Get Out of the Ruts of Life



@Stevensuchar.com

The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. – Nelson Mandela

Lackluster. Dull. Uninspired. Sometimes these words best describe how we feel.

While we try to live an inspired life; a life full of promise, love and meaning, the reality is it’s hard to keep our spirit consistently positive. Tires go flat, appliances breakdown, relationships struggle and the good news we were hoping to hear comes back less fantastic than expected.

These disappointments cause ruts – ruts that derail even the most optimistic attitude.

Ruts cause us to veer off course. We see them and the natural tendency is to swerve. By getting off track, we lose sight of the direction we are heading. When this happens, our journey gets delayed.

Ruts can be repaired, however. We can stop and fill the grooves with methods that will get our spirit back on track. Feeling like you are in a rut? Here are 25 soulful ways to get out of a rut and back to your journey.

1.     Love the imperfect you. Love everything about you. You were not made to be perfect; you were made to be you – warts, blemishes, ruts and all.
2.     Clear your mind of negative thoughts. Toss aside the head trash about what you should be doing and focus on what’s right in your life.
3.     Compliment more; complain less. You create positive energy by being, well, more positive. Replace negative talk with words that are more encouraging and then use this positive energy to fill in the ruts.
4.     Give yourself a break. When will you stop beating yourself up? Give yourself what you give to others – the right to be human.
5.     Smile. You can take away a rut’s power with your smile.
6.     Seek the company of positive people. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and who drink from glasses that are half full. Let these folks inspire you to keep moving forward – no matter how deep the rut may seem.
7.     Save yourself first. Give yourself permission to take care of you, first. Breathe from the oxygen mask before helping others. Being at full strength is you best chance of getting out of a rut.
8.     Find an accountability partner. Seek a friend, a relative or your partner to help you navigate the ruts by asking them to make you accountable to never give up; to keep trying and to believe you have the strength to get back to where you want to be.
9.     Stay strong. Don’t forget who you are and don’t forget you are stronger than the deepest rut.
10.  Join a cause. Sign up for a cause that speaks to your heart. Fight hunger, shed light on domestic abuse or walk for a cure. Being passionate for a cause will help you rekindle the passion needed to address your personal circumstances.
11.  Take action. It’s your choice: Live in regret or embrace your life and begin steering it in any direction you choose. The choice begins by taking action; it begins today; it begins right now.
12.  Do one thing each day. Change doesn’t always happen in gulps; change can be sipped, too. Begin with one small sip of change.
13.  Change your routine. Take a different route to work; turn left, not right, on your evening walk or order from a different menu. A change in your routine can provide the spark to begin thinking differently about how to get moving again.
14.  Do what inspires you. Read, write, exercise, hang out your partner, do whatever inspires you. From inspiration comes action and from action comes progress.
15.  Appreciate what you have. When our focus is on gratitude, the ruts seem more conquerable.
16.  Challenge yourself, when you say, “I can’t.” Think back to a time when you said, “I can.” Confront self-doubt with and dare to say it again.
17.  Find a new environment. When you fell the rut growing deeper, walk away from where you are and go to a new place. A new environment can lend a fresh perspective.
18.  Upgrade yourself. Take a class, learn a new skill or begin a new fitness routine. When you invest in yourself the payoff is always more than you expected.
19.  Rest. Fatigue can cloud your thinking. A fresh mind begins with a fresh, renewed body.
20.  Remember the reason why. When it feels like you are simply going through the motions, pause and remember the reason why you do what you. Often the reason lives in a dream that just needs to be dusted off.
21.  Lean on hope. When things feel bleak, know this: You have come too far to lose your way now.
22.  Nourish your spirit. Wherever your personal tabernacle, spend time there to reconnect your mind to your soul and your soul to your spirit.
23.  Make a list. Make a list of the things you need to do to climb out of your rut. Select one item each day and make that your priority. When an item is completed, mark through it. When the entire list is completed, save it. The list will serve as a reminder of what you are capable of doing.
24.  Celebrate.. When things appear off track, celebrate what will always be front and center in the Universe, and never hidden in a rut – you. Celebrate the beautiful you.
25.  You are free. You are free to make mistakes, to have bad days and to fall into ruts. You are free from the pressure to have to get it right all the time. When you trip, you are free to fall flat on your face. And when you’re ready, reach for the hand that will be waiting for you.    -www.thebridgebuilder.com

