Mashed Potatoes

While preparing the final dishes for Thanksgiving dinner yesterday, my daughter, Kerrie, asked me to check the potatoes. So I did. She asked me if they were ready to be drained and mashed. Not even! I told her that I stirred them but they had not changed. She then ask how high she had set the heat. Oh it was on high but the potatoes were still hard. A little longer in this heat should do it. This will soften these potatoes and we will be able to make these things into what we want them to be. Mashed Tators! Yes!

I thought about that while I was going about making the rest of the dishes. Sometimes we are like those potatoes. God speaks to us through the preaching of His Word or through the reading of His Word. Sometimes He will speak to us through someones testimony. There are times that He will speak to us through a friend. Other times He will impress things upon our hearts. We KNOW when God has spoken to us. We are stirred in our hearts but we are not changed. We are tossed about like those potatoes in a pot of boiling water. We are moved for a moment of time with what we hear but not enough to change our life and become pliable in His hands. Moved but not enough to become what it is He wants us to become.

The potato has to go through extreme heat in the oven or microwave in order to reach perfection of "Baked Potato". Once again reaching that place of soft and pliable service. To become a french fry the potato must go through the process of extreme boiling in grease. This will soften said potato into a tasty dish which most people can not turn away. However you want to eat your potato, it must first go through the fire and become soft and pliable so that it can be made into what ever dish it is you want it to be. So it is with us. Before we can become whatever it is God wants us to become, we must go through the fire. We have to have our hearts softened. We have to have things removed from us that ought not to be there. You see, the fire also purifies and removes things. It cleanses as it softens. The longer we stay in the fire the more pliable we become in His hands. Yet He will NEVER force you to become pliable in His hands. He will try you and test you and if you choose not to become pliable in His hands He will then release you and let you go. He can only work with a soft, willing heart.

Hard baked potatoes are no good! Hard undone french fries are no good! Mashed Potatoes with hard lumps in them, to me, are no good! A hard heart to God, is a heart that He can not work with. It is not pliable in His hands.


I want to be pliable in the hands of God. I want my heart to be right before Him. Psalms 139:23-24; "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

The Heart - Who Can Know It?

Jeremiah 19:9

"The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? New American Standard Bible

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? KJV

The heart is a twisted thing, not to be searched out by man: who is able to have knowledge of it? Bible in Basic English

Wesley's Notes
The heart - There is nothing so false and deceitful as the heart of man; deceitful in its apprehensions of things, in the hopes and promises which it nourishes, in the assurances that it gives us; unsearchable by others, deceitful with reference to ourselves, and abominably wicked, so that neither can a man know his own heart, nor can any other know that of his neighbor’s.

Trust in one's own heart is as foolish as in our fellow man (Pr 28:26).

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
17:5-11 He who puts confidence in man, shall be like the heath in a desert, a naked tree, a sorry shrub, the product of barren ground, useless and worthless. Those who trust to their own righteousness and strength, and think they can do without Christ, make flesh their arm, and their souls cannot prosper in graces or comforts. Those who make God their Hope, shall flourish like a tree always green, whose leaf does not wither. They shall be fixed in peace and satisfaction of mind; they shall not be anxious in a year of drought. Those who make God their Hope, have enough in him to make up the want of all creature-comforts. They shall not cease from yielding fruit in holiness and good works.

The heart, the conscience of man, in his corrupt and fallen state, is deceitful above all things. It calls evil good, and good evil; and cries peace to those to whom it does not belong. Herein the heart is desperately wicked; it is deadly, it is desperate. The case is bad indeed, if the conscience, which should set right the errors of other faculties, is a leader in the delusion. We cannot know our own hearts, nor what they will do in an hour of temptation. Who can understand his errors? Much less can we know the hearts of others, or depend upon them. He that believes God's testimony in this matter, and learns to watch his own heart, will find this is a correct, though a sad picture, and learns many lessons to direct his conduct. But much in our own hearts and in the hearts of others, will remain unknown. Yet whatever wickedness there is in the heart, God sees it. Men may be imposed upon, but God cannot be deceived.

Because the wicked always have some excuse to defend their doings they show that their own lewd imaginations deceive them and bring them to these hardships: but God will examine their deeds by the malice of their hearts.

Jeremiah 17: 10
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

I Corinthians 10:12
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! New International Version

Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Psalm 51:17

"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." Psalm 34:18

Dear God, in these last days help my heart to be right before you.

The Secret Of Creating Riches

Top picture - Timothy & Marc. Bottom Picture - Jonathon & Zack. Participants in one of our S.S. skits

"Never forget: the secret of creating riches for
oneself is to create them for others."
— Sir John Templeton:

"You know the story of Bill Gates. From a score of 1590 out of 1600 on the SAT to dropping out of Harvard. Then founding Microsoft and becoming the world’s richest man. But there’s something that’s usually forgotten about his story. He didn't climb to the summit of success alone — he carried millions of people with him. People from all walks of life who were able to prosper because of him. Find your own path — but make sure it's wide enough to handle all the lives it will change. Your Future You awaits."

As I read the quote above and the comment following it, the first thing that came to my mind was the future of my Sunday School kids. Teaching S.S. has always been my heartbeat. For a few years I was out of service in this department due to numerous reasons, my health being one of them. Now I am back and it feels so good.

After about three weeks of teaching, three children started coming up to me before and after class giving me a quick hug and saying "I love you Sis. Jolene." Oh the joy that brought to my soul. I must be doing something right. To date there are several children who now do this. :)

I was at the school the other day waiting to pick Caleb up when I hear some children yelling across the school grounds "Hi Sis. Jolene" I turn and look and there are a couple of my S.S. children just waving away at me and smiling. My heart leaped and I yelled back a hello to "my girls" and waved. Yesterday while waiting for Caleb I was attacked from behind. I felt these little arms circle me with a hug and hear this sweet little voice say "Hi Sis. Jolene" I turned to look into the eyes of one of my precious S.S. Children. This pleased me for this little guy is very shy and never says anything.

Two Sundays ago I had one young child approach me and say "Can I be your helper Sis. Jolene?" Oh for sure! You see this child is one who never sits still. Always out of his seat and never listens. He has noticed how those who help, listen, and participate in the lesson get little rewards. I now have his attention. Oh Absolutely! You most definitely can be my helper as long as you listen and participate. :) Last Sunday this child was an absolute angel! "Can I help you next week too Sis. Jolene?" You sure can! You can be my helper every Sunday if you want. I guarantee I will find something that he can do. When I first took the class I had about 5, I think it was, of these young boys that were like this. Now everyone one them are doing their best to be my helpers. They want to get a little something out of that goodies bag at the end of the class. Bribery you might say. I don't care what you call it, I have their attention during the lesson and that is all that matters to me because now they can answer the questions at the end of the lesson where before they couldn't.

