Faith vs. Worry

How Firm a Foundation

The authorship of this well known hymn has always been a mystery.  It first appeared in 1787 in Selection of Hymns, published by Dr. John Rippon and is classified as an American melody. What an American melody and message it has!

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in His excellent Word! What more can He say than to you He hath said - To you, who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

Fear not, I am with thee - O be not dismayed, for I am thy God, I will still give thee aid; I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, upheld by my gracious, omnipotent hand.

When thru the deep waters I call thee to go, the rivers of woe shall not thee overflow; for I will be with thee thy troubles to bless, and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When thru fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply; the flame shall not hurt thee - I only design thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to his foes; that soul, tho all hell should endeavor to shake, I'll never - no, never - no never forsake.

What more can He say than to you He hath said - To you, who for refuge to Jesus have fled.

I look around and there are so many people struggling.  Struggling with finances, families, food, shelter, health, jobs, and just plain old life in general.  Many are looking for the quick fixes, make-overs, and the claim to fame or success!  But unless our lives are built on the firm foundation of Christ all is in vain. Our strength and stability lie in Christ alone.  We can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. . ." Hebrews 13:6

Here are some "Foundational Verses" to stand on:

"Fear thou not, for I am with thee, be not dismayed, for I am thy God..." Isaiah 41:10

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee . . ." Isaiah 43:2

"My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness . . ."  2 Corithians 12:9

"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee . . ."  Hebrews 13:5

 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

Fear not, I am with thee - O be not dismayed, for I am thy God, I will still give thee aid; I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, upheld by my gracious, omnipotent hand.

Smell the Coffee

I enjoy my coffee and the sweet, pleasant aroma that fills the room and awakens my senses to reach for my cup and pour a steaming hot cupful! I have a programmable coffee pot – one of the best things I have purchased!! I just picked up some Cinnamon Hazelnut flavored coffee and it is so good!! Oh, to wake up to the smell of coffee and come downstairs with it ready to pour into my cup with no waiting for it to brew – let me tell you, it is great! That is unless you get so busy the night before that you forget to put in the coffee, water, and push the button to turn it on!!! I can’t believe that I forgot two nights in a row!!! Slow down, Diana, and smell the coffee!!! Well, last night I did remember and the last thing I did before going upstairs to turn in was “put the coffee on”. Yes, it takes a little time when I am tired and ready for bed but it is so worth the extra time and effort when morning comes and I wake up to fragrant coffee filtering all the way upstairs!

Some things take a little extra time and effort in life and when we put forth that little extra the rewards are so worth it. Life goes on with or without the effort but the blessings of that little “extra” truly can be a blessing to not only myself but to those around me.

“We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” -Ray Bradbury

We are cups, continually be filled. . . some days we may be only half full, some days three-fourths, some days nearly empty, and some days we are overflowing! Oh, for those days that we are overflowing!! But it is important for us to remember that we are being filled every single day. Have you been there? Can you think of some of those times in your own life when you were being filled? It is that mix that makes up “life”. The easy-going, the ups-and-downs, the joyous moments, the sad-heart-felt times, the tough-hard times, the times of uncontrollable laughter, the quiet times of peaceful contentment - they are all a part of life – if we slow down and “smell the coffee”.

What is your favorite blend? I have several blends – I’m not too picky! I think variety is a good thing when it comes to coffee. Although, I was fixing coffee for a birthday party we had last week and my cousin quite adamantly informed me that he did not like that “flavored stuff” – he just likes the “plain old stuff”!! Well, I also like the plain “old stuff” too.

. . . The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” -Ray Bradbury

Don’t you just hate it when you spill your cup of coffee? Me too! But this quote compares us to “cups” and mentions “knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out!” I was thinking about that and sometimes when we spill things, our cup may be almost empty while other times it may be brim full. What is in you cup? How full are you? You may ask, how can that be beautiful? Whether your cup tips over and spills a little or a lot, it doesn’t really matter. Some days I may only have a little of the “beautiful stuff” to share because I am going through some hard times. Even some of the most difficult things in life can be “beautiful stuff” with time and when spilled at God’s perfect timing. Maybe someone needs to see how God can take hard things and make beautiful stuff out of them! Other times, I am just brim full waiting for that first sip of steaming hot coffee and WOOPS!! . . . it spills!!

