Wordless Wednesday

Laying Down?

This morning I was reminded of something. With that reminder, I got a revelation.

Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

I realize that I have been so against confrontation that I was not even confronting the enemy! I was just laying down and allowing him to beat me up.

Well, no more! I am going to WRESTLE! I won't be defeated! I am standing my ground! I have put on my full armour this morning and I'm ready for the day!

Wanna fight? Not me - not with flesh and blood - especially those I love or those I've been sent to love. BUT, I sure will fight the good fight of faith and I will come against those principalities and powers and rulers of the darkness and spiritual wickedness....

This time of year - aka "Halloween" - is always a spiritual battle. Why do we as Christians think that it is okay to participate in the "high holy day" of Satan???? As a friend says? Why participate and "give an appearance of evil" like we are in agreement with death and fear and destruction?

I'm always torn between having to give out candy to those in rebellion or hiding in my house with doors locked and lights off - or having to leave. I should not be put in that situation and it is one of the enemies that I will NOT bow to anymore. I will boldly proclaim - THIS HOUSE DOES NOT PARTICIPATE IN HALLOWEEN!

Like the Jews let it be known, they don't celebrate Christmas. Why do I have to hide and feel like I have to compromise MY beliefs....

Well, have a great day... and be bold, be strong, be who you are!

Simply Sunday

Sunday's around here are busy. It seems to be strange to me that Sunday should be a day of "rest" and for us it is busy and stressful with very little rest involved. I guess that comes from living as the Pastor's family.

We are blessed with two churches. We get up and get ready early. He goes next door to his office and prays until time to leave for our first service. We drive the 12 miles there, get there about 30 mins. before the service starts so that we can fellowship and enjoy those great people. After he finishes preaching, gives the invitation and we sing the final song, we RUSH out the door and jump in the car and high tail it back home. Run in and slip in the side door of the next church and greet those around us and sigh in relief that we made it in time.

Today was different. We didn't have any meals or meeting right after church. He did have to make a hospital visit. But, it was not a long trip (only 30 miles there). But then the fun began. We had a family softball game and then a finger food fellowship afterwards.

Since I am - ummm, shall we say, not very athletically inclined... I stayed home awhile and did some food preparations. I enjoyed my time at home and enjoyed cooking for a change. Lately we have eaten so many salads that I was ready for some food... or cookies and more fattening things. So, I made chewy bars and a couple other things. But, I really enjoyed the chewy bars!

The game was tied when I did show up at the game. Everyone was having fun. Then he got up to bat. (We had already talked this morning about showing signs of needing to have our youth renewed as the eagles) Somehow, we seem to think we are still young and can still do what we used to do.

He hit the ball - a good hit, but not his usual home run strength. Took off for first base and I could see him all of a sudden do some weird step thing and then began limp... he made it to base - but they had to get another runner for him. He sat in the dugout w/ his head in his hands. Everyone asked if he was praying. So, I went to check on him... Nope, he was in much pain, but wouldn't admit it. His team did win by one run, so I guess that was "worth" it?

He is now in the chair... after taking Advil (he NEVER takes them) and a celebrex (thanks Lowell) and using horse liniment. He was planning on joining the gym this week and working off some of those extra pounds. Hummmm I don't think he will be joining tomorrow.. I pray that he is able to walk!

Well, all in all it's been a good Sunday. I did get in a short nap - about 15 minutes. Got some good outdoor time, got some good food, got the Word and got to talk to special people.

Hope your Sunday was good...and that you have a great week! Do you have any special plans?

Thankful Thursday!

There is so much going on in my life right now. It may seem like to the outsider, there is nothing new. But, I just really am aware of a difference. So, how does this translate into being "thankful"?
Good question. I'm not sure really. I just feel a stirring and I'm thankful. I have been feeling sort of "blah" and "ho hum", like I am just biding my time and making it through until the next thing comes along. Sort of like eating my veggies just so I can get my dessert!
I have felt like I'm stuck in the veggie stage! That explains it exactly! Not really enjoying what I'm doing, but doing it anyway because I know something else is coming down the pike.
So... I am thankful. God is moving. He is calling me forth and up and imparting something inside me. The dessert is on the way!
You probably would not be able to tell just by looking at me (unless you think that I'm getting a little "fluffier" - and THAT is certainly not what I want nor am I talking about). The change is so subtle, so slow, so seemingly insignificant. But, it is there. I know it is. Next year at this time, I will look back and realize that this is just the beginning of something BIG and God is doing it. You will be able to see the dessert and it WON'T be on my hips!

