Seasoned

You Are My Portion

2009-08-17T09:25:00.004-05:00

For the past three weeks, our Pastor has been in a series he named "Imagine". It has been so good and I have gained so much from the three sermons. However, yesterday was my God Moment. It was one of those times when it all comes together and you know that you know that you know "I got it".

Here are some of the lines we hear daily now:

"In today's economy . . . "

"The stock market went down . . . the stock market went up . . . "

"More people have lost their jobs . . . "

"Big Retail Store Chain closes it's doors"

and so it goes . . . . .

I am a self-employed Hair Stylist. My business has suffered greatly. People are going longer between colors and haircuts. Some have felt that hair is not a priority. I understand all this because I, too, have made changes. My taxes have gone up, my lease is high, my supplies are getting higher every time I order, etc.

My brother in law gave me a brilliant and inspired idea one time and I have used it with the formula God gave me. Daniel told me to begin a referral program. Referrals typically mirror who referred them and so you end up with a "like minded" clientele. We decided that I should give a discount to the one referred on their first visit and then give a discount to the one who gave the referral on their next visit. I began to pray about this and I believe God gave me the formula -- I know He did. It HAD to be 10%. So, the referral got 10% off, the referree got 10% off and I tithed 10%. It was like tithing 30%. Who can outgive God?

Well, this really seemed to help and I loved the principles of it and even shared with my clientele -- new and established clientele. The economy changed, stock market crashed, election, change, change, change, fear, fear, fear . . . . Everything changed!

I thought I had began to pray but really I think I was just "complaining" and "whining" to God. James and I agreed at the very beginning of "my business" 7 years ago, it had to sustain itself. James had told me that I cannot pull monies from household finances. So, for 7 years, I have never had to go to James and say, "I can't pay my taxes or my lease." I give God the praise for that. I still give God the praise for that.

So, since October, probably about a week before the elections, everything changed for my business. It seemed to be a struggle every week. I had moved my business to Burleson from an area in Fort Worth just over two years ago. I attributed some of the loss to the move and people not wanting to use extra gas. However, I had picked up new clients from the Burleson area. So, why was I struggling so much?

Yesterday, at the end of the service, Pastor asked us to get out our wallets. Being the obedient Saint that I am (don't laugh -- about the "obedient" part anyway), I got out my wallet. He asked us to get out whatever money we had. I really thought he was going to tell us to give whatever we had. I had 2 $1 bills. He instructed us to check our neighbors and if they needed something to hold, give them a dollar. I looked over to give my daughter in law a dollar and was going to look for change for my grandson. They were each holding a debit card so I kept my 2 dollars. He asked us to look at it and commit it to God. It is God's money. He is just letting me use it. Everything I have is God's and I am to ask Him what to do with it. I looked at my 2 dollar bills and I saw "my business" right there in my hands. It's not my business -- it's God's business. God spoke to me so clearly something that had been in the recesses of my mind all week. WHY did I get into this business to begin with? Eight years ago, God spoke to me that He was taking my ministry outside the 4 walls of the church. I had no idea what that meant. I knew I didn't want to go to Africa and I knew I did not feel called to street ministry. I went back and forth with God: "but I sing", "but I teach", "but I speak" . . . God was silent.

My business is God's business and it is NOT a business -- it is THE ministry outside the 4 walls of the church He called me to. Trust me, I do not preach at you when you are in my chair. Sometimes I just listen to you, pray for you, pray with you, touch you, love you, be awakened in the night to pray for you, and, sometimes we just laugh. I am blessed to be with some of the most precious young women I could ever hope to work with. My clients love them as much as they love me. These young women minister to me and teach me. They love me and I feel their love. God placed me with them for a reason. My clients are more than paying customers, they are my friends -- I have a relationship with them. THAT is what God called me to do with my life "for such a time as this".

My friend and Mentor, Victoria, told me once when I was complaining about too many midnight hour experiences; "Karen, embrace the midnight hour because at the midnight hour you KNOW it is God. That is when He truly becomes Jehovah Jireh, YOUR Provider, because no one else can provide. Embrace them because when you stop having them you will miss them.". (Hmmmmm and a heavy sigh.) I did not understand it at all and I thought "Well, now that's an encouraging Word" (dripping with sarcasm and confusion).

I have, indeed, missed the midnight hour. He is giving them to me again and I will embrace them. I will know that it is God who is my Provider. It is NOT man. Economy cannot hold back the goodness of God and His provision. HE IS MY PORTION.

So, as I held my two dollars and Pastor prayed over us, I truly released everything I have and will have, to God. It was a God Moment that will forever change my life and my stinking thinking. I will forever keep these two dollar bills to remind me that it is God's money and I am to do with it as He instructs. (That is, of course, unless God instructs me to GIVE these two dollars bills to someone.)

"Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You today, that I will no longer fret and worry. You have redeemed me by the precious blood of Jesus. It is YOU that comes through for me at the midnight hour. You are my "AND SUDDENLY". You have made me a royal Priesthood. You have called me into Your marvelous light. You have set me apart and called me to do Your Works. I will answer Your call and I will commit it all to You to do with it as You will. You are the Lifter of my Head and the Lover of my soul. My righteousness is in You and the righteous will never be forsaken and my children will never beg for bread. The blessing You have placed on me will be for my children and my children's children. Bless them as You have me. Teach them stewardship as You have me. Teach them that all they have is Yours. Lord, bless my readers today and give them hope. Our hope is in You and only You. You are our reward. Bless me that I may bless. Teach me that I may teach. Love me that I may love. Today, I know for sure, YOU ARE MY PORTION. Amen."

Psalm 119:57 (NIV)

You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised to obey Your words.

You Have Yet to Claim

2009-07-28T12:04:00.004-05:00

I do not know about you, but I hate it when I get one of those emails that says for me to forward to 12 people in the next 5 minutes and either something good will happen to me and, basically, if I do not, then I am going to hell. Well, I got one today that said to send it to TWO people -- OK, that's random. I have to tell you that as I read the email I was truly moved. So . . . . hopefully at least of two of you will read this.

To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did. When God takes something from your grasp, He is not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better.

Concentrate on this sentence . . . .
'The will of God Will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.'.

Something good WILL happen to you today not because you forward an email to 2 or 12 people. Something good has ALREADY happened to you. You are breathing, therefore, you have opportunity at your disposal. We are so blessed and yet we worry about "today's economy". We have forgotten we are children of God, the one true God. He cannot lie -- He will not lie. He said He would never leave us and He will never forsake us.

Get out of your box and do something you have never done. GIVE to someone. SPEAK to someone. Whatever it is -- do it and you WILL get something different. His Word says that He is the Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Seek Him today and you will find Him. Ask God to direct your feet, and your path, and He will send you on a "mission" for Him today.

I do not like to hear someone say that God took a loved one from them. I always think, "no, God RECEIVED them". See, if we are in Christ Jesus, we have the promise of eternal life. He is not taking from you, He is preparing You for something greater He wants to give you. Your hands need to be emptied and purged so He can fill them. The Grace of God is there to protect you as You carry out the Will of God.

You do not have to send this to anyone. The only thing you are required to do is what we were commissioned to do:

Go into all the world

and preach the good news to all creation.

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved,

but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Mark 16:15&16 NIV

The email stated that if I sent the above to 2 people then someone would either call me or speak to me about something I was waiting to hear. Well, I am waiting to hear from Discount Tires about our recall on the new tires for our RV. That is not why I have blogged this. You see, I believe I know the voice of God and if He chooses to send someone my way, then it will be ONLY to confirm what He has already spoken to me. We must always remember that His Ways are not ours and His thoughts are not ours. Thousands of years in heaven will be as only a moment, so I know His timing is different from what I think based on "my way of timing".