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Most of all trust God to lead you and sustain you.  It is He that CAN and WILL carry you through the ruts that come your way. We can't control all of the ruts ahead of us but we can look beyong them to see what we can learn from them and then practice these 25 ways to get back where we should be - where God can use us. 

4 Layer Cookie Bars

4-Layer Cookie Bars
Thanks to Angela Hunker of Toledo, Ohio for sharing this yummy recipe with us!



16-oz. pkg. rectangular buttery crackers
1/2 c. margarine
2/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
1 c. graham cracker crumbs
1/4 c. milk
2/3 c. creamy peanut butter
1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. peanut butter chips

Line the bottom of a buttered 13"x9" baking pan with a single layer of crackers; set aside. Melt margarine in a heavy saucepan; add sugars, graham cracker crumbs and milk. Heat over medium-high heat until sugars dissolve, stirring often; spread over crackers in pan. Arrange another single layer of crackers on top; set aside. Combine remaining ingredients in a saucepan; heat over low heat until melted, stirring until smooth and creamy. Spread over crackers; set aside until firm. Cut into bars to serve. Makes 2 dozen.

Give these a try for a "yummy"!!!

Maxine Moment

Teach our Children

"We need to teach our daughters to distinguish between a man who flatters her -and a man who compliments her. A man who spends money on her -and a man who invests in her. A man who views her as property -and a man who views her properly. A man who lusts after her -and a man who loves her. A man who believes he is God's gift to women -and a man who remembers a woman was God's gift to man . . . And then teach our boys to be that kind of a man."

Simple Prayer for God's Grace!

Here is an awesome story of a little boy with a pine wood derby assignment from Cub Scouts.  Many of you have probably been through the pinewood derby days in your child's life and can relate to this whole scene!  Peggy Porter shares her story of her son, Gilbert. . .

My son Gilbert was eight years old and had been in Cub Scouts only a short time. During one of his meetings he was handed a sheet of paper, a block of wood and four tires and told to return home and give all to "dad".

That was not an easy task for Gilbert to do. Dad was not receptive to doing things with his son. But Gilbert tried. Dad read the paper and scoffed at the idea of making a pinewood derby car with his young, eager son. The block of wood remained untouched as the weeks passed.

Finally, mom stepped in to see if I could figure this all out. The project began. Having no carpentry skills, I decided it would be best if I simply read the directions and let Gilbert do the work. And he did. I read aloud the measurements, the rules of what we could do and what we couldn't do.

Within days his block of wood was turning into a pinewood derby car. A little lopsided, but looking great (at least through the eyes of mom). Gilbert had not seen any of the other kids cars and was feeling pretty proud of his "Blue Lightning", the pride that comes with knowing you did something on your own.

Then the big night came. With his blue pinewood derby in his hand and pride in his heart we headed to the big race. Once there my little one's pride turned to humility. Gilbert's car was obviously the only car made entirely on his own. All the other cars were a father-son partnership, with cool paint jobs and sleek body styles made for speed.

A few of the boys giggled as they looked at Gilbert's, lopsided, wobbly, unattractive vehicle. To add to the humility Gilbert was the only boy without a man at his side. A couple of the boys who were from single parent homes at least had an uncle or grandfather by their side, Gilbert had "mom".

As the race began it was done in elimination fashion. You kept racing as long as you were the winner. One by one the cars raced down the finely sanded ramp. Finally it was between Gilbert and the sleekest, fastest looking car there.

