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December 30, 2017

Getting a Glimpse of God

As the new year approaches quickly, and everyone is making their new year's resolutions that most won't keep --at least not for the whole year; may we commit our lives to God more fully. I believe if we could just get a small glimpse of God in our minds eye, we'd make daily changes and maybe even moment by moment changes to live more holy, more Christ-like in the coming year. 

There's a Christian song with a line that says "when I see who He is, I realize what I am and I wonder why a holy God would ever reach down so far..."; and I believe if we would just realize how holy and perfect and just God is, it would knock any pride, arrogance and self promotion in us right into oblivion. The prophet Isaiah tells us in 6:5 - Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

When we take notice of who God is, we will realize our wretched state. "In us dwelleth no good thing" without the Lord. - Romans 7:18 "There is none righteous, no, not one. -Romans 3:10

In and of ourselves we are nothing. "Our righteousness is as filthy rags" - Isaiah 64:6 But we can stand before God righteous with the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord!!! Romans 3:25 - Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God,

Just a reminder to look to God when we compare ourselves to others or begin to think we are something when we are not. In the coming year, get that glimpse of God in your mind and live accordingly. This will take care of many of your New Year's Resolutions.

December 6, 2017

Births & Deaths Change Everything

Today I changed the church sign and posted on one side "A Birth & A Death Changed Everything". I realized after putting it up, that while I feel it displays a Christmas type message and an Easter one for that matter, it is one of the truest statements in life that there may be. While Jesus was born solely to die for the sins of mankind, every birth and every death has an effect on those around them. They really do change everything for those whose lives are involved. 

Think about how much change comes to parents when a baby is born. Their sleep patterns change, their intimacy patterns change, their priorities change (hopefully!), their daily schedules change, heck, even their showering patterns change! lol Life as they once knew it has changed for a long period of time. Maybe the above mentioned things aren't changed forever but certainly their hearts are no longer fully their own. Once a parent, always a parent even if the time has passed of changing diapers, feedings, and training. Even when you become an empty-nester, you still tend to be there for your child. 

It is the same with death. When someone we love dies, our lives are forever changed. Depending on who it was and how close we were to them, even daily schedules may be different. We learn to go on, we learn to cope, we get back to the daily living of our lives fully aware to us but usually unaware to others around us that something is missing. Something is different. There are days we wonder what life would be like if so and so hadn't passed away when they did. We wonder how different things would be if our loved one was still alive. 

As I have expressed before in past blog posts, I have had many experiences with loss through death that forever changed the course of my life. Some things that would be different are obvious to me now, but others are still a mystery. Things can't be changed. Decisions were made and events have shaped who I am today. 

Some people don't get the privilege of experiencing a life change through a birth. Many live way into adulthood before ever experiencing change from a death. Interesting how some learn things at a young age and God allows others to wait until later in life for those learning moments. 

Whether we like it or not, births and deaths bring new norms to our lives. We must face those challenges and keep moving forward - adapt, adjust, improvise, overcome.




December 3, 2017

The Ornaments of Our Lives

Ornament -
1. Archaic - a useful accessory
2. something that lends grace or beauty
3. a manner or quality that adorns (enhances the appearance of)
4. one whose virtues or graces add luster to a place or society

We are going to look at how different things about our personalities are the ornaments that represent our lives.

We should be asking ourselves if they are ornaments that compliment or disgrace us in the sight of others.

I. Willingness to learn from authority 
           - Children from parents or guardians
Prov. 1:8-9 - My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
--Children & especially teens are know it alls and unwilling to listen and learn from parents

        - Church members from Pastor
Heb. 13:17 - Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
--many church members are just like teens and unwilling to heed advice and wisdom that a Pastor offers

II. Being wise or seeking to become wise
Prov. 4:5-9 - Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her and she shall keep thee.
Wisdom is the principal thing: therefore get wisdom: and with all the getting get understanding.
Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
--wise people tend to have people be drawn to them, there's something alluring even graceful about a wise person

III. Being humble
1 Peter 3:3-4 - Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
--humbleness is a great ornament to wear and display in our lives

There are many personality traits that each of us display to the world around us like an ornament. They range from our clothing & makeup styles to our character and demeanor.

Ask Ourselves:
Are those personality ornaments displaying a useful accessory?
Do they lend grace or beauty to us?
Is it a quality that enhances our appearance or personality?
Does it add luster to a place or the world around us?

Let us strive to be an ornament of grace, beauty, and meekness that is willing to learn and gain wisdom. 

November 27, 2017

Killing the Spider

Several years ago I was at church camp with some teens and heard a preacher preach a message called Kill the Spider. It was a great message. I want to use that message I am recalling from memory to apply it to daily life. 

The premise is that when you find a spider web in your home, you don't just wipe away the web for the best results...you kill the spider. Otherwise the web will be right back later. How true this is! The preacher back then focused on reminding the teens that they must kill the spiders and not just wipe away the webs in their music choices. You can't just get rid of music that isn't glorifying to God or to you but you must replace it with good music. If you don't replace the music you will just go back to the bad stuff. 

Now that I'm older and hopefully a bit wiser, I can see this philosophy in many areas of life. I am taking steps to become healthier. I need to get rid of the spiders in my body. I can't just say I will eat healthier today and exercise today. I must kill that spider of unhealthy foods and couch potato laziness and replace it with better food choices and movement! I must also make healthier choices in what chemicals and harmful things come in contact with my body. Soon I will be wiping away the webs of 
toxins that have built up in my liver, intestines and bloodstream. (I will be posting about that in the future) However, if I do not kill the spider of what allowed the toxins to build up in my body I will only have wiped away the web and it will return. 

I need to kill the spider of  apathy in my ministry. I must bring my thought life under control and replace negative, complaining thoughts with thoughts of gratitude for a place and people to serve and a reminder of a burden to help others in their spiritual walk.