Enjoy God today in His fullness. Take everything He has promised you. He has promised that He will NEVER leave you. Is that not enough to sustain you today? If not, read the Word of God because there are so many promises you have yet to claim.

Fishin' On the Fourth

2009-07-06T08:46:00.004-05:00

Went to visit friends for the Holiday weekend. We had such a good time. This was the most fun I have ever had fishing. Yes, I touched them and even helped clean them.

There is nothing like spending time with friends and just laughing and having a good time. This was a great weekend and one we really needed. We even managed to take some naps.

Let Me Sing To You

2009-06-04T06:01:00.003-05:00

Now that I use Face Book, I have noticed that people get up very early and begin posting. It is so interesting how many times I see these words, "I can't sleep" or "I couldn't sleep" or "I want to be asleep but I'm awake ---everyone else is asleep". We have all gone through times of restlessness and times when sleep just will not come. If sleeps comes, it does not stay long. After a few days of this, we begin to feel run down. Our bodies and our brains need sleep.

I believe (and you probably do as well) God wakes us up for a reason. This scripture comes to mind this morning as I am awake and have been for hours.

It is good to praise the Lord and make music to Your name, O Most High, to proclaim Your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night. Psalm 92:1&2 (NIV)

So, when we wake up and we do not want to be awake, just maybe the Lord would like us to sing and praise His name. You do not have to sing so loud that you wake others in your household. (Some cannot sing and only God would enjoy it anyway.)

Lord, I pray that You speak to me in my sleep. Give me dreams and visions of You and Your plan for my day, for my life. Teach me Your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in them. As You are a light for my path, let me be a light for those who are in my realm of influence. When I awake, let Your Word be fresh and let it speak to me. Renew me. Refresh me. Restore me. Show me resources I thought to be barren. Daily give me fresh oil of Your anointing in my life. Let there be a song of praise always on my lips and forever in my heart. I give You praise not for what You have done but for WHO You are. You are the lifter of my head and the lover of my soul. You bless me going in and going out. You have made me above only and not beneath. You bless me daily with provision and health. My seed is blessed because You have promised the blessing. You are not a man that You should lie -- Your Word is yes, and amen. I am blessed of You and I am highly favored. Your Word teaches me that even man shall give unto me and that it will be in good measure, pressed down and shaken together. I receive Your blessing so that I may bless others. Lord, I thank You that I lay down, sleep AND awake, because YOU sustain me. You are a Shield for me. You are the glory and the lifter of my head. Your name is a strong tower that I can run into and be safe. Thank You, Lord, for awaking me today with a song of praise for You. Lord, let me sing to You. Amen

The Story of Jesus

2009-04-27T11:43:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was an amazing day for me. James and I tend to get in a rut of when and where we do things, such as the service on Sunday we attend, camping spots we love, and . . . well, maybe those are our only ruts. James' mother has been ill and in the hospital. We needed to make a trip to see her. She lives about an hour away. We also needed to get back home with plenty of daylight so James and our son, Joshua, could finish our "fence" project. We chose to go to the early service so we could have an early start on other plans.

Christ Church has three services on Sunday. The first service is TRADITIONAL, the second service is CONTEMPORARY and the third is THE EDGE, which is targeted for the younger crowd. Our Pastor ministers in all three services (I do not know how he does it). Our Music Minister is involved in all three as well. I think it must be harder for him than anyone because he has to plan the music in three different settings while complimenting and enhancing the same sermon and topic.

I invite you to listen to Podcasts. If you are not attending a church presently, Christ Church is a great one to visit. Please refer to Christ Church website. www.christchurch-ag.org

James and I are typically second service attendees and we are on the Prayer Ministry Team no matter what service we are in. When I suggested to James that we go to the first service he thought it was a great idea. It starts at 8:30 AM. I began Saturday evening anticipating a really good service. And, I've found out through the years, when you expect something from God, He always delivers. I went expecting. We were greeted early by our Pastor, who always has a few digs for me (even from the pulpit) and praises for James who has to put up with me. He never offends me. Number 1: I always get him back, and Number 2, I think he must like me and knows I can take the teasing. James is always happy to help Pastor with his ribbing of me.

The Service began with an elderly member reading a passage of scripture. As he read it, I remember thinking, "He has lived long enough to see scriptures and prophecies come to fruition. He has seen hard times and he has seen the blessings of God and the faithfulness of God.".

Our Music Pastor began with the following song list. While there are no hymnals -- none are needed, these people KNOW these songs.

Leaning On The Everlasting Arms
Tell Me the Story of Jesus
I Love to Tell the Story
I Will Sing the Wondrous Story

I felt enveloped in Praise and Worship. Everyone was singing around me. I heard some of the most melodious voices and I saw uplifted hands and tears streaming. I was suddenly a little girl again trying to figure out what "part" I could sing best and the loudest. I was that little girl who grew up knowing I could lean on His everlasting arms, the little girl who knew and still knows the story of Jesus,and still loves to tell it and sing about it -- it truly is a wondrous story. I was the little girl who had no cares in her life. I was the little girl who grew up only too soon to discover the only thing that would sustained me through years of heart ache were messages I learned from these type songs.

As the fourth song concluded, the Prayer Team was called down to minister and pray for those who were in need. There is always so many needs and so many different types of need: financial, healing, restoration, provision, peace and many more. For whatever reason, no one came to James and I for prayer. We stood there, waiting, and yet no one came. I now know why. A precious elderly gentleman stepped up to the microphone and began to sing: "The Longer I Serve Him". At this point, I did not want anyone to come to me -- I just wanted to lay back against Jesus and listen to the words of this song. The man sang words that went something like "the longer I serve Him the more I trust him". I thought to myself that this man had a lived a long life and had served God through good times and bad, he may have even walked away from God at a time in his life, but he still knew he could trust Him. I became that little girl again when innocence was all I knew and would have never understood that song, however I would have known every word of it.

As we returned to our places, Pastor Steve began to sing Andrea Crouch's song that is my favorite: Through It All. He even sang my favorite verse.

I thank God for the mountains
And I thank Him for the valleys
And I thank Him for every trial He's brought me through
For if I never had a problem
How would I know that God could solve them
I wouldn't know what faith in God could do

and then the chorus

Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus
I've learned to trust in God
Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word

My heart was full -- so full I was ready to leave. I did not think I could take anymore. I had emotions running so deep.

Aah, but I stayed.

Pastor has been preaching a series on NOTHING IS TOO HARD FOR GOD. It was the third in the series: 1st: Understanding Forgiveness 2nd: No Financial Need Is to Large and the 3rd: NO FEAR IS TOO GREAT

Pastor had asked us on Face Book earlier in the week what our greatest fears were. I had responded but I was really more touched and moved by what others feared. None of us are really very different when it comes to fear. We all have them. He taught us that fear will distract us, fear will intimidate us and fear always exaggerates and causes us to have that "grasshopper mentality" (see Numbers 13:30-33 NIV). He encouraged us to adjust our focus, build our faith and control our fears. I remember wondering, "What does Pastor fear?" He is human, he must have fears. I know He does but He uses The Word of God, just as He instructed us. I'll not print out every scripture but I will give to you to look up and read:

Adjust your focus: read Psalm 121-1-2
Build your faith: read Romans 10:17 and Proverbs 3:25-26
CONTROL your fear: Read 2 Timothy 1:17 (He used the NIV which says "self-discipline", KJV says "sound mind")

He taught so well on self-discipline and that we have a choice. I really get that and I like that.

Pastor asked us to read and memorize Isaiah 43:1-3 (NIV)

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rives, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

Thank You, Lord, that I have a memory for words in songs.