If I have a child that starts to get a little out of line I don't need to yell at them or call their name out loud and draw attention to them I nonchalantly walk over to them as I am still talking and gently lay my hand on their shoulder and give a gentle squeeze and say their name and say what do you think about that? How would you feel if that happened to you? and some how I draw them back into the lesson. I make them feel a part. That is all they need is to feel a part, to feel important.

You see, I'm on a journey. I'm climbing the stairway to Heaven. That's where my path lay. My riches are not here but laid up in Heaven. So I must make sure that my path is wide enough that I can lead these children down that path with me. I have to make sure that my path is wide enough to handle all the lives it will change. Children of all walks of life who will be able to prosper spiritually because I was not afraid to share this life changing Gospel with them. Peter said it best in Acts 3:6 "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee..." What better gift could I give these children than the eternal words of God. Words that will give them hope of a better life. Words that will lead them and guide them to a glorious city that will be without sin, pain, sickness, heartache, and will forever be full of joy and happiness, love, and peace and where we will forever be with the one who saved us by His grace.

I must "Never forget: the secret of creating riches for
oneself is to create them for others."

Lovest Thou Me?

My youngest daughter says to me: "Mom, A sacrifice is not real unless it involves giving up something/someone you truly love."

I read her text and think, "You are wise beyond your years baby girl!" What a blessing to have you to encourage me at this time in my life. You are not only my daughter but my friend as well. I love you so much!"

God says to my heart 3 days later: "Lovest thou me more than these?"

Pastor preaches last night: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." Matthew 22:37

Yea Lord I love you. I love you with ALL my heart, with All my soul, with All my mind and with ALL my strength. I not only love you Lord, but I am IN love with you! You are my everything. You are my all and all and I can not live one moment without you.

Sin & Compromise VS Purity & Holiness

"But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold." Psalm 73:2 NIV

"When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me." Psalm 94:18 NIV

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works. Psalms 73:26-28

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

The battle is raging strong between the spirit and the flesh. Can't eat! Can't sleep! Battle of the mind, heart, and spirit is raging stronger and stronger every day. Can't think straight. Find myself quickly being drawn out by the current. Losing my foothold. Can no longer focus on what is around me. Blinded by this circumstance that has come into my life. Feel smothered. Yet, not realizing what is happening to my very soul. Extremely emotional and confused. Then when on face book today Bro. Elder David Doran's Post seemed to jump off the screen at me:

When sin & compromise enter the yard of your home...you are losing ground -

When sin & compromise get on the front porch of your house you are in big trouble -

When sin & compromise enter your house, purity and holiness leave -

You can't have purity & holiness and sin & compromise at the same time, they cancel each other out. Make a choice 4 God!

Have I sinned?

"But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold."

In these last days Satan is going to come at us any way he can to destroy us. He will even use the ones we love.

I know I have quoted this scripture quite often but it is imperative that I do so again: "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

I am so thankful that "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."Psalm 23:3

Say What?

Caleb and I were sitting in my rocker/recliner yesterday reading together when out of the blue he stops and turns to me and says; "You know grandma, I know that what I did yesterday was wrong. I know I'm not suppose to mimic the teacher. But she was wrong too." I asked him how she was wrong and his reply was: "She didn't fill the send home note out right. She wrote down that I talked back and I didn't. She should have put down that I mimicked her. She didn't do her job right and she's a teacher. She doesn't know the difference between talking back and mimicking. If I'm gonna be in trouble then put down what I did that was wrong."

Yep, he was dead serious. He admitted what he did was wrong and he will take the punishment for that, but don't accuse him of of doing something he didn't do. Nope he just won't accept it. LOL!!! This kid is just WAY to serious sometimes.

I had to explain to him that it was just a simple mistake and that I talked to his Principal (who wasn't even aware that there was a problem) and that everything is ok. So, now we can forget about it and move on.

P.S. The principal did get a laugh out of that one. :) Only Caleb!

What Will He Say Next?

Caleb came home with a note from his teacher today saying that he was talking back to the yard duty teacher at lunch recess. Caleb told me "I wasn't talking back grandma. I was mimicking her as she walked away. They don't know the difference between talking back and mimicking and they are suppose to be teachers."

Dear Lord help me I almost lost it. It was everything in my power not to laugh out loud and keep a straight face. I thought I was going to bust a gut. Was it funny that he mimicked a teacher? Absolutely Not!!! You just have to know Caleb. He was so serious about them not knowing the difference between talking back and mimicking. It was hard to control myself as I counseled him on that one. - F Y I young man - Talking back or MIMICKING your teachers is NOT allowed. LOL!!!

What's On The Inside?

"When you squeeze an orange, orange juice comes
out - because that's what's inside. When you are
squeezed, what comes out is what is inside."
— Wayne Dyer

Sooooo......Have you ever felt that you have truly forgiven someone of a hurt that they have caused you? Then one day, Bam! Out of the blue, something happens and that old wound is opened up and you begin to feel the pain all over again? Old emotions start rising up within you and before you know it, you are reliving the hurt and agony of the situation all over again? All of a sudden you discover that there is a root of bitterness still lurking within you. You are shocked to discover that it is there and you ask yourself, Where did that come from? This cannot be! For bitterness to live within, one cannot move forward.

Once again you find yourself playing the game of Spiritual Wac-A-Mole! That ugly thing called bitterness has risen it's ugly head and you must get the Spiritual hammer and beat it back down. It must be destroyed before it destroys you. Bitterness and the very root of it MUST die lest it choke the very life out of you.

We have sung the following song as a child:

O be careful little eyes what you see
O be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little hands what you do
O be careful little feet where you go
O be careful little mouth what you say

I would like to add:

O be careful little mind what you think

O be careful little heart what you feel
O be careful little heart what you feel
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
O be careful little heart what you feel

It is said that each of us has an inner sense of what is right, or fair, or just. When that is violated a natural result is to react, to right the wrongs and correct the injustices or to become bitter. When one becomes offended or disappointed by others and allows the hurt to germinate in the heart, bitterness and resentment will take root. This is characterized by an unforgiving spirit and generally results in a negative critical attitude which is sinful and self-defeating. Such bitterness when allowed to fester, will destroy and kill.

We must recognize and identify the bitterness when we see it in our lives. We must confess and repent. Then we need to renew our mind. Forgive and depend on the Spirit of God for strength and depend on his love towards us.

"Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back." Isaiah 38:17

Dear God, Cleanse me thoroughly. Remove every inch of bitterness. Leave not even one spec of a root that can cause bitterness to rise its ugly head again. I want nothing but the fruit of your spirit to manifest in my life.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

When the pressure is on and I feel the squeeze, what comes out can not be bitterness but it must be the fruit of your spirit only.

Concentrate On These Statements

To get something in God you've never had, you have to do something you've never done.

To grow deeper in Him, you have to go out into deeper waters.

When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands for you to receive something better.

The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.

Happy Birthday Caleb

Happy Birthday Caleb! You are my little man and I love you very, very much. I remember the day you came into our lives. We somehow knew in our hearts that day, that you would be ours. Our special gift from God. You were only 6 weeks old and so precious. I thank God every day for your hugs and good night kisses and those special moments when you crawl into my lap and snuggle and tell me just how much you love me.

As I stood by your bedside last night watching you as you were sleeping, reality hit me at just how quickly eight years has past. You are growing up so fast. Not our baby anymore but our little man. You are getting so independent now. Doing so many things on your own without mom's or grandma's help. I am hearing more and more "I can do it myself!" Your so smart too. At open house for back to school night we were so proud to learn that you were placed in the top math class and reading class for 3rd graders. You just do me proud Caleb. I love You!!!! Happy Birthday little guy!

Love, Grandma

Thought For The Day

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become character;
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh." Luke 6:45

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:" Proverbs 23:7

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

I have always heard the old saying; "You can't stop the birds from flying around over your head but you can prevent them from nesting in your hair." The same goes for thoughts that do not belong in our heads. When they enter in, rebuke them and cast them out. DO NOT allow those thoughts to build a nest within our minds to hatch into words, actions, habits, and then characters that will lead us to a destiny that we never intended to end up at.

"and the peace of God, that is surpassing all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 (Young's Literal Translations)

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." Colossians 3:15

IF You will remember the 1st commandment and obey it to the fullest, then everything will be alright with your destiny.

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with ALL thy heart, and with ALL thy soul, and with ALL thy mind, and with ALL thy strength: this is the first commandment." Mark 12:30

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become character;
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Happy Birthday Kellie!

I just want to take this opportunity to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my #2 daughter, Kellie. I love you baby girl. You do me proud! You are a beautiful young lady inside and out. I am proud of the achievements you've reached and the rewards you've received in your school years. I am so proud of the work you do on your job as a 911dispatcher and all the Recognitions you have received in your employment, like the year you received Dispatcher of the year for Kern County. Most of all, I am proud of the work you are doing for God. It thrills my heart to know that you are involved with the ladies outreach in your home church. Knowing that you are involved in His work is more rewarding than anything. Keep on living for God and letting Him have His will in your life and you will always be blessed.

YOUR INNER BEAUTY

Your beauty runs the deepest
In the dept of your soul
Reaching out to all around you
Helping them to meet their goal

Delighting in the smallest things
Facing everything in stride
This is what makes you special
That beauty from deep inside

Balancing both family and friends
Taking time to smell the flowers
You delight those around you
Flowing joy out by the hour

Showing others that you care
Nurturing their hearts and souls
Helping your friends and family
To reach their dreams and goals

A beautiful person like you
Makes life richer in every way
That's why you deserve best wishes
On this your birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELLIE!

I love you, Mom

Matters Of The Mind & Heart

"Fill your mind with the meaningless stimuli of a world
preoccupied with meaningless things, and it will
not be easy to feel peace in your heart."
— Marianne Williamson

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

Here is a poem I read from a post: As A Man Thinketh By James Allen

Thought in the mind hath made us.
What we are by thought we wrought and built.
If a man's mind hath evil thoughts,
Pain comes on him as comes the wheel the ox behind . . .
If one endure in purity of thought,
Joy follows him as his own shadow - sure.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8

Do you want peace in your heart? Then you MUST keep your mind pure.

AGING!

George Carlin's Views on Aging!
(Absolutely Brilliant)

Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions.

'How old are you?' 'I'm four and a half!' You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key.

You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.

'How old are you?' 'I'm gonna be 16!' You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life, You become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony. YOU BECOME 21! YESSSS!!!

But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling.. What's wrong? What's changed?

You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone..

But! wait!! ! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!

So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.

You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!

You get into your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; 'I Was JUST 92.'

Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. 'I'm 100 and a half!'
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!

HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay them.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning! Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever, even ham radio. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Share this with someone. We all need to live life to its fullest each day!!

Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting,
'...Wooo Hooo ...what a ride!

Kids Are Full Of Surprises

It's a new school year and Caleb is now a 3rd grader. I ask myself, "Where has the time gone?" My handsome little munchkin has grown up so fast.

Caleb - age - 1 year

One day he is so helpless and depending on us for everything. Then the next day - lo and behold - right before our very eyes he becomes our little man, the man of the house.

On the first day back to school, our little third grader came home different. After Caleb had finished his homework and dinner he was in the kitchen for a prolonged amount of time. Kerrie and I heard the water running and we both wondered what he was up to now. So Kerrie called after Caleb and asked him what he was doing in the kitchen so long with the water running. He replied, "Nothing!" So after a few moments she decided she had better check up on him. She quietly crept up to the entryway and peeked in and could not believe her eyes. She quickly got the camera and this is what she caught him doing, just take a look:

This was Caleb's first time to do dishes and he did it on his own. No one asked him to do them. The next morning as Caleb was leaving for school, I was doing the breakfast dishes. He glanced into the kitchen and saw me doing the dishes and got so upset and cried out, "Mom, how come grandma gets to do the dishes and not me?" He was really upset and I thought he was actually going to cry about it. I promised him there would be something in the sink for him to wash when he got home. That calmed him down and he went on to school. He has been doing dishes every day since. Now, how long this will last is to be seen. Probably until the newness of this experience wears off but then again, who knows, one can never tell. Kerrie and I are both surprised that our rough and tumble, all out rugged Caleb, would even consider doing the dishes, when it has been so hard to get him to clean his room. Yet, Caleb has even started keeping his room clean too. (Well, better than before anyway) He even puts his dirty clothes in the clothes hamper. With all these changes taking place We thought, "Ok what have you done with our Caleb? Where is he and who are you?" LOL!!! Let's just say, Miracles never cease!

Obedience Or Rebellion - Your Choice

My mind has been running in many different avenues as of late. So many thoughts! I really don't know where to begin. So, I will just grab at one thought and take off.

