FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Now I Know How God Feels!

2011-10-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

The other day I wanted to talk with my family and friends. I had something I wanted to share with them. But everyone I called would not answer their phones. Now I'm beginning to understand how God feels. He calls out our name. He too, has something He wants to share with us and He wants to spend time with us...........yet we're to busy doing other things and we don't answer.............

I called my sister three times but she was busy doing other things and really didn't have the time to talk to me. Yeah, she called me back. Said she was "BUSY" combing her hair. She even text me some pics until she had time to talk to me. LOL!!! But my point is, she was still to busy to answer my call. Combing her hair, brushing her teeth, Excuses, Excuses......Busy doing other things....just no time to talk when I call........Like I said....Now I know how God feels.........What excuses do we give when He calls to talk to us?

I then tried calling my best friend, Patty and her phone rang and rang and rang. She was home but she never heard it ringing. Just too busy doing other things......it really makes me stop and think.......How many times Has God called for me to spend some time to talk with Him and I was to busy? Has there been times when He called me and I was so busy I didn't hear Him calling? I better make sure I am in tune with that still small voice of God. I don't want to miss His call.

I tried calling my youngest daughter twice and she too, did not answer. All I got was her voice mail. When God calls us what does He get? Do we answer or does He get a busy signal, our voice mail, or do we just let the phone ring? Think about it?

I thought to myself, How many times has God called to speak to me and yet I was to busy to stop to talk to Him for a few moments? How many times have I been so busy that when He called, I didn't hear Him?

My sister called me back as well as my best friend Patty, and my daughter when she got off of work. But when my sister called me back, I was busy with the baby and really couldn't talk, so I had to call her back after the baby was taken care of. I thought about my sister's return call. When she called me back, I was then to busy to talk to her. What "IF" God would be to busy for our return calls? He has called out to us so many times and we don't answer. We let the phone ring, or we let it go to voice mail, or He gets a busy signal and we think nothing of it. We will get back to God in our own good time. But what "IF" in our own good time is when we REALLY need Him and then He should be to busy to answer? I'm glad He is not like us! But don't take Him for granted.....One day you just may cry out to Him in need and He won't be there to answer your call. "And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man…" Genesis 6:3

Jesus is calling you today! Won't you answer Him? "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: "John 10:27
Do you hear his voice today? Are you in-tune with Him? Are you following Him? He's NEVER to busy for you, Please don't be to busy for Him. Answer when He calls.

Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth.

Cleanliness....Is It Next To Godliness?

2011-10-06T10:12:00.000-07:00

Today's bible reading really caught my attention. The reason being is I have seen people who are guilty of both parties of what goes on in this chapter. I must say that I have even been guilty of thinking "How gross!" After reading todays WORD, I have a new outlook on this whole aspect.

Matthew 15: "Some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don't wash their hands before they eat?" Question - How many times have we looked upon people with disgust because we watched them eating with dirty hands and/or they were dressed beneath our standards, dirty and smelly? Think about it.......passing judgment on them?

Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is ‘devoted to God,’ they are not to ‘honor their father or mother’ with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:

“‘These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
They worship me in vain;
their teachings are merely human rules.’”

Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”

Let me say right here, that many times I have seen people get offended over the preached Word of God. Over what thus, is Written in the Book of Life. They got offended when Jesus spoke, and there are those who still get offended today when the preacher speaks. Why? Because it reveals who they really are, and what they are really doing. The WORD gets down to where they are living and they don't like it.

He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” Peter said, “Explain the parable to us.” “Are you still so dull?” Jesus asked them. “Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man 'unclean'; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him 'unclean.'"

Hmmmmm..........I think it's time we clean up our OWN hearts and our OWN speech before we pass judgment on the one's with dirty, smelly clothing and unwashed hands.

Remember Matthew 15:20 the next time you sneer at someone eating with unwashed hands. Someone you consider beneath you. Stop and check your heart real close.....you just might have a few things that needs cleaning out yourself.

"For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man 'unclean'; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him 'unclean.'

So back to the title...Cleanliness.....Is It Next To Godliness? When it comes to our heart I say yes!

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

Over My Head ~ Brian Littrell (lyric video)

2011-08-31T08:55:00.000-07:00

I had never heard the following song before yesterday, yet when I heard it, I was instantly reminded of my Pastor's message this past Sunday evening. It was out of Ezekiel 47:1-6. This song goes along with my prior post. It speaks well of how I feel. I do believe that God is definitely calling me into deeper waters. Yes, a deeper walk with Him. I want to be in "Over My Head" in Him.

Deep Sea Diving!

2011-08-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

I can't get last night's message out of my head & heart. It keeps echoing through out my inner being. I was sitting here thinking about that message & I thought about my son & Amalia, who loves to go deep sea diving. They have shared pictures & treasures of things they have brought back from their adventures from the deep floor of the ocean. Oh the wonders they have seen & experienced & shared just by going out into the deepest of waters. Such beauty, wonder, & awesomeness that can only be experienced by going into the deep waters. I have seen the look in their eyes as they talk about their experiences in the deep waters. Their eyes light up with excitement. They wanted to go deep sea diving so bad that they took the courses that were required. They bought the needed equipment for the deep waters. They did whatever was necessary, so they could enjoy the experience of the deep & the beauty it had to offer.

That is the same with us in the spirit. If we want to enjoy the deep waters then we must prepare ourselves. We must train for it. It takes prayer, DAILY. Reading of the WORD. We must do this to the point that we become saturated in HIM. This is how we get the needed equipment for deep sea diving, & the courage to jump in and let go and let God have control. This is how we let the Spiritual current take us where it will. The deeper we go in God the greater treasures we will find. There will be more beauty to see. Beauty that will leave us awe struck. Like my son & Amalia, we will want to collect these wonderful treasures and hold onto them for they are valuable to us. Then we will want to share them with others. We to, will want to tell others about what we have found. When we talk about what we have seen and found, our eyes will light up and shine for we have been to the deep waters in God.

Ezekiel 47:1-6 Thank you Pastor for an Awesome message!

Restoration & Salvation - Part Two

2011-06-18T12:10:00.000-07:00

"My name is Esther. I am a queen, but most importantly I am a Jew." ~UnKnown~

Ruth & Queen Esther, My two favorite women of the Bible. One brought Restoration & the other brought Salvation.

In Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew whose name was Mordecai who had been carried way from Jerusalem by an enemy army. He raised his younger cousin Esther for her parents had died.

King Xerxes threw a grand banquet. When he sent for Queen Vashti she refused to come. So the king was counseled to replace her as queen to let women everywhere know that this kind of conduct would not be tolerated. There would be no disrespect and discord allowed. So he set out to find a new queen. Esther was chosen as the new Queen.

Although Esther had been chosen to be Queen, she had two strikes against her. One, she was a female and two, she was a Jew. It was forbidden for anyone to approach the king without an invitation, yet an evil prime minister named Haman was plotting to kill off all the Jews. Esther's cousin Mordecai's plea to intervene meant risking her own life. It took courage for Queen Esther to take a stand.

God appoints for His purpose. "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14)

Though Esther knew that it could cost her her very life if she went before the king without being summoned, she also knew that if she didn't, all the Jews, including herself were going die. So after she and the Jews had fasted for 3 days, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace in front of the king's hall, facing the entrance. When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

Before we approach the throne of the King of kings to make our petition known, do we cleanse and make ourselves ready? Think about it! Esther prepared herself! She fasted, then put on her royal garment and waited quietly before the king. She did her best to catch his eye. How many of us wait patiently, Quietly upon the King? and when He extends His scepter out towards us we approach Him and touch the tip of His scepter. Oh such reverence!!!

Then he asked her what her request was and that he would give her up to half the kingdom. Then she invited him and Haman to a banquet. They came and enjoyed such a grand meal. Oh such blessed acceptance by the king. I can imagine the joy and relief that flooded her soul. If we were to approach the King of kings this way can you imagine the blessings that would be bestowed upon us? After reading and studying the book of Esther, the way we approach Him and expect Him to answer our prayers is shameful!

After the banquet he again asked her what her petition was and said he would give her up to half of the kingdom. She requested for him and Haman to return the next evening to a banquet. The next evening after the meal, the king again ask her for her petition and she then reveals Haman's evil plot to destroy her and her people. Haman was hung on the very gallows that he had built to destroy Mordecai.

When is the last time we have just entered into the King's court and quietly awaited His approval and then when He acknowledged us we invited Him to come and have a banquet with us. To come and dine with us. When did we last serve Him with praise and worship so that as the King is feasting upon our praises and worship unto Him He looks at us and says, "My child, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request?"

Wherever God has placed you, He can use you to speak His truth-words of love, justice and faith to a lost world-even if it means being misunderstood or ridiculed. It may be difficult and you may be weary; but "never tire of doing what is right." 2 Thessalonians 3:13

Restoration & Salvation - Part One

2011-06-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

Ruth & Queen Esther, My two favorite women of the Bible. One brought Restoration & the other brought Salvation.

The book of Ruth is an ancient story that follows the journey of one Jewish family's struggle for survival. Escaping famine, Elimelech traveled to Moab with his wife, Naomi, and two sons. But ten years later, we find Naomi in mourning at the loss of both her husband and sons. She is left alone in a foreign land with two Moabite daughters-in-law and no hope of future happiness, or it seems. Naomi is a woman who forgot her dream, but God had not forgotten her. God restores her joy through her daughter-in-law, Ruth.

When Ruth's husband died, Her mother-in-law, Naomi, had decided to return to Bethlehem. When she urged Ruth and her sister-in-law to stay in Moab, Orpah chose to stay among her people and pagan gods. Ruth, chose to follow her mother-in-law to the land of Judah.

But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God."

Ruth chose to be loyal to Naomi, even though it meant going through some tough times and not knowing how life would turn out. Boaz,a distant relative of Naomi, saw Ruth's loyalty and faithfulness to Naomi and her hard work to earn enough to take care of Naomi and herself.

Through Boaz & Ruth, restoration is brought back to Naomi. They got married, had a baby boy and Naomi said, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel who gives an old woman like me grandchildren and a loyal daughter-in-law. She is better than seven sons!"

In Judah Ruth found new hope, a new husband, and a place in the genealogy of the Messiah. New life can come from the tragedy of death. (John 12:24) We've all lost someone dear, leaving an emptiness in our hearts. We go on, but we ache for their presence.

What do we do in the face of death? Do we blame God, as Naomi did? Do we stay in the nowhere land, as Orpah did? Or do we let God weave our grief into a new story, as Ruth did?

Our faith promises new life. God knows the deaths we've experienced. His plans for us are good, though they look different than we expected. We need to learn to rest in the knowledge that God uses every circumstance to strengthen our faith in Him. When we think that life as we know it is over, remember the One who said "I make all things new." (Rev. 21:5)

Trash Diggers

2011-05-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

I was in the kitchen yesterday doing the dishes. My granddaughter, who just turned one, was with me for the day. Hailey thinks that she has to be wherever I am. She is not a happy camper if I walk out of the room and leave her behind. So she followed me into the kitchen so she would not be alone. As I was doing the dishes she edged over towards the trash can and reached out to grab for something that she wanted in the trash. I would tell her "NO! NO!" Hailey would stop reaching but immediately drop her lower lip and begin to cry. After a few moments she would reach towards the trash again for whatever it was that was enticing her. I would continue washing dishes and simply say "NO! NO!" never once turning around to look at her or moving her. I just simply gave her a firm command and continued doing the dishes. Again, out of the corner of my eye, I could see she her lower lip begin to quiver and drop. Then the crying began all over again. This went on about 5 times. I believe it was on the 6th attempt that she was trying to dig in the trash that I gave a very stern "NO! NO!" Hailey then turned and threw herself and buried her face into the back of my skirt and wailed hysterically. Oh the pitiful crying that went on. She clung to the back of my skirt and wailed.

I continued on with the dishes as she cried and pulled on my skirt. Her crying got louder and louder. She would raise her head and cry then throw her face back into my skirt, pull on my skirt, and wail louder. It was as if she was pleading with me to please let her have the object she wanted that so charmed her in the trash can. I thought to myself, Hailey Renee, you have all those wonderful toys you just got for your birthday and you want to dig in the trash can for something to play with? Girl what is wrong with you? Then it hit me! That's the way God's children are. He has blessed us with so many WONDERFUL things and yet, sometimes He sees His children reaching for the trash can of this wicked evil world to find something to entertain themselves with.

God has delivered us from the deep miry clay. Cleansed us from drugs, alcohol, prostitution, lying, cheating, a life spent in and out of jail. Some have lived on the streets, under bridges. God gave them homes, mended broken hearts, others blessed with cars who were walking before. I've seen families put back together. We are blessed with good wholesome fellowship amongst the family of God. Get together at the parks, fellowship meetings, conventions, Sr Camps, Youth Camps and the list goes on. It is a good life a living for the Lord! Yet, for some reason or another, IF we are not careful, laying on top of the trash can of this thing we call the WORLD, will be something the devil has placed just to try and entice you! If he can only get you to reach in and take a hold of the object that looks so inviting, alluring, then he has a chance of snagging you and pulling you to the bottom of the trash can.

God is standing and washing, not dishes but souls, and He is watching His children as He is doing so. He sees when we reach out towards the trash can of the world. He doesn't move us away from the tempting object. He simply says "NO! NO!" We might let our lower lip quiver and drop. We might pout and cry. But like Hailey some of us keep trying to reach for that enticing object because we want it so bad. Sometimes God will even use the Preacher through His word to speak to us about what we are doing. We still get upset and want that enticing object of the trash can from the world. We might even go as far as to throw ourselves on the altar, grab a hold of the horns of the altar, wail and plead with God because we want it so bad. All the time He is saying "NO! NO!" Because He knows it is of no value to us. It will destroy us and our walk with Him. It will drag us to the bottom of the trash can. I wonder if He looks at us and says "All the wonderful blessings you have and you want to dig in the trash for pleasure? Child, what is wrong with you?" I will tell this, my worst day living for the Lord is better than my best day ever was living in the world!

Like Hailey is towards me, I want to be towards God. Lord, I want to be wherever you are! I will follow you. I don't want to be left alone! When you see me reaching for anything that will destroy my walk with you, don't ever stop telling me "NO!NO!" I don't want to be lured into the trash digging business for the pleasures that this world has to offer. I don't want to be found suffocating at the bottom of the trash can of sin. But like Hailey was with me, I will lift my arms to you and crawl into your lap and lay my head on your shoulder and cling to you. I will let you wipe away my tears and know that you love me and know what is best for me! For above all else, I MUST BE SAVED!

A Life Long Christmas Friend

2010-12-24T06:55:00.000-08:00

AS I lay here this morning thinking about the birth of Christ on this Christmas Eve, I began to remember how the story goes where there was no room for him in the Inn. How he had to be born in a lowly stable amongst the animals. My mind quickly wanders throughout the life of Christ. From the very beginning there were so many who rejected him. There were so many who had no room for him in their lives. Right away there were those who set out to destroy him even as he was just a child. So many times he faced rejection here on earth. Then the ones who did make room for him quickly abandoned him the day that he was crucified. Just days before they were crying out "Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest." Then soon after, the same people were crying "Crucify him! Crucify him!" Even his disciples were no where to be found. As I was laying in my bed this morning with all these thoughts running through my head, I wondered, "Lord how did it make you feel to receive so much rejection? I know your heart must have been breaking into. How did you manage to deal with it all?

In the hustle and bustle of this Christmas season people are so busy they don't have time for Christ. It's all about shopping. Getting the best deal. On to the next sale. Making sure that they buy for all their employees, employers, friends, every family member and etc. Even if it means they max out every credit card they have. Why if Susie is buying for everyone then I have to buy for everyone as well, right? Bumper to bumper traffic, and driving around forever to get parking. So much pushing and shoving in the stores. Give me! Give me! Whats in it for me? The next thing you know we have lost focus of the "Reason for the Season" Hey folks, for your info -you DON"T have to keep up with the Jones or the Smiths! Step back, take a deep breath, and re-focus. I guarantee it will make your Christmas Season much more pleasurable. I promise!