Now, I am not that little girl so full of innocence. I am a woman of God because God sustained me through the years and the longer I serve Him the more I can trust Him. He gave me my innocence back and restored my life. I was never alone. How beautiful it was to be surrounded by older people (at least older than me) that had seen "LIFE" and its struggles and yet here they were, singing and praises a God who had never failed them.

Oh, my Precious Lord, I thank You today for Your everlasting arms that I can lean on and You hold me tight in them. I thank You for Your wondrous story. Truly, the longer I serve You the more I know I can trust You. My life has been innocent, my life has been in ruin, my life is now a Godly life knowing well that through all of it I could trust You. I thank You, My Lord, that I truly know the story of Jesus. Amen.

The Shelf

2009-03-01T13:56:00.012-06:00

I have been told more than once and BY more than one person that I live in denial. I really do not. I am not a confrontational person. I once explained it to someone this way: I just move stuff around the stove. Funny that I would use this analogy since I rarely use a stove. I have things that I just have to put on the back burner. I never deny that it is there. I may have something else on the front burner AND, there are times when all the burners are full and I just do not have another one -- I will stick that one in the oven. Eventually, when I am ready and the time is right I move it up to the front and the funny thing is, I usually wonder why I kept it back there so long. Is it because time really does heal? Probably. I have also referred to this as my Scarlett O'Hara approach to life. My two favorite parts in the movie are when she says, "I'll think about that tomorrow" and "As God is my witness, I will never go hungry again.". Scarlett was not strong enough THAT day to deal with it. She would deal with it tomorrow. Somehow fresh sunlight brings renewal and strength.

My Pastor preached a wonderful sermon today and I enjoyed all of it because I identified with it so well. At the end, Pastor asked everyone to close their eyes and bow their heads. Then he asked if there were things in our lives that we really need to give to God. I cannot remember his exact words. He then asked those who raised their hands to come to the front and said he wanted to pray for them. I watched as my daughter in law and my grandson went hand-in-hand down the isle. I thought of how hard it must be for her to be so far from her family and have those 3 precious kids. I began to bless her in my heart. I thought of how much I love her and how much I wish I could change things for her. Some things are just bigger than she is. If I love her that much, how much more does God love her. I felt such love for her. I wanted to just follow her, wrap my arms around her and tell "everything is going to be ok." I knew it was not what I need to do -- but oh how I wanted to. I stood in place between my son and my husband and thought "aaaah, this feels so good". As Pastor was praying I was reminded of my "stove stuff" and the occasional "oven stuff". I often say that I am going to lay it at the feet of Jesus. And yet, sometimes I take it back or I can just see it lying there. My mind wanders and I think of when I am standing at the feet of Jesus, will all my grief and sin be there visible? My prayer is that the crown I lay at His feet will cover my sin and my grief. The "feet of Jesus" always tugs at my heart. We had sang earlier about the feet of Jesus: ". . .sit at Your feet, lay back against you and feel your heart beat. It's overwhelming.". Pastor then asked those who had gathered around the front to close their eyes and imagine themselves in a room. There is nothing in this room but you and a shelf on the wall. A shelf that is secure and will not fall. He then told them to take their pain, sorrow, sickness, broken relationships, etc. and put them on this shelf. That shelf belongs to God and you do not need to carry it any longer -- it's bigger than you. God will take care of everything you put on the shelf.

Hmmmmmm! I think I need to turn some burners off. I think I need that shelf.

Father God, in the name of Jesus, I ask You to take the things in my life that I struggle with. Your Word teaches me that everything that concerns me You will perfect. Your Word instructs me that the battle is not mine but it is Yours. There are things in my life that are too big for me. I cannot fix them. I have left them on the back burner too long. I need to put them on the shelf, YOUR SHELF, Oh Lord. Amen

As I am a visual person, I needed to do this symbolically. I found a sturdy shelf in my home. I got a box out that someone had given me as a gift. I placed 3 hand written notes in my box and placed it on the shelf. I can't see them -- they are in God's shelf now. God will be faithful to complete what He has started. I may add to the box but I will not take from the box on the shelf.

It's A New Season

2009-02-27T07:18:00.004-06:00

I look back and know that all my life I have gone through seasons. Some seasons are just a "breeze". You go right through it and all is well. Other seasons -- well, not so much.

I have been in a season in my life (since Christmas) that has been very difficult for me. I had shoulder surgery that I was dreading. It turned out great but the anticipation of it was hard for me. God has been with me through this season. It was a season of spiritual warfare as I have never had. It was a season of standing down when I wanted to stand up. It was a season of saying, "OK, God, I get it. You want me to take my hands off of it, so YOU can put Your hands, Your touch, Your healing, on it.

I am thankful that I do have a teachable spirit. I do listen to the voice of God and I KNOW the voice of God when I hear it. This season, He spoke so clearly to me that I need to STAND DOWN. Standing down to me means that I've done all I know to do. I armed for battle and I am waiting for my Commander to sound the alarm. It did not happen when I wanted to and it did not happen anything like I thought it would.

But, now, it is a new season. I've written about this song before but I believe we can all relate to it.

IT'S A NEW SEASON

IT'S A NEW DAY

A FRESH ANOINTING IS FLOWING MY WAY

A SEASON OF POWER AND PROSPERITY

IT'S A NEW SEASON COMING TO ME

Right before Christmas, a precious lady called the salon and asked for me. When I came to the phone she identified herself and she began to tell me how she had been praying that morning and my face came to her and she began to pray for me. I had met this woman and seen her but we had never had conversations about anything in particular. It was a casual relationship. So, I thought it was neat that God had laid me on her heart to pray for me and when she told me what God spoke to her, I was just amazed. She told me that God told her to tell me to get ready because He is about to bless me in a way I cannot imagine. I told her I received it and I would give her a good report.

I called James and told him. He said, "Baby, it may not be monetary." I said, "I know, I hope it's about my . . . . . . . " (very personal). He agreed with me and we began praying for that very thing.

It was my birthday yesterday and I received the best birthday present of all. An amazing prayer was answered and it was SO God. It was exactly what I felt like my blessing was going to be. I no longer have to STAND DOWN and I do not even have to go into battle. God fought the battle for me. It is done. I shall always hold my Sword but I know He goes before me and makes clear the way for me. I am armed at all times but even soldiers get weary and their weapons weigh them down.

I shared this not too long ago in my blog, LET GOD BE GOD, from Habakkuk 3. See, even when there are no sheep in the field, no cattle in the stalls, no fruit on the trees, and no grapes on the vine -- HE IS STILL GOD and He is worthy of all my praise.

Lord, I thank You , for a new season. I thank You that You hear every prayer and You answer in Your time and in Your way. I give You all the glory and all the praise. I know You are in control. I know You are not finished with THIS blessing -- this is a blessing that will render a bumper crop because it has only begun. I love You, Lord, with all my heart. Amen

It's a new season. I'm dressed for it.

Disneyland

2009-02-16T10:04:00.017-06:00

I am 50 years old and I had never been to Disneyland or Disneyworld. I used to get them mixed up but now I know Disneyland is in California and Disneyworld is in Florida.

As you can see I have a pretty little sling on. I had shoulder surgery on the 29th of January. James had a business trip to go to California. It just so happened that my niece lives very close to where he had to go. I was excited that I got to go. I had to take it easy with my shoulder but we enjoyed ourselves so much. Chass took me shopping to some really neat places and Scott went with James to take care of his business. The rest of the time for James was play time.

