Here's an oldie but a goodie~ Its a story I love to tell

A different kind of questionaire
AS I was reading other blogs as I love to do- I got on a path that led me to a blog entitled Always in Development and a lovely lady called Shalom Seeker. This questionnaire caught my eye because I made up one similar a few years ago in email and sent it to my friends and some of their responses made me cry, because they were candid in their answers and a few said they did not know where they would go when they die-this was some of my closest friends. Boy, that can grab you and wake you up when you realize close loved ones need to hear the Good News.
Here are her questions and if you read this and feel like answering them please send me a line telling me to come see.
1. When did you come to believe in Jesus? Tell your story! (as long or as short as you like) I came to believe in Jesus when I was about 6 and I vividly remember the day I went forward and made it public and was baptized - I grew up in church and loved growing in knowledge all my young life, then I had a few years or more where I was not walking with the Lord-I turned from him -He never turned from me.
2. What difference has #1 made in your life? In my darkest days, through many trials He has carried me. I truly have felt His love when it was hard to feel love from those around me. I feel like I can tell him anything and He cares. I place the things that matter most to me at His feet and for the most part leave them there-for example my children and grandchildren. I realize that they are truly gifts from Him. I honestly feel He is my best friend- I can't think of any experience good or especially bad that I don't turn to Him now. My thoughts are Pray about it or thank God for it.
3. What is your favorite Scripture passage? Why? I love them all -but my favorite chapter is Psalms 139- It begins with "O Lord you have searched me and you know me- you know when I sit and when I rise-You perceive my thoughts from afar, you discern my going out and my lying down, you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord." So many more precious verses-one I particularly love is "How precious to me are your thoughts, O God How vast is the sum of them. Were`I to count them they would outnumber the grains of sand"-Wow-God thinks about us more than the sands on all the beaches!!! It ends with "Search me o God and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts.See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." That's my prayer.
4. Tell about a time God answered a specific prayer in your life. How did that affect/change you? I prayed for my children all their lives that they would desire to walk with the Lord and that He would be working on precious Christian mates for them. So far-one is married and he is a precious Christian man who loves my daughter and it was all a testimony how that happened- A God incidence that is a long story to share maybe later. This is just one that came to mind because there are so many. I've tried to teach my children to believe the power of prayer.
5. Do you remember a time that God made a Scripture passage especially clear to you? Tell!
When I found myself a single mother of 3 small children with a small income a verse God gave and made real in my life was "Once I was young but now I am old and I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread"Psalm 37:25 We might not always have what we wanted but we would have what we needed and we would never be hungry.
6. Who has influenced you in your spiritual walk (family, friends, mentor, pastor, authors, etc.)? In what ways? My parents raised me in a Christian loving home, that is a big influence- a woman who has been a spiritual mentor to me is Ms Inez- I love her and thank her. Ladies who I love to sit at their feet for spiritual food are Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, Jan Silvous and Joyce Meyer. Since I wrote this I have been priviledged to be in a smaller retreat setting and learn and be blessed by ladies like Ann Downing, Peg Kennedy, Sandra Aldrich and Bonnie Skinner~ I'll keep going back for more!
7. Sometimes we get to share His story with others. Is there a particular story that you want to tell about that? A story I love to share is how He sent an angel to intervene- Let me share- it was early in 2002 and my youngest child was going through a time of rebellion (That is enough to need divine intervention-Can I get a witness?). She decided at the age of 16 she would leave my home where there were rules and curfews and I knew where she was and her friends and expected her to be in church, to go to her Fathers house where rules were looser, curfew was later, he didn't have to know her friends and Church? not at all. I being the close mother I felt I was wanted her home-it was breaking my heart- every phone call was tears and please come home ending in hurt and anger. All I knew was to pray! In the midst of this my Father had a major stroke and we almost lost him. When I finally got her on the phone she being angry with me said she wasn't even going to come to the hospital. I cried and said our fight may be our fight but all her Poppy had ever done was love her. Much later after her aunt went and talked to her and other family members had called her she came-I remember looking down the hall and seeing a little girl with a big chip on her shoulder coming toward us-she went in and was a broken little girl seeing her Poppy laying there. When it came time to leave I wanted to walk her out and she didn't want me to -she thought there would be more begging when at that time I needed her love and she needed mine. We got on the elevator and she said don't start on me- I said cant we just get along right now and the elevator door opened a floor down and a large beautiful young black lady got on, we ceased talking and rode on down. We all got off the elevator and she went to the food area and we were sitting on a bench not saying anything when she came back up and said God had told her to tell us some things. She looked at my daughter and told her everything she was doing and that God was revealing that she should go home. She said there is nothing you are doing that your Mother won't love you-she prays for you. She was very specific and said things only few people could know- she laid hands on us and prayed out loud in that lobby over us and the little girl with the big chip melted right there. We sat there and agreed it was an angel- she went home that night and told her father God had sent an angel. She came home. I left out many personal things said and and details but I hope you see the picture of God coming in human form and speaking words that we needed. I told everyone and even spoke about it publicly and to this day know that God came in the Hospital in the form of a beautiful young black lady.
8. Is there something in your history that you would change if given a chance to?
I wish I had always walked closer with him, I wish there had been more of Him and less of me.
9. What's a vice in your life? Any virtues? ;-D Probably one vice I have is I am over sensitive and sometimes have low self-esteem-are these vices or faults? Virtues are my Faith and I feel great love from my Heavenly Father so I try to show love. I believe strongly in prayer.
10. What's your favorite way to worship God? I love to worship him with music and with prayer and praise for what He's done.
11. If you could possess one (real) talent or gift that you haven't already been given, what would it be and why? I wish I was a good speaker and could play an instrument.
12. What is an important lesson you have learned? How did you learn it? Unconditional love is loving someone for who they are, and not expecting more than they can give. People need love the most when they deserve it the least.
13. What things are you really passionate about? What sets you ablaze? I am passionate about Mercy, because I have received it. I am set ablaze to see someone come to Christ or see someone grow in their relationship with God.
14. What do you love or appreciate about God? That He loves me and I don't deserve it and that He has shown me great mercy and continues to.
15. Where have you be especially effective in serving God? (This isn't prideful; if you've been effective, it's because of His Spirit in you, so really it brings glory to HIM.) I believe I am effective in loving and learning with the Ladies Sunday School class I teach, we are a close group of ladies who have been through alot together and lift each other up. Ecclesiastes 4:9and 12 says " Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who has no one to help him up. A cord of three strands is not easily broken."