I don’t always know or understand these spills in life but I think the trick is in not letting the “spills” in life upset us as much as learning to lean on a God that makes the beginning to end, leaving what’s in the middle for us to hold in our cups. Then knowing how to tip ourselves over and let God’s love, His grace, His mercy, His understanding, His help, and His peace spill over. I was thinking that some of the stuff in my cup isn’t so beautiful! Do I want that spilled out?? But just as I like many flavors of coffee, I believe God can use every one of our personal flavors in life and as God blends all of these flavors together it is He and He alone that brings all of the aroma together from our very own special brew.

I was looking online at some coffee from "The Roasterie Air-Roast Coffee" in Kansas City. (Time out for just a little "Commercial Break" here!  Stormin' Normin' has the very "best" coffee!  Stop in and see him next time you are in KC).  I noticed that you can special order your very own favorite flavors and put them together for your own personal flavor label!! That’s exactly how we are – God knows our personal flavor label, He knows how he can use us to “tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out!” He fills our cups with special flavors - the good, bad, and the ugly, and gives us opportunities, abilities, and strengths to tip ourselves over at just the right time and place. He can mix the blend and bring out the richest, fullest, roast of perfectly blended flavor.

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that
God maketh from the beginning to the end.             
- Ecc. 3:11 KJV



So, slow down, don’t forget to put the coffee on and remember . . .

. . . “We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over
and let the beautiful stuff out.”
-Ray Bradbury

Pecan Pie Bars

If you like Pecan Pie, you will enjoy these bars. 

1-1⁄4 c. all-purpose flour

1⁄2 c. plus 3 T. brown sugar, packed and divided 1⁄2 c. plus 2 T. butter, divided

2 eggs

1⁄2 c. light corn syrup

1 t. vanilla extract

1⁄2 c. chopped pecans

Combine flour with 3 tablespoons brown sugar; cut in 1⁄2 cup butter until coarse crumbs form. Press into a lightly greased 11"x7" baking pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. While crust is baking, beat eggs in a large bowl and add remaining brown sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, corn syrup and vanilla. Blend in pecans and pour mixture into hot crust. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool and cut into bars. Makes 2 dozen.

These are really good while still warm.  Call a friend, pour the coffee and sit down and enjoy your time together! 

God Said No

I asked God to take away my habit. God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary

I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No.

Patience is a by-product of tribulations; It isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No.

I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No.

Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me. I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, No.  You must grow on your own! But I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.
I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said . . . Ahhh, finally you have the idea.

                                               ~Author Unknown

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."   

                                                                      - John 3:16-18 NKJV

Ride 'em Cowboy

My daughter, Hannah, loves the country and lives with my parents on the farm I grew up on.  I guess I passed my love for the country on to her as I watch her enjoying the many things I also enjoyed about life on the farm!  Anyway, she bought this "doggie halloween bucking bronco costume" for a cowboy friend of hers in Oklahoma.  He has a cattle dog and she thought that would be funny for him. She stopped by the house and wanted to try it on Boo to see how it looked.  I must say we got a good laugh out of it.  Here it is . . .

It really was pretty funny watching her walk around with it on and then just plopped down and wasn't about to move another inch with it on!  That cowboy was not going to get any bucking bronco ride on poor Boo!  Needless to say, we did not take Boo trick-or-treating!

Serenity Prayer

Goodness and Mercy

A story was told of a mom's concern about her kindergarten son walking to school. He didn't want her to walk with him, and she wanted to give him a feeling of independence. But she also wanted know that he was safe.

When she expressed her concern to her neighbor, Shirley offered to follow him to school in the mornings for a while, staying at a distance so he wouldn't notice. Shirley said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise.

All week long, Shirley and her daughter followed Timmy as he walked to school with another neighborhood girl.

As the two children walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy's friend said, 'Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?'

Timmy replied, 'Yes, I know who she is. That's my mom's friend Shirley Goodnest and her little girl Marcy'.

'Shirley Goodnest? Why is she following us?'

'Well,' Timmy explained, 'every night my mom makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life'. I guess I'll just have to get used to it!'