Saturday they took us to Disneyland. I was more excited than the kids. It was rainy and California people thought it was cold so it kept the lines pretty short. The longest we ever had to stand in line was 30 minutes. And yes, I even rode Space Mountain. Everyone just packed me in and protected my shoulder. Donald Duck is our very favorite Disney character and we saw him almost immediately. I knew the day was going to be good.

Sunday we spent most of the day in airports and planes coming home. Last Monday and Tuesday I don't think I ever got dressed -- I was so tired.

Thanks to Chass and Scott, and of course, Jadyn and Mason, for showing us a great time and being such great hosts.

I AM STILL AROUND

2009-02-02T09:04:00.003-06:00

I hope you didn't think I had fallen off the face of the earth. I am still here.

I had shoulder surgery on January 29th. This is my first day without James. He has really taken great care of me. You can't imagine the things I have NOT been able to do without my right arm.

I appreciate everyone's prayers, gifts, etc. I have had an outpouring of love and I thank all of you for that.

I can only do a little at a time right now. I managed to get a load of clothes in the washer and I should be able to get them in the dryer but then what?

Have a blessed day and hang with me -- I'll write more later.

Thirty Eight Plus Years

2009-01-18T15:32:00.003-06:00

I recently signed up with Facebook. I am having a blast. The above picture is one of a dear friend that I had not seen in (we think) 38 years. This is Lana. We came together on Facebook. If you have never tried it, it can be lots of fun. You know my first name is Karen and if you know my maiden name and my last name now, you can find me.

My daughter, Amanda (Mandi) got me started on this and then I found out my son, Joshua and his wife, Desiree, are on there too.

It is an amazing way of keeping up with great friends and finding friends you thought you would never see again.

I am a Hair Stylist. Lana drove MANY miles to come to my salon and I did her hair. We had so much fun. I did all the work and she just sat there, but it was so wonderful. I caught up on all kinds of people.

Facebook is a blast!

Zekey Zoomba

2009-01-16T08:50:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday, my precious boy!

Ezekiel Walter

MiMi loves you so much!

Officially Lost All My Marbles

2009-01-08T11:17:00.003-06:00

As most of you know, in August I began Weight Watchers. I began with determination that "this TIME I'm going to DO IT". My best inspiration was my friend, Lory, who has lost 50+ lbs and is not needing to lose another ounce. (Ounces count.)

Lory did this cool thing. She had two jars. She started out with what her goal was -- that many marbles in one jar and as she lost lbs she would transfer a marble to the other jar. I liked her idea and I thought it would be fun. I went to the dollar section at Target (sometimes I never make it past that section). I found plastic martini glasses. I bought a purple one (my favorite color) and a green one (I love the two together). I had already started my weight by then so I put the marbles for the ones I need to lose in the green martini glass. I put the marbles representing the ones I HAD lost already in the purple one (my favorite color and martini glass).

As of yesterday, the green martini glass is empty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! James was out of town and I sent him a text for him on his way home from the airport. I told him I had a surprise for him when he got home. I wrapped up the green martini glass and put it in a gift bag for him. He is my biggest fan. He has been a big supporter (pardon the pun) and is always cheering me on. He told me once that he would love me even if I weighed 350 lbs but he would probably not take me anywhere. :) He is soooo funny!

By the way, the martini glasses have no significance other than they were $1 each and they happened to be colors I like.

So, I have officially lost all my marbles!

Joshua and Josiah

2009-01-07T08:22:00.002-06:00

29 years ago, today, I gave birth to Joshua Shayne Livingston.

6 years ago, today, my daughter, Amanda, gave birth to Josiah Wilson Hayes.

Happy Birthday Josh! I love you.

Happy Birthday Josiah! MiMi loves you.

LET GOD BE GOD

2009-01-05T08:05:00.002-06:00

Prayer changes everything. I have adopted a new way of doing things. There is no way we can go through life without being offended and without offending. I believe what God wants me to do is pray instead of confronting. Confrontation is just that -- it leads to arguing and people saying things that should never be said. Once words are out there, it is hard to forget them.

Our Pastor has challenged our congregation to a month of fasting and prayer. There is no way you cannot get closer to God when you combine the two -- prayer and fasting. I love Matthew 17. Jesus rebuked the devil from a child. The disciples had tried and failed. When they saw what Jesus did they asked Him how He could do that but they could not. Jesus said, "Howbeit this kind goeth out but by prayer and fasting." (That is KJV -- Matthew 17:21. You will not find that scripture in NIV). So, there must be power in the combination.

Saturday I was at one of the lowest times in my life. My marriage is wonderful, and there are no problems there, but there are other areas I cannot seem to conquer. One precious lady gave me this: Habakkuk 3. She wrote it down in a song that she had composed in years past when she was going through much the same thing as I am at this time. She gave it to me. I will keep this in my Bible forever and I will read it often. Basically, the song (based entirely on scripture) says this: Although there are no figs on the trees, the vineyards are bare, no sheep in the field and no cattle in the stalls -- HE IS STILL LORD OF ALL.

I cannot tell you how this ministered to me. When everything is crashing in all around you and you are consumed with fear, doubt, shame and guilt, you can know that GOD IS STILL GOD. He's not a baby in a manger or the Jesus on the cross. He is God on His throne. He is our sovereign Lord. He is my strength and He will cause me to walk in high places.

In Romans 4, we read about Abraham being justified by his faith. I love verse 17.
(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

When I got the "song" from this lady, I came home to read it in the Word. At the end of Habakkuk 3 I had underlined the last two scriptures and had written this prayer. Judging by the pen it was written in, I believe I wrote this about 4 years prior to this day.

Lord, help me to remember that You are always with me - - I am never alone. You are my strength. You are my provision. I will praise You and rejoice in You. I will take joy in You and bless Your name. Everything I have You give me. Everything I am You make me. Without You I am nothing and I have nothing. It's all about YOU. You are my joy, my peace, my comfort, my everything.

Sometimes God takes us full circle, doesn't He? I know that from this day forward, I will remember this: It doesn't matter what it looks like around me, God is still there. I do not have to have fruit on the tree to know that God is still there and God is still working to accomplish what HE wants to accomplish. I truly have to let go and LET GOD BE GOD.

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL

2009-01-02T09:18:00.005-06:00

Well, folks, here we are in 2009. I cannot tell you that I began this year with everything just perfect. But I have begun this year with my face looking up to God for divine direction.

As you know, I've been on Weight Watchers since August and I have only 3 lbs to go to be at goal. So, at least THIS year that is not on my list of things I have to do.

However, there is an area in my life that is out of order and God has taken over the situation. God and my new Counselor. I am giving it up. I cannot fix it and I cannot handle it. It feels good to get some help and knowing that she is a Christian is a real blessing. She is close to my age so she understands the whole hormonal thing too. She counsels me with The Word of God. You cannot ask for more. I am also very blessed with a Godly husband that supports me. He definitely has my back and my heart trusts him with my life. Thank You, Jesus, for my James.

This morning I have been on facebook and I've been on emails with friends and loved ones. I have said this a few times so I thought I would share it with you. This year I am going to "call things that are not as though they are". I am going to begin to look at things through my spirit eyes. When I see it in the spirit realm I believe God will manifest it in the flesh. My motto is this: Everything will be FINE in 2009! I believe that is today's language for this:

It is well with my soul.

Weapon of Mass Destruction

2008-12-30T12:38:00.000-06:00

It's almost over. Yep! 2008 is just about gone and I don't know where it went. It causes me to reflect. What did I do wrong? What could I have done instead? Who did I miss? What did I miss? Did I do enough? Did I do too much? Did I say enough? Did I say too much? Did I love enough? Did I love too much? Did I pray enough? I know I didn't pray too much? Did I spend enough time in the Word?