I know this was long but its a look inside your self to answer these questions.
Maybe a Heart Check.
Be Blessed!

March Has been Eventful to say the least

"The March wind roars
Like a lion in the sky,
And makes us shiver
As he passes by.
When winds are soft,
And the days are warm and clear,
Just like a gentle lamb,
Then spring is here."
- Author Unknown

March roared in for sure, in the land where I live. Friday, March 2nd I woke up, still trying to get used to the 8 to 5 I am working temporarily. I get to work and very early in the day comes the beep-beep-beep on my phone warning of a Tornado.

We go back in our large metal building to an office to wait. The wait proves to be a scare I'll never forget. As we sat and tried to get info about what was going on we see it's hit very close to my house on a path I've seen before back in time. Then very soon the faces of my co-workers tell a story that requires me to remember who holds my life, my loves and all I care about in His hands. The Facebook that is not coming in on my phone, has told my co-workers my neighborhood is hit and search and rescue is looking for survivors. I try repeatedly for what seemed like hours but was really 5-10 minutes to reach my children who are at home with my grandchildren in this neighborhood. I remember the tears, I remember the prayers I tried to utter, I remember thinking Lord take everything I own, but please not my babies. Well, He was faithful! The EF3 tornado that touched down did demolish houses, but noone lost a life. To God be the GLORY! My end of the neighborhood was just wind blown- my babies were terrified but unharmed. My daughter had just recently moved to my end of the neighborhood, and her old house was demolished. That weekend we saw neighbors helping neighbors and a community come together for each other. The businesses near my home were hit, a church had part of it's roof blown off. About 12 homes in my neighborhood have complete or significant damage. We were without power for almost two days, but all of that is replacable. Human life is not. This could be a rough spring. I'm so glad I know who holds my future in his hands.
Speaking of knowing who I belong to, brings me to the second weekend of March.
I spent it at the Opryland Hotel in the Magnolia Ballroom at The Pearl Event II, where two hundred beautiful ladies sat underneath the glistening chandeliers and heard some of the sweetest ladies in the world tell what God has done for them and what He wants for each of us. I met two ladies I have followed for years, who felt like friends before I met them.Edie was so beautiful, baked us all The BEST Chocolate chip cookies, and shared how God has taken care of her family , even through a fire. I was blessed to finally meet her.

Paige is as wonderful as I imagined all the years I've read her blog. I have tried to meet her on several occasions when I went to Atlanta for Market. She introduces you to her life, her family, and her relationship with the Lord in such a way you feel like friends. Seeing her and her sweet family meant alot , but hearing her say God wants us all to know we have a significant story touched me.

Sibi is the lady who planned, prepared, fasted and poured her whole self into making this day become a reality. I had not read her blog as long as the other ladies, but when they both showed up on their blogs saying she was planning this shindig and they would be there-I started reading her blog and could not stop. I would read her posts and think ~she's a modern day Mother Teresa. What a special heart she has. Now, after meeting her and hearing her amazing story -you know she is the testimony of Jeremiah 29:11 fleshed out. God had plans for her all her life and he brought her into her hope and her future. She taught us that we are God's beautiful pearls. I'll never look at pearls the same again. I felt so blessed to be there and to hear all the ladies speak. Each one shared what God has done in their life. We had wonderful praise and worship music. It was a day I'll never forget. I just wish I could have taken more people with me to recieve the blessing.
For I consider that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
Yes, March has been eventful!
Thank You Lord for all of it!
Be blessed!

