Monday, January 30, 2017

Puzzle Sunday

 
Our special day for this January was Puzzle Day.  Every Sunday and Wednesday I try to make sure I greet and talk to everyone but it is so much more fun when I have something to give everyone.  We had all kinds of puzzle books, boxed puzzles, metal strategy puzzles and Rubik cube puzzles.  The people loved them and I loved being able to give everyone a little joy through such a small gift.
 
Last week while we were in Denver we stopped at Walmart and found their 8 dollar puzzles on clearance for 50 cents!  We were praising God for providing these great gifts at such a cheap price!  We also put a bag of puzzles stuff together and gave it to the one who had brought the most visitors in January.


For the kids I also got a good selection of different kinds of puzzles.  The kids were so excited to see all the puzzles and I told them they had to listen closely to the story today in order to win the puzzles.

 
I loved telling the stories and loved watching the kids faces as the pieces, God's forgiveness, God's protection, God's provision, and God's power slowly came together to make the puzzle.  The kids noticed at the end that the puzzle had an empty spot in the middle and needed one last piece.  I asked them what all the stories had in common and when they said God, I was able to talk about how God is the one who not only completed each story in the Bible but that He is the only one that completes us!  After the story we played review games to win the puzzles.  The kids loved it!
(On a side note - {{{Gasp}}} do you see how much weight I've gained back!!!)

After services we had a soup fellowship.  The ladies of church can surely cook and everything was delicious!  Chicken Taco, Turkey Noodle, Beef Vegetable, Potato, Broccoli and Cheese and my favorite, Chicken, Stuffing and Gravy soup.  It was like Thanksgiving in a bowl!
 
 

Everyone enjoyed the soup and Little Lady even licked her spoon and bowl clean!
As you can see in the background, we are still working on the inside of the building.  As we tell everyone, please excuse the mess.
 
Our special promotion day for February is Carnival Day and I am starting planning now for my special Bible story and prizes that we will be giving out.  I think prizes for the kids will be easy as we play carnival games to review the story and win prizes but what in the world do we give the adults for Carnival Day?  Anybody have any ideas, I'd love to hear them! 
 
 


Friday, January 27, 2017

The Preaching that I Bid Thee

As soon as church was over on Wednesday night, my sweet husband stole me away for a couple of days to celebrate our anniversary.  In the hurry of trying to pack and get on the road I forgot my Bible!  I have a Bible on my phone but it's not the same of thumbing through the pages and underlining the words and phrases that God uses to speak to my heart.
 
 
I must admit I sat down grudgingly and opened my Bible app as I knew I would not get much out of my study by just reading it on my phone.  So glad that God's Word is alive and speaks to us whether it is in the worn Bible we always use or simply the app on our phone.
 
As I started to read in Jonah 3, I stopped on verse two and read it several times as I meditated it on.  "Preach unto it the preaching that I bid you".  The Ninevites were the enemy of Israel and I am sure that Jonah thought of many things he wanted to tell the Ninevites that God had commanded in the book of the law, but what Jonah thought the Ninevites should hear was not what God knew they needed to hear.  Because of what Jonah had seen the people of Ninevah do, Jonah knew what he wanted to say to them and he knew he wanted to see them overthrown and destroyed for their actions. Thankfully, God with His unconditional love knew what the people needed to hear and wanted their hearts more than he wanted their destruction and was ready to give mercy and grace to the Ninevites when they repented.
 
This made me think of myself as I lead and teach the women and children of our church.  How easy is it for me to look and see the actions of these ones that God has entrusted to me, to give His Word to, and how I too often will choose His Words that I feel address the issues I see.  The thing is, I am not God and am only seeing the outside when God truly sees the inside.  He see the issues that each child and each woman have on the inside that is actually producing the actions that I see.  Am I letting God lead me as I write my devotions and Bible studies to touch the hearts that He and He alone knows, or am I using the Words of God that I know and that I think will touch their hearts?    I want to be lead by the spirit, I want to teach by God's spirit, I want to see true changes in these kids and sweet ladies, but these changes will only come when I teach exactly what God is telling me to teach, even when it's not what I feel they need to hear. 
 
Preach unto it the preaching that I bid you
Thank You God for being merciful, slow to anger and always willing to forgive us when we repent and turn from our sins.  Your love amazes me over and over again!
 


Wednesday, January 25, 2017

God Has Been the Glue .......25 Years


25 years ago seems so long ago! 
We were young, naïve and in many ways stupid but we thought we were so in love.  I know every marriage has their story, has their struggles and has heartaches and joys and ours has been no different.  The thing that has set our marriage apart has been that there is seriously no good reason that we are still married according to the world's view.   Not many people know our story, as it's not just my story to share, but my husband and I both know and have seen marriages fall apart for lesser problems than what our marriage has been through.  As we sat talking this morning, amazed that we had actually made it 25 years, my husband summoned it up with these words,
God has been the glue........  God had been the glue that held our marriage together for many years even though most others would have given up and moved on.
 