Some people may need to kill the spider of routine. Yes,routine gives comfort but can become monotonous and lead to more webs of mundane living and often depression. Shake things up! Start doing something different each week so you can kill that spider. Don't just flop down in front of the TV after supper...play a game, go for a drive, go for a walk (adding in that exercise!), read a book, etc. Do something different at least once in the week. 

I think I have typed enough in this post for you to get the point. Don't just wipe away the webs...kill the spiders! 




November 12, 2017

Filling Someone's Shoes

I am someone who has always been given much responsibility even since childhood. I was often put in charge of my sister or all my cousins while the adult family members were off fishing as we camped or what have you. I was taught to be a responsible person even at a young age.

I have been reading through a book off and on entitled "Plucked from the Burning" over the past year. I don't get a lot of time being a pastor's wife to just read for my own enjoyment. This book is about a Baptist preacher who was the only survivor of a small plane crash in Missouri which took place back in the 80s. As a survivor of a car/train accident, I can relate to his recovery process although his was much more extensive than mine was. I'm nearing the end of the book and he had a chapter about survivor's remorse. Something in which he dealt for several years after the plane crash. I, too, dealt with guilt over surviving my accident when one did not. The author of the book was the only survivor and there were three other preachers on board which included the pilot. They were flying home from a preacher's convention. The man went on to say that for several years he would hold the newspaper article detailing the plane crash and which also included each man's pictures. He would pray and ask God to help him "finish their ministries". This went on for quite some time but then one night before bed as he prayed that same thing, he felt God burden his heart and seemed to put a new thought in his mind that said "Those men's ministries ARE finished. I want you to focus on what I want YOU to do". The man said he felt instant comfort and release from the burden he had felt for so long. 

As I read that at 4 in the morning (because I was having trouble sleeping), my heart was pricked and thoughts flooded my mind of "You are not your mom. Her work is finished on earth since she is now in heaven. It is not your responsibility to be her. You cannot fill her shoes, or replace her in everyone's life to fill the void nor should you try. Be the sister, cousin, mom, niece, and friend that you can be to those you are close with but stop trying to be her. It is not your responsibility to be the glue that holds the family together. It is not your responsibility to take over being grandmother to your child, or for your nieces and nephews. It is not your responsibility to take over being a mother to your sisters. 

As those thoughts came, I cried and had such a feeling of relief and burden lifted as I allowed it to sink in to my mind. I have felt for 6 years that I needed to step up and be all the things to everyone that my mom was so that everyone else can cope with life. After all, I am the one who is strongest and I am the one who knows how to handle crisis and I am the one who has always been put in charge to take care of everyone else so why wouldn't I step up to fill my mom's shoes? For the past three years I have been trying to do this long distance as I try to help my husband in the ministry here in our church. I fully believe those thoughts of letting go of trying to be something that's not my responsibility to be, came straight from the Holy Spirit of God.

The comfort and relief I now feel over this realization has brought peace to my mind. It will take a willful intent and determination to  act on this new realization and take a stand for myself. It will be hard to gently tell others that I will only fulfill my role to them as is in the natural course of things. I am not even sure that others realize that they have relied on me in this manner. Grief and trials of life make it hard to see things clearly sometimes. 

This has come at a great time because I have a need to focus on myself (not in a selfish way) but in a health issue way. Some things have developed that must be addressed and if I do not focus on fixing there, I will not be able to lend myself to others in the capacity God intended. From my research so far, this will not come quickly nor easily. It will take time for answers but I will have to be persistent, diligent and wise. 

Are you someone who is trying to fill some one's shoes who has left intentionally or who has passed away? Please give some serious thought to this post and make sure that the shoes you are trying to fill is what God expects you to do. In some cases the answer may be yes but in many it will be no! Live where and be what God has for you! 

November 8, 2017

The Texas Church Shooting

The shooting that took place at a small church in Sutherland Springs, Texas has the country mourning and scrambling for answers and fighting over the ins and outs of what has happened and for tighter gun control laws. 

When I hear eye witness accounts of what took place my heart actually aches over the sheer hatred that can cause such an event. Make no mistake, this WAS a hate crime! In my opinion ALL crime is a hate crime because you see Jesus said that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Only hatred in a person's heart can motivate to steal, to murder, to rape, to lie, to mock and ridicule or what have you towards another person. 

I am also proud and excited over heroes that stepped up and tried to intervene and stop what was happening. Praise the Lord such people still exist! 

I find it quite interesting that the media and even law enforcement are quick to say that this was not religiously motivated even though the man shot dead or wounded nearly every person present at the worship service in the church. This included infants! Eye witnesses said that if a child or baby cried the man targeted and shot them in cold blood. How does one do that?! Shoot a baby?! He yelled as he ran in "Everyone die!" Now, it is claimed that it was not religiously motivated just because there was a domestic dispute going on between the shooter and some of the church members. Really? Since the shooter is dead, I'm not quite sure how you can make that claim with certainty.  Would the media still claim this if the shooting had taken place in a mosque under the same circumstances? --with knowledge of a domestic dispute? - probably not. It would be claimed as a "hate" crime.

I believe if it was just domestic dispute related then the man could and probably would have chosen to go to their home and shoot the relatives. There is a reason he chose their church and church family! We may eventually know or we may never know but it could be possible that he was so angry at his wife or in-laws that he wanted to cause harm to anyone they held dear or it could have been that he hated anyone and anything to do with Christianity. Why did he choose the church setting? Why did he target every person in there he could see, even babies and children? 

One thing I believe we can be certain of is that he had no respect for human life. Personally, I believe he had no care of God or His Word. Crimes of passion are not usually premeditated. They are heat of the moment type of settings where anger takes over and crime is committed. This shooting was done with much thought and premeditation. 