As the last race was about to begin, my wide eyed, shy eight year old ask if they could stop the race for a minute, because he wanted to pray. The race stopped.
Gilbert hit his knees clutching his funny looking block of wood between his hands. With a wrinkled brow he set to converse with his Father. He prayed in earnest for a very long minute and a half.

Then he stood, smile on his face and announced, 'Okay, I am ready."

As the crowd cheered, a boy named Tommy stood with his father as their car sped down the ramp. Gilbert stood with his Father within his heart and watched his block of wood wobble down the ramp with surprisingly great speed and rushed over the finish line a fraction of a second before Tommy's car.

Gilbert leaped into the air with a loud "Thank you" as the crowd roared in approval. The Scout Master came up to Gilbert with microphone in hand and asked the obvious question, "So you prayed to win, huh, Gilbert?"

To which my young son answered, "Oh, no sir. That wouldn't be fair to ask God to help you beat someone else. I just asked Him to make it so I don't cry when I lose."

Children seem to have a wisdom far beyond us. Gilbert didn't ask God to win the race, he didn't ask God to fix the out come, Gilbert asked God to give him strength in the outcome. When Gilbert first saw the other cars he didn't cry out to God, "No fair, they had a fathers help".

No, he went to his Father for strength. Perhaps we spend too much of our prayer time asking God to rig the race, to make us number one, or too much time asking God to remove us from the struggle, when we should be seeking God's strength to get through the struggle. "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

Gilbert's simple prayer spoke volumes to those present that night. He never doubted that God would indeed answer his request. He didn't pray to win, thus hurt someone else, he prayed that God supply the grace to lose with dignity. Gilbert, by his stopping the race to speak to his Father also showed the crowd that he wasn't there without a "dad", but His Father was most definitely there with him.

Yes, Gilbert walked away a winner that night, with his Father at his side.

Thanks Peggy Porter for sharing such an insightful story.  I think we can all learn from this. I think a few of us need to ask God for "strength for the outcome" in many area of our lives. Not to just "win" but to know that our Heavenly Father is right there with us and He will supply whatever the need is that we are in need of for that very moment.

God's Wisdom for Mothers

We had been to our "Soul-Sister's Bible Study" and our facilitator shared how we can stand firm in the scriptures of the Bible. (I believe she used the words of a children's song about beating the devil over the head with a "Bible Verse"!!)  As we drove home my daughter Hannah and I was sharing.  Hannah asked me if I remembered when she was a little girl and how scared she used to get?  I thought back a few years and did remember!  She went through a period of time when she didn't want me to leave and if I did she couldn't wait until I was back home. On one occassion, I had gone to a church board meeting that lasted a little longer than usual and there she was waiting - looking out the window for me instead of sleeping!  It wasn't that she was alone in the house, her sister was there and so was her dad. But there she was waiting by the window for me!  This went on for a while when she was in early grade school. 

Hannah reminded me of one particular time when she was so scared that she did not want to go to school.  Now, I'm not one for letting my kids "skip" school, but for some reason Hannah was really struggling this particular morning.  So, I did not make her go to school.  Instead we "home-schooled"!  That morning we took her little Bible and we looked up every verse we could find that had anything to do with "fear", "afraid", "scared", etc.  She underlined them in her Bible and we talked about each and every situation in those verses.  We talked about life, and about what bothered her, and about what she could do the next time she was fearful.  We spent the day talking about all of these things and sharing times, places, and things that can make us fearful but also about a God that loves us and doesn't want us to live in fear.   The next day Hannah got up and was ready for school and each day after that.  Time went on and it seemed to be a phase in life that she was passing through.