When I found out the family bondage that hung over and dictated our marriage........
God has been the glue
 
When our house was full of strife, anger and hateful words........
God has been the glue
 
When I stood outside and cried out to God, change me, change him, change something........
God has been the glue
 
When the military separated us for months and months and months at a time.........
God has been the glue
 
When I thought he was the problem and he thought I was the problem........
God has been the glue
 
When we were both so lonely even when we were together..........
God has been the glue
 
When I became callous and hard hearted to my husband...........
God has been the glue
 
When both our hearts were broken and it looked like there was no way to overcome........
God has been the glue
 
When we were both tired of fighting and just wanted peace........
God has been the glue
 
When we both felt unloved by the other......
God has been the glue
 
When I said I was done and I couldn't do one more day..........
God has been the glue
 
 
 
It is because of Him and Him only that we are still together, still working to love the other, still working to uplift and encourage each other, still working day by day to be one, still working on so much as we continue to grow in our relationship with God and each other.  God has been the glue!  He has led us, guided us, and held us together in the hard times and helped us to have a stronger and more passionate marriage.
 
I am so thankful for my husband and the love and faithfulness he has for God and I am looking forward to the next 25 years of our life.  I don't know where God will lead us or what we will go through, but no matter what, I do know that........
God will be the glue.
 
 
 
 


Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Puzzle Devotion

 
While we were in Idaho this past weekend, we received a box of older Sunday School material from a dear, sweet lady who used to teach my husband and I in church when we were just kids.  I love, love, love older Sunday School material.  Missionary stories, visual songs, and older flannel graph stories are so much fuller of the gospel message than I think a lot of the newer curriculum's are.  We have had several of the people who used to teach us years ago ask us if we want their old stuff.  They say they have tried to get rid of it to some of the people who are teaching the kids classes now but no one wants it because they say its out of date.  We have gladly taken everything they give us and implement it into our kids classes. 
 
 
Sunday is National Puzzle Day and we are doing a special day for the kids.  I spent all morning working on a devotion for the day and planned out some games and special food.
 
 
To go with my devotion I made a huge puzzle for my visual aid.  First I bought two sheets of poster board and taped them together.  I then printed pictures to go with my story.  My favorite site to get pictures on the internet is FreeBibleImages.  After cutting the white edges off, I glued the pictures to the poster board in the order I wanted them.  I took packing tape and taped the whole board to protect it.
 
 
I then drew puzzle pieces on the board and cut them each out.  I had to put more packing tape on the cut edges to seal and protect each piece.  I think it turned out so well and will be a great visual for Sunday.  I also ordered a bunch of puzzles off Amazon to give away to the kids and the adults. 
 
 I am really excited and think Sunday is going to be so fun!
 
 


Monday, January 23, 2017

So Sweet


It has been a long week for us as we traveled to Idaho for the funeral of my favorite Uncle.  My siblings have not been together for almost six years but came from all over the world to attend the funeral of the man who was so much more than an uncle to us.  We were able to spend time laughing and eating and enjoying each other for the few short days we were together. 
 
With several storms headed into our path of travel, we left yesterday afternoon to try and beat the bad weather and the threat of road closures.  The roads were horrible and we prayed for God's guidance to help us see the road as we went through mile after mile of ground blizzards.  It was amazing as we called on God to give us visibility and in the same moment the wind would stop blowing and we would see clearly for several minutes.  We finally made it home at 4 am this morning and we praised God for His hand of safety!
 

I awoke with a feeling of joy at being home.  Usually when I visit my brother I can go outside, sit on the front step and do my devotions in the fresh mountain air as I watch the sunrise over the mountains.  Sadly in the middle of winter this is not possible so I tried to find a quiet place in the house but there was so much going I was unable to dig deep and savor my quiet time as I usually do.  I love being home where I have my quiet place and all my quiet time tools within easy reach.
 
Even though we were only gone for 5 days, God taught me several lessons and put a few burdens on my heart that I will be blogging about soon, but until then I must say that
Home is So Sweet! 

Monday, January 16, 2017

Confession Time

 
After my amazing year of weight lose last year, I slacked a bit, well maybe I slacked a lot!  I must tell you the truth, I hate eating healthy.  I hate veggies and salads and all those things that are good for my body!  When my year of no sugar, no pop, no chips, no fast food diet was over I slowly let the sugar back in my diet.  I love sugar and can eat sugar eat all day with no adverse affects to my health other than my weight.  Sooooo...... after losing 80 pounds last year, over the last 5 months I have gained back 30 pounds!  I am almost embarrassed to write that, but it's true.  Not only did I start eating sugar again, I also have not been exercising or running the way I was.  Of course I have given the excuse that's it's too cold out to walk, which it is but I can easily exercise inside.  I also was a bit discouraged as so many people began saying my face was looking gaunt and I was too skinny.  The normal weight for my height is actually 135lbs. to 140lbs. and I was still over 30 pounds away from that goal so I know I was not in danger of being too skinny.
 
Over the last five months I have had a stuffy nose.  This is a huge issue for me as for the year I went without sugar I was not sick once and did not once have a stuffy nose.  I was fitting into a medium in clothes and now I am stretching my large size clothes.  My nightly sleep pattern is off and I am just so unhappy with many things as I have gained some of this weight back! 
 