It's been a long time~But I'm still standing better than I ever did

I have not posted in a long time and I really can't say why.
I guess I was busy living life. I can say that the past year has been a doozy!
It was a year ago today when I was having a normal working day for me at the time. I was so busy I felt like a one armed paper hanger. Then you know the rest of the story... I had my life altered by those 3 words- You are fired. It tore me up. I know I blogged about it. But on this side, a year later I am testifying that what someone meant for evil God meant for good. He's like that.
I spent more time with my family~ in the past year two of my grown children and their families have come back home to stay while finishing up new home issues.
I have enjoyed my grand babies alot and spent more time than usual with them.
I became a Christian Women's Job Corp mentor- I have always wanted to do that.
I went on a foreign mission trip to Guatemala.-I have always wanted to do that.
I climbed a mountain. I did not necessarily want to do this, but I did not think I could.
I got to swim with my sweet peeps from my Sunday School at least once every week of the summer.
I had long leisurely lunches with friends.
I went to see my extended family at Christmas- I rode with my parents and had a great trip.
I began cooking for others and it might be what I'd like to do for the rest of my life. I found out the medical profession likes my home-cooking.
I spent wonderful times with my BFFS. I've always done this but it just seems sweeter with no time limits.
I stayed up late and slept late.
I grew to love and keep my quiet time even more.
Also, I let my hair go natural. I have a head of silver white hair.
You know what the bible says about silver hair...
Proverbs 16:31 says:
Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.
I know I'm not by any means self righteous- But I am trying to be right with God!
Last of all- James 1:2-4 says:
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
I'm so thankful that I can say I have Pure JOY.
Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.
Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 30:11
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy!
Yep, that's me- thats what I'm talking about...
Be blessed!

*GOD WINKS *

I love it when God winks- I had a significant one recently. I was on a mission trip October 16-21st to Guatemala. I was part of a mission team who have adopted the village of SanAntonio-near Guatemala City and Antigua. Before I left  I got a new journal to write my experiences down in. I put some verses I thought I might need in there.  One day a few weeks before I was just reading the Bible and I found some new verses I did not remember ever reading and I liked them so I put them on index cards to carry with me. I stuck them in my journal just because they were loose.
The first day of the trip was the 13th straight day of rain. Our village was 3 miles from the road- up a dirt hill then straight down. By prayer and effort our 4wheel drive vehicles made it most of the way up. I had the start of the day and the excitement and will to help me get up that rest of the way and I was very careful going down the mud and slush to get to my destination-the village and the children I had come to see and serve. Fact: San Antonio Suchitepéquez is a municipality in the Suchitepéquez department of Guatemala. It has an elevation of 300m to 500m above sea level. At the end of the day, this overweight, out of shape Grandmother did not realize how hard it would be to walk back up -straight up the mud and slush I had come down- to the trucks. About a half mile. I kept feeling like I couldn't breathe. I was the last person up. The ride back to our hotel  was long and my mind kept saying what if it is still raining tomorrow and trucks can't get up the hill. I did not want to be a burden to everyone or a hindrance. So sadly (very sadly-tearfully) I wondered if I would even go back if  it was raining. I did not tell anyone, but my mind was saying YOU can't. That night as I got out my journal to try and write down some of my feelings, an index card I had written weeks before and just stuck in there fell onto my lap and it said: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord: I will exalt in the Victorious God of my salvation!The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds' feet and will make me to walk (not stand still in terror) but to walk and make progress in my high places.  Habakkuk 3:18-19
I began to cry and I thanked God that He gave me the very verse weeks earlier I would need at such an important time. I went the next day and every following day and that walk got easier and easier. Part of my heart is left on that hill in Guatemala and I am going back.

I shared this on God winks on Facebook and wanted to go ahead and share it here.

God is good all the time!

I’m getting to the good stuff-next the children.

Be blessed!

Guatemala- God’s Handiwork

How can you put down in word’s the works of the Father? How can you show His hand moving in lives and circumstances on paper so that the person not experiencing it can get a glimpse? I will feebly try because the last few weeks have been the workings of our Loving God who still works and moves and does miracles every  moment.

He put a desire in my heart a long time ago to not just know Him, to not just love Him but to GO. Go ye therefore… I never knew the therefore but I knew some day I would. From the moment I saw the first pair of eyes and saw the work He was doing there ~ I knew this was my time.  I felt the stir one Saturday morning in August and from that moment knew that God would make the way. I got my passport, I got my plane ticket  ( thanks to a loving husband –although he did not really want me to go, he was very reluctant to let me, but who can mess with God’s plan?).

In the month before leaving  when I realized one of the things we would do was provide them a pair of shoes, I made it my goal to see that happen. I thought about my own grandchildren and thought of how much they have. How much we all have. I thought about how every shopping trip to anywhere in the past 8+ years –if I saw something that I wanted for them I got it. If I had the means to buy 100 pairs of crocs on my own I would have done it. So  I did the next best thing -I went to friends- I put on Facebook the need –I shared at church- I told friends.  I did not procure the money for every pair – Crocs gave us some and others collected money. We got the shoes we needed. This was just one of the ways God provided even more than we could ask for. He touched hearts who gave and we filled needs -even more than shoes- financially. We saw our very need met before the trip and knew that God does make a way.

In the weeks before and especially days before leaving, I shared my fear of flying with others. Others who promised to pray.  I can tell you on this flight, probably one of my longest ever -I felt the presence of God and I did not cry. Usually I’m so anxious I cannot help it, tears come and I am afraid. But this time I felt the prayers and was almost surprised at how well I did.

Sunday –when the plane touched down and we were greeted at the airport- I did not fully know what to expect. I was surprised to drive down the street and see places just like here. Texaco- McDonalds- Lowes and the list goes on and on. The place was different, they spoke a different language, the people look different. The city does not seem as clean and efficient as ours does. It seemed like the city was almost a sepia color compared to America. As we drove from the big city to Antigua –where we were staying we drove through beauty- natural green mountains. That’s where I started to see God’s handiwork in all its beauty.