Now, there are those out there running off at the mouth about Vice President Pence going to Sutherland to offer condolences and prayer to the victims and the town. Really? Can you be less sensitive and compassionate?! Pence and Trump are condemned no matter what action they take. In some opinions it is either not enough or too little too late or wrong timing, etc. I'm thankful our Vice President is a man of prayer and that he's vocal about it! I pray daily for God to give us leaders in this country who truly seek His face and His Wisdom. I'm thankful for the local pastors in the Sutherland area who have stepped in and rallied around the town and the church and lead in prayer on national tv. Prayer makes a difference! Prayer moves God! If you don't believe in it, that's your business but shut up about it when others rely on it for their very existence! Who is Pence hurting by going to Texas to pray with victims? It always seems to be okay for Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton to fly somewhere and stir up hate and keep people divided but let someone in a leadership position go pray and everyone acts like it is a felony. No one is making you stand there and hear the prayer or take part. Leave Pence alone because there are people in Sutherland Springs, Texas hurting and who will be comforted by his coming.  

October 31, 2017

Raising Grateful Children

I think gratefulness is a trait that is almost gone in everyday society today, even among adults. The parents of the 80s and 90s which was the "Me generation", "I can have my cake and eat it too generation"; created the whiny, unsatisfied, give me more for free generation of today. We won't go into all that entails or of the hows and whys because it's not the point of this post. I want to focus on how to create grateful hearts in the newest children coming up such as my grandchildren.

I remember back when my own children were school age and we first got into church and started serving heavily in that aspect. We were constantly on the go and spending much time working with teens and I admit I had some guilt over possibly neglecting my own children. Sometimes I felt that I could curb that guilt and appease my children by allowing them to get things at the store ...candy or a small toy. Well, since we humans are creatures of habit it didn't take them long to get "spoiled" to this and become increasingly vocal and expecting of it. Well, at one time we were spending so much time in the car on the go and had developed a habit of getting snacks and food at the gas station to "tide us over" until we could have a meal later. I remember the wake up call was one day when my son was in maybe 2nd grade and we were at home. He asked if we could go to the gas station because he was hungry! Now mind you, there were snacks and food in the pantry and refrigerator! Yet, the habit had been formed over the past few weeks and in his mind the only way to satisfy hunger was to go to the gas station! Ding, ding, ding, the warning bells went off immediately! 

So, what are some ways we can develop gratefulness in our children? How about let them first and foremost see it in us?! Don't let them see you being whiny about wanting something different or more than you already have. Children absolutely learn what they live! Just be thankful (which goes hand in hand with grateful) for every monetary thing you have in your life! Be thankful to others who may have given it and mostly be thankful to God because the Bible says that every good gift and every perfect gift comes down from the Father of Lights! 

Another way is to let them see others less fortunate than them. When my kids were younger we started a yearly thing of taking wrapped presents to Children's Hospital at Christmas time. I let them help me pick them out and wrap them and they went with me to drop them off at the hospital. I would explain to them how blessed they were to be healthy and at home for Christmas. 

Let them serve in a soup kitchen with you or drive them to see a poorer neighborhood so that they can see first hand how others live and how not to take for granted the warm, nice home they live in. 

Sheltering children from all negative aspects of society does them harm. When they enter adulthood (which is what you are preparing them for...to lead productive, successful lives after they are grown and have left your house) they need to know and appreciate where they came from and what they had and that not everyone was as blessed as they were. Some children have illnesses that they fight daily, some children live in hunger on a daily basis, some children have few clothes or even clean clothes and some don't have a warm home to sleep in at night. It is not enough just to lecture them about it. Seeing it first hand will drive the message home much faster. 

Example and yes, sometimes contrast is the best way to let someone learn. As the old saying goes, do not point out the crookedness of a stick, simply lay a straight stick beside it! Also, remember children learn what they see lived daily in you! 

Judged or Just Self-Conscious?

Often times we get our feathers ruffled because we think that someone is standing in judgment of us about how we look, dress, keep our homes, raise our children, spend our money, or any number of issues. This sort of goes along with a blog post I made some time ago about the voices in our heads. If you haven't read it you can find it on my blog page. 

We THINK we are being judged or looked down upon but in reality it is often just in our own minds. This can happen for a variety of reasons. The reasons being but not limited to, being self-conscious or insecure about our own choices, being convicted of sin in our own lives that is revealed when next to someone else doing right, jealousy in our hearts over someone else having better or more and the list could go on for reasons. 

My point is, that often it is just not true that someone is judging you. The average person is quite frankly too busy in their own lives to constantly sit in judgment of you and your 
choices. There may be times that a person or group of people may have wrong or stray thoughts about you but I don't believe they are standing around with gavel in hand doling out judgmental thoughts. If you feel uncomfortable (because that is actually why you are feeling judged), perhaps you should make a different choice about what you are feeling uncomfortable about the next time. 

Let me give some examples...If you feel judged because you gave your child a Hostess cake for breakfast and told another mother you did that and you felt she looked at you as though you were a horrible parent, then I suggest that next time, don't tell others what you did, OR give your child something more nutritious tomorrow! (I personally don't think it's the end of the world or going to kill them if you are at least satisfying the growling belly by giving them a Hostess cake for breakfast! Obviously, don't do this 5 days a week or you can cause health issues!) If you feel judged (embarrassed) because someone dropped by to visit and your house was a disaster and unclean, then try harder to keep a neater, cleaner home. If you are a lady that wears pants most of the time yet you are out with a group of other ladies or attend a church where many ladies wear only skirts and dresses and you feel as though they judge you, you need to get over your own insecurities and stand on your own choices. You must have a reason that you choose what you wear so don't be wishy-washy about it. You have made a choice so stand by it. My only advice is stop making choices based on peer pressure. Know what you believe and why you believe it! Know why you make your choices and stand on those choices. 

As you are wondering in your mind if someone is judging your choices...are you judging theirs? Are you judging another mother because she chose to bottle feed instead of breast feed? Are you judging another couple because they home school instead of sending their child to public school or vice versa? Are you judging another lady BECAUSE she wears only skirts? Do you think she is snobby or self righteous when she has never even mentioned your pants to you? Do you judge homemaking habits of other women? See, the door of judgment swings wide both ways! So be careful when worrying whether or not others are judging you when you may be judging them also. 