My youngest daughter and I were talking the other night and sharing our thoughts on how it seems Christ is left out of Christmas. You go to the stores and it's "Happy Holidays!" Even if I tell someone "Merry Christmas!" the majority of the time, their response to me is "Happy Holidays!" What's up with that?" I look at them, smile and say, "Nooo, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!" and walk away. I hear so many people say how they hate Christmas. How so? This is my favorite time of year. Christmas is all about Christ. The true Reason for the Season. I love to listen to the beautiful Gospel Christmas songs. I like to decorate the house and get into a festive mood. I enjoy telling my grandchildren the story of his birth and the purpose of why he came to this earth. Today we will gather around and have dinner with the family. Then evening time, the children will open their presents. Tomorrow morning the children will rise and shine, race to the living room to see if Santa left anything for them. Yes! There are the snow prints on the carpet and there's the gifts! Oh Santa's been here! They will excitedly open those gifts as well. Caleb will smile secretively because he knows who the real Santa clause is. You see, in our house Christmas is all about Christ and the children. We started a new tradition in our family 3 years ago and now we only buy gifts for the children. It is so much fun to see their faces light up as they open up their gifts. As adults, that's all the gifts we need. That and the love of Christ and the love of one another.

After the kids have opened their gifts from the so-called Santa on Christmas Morn we will all gather at Mark's for breakfast. Later in the day everyone will come to my place for dinner. Then another Christmas will have come and gone. I know in my last post I spoke on how life has been kind of rough these past two years. But as I lay in my bed this morning thinking of the life of Christ, well....there is nothing I've gone through that he hasn't already gone through. There isn't a path that I have walked that he hasn't already walked. Rejection? No one knows how that feels better than Christ. Abuse? Ask him about that! He was sorely abused the day he was crucified. Don't believe me read about how they beat him, spit on him, plucked his beard, pierced his side. I dare you to read it! And he did it all for our salvation. Yet people STILL continually reject him today. There are those who have called him Lord, even yet today, turn and walk away. Yes the road may have been rough, the trials at times hard to bear, the pathway dark, and my feet felt as though they were on shaky ground, and at times I seemed lost and confused. I may have been angry at times but never did I hate my God. Never did my love for him subside. Deep within me there was something that held me fast through it all.

On this Christmas Eve I want to remember what Christmas is all about. Not just today and tomorrow. But everyday, all year long. I don't ever want it to be said of me that I don't have room for him in my heart. Never do I want to reject the Lord. Hard times will come and go. But this one thing I know, he will ALWAYS stay close by my side through it all. In the lonely hours of the night, when I'm feeling alone and rejected, he is there. He hears my cry. He answers my prayers. He will NEVER leave me nor forsake me. For he is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

I started my walk with the Lord Aug 19, 1979. We've crossed many rivers, climbed a lot of mountains, and went through many valleys together. We've traveled many narrow paths. At times, the going has been extremely rough. Other times it's been smooth sailing. Good or bad, he's been there for me through it all. This one thing I know, he is my Friend, my TRUE Friend! He is ALWAYS there when I need him. On that I can depend. I smile as I think about the child born on that day. Rejoice! Rejoice! The Savior has been born. My Life Long Friend.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

How's Your Health?

2010-12-11T05:34:00.000-08:00

Looking back over 2010, I can see a road that was very narrow, and at times, hard to travel. But here I am at the end of this year, and I survived. God is GOOD! I am so glad to know that I serve a Faithful, Merciful, & Loving God. I faced many trials throughout this past year. Some were physical, some were spiritual, & some were just LIFE itself. While in the midst of each trial, it's hard to see one's way but you just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and stepping out by faith. Sometimes when the going got so rough I just had to stand still & wait to see the Salvation of the Lord. Other times, I know He picked me up and carried me through the storm, for I just couldn't take another step on my own.

I've been awake since 2:40 a.m. My mind has been racing out of control. Have you ever been angry with God? I have! Yeah - ME!!! Things happen & you don't understand why? You question Him. You ask Him why He allows things to happen? Why He allows people INTO your life if they are not going to be allowed to stay? Why He takes people from you? Why your world is falling apart? etc. & etc. I went through this these past 2 years. My marriage fell apart, I watched as my son & Amalia were devastated & broken hearted at the loss of two Pregnancies. It ripped my heart out. All I could do was ask God WHY? You see your children hurting & you can do nothing to help them. I know I can pray for them, I did, yet my life was such a turmoil within itself. I did the best I could. I watched my daughter go through her struggles but I can't fight her battles for her. Then the biggest battle of all hits me. This one is personal. A battle I must face & fight on my own. The outcome is up to me. It seems that ever since I climbed the tree and began to wrap myself within the cocoon I have almost had the life squeezed out of me. I do remember asking God to wrapped me tight - so tight in fact that nothing can separate me from Him. I do believe now that He is squeezing everything thing out of me that is NOT like HIM! Until that happens I will not be able to come forth from this cocoon.

I have had some health issues, so my Neurologist sent me for several test, AGAIN! The past 8 weeks I have been taking 50,000 units of vitamin D. My 1st blood test revealed that I only had .8 vitamin D in my system. That is barely on the chart. It is now up to 24 which is still low. My vitamin B's are all low so my neurologist is pumping me full of that as well. The 1st test showed b-12 was 121. It is now 383. She wants it to reach 800. As most of you know, I suffer chronic migraines. After much testing I have been put on a strict diet because most of the food I have been eating triggers MIGRAINES. Now the blood work has revealed this vitamin deficiency which also is a major cause for migraines. Doc feels that once they get my vitamins up to par, and get my diet where it needs to be then my migraines will be cut in half. She said I will always have migraines but we just might be able to control the number of migraines I have to deal with.

As I was laying here this morning & thinking about all of this, I thought that this physical well being is just like our spiritual well being. When the body doesn't eat properly or get the right vitamins, it doesn't function correctly. It begins to break down. Your mind doesn't work right. When your vitamin b-12 is 400 & below you start having memory loss. You become forgetful. You head out from point A to do something at point B & by the time you get to point B you've already forgotten what it is you're there for. Proper diet, vitamins, exercise, & sunshine is vital for a healthy body & mind. I remember Rev. John McDonald from Eureka CA saying several times, "You need to get 15 minutes of sun everyday. It gives you vitamin D & drives away Depression! So if you're depressed get out & get some sun." When we are not healthy we can not fight off sickness. Our immune system is weak and resistance is low. We need to take care of our bodies.

The same goes for our spiritual body. When it doesn't eat properly (the WORD of GOD) it becomes malnourished. If we don't partake of His word on a DAILY BASIS, we start to lose important vitamins in our spiritual diet. We then, become weak and can not fight off the things that attack & try to attach themselves to us. We don't think properly. When trouble & trials come our way, we can not think clearly or reason rationally. We become disillusioned & disoriented. We become critical & questioning His will. We start doubting & our faith becomes low. Next thing we know, we find ourselves on a path that we don't belong. All because we have neglected to properly feed and nourish our spiritual bodies.

We need to daily feast on the Word of God and make sure we are getting the proper vitamins that our spirit needs. Vitamin B's that are so vital to our Spiritual walk. Vitamin B-1 = Praise & Worship to our God. Vitamin B-2 = Faithfulness to the House of God even when we don't feel like it, for that is where we will draw our strength. Vitamin B-6 = The fruit of the Spirit (these are a MUST HAVE) = love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, & temperance, Vitamin B-12 = PRAYER! & Vitamin D = Get plenty of SON DAILY = JESUS. Like Bro. McDonald said - "If you're depressed get some Son. Try Jesus He Never Fails! Are you lacking any of these Vitamins! We need to go to prayer on a regular basis and have a spiritual blood panel done to make sure we are where we need to be. If we find we are low in any area, then we can get a vitamin boost of the Holy Ghost to get us back to where we need to be. I have been told by my Neurologist & others that the Vitamin B's are natural diuretics, one must make sure they take plenty of liquids daily. My advice to you is make sure you drink from the Fountain of Living Waters Daily to go along with ALL of your Vitamin B's. We need to take care of our Spiritual bodies.

Through all of our heartaches & sorrows, troubles & trials, our family is estactic & so very thankful that God has blessed us with Hailey Renee! We are so Happy for you Mark & Amalia! God is Good! You know, when I step back and look at it all now, yeah it's been rough, and it hurt, and sometimes it still hurts. But you know, I can see things more clearly now. I understand! I Truly Understand! Your ways are far above my ways. You know what's best LORD & that's all that matters.

Hailey Renee - My Princess

God's House Is Holy

2010-01-03T15:17:00.000-08:00

Our Sunday School lesson today came out of Mark 11:15-17 and John 2: 12-17. It was about when the Passover was taking place. People were coming from near and far. Those who were traveling from afar had to purchase their sacrifices and gifts to God once they reached the City. Those who were selling these sacrifices and gifts decided to take advantage of that fact and they set up tables and stalls right inside the Temple of God. They also charged the people a lot more than they should have to pay for these sacrifices and gifts.

When Jesus entered into Jerusalem and learned what had been going on, He went to the temple and straight way, he made a scourge of small cords and he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold the doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. (John 2:12-17)

In Mark He said "Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. (Mark 11:15-17)

The Bible point for today was - God's House Is Holy. I was trying to teach the children that we are to respect God's House. We don't run through the sanctuary unless we are doing it in worship unto Him. We don't eat candy or other food or chew gum in the sanctuary. We do not bring drinks in the sanctuary as well. God's house is Holy and should be treated with utmost respect. Paper and Kleenex should not be thrown on the pews or floor. If we see these things that have been left behind by others then out of respect to God we should stop and pick it up and take it to the trash. Don't say "Oh well it's not mine!" and walk off and leave it for someone else to deal with. Do it as unto the Lord.

Zach, Johnathon, and Ashley asked several questions as to why did Jesus become so angry and isn't it wrong to get angry like that? I explained to them that the Bible says to be angry but sin not. Then They Asked "Didn't Jesus sin when He got so angry and drove them out like that? No! Jesus was angry with the way these individuals had disrespected the House of God and the reason He drove them out of the Temple was because they had defiled the House of God. I reminded them of our Bible Point - God's House Is Holy! He could not allow sin and disrespect to come into the temple and defile it. I explained to the students that when sin and things like that come into the House of God to bring destruction to His Temple they MUST be driven out at all cost even if force has to be used. He could not allow these things to take place in the House of God - the place of prayer - the Holy Place.

Caleb then asked a very important question "Why did Jesus destroy His own House?" Good question!!! The answer to that was He did not destroy His House but He destroyed what the money changers had brought into His House. He actually cleaned out His House. Then I explained to the students again exactly what Jesus did and why. I also explained to them that today God no longer requires the types of sacrifices once used in the Old Testament and we went over the different types of those sacrifices. But today, the type of sacrifice He wants is us - a living sacrifice. "I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" Romans 12:1

As I sit here this afternoon and ponder the questions of these students, I realized that what Jesus did in the Temple is exactly what we must do within ourselves. When things come into our lives that ought not to be there, we MUST drive them out. For are we not the Temple of God? "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16 We must drive these things out with the same force that Jesus did on that day of the Passover. Unless we use the same force that He did, these things will keep returning back into our lives and we will have to keep battling them over and over again. If we don't get rid of them and destroy them they will destroy us.

The devil is out to kill, steal and destroy our walk with God. Beware! Anything that is not of God we need to remove it from our lives. We are the Temple of God and we MUST remain HOLY for He is HOLY. We must remember that we are the Temple of God and God's House is Holy.

Mashed Potatoes

2009-11-27T07:32:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-11-16T11:37:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-07T06:17:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-11-02T07:42:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

"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?

2009-10-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-10-15T23:04:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-10-03T01:52:00.000-07:00

"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

2009-10-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

"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!

2009-08-19T09:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-11T16:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-18T09:21:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-04T08:45:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-03-31T08:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-23T10:36:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-03-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-02T08:30:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-24T06:23:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-02-20T10:16:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-07T08:27:00.000-08:00

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

Whatever Your Situation - Don't Lose Your Praise

2009-02-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-01-11T12:09:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

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

The Most Beautiful Flower

2008-12-30T08:02:00.000-08:00

The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read,
Beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree.
Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown,
For the world was intent on dragging me down.

And if that weren’t enough to ruin my day,
A young boy out of breath approached me, all tired from play.
He stood right before me with his head tilted down,
And said with great excitement, “Look what I found!”

In his hand was a flower, and what a pitiful sight,
With it’s petals all warn down-not enough rain, or to little light.
Wanting him to take his dead flower and go off to play,
I faked a smile and then shifted away.

But instead of retreating he sat next to my side,
And placed the flower to his nose and declared
with overacted surprise,
“It smells pretty and it’s beautiful too.
That’s why I picked it; here it’s for you!”

The weed before me was dying or dead.
Not vibrant of colors, orange, yellow or red.
But I knew I must take it, or he might never leave.
So I reached for the flower and replied, “Just what I need.”

But instead of him placing the flower in my hand,
He held it mid-air without reason or plan.
It was then that I noticed for the very first time,
That the weed-toting boy could not see, he was blind.

I heard my voice quiver, tears shone like the sun,
As I thanked him for picking the very best one.
“You’re welcome” he smiled and then ran off to play,
Unaware of the impact he’s had on my day.

I sat there and wondered how he managed to see,
A self-pitying woman beneath an old willow tree.
How did he know about my self-indulged plight?
Perhaps from his heart, he’d been blessed with true sight.

Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see,
The problem was not with the world; the problem was me.
And for all of those times I myself had been blind,
I vowed to see the beauty in life, & appreciate
Every second that’s mine.

And then I held that wilted flower up to my nose
And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose.
And I smiled as I watched that young boy,
Another weed in his hand,
About to change the life of an unsuspecting old man.

~By Cheryl Costello- Forshey~

I know that 2008 has been a very difficult year for many of us. Many times when problems come our way, it is so easy to lose focus. We get wrapped up in the situation that is plaguing us and we can’t seem to see anything else around us. Before you know it, we have lost sight of what is really important and that is doing God’s work, winning souls, and pressing towards the mark, which is Heaven. We must remind ourselves that it is the devil’s business to turn our minds away from the things of God and what better way of doing this than through affliction? We, as the children of God need to learn that when problems come our way, we don’t focus on the problems, but we focus on the problem solver, which is JESUS.

As we leave 2008 behind and move forward into 2009 I would like to leave you with something I read…

When affliction refuses to let up, perseverance refuses to give up.
When perseverance refuses to give up, character continues to build up.
When character continues to build up, hope begins to rise up.
When hope begins to rise up, disappointment can no longer speak up.
When disappointment can no longer speak up, vision begins to grow up.

Remember, Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Psalm 30:5

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

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Merry Christmas Everyone

2008-12-24T07:45:00.001-08:00

I pray we never forget the true reason for the season. May you have a wonderful day full of joy, laughter, peace and love. God bless you and your families and keep you all safe through out this holiday season and the up coming year. Merry Christmas everyone!

Caleb's Gingerbread House

2008-12-20T00:34:00.000-08:00

My daughter's class made Gingerbread houses at school today and there was enough supplies left over for her to bring home for Caleb to make one. As you can see he enjoyed that task very much. It's amazing how the simple things in life brings joy to the heart and a smile to the face of a child. We could learn so much from these children if we would let ourselves.

Christmas Banquet 2008

2008-12-16T22:05:00.000-08:00

There is nothing like getting together with friends and family to enjoy the special occasion of celebrating Christmas. Christmas is the most joyous season of the year. It seems everyone is full of joy, laughter, a giving spirit, and love towards others. It's to bad that people won't let that spirit carry over through out the entire year.

