses while the house of God lay in ruin. They were self-seeking, trying to survive on their own strength and yet neglecting their spiritual life. The Kingdom didn’t come first. Therefore, everything they labored for was perishing.

TRUTH: Opposition comes to stop you from receiving God’s blessings!

The people were so weighed down by the negatives of the situation that they couldn't rebuild God's temple, even though they had permission. They were discouraged because of the opposition of the Samaritans. This caused a sixteen year delay in rebuilding the temple and now it was lying in ruins They continued to build their homes while the temple had a foundation, nothing more. When opposition hinders your efforts to fulfill the purpose of God in your life, your blessings are stifled, as well. The enemy's purpose goes far beyond 'you' and 'me' - the full picture of opposition's purpose is to block God from being glorified on this earth.

TRUTH: Our priorities reveal our dedication and love for spiritual things.

God is aware that you are not blessed! God knows that seeking Him has not been your priority. He realizes the cause behind your diminished zeal for spiritual things. He has full knowledge of the person, event, or situation responsible for the struggle in your life. Often, the struggle takes such a toll on you, physically and spiritually, until there’s no energy left to express your love for God. God knows that…and He is merciful.

TRUTH: It is disheartening to work hard and reap poverty!

You have worked hard to put food on the table, pay the rent, car payment, utilities, buy clothes, gas for the car…rest assured in the fact that God knows how hard it is on you and your family. He knows there’s not enough money left over at the end of the month.

God is love. Because of that love, grace abounds. Grace, God’s unmerited favor, flows out of love.

Verse 5 - Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. God tells them to consider their ways and then He proceeds to tell them how bad their situation is! Look at verse 6.

1. You’ve worked hard and have nothing to show for it.
2. You eat; but you don’t have enough.
3. You drink; but you don’t have your fill.
4. You clothe yourselves, but you are still cold.
5. When you earn money, you’ve only earned it in order to put the money into a bag which has holes.

TRUTH: Opposition emptied you of all hope that things will one day be better.

Nothing changes. Week after week and month after month, you go to work, bring home the paycheck and still there’s not enough. Your thoughts are filled with 'not enough'. Guilt has taken up residence in your mind. “You aren’t good enough. You should make more money. You aren’t smart enough. You will never make it.” Opposition places the spotlight on you. Opposition wants to bring you down so that you can’t enjoy God’s blessings. Opposition knows that with a whipped mentality you are less powerful for the Kingdom. Yes, you love the Lord! But the fire shut up in your bones has just about gone out.

TRUTH: In every situation, make sure your life is pleasing to God or you can't be blessed…but, know that in every situation, God comes with the answer!

Be encouraged! God sees your situation. He knows where you are. Haggai had a word from the LORD and he spoke that word to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah and to Joshua, the high priest. (verse 3-6)

God has the answer. Leave the wilderness of “me” - lay “me” aside and move your mental focus to Him. It’s not about me, it’s all about Him. It’s not about you, it’s about Him. He will make a way where there seems to be no way. Let God talk to you. Believe what He has to say to you. Turn the spotlight off of you and on to Him. That alone will lift a huge burden from your heart. Turn to His Word for answers!

TRUTH: When God gives you the answer it will come with an assignment:

Haggai 1: 8 The answer to your situation is an assignment from Him. An assignment from God takes you from your situation of want into the state of being blessed. If the poverty listed in verse six was important enough for the Lord to talk about, then we can believe that the poverty points mentioned will be turned into plenty. The assignment is to resume the work of the Lord! The assignment is to put Him first. Until you do, he will blow on your 'much' when you bring it home (verse 9)! God did this becausethey were taking care of themselves and ignoring His agenda! After blowing on their 'much', He also halted the dew and the fruit and then He called for a drought on the land! God means business when He says.....Don't ignore me! When there is a drought, nothing comes forth from our labor! Carefully read verses 9-11.

TRUTH: Verse 13 is the key. When God says, I am with you, your spirit will be stirred and you will begin to work for the Kingdom and blessings will come.

Haggai 1 is a perfect example of Matthew 6:3 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Without a stirring in our spirit issuing from the Spirit of God, we become weary. When God stirs our spirit then hope acomes alive again...we have a new vision! We have renewed energy because of hope.

TRUTH: God blessings are always the opposite of negative; the opposite of lack.

Here are five opposites of the negatives listed in verse 6:

1. There will be plenty to show for your labor.
2. You will eat and be satisfied.
3. You will drink and be filled.
4. You will clothe yourself - you will not be cold in winter.
5. When you earn money there will be enough to pay your bills and some to save.

TRUTH: The Lord takes pleasure in resumed spiritual activity. It makes Him happy. He is smiling because of the blessings that are to come upon you.

Conclusion:
1. Look at your situation.
2. List the negatives on paper.
3. Note the percentage of your effort spent on survival vs. seeking the Kingdom?
4. List all actions necessary to turn you from survival to seeking.
5. List opposites for the negatives created in step one.

Now, by faith, see the blessings in the unseen realm as coming into your natural realm. Call those things that are not…as though they are.
...........................................

I am Patriotic

2011-05-28T22:24:00.007-04:00

I am patriotic. Early on, I was taught to respect our country. I have a huge respect for our military. Tears flow easily when I hear songs like "God bless the USA" or when I see a video of our soldiers and their families.

When I was growing up, we respected adults - I was not allowed to use slang words..and I don't use them to this day. It was common to play outside till dark. Sundown was our signal to head home, knowing that supper was ready. There was a corner lot where several of us kids gathered to play cowboys and indians....or whatever we chose to do...and again...this was until dark. There was no fear in letting the kids play outside with other kids in the neighborhood. They were fine.

In grade school, we had prayer before class. Girls weren't allowed to wear jeans to school way back then. I remember what a big deal it was when we were allowed to wear jeans under our dresses on a cold winter day. Yes, that was a long time ago. When I was in the 6th grade, we got our first TV. Black and white. We knew little about world events. Russians and communists were scary. We had one car...and a party line phone. Oh yes, most of us walked to school, or caught a ride if we were lucky. The worst thing that happened was someone getting caught smoking out behind the school...it was rare when a girl became pregnant....oh, by the way...that was a word we didn't say in public.

Life has changed. Drastically. It was better back in the good ole' days. We had never heard of the term 'stress'. A lot of people worked hard on their farms...raising a house full of kids. Sunday dinner had enough food spread on the table for half the church. Tables were filled with dishes of food from the garden. Oh yes, at our house we raked and burned leaves on Saturday morning, hung our wash outside on the line to dry (I've brought in many frozen towels). We shampooed our hair on Saturday morning, put it in rollers, and tied a scarf around our head so we could go to town while our hair dried naturally (that was before blow dryers). We spent Saturday getting ready for church the next day. Sometimes we could go to the Ritz theater on main street and see Roy Rogers and Dale Evans or a Gene Autry movie on Saturday afternoon.

This is Memorial Day weekend - and when I say I'm patriotic, I mean it. The USA is my home. It has been a good place to live and to raise our children.

I only wish the younger folks could know what it was like "way back then" -- the simplicity of life and the decent level of morality. Technology is awesome - inventions are incredible. But I miss the respect we had in those days. Respect of ministers, doctors, teachers...and our president. Evil was not blatantly in our face. Children were allowed to be children. Twelve year old girls looked like twelve years old girls! Not twenty-five!

I miss the America I knew as a young person. The clean, wholesome America. I wish everyone still honored and respected our military...I wish people still blushed at sin...I wish our children could go outside to play without fear of being snatched and killed. I wish parents would not kill their children and children would not kill their parents.

I love America. And there is hope for our country. II Chronicles 7:14 says, "if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land." Restore is the word for today. It means to bring back to a former, normal or original condition. That's what I would love to see happen for America. Our original condition was based on God and biblical values.

I am patriotic. I love the USA. God restore our land.

...............................

Cream Cheese Jalapeno Hamburgers

2011-05-27T00:36:00.001-04:00

.
Memorial Day suggestion for grilling:
(found on Allrecipes.com - I haven't tried these, but they sound delicious!!)

Cream Cheese Jalapeno Hamburgers

(4 1/2 star rating)

Ingredients:

2 cups seeded and chopped jalapeno pepper
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 pounds ground beef
8 hamburger buns, split

Directions

1. Preheat a grill for medium heat. When hot, lightly oil the grate. In a medium bowl, stir together the jalapenos and cream cheese.

2. Divide the ground beef into 16 portions and pat out each one to 1/4 inch thickness. Spoon some of the cream cheese mixture onto the center of 8 of the patties. Top with the remaining patties, pressing the edges together to seal.

3. Grill for about 10 minutes per side, or until well done, taking care not to press down on the burgers as they cook. This will make the cheese ooze out. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

Happy Memorial Day and Happy Grilling
...

America Has Some Good People

2011-05-26T21:50:00.008-04:00

...

The media doesn't focus on regular, good as gold, godly people that much....but America has some awesome people. The world is filled with good people.

French Histgorian: Alexis de Tocqueville said, "America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." Glenn Beck was talking about this today on his program. America is good because America has some good people. America will remain great as long as the people are good....

The good people go unnoticed for the most part...until disaster strikes. Then you see them rise to the occasion and show the world what Americans are made of. Goodness. Individuals are giving of themselves because they have a heart to help.

Teens are helping: Seventeen-year-old Elliott Kersh is helping his father gather what's left from their house in Joplin, Mo.   "There was this lady I saw bent over, she got off work at the mall, and couldn't come home in time," said Elliott. "But her husband and two sons had taken shelter in the basement which was collapsed in and I had to pull out, I had to pull out her dead husband and her two sons, which were hardly identifiable at the time, but, I, I had to pull those out for her." "I don't know what I would have done if I was her, because that's your whole family," he added. Every day since, he has pressed his dad to let him get out here and help.

We started pulling people out of houses, and covering up bodies and stuff, and just doing what we could to help people," said Mitchell, 18.

"Joplin was gone," said Geordan Green, also 18. "I didn't know what to do except to help people." In trying to make their way through all of this, to find something, anything good, many are discovering that the "good," is in them.   "Seeing people that are helpless just hurts you," said Geordan. "And I knew if I felt that way, I'd want people to care about me. So I don't want to be a selfish person anymore."

Elliott chanced upon a student in a grocery store, someone he'd often fought in school.   "But we about broke down crying in Food 4 Less when we were trying to get some ice," he said. "When we saw each other, we were just so happy to see each other, it was just so comforting."

Churches are helping: Pastor John Swadley was still huddled in the crawl space under his house when he began forming the plan for Forest Park Baptist Church’s response to the tornado...Forest Park is now at the heart of the national relief effort for Joplin. The church is coordinating food, volunteer assignments and donations.

“We are just helping people like Jesus would,” Swadley said. “We are being the church and offering help, hope and healing.”    The church’s “bus barn” storage facility has been designated the receiving and staging area for donated items and where supplies such as diapers, toothpaste and soap are distributed. Offers of help have been pouring in from throughout the country.

"I’m really proud of my Heavenly Father and how He is using us for His work,” Swadley said. “When it says in the Bible to show hospitality, our people have stepped up and done that beautifully to help each other and their friends and Sunday School classes,” Swadley said.

“We’re going to try to construct a worship service where everyone can experience God’s presence in a way so that they leave stronger than they came,” he said.

There are good people from every direction of the country that are rushing to the rescue. I can't begin to list all of them here.  Others are involved in donations - others are on their knees in prayer. In time of need, America knows how to step up to the plate - not only to the disasters around the world, but on our home front.

There are good people in America. God uses them daily. It just doesn't make the headlines in the news.

Stories that will bring tears to our eyes are yet come out of Joplin, no doubt. If the enemy thinks he is destroying us with crisis after crisis, he just doesn't fully realize the stamina and steadfastness of American people. We were raised by and large as a christian nation and those roots run deep. Even folks who admittedly aren't living a christian life, still stand for decency in our country. Most haven't veered far from their roots.

I still say, God bless the USA. And we have some mighty good folks in our country!
---------

SHRIMPNESS

2011-05-26T14:34:00.010-04:00

====

Who's In Charge of Stupidity?

Could someone, anyone, please tell me who is in charge of stupidity? Please note that words in red are mine. . . . no one else will claim them. We have a new mental disorder here...My term for it is simply "Shrimpness"..... The nonsensical and absurdity of the waste of billions of dollars on nonsensical and absurd research....has momentarily generated a mental block and I cannot procure...by unscrupulous or indirect means, a more fitting term... but shrimpness.

According to Fox News article, May 26, 2011 a Senate report finds billions, BILLIONS, in waste on science foundation studies.

1. Such as having shrimp walk on tiny treadmills to measure the impact of sickness on crustaceans.
Personally, I don't know how we can survive without knowing this. Really. But, wouldn't it be great, next time around, to utilize those funds for researching a little more on cancer, diabetes, or heart disease.

2. The Oklahoma Republican issued a new report Thursday that concludes the National Science Foundation has misspent $3 billion on "waste, fraud, duplication and mismanagement." It offers a list of research projects that could have been left as questions for the universe. ...questions for the universe? The universe already has it figured out. It's people that are guilty of shrimpness.

3. Among them, $2 million to analyze 38 million photos on Flickr and cross-reference them against the site's social networking service. Turns out, researchers concluded, that friends generally post photos on the Internet depicting the same place at the same time. This info is so vital. Thank you! :(

4. Some other beauties: A $315,000 NSF-funded study on whether playing Facebook's FarmVille can help adults develop relationships; You've got to be kidding me !

5. $80,000 to examine why the same teams always end up leading March Madness; Huh??

6. a $1.5 million grant for scientists to design a robot that can fold laundry -- at a rate of one towel every 25 minutes. Let me see if I can grab this: 1 Towel every 25 Minutes... Amazing what extra help around the house can do for a family! This equals about 4 towels every 2 hours....and nevermind the cost of the robot !! For heaven's sake! Fold your own towel....

7. In one instance, two "romantically involved" workers went on 47 trips during the course of more than two years, at a cost of $144,000 to NSF. Oh, tell me it ain't so...

Senator Coburn said he's concerned the 50-year-old NSF may have strayed from its core scientific mission. Do ya' Think???

Now do you understand why I asked this question at the beginning of this blog - Who's in Charge of Stupidity? We have dire needs....we have real people in a real world with real problems! What is wrong with the person in charge of stupidity? When will it be possible for people to realize that people should come first?

As far as I'm concerned, the sickness in a shrimp can be put on the back burner! America: we have families in need.

-Moms trying to feed their children
-Parents struggling to pay utilities
-Everyone feeling the pain of trying to purchase a tank of gas for their automobile
-Dads worrying about the next paycheck
-Seniors worrying because they can't afford the meds to survive

If you want to throw away billions, why not help Americans? Or, at least use the billions to pay down the national debt. But for goodness sake, use the money wisely and relieve some of the stress for our people.

Anything else is nothing but shrimpness.
....

THE OLD CHAMBER POT

2011-05-21T13:39:00.009-04:00

An old chamber pot

+Found this story:

Two nuns were driving through the countryside when they ran out of gas. They walked to a nearby farmhouse for help and the kindly farmer said that they could siphon some of the gas from his tractor.
However, they could not find anything in which to carry the gas, until the farmer produced a battered old chamber pot.

Now, for those of you young people that have never seen or heard of a chamber pot, and don’t know what one is, it’s an antique bed pan. And for those who STILL don’t understand what a chamber pot is, it is something like a port-a-potty.

The nuns filled the pot with gas, walked back to the car, and began pouring it in.

A passing motorist, hardly believing what he saw, stopped and said, “I don’t agree with your religion, but I admire your faith!”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see,"

Ephesians 2:8-9, We are saved by faith.
Rom. 1:17, We live by faith.
Rom. 4:13, We receive righteousness by faith.
Rom. 5:1, We are justified in Christ by faith
Rom. 5:2, We have access to God's grace by faith.
2 Cor. 1:24, We stand firm in our belief by faith.
Gal. 3:14, We receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.
1 Tim. 1:4, We do God's work by faith.
Gal. 5:5, We wait for the return of Christ by faith.