What I didn't realize until the other night after Bible study was how much that one particular day has stuck in Hannah's heart and mind.  When she mentioned it to me I had almost forgotten about it but she hadn't!!  She remembered turning to those scriptures many times over the weeks to follow.  But what she said to me that night was, "mom, do you know that as I would read those verses my fear of you not being in the house or with me began to fade - I wasn't so fearful that something had happened to you!?"  I hadn't realized how important that single day was for Hannah as we read the scripture, underlined it in her little Bible and talked about God's strong hand of protection!  She was probably in first or second grade at the time but that made an impact in her life!  Even as she reflects on it today!  (Thanks, Hannah for reminding me of this!) 

Mothers, can I just challenge you to get "into" the Word of God!  Be able to share it and know what it says, what it really means, and how it applies to our lives today.  Whether it is fear, discouragement, heartache, pain, sickness or death - know what God is saying to us. Be able to express it to those around you.  Maybe it is your children.  Be the Bible to them - train them in God's Word and God's direction for their lives.  So many things are out there that our kids today go through and at such a young age. We need to point them to the Bible - our Guide Book for Life! Maybe it is a friend, struggling with some issues in life, or a neighbor that has cancer. There are all kinds of opportunities to spread God's love and God's Word.  But first you need to be where God can use you - you need to get into God's Word and know it and let God be first place in your heart and life.  Know that your sins are forgiven and you are following God.  Then let Him guide you to whoever and whatever situation lays ahead of you. Could be your children, your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers - let God and His Word be your strength, your shelter, your fortress, your stronghold in life and don't be afraid to stand firm in God's Word - the Bible! 

Mother's you hold your children for a while but during that time use God's wisdom in teaching them to face life, stand true, and not drift. Oliver Wendell Holmes says "I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving. To reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it but we must sail and not drift, not lie at anchor."  Mothers, teach your children well so they will not drift or lie anchor but will sail whether it is with the wind or at times against the wind - we have an anchor not in the waters around us but in Jesus Christ, God's Son who was crucified for our sins and He is there to lead us through whatever lay ahead in our journey through this life.

Here are a few "Power-Verses":

For I the Lord will hold thy right hand, saying unto you, fear not; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear; the Lord is the strength if my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  Psalm 27:1

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path.  Proverbs 3:5-6

Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.  I Peter 5:7

They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. Psalm 125:1

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in Him. Nahum 1:7

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust . . .  Psalm 18:2

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 

Kids in Church

3-year-old Reese: 'Our Father, Who does art in heaven, Harold is His name. Amen.'

A little boy was overheard praying:
'Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry bout it. I'm having a real good time like I am.' His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, 'That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I wanted to stay with you guys.'

One particular four-year-old prayed, 'And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets.'

A Sunday school teacher asked her children as they
were on the way to church service, 'And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?' One bright little girl replied, 'Because people are sleeping.'

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin 5, and Ryan 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson... 'If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, 'Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.' Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, 'Ryan, you be Jesus!'

A father was at the beach with his children when the four-year-old son ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore where a seagull lay dead in the sand. 'Daddy, what happened to him?' the son asked. 'He died and went to Heaven,' the Dad replied.
The boy thought a moment and then said, 'Did God throw him back down?'

A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said, 'Would you like to say the blessing?' 'I wouldn't know what to say,' the girl replied. 'Just say what you hear Mommy say,' the wife answered. The daughter bowed her head and said, 'Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?'

Take a Fast Break & Find a Ramah Word

Have you ever been so busy doing something that you just couldn't stop but felt like you needed a "fast break"???  Well, I have!  My grass and hedges have been totally out of control these past few weeks.  I have been gradually getting them caught up but it has been a long, slow progress.  I have some hedges that have been needing trimmed - a major project!  Of course my hedge trimmers were not here.  I had sent them to my daughters when we were threatened by the Missouri River Flood of 2011.  So I totally forgot where they were. I had brought the lawn mower back here but forgot about the hedge trimmers - silly me!!!  Anyway I had been complaining about not getting the hedges trimmed and actually thought someone had taken them out of the garage.  Then when sitting eating with by Liz and Andy, in the midst of my complaining, Andy said, "your hedge trimmers are at the house"!!!  What a relief to find them - now the work must begin . . . hedges here I come!!!