When I attended this Christmas banquet, just being with my children and my church family, friends, and the presence of the Lord did so much to lift my spirit. I enjoyed the laughter, the singing, the conversations, every one's smiles, the FOOD, and just being in good, clean, Godly fellowship. I went home that night refreshed. I love my family, my church family and most of all, my God. I couldn't make it without them.

Happy Birthday!

2008-12-12T07:03:00.000-08:00

Myspace Happy Birthday Comments
I Love You!!! Your #1 Daughter - Kerrie

Myspace Happy Birthday Graphics
I Love You!!! Your grandson, Caleb

Graphics for Happy Birthday Comments
We love you Mom! Mark, Amalia, Abelardo, and Evelardo

Myspace Happy Birthday Graphics
Love you Mom! Your #2 Daughter - Kellie

Thank you my precious family! Because of you, today is a Happy Birthday! I love you ALL so very, very much. :o)

Trusting In Him

2008-12-08T03:47:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't posted in a while but I have taken much needed time to be alone with my God. Time to just focus on my relationship with HIM. Time to make sure that all is well with my soul. Time to just walk hand in hand with HIM. To talk to HIM and let HIM know just how much I love HIM and need HIM in my life. To let HIM know that HE is my EVERYTHING. Time to make sure that the path that I am taking is the right one. That I am walking in step with my Lord. Time to make sure that I am following after HIS will and not mine.

All of this has not been in vain. God in turn has spoken to my heart. HE has let me know that HE loves me too. Oh, I knew this already but there are times that it is nice to be reassured. It is beautiful when I feel HIS loving arms wrap around me and comfort me and let me know that HE is there right by my side and that HE will never leave me nor forsake me. In the midnight hour I can rest assured that MY GOD WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR ME.

I want to say thank you to my Pastor, Brian Allard for a beautiful message a week ago this past Sunday Morning. I have heard the story of Job many times but the way you presented it that morning, was a way like I had never heard before. It was just what my soul needed. I know my son and Amalia were very touched by it as well. Thank you for being sensitive to the Holy Ghost and letting God use you in such a beautiful way.

Bryce, I love you! That same Sunday, in the evening, you ministered to my soul in song. This path I have been traveling on for the past two months have been a rough one. At times I have been a little fearful of taking the wrong steps. Only because I was afraid that I was leading and not God. But the words you spoke before you sang and then the song that you sang were from God to me. I had just told God that afternoon that I needed an answer. I needed to hear from Him. He used you to speak to me and calm my weary soul. Bryce, do me a favor please. Don't ever get weary in well doing. When it seems as though others are mocking or laughing at what you are saying or doing, rest assured you are in the will of God. That when this is happening, there is someone out there that you are ministering to. The devil knows this and that is why he is trying to discourage you by using others to make you lose focus. Shut them out and keep on doing the will of God in your life because there are those of us who are definitely being blessed by what God is doing through you.

Here is the song that Bryce sang that evening. I just wish I had a way to play it instead of just putting the words down. It may not do that much for you but it did so much for my soul and for that I thank God and Bryce for letting God use him to speak to my soul.

In this life we live
Sometimes the storm clouds gather,
And they hide the sun,
My heart’s as dark as the weather,
But if I can look through the eyes of faith,
I’ll follow where He leads,
I’ve gotta keep trustin in Him
To take me where he wants me to be

I’ll just keep trusting in Him,
When I’m blinded by all the confusion,
I’ll just keep trusting in Him
To see what I cannot see,
Through every choice I make,
The direction I take,
He knows what’s best for me,
I’ve gotta keep trusting in Him
To take me where He wants me to be

I know the wisdom of God,
He can see tomorrow,
And he knows every turn
And curve in the road that I follow,
He knows what it takes
To help me make it through
And He’ll give me what I need
I’ve gotta keep trusting in Him
To take me where He wants me to be

I’ll just keep trusting in Him,
When I’m blinded by all the confusion,
I’ll just keep trusting in Him
To see what I cannot see,
Through every choice I make,
The direction I take,
He knows what’s best for me,
I’ve gotta keep trusting in Him
To take me where He wants me to be

If I have child-like faith,
To trust in the Father’s wisdom,
I know I’ll never fail to walk
The path he’s chosen

I’ll just keep trusting in Him,
When I’m blinded by all the confusion,
I’ll just keep trusting in Him
To see what I cannot see,
Through every choice I make,
The direction I take,
He knows what’s best for me,
I’ve gotta keep trusting in Him
To take me where He wants me to be

Here is the part where God spoke to me:

If I have child-like faith,
To trust in the Father’s wisdom,
I know I’ll never fail to walk
The path he’s chosen

I know now that I am not leading but I am walking hand in hand with God and He is guiding my steps. I have nothing to fear for I have His word to stand upon and "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalms 119:105 And He knows what's best for me.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

2008-11-26T13:20:00.001-08:00

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

The Journey

2008-11-19T09:55:00.000-08:00

While walking this road of life, the journey is sometimes GREAT! We are traveling along the path and we can see far ahead. The way looks clear and bright. There is beauty all around us on every side. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, children are laughing, and a song is burning deep within our soul. But wait! In the distance we can see dark clouds begin to roll in and cover up the sun. A heavy fog starts to lay across the horizon just enough to cloud up our view. The birds are no longer singing. We can not hear the children laughing and it seems as though the song in our heart has faded. Before you know it we have come to a bend in the road and we can not see what lays ahead. Things look dark and dreary and we fear to take another step.

We have been hit with trials and tribulations and it is as though our whole world has been turned upside down. Dear God in Heaven, do I really have to take the turn in this road? I am not sure what lies around the corner. I can not see what is up ahead. Things are not as they should be and I do not like this trial that I am in. What if it turns out the way I don't want it too? My mind is cluttered! Too much is going on inside. I can't think clearly. I am afraid to take another step. What if I make the wrong decision? I am a total mess.

Pastor calls a 15 day fast for those who would like to join him. I feel God calling me to join this fast. Yes, I will do it. I NEED ANSWERS! Can I make it through a 15 day fast? We were all anointed for and prayed for. During the fast, two songs are laid on my heart that I listen to over and over. The first one is "Daystar" and the chorus really got to me.

LEAD ME LORD I’LL FOLLOW
ANYWHERE YOU OPEN UP THE DOOR
LET YOUR WORD SPEAK TO ME
SHOW ME WHAT I’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE
LORD I WANT TO BE A WITNESS
YOU CAN TAKE WHAT’S WRONG AND MAKE IT RIGHT
DAYSTAR SHINE DOWN ON ME
LET YOUR LOVE SHINE THROUGH ME IN THE NIGHT

Through this I got my mind off of my problems and back onto doing a work for the Lord. In doing this, He is better able in taking care of my problems because I am no longer holding onto them. I have let them go.

The other song that touched my heart during this fast is "Different" by Mollye Reese with Jamie Slocum. That is what I want to be. Different just like Jesus is.

I wanna be different Jesus just like you
I wanna be tender with mercy guiding all I do
So when others talk about me
Let it be because I am different
Let the difference be love

I made it through the 15 day fast. It really was not hard at all, Thanks be to God. I feel as though I have received some direction in my life for this trial I have been going through. Do I have all the answers? NO! But I will take it one day at a time and I am no longer afraid to take the turn at the bend of the road for I know that He will be by my side and that Mercy and Grace will follow me.

This one thing I must always 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

No matter what the outcome is, I will rest assured that I am in the will of God. I will no longer fear what lay ahead for I know that He has all things under control and that He cares for me and has my best interest at heart. I will say, Not my will, but thy will be done, Oh Lord!

It's In The Attitude!

2008-10-31T14:39:00.000-07:00

"The last of the human freedoms is to choose one's
attitude in any given set of circumstances."
— Victor Frankl

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Philippians 4:11

Caleb's 1st Bible Notes

2008-10-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday night while Pastor Allard was preaching, Caleb was doing his usual picture drawing and scribbling in his notebook that he takes to church, nothing unusual. Then over half way through the message I noticed Sis. Paula sort of leaning over the pew making a comment to my daughter. My daughter was looking down at what my grandson was writing and Kerrie then, with excitement and almost in tears looked up at me and mouthed these words: "He is taking notes about what Pastor is preaching!" I could hardly wait until service was over to read what he had written. What Sis. Paula had said to my daughter was, "He really knows how to take notes doesn't he!" Well I guess he does unbeknown to us for this is what he wrote:

In case you are having trouble making out his spelling, this is what he has written:

like or don't like
one or the other
good or bad
care or not care
saved or not saved

The amazing thing is, Caleb got it right. Pastor said something about Acts 38 and I guess Caleb thought he said Acts 30:8 LOL!!! Pastor preached out of Rev. 3:14-20

That's right right Caleb, we are either going to be saved or not saved. We either like Jesus or we don't. It's one or the other. We are either good or bad. We either care about Jesus or we don't care about Him.

These are the verses that Pastor was expounding on when Caleb began to take notes: verses 15-16

" I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth."

Pastor was expounding on how God wants us to either be cold where He can gather us into His arms and warm us into loving Him again. He can revive, restore us when we are cold. When we are hot, we are on fire for Him. Yet, when we are lukewarm we have that I just don't care anymore attitude and when we get to that point, that is when God is unable to reach us. We don't respond to His touch anymore. We brush Him off when He reaches out to us. We just don't care if God even comes around. When He tries to embrace us with His Love, we reject Him and that is when He says I will spew you out of My mouth because thou art lukewarm.

It thrills my soul to know that even though Caleb is only 7, he does understand the Anointed Word of God that is coming across the pulpit. My prayer is that it will take root deep in his heart and grow strong. That he will become a mighty warrior for the cause of Christ.

Parents and grandparents, don't hesitate to take notes of what the preacher is preaching in church. This is another way to be an example to your children and grandchildren on how to listen to the preacher and to study the Word of God. This will also help them to hide God's Word in their heart that they might not sin against Him. When they run into a trial they can go back to their notes and say "What was it that Pastor or Bro. So and So said in their message about that?" And they can draw strength from their notes from those messages they have heard. They can go back to those scriptures they have written down and look them up again and re-read them and re-enforce the Word of God in their life.

Our children are watching every move we make. How are we teaching them to behave in the house of God? Are we teaching them to sit there with their arms folded and watch their watches and wish the pastor would hurry up so they can go home? Are we teaching them how to pass notes to one another, or write a list of things they need to do, or eat candy, or talk and carry on during the preaching? It is so important for us, as parents and grandparents to be the example we need to be to our children and young people not only in praise, worship, and prayer, but also on how to glean from the preached Word of God.

(Prov 22:6 KJV) Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Blessed Be Your Name

2008-10-19T14:33:00.000-07:00

"We can let circumstances rule us, or we can
take charge and rule our lives from within."
— Earl Nightingale

The news my husband and I received this past Friday was not anything we wanted to hear. I tried to act as though it didn't bother me but it did a little bit. Did I say a little bit? No, it bothered me A LOT!!! As the day went on, my nerves became shot. No matter how much I tried to ignore the situation it was there. It plagued me, taunted me, burdened me. Next thing I knew I had a tremendous migraine. "NO STRESS WHATSOEVER" is what my neurologist keeps telling me. Stay away from stress at all cost or you are headed for a major stroke. Well how in the world do you do that in this life, stay away from stress? Well my goodness silly girl, TAKE IT TO JESUS IN PRAYER!!! Don't worry, be happy, He has everything under control. When will I ever learn that? I should have fallen on my knees IMMEDIATELY and given it ALL to Him.

On Saturday night I was suppose to go to the Jr. Conquerors' Rally with my daughter and grandson in Strathmore. Oh, I was so tired. I just wanted to stay home and nurse my migraine. I didn't want to be around anyone or any noise. Yet, I promised Caleb I would go with him, so go, I must.

I went and I had a wonderful time. My daughter sat in front of me with the children. I sat with two other parents and another grandparent. We were laughing and having just as much fun as the Jr. Conquerors were. Sis Marie, Sis Charlene, thank you for making me laugh so hard. I really needed the laughter. Sis. Mae Mae, Girlfriend YOU ARE A RIOT!!! and like SIS. WILSON, you pinned ALL the blame on me for causing disruption in service. How dare you! LOL! It is a good thing you sit on the other side of the Sanctuary at our home church. If you and Paula were to sit next to me, Sis. Wilson, and Brett during service I am afraid we all would be called up to the front row immediately and then to the Pastor's office after service. I am so thankful for the family of God and for the Spirit of the Lord. My burdens were lifted and I found peace in the midst of my storm. There is no place like the arms of God when you are troubled and heavy laden. My God is Soooooo GOOD! He knows just what we need and just when we need it. He is always right on time.

The theme was "Don't Be Clowning Around With Jesus". The games were fun, the young lady who led us in worship with songs did an outstanding job. The object lessons were great. I was so blessed just being there to support our children. They need to know that we are behind them all the way. That they are important to us. They are the future church of tomorrow. The choir from Delano, YOU ROCK!!! Blake, Tony, you guys did awesome on your solos.

Then there was the message by Bro. Josh Tredway. You've all heard the story of the "Three Little Pigs?" Well, He preached on "The Three Little Jr. Conquerors" and let me tell you, it was Outstanding! I enjoyed it as much as the young ones did and I'm 54. Go Figure! He had 3 Jr. Conquerors each playing a part and a house made of straw, sticks, and one of bricks. Then there was the big bad wolf. Everyone played their part as he preached.

The first two Jr. Conquerors got their house blown down by the wolf because they didn't get serious with serving God. They were busy clowning around. When they went to church they didn't pray and worship as they should. They didn't listen to the preaching like they should have. They were to busy writing notes or clowning around during that time. They didn't build their house on a firm foundation. So when the wolf (devil) came along he was able to huff and puff and blow their house down. They ran to the brick house and their they found safety. That Jr. Conqueror built his house on a firm foundation. He prayed and praised and worship God like he should. He listens when the preacher is preaching. So when the wolf (satan) tries to blow down his house it's not going to happen. No clowning around for this Jr. Conqueror. He knows where his safe harbor is. It is in the Lord.

I know now that through this situation the devil tried to knock me down. Oh he huffed and he puffed. He blew and he blew. He tried hard to take me out. He really did his best to keep me home from church Saturday night. Oh but my heart was fixed on Jesus and I had made a promise to my grandson and I can not lie to him. I couldn't let him down. So, try as hard as he did, the devil couldn't take down my house. It is built upon a firm foundation. It is the Word of God and this House is a House of safety and there I find refuge for my soul.

It's Sunday Morning and I am refreshed spiritually from Saturday night's service in Strathmore. Bro. Bryce is leading song service and he begins to sing "Blessed Be Your Name" I love this song and we sing it often but this morning it really touches me when we get to verse two.

Blessed be Your name when the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be, blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name on the road's marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering, blessed be Your name

But because of the news my husband and I received on Friday, this is where the song really gets ahold of me...

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

"There can only be one solution to any problem:
a change in attitude and in consciousness."
— Gregg Braden

However God chooses to work out this situation, whether
He gives or takes away,
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name!

"Mirror Mirror On The Wall"

2008-10-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

*******************************************************
Shrek, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were all having lunch together.

Shrek said, 'I have always thought that I'm the strongest man in the world, but how can I be sure?'

Angelina Jolie agreed. 'I'm told I'm the most gorgeous of them all, but sometimes I wonder.'

Brad Pitt said, 'I'm pretty sure I'm the sexiest man alive but I've never had it confirmed.'

They all decided that the best way to find out if their beliefs were true was to ask the famed talking 'mirror, mirror on the wall' to confirm for them whether Shrek was the strongest, Angelina Jolie was the most gorgeous and Brad Pitt was the sexiest.

They agreed to meet again the next day for lunch to discuss their findings.