Thus being said, today is the day that I have started my no sugar, no pop, no chip, no fast food or anything yummy diet again.  I know many people say you have to have a  cheat day now and then but that does not work for me!  If I have a taste of sugar, I simply have to have more and more and I get carried away.  If I totally cut myself off from all sugar and treats and only eat my veggies, fruits and meat, I do really good at being disciplined and constant in my diet.
 
So, as of today I have 60 pounds to lose to make my goal of 140lbs. My fridge is stocked with fruit and veggies and I am ready to start eating healthy again!  I also have my FitBit on and am in competition with my amazing friends as we try to outstep each other as we all strive to lose some unwanted weight.   I must admit I am not looking forward to eating a year of no sugar again but the weight loss and health benefits far out weigh the need for sugary treats and I know I'll get excited as I see each pound disappear and  when I'm able to fit into the clothes I bought last fall!
 
Do you want to join me on this weight lose journey?  I would love to be your accountability partner or your FitBit buddy!  Comment and let me know!
 
 


Sunday, January 15, 2017

Ignorant, Indifferent, or Inquity

 
Today is National Strawberry Ice Cream Day but because it's so cold out we decided to make Strawberry Smoothies instead.  For the recipe I used 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of strawberry yogurt, 3 tablespoons sugar, 8 strawberries and 6 ice cubes.  I made several batches about a half hour before people started showing up, put them in cups and then put the cups in freezer.  I then was able to pull them out of the freezer and give them out as people walked in the door. 

 
They turned out so yummy and everyone loved them and thought they were a great way to start out the morning! 
 
In my studies the last few days I have been running across verses such as Joel 2:12 ...Turn to me with all your heart....  So many verses about turning to, serving and following God with ALL our heart.  God wants not just part of our heart but all of it.  Tonight, right before church started and I was greeting people, something happened that made me feel very unloving and it showed in my words and actions.  As I sat in my seat I was telling myself that God wanted me to show unconditional love and understanding but I explained to God and gave Him excuses why I didn't have to in this instance.

 
The last song we sang before the sermon was Trust and Obey and instantly God smote my heart.  I was not obeying Him in the way I knew he wanted me to.  Each verse spoke to me and I was feeling convicted as per my words and actions not measuring up with what God had been showing me in His Word.

 
As the last song ended I looked at my phone to make sure the nursery worker hadn't text me saying she needed help.  She hadn't text me but when I looked at my screen saver, God smote my heart again.  I had made a new screen saver last night because my goal is to always ask God this question, Lord, how can I glorify you today?  Again I knew that my words, thoughts and actions did not glorify God.
 
As the sermon started I knew God was not finished rebuking me as I was convicted within moments of the first words of the sermon.  My husband preached tonight on being ignorant of the Word, indifferent of the Word, and how our iniquity stops us from doing the Word.  How we need to perfect what we are learning in church and perfect what we are reading in our Bibles.  Point after point hit me in the heart as I remembered how last night I had prayed and asked God to help me to give all my heart to Him by obeying, serving and doing His will in my life.   I realized I only want to follow and obey when it agrees with what I'm feeling and not when something upsets me or makes me uncomfortable.  I had tears streaming down my face as I realized I had let my God down once again and I needed to change my thoughts and attitude to align with His Word and what God was trying to do me in.  After praying and asking for forgiveness, I was able to be more loving in the situation and correct the my words and actions.
 
Lamentations 3:22-23 - It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
 
I am so thankful for God's mercy as I fail and have to overcome my sinful nature over and over.  He forgives me and gives me a new chance every day to ask, Lord, How can I bring you glory today?
 


Thursday, January 12, 2017

SuperHero or SuperZero

 
It had been a long week and my husband and I were sitting together enjoying the silence.  He was reading a message on his phone from someone when he turns to me and with a tinge of defeat to his voice asks me, "How can you be a SuperHero to one group of people and a SuperZero to another group of people?  You know what I mean?"  I sat in stunned silence for a second as I mulled over what he had just said but I knew exactly what he meant.  How can one group of people love what you stand for, love your ideas, love the things you talk about and the advice you give and think you are the most loving, kind and giving person while another group of people think that everything about you is fake, selfish and arrogant, everything you do is stupid, and you are seriously among the worst people on earth and they really do not like you!
 
I have both those groups of people in my life.  One group is made of friends from around a little bit of everywhere.  We keep in touch, we talk about everything, they ask my opinion or my advice and I ask theirs, we exchange ideas, I encourage them and they encourage me, we can talk for hours and laugh and have a great time together..  They make me feel loved and cherished.  The other group I rarely see, they barely know me but somehow they 'know' me and give me advice, tell me how I should have done things and how I should be doing them now.  I always I feel like I have to defend myself and that is where things break down.  My words come out wrong, I feel stupid and misunderstood and I end up sounding like a blathering idiot as I cry!  I can stand in front of a room full of women and teach about God's truth, mercy and grace, I can counsel and give Biblical advice to those in need but I cannot speak two decent, sensible sentences when I talk to the this group of people who make me feel unlovable, inadequate and well....... like a zero.
 
