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California Vacation 2010

Waves of Grace Journaled



Saturday 10/30/10

After two hours sleep, we got up and hit the road. I must say it is not a pleasant task preparing for vacation! It seems that in the days prior to a vacation, it is so hectic, that I need a vacation!! SOOOOOO…………animals butchered, food canned, food canned, animals secure, house cleaned, laundry done, dog kenneled, food prepared, clothes packed, bikes fixed, hitch mounted, surf boards dug out, boggie boards glued, ahhhhhhhhhhh….. lets get in the car and sit for three days! Drove from 3 am to 6 pm arriving in Armadillo (kids nic name for city) TX (Amarillo).

Sunday 10/31/10

Can you say BORING!! After catching up on sleep the day before, now I am ready for sightseeing! All there is to see is BROWN! And BROWN! Though occassionaly the “contour” of the brown changes (there are A LOT of mountains on this drive—they just all look brown!!) Opps! There goes a tumble weed! I wonder about the churches here because they would sure be “blown by every WIND of doctrine!! It is sure windy here, don’t know why I bothered to fix my hair it is now in my face!! Arrived at Penguin (Kids nic name for city) Kingman, AZ. Finally ready to stretch my legs. The boys ride skate boards in parking lot, nice evening, hit the hay…………Realized as we unpacked that night that we had brought along an uninvited guest---a nasty cold!





Monday 11/1/10

Surf boards, boggie boards, ahhhhhhhhhhh….. lets get in the car and sit for three days! With anticipation of catching some waves we rise early and hit the road. Rolling in to CA we stuff ourselves with fruit and only have to give the border patrol one apple that was left. I forgot they take your fruit!! Oh well! Now if you think that CA is Beaches, Blondes, Bikinis and plush golf courses--------WRONG! It’s still BROWN! The whole state seems to be one big Sand Dune!! Only closer to the coast they are watered and manicured where the upper class folks live and movie stars roam! But for a large protion of CA, it is desert, dry, hot, windy and sandy.

Several hours later….we rolled into the south side outskirts of Los Angeles, went down to Oceanside, to Camp Pendleton where we were to stay for a few days. DIVERSE is the word for this vacation. You go from nothing but tumble weeds to 8 lanes of bumper to bumper traffic, me thinking they were smoking weeds! Even the GPS diddn’t like to travel in the Big City—kept getting us lost!! Okay, maybe not…………



We arrive shortly after noon, get our first glimps of the magnificent ocean, though calling our names we turn to visit with some old friends………………..the ocean to will have to wait. We have a bible study in the park, great weather missed that about CA. Walk home in the dark. Go back to base, open the back door and stare at the moonlit ocean waves as they crash on the shore. My lawn chair taken with a quilt, time to be with my Maker……………..



Tuesday 11/2/10

I tiptoe out the back door, around sleeping boys, get snuggled in my lawn chair and anticipate the sunrise----I was not disappointed! After the sun made it’s appearance I was joined by my lovely husband, we had coffee right on the beach with our feet in the sand! And yes I was in my PJ’s!

After breakfast we put on our wetsuits (can you say beached whale!!) Whale anyway, I looked let’s say interesting, overweight in an all black rubber suit does make a startling resemblance to the large sea creatures called whales. But I did not let that detor me, I just joined them for a swim! Only thing though rolled and plummitted by wave after wave, I did not enjoy that as much as my whaling friends! I drank so much salt water I am surprised their was a drop left in the sea! But when I actually got it ride and rode on TOP of the waves with my boogie board---it was great!!! Had friends over to splash with us! FUN FUN! That night we sat around the fire ring and had s’mores and hot chocolate while the waves crashed on the beach infront of us! We sang and fellowshipped……..We excahanged “gifts” their cold for ours!! They had a real nasty cold bug, as we did, we exchanged and we all remained sick for half the vacation, Sherman remained sick the entire time, poor guy, but he still made the best of it!



Wednesday 11/3/10

The last full day at this beach, we spent the morning with coffee and a quilt looking out at the ocean before us, there is not a better way to wake up unless it would be to wake up in the arms of Jesus! Watched some dolphins play in their morning “run” along the beach!! And through out the day we even saw “spouts” from whales. This was tops! More surfing, boggie boarding, eating with friends, walking on the beach, walking out on the jetty. Gettiung dunked by the power of confined water! Watched the sunset as it dipped into the ocean and disappeared……………I love to listen to the sound of the waves in the dark……..The waves are “glow in the dark” and it’s really cool to see.

Thursday 11/4/10

We packed up and headed north a bit to Los Angeles, stayed at San Pedro a military fort. We went to the famous Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park. Yes, it is the jelly people. We have many many sweet memories from this place from when out boys were little. We rode the log ride several times along with the Jaguar roller coaster, the river rampage (I got soaked!!) It was not busy at all, but it was very hot so after about four hours of “frying” we decided to stroll through “Snoopy Land” which is the coolest kid part of the park for memory sake. Then rested on a bench to do a favorite past time, “people watching” then we left---early can you believe it!!

Up to this point we had not eaten out one time, so it was time to find our favorite place, In and Out Burger, and we enjoyed sinking our teeth into the first of several visits to the fabulous burger joint!





Friday 11/5/10

Surf’s up dude!! We hopped in the car and headed up to the famous Malibu shores to catch some waves. This was the first time we had to “get in our seal skins” in public. Well, let’s say that was interesting!! Then we walk a long ways carrying all our boards and stuff. Finally after passing a few “cool dudes” we get there. Josh jumps in right away, we tiptoe our way in as it is all rocks and filled with seaweed!! YUCK! But if you don’t get in you fry in your wet suit. Soooooooo, I gave it a try, OUCH! Those rocks hurt. We never really got to boogie board as the waves were so gentle and far out, the rocks too sharp, the seaweed too nasty and thick…….just “bobbed” there until Josh was done. Ate at In & Out Burger again…. Later the boys worked out at the base gym and i (Laura) got some much needed time in prayer and reading God’s Word, quiet mediation was sweet!



Saturday 11/6/10

Early we pack up and head north, and I mean way north! Through the sand mountains, to near the beginning of the California aqueduct water system. A loooooong drive. We went to Redding CA to visit some friends we used to camp with and play with. Irene taught me a lot about cooking and sewing, she was a great friend as was her husband and her two girls adorable. It had not seen them in 8 years. We got there in time to go to a community auction school fund raiser that evening.



Sunday 11/7/10

We went to church with them, it reminded me of what a California church would be like, though it was at the foothills of Mt. Shasta, which is absolutely breathtaking! After a wonderful lunch, we went to see a Salmon spawning river nestled against the mountains. It took my breath away! WOW! It is so beautiful up there, I can see why our fridns moved there! We also went to see the Sun Dial Bridge over the Sacramento River. It was cool to walk across it! Neat concept! We walked along the river and chatted about old times. Another late night jammin’ chattin’ and munchin’!



Monday 11/8/10

Time to say good bye and move back south to Monterey Bay! I love this place. We got there checked into the Presidio overlooking the Bay—totally cool view! After getting unloaded, we headed down to cannery row (they canned sardines in the birth of the town)now a big tourist spot. They have a fabulous trail that goes through all of town next to the ocean. It is great for walking, biking and skateboarding. However, I forgot that after noon it is windy and considerably colder, so, we drove through several times. Just past cannery row is the cool Monterey Bay Aquarium, then on to city park & beaches, all having a continues trail. The water is so gorgeous here. It is most all rocky shoreline so the waves splashes are magnificent. There are a few beach areas but the surf was too dangerous, the waves too big to get out into—Josh was disappointed, but that is life by the sea! We walked down the wharf, looking at all the interesting shops and people. Then we ate overlooking the marina and the seals. Everyone loves the clam chowder in the bread bowl, me (laura), I just ate fish! We watched the sunset from one of the many pullouts along the coast there in the bay.