The next day Shrek walked up with a smile. 'Well, it's true.
The mirror told me that I am the strongest man in the world.'

Brad Pitt perked up and said: 'And I know for sure that I'm the most sexist of them all.'

But Angelina Jolie lifted her sad, pretty face and said...

'Who in the world is Jolene Mendoza ?????"

I Know, I Know....
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. Ecclesiastes 1:2

NOW, on a more serious note*****

Proverbs 31:30...Fair looks are a deceit, and a beautiful form is of no value; but a woman who has the fear of the Lord is to be praised. (Bible In Basic English)

Isaiah 61:3...He gives beauty for ashes...

Psalms 149:4...He will beautify the meek with salvation.

1 Peter 3:3-4...Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self (KJV, let it be the hidden man of the heart), the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

Girlie Wisdom!

2008-10-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

1. A friend of mine confused her Valium with her birth control pills... she has 14 kids but doesn't really care.

2. One of life's mysteries is how a 2-pound box of chocolates can make a woman gain 5 lbs.

3. My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely.

4. The best way to forget your troubles is to wear tight shoes.

5. The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don't know what you are doing, someone else does.

6. The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your body and your fat are really good friends.

7. Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today.

8. Sometimes I think I understand everything, and then I regain consciousness.

9. I gave up jogging for my health when my thighs kept rubbing together and setting fire to my shorts.

10. Amazing! You hang something in your closet for a while and it shrinks 2 sizes!

11. Skinny people irritate me! Especially when they say things like...'You know sometimes I forget to eat!' .....Now I've forgotten my address, my mother's maiden name and my keys, but I have never forgotten to eat. You have to be a special kind of stupid to forget to eat!

12. The trouble with some women is that they get all excited about nothing and then they marry him.

13. I read this article that said the typical symptoms of stress are eating too much, impulse buying, and driving too fast. Are they kidding? That's my idea of a perfect day!

Is this the kind of tolerance we can expect if Prop 8 loses?

2008-10-14T09:54:00.000-07:00

Below is an e-mail I received from American Family Association. Check it out! And the "NO VOTERS" say they are the voice of tolerance and moderation? No! They are trying to FORCE their way down our throats and into the minds of OUR CHILDREN and make it to where we have no say so in OUR CHILDREN'S upbringing whatsoever. We need to make sure we vote "YES ON PROPOSITION 8".

American Family Association
Donald E. Wildmon
Founder and
Chairman

Prop. 8 Supporter Violently Attacked for Distributing Lawn Signs

Last update: 6:42 p.m. EDT Oct. 13, 2008
MODESTO, Calif., Oct 13, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- In a violent display of intolerance, an opponent of Proposition 8 attacked and seriously injured a man who was volunteering on Sunday for the initiative to define marriage as between and a man and a woman.

Prop. 8 supporter, Jose Nunez, 37, was brutally assaulted while waiting to distribute yard signs to other supporters of the initiative after church services at the St. Stanislaus Parish in Modesto.

The assailant grabbed about 75 signs and yelled at Nunez accusingly, "What do you have against gays!" Although Nunez replied that he had nothing against gays, he was attacked anyway. The assailant punched Nunez in the left eye and ran off with the signs.

Nunez, his eye dripping with blood, walked into a building on church grounds where a fellow parishioner called 911. Police and paramedics responded to the scene.

Nunez, who suffered a bloody eye, serious wounds to his face, and a scratch to his knee, was rushed by ambulance to a local hospital where he received 16 stitches under his eye.

According to the Yes on 8 campaign, the attack shows that their opponents are not as tolerant and open-minded as they would like voters to believe.

"It's outrageous that the No campaign calls themselves the voice of tolerance and moderation and wants people to feel bad for supporting Prop. 8. There was nothing tolerant or moderate about beating up Jose," said ProtectMarriage.com-Yes on 8 press secretary Chip White. "Clearly the man who attacked Jose is intolerant of those who support traditional marriage," White added.

Ironically, Nunez, a native of Mexico, became an American citizen two months ago and plans to vote for the first time in November. Nunez, who is recovering and in good spirits, said the attack only strengthens his resolve to help ensure that Prop. 8 passes.

"The other side wants to intimidate us, but we can't stop standing up for traditional marriage. I may be bloody and bruised, but I'm not giving up. Protecting traditional marriage is just too important for our kids," said Nunez, the father of three children, ages 9, 5, and 3. "I don't want my kids taught in public school that same sex-marriage is the same as traditional marriage," Nunez added.

Nunez has been forced to take time off work to recover. It was not immediately clear how much Nunez will suffer in medical expenses and lost wages.

Anyone who is interested in contributing funds toward Nunez's medical expenses or lost wages may contact the campaign at info@protectmarriage.com.

The campaign asks those who have been attacked, threatened, or had yard signs stolen to file a police report and to email the campaign.

SOURCE ProtectMarriage.com

Thank You from Jared Doran

2008-10-13T23:56:00.000-07:00

Below is a Thank you e-mail I received from Jared to everyone who has prayed for him and the family during this time of loss in their lives. I am posting it so that those of you who have prayed for them can read his expression of appreciation. I too, want to say thank you for your prayers on their behalf. God Bless you each and everyone.

To everyone,

October 2nd I had a delivery just 15min away from Mena, AR. Well, what’s a guy in love supposed to do, the woman of his dreams was getting off work in just a little bit. I, of course, drove the fifteen minutes out of my way to surprise her as she was walking out of the bank. I was in my unmarked delivery van so she had no idea it was me. In fact, she told me she was thinking, who is this moron, don’t they know we are closed? When she saw me she got the biggest grin on her face and asked, “what are you doing here?” We got to spend a little over an hour together that day, which was the last time I would ever see her conscious.

God is so merciful. It feels weird to say that when I just lost the most precious and dearest person in my life. I feel lost, but at the same time, I feel like I am full of purpose.

On October 5th at 7:20am I was startled awake by the phone ringing. Kayla doesn’t usually call me quite that early and it scared me. I sat right up in bed and grabbed the phone. It was Krista, Kayla’s sister. She said that Kayla had woken up in pain and when she went to use the restroom she had collapsed and started having seizures. When they had called an ambulance Kayla stopped breathing. They ended up having to resuscitate her twice in Mena. I ran into my parent’s bedroom yelling that Kayla was in trouble and bad sick and we needed to go. It’s a 2-½ hour drive and I was impatient. Dad jumped on the computer and sent out some emails for prayer while mom was in the shower. We left and only got about 45 minutes down the road when Bob, Kayla’s dad, called and said her condition was bad enough that they were moving her to Little Rock. They where just waiting on the fog to clear up so they could fly. We got to the hospital around 10am and her helicopter got to the hospital around 1pm. I sat in the emergency room with her for an hour or so praying and they told us they were moving her up to ICU. They told us she had 2 huge blood clots in her lungs that had blocked both of her main arteries. She had, had 3 heart attacks and had to be resuscitated 3 times, that they were scared of brain damage. I sat with her for as many hours as family would let me. I held her hand in to the wee hours of the morning talking, singing, praying, and hoping that God would do the miraculous in the way I thought He should.

By Wednesday night I had only 3 or fours of sleep, and most of that was sitting by Kayla or in a recliner. I was exhausted to say the least. But I didn’t want to leave the hospital for more than just a few hours. She just wasn’t responding the way the doctors said that she should. Well, when the nurse that night was cleaning out her lungs Kayla made 4 attempts to cough, which she hadn’t done up to this time. This was a big deal that put lots of hope in my heart and gave me a kind of peace. Mom talked me into going home to get some sleep so I went home earlier than I had, and slept about 10 hours or so and got back to the hospital around noon. She hadn’t tried to cough again, and that scared me. When I went into her room at 12:30pm or so I put my hand on hers and it was cool, I felt her arm and it was also cool, as was her shoulders and forehead. Even her feet were cold. I felt her feet and they were cold so I put a blanket on her and sat down next to her knowing that this was probably the last day or two we would get to spend together.

I had shed a ‘boat load’ of tears up to this point and was sitting there in shock. I couldn’t believe that my life was lying there on that bed slipping out of my grasp. I had prayed so many prayers and hoped beyond hope that this would change. While I believed, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that God could raise her up and heal her, I really felt like he wasn’t going to. At the same time I was so scared to feel that way, I thought it lessened my faith. I just had to trust God that he was doing what was in our best interest.

The doctors had told Bob and Sharon they were going to have to make a decision in the next few days if they wanted her to be on life support or not and we were all in agreement that no one wanted to make that decision. We started to pray that God would make that decision for us. If He were going to give her back to us that He would raise her up, if He weren’t that He would take her. It was Thursday now and the doctors said they were running one more test. It would take about 2 hours to conduct and for us to get something to eat or just relax. We all went down to the Cafeteria and everyone was pretty solemn. We came back up and sat around a while when the nurse came out and said the doctor wanted to speak to the whole family and for us to gather in one room. He then told us that there was no increase in brain activity and what he feared was true. She had actually declined quite a bit in the last 48 hours and there was only a small part of her brain working. He told us that as of 4:40 on October the 9th 2008 the state of Arkansas was declaring her brain dead, which is the same as death. We were all so shocked, we felt as if some one had let the air out of the room. Most of us started crying and when I left the room it really started hitting me again. We walked in her room to say goodbye and I could hardly stand. I don’t know how to express the pain I felt. I’m not going to even try.

Bob and Sharon, Krista, Mom and Dad, Pastor and Sister White, and myself were in the room that afternoon weeping. We weren’t just crying we were weeping. All of us, no one was trying to be strong we just wept!!!

Her funeral was today, Monday, October 13th, and it was so beautiful. There was so much pink, Kayla’s favorite color. There were around 450 people there, and Pastor White and my dad did such an awesome job. They had a slide show that everyone cried and laughed through. It is amazingly hard to look, what you thought was your future, in the face and say “I’ll see you up there.”

Kayla was the most amazing woman I have ever met. She was very giving, loving, selfless, and just incredible.

When I was about 17 I started praying for my future wife. I prayed very specifically. I mean very specific. She literally filled every, and I mean every, area that I had prayed about. She was perfect for me!!! She kept me in line. Our love seemed unusually strong we felt like we could go through anything together. We had already come through some tough situations and felt like God had given us the victory over those; we had fought some spiritual battles that only our parents know about.

It’s hard to say goodbye, but then again, I didn’t, I never told her goodbye, and I won’t. I will do exactly what she wanted me to do. I’ll preach, and I will see people get the Holy Ghost under my ministry.

Kayla lived her life so she didn’t have to ‘get right with God’ before she died, she STAYED right with God. She lived her life as a testimony. She literally affected the city of Mena. The mayor and his wife were there. There were so many different kinds of people there at the funeral. Don’t wait getting yourself right with God. DO IT NOW!!! She didn’t have time to ‘pray through’.

I want to say thank you to everyone who has prayed for me and for Kayla and her family. You will never know this side of eternity what that has meant to us. Most of you have received thank you emails from my dad and sister but I wanted to thank you personally. There is no way I could respond, individually, to the MASSIVE amounts of support and prayers we have received. I had to take a week and a half off of work, so thank you for the offerings. I love you all, and please don’t stop praying now.

Jared C Doran

Update On Kayla

2008-10-10T02:04:00.000-07:00

I received word that Kayla Pack has gone home to be with the Lord. Thank you to those who have sent up prayers on her behalf. Please continue to keep her fiancee and family in prayer at this difficult time of loss. Their hearts are broken, especially Jared's. He is really taking it hard. They will need the peace and comfort of the Lord at this time in their lives more than ever before.

Blessings to you all for your prayers,
Jolene

Prayer Request

2008-10-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Kayla Pack who is only 21 years old. If you don't know her situation she is engaged to Jared Doran who is the son of Don and Melinda Doran of Arkansas. Kayla collapsed on Sunday morning and quit breathing. It was because of blood clots in her lungs. She stopped breathing three times and this caused a lack of oxygen to the brain which has caused brain damage. The doctors told the family that there is no upper brain activity. The lower brain is what makes us do things we don't have to think about, like the heart beat and breathing. The upper brain is what makes us who we are. The Doctor's told Kayla's parents they need to get ready to make a decision in the next few days. The doctors have declared Kayla brain dead. They are going to be removing her from the machine here in the next few hours. Please pray for God to intervene on behalf of Kayla Pack, her family and fiancee', Jared Doran. The Doctors aren't giving them a lot of hope for her recovery but we are all believing God for a miracle.

Our Parental Rights

2008-10-06T21:42:00.000-07:00

Please check out the following link. We as parents and grandparents must make a stand in maintaining OUR PARENTAL RIGHTS. If we don't we will lose our children to whatever the world wishes to impose upon the minds and hearts of our children. Even more so, we MUST make a stand for what is right as a Christian based upon the Word of God and hold fast to our Godly values and not let anyone twist those values and try to impose their thoughts upon OUR children.

Mmmmmm, Carrot Cake

2008-09-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

Now don't cheat. Go with the first dessert you choose. If all the eight desserts listed below were sitting in front of you, which would you choose (sorry, you can only pick one)? Pick your dessert and then look to see what psychiatrists think about you. They say it's pretty accurate!

Here are your choices:

1. Angel Food Cake

2. Brownies

3. Lemon Meringue Pie

4. Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Icing

5. Strawberry Short Cake

6. Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Icing

7. Ice Cream

8. Carrot Cake

No, you can't change your mind once you scroll down, so think carefully what your choice will be.

OK - Now that you've made your choice, this is what the researchers say about you... SCROLL DOWN. No Cheating.

1. ANGEL FOOD CAKE -- Sweet, loving, cuddly. You love all warm and fuzzy items. A little nutty at times. Sometimes you need an ice cream cone at the end of the day. Others perceive you as being childlike and immature at times.

2. BROWNIES -- You are adventurous, love new ideas, and are a champion of underdogs and a slayer of dragons. When tempers flare up you whip out your saber. You are always the oddball with a unique sense of humor and direction. You tend to be very loyal.

3. LEMON MERINGUE -- Smooth, sexy, & articulate with your hands, you are an excellent caregiver and a good teacher. But don't try to walk and chew gum at the same time. A bit of a diva at times, you set your own style because you do your own thing. You shine when it comes to helping others and have many friends.

4. VANILLA CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING -- Fun-loving, sassy, humorous, not very grounded in life; very indecisive and lacking motivation. Everyone enjoys being around you, but you are a practical joker. Others should be cautious in making you mad. However, you are a friend for life.

5. STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE -- Romantic, warm, loving. You care about other people, can be counted on in a pinch and expect the same in return. Intuitively keen. You can be emotional at times but a true person in every way. You like to do things yourself: not asking for help. You help others learn about themselves.

6. CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING - Sweet; always ready to give and receive. Very creative, adventurous, ambitious, and passionate. You can appear to have a cold exterior but are warm on the inside. Not afraid to take chances. Will not settle for anything average in life. Love to laugh.

7. ICE CREAM -- You like sports, whether it be baseball, football, basketball, or soccer. If you could, you would like to participate, but you also enjoy watching sports. You don't like to give up the remote control. You tend to be self-centered and high maintenance.

8. CARROT CAKE -- You are a very fun loving person, who likes to laugh. You are fun to be with. People like to hang out with you. You are a very warm-hearted person and a little quirky at times. You have many loyal friends. You were meant to lead and teach others. A wonderful role model.

I guess you can tell I chose the carrot cake. It does pretty much describe me. I do like to laugh and I think I am fun to be with. I mean, at least people seam to enjoy hanging out with me, either that or they are Great Pretenders. LOL!

I know for sure that I am quirky. I looked that word up and it means idosyncratic, original, unusual, odd, strange, eccentric, distinctive and last but not least PECULIAR. Yep, that's me. I am a peculiar people. :D

I do have loyal friends and for that I am thankful. Now, about leading and teaching others, I can see that as long as it is leading them to and teaching them about Jesus Christ. I can only hope and pray that I am a wonderful role model. A role model for how a true Christian should live, that's my desire.