Well, it has been quite a project and I have made a lot of headway on them but it has been a hard job. And there have been many times as I continue to work on my yard and hedges that I have wanted to stop and take a "fast break"!!!!   Yes, Reese's has a great candy bar - I really like it . . . and thank goodness it comes in the snack size, which is just right for a quick little "fast break" from whatever it is you are doing - whether trimming hedges, mowing lawns, shopping, or just taking it easy.  Try them you will love them - that is if you like chocolate and peanut butter!!!

Sometimes in my spiritual life I also need to take a "fast break" from the daily routine of life. It's then that a devotional book, a bible study, a verse from the Bible is just what I need when I'm overwhelmed with my work and with my life.  I am excited about a Bible study I am starting on David - Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed.  There is so much to learn and I ask that God helps me "prepare my heart" as David did. Already, I am searching for my very own "Ramah Word"! That is something that is said or sung that will grip me and grab me and get my attention and speak to my heart.  Have you every had a "Ramah Word" that caught your attention in such a way as to change you, renew you, refresh you and bring you closer to your heavenly Father?  We all need these "fast breaks" that will grip us!  When is the last time you had such a "Ramah Word"?  Sometimes it is just that - a word, a phrase, a verse, a song, etc.  Are you looking for such a "fast break" from your schedule?  I challenge you to enjoy a "fast break" and ponder your "Ramah Word" and let it get it's hold on you until you are transformed!  

People are like Stained-Glass Windows

"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in; their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within."   -Elizabeth Kubler

"He is the light of the world" . . . keep His light shining from within your heart and life!

Missouri River Flood of 2011 Update

Interstates Sustain Heavy Damage From Flood - Missouri River Flooding Extended Coverage News Story - KETV Omaha
http://www.ketv.com/missouri-river-flooding-extended-coverage/29026521/detail.html#.Tl57WgoxvEQ.blogger

Daily Living Tips

I feel encased within a timepiece that can at times rob me of my peace. Left unto ourselves, some of us would race and others of us would rust. Either way we would speed past or sleep through the joy. We need to make peace with the timepiece so we don't spend our time beating our heads against the clock.

Here are some tips. I'll try them if you will.

1.  Don't cram everyday so full you can't enjoy the journey.
2.  Don't under-plan and miss the thrill of a fruitful day.
3.  Don't underestimate a nap, a rocking chair, and a good book.
4.  Don't become a sloth.
5.  Do offer your gratitude for the moments assigned to you.
6.  Do celebrate even the passing of days.              -Patsy Clairmont

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."     -Colosians 3:23

The Almighty says: "see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."    -Malachi 3:10

Flooded Streets

"This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad." (Psalms118:24)                                      

Streets Flooding in Council Bluffs

We had a storm the other night - wind, golf-ball and larger hail, and lots and lots of rain!  Just what we do not need with the flooding in our area. But we got it anyway for reasons we have no clue.

But you know God knows whats going on down here far better that we do, so I just put my trust in Him.  He created this earth and even when we don't know the "whys" of these things we can know the "Who" that made it all work together. 

After the storm the other night I got up to go to work and my sister-in-law called to tell me they had water in their basement, that some of the streets were closed due to flooding, and the schools were not going to start for a while. So I drove down a couple of streets on my way to work.  Actually these streets were in a 10 block area of where I live!  I count my blessings every day when I just have a few spots of water in my basement and these people have water draining from their basements all the time! 

Sure enough there was street after street filled with water.  So many feeling so bad about their houses, cars, etc.  What do you say to these people???  I know it is hard to "rejoice" and be "glad" in it when you are the ones in the middle of all this water! But I can say that God is still true, He is still watching over you, He is still on the throne of this world . . . even when it may not seem like it at the moment!  Just remember that He cares for you, He loves you, He wants us to look to Him in our time of distress, in our times of need. 