Have you noticed anyone following you lately?  Are there some people in your life that check up on you now and then to see how you are doing?  Some people that pray for you and find ways to reach out and help you when you need an extra hand? I hope you have these kind of people in your circle of friends. We all need them. Just like we all ultimately need God's "goodness" and "mercy" in our lives! His goodness and mercy are there for each of us. Take a moment and think of the times "Shirley Goodnest and Marcy" have been there for you - following close behind you - just when you needed them! Take time to be "thankful" for a God that never leaves you alone but is always right there walking by your side waiting to show you His abundant goodness and mercy.

May the Lord bless you and keep you; make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; and give you peace that passeth all understanding.
And . . . may Shirley Goodnest and Marcy be with you today and always.

(Psalm 23)

Who Can Do?

Who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, Gives to us and always will? Who was it, died, yet lives still? Nobody but my Lord.

Who was it hung upon a tree, suffered shame for you and me? Who was it, died to make us free? Nobody buy my Lord.

Who owns a mansion in the sky, Share it with us by and by? Take us to His home on high? Nobody but my Lord.

Who can do, who can do, who can do anything?

Nobody but my Lord and Master.

Who can do, who can do, who can do anything?

Nobody but my Lord and Master.     ~Sally Goodwin~

Many times I get caught up in life - simply "doing life".  Working so I can make ends meet and pay the bills, doing things for my kids and for myself that need to be done, committing to people, places, and situations, etc.  Sometimes I just need to stop and remind myself that I cannot do everything that I may want to do.  And one of the hardest realities for me is to realize  that there are some things, and some situations, that I cannot do anything about.  Not anything at all.  Even as much as I would like to step in and be "wonder-woman", "super-mom", or "Diana-dear" - I cannot do anything!  Some things only God can do! Who can do anything - nobody but my Lord and Master! The one that owns the cattle on a thousand hills, who loved us enough to die for our sins and yet still lives.  The same one that owns the mansion in the sky just waiting to share it with us by and by.  

Who is it that can do "anything"?  Yes, "anything"?  Do you really believe that He can do "anything"?  Who is it?  Well, believe me it is not me.  I am sometimes weak, weary, and worn out from my "doing life"!  And I know that my talents and my abilities just don't stretch far enough to do "anything"!

Do you have some "anythings" in your life that you just cannot do on your own?  Are there some "anythings" in your life that you are struggling with that you cannot understand or even explain? Does the road ahead of you look too steep to climb. Don't give up - "press on" and trust "The One" who can do "anything".

Just remember, what "We Cannot - God Can"!  

Who can do anything???

Nobody but my Lord and Master. . . "Jesus".

Put your trust Him today.

Maxine

Maxine has such a way with words!! And the funny thing is there is a certain amount of truth in what she says. . . 

I grew up on a farm and must say that I have certainly been on my share of hayrides, many of them originated at our farm.  And there were very few of them that didn't have a little straw tossed around, in and out of clothes, hair, and even the mouth!  Of course, the straw ended up in our mouths from quietly singing . . . Kum-ba-ya My Lord!!  Well, we had some awesome hayrides and some fun memories I will never forget.

I will always cherish some of those fun times on the farm with family and friends. But as I grow older I must admit - I kind of feel just like Maxine on the whole hayride thing . . .

"Hayride vs. Sharp Sticks" . . . Same Difference!!!  LOL!

Morning Motivation

When I woke up this morning lying in bed,
I was asking myself;
What are some of the secrets of success in life?
I found the answer right there, in my very room.

The fan said . . . Be cool.
The ceiling said . . . Aim high.
The window said . . . See the world.
The clock said . . . Every minute is precious.
The mirror said . . . Reflect before you act.
The calendar said . . . Be up-to-date.
The door said . . . Push hard for your goals.
And not to be forgotten . . . The carpet said . . .
        . . . Kneel down and pray.

• Carry a Heart that Never Hates.
• Carry a Smile that Never Fades.
• Carry a Touch that Never Hurts.