Tag You're It!

2008-09-27T10:08:00.000-07:00

Tag! You're It!
Another blog game!Jana Allard tagged me, so here we go.

Here are six unspectacular things about me:
1. I would rather detail my bathroom than go grocery shopping!
2. I LOVE the smell of a freshly bathed baby.
3. I love to walk barefoot in the sand on the beach.
4. Nothing is more precious to me than those special moments with my grandson.
5. I can not tolerate anything cluttering up my dinning room table.
6. Spring and Fall are my most favorite Seasonal bulletin boards to create.

Meme terms & conditions
1. link the person who tagged you
2. mention the rules on your blog
3. list 6 unspectacular things about you
4. tag 6 other bloggers

I Tag: Yvonne, Alice, Catherine, Janet, Miss Noel, Loretta

Caleb's 1st Roller Coaster Ride

2008-09-23T17:59:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday on September the 20th, my daughters, grandson and I went to the Kern County Fair for the entire day. We had a wonderful time. Caleb rode his very first Roller Coaster ride. It took his mother a little over 15 minutes to convince him to give it a try. He was so scared but once the ride started he was ecstatic. He was ready to go again when the ride was over.

As I have posted before, Caleb suffers from Sensory disorder and Dyspraxia disorder. He has an extreme fear of heights and water. A while back Sis. Karen Harding came to our church and she said if anyone needed prayer to come up front. My daughter took my grandson up front to be prayed for. Since then, God has worked many miracles in Caleb's life. Before Sis. Harding had prayed for Caleb, we could not get him to take a bath in a tub that had the plug in it and where the water came over the top of his feet because of his fear of water. He never played in a swimming pool due to his fear of water. Since she has prayed for him, Caleb now plays in the tub and plays in a swimming pool. Praise God! Now we see him on a roller coaster conquering his fear of heights as well. My God is a prayer answering God. He is doing wonderful things in Caleb's life and for that I am forever thankful.

God Keeps His Promises!

2008-09-18T22:40:00.000-07:00

The above plaque is a gift that I received from a dear friend, Carla Giovannetti, in Eureka, CA. She gave this to me about 12 years ago. It now hangs on my wall in my computer room. It's a sweet reminder that God keeps His promises.

Twenty-nine years ago when I came to the Lord, I went through a very trying time in my life. My marriage was destroyed, I had 3 small children and an enemy that was out to destroy me at all cost. The situation was so bad that I did not know which way to turn. I remember Pastor and Sis. David Downing telling me that the best thing to do was take it to the Lord in prayer and fast. They told me that when I saw this individual the best thing to do was SMILE. Was that ever a hard pill to swallow. However, Proverbs 15:1 does read "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." So I guess a gentle smile is just as good as a soft answer. So that is just what I did. Every day I smiled at her and every day she literally flew into a rage because of it and continued to say more evil things against me.

About two months later she approached me and said "We need to talk." I was shocked and said "OK". She then began to ask me to forgive her of all that she had said and done against me. She then told everyone that she had lied against me and that the stories she had told were all untrue. This lady said that every time I smiled at her it convicted her and she could not sleep at night. She wanted to know how I could even consider smiling at someone who would do such evil things to me. I told her that it wasn't really her doing these things but it was the enemy of my soul that was using her against me to try and trip me up so that I would fall and I could not be a testimony to those around me about how good my God is and the change He has made in my life.

Oh it wasn't easy to keep smiling day after day. I cried many tears and prayed many prayers but through it all God made Himself very real to me. I began to REALLY KNOW HIM. His Word came alive and He gave me a chapter, Isaiah 54:4-17. You have to really know the situation and what went on in my life at that time to know why this particular chapter means so much to me. But I won't go into that. This is MY Chapter. It holds a special place in my heart. I return to it often. This chapter got me through my first battle. I treasure it dearly. It holds my hand. It is my safe haven. When I feel that I am getting weak and weary I return here and say, He did it before, He can do it again. This chapter has walked with me for 29 years now and will continue to walk with me.

I recently shared the story of how this chapter came to me with my girls. I told my daughters that they need to get a chapter that will sustain them in the Lord. A chapter that will be their shelter in the time of storm, a rock to stand on. A passage that they will forever cling to through out their walk with Him. A chapter that will only come from God during a time of trial and tribulation. This chapter will let you know that everything will be alright, for you are a child of the KING! It will bring you peace in the midst of your storm.

Two weeks ago at prayer meeting I was praying for my son who is gone astray from the Lord. At one point all 3 of my children were gone astray. You know, Proverbs 22:6 reads "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." There is no guarantee that our children will not backslide. We must train them in the way they should go. If, for some reason they do choose to be a prodigal child, there is the hope that they will come to themselves and return to their Father's house. For the verse says "when they are old, he will not depart from it." This lets me know that the prodigal child will return. Five years ago my youngest daughter prayed through. Recently my oldest daughter prayed through. Now I am believing God for my son as well. While in prayer the Lord led me back to MY CHAPTER, Isaiah 54. But this time I went straight to verse 13 "And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children." This is a promise the Lord gave me 29 years ago. The only way my children can have this great peace is if they are serving Him. Therefore, this tells me one thing, my son too, shall return to the House of the Lord! My son will also pray through just like my daughters have. My son WILL once again live for the Lord. Then the last part of verse 13 will be fulfilled "...great shall be the peace of thy children."

Oh Yes, GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES!

Happy 7th Birthday Caleb!

2008-09-16T21:43:00.001-07:00

"The Importance Of Rest"

2008-09-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

My doctor has been stressing the point to me about how important it is for me to get the proper rest I need at night. So important in fact that he wants me to take a small dose of sleeping pills to help me rest at night (which I refuse to do). Dr. L says that while we are sleeping that is when the body sends out signals and the repair agents go in search of areas in the body that needs repairs. Then it begins the process of repairing any damage it finds.

I thought about what my doctor said so I looked up some info online and found the following:

Sleep is essential to the immune system. Without adequate sleep, the immune system becomes weak, and the body becomes more vulnerable to infection and disease. Sleep is also a time of rest and repair to neurons. Neurons are the freeways of the nervous system that carry out both voluntary commands, like moving your arm, and involuntary commands, like breathing and digestive processes. Sleep repairs cellular damage caused by our busy metabolism, and even grows new nerve cells in the brain. Many hormones, substances produced to trigger or regulate particular body functions, are timed to release during sleep or right before sleep. Growth hormones, for example, are released during sleep, vital to growing children but also for restorative processes like muscle repair.

Sleep helps to organize memories, solidify learning, and improve concentration. Proper sleep, especially sleep where you are actively dreaming (REM sleep), regulates mood as well. Lack of sleep can make you irritable and cranky, affecting your emotions, social interaction, and decision making. Sleep deprivation also affects motor skills, enough to be similar to driving while drunk if seriously sleep deprived. Driver fatigue, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, causes over 100,000 accidents and 1500 deaths each year.

After reading this I woke up the next morning and this was on my mind again. Instantly I thought to myself this is so much like the importance of the "REST IN THE LORD". If we do not refill our souls on a daily basis and attend church regularly then we are depriving our spirits of the much needed rest that it needs to survive. Isaiah 28:12 reads; "...This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing." When we enter into the house of the Lord or when we are at home, and our spirit is low and our hearts are heavy all we have to do is enter in to His presence and drink from the fountain of Living Waters, refresh our souls and get that rest that we need to heal our weary land.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28; "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest". This is how we survive. This is how we repair our spirits when things from the world attach themselves to us and try to drag us down and pull us under. We go to Him and He will heal us by giving us the rest that we need for our soul. He will go in and make the necessary repairs to our spirits that we need in order to survive.

There are signs that one may be suffering from sleep deprivation. Some of these signs could also be used as signs of not enough spiritual rest as well. For instance:

a) increased clumsiness

Now is not the time to become clumsy in serving God. Hebrews 10:25 says; "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." We need to attend the house of God.

b) difficulty making the right decisions

We need to hear the Word of God to help us make the right decisions, Romans 10: 17; "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

c) feeling especially moody or irritated

The Word of God will also help us have the right spirit and attitude and we won't be so moody and irritated. Let's portray The Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:1-12

D) Sleep deprivation can be dangerous not only to you but others around you

Let's not be sleep deprived spiritually. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."

Scientific American provides a detailed description of brain activity during the stages of sleep and wakefulness. The sleep stages and brain activity are:

Stage 1 (Drowsiness) - It last about five or ten minutes. Eyes move slowly under the eyelids, muscle activity slows down, and you are easily awakened.

Stage 2 (Light Sleep) - Eye movements stop, heart rate slows, and body temperature decreases.

Stages 3 & 4 (Deep Sleep) - You’re difficult to awaken, and if you are awakened, you do not adjust immediately and often feel groggy and disoriented for several minutes. Deep sleep allows the brain to go on a little vacation needed to restore the energy we expend during our waking hours. Blood flow decreases to the brain in this stage, and redirects itself towards the muscles, restoring physical energy. Research also shows that immune functions increase during deep sleep.

REM sleep (Dream Sleep) – At about 70 to 90 minutes into your sleep cycle, you enter REM sleep. You usually have three to five REM episodes per night. This stage is associated with processing emotions, retaining memories and relieving stress. Breathing is rapid, irregular and shallow, the heart rate increases, blood pressure rises.

There are stages of rest in the spirit as well.

Stage 1) You come into His presence and you just sit there. You don't praise or worship. You just soak up the splash over of the blessings of what others receive from their praises and worship.

Stage 2) You praise Him a little, sing, but you don't put your whole heart into it, just enough to feel Him but don't over indulge.

Stage 3 & 4) You come into His presence with praise and Thanksgiving. You start out with praise. You give it your all. You sing, shout, dance, or cry tears of joy before the Lord. But before long you are WORSHIPING Him with everything you've got. You are in DEEP. Then before you know it, in comes the refreshing and the REST that you need.

Let's enter into his courts with praise and into his gates with thanksgiving. Let us get that refreshing that we need to go on. It's time to enter into His presence and bask in the beauty of the Rest that only He can give. When your spirit is refreshed in the Lord then you will find that your mind will also be at peace, your body will find rest, and your soul will find joy.

Happy Birthday Kellie!

2008-08-28T23:30:00.001-07:00

Help! I'm Turning Into My Mother!

2008-08-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

My niece sent me the following article via e-mail and I was quite intrigued by it.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/08/27/lw.help.im.turning.into.my.mom/index.html

http://www.ireport.com/ir-topic-stories.jspa?topicId=66453 (scroll down on this page and read what others have to say about resembling their mothers)

After reading these articles and more, I began to ponder on what these women were saying. I thought to myself, Lord, do my girls fear being like me? Are there things about my life that make them cringe to think, "OH NO! I"M TURNING OUT TO BE JUST LIKE MY MOM!" Do they harbor secret agitations about things that they find they have in common with me? Do they look in the mirror and ask "How did this happen?" or are they happy to say they are like me?

Oh I am sure there are some annoying little habits that they have picked up along the way that they wish they could have let slip by. However, I do hope and pray that I have lived a Holy and Godly life before them that they want to emulate more than anything else. I have tried to teach them that no matter what comes their way, and that no matter how hard the trial, how high the mountain, how wide the river, how deep the valley, or how dry the desert, God will see them through. I know I have not been perfect but I have told them that if and when they should fall don't stay down. Get up! By all means GET UP! Brush yourself off and go on. God is still on your side and He will see you through and sometimes even carry you through whatever battle you are facing.

I pray that my life has been what it should have been before the Lord. That whatever battles I have gone through, I was the kind of example I was suppose to be to my children, to show them that they too can make it. I want my children to be able to do as Proverbs 31:28 says; "Her children arise and call her blessed."

If my children must say "I'm Just Like My Mom" I want them to be proud of it in the Lord. I have been walking with the Lord for 29 years and 8 days now and I want my children to know that God has NEVER failed me yet. Though I have failed and made mistakes, He has never failed me. He is a faithful, just, and forgiving God. He is my FRIEND and He will be and do the same for you.

Kerrie, Kellie, and Mark, Proverbs 14:12 reads; "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." That is why David said in Psalm 119:11; "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

Do as it says in 2 Timothy 2:15 and "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

My precious children, hear me when I say obey Proverbs 23:23 which reads; "Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding." For John 8:32 says: "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

I love you, Mom

SPAM!

2008-08-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

And I'm not talking about the kind you eat...YUK!!!

If anyone has sent me a comment concerning any of my posts of late and they have not been posted to my comment section, I am sorry. They must have been sent straight to my spam folder and I did not see them before they were deleted. Yesterday I pulled a comment from Carol Connell from my spam folder. Last week I pulled two comments from there. One was from Karen and one from Catherine. Why the comments are going to spam is beyond me. I promise to check my spam folder closely on a daily basis. Hopefully I won't miss any one's comments again.

If you have made a comment and it was not posted and would like to try again please feel free to do so. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Have a great day!!!

Prayer Request

2008-08-18T18:01:00.000-07:00

I received a request from Sis Noel asking prayer for little Luke Fernando who is only 6 months old and he is suffering from liver cancer. I too, would like to ask you to put him and his family on your prayer list if you have not already done so. He is such a beautiful child and needs the hand of God to come down in a mighty way and do a miracle in his precious little life. Together as the family of God we can bind together and build our faith and believe God for a miracle on behalf of little Luke.

You can visit his mother's blog and leave her an encouraging word here: http://jenfernando.blogspot.com/

God Bless

Save Our Children Awards

2008-08-13T23:39:00.000-07:00

Just before service was to start, a table was set up on the platform and medals were laid out on the tables then trophies were set out. Immediately Caleb turns to me and says; "Trophies! Oh, grandma, I hope one of those are mine. I ain't never had a trophy before." From that moment on he sat staring at the trophies in great anticipation until it was time to announce the winners of the fund raisers for the "Save Our Children". He did ask his mom if she would go up with him to receive his trophy if he was a winner. Caleb does not like to stand in front of a crowd. When he graduated from kindergarten, he did so with his eyes closed through the entire ceremony. His teacher had to lead him on and off stage. This is due to his dyspraxia which causes him not to deal with being in large crowds to well.

Caleb really wanted a trophy but he didn't want to go up alone to receive one. So he had asked his mother to go up with him if he won a trophy. I began to talk to him and explain to him that he needed to go up alone and receive the trophy if he was a winner. Wrong move!!! He immediately began to freak out and said, they can keep that trophy because he was not going up there by himself but he sure did keep his eyes upon the trophies until it was time to announce the winners.

The girls went first. I'm sorry but I don't remember exactly the order of the winners for the girls. So I will leave that for Sis. Allard to post when she gets home from Sr. Camp and finds the time to post all the winners and the correct order they are in.

When the girls were finished there were only 2 medals and 3 trophies left. As each trophy was passed out Caleb's eyes would get bigger and bigger. I had told him that if he did not win a trophy and if he received a medal that he needed to receive it with a smile and say thank you. He said OK but I hope I get a trophy. So as they started passing out the medals he really started fidgeting. Then when they started passing out the trophies there were only 3 left on the table. By this time Caleb was really antsy. He would look from me to the trophies then to his mother and to the trophies and that is how it went on and on. The first trophy was given to Johnathon. Caleb almost lost his breath. He didn't really know what to think. He didn't understand that Johnathon just received 3rd place. Then Sis. Allard says; "When I call the next name then you will know who the winner is. Second place is Blake Allard." Well, that leaves one trophy and one child. Caleb turns to his mom and says in a panicky voice; "Am I the winner Mom, am I?" She no more than got, "Yes Caleb, you're the winner" out of her mouth and he had jump over her lap and into the isle. Kerrie had to grab him to keep him from running up to the platform to get that last trophy before his name was even called. Forget taking mom with him. He was so excited and wanted that trophy so bad that when they called his name and Kerrie let loose of him, off he went to receive his prize. He was so excited that he was shaking.