To almost all of the questions my answer is "I do not know". The only ones I know the answer to for sure is that I did not pray enough and I did not spend enough time in God's Word.

Every year at this time we begin to resolve what we need to change for the upcoming year. There have been many changes in my life in 2008. For one thing, I turned 50. I am so OK with being 50. I am happy where I am but I am not happy where people in my life are. What can I do to change that? Can I even change it? I have reached my resolution: Let go and let God. I must take my hands off the things that God has to do. The only help He needs from me is for me to do just that: Let go!

Letting go is painful. As a mother, no matter the age of your children, you think it's all your fault if things are not good for them. You, as a mother, want to fix them and make them happy. So, why is it that I don't think my Heavenly Father wants to do the same for me?

November and December have been particularly hard for me. I made a commitment to do something. I stood strong. I did exactly what I commited to God that I would do. The very thing I have "given to God" is causing me pain. What is He birthing in me? What is He changing in me?

God has given me His Word today. It may be JUST for me but I believe someone reading this needs this too:

2 Cor 10:3 - 6 (NIV)
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.

In Nehemiah 4, it talks about the opposition of the rebuilding. In verse 17 it says this: Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. Back in chapter 2 we learn that Nehemiah knew the hand of his God was good and it was upon him (verse 18). Later in the verse "they strengthened their hands for this good work".

Sometimes I do not feel that my hands have enough strength to hold the weapon, to hold my sword, not to mention USE them. Where does my strength come from? I know the answer to that one. It brings me to my favorite scripture in Nehemiah.

Nehemiah 8:10: . . . for the joy of the Lord is my strength.

Oh, my precious Lord, give me YOUR joy that I may stand strong. Give me strength to hold a weapon in one hand and work with the other. Help me to build that wall, with YOU as the Contractor. I know the weapons You give me are divine and they will demolish strongholds. Lord, take captive all my thoughts that they would be obedient to You. Let my obedience be complete in You.

I am reminded of a story I have heard and even used in past blogs. It is time for YOUR participation. Say "happy". You just feel that word in your mouth. Say "JOY". Did you feel it? It comes from a deeper place. Do it again. HAPPY. . .JOY. Happy is superficial. It happens in the moment and is fleeting. JOY comes from deep within and you have it even when you are not happy. I am done with superficial. I want JOY. I want HIS JOY.

I believe the Lord has equipped us with weapons of mass destruction. We know exactly where they are even if George W. never found them. The weapon of mass destruction is HIS JOY. I can build that wall. I can have strong hands. I can demolish strongholds and take captive my thoughts.

2009 will be quite different for me. I am trading my sorrows, I am trading my pain. I am trading my sickness and my shame. I will lay them down for the JOY OF THE LORD because that is my weapon of mass destruction.

RAN THE ROCK

2008-12-15T18:23:00.001-06:00

This was the TEAM. PawPaw, MiMi, Josiah, Ava Beth and Ezekiel, although Zekey doesn't look like he is a TEAM player in this pic.

Yesterday was the big marathon in Dallas. I wish you all could have seen James and I trying to pick out Mandi and Jeremy in the thousands. We found Mandi -- I watched for her cool hair. We saw her about 1/2 way and then we rushed back to American Airlines Center to see if we could see her cross the finish line. Didn't happen. It is sort of tough keeping up with 2 marathoners and 3 children, 1 of which has his own little marathon if you let him go for a second. Zeke cried for his momma as she ran past. Ava Beth kept saying, "I wanna see my daddy". Josiah said, "Daddy is slow, but my mommy runs fastest."

I was happy to be part of this and be there for them. I am so proud ---- they really did it -- they RAN THE ROCK.

YOU DID IT

2008-12-15T18:19:00.000-06:00

I am so proud of y'all. You finished your first 1/2 marathon. Although Jeremy says it is his LAST one as well. Somehow, I don't think so. Once the soreness goes away, you'll want to do it again.

Finish Line

2008-12-12T08:24:00.002-06:00

If you also follow my daughter's blog, you will know that this weekend she runs her first 1/2 marathon at White Rock Lake - Run The Rock. Jeremy is running as well. However, Jeremy's training has not been as intense as Mandi's. Actually, Jeremy has had a couple of really BAD experiences during his practice runs that really stunk! That is his story and if he wants to tell it he can.

Mandi has been training for a while. When she first told me she was taking up running I thought it would be a passing thing. I mean, how could she possibly do that with a home of 3 children, all just barely 2 years apart. Well, she managed, in between laundry, cooking, homeschooling, diapers, not to mention the husband, church leadership, and so on.

I am so proud of her. James and I will be at the finish line with her three precious children -- all of us dressed in blue "TEAM ______ " shirts (last name protected). I am proud of her for many reasons. She now knows that she IS a finisher, not a quitter. She is in awesome shape and she looks wonderful -- never better. In fact, if people from her Junior High and High Schools years saw her, they would probably not believe their eyes. All of that is great but what I am most proud of is how she has changed spiritually. I would imagine each part of her training took a lot of prayer. Her prayer time of asking turned into prayer time of listening. God spoke to her heart and to her spirit so many times. She has shared with me how she would end her run with sobs of joy over what God had spoken into her spirit.

We are all running a race. Heaven is our finish line. I can't wait to see the face of Jesus when I cross that line and hear all of Heaven applauding my entrance.

New Computer

2008-12-11T08:39:00.003-06:00

I have been away for a little while because my computer locked up on me. I now have a new one. I have lots of pics to share but I have to learn how to do it with the new set up.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful December so far. It is cold in Texas!

Pics to come soon.

Hope to get some good ones Sunday. Jeremy and Mandi are running the 1/2 marathon at White Rock (Run the Rock) Sunday. James and I have our "TEAM" shirts made up and the kids will be with us with their shirts on.

3 Generations

2008-12-03T08:10:00.000-06:00

MiMi, Mommy and Ava Beth on Thanksgiving!

Thanks Lisa

2008-12-03T07:58:00.012-06:00

I love Christmas. I am hosting a couple of parties this weekend and attending another one. I am so excited. I love to be the hostess and I love to go to parties, especially Christmas parties.

I am so blessed to have my sister. Not only is she my sister she is a dear friend to me. She blessed me greatly for the holidays. Being the amazing floral and interior designer that she is, I got to receive benefit of her talents. My tree is over the top. I have a tea room of sorts and she ran with the idea. I loved having her in my home during those two days. We had lots of fun and listened to Christmas music from our childhood days (Dean Martin).

Thanks, Lisa, for making my home so beautiful. I love you.

Thanks for PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN

2008-12-02T05:30:00.006-06:00

I have no greater joy

than to hear that

my children

are walking in the truth.

3 John 1:4 (NIV)

Thanks to all of you who stayed with me through this journey. The Lord put this in my spirit to do and it was to begin November 1 and go through November 30. I had 31 references to cover so you got a bonus day yesterday. I pray that this has helped with praying for your children and grandchildren. I pray that my children read them and know that I truly pray for them.