What do you feel is different about your life? I know it is happening all over! God is moving! Get ready for your dessert! Aren't you thankful???

Wordless Wednesday

15 People Who Have Influenced My Life
(I was tagged by Elsa)

1. My husband
2. My children -all 4 in different ways
3. My parents, who are Christian and taught me what it is to be a Christian
4. My lifelong friend Mary Ann Damos
5. My 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Walcott
6. My friend Diana Highsmith
7. My grandmother Bennett
8. Charlotte Collins
9. Rory & Wendy Alec
10. Kenneth & Gloria Copeland
11. Anita Reames
12. Carol Barker
13. Julia Simpson - at 90 still teaching God's Word
14. Susan Justice
15. Peggy (or Margaret Ann)

Okay, so if you list them all separately, you get at least 20... I could go on and on. There are so many who have encouraged me to move to the next level.

I tag Rebekah and Amy.... since they are having a hard time coming up w/ something to blog about! :)

Cold

Okay... so today was a TRUE fall day! I know that there were lots of people really really happy. It was a cold and rainy day, good for some soup and chili and a fire, maybe some hot chocolate.
uh! I guess I have to settle in for some cold weather. I'm not happy. I love warm weather with the sun shining. I am thinking that I need to work on being content.
I know, I know, "this too, shall pass".... hallelujah and Praise the Lord!

Old Friend - who ISN'T old...

that's a strange thing to say about someone who pops back into your life after years... Not that we were ever really "friends"... and she certainly isn't OLD... but more than just an acquaintance...
We never hung out - but we did hang out - sort of... we did things together... sort of...

Okay, so, I've totally confused you. As I was "lurking" or "browsing" or following rabbit trails on blogs, I clicked on a blog "just to see" what it was like. The picture of the beautiful girl looked so familiar. At my age and having lived in many different places and watched movies and tv - well, I just couldn't place this person, but knew that I recognized her.

Soooo, doing what I enjoy doing, I just kept reading and clicking. Finally, I realized that I really REALLY do KNOW her! She is the age of my children. I went to her wedding! Her parents were members of our church. She worked with our youth, she sang at our church (barefooted, I might add), she mentored the adults in how to mentor the youth... amazingly small world this Internet!

Well, check out her blog. You'll enjoy her honesty, openness, freshness.
She is Mandy - Just a Girl... I think if you click there, you should get to her blog.
Enjoy!

Attitude Adjustment

Remember this song???

Are you HUMBLY GRATEFUL?

or GRUMBLEY HATEFUL?

What's your attitude?

Do you grumble and groan

or let it be known you're grateful for what God's done for you?

WHICH ONE ARE YOU????

Thanks Mr. Music Machine!

Interesting

A friend sent me this in an email. I thought it was pretty good and interesting.

Select a Candidate 2008

This is not a joke, but an interesting exercise and it just takes a minute or two. The following is an interesting exercise.... You answer a few questions, then click the "find your candidate button" and the program selects the candidate who's position on the issues is most like your own... You may be surprised at what you find... I was... Click the link below....

Click Here....

10 Favorite Foods
I was tagged by Rebekah, who was tagged by Elsa

1. Tater chips from Zaxbys (really, all things from Zaxbys)
2. Fruit of ALL kinds
3. Almonds (chocolate covered), pecans, peanuts (should I just say NUTS?)
4. Tex-Mex food
5. Chicken salad from Funny Girls
6. Most anything chicken
7. Chips and Salsa
8. Cookies: peanut butter, toffee, macadamia nut... most any kind!
9. Flat Earth Very Berry Chips
10. Cheesecake

Now, I tag Lindsay because she is a healthy eater I want to know what she eats!

Growth

I've decided that growth is painful.

We all want to grow. Especially when we are little we want to "grow up". We want to grow our business, our ministry, our family, some of us grow a garden. Jesus grew in wisdom and stature...

Any area that we WANT to grow in, we must put forth some (LOTS) of effort to grow in that area. If we want to grow a garden, we must till the soil, plant the seeds, weed it, water, fertilize, and then harvest. Why do we glamorize growing? It is WORK!