Caleb raised $600.00 in getting sponsors for the Jump-A-Thon. Then he raised $205.00 selling fresh baked cookies and rice crispy treats. Then he received a $60.00 donation. That gave him a total of $865.00 grand total for his fund raising for Save Our Children making him the grand prize winner.

This was Caleb's first year being involved in the Save Our Children Fund Raiser and I am so proud of him. He is the one who asked his sponsors for pledges. I took him and encouraged him to do the talking and he did it. I took him to places like the Police department and he came away with a hunk of money there and even got to go on a tour of the department and received a bag of goodies. The same with the fire department. This was a good experience for him. I believe it also helped him overcome some areas of his disabilities as well. It taught him to communicate with others. GOD IS GOOD!

When he was presented his trophy Sis Allard had all the children sitting on the platform and Caleb was caressing his trophy from top to bottom. He must have touched every inch of that thing. He was a sight to watch that's for sure. I thought to myself, that's how excited we will be to receive our "Crown of Life". Such enthusiasm!

When church was over and we were on our way home, Caleb informed me that his mom was going to have to get a new home because they needed a special place for his "trophies". I asked what do you mean "trophies" You only have one? His reply was, "Oh grandma this is only my first one. I'll be getting more of these. Just you wait and see. I gotta help save our children again next year." Now I like that spirit. You go Caleb. You do me proud.

A Day At The Beach

2008-08-12T12:06:00.000-07:00

My daughters, Caleb, and I drove over to Morro Bay and then Pismo a few weeks ago for the day. It was a wonderful day of just relaxing and enjoying each others company. We just took our time and and had a blast. Caleb was excited to have his auntie Kellie riding in the back seat with him.

We went to Morro Bay first and checked out The Rock. Then took Caleb over to the Aquarium so he could feed the seals and check out the different sea critters they have there in the tanks.

Caleb was ecstatic. He loves sea creatures. He went from tank to tank and was so excited. I do believe we could have stayed there all afternoon and Caleb would have been perfectly satisfied.

After much convincing, Caleb agreed and we left for Pismo. We had lots of fun in the sun. I didn't get any pics of Caleb in the water but here is one that really took me by surprise. Auntie Kellie and Caleb were digging a trench, as you can see in the pic below.

Then when auntie Kellie went to get something to help dig deeper, Caleb laid down in the trench and said, "Look grandma! I'm dead in Christ."

I guess he is paying attention to the preaching while playing under the pew at church more than I realize. I asked him where did he hear that term, "Dead In Christ"? His reply, "When Pastor is preaching." Then came the big question. "Grandma, what does Dead in Christ mean?" I thought to myself, looks like you pretty much know what it means but let's make sure you know for sure. Soooo, it was now time for a quick Bible Study at the beach.

This next picture really amazes me. It is strange how Caleb has such a fear of water and does not like it to come up around him and yet look at the pic below. He begged for his auntie Kellie to bury him in the sand and then he basked in the sun after it was done. Just check him out. Give me water any day!

After a wonderful day comes to a close, we must head back home. Everyone is tired and falls fast asleep on the drive home. Everyone that is except Kerrie. To bad she choose to drive.

BUT WAIT!!!

BUSTED!!!!

What's that in your hand Kerrie?

DOUGHNUTS!!!

And you thought we were asleep!

Be Careful!

2008-08-06T08:43:00.001-07:00

"The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close." Unknown

I was in another town the other day and I ran into an individual I had not seen in a while. Upon asking how they were doing, I do believe I opened up a can of worms. In less than five minutes this individual was like a mosquito, trying to suck the joy of life right out of me with their very negative attitude towards life and people. I quickly realized what was happening and politely told them that things would be better if they would just give it all to Jesus. I told them I loved them and that I would pray for them. I then encouraged them to talk to their pastor. This is not what they wanted to hear so I shook their hand and quickly departed.

These are the kind of people we do not need to let feast upon us. They will only suck the very life right out of us if we let them. Just like the mosquito, they will ever so gently land upon us with subtle words. When we least expect it, they bite and insert their poison. We need to guard our ears, eyes, mouths, hands, and feet if we want to make it for the Lord. Reminds me of a song I used to sing as a child:

Oh be careful little eyes what you see..
Oh be careful little ears what you hear...
Oh be careful little mouth what you speak...
Oh be careful little hands what you do...
Oh be careful little feet where you go...
For the Father up above is looking down in love...

There are many mosquitoes out there swarming around looking for someone to attack and suck the spiritual life right out of. Our adversary, the devil, will use friends, family, and yes, even people we go to church with to try and bring us down. 1Peter 5:8 reads: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."

If one does not bear the fruit of the Spirit, which is "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance" (Galations 5:22-23) then beware. More than likely they are a mosquito in disguise waiting to attack.

We need to "Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the devil's strategies." Ephesians 6:11

What is that armor? Ephesians 6: 14-18 reads: "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."

If we do this, then no blood sucking mosquito can get to us and suck the very life right out of us. So put on your armor Saints and hold your sword in your hand. We must stand firm against the devils strategies in Jesus Name.

Latest Update On Blake

2008-08-02T15:01:00.000-07:00

For the latest update on Blake visit Sis. Allard's site: http://www.janaallard.blogspot.com/
Again, thank you to everyone who has been praying for Blake, for he has been in quite a bit of pain.

I ask that you continue to pray for him and that you also pray for his parents. It seems that they have had their share of run-ins. You know that when you are out to do a service for the Lord, you can be sure the devil will do his best to throw stumbling blocks in your path. Bro. & Sis. Allard both play a big part every year in helping get things set up for Camp Meeting and during Camp Meeting week. I know that this is just the enemy's way of trying to mess things up. But that's ok, for I know that when this happens, it only means it is going to be a great Camp Meeting and that is why the devil is fighting so hard against those who are doing a service for the Lord. He will not succeed!

Update On Blake

2008-07-31T15:55:00.000-07:00

The surgeon saw Blake and evaluated his arm. He said it is too swollen to do anything with it today so he will not be having surgery at this time. He has to stay in a splint until Tuesday and then he will go back for another x-ray. The good news is the surgeon said that Blake will not have to have surgery at this point if the bones will shift on their own. We will know for sure on Tuesday. Pray that the bones will shift into place on their own so that Blake will not have to undergo surgery and the doctor will not have to reset them himself.

P.S. Pray for Blake to receive comfort from the pain at this time.

Prayer Request

2008-07-31T11:34:00.000-07:00

I received news yesterday that my pastor's son, Blake Allard, broke his arm. Today I received a text message that he will be seeing a surgeon at noon and Lord willing. will have surgery late this afternoon. His right arm is broken in two place for sure, maybe three. He is in a lot of pain. Please pray that he gets into surgery today and that there is no nerve damage.

This is one fine outstanding young man. He is dedicated to God and has a love for souls. You know his parents, Brian and Jana Allard. Please pass this on so that we can get a prayer chain going for Blake and his parents. Thank you!

Absolutely Beautiful!

2008-07-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

This is absolutely beautiful. It was sent to me via e-mail from a friend. Watch it if you get a chance and make sure your speakers are on. I'm sure you will be blessed by it as I was.

http://www.mychurch.org/blog/30635/coolest-video-ever

STRESS

2008-07-25T10:57:00.001-07:00

A lecturer when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked 'How heavy is this glass of water?'

Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g.

The lecturer replied, 'The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes'.

He continued, 'And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden. So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can. So, my friend, put down anything that may be a burden to you right now. Don't pick it up again until after you've rested a while'.

After reading this, it reminded me of what Jesus said; "Come to me, all of you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 International Standard Version.

This lecturer spoke about something so small as a simple glass of water that can become a heavy burden when we don't learn to lay it down. It is the little things in life that can destroy us if we let them. Song of Solomon 2:1 talks about "the little foxes, that spoil the vines:" We need to learn to "be careful for nothing" just like it says in Philippians 4:6.

We need to learn to turn everything over to him for Matthew 11:29-30 reads;"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

He has promised that if we come to Him He will give us rest; "This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing" Isaiah 28:12.

To many times we try to do things on our own instead of learning to lean on Jesus. The battle is not ours but it is the Lord's. Yes, we need to learn to lay our burdens down and drink from the fountain of refreshing waters.

One Word

2008-07-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

I thought this sounded like too much fun to pass up.

The Game is on!!! Describe ME in one word.... just one single word.

Then copy this and paste it to your blog and see how many strange and interesting things your friends say about you with just one word. This could really be interesting.

You're IT! GO! Describe Me as you see me with just one word. Let's be honest now!

Preparing The Soil

2008-07-16T05:59:00.000-07:00

I was talking to an individual last Thursday about the prayer meeting we had a week ago last Monday and how great it was. This individual spoke about how they got a touch from God at that prayer meeting. I went on to tell them that if they would have been there at the beginning instead of coming in late they would have received more from the prayer meeting. They would have received the victory they have been wanting. The reply was "I was only 20 minutes late."

"Only 20 minutes late and prayer meeting is only one hour long" I replied. I then told this individual that they are late for every service. You come in almost every time at the end of every song service. That is why you are struggling. That is why you can't get the victory. You will never get what you need for yourself unless you are there to prepare your heart for the word. That is why you leave the same way you come every service. Don't get me wrong. I did this out of love. I then went on to explain to this individual that the beginning of the service is the most important part. Some people say that as long as they make it there in time for the preaching that is all that matters. I disagree!

We should be there early for prayer before service. Am I always there early for prayer? No, not every service. But I generally make it on time for praise and worship service. Some days I have a hard time getting around with my migraines. I get up and it might take me two hours to get myself together and to church on time but let me tell you, I am praying while I am getting ready for I want my soul to be prepared so that when I get to the house of God I will be ready to worship. I love worship service (song service if you please). Prayer and worship service is like the tilling of the soil and the kneading of the dough.

The farmer just doesn't go out there and throw down the seed but he prepares the soil. He first tills the land, gets rid of the weeds. That is what we do when we come into prayer before service. We till the land (our hearts) and get rid of the weeds (sin). The farmer makes sure that there are no rocks, thorns, thistles or anything that would prevent the seed from growing when he plants it. That is what we are doing in prayer. We are shaking off the world and anything that has attached itself to us that is not of God. Then the farmer begins to prepare the soil for planting of the seed. He turns the soil, he waters it, he plows it, he makes the rows where he wants them. That is what we do in prayer and praise and worship. We are turning the soil of our hearts and we are watering it and plowing it and drawing the rows so that when the word of God is brought forth it will fall on GOOD SOIL and will sprout good deep roots and grow forth in our hearts and we will grow strong in Him.

A good baker will prepare their goods in the same way as the farmer. They don't just get the ingredients for the bread, tortillas, or a fancy cake and throw it together. It takes special preparation. There is the mixing of the dough. Setting it aside and letting it rise. Coming back and kneading it, pounding out the lumps, again getting rid of the sin and every weight which doth so easily beset us. The baker will do this several times until the dough is just right and ready to put into the oven. Then it will bring forth a great loaf of bread or fantastic tortillas or a delicious cake. But without the proper preparations the dough will not rise and whatever the the baker was trying to make will have to be thrown out. I want the Lord to be able to take my heart and I want it to be pliable in His hands. I want it to rise with good things and not to fall flat.

This past Sunday morning and evening this individual was on time for service. I am happy to say they received a blessing at both services. They were even on time for this past prayer meeting and was touched in a mighty, mighty way. Don't tell me worship service doesn't play a big part in the preparation of the way the service goes and in what one receives from God. You will never convince me other wise. Read your bible, it is so important that they even had the praise singers go forth first in battle. 2 Chronicles 20:21-22; " After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out AT THE HEAD OF THE ARMY, saying: "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever. As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated."

If praise service isn't important then why did God have them first in the battle field? There is just something about praise and worship that brings down the power of God. Yes, it is the preparation of the work to be done in one's life. Need a miracle? Need an answer? Need a healing? Need salvation? Prayer and Worship is the answer. It will prepare you for the planting of His Word. For when it falls on soil that has been prepared it will spring forth and your needs will be met and you will rise victorious.

Busy Bee Or Pesky Mosquito?

2008-07-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

"It's not so much how busy you are, but why you are busy. The bee is praised. The mosquito is swatted."— Mary O'Connor

Think about it!

All mosquitoes must have water in which to complete their life cycle. This water can range in quality from melted snow water to sewage effluent and it can be in any container imaginable. They lay their eggs in places such as tree holes that periodically hold water, tide water pools in salt marshes, sewage effluent ponds, irrigated pastures, rainwater ponds, etc. Each species therefore has unique environmental requirements for the maintenance of its life cycle.

Only the adult females bite man and other animals. The male mosquitoes feed only on plant juices. Some female mosquitoes prefer to feed on only one type of animal or they can feed on a variety of animals. Female mosquitoes feed on man, domesticated animals, such as cattle, horses, goats, etc; all types of birds including chickens; all types of wild animals including deer, rabbits; and they also feed on snakes, lizards, frogs, and toads. Most female mosquitoes have to feed on an animal and get a sufficient blood meal before she can develop eggs. If they do not get this blood meal, then they will die without laying viable eggs. However, some species of mosquitoes have developed the means to lay viable eggs without getting a blood meal.

Some mosquitoes attack during daylight hours and others at night. Some are painful and persistent biters and others are moderately aggressive biters. Some pass on diseases known as encephalitis (sleeping sickness) and malaria.

As you can clearly see the mosquito has no value. It is a worthless pesky insect that is only out to draw blood and pass on disease to those it comes in contact with. It doesn't think about the future. It does not work well with others. It is all about me, myself, and I. Sad to say but there are people like that who sit on the church pews. They can do nothing but complain, and bicker about everything. They have the preacher for breakfast, lunch and dinner and even midnight snack. Like the mosquito, these people are always in attack mode and their bite is painful and persistent, attacking day and night. Then they wonder why they are having problems in the home with their children and their marriage. They gossip about their brothers and sisters in the Lord. Never do they have a good word to say about anyone or anything. They are constantly out to draw blood with their biting hateful, hurtful words. They are not drinking from the fountain of living waters but drinking from waters that are polluted like the mosquitoes do. They are transmitting terrible diseases with their attitude as they themselves are dying a slow spiritual death.

One of the most familiar insects in the world is the Honeybee. While many species of insects consume nectar, honeybees refine and concentrate nectar to make honey. Indeed, they make lots of honey so they will have plenty of food for times when flower nectar is unavailable, such as winter. Unlike most insects, honeybees remain active through the winter, consuming and metabolizing honey in order to keep from freezing to death.

Honeybees have a bright color pattern to warn potential predators (or honey thieves!) that they have a weapon to defend themselves. Their weapon is a modified ovipositor (egg-laying tube). This is combined with a venom gland to create a stinger located at the end of the abdomen. Because the stinger is modified from a structure found only in females, male bees cannot sting. When the hive is threatened, honeybees will swarm out and attack with their stingers to drive the enemy away.

We too, have a weapon to defend ourselves to warn off potential predators, the WORD OF GOD. God's word is used to save souls however, when God's House or His people are threatened then the children of God can attack by going to prayer and using the Word of God to bring down His stinging power to drive away the enemy.