The truth of the matter is, often it is just in our own self conscious minds that we are being judged. So, let's just live our lives and do the best we can and do our best to make choices that we believe are right for us. Make better choices when we need to or when we feel "judged". 

October 28, 2017

Indulgent Hot Chocolate & Hot Apple Cider Recipes

These are not for the dieter but for those who want to indulge for a moment! They are for large groups also. 

Hot Chocolate
1/2 gal. Whole Milk
1/2 gal. Almond Milk
1 c. Sugar
1 c. Cocoa Powder
4 oz. Dark or Bittersweet Chocolate chopped into tiny pieces
4 oz. Chocolate Chips
1 T. Vanilla

In a large pot heat milks until thoroughly heated (almost to boiling) on medium heat. Whisk in remaining ingredients until well blended. Simmer for 10 minutes and pour into preheated crock pot set on low. Turn to warm and serve at party or gathering with a ladle. 

Hot Apple Cider 
1/2 gal. Apple Cider
1/2 c. Orange Juice
1/2 c. Lemon Juice
1 t. Ground Cinnamon
1/2 t. Ground Ginger

Pour all ingredients into large pot and stir until cinnamon is well blended. Cook until boiling over medium heat. Lower heat and simmer 15 minutes. Keep warm in thermos, carafe or crock pot. 

October 26, 2017

Your Daily Hazmat Suit

Many jobs require some sort of protective clothing or gear to keep the employee from harm. This can range from gloves, hardhats, masks, to entire suits that are chemical or fire retardant.

Well, Bob used an illustration in his lesson the other night that reminds us that as a Christian we are to put on the Armor of God every day so we can withstand against the fiery darts and wiles of the devil. It dawned on me that this is God's hazmat suit for us! We are to protect ourselves from this world and from Satan's attacks. He will use people, music, work place, situations, trials, and even the grocery store as a form of attack. When we wear our Armor of God we can withstand the attacks. 

For those who do not know what the Armor is...
1. have your loins girt about with truth (the truth of God's Word)
2. the breastplate of righteousness (live right to have a good testimony)
3. your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (be ready to witness to others about salvation)
4. the shield of faith (standing strong in your beliefs to withstand against wickedness)
5. the helmet of salvation (protected by the blood of Jesus)
6. the sword of the Spirit (God's Word)
7. Prayer

You can't just put on one piece of the armor or hazmat suit and think you can stand. It says "and having done all, to stand". 

Put on your daily hazmat suit before you begin each day. I think you will find life goes better when you do. 

#DailyProtection

October 24, 2017

Being a Prepper!

Not too long ago Bob preached about being prepared as a Christian. I immediately decided I wanted to blog about that topic. 

He was right about being prepared as a Christian. We are to be prepared to witness to others and tell them about the Saving Grace of Jesus, to be a help to others in their time of need, to encourage others and to show love and forgiveness to those around us. All these are good works that we are to let shine forth that will glorify our heavenly Father. 

In daily life we should also be prepared. The term "Prepper" carries a certain meaning in the world today. Often times those labeled with this title are mocked and made fun of because many think they are paranoid and over reacting to the likelihood of chaos and future impending doom. Many so called "Preppers" stock pile food, ammunition, water, gasoline, firewood, candles, etc in the event of a natural catastrophe or a government take over or a take over of the USA by another country or enemy such as ISIS. As to those who poo poo this idea...have you watched the news over the past couple of years?!! 

I do not necessarily consider myself a prepper but I now have a "bug out bag" with nonperishable food items, matches, water, rope, etc. just because there's no sense in being naive! I'm a country girl who spent many years camping (not in an RV with electric or running water!) so I know how to survive without those. As far as a government takeover right now, it is probably not as likely as it would have been if someone with a socialistic agenda had taken over the White House last year. Still, being prepared is your best defense in any situation! 
My husband, Bob, is a pretty avid gardener and bee keeper. (All I do is help extract and make syrup for the bees to eat when nectar sources get low) I do help with the gardening quite a bit. We love to can food for the future and I like having the fresh garden food all winter long. 
I think every wise person is at least a light prepper. The Bible says that we are to be wise like the ant who gathers their food in summer to live on all winter. 

Point is be a Prepper! In life and as a Christian!


October 22, 2017

Precious Memories

Precious memories, how they linger, how they ever flood my soul!...This was me during the storm last night. I was tired when I went to bed but for some reason I couldn't fall asleep. I laid listening to the wind, rain and thunder. I smiled to myself as I remembered that when I was a child and camping with my Grandma and Grandpa I would have been in the storm cellar by this point. Now, me, I was more afraid of the spiders and snakes in that cellar than the storm that my grandparents were petrified of making it through. I spent much time in that cellar, listening to rain, thunder, wind and watching the lightning and the river rise. Of course in reality my grandparents had warrant to be so concerned, we had actually all lived through a small tornado and I'm sure only survived harm because of God's mercy and grace. It was after that storm that my grandpa built the storm cellar.

From this thought came a flood of other memories of that camping lot my grandparents owned on the Bourbeuse River in Rosebud, MO. (My cousin owns that lot now) Life was so simple then! I spent the first 30 years of my life on a river bank. First with my mom, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles and after marriage with Bob and my kids. Then Bob got saved and life forever changed. I had such a happy and fun childhood! I drifted off to sleep remembering the times of play with my cousins and all the laughter within our family. 