Hebrews 10:35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! (New Living Translation)

Faith in God makes great optimists. Over in Burma, Judson was lying in a foul jail with 32 lbs. of chains on his ankles, his feet bound to a bamboo pole. A fellow prisoner said, "Dr. Judson, what about the prospect of the conversion of the heathen?", with a sneer on his face. His instant reply was, "The prospects are just as bright as the promises of God."

The African impala can jump to a height of over 10 feet and cover a distance of greater than 30 feet. Yet these magnificent creatures can be kept in an enclosure in any zoo with a 3-foot wall. The animals will not jump if they cannot see where their feet will fall. Faith is the ability to trust what we cannot see, and with faith we are freed from the flimsy enclosures of life that only fear allows to entrap us. -John Emmons.

Faith in God can launch you from where you are to where you desire to be. God has no limits. He's waiting for man to fully believe in His ability. There is greatness in you. Keep believing.

To others it may appear you are only carrying a chamber pot in your hands - but they don't know what is inside.

-----

Scotty or Lauren...

2011-05-19T18:13:00.004-04:00

Are you watching American Idol this season? I am. It's down to the wire. Tonight one will go home. Personally, I like Lauren and Scotty. Lauren has performed consistantly....good. All-around solid each week. Scotty is well-liked and talented. I just watched his video from 5/14 hometown concert and it was excellent.

I will be happy if either one of them wins. I haven't been too thrilled with Haley...even though she's in the top three. Something about her has not clicked with me ... also, her weekly performance has not been consistent in quality as Lauren and Scotty.

Actually, all three have great futures ahead of them...no matter who wins the title of American Idol.

The competition has been tough and they have worked hard. It has been enjoyable to watch each one work hard and improve as the weeks progressed.

Yes, I voted last night - even though we were on the road. My phone was dying or I think I would've voted over and over!!

Tis' good to have fun in life. AM Idol has been fun to watch. Can't wait till the program starts tonight and hopefully, my favorites will still be in the running. Scotty or Lauren. I'm happy with either one.

.....

CRAZY!

2011-05-19T15:00:00.007-04:00

pEoPLe Fall for Crazy!

Ridiculous...Bizarre...Goofy...Wacky...Off-the-Wall...Nutty...

THEY WILL FALL FOR CRAZY BUT THEY WON'T BELIEVE THE SIMPLE TRUTH.

CRAZY # 1: "Beyond the shadow of a doubt, May 21 will be the date of the Rapture and the day of judgment," - The prediction originates with Harold Camping, an 89-year-old retired civil engineer from Oakland, Calif., who founded Family Radio Worldwide, an independent ministry that has broadcast his prediction around the world.

Chris McCann, who works with eBible Fellowship, one of the groups spreading the message...McCann plans to spend Saturday with his family, reading the Bible and praying. His fellowship met for the last time on Monday. "We had a final lunch and everyone said goodbye," he said. "We don't actually know who's saved and who isn't, but we won't gather as a fellowship again."

CRAZY # 2: A Facebook page titled "Post rapture looting" offers this invitation: "When everyone is gone and god's not looking, we need to pick up some sweet stereo equipment and maybe some new furniture for the mansion we're going to squat in." By Wednesday afternoon, more than 175,000 people indicated they would be "attending" the "public event." In the Army town of Fayetteville, N.C., the local chapter of the American Humanist Association has turned the event into a two-day extravaganza, with a Saturday night party followed by a day-after concert.

I just viewed some of the posts on this page.   Little knowledge of Scripture is evident...or zero knowledge might be more accurate.

Some Posts are Humorous:
Post: "I'm looking forward to cheaper gas"
Comment:   Don't count on it. You know the oil company execs ain't going nowhere.

Post: If the world is going to end May 21st it could at least end at 7AM not 6PM so I dont have to go to work

Some Posts are Mocking:
Post: Rapture Prank: Put small piles of clothes around local churches the morning of 5/22 & record reactions : )

Post: Vandalizing make me a shirt that says I survived the rapture. With a picture of jesus and the devil drinking beers together?

Some posts are just plain sad: They keep promising to leave, but they never do

Some people are so misinformed: you know if this is the rapture and all the believers go to heaven. there will be no more wars, terrorism, persecution, or hatred for what people believe. i think it's gonna be a great world to live in once they are gone.

Someposts are blasphemous and I won't bother including those. Instead, I feel sorry for those who have so little understanding of the love of God and the price Jesus Christ paid for us on the cross.

This post reveals the obvious mentality of the world: looking forward to all of the job openings after the rapture happens...

CRAZY # 3: Bart Centre, an atheist from New Hampshire, started Eternal Earth-bound Pets in 2009. He offers Rapture believers an insurance plan for those furry family members that won't join them in heaven: 10-year pet care contracts, with Centre and his network of fellow non-believers taking responsibility for the animals after the Rapture. The fee -- payable in advance, of course -- was originally $110, but has gone to $135 since Camping's prediction. Centre says he has 258 clients under contract, and that business has picked up considerably this year.

CRAZY #4:    People don't understand the message of the gospel because we, as a church, have failed. True, there will always be mockers, unbelievers, but we've failed at reaching many who would have believed and who would have been ready.

MARK 16:15-18 -- "And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

We need pastors and teachers to equip the saints and to enable them to go and do the work of the ministry.

CRAZY #5: Is To ignore one's salvation.
Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me." (John 14:6)
Jesus said: "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:5)

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9)

Here is What to Pray:

Dear God, I am a sinner and need forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ shed His precious blood and died for my sin. I am willing to turn from sin. I now invite Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Saviour.

CRAZY #6: Is to not pray the above prayer. Without accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior you will not make the rapture when it happens at God's appointed time. You will be left behind for the tribulation period. You will not have fun. There will be no party. You will suffer under the anti-christ's rule. You will have regrets. You might even remember reading this blog....

CRAZY? To be left behind is crazy because Jesus has made a way for you to be saved.

...

23 Microwave Tips

2011-05-08T21:55:00.009-04:00

23 Cooking Uses for Your Microwave. I just noticed this online article and thought...this could be interesting. I'm open to new things. I read the first cooking use: Soften Butter. OK...Got it. That's not new. At the bottom of the paragraph on how to soften butter...I have the option to click on the next tip: Melt Butter. Now I don't meant to sound sarcastic...but I already know how to soften butter and melt butter in the microwave. In fact, I've performed that feat for years. I'm a pro, already.

Let's move on to the next way to use a microwave...and save time in the kitchen. #3: Melt Chocolate. Got it. May we move on? #4: Soften Cream Cheese. Been there/done that/bought the t-shirt. Next: Soften Ice Cream. Now we are getting serious here! For time's sake I'll list the next few uses without comments...or not...

Soften Brown Sugar - Warm Tortillas - Warm Maple Syrup - Toast Fresh Bread Crumbs - Toast coconut - Toast Pine Nuts and Sliced Almonds - Cook Bacon (Betcha' never thought of that one) - Steam Veggies (that counts for many ways - one per veggie listed)   - Bake a Potato.......

I think I will skip on through the veggies until I find something interesting...Here's one: Make Popcorn. Who'd-a-thought-it.

Well, that's all folks. The next button gives me the option to click on: You Might Also Like...
So, I clicked on this just for fun. Now, if I so choose, I can view Crafty New Uses for Old Things.   I decided to skip this part. I just don't feel challenged enough to go there for some reason.

Not that the article on 23 ways to use the microwave was all that bad...I am simply wondering why anyone would publish - online - professional writers - paid to do this writers: how to melt butter ... hmmm.... interesting.

Maybe we are smarter than we thought. Maybe we are smarter than the publishers of that article... thinks ... we are ... smart.

It wouldn't surprise me one bit if you created a list of microwave uses which would be of greater benefit to the public...if given the opportunity. I have discovered that most people have a lot to offer if we only take the time to listen.

It's still my opinion that people are valuable. Everyone has something to give. And most of us already know how to melt butter in a microwave. Thank God.

Be blessed.....and have fun. Tommorrow will be here - with 24 hours in it, just as yesterday - and you may as well enjoy it.

Psalm 118:24 - This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Go forth, use your microwave with confidence! You 'da man - or woman!! :)
...

Superman: No Longer American

2011-04-28T17:41:00.011-04:00

-- According to the following online news article:

Superman Renounces His U.S. Citizenship in 900th Issue of Action Comics
FoxNews.com - By Hollie McKay - Published April 28, 2011

Well, the writers of Superman have failed us. Superman has been 'Superman' for as long as I can remember. He is as American as apple pie. His motto has been: "Truth, justice and the American way." He has been a hero in America! Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938, Superman has been a devoted American warrior who constantly fought evil and won!

The online Fox news article stated: "I intend to speak before the United Nations tomorrow and inform them that I am renouncing my U.S. citizenship," he says in a cell in the issue. "I'm tired of having my actions construed as instruments of U.S. policy."

The article continues: "Besides being riddled with a blatant lack of patriotism, and respect for our country, Superman's current creators are belittling the United States as a whole. By denouncing his citizenship, Superman becomes an eerie metaphor for the current economic and power status the country holds worldwide," Hollywood publicist and GOP activist Angie Meyer told FOX411's Pop Tarts column. - "Truth, justice, and the American way -- it's not enough anymore," Superman (via writers) states.

It's difficult enough to realize there are enemies and terrorists plotting to do us harm - but now there are comic writers who are willing to add fuel to the fire, so to speak. What's wrong with staying strong and supportive of our country? What's wrong with being patriotic? What's wrong with flying our nation's flag?

If even our comic heros can't remain American...because of twisted writers...what's next?

I'm still proud to be an American.
And to me, Superman will always be an American hero...
...

David Wilkerson

2011-04-27T23:00:00.005-04:00

It's late on Wednesday night. I just saw a facebook post announcing the death of David Wilkerson today due to a car accident. I pay tribute in this blog...to a giant of a minister...one we hold in high esteem.

Karen Steverson says it well...and I hope she won't mind if I add her post to this blog:
“The term LEGEND is often used to describe a person of extreme influence but what about a man that supersedes superlatives..David Wilkerson”

Let me give you just a hint of the magnitude of his ministry ...cbn.com/cbnnews lists some of the information...

Wilkerson founded Teen Challenge, and Christian outreach program for troubled young people.

Founder of World Challenge, Inc., David Wilkerson is perhaps best known for his early days of ministry to young drug addicts and gang members in New York City, as published in the best-selling book The Cross and the Switchblade.

David Wilkerson is the Founding Pastor of Times Square Church in New York City. He was called to New York in 1958 to minister to gang members and drug addicts, as told in the best-selling book, The Cross and the Switchblade. In 1987, David Wilkerson returned to "the crossroads of the world" to establish Times Square Church. Since then, he has faithfully led this congregation, delivering powerful biblical messages that encourage righteous living and complete reliance on God.

Wilkerson posted a blog dated April 27 - davidwilkersontoday.blogspot.com - the day of his death. In the post, titled "When All Means Fail," he encouraged those facing difficulty to "hold fast" and stand strong in faith.

"To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights, and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, "I am with you,'" Wilkerson wrote. "Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail-his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world."

I remember David Wilkerson from years back...I am thinking of a service in our home church in Russellville, AR (many, many years ago) - we were in the choir - he was the guest preacher. I was so impressed that David Wilkerson was there!

I didn't know him personally, but I feel the loss along with everyone who knew of him. When you hear of a persons accomplishments and know the admiration and respect one has earned through the years ... you feel as though he was a part of your life, as well.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant, David Wilkerson. Well done!
...

Think Like A Millionaire

2011-04-26T14:57:00.016-04:00

Do you have old notebooks in your collection of 'stuff' that you have kept through the years? I do. I discovered an old red spiral notebook the other day. The pages are yellowing with time. It is filled with information, web sites discovered long ago, addresses, notes, and a myriad of quotes, such as this one:

"It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as warning to others."

I'm not too sure about that quote. It's rather depressing. But I suppose...if you feel of no value, whatsoever...that attitude could at least contribute some importance to a life. Or not.

One page lists information on millionaire's...(not a clue where this came from):

A MILLIONAIRE'S CONSCIOUSNESS WOULD INCLUDE:

1. Taking responsibility for what you have and what you want to create.

2. Expecting the best and taking action accordingly.
3. Creating wealth by serving others as well as yourself.
4. Taking bigger action than you think you can.
5. Keeping away: anything or anyone who does not support you.
6. Taking care of your life as if it already were a millionaire's life.

Millionaire's started by believing they could...and they adapted a millionaire consciousness. They realized that taking action moves us much further than passively watching a TV show. If you adopt one of the above steps...they say...you will come closer to abundance than your TV screen can bring you.

We know there is a gap between where we are and where we want to be...in our finances and personal life. I'm struggling with the 'gap'. A gap is an empty space or an interval. But, hold on! If we think like a millionaire....we don't see the gap as an empty space...or an interval... we see it as an opening!

A gap can be an opening for you to walk through - to realize your dreams - it can be a way made for you when it seemed there was No Way!

You and I have the ability to think ... and to think freely! What if thinking like a millionaire simply means: no shoulds, coulds, or oughts are allowed in our thought process.

Try changing thoughts of past efforts to: I did - I tried - I cared - I offered - I loved...

Now...choose to think like a millionaire: I will, I can, I expect, I serve, I act, I will set boundaries, I want to create.... Now, you are thinking like a millionaire!

God's Word tells us how to think like a millionaire:

Proverbs 18:21 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Colossians 3:17 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."

Think according to God's Word...and you are thinking like a millionaire. As the hymn declares:

My Father is rich in houses and lands,

He holdeth the wealth of the world in His hands!
Of rubies and diamonds, of silver and gold,
His coffers are full, He has riches untold.

I'm a child of the King,

A child of the King:
With Jesus my Savior,
I'm a child of the King.

Jesus Christ has been trying to get us to think as a child of the King. A King's child is rich. A King's child is blessed with abundance, lacking nothing. We are more than millionaire's. In fact, we have more than money can buy. We have a Kingdom - a city - not built with hands. Jesus told us in John 14:2,3 "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

Compared to your Kingdom inheritance, an earthly millionaire's wealth is a meager pittance.
You were not created for the sole purpose of simply serving as a warning to others!
You are more than .....You have more than.....if you are a child of the King!

..........

Jesus Lives!

2011-04-23T18:20:00.013-04:00

!!!!!!!!!

I am thankful for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I remember hearing the old hymn, He Lives, being sung in church on Easter Sunday. By the time the congregation finished the first verse and started the chorus, the enthusiam and energy in their voices lifted the whole place....He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today.... - I included a couple of verses here, along with the chorus. If you know the song...you might want to sing along:

I serve a risen Saviour,
He's in the world today;
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy,
I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him
He's always near.
----
Chorus:
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He live, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart.
---
Verse 2
In all the world around me
I see His loving care,
And tho my heart grows weary
I never will despair;
I know that He is leading
Thro' all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing
Will come at last.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the beginning of Christianity. If Christ had not been resurrected and seen by many people (more than 500), Christianity would not exist today. Jesus made twelve appearances after his resurrection:

1. His first appearance was to Mary Magdalene, on that early Sunday morning. (Mark 16:9; John 20:10-18).

2. Jesus appeared to the women returning from the tomb. (Matthew 28:9-10).

3. Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. (Luke 24:13-32; Mark 16:12-13).

4. He appeared to Peter in Jerusalem. (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5).

5. He appeared to his disciples and other followers, and also a second time to the two men from Emmaus, in a locked room in Jerusalem. The apostle Thomas wasn't there at that time. (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-23).

6. A week later, Jesus again appeared to his disciples behind locked doors, and this time Thomas was present. (John 20:24-29).