Honeybees are social insects. They work together in a highly structured social order. This is how the members of the church of God must work together. There is only one queen in a hive and her main purpose in life is to make more bees. Like the bee hive that has only one queen, we must remember there is only one God. "...He is Lord of Lords and King of kings." (Revelations 17:14) Just like the queen bee, His purpose is to give life. "I am come that they might have Life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10

Each bee has its place and purpose. Drones, since they are males, have no stinger. Their sole function is to mate with a new queen. Worker bees do all the different tasks needed to maintain and operate the hive. They make up the vast majority of the hive's occupants and they are all sterile females. When young, they are called house bees and work in the hive doing comb construction, brood rearing, tending the queen and drones, cleaning, temperature regulation and defending the hive. Older workers are called field bees. They forage outside the hive to gather nectar, pollen, water and certain sticky plant resins used in hive construction. House bees take the beeswax and form it with their mouths into the honeycomb. The cells within the comb are used to raise young and to store honey and pollen. Flower nectar is one of two food sources used by honeybees. The other is pollen. Both are gathered by the field bees as they fly about on their daily foraging flights.

In the church today you will find it is the same as it is in the bee hive. We all have a calling. Ephesians 4:11 reads; "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;". We also have those who are called to be the altar workers, prayer warriors, singers, musicians, bulletin board decorators, Sunday School teachers, church cleaners, and we are ALL called to be witnesses, Acts 1:8; "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." All of this is for the Glory and the Kingdom of God and the purpose of saving souls.

I guess my question is Are we busy bees or pesky mosquitoes? Are we busy about our Father's business or are we busybodies? Are we busy spreading the word of the Lord or are we busy spreading gossip? Are we building up the kingdom of God and our brothers and sisters or tearing them down? Are we busy gathering nectar for the hive (gathering souls for the kingdom of God) or are we just out to draw blood?

I want to be known as a Busy Bee for the Lord and not a pesky mosquito. Lord knows I do not want the hand of the Lord to come down and swat me. We must find our calling and do it well for the Lord. Let us be known as Busy Bees for the Kingdom of God!

I'll Never Know

2008-07-06T13:54:00.000-07:00

Here I am to worship

Here I am to bow down

Here I am to say that

You're my God

You're all together lovely

All together worthy

All together wonderful to me

I'll never know

How much it cost

To see my sins

Upon that cross

I'll never know

How much it cost

To see my sins

Upon that cross

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that
You're my God

You're all together lovely
All together worthy
All together wonderful to me

The above song is what Bro. Bryce Allard started this morning's service off with. There is more to this song but these words really stuck out to me. I will never know what it really cost my Lord to nail my sins to the cross that day on Calvary's Hill. I am just thankful that He loved me enough to die for me, to shed His blood to purchase my salvation. That is why the words to this song mean so much and ring so true. I am thankful for the FREEDOM we have here in America today but there is nothing like the SPIRITUAL FREEDOM I have within my soul all because of Calvary. That is why I say:

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that
You're my God

You're all together lovely
All together worthy
All together wonderful to me

I Fried My Hard Drive

2008-06-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

Well folks, I will be out of commission for about a week. I fried my hard drive this afternoon. I am at my son's to post this sad news. I was on the phone with tech support for about three hours and there is nothing that can be done to save my poor precious computer. Oh the tears of sorrow!!! I will miss reading your posting until I can get back online.

The good news is that it is still under warranty so they are sending me a new hard drive and will also send out a technician to install everything so I should be up and running in about a week and it's not costing me a dime. JOY! JOY! JOY! So until I am up and running again all of you have a wonderful weekend in the Lord. If I am not back by the 4th of July, have a great 4th. It is my anniversary so I will be celebrating for sure ;D

Don't Be An Abram or Sarai

2008-06-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

The Lord spoke to Abram and told him to lift his eyes and look to the north, south, east and west and then God made a promise to Abram. He promised him that 1) All the land which he saw would be his, 2) He would have children, for at this time Abram and Sarai had no children. 3) His seed would be as the dust of the earth so that no man could number it. Genesis 13:14-16 Then in the following scripture we find God again confirms His promise to Abram.

Genesis 15: 4-5; "And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be."

God is not just promising one child but that a great nation is going to come forth from Abram and Sarai. God has given us many promises as well in His word. We need to learn to take them at face value. We have no room for doubt in our life. Doubt will lead us to fear and confusion. It will cause us to have distrust, disbelief, suspicion, hesitation, and uncertainty in our walk with the Lord. When God makes us a promise cling to that promise with everything you have. Believe it with all of your heart.

Genesis 16:1-12 is paraphrased like this; Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children so she gave her handmaid, Hagar, to Abram to wife. She told Abram since the LORD hath restrained her from bearing children to go in unto her handmaid; it may be that she may obtain children by her. So Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. He went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.

*NOTE* When we try to bring things to pass in our own way, all it does is cause problems. God made a promise to Abram and Sarai. God's promises are true. He will bring it to pass IN HIS OWN TIME. Our time is not God's time. We must remember this and not grow impatient. When Sarai took things into her own hands and Abram listened to her, all they did was conceive havoc.

And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.

*NOTE* Now we have jealousy between Sarai and the maid. This was brought on because instead of waiting for God to fulfill HIS promise in HIS time, they tried to bring it about in their own way. They did not trust God to fulfill His own promise. Go figure! Is not God - GOD?

So now we have Hagar, the maid, sitting by a fountain of water in the wilderness. An Angel of the Lord finds her and says to her, "whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands." Then he goes on to tell her that He will multiply her seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction. And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren."

There is conflict between these two nations today. When we do not wait upon the Lord we can take what is meant for a great blessing and sometimes turn it into a great conflict. Let me learn to trust you and know that you have all things under control and that You know just when to fulfill your promises in my life. Teach me Lord, To Wait.

After all that went awry in Abram and Sarai's life, God did not abandon them. He knew their hearts and kept His promise to them. We find God coming to Abram once again in Genesis 17: 5 "Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee."

"And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. Genesis 17:15-16

Then we find in Genesis 18: 9-14 that the Angel of the Lord pays Abraham and Sarah a visit one more time.

"And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent. And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son."

By now Abraham and Sarah are both old. Way past the age of child bearing, yet the Lord says that He is going to bring forth that promise AT THE APPOINTED TIME. (Genesis 18: 14) and He does:

Genesis 21: 1-3 "And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken. For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac."

If you took on His Name when you were baptized then you went through a name change just like Abraham and Sarah did. God has made you many promises just like He made them. When God makes you a promise and you begin to have doubts, remember what He said to Abraham in Genesis 18: 14: "Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will..." Don't take things into your own hands and try to bring them to pass. Let God Unfold The Rose. When the Lord does it, he does it right and He is always on time. We must remember that God keeps His promises.

Stay Focused

2008-06-17T04:50:00.001-07:00

"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal."— Henry Ford

"But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" Matthew 14: 24-31

Peter stepped out of that boat that day by faith, into that raging sea to get to the Lord. As long as his eyes were on his goal, the Lord, he stayed on top of the waters. But as soon as his eyes strayed from his goal he lost his focus and that is when the fear of his obstacles began to drag him under.

We cannot let the pressures of life cause us to lose our focus. When the storms of life bring adversity, troubles, and trials and their waves begin to crash down upon us, that is not the time to take our eyes off of the Lord. If we do, we will begin to sink into despair, hopelessness, misery, desolation, anguish, gloom, depression, and despondency.

We cannot be overcome with fear of the obstacles life brings our way. When troubles and trials come, don't let that be your focus. When the storms of life come crashing down upon you don't let it cloud your mind's eye. We have to stay focused upon the Lord at all times. Matthew 8: 23-27 reads; "And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!"

You see, the Lord is on ship with us at all times. So no matter what the storm, it doesn't matter how high the waves crash, or how many obstacles the devil throws in our path, DON'T BE FEARFUL AND OF LITTLE FAITH. HE WILL ARISE AND REBUKE THE WINDS AND THE SEA. We cannot lose focus and let our obstacles become stumbling blocks that will cause us to fall away from the Lord. But rather we must use those obstacles as stepping stones to climb higher to reach our goal. We have to keep our eyes focused on Jesus and on reaching our goal - HEAVEN. We must learn to call out to Him and He will give us Peace in the midst of our storm.

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

Today I want to give honor to two men in my life on Father's day. First I want to honor my dad, Alfred Jefferson Harris, who has gone on to be with the Lord.

I was born in Fresno Ca. I attended Bro Lane's church until I was 5 years old. We then moved to Missoula Montana and attended Bro Kelley's church. That is where I was baptized in Jesus Name at the age of 8 in the dead middle of winter and was it ever cold.

I remember my dad cooking some of the best breakfasts before we were sent off to school. Things like pancakes, sausage, eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, cream of wheat, oatmeal, toast, sliced fruit, and hot chocolate. Never did he just set a bowl of cereal in front of us. It was a spread, a wonderful feast. Momma made fantastic lunches and dinners but Breakfast was daddy's delight. Then he would help mom bundle us up in our snow gear and off we would trek through the snow to school.

Then a year later, when I was nine, we moved back to California and my mother left the church and my parents divorced. Being just a young child I never understood what happened. My dad then started attending Bro I. H. Terry's church in Bakersfield CA. That is where I went when I got to visit with my father on weekends.

When I was eleven my mom re-married. That is where my second dedication of honor comes in. I give honor to my step dad, Jackson Scott Rogers, who also has passed on from this life.

My stepfather was a good man. He had no children of his own and he married my mom and raised my youngest brother, my baby sister, and myself as if we were is own. He provided for us and made sure we had what we needed. When we were sick, he was the one who made sure we got to a doctor. He fed us, clothed us, took us on vacations, gave us allowances and etc. He was also one who loved to cook and a hard working man.

Although my step father was not a church going man he did have some principals. I remember one time my brother was going from one church to another with different friends and my step father told him he was not going to be a church hopper. That he needed to find a church and get grounded in it. He told us that if we were going to go to church then we needed to seek out what we felt was the truth and stick to it.

My dad and step dad got along well. On Saturdays while my mom was working, (she was the manager of Cornet store in Lamont) my dad would come out to Lamont and he and my step dad would load up all the stuff for a barbecue and we 3 kids would hop in the back of dad's truck while dad and step dad climbed in the front of the cab and we would all go to Hart Park and spend the day. I will always admire both men who could set everything aside and get along for the sake of the children. We sure did have some good times. I will always treasure these memories.

I want to thank my dad for standing firm in his faith and living an example of what is truth. For taking me to church when I visited with him. I appreciate the truth that was instilled in my heart and a love for God. I thank him for teaching me to never let bitterness get a hold of your heart and to learn to forgive.

I want to thank my step dad for all that he did for me. For stepping up to the plate and raising me as if I was his own child. He held nothing back and gave it his all to being a father. I am also thankful that after much fasting and prayer, my mother, who being away from the Lord for 22 years, on a Mother's Day, she came back to God. Oh what a day of rejoicing that was. I am also thankful that one day, my stepfather saw the truth and he too, was baptized in Jesus Name and filled with the Holy Ghost.

They are all resting in peace now and one day they shall rise to meet Him in the air and I shall see them all once again. Oh what day that will be!

Laughter, The Best Medicine

2008-06-07T23:42:00.000-07:00

It is said that children laugh 300-400 times a day during their important formative years, but adult laughter has reduced to just 5-10 times a day. It is also proven that laughter is one of our best defences against stress, and it is important that we find ways to laugh more to cope with stress and remain healthy in the modern world. Laughter is nature's antidote to stress. Stress kills, laughter heals.

One of the fruits of God's spirit is joy. Prov 29:18 (NKJV) says: "But happy is he who keeps the law." God wants us to be happy and joyful. Let's not miss out on the enjoyment in life that God wants us to have. Remember a little humor and a little laughter can make our lives much more enjoyable. LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE you could ever take for some of your troubles. Take a dose, laugh a little, live a little and thank God for all the blessings he has bestowed upon you.

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." Proverbs 17:22

A friend of mine shared the following clip with me and I enjoyed it so much that I thought I would share it with all of you. Click on the link below and then click open for a good laugh. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

http://us.f567.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?clean=0&fid=Inbox&mid=1_11031_AEZhxEIAAAR1SD3bwgSA2xbRZ7E&pid=2&tnef=&prefFilename=WATER.wmv

Water On Mars

2008-06-07T22:36:00.000-07:00

Below you will find the first picture from NASA of water on Mars. This is truly amazing and outstanding!! My grandson was really captivated by this picture. I guarantee you have not seen anything like this before. It is definitely one of a kind. :-D

Have a great day now, ya hear!

Gossip & Lies

2008-05-31T08:18:00.001-07:00

I don't repeat gossip, so listen closely!

Robert Louis Stevenson:There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it behooves all of us not to talk about the rest of us.

Why is it that some people want to downgrade another person? They seem to get a great delight out of spreading gossip and lies about other people. It seems they enjoy spreading the talk of an other's downfall. To that Sis Maxine Wilson would say: "But for the grace of God, there go I." I agree with her whole heartily. If you see someone fall and make a mistake and you want to talk about them, then go to prayer and talk to the Lord. As for the lies, that shouldn't be happening at all.

Paul said; "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." 1 Timothy 1:15 We are all nothing more than sinners saved by grace. Each of us are just mere flesh and capable of making a mistake and falling flat on our face. When we see our brother or sister by the wayside we are suppose to reach out to them and lead them back to the sheepfold not destroy them with our tongue.

I don't want to be like the priest and the Levite who pass by the wounded traveler and leave him laying to die. I choose to be like the Good Samaritan who provides the help needed that Jesus talks about in Luke 10:30-37. I don't want to be a destroyer of my brother or sister with words of my mouth. I want to help lift them up in the Lord and lead them back to the right path.

Caleb The Knight Reader

2008-05-27T23:40:00.000-07:00

This past week each class passed out certificates to students for the most improved student of the year, Knight Writer, and Knight Reader. Caleb received the award for Knight Reader in his class.

After everyone received their certificates, they were allowed to go back to their seats except for the Knight Readers. They were seated in chairs on stage. The principal then came forward and presented them each with a new book to read.

He then dubbed them each individually as a Princeton Knight Reader. Caleb was the last one to be dubbed and by the time the principal got to him he was already so absorbed in reading his new book that when he was dubbed by the sword he was stunned. We got a good laugh out of that. The principal said that is why Caleb made Knight Reader in the first place because when there is a book at hand to read, you can be sure Caleb will be the first one to reach for it.

Way to go Caleb!

Use Them Or Lose Them

2008-05-24T09:37:00.001-07:00

“Use what talents you possess, the woods will be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” - Henry van Dyke

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing." Psalms 100: 1-2

I'm sure most of us are familiar with the parable in Matthew 25: 14-30 about "a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

"The one that received five talents traded and made another five talents. He that received two talents, gained two more. But he that received one went and dug a hole and hid his talent."

After a long time the lord of those servants came back. When he saw what the one with the five talents and two talents had done he was pleased and said to them; "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

But when he came to the servant who buried his talent he said to him; "Thou wicked and slothful servant,"... verse 26

"Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents." verse 28

Whatever your talent is that God has given you, use it for His glory. Whether it be teaching a Sunday School class, Bible study, witnessing, prayer warrior, church cleaning, bulletin board decorating, singing, song leader, preaching, musician, youth leader, kids choir leader, etc. Whatever it is, DON"T bury your talent.