Isn't it wonderful that God gives us memories?! They are pictures in our minds. I think that is why I love photography so much...pictures are memories. They are captured moments in time which is why I call my photography business (which is sorely lacking and on the back burner for several years now) Captured Moments Photography. It is sad to me to think of someday not being able to remember those fond memories anymore. Age has a way of doing that doesn't it? We are watching and trying to help some of our church family members deal with Alzheimer's and Dementia in their parents. Many of their memories are gone especially they struggle with short term memory loss. Every day and sometimes every hour is a new moment in time. Some are very stuck in a past memory and keep telling you the same story about it over and over. Other times reality has drifted to fantasy and comes out in bizarre speech! Oh! the stories we've heard the past three years! lol   

Like the song says, Precious Memories how they linger, how they ever flood my soul! Sights, sounds, songs, even smells can trigger an emotional memory that we've not thought of in years and years. Hold on to them as long as you can. Document moments of your life for future. You know that movie The Notebook (yes I skip the inappropriate scenes but love the story), is about just that. Before the wife got too bad in her Alzheimer's, she wrote down their love story and asked him to read it to her to help her remember. It's beautiful! Keep a journal to pass on to your children and grandchildren so they truly know who you are and what your innermost thoughts, goals, dreams and ideas were. My sister several years ago, gave me a book that helps me document this with questions and blanks to fill out about my thoughts for that day. My daughter gave me two different grandmother books and I have filled most of them out -- one for her kids and one for my son's kids. I have a mother's book too and given some of those to others as they became parents. Documenting your life is the best way to preserve it for the future! If you do not have one of these type books, get on EBay and find you one! Start today to keep track of who you are and what you were like on this particular day in time! Going back and re-reading them even in a year may give you great insight to yourself!

October 21, 2017

It's Okay to be Hungry

Isn't it funny how in the USA we are so spoiled with everything readily available to us almost on demand that the moment our bellies growl even once we think we are starving and immediately seek out food to help satisfy?! AND--we even have the gall after claiming we are starving to complain or decide that what is readily on hand isn't what we want! 

Well, over the past couple of years I've learned that you won't die just because your belly growls! It's okay to actually be hungry! I've realized that it is necessary to allow yourself to be truly hungry if you want to lose weight. Fight through the cravings and deny yourself once in awhile! It is better to go to bed slightly hungry than so full that your body has no choice but to store up the calories you just inhaled as fat that continually grows your body. I need to get myself back in the practice of this. Cravings are hard! But if you keep busy and make yourself think of something else, you can bring those cravings under control. One thing I realized over the past couple years is that not staying busy, sitting around and allowing yourself to be bored adds to the trouble. Everyone eats more when not staying busy. I know a young man personally, who when he was a teen decided to lose weight. He did so by cutting back on his portions and on how often he ate. He said he did something active to get through the cravings for food. He roller bladed, he took a walk, he rode his bike, he jumped on the trampoline, etc. He said this occupied his mind so that he didn't think about food. 

Now, to a spiritual side of things. God said in Psalm 34:10 --The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.

Matthew 5:6 -- Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Psalm 107:9 -- For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry with goodness.

Proverbs 27:7 -- The full soul loatheth an honeycomb, but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

When you are already full, you no longer want the good things in front of you. 

We are to hunger after the things of God. We are to desire them in other words. When I am fasting in prayer for a time, I read my Bible or pray every time my belly growls. 

One thing I know, is that the more you feed on God's Word and listen to preaching the more you will crave it. You will continue to be hungry for it if you don't fill up on things of the world. 

Just some food for thought! 

October 20, 2017

Where You Lead I Will Follow

Gillmore Girls theme song says "Where you lead,I will follow..Any,Anywhere that you tell me to", and over the past couple of years this has been an inside joke or phrase between Bob and me. I have been following him as the head of our home and ministry for years now. I can't say that I have never ever dug my heels in at times and resisted our moving in a new direction but ultimately, I make the decision to follow where he leads. It is what the Bible says I am supposed to do. And, by the way, it doesn't say I am to submit only if he is godly! (that's another topic for another day however) The only time we are allowed leeway in the Bible about this is if our husband is asking us to do something contrary to God's Word. 

This does not mean, however, that there can never be a discussion or a wife's input on a matter. It DOES mean that in the end, it's his call. He is the leader of the home and he is the one who will answer to God for how he lead. We have Bible example that blessings and cursings on a family often come directly as a result of the man. 

As this should be a wife's attitude towards her husband --where you lead I will follow-- it should also be the attitude of every Christian towards God. Only when we are totally submitted to God and His authority over our lives and being willing to go and do as He prods or burdens us to do, can we have true peace and joy. It is a most miserable Christian who resists the will of God!! As part of our prayer life, we should include where you lead I will follow...any, anywhere that you tell me to. The cause of Jesus,and ministry (including but not limited to...preaching, teaching a class, going to a mission field, volunteering to help around the church, witnessing to others, etc.) is diminishing around the world because fewer and fewer Christians are willing to go and do where God leads!!!

How about you? As a wife are you willing to follow your husband? 

As a Christian are you willing to follow anywhere? Whatever or wherever God asks is a sometimes scary prayer to pray because what and where He wants of us may be difficult. He has never promised an easy road only that He will be there beside us through it all to pick us up when we stumble, to comfort us when we are frightened, to praise about us to Satan (check the story of Job!) when we are living right, and to just help. 

Maybe He's asking you to go through a difficult trial to mold and shape you into what He wants. Maybe He's asking you to witness to a neighbor, maybe to go to a foreign place to win souls, maybe to start a new ministry in your church, maybe to call someone to encourage them and let them know they are thought of, maybe just maybe He's reminding you to be faithful to your church in attending and giving. This is only a partial list but the point is to be yielded, submitted to where God leads you! 


October 3, 2017

I Am A Princess

 I am a child of the King of Kings which makes me a princess! :) During Sunday school the other day, Bob read a little story illustration where a king was telling his daughter to do something to which the daughter replied that she was a princess and could do whatever she wanted. The king in the story told her that she was indeed a princess and because of this she had great responsibility and COULD NOT do whatever she wanted. This was true but my thoughts as Bob told it was that the king's reply should have been that she was a princess because of him. The fact that she was born HIS daughter was the only reason she was a princess! It was not through anything she had done or that she had earned it. It is pretty much the same with us. We are born---"born again" into the family of God by trusting in what Jesus did on the cross. HE does it all! The only thing we do is accept (or make a choice to put our faith in what He did). God made this possible because He loved mankind so much.