I was speaking with a young mother the other day and she was talking about how at times she can become quite flustered with her child. It's not that he is a bad kid, it's just that he is very stubborn and has a mind of his own. I can relate to that. I have a grandson just like this. This mother said that as a child she remembers being good and listening to her mother. She remembers being an obedient child in school, church, home, and away from home. So she really doesn't understand why she has a child like she does. Now don't get this mother wrong. She loves her son very much. What she means by this statement is, she has always heard that one usually gets they kind of child compared to what they were. Well, that is not so. This mother went on to say that she never did anything rebellious until she was of age and left home. Then the things she did brought no harm against anyone but herself. She broke no laws, except God's laws. She went on pouring her heart out to me and I listened.

I then told her my thoughts. I told her that though she may have been a good child while young, when she was old enough to leave home, she then became rebellious against her Heavenly Father. Maybe, through her son, God is relating to her how He has to deal with her attitude towards Him. I then asked her how many times did God have to ask her not to do certain things and yet she did them anyway? How many times did God ask her to come home and she refused? Is she now, even yet, still ignoring the voice of God in certain areas of her life, now that she has come back to Him? Is He still trying to get her attention and yet, she turns her ear and does not heed His voice? I asked her to really search her heart and ask herself if there is anything she is holding back from God? Is there anything that God is asking her to give up that she has not given up? Is there anything that God is asking her to do that she is not doing? If so, this is all a form of rebellion. She is acting just like her son. She began to understand what I was talking about. I do hope I was able to shed some light upon her heart that day. I know that it made me begin to search my own heart. For when I talk to others I also talk to myself.

If we want our children to obey us, we must obey our Heavenly Father. We are an example to our children in more ways than we know. Believe it or not, they know when we are NOT obeying the Word of God. Our children can feel the spirit of rebellion in us. So, when we let it control us, it will also control our children. So if you want obedient children, try being obedient to God and see what happens.

MRI Results

I would like to give glory and honor unto God for a Great MRI report...No change in my brain tumor since March of 2008! That is when I went to the Western District Ladies Conference and was prayed for. That little bugger is just sitting there stunted in growth and no cancer. Heeehehehehe. God is sooooo good! I am now listed as "STABLE" AHhahahaha, MEDICALLY SPEAKING anyway, Oh I do serve a Mighty God. The doc said it's possible that it could just sit there from now to eternity and never do anything. It may never begin to grow again. So far it has been sitting there for 1 year and four months and has not grown one little spec at all. Doc said I'm not due for another MRI for 2 years unless I begin to show signs of the tumor beginning to progress. He hopes that won't happen. I don't believe it will. :)

I want to thank all those at my home church and all my blogger friends and those at the Ladies conference who sent up prayers for me. But most of all I want to Thank God for His Healing Power and for reaching out and touching me one more time. Thank you, thank you , thank you ALL from the bottom of my heart. I love you each and everyone. I could not have faced this alone. God is sooooo Good!

Mother's Day 09

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

I know I'm a LITTLE late in getting this up and posted but hey, what can I say? I have been busy with a half a dozen and one things and then a bunch of nothin. In other words, I'm gettin old and slowin down. Is that a good excuse or what?

I was up in Eureka visiting with my sister and that took some time away from posting so I will blame it on that. Will post pics of my visit with her later. But for now back to Mother's Day.

We threw a surprise dinner for Sis. Allard and Sis. Wilson and had a great time of fellowship with just the ladies. As you can see by the look on Sis. Wilson face we really got her. Ha ha ha ha ha! I love a good surprise. I don't know where Sis. Allard thought she was going but where ever it was she didn't end up there. We had better plans for her that night.

Nothing like getting together with God's people and enjoying great Godly fellowship. It just has a way of lifting one's spirit and soon it's as if a weight has been lifted right off of your shoulders. I wouldn't trade my spiritual family for all the friends, fame or fortune this world has to offer. Isn't God Good?

Locked In With Him

On May 3rd of this year, Sis. Charlene Wilson and I went to Bakersfield to enjoy lunch and to get some supplies for a surprise Mother's Day dinner for Sis. Allard and Sis. Wilson. There have been so many things going on in my life over the past 7 months that it seems that I have been caught up in a whirlwind and can't get my feet on solid ground.

On the way home to get ready for the evening service with such a heavy heart, I told Sis. Charlene, "I feel that I am nothing but a lowly caterpillar in search of something better in this life. I feel as though I need to climb upon the Tree of Life and go as high as I can and then go out as far as possible on one of those high branches. There on that branch I need to begin to spin a cocoon. A cocoon of Jesus! I need to spin Him around me so tight until I can see nothing but Him. I need to wrap God around me until I can not hear or see anyone or anything but Him. I need to be able to focus ONLY on HIM. I need to stay there in that cocoon and not move or come out until I am healed and made into what He wants me to be.

That evening Pastor preached such an awesome message. He hit me full force with the Word of God. Pastor preached from Isaiah 40:25-31. He spoke about how the eagles will plunge themselves into the storm and spread their wings until they rise higher and higher until they are above the storm. There they will stay until the storm is over. This is what we need to do when we are hit by the storms of life.

I thought to myself, like the eagle, this lowly caterpillar will climb that Tree of Life to rise above my storm and there I will stay until this storm passes by.

Then Pastor spoke on verse 31, "They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength..."

He said the word "wait" does not mean to serve or to stand by but it means to get intertwined with, to get tangled up with. Then he asked us if we ever had a slinky as a kid and if it ever got so tangled up that there was no way we could get it untangled. That is how we ought to be with the Lord. We need to get so intertwined in Him, so tangled up in Him that there is no way that anyone or anything can ever separate us from the Lord. No storm, no heartache, no pain, no suffering, no weakness, no problems that should come our way can separate us. We will climb higher in Him. We will rise above it all and there we will stay and focus on Him until the storm passes by.

I looked across the isle at Sis. Charlene and yes, I passed a note during preaching. I said, "Like a caterpillar making a cocoon, wrapping myself in Him until I am made into what He wants me to be." She replied, "I think you just got confirmation. All you need now is a quiet place to meditate, pray, read His word and hear His voice."

Then last night Pastor preached from Matthew 22:35-40. This is where the lawyer asked Him what the greatest commandment was and His reply was "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment."

Again, pastor confirmed how we should be so wrapped up in God that nothing else could ever take the place of our relationship with God. Using the term "WRAPPED" taking me back to my feelings of be wrapped up like a caterpillar in her cocoon. Wrapped up in God.

Our relationship with our spouse, children, our jobs, etc. nothing, NOTHING can ever become first in our life over God. There should never be anything that could ever come in to destroy our love for Him. It's all about Him.

I don't know where He is wanting to take me from here. I don't know what His plan is for me through all of this heartache and sorrow. But I do know this one thing, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 KJV).