Whoever, wrote the above article has certainly learned the secret of looking at life & everything in it & really seeing it as it is! I am learning to look at everything in my life - seeing more meaning, even in the little things, than meets the eye. What’s this all about . . . I sometimes ask myself. Sometimes it is so obvious & I see it right away – a no-brainer! But sometimes, I have to look long & hard to see what it is really all about. What is God trying to show me? How is He trying to motivate me to see & understand His purpose & plan? Maybe it is through other people, other things, through a simple smile, a tear, a sunset, a flat tire, a fan, clock, mirror, etc. Our “perspective” on things, people, problems, solutions, heartache, blessings, etc. makes all the difference in the world. All of these things in life can motivate me to move on up the “mountain of life” or they can motivate me to stay where I am comfortable down in the “valley of life”. It is nice to be “comfortable” – it is so much easier! I don’t have to think or even exert much effort. I can slough-off & be lazy! Kind of like a “no-brainer lifestyle". I can just go through my everyday routine day after day without much thought or even much planning. (Ho-Hum!! Twiddle-Dee!!!) But I guess I’d rather be motivated to move on, to step it up, to cross the bridge, to graze in the plush, green pastures of God’s grace & mercy & see the amazing things God is doing all around me!

I would rather get up in the morning & look at the fan and be cool no matter what my situation or where my station in life takes me; to see the ceiling & “aim high” – stretching myself to look & see beyond myself; to look at the clock & realize that “every minute really is precious” – more precious than I can ever realize; to look in the mirror & “reflect before I react”- to think before I pass judgment or speak – & realize I need to look beyond the outer shell that I see before me; to look at my calendar & be “where” I am suppose to be for that particular minute in time; to look at the door & realize that sometimes I may have to “push really hard” to reach my goals & to realize that it is possible; & most important of all to look at the floor & know that my time with God in prayer is the absolute most important thing I can ever do to be motivated for my day.

What motivates you? Is it the things that only money can buy that will be here today & gone tomorrow or is it things that will live on forever in our hearts and minds? What are the important things in life that we should be motivated towards? Sometimes my motivation waivers but its then that I ask God to show me something “new” – to give me a “glimpse” of someone or something that will encourage & motivate me to reach out & see things in His perspective, in His time, & in His way.

Ecc 3:1-11 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” . . .

HAVE A PURPOSEFUL DAY IN THE LORD!

Just to Be with You

I am going to the Beth Moore Bible study "Stepping Up" - A journey through the Psalms of Ascent. Beth talks about being "face-down" before the Lord and challenged those of us in this study to come before the Lord in such a way.

I just heard this song "Just to Be with You" by Paul Baloche & Jason Ingram - I have to say that it spoke to my heart.  It's when we've been "face-down" before the Lord that we can then lift our eyes to the One enthroned in Heaven! 

Just to Be With You

Lord, my life is an empty cup; Here's my heart,
would You lift me up;
I'm face to the ground, forsaking my pride; leaving my will, my burdens behind.

I have come to the end of me and there's nothing I have to bring.
But You said I belong, You say I am Yours;
Nothing compares to knowing You more.

All I want, all I need is just to be with You, just to be with You
Here I am at your feet just to be with You, just to be with You.

You made a way for me, Oh Savior; I'm Yours forever more;You made a way for me, Oh Savior, I'm Yours forever more; I'm Yours forever more.

~Words & Music by Paul Baloche & Jason Ingram~

This also reminds me of a few verses from Beth's Bible study this week:

"I lift my eyes unto You, the One enthroned in Heaven"; "Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we have endured much contempt." ~Psalms 123:1; 3

O blessed be GOD! He didn't go off and leave us. He didn't abandon us defenseless, helpless as a rabbit in a pack of snarling dogs. We've flown free from their fangs, free of their traps, free as a bird. They're grip is broken; we're free as a bird in flight. GOD'S strong name is our help, the same God who made heaven and earth.
~Psalm 124:6-8 (Message)

Have you ever asked yourself, "where will my help come from"?  As we are studying these Psalms of Ascent, Beth Moore shares so many insights that point to the Scriptures and tell us to "look to the Maker of heaven and earth"!  "When we call on His name, God promises believers power and victory in the terrifying battles of the spiritual realm. He promised we'd be more than conquerors." - Beth Moore

Is your life empty? Are you at your end?  Don't give up - start "stepping up"!  Christ made a way. Just call on God's strong name - the same God who made heaven and earth and start your upward ascent - start "stepping up".  As the song says, "nothing compares to knowing YOU more, Lord"!

I Cannot

I Cannot . . .

  But God Can!

Rules to Live By

~ It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
~ Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
~ It can be done!
~ Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
~ You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.
~ Check small details.
~ Don't take all the credit - share it.
~ Have a vision.