7. Jesus appeared to seven of his disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. (John 21:1-24).

8. Jesus was seen by 500 believers at one time. (1 Corinthians 15:6).

9. He appeared to James. (1 Corinthians 15:7).

10. He appeared to eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee. (Matt. 28:18-20).

11. He walked with his disciples along the road to Bethany, on the Mount of Olives, and then ascended into Heaven. (Luke 24:50-53).

12. He was seen by Paul on the road to Damascus. (Acts 9:3-6; 1 Corinthians 15:8).

Have you met this risen Savior? I hope so. How do you know He lives? He lives within your heart.

-----

ONE LADDER, PLEASE

2011-04-14T22:22:00.021-04:00

The ceiling of my prayer closet...just one of many changing views.

Tonight was special. The breeze was refreshing. I left early enough to get an hour of walking in before dusk. It's the same place where I always go...around the corner to the vacant area - a paved street, but there are no houses built around that quarter mile loop...so far. There are lakes on two sides...with a wide open space above and a beautiful sunset in the west. It speaks of privacy, peace, and prayer. That's my prayer closet. It's been some time now since I've mentioned it.

But tonight was special. No rush - few golf carts passed on their way to the clubhouse - not too hot, not too cool - and plenty of time to walk and walk and walk. And talk and talk and talk! Listening to heavenly music (mp3 player) and viewing the handiwork of God....gotta love it.

The pictures in this blog are of my prayer closet ceiling. I remember riding my bike there one particular evening last year. The skies were rich in color and the clouds were low, closer than usual, it seems. I looked up and saw an opening and in that circular opening the lighter blue heavens appeared with a brilliance of light edging the clouds. I felt certain that with a very tall ladder I could ascend through that opening and walk right up into the heavens with ease. And I would have, too, if possible. Genesis 28:12 gives the account of Jacob...he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. Only I didn't have a ladder...or even see one. I only wished for one. Tonight, I wished for angels, too. Maybe another time.

But tonight was special. There was a freedom to pray for those relatives needing a salvation experience with Jesus Christ. As I walked, I called the name of some who are battling serious physical problems, asking God to touch them with healing and strength. Ah, the freedom of prayer while gazing into the heavens is priceless. No wonder Jesus went into the mountains to spend the night in prayer.

The street and ceiling of my prayer closet.

After starting this blog I asked myself why I chose to write about this. I think it is on my heart because there are so many people needing prayer...and because it just felt good to be outdoors and pray aloud, with openess and honesty, to a loving Saviour.

Our world is a mess - security escapes us - people are hurting and we are in need of Divine Assistance. We need the Almighty God to manifest His Presence on this earth. What a difference a day makes when Jesus Christ touches us - when the Holy Spirit of God breathes His life into us - when He walks beside us, giving comfort and guidance. We are desperate for someone to tell us that everything is going to be alright.

I don't know if you have a closet of prayer...I don't know if you have tried the outdoors...with the handiwork of God being your prayer closet ceiling - but one thing is for sure - we all need to be praying for each other...and for our world. It matters little where your prayer closet is....just as long as you have one.

Matthew 21:22
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

...

Brownie Pie

2011-04-12T19:12:00.006-04:00

Moms use various recipes through the years...of course, one will be a favorite to someone in the family. Each time you use the recipe, you think of that particular person. The Brownie Pie was always a favorite for one of my daughters. I'd like to share it with you. It may become a favorite at your house, too.

BROWNIE PIE

3 egg whites

dash of salt

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

2 Tbsp. cocoa

1/2 cup chopped nuts

Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Add sugar until stiff. Combine cocoa with crumbs and nuts. Add crumb mixture and vanilla to egg whites. Carefully fold in. Spread the mixture evenly into a lightly buttered pie pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool. Top with cool whip.

Easy as pie...no pun intended. Let me know if you enjoy it.

Have a chocolate day! And... God bless!
...

TO VEIL OR NOT TO VEIL

2011-04-11T12:37:00.029-04:00

In the news today:
"France's Ban on Face-Covering Islamic Veil Met With Defiance"
-France became the first country to ban the veils anywhere in public and veiled women are upset!

I'll admit, there are days I would relish covering my head. Bad hair days. Wrinkles appearing out of nowhere before their time! The danger of being seen without makeup!

This reminds me of the day of the great storm...just a few weeks ago. When the storm passed, the three of us decided to go for a drive and view the wind damage .... My daughter said, "Don't worry about makeup...we won't see anyone" (never believe those words) - I was safe most of the ride, but at the last minute, as we were approaching the back entrance to the development - the car sputtered and died. We coasted through the gate --- parked it --- then it happened. The guard at the gate offered us a ride to the house. Remember? We wouldn't see anyone?? And to make it worse, my daughter got in the back seat of the man's car...on the passenger side...which meant I had to sit in the back seat behind the driver - which meant he could see me in his rear view mirror.   At that moment veiling the face would have been a good option.

The news article went on to say:
-French President Nicolas Sarkozy set the wheels in motion for the ban nearly two years ago, saying the veils imprison women and contradict this secular nation's values of dignity and equality.
-Italy also has a law against concealing the face...but it's for security reasons.
-Religious leaders have denounced the measure, and are struggling with what to advise the faithful.

Religious leaders remind me of Pharisees. Max Lucado says: "Legalism (religious rules) has no pity on people. Legalism makes my opinion your burden, makes my opinion our boundary, makes my opinion your obligation."

The religious spirit and the Pharisaical spirit are twins. They both :
1. Put heavy burdens on people
2. Value tradition more than God's Word
3.  Are spiritually blind
4.  Demand you adhere to their rule of dress
5.  Cleanse the outside of their life only
6. Persecute those who won't listen to them
7. Judge those who do not keep their rules

Dallas Elder, The ValueGiver, Page 84 - 85: Legalism breeds dysfunctional relationships, a false spirituality and diminishes community. It is a selective and seductive social system, intricately wired to keep other people from gaining access and equality. It delights in division. Jesus spoke many indictments against them regarding their legalistic, heartless, self-serving form of religion. He condemned them for creating burdens and barriers for people, whom God desired to enfold into His Family.

When will religious rules stop? Probably ... never. Not as long as men/women value their rules above God's Word.

When will spiritual freedom begin? It will begin only when we recognize bondage and realize the freedom to be gained through serving Jesus Christ.

To veil or not to veil?  I think...Not!
...

RUN! And Call Your Father!

2011-04-09T12:50:00.017-04:00

“I grabbed him, body slammed him and put him in a nice headlock and waited till the deputies showed up,” the teen's dad told the news source.

Here's the story: It took place last Thursday, April 7, 2011, in the state of Oregon. A 13 year old girl was walking home from school when a sex offender approached her asking for her name and then tried to grab her by the shoulder. Her first instinct was to Run! Then she used her cell to call her dad. Dad arrives quickly and the two of them drive around the area looking for the offender. They spot him a few blocks away. The dad gets out...grabs the guy...body slams him (and for this I applaud) and anchors him in a nice headlock....just controlling the situation, which in this case is one mean sex offender...until the deputies arrive (and again, I must applaud!!)

My hat is off to this dad! He did what every dad would do. He rushed to her ... put her in his protective care...and went after the attacker. He located the villian and he apprehended him. He saved his daughter, and possibly another teen, from an attack! He stopped the enemy in his tracks.

I call this dad a hero. But actually, he did what came natural as a dad. He was simply protecting his child. That's what our Heavenly Father does for us!

When you are uneasy, feeling threatened or insecure, or facing an overwhelming situation in your life.  The hand of the attacker is touching your shoulder...

#1. Run. Don't stand idle and spend your energy worrying. Don't entertain the enemy! Stop battling the situation with your human strength.  Remember, you can't reason with the attacker once he has targeted you with an intent.  His intent is to bring you under his control for his purpose. Escaping the presence of the attacker diminishes his ability to fulfill this evil intent. Run to the Word of God. Run to prayer. Run.

#2. Yell.  Call out to your Heavenly Father! Get His attention. Tell Him what is happening. When you do this, your Father will act in that same protective mode as the girl's dad...and rush to where you are. He is everywhere at once. He is all-power and all-knowing...He will arrive faster than the speed-of-light...He will show no mercy to the one coming against you. If the teen had not called her dad last Thursday, he wouldn't have known of her danger. She knew what to do. She escaped the enemy's presence - She contacted her dad.  ~ Run and Yell.

#3. Stay in the presence of your Father. Ride with Him. Just because your Heavenly Father came to your rescue doesn't mean that you can turn your back on Him. There's a very old story about a man who was sliding off his roof and he cried out to God to save him. About that time a nail caught his britches and he said, "Never mind, God, this nail saved me." Too many people live risky lives,  neglecting to stay in the presence of the Father. They only want Him when they are in trouble. Your absence from the presence of the Father paints a bright yellow bullseye on your back and it says, "Hey, devil, I'm weak! Attack me!"   Stay, remain, dwell...in your Father's presence. It's safe there.

#4. Identify the culprit. Point him out. Who attacked you? Who threatened you? What/Who is it that is stealing your peace? What or who is a threat to your children? Why are finances scarce? I can just see myself sitting beside Jesus Christ and pointing to the enemy of my soul and saying, "There he is, Jesus! That's him!" Yes, I feel pretty tough sitting in the presence of Jesus and naming the culprit!

#5. Wait. There are battles in life that must be fought under the direction and guidance of God. Check them out in the Old Testament. They moved when He said to move. They fought when He said to fight. They conquered at His command. And not until.  There are times you are to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. You will win no war unless you follow His Word.  But if you obey the Word, there's is no army big enough nor strong enough to stand against you.

#6. Watch.   Faith comes into play here. The teen stood by and watched the event unfold. She had done all she could. She did all that was within her strength to do.  She stood by and watchde her father take action against her enemy. If you have little faith, you probably won't be still and watch. You will get involved, but in ways that only hinder. Little faith is why we prefer to be involved. The flesh itches to be busy.  Pride and Ego call the shots. We call everyone we know and talk - we blame - we get in the way. Stop. Watch God work. Be still. Be quiet.

#7. Rejoice. The young girl saw her enemy brought down and held captive. She watched her dad. He was her deliverer!   She could go home, untouched, unharmed, and unafraid.  I see her racing inside her home - hugging her mom and other family members. No doubt she is one happy gal...knowing her dad fought for her that day.

Well, we've covered a lot in this blog. I just want you to know one thing.   Your Heavenly Father loves you so much more than your earthly father. Matthew 7:11 and Luke 11:13 tell us that if our earthly father knows how to give good gifts... how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him - and how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them who ask?

You have a strong and loving heavenly Father. Run to Him. Call to Him. Stay in His presence. Watch Him work in your behalf. Identify the real enemy. Wait on the Lord. Watch and pray. And lastly, Rejoice. Your Heavenly Father loves you, too.
...

It starts with an "H"

2011-03-25T00:20:00.006-04:00

Her age? Oh, I'd say about 18 or 19.

She was part of the crowd of people that gathered outside for a hot meal and to watch the ministry of Arisen. I don't know if she was homeless, too, or if she just lived in the nearby apartment building. It is my understanding that each Thursday night a meal is provided for the homeless and others who happen to join them. Tonight, Arisen had come to minister. Arisen is a dance/drama team comprised of anointed young people from various churches.

She walked up to a couple and asked, "Can ya'll pray with me?" Of course they said yes. She put her plate of food on the table. Prayer happened, along with a word regarding her need to give up some 'stuff' - and she agreed there was 'stuff' that she kept picking up, again and again and that's why she wanted prayer. They asked if she had a Bible. The young lady answered, "Yes, I do. But I can't read very well." After discussing options regarding assistance for learning to read, she was asked another question. "What kind of Bible do you have?" She looked at them and said, "Well...it starts with an 'H'..." They responded, "Do you mean 'Holy' Bible?" She said, "Yes."

I viewed a phone video of Arisen ministering tonight, and in the midst of the crowd was a man wearing a yellow jacket and blue hat. He was dancing his heart out. And he kept dancing...as long as Arisen danced...he danced. He never stopped. My heart melted.

In that same video a certain woman was pointed out to me. I don't know her name. But this is her story: she tried to pull out in front of an eighteen-wheeler today, hoping to end her life. My heart melted again. Instead of ending her life, here she sat, listening and watching, while the love of Jesus was being delivered to hurting hearts.

Thank the Lord for Arisen. They presented the gospel with energetic and anointed movements... movements to music...capturing the attention of souls needing to see a Jesus with skin on...or desperate to feel the touch of a human, as hands were laid on them in prayer...or desirous to hear the words that Jesus loves them. Yearning for someone with a message of love to come their way. Looking and longing for a presence that sends the message: God loves you and life can be worth living.

I believe Arisen caused Heaven's door to swing open wide tonight...and angels watched with wild excitement as these young folks and adult workers reached out to souls. Actually, isn't this why we exist? I read a friend's post on facebook this morning: "Just bought lunch for a homeless guy; it's our duty to bless..." Heaven takes notice when humans act like Jesus!

I was told that one woman stood at her apartment door, dancing along with the youth as they glorified God. God bless that lady! Life is hard. She deserved an opportunity to stand at her door and dance! Would to God that we all would celebrate God by standing at our door and dancing! We might feel much better and at the same time catch our neighbor's eye. Then, when they ask what on earth we are doing...we might be able to share the glorious news of Jesus with them...well, just maybe. Who knows?

Oh, I forgot. I meant to ask you a question before I end this blog. Do you have a Bible? What kind it is? Does it start with an "H"? I hope so. Don't forget, "H" stands for "Holy"... Holy, as in ... God.
...

"G"

2011-02-25T09:54:00.004-05:00

Photo by Jane

Please, always....

capitalize the "G"

when writing/typing

the Name "God"...

Keep His Name Holy.

Jews do not casually write any Name of God. It is often written "G-d" lest the Name be disgraced permanently by printing the page. People lacking spiritual character have used those two letters in cursing by giving our Most Holy God a last name. It's used freely by adults. Children listen. If you use God's Name for slang - your children will do the same. Their respect for God will be just as small as yours.

There's either a lack of knowledge on the part of people or a lack of reverence, I don't know which. Too often, His Name is carelessly typed using the lower case. Lower case "g" is used when referring to idols...people...man-made gods. God's Names, in all of their forms, are treated with enormous respect and reverence in Judaism. Have we already forgotten Matthew 6:9? ^"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed (Kept Holy) be thy name."

I realize folks mean no harm - but taking time to hold down the shift key in order to capitalize the letter "G" should be done out of respect and reverence to the Godhead...just as you would capitalize "Jesus" or "Holy Spirit". We've become lazy and disrespectful of His Name. It's used freely as a curse word....a slang word..and most used often in expressing amazement...."My _ _ _ "....Where did we lose our awe and love for the Name of God? He is still the great I AM....Lord God Jehovah...El Shaddai, the Almighty! People, let's keep His Name Holy!!

JUDAISM 101:
The commandment not to erase or deface the name of God comes from Deut. 12:3. In that passage, the people are commanded that when they take over the promised land, they should destroy all things related to the idolatrous religions of that region, and should utterly destroy the names of the local deities. Immediately afterwards, we are commanded not to do the same to our God. From this, the rabbis inferred that we are commanded not to destroy any holy thing, and not to erase or deface a Name of God.

It is worth noting that this prohibition against erasing or defacing Names of God applies only to Names that are written in some kind of permanent form, and recent rabbinical decisions have held that writing on a computer is not a permanent form, thus it is not a violation to type God's Name into a computer and then backspace over it or cut and paste it, or copy and delete files with God's Name in them. However, once you print the document out, it becomes a permanent form. That is why observant Jews avoid writing a Name of God on web sites like this one or in newsgroup messages: because there is a risk that someone else will print it out and deface it.
Normally, we avoid writing the Name by substituting letters or syllables, for example, writing "G-d" instead of "God." In addition, the number 15, which would ordinarily be written in Hebrew as Yod-Hei (10-5), is normally written as Teit-Vav (9-6), because Yod-Hei is a Name.