That is unless it is a crop we don't want... the weeds don't need all that work to produce a crop. Think about the bad things in our life. They started someplace. They have a beginning. They took off and choked out other things. They just keep on growing and growing and producing more and more "fruit". Some things we need to really think about and find the beginning and get to the root and stop the growth. (like debt, addictions, abuse, bitterness) That is work...

I am growing in weight! that is painful. I know that the root is over eating... or eating the wrong things at the wrong time for the wrong reason.

I want to grow spiritually. I know that if I don't put forth effort to read my Bible and pray everyday, then I will have negative growth there. But, if I do read my Bible and pray I will grow in wisdom and grace and whatever area I'm studying.

If I exercise then I will grow muscle and strength.

If I work hard and save, I will grow a nice retirement.

If I do good, I will have good. If I do bad, I will have bad.

If I grow something good, I must work and toil and it is painful, but the results are wonderful.

If I grow something bad (and we ALL have these things in our life). We may not have had to work so hard getting those things in our life, but we will have to work EXTRA hard to get them out of our life.... like getting rid of the weight I put on so easily, will be hard work, discipline, diligence getting it off ... probably some doing without and some sweat!

I was just thinking that I want to grow, and thinking about what I am presently growing and realizing that I need Jesus to help me discern my actions... what crops am I feeding? what crops am I starving? What crops do I need to weed out?

In order to be well pleasing and produce the fruit I was created to produce, I need to do some pruning so that the important things in my life will be fed, watered, and grow!

Building Monuments

I've been thinking a lot lately about a teaching I heard recently.


The teaching was on heritage and blessing. It started out talking about how the early Israelites built monuments to God with stones. Every time they had an encounter with God, or a trial that God got them through, a battle, a blessing, whatever God did, they built an altar or monument to God. They used unhewn stones that no man had cut.


When they built these they were as a testimony and witness of God's greatness and goodness. They also served as conversation starters as the children would ask, "Why are all these stones stacked up like that?"


Then the fathers could explain that God did something great and wonderful that only He could do. By telling the story, they were in effect building the monument greater - adding their own stones to it. So the next generation had a bigger, higher monument to start with and they could then brag even more and more and pass the story on.



There is another story of how the fathers of our faith passed down the blessing to the next generation by the laying on of hands. They actually imparted to them wisdom, blessing, testimony, experience, heritage, possessions so that the next generation could build on that and go to a higher level.


As we grow older, we may not be able to do physically what we could do . We may have lost some of our mental ability, we may feel bad because we have reached a point where we feel useless or like a burden. That is the time that God in His wisdom and mercy has given us to best be able to pass on the blessing, to impart the anointing, to share the story, and explain the heritage.


May those of the younger generations be wise enough to grasp the meaning of this. To desire like Elisha did the double anointing of Elijah and be willing to listen and learn and BE there. To draw it out of us.


There is much to be said for youth and zeal and strength. There is much more to be appreciated about endurance and perseverance and diligence. These come with time and age and experience. If the youth is wise, they will take these things passed down and build on them. Then they don't have to go around that mountain for themselves, but can learn and avoid that mountain and get on down the road faster and farther.

We all know what "old money" does for people. We know that the children of the wealthy have a head start and advantage over those who start out with nothing.

The same is true spiritually. The children of wise parents have the same advantage. They can start out at a higher level and go even higher than their parents or grandparents.

At a time in life, when it seems that a person has nothing else worthwhile to give, God in His wisdom has ordained that to be the time of greatest anointing to pass on what no one else can - their life's wisdom, experience, blessing, heritage.

I wonder if we really REALLY understand that.

Bloggy Finds...

As I was browsing around in the bloggy world, I came across some fun blogs... like one for organizing ... by Laura. She had this fun quiz that she got from Susanne. But, I don't know either one of these people, but the quiz is fun... you can take it too....


Take the 100 Acre Personality Quiz!

10 Things That Make Me Smile
(I was tagged by Rebekah)

1. Anything my grandchildren say to me, but especially, "I love you, Grandmoma", or "happy birthday, grandmoma", or "thank you, grandmoma".

2. Andy when he greets me at the door so excited that I'm home.

3. Sonic ice

4. A beautiful sunset at the beach or in the mountains

5. Finding a great treasure at a garage sale... or something beautiful on sale

6. When my hugs'um says, "let's go out for supper".

7. When I get comments on my blog

8. Finding a really cute outfit that makes me feel skinny

9. Talking to my kids

10. Being with friends.

I tag Elsa... oh, she doesn't blog yet - but maybe she will soon... :)

so, I REALLY tag Cheryl!