Is it my ego or my pride, but I really think I am a pretty great person and when someone doesn't like me for a reason that I just don't understand, it hurts my feelings.  I think most of us are like this.  People are saying all the time that they feel so insecure with people because they have a poor self esteem but I don't think that's true.  I think we think too much of ourselves and it makes totally no sense to us when people reject us or don't like us.  I am sure I have given people plenty of reasons to think I am selfish, arrogant and a little stupid, because if I'm truthful with myself, in many ways I am. 
 
The thing is, whose thoughts are we going to let define us?   The group that thinks we are SuperHeroes and love us, uplift us and encourages us even when we do act stupid, arrogant and selfish or the group who thinks we are SuperZeroes and don't really know who we are as a person and no matter what we say or do will always think the worst of you?   If I dwell on those that think I am a SuperHero my pride expands and I become sinful in my thoughts of myself but on the other hand if I dwell on the thoughts of those who think I'm a SuperZero, I get stressed out with a mixture of anxiety and fear.  We need to realize God wants us to define ourselves in Him and not what others think of us.  God wants our thoughts to dwell on Him and His truth.  We need His truth so we can be a vessel he can use to love, encourage and teach others but we also need His truth to see where we need to grow and change as we overcome any sinful behaviors or patterns in our lives. 
 
In the end it does not matter if people think I'm a SuperHero or a SuperZero, I am a child of God, redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, living by His grace and mercy and unconditionally loved by Him.  How great is that!!!
 
 
Leave me a comment and tell me if you feel like a SuperHero or a SuperZero today and why?  Will be praying for you my dear friends! 


 


Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Mercy Said No

 
We were so excited for the Tabb Family to stop and see us as they were traveling through Wyoming today.  Every time they sing for us, we are so blessed and there are very few dry eyes left in the sanctuary by the time they are done!  This time, as every time, I fell in love with one of their songs!  I had never heard this song before but it's definitely one that I will be putting on repeat as I listen to it over and over again!  Over the last few weeks in my daily Bible study, God has shown me verse after verse that have the word 'mercy' in them.  Verses about why we need mercy and how we can use mercy to live a victorious Christian life and then tonight to hear a song about God's mercy just had me in tears as I thought on God's goodness to me! 
 
Mercy Said No
I was just a child, when I felt the Savior leading
I was drawn to what I could not understand
And for the cause of Christ, I have spent my days believing
That what He'd have me be, who I am
As I've come to see the weaker side of me
I realize His grace is what I'll need
When sin demanded justice for my soul
 
Mercy said no
I'm not going to let you go
I'm not going to let you slip away
You don't have to be afraid
Mercy said no
Sin will never take control
Life and death stood face to face
Darkness tried to steal my heart away
Thank You Jesus, Mercy said no
 
For God so loved the world, that He sent His son to save us
From the cross He built a bridge to set us free
Oh, but deep within our hearts, there is still a war that rages
And makes a sacrifice so hard to see
As midnight fell upon the crucifixion day
The light of hope seemed oh so far away
As evil tried to stop redemption's flow
 
Mercy said no
I'm not going to let you go
I'm not going to let you slip away
You don't have to be afraid
Mercy said no
Sin will never take control
Life and death stood face to face
Darkness tried to steal my heart away
Thank You Jesus, Mercy said no
 
And now when heaven looks at me
It's through the blood of Jesus
Reminding me of one day long ago
 
Mercy said no
I'm not going to let you go
I'm not going to let you slip away
You don't have to be afraid
Mercy said no
Sin will never take control
Life and death stood face to face
Darkness tried to steal my heart away
Thank You Jesus, Mercy said no
 


Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Getting off the Spiritual Roller Coaster

 
Today was our January Ladies G.A.B. Time and since we have had so much snow lately I decorated in a snow theme.  We almost had a full house for both the afternoon and the evening sessions and we had so much fun both times.
 
 
For our ice breaker game we played the logo game.  The ladies were laughing and singing old jingles as we guessed each product and answered questions about them.  Who remembers the jingle to Almond Joy and Mounds bars?  Some of the ladies had never heard it before and were laughing as we sang it to them!  Sometimes you feel like a nut......Sometimes you don't!
 
I wrote and gave a devotion on "Getting Off the Spiritual Roller Coaster".  1 Corinthians 15:58 tells us that God wants us to be stedfast and unmovable in our faith and not constantly going from a spiritual high to a place where we are depressed and defeated.  We need to be guarding our hearts against spiritual apathy and watch for what makes our spirituality plunge. 
 
Some things that hinder our spiritual growth are; Pleasing people rather than God, Not applying Scripture to our life, surrounding ourselves with non-believers who do not help strengthen our faith or hold us accountable to the standards of God, little to no prayer life, lack in morals or adapting to the world's morals, religious tradition where we look sanctified on the outside but not changed on the inside, independence and no dependence on God, no spiritual discipline, no consistency and not having a mentor or spiritual counselor you can talk to.
 