I am climbing that Tree of Life and I am spinning that cocoon. For I must focus on Him and His will for my life. When I come out, I don't know what I will be, but I do know this, I will be in His will and He will be holding my hand. I will mount up with wings as an eagle I shall run and not be weary, I shall walk and not faint. How can I be so sure? Because I went to a high place in Him and there I waited upon the Lord. I became entangled in Him insomuch that nothing can separate us from one another and I have renewed my strength in Him.

IF!

Last night at prayer meeting I was lead to turn to 2 Chronicles chapter 7 and began to read in my bible. Great story about the finishing of the temple that Solomon built that his father David had a burden for. Solomon made an end of prayer and a fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices and how the glory of the LORD filled the house. The priests couldn't even enter into the house of the LORD because the glory of the LORD filled the place. Then all the children of Israel bowed their faces down to the ground upon the pavement and worshipped and praised the LORD saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

It's not like that today. When the fire from heaven comes down, we don't have to leave the building when He enters into it. We get to stay with Him and bask in His glory. We don't have to bow our faces down to the ground in His presence but we lift our faces towards heaven and we worship Him freely. Today, we still worship and praise the LORD, For He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever.

The LORD told Solomon that He heard his prayer and that He had chosen the temple to himself for a house of sacrifice. I am reminded by this passage that many, many times God has heard my prayers and He has chosen me as a house of sacrifice. For He no longer dwells in a building but in the hearts of man. He also went on to say: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place." verses 14-15

Such beautiful promises God has made to me. I want to make sure that this house that I have yeilded unto Him is clean and pure so that His eyes will be open unto me and His ears will be attent unto my prayers that I send up unto Him. In order for these promises to come to pass I have a duty to Him as well. In verse 17 He tells me that I must walk up right before Him as David did and do all according that He has commanded me. For if I don't and I turn away and forsake what God has told me to do and go after other gods then this house (me) which He has sanctified for His name will He cast out of His sight. It will be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land and unto this house?

And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, (the world) and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them therefore hath He brought all this evil upon them.

I will keep this house Holy for He is Holy. He can not and will not dwell in an unclean temple. I must do all that He has commanded and observe His statutes and judgments. I can not forsake them for He is my God and I am His child. When the fire from heaven comes down, I want it to consume me for I am a living sacrifice and I offer myself unto Him. I want the LORD to fill this house (me) to the brim and running over so that there is room for nothing else to enter in.

I do not want to be that house that is looked upon as one that forsook the LORD but I want to be one that walks upright before Him as David did.

We Are Family

Where would we be without family? I hate to think about that. I thank God daily for my natural and spiritual family. I love you all very much. I need you! I couldn't make it a day without you. You are the wind beneath my wings. You lift me up when I am down. When I am weak, you give me strength. If I am lacking in faith, you give me a boost to bring it back. Likewise, if you are the one who is in need, then I will be there for you. I will lift you up when you are down, encourage you when you are discouraged, bring you hope when you feel there is no hope, send you joy when you feel no joy, restore a song in your soul when your song has faded, send a healing your way when you are sick. How you might ask? Through prayer! I will pray for you as you have prayed for me. God WILL answer my prayers and HE WILL hear my cry and you WILL be restored just like I have been. We laugh, cry, hope, dream, believe, stand, fight, struggle, push on, and NEVER give up together. Together we are a team and we can do all things through Christ which strengthens us.

His ways are far above our ways. We may not understand everything that we have to go through. The heartaches and sorrow that sometimes comes our way may seem unbearable but He will always be there to comfort us. Though we don't understand, remember, "And WE KNOW that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 So when troubles, trials, and tribulations come, don't be discouraged, don't turn your back on Him, or your family. Stand fast, reach out to Him, lean on Him, turn to Him, for He loves you and cares for you like no other.

Together, we can make it! You, me, & Jesus, we're a Team. WE ARE FAMILY!

Pecans In The Cemetary

On the outskirts of a small town, there was a big, old pecan tree just inside the cemetery fence. One day, two boys filled up a bucketful of nuts and sat down by the tree, out of sight, and began dividing the nuts.

'One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me,' said one boy. Several dropped and rolled down toward the fence.

Another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he passed, he thought he heard voices from inside the cemetery. He slowed down to investigate. Sure enough, he heard, 'One for you, one for me. On for you, one for me..'

He just knew what it was. He jumped back on his bike and rode off. Just around the bend he met an old man with a cane, hobbling along. 'Come here quick,' said the boy, 'you won't believe what I heard! Satan and the Lord are down at the cemetery dividing up the souls.'

The man said, 'Beat it kid, can't you see it's hard for me to walk.' When the boy insisted though, the man hobbled slowly to the cemetery.

Standing by the fence they heard, 'One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me.'

The old man whispered, 'Boy, you've been tellin' me the truth. Let's see if we can see the Lord.'

Shaking with fear, they peered through the fence, yet were still unable to see anything. The old man and the boy gripped the wrought iron bars of the fence tighter and tighter as they tried to get a glimpse of the Lord.

At last they heard, 'One for you, one for me. That's all. Now let's go get those nuts by the fence and we'll be done.' They say the old man made it back to town a full 5 minutes ahead of the kid on the bike.

Proverbs 19:22 "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine..." Sooooo.....SMILE, God Loves You!

My Grace IS Sufficient!

It seems my insurance doesn't want to pay for another MRI so they wanted more documentation proving it was necessary for the need of another one to be done. So I was called in for an emergency follow-up. My appointment was yesterday, Monday, the 30th of March. My Neurosurgeon was very upset that this had to be done. I really didn't feel like making the drive since I had a full blown out migraine but what can one do when the insurance company thinks they know more than the doctors or the person who is suffering with pain, right? My neurosurgeon made the statement that since I do have a brain tumor and they already have pictures of it on file, why in the world does the insurance company need more documentation? Don't they understand there is a need to keep track of the tumor's growth to make sure that there is no serious complications arising? To see if surgery is going to be needed or not? This is a brain tumor we are talking about not some freckle for Pete's sake! Yes, he was very upset.

Testing and documentation was done for the benefit of satisfying the insurance company. Doc took one look at me and knew I had a migraine. He plugged me into some wires with this goop and measured the strength of the pain by the wave patterns on the print out. Not good! The doctor was not happy that I have had a migraine for 27days straight now. So he gave me a little something to help me out. I went over to my daughter's and slept like a baby. It felt soooo good. I woke up around 6:45p.m. and went home and back to bed. Problem is I woke up around 2a.m. this morning with another migraine and it still hasn't let up. I am scheduled for more very extensive testing. He believes it has nothing to do with the brain tumor. So we will see.