Tuesday 11/9/10

The next morning I got up early before the sunrise and opened the door, I laughed at the sound. I heard the waves crashing yes, but I also heard the harbor seals all the way up on the base. It was like listening to the coyotes back home!! I did not know they barked all night, but sure seemed like it. Got out early to the seaside trial and road bikes. This was probably my (Laura) favorite thing. It was great! Riding with the ocean crashing right next to you with the salty mist hitting your face! We went quite a ways down then turned and came back. After putting away our bikes we walked a bit and watched some surfers. Then we ate at a fish place over the ocean watching the harbor seals dance! Then we parked over looking to rocks got out and sat on a bench, snuggled in a quilt with a cup of coffee to watch a fabulous sunset.



Wednesday 11/10/10

At first dawn sad to say but we have to leave, though I would love another wonderful bike ride, there is not enough time. So we just drive by one more time the streets adjacent to the trail and ocean, I hope I can keep all this in my memory!! We stop at another pull out over the crashing waves. I (laura) get out and jot down some inspirations that had just overwhelmed me as I watched God’s magnificent creation. Articles soon to come…………

Another one of our favorite memories is the awesome drive down HWY 1 from Monterey to Santa Maria (or vice versa). It is one of the most scenic highways ever. We took our time and took lots of pictures, yes it was just as we remembered it, some things don’t change, just like our God! If you ever get the chance to make it to the coast of CA, this drive is a must. We stopped at the elephant seals, they are so cool, very unusual creatures!! Hundreeds of them cononize right there off the hwy on the beaches. Also, went near Hearst castle, on down to Moonstone, another favorite spot we used to go. Zech feed the ground squirrel right out of his hands on the boardwalk!



Finally landed at Vandenburg, where we used to be stantioned. We refueled both the gas tank and the cooler, checked in, unloaded, and headed to see a really cool family, The Tuckers. We ate a great meal, fellowshipped, shared funny stories and what God had been doing in our lives. Hated to leave, but with eyelids drooping, we left around 11 pm……but by whose watch??? CA is two hours behind us, plus we had the time change in there!!

Thursday 11/11/10

Everyone loves the clam chowder in the bread bowl, me (laura), I just ate fish!

Off to see a sweet family of ten, two parents and 8 blessings ten and under! They just moved and have a great place, more space and a few acres to play with! It was a beautufl day. The Kerley family are ddear to our hearts, they always try to serve and love the Lord. They went way out of the way and cooked a traditional Santa Maria BBQ---tritip, baked potaoes with all the toppings, salad, corn on the cob and dessert. WOW! What sweet memories. The kids are all adorable! Even the newest addition Moriah, who was not feeling well, though she still let me rock her, which was a delight. Time was short, it never is enough it seems, then we had to go…………..say goodbye until next time……….



A quick stop at Smart and Final, then on to visit with another dear family The Buttrams. We have known them for almost 13 years, kids have grown up on us! Shannon has battled cancer for several years and currently winning!! We never have enough time to catch up—but we wag our tongues as fast as they can go until we depart! This time I got to see their daughter Hannah do some gymnastics---totally cool!! Shannon and I (laura) went out to eat and guess where we went??? You got it—In and Out Burger!! Funny! I see Shannon laughing! I love to hear what all is goin on in their lives as God continues to mold them into His image. Goodbyes are hard!



Friday 11/12/10

This is our last day, one we actually added at the last minute as we realized there were still a few more favorite spots we wanted to visit. We headed up to Morro Bay, but stopped by See Canyon on the way! The apples are still as crisp and yummy as I remembered them! That was a treat! Ate two apples right away, no caramel sauce but then they didn’t need them! It was tempting to ride bike down the trail that runs through there to the beach, but no time for peddling today! We skipped the Monarch Butterflies due to time, went to Avila barn, I asked the boys if they wanted to feed the goats like the olden days, they groaned, “No mom, we are too old for that, besides we do that everyday now, it isn’t any fun!” But we watched a few other little tykes feed the few farm animals they have there and it brought back some precious memories.

On to Morro bay, we went to the shell shop, then to the ocean and watched the surfers for a bit buy the big rock, feed the squirrel beggars, then went to eat at our favorit fish place over the water. A lot of memories.



Then we took our fat selves to Pismo beach to surf one last time!! The water was significantly colder that Pendleton, brrrrrr! Can you say pretzel??!! That was what it was like for me to get into my wet suit in the car!! After getting over the SHOKE of the cold water, we did have a lot of fun boogie boarding there, though Sherman who was still very sick got out early. Joshua became a sail boat and was tossed significantly by the waves he was trying to surf, shook him up a bit, but all in all, we had a great time. Zech did some great photos of the sunset that night as we watched it as it sank down in the ocean!



Pismo is a busy place as is the hwy along that part of CA. We left our make before coming home…… we were not on the hwy two minutes when a loud noise was heard and in the mirror a boogie board was seen airborne then landed on the side of the road! Totally gnarly!! Sorry dude!



Saturday 11/13/10

It is always hard to pack up and leave after a vacation is over, but then it wouldn’t be a vacation would it! Well today is the day we head back home! We took in everything as we left Vandenberg our old base where we lived over 5 years ago as we headed out. We drove through Lompoc, then on to the ocean where I rolled down my window to get one last smell of the salt air. I kept my eyes peeled around me and I was rewarded with some dolphins playing in the early morning sunshine, as well as seeing a few surfers braving the chilly waters. Santa Barbara mountains on the left……..soon to be gone. We pointed out every In and Out Burger place we passed. In short order we were in the brown dunes of Bakersfield, on into Barstow where we ate at the last In and Out Burger place. Lots of memories.…there was several hours of silence as each one reflected on the two weeks of reliving our favorite places and visiting lovely faces!

Sunday 11/14/10

Brrrrrrr! Can you say FREEZIN’!! We left in shorts and t-shirts, along with a balmy 70 degrees to waking up to 19 degrees and snow on the ground!! Brrrr! Dig out the jackets boys, your gonna need em! We stayed in Flagstaff AZ. Beautiful! But Josh and I suffered greatly to the altitude (7,000 ft). We were totally out of breath and nauseated when we tried to work out at the hotel gym that night! Ugggg! We panted through breakfast the next morning. So I did not do much looking around!! By noon or so we were back down in elevation some and we were much better. The colors through the painted dessert are gorgeous, as are the many rock formations, mesas and volcanoes. So there is something to look at, just a long amount of asphalt in between!



Monday 11/14/10

We stayed in Clinton OK the last night and we got in late 9:30 or so, so we did not get as eagerly of a start as we liked, but that is life! We have driven all day, we stopped in on Samuel and had dinner with him, showing him our pictures on the camera, he was jealous! Left there and got in bed long after dark! The house was cold as we had not fired up the heater yet.



Well, I guess since our vacation is OVER, the first thing we better do is CHOP WOOD!!

WELCOME HOME!