Lord, in the name of Jesus, I pray that you will bless each and every one of my readers today. Give them the courage to boldly come to You and ask Your blessings on their children and those in their sphere of influence. You are so faithful to complete everything You begin. Your Word says that You will perfect those things that concern us, Lord. It's my children that concern me most. Perfect them and honor my prayers. I pray for the joy that comes KNOWING my children are walking in the truth. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Bonus Day

2008-12-01T05:30:00.002-06:00

Bonus Day (or for months with 31 days) - BOLDNESS

. . . that I may open my mouth boldly to make know the mystery of the gospel.
Ephesians 6:19 (NKJV)

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)

So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
Hebrews 13:6 (NKJV)

Lord, in the name of Jesus, I pray that my children will have boldness in You and in Your Word. I pray my children will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel of Christ Jesus. I pray they KNOW they can come BOLDLY to Your throne of grace and there they will find Your grace and mercy in their times of need. Lord, let them to know YOU are their helper. No man or no THING can come against them that You cannot defeat. Please make my children BOLD in their walk with You. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 30

2008-11-30T05:30:00.002-06:00

Day 30 - Gratitude

Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.
Ephesians 5:20 & 21 (NKJV)

My Precious Lord, in the name of Jesus, I pray that my children will have a heart of gratitude. Let them overflow with thankfulness for all You have done and for all that You are going to do in their lives and the lives of their children. Let them understand that every good and perfect gift is from You. You are the giver of life. May they understand this and be grateful to You. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 29

2008-11-29T05:30:00.000-06:00

Day 29 - Prayerfulness

. . . Lord, teach us to pray . . . So He said to them,
"When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Luke 11:1-4 (THE LORD'S PRAYER spoken by Jesus) (NKJV)

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.
Luke 18:1 (NKJV)

Pray without ceasing.
I Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV)

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3 John 2 (NKJV)

Lord, in the name of Jesus, I pray today for my children. Honor my prayers that I have begun praying daily over my children. Teach them HOW to pray and give them a heart to pray. Give them knowledge and wisdom of Your Word that they may pray it over themselves. Let them ALWAYS pray and never lose faith in You. Lord, I truly pray my children prosper in all things and be in good health. Most of all, I pray for their souls. True prosperity is in their souls being saved. I pray that my children will be committed to a life of prayer and they will not faint, nor lose hope or give up. If they are unaware of HOW to pray, I ask You to teach them just as You taught the multitudes of people in what we now call "THE LORD'S PRAYER". Teach them, Lord Jesus, to pray. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 28

2008-11-28T05:30:00.001-06:00

Day 28 - Wisdom

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain that fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her. And happy are all who retain her.
Proverbs 3:13- 18 (NKJV)
NOTE: "Her" and "She" in the above scripture is referring to WISDOM

Get WISDOM! Get understanding!
Proverbs 4:5 (NKJV)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of WISDOM, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.
Proverbs 9:10-11 (NKJV)
NOTE: "ME" in the above scripture is referring to wisdom, knowledge and understanding

. . . "WISDOM is better than strength, nevertheless the poor man's WISDOM is despised, and his words are not heard. Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard rather than the shout of a ruler of fools. WISDOM is better than weapons of war; But one sinner destroys much good."
Ecclesiastes 9:16 (NKJV)

Dear Lord, in the name of Jesus, I come to You today asking for YOUR WISDOM in my children. I pray they ASK You for YOUR WISDOM and give it to them generously just as You have promised. The knowledge of You, O Lord, is true understanding. YOUR WISDOM will multiply their days and life will be added to them. Let them know that YOUR WISDOM is strength when they are weak. Help them to see that YOUR WISDOM is more precious than silver, gold or rubies. There is nothing my children can desire could ever compare with YOUR WISDOM. For in WISDOM is pleasantness and peaceful will be their ways. WISDOM is the tree of life and I pray my children grab hold of its branches and hold tight. May they retain YOUR WISDOM. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 27

2008-11-27T05:30:00.004-06:00

Day 27 - Passion for the Lord

As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, "Where is your God?" When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me, For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept the pilgrims feast. Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.
Psalm 41:1-5 (NIV)

O Lord, in the name of Jesus, I pray that my children would have a PASSION for You. Just as the deer pants for the water, I pray they thirst for You so much that nothing else will satisfy them. Dry their tears and let them know where You are. May they pour out their souls to You. Give them a voice of joy and of praise only for You. I pray they are no longer cast down but that their hunger and PASSION for You would cause them to rise up for they have hope in You. I pray that You look upon my children today and they will praise You. For You and You alone are worthy of praise. Amen.

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 26

2008-11-26T05:30:00.000-06:00

Day 26 - Patience

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Galatians 5:22-26

Dear Lord, in the name of Jesus, I come to You today asking for PATIENCE for my children. Strengthen them with all powers, so that they may have great endurance and PATIENCE. Give them every quality of the fruit of the spirit as Your Word teaches. When we truly belong to You we no longer have a sinful nature but live by the Your Spirit. Teach my children to keep in step with Your Spirit. Give my children PATIENCE to endure what they must to achieve all that You have for them. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 25

2008-11-25T05:30:00.002-06:00

Day 25 - HOPE

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.
Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NKJV)

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (NKJV)

Dear Lord, in the name of Jesus, I pray that my children may abound in HOPE today by the power of Your Holy Spirit. You have good thoughts toward my children. You think peace and not evil toward them. You want to give them a future and a HOPE. Lord, I pray that my children call upon You, search for You with all their hearts for then they will find You. You will bring them out of their troubled places. You will gather them in Your arms even though they are in places You have allowed them to be. Bring them back from where they have been held captive. Let Your HOPE fill them will joy and peace in believing in You, Lord, Jesus. May You abound in HOPE in my children by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 24

2008-11-24T05:30:00.000-06:00

Day 24 - A Servant's Heart

Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
Ephesians 6:5-9 (NKJV)

Oh my Precious Lord, in the name of Jesus, I pray that my children truly have the heart of a servant. Give them submissiveness to those in authority. Father, most of all, draw my children so to Your heart that they would serve You freely. Let them not be men-pleasers but God-pleasers. Father, I pray that whoever is in authority over my children, whether it is Pastors, Parents or Work-place Authority, that they would be kind and gracious to my children. Give my children favor in their work-places so that they may provide for themselves and their families. I pray that my children serve wholeheartedly where they are called to serve. I pray that all my children serve You, my Precious Lord, as You are truly their Master and You show no partiality. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 23

2008-11-23T05:30:00.000-06:00

Day 23 - Faith

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
I Timothy 6:12

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
Hebrews 11:1-2 (NKJV)

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
Romans 12:3 (NKJV)

Dear Lord, in the name of Jesus, I pray that my children will fight the good fight of faith. I pray that they take hold of the eternal life to which they were called. I pray that they understand exactly what faith is -- things they hope for and yet do not see, still they have belief and faith that You will do everything You say You will do for them. Their faith will give them a good testimony. Your spoken Word formed this world. There are so many things we see but now that they came from You and things we could not see. You have given my children grace. Help them to not think more highly of themselves but know that You gave each and every one of us a measure of faith. Teach my children how to build their faith and their trust in ONLY You. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 22

2008-11-22T05:30:00.001-06:00

Day 22 - Contentment

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and both to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:11-13 (NKJV)

My precious Lord, in the name of Jesus, I speak Your contentment into my children today. Teach them that the secret to being content is through You because You give them strength. Your Word teaches us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. In this joy, in this strength, they will find contentment no matter their situation. Give them wisdom to process this in their minds and in their spirits. Lord, I pray that their homes would be full of contentment, peace and joy in the Lord. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 21

2008-11-21T05:30:00.000-06:00

Day 21 - Responsibility

For each one shall bear his own load.
Galatians 6:5 (NKJV)

Lord, in the name of Jesus, I pray that my children will be responsible for their actions. Let them not place blame but come boldly to Your throne asking forgiveness and direction. Give them wisdom in their finances, in their marriages and in their parenting. Cause them to "own" their short comings and move forward toward perfection in You. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 20

2008-11-20T05:30:00.000-06:00

Day 20 - Compassion

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long suffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above, all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:12-17 (NKJV)