(Colin Powell's rules to live by)

Lagniappe (lan-yap)

I ran across a "new-to-me"  Word for the Day!  I don't believe I have ever heard or used this word.  So today I am going to use it whenever I get the chance! 

The word is "Lagniappe" which means "A Little Something Extra" .  Not a bad word, huh?  We could all use a little lagniappe sometimes, couldn't we?  Just "a little" - Just "something" -  Just "extra" - Just "a little something extra"!! 

What are some little something extras that you could do for someone you know?  Maybe for a family member, a co-worker, a neighbor, someone sick or in the hospital, a friend, the cashier at the store, your pastor (it is pastor's appreciation month!), that person in the car next to you at the stop light? . . .  That extra smile, phone call, email, card, or letter, a wave, a wink, or a kind word could be just the encouragement somebody around you may need today!  Behind that face you meet, there may be a hurting, angry, frustrated, broken heart - a soul in need of "a little something extra".  Just a simple lagniappe!  Be there for them, ok?

Enjoy your day and take time to share a few lagniappes with those people that come to your mind and those that cross your path!  Awweee . . . "A Little Something Extra"!

Laughter is Good Medicine

I just had to share this with you all today.  This afternoon a wonderful lady came into the office and paid me a compliment.  Now I like compliments just like you do.  But it was all I could to do keep a straight face with this one!!

She said to me, "Diana, you have lost a TON of weight . . . you are looking so good!"  LOL!!   I smiled (laughing really hard on the inside!) and said, "well, thank you for noticing!"  I guess my diet and exercise is paying off!!!  Ha! Ha!

I just attended a Church Secretary's Conference along with about 150 other church secretaries.  One of our speakers was Gavin Jerome.  He was great and I must say had us all laughing throughout his session. He talked about "BurnOUT"!  And shared ways to Recharge, Refresh, Refuel, & Re-Energize.  Basically he was saying:

~  Stress can kill but humor can heal
~ Humor helps manage conflict
~ Laughter is the closest distance between two people
~ People listen if they are laughing!
~ Laughter is the best medicine (Prov. 17:22)
~ Laughter builds relationships, connection, & communication

He stated that most children laugh up to 400 times a day!  The average adult may laugh 15-20 times a day.  What does that tell us?  When was the last time you had a good or even a great laugh?  Lighten up and laugh a bit.

Laughter Wisdom: 
:~)  Laugh at yourself
:~)  Laugh at what you do and not who you are
:~)  Look for laughs - we all do stupid stuff
:~)  "If you can laugh at it you can live with it"  (Bill Crosby)
:~)  Add one laugh to your life - everyday!

Well, I must say, I did add a laugh to my life today  . . .  "Diana, you have lost a TON of weight . . . you are looking so good!" 
Go ahead and laugh with me - it's ok!! 

Amazing Grace History

Amazing Grace played only on the black notes  By Wintley Phipps

This is so "amazing" so touching! 

You may want to mute my blog music to get the full beauty and message of this classic song of faith.  Open up your heart and let this bless you today!

Jump for Joy

“Jump for joy . . . it’s good exercise!” I read this quote and chuckled at the double meaning – so true and so fitting. Jumping is good exercise – it get’s you moving – your heart pumping. Likewise, I think joy also brings a certain stirring of the heart - so why not “jump for joy”?

“Joy” according to Mr. Webster means: A feeling of great pleasure or happiness; A source of pleasure; To rejoice . . . And “Joyful” means: A feeling causing or showing joy. So it sounds to me like if we are feeling joy we probably should “jump” for “joy” and get a little exercise while we are at it . . . just like the quote says!

What is your “joy level” today? Are you jumping or are you dragging just a bit? It is easy to focus on life’s busy schedules, activities, hurts, disappointments, failures, loss, pain, tears, doubts, fears, & defeat, etc and forget to jump for the joy that is woven into our lives in the midst of all of these things. Wow! That was a long sentence! But seriously, when all of these things begin to press in around us – it is time to “jump”, time to look above them, time to re-focus our attention. Time to climb on up the mountain, above the circumstances surrounding us, and look up and beyond to God who is right there reaching out His right hand to take hold of our hand and help us on up, around, and maybe through our circumstance of the day.