O n D i s p l a y

Sunday I listened to a sermon by a former pastor in Louisiana. It really hit me where I needed it. So much so, I listened to it twice in a row. Trying to make sure I “got it”. Though filled to overflowing with “nutrients” for my “hungry” soul, more than I could consume at one time, I did come away with a “snack”. I wanted to share it with you. It has been on my heart for several days.
The sermon text was about Job. And the focus was about Job being on “DISPLAY” for all the world to see God’s Glory displayed in the hardest of circumstances. To his family, friends, his heigbors, to other fellow citizens near and far, to the angels, even to us today. He did not need this major trial in his life to determine his Spiritual Condition, but it revealed it.
Display…….Have you ever been on display for all the world to see how you would respond when things didn’t “pan out right”. When it seems everyone has deserted you. OR maybe when tragedy strikes, and a dear loved one dies suddenly. Perhaps, it is loosing a job. Or it may be the misery of staying in a situation that is very painful. It could be divorce, abuse, infidelity.
You fill in the “blank”, whatever trial you are in………….
Job lost everything, his animals, treasures, even his children. He landed with a nagging wife, traitor friends, and horrendous heath issues. What? All in a VERY short amount of time. If anybody had the “right” by “circumstances” to curse God and die, it was Job!
I will tell you the reason he didn’t! Because he was on “Display” for God! Job’s love and devotion to God was not based on “returned blessings”. But on Faith in the Faithfulness of God! That is what got Job through the hard times of this “Display”! He praised God not matter what the day brought before this horrific trial, he praised God through it and in the end ~ praised God!

In this sermon the picture was presented about “waves crashing” over you, and you may think you are going to “drown” (not get through this trial), but even though the strength of the wave may overpower you, and send you crashing down, it ALSO pushes you further to the shore!! So the preacher passionately described that in the mist of all this that the “Job’s” don’t cry to be taken from the trial, but to be pushed closer and closer to the “shore” God!! It forces us to cling harder, and seek His face more deeply than ever. Job said, “I will praise you in this storm!” As it pushes me with great force to my knees!
I listened to a song this morning that again emphasized what I had been meditating on: Being on Display for the Lord’s Glory. I guess it was heavy on my heart as I and my family had been and still are in a “difficult storm”. It has had much suffering and pain. But as I was walking this song came on, “I will Praise You in this Storm” It spoke about not being taken out of it, but God sustaining you while in the “storm”. A few lines: I will praise You in this storm, I will lift my hands for You are who You are, no matter where I am………though my heart is torn, I will praise You in this storm” It talked about several times of just about giving up but then God was there to help you carry on.
I was encouraged again, that God is always near to me, and He has a plan for this “____” in my life for His “Display of Glory”. It is not in the good times that the “world” will recognize a “displayed” Christian so much as in the trials of life!
Every situation puts us on “Display”
The question is, for Whose glory will it be?
In our most grievous times, the “waves” of grief wash us closer to our God!

Snow Covered Hearts

As I rose this morning and looked out the living room window I was delighted to see, a snow covered world! This was the best snow we have had yet since moving back to Tennessee almost 4 years ago. There is just something so beautiful about seeing a world blanketed in the sparkling fresh white powder!

Not seeing snow often makes for a special sense of wonderment to steal over me at the sight that I beheld. My thoughts immediately went to My Creator. WOW! What beauty He commands, then spreads it out for all His children to enjoy! I noticed that if you were not under a “roof” of some sort, that you got covered! That is what is so magnificent about the sight of snow. It has no respecter of persons so to speak. Whatever it is will get covered if outside, thoroughly and completely, by the white stuff!

Wouldn’t that be neat if we would allow God to so completely and thoroughly cover us in His Will, His Presence, His Ways, His Spirit as I saw the snow cover the earth this morning! I was convicted that I wish I could say I would look like the front yard I was staring out the window at!
Completely covered, every area, sparkling, fresh, brilliant, ready and willing to “reflect” the “Son”!

I noticed that when the sun came out that the snow dazzled so much in it’s reflection of the “Son” (sun), that it blinded my eyes!

Likewise, may God cover us in His blanket of grace, that we will so reflect The “Son,” that all the “icy” hearts around us will know the beauty of a “Snow Covered Heart”!

May I “Winter” these thoughts in my heart all year long!

laura

Winter Gear
What to wear out in the cold world

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12-14

We recently returned to an old familiar passage to remind us how we are to dress this winter. All of us, some maybe more than others, forget a “piece of clothing” here and there. Dropping off what we don’t want to wear, leaving it where it lay, walking over it, passing over it, but never giving it a second thought. In Christ, we are not given the choice as to what to “wear” nor are we to take what He wants us to wear off.

First Garment Compassion: Gloves Eph. 4:32

Compassion comes in many different forms. Many times our compassion leads us to acts of kindness and service and it should whenever possible. However, not always can we “do” something for someone. Especially if they are a victim of their own sin, but we can still have compassion. Compassion is born in the heart with a love for others. I chose the gloves because of the hands that can PRAY for those people. If there is nothing else, you can do, pray for them! Do not underestimate the power of prayer.

CLOTHE YOURSELF IN “GLOVES” OF PRAYER!

Second Garment Kindness: Boots 1 Thess. 5:15

Kindness is often a “tangible act.” Or it can be a word of kindness, kindness expressed only by our words. But often it is by a meal, a gift, a service, etc. So I chose boots for this “winter gear.” For you have to have good heavy boots to walk a life time of kindness to others!

CLOTHE YOURSELF IN “BOOTS” TO WALK IN KINDNESS!

Third Garment Humility: Socks Phil. 2:3

Humility is an attribute of Christ that is hard to wrap our minds & hearts around. When we look at Christ, He is the perfect picture of humility from His birth through His life, to His death. Socks came instantly to my mind in that it covers the most “offensive” part of our body (stinky and dirty). I was reminded of one of the most humbling acts of service Jesus did in His ministry was to wash His disciples feet! That was an awesome example of humility. He humbled Himself on His knees and cleaned the dirtiest part of the disciples. We need to do likewise. Not just washing of the feet, but humble yourself to your friends, your children, your husband, your neighbors, the lost. Put others first and yourself last in acts of service, conversations, and your heart.

CLOTHE YOURSELF WITH “SOCKS” OF HUMILITY!

Fourth Garment Gentleness: Pants/dress Phil. 4:5

Gentleness is often a hard one to recognize the “lack of” and often hard to change. God has to do this work in you! I thought of the pants or dress that covers the legs because it reminds me of the part that rushes through, not taking the time to SIT and listen to others, or Sit & take the time to speak kindly, admonish & correct others gently, and to gently discipline our children! Ask God to show you & change you & He will!

SLOW DOWN & CLOTHE YOURSELF WITH PANTS/DRESS OF GENTLESNESS!

Fifth Garment Patience: Scarf Col. 1:11

Have you ever crocheted a scarf? I did that very thing when I first learned to crochet. As a matter of fact, I got so excited I bought enough yarn to make everyone in the family one. Such zeal for my new learned art. However, I did not bargain on how loooooooong it would take to crochet the length of a good, heavy, long wrap around scarf! This was a good lesson for me in patience!! As well, this is how we are to be with others. Patient and long suffering with the lost, with babe Christians, with our spouses mistakes, our kids mess-ups, our neighbors, the person in line in front of you who needs a price check!! Patience is another of the attributes that “autographs” us as genuine Christians!

CLOTHE YOURSELF WITH A SCARF OF PATIENCE SO YOU CAN KEEP A WARM YOUR THOUGHTS!

Sixth Garment Forgiveness: Long Sleeve Shirt Prov. 4:23

If you are going outdoors, you definitely need a warm think long sleeve. Flannels, wool, & corduroys are good for this. Why the shirt for forgiveness? I thought of Jesus on the cross, His hands stretched out, nailed to the cross, representing the ultimate forgiveness. Our Scripture text tells us to bear with one another and to forgive as Christ forgave. It is not a “Choice piece of clothing” but a command. And yes, this is for our own good!

CLOTHE YOURSELF WITH LONG SLEEVES AS YOU STRETCH OUT YOUR ARMS IN FORGIVENESS.