Wordless Wednesday

Christmas art in chocolate.....

FIFTY!

Okay, so I'm not 50 years old ... I'm actually 58 today (it is my birthday). But, this is my 50th post. So, here are 50 facts about me - whether you wanted to know them or not!

1. My middle name is Louellen. My grandmother's name was Sarah Pearl Louellen Womack Bennett.

2. I have lived in Georgia (born there), Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Arizona.

3. I had two miscarriages, and 4 children, even though the doctors told me I would never be able to have any children.

4. Each of my children was conceived in one state and born in another (half way across the country from where they were conceived).


5. Each one was born in a different state than the others - so they were born in 4 different states.


6. I have a brother (George) and a sister (Joye) and their families who live in Georgia. My mother wanted a happy family (hence, Joye and Merrie). I am the youngest.

7. I love computers and typing.

8. My first real job was at Sears Roebuck on Ponce de Leon Ave. in Atlanta.

9. I had to wear high heel shoes and a black or brown dress everyday.

10. I worked in the drapery department and cut shades to fit.

11. I also made keys.

12. I worked as a wallpaper hanger once.

13. I sold paint.

14. I worked at Rich's at Lenox Square in the jewelry department

15. I worked at a flower shop owned by my aunt-in-law.

16. I worked as the paid Church Secretary in three places and as the "volunteer" secretary now.

17. I was Night Administrator at a Technical College

18. I have been to 8 different colleges

19. I am working on my Doctor of Naturopathy

20. We have served in 10 different appointments (churches) . We have had 26 different Churches in those 10 appointments . We have had 4 appointments with only 1 church.

21. I love to sing and have sung at a wedding and a funeral (not the same event). Neither one was my idea, but forced on me. I am not that good. I just love music. (Notice, I only sang at ONE of each, haha - THAT speaks very loudly of my ability)

22. I was very shy in school and would not answer questions or give oral reports. I did not speak to anyone walking down the hall. I did not want to be singled out or put on display and would just not go to school if or take a zero rather than give a report.

23. Both my parents are still living and married to each other... They say they have loved each other for over 70 years!

24. I love homemade cookies - peanut butter are my favorites, but anything with NUTS is wonderful... cookies are probably my favorite food of all. Given a choice of anything, I go for cookies, especially if they have nuts in them.

25. I love nuts of all kinds - pecans and peanuts are my favorites, almonds are next in line- walnuts are okay IN something, but not as good just to eat - but, you put chocolate on them and they are all good!

26. We used to buy 50 pounds of pecans a year just to eat like chips - then we went into the ministry and could not afford to buy them anymore.

27. I tried to sell Tupperware. In my only 3 parties NO body showed up - not even the person who was training me!

28. I have colored my hair since I was 16 years old. I did it myself until I was in my 50's! Now I have someone do it for me.

29. I love boiled peanuts. I got that love from my daddy and granddaddy. Every time we visited my grandparents, he had a pot of boiled peanuts on the stove.

30. My husband was not a pastor when I met him or married him. I did not plan to be a pastor's wife. I guess that was God's plan. He just had me fall madly in love with him and THEN called him. sneaky!!!!

31. My daddy, uncle, and brother are all pastors, and my two sons are also.

32. I wear contacts. I love the gas perm (or hard ). I tried the soft ones but could not see as well. I tried bi-focals, but can see better with my gas perm contacts and reading glasses... I have worn contacts since my teens.

33. I had 3 cats and a dog when I married. I got rid of all of them, and it took me 31 years to get an inside dog of my own.

34. I weigh 20 pounds more than I did 2 years ago. (and I'm NOT happy about it and am doing something about it - cutting out the cookies and nuts!)

35. My favorite color is red - even though most all the clothes I buy are a variation of coral or turquoise.

36. I love to crochet. I make baby blankets for all the babies born in our church and my grandbabies... of course!

37. I love chips and salsa and tex-mex food - not so crazy about oriental foods

38. I did not like to play with baby dolls when I was a little girl. I loved Barbie and horses.

39. On my 7th birthday I got a solid black cat named Lucky. That was before I did not believe in "luck".

40. I used to love to read, but since I started back to school I have a hard time reading anymore. It has been several years since I read a novel. I miss those, maybe I'll pick up one off the shelf and read something fun!