This morning as the pain was so intense, I told the LORD, I can't take it anymore, He replied, "My Grace Is Sufficient!" Immediately I felt the presence of the Lord near and the pain began to subside to a dull throb. I do serve a GOOD & LOVING GOD!

As I lay there on my bed, I began to think about my pain and each throb as it would slice through my head, I began to think of Calvary and the pain and suffering that Jesus went through for you and me for the sake of our Salvation. Now, think of the very worst pain that you have ever, ever suffered and multiply that by 1000 and then maybe you will realize just how much He really loves us. To think that He would be willing to suffer so much pain and agony to take upon Himself OUR sins, OUR punishment, OUR beating, and to bear OUR cross that day at Calvary.

As the pain was so excruciating in my head and each throb would pound, I tried to compare it to each strike of the cat of nine tails that struck the back of my precious Savior. I tried to imagine it ripping the flesh off my back as it did His that day. I tried to imagine my blood running down my back onto my legs and feel my insides being ripped apart and exposed as my flesh was being torn away by each strike. The piercing pain that would shoot through my head, I would compare to when they pierced my Lord's side. Then I realized, Lord this is NOTHING compared to what you have suffered for me and you did it all in the name of LOVE. There is nothing that we go through that HE hasn't suffered and that HE doesn't understand. He knows our every pain, heartache, disappointment, sorrow and HE cares. Yes, His Grace IS Sufficient! But it doesn't stop there. For as the first song below says, He gives us Beauty for ashes and the second song says, He turns our mourning into dancing and our sorrow into joy.

As Easter is quickly approaching, let's remember the purpose of the cross and give Him thanks for what He suffered and endured for the sake of our Salvation. Then let us rejoice to know the He is ALIVE and that we too can make it through whatever comes our way. We are over comers in Him. His Grace IS Sufficient!

WDLC 2009

Western District Ladies Conference 2009 was by far the best I have ever been to. As I stated in my last post the speakers and singers were so anointed you couldn't but be blessed.

My sister and I went up a day early this year so that we could have an extra day of just sister/sister time together. We live so far apart that we don't get to spend that much time together so we took advantage of it. It was fabulous! After we got settled into our room. We took off to check out the Mall and the town. Then we decided on a place to eat dinner, the Cheesecake Factory. First time there for the both of us. I don't know what we were thinking, ordering all that food because we didn't eat it all. We ate the salad on our plate and one quarter of the sandwich. Then we made an attempt to eat all of the cheesecake. Didn't happen! Then we told each other, "Next time we come here we will split a cheesecake". LIARS!!!! Next time we went was just for dessert but we ended up getting appetizers and we got our OWN cheesecake and ATE IT ALL! Pigs we are!!!

We laughed so much together. Thought of evil things to do that would cause chaos. Like when we signed in at the registration table for seating for the Brunch I asked my sister, "I wonder what they would do if we mixed up all these name tags?" Then we snickered and giggled just to imagine all the confusion. Then we saw Sis. Cindy Ziegenbein coming our way and new by the look on her face that she knew we were up to no good. LOL! Of course we wouldn't have done it but just the thought was enough to laugh about.

When eating breakfast at Double Tree, we were laughing so hard and again Sis. Ziegenbein pops out of no where and tells us "You girls are having waaaaaay to much fun!" She scarred me because she just popped out of no where. Sort of like what the Lord is gonna do on that glorious day of the rapture. Know what I mean?

When we were eating at the Cheesecake Factory we laughed and laughed and laughed until my sides were splitting. Our poor waitress, she must have thought she had a couple of ol' ladies who had escaped from the loony bin because we were really over the top. But then again, she would just come over and smile and laugh with us and make sure we had everything we needed. She was really an excellent waitress. My poor sister, she never knows what she is going to get herself into when she is with me. I am the oldest and I have led her into more trouble through out the years in her life. You would think that she would have learned by now. She just keeps coming back for more. She must have blond roots.

We would walk up and down the halls of that hotel and literally have to stop because we were laughing so hard. I know people must have thought we were crazy. But hey, we were making up for lost time. Remember, we don't get to see each other very often. My poor sister, Jovina, that's her name, would beg me to please stop because she was laughing so hard and I was really carrying things to the limit. The more she begged, the worse I got and the harder she laughed. I know, I'm evil and then I wonder why I didn't get my healing. Go figure!!! :)

We had more than one person tell us, "What are you girls up to now?" I mean, come on, did we look that Ornery? Tee Hee Hee Hee!

The best part of our visit together was standing side by side worshipping our God in spirit and truth. Sure wish I had some pictures of that to share with you. But we were busy praising God then and didn't have our cameras out. So you will have to use your imagination for that part of our trip. God bless!

Serving God Regardless...

What an awesome Western District Ladies Conference we had this year. The speakers, Sis. Donna Linville and Sis. Debbie Saiz, were absolutely phenomenal. These ladies were ANOINTED! Let me tell you, my soul has been blessed. The music, now that is another thing that was Divine. The singers and musicians were definitely in the will of God. Sis. Hurst and her group sang under the power of the Holy Ghost. The brunch on Saturday was delicious and the entertainment was great. I laughed so much through out this entire conference. If you were able to go and didn't, then you cheated yourself out of one blessing after another.

I attended this conference this year with a continual migraine. I believed God for a miracle at every service. I just knew I was going to receive my healing. Yet, it never came. I would wake up in the middle of the night with excruciating pain and have to take meds and pray, pray, pray for relief. At times in the middle of service I would feel as though I was going to pass out and have to sit down or grab a hold of the seat in front of me.

On Saturday morning I told my sister that I just didn't understand why I didn't receive my healing because I went with a believing heart that I would. Right away the devil jumped on me and began to whisper discouraging things in my ear. We went to the brunch and Sis Andrea Arcovio sat at my table and she began to talk to my sister and I. As she began to talk she told us of a baby that had died in Africa and as they were preparing to bury the child, a preacher asked them if they had prayed the will of God for the child and they said no. So he prayed and the child came back to life and everyone began to rejoice. Then again, there was another child that had died and he asked them if they had prayed the will of God for the child and they said no. So he prayed for the will of God for the child but this child did not come back to life. So it was the will of God for this child to be buried.

She went on to tell of of a lady who had no nose and she had a dream that God spoke to her, telling her that He was going to give her a new nose. So she went about telling everyone, "See my new nose", yet there was no nose. She was causing such an uproar in her village that her pastor decided he must talk to her. As he was talking to her and telling her that she didn't have a nose, she was telling him that God told her He was going to give her a new nose, and right before his eyes she grew a nose. Sis. Arcovio brought it to my attention that I need to seek the will of God for my life in ALL things. Even concerning my healing. Even Paul had an affliction that he never received his healing from. Also, just because I didn't get my healing at conference, maybe it just wasn't in His time. Just like the lady who was going around saying "See my new nose?" yet, there was no nose. But when the time was right she received her nose.