I suppose we all have our pet peeves and this is one that bothers me most. Keep the Name Holy, folks. Just Keep it Holy. God is all we have. Let's not ruin His Name.
...

AM IDOL

2011-02-23T21:43:00.011-05:00

I enjoy watching American Idol. The talent is exceptional this year. The contestants experience a wide range of emotions...from tears to anger, or sometimes great excitement.  Tonight started the process of narrowing the final number down to twenty-four. America gets involved in this. We become acquainted with the individuals and as they perform weekly we soon choose our favorite, the 'one' deserving to be the next American Idol. That's fun.

America loves entertainment. Men and women exhibit great acting skills by moving and speaking in a precise manner at the right moment...for a particular impact on the audience. Recording artists excel with vocals. Musicians make the world go 'round. Authors provide hours of reading pleasure.

But: One thing I've learned in life - everyone has talent. Never judge a book by its cover and never underestimate a person's ability to perform. Some of the most talented folks I've ever met shine brilliantly when they enter the kitchen and rattle those pots and pans.  Cooking, sewing, carpentry, administration, teaching, mechanics....there's no end to the talent inside people.

Where would we be without people who used their talents and abilities to enrich our life...they've helped us over and over. Thank God we have each other. God has been good to us. When you think you have nothing to offer...look again. You've been a source of encouragement more than you know. Eternity alone will reveal moments when you touched a life. For example: when you helped someone fix a flat tire...the time you cooked a meal for a family in need...or simply spoke a word of kindness just at the time it was needed.

The least appreciated effort must certainly include those whom we (in the church world) refer to as prayer warriors.  Unseen, unrecognized, they are the internal combustion engine that propels the ship through deep waters - they are as fuel to a rocket engine.  These people had an inner desire and God-given ability to put one knee down, then the other...and they stayed there until they were spent in prayer. That's a gift, also.

Thank God for placing gifts in men/women. You have a lot to offer. You have a gift. It's in there. You are a person of worth.
....

Celebrate To Motivate

2011-02-17T09:31:00.021-05:00

It's Thursday, February 17, 2011. My how time flies...whether you're having fun or not! It's beautiful outside. The sun is shinning. I'm just finishing my morning cup of cappuccino and wondering how to get motivated for the day. Have you noticed: there's always more to do than we can possibly accomplish in one day. We work 'till we drop and the next day there's just as much on our 'to-do' list. FYI: You will never get it all done. Each day has it's demands. The real daily issue is motivation.

MOTIVATE
I read (somewhere) that if you read positive motivational quotes to encourage and empower yourself. You will start feeling better of yourself. Obviously, if you feel better about yourself you will get it done, pull it off, nail it....you will achieve ...achieve means 'to bring to a successful conclusion' and accomplish means 'to perform fully'.

Your energy level rises as your outlook on life increases. That's a fact. If you feel defeated, sluggish, or unhappy with life, raise/improve the mental image of who you are and what you can do.

Jim Rohn - The guy says, "When you work where I work, by the time you get home, it's late. You've got to have a bite to eat, watch a little TV, relax and get to bed. You can't sit up half the night planning, planning, planning." And he's the same guy who is behind on his car payment!

John Lubbock - A day of worry is more exhausting than a day of work.

Dale Carnegie - Are you bored with life? Then throw yourself into some work you believe in with all your heart, live for it, die for it, and you will find happiness that you had thought could never be yours.

Denis Waitley - The results you achieve will be in direct proportion to the effort you apply.

David wrote in Psalm 42:5 "Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God— soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God.

You must have a sense of success at the end of the day.

CELEBRATE

Psalm 118:24 "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." This portion from the message Bible reads: This is the very day God acted—let's celebrate and be festive! Salvation now, God. Salvation now! Oh yes, God - a free and full life!

Celebrating increases motivation. You will never celebrate if you wait until you feel like it. Choose to celebrate! The Lord made this day and...because He gave me life on this day that He made...I have the right to celebrate! If God acted on this day - I should act, too!

Celebrate: to observe a day or commemorate an event

with ceremonies or festivities -

glorify, honor, applaud, commend.

The Lord created the day - but it's up to us to rejoice in the day. Wrap your mind around the fact that you have the choice to rejoice. Celebrate on purpose. Celebrate something, even if it is small! Allow yourself to live! Give yourself permission to have a good life. The more you exert control over the day - the more reason you find to live. Celebrate...and you will discover more reason to celebrate.

We have this motivational thing backward! Publications and qualified speakers inspire us to be motivated in order to accomplish. They are accomplished motivators! But...when the session is concluded, the class disbanded, you are home, and life returns to 'normal' - motivation ceases. Why? Because there's no action on your part to determine the day. External motivation alone is short-lived. God made the day - He acted. We have a day - we should act. Your action is faith in motion. That's power. Rejoice. Celebrate.

Celebration leads to Motivation! God is right, as usual.

Celebrate...to Motivate
.

Story of a Sage and a Prince

2011-02-12T11:18:00.006-05:00

Boredom launched my online search for funny stories. I stumbled on a web site for children. I wanted to share this one. It's a children's story with a great lesson for all ages. I think you will like it.

THREE SMALL DOLLS

A sage presented a prince with a set of three small dolls. The prince was not amused.

"Am I a girl that you give me dolls?" he asked.
"This is a gift for a future king," said the man. "If you look carefully, you'll see a hole in the ear of each doll."
"So?"

The sage handed him a piece of string.
"Pass it through each doll," he said.
Intrigued, the prince picked up the first doll and put the string into the ear.
It came out from the other ear.
"This is one type of person," said the man. "Whatever you tell him, comes out from the other ear. He doesn't retain anything."

The prince put the string into the second doll. It came out from the mouth.
"This is the second type of person," said the man. "Whatever you tell him, he tells everybody else."
The prince picked up the third doll and repeated the process. The string did not reappear from anywhere else.

"This is the third type of person," said the man. "Whatever you tell him is locked up within him. It never comes out."

"What is the best type of person?" asked the prince.

The man handed him a fourth doll, in answer.
When the prince put the string into the doll, it came out from the other ear.
"Do it again," said the sage. The prince repeated the process. This time the string came out from the mouth. When he put the string in a third time, it did not come out at all.

"This is the best type of person," said the sage. "To be trustworthy, a man must know when not to listen, when to remain silent and when to speak out."

THE 7th MAN !

2011-02-10T19:26:00.026-05:00

Never underestimate the presence, power, or purpose of Jesus Christ. To be honest, I am thrilled to tell you that Jesus cannot be restrained by our religious legalism or finite perceptions of Who He is - What He can do or Where He can go. I am excited to tell you that Jesus can and will do that which He has resolved to do. He does not ask for my permission as He connects with humanity, calling the least likely, anointing the unlovable, showing up when we least expect it...He just IS and WILL be in control.   I am grateful beyond measure that there is a 'just' God in Heaven!

The Word tells of encounters between Jesus and people...when they least expected it. One of my favorites is the woman at the well, found in John 4. Jesus told his disciples: I need to go through Samaria.   They arrived at a well. Jesus sat there while He sent the disciples into town to buy food. A woman came to draw water from that same well. She didn't know Jesus. She wasn't expecting a face-to-face conversation with the Son of God! She was a Samaritan. Jesus asked her for a cup of water. Now, Jews didn't share a cup with a Samaritan! Especially with a woman whose life had little value. She was despised, had an abusive past, a rejected person, a person at her wit's end...and even worse, she was a woman scorned by society...and to think, Jesus was waiting for her!

This is what I'm trying to relate about Jesus! He makes appointments with rejected, hurting people and He doesn't wait for an RSVP.  Knowing everything about this woman's life...Jesus deliberately traveled to the exact location...at the exact time, knowing she would be there. And...He arrived ahead of her! This unnamed woman didn't know how to be spiritual...she only perceived the natural world. She didn't know how to make this spiritual moment happen!  She was just doing what she did every day.  Just doing life. Nothing more.

Another point: He sent the men away for food. She would not have been comfortable around them, after all, they were Jewish. She would have been less approachable had they remained. That which could not have happened in the presence of several...did happen in the presence of the One.  Jesus will clear the room, if necessary, in order to have a private talk with you. He protected her. He knew she was fragile.  Oh, that we could see the frail, thin thread holding a life together, rather than focusing on the external marks of sin. He didn't slam her with condemnation for her past nor did he look down on her. He spoke to her as a loving father.

In the middle east when you ask for something, you've just lowered yourself. Jesus lowered Himself... as with the woman caught in adultery...He stooped. You can't 'stoop' and appear self-righteous at the same time. Jesus is all about life-change.  It is Kingly...to place the need in a life above the pride of who we are...or...who we think we are! The conversation at the well provided Jesus opportunity to transform a fleshly focused woman.  Through spiritual enlightenment she gained a revelation of the identity of the Son of God!

I so appreciate the extreme love shown by Jesus for humanity.   When I don't understand / He explains. When I am not spiritual / He doesn't avoid me. When I have pain / He heals. When I don't have a clue about how to meet him / He just arranges an appointment and waits for me to show up. When I don't know what to say / He initiates the conversation.

Conclusion:  Jesus told the woman at the well that she'd had five husbands...and the man she was living with was not her husband. Do the math. Her life became whole, transformed, enlightened, and her shame turned to boldness, after a conversation, a face-to-face meeting (which she didn't arrange) with the Son of God - - -
     SHE MET THE 7th MAN AND SHE WAS NEVER THE SAME.

Oh, by the way, "7" is God's Number of Completion!

7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
.

Buzzard Food

2011-02-09T00:35:00.019-05:00

...not a vulture...NOON, 2/5/11

The two of us were enjoying the pool's warm water and soaking in the sun's rays. A few other people were there. One lady was stretched out in a lounge located in the opposite corner of the pool area, sunbathing. Suddenly, vultures or buzzards flew overhead. At least three birds continued to cruise...circling the air space above our heads. Not good. Big birds. Not good. They resembled the vultures or buzzards portrayed in western movies...those you see circling above a carcass.

We watched. And kept watching. I was a little bothered! I'd always heard there was something dead nearby whenever buzzards kept circling - and they were getting ready to enjoy dinner. I find it strange that while flying so far up in the air they can still spot something not moving on the ground. Their eyesight must be incredible. Two or three of these big black birds were hanging around a little too long for comfort...my comfort!

I saw no reason for these birds to do their thing at the pool...we were alive and moving! Only the lady in the lounge chair at the far end was not moving. I named her "The Still Lady." By this time I made a wise decision: keep moving. Look alive! I read that vultures usually don't kill their prey and they seldom attack healthy animals, but they will often kill the wounded or sick. I couldn't help but relate this to something spiritual.

Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Here's a gross fact (as though you needed to know): Vultures urinate straight down their legs; the uric acid kills bacteria accumulated from walking through carcasses. I told you it was gross !! How disgusting is the enemy! The enemy of our soul is beyond disgusting! He is putrid. He is repugnant. Disgusting.

Spiritual inactivity results in a lifeless condition. It's dangerous to appear as road kill. Road kill invites vultures. Prolonged hopelessness, guilt...can eat away at a healthy Christian until they become spiritually sick. Alive, but paralyzed. The enemy walks (or flys in this case) to and fro, seeking whom he may devour...his eyes lock on the sickness...he flys to the atmosphere of helplessness...circles overhead, watching and waiting for the disease of dispair to weaken his prey...patiently soaring, knowing his moment to move in and devour (1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:). John 10:10 tells us that the thief comes to where we are with the purpose to destroy us. He has no other interest.

HE IS NOT:

- a little man in a red suit with horns/pitchfork.
- your friend.
- providing a people party in hell, complete with trays of treats.

Jesus came to give abundant life - the kind of life which shows the world that we are alive while living. Maybe you need to become active - move - go forward - let your speech be positive - look alive! You deserve to live and you have a right to love living. Jesus is for you. He wants you to renew your strength and soar like an eagle. Look Alive! Could it be that you've become lethargic...and the enemy is soaring above you...waiting for you to weaken?

John 10:10 "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." As the Message Bible says: I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.

Remember: You are not road kill. You are valuable to God. You may have problems, but you are still 'alive' and you can defeat the enemy and continually rejoice in the knowledge of who you are in Christ. Jesus overcame the world. Victory awaits you. If life has made it impossible for you to pursue your profession - then you can began to pursue your dream. You must not lie down in defeat. God will make a way when and where there seems to be no way!

Sometime later (at the pool) I looked for "The Still Lady" at the other end of the pool and she was gone. All of a sudden a huge buzzard flew close overhead. I figured it was time to leave. And I did. After all, I have things to do!!

.....

People. We need them.

2011-01-27T01:47:00.005-05:00

For over a month now I've visited friends, family...covering many miles. It's been good. It all started just before Christmas. I remember how cold the weather was as I drove to NW Arkansas on the way to my grandson's house for Christmas Eve. I stopped at the store to pick up items needed for making a huge pot of chicken and dumplings. Oh my, it was cold! Chilling...cold. But we had such a great time. I have 2 children and several grands....all totaling eleven if I include those connected by marriage. We drove from different states just to enjoy that one evening together. Since that night, I've taken time to be with friends and family.

Life is fast paced. Seldom do we have time to just visit. Families no longer live close in one community, as in years past. We are scattered from state to state. Fortunately, technology allows us to maintain contact easily. Facebook is a great tool for social contact. It's allowed me to reconnected with friends from the past and touch base with relatives that I seldom see. Now I can keep up with folks through their posts and pictures. I feel that they are a part of my life again.

I enjoyed visiting, but now it's coming to an end. It's time to settle down - work at being productive. I've learned that staying busy is not the same as being productive. Most of all, I desire to be productive for the Kingdom of God. Thankfully, our life can glorify Him as we live out each day. Even writing this blog can be a source of service for my Lord.

I thank the Lord that we have each other. We can't live without friends and family. I don't have brothers or sisters...so every church family became like relatives to me. People are a God's gift to us. Oh, that we would take the time to enlarge our list of contacts - build new relationships - and keep each other encouraged.

Maybe this can be your new resolution this year. Determine to enrich your own life by reaching out to someone you've had little or no contact with for some time...or to a person in need. Isolation and loneliness easily drains the joy of living for many folks - you can make such a difference in their life. I have a feeling it's a lot easier to do than we realize. You are creative. You have a lot of love to give. Never underestimate who you are and what you have to give to others. As you share love - you increase satisfaction and fulfillment in your own life.

I challenge you to reach out - overcome timidity - touch a life - because one day...that person will reach out to you...and probably at the time you need it most.

Thank God for people. There are plenty of them out there for us..and they are valuable.

Be blessed...
.............................................

What Do You Want To Do Next?

2011-01-10T12:27:00.012-05:00

I opened a new tab on my computer - and those words appeared at the top of the page, printed in blue slightly darker than the background, subdued, yet with just enough color to catch my attention.

What do you want to do next?

This is an interesting question...What do you want to do next? The question implies that I have already done something and now it's time to do something different. What do I want to do next? What do you want to do next?

The first of the year seems to be our opportunity to launch a new beginning - steer the course of our life in a different direction - fulfill the dreams which have loomed before us for years - make life count. Your answer to this question might be different than mine...yet we still want to do something "Next" - the question is ...what...and how...

Most of us don't have a clear map in front of us saying "go here" - "do this" - yet we all long for a life that's filled with purpose, provision and in the right place. God put inside of us a longing to be and to do more than we have already become and done. This is what drives us. It keeps us from being satisfied with mediocre living. If you aren't satisfied with the "same" - that can be a good thing. It means you are searching and longing for what you want to do next...

The new tab also displayed options below the question "What do you want to do next?"....and there are options in your life as well. A person who knows Jesus Christ as Savior is never boxed in. Our Creator makes a way when there seems to be no way. That means that our life is not over. There are options we've not yet discovered. There are doors not yet opened.