41. I love sweet tea (with Splenda). I do not like hot tea! I like coffee if it is cold weather (flavored coffee is the best!). I especially like it if I have someone to drink it with. Coffee is something that should be shared - like a good glass of wine - except I don't drink, so coffee will have to do.

42. I am not especially fond of cake. I rarely make one and rarely eat a piece. If there is a cake around I might eat one piece. It is usually thrown away after that. I don't eat cupcakes much either. If I eat cake it is usually a good pound cake or something with nuts.

43. Breakfast foods are good for supper. Please don't put an egg in front of me in the morning!

44. I have directed weddings. I don't get paid for it and so I quit. It is too much work and stress to do just because I am the Pastor's wife! But, I am very opinionated about how a wedding should be done. There are just certain things that are very important and usually left undone and that bothers me. So, I try to stay out of it.

45. I love to shop sales and get a good bargain. A real "high" for me is finding a good deal. It bothers me to have to pay full price for anything. Not that I'm cheap or don't want the people to make money - I just get a real thrill when I find something at a great price! I love church rummage sales and bazaars - that's the best place to find deals.

46. I have been looking for a good pair of navy shoes for years! I am even willing to pay full price for a pair that I like... I don't know if they even MAKE navy shoes anymore because I have not seen any navy dress shoes. (what do YOU wear with navy????)

47. I have a clock on my desk that tells me the temperature in "my" room. I also have a thing on my computer that tells me the temperature outside. I used to watch the weather channel all the time to keep up with the temperature, but now that we have satellite, we don't have local weather so I don't watch that anymore. The kids used to call me long distance to see what the weather was like where they lived because they knew I knew.

48. I rarely watch the news. My favorite tv channel is the GOD channel. (365 on Direct TV). It is much more fun than the traditional Christian shows. I also watch Food network and HGTV and I love good movies on Hallmark. My sister-in-law thinks I'm a horrible person because I don't know what's going on in the world. I figure that if it is something life changing, someone will tell me. I just pray over the world everyday and don't worry.

49. I took piano lessons when I was in high school. I wish I had practiced and learned more. I love the piano and can play chopsticks and heart and soul. My right hand can do pretty well, but my left hand does not want to cooperate.

50. My most favorite place in the world - besides being with my kids and grandkids - would be the beach. My dream house will be right ON the beach - large enough for all my family to come and visit as often and as long as they like. For now, I am content in whatever state I'm in!

Barney

Barney came to live with us unwillingly. WE were the unwilling party. We were getting a cat for our youngest daughter. We went to look at two. One was Barney. We was a wiry, skinny, wild yellow cat. I didn't like him AT all! We had not seen the other one, so we went ahead and made arrangements for him to be delivered on Christmas eve.... then forgot about him.

We went to see the next cat. We walked in and they put a beautiful solid white ball of fluff in my arms. She snuggled up to my neck and began purring. I was won over. We took Polly home with us immediately.

Again, we forgot about Barney. The whole family was home for Christmas. Our oldest son and his new bride were there for their first Christmas together. The other three children were home and we had a dog... that was almost 8 years ago.

The doorbell rang and in comes this lady bringing a wild cat! He was meowing and his claws were out and he was wild eyed. He began running all over going crazy! I took him and threw him outside in the back yard. I did not know what we were going to do! We did not need a dog and two cats! ...especially a crazy one!

Our youngest son took Barney and held him and calmed him down and let him sleep in the room with him. If it had not been for him, Barney would have been a goner!

As it ended up, Barney became the best cat. He would come when we called, just like a dog. When we walked around the neighborhood, Barney walked with us.

When it came time to move from one place to the next, Barney and Polly moved with us easily. Even though they had both been de-clawed and fixed... they loved to go outside even though they were inside cats. Barney would sneak out at every opportunity. Polly would come and sit next to me and "tell" on Barney. I knew and would go find him.

Polly got out and didn't know to look out for cars. Barney grieved for her, and learned to be careful. He could hunt and bring back his prey to show off... (yuck!)

When we moved from Glennville to Blakely, Barney disappeared. We had the truck loaded. We called and called and called. He did not show up. So, we had to drive off and leave him. We told the neighbors and incoming pastor about Barney ... We just figured that he was gone.