Antigua is a town of beauty-comfort and old handiwork. The streets are cobblestone

and all homes, and dwellings are built in a compound format. You drive up to a wall with a gate and enter into a secure area that houses everything. As I entered the gate where we were staying I was surprised and almost in awe of how beautiful our accommodations were – it seemed like such a paradox to what we had come for.

The place we stayed was called Casa Santa Rosa. It was a beautiful, comfortable, safe and secure place to stay. A place to come home to and rest to go back out and do the part we came for. I’m sure that many mission trips are more in the field environment than what we experienced. I know after the time we spent there that our accommodations were  made for our safety and our health more than anything. The fact that they were beautiful and comfortable were just how God gives- more than we could ever imagine or ask for.

Tomorrow- I will share the real handiwork- the hard stuff- the best stuff. The meat and potatoes- this was just the appetizer. 

Be blessed!

Something about October ….

It seems like the last few Octobers I have had a day or an event that makes me recollect on where I came from. I just finished the bible study A Confident Heart by Renee Swope and in the last chapter she found paper written by her son entitled –Where I Am From. Renee said God used her son’s words to remind her she doesn’t have to be a perfect mom or a perfect woman. She just needs to be intentional and available to live and love well.

I wrote these words in October several years ago and shared them again last year, maybe by next year one of my sweet children will write theirs down for me, so I can see their thoughts –(hint-hint).

My parents were close enough to perfect for me and I am thankful for the consistent loving home I grew up in. I think sometimes they need reminding they did a good job.

I come from…

I come from a family of 6. Loving Father, very involved Mother, Older brother, younger sister, baby brother.

I come from a home where we ate dinner together every night.

I came from a home where Daddy worked, and Mom took care of the kids.

I come from a home where my Daddy loved my Momma like Jesus loved the church. He put her happiness before his and took very good care of her always.

I come from a home where parents said no and we did not get everything we wanted, but we got everything we needed.

I come from a home where my Mom made all our clothes, even underwear.When we were little, my sister and I always matched.

I come from a home where us kids could not wait for 4:30 because Daddy would be coming up the road and he would get out of the car with his folded paper sack saved from lunch and he would hug us.

I come from a home where every day was spent outside playing and running around the neighborhood and we were safe.

I come from a home where we had one television and we all watched TV together at night and the shows were funny and healthy for families. On weekends I loved to watch Shirley Temple movies with my Mom.

I come from a home where there were punishments like being grounded and being spanked, usually by Mom.

I come from a home where all vacations were taken to see other extended family who we loved alot and were very close to.

I come from a home where we hardly ever went out to eat at restaurants,when we did it was usually after church, to a family style place and Mom usually ordered for all of us.

I come from a home where fast food was a sandwich and chips at home.

I come from a home where we went trick or treating with a pillowcase and came home in an hour or two with a whole bag of candy and we were safe.

I come from a home where my mom worried about me having a weight problem and she watched what I ate in my teen years and was verbal about it.

I come from a home where we all decorated for Christmas. Christmas was very special and we got one good gift and it was laid out like it came from Santa, not wrapped.It was not the quantity of the presents but it was usually something we had expressed a desire for.

I come from a home where every Sunday was the Lord’s day and we were at church in the morning and the evening. Also Wednesday nights. My daddy was the SS secretary for 20 something years and cooked the supper on Wed. nights.

I come from a home where there were fusses and tears but we always knew we were loved.

I’m so thankful for where I come from!

59 years ago two people pledged their love, the day after she graduated. Although they had dated since she was 16 and he was 17~It wasn't supposed to last. Two weeks later he flew overseas and served his country. Five years later they had their first little man, two years later came the first girl, three years later the second girl and in their 18th year of marriage what a precious golden haired boy came as a present to them all. The children all grew up good because the Daddy loved the Momma well, just like the Bible says. Now the children have had children who have given them children. All of this from living a life that is pleasing to the one who gave us life~Thank you GOD.

 

October is a good month for remembering…….

Be blessed!

I’m so excited-I just can’t hide it!

I have found the verses for this time in my life. They come from Isaiah 61 and they are entitled  The year of the Lord’s Favor in my bible- NIV.

¹ The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
   because the LORD has anointed me
   to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
   to proclaim freedom for the captives
   and release from darkness for the prisoners,^[a]
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
   and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
³ and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
   instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
   instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
   instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
   a planting of the LORD
   for the display of his splendor.

I am thanking Him now for this season of my life that began with hurt and  the ashes of a job I loved, and now is a time to praise and serve. Mostly I thank God for  giving me many desires of my heart during this time.

I have been a supporter of Christian Women’s Job Corp since its beginning. I always wanted to be a mentor, but I did not want to not be able to do a good job. I always said to myself when life slows down I will be a mentor. Thank you Lord, I became a mentor a few weeks ago. I am going to walk beside a sweet lady who is trying to have a better life and I feel so grateful and humbled to be able to spend time with her and help her set goals and reach them.