We become royalty when we are born again (get saved, accept Christ) and that makes us all either a prince or a princess because we are now children of the King. If you have done this, it should bring a smile to your face. It should also remind you that it is wrong to decide you can do whatever you want or act arrogant in the fact because it certainly brings responsibility. Responsibility to the rest of the world around you in your testimony -- which becomes useless when you choose to do whatever you want because your sins are forgiven or because you have "Christian liberty". (this is usually misused and misinterpreted!--keep reading past that verse!) You will become a stumbling block when you decide to live as you choose or for self instead of the King and His agenda. 

Great responsibility to help others become a prince or princess and join the family. The only reason we are not taken on to heaven in the next minute after accepting Jesus as Savior is to fulfill God's will and plan of reaching others for Him and glorifying God. 

Each Christian should remember that they are now royalty and heirs to the throne of Grace. ----So, live like it! Live so that others can tell you are royalty and live so they will want to listen to you and become a part of your royal family! 

September 28, 2017

Where the Parents Are!

Last week I saw a post on Facebook about drug addiction and about the question that's often asked of "where were the parents?" It was very well written and carried much truth. This post is in no way going to contradict the message in that post. It is agreeing with it and maybe even expanding upon it. Also, I want to state right here and now that what I write today is not in any way intended to bring hurt, shame or judgment upon any parent who has done their best by their child. It is by the Grace of God that neither my daughter or son drank, did drugs or got into any real rebellion. I praise the Lord often for that!! Just as I often praise Him for their healthy bodies and minds along with my grandchildren. My heart aches for parents who have lived through the worst imaginable things with their children -- both physically and emotionally. Some of my dear close friends are my "God questions" when I get to heaven for what they've had to go through. 

Anyhoo, back on topic. For all those people sitting in judgment of parents with children who become addicted to drugs and wonder where were the parents -- I've watched first hand as relatives and dear friends cried, fought for, prayed over, begged, practiced tough love, practiced compassion, helped them into rehab, welcomed them home afterward, stood by them, weeped and worried over their safety, dealt with guilt over their occasional thought of "maybe it would be better if my child went on to heaven", dealt with anger and bitterness, and continued to love their child during every moment mentioned! I've watched and know their hearts!

Yes, there are many drug addicts out there in the world who are re-living what they watched their parents do, but those I know personally, did NOT. Did the parents do everything right? Did they ever make a mistake where their child was concerned? Only God knows that truly. What is done with one child or what one child may be exposed to or influenced by will effect each child differently. What brings down one person will not even have an effect on another. Sometimes the slightest little thing will bear future heartache for life. 

I can say with absolute certainty that they all loved and love their child and did the very best they knew how to do at the time. That is what matters! Because, in each case, and there are several, the parents were and are there. They were pleading, fighting and doing all they knew to do. The addicts were not repeating a vicious cycle they had learned as sometimes is the case. Each one, however, made their own choices and that lead to their trouble. 

See, as parents it is our job to train, to do the best we know how to do and protect our children and teach them to grow up and live responsible, productive lives. We cannot lock them in a room and just forbid as a form of protection. Eventually, after we train, we must allow them to test and practice the training we gave. Here's the thing, in the end, despite what we've done our best to teach, they will make their own choices. They're like people that way! lol Sometimes, one small choice can have ramifications for the rest of your life. After the training, all that's left is prayer and being there for them as cheerleaders when good choices are made and to help with mistakes and yes, even pick up the pieces of broken lives and help them to mend. 

So, let's try backing off the judgment of other parents when you know nothing of the situation! I hope if you have ever been guilty of wondering where the parents were when a child gets into trouble, this post will make you stop and consider that maybe the parent was and is there. 

September 19, 2017

The Time That Remains

I went to a ladies conference recently and one of the speakers mentioned that all we have is the time that remains. There has never been a truer statement!

This blog is called Journey Through My Dash and it's about the dash between my birth date and my future death date. But, all I have is the time that remains in that dash to accomplish my goals. 

I sometimes talk about things in my past - things from earlier in my dash. Mostly I give opinions and thoughts I have currently. I do, however, have dreams and goals for my future. It is a sobering thought to think about the time that remains being all I have. 

At some point in the future be it in an hour, a day, a month or several years from now, the Lord will call me home. In that time, I want to influence my grandchildren, my extended family members, my church family members, my town and yes my country and even other parts of the world. 

One thing that was brought out at the conference I attended was that it matters not at all what you and your life was like previous to this day because what matters is the time you have left. Whether you were a scoundrel or a super sweet person who was always kind, what only matters is who you are and become in the time that remains of your life. We are daily free to choose a different path than before, to make different choices than before --for good or bad and we must always, ALWAYS remember that we are constantly teaching others whether we realize it or not for good or for bad. 

My advice (though unsolicited) is that you make great use of every teachable moment that exposes itself to you for molding and shaping everyone you come in contact with on a daily basis. If you do not like who you have previously been, change! Make different choices. 

The Bible tells us to redeem the time...so make wise and good choices in the time that remains. We don't have forever here on earth. Leave your mark! Leave a legacy to your loved ones! Everyone has the same 24 hrs in a day.

Just a thought provoker!


September 16, 2017

What Accompanies Salvation?

I've been reading in Hebrews lately and read verse 6:9 this morning. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 

Quite a thought provoking verse! The writer is writing to Jewish Christians and he tells them basically that we expect better of you and we expect to see in you all the things that accompany salvation. Hmmm! 


It made me stop and ponder on what comes with salvation. The first thing I was aware of upon my salvation was joy. Joy that my future was secure and I would not have to suffer in hell. Joy over the sights of heaven I'd one day see. With that joy came peace. 