Seventh Garment Love: Coat 1john 3:10-11

I find it interesting that the end of this thought is that LOVE binds all this together. Thus the coat that covers most all the body and has the most warmth, is the coat! Even the above things mean nothing without love! (1 Cor. 13:1-3) To me, love means laying aside all my desires for someone else. Sounds kinda like Jesus when He died for you and me. Not that I am at all even a fraction close to understanding that and obeying like I would like. But I am realizing more and more, it is not about what I do but how I love!

CLOTH YOURSELF IN THE COAT OF LOVE, SO THAT YOU CAN SHARE IT”S WARMTH WITH ALL YOU MEET!

Whatever the reason for discarding the “clothing piece” whether it be itchy, too tight, too loose, not the right color, wanting change etc.

DON”T TAKE OFF YOUR CLOTHES

OR YOU WILL GET COLD!

Praise without ceasing

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

That boy praises without ceasing

Most recently, I was humbly rebuked by a tiny little 4 year old. I share my shame in that maybe you too will find a much needed rebuke as well. We should never think there is nothing to learn from these little ones. For most often if we will simply take the time to watch them, we can understand more what Jesus meant when He said: Mark 10:15 "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." Forget about what you thought religion was all about and come to Jesus and find out what following and living in to kingdom of the King of Kings is all about!

I do not want to go into a complete & comprehensive explanation of this verse, but an observation of an application. Many times, we make things more complicated than they need to be. So I don’t want to do that, or you will miss the simpleness of the Truth.

In December, we had some very dear close friends come for a visit. They have 3 boys all bundles of joy. The oldest kindergarten age, then the 4 year old and a 10 month old were a delight to have in our home. And we love the parents too. But as the children played, I noticed their carefree hearts. The oldest was not feeling well so he was quieter than normal. But the middle child is the one who had the rebuke for me.

He played for hours upon hours. From the time he got up until he crashed at night, he toddled around and played, making all sorts of things with his imagination. That doesn’t seem so abnormal. But what was different is that he sang the whole time. He never ceased to sing. He was not doing it for attention, for many of the times he played by himself. But he sang the entire day. I asked his father, “Does he ever stop?” He just laughed. I said “that boy Praise (prays) without ceasing” and I thought, if we could only “Praise without ceasing” like Scripture says to “Pray without ceasing”.

The context of that Scripture actually is both:
Rejoicing/thanksgiving
&
Praying

All rolled up into continues “Prayzing”

May we be like this little boy, and not let the cares of this world steal our joy!
May we praise God without ceasing!

laura

Saved by the Storm
A story of what seemed a bad thing turn to a blessing!

Have you ever grumbled about rain, better yet a thunderstorm “raining out” your plans??!! Recently I got a glimpse of a new view of that thought. It made me really think about how often I am “saved by the storms” of life. I thought about how many times God has put a “storm” in my pathway in order to save me much sorrow, anguish & possible destruction.
This is how this reality came about. We had a friend who just had a baby and I was going to take a meal to her in the evening. But feeling like I did not have the ingredients for a really nice meal, I decided to go to the store to get some special things. However, right after lunch I decided to take a quick nap before heading to the store. That’s when it happened………..

I opened my eyes to a very dark living room. I awakened to the deafening sound of booming thunder and blazing lightening in the sky! Angry clouds swirling around in the sky above the house. “Oh brother, I don’t want to get out in all that mess to go to the store (some distance away).” It was really nasty outside. Even as all those thoughts were swirling through my mind my oldest son was telling me, that we needed to head down to the basement right now. As it ended up we were down in the basement under a tornado warning for over an hour. Sitting listening to the crashing wind & the storm smashing against the basement walls and watching the bolts of lightening through the tiny windows was a bit scary.

When all was “blown over” there was no time to go to the store before preparing the meal for this family. So I had to change my meal plans to a more simpler meal of roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, peaches, biscuits & blueberry cobbler. My husband had asked that I have it ready when he got home from work so that he could drive me and the kids over (the family lived and hour away from us). So I was ready when he came home. The skies had calmed down and it was just cloudy with a sprinkle here and there.

Off we went to our friends house, meal in the back of the car. We were not 15 minutes down the road, when spssssssssss was heard in our ears. Yes, you got it right, we had a flat tire! Well on these country roads there is not always a place to pull over. We found a house driveway soon and pulled into it. We had to unload all the food. My husband said well what a good time to teach our teen boys how to change a tire. So he went through the procedure all the while the rain began again. When they were done, they dirty and wet. My husband being unsure of the spare tire traveling as far as we needed to go said we needed to head home and change vehicles. Happy groans from everyone!

So needless to say we were very late getting the meal to the family waiting on us. And we ourselves got home at 9 pm and skipped our own meal for a good nights rest.
In the morning as I reflected on the storm & how I thought is messed up my plans, I realized it really saved me!! For I would have been the one out in the NASTY storm flagging down help to change a flat tire in the pouring down rain, severe thunder and lighting. That is if the flat tire had not caused me to get into a wreck. Had I persisted to head to the store against common sense, ignoring the bad storm, it would have been a disaster. Praise God He saved me by the storm!
How many times do I grumble against a “storm” of the Spiritual realm, that “blows” into my life and “messes up” my plans?? How often I do not see the “thunder & lightening” as blessings in disguise. I only see perhaps the pain or turmoil of the situation. How could God want this for me? How could He think this was a “good” idea? Doesn’t He know what He is doing? Doesn’t He care what suffering this is???

The Answer to those questions is an undoubtable YES! Yes God does care and YES He does know what He is doing! It is only when I get down in the “basement”, down on my knees in desparate prayer of surrender, and pour out my heart in His Word, are the eyes able to see. Through the tiny “window” you may get a glimpse of what you are being saved from. But many times we are not given that much sight. We just have to trust!!

We have to trust that God is Wise, Right & Good! All He has planned for us will turn out for His glory. The question is………….will we miss it??

Both Job and Joseph come to mind. Neither knew what the future was going to be. And not only that, but things in their lives kept getting worse. Did that mean God had “messed up” or made a mistake. We can see the end of the stories, and know of course that God had a purpose. So it is with our lives too…….

Don’t resist the “storms” God brings in your life. They are there to make you stronger in your trust in God. They make you certainly more faithful in your Faith. And make for a more easy and complete surrender to the Will and Purposes God has you here for!
So prepare for the “Storm”, it’s a comin’! Get water (The prayer life line) & food (God’s Word) and go down to the basement! You will sure to be safe!

But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.
Psalm 33:11

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

Beltloop Bondage
The “Cell” Jail
The “bondage” to cell phones in today society

This particular article has been on my heart for over a year now. But for fear that all my friends & family will be disgruntled with me, I have not written it until now. And though I could still stand the chance of unhappy responses, I must write on. And I might just say here, this is not about any one person, but a society in general. Nor am I saying that having a cell phone is a sin or wrong. I am NOT saying that at all, so please do not misunderstand. And as I write I realize that there is not a family I know that does not have a cell phone………..but please hear out my “call” to you!

I have been observing this trend for some time. Since it has come from a trend into full bloom of necessity, it has changed quite a bit. From the beginning of a few business or traveling men having cell phones as a means to more easily contact their business or home it has become a blown all out of porportion. Due to being busy and away from land phones most of the time this was an extreme help.

However, it has rapidly moved from a convenience of a few business men to become a monster of necessity! Now you see everyone has a cell phone. Family packs are the norm for selling packages. So everyone can have one. You know you need one! So now every man has one, and the wife needs one too. And don’t forget the kids, they may have an emergency we are told.
While I don’t think the cell phone is a bad thing, what is happening in our society because of the availability & miss use of cell phones is sickening!

What would you do if you had an accident or a flat tire one might ask? Well, we have had many of these type of things happen where a “Cell phone” would have been “handy”. And I am not doubting the “handiness” of cell phones in such times. However, each and every time God has allowed us a way out without needing to use one. What did they do years ago before the development of these “beltloop bondage phones”? A good question. Huh?