I also have long desired to be on a foreign mission field. In a bible study I am doing, we were supposed to share what we wanted to be when we grew up. I wanted to be a missionary. I wanted to be a singer. I wanted to be a hairdresser. I wanted to be a Mom.  I have all my notebooks from church where I did things in Acteens and studied Missions. I wrote in there that I wanted to be a missionary. On October 16th  I will fly to Guatemala with Mission Firefly to serve the village of San Antonio, Guatemala. I cannot wait. I look at the faces of those children and I already love them. I will be showing many pictures when I return.

As far as the other things I wanted to be when I grow up- I sing at church often and I thank God for the voice He gave me to praise Him! My best friend is a hair dresser and I spend alot of time at her shop-she keeps my hair great and that’s the next best thing to being one myself. And _as far as being a Mom….

God truly blessed me as a a Mom and now a Grandma!

For some reason, this week has been a revelation for me.

I woke up in the middle of the night, just the night before last and I had a little man snuggled up against me. I thought Thank you Lord, and while I’m thanking you –Thank you for all of the blessings I am having. I thought about losing my job I loved and the hurt was finally gone. I love the Seniors and I always will, I miss so many people I worked with and can’t see, like I did on a daily basis. But when I see what all I have been blessed with since that time and the stress He relieved me from-how can I not praise Him.

Yesterday, in my wonderful devotional book-Jesus Calling- He said this- “When you are back on ground level, you can face your circumstances from a humble perspective. If you choose supernatural responses this time-trusting and thanking Me- You will experience My unfathomable peace.”

Oh-How I thank Him- I thank Him for my year of favor.

I have traded in my ashes for JOY!

I am going to be doing my Father’s business! I am so thankful for my blessings.

My cup runneth over!

 

Some thoughts that I’ve been thinking…

This 52nd year of my life has been one with several hard knocks. I’d like to think that I’ve been like the song~ I get knocked down, but I get up again. You’re never gonna keep me down.  I have enjoyed my time off- I have been a good friend when my  best friend lost her husband, I have been a Meme who could help my daughter and keep her girls while she is building a house, working a part-time job, doing her work with PTA. I have bonded with my peeps in my Sunday School class as we had a day each week that we swam together. I have sailed through the summer and enjoyed each gift I’ve received. Under it all has been this little nagging voice that has taunted me, it’s saying ~Un huh, what you going to do now girl, you got fired from a job you love, you are getting older every minute, you are not a skilled professional,  jobs are not plentiful and what do you have to offer. SO, I wait and I repeat the words I said the day I fell- God has something in store for me. Something better! Here’s a good place to stop and share a verse He has given me through this.

The Lord directs the steps of the Godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Psalms 37:23-24

So I am pressing on, I am getting in His word, I am trying not to fret. I am trying not to pay attention to the nagging voice. I am looking ahead and seeing the day that I am more than a conqueror. Because…

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of  power and of  love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

 

I am getting to rest of the part about I’ve been thinking-the key to this is I”VE been thinking ~these are my thoughts and by no means those of a Great theologian or expert. Here goes….

I think you can tell alot about a person from several situations….

how they react when the going gets tough. Like when a loved one dies or even when they they face a crisis for sure.

I also think you can tell alot about a person by the way they comfort others during these times.

I think you can tell alot about a person when the air conditioner isn’t working like it should and everyone is warm.

I think you can tell alot about a person by the way they treat children.

I think you can tell alot about a person by what they read.

I think you can tell alot about a person when they’ve been given a day and what they do with it.

You can surely tell alot about a person by the way they love-selfishly, conditionally, abundantly, unconditionally.

Maya Angelou says :I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I think I fail at the Christmas  lights so I got pre-lit trees. And it’s not raining today . It’s a beautiful sunshiny day and my peeps are waiting by the pool, so I’ll go …spend another rough day laying on a raft sharing thoughts and laughter with my friends and do some more waiting ~to see what God has in store for me.

Be blessed!

Your mouth can be an enemy

Sometimes God can get your attention in ways you can’t imagine. It could be the voice of a friend, it could be a sermon or a book you are reading and sometimes it can be a mistake that is not a mistake at all. 

Today I was reading other blogs, just looking at recipes and decorating things when I came across a verse that I thought was interesting and went to BibleGateway.com to read it in other versions.

The verse I read was

Proverbs 15:14

The Message (MSG)

¹⁴ An intelligent person is always eager to take in more truth;
   fools feed on fast-food fads and fancies.

This piqued my interest, but I wanted to read it in another version to see what it said. I typed in Proverbs 15:4 and looked at the Holman translation.

Proverbs 15:4

⁴ The tongue that heals is a tree of life,
    but a devious tongue ^[a] breaks the spirit.

So then I went to the Message again~

Proverbs 15:4

The Message (MSG)

⁴ Kind words heal and help;
   cutting words wound and maim.

Not even the verse I had originally seen, but the verse God had meant for me all along. A verse I needed .

A verse so similar to others I know by heart

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Colossians 4:6 (NIV)Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Earlier in the day, when I was trying to count to ten and not react in anger, I let my mouth get the best of me. I said things to someone I love that did not help at all, they hurt. It came out all wrong and even though I felt like the things I said had merit I said them in a hurtful way. So that caused the person I was now in a hurtful confrontation with, to not hear the things I were saying that could help. I hate confrontation, and misunderstandings. Most people do. I don’t like to argue or fight with people I love. It makes me sick- I mean that truly.