A favorite Bible verse of mine is:  Isa. 41:13 “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”  I just love that – “Take hold . . . I will help you”!

He will lead, guide, and strengthen us for the journey ahead. He is a shelter in the time of storm, a refuge and a comfort at the time of our need. No one can compare to His powerful love for us.

Stop and look back at the “joy” that has been woven into your tapestry of life amongst the hard and difficult times and know that God is still there even when it seems hard. Look at those moments that brought joy and be blessed by them. It’s ok to “jump for joy” and “rejoice” a little over those special moments even as we go through tough times. You will find that many times that is just what helps us get through those times! Thank God for joy on a dark, dreary day, for joy during a sad time, for joy that is buried underneath the load that you are carrying right now. Set your load down, rest and reflect on all God has done for you, all that God is doing right this very minute for you, and all that God has in store for you in the future. Know that the God of all creation wants to bring you joy unspeakable and full of glory – His blessing.

As you begin looking for the joy along the way, you will notice that you really can “jump for joy”! You may not jump very high at first but as you continue to praise God and recognize His presence through it all, you will begin to jump a little higher and maybe even a little farther. And before you know it - you will see that you are “jumping for Joy” and you will realize that it IS “good exercise”!

Let's jump for "Joy"!

What do you want?

Encouragement

Happy moments, praise God,

Difficult moments, seek God,

Quiet moments, worship God,

Painful moments, trust God,

. . . Every moment, thank God.
 

God's Peace

This has been a very eventful week for me. At work I was busy trying to get the church newsletter out and mailed for October. The copy machines were acting up and there were special services for the weekend with extra bulletins to prepare. It just seemed to be a week full of one interruption after another that was making it difficult to get things done in a timely manner! By noon on Thursday, I knew I would not get everything done by my normal 3:30 pm quitting time for the week! Leaving work on Thursday, I knew I would have to go back in on Friday, my blessed day off! It was going to be a busy weekend, finishing up my work at the church, taking newsletters to the post office, running my daughter over to Omaha, going to the bank, going to a meeting at school for my son, stopping to get oil to put in my car, refuel at the gas station, drive an hour to attend a visitation for a very dear friend, drive back home and get ready for a 6 pm wedding back in Omaha, come home and get up early Saturday and drive back for the funeral . . .

Not only was it such a busy week at work and at home, but it was a busy week of just plain old "brain-power" - thinking, remembering, doing, saying, running, encouraging, lifting up, caring, and sharing.

. . . As I said, a very special friend won her battle with cancer this week leaving behind dad and three young children. We're rejoicing that she fought a good fight and has now won her eternal victory - but Jill will certainly be missed. Her radiant smile, her encouraging and kind words, her very life here on earth will leave a huge void for all that knew and loved her but her victory is in Jesus! Remember her family in prayer as they face the days ahead. There will no doubt be tough days ahead for them but we serve a mighty God! A God that knows what’s up ahead and will lead them on and give them the victory they need for each new day.

“Victory In Jesus” was one of the hymns sung at the funeral along with “What a Day That Will Be” – both songs of encouragement and faith. One of the most touching moments was when everyone was gathered around the casket at the cemetery, the chimes from the bell tower was playing “In the Sweet By and By” and the people just seemed to linger paying their respect to Jill and the family. Darrin and the children began pulling out rose after rose from the spray of beautiful roses covering the casket and began walking out among the crowd giving them a rose and a hug until all of the roses were gone. What a touching moment!! The family of God was together reaching out to the family and the family was reaching out to those gathered. And most of all the presence of God was felt in the midst of all of this. A loss here on earth – a body made whole – tears of sadness – tears of joy – God’s homecoming for Jill – a home in Heaven – Victory!

May Heaven be your Goal – your Victory – your Eternal Home!

This was such a busy week for me, physically and mentally, but as I prepared to go to church today, my heart was rejoicing and praising God.  With a "peace that passeth all understanding", I went expecting to meet God there and what a wonderful service we did have!   God truly was there in our midst and blessed my tired, weary soul with a peace I cannot even explain - God was there . . . all week!

Train of Life

Life On the Train   (click on red link)


   .    .    .   will truly touch your heart!  We are all on this train with its many stops and starts. 

Watch and listen to this and may God bless you and touch your heart each and every day of you life.