Now I will say again, I do not have a problem with the idea of the cell phones. I so have a problem with what it is doing to people’s lives. Here is what I see as the “cell jail”. One can not seem to live without one. You see it on every beltloop & purse around. Kids that have no business having one do. And the rudeness that has come along with them has turned me away from ever considering one. I have been in a grocery store and heard women talking to “the air” only to see they are on the cell phone and you can not even get by much less do I want to hear this person’s private conversations. I do not want to hear someone’s heated argument that he is lost into at the gas station counter. It has been proven that there has been a trementdous rise in car accidents since the invasion of high cell phone usage. People just don’t pay attention to their driving when on the phone! It is irritating to get behind someone on their phone! Not to mention, is it not extremely rude to be in a car with someone and be on your cell phone holding a conversation with someone else. Rudeness has come in like a plague. Or better yet better explained as a by negative product of a potential positive helping tool. People don’t even talk to one another anymore they just “text” one another on their phones. What is this world coming too?

Not to mention having the annoying little things beeping off at the most inopportunitive times. Such times as in church services, in the bathroom (made me jump out of my skin!), in a nice restaurant, the library, the hospital, in line. Really anywhere that it invades the quietness or space of another individual is inconsiderate. This is the real problem I have with the cell phones. Is the rude inconsideration our nation now thinks is OK. I mean how rude is it to listen to another woman in the bathroom stall next to you answer her phone and hold a conversation all while using the bathroom! How rude! It concerns me the “craze” of the convenience now claimed “necessity” of cell phone ownership. And that we are becoming a less friendly & gracious people because of this phenomenon is a bit concerning. We are becoming more introverted, lazy, rude & inconsiderate in the mist of valuing this intended helpful convenience.
So I just ask, are you one of these who use your cell phone irresponsibly? Have you thought about the rudeness of having “public conversations”? Have you considered that you might be in “beltloop bondage”~~ cell jail and not know it?

Which is it? You make “The Call”!

Cross eyed vision

Having this eye problem, you will be laughed at & mocked.
And the world will want to change it!

This thought struck me recently as I was contemplating The Breaking of Bread and Drinking The Cup. “Cross eyed”, yes, “Cross eyed” is the way I want to be…………..

For you see, if I keep my focus on the cross. My eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, His sacrifice for my redemption, I am transfixed! All else falls away at The Cross. All my hurts, fears, sorrows, worry, future concerns etc. melts at the Cross. For you will find it all comes back to the Cross. If I have learned anything in my journey as a Christian it is to bring it back to the cross! Even all you read about in the Bible either points to or comes back to The Cross.

It is not about us, it is about what our Savior did on the cross that should fill our minds and hearts. And thus flow out of us a deep appreciation for our Salvation & an intense love for God’s Word and to know what pleases the Lord with the heart & readiness to obey.

I am in no way advocating just “wear a cross necklace” and you are good to go. It has amazed me the amount of immoral, wicked people parade themselves with a “cross necklace”. Do they have any idea what The Cross really means? I dare not think so.

But if you are “single minded, married to Christ” my way of thinking “Cross eyed” you will be ridiculed, made fun of. Just like those who have the physical eye impairment are harassed and uncared for by many. And you better believe that if you are going to “make it” in this world you better get that “crossed eyed” vision impairment fixed! Is that not so true in this “world” !

But in the hearts of the believers may we grow more and more crossed eyed everyday! until we are TOTALLY fixed on glorifying Christ in ALL we think, say and do!

The eye is the door to the heart, stay looking to The Cross!

A Sinsative Subject
Notes from a Sermon & and a few added thoughts

Are there too many sermons, messages about sin?? I think not! Sin is at your door even as I speak. It is a daily visitor and most of the time sure enjoys a good long visit with plans to move in. So for me, I can not listen to enough admonishment in this area. My prayer is that you will feel the same. I heard a great message this morning. Actually one out of a series on Coming out of Temptation a Winner, by Rex Blankenship. I hope you will be encouraged by my feeble notes to grasp all he had to say from the Lord concerning this “Sinsative Subject”!

A question to think about: DO I HATE SIN THE WAY GOD DOES?

*Sin is enmity toward God. Enmity is a MUTUAL hatred. Sin actually hates you (it seeks to destroy you) and it hates God.
*Sin comes after you. It does not dawdle around, it is swift, fast & seeks to over come you and destroy you. It is must like the Kudzu Ivy wild plants that you can see just covering the sides of the forest with relentless smothering attacks. You can not see any signs of life after the Kudzu covers the trees and foliage with it choking vines. That is much like sin. Just thought I would share a visual that came to mind.
*Sin wants to steal any happiness from you if you are a believer. Sin wants to steal the souls of those in your family, friends and sphere of influence.
*Sin says “I leave you alone & you leave me alone” But what it means is that it does not want you trying to kick it out, just let it be……….
*Sin is transgression of the Law.
*Sin is disobedience.
*When we transgress the Law, we see what sin looks like.
*Sin is Spiritual deadness. Even though as believers, we do not have the penalty of sin (eternal damnation), we do still have a “death” of sorts. We quickly “die” to: the love of The Word, desire to witness, to purity & dignity, to fellowship with others. We lose the steadfast pursuit to righteousness. Sin causes a “death” to the desire to love God more than ourselves.
***Sin is a “defection of an Affection to God***
*Sin is deception and causes a person to think & act irrationally.
*What is sin? Desiring to please oneself! (Oouch!!)
*No one sins while trying to please God!! (if we could just live that out!)
*Sin lures us away from God and The Bible.
*Sin is a DAILY battle.
*Sin always desires to go after God and those who belong to Him.
*Christ died to delivered us from the penalty (curse) of the Law, but not
From obeying the Law!
*We are to keep the Law: Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, strength, and others better than yourself. Since fulfilling this sums up the Law.
Five Points of Victory over sin
Gal. 5:16-26
1. The Condition: If (Romans 8:13)
If you live by the Spirit, If you live by the flesh both have end results!

If you live by the Spirit, You shall live!
The “If” is connected to the promise—you shall live

If you live by the “Flesh” you shall die!
The “If” is connected to the promise—you shall die

How to get to the place to “Live”

2. The Subject: You
If YOU (me) put to death the deeds of the body (vs. 19-21)

What are the deeds of the body? Sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.

Put to DEATH the enmity of sin.
That is our “Business” here on earth!! This is what will bring Glory to God!


3. The Means: By The Spirit
(The transportation between the Obedience & the Promise)

Walking, living in The Spirit is how you get there.

A. TRUST: What Christ has done on the cross. Do you place your trust in that? Do you believe you have been set free not to sin any longer?

There is no other way/help to get rid of sin. This world will offer a cheaper, better, quicker, easier, and painless way to rid sin, but it is a LIE. Jesus is The Only Way!

B. EXAMPLE: The example of what God did on the cross is in you and me!! We need to put our Faith in God for what He wasn’t to do in me!

***No other way to rid sin but by The Spirit!***

If one should succeed at getting rid of sin in their own way, then at the very least if would be called “Self Righteuousness”!

So think about how you are going about sin ridding! Is it to just do better, resolutions, therapy, works, determination, self invoked pain, denial etc.
*If self can do it, then it is not the work of God!*

4. The Act: Obedience -- to put to death the deeds of the body (flesh)

*The body (flesh) is opposition to Christ

*Son of snake or Son of Christ
*Son of sin or Son of Christ

Crucified with Christ is what we must be

*Annialate – kill- the sin in my life!---By the power of Christ on the Cross!
***Not Perfection BUT Direction!***
*Not being perfect is NO EXCUSE not to pursue Righteousness. We are to go after EVERY sin in our life—AGRESSIVELY!