Beyond that, learning what comes with salvation came over time. I was taught about witnessing to others so they could also have salvation. With salvation comes learning to live as righteous a life as possible and to seek forgiveness when I mess up. With salvation comes desiring to study God's Word and understand what He expects of my life. With salvation should also come a desire to fellowship with like minded people in a church where you can be fed on the Bible. 


To whom much is given, much is required. I've always said with great knowledge comes great responsibility. We are given so much in salvation. God requires much in return. 


Salvation is so much more than escaping hell. Read the Bible and you will see! 


Just a thought provoker today.

August 29, 2017

God Works in Mysterious Ways

Has anyone else noticed that whenever it seems this country is at an all time high of hate and fragmentation and division that God sends some catastrophe or major incident to put things into perspective for everyone?! Recently there was protesting in several areas of the nation where chaos and turmoil broke out. There is no doubt that hatred for their neighbor and brethren were at stake. Race lines have been drawn, political parties have been drawn, economic lines have been drawn and yet in the wake of Hurricane Harvey all that has been set aside and none of it matters as people of all walks of life come together to help. 

It's too bad it always takes something so drastic to bring people back together and show what really matters....LIFE! Human beings caring for one another's needs, giving sacrificially, lifting one another's burdens. Just doing right for a change and doing it in a heart of love! My eyes are teared over as I type this. This is the type of thing that reminds us of the Good Samaritan story in Scripture. 

Hey, search online and on Facebook for pictures of everyday folks helping one another no matter what skin color, economic status or ideals they carry. It will lift your heart as yes, there is tragedy for many but there is giving and loving of those in the midst of the tragedy. This, this is the core of what in the past has made America great!!! No one cares what color, whether rich or poor, whether they agree politically or not....they are just helping. Isn't that what Jesus would want? Everyday!?

August 27, 2017

Creating a Home Through AROMA

I want to say upfront that this is a lesson I tweaked and pulled together from two different sources. I no longer have the book or other source to give credit to the creators. I make every lesson my own even when I borrow but I still prefer to give credit when I can.

Aroma is a pleasant odor (apparently if it is not pleasant then it is a smell or just plain stinky!)

Eph. 5:1-2

As Christians we should model Christ in love & become a sweet smelling sacrifice. We need to bring this first to our homes.

Affection
Respect
Order
Merriment
Affirmation

Atmosphere is the light that glows from inside a home. As wives and mothers we should want that atmosphere to be so inviting that family members can't wait to get inside. If we intentionally create affection, respect, order, merriment, and affirmation; then our family will want to experience that atmosphere again and again.

We'll look at each of the aspects of AROMA one by one.

AFFECTION - giving/having tender or loving touches or compliments
Ex. Hugs, kisses, caresses, praise, "I love yous"
Prov. 14:1 - build up others
Prov. 31:26 - speak kindly and with wisdom
Rom. 12:10 - show affection to each other

Guidelines to accomplish:
1. Model affection on a consistent basis
2. Don't withhold affection as a reaction to a child's or spouse's behavior
3. Know the person well enough to know what type of affection they prefer (some people don't like their feet touched, or are uncomfortable with public compliments)

RESPECT - holding other people in honor so they may recognize their own worth
**Self-worth & attitude are built brick by brick on loving acts of respect in all circumstances

Luke 6:31 - golden rule
Eph. 4:32 - be kind and forgiving
Eph. 5:22 - wives submit to husband as though to the Lord
Eph. 5:33 - men love wives & wives reverence
Eph. 6:2 - honor parents
Ex. Do kind gestures that family members would enjoy

Guidelines to accomplish:
1. Be generous with honoring members in life's ups & downs (allow mistakes & let them grow & learn)
2. Allow others their own opinions & ideas - even if you disagree
3. Confront self criticism with positive in put - be a cheerleader
4. Avoid hateful or disrespectful speech
5. Say "I'm sorry" & "please forgive me" quickly - this shows humbleness

ORDER - the act of managing and modeling godly leadership in the home, resulting in a refuge of calm 
**Someone must be the anchor
**Others, especially children & spouse, have a hard time staying calm & peaceful in an atmosphere of chaos, turmoil & disarray

The purpose of order is to foster a sense of security within the boundaries & rules of the home by creating a habitual rhythm in daily routines & traditions
Prov. 16:32 - Keep in check & be slow to anger
Prov. 17:1 - Keep strife away
Prov. 29:15 - Train children & have rules
Prov. 31:27 - Keep up with the house & family

Guidelines to accomplish:
1. Make CLEAR rules that can be kept with consequences when broken
2. Set priorities for home and future goals
3. Keep home clean & free of messes
4. Create family traditions & habits - brings a sense of peace
5. Keep a calm spirit at all times (easier said than done!)

MERRIMENT - an atmosphere with uninhibited laughter & enthusiasm 
Laughter and crying are two emotions that draw people closer together when shared.
Laughter has been proven to help offset illness
Prov. 15:13 - Facial expressions often reveal emotions
Prov. 17:22 - Laughter is like medicine

When I was growing up I was surrounded by love and laughter by a large extended family. These are some of the most vivid and precious memories I have from childhood.

Fun, laughter, and enthusiasm create a joyful and happy home

Guidelines to accomplish:
1. Do fun things as a family
2. Learn to laugh at yourself
3. Laughter should always be WITH but not AT someone

AFFIRMATION - positive declaration or confirming a clearly held position through kind words and actions

*Affirmation is a combination of all the other parts of AROMA to help hold & confirm the positive atmosphere of the home
I Thess. 5:11 - Edify and comfort each other

Guidelines to accomplish:
1. Use positive reinforcement through praise & encouragement
2. Help family members pursue their dreams & potential
3. Show mercy & forgiveness when mistakes are made
4. Communicate & be there when they need to talk

August 26, 2017

The Bible is NOT a Buffet!