I don't want the Lord to take my talent from me and give it to anyone else. I want to use what He has given me for the Kingdom of God. I want to multiply my talents for His glory. I do not want to hear Him say; "Thou wicked and slothful servant,"... but rather, I want to hear; "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

Think About It

2008-05-18T16:22:00.001-07:00

The most destructive habit……………………………………....Worry

The greatest joy……………………………………………………….Giving

The greatest loss……………………………………………………...Loss of self-respect

The most satisfying work………………………………………….Helping others

The ugliest personality trait……………………………………...Selfishness

The most endangered species…………………………………...Dedicated leaders

Our greatest natural resource…………………………………...Our youth

The greatest problem to overcome……………………………..Fear

The most effective sleeping pill………………………………....Peace of mind

The most crippling failure disease……………………………..Excuses

The most powerful force in life………………………………....Love

The most dangerous pariah……………………………………...A Gossiper

The world’s most incredible computer……………………....The brain

The worst thing to be without ………………………………….Hope

The deadliest weapon……………………………………………...The tongue

The two most power-filled words……………………………..”I can”

The greatest asset…………………………………………………...Faith

The most worthless emotion…………………………………....Self-pity

The most beautiful attire…………………………………………Smile

The most prized possession……………………………………...Integrity

The most powerful channel of communication…………….Prayer

The most contagious spirit……………………………………….Enthusiasm

Author Unknown

A HEARTILY PRAYER

2008-05-14T23:09:00.000-07:00

"Is not prayer a study of truth, a sally of the soul into the unfound infinite? No man ever prayed heartily without learning something."— Ralph Waldo Emerson

When I read this quote it brought my pastor to mind. Pastor Allard has been heavily stirred in his spirit and I can see it in his countenance. He has been speaking to us as of late on the importance of prayer. Not just a Now I lay me down to sleep prayer, or a prayer when you sit down at a meal to eat, or a quick 5 minute prayer at the altar after the preaching of the Word. But an honest to goodness soul searching prayer. A prayer where you really get a hold of the horns of the altar. Deep soul searching prayer. Prayer that will reach the throne of God. A prayer that will cause a life changing experience. Like the quote says above, "No man ever prayed heartily without learning something."

When I first came to the Lord it was in prayer that He led me to the whole truth. It was through prayer that God opened up my understanding and showed me the way. I have always found the answers to the most critical needs in my life in prayer. Financial needs have been met, sicknesses have been healed, doors have been opened, loved ones have been saved all through the power of prayer.

I looked up words that go with heartily and this is what I found: vigorously, energetically, thoroughly, excessively, completely, forcefully, enthusiastically, strongly, dynamically, robustly, with gusto, and powerfully. All of these explain how we should really pray.

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16) Yes, Ralph Waldo Emerson, A HEARTILY PRAYER is the way to go.

In Memory Of My Mom On Mother's Day

2008-05-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

LEONA MAE ROGERS

Some of the most beautiful things in my life have
come in twos, dozens, and hundreds. Dazzling
sunsets, starry nights, colorful rainbows, friends,
and family. Yet as my youth fades, my love
droops, and the leaves of friendships fall. I
always find myself led back to the
single most beautiful thing in the world......MOM.

Mom Is......A heart where thru the years
I have deposited all my hurts and worries, and
shared my joys. A place where the quality of
love has been central to my being.. An area where
patience may have worn thin, but there was still
room for me to be less than perfect.
Mom........I love and miss you!

(author unknown)

July 21, 1926 - Dec 27, 2001

I Wish I Was A Christian

2008-05-08T21:19:00.000-07:00

I pulled into the school parking lot to drop Caleb off this morning. He asked me if he was going to get to see his counselor this afternoon. I explained that he saw him yesterday so he won't see him until next Monday. Then Caleb says "Grandma, is papa my granddaddy or my daddy?" I told him of course that papa is his granddaddy. Caleb then expresses for the first time that he wishes he had a dad.

My daughter is single. She works full time with Special Ed children, does Foster Care, and adopted Caleb. She has never met Mr. Right. I told Caleb that if he wanted a dad then he needed to pray about it. Tell Jesus that he wants a good Christian dad. A dad that will love him and his mom like a Christian is suppose to love his family. A dad that will take them places and do things with them. Tell Jesus you want a dad that will teach you all about the things of God and will pray with you like a Christian dad does. Caleb then replies; "I WISH I WAS A CHRISTIAN."

My heart melted right there on the spot. Tears were instantly running down my face. I wanted to crawl over the seat and gather him into my arms and pray for him to become a Christian right then and there. I told Caleb that he could be a Christian. I told him he had to obey Acts 2:38. The bell rang at that time and he had to go to class. All I wanted to do was take him home and give him the story of salvation. When I picked him up from school and we returned to the house he started up with more questions about being a Christian. So we snuggled on the couch and I began answering those wonderful questions.

Lord, let that desire to be a Christian continue to grow in Caleb's heart. Don't ever let it wither away. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Send Him Back?

2008-05-01T17:03:00.000-07:00

This is my grandson, Caleb and I wouldn't trade him for all the money in the world. He is adopted. We consider him a SPECIAL gift from God. I could not love this little boy any more if he was my own flesh and blood. He came to us at 6 weeks of age with two black eyes and a swollen nose. The poor child had to sleep in his carrier for about a month after we got him because he could not lay down flat or he would have trouble breathing. It was definitely love at first sight when we all laid eyes on this child. My daughter knew in her heart that she was going to be his mom when she took him into her home.

Caleb is a very intelligent child. He excels in school. He is a great reader, does well in spelling and is one of the smartest first graders in science I have ever seen. Yet, Caleb does have some problems. He suffers from what they call Sensory Processing Disorder and Dyspraxia. Now you may be wondering what that is so I will give you a brief description.

Sensory Processing Disorder has two types: Sensory-Avoiding children and Sensory-Seeking children. Caleb suffers from Sensory Avoiding disorder. He tries to avoid or minimize sensations by avoiding being touched. He hates certain material and therefore won't wear certain clothes. He has fear of movement and heights, is very cautious and unwilling to take risks or try new things, feels uncomfortable in loud or busy environments such the mall, or convention centers, and is an extreme picky eater and overly sensitive to food smells and loud music. Has extreme fear of water.

Dyspraxia includes poor balance, poor fine and gross motor co-ordination, difficulty with throwing and catching a ball, poor awareness of body position in space, difficulty hopping, skipping or riding a bike, sensitive to touch, intolerance of having hair or teeth brushed, nails and hair cut, slow to learn to dress themselves, finds some clothing uncomfortable, slow to learn to speak, and very impatient.

This next statement is so true and describes my grandson so well. Children with Dyspraxia are more often above average intelligence but are often behavior immature. They try hard to fit in to socially accepted behaviour when at school but often throw tantrums when at home. They find it difficult to understand simple logic and reason.

My daughter works with Special ED children and knew from the experience of her job, that Caleb had some problems. So she took him to a neurologist. This is how we found out his diagnosis. Caleb is such a joy and delight to have in the family yet, he can be quite a handful at times. This child does have his moments, let me tell you. Are we sorry we adopted him with the problems he has and the hard times that come with his bad moments? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! Someone made the comment, "To bad you just can't send him back." When I heard that, it made my blood boil. My daughter and this family would never, in a million years, even consider the thought of sending this precious child back. He is ours! God knew what He was doing when He placed Caleb in our family. My daughter's experience in working with Special Ed children has prepared her in helping Caleb. He has come along way in the past year. With the counselling he is getting and the love of his mom and the rest of the family, CALEB WILL SUCCEED.

I got to thinking about what this person had to say about sending Caleb back because of his imperfections. I would like to ask this individual how they would feel if Jesus would decide to send them back to the world because they are not perfect. I ask this individual to think about it; when they had a bad attitude or said or did the wrong thing, when they went somewhere they should not have gone, or looked down their nose at someone in a unchristian way, had an ungodly thought, or gossiped, or just simply didn't worship or pray like they should have, so Jesus turns to them and says, "That's it, you're out of here. I'm sending you back". How would they feel? I would like to ask this individual, "Do you think Jesus ever regrets taking you in and giving you His Name? I don't think so and yet, you're not perfect. You still make mistakes. You still have to hit the altar and ask for forgiveness every now and then and in spite of all of your shortcomings He still loves you and because the Lord still loves you HE WILL HELP YOU SUCCEED. Let me ask you, Do you think He should send you back?"

My daughter took Caleb into her home and gave him her name. He is her son, my grandson. We have no regrets whatsoever of taking this child in. He is ours and we love him. Send him back? NEVER!!!

INTELLIGENCE IN GOVERNMENT

2008-04-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

Washington, D.C. airport ticket agent offers some examples of why our country is in trouble!

1. I had a New Hampshire Congresswoman ask for an aisle seat so that her hair wouldn't get messed up by being near the window. (On an airplane?)

2. I got a call from a candidate's staffer, who wanted to go to Capetown. I started to explain the length of the flight and the passport information, then she interrupted me with, "I'm not trying to make you look stupid, but Capetown is in Massachusetts." Without trying to make her look stupid, I calmly explained, "Cape Cod is in Massachusetts, Capetown is in Africa." Her response was- CLICK!

3. A senior Vermont Congressman called, furious about a Florida package we did. I asked what was wrong with the vacation in Orlando. He said he was expecting an ocean-view room. I tried to explain that's not possible, since Orlando is in the middle of the state. He replied, "Don't lie to me, I looked on the map and Florida is a very thin state!" (OMG)

4. I got a call from a lawmaker's wife who asked, "Is it possible to see England from Canada?" I said, "No." She said, "But they look so close on the map." (OMG, again!)

5. An aide for a cabinet member once called and asked if he could rent a car in Dallas. When I pulled up the reservation, I noticed he had only a 1-hour layover in Dallas. When I asked him why he wanted to rent a car, he said, "I heard Dallas was a big airport, and we will need a car to drive between gates to save time." (Oh Snap!)

6. An Illinois Congresswoman called last week. She needed to know how it was possible that her flight from Detroit left at 8:30 AM got to Chicago at 8:33 AM. I explained that Michigan was an hour ahead of Illinois, but she couldn't understand the concept of time zones. Finally, I told her the plane went fast, and she bought that. (Go figure)

7. A New York lawmaker called and asked, "Do airlines put your physical description on your bag so they know whose luggage belongs to whom?" I said, "No, why do you ask?" She replied, "Well, when I checked in with the airline, they put a tag on my luggage that said (FAT), and I'm overweight. I think that's very rude!" After putting her on hold for a minute while I looked into it (I was laughing). I came back and explained the city code for Fresno, CA is ( FAT - Fresno Air Terminal), and the airline was just putting a destination tag on her luggage. (ROTF)

8. A Senator's aide called to inquire about a trip package to Hawaii. After going over all the cost info, she asked, "Would it be cheaper to fly to California, and then take the train to Hawaii?" (Here's your sign)

9. I just got off the phone with a freshman Congressman who asked, "How do I know which plane to get on?" I asked him what exactly he meant, to which he replied, "I was told my flight number is 823, but none of these planes have numbers on them." (and...here's your sign)

10. A lady Senator called and said, "I need to fly to Pepsi-Cola, Florida. Do I have to get on one of those little computer planes?" I asked if she meant fly to Pensacola, Fl. on a commuter plane. She said, "Yeah, whatever, smarty!" (That's me, and you're in congress?)

11. A senior Senator called and had a question about the documents he needed in order to fly to China. After a lengthy discussion about passports, I reminded him that he needed a visa. "Oh, no I don't. I've been to China many times and never had to have one of those." I double checked and sure enough, his stay required a visa. When I told him this he said, "Look, I've been to China four times and every time they have accepted my American Express!" (Should we make that a one way ticket?)

12. A New Mexico Congresswoman called to make reservations. "I want to go from Chicago to Rhino, New York." I was at a loss for words. Finally, I said, "Are you sure that's the name of the town?" "Yes, what flights do you have?" replied the lady. After some searching, I came back with, "I'm sorry, ma'am, I've looked up every airport code in the country and can't find a Rhino anywhere. "The lady retorted, "Oh, don't be silly! Everyone knows where it is. Check your map!" So I scoured a map of the state of New York and finally offered, "You don't mean Buffalo, do you?"The reply! "Whatever! I knew it was a big animal." (OH DEAR GOD HELP US!)

Now you know why the Government is in the shape that it's in !

The End Of The Day

2008-04-22T23:56:00.000-07:00

Well it's midnight and I was listening to freeWAY singing as I read through my favorite blogs. As I wrapped up my reading, they were singing: "Jesus Loves Me". I guess I have hit repeat about 7 times now. I love the verses these young men have written to this song. When you really listen to the words it will touch your heart in a special way and make you realize just how much Jesus loves you.

I must say that it has brought such peace to the end of my day. I feel as though I have just crawled up into the lap of my Savior as a child crawls up into the lap of its mother or father. I can feel the arms of my Lord wrapped around me, holding me, and telling me that everything is alright and I know that it is for I am in the arms of my Lord and He loves me.

I can go to sleep now and rest just like a child that has been comforted by its parent. For I have been held in the arms of my Father and felt the love of my Lord. Sweet peace has swept over my soul.

My Hope & My Deliverer

2008-04-18T06:12:00.000-07:00

Remain calm, even when it does seems hopeless

“Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we HOPE in thee.” Psalms 33:22

"For thou art my HOPE, O Lord GOD..." Psalms 71:5

"But I will HOPE continually, and will yet praise thee more and more." Psalms 71:14

"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and MY DELIVERER; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." Psalms 18:2

"...O God: thou art my help and MY DELIVERER;..." Psalms 7o:5

"My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and MY DELIVERER; my shield, and he in whom I trust;..." Psalms 144:2

God will ALWAYS make a way when there seems to be no way. Just stay faithful to Him and He will see you through any and every situation. He is FAITHFUL!

My Protector

2008-04-15T22:23:00.001-07:00

Last night after prayer meeting, I stayed at the church to work on the bulletin board for a while. I got home around 9:30 p.m. and started a load of laundry then changed in to my night clothes and was just starting to kick back for the evening when my daughter called and asked me if my husband was still at work. I told her yes. She then said that she thought he was upstairs in the apartment above her painting because someone was up there banging and making a lot of noise. So I put on my house robe and got the keys to the empty apartment and headed that way. In the meantime my son was taking his trash out and he also heard the banging. He lives in the apartment next to my daughter and he met me at the foot of the stairs. As I rounded the corner I could also hear the banging and it was loud. It sounded like someone was taking a sledge hammer to the place.

I went up the stairs and my son said "Mom, you better let me go in first." No Problem!!! I unlocked the door and stepped aside and in he went. I stepped in behind him and BAM!! I just about jumped out of my skin. The sound had come from the hallway so my son took off down the hall like a flash of lightening and I wanted to dash out the front door and back down the stairs. Mark was totally prepared for what ever or who ever it was. He was trained for this. He was the commander of the C.E.R.T. Team when stationed over seas so all his training kicked in and he automatically went into high gear and attack mode. At the same time we both realized all the windows in the apartment were open and knew right away what it was that was making all the noise. My husband had been painting and had taken the door knobs off of the doors. The wind was blowing outside and with the windows open it was blowing the bedroom door open and closed. Slamming is more like it. Two of the bedroom doors were blocked open but the one bedroom door was free to slam back and forth as the wind would blow in through the windows. What a noise it made in that empty apartment. When we realized what it was we had a good laugh.

My son's girlfriend asked him when we came back out and down the stairs how he intended to fight the attacker off if there had been one since he wasn't armed. He replied that he was armed and ready. I never saw it because he moved so fast, but as he went down the hall he grabbed a large putty knife. He said he saw it out of the corner of his eye as he was going down the hall and grabbed it. He was prepared for whatever was to come. I guess you could say he was ready in season and out of season. Who would have ever guessed that the little baby boy that I once held in my arms and protected for many years would one day grow up to become my protector. It really blows my mind how the tables have turned.

When my son suggested that I let him go into that apartment first to face any danger that might be lurking there so he could protect me, I realized that is how it is with the Lord. He goes before us everywhere we go. He is leading us and guiding us and ready to do battle on our behalf against anything that comes our way to try to harm us. God is our protector.

Psalms 91: (1) He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. (2) I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" (3) For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, And from the deadly pestilence. (4) He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. (5) You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day; (6) Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. (7) A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not approach you. (8) You will only look on with your eyes, And see the recompense of the wicked. (9) For you have made the Lord, my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place. (10) No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent. (11) For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways. (12) They will bear you up in their hands, Lest you strike your foot against a stone. (13) You will tread upon the lion and cobra, The young lion and the serpent you will trample down. (14) "Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. (15) "He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and honor him. (16) "With a long life I will satisfy him, And let him behold My salvation."