The starting point for "What's Next" doesn't begin with us. Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life gives great insight:
...we typically begin at the wrong starting point—ourselves. We ask self-centered questions like, “What do I want to be? What should I do with my life? What are my goals, my ambitions, my dreams for my future?” But focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life’s purpose.

The Bible says, “It is God who directs the lives of his creatures; everyone’s life is in his power.”

Contrary to what many popular books, movies, and seminars tell you, you won't discover your life’s meaning by looking within yourself. You’ve probably tried that already. You didn’t create yourself, so there is no way you can tell yourself what you were created for! If I handed you an invention you had never seen before, you wouldn’t know its purpose and the invention itself wouldn't be able to tell you either. Only the creator or the owner's manual could reveal its purpose.

So, What's Next? What's next is simple. Obviously, it is seeking the Creator. What's next ... could be nothing more than building a strong relationship with the Lord. Getting to know Him...spending time with Him. He provides the manual for our lives. I can trust Him. He has quite a reputation for parting the sea, walking on water, closing the mouths of hungry lions, raising the dead, and confusing the enemy.

While I'm soaking in His presence and allowing Him to lavish His love on me - probably...the "What's Next" will appear. It will be accurate, fulfilling...complete with purpose, provision, place and total fulfillment. Sigh a sigh of satisfaction...What God does in me and for me and with me... will be right. It will work.

"I love my life" ... "I love living" appears frequently on facebook posts...not all of us can honestly say that because there's still a vacancy in our purpose department. God meant for us to love being alive and love living. It's a waste to be alive and not love living. Jesus came so that we could have life abundantly. Most of us just need to seek the Kingdom .... Revelation is better than Speculation. We can stop speculating when we receive a revelation from God.

Andrei Bitov, a Russian novelist, grew up under a government that

denied the existence of God. But God got his attention one dreary day.

He recalls, "In my twenty-seventh year, while riding the metro

in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) I was overcome with a despair

so great that life seemed to stop at once, preempting the future entirely,

let alone any meaning. Suddenly, all by itself, a phrase appeared:

"Without God life makes no sense."

Repeating it in astonishment, I rode the phrase up like a moving

staircase, got out of the metro and walked into God's light.

If life without God makes no sense - then life with God makes perfect sense. I'm looking for "What's Next" and only my Creator has the answer. He has an answer for your "What's Next" as well. Don't give up. Go for it. The year awaits.

What do you want to do next?

.............

Celebrate Christmas? Yes.

2010-12-10T11:07:00.013-05:00

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Luke 1 and 2 relates Christ's conception and birth. Vs 35 says: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Is it okay to celebrate Christmas?

What about the origin of Christmas?

Christmas was originally a very pagan holiday. SATURNALIA: The ancient Roman seven-day festival of Saturn, which began on December 17. 2) (used with a sing. verb) A celebration marked by unrestrained revelry and often licentiousness; an orgy. - The Saturnalia celebrated Saturn as a harvest god. Wreaths, feasts, and the lighting of candles all continue the Saturnalia of the ancient Romans, although the modern reasons are far removed from the Pagans of the Classical World.

Excerpts from Skip Moen's daily email (Today's Word) explains how the once pagan holiday turned into what we now know as Christmas:

"The Romans celebrated it as Saturnalia, a week of lawless disorder in efforts to appease the gods, culminating in the death of an innocent victim. The Greeks observed the same sort of holiday complete with sexual immorality and torture. The Church adopted this holiday by converting it into a Christian celebration during the 4th Century, a time when large numbers of pagans entered the fold of the official Church. Unfortunately, the pagan masses continued to celebrate in the old way, with drunkenness, sexual license and other abuses. There is historical evidence that some of these practices continued into the Middle Ages, aimed at humiliating Jews as the enemies of the Church. As late at 1881, anti-Semitic brutality was still associated with “Christmas” in some areas in Europe.

Historically, the reason for the season was an excuse to do whatever human lust demanded without repercussions. Today we have been Christianized. If Christmas was still observed in the manner of Saturnalia, no true Christian would participate. In fact, Christians would protest. Furthermore, for the vast majority of our culture, Christmas isn’t really about the Christ either. It’s about presents, parties and good cheer.

Should Christians stop celebrating Christmas? If we know the history, and we disavow any connection to the pagan origins, can we still observe such a date as a “sacred” celebration? Or are we required to remove Christmas from our lives because it has such a terrible history behind it? Can’t we simply take the opportunity to be with our families, enjoy giving, celebrate God’s goodness, fellowship and grace without endorsing the pagan origins?

Frankly, I’m not quite sure. But I do recognize some interesting precedents. Genesis is replete with pagan cultural symbols that have been “converted” by God into acceptable patterns of righteousness. Circumcision was practiced in ancient cultures long before it became a sign of the covenant. It was originally a rite of passage associated with sexuality. God made it His sign by changing its context. The pagan mythology of the creation of the world was altered by God in the Genesis account. God adapts culture to His purposes when necessary.

I don’t want to endorse paganism but I am not yet convinced that contemporary Christmas is now anything more than a worldwide sales campaign. "

Much of our society has moved the celebration of Christmas far from the announcement of the birth of Jesus, the Son of God. Could this be the reason we are miserable while celebrating? Perhaps this is why some pounce upon paganism as a reason not to celebrate Christmas. Our materialistic view may have provided the opposition a platform for defaming Christmas. There's nothing wrong with gathering for the purpose of exchanging gifts or enjoying a family feast - but it would be good to recognize fully why we are participating in these activities.

By the way: If you lack the resources to distribute a hefty bag of gifts to your loved ones... It doesn't mean you are a failure. It only means you aren't measuring up to the expectations of retailers as they reach for their most profitable sales period of the year. You have much love to give your family. Give that. That's what they need and want most. After all, it resembles the love expressed on that first Christmas.

I Want to Wish You a Merry Christmas!

It Only Takes a Minute

2010-12-08T16:49:00.000-05:00

"It only takes a minute." I made this statement in conversation with my daughter this morning. The phrase hung around in my thoughts a bit longer and I realized how true the statement is. It actually does take only a minute. Just a minute of your time, your attention, or your focus.

People are hungry for attention. They need the touch of a hand on their shoulder. A kind word. It doesn't take much for us to be encouraged. It doesn't take a million dollars to make us feel loved (although that would help a lot...just sayin'....).

God placed us on this earth as social beings and we need each other.

There's someone in your life waiting for you to give them a minute. They aren't asking for the moon, they are only asking for 'a minute'...

...a smile can be expressed in a minute
...it only takes a minute to open a door for someone
...it requires a minute of your time to listen to a comment
...it takes just a minute to give a big bear hug
...it takes less than a minute to wink at your spouse
...it uses less than a minute of your time to say, "I love you"
...it only takes a minute for you to pause and pat someone on the back
...it only takes a minute to wish someone a "Merry Christmas"

It only takes a minute.

People are usually happy with 'a minute' of your attention. They don't ask for a lot of your time, but they do need a minute...given here and there throughout the day or week. You can encourage a child - express love to your spouse - show kindness to a clerk...all in only a minute.

Hey, have you got a minute? Sure you do. Now go do something good with that minute.

.....I'll be back....in a minute ! Just joking.

Old Man in the Doll house

2010-12-08T12:56:00.001-05:00

RETARDED GRANDPARENTS: This was just handed to me for reading. It's one of those email stories that circles the globe every year, probably. I'll have to admit, this one is incredibly funny. A "must read" as they say. It's a shame the author's name isn't listed for he/she deserves credit for this one. Read on:

"After Christmas, a teacher asked her young pupils how they spent their holiday away from school. One child wrote the following:

We always used to spend the holidays with Grandma and Grandpa. They used to live in a big brick house but Grandpa got retarded and they moved to Arizona. Now they live in a tin box and have rocks painted green to look like grass. They ride around on their bicycles and wear name tags because they don't know who they are anymore.

They go to a building called a wreck center, but they must have got it fixed because it is all okay now, they do exercises there, but they don't do them very well. There is a swimming pool too, but they all jump up and down in it with hats on. At their gate, there is a doll house with a little old man sitting in it. He watches all day so nobody can escape. Sometimes they sneak out and go cruising in their golf carts.

Nobody there cooks, they just eat out. And, they eat the same thing every night -- early birds. Some of the people can't get out...past the man in the doll house. The ones who do get out, bring food back to the wrecked center for pot luck.

My Grandma says that Grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and says I should work hard so I can be retarded someday, too. When I earn my retardment, I want to be the man in the doll house. Then, I will let people out so they can visit their grandchildren.

But...It's Cheap!

2010-11-05T14:58:00.005-04:00

I’m wrestling with a major decision of whether or not to keep a sale item. A hoodie that is lightweight and warm. Not a perfect fit, but it was a bargain. How can you return a less than perfect fit when it is so cheap? After all, the perfect fit could cost seven times that much. Now, I’m smart enough to know that this cute little top would be a perfect fit on a taller, slimmer body (and we won’t say much about that!)…and I’m smart enough to know that a hoodie from a higher end shop will probably fit better. But, here’s the dilemma: I like the price. I like the fact that it only cost $7. I don’t want to pay more.

Am I willing to sacrifice a slightly imperfect fit so that I don’t have to put more into the purchase? Because it cost me little, will I settle for less than perfect? Do I care enough to put ‘more’ into the purchase in order to have ‘more’…hmmmm?

We can ask the same questions regarding our spiritual walk with the Lord. Most of us like the cheap way out. My flesh says, "Don’t die out to self because it will cost too much". Crucifying the flesh sounds easy for the apostle Paul, but, he doesn’t realize how hard that is to do in my day!

What does it cost to have excellence in your sprit-life?
1. A desire to have more…to become more...is required.
2. A willingness to pay more.

It’s easy to settle for little from the Lord and function as though we have attained all He has to offer. It’s easy to give little of ourselves and appear anointed. We know how to make the inexpensive look good. Decorate any simple item of clothing with stunning jewlery and we've made the inexpensive look good. Added to our confession of Christ is a little religious jargon, a belt of bling, and a colorful shield of faith. But when push comes to shove we are as the disciples in the boat...in the storm...and scolded by Jesus for having little faith.

When we settle for less we have little power and our prayers don’t reach beyond the ceiling. We believe in Jesus. We believe the Word. But we’ve taken the cheap route in our relationship with God.

I can make the choice to pay less – but I won’t have the best fit. Not in the physical realm; not in the spiritual realm. It just won’t happen. God is not cheap. He gave His only Son to come to this earth and die on the cross for my sins…Salvation was not cheap. In fact, we can’t afford to purchase salvation – not ever. God knew that. So, He made it affordable. It is free.

The quality of my Christian life depends on whether or not I am willing to pay more for that which is freely given. I pay more by giving up the things of the flesh, the world, and by practicing the things of the spirit. It’s my choice.

You know, I can afford to settle for imperfect and cheap when it comes to a hoddie…but I cannot afford to settle for imperfection in my relationship with Jesus Christ. There’s just too much at stake. Eternity is a long time and since it (eternal life with Jesus) is freely given…it would be foolish not to pay the price.

So very foolish.

The Truth About Halloween

2010-10-31T18:32:00.001-04:00

I'm thankful for a pastor who speaks truth rather than follow tradition. Pastor Scott Thomas of Without Walls Central in Lakeland, FL made the following information available regarding the Truth About Halloween. I would be curious to know: How many other pastors revealed truth to their congregation? Their silence speaks of fear of man or lack of interest in guiding their people to truth. "I'm aware that dashing a tradition on the rocks is unpopular...but I would be amiss if I did not speak up with the truth as opportunity is given. This blog is my opportunity. I am speaking up for Righteousness and for the Holy Spirit. Portions of the handout are typed for your reading:

"Halloween was not the original name of this day. the Pre-Christian Druids and Celts of Northern Europe held a celebration every Nov. 2nd called "The Vigil of Shamhain", lord of death. They held the belief that Shamhain, the lord of death, was overpowering their sun god (Muck Olla), because the leaves were falling, the days were shorter and the weather was getting colder. Their belief was that Shamhain sent the spirits of those who had deceased over the past year into animals, because of the evil they had committed while alive. Then, on Nov. 2nd, the Vigil of Shamhain, those spirits would be released to go back and visit their homes and family members with acts of horror and evil. Therefore, in efforts of keeping these released evil spirits from coming to their homes, a ritual of this holiday included locking up various species of animals (including humans) in wicker cages and burning them alive, all in attempts of appeasing Shamhain and preventing the visitation of these evil spirits upon their homes!

Christians, desirous of their own fall celebration, refused to participate with the Druids, and established Nov.1st, one day earlier than the Vigil of Shamhain, as "All Hallow's Day" (recognizing/honoring christian martyrs and saints). In reaction to the Christians' action, the pagan/satanic worshippers counteracted "All Hallow's Day", preempting them by one day - October 31st, with their own celebration, "All Demon's Night." This festival evolved into the 'high holy day' of all opposing Christ(ianity) and was celebrated via incantations, sacrifice, satanic worship/rituals and horrors for all who opposed them. Finally in a horrid attempt to Christianize the paganistic holiday, the eve prior to "All Hallow's Day" became known as "All Hallow'en" (Oct. 31st) which was eventually shortened to "Halloween."

It's more important to follow Christ than tradition. The act of recognizing and participating in any of this day's festivities is, in fact, celebration. Stand for righteousness...and please God.

Reference material: The Occult Conceit - A New Look at Astrology, Witchcraft and Sorcery, by Owen S. Rachleff

When Angels Hold Your Hand

2010-10-29T11:16:00.007-04:00

When Angels Hold Your Hand, by all means, DON'T LET GO! It's a good day when an angel shows up at your house and takes you by the hand and says, "Come with me, I'm going to lead you away from sin and problems and walk with you to a better life." There's not a person alive who wouldn't grab their kids, their laptop, and dogs (or cats or both) and run to a safe place. Run away from destruction and problems and a world gone mad. Especially before elections!

This is the setting for my story. It's actually the story of Lot, Mrs. Lot, and their family. Two angels, not one...but two...came to Lot's house to lead them out of sinful Sodom so they wouldn't suffer death when God rained His wrath on the city. Read Genesis 19 - the angel activity was incredible. Read to believe! Literally!

Verse 16 relates the "Angels Holding Your Hand" part. Because Lot was lingering the two angels took his hand, his wife's hand, the hands of his two daughters...and led them out of the city to safety. If that had been me, I would've taken pictures of the angels...carried pen and paper and started writing about it asap. I know, I should get back to the story. Well, it continues like this: they were told not to look back. Mrs. Lot turned, and in order to see judgment on a lifestyle she loved she had to lean away from her husband's protection. She looked back from behind him. This was a deliberate action on her part. Physical effort was required to turn - step away from her husband who would have been blocking her view - and gaze at a city - a lifestyle - sin city.

She lingered and longed for Sodom. There's a danger in longing for sin at the exact time God is destroying that city of sin. You don't need what God has denounced! It will bring judgment upon you. It is not possible to return safely to a place which God is destroying. You can't rewind the past. Yearning for the past robs the future. Don't let go of angels who are leading you away from sin...do not resent a life of deliverance. You can't move forward in righteousness while grieving your deliverance from sin.

Here's the danger: It's possible to be involved in sin long enough until it appears to be a normal, permissible lifestyle...as long as one attends church on sunday. Hey! Sin is never normal! It's only normal to the world system. Mrs. Lot couldn't believe for a future - she could only see the past. Her heart was still in Sodom even though her body had been led away from the city.

If you become upset when someone tells you certain movies are bad for your spiritual health...or when you are told that curse words are not funny or acceptable...then your heart has not separated itself from the world. Mrs. Lot declined spiritually before she died physically. Here's a killer question: Which appeals most to you, fellowship dinners or prayer meetings? Does your conversation reveal your knowledge of the latest movie or your latest encounter with God?

Keep walking. In Jesus Christ you have a future of righteousness and holiness...until the day that you are changed in the twinkling of an eye (at the sound of the trumpet) and you meet Jesus in the air...to be with Him forever.