So,like Paul, if it is the will of God for me to carry this affliction in my body or if it is not yet time for my healing I don't have the answer to that. All I know is that Romans 8:28 says "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." So, I only have one thing to say to your discouraging words that you whispered in my ear Satan, I am not careful to answer you in this matter oh king of this world. For I know that my God is well able to heal me. BUT, if He doesn't I will still serve Him with all my heart, might, mind, soul, and strength. He's my best friend and always there when I call. He has done me nothing but good.

Cell Phone VS. Bible

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones?

What if we carried our Bible around in our purse or pocket like we do our cell phone?

What if we flipped through it several times a day?

What if we turned back to get it if we forgot it?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to our kids as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled for directions?

What if we used it is case of an emergency?

This is something to make you go....Hmmmmm.....where IS my Bible?

And unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.

Knock knock! I knocked on heaven's door this morning. God smiled and answered, 'Request granted.'

Thanks for sending this to me sissy. Definitely Good Food For Thought. Makes you stop and search your heart to make sure your priorities ARE in the right place. I love you!

My Soul Has Been Blessed

Sunday's services were absolutely spectacular. Bryce, thank you for being an instrument used of God. This young man just sets himself aside and lets God have HIS way and for that I am thankful. One thing I can honestly say about Bryce Allard is that when he steps into the place of leading in praise and worship, he does it with his whole heart, mind, soul, and strength. This young man holds nothing back when it comes to worshipping God. He is an inspiration to me and he blesses my soul.

The songs of praise opened up the windows of heaven and my soul and I began to worship my God. My soul was so thirsty and hungry for the touch of my Master's hand. I just wanted to bask in His presence. That's all I wanted to do. That was my main purpose of going to service on Sunday, to sit at His feet and love Him. I didn't want to ask him for anything, I just wanted to love my God and feel Him near. I wanted to feel His hand holding mine. I wanted to lay my head upon His shoulder and dance with Him in the spirit for He is the lover of my soul. I know that when I am in His arms that everything is alright. He has everything under control. I love Him so.

Tabitha Popoy, girl you were awesome! Continue letting God use you like He is doing. Continue to yield to His spirit like you are and there is no telling what heights He will take you to. I have been so blessed the last three times you have signed. It has been because of the spirit that you have done it in. Total surrender unto God!!! Keep that humble spirit and you will be blessed. I love you. You are a Jewel Divine.

How Do They Do It?

This coming Sunday will be three weeks that I have missed service. How do people survive without attending the House of God on a regular basis? My soul is literally starving for the PREACHED WORD of God! My girls have shared with me the messages that their pastor's preached and I have eaten it up as they talked.

My youngest daughter lives in another town, therefore attends a different church. When she would call or come to see me in the hospital she would share the church services with me, knowing how much I was missing church. My oldest daughter attends the same church I go to and she would come home or into the hospital room and say "Oh mom, pastor preached another awesome message." Then she would share it with me. I sit here and cry because it does my heart so good to see where my girls have come from and how far they have grown in the Lord.

As I would lay there and listen to them and watch them as they spoke about the message and see their eyes light up about the word they heard, it did my heart so good. My cup runneth over with joy to see them so in love with God and His Word. Just the way they spoke with such emotion about the message they heard makes me know they are really getting it deep in their hearts.

I went into the hospital on Feb. 3 for a simple gallbladder removal. The surgery went well. Two days later I began to have complications breathing. I went to the ER and was put on meds for 5 days and didn't get any better. I went back to the surgeon for my post op follow-up and he said everything concerning the surgery was great but my lungs sounded horrible so he admitted me to the hospital. I had bronchial pneumonia.

I spent a lovely 6 days in the hospital. The first 5 nights I had the room to myself so it wasn't to bad. The last night there I received a roommate. Was she ever a winner! She came in from dog bites. She was praying for her dog and trying to bless it and I guess the dog did not want to be blessed because it attacked her viciously and really did a number on her. She spent most of the night talking and yelling at people who were not even in the room. She literally carried on conversations with these so called individuals. Yep, I wanted out of there like quick. Then at one point she came over to me and proceeded to tell me that she was going to lay hands on me and bless me. This was right after she had had a fight with someone who was not even in the room. I politely told her "No thank you, I have already been prayed for and My God had heard those prayers. But God bless you anyway." She then began to tell me that she knew me and who I was. That she knew my eyes. I just said, "Oh really? That's nice" Yes, I was really glad the doctor let me go home because I didn't want to continue on in that room that's for sure. I could tell you more but it would probably make your toenails curl. I don't know if it was the meds by I.V. that finally made me well or if that lady literally scared the sickness out of me but I am finally home now and doing much better. LOL!!! No, really it was the Hand of God that came down and touched me and I am so thankful to finally be home and on the mend once again. I am sooooooo looking forward to Sunday when I can once again attend the House of God.

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." Psalm 100:4

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." Psalm Psalm 23:6

"One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple." Psalm 27:4

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." Psalm 122:1

Be Happy

Nehemiah 8:10; "...for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Whatever Your Situation - Don't Lose Your Praise

This past Tuesday, I went in for surgery. While I was waiting to be taken in, Kellie, my youngest daughter, was with me and we were talking and she pulled her bible out of her purse and began to read Psalm 4:8; "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." When she read that verse to me, I had such a peace come over me. I began to relax and all my anxiety slipped away. I even turned over and took a nap as I waited for my turn to come for surgery. When they came for me and took me into the surgery room I felt no anxiety at all. Next thing I knew I was in recovery and feeling PAIN! Praise God I was still alive and kicking. LOL!

I spent the next three days at Kellie's when I got out of the hospital because everyone around my house is sick. Kellie shared a song with me and this testimony. She said, "Mom, you know there is one thing you have taught me that I am thankful for. Never lose your praise! No matter how hard the path you travel or whatever the battle you are fighting, DON"T EVER QUIT PRAISING GOD. That is where you will find your strength to carry on." She went on to tell me that when she had left the church and strayed from God, that the one thing she never quit doing was praising God. She told me that she continued to give God the praise for the things that He did for her and provided for her in her life. Kellie believes that is the reason she is back in church today. I know from talking to Kerrie, my other daughter, that she too, gave God praise for the things that He did in her life as well, when she had strayed from God.