It is so easy to say that God is our highest priority but does your lifestyle prove it?  We must stop making excuses and stop expecting God to understand when we put him at the bottom of the ladder.  We need to not let our emotions rule our time with God, be willing to make sacrifices, embrace godly discipline, choose the important over the urgent and not listen to the lies of the enemy as we develop a fervent, stedfast, and unmoveable passionate relationship with God. 
 
 
For our craft we Mode Podged the verse onto tiles and added embellishments.

 
I think they turned out so cute!  Of course we had so much fun and laughter as we fellowshipped together.  I love our Ladies G.A.B. time but was so happy when we were done for the day.
 
 
I had received word at 11:30 this morning that my absolute favorite uncle, the one who had lived next door to me for most of my life, the one who loved me and taught me so much, had passed away.  I knew he was slipping away and that I would receive word any minute that he was gone but it was still heartbreaking.  I had the senior ladies headed to the church in an hour for G.A.B. time and was still running and trying to finish a few last minute things before they got there so I couldn't really stop and just bawl my eyes out the way I wanted to.  I prayed for God's strength and I started singing..... "the joy of the Lord is my strength, the joy of the Lord is my strength.....", and it was so true.  I joyfully taught the senior ladies G.A.B. time and was then able to head back to the house and write a blog post about the wonderful man I loved.   By the time I had to head over for the evening session of G.A.B. time, I had shed my tears and was so excited to teach the ladies the things that God had put on my heart about being stedfast and unmovable in him.
 
I am so thankful for the strength that God gives me to serve Him even in the sad or stressing times.  He is my help and my comfort and I truly do find joy in His strength!


Uncle Allen's Kids

 
I had just pulled up to his house and Uncle Allen was sitting in the front yard in his wooden chair as he greeted me. "Hey!  You just missed Cookie."  I had no idea who he was talking about and tried to change the subject but he kept bringing it up.  So I finally asked, "Who's Cookie?".  He proceeded to tell me a funny story about Kae Dene and her coming to him with her face covered in chocolate from getting into and eating some cookies. He was smiling ear to ear as he told me about this sweet little girl that would follow him everywhere and how he had fallen in love with her.  That's the first time I noticed it, Uncle Allen claimed "Cookie" as his kid and he loved her as his very own.
 
As I thought back, I realized he did this with so many of his brothers and sisters kids. I could tell you conversation after conversation I had with Uncle Allen as he loved, worried over and rejoiced in his nieces and nephews.  As his brothers and sisters would keep him updated on their kids, their kids would become his kids.  Here are a few of those conversations that made the biggest impressions on me.

I remember when I was in Junior High, sitting at the kitchen table with him and grandma as I did my homework.  I was muttering and complaining about the work and I remember him telling me, "Look at Doug and Mark!  They worked hard to get where they are."  He proceeded with pride to tell me about what they had accomplished and what they were doing now because of working hard on their studies and he didn't want to hear me complain anymore.  You see, Doug and Mark were his kids and he was so proud of them and all their accomplishments.
 
It seemed often, when I would go into his house, he would be sitting there thinking about one of his "kids".  One day I asked what he was so deep in thought about.  He said had spent many years worrying about Michael.  So saddened that he had to have lost his father so young and everything that had happened since.  He then told me how that boy had a plan and a purpose and was overcoming his circumstances and he had a great future ahead of him.  He knew Michael would go far and was excited to see what he would do with his life.  You see, Michael was his kid and he wanted nothing more than for him to succeeded in everything he set his mind too.

I remember when Tawnya was having trouble with her first husband.  As I came into Uncle Allen's house, he was muttering and upset.  I asked him what was going on and he told me a little of what he was agitated about and said how he couldn't believe that anyone would be treating Tawnya like that.  He said, "Good thing she has brothers or I would have to go down there and take care of him myself.  I'll just let David and Kenny take care of it, cause if I go down there......" and he just shook his head because he was so mad.  You see, Tawnya was his kid and he was so protective of her.
 
I'll never forget the day I walked into the house and found Uncle Allen sitting at the table with tears streaming down his face.  I had never seen him cry before, even when grandma died, he hugged me and let me cry on his shoulder but I don't remember seeing him cry.  I asked him what had happened and as he continued to cry, he told me how his beautiful Jamie had left this earth way too early.   I cried too as we shared story after story about this beautiful blonde girl who had stolen his heart years ago.  You see, Jamie was his kid and he loved her and couldn't believe he'd lost her.
 
He always kept me updated on Dominic and bragged about his athletic ability in soccer.  He told me how he was doing in school and what his plans were for after school.  As Chep and I moved around for the military, he called me while I was living in Missouri and Germany to let me know how Dominic was doing as he served in the military too. You see, Dominic was his kid and he was worried about his safety as he was so far away from home. 
 
Every time he mentioned Laura he would smile.  He said she had a rough couple of years but then she turned everything around and was raising an amazing young man.  Uncle Allen was so thrilled with Jacob and what a good kid he was and he always bragged about how smart Jacob was.  Whenever Jacob would come visit or someone would call to tell him how Jacob was doing, Uncle Allen would glow with pride as he told me what Jacob was doing next in his life.  You see, Laura and Jacob were his kids and he loved watching them grow up .
 