One day about a month after the move, we got a call... Barney had showed up! Some precious friends loaded him up and met me halfway (it was a 5 hour drive one way). Poor Barney... he had lost weight and most of his hair. He looked so pitiful. He meowed the entire trip! By the time I got home with him, I was about to throw him out of the car!

But, he ate and fattened up and adjusted to our new home.

We moved him out to Oklahoma. He adjusted, loved it , made enemies of the birds and squirrels ...

Barney had a way of just coming up and loving you. Once when I was crying, he just very "tenderly" licked my tears away. (It hurt so bad!)

We haven't seen Barney for a week. Andy runs outside in the backyard looking for him all the time. We call him and call him.

I just hope that someone has opened their home and let him in and they are loving him. He is a great cat! He loved us inspite of us not loving him at times. He was always there waiting on us when we came back from a trip. Always saying "hello" - like he was glad to see us and missed us.

We miss him.... He was an example to me of the Father's Love... unconditional...

Spiritual Saturday...

Well, it wasn't exactly spiritual, but it sure did me lots of good! I did something that I have not done in a very long time. I went shopping. Just me.

Since I started my new job, I realized just how pitiful my wardrobe looked. I mean, I haven't worked outside the home (for pay) in 2 1/2 years. When I did, it was spring and I was 20 pounds lighter. Neither have I gotten any new clothes in that long.

Needless to say, whatever I had that was worthy of work, either was so far out of style and season, or it just doesn't fit any more.

So, I took a lesson from Beth Moore and decided to take some of my "inherited" money and see what I could find. (My "inherited" money is what I call the money I get when my hugs'um does a funeral - it is tradition to give wedding and funeral money to the pastor's wife for household needs - and this time it was for sure, clothes!)

I normally just make a run to Walmart and rush back. But, today I planned and before I hit wallyworld, I first went to the Health Food store and then to Sam's and then to Ross Dress for Less. I found three really cute and stylish tops. Then I headed to the mall and went straight to my new favorite store, Christopher Banks. I got three tops there too! I really did well, I think! They will take me through fall and into winter (depending on how cold it gets here). Then, I can wear some of them in the spring too!

I looked for some good / cute navy shoes. I have not been able to find any for years! Well, for Mother's Day my daughter did give me some really cute summer navy shoes. I also need some good everyday black and brown shoes. Couldn't find any shoes... not sure what's up with the shoe stylist lately, but they are just not ummmm for me.

So, that's my "spiritual Saturday".... it did my spirits so much good to get out and just shop and look and actually buy something just for me that is not to eat!

On the way there and back I listened to a cd that a friend sent me. It helped me to realize the importance of loving myself so that I can in turn love others and receive love. It sure did hit me between the eyes! What truth. I did not realize how much I did not allow me to love myself because I felt unworthy.

I guess there WAS a little bit of real spiritual growth today. I am convinced that we don't have to be "religious" to be spiritual. We have to be yielded and obedient and relational!

Friday Four...

Okay, so I don't do the Thursday Thirteen - I have a hard time coming up with 13 things. I can go two or three or four... so, here goes with my

Four Things I Need Every Day... (not in order of importance)

1. I need a protein shake and bowl of fruit for breakfast. It keeps me going and I feel so much better. I crave the shake when I don't have it and feel like I'm really missing it if I don't eat fruit.

2. I need distilled water. I can drink lots of distilled water and love it. That is something else that I crave. It needs to be distilled (or at least filtered) since there is so much JUNK in the tap water that is bad for us. The distilled water refreshes me and cleans me out and I feel like it flushes fat from my body. (that may or may not be true, but I FEEL that way). It is important because it does give me energy (as I RUN to the bathroom repeatedly). It is important for health - it fights disease, allergies, cancer, hunger, headaches, fatigue, blood pressure problems, and on and on.

3. My vitamins and supplements - I won't get into all that. But, I do "need" them... don't enjoy taking them.

4. My time with God. I need my devotionals and prayer and just quiet time. I can tell a difference and so can everyone else - when I DON'T get it! My day just goes much better and I am filled with joy and hope and peace. One of my favorite books is my Daily Light. It is nothing but scripture. I also love my Face to Face devotional. It is powerful! Reading a Proverb a day has long been my practice and it keeps me focused and hopefully builds wisdom in me.

Exciting Sunday Lunch

Yes, I know this is Wednesday...