This conversation made me think of the scripture in the bible, "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." Psalm 150:6 The key words here are EVERYTHING that hath breath. It doesn't matter whether you are serving God or not. If you have breath then you need to Praise the Lord. He has done mighty things in your life and He deserves your praise. If you are serving God then so much the more because He has delivered you from a world of sin. We, each and everyone of us need to praise the Lord everyday of our lives. In the good times and the bad.

I know there have been times that I have heard people say, "Why do they have their hands lifted? What are they praising God for? They don't live right!" Next time you hear someone make that remark, remind them of this scripture, "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." Psalm 150:6. I like that word "LET".

The following is the song my daughter shared with me. Scroll down and click on where it says POP-OUT PLAYER. When that opens up, then hit the play button and listen to the song. You can minimize the screen and scroll down and read the words along with the song if you want too. I just thank God that I can be blessed by my children. It really touches my heart so. For that, I praise God.

I Never Lost My Praise by Tramaine Hawkins

I've lost some good friends along life's way
Some loved ones departed in heaven to stay
But thank God I didn't lose everything
I've lost faith in people who said they cared
In time of my crisis they were never there
But in my disappointment, in my season of pain
One thing never wavered, one thing never changed

I never lost my hope,
I never lost my joy
I never lost my faith
But most of all, I never lost my praise

My praise still here,
My praise still here

I've let some blessings slip away
When I lost my focus and went astray
But thank God I didn't lose everything
I lost possessions that were so dear
I lost some battles walking in fear
But in the midst of my struggles, in my season of pain
One thing never wavered, one thing never changed

I never lost my hope,
I never lost my joy
I never lost my faith
But most of all, I never lost my praise

Praise, Praise, Praise, Praise, Praise
Most of all, I never lost my praise

My praise still here,
My praise still here

How Bad Do You Want It?

My grandson, Caleb, can really be a handful when taken to any store. I don't care if it is Kmart, Save Mart, Dollar Tree, Dollar Mart, State Market, or a Drug Store, he will manage to find something he wants even if it's from the quarter machine. Once he has decided he wants something, he sets his heels in to get it and if his mother or I say NO the fight is on. He will start in with all of his reasoning as to why we should get what it is that he wants. The problem is, once we have said no, then that means NO! The more we say no, the more he begins to argue the point. Then he begins to get upset. Next thing you know, Caleb becomes, how should I say it? LOUD!!! Oh yes, my precious grandson can be very demanding. He has a way of letting us know just how bad he really wants the item he is begging for at the moment.

As I was laying awake at 4:15 this morning, I thought about Caleb and how he really shows his desire for what it is that he wants. That is the way we need to be in the spiritual realm. I then began to think about different individuals in the bible who did just that.

Queen Ester for one, had learned there was a plot against all the Jews. They were going to be destroyed. She needed to get the King's attention so that her people would not perish. But she couldn't just go before the king without being summoned, that would be suicide. She knew that she had to take drastic measures to save their lives. First there was the fasting for 3 days. Next she bathed in king's favorite perfume, put on his favorite clothing, then she positioned herself in the inner court so that she would be seen by the King as he sat upon his throne. She found favor in his sight. Then the king asked what her request was. I'm sure you all know the story of how she had the king and Haman come to dinner twice. On the second feast that she prepared for them the king asked her what her petition was and she asked for the lives of her and her people to be spared. Then the secret of what Haman had been planning came out and he was hanged on the gallows that he had built for Mordecai.

We have the story of Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings chapter 2 where Elijah told Elisha to stay in town while he goes on to Bethel and Elisha's response was I'm going with you. A second time Elijah tells Elisha to stay put while he goes to Jericho again Elisha responds with I'm going where you go. A third time Elijah tells Elisha to stay behind for the Lord is sending him to Jordan and again Elisha replies with "As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on." Elisha knew that Elijah was going to be taken from him that day. Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. Elijah told him that if he saw him when he was taken it would be so. As they walked on and talked a chariot of fire appeared and Elijah was taken and Elisha saw. He got a double portion just as he asked.

In Luke 18 it talks about a widow who went before a judge asking him to avenge her of her adversary. The bible says he would not for a while but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

Oh the list goes on. What about Blind Bartimaeus? When he heard that Jesus was near he began to call out for his healing. When he was told to be quiet he called out even louder. He had a need and he intended to have it met. He didn't care what anyone thought.

The lady with the issue of blood. For 12 years she suffered and spent her life savings trying to get well. She was at the end of her rope. She too had heard that Jesus was in town. If she could but touch the hem of his garment that is all she had to do. So she began to press her way through the crowd. I'm sure she was pushed and shoved and even stepped on. But that didn't stop her. She had a need and she wanted it met so she continued on until she was able to touch the hem of the Master's garment and she was instantly made whole.

There are many more examples in the bible of those who went the extra mile to get what they wanted or needed from God. What do you want or need from God in your life today? How bad do you want it? Is it the saving of a life? Do you have loved ones who are lost? Like Queen Ester you need to stand in the gap and go before the King of Kings and plead their case. Send forth the rich aroma of praise that will sift before the nostrils of God. Adorn yourself with the garments of worship that best get His attention. Invite Him to a banquet and commune with Him. Then when He ask what you need you can then plead your case to pull your loved ones off of Haman's gallows(Satan's gallows) before it is to late. With the help of God, the chains of sin will be broken and they will find their way to God.

Maybe you are in need of a double blessing like Elisha. If that is the case then get your praise on. "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise" Psalm 100:4. Keep your eyes upon Jesus and don't lose your focus. Follow Him where ever He leads. Go where ever He goes. Be a willing vessel.

If you are in need of a healing whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual cry out to Jesus like Blind Bartimaeus did. Reach out and touch the hem of his garment as the lady with the issue of blood did. Press your way through. Don't hold back. If at first your prayers seems to be unanswered, go back and ask again. Make your petition known like the widow did in Luke 18 and the judge granted her petition unless he became weary of her.

"...yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss..." James 4:2-3

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" Matthew 7:7

I ask you once again, What do you want or need from God in your life today? How bad do you want it?

To Realize The Value Of Time

To realize the value of a sister
Ask someone who doesn't have one.

To realize the value of ten years:
Ask a newly divorced couple.

To realize the value of four years:
Ask a graduate.

To realize the value of one year:
Ask a student who has failed a final Exam.

To realize the value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize the value of one month:
Ask a mother who has given birth To a premature baby.

To realize the value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of one minute:
Ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize the value of one-second:
Ask a person who has survived an accident.

To realize the value of a friend or family member:
LOSE ONE

Treasure every moment you have.

You Will treasure it even more when
You can share it with someone special.

Time waits for no one.

Today is the day of salvation.

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the
day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near. Isaiah 55:6