Psalms 34:8 says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that takes refuge in Him."

Turn to Him and look around you and taste and see what God has in store for you today! Look for that smile, hello, how are you doing, that flooded street, that kid enjoying running through the rain!  Look and See!

  

I've found that many times it is the small things in life - those ordinary things that turn into extraordinary things.  Things like a smile, a hug, a kind word, a little compassion. It's in these things that I sense His tenderness and His graciousness.  I think every day is filled with God - if we will just look around us and feel His touch, His face, His voice, His love.  Look around you and see if you can "rejoice" and be "glad" and "taste and see" that He is good - even when the waters are high, tensions are strained, finances are stretched. Look and see for He is Good! 

These kids on this next block made the most of the water situation in their street and yard and the parents seemed to be making a memory those kids will never forget as long as they live!  A friend of mine commented on this picture . . . "Iowa a place to row"!!  Enjoy the moment - even when it is somewhat difficult - trust God to help you today!

THE RUSTIC CHICK: BACON CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

THE RUSTIC CHICK: BACON CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES: "Well folks I did it! I made these Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies last night because when I saw the recipe I couldn't resist trying them. They..."

Check these out - my daughter made these cookies and brought me some!  They are so good you may want to try them.  Hannah shared the recipe on her blog - The Rustic Chick (click up above)!  They are Yummy Good!

Change

Wish You Could Reboot?

Don't you wish when life is bad and things just don't compute, that all we really had to do was stop and hit reboot?

Things would all turn out OK, life could be so sweet. If we had those special keys: Ctrl, Alt, and Delete.

Your boss is mad, your bills not paid, your wife, well she's just mute. Just stop and hit those wonderful keys that make it all reboot.

You'd like to have another job but you fear living in the street? You solve it all and start a new: Ctrl, Alt, and Delete.

Turn to your Bible and “reboot” in God’s word . . .

“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” –Romans 8:37

Remember, safety is not found in the absence of danger, but in the presence of God. This quote by Fitzhugh is so true, "Though danger lurks on every side, in Christ our Lord we will abide; Our God is strong, our hope is sure - In Him alone we are secure!"  "Why are you cast down, O my soul? . . . Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him."   -Psalm 42:5  Hope for the Christian is a certainty - because its basis is Christ. 

"My sheep I know, they are My own, I leave them not in trials alone; I will be with them to the end, their Hope, their Joy, their dearest Friend."  -Unknown

There is ALWAYS "Hope" in God!

Those Old Westerns

Someone once said, "Every Happy Memory Makes Happiness Happen Again!" Here's to some of those "Happy Memories!"

One look at this film clip and you'll be young and old all over again. This clip has pictures and names -- so after 50 or so years -- say "Howdy" to some of those mini-heroes from your youth.

Just "click" and enjoy . . . Those Old Westerns

Oatmeal Days

It's not always the "red-flag crisis days" that are hardest to take. It's the "Oatmeal Days." The ordinary, "zero" days of little or no consequences. The ho-hum days filled with nothing of any particular interest. Colorless. Uninteresting. Unfascinating. Unspectacular. And unfun. The days everyone deals with.

We cope. We wend our way through the tangle of tedious activity and sandpaper people scattered through our day and get no applause, because coping is expected. We just carry on!

Not so during the "red-flag" crisis times. People tend to rally behind us with loving support. We're lifted above the crisis and enabled beyond human comprehension at times. Isn't is amazing what a little support and loving-kindness can do to get us through these times. And then with God's help - whew, we made it!!!  Have you ever said that??  I know I have many times.

On oatmeal days, after a crisis has peaked, it may seem as if friends have forsaken us, as if God doesn't care. But the reality will be that life has merely pushed us and our friends one step further in the Christian Growth-Walk. We've learned what it means to love, carry someone's burden, and lift and make the load  more bearable. We've learned what true Christian Growth-Walk is all about!
The God of the crisis times IS the God of the oatmeal days, too. Because He said He is. Because He keeps His promises - always. Because we can't get along without Him . . . and because we wouldn't want to if we could.   (Source Unknown)

So just remember that the God of the "red-flag" crisis time is also the God of the "oatmeal days! 