I was just going to tell you about our Sunday lunch. Since we were in Tusla we got to go to Church with the kids - except for our youngest daughter and her husband, they go on Saturday night because they are volunteers for that service. After church we all went to lunch - well, there is ANOTHER exception - our 2nd son and his family were not able to come because of prior commitments. BUT, almost all of the family was there.


It was fun to be able to sit around and laugh and talk.

In the midst of the lively conversation, our oldest son brought out his iphone. He was checking to make sure that he had all the information in it about birthdays. In September we have FOUR birthdays to celebrate. One is our new son-in-law and the next one we celebrate is my birthday.

Well, he was going through the year, confirming birthdays... he said, "and Kate's is March 28 and OUR baby's birthday is March 28... and just kept on like he had not dropped a bomb on us...

We all just sat there and then his beautiful wife, handed me a picture of the sonogram showing the little "peanut" and said, "here, Grandmama!"

Then, I lost it! I just cried and we all laughed and couldn't believe it! They have kept it a secret for 3 months!

Here are the happy expectant parents!

The funny thing is - I have had a baby blanket crocheted for a LONG time just for them. I have brought it with me on every visit "just in case" we got news. They will celebrate their 8th anniversary in November. But, of course, this trip, I did NOT bring the blanket! of all times... Oh well... it's in the mail!

We are celebrating our 4th grandbaby. YIPPEE!!!! God's goodness is overwhelming as our family keeps growing.

Seeking

This morning I am seeking.
Some thoughts have been going through my head that have been confusing to me and making me be double minded. The Bible plainly says that if we are double minded then we can not expect to get anything from God.
Well, I've been asking a LOT from Him lately. I have not been single-minded on anything - just "try" this and "try" that.
I have had some teaching and some conversations lately that got me to thinking. I realized that if we take any part of this teaching alone, we can get out of balance.
The focus seems to be on money and getting out of debt or ahead or saving for retirement or house or car. All those things are good.
There was an emphasis on what we do with our 6th day. Work at a regular job for 5, make sure you take a Sabbath and then use the 6th day wisely to add extra profit and income.
That is good. We should be diligent with our time. God rewards diligence. The diligent person prospers.
What I see happening, though is people want to go out in their own strength and do lots of other things... things that don't necessarily prosper, things that will do more harm than good in the long run.
I want to put it into perspective. "Seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these THINGS will come after you."
I have been young and now I am old and I have never seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging for bread.
God gives us the ability to get wealth to establish His covenant with us.
God will establish the wok of our hands
God will prosper whatever we put our hands to.
God will give us witty ideas and novel inventions.
God says that if we tithe, He will open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing on us so great that we cannot contain it... AND He will rebuke the devourer for our sake.
God will give us wealth and what He gives will not have sorrow or problems with it. (unlike much of the wealth we work for and neglect family and it brings pain and sorrow and heartache)
So, what I"m saying is... we do need to work. We do need to be diligent. We do need to use our money wisely. We do need to save and pay our bills. We do need to live within our means. We do need to enjoy our lives.
I suggest that we seek FIRST God and His righteousness. I suggest that we pray and seek His face and ask for His guidance and wisdom and deliverance. I suggest that we do what He says and not get off in the flesh and try to work enough jobs or climb enough corporate ladders to make enough to make us wealthy.
God has a plan. It is to PROSPER us. He says, beloved, I wish above all that you prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers. (true prosperity is not just money and wealth - it is completeness spirit, soul and body)
May I encourage you (me) to seek God, to look to Jesus, to pray BEFORE making decisions and running out and getting in the flesh to solve the problem - which will cause more problems.
The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy. If our lives are not filled with these things, then we are living in the flesh and not the Kingdom of God.
Seek FIRST His kingdom... all the things will follow...

Tuesday Two

Two things I'm thankful for on Tuesday... (there are always LOTS more to be thankful for, but these are just on the top of my list today...)
1. Thankful for some cooler weather (yes, "I" said that! I still prefer warm weather).
2. Thankful that I am learning my new job and God's faithfulness to me is showing. It is getting easier and I'm getting more comfortable with it.

Trip pictures...

Here are a few pictures from our weekend. Andy is set and ready to go. He loves to travel!Noah loves his "phone", trucks and the computer... and he plays so well by himself on his new table and chairs...

Papa and Noah watching tv, enjoying some breakfast fruit while finding out what's happening in the world.

Beautiful girls ...

It was a fun weekend and we really enjoyed the little ones!