So tonight  I am saying  thank you God for loving me enough to use any means to speak to me and work on me. For causing my eye to see a verse I thought was interesting, when all along you wanted to remind me that there is power in our tongue and not only do you desire me to use it for building up , not tearing down I desire to be a person who helps others, not hurt them.

Tomorrow, I am going to ask the person that I love to forgive me. Hopefully we can talk about the things we let go to far and help each other meet in the middle.

I’m so thankful God is still working on me.

I wish I never had to write this, I wish I had not been a jerk. I’m thankful for words that heal and mistakes that are actually divine intervention.

Be blessed!

How about a Do-Over

I was going back through with my grandbaby ,letting her see pics and I came acroos this one and wanted to share it again...
My sweet blog friend Brenda had this on her site and I sent her a comment to "Interview me"- If you'd like to participate just include "Interview Me" in your comment. I'll shoot over 5 questions along with the rules.
Here are her questions.
1. What is the biggest piece of advise you would share with your child as they embark into the world?
I think of a few off the top of my head. Guard their heart- many friends, and people who claim to care about them can turn their head, but they are in control of themselves.
-Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life."
They must have goals. Jer. 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
Contentment doesn’t come from things- You are not defined by what car you drive, house you live in or even what job you have. The character you have –the way you do your job and how you let the things of this world affect you, defines you. -Phil 4:11-13 "For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Remember whose they are- First, before anything else, they are God’s - Children of the King
2. If time and money were not an issue, what would your ideal vacation be? I have always had a desire to drive across the country with no agenda, with like my best friend to see places I would like to see –(probably now meet bloggers I would like to meet) and have a leisure amount of time to do whatever we like. I would have a convertible and start in the South where I live and see all I want to see, then head North and go to New York –DC, Campobella Island Canada, Maine, then go full circle around this country- I would see Sedona and the Grand Canyon. I‘d like to see Las Vegas and Jackson Hole Wyoming. Just to name a few.
3. If you were stranded on a desert island for one week with one other person, besides your spouse but someone you personally know, who would that person be and why? I would like one week on a desert island with my 3 kids and 4 grandkids, so we could have solitude and make memories and do wonderful things together with no TV, video, cell phones or outside influences.
Okay, so that's more than one person, but I can't narrow it down-it's my interview and I'll booger up the answers if I want to.
4. Who is your favorite woman in the Bible and why?
The Sinful woman- the woman with the expensive oil who’s story is told in Luke 7:36-50, Matthew 26:6-13,and Mark 14:3-9.This story is one of my favorites, because it so clearly displays God's love for us. The woman is defined as "one who lived a sinful life." She was said to be a prostitute. Haven't we all lived a sinful life? Don't we all have things in our lives that we don't want to share with others? I certainly do. That's why this story is so special to me. Jesus knew this woman's chosen path, but He didn't focus on that. He focused on her actions – her expression of love and sacrifice to Him. I’m thankful God looks at me with eyes of love and Mercy, instead of what I deserve.
5. Hot air balloon? Sky Diving? or free trip to the Moon (and back!)? I won a Hot air Balloon trip once and didn’t take it- I’m scared of heights-I don’t desire to sky Dive- I’d probably have a heart attack or at least mess my britches!!!~ I’m not even sure I’d like to go to the moon and back. I wish my husband could go because he’d like to. The closest thing to all these is a trip to Heaven and I’ve made my reservation- I’m going there someday and I won’t be afraid.
I tried to think about these answers and answer honestly- I felt like they probably do when they are put on the spot in the MS. America pageant and they want to give these profound answers to the question set before them and the answer comes off HUH?
It was fun and I will sure give you some questions I can think of if you just say the word...
Be blessed!

Time flies when you are having fun!

I have neglected my blog! There are good reasons- the month of April came and it started with quiet days and mornings spent with cups of coffee and sometimes hours of quiet time-honestly reading God’s word and devotions and studying. It was a time of building up.

Next -comes the family of five to stay until their house is finished.

Meme loves having her girls here- it is never a dull moment-or should I say quiet moment.

Then there was Easter- a blessed day in our family- every member of our family was at church together this Easter- plus extended family.

I put this on Face book:

‎59 years ago two people pledged their love, the day after she graduated. Although they had dated since she was 16 and he was 17~It wasn't supposed to last. Two weeks later he flew overseas and served his country. Five years later they had their first little man, two years later came the first girl, three years later the second girl and in their 18th year of marriage what a precious golden haired boy came as a present to them all. The children all grew up good because the Daddy loved the Momma well, just like the Bible says. Now the children have had children who have given them children. All of this from living a life that is pleasing to the one who gave us life~Thank you GOD.

All because two people fell in love…

Next came the April tornados

The day of the tornado we went in our laundry room with pillows and took a mattress to put over us- the girls were truly scared and at one point began to cry –the power had failed and the sound outside was very loud-so Meme  did the only thing she knows to do when times are hard-I began to pray out loud and at one point felt like I was being very loud over the noise, then there was a calm. We went out and found hail that was bigger than a golf ball  in our yard, it went through a screen and broke an upstairs window. We had some shingles blown off the roof. But the tornado had lifted about one mile away and gone right over the top of us.