Dear Lord, in the name of Jesus, I pray You would clothe my children with the virtue of compassion. Let them have tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness and long suffering for each other and for those in their lives. Help them to remember to forgive others as Christ has forgiven us. Help them to put on a cloak of love, bonding them in perfection. Let Your peace rule in their hearts. Give them wisdom. Help them to have teachable spirits and to teach what they learn. Let them be thankful and let Your Word abide in their hearts. Give them a song of grace for You. Let whatever they do be with thanksgiving to You. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 19

2008-11-19T05:30:00.002-06:00

Day 19 - Humility

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work. To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by HIS grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
Titus 3:1-8 (NKJV)

Dear Lord, in the name of Jesus, I pray that You cultivate in my children the ability to show true humility to each other and to all. Teach them to submit to authority in their lives. Train their mouths and their words to be good and not speak evil of or to anyone. We have all made mistakes and been disobedient to You, Father, but You are faithful to forgive us because of Your kindness and Your unconditional love. It is by YOUR mercy that we are saved, not by anything that we have done or will do. Show my children Your mercy. Justify them through Your grace and make them to see their hope of eternal life with You, Lord. Help them to see that this will profit them in their lives. Teach them humility is a good thing. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 18

2008-11-18T05:30:00.000-06:00

Day 18 - Perseverance

THEREFORE we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
Hebrews 12:1 (NKJ)

Dear Lord, in the name of Jesus, teach my children to persevere in all they do, and help them to run with perseverance the race set before them. Let them be anxious for nothing but give them wisdom to live their life according to Your Word. Amen.

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 17

2008-11-17T05:30:00.000-06:00

Day 17 - JOY

For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:15 (NIV)

To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)

You will show me the path of life, in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

. . . for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

Dear Lord, in the name of Jesus, I ask You to give my children YOUR joy. Help them to realize that even though there are tough times and it may not seem like it is ever going to be OK, it will be because JOY comes in the morning. Let them awaken to YOUR joy. Lord, that they would want to be in Your presence so their joy is full. Teach them that their strength is in Your joy. Amen.

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 16

2008-11-16T05:30:00.000-06:00

Day 16 - Peace Loving

For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Therefore, let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.
Romans 14:18&19

Dear Lord, in the name of Jesus, I pray that my children are peace loving people. I pray that they make every effort to bring about peace in their lives. Let them see that the only true peace is YOUR peace which passes all of our understanding. Let them have peace when the storm rages around them and they feel they will be overtaken by waves of distress and concern. Remind them, Jesus, that You stood in a boat in a raging sea and spoke, "Peace, be still." I pray that You speak the same over my children today that they could have PEACE and be still knowing You are in control of the storm. There will be a rainbow. Your promises are sure. I pray that my children are peace loving. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 15

2008-11-15T05:30:00.000-06:00

Day 15 - Generosity

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
I Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV)

Oh my Precious Heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus. I pray that my children prosper in life, but, most of all, Dear Lord, let my children be rich in good deeds for Your Kingdom. I pray they are generous and willing to share as Your Word instructs us. When they DO gain, let them not be haughty and not build up trust in uncertain times and riches. Let them trust ONLY in You and YOUR promises, Lord Jesus. You are Jehovah Jireh, their Provider. I pray that my children to good things. I pray that they are building a strong foundation built on Your Word. Help them to see their greatest riches in life will be ETERNAL life with You. Amen.

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 14

2008-11-14T05:30:00.000-06:00

Day 14 - Kindness

See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.
I Thessalonians 5:15-19

Oh my precious Lord, in the name of Jesus, I ask You to cause my children to act in kindness to each other and to others. I pray they have a pursuit of You and Your goodness and to do what is good in Your sight always. I pray they give You thanks for the mighty miracles in their lives -- their blessings, their children. I pray that they obey and follow the Your Spirit and they never quench it but be open to it. Give them teachable spirits. In Your Name, Jesus, Amen.

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 13

2008-11-13T08:26:00.005-06:00

Day 13 - Purity

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow, Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous spirit.
Psalm 51:7-12

Dear God, in the name of Jesus, create in my children clean and pure hearts, O God, and let that purity of heart be shown in their lives. Manifest Your joy and Your gladness so their very bones in their bodies will give You praise and rejoice in you. Renew a steadfast spirit in them and please do not cast them away from Your presence. Keep Your Holy Spirit alive and IN them. Restore the joy of Your salvation to them and hold them and sustain them by your generosity. Amen.

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 12

2008-11-12T05:30:00.001-06:00

Day 12 - Courage

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6

My Precious Lord, in the name of Jesus, may the character of my children be strong and may they find courage in knowing You will NEVER leave them -- You will NEVER forsake them. You ARE the One who goes with them. Let them have no fear but courage. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 11

2008-11-11T05:30:00.000-06:00

Day 11 - Faithfulness

Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck; Write them on the tablet of your heart; And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.
Proverbs 3&4 (NIV)

Oh Father, in the name of Jesus. Cause my children to be faithful to You. Let faithfulness never leave them, but bind this virtue around their necks so that they have favor with You and with man. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN -Day 10

2008-11-10T05:30:00.000-06:00

Day 10 - Self-Esteem

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk with Him.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works. And that my soul knows very well.
Psalm 139:13&14 (NIV)

Lord, in the name of Jesus, assure my children today that You knew them at the moment of their conception. You covered them even then. They are fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are amazing. My children are Your workmanship. Lord, help my children develop a strong self-esteem rooted in the realization that they truly are Your workmanship. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 29

2008-11-09T05:30:00.002-06:00

Day 29 - Prayerfulness

Luke 11:1 (NKJV)

Luke 18:1 (NKJV)

I Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV)
3 John 2 (NKJV)

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 9

2008-11-09T05:30:00.000-06:00

Day 9 - Honor and Respect

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the King.

I Peter 2:17

Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, today I ask You to help my children show proper respect to everyone and to each other, just as Your Word commands. Your Word says we must honor all people and love all. Teach my children to reverence You. Teach them to honor the leaders You have set in their lives. Help them to be submissive to the authority you have put them under. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 8

2008-11-08T05:30:00.001-06:00

Day 8 - Mercy

Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord --that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
James 5:11

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
Titus 3:4-8

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.
Psalm 145:8&9

Dear Lord, in the name of Jesus, I come to You today on behalf of my children. I stand in the gap and intercede just as Jesus intercedes on my behalf. I ask You to show mercy to my children and cause my children to be full of mercy and compassion just as you are, Lord. Lord, let them know that it is YOUR mercy that saves them. They can be joint heirs with Jesus according to this blessed hope of eternal life. Lord, teach them that they are your works and your mercies are all over them. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 7

2008-11-07T05:30:00.000-06:00

Day 7 - Justice

For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.
Psalm 11:7 (NIV)

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8 (NIV)

Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for children today; that they love justice as You do and I pray they act justly and upright in all they do. Show them that You DO require that of them: to be just, to love mercy and to walk humbly with You. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 6

2008-11-06T05:30:00.000-06:00

Day 6 - Love for God's Word

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening our eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.
Psalm 19:7-11 (NIV)

(In the scriptures above, I believe law, testimony, statutes, commandment, judgement are all referring to HIS WORD. I believe the fear of the Lord is ultimate reverence.)

Oh, Lord, in the name of Jesus, I pray that my children have an insatiable hunger for Your Word. May they regard Your Word in reverence. Your Word is more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. You give us instruction with Your Word and You give us peace with Your Word. Give my children a love for Your Word. Lord, Your Word teaches us that if we keep Your Words there is great reward. I want and pray for great reward for all my children. Amen.