We all love to go to buffet restaurants (which I believe more contributes to obesity than alot of fast food because everyone continues to go back so they "get their money's worth") and the reason we love them is because there is a large variety to choose from. You can pick and choose the foods you want and leave the ones you don't. 

Unfortunately, many people use God's Word in the same way. They want to pick and choose what they want to believe and practice. God never intended us to do this. Now, I believe some things were written specifically to certain people or a certain person however, overall, the commands and expectations are a guideline for everyone who wants to be a child of God. 

People tend to cling to verses that they like and explain away or rationalize why they don't have to follow other verses.  This is even common to everyday Christians who attend church at every service. It's wrong! 

I want to be as right with God as I can be on a daily basis. Yes, I often mess up that rightness with my sins but I am quickly repentant and asking forgiveness. I cannot be right with God if I ignore His Word. I can best accomplish staying right by knowing His Word and that comes only through reading, studying and hearing it preached and taught! God has much to say about being obedient and following His commands. Get in the Bible and read for yourself. And, don't pick and choose what to believe. Don't treat it like a buffet!

July 18, 2017

When You Question What You Thought You Knew

I've been wanting to blog about this topic for some time but wasn't sure how it would go over. I even wrote out first most of what I wanted to say so that I was careful in my presentation. I'm sure I will take some flack for what I'm about to post but I just want to give people something to consider. 

A few years ago when the movie Soul Surfer came out, everyone kept telling me what a great movie it was and how it was helping to further the cause of Christ. I rented it when it came out on DVD. Now, first of all let me say I liked the part about being a survivor and overcoming. I can relate! It was inspiring as far as that goes. However, the almost complete nudity in the movie left me questioning my faith. Seriously, I was a mess for quite some time afterward. The teeny, tiny, floss like bikinis worn in the movie meant my husband and son couldn't watch. They tried and had to leave the room in order to protect their minds. Yes, the family in the movie attends church services (which the girls showed up late for and were dressed straight from surfing!) and their is a missions trip involved also, but I just couldn't get past all the inappropriate dress. After all, they could have worn the surfing body suits or something instead of displaying all that flesh. Other "Christian" movies have not compromised for ticket sales! 

What had my mind messed up was how Christianity was being furthered under circumstances going against the commands of the Bible. I finally, after much Bible study and praying and soul searching came to the conclusion that Paul talks about in Philippians chapter 1. Whether Christ is preached in sincerity or in jest, (paraphrased) at least Christ is preached. Truthfully, this was the only way I could settle my mind and stop questioning what I believed to be true from God's Word. 

Still, I think movies and shows that on one hand speak of Jesus, God and faith but on the other hand display Christians doing unchristian things, waters down Christianity. It gives the idea that you can be a Christian and still act in ways that go against God's Word and it's all ok and a barrel of laughs. God may forgive sin but never wants us to be complacent or nonchalant about it!!!

Let me here name another show--Duck Dynasty. While I know I have doctrinal issues different from the Robertson family, I love the personal testimonies and stances that they take that I have heard watching interviews outside of the show. While I do think there is much humor to the show, it drives me crazy how they pray at the end of each show yet during the show they are engaging in illegal activities such as poaching or trespassing and in my opinion the ladies are not as modestly dressed as they could be. All this is in fun. (BTW, if you think this was real life and not rehearsed or any reality show is unrehearsed you are naive!) Did you know that A&E wanted to do the show at first to make fun of the family?! Little did they know that many people in this country do still care about family and God and prayer. The country certainly allowed A&E to get rich using this family. Even when they threatened to kick people off or tried to tone down the God talk, people boycotted and stopped A&E from doing so. 

Because they are famous and acting in these ways, I believe it has gone a long way to adding to the nonchalant Christianity we see today. There is no blush left. There is no striving to live a life pleasing to God. It is the attitude of "I am saved and going to heaven so how I live daily doesn't matter". So many people are on Facebook quoting scripture on one post and dropping curse words or sexual innuendos  on the next! Many are sharing pictures and posts about getting drunk and think they are right with God just because they are saved. Now, I know that when we ask forgiveness for our sins that we are forgiven. However, I can't help but wonder how many actually are sorry and ask God to forgive them after they got drunk! or do they just go on in their everyday life never giving it another thought that they have offended a holy God?

You may be thinking that I am taking things way too seriously. Well, let me just say that Christians acting in unchristian ways is why my father in law will not get saved!! Too many Christians, or Baptists he knows have cheated him in a sales contract or he's watched them sleeping around outside of marriage or covering up someone else's sin. He has no need of what we try to offer from God's Word. He is just fine. So, my question to you is...Who are you preventing from accepting Jesus as their Savior? Maybe your nonchalant attitude is sending someone who is watching you straight to hell! Sobering thought, huh?! BTW, I have fallen short of always conducting myself in a Christian manner and will stand before God someday for the stumblingblock I have been to others. So there are three fingers pointing at myself as my one is pointing at you. I am convicted when I mess up in this fashion and try to be aware of my conduct. 

I just think that if you are claiming the name Christian --- THEN ACT LIKE THE CHILD OF THE KING YOU BELONG TO!!! Sure, all of us will stumble and even fall (I recently blogged about this but it's a heart issue!) but there is a difference in that and one of total disregard for God's Word. Having the attitude that you are saved and on your way to heaven but can live your life any old way you want to and think God is pleased makes you an immature Christian who may be causing someone else to never accept the gift of Salvation.

Everyone thinks that Jesus brought in the age of grace and He did. However, Jesus didn't do away with the moral law only the ceremonial law. He actually raised the bar....thou shalt not commit adultery became, whosoever looks on a woman with lust has committed adultery in his heart already and thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy became love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you. Pretty high standards! 

I know this was long but I hope it makes someone out there reading think about their actions. Also, if you look around and see the things that I see, find peace in God's Word. Study it, and use it to respectfully rebuke and train.