How do we do this? How to get rid of sin?

To do this you WALK WITH GOD! IT is not about going after “The Big Sin”—It will just turn around and bite you from another place!!

***THIS IS KEY***
****Get a greater Affection!!****
As you love God MORE your sin will grow LESS!!
That is a WONDERFUL thing! The more you love God the more you will put to death the evil deeds of the flesh!

*How do you love God more? By having a greater affection for the things of God. Like: Reading/studying His Word more and more, memorizing/meditating on Gods Word, Believing, Obey, and Trusting what you read about God in His Word, Finding out what pleases God and doing it, Singing praises to God, Fellowshipping with the people of God and so on…
5. The Promise: You shall Live!

And He means REALLY live! You will have joy and abundance of His Mercy & Grace. Abundance of the Fruit of The Spirit!
Your main goal now is to: *Live to the Praise of His Glory!

*If you stand firm in The Lord---Then you are really Living!

*Standing firm in The Lord IS standing (crushing) on the sin in your life!

*A stronger affection & addiction to loving God, will result in a habitual lessening (weakening) of sin in your life!
***The “Struggle” is the evidence of The “Fight”!***
Are you going to stay fighting???
*Pursue Holiness with all diligence!
*Obedience to our Faith in Christ will see results: a weakening/
lessening of sin in our lives.
***Ask God to give you a greater love for Him!***

Hit by Sin
Sin will come on so fast you won’t know what hit ya!

Not too long ago we were coming home from a Bible Study late in the evening. As we were driving down this country road talking about what we had just studied it happened!! All of the sudden out of the dark night an eight point deer jumped out into the road right into our head lights! Bam! All I saw was eyes and antlers!

Coming to a screeching halt, we took a deep breath, and backed up to find this magnificent creature, our lips licking thinking of the delicious jerky it would make! And the rack, well it would be awesome. Especially since we have not ever killed a deer in all our hunting attempts. So I must say this was an easy catch, so we thought!

When we hit the deer we were by a field, ah very easy to find him we cheered. Only to find NOTHING! He was GONE! I mean “out of this chicken outfit”! We could not find a trace of it anywhere. We looked well with our headlights, looking here and there. No buck to be seen. Where oh where did it go? There was quite a bit of damage on the car. It sure happened. It was not in our imagination.

Yet it hit us so fast then was gone just as fast. I thought about that a lot. It is so much like sin for us. Here we are “driving” down the road of “life” when all the sudden we get hit by sin. I think the thing that bothers me so much is that is like the deer, the destruction it leaves behind, yet it is no where in sight. I thought about how satan works. He has no scruples about you and me as far as the extent of devastation he desires and pursues for us. But guess what?? When we wake up and find ourselves surround by the consequences of satan’s lies, wallowing in a pit of raw sewage (those are the nice gifts satan gives us). Where is that “little devil”??? Have you ever given thought that satan is no where to be found when the “police whistle” blows? When you are caught “red handed” so to speak, you look around to point at your “partner in crime (satan)” --- he is no where to be seen. He’s out of there! You can’t find him anywhere.

All you are left with, like the deer, is the damage! This was such a clear analogy, it made me shiver. What a mess to our car being hit by a deer made. What a mess to our lives when hit by sin. I would like to make a more at home comparison to this thought. For example, in many adulterous affairs, the fornicator does not set out to fornicate. But because of many reasons (we will speak on them) before he/she knows it they have committed this most serious of crimes, when the act is over, the devastation that is left behind is staggering & scarring for life. Where is satan?...............off to his next victim, laughing all the way.

How could we have prevented being hit by the deer? (Not that this is a complete exact comparison, for accident like this are not sin, and they are not always preventable!)

~We could have been aware of the darkness.
~Believe they are out there.
~We could have slowed down our pace.
~We could have been more watchful for them.
~We could put a deer alert signal on our car so they would know danger was ahead.
~We could take a more populated route.

As I made this list, notice how similar it is to the list of prevention to being “Hit by Sin”

~Be aware of the darkness--
Romans 1:28-31 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.

Do not be ignorant of the world, just don’t be part of it!


~Believe they are out there—
1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

~We could have slowed down our pace---
Colossians 3:1-2 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
It is true that the busier you are the less time you have to pray, meditate, put on the WHOLE Armor of God, thus making you easy prey for satan to grab.

~We could have been more watchful for them---
Luke 21:36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

You need to be aware of what sin tendencies you are prone to, places you go, things you read, watch or hear, things you may lust after etc.
When you see the sign—deer crossing here--- PAY ATTENTION! They are to keep you out of trouble!

~We could put a deer alert signal on our car so they would know danger was ahead.
Philippians 4:6-8 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things.

Absorb yourself with God’s Word, think on Godly things, surround yourself with God fearing friends that will hold you accountable to follow in the ways of Jesus

~We could take a more populated route.
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Prevention is the best Intention

……….Walking thru “Closed Doors”
If God has closed the “door” why do we try to bust it down!

This particular thought has been on my heart recently. It is a difficult thing to ponder. That is the “doctrine” if you will, of “Walking in The Spirit”. This is the “Spirit” of our “walking out The Gospel” in our lives. I will further explain & give some examples.

But before I continue, I just wanted to make clear that I am NOT talking about doing things on a whim. I am not saying that you can do whatever you want and call it God told me to yet it is against Scripture. That is NOT right nor what I am speaking of. Walking in The Spirit gives no freedom to us at all, but more bound to Him to listen ever so closely.

I am talking about such things as regarding to relationships. For instance that you take The Word & and use it as The Holy Spirit guides you. I have had several situations with people lately who are lost that my heart just bleeds for them. I want so badly to just spell it out to them in black and white, bull dozing where I am not invited. As I see their deep sin and desperate need for a relationship with Jesus and I know Scriptures that will change their lives of despair to joy, do I just spill it out on everyone wherever I am?. Does that give me “license” to bust down the “door” that God has clearly NOT opened? Are we His tools are not? Yet I want so badly to just blast in on those who are SO CLEARLY in rebellion to God & tell them all that is on my heart & mind.

Yet am I listening? Am I walking in The Spirit to know the when to speak and when to be silent? There has been times that in earnest prayer about these particular situations I have agonized before God to save these people. Only to have no doors open at all. So my tendency is to push harder on “the door”. Surely He wants me in! I must remember I am NOT the “eye opener”, God is. God opens eyes as He so deems.

I have known people who have made themselves such a stench to the lost around them by bulldozing Scriptures over and over without being in The Spirit. I am sure the non believer really does not want to have anything to do with being a Christian after being barged in on by someone walking in the flesh. This is not the work of Christ Jesus, nor does this please God! Not to mention the more damage is done when the door is finally burst open!

If I walk thru a “closed door” I walk in alone!
God is not with me, I will be in the flesh not in The Spirit!

Beautiful Hands

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
James 5:16

Recently I asked a “handful” of friends to put their “hands together” in prayer for me and my son. I only told a few ladies, not that more would not have prayed but it was such a sensitive subject and I was so out of control of my emotions that I could not speak about it. I want to share with you the power of prayer. God has had mercy upon all of us during this time of prayer. I would like to share the Mercy of the Lord with you. To protect my son, and not to make this article Tooooooo looooooong to read. I am not going to discuss all the details & to keep this simple.

We are not sure what really happened to my son, but he sorta had an anxiety breakdown about 4 weeks ago. This was TOTALLY not his normal self at all. He is a very loving, gentle young man. He had really began to show The Fruit of the Spirit in his love for others and putting others first including his brothers. God had really done a Supernatural Work of Salvation in him this year. So we do not fear for his eternal life. I say all this so you have a basis to know just how different the “break down” made him.