Three points before closing:

1. It is unwise to disobey angelic messengers sent from God.
2. It takes so little effort to turn towards the rain of no return.
3. Remember Lot's wife: She held the hand of an angel...but she was lost for eternity.

Angels are messengers who do God's bidding. If you are visited by one...obey.

Gum Can Be Dangerous

2010-10-27T22:55:00.002-04:00

You should never chew gum and try to rinse your contact lens in your mouth at the same time. Especially if you are on your way to church. Especially on your way to church on a Wednesday night.

Now don't tell me you have never put a hard contact lens in your mouth to rinse it when you eye feels as though it has a mountain of sand in it. In an emergency, I've done this through the years. I know it isn't the most sanitary thing to do - but sometimes you have to get the ox out of the ditch!

Tonight I did this. We were on our way to church. We hadn't driven far from the house when my right eye began feeling uncomfortable. So, in the absence of lens solution, I do what I've done for years. Pop the lens out...put it in my mouth to make it better. But this time I was chewing fruit flavored gum. Not that the flavor of gum really matters.

Here's the deal:

When you are chewing gum - and you put something else in your mouth - you automatically chew the gum . . . again. . . . without thinking. . . and when you do this . . . there is a high risk that you will also chomp down on the contact lens. . . just like I did tonight. Thus, gum can be dangerous!

Now, my lens have served me well for some time. . . but I will tell you, that it is not wise to keep the gum in your mouth if you have a dire need to rinse your contact lens at the same time. You will end up with a cracked contact!!

Then. . . you have to turn around . . . rush in the house to search for that extra lens . . . hurry back to the car and head to church . . . while the other dear, compassionate saints in the same vehicle. . . laugh heartily at your, well I'll say it even though it hurts, 'stupidity' . . . there, I said it. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Life has its ups and downs. We are so human. I would love to be perfect. Unfortunately, I won't reach that level of living until I'm changed in the twinkling of an eye (no pun intended). And when that time comes, I won't need contact lens!!

Whew! So Good To Know

2010-10-27T11:20:00.002-04:00

I received this short article in my email box today. Normally, most of us view them quickly and move on. They are interesting, cute, often funny, and we are amused for a moment. But, today when I skimmed over this one, I did a second glance thing - and decided this one is worth sharing. The author is listed as "Unknown" so there's no way to give credit or ask permission for posting the encouragement which is so skillfully penned in the following twenty lines. I pray it speaks to you, also. We're all in the same boat, when you think about it. Humans needing God.

Here it is:

The will of God will never take you.
Where the Grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the Arms of God cannot support you,
Where the Riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the Power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the Wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the Army of God cannot protect you,
Where the Hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the Love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the Mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the Peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the Authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the Miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the Omnipresence of God cannot find you.

See? I told you it was good. It might be a good idea to copy/paste this and carry it with you. Read it often. You will need it from time to time. And when you do need it, it's good to know God is still God and He knows just where you are.

Amen? Yes. Amen.

GOD WILL COME TO YOU

2010-09-01T12:01:00.012-04:00

GOD SOUGHT THEM

  GOD CALLED TO THEM

      GOD CAME TO THEM

            GOD CLOTHED THEM

ADAM AND EVE sinned in the Garden of Eden when they ate of the forbidden fruit. Both were guilty. (Genesis 3)

God knew they were:
afraid
hiding
weak
alone
guilty
in distress
wrong
lost
helpless
in a situation without a solution

God knew they:
had no way out
were void of means
had nothing
had only one set of clothes
had no friends
lacked provision
attempted to clothe themselves

And:
there was nowhere to go

After reading a short article by Reinhard Bonnke on this subject, I was impacted by the fact that God went to Adam and Eve. Their sin was the beginning of all sin. I can't think of anyone more guilty than Adam and Eve! If they hadn't sinned, we would all be living in paradise on earth! No problems. No pain. No stress. And yet, God sought them! Of course, there were consequences for their actions...but still...God sought them...God went to where they were...God called out Adam's name.

I'm amazed! We search, seek, struggle, and flail around in our situations...doubting God, thinking He doesn't care or that He doesn't know where we are! My brain is still processing this revelation of the 'God going to Adam' thing. In the midst of hiding...trying to solve their 'naked' problem with fig leaves...God goes to them! In the middle of human effort...God shows up! I don't know about you, but I spend a lot of time trying to figure things out. Thousands and thousands of words fly through my mind on a daily basis...mostly condemning me for not being spiritual enough to hear from God...

God went to them. God sought out Adam. God walked to the exact spot where Adam stood. Can you grab hold of this? Think about the time we've spent wrestling, reasoning, worrying...and now to realize that He wants come to us?? That deserves a "Wow" moment.

Realizing God wants to come to me, where I am, and in my current state, that expectancy alone replaces many negative emotions - in fact - it sets me free.  This will cause a shift in our spirit from 'not good enough' or 'not spiritual enough' to 'I will be okay', 'I'm going to make it'......I'm trying to say: we can be set free from human stuff and expect God, by the grace of His Son, Jesus, via the Holy Spirit...to show up! Why haven't I realized that God might desire to come to me?? OK. Here's another "Wow" moment.

Why hasn't someone shared with me the simple fact that God wants to come to me, instead of allowing me to continue carrying the heavy load of laboring and struggling to find Him, as though my efforts alone would bring Him near? I don't know. But, I want to tell you...this could be the day...the hour...that God will visit you. Expect Him! Be free in your spirit. Go ahead and live!  He knows where you are and He will come to you.

Oh, I forgot. Reinhard Bonnke told me. That news birthed this post.

See ya!

.

Laying in His lap, sobbing...

2010-08-11T22:00:00.017-04:00

“What about if you are laying in His lap sobbing….” asked Amanda.

This was a comment to my facebook post: When a man has no strength, if he leans on God, he becomes powerful.

Deanna, you are right, that is a good question….and I felt challenged to provide a better answer than space allows in the comment section to a post. Life is not fair. There are times when we don’t just lean on Jesus, we literally need to crawl up in His lap and lay our head against Him and sob our hearts out.

Laying in the lap of Jesus Christ and sobbing presents the picture of one who is in much pain and distress. When our heart is overwhelmed, we are overpowered with an excessive amount of concern, fear, grief, or pain…we can’t handle life and we just want to curl up and cry….and we do.

There is no better place to find ourselves than near to Jesus. There is no other person alive who feels our pain or knows our heartache better than Jesus.

If you heart is broken, bruised or wounded, and regardless of how it happened, Jesus is the healer. A condemned heart means you are away from God and living in sin. Repentance and cleansing is the answer for a condemned heart.

The hardest moment in the life of Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane. His humanity was overwhelmed. He was headed to the cross to die for our sins. The agony was greater than He could endure. He placed His head in the lap of the Father, so to speak, and then submitted his will, so that we could be redeemed. God gave Jesus, His Son, the grace and strength to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. It was hard, but He did it, so that you can lay your head in His lap and sob your heart out. He will reach out, touch your hair, stroke your cheek and tell you how valuable you are to Him. He will hold you close till the sobbing ceases and you are calm…

The Bible says that He is particularly close to the brokenhearted, that He rescues those whose spirits are crushed. We’ve got to let Him into our personal space so that He can minister to us, so that He can heal us. He won’t hurt you. You don’t have to put up a wall to keep from being hurt again…Just let Him in...

(Thanks, Mary Beth, for this addition)

"I want to sit at your feet, drink from the cup in your hand,

lay back against you and breathe...feel your heartbeat." - Kari Jobi.

Invitation

2010-08-07T21:44:00.003-04:00

Matthew 11:28-30 (Amplified Bible)

²⁸Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]

²⁹Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.

³⁰For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.

Brooke's Wedding

2010-07-31T17:48:00.006-04:00

It was a great moment in my life...performing the wedding ceremony for my granddaughter, Brooke. She and Josue were married July 25, 2010. These are just a few of the pictures...I want to share them with you.

Practice, Practice, Practice...

Brooke

Chloe and Lexie

Tammie, Mother of the Bride

A relaxed Flower Girl

Escorted by Scott, my grandson

Suzette, the photographer

Brooke and Josue'

Just Married !!

A Marmaduke Moment...

2010-07-31T15:15:00.019-04:00

"Why is everyone always having more fun than us?" "Cause they aren't afraid to live!"

Just when you think there's not much going for the movie, a line grabs your attention and you search for pen and paper (in the dark)...at least you're taking something of value away for the dollars you spent to see the movie.

Why does it seem that everyone is having more fun than you? Have you noticed many of the quotes on fb (fb is short for facebook, in case you were wondering)? "I'm so tired...I'm sick...I'm sick and tired." "I'm bored." "Woe is me.." Why aren't people having fun? Why am I not having fun? Hey, I know we've been ousted from the Garden of Eden...but there should be something about life that is enjoyable. Life is way too short to be miserable all of the time.

I wonder of the writers of Marmaduke realize they added a tidbit of wisdom here. How much fun are you having in life? What a shame to be alive and not really living. We were created in the express image of God. Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created him..." One more: John 10:10 "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus) came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows." I love the overflow part! That means we aren't afraid to have fun. It means that in spite of circumstances, people, and problems...we can laugh, enjoy life, and have a good time while on this earth. Stop feeling guilty for being happy! Deliberately - On Purpose... do something to create fun!

For many people, life isn't what they would like it to be. It's true: Life isn't fair. And when Jesus was talking about giving us abundant life, He wasn't just referring to 'things'. He was talking about the real things of life such as peace, love, joy and hope. He was talking about a quality of life that flows through your soul as you stay connected with Him. Few people can actually say they are living an abundant life. We fall far short of what Jesus Christ intended and it's our own fault. No one can take your joy. No one can stop you from having fun.

From a sermon: The Abundant Life does not always make everything that is around us peaceful, but it does give us the ability to be at peace even during times of hardship and tragedy. Our living the Abundant Life will not change the way OTHER PEOPLE live. Our enemy will still be our enemy, mistreating us, and giving us a hard time. But it will help us to love them and to be at peace with them.

A novel I read recently included a powerful statement: "I almost ruined my life by allowing things to happen to me, rather than making things happen for me!" Ouch! Making things happen will require mental and physical energy on our part. It includes taking responsibility for our own life. Jesus gave you life, so choose to live an abundant one! You can choose to be happy...you can choose to have fun. It's that simple. You just make a choice. Remember that life is the sum total of your choices.

"Why is everyone always having more fun than us?"
Answer: "Cause they aren't afraid to live!"

"I almost ruined my life by allowing things to happen to me, rather than making things happen for me!"

Now, go make your life a good one!! Have fun.

Now What?

2010-07-16T22:48:00.006-04:00

I positioned my laptop for the nightly facebook visit and...feeling a little lonely, I didn’t know what to do or where to go on the web, so I typed in the search box two words describing my mood, "Now What?" I clicked the search button and a found a web site by Scott B. and his article, “So, Now What?” - Here’s the first sentence on his page:

Whenever you aren't sure what to do it means only one thing, you have not found yourself. It is as simple as that.

He continued to explain that we are happy and satisfied when we find ourselves, and we live a life that has a passion and a focus.

I agree with that! Now, make no mistake about it. I am not physically lost nor am I spiritually lost. I know where I am…geographically and spiritually…most of the time. But emotionally? Maybe there’s room for improvement there. There are times we could all join the “Now What” club, if only for a moment. Perhaps as parents you are coping with the empty nest syndrome. Or, that secure-for the rest of your life-job just turned into not for the rest of your life….but only for the rest of the week! Whatever the reason, you experienced a “Now What” moment.

A now what moment loomed before me when my husband went to be with the Lord. Now What? Now Where? In my searching and talking to the Lord I remember asking Him for three things, Purpose, Place and Provision.

If you recall, Adam and Eve had Purpose, Place, and Provision

Adam had Purpose: God is all about purpose. He created the world and the heavens just to manifest His glory and His power. His creation exists to shout praise to Him. He gave Adam purpose. Adam was to keep the garden, name the animals, have dominion and the greatest purpose was fulfilled each evening when he walked with God. Adam and Eve had purpose. They were to be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth.

Adam had Place: Genesis 2:8, The Lord planted a garden in Eden just for man. He placed Adam in that beautiful garden. A river watered the garden, Gen 2:10. Gold was found in the land. Listen, God knows how to provide a Place!

Adam had Provision: In Genesis 2:16, 17 we read of the tree of life. They could eat all they desired from that tree. One study note explains the tree of life as provision for a kind of life which made death impossible. There were many trees in the garden and God told Adam to eat freely from the trees, except of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

In the beginning, God gave Purpose, Place, and Provision to humanity. Those three areas were met in the first couple's life and nothing was lacking. Adam and Eve knew what it was like to jump up every morning and have Purpose. They were in the Place chosen by God. Their Provision was from the Hand of God.

Why do we have moments or days when we say, “Now What?” We have those times because of the fall of man. Adam and Eve sinned in the garden…they relinquished Purpose, Place, and Provision when they made a bad choice. They lost what they had for or something they did not need. They failed the test.

Now What? I know I need Purpose. With purpose, I will have focus. All of that is to bring fulfillment and lessen my ‘Now What’ moments. Purpose, Place, and Provision. Adam blew it for us – Now What?

In John 10:10 Jesus said that He came that we might have life and that we might have life more abundantly. The Message Bible states verse 10 like this: I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.

Real and eternal life. More and better than we ever dreamed of. Jesus is the answer to Now What. Find Jesus and you will find yourself. Find Jesus and you find Purpose, Place, and Provision. The old hymn, Try Jesus, says it all.

Try Jesus, He never fails
O’er evil, His love prevails
In sunshine, or stormy gale
Try Jesus, He never fails

Crossfire in Canberra

2010-07-16T01:15:00.018-04:00

A very short story written on a very late night simply to entertain myself....7/15/10

Bullets cracked the silence of the calm mid-day crowd. Marcie collapsed on the concrete with a thud as one of the bullets struck her. The pain shooting through her body was just as startling as the shock of the attack. Shouts of panic escalated from people all around her. Chaos marked the moment as fear registered on each face. She lay stunned on the sidewalk. Every fiber of her being was summoned in that split second of time; attempting to understand what had happened and at the same time, grasping with reality, telling herself this couldn’t be…it couldn’t be real…and knowing she must survive…she had to survive. This should not be happening to her. Not to Marcie.

Springtime in Canberra stimulates the city - reviving it with colorful signs of life. Blossoms throughout the capital announce the change from colder air to more tolerable temperatures. The days are bright and vineyards bloom with vitality. Marcie chose to walk to the market today. It was only a few blocks from her apartment and she was anxious to pick up the few items on her well-planned grocery list. Her dinner guest would be arriving later this evening. It would be a perfect dinner. Baked chicken with all the trimmings. It was his favorite. The trimmings didn’t matter all that much to him. Veggies or salads were only extras and were meant to enhance the luscious, moist, tender baked chicken. He preferred his portion served with a side of melted butter for dipping.

Eight months had passed since Marcie started attending a Bible study with her coworker. She knew there was a God, somewhere. Her problem was that she just didn’t know how to find Him. The leader of the cell group who lovingly shared the gospel with the faithful ten or twelve each week was Brother Mike, an associate at the fast growing training center located in the middle of Canberra. It was this plan of salvation presented weekly by Brother Mike that finally supplied all the missing pieces in Marcie’s mind, and she, at long last, had found her way to God. The night Marcie received Christ as her Savior she not only found freedom from sin, she also found the freedom to live. The Holy Spirit cleansed her innermost being…washing every nook and cranny of her soul.

Marcie found God. Stephen found Marcie. A dark haired, stocky built, full of life, full of God kind of young man. As he walked in the building, he once again felt the bulge in his inside jacket pocket. It was the box containing the single diamond engagement ring which he had intended to present to Marcie on this night. The waiting room of Memorial Hospital was not where he had planned to spend the evening. His cell phone was ringing constantly with inquiries about Marcie’s condition. The city was buzzing with the news. Marcie, along with other innocent pedestrians, had been caught in the crossfire of two rival gangs. The local news channel had labeled the afternoon shootings as Crossfire in Canberra.