Although Patrick is my brother, Uncle Allen would still call me and tell me what Patrick was up to and how Patrick and Amy sent him steak or some other goodie in the mail.  If ever a month would go by and he hadn't heard from Patrick, he would call me to see where Patrick was and why he hadn't heard from him.  You see, Patrick was his kid and he wanted to know exactly what was going on in his life.
  
One of my favorite conversations was at a funeral a few years back.  We were standing with some of the family and they were holding their three year old daughter.  Uncle Allen asked if she could talk yet and when they answered she was talking a lot, he pointed at me and said, "This one scared me to death when she was three, she stopped talking one day and didn't say another word for a full year......"  It was a story I had heard him tell a hundred times, but I didn't mind because you see......... I was his kid and I knew how much he loved me.

Uncle Allen, my life has been forever changed by your wisdom, teachings and love and no one will ever truly understand how much you mean to me.  I love you and my life will never be the same without you, thank you for everything!   
 


Sunday, January 8, 2017

Nuggets of Truth

 
Today was National English Toffee Day!

 
Everyone thought it was so neat to get a Heath Bar and thought the idea of getting something each Sunday is going to be fun.  Pastor Mason was a little upset with me because I forgot to give him one, but I left the box with the leftover bars in his office to make up for it!

 
This little sweetie turned two days old today!  I loved cuddling her during Sunday School and was totally in love as she watched me intensely as I talked to her!  We took her with us as we went couponing today and everyone thought she was adorable!  Two things you can't start teaching too young, being faithful to God's house and couponing!
 
While we were out couponing I met a sweet lady named Karen.  I asked her how her church services were and she said great.  She then shared with me about how she tends the nursery at her church.  Very few churches in her denomination actually run a nursery so I was fascinated as she told me about how her mother-in-law had run the nursery faithfully for the last 40 years.  Her mother-in-law then passed the nursery to her when she could no longer do it.  The kids love her and you could tell that she truly loved them as she talked about them!  I really loved talking with her and gave her my card to call me so we could talk more.
 
 
I have gotten such nuggets of truth out God's Word today!  This morning I read and studied Romans 6-8 on the flesh versus the spirit as I get ready for my Ladies G.A.B. time devotion on Tuesday.  I am so glad that Paul shared how he struggled with this as everyone of us do too!  This afternoon as I was studying Romans 12, I got stuck on "by the mercies of God".  I really looked into this phrase wondering how and why it was being used and what it really meant. 
 "the mercies of God" - Because God justified me by His grace - Because He enables me to live a righteous life - Because I'm adopted in Jesus Christ and find my identity through Him - Because God has set me under grace and not the law - Because of the gift of the Holy Spirit indwelling in me - Because He helps me in all afflictions  Because I am confident that nothing can separate me from the love of God - Because  of His faithfulness, it is by the mercies of God that I can do what the rest of the verse says.  I can present my body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.  Through the mercies of God, he gives me all power to live a life well pleasing to Him.  I can not do it on my own but only by Him and His mercies.  Such meat to think on as I head to bed after another busy day!  The thought on my mind as I go to bed, because I want it to be my first thought when I wake up is this....
 
"Lord how can I bring you glory today?" 
 
We will see what tomorrow has in store.......
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 


Saturday, January 7, 2017

Sometimes You Don't Need a Full Verse

 
This morning as I got up, I tried to get my Bible time in before the grandbabies woke up.  I sat in my chair, got my Bible stuff laid out and as I was reading though Acts I came across this verse.  Acts 26:22 starts by saying, "Having obtained help from God, I continue...."  Immediately these few Words spoke to my heart.  I have so much going on and so much to do but when I obtain God's help, when I cry to Him to fulfill all my needs; physically, mentally and spiritually, that's when I'm able to continue.  The devil is constantly fighting and trying to distract me and get me off track spiritually, mentally and physically in every area of my life and the only way to continue on with joy and peace and strength is when I get my help from God.  I read this over and over, meditated on it and prayed for God's help in every area of my life as I continue on living for and serving Him.  I am so thankful that God gave me a nugget in those few Words as the kids got up very soon after and our day of running, playing and keeping things clean started!
 
 
After breakfast we headed to the church to help pack the visitation bags for today.  In our bags we put a pamphlet with info on our church and the plan of salvation, a flyer for the bus and one for the teen group, a marked John and Romans, a trillion dollar tract and an Almond Joy candy bar that says, "The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength" on the back.

 
It was so cold today and never got higher than 15 degrees with a wind chill making it much, much colder, so we were so excited when we had a couple of people brave the temps and come out and help get these handed out.  I stayed home with the babies but my husband said they were able to canvas a full neighborhood before the cold drove them back to the warmth of the church.  We are praying for each house that was visited today, first off that hearts will be touched and people will see there need for salvation and second that we will see visitors come because of these packs.
 
Now to turn my thoughts to tomorrow!  Love Sundays and so excited to see what God has planned for us!
 
 
 


Friday, January 6, 2017

Beautiful Baby!