He has always had an interest in Law so he got some books at the library. I long time ago quite reviewing his reading material as he is a speed reader and I would never get anything done if I did. Not to mention that by 11th grade he is well able to discern what is good and bad. Needless to say, he got this book on law and it had very detailed cases of domestic violence. He quit reading the book and was so shook up that he begged me to pray with him almost hourly. He read his Bible, prayed, sang. Just trying to walk in the Spirit. Yet this info was so disturbing. I can not discount the fact that I feel satan took full advantage of my son’s vulnerability at that time and sifted him without ceasing. He could not do his school work. He was unable to do his chores. He wanted only to be with us (the family) continually night and day he would not leave the room we were in. He lost all desire of other things on the farm. He did not want to take his driving lessons etc. It was so debilitating. This was VERY scary to me as a mom. To see my normally VERY capable young man, turn to an incapable little child. He was not rebellious or angry. He cried about his problem. But we were all stunned. Our son when he was two had cancer and went through intense treatment for 2 ½ years and we thought perhaps his cancer was back. Whatever it was, it was defiantly something really really bad. He then went to washing his hands constantly. He began to pick up trash of the ground/floor down to little tiny specks. Just obsessed with his hands. He did not want to give anyone the cold he had at the time. He carried things in his arms or by his pinky finger. He shook hands oddly. And so on…………

I cried many nights on my pillows. Prayed many mornings in the quiet hours alone. This was a HUGE change and a HUGE burden. What could we do? He had his yearly cancer check up coming within a few weeks so we held out for it and thought we would talk to the Doctors then. Sunday a lady caught me before we left church (we did not want our son made fun of or be in an awkward situation so we left). She hugged me and asked what was wrong. I began to cry and she held me while I told her that something was terribly wrong with our son. She said she would pray. I asked her to tell two other ladies I knew would pray too. I talked with a friend out of town and she was praying. We did talk to one of our Pastor/Friends. And he gave us very good counsel. He talked with Samuel and gave him very encouraging counsel. It was the first reprieve we had. His next day (Monday) was better. Tues. & Wed were ok. Thursday was his appointment at the Doctors in Memphis. It was a long day. The Doctors there were very alert to our son’s situation and immediately thought he should see a psycho and be put on med. We said absolutely no. And eventually the social worker let it drop & she would check in with us in a month. I say all that to share the answers to prayer I saw. Now I do not know what these ladies prayed and even some may have fasted on our behalf. Words can not even begin to express my gratitude of the time spent in prayer on my behalf!!

1. Safety in travel to & from Memphis.
2. Complete calmness in the three days prior to Dr. visit. Our son seemed to be less troubled.
3. His lab results showed he is still in remission!
4. He was checked as well for brain tumor—good report there too.
5. We asked for discernment in what they may suggest as treatment for our son. This was the hardest trial. Yet I saw answered prayers their too. God gave us peace in the midst of the world’s view.
6. We were able to take the planned overnight trip after that, my son did very well.
7. I am assured in my heart that God is in control and that He loves my son more than my husband and myself.
8. I was afraid I would be just a basket full of tears!! I usually cry when I am there. Yet God just dried up the river! That was so unusual!
9. We were sustained in the entire day going here and there to all the different clinics and tests we had to do.
10. Our son share much about God and The Gospel as he explained his problem. That was neat!
11. Our son told the social worker in very kind but firm terms he did not want to be seen alone. Anything she had to say could be said in front of us his parents.
12. We are home and still working through this issue but we KNOW we are not alone!!

How does one put a “price tag” on prayer?
Thank you to each person who went to the Throne on our behalf!

Sold Out for JESUS!
What would you trade for Jesus?
Matthew 13:44-46

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:44-46

What would you give in exchange for Jesus?

This was a parable Jesus taught. He is not saying you can “purchase” salvation. So please do not misunderstand what I am saying. BUT, it was the joy, excitement and TRUE value that was placed on the hidden treasure and the pearls that caused the person to SELL EVERYTHING they had to get it.

I am awed by their COMPLETE love of t his treasure. Do we love Christ that way? Are we “Sold out to Him and Him alone”? I fear t hat I could not say I have done as these in the parable with my “treasured” Salvation. Not that it is an exchange, but a heart of gratitude that NOTHING can compare to the “Treasure” of having Christ Jesus as my Lord and Master. How do I treat my “Precious Treasure”? Have I “sold” everything that I desire to be to be His Only? Have I “sold” my agenda to the “plans” Christ has for me? Have I “sold” out my life for my husband and see to his every need & desire as though he is Christ to me? Have I “sold” out my desire to use my tongue as an evil weapon or letting my gentleness be evident to all? Have I “sold” out all my control of the future to the Sovereign Hand of God? Have I “sold” out my time for the investment of training my children in The Way they should go?

He paid the Price to make you “Sold”!

Words say so much
Every word matters!
Matthew 12;33-37

"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
Matthew 12:33-37

I have been reading in the book of Matthew this week. As I came across this passage, I was very convicted. Even though God has been doing some mighty changes in me in this area of my words. Including joking (though seemingly innocent), tones, anger, slander, just ugly comments about others to puff myself up etc. These indeed must not be in one of His children and He began many years ago to purge these from my life. So that I would become more of Him and less of me.

This whole passage is a VERY sobering one!! Extremely strong language! Not too long ago I told my boys in morning Bible study that our tongues (the words we speak) really is over half of our walk!! More like 90 % cent of illuminating or desecrating Christ Jesus in our lives is done through our speech!! This has really been a burden on me and I pray for my family as well. I see with such awe God changing us.

The first part of the passage speaks of fruit. What fruit shows on your “tree” for all to pass by and partake of. Is it the good fruit of kind words, encouragement, uplifting conversations, thinking/speaking the best of others (Phil 4:8, Gal. 5:22-23).
Or is it just like the world, who seeks their own justice, retaliates when hurt, demands their rights, gets angry at anything done wrong to them, can joke like t he best of ‘em, complain about how their lives are etc. What kind of fruit is on your tree? Not whether it is apples, peaches, pears etc. But is it mostly fresh, bright, heathy & good. OR rotten & worm infested? Think back to the list I mentioned. How much of our fruit is shown in the words that come from our hearts? There is no way to “hide” what is been living in your heart, it will eventually “come up” when you least expect it. It will either be from the good store up in your heart that words of compassion reach others ears or from the evil stored up inside your heart will belch out evil words.

As if that were not enough He goes on………….to tell us that we will give an account for EVERY careless word!! I don’t know about you but that ouches!!
WOW! Every careless word! So does that mean in order to “obey” this one must become a monk and never speak?? By no means! Because that would be easy wouldn’t it? Except that then you would still be plagued by evil thoughts and actions if that is what you are storing up inside yourself!

Thus the only way to “obey” this Scripture is to OBEY it! Take captive every thought so that you make your words “Obedient” to Christ! This is moment by moment, preferring others over yourself. This my friend will Glorify The King!

Then to speak on the last verse which is chilling! By our VERY WORDS we will be condemned or saved! WOW! It is a matter of the heart. Again our words only reveal what we have saved up in our hearts. In essence, our words are the “overflow” of our hearts. Thus our heart of gratitude and proclamation of Who Jesus is & what He did for us. Our cry Abba Father I need You to save me! And our confession of our filthiness before God & repentance will acquit us.

Or by our words we will be condemned. What will it be?................

Choose your words carefully!

What happens when your
“gift” gets “canned”
All of the microorganisms of Faith get killed!
(a laughable quote from my son--- who did not like canning!)