Out of the corner of his eye, Stephen noticed Brother Mike hurrying up the hallway, making his way to the critical care waiting room and to Stephen's side. A sight for sore eyes. “Brother Mike. Am I glad to see you! Thank God you are here,” Stephen said. “Stephen, the Lord sent me with a message for you. Let’s sit over here in the corner where we can have some privacy.” Brother Mike led a rather shaken Stephen to the opposite side of the room where two chairs were pushed against the wall. After taking their seats, he spoke quietly, with a voice meant only for the ears of Stephen.

“Stephen, God has a plan for you and Marcie. The enemy has pulled out all the stops in an attempt to hinder that plan. But know this: Today, you will see the Hand of the Lord at work. He will perform that which no man can perform. What the enemy meant for evil, the Lord will restore for good. She shall not die, but live. You will say of the Lord, He is your refuge and your fortress…He is your God and in Him will you trust. You shall not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flieth by day…You will not fear the destruction that wasteth at noon day. There shall no evil rise up for destruction against you. Crossfire in Canberra shall be known as Christ in Canberra for I will manifest my glory in the midst of the storm.”

After giving praise to their loving Savior, Stephen and Brother Mike rose from the privacy of their corner of the large room. Stephen bade the messenger goodbye and slowly made his way back to room number three and to Marcie’s bedside. She greeted him with a weak, but loving, smile. Stephen reached for her hand, leaned over the bed, lowered his head and whispered softly, “Marcie, I love you.” Marcie looked deeply into Stephen’s eyes, her heart filled with gratitude to be alive, and with a longing to spend the rest of her life with the one she had grown to love. With ever so much passion she spoke the words he waited to hear, “I love you, Stephen.”

Some time later, on a warm summer day in Canberra, a dark haired young man walked up to the apartment located just a few blocks from the market. As he approached the door the aroma of baked chicken tormented his sense of smell. He raised his right hand in preparation to knock on the door, but it automatically went to his jacket pocket. He felt the bulge inside the coat and he smiled.

STORM STRESS - From my book: Trial Travels

2010-07-13T08:55:00.015-04:00

STORM STRESS

Matthew 14:23-33 In the night Jesus walked on the water to get to the disciples. Their boat was now in the midst of the sea. The high winds were whipping the waves and the ship was tossing greatly. Peter said loudly, "Lord, if it's really you, allow me to come where you are, let me walk on the water, also." Jesus gave a one word command, "Come". Peter made it over the side of the boat, placed his feet on the turbulent water and walked...he was performing a supernatural feat...he was walking on water...he was going to Jesus!

Peter was doing something no other man had done and...at the simple command of Jesus! It wasn't Jesus' idea. Peter asked if he could "come". Perhaps others in the boat could've walked on water, but they didn't ask.

TRIAL TRUTH: Going to Jesus is a supernatural event.

Boat stats: one out of twelve attempt supernatural involvement!

Peter was fully engaged in a supernatural happening until he looked at natural circumstances! He felt the strength of the problem and fear entered! When he saw the strong wind, he became fearful.

TRIAL TRUTH: Man nor devil could stop Peter
from getting out of the boat and going to Jesus,
even if it meant walking on water to get to Him!
....this is the ultimate mode of trial travel....

Regardless of your mode of travel, if you are in a trial...you must get to Jesus. You must reach Him. He is your only hope.

Satan is hindered when there's a supernatural encounter going on between you and Jesus. You are looking at Jesus and He's looking at you. You are talking to Jesus in the midst of the storm. You've got a dialogue going with the Son of God! You are doing things you've never done before!

Thus, the enemy uses the natural realm to interfere with the supernatural realm!

The devil uses emotional and mental strongholds to divert your attention. There's only one reason for fear and it is: to divert your attention from Jesus to the circumstances of your storm. The enemy attempts to block, intercept, hinder, restrain, or literally cut you off from walking in the supernatural in order to keep you from reaching Jesus!! Knowing that....

Once you get there, you will touch Him. Once you get into His presence ...you put your hand in His, It's too late for the spirit of fear to control you!

Peter felt the force of the elements and began to sink. He shouted through the voluminous onslaught of obstacles. "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched forth His Hand and caught Peter and said, "Oh, you fellow of little faith, why did you doubt?" The wind didn't stop because Jesus caught Peter by the hand! It continued to rage. They walked through the storm together...back to the boat. Then the wind ceased.

TRIAL TRUTH: Don't worry about the storm,

walk through it, hand in hand with Jesus.

The storm will cease when you arrive at your destination.

Author's afterthought: We would have not been so impressed if Peter had tried to swim in the stormy waters. That's what we would have done. That's what we do! Greater effort and energy is required to struggle against the powerful waves if you are "in" the water. The storm demands your focus. Your storm is narcissistic, self-centered and desires dominance. It has a huge ego. It says, "It's all about me. I want all of the attention."

NOTE: It is much less stressful to walk on water than it is to swim in it.

So, today...get out of your boat of troubles
and walk (don't swim) to Jesus...
you will find great relief!

Run To The Sea

2010-07-12T12:21:00.003-04:00

"Tell the people to go forward, to the sea..." Exodus 14:15

Run to the sea, Run hard, Run fast

The trouble you now face, It's not going to last.

God said He would toughen, by way of difficulties

So, led by His own plan, I faced a deep, red sea.

They came as waves, In places hard and dry

A sea in a desert, My soul was surely tried.

I looked for refuge, Found not in a man

Then I picked up the Word, It came alive in my hand.

I feasted as one starving, Seeking...chasing God.

Prayer was more than ritual, Deliverance was the cause.

Life came from the Book, Presence listened as I prayed.

Faith arose, gave strength within, I can run...run...and not afraid.

Fear is not a part, of what I'm to believe

It's faith alive in me, Determining what I receive.

See me run - I'm going through, This trial won't destroy

My God has a plan, For me to count it joy.

I can run to the sea, I know I'm not alone.

There's power in the Word, It comes from God's own throne.

I know there's a victory, Over every war I face

To give up when I will win, Would be to my disgrace.

Yes, Lord, Your Voice is clear, I'll do just as you say

With the Word in my hand, I will, I will obey.

I'll run to the sea, As quickly as I can

Victory awaits me there, Through the power of Your Hand!

- Jane, 1999

Message to a Friend

2010-07-12T09:35:00.005-04:00

Composed in 1994 for a precious person...

There's Coming

A Deliverance Day

And It's Not

So Very Far Away.

You Are Counted

Among My Jewels

Among The Diamonds,

Gems And Pearls.

I See You As Pure

And All Delight

As I watch You

Both Day and Night

Hope Thou

In Me

For Soon

You'll See

There's Coming

A Deliverance Day

And It's Not

So Very Far Away

Table Texting

2010-07-05T10:17:00.003-04:00

We will turn around and go back to the house to get it…..we are lost, naked, and insecure without it….it must always be near our hand, within our hearing, and it must be attached to us when we leave the house. It’s our cell phone.

7/5. Fox News: Families have a hard time getting kids to enjoy dinner time without the need to have cell phone at hand and text at the table. An online article, Fox website, this same date, reads : Tech Companies Address Dangers of Texting While Walking. Experts say pedestrians are also suffering the consequences of mobile distraction. They're tripping on curbs, walking into traffic, even stepping into manholes as they chat or type while walking. So, to assist these stumbling, bumbling texters (my term)…they have tools, including earpieces, that allow the user to talk their message. The article includes a finding by a Stanford University communications professor who states that the fundamental problem is...our brains can’t concentrate on so many things at once. I knew that. I’ve known that a long time. It’s hard for many of us to chew gum and walk at the same time, much less type a message on a screen barely larger than a club cracker.

Here’s the issue. We are becoming dysfunctional people. Our need for social communication is being satisfied with facebook, texting, and email. While these methods are not bad, in fact, they are incredible…they can become addictive… replacing family, God, and close friends. How is this happening? Let’s go back to the professor who said: “Our brains can’t concentrate on so many things at once.” So…if you text while driving, you can veer off the road. If you text while walking, you can trip and fall. If you text while enjoying dinner with your family, you will not focus on them. If you prefer human contact via facebook, email, texting…to spending time with God, you will have little focus on spiritual matters. Spiritually speaking, you will veer off the road or you may trip and fall.

Because our brain can’t concentrate on many things at once, perhaps we should bring our tech toys into perspective. Ask yourself why social tech communication takes priority over God, family and close friends? Could it be that it takes less effort? Could it be an addiction? Could it be nothing more than a mental distraction which has the ability to rob us of valuable communication with God and family? Mobile distraction? Could be. Oh yes, watch out for manholes.

CHILE'S TO GO

2010-06-19T21:06:00.016-04:00

The other day I was hungry for corn on the cob. I remembered the tasty corn on the cob at Chili's, and naturally, I thought of the chicken strips and fries that go with it. So, I drive up to the side of the building - enter the "to go" door - place my order (corn on the cob, with a side of chicken strips and fries) - sit and wait. I don't sit and wait very well unless there is something to do or read. When I go to a restaurant alone, I always take a book to read. I'm not going to sit in a booth and stare into space or introduce myself to strangers, so, here I sit, waiting for my "to go" corn (plus, the sides) and then the sign on the door caught my attention.

Crave It - Click It - Come N Get It
"It's that easy with new online ordering"

Since I don't sit and wait very well - I focused on the Crave It, Click It, Come N Get It flyer taped to the door. How easy...crave, click and come. Ok. There are things in life I need, other than corn on the cob, such as miracles and stuff, and I'm told in the Word to ask, believe, and receive. Ahhh....that sounds as easy as crave it, click it, come n get it. Why can't receiving from God, our Heavenly Father, be as simple as the crave it, click it method? I'm not making light of this at all, but our lack of faith really does make life more difficult than it ought to be. Scripture says to simply ask and receive. Most of us have never made anything in simple in our entire life. We add a dab of doubt, a lot of human reasoning, and of course, a few negative comments here and there.

Can you imagine going online to place an order at your local Chili's restaurant? You click "Online Ordering" at the top of the web site - this takes you to "Find a Chili's Location" - type in the name of your city and click on "Order from this Chili's". The menu pops up - click on steak, of course - pictures appear (along with the price) - Flamed Grilled Ribeye - Sirloin - Country Fried Steak (served with corn on the cob, by the way) - and, there's a red box under each picture that says, "Select". Just for fun I clicked Flamed Grilled Ribeye. Then I had the option to select the temp - sides, etc. - check out - fill in my information for pick up ... but what if I added a comment such as: "I believe you have steaks, but I'm not sure there's one for me. I don't know if I will actually receive it when I go to pick it up". Ah, you say, "This is silly". Is it really? Isn't this what we do in response to the promises in the Word? Hasn't Jesus Christ made it this simple for us? Didn't He pay the price on the cross for our sins? Didn't Jesus send the Holy Spirit to us as our Comforter, Guide, Helper...Doesn't the Spirit of God live within us? Isn't His Word true?

Crave it - Click it - Come N Get it. Simple. Oh, here's the difference between ordering online from Chili's and making your requests known to God. When you click "select" in your prayers, you will find there is no charge. It's already been paid for. What do you need from Jesus? Salvation, healing, peace, finances, love, friends? It's all available. Heaven is waiting. If you crave it - believe you will receive it. God is good. It's His pleasure to give you the Kingdom. It's really easier than placing an order online.

JESUS SAID:

2010-05-31T09:19:00.004-04:00

I don't remember where I found this...but it's powerful and we need to read it often:

You will never meet a fear He cannot conquer.
You will never face an enemy He cannot defeat.
You will never enter a battle He cannot win.
You will never have a need He cannot meet.
You will never face a temptation He cannot overcome.
You will never have a burden He cannot lift.
You will never face a problem He cannot solve.
You will never have a bondage He cannot break.
You will never have a moment when He does not care.
You will never have a time when He is not there.

Philippians 4:13 "I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]. -Amplified

Schtrathewisizeski

2010-03-25T23:03:00.004-04:00

It doesn't take much to keep me occupied. Just a computer and internet access. I've warned my girls - If you ever take me to a 'home' - they'd better have internet! I can just visualize what I will look like...sitting in a rocking chair, 105 years old, with my laptop in my lap...of course...surfing the web. Hopefully, I'll have decent vision at 105 - oh well, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it...if I'm able to get up out of the rocking chair, that is.

Tonight, I'm propped up in bed and entertaining myself a bit by searching the web for christian humor. Have you ever done that? You should try it. It's healthy to laugh. We don't laugh enough. And naturally, when you find something interesting - you post it on facebook. I have a feeling the bulletin bloopers I posted tonight are rather old...but that's alright. I found a joke I want to share, but since I've wearied facebook friends with my multiple entries for the night, I decided to post it here:

On a street, where the speed is limited to 30 mph the police stop a driver.

"Not only have you been driving too fast, you've been passing cars where it is not allowed. Your lights don't work, your tires all completely worn out. This is surely going to cost you a lot. What's your name?"

"Schtrathewisizeski Vocgefastilongchinic."

"Well, I'll let you go this time but don't do it again."

I don't know who wrote the following, but I'm in total agreement:

I don't wanna . . .

I don't wanna do the dishes
I don't wanna do the wash
I sprinkled clothes a week ago
And now my iron is lost!!

I don't wanna rattle pots
I don't wanna rattle pans
I see the mail light flashin'
I wanna chat with friends!!

Oh the tables need some dustin'
and the floor could sure be mopped
But I know if I get started
there'll be no place to stop.

The closets are so full things are falling off the shelves
I wish for cleaning fairies and magic little elves.
They could sprinkle fairy dust and twitch their little nose
The windows would be sparkling I would have no dirty clothes

Oh I know that I'm just dreamin', My head is in the sky
I must cook that meat that's graying and bake that apple pie
The Hubby needs a bath Doggy needs attention
Oh.. the other way around I mean my brain is in suspension

I am runnin' round in circles,
I am gettin' nothin' done,
I keep thinking of my web,
I am missing all the fun!!!

Well I know I'm not addicted
though I hear that all the time
But I guess this stuff can wait on me
Cause Today I'll Be On Line!

Phantasmagoria:

2010-03-10T12:27:00.005-05:00

While studying today I went to dictionary.com to look up a normal, human word…and this word of the day pops up. It is a perfect description of my morning.

phantasmagoria: fan-taz-muh-GOR-ee-uh\ , noun;
1. A shifting series or succession of things seen or imagined, as in a dream.
2. Any constantly changing scene.

Life is like this. You think you get things figured out and…boom…it all changes. Depending on your inner stability, handling pop-ups in life can be a source of minor irritation or a source of anxiety. I’m not sure why we feel the need to create a perfectly serene, fantasy life…in our mind, but we do...we all dream of perfection and peace. No ripples allowed. Just let me take pleasure in life – laugh heartily – possess plenty – enjoy good health – experience great times with friends….that’s all I want. Sound like you, too?

But what happens when it doesn’t work this way? What happens when your fantasy falls flat? Each situation seems to yell, “Now, let’s see you handle this one!” For one thing, we recognize the source. We have an enemy. He’s made it his focus to destroy God’s creation and to rob us of happiness by foiling our fantasies and destroying our dreams.

This morning, I attempted to capture another session of spirituality, as I did yesterday. I posted the result on fb:

It can't get any better than this...A challenging book of studies uncovering ancient hidden truths under the sands of Greek thinking, laptop geared for Perry Stone video of the week, cappuccino in my favorite yellow mug...cell ph. near (of course)...then it gets worse than this...the laptop decides to shut down and update ‘stuff’, the weekly lawn maintenance megamower roars next to the lanai, and Kringle wants to go outside. That’s life. Not perfect. Plans change. But we go with the flow….God is still holy.