Devastation everywhere around our county- we were spared. We were without power for 6 days. A few of those I left and flew to Dallas with my best friend Barbie and her Mom. It was planned before any of this happened. It was a great trip.

The month of May was filled with softball and t-ball games, friends and family time.  My baby girl got engaged to the best young man around.

 

June has roared in with a trip to Memphis –I got to see Michael Buble’ in concert again and spend the weekend with Barbie, Juju and Charlene, Barbies Mom. I have swam, got another year older, enjoyed life and been busy.

I thank God for my blessings everyday- I have more than I deserve and I know I am loved by the KING of KINGS! Just today He told me this…

I have loved YOU with an everlasting Love. Before time began, I knew you. For years you swam around in a sea of meaninglessness, searching for love , hoping for hope. All that time I was pursuing you, aching to embrace you in my compassionate arms.

When time was right I revealed myself to you. I lifted you out of that sea of despair and set you down on a firm foundation. Sometimes you felt naked –exposed to the revealing light of my Presence. I wrapped an ermine robe around you: my robe of righteousness. I sang you a Love song, whose beginning and end are veiled in Eternity. I infused meaning into your mind and harmony into your heart. Join me in singing My song. Together we will draw others out of darkness into My marvelous Light.  (Jesus Calling-June 14th)

How can you not LOVE a God like that! How can you not want to serve Him?

Be blessed! I am!

God, Angels and Prayers

This week I encountered a self –proclaimed atheist. It really bothered me because this man is important in the lives of some people I really love. I tried talking with him, sharing with him- giving him specific verses of importance and even situations of God’s presence evidenced. No luck-he doesn’t know what he believes, just not in God. I’ve thought about it countless times since then. I know that all I can do is pray for him, and for the people I love that are in his influence. It brought home to me again the importance of knowing what you know so that you can give an account for it.

My sweet youngest daughter asked me if I told him about our angel visit. I love to share it- A story of how God sent an angel to intervene-  it was early in 2002 and my youngest child was going through a time of rebellion (That is enough to need divine intervention-Can I get a witness?). She decided at the age of 16 she would leave my home where there were rules and curfews-I always knew where she was and knew all  her friends and expected her to be in church, to go to her Fathers house where rules were looser, curfew was later, he didn't have to know her friends and Church? not at all. I being the close mother I felt I was, wanted her home-it was breaking my heart- every phone call was tears and please come home, ending in hurt and anger. All I knew was to pray! In the midst of this my Father had a major stroke and we almost lost him. When I finally got her on the phone, she being angry with me said she wasn't even going to come to the hospital. I cried and said our fight may be our fight but all her Poppy had ever done was love her. Much later after her aunt went and talked to her and other family members had called her she came-I remember looking down the hall of that hospital and seeing a little girl with a big chip on her shoulder coming toward us-she went in and was a broken little girl seeing her Poppy laying there. When it came time for her to leave I wanted to walk her out and she didn't want me to -she thought there would be more begging when at that time I just needed her love and she needed mine. We got on the elevator and she said “don't start on me”- I said “cant we just get along right now” and the elevator door opened a floor down and a large beautiful young black lady got on, we ceased talking and rode on down. We all got off the elevator and she went to the food area, and we were sitting on a bench not saying anything when she came back up and said God had told her to tell us some things. She looked at my daughter and told her everything she was doing and that God was revealing that she should go home. She held her hand up like God was sending information down at that time through an antenna. She said there is nothing you are doing that your Mother won't love you-she prays for you. She was very specific and said things very few people could know- she then laid hands on us and prayed out loud in that lobby over us and the little girl with the big chip melted right there. We sat there and agreed it was an angel- she went home that night and told her father God had sent an angel. SHE CAME HOME. I left out many personal things said and and details, but I hope you see the picture of God coming in human form and speaking words that we needed. I told everyone and even spoke about it publicly and to this day know that God came in the Hospital in the form of a beautiful young black lady.

Today my devotion says:

Heaven is both present and future. as you walk along your  life-path holding My hand, you are already in touch with the essence of heaven: nearness to Me. You can also find many hints of heaven along your path,  because  the earth is radiantly alive with My presence.  Shimmering sunshine awakens your heart,(oh yes- it did today-it’s a beautiful sunshiny day) gently reminding you of My brilliant Light. Birds and flowers, (I can hear them right now outside my front window) trees and skies evoke praises to My Holy Name. Keep your eyes and ears open as you journey with Me. 

I’m so thankful that I know HIM- I wish everyone did.

I’m going to keep on praying. I’m  going to pray that those of us who do know Him do a better job of representing Him so that others want to know….

I know this was deep , but I had to tell.

Be blessed!

I needed this and I know some others who do to

I saw this the other day on a new blog I read (loved it by the way)

and I had to share because I needed it and I know a few others who do to.

"Wait"
by Russell Kelfer

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . .
And the Master so gently said, "Wait."

"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.

"My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.

"You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"

He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . . .
and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.

"I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.

"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence are all you can see.

"You'd never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

"The glow of my comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.

"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.

"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait."

Be blessed!

April is here!

This has been a great month so far-with a few bumps, but that’s life right?

It started like this

Playing with friends on a beautiful day until she fell asleep on Meme.

Then Sunday we had church- wow- I love Sunday’s!