Well ladies, I feel as though I need to introduce myself again!! For it has been SOOOOOOO long since I wrote anything on this blog. But yes I am still among the living! Actually, those of you who know me personally, I need to apologize for my inward focus as of lately. I will explain………

Where to begin………well first let me just address the “gift” part of this title. I have never been one to think much of Bible studies devoted to “finding your Spiritual gift”. I think it is a waste of focus (my opinion of course!). The reason I think this way is actually quite simple. If you are walking in complete obedience to God. If you love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, mind & strength, and your neighbor as yourself……………guess what happens??

Your Spiritual Gift(s) will show up!

You will already be doing them!

Probably two of my Spiritual gifts that seem to “show up” the most in my heart and my actions are Encouragement & Hospitality. I love doing both! And when I am prompted or see a need. Know of someone down or discouraged, Someone challenged in obedience, or just needs a hug—then it is my greatest joy to serve God in sending them a Word of encouragement. This is my heartbeat!

BUT when I get too busy to encourage others that come across my paths in need. When I ignore the promptings of God because I am too busy. Then I am in disobedience and I suffer greatly. This recently happened to me and I was a wreck! So many people (and people I dearly love!) I just basically ignored because I was busy!

I have written before and am a big “soap box” fan speaking directly against being too busy. Yet very cleverly the enemy satan so arrange a sneaky assault on me that I was not aware until I was buried under a great load.

Here is what happened. This is the second year of canning for us. I have made apple butter for years. And last year I did do a lot of canning too. It was rough then too! But I did not know as many people then and it seemed not so bad. But this year was the first year we had a garden that produced anything. From the mid month of May up to last week, I went 90 to nothing. Very unuasal for me. But there are things in life that do make for hectic times (such as my son getting Baptized, a death of a dear youth at church and the possible adoption all in one week!) But from that we went out of town and had some company a few times. Not to mention my husband traveled a few trips in this time frame. As well as putting our house up for sale and getting things fixed, repaired, & cleaned and keeping it that way. But if that were not enough………

In June for two weeks we went Wild Blackberry picking each morning until about noon. Since we could not get blueberries this season as the frost had gotten them. I made two batches of jam and froze the rest. They were very yummy! Then the garden stuff came rolling in!

It also ran smack into canning season! A lady down the road from me shared her garden with me and I mean shared. She had the most fabulous growing garden ever! So though I bought a bit from a lady I knew to help out with what I thought I needed, the rest came from the lady down the street. She was so generous. So I just kept canning and canning and canning! It all started with a cucumber, or shall I say hundreds of cucumbers. Before I knew it, I was in a real pickle!! I canned so many different kinds of pickles, I think I could feed a starving country----I just did not know when to quit. My kids at this point (which was at the beginning of the season) were ready to scream if someone gave us one more cucumber!! So I did give some to the pigs simply because I could not get to them all. My kitchen ahhhhh let’s just say there was not a place to sit! We will never eat all those pickles. And I kept having my husband stop by and pick me up more jars and spices (I was drowning in my canner!!) We spent a “fortune” on canning jars!! It really put me in a pickle as I said, and this was just the start!

Snapping green beans all day and into the night many many times! My children thought I was a harsh task master, but I just could not throw them away…..That was just the beginning! Did I mention shelling 2 huge bushels of purple hull peas too?? She shared tomatoes galore, plus more! Plus our garden had tomatoes. I gleaned from another place of tomatoes. I actually at one point had so much tomatoes juiced to be canned and I was so weary I ended up wasting two huge pots full. I made V-8 juice, spaghetti sauce, tomato soup, tomato paste, tomato juice, whole tomatoes, ketchup, & salsa. Then peppers came popping out. I did jalapeno peppers until I do not wish to see another!! My hands were about to fall off by then. This was not to mention the stuff that went into the freezer (squash, zucchini, okra, onions, cabbage). Also, we canned 3 bushels of peaches. That day was not too bad, we had a good time all together working---but we were tired.

But during all this time, the world kept spinning while I was whizzing around dead on my feet in the kitchen. But things began to fall apart and unravel quickly…….i began to get grouchy, my kids were not getting a break from work either. We still had to do the bare necessities cooking cleaning, laundry, taking care of the animals etc. We had company a few times and a few birthdays in the middle of all this. And many many times It took me days to finish the table load of food. But then it would get filled again and again. So many opportunities went by to help others. I noticed I began to say things and not follow thru like saying I would call someone and not do it. I was unable to return emails or phone calls. One of my sons and I frequently went into big arguments (which was not normal). It really took over my life. My poor neighbor who I was hoping I was being a witness to must have thought I only wanted to be her friend for her garden, which was not true. But I was canning so much I did not have time to go to visit her. And when I did she gave me more garden stuff!

Let me say here that I am not complaining that I was blessed indeed by food this year. And canning is my no means a sin. But ignoring the Lord and what He tells me to do, and ignoring people who are in your life because you (i) was too busy canning, is a sin.

It all came to a head one week. Here is what happened: I had gone down to visit in the evening with my neighbor (the garden lady) a bit, I knew her mother had been in the hospital and had come home that day. So I took her some bread and visited with her a bit. The next morning as I was having my quiet time an ambulance and police cars went down the road. I just knew it was the lady’s mom. I was prompted to get up and go to her. But I was paralyzed with fear and I had a “ton” of canning to do. So I turn my ear away from the needs of my neighbor, and went on with the so called “important” things of my life. Besides someone else can help her I told myself.

It was one week later, ashamedly, I went down to visit with her. I asked about her mom. She said through shaking sobs that her mother had died during the night/early morning of the day I had visited last. She went of crying her heart out and told me every detail. She spared nothing and it was quite a horrific scene that she shared with me. And her words………….and I was all alone, I did have anyone to help me……………..had a immense effect on me. Boy did they ever! I was not there for her! Oh I was a sober person walking home that day. Not only was I not there for her, but it took me one week to get back to see her. I am so ashamed. That is not in Christ’s likeness at all! I was overtook with grief. I was crushed under the immense conviction of the Holy Spirit. It was all to obvious that I was having a half hearted relationship with my Jesus. I had been under conviction some the Wednesday night before (which prompted me to gooooooo to see my neighbor the next morning). Boy I cried off and on that whole day and at Bible study that night I just had the tears streaming down my cheeks of how I had disappointed my Father, who has lavished His love so freely on me.

*A Broken and contrite heart I (God) will not turn away*

R E P E N T E N C E
is a beautiful thing
The next day my sister came for a visit and we cleaned for two days, on Saturday i got the call that my fruit was in!! I just wanted to cry! I was trying to change yet, the end was not over yet! And I must finish what I committed too financially I had purchased this order though 6 weeks prior. I was beyond discouragement……………….but I did cancel the next order arriving in September. Now I had two HUGE bushels of apples to peel, core, slice, cook, blend, can into applesauce. Plus 4 boxes of grapes to juice. On the second day of apples & grapes I got the call that my pears were in that was supposed to come with the peaches I had done a few weeks back!! Discouraged!! Will it ever end?! I was scared that my repentant heart did not mean anything---yet I was stuck! It was a YUCKY thing! We canned yet another week. BUT then we were done! NO MORE I said. I must stop and be obedient!

I know we are still learning how much will last all year and that takes some doing. As well, as my husband and I desire this kind of life style so it was not wrong for me to can. Yet because I did not stop and represent Christ Jesus when He so desired me to, was wrong. And I deeply regret not talking with my dearest dearest friends. That my family had to suffer with me not at my best. I can only pray that God will indeed allow me to redeem the opportunities lost. And that He will not allow me to fall in to that trap again. So to note:

When your “gifting” gets “canned” it really “spoils” everything!

I can truly say that some 1,000 jars later