 
What a busy morning!  The kids are staying the weekend with us as there mom has their little sister, so after waking up and doing our Bible time, Keith and I did school.  I don't remember PreK being so much work!   Keith loves it and did so well sounding out his blends.  I can't believe he's reading already! 

 
Tali and I spent time trying to make sure her braids were even as I hate uneven braids!  We then read what felt like a hundred of books.  This girl never gets tired of reading!
 
I have to admit, it is so tiring chasing after two little ones, entertaining them, and making sure the house stays clean!  It seemed I got little else done today!  I am so thankful to my sweet husband for coming home and watching the kids while I took a lunch time break and was able to get my noon devotion time in!
 
 
As soon as we heard that this beautiful little baby had been born we ran to the hospital to see  Gracelyn Amber Day.  This little one is such a blessing from God!

 
Keith and Tali were so excited to meet their sister and all they wanted to do was hold her.  Keith was fascinated that the baby had finally come out and looked under the covers to see his mommies flat tummy.  He asked if her stomach had broken to get the baby out!!!  We only stayed for a few minutes as we had to rush home and feed the kids before Teen Night.
 
 
Although we had turned on the heat to the teens play area, the furnace had not kicked on and with our below freezing temperatures, Pastor Mason had to think fast of something to play in the main church as the teens started coming.  He ended up playing Lava with them.  As a team they had to get from the back of the building to the front of the building without touching the ground.  The teens loved this and it was hilarious to watch their ingenuity as they passed chairs, clung to walls and helped each other!  Thankfully Pastor Chep fixed the furnace and the teens play area was warm by the time Lava was over.

I fed the teens Frito pie tonight which is one of their favorites.  As the teens hopped in the church van to go home, I took Keith and Tali back to the house for a bedtime snack and bed!  I had them in bed by the time Chep returned to the house and I was able to head to Walmart to find someone new to meet!  It seemed like such a long day and am so thankful to be able to go cuddle with my Bible for a few minutes before turning in for the night.  I feel worn out emotionally and physically and there is nothing better than some quiet time with God to refresh a tired soul! 
 
Praying for you all my friends - Goodnight!
 


Thursday, January 5, 2017

Thursday Snow Doings

 
Yesterday and last night we received between 8 to 12 inches of snow, depending on what side of town you live on.  Chep was out early shoveling and plowing and making sure all our church members who needed to get to work could while I took time to call each our elderly members and check on them and make sure they didn't need anything from the store.  They always are so sweet and say they are safe and warm at home and have everything they need.  They don't want me to go to any trouble for them but they don't realize I love driving my husband's 4 wheel drive truck and would gladly run and do what ever they needed!
 
 
Today we started our Women of the Word Bible Study back up.  It was a long Christmas break without Bible study and everyone was excited to get back into the Word.  We started Jonah chapter 2 today and found such nuggets of truth for our lives.  I really must say, I do not like Jonah as a person as he was so stubborn, rebellious and hard but I am loving how we are seeing God's mercy over and over and over again in Jonah's life.  This study is making me do some deep reflection about myself and how I can be stubborn and rebellious just like Jonah. 
 
 
As I was looking up the definitions of Jonah 2:2, the above picture is of "by reason of mine affliction".  Although the first definition is applicable for Jonah 2:2 - straits, distress, trouble; I couldn't help seeing the second definition - vexer, rival wife.  Oh my!  Have I ever been the source of my husbands afflictions because of my words or my actions.  Sadly, probably a lot!  My daughter-in-love and I were talking and it reminded us of a bad wife being annoying as continual dripping water or where the Bible says it's better to dwell on the housetop or live alone in the wilderness then with a brawling woman.  Not relative to our Jonah study but definitely some meat to chew on!
 
Chep took a break from his snow removal this morning and ran me to the store to pick up goodies for our Bible study.  As we were there, there was a mom with her teenage daughter and her teenage daughter commented on my skirt.  I said thank you and kept walking.  When will I ever learn!  I turned around and caught up with them and explained that I was trying to make a friend a day and gave me her card.  She introduced herself and her daughter and boyfriend.  She was such a nice lady but I have to tell you I was mesmerized by her daughters eyes.  They were beautiful and just full of life!  I didn't stay and talk much as Chep was waiting on me and he had to get back out to plowing but I told her to call me or text me.
 
Jenn, If you're reading this, text or call me and I'll take you and your daughter out for coffee and pie.  Would love to sit and get to know you better!
 
 


Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Fear of Rejection

 
Can I be real and honest?  I know the feeling of rejection and I hate it.  I hated school as I felt rejection by not being the popular one, not the one the boys would ask out, rejected because I was not of the dominate religion. (I still remember my math teacher smirking at me and saying something ugly because I wore a cross.)  I have felt rejected when I put my idea out there and it was instantly turned down or I'm told I don't understand, rejected at gatherings where I know no one and no one approaches me to talk and I end up sitting there all alone.  I have felt rejected when I've had the door slammed in my face when we've been out door knocking and passing out tracts, when I'm told I'm too religious and I need to tone it down.  Rejected by a family member that I dearly loved but they were too depressed by the chaos of the world and life to love me or anyone else for that matter.  I could go on and on, but I have faced rejection, so now even the thought of being rejected sends me running, hiding and pulling into myself.  Funny that God would challenge me to be the outgoing one and to talk to those who fear rejection! 
 