They start with my wonderful Sunday school class-I love every single lady there! We have a great class and we are there for each other in a special way. Then the service was great Sunday as we looked at the last words of Jesus. Powerful stuff!

Then the church picnic-more food than you can imagine, great music-Great Fellowship.

Next was my Sweet wonderful Daddy’s –POPPY- birthday dinner with all the people I love there! All my kids and all my grandkids what more could a Mom want- well to have her camera there-duh!

Poppy turned 78 –April 4th. We are so thankful that he has had 9 good years since his strokes . He is a very special man – one good thing about him-I do believe he is a baby whisperer-there has never been a baby that he doesn’t love and they don’t love him. He holds them really close and hums and they just melt. Poppy always smells wonderful too!

Monday –Poppy’s birthday actually – we spent the day at the Heart center, then the hospital as my oldest brother Mike had a heart cath, then two stents put in. It was a long day, but all went well –prayers were answered and maybe BIG BROTHER WILL START TAKING BETTER CARE OF HIMSELF!

The rest of the week has been spent getting my house ready for these sweet folks to move in.

Can you imagine how much fun this house will have for the next few months. It will no longer be an empty nest- a quiet place. It will be never a dull moment- then they will live even closer on my street. I’ll have to get a pic of the house in progress.

Yes, April is turning out to be a great month!

Spring is here and I’m loving it!

Be blessed!

Comfort, Peace, Good Things

Yesterday, the start of my quiet time began with this-

Stop trying to work things out before their times have come. Accept the limitations of living one day at a time. when something comes to your attention, ask me whether or not it is a part of today’s agenda. If it isn’t release it into My care and go on about today’s duties. When you follow this practice, there will be a beautiful simplicity about your life : a time for everything, and everything in its time.

But wait here’s the best part!

A life lived close to Me is not complicated or cluttered. When your focus is on My Presence, many things that once troubled you lose their power over you. Though the world around you is messy and confusing, remember that I have overcome the world. I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have Peace.

I told you that I was using “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young. Did I tell you that she takes bible verses and makes them like it’s Jesus sitting with you talking to you? Did I tell you that most days it seems like it fits my day and the circumstances of my life. Isn’t that how God is? He comes to you where you are and He is everything we need!

That paragraph about a life lived close to Him is not complicated or cluttered-Oh how true! And things that once troubled me have lost their power.  OH how thankful I am for His Peace.

Last week , one afternoon , I came home and read this book.

Amazon describes the book like this:

Heaven Is for Real is the true story of the four-year old son of a small town Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room. The family didn't know what to believe but soon the evidence was clear.

Colton said he met his miscarried sister, whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each. He describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, about how "reaaally big" God and his chair are, and how the Holy Spirit "shoots down power" from heaven to help us.

Told by the father, but often in Colton's own words, the disarmingly simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready, there is a coming last battle.

It is a must read. The book can really make you think about heaven and makes you want to think for yourself what a day it will be when our Jesus we see!!! I could not put it down  and it was comforting to read.

Now, I am going to get busy with some good stuff like hopefully seeing some grandkids, taking care of things I need to do, spend some time with friends. Did I mention that my quiet mornings will soon change when my daughter and her 3 gorgeous girls and my son-in –love of course, come to live here for a few months while they build their house just 7 doors down the street.

Have I told you lately GOD is good!

Be blessed,

Adversity can be a witness!

How well I know this…not only is it making us stronger, and it is temporary. But people are watching to see how it affects us. How we let it make us or break us.

2 Corinthians 4: 17-18
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

My recent adversity is truly temporary. I know that I will be working soon and I am even praying that God has a specific job for me, not one I have planned , but one he has planned for me. I’m fixing my eyes on what I can’t see and waiting. Today in one of my devotions “40 Days with Jesus” He said this to me…Let My Love enfold you in the radiance of My Glory. Sit still in the Light of MY Presence, and receive My Peace. These quiet moments with Me transcend time, accomplishing far more than you can imagine. Bring me the sacrifice of your time, and watch to see how abundantly I bless you and your loved ones.

So before I start each day I am sitting with Him and when this old girl gets back out there I will be different!

I saw this wonderful quote on my friends Betsy’s blog today-

"When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way,

you will command the attention of the world."

George Washington Carver

1864-1943

First, let me say this is definitely a statement about Betsy, because she is definitely uncommon sharing her life, mother of four, with grown triplets who are Autistic. She shares everyday in a beautiful way and she has an uncommon way of living out the day to day with character, beauty and grace.

BUT, when I saw this statement on her blog, I thought about my best friend Juju.

It’s been two weeks and two days since she lost her husband Robert. Every day since that time she has been showing such Faith, such Grace, such Strength (that comes from the Lord) and such Peace(also from HIM). Sunday as our Pastor was preaching , he shared that she has truly lived her Faith in this adversity and that it is a joy to see. It has truly impacted me to walk beside her , wanting to lift her up , when she is the one lifting me by her example.

I feel I failed when I let a little old job situation knock me down for several days, when I see my precious friend stand from the first moment until now as she has faced her adversity. But I’ve learned some things for my next trial, and I got back to the HEART of the Matter, by going to the right source-God and His word.

Next time, I’ll be better prepared and I will be uncommon as far as this world sees!

Life is full of learning and how sweet when you can learn by walking with a friend!

Thank you Lord for your blessings on me!

Be blessed!