Important Things

I love the mess to clean up after a get-together
   because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
I love the lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning,
   gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.
I love the taxes I pay because it means I have a job,
I love the clothes that fit a little too snug
   because it means I have enough to eat.
I love the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot
   because it means I am capable of walking.
I love my huge AC bill in the summer
   because it means I have stayed cool.
I love the lady behind me in church who sings off key
   because it means that I can hear.
I love the piles of laundry
   because it means my loved ones are near by.
I love weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day
   because it means I have been productive.
I love another huge heating bill
   because it means I am warm.
I love the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours
   because it means I am alive!
                 ~Author Unknown~

When I read this I couldn't help but think of all of my nagging, complaining and fussing about "things" that happen.  Sometimes not even realizing what I am complaining about! Things in my life that really are just "things"!  Things that I could live without, things that I really don't need and that someone else could better use, things that take up my time and really don't accomplish much, things that are of no real benefit to me or those around me, things that at the moment seem so important but later when looking back I realize were nothing! Things tend to clutter up my life and keep my focus off of the most important things in life many times. I'm trying to downsize, reorganize, refocus, and de-clutter not only my home but more importantly my life.  This means I must look at everything in my life in a totally different way! With God's help and "His" eyes, learn to "love" these "things" because of the deeper meaning of them.  Learn to look beyond the surface to the real things - the real-deal.  Learn to "love" those things I so quickly complain about! And learn to be truly "thankful" for all that comprises my "little" world!  I can choose to look beyond and see that there really are important "things" to be thankful for in the midst of my circumstance, situations, trials, and blessings! 

Am I really thankful for that early morning alarm that goes off at the break of dawn - when I could be snuggled under the warm covers and hit the snooze for the fourth time!  Let me see, am I really???!!!

 .  .  .  Yes, I am because I AM ALIVE!   Thank you, Lord!

(A thanksgiving psalm)  On your feet now--applaud GOD! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence. Know this: GOD is God, and God, GOD. He made us; we didn't make him. We're his people, his well-tended sheep. Enter with the password: "Thank you!" Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him. For GOD is sheer beauty, all-generous in love, loyal always and ever.                       ~Psalm 100:1-5 (Message)

Friends - Trials

Embracing Life

Embracing Life

Some roads are rough to travel,

And through dusty trails, we’ve run.

We’ve watched as dark clouds covered skies

Abandoned by the sun.

But, anywhere we chance to be,

We know we are secure,

All surely part of God’s great plan

With courage to endure.

For He has made things beautiful,

His gift is in each day.

The worth is ours for spending here,

Look up! He’ll show the way.

And if we follow, God will give

A time to laugh and heal –

To make each moment meaningful,

Embracing all that’s real.

We have a treasure in our lives

Worth more than any gold;

With arms outstretched, He gives His hands

For each of us to hold.

~Helen M. Motti~



Whom Shall I Fear

Change

"An abuser will do everything to keep you but nothing to take care of you"  - Unknown

Everything you now do is something you have chosen to do. Some people don't want to believe that. But if you're over age twenty-one, your life is what you're making of it. To change your life, you need to change your priorities.             -John C. Maxwell

"Do not ask the Lord to Guide Your Footsteps if you are not willing to move your Feet!"    - Unknown

"God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love . . . and so small He can curl up inside your  heart"      -Unknown

Farmer Milking His Cow

A farmer went out to the barn to milk his cow.  He sat down and began milking when he noticed a bumble bee flew into the barn.  He kept on milking but carefully watched the bee.  To his surprise it flew right into the cow's ear.  Thinking it was going to sting the cow, he prepared for action!  But nothing happened - the cow just stood there chewing her cud, so he continued milking. Then, much to his surprise the bee came out as he milked and landed in the milk bucket . . . .

. . . which I guess is where the phrase "in one ear and out the udder" came from!!!

God's Creation & Wonder

A pastor friend sent this email to me and I found it so interesting.  Things I had never really thought much about. I grew up on a farm and never thought about the process of how a cow gets up and how a horse rises, etc.  These are very interesting facts that show what an awesome and orderly God we have!

For example:

The eggs of the potato bug hatch in 7 days; those of the canary in 14 days; those of the barnyard hen in 21 days; the eggs of ducks & geese hatch in 28 days; those of the mallard in 35 days; the eggs of the parrot and the ostrich hatch in 42 days; Human pregnancy: 280 days divided by 7 equals 40 weeks.  Does that remind you of the 40's in the Bible? (Notice, they are all divisible by seven, the number of days in a week!)