Today God made me face my fear of rejection and it was actually a rejection of my own making.  I had to run to the grocery store to grab a few items.  As I went down the chip aisle there was a guy price checking the shelf or something to that affect.  As I passed him he asked me how I was to which I replied, "Amazing!". ( I am always feeling amazing when I am deep into my Bible, prayer and working on being strong in Him)  When I told the guy this he said, "I need to be in that place if it makes you feel amazing", to which I replied, "It's easy to be where am."  Okay absolutely perfect setup to stop, give the guy a Bible tract and share why I feel amazing, right?  So my mind starts running, telling me he doesn't want to hear it, he'd just give you "that" look, giving him a tract will instantly squelch the conversation and make things awkward.  At the same time all these thoughts are going through my mind, God was telling me to give him a tract.  So what do I do?  That's right.....I walk to the end of the aisle and turn the corner as fast I can!
 
A few steps down the aisle I realized, I was letting myself be rejected before I even tried.  If I want to try and love others and help them to feel accepted and wanted, I can't be fearful of rejection myself.  I turn back to the chip aisle to do what I should have done in the first place but the guy was gone!  I looked around, beating myself up but couldn't find the guy anywhere.  I thought to myself, maybe he was an angel put there to test me and I failed miserably!!!
 
As I approached the checkout and start putting my groceries on the belt I noticed the guy sitting at the front of the store.  After my groceries were checked out I took a deep breath and approached the man.  I know I must have sounded like blathering idiot as I tried to explain how I'm reaching out to people and my own feelings of rejection.  I gave him a tract and my card and told him that was why I was feeling amazing and then we talked about talking to people.  This man told me how he loves to talk to everyone and joke with them or give them a hard time.  He said he loves being outgoing and friendly and I told him I wanted a personality just like him!  I talked to him for a few minutes more and then asked if I could take his picture but he kindly declined as he said he did not want to be on the internet.  He really was a wonderful guy and I thanked him for talking and listening to me and left with my heart beating a little too fast.
 
Talking with God on the way out of the store I realized that I do not have to fall victim to the fear of rejection.  God is with me and as he says in 2 Peter, He has given me everything I need in order to live a full, joyful and fruitful life.  By letting His love, light and power shine through us, we give Him glory and that is my purpose in life, to give Him glory! 
 
Only 4 days into this journey and already it has been a huge adventure for me!  I wonder who and what the next 361 days will bring?
 


Tuesday, January 3, 2017

God's Affirmation


 
This morning after tidying my house, I sat with Pastor Mason, helping him plan his next teen activity.  A "Find Pastor Mason" scavenger hunt around the city of Cheyenne.  It's going to be so much fun!  I also spent some time on the computer making up a new pamphlet that will go in our visitation bags that we will hand out on Saturdays. What will catch a person's eye and make them want to read the information is so hard to figure out but praying that each pamphlet will be read!
 
My husband was out the door early to go shovel snowy sidewalks for our elderly and then to run a few errands but he made it home for lunch at one this afternoon and asked me to go for a walk around the mall with him.  I love our walks as we get to walk and talk without any interruptions. 
 
Yesterday, I shared with you the card I had made up and also how God is stretching me to go outside my comfort zone and talk to a new person everyday.  Can I tell you I overcome with anxiety at the thought of putting myself out there.  The devil also gets to me telling me I'm stupid, that I can't make a difference, that no one (other than me) feels unloved, rejected or lonely, that all you're going to do is make a spectacle of yourself and that is all is stupid so don't even try!  (Just being honest about the fight in my head!)  So as we walked the mall I was trying to look for people that looked like they needed a smile or friendly word but, like I said these thoughts were going through my head!
 
As we walked I noticed a young lady sitting on a bench.  She was playing on her phone and had a bag of yarn and crochet stuff at her side.  She was still there after we had walked several times around the mall.  I knew we were done walking and getting ready to leave but my stomach had butterflies even thinking of approaching a total stranger to try and make friends. 
 
 

As I approached her, the first thing I noticed was how pretty she was.  I introduced myself and she told me her name was Kari.  I asked her what she was doing at the mall today and she told me that she was trying to escape her lonely apartment.  As she said this, I felt that God was affirming what He had put on my heart and was showing me it's not stupid or ridiculous.  We talked a little about feeling lonely and rejected and she told me how she is a introvert. Then because I love crocheting, we started talking about things that we ad made or were thinking of making.  She told me she was a agnostic atheist and wanted to know if I was going to try to argue with her.  I told her that we can talk and disagree about many things but still be friends.  We talked a little about her name and her family and I then gave her my card and told her to call me or text me.  She said she might take me up on that offer.  She was such a sweet, beautiful girl and I am praying for her!  Praying that she will feel loved and accepted and that she knows that there are people who want to be friends with her. 

Kari, if you're reading this, I am so glad I got to meet you today!  You are such a beautiful young lady and I loved getting to talk to you!  I would love to be get together with you and talk with you more!