Amazing…my life doesn’t hinder the holiness of God. It does not weaken His power. Earthly things have zero affect on the might or majesty of God. Jesus still died on the cross for my sins. He still sits at the right Hand of God, making intercession for me. Jesus Christ loves me the same…day in and day out. The Word says that He is coming for me one day. When the trumpet sounds, the dead in Christ will rise…then those who remain will be caught up together with them, to meet the Lord in the air…and we will forever be with Him. Wow.

Philippians 4:6,7 (The Message Bible) Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Christians, we’re leaving here soon. Don’t sweat the small stuff…and it’s all small stuff when compared to the glory we will inherit shortly. The Word instructs us to be anxious for nothing….just give Him glory and praise. The devil hates it…God loves it…and we gain control of a phantasmagoria of broken appliances, stalled cars, bursting pipes, fender benders, burned biscuits…and whatever else life tosses our way. It’s a big word, phantasmagoria. I’ll never remember it. But, then I don’t need to. My God has everything in control. Including me.

Elton John is Wrong!

2010-02-18T21:35:00.006-05:00

I thought it might be days or even weeks before I wrote a new entry on my blog. But I just heard about a statement made by Elton John. Instantly, I did what any faithful facebook user would do. I spoke up. I wrote: I don't care what Elton John says....Jesus was not gay. Jesus is the pure, sinless, Son of God. And I worship Him...and I defend Him...He's coming again and I want to be ready.

Elton John gave an interview to Parade magazine in which he described his cocaine use and past treatment of young men, and said he thought that Jesus Christ was a homosexual.
"I think Jesus was a compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood human problems," John told the Sunday supplement.

He is so wrong. So wrong. This pierced my heart and, to be honest, it made me angry enough that I want to defend my Lord. Elton John is only giving a warped, twisted opinion. Sadly, he obviously does not know Jesus, or He would not defame the Son of God.

The book of Matthew and Luke state firmly that Jesus came into this world as the result of a miraculous deed of God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. Jesus was holy...free from sin. He was the perfect lamb offered upon the cross for my sins and your sins.

Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Jesus was the exact image of God.
Hebrews 1:3 - who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (KJV)

Jesus came to earth, born of a virgin - He died on the cross, shedding His blood for our sins - He resurrected from the grave - He ascended to the Right Hand of the Father where he makes intercession for us. As the Divine Son of God, He has the power to forgive sin and deliver us from the power of Satan.

1. To know Him was to know God. John 8:19
2. To see Him was to see God. John 14:9
3. To believe in Him was to believe in God. John 14:1
4. To receive Him was to receive God. Matthew 10:40
5. To hate Him was to hate God. John 15:23
6. To honor Him was to honor God. John 5:23

Jesus is loving, holy, pure, sinless, righteous, blameless...He is the way the truth and the life. He sent the Holy Spirit to us.

John 1:1 -In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 17:5 - And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

2 Timothy 4:8 - Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Titus 2:13 - looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

I stand in defense of Jesus Christ. But know this, His grace and mercy extend to all who repent of sin...Elton John, included. I pray he will receive salvation from a Holy God and His Only Begotten Son, Jesus...by the power of the Holy Spirit.

BRA PHONES?

2010-02-15T21:53:00.007-05:00

I’ve heard of cell phones, iPhones...but never ‘bra phones’…not until today, anyway.

How many hours have you spent in your lifetime doing nothing but waiting in a check-out line at Wal-Mart? Probably enough to receive your doctorate in just about any field – such as a brain surgeon or an astronaut…or maybe enough research hours that provide the answer to totally eliminating body odor or cat urine…odor… removal... maybe. I just learned of a high level entry job that is interesting. It’s called an Odor Judge. In this job you get to smell arm pits all day, thus ending in the discovery of a deodorant that really works. You could be a cowpuncher or a gator wrangler. Not that the last two choices would require as many hours of study that equal the number of hours you have waited in a check-out line.

Oops, sorry, I’m not here to discuss higher intelligence…I must get back to the subject of Bra Phones.

Okay, it happened like this….Once upon a Wal-Mart trip standing in line to check-out time….like today…I watched as two young men, very young men, hung out with the basket in front of me…while the seat of their pants were hanging out around their knees…oh, 'cuse me… couldn’t resist saying that…anyway, I watched these two young, very young, men. Shortly, a stout lady, whom I assumed to be their mom, walks up and takes over command of the basket. The two young men, very young men, walked away. Before they could return to Mama…the unforgettable incident happened. It was a sight I’ve never seen before. So, naturally it grabbed my attention!

I didn’t hear a phone ring, but that means nothing…because I can’t hear it thunder most of the time. But I did see ‘Mama’ reach into the top of her blouse and to my amazement, when her hand came out…it was holding a cell phone.

Now, this really caught my attention. All of a sudden I realized waiting in line to check-out at Wal-Mart would never be the same.

Mama grabbed that cell phone, opened the flap and held one end up to her ear and talked in the other end of that thing. I’ve seen cell phones before. I know how to use one. In fact, I have one. Who doesn’t? But in all my years, and they are many, I’ve never seen anyone pull a cell phone from their bra. Well, Mama said her piece - closed that little fold-up-fone…and you guessed it! She put the phone in…the…other… side…of her blouse. Now I could see the oblong form showing through the black blouse.

The stashing of the phone stirred a chuckle inside of me,…I quickly grabbed pen and pad…(I keep those in my purse, too)….and thought to myself, “I wonder if that phone is on vibrate.”

I’ve tried to think of a great, or even a small, moral lesson to this, but so far, nothing has hit my brain. I have a slightly sinking feeling that it’s not going to hit my brain before I finish typing this story, either.

I did come to one conclusion while watching this cell phone drama unfold: a bra phone is much more convenient than digging for a phone in the bottom of a purse. When my purse rings…I jump to the excavation site ready for a cell phone dig, and often, before I can retrieve the phone…my purse stops ringing. Because of the easy access of a bra phone, it’s certain you won’t miss calls. You know, I don’t like digging for my keys either…hmmm… nah…nah…it was just a thought.

By now I’ve reached the ‘load your stuff on the counter’ area and I grabbed a small bag of salted peanuts. They might come in handy when I wait in another line somewhere.

Ok, I’ve come up with four lessons to this story (and there should have been more):

1. It is possible to be entertained while waiting in line.
2. Always keep pen and paper handy.
3. To expedite phone calls, use bra phones.
4. You never know what is hidden in someone’s clothes.

That’s the end of my story. Thank Goodness

A different ocean...

2010-02-01T09:02:00.023-05:00

I wanted to see the ocean again, even though the winds are strong and the beach population amounts to four other people, or at times, two ... not including the lifeguard. On this trip there are no flip-flops, swimsuits, or sun-bathers to be seen…very few are walking barefoot along the beach. In fact, the sand shows no footprints…only rhythmic patterns of ripples – a precise design caused by the strong winds. If you look closely you can see tiny sparkles of sand being scooted along by the wind, even now. A glance over the beach reveals a low cloud of sand moving easily with the wind.

I placed my chair (the only chair on the beach) in the sand and walked a short distance. Walking in one direction wasn’t so bad, but the return walk (back to the only chair on the beach) was harder because I was facing the wind. I thought it might be a good thing to just sit in the one lone chair available (which is mine) and just watch the ocean do it’s thing. So, here I sit, with beach towel around my shoulders to guard against the more than healthy breeze, ready to listen to the roar of the giant body of water and observe the continuous crashing of the waves.

I remember commenting after my last beach visit, "I don’t know why I take pictures of each visit, it doesn’t change ... it’s always the same." Well, today I retract that statement. I was wrong. The moment I entered the beach area – that split second of catching my first glimpse of the gigantic ocean – I knew instantly that I was wrong. I could tell that something was different this time. At first glance, the waters seemed elevated, as though to announce its turbulence. Like a mood. The waves crash as before, yet with increased energy. The waves are responding to the mood! Obviously, the high winds are dictating the mood of the ocean today. It has become an ocean with an attitude!

Even though the winds clearly change the mood of the mighty waters and rearrange the sands of the shore…this fact remains true: The sands were placed as a boundary by the Almighty Hand of God…

Jeremiah 5:22 (N I V) Should you not fear me?" declares the LORD. "Should you not tremble in my presence? I made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot cross. The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail; they may roar, but they cannot cross it.

Feeling safe because of the perpetual decree of the Lord, I will sit in my lone chair for a bit and watch those roaring waves. When you are alone you can sit patiently, if you so desire, and savor the moment. Take as long as you like. There's no rush. It's your day.

I realize today is not conducive for beach lingering…not a day for a casual stroll along the water’s edge, feeling the warm sand between your toes…yet the day has its own beauty. It’s a day for the great waters to display potency, to flex its muscles, so to speak. It’s a day to experience a different mood – an ocean's mood of intensified vigor.

Will I ever learn all the lessons of life? Not likely – not in this lifetime, anyway. I will continue to learn, even from the ocean. Now, I can utter with certainty, “No, the ocean is not always the same." But Jesus is! The Word declares in Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever." That’s an unchangeable fact I can grasp in this life…once and for all.

Until I see Him….I’m still learning.

TALKING POTHOLES

2010-01-30T08:22:00.004-05:00

Have you seen the commercial of the talking pothole? Sometimes we can identify with the pothole...in fact, we've hit a few of them in our lifetime. And then there are times I've felt like nothing more than a talking pothole! The pothole reminds me of times when our cars have hit them...with a thud...or something else has happened to jolt us and cause our cars to stall on the road.

Life has a way of bringing us to a place where we feel like a stalled car on a dark road between two locations: 1) where we once were and 2) wherever it is that we think we need to go. It’s difficult being stalled on the side of the road. You don’t know whether you need a mechanic to fix the problem under the hood, or if you just need a shove due to a dead battery. God forbid that you’ve only run out of gas. Either way, you’re going nowhere, fast. And you know it.

A stalled point in life is crucial. Anything can happen. Knowing you could rust while sitting on the side of the road causes you to be a little more sensitive in “hearing what the Spirit hath to say”...to you.

A daily regimen is then implemented to maintain life. It is a ferocious daily activity of gathering information from every source that could possibly produce some sound spiritual ministry. When it grabs your attention the wheels of your mind start to turn. Pen and paper quickly appear, for allowing words that resounded as a trumpet blast of intelligence to escape your memory would cause a rigor. Since this often the case, pen and paper are often easily accessible.

God must love it when people say or write words that affect humans in a positive sense. He knows humans need all the help they can get because they certainly don’t spend enough time listening to Him. So, the Lord graciously uses other humans to send a power-packed sentence just at the right time. There are a multitude of preachers on TV or the internet (or a blog) that have a message to share. Strangers or not, you listen. When they speak those words…those needed words…the ones that impress…the ones that jump up and down - within seconds those words take flight and somehow they end up on paper (or computer). Oh, how exciting this is! Now the words have a new owner. They were sent by God just for you. You read it over and over. Never mind if the words of wisdom are jotted down in every direction on a used piece of paper or an envelope. That scrap piece of paper is guarded with your life!

If you could only find someone else who valued those words as you …but alas, it’s your treasure, not theirs. Not until they are stalled by the side of the road, anyway.

Talking potholes can’t fix problems but at least they have something to say (according to the commercial). And if the ability to talk is all I have in my hand to use, then God expects me to be a talking pothole.

Sinkhole Faith

2010-01-18T18:53:00.008-05:00

Lately there have been “sinkhole-happenings” due to underground water level changing. As I understand it, cold weather caused orange and strawberry growers to draw large amounts of water from underground and spray the crops in order to freeze them so they will not be subjected to lower temperatures. Thus, they save crops. But this results in a shift in underground water level which results in…the ground caving in. Wah-lah…a sinkhole.

(Jim Allen adds this info: Yes, the growers know that if they cover the plants with water, It will freeze and under the ice it will never get below 32 degrees F. this will save the strawberrys and will save the small citrus trees from dying. most citrus growers use micro jets to keep the wood protected, they just can't spray it too high though, or the weight of the ice will break the limbs off of the trees and cause a lot of damage that will take years to regrow.) Thanks, Jim!!

Research Reveals: Many of the lakes in Florida are relic sinkholes. Sinkholes can be classified as geologic hazards. ( I believe that!)

Large sinkholes can gobble up trees, houses, cars…anything that happens to be sitting where the earth wants to fall…down…in a hole. A sink hole can slow you down, swallow you up …

Spiritually speaking, I’ve experienced sinkholes in my life...more than once. When the foundation of my faith shifts I suddenly find I’m still human. Emotions of helplessness, fear, anxiety suddenly appear…you know what I’m talking about?

Even though I know what the Word says, I still have those sinkhole moments. I don’t act on the Word and my faith seems small. Just like the men in the boat when the storm came and they woke Jesus and cried, “Don’t you care that we perish?” They had a sinkhole moment. Jesus was rather weary with them. It was just a storm. Why didn’t they take care of it? He wasn’t though with His nap. He had already given them what they needed to handle things while He rested!! He rebuked them for their little faith. Sinkhole faith.

I read that recognizing indicators of potential sinkholes can reduce but not eliminate this risk. Here’s a few spiritual indicators that you are on dangerous ground.
1. Depression
2. Lack of prayer time
3. Negative talk
4. Physical exhaustion
5. Unbelief

Ouch. That’s enough. Stop. Maybe we need to do a check up from the neck up in order to avoid sinkholes.

James 2:14 says, “What good does it do you to have faith if you don’t show it by your actions…faith that does not result in good deeds is useless? Can that kind of faith save anyone?”

God told Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice – Abraham trusted God so much he was willing to do what God asked. This could’ve been a huge sinkhole moment. But Abraham didn’t respond as I would have….he simply obeyed God without mouthing about it.

God said, “Abraham, because you didn’t let this challenge develop into a sinkhole moment, I’m going to declare you righteous….and oh, yeah, Abraham, I'm so impressed with your behavior I'll just call you “Friend.”

Well, there you have it. The sinkhole faith of the boys out fishin’ or the action faith of Abraham. Which will it be? It’s your call. It's your life.

Just Print it...

2010-01-11T17:18:00.013-05:00

It's been a profitable Monday. The sunshine was beautiful, even though it was still rather chilly. Evening is now upon us and I find myself winding down. I took a break from chores and read one of my email devotions. As often happens, a paragraph or two flashed brilliantly with a message 'just for me'...I hang onto those kind of words...when they come. They're mine. I needed them. Is that what you do, too?

I copy/paste the portion that speaks to me -then print it - then I put it where I can read it over and over - until the next message arrives. I don't deliberately search for words of encouragement, I just read ... and it seems there's usually a sentence or two - from somewhere - that becomes energized and jumps from the page into my heart. When that happens, I grab it. It's a prize. And it's mine. The tidings from the writing fortifies my faith and I stand strong another day.

The author won't mind if I share my pargraph with you, I'm sure. After all, it was written for the edification of believers.

"You may have been going through some troubling circumstance or struggling with a certain situation for some time now. But the good news is that your days of struggling are over! If you want to experience the power of God in your life, it is critical that you find out what God promises in His Word. He doesn't want you to stay in your current situation; He wants to take you to new levels of glory every day! All it takes is your unwavering belief in what He says in His Word. "

I love this sentence: The good news is that your days of struggling are over! What a relief! That's so good to know. Like so many other people, I must constantly remind myself that I'm not alone. God cares.

I want you to know that you're not alone, either. God cares for you. He wants you to be encouraged - not discouraged. God will perform His Word over you. When I learned that the word encourage means to stimulate spiritually, I thought: SO THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS! That's how we become refreshed and restored when words leap from the page and land square in the middle of our spirit! We are spiritually stimulated!!

Is there someone you know who needs to be stimulated spiritually? Send an encouraging word to them...become a minister of the good news of the gospel. Tell them that their days of struggling are over!! You'll discover that putting action to your faith will cause you to be spiritually stimulated at the same time. Maybe that's the way God works.

How can you remember that special message from the Lord when you need it most? Print it! Just print it!