Flooding 2011 - Patrolling the Levees

Here's a quick view of the flooding here in the Council Bluffs, area. Not very far from me many are battling the water in their basements. My house is still dry - Thank the Lord!

Who's Packing Your Parachute??

Who Is Packing Your Parachute

View more presentations from Manzer Masood

So the philosophical question here is this: how's your parachute packing coming along? Who looks to you for strength in times of need? And perhaps, more importantly, who are the special people in your life who provide you the encouragement you need when the chips are down? Perhaps it's time right now to give those people a call and thank them for packing your chute.

Three Things That Destroy . . .

Hot Temperatures

Speaking of Temperatures . . . it has been so hot here in the mid-west!  The high temperatures of about 98-105 plus the humidity from all of the flood water has brought the temp up to 115+ degrees for the heat index!  That is way too warm for a gal my age!!  I think I have actually felt like the "popped" ear of corn!!!  LOL!  Anyway this cartoon really hit home but there isn't much we can do about it except carry on and keep that "ice tea" jug full!  So wherever you are - keep cool and before you know it we will be complaining about the snow and ice!!!!!

Temperature Preference

Flood of 2011

 

I like the fact that in spite of the flooding in our area - some people still have a little humor to share!  This was out by a driveway on my way home!!  LOL!

These are picture of Goosehaven Loop in the Crescent/Honey Creek area.  We have family that lived here.  They are all out and safe but not sure what will be left of their homes.

Lots of current in these waters!

Honey Creek entrance into river.

Rushing water beyond the river banks!

Standing Tall

Standing for what you believe in regardless of the odds against you, and the pressure that tears at your resistance . . . is Courage.

Keeping a smile on your face when inside you feel like dying, for the sake of supporting others . . .
is Strength.



Stopping at nothing and doing what’s in your heart that you know is right . . . is Determination.

Doing more than is expected, to make another’s life a little more bearable, without uttering a single complaint . . .
is Compassion.

Helping a friend in need, no matter
the time or effort, to the best of
your ability . . . is Loyalty.

Holding your head high and being
the best you know you can be
when life seems to fall apart at your feet;
facing each difficulty with confidence
that time will bring you better tomorrows,
and never giving up . . . is Confidence.

Hold your head high and make your life better every day!

God is for me

God is for me.

God is for me.

God is for me.

God is for me.

Read again Romans 8:31-39



What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Truly He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God who justifies.
Who is he condemning? It is Christ who has died, but rather also who is raised, who is also at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, "For Your sake we are killed all the day long. We are counted as sheep of slaughter." But in all these things we are more than conquer through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.     -Rom 8:31-39

You Are A Living Collection Of Seeds

"Most people have no idea about what a Seed really is. Showing up at work on time...is a Seed. Showing up ahead of time is another Seed. You see, anything that you can do to make life easier for your boss or anyone else...is a Seed. Millions have never used 10% of the Seed stored within them. You see, mowing the grass for your church is a Seed. Babysitting for a struggling single parent is a Seed. You are a "Living  Collection of Seeds" a museum of powerful, tiny golden passionate beginnings." 

What a great quote that is from Dr. Mike Murdock!  Stop and think about your assortment of seeds - how can you use them today?  I challenge you to open up your package of seeds and start planting them. Don't wait for the perfect little garden spot to plant them - just start planting and watch those seeds begin to take root and bloom. I have always loved that old saying, "Bloom Where You Are Planted" - Look around your and let's start planting today, ok?

Midwestern "flooding-shoe fashion"!

Here's the latest in shoe

fashion - - -

especially popular with all of

the "flooding" here in the

Midwest!!