God's wisdom is seen in the making of an elephant. The four legs of this great beast all bend forward in the same direction. No other quadruped is so made. God planned that this animal would have a huge body, too large to live on two legs. For this reason He gave it four fulcrums so that it can rise from the ground easily.

The horse rises from the ground on its two front legs first. A cow rises from the ground with its two hind legs first. How wise the Lord is in all His works of creation!

God's wisdom is revealed in His arrangement of sections and segments, as well as in the number of grains.

Each watermelon has an even number of stripes on the rind, each orange has an even number of segments, each ear of corn has an even number of rows, each stalk of wheat has an even number of grains, every bunch of bananas has on its lowest row an even number of bananas, and each row decreases by one, so that one row has an even number and the next row an odd number. All grains are found in even numbers on the stalks, and the Lord specified thirty fold, sixty fold, and a hundred fold - all even numbers.

The waves of the sea roll in on shore twenty-six to the minute in all kinds of weather. God has caused the flowers to blossom at certain specified times during the day, so that Linnaeus, the great botanist, once said that if he had a conservatory containing the right kind of soil, moisture, and temperature, he could tell the time of day or night by the flowers that were open and those that were closed!

Thus the Lord in His wonderful grace can arrange the life that is entrusted to His care in such a way that it will carry out His purposes and plans, and will be fragrant with His presence.

The lives of each of you may be ordered by the Lord in a beautiful way for His glory, if you will only entrust Him with your life. If you try to regulate your own life, it will only be a mess and a failure. Only the "One" Who made the "brain" and the "heart" can successfully guide them to a profitable end.

Only the "God-planned" - "safe-life" is successful. Only the life given over to the care of the Lord is fulfilled.

I hope you find this as fascinating as I did!  We are fearfully and wonderfully made by God himself. He knows us better than we know ourselves! It only stands to reason that the God of creation who created all of this with such order and such wisdom is the only One that can bring out the best in each of us . . . God in His grace bringing our heart and brain together to live the fulfilled, fragrant life He planned for each of us.  Isn't that awesome!!

Peace

Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, satan shudders and says, ??? Oh, no . . . She's awake!!???

Higher Ground

I’m pressing on the upward way,

New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.

I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.

I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

(Chorus) Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

I am always totally amazed when I am traveling and catch that very first glimpse of the mountains ahead of me.  The excitement grows with each passing mile as I get closer and closer to the majestic peaks looming up in the distance.  The upward climb into the mountains bring with it sights almost more beautify than the human eye can fathom.  Pressing on to new upward heights almost makes me feel as though I have left the world behind far, far below - it is almost like I catch a glimpse of glory as I see God's breath-taking creation from the top of the mountain!  What a sense of awe and wonder overwhelm me with each new height . . . Lord, plant my feet on higher ground! 

I press on toward the goal to win the prize
for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14 (NIV)

I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back!
Philippians 3;14 (Message)

Are you "off and running" and "not turning back" as the Message translates this verse?  Or are you "pressing toward the goal" gonna "win the prize"?  Are you heading "heavenward in Christ Jesus"?  Whichever verse you prefer - they both tell us to move forward and upward in Christ - to a higher plane.  A higher plane - above the stress and turmoil of the world. A place above the things that will pull us down and discourage and defeat us.  As the verse of the song says, so well,  "Lord, lift me up and let me stand, By faith, on Heaven’s tableland, A higher plane than I have found; Lord, plant my feet on higher ground".  This is my prayer and my song today!

Mouse Story

There is so much truth in this little story . . .

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. "What food might this contain?" The mouse wondered - he was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning. "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The pig sympathized, but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers." The mouse turned to the cow and said, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose." So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap-- alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught.

The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital and she returned home with a fever. Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient. But his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.

The farmer's wife did not get well; she died. So many people came for her funeral the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them. The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness!

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn't concern you, remember -- when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.

REMEMBER: EACH OF US IS A VITAL THREAD IN ANOTHER PERSON'S TAPESTRY;
OUR LIVES ARE WOVEN TOGETHER FOR A REASON.