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 5

2008-11-05T05:30:00.000-06:00

Day 5 - Self-Control

But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say,"Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
I Thessalonians 5:1-6

Dear Lord, in the name of Jesus, be with my children today. Help them to not be like so many others , but help them to be alert and watchful, sober and self-controlled in all they do. Horrible economic times are upon us. Give them jobs and help them keep their jobs. Give them benefits. Protect their children in these hard times and always with self-control. Lord, I ask You to speak to each of my children today. Give them Your wisdom and teach them how through YOU being in control of their lives they can have self-control. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 4

2008-11-04T05:30:00.003-06:00

Day 4 - Integrity

Keep my soul, and deliver me; Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You. Redeem Israel, O God, Out of all their troubles.

Psalm25:20&22 (NIV)

Oh my Precious Lord, in the name of Jesus, I pray that integrity and uprightness protect my children. I pray their hope is IN You. Keep them, deliver them, let them not be ashamed. Help them to wait upon You and Your timing. Redeem my children as Your promise to redeem Israel. All of their troubles You already know about and YOUR ARE THE REDEEMER. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 3

2008-11-03T05:30:00.000-06:00

Day 3 - Love

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling aroma
Ephesians 5:2

Father God, in the name of Jesus, I pray that my children would walk in love. That they would love each other. That they would love You and serve You. You sacrificed Your only Son in love for them. Let this prayer be honored and be a sweet smelling aroma to You. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 2

2008-11-02T05:30:00.000-06:00

Day 2 - Grace And Knowledge

You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;
but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen
2 Peter 3:17 & 18

Father God, in the name of Jesus, I pray that my children grow in Your grace and in Your knowledge. Let them not be led astray but to hold steadfast. To YOU be all the glory now and forever. Amen

PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN - Day 1

2008-11-01T05:00:00.002-05:00

Day One - SALVATION

Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

This is a faithful saying:

For if we died with Him,

We shall also live with Him.

If we endure,

We shall also reign with Him.

If we deny Him,

He will also deny us.

If we are faithless,

He remains faithful;

He cannot deny Himself

2 Timothy 2:10-13 (NIV)

Lord, in the name of Jesus, I pray that all my children would obtain salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. I pray for their understanding of dying with Christ to LIVE with Christ. Help them to endure the things of this life and look to You so that one day they reign with You. Do not let any of them deny You. You are a faithful God even when they are faithless. Oh, Lord, that all my children are saved. Amen

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T07:25:00.003-05:00

Oh how I wish it was like it was when I was a little girl. We never worried about bad candy, razor blades, glass, drugs, poison, and all the other things we fear these days. I do, however, look forward to tonight. I will sit outside in my driveway and watch all the kids come up for candy. I love to see their costumes.

It doesn't have to be about witches, ghosts, vampires and the like. It can just be about pumpkins, cool weather, cute costumes and lots of candies for the kiddos.

Take the time today and reflect back on your childhood and the fun you had.

Have a blessed day.

Update on Minnie

2008-10-28T10:13:00.002-05:00

Amanda (aka Mandi) has just spoken with her. Click on the site below to go to her blog -- you will get a real sweet update on Samuel Elijah, now in the arms of Jesus.

http://mamasings.blogspot.com/

I'd Choose You Again

2008-10-28T07:26:00.015-05:00

(Present day and past -- you can decide which is which.)

Today is October 28, 2008 and 19 years ago I married my best friend. This is my soul mate. He has made my life so wonderful. I keep telling everyone that I am a Princess. Well, I am and it is all his fault. He created this little monster.

On our wedding day I sang to James, this song and I still mean every word of it.

I'd Choose You Again (as sung by the Forrester Sisters)

Looking at my life

through the eyes of a young girl growing older all the time

Maybe just a little wiser, 'for I can clearly see

All my mistakes keep coming back to visit me

Pointing out the roads not taken

So much I'd like to change

But one thing I do again

I'd choose you again, I'd choose you again

If God gave me the chance I'd do it all again

I'd carefully consider every choice and then

Out of all the men in the world, I'd chose you again

Things weren't always good

seems like the Lord gave all the easy parts away

But every time the road got rocky,

you'd look at me and say

"I have all I need as long as you are here with me,

You're the reason I kept going,

if I could start my life anew

The one thing I would do"

I'd choose you again, I'd chose you again

If God gave me the chance I'd do it all again

I'd carefully consider every choice and then

Out of all the men in the world. I'd chose you again.

I love you so much, James.

You are still my best friend.

Pray for Minnie

2008-10-27T10:36:00.003-05:00

I have a person in my life who really needs a touch from God today. Her name is Minnie. She is a client but she is so much more than that. This young woman has a testimony for God that is just amazing. She has been through so much in her life and yet SHE blesses me with such joy every time I see her.

The last time I did Minnie's hair, she shared with me that she was pregnant. She and her husband have two wonderful boys already. She was trying so hard to wrap her brain around a third child. She said, "God just wants me to do this, I guess". She grew to love the idea of having another baby. On the day she was to find out "boy" or "girl" she, instead, found out very disturbing news. After much testing, Minnie was told her baby had Trisomy 18, the condition they had suspected. The baby had already passed.

Minnie is scheduled for labor induction in the morning. She will deliver the baby she has carried for over a week knowing this baby will be gone from her life forever. Oh, the pain she must be feeling. Please pray for this precious family.

Oh my Lord, in the name of Jesus, only YOU know why? There are no words we can speak to this precious family now. Please give them Your peace which surpasses anything we can comprehend. This couple loves You and serves You. They are training their young boys in Your Word and in Your Ways. Help those precious little boys deal with this as they see their mommy in such pain. You are an amazing God that knows the beginning and the end and You know WHY. Though we may never understand, we know that You are in control and we trust You with our lives and our children's' lives. Touch her body and cause this to go quickly and as easily as possible. Help her body to heal and help her mind to heal. Give her Your joy in the midst of this pain. Let her know that it is just not HER trusting YOU, it is YOU trusting HER with this. In Your precious name, Jesus. Amen

This One Is For Josiah

2008-10-27T09:08:00.009-05:00

My grandson, Josiah, is 5 years old. He loves guitars and trains. This is at the Gaylord Texan. Josiah would have loved this so I had to take him some pictures. Whoever designed a train track on a HUGE guitar must have at one time been a 5 years old just like Josiah.

This one is for Josiah. MiMi sure does love you.

Surprise

2008-10-27T08:41:00.008-05:00

James had to be in Mobile, AL all last week. He called me on Wednesday and asked me what time I would be through on Friday and to make sure I was off on Saturday. He flew home on Thursday. He told me he had a surprise for me. The only instructions he gave me was to meet him at home by 3 and pack a bag. This is difficult for me. What kind of clothes? What kind of accessories? Realizing my pain, he helped me out a little but never gave me one hint as to where he was taking me.

Tomorrow James and I will celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary. I absolutely LOVE surprises. He could tell me today that he has already bought my birthday present (birthday is in February), put it in a bag and tell me exactly where it is. He knows I would never peek. I would never spoil the surprise. My husband is so different than me. He WOULD peek and HAS. Here is the neat thing -- James knows me so well. He knows I love surprises and he pulled this one off all by himself. I loved it.

Oh, I guess I should tell you what the surprise was. He took me to the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine. We have been to the Gaylord in Nashville but never to the one here. Imagine that! We had an amazing room in what I called the tower because it is rounded and our room went all the way around. We had 3 big windows on the 8th floor and it overlooked Grapevine Lake. We were blessed with an upgrade at check in. We ate at the Riverwalk Cafe. It was just perfect.

Saturday morning he told me we were not finished. We drove to Waxahachie (I think that is how it is spelled -- no help from "spell check") and went to the Festival on the square (Bob Phillips' Texas Country Reporter event). We enjoyed the awesome cuisine: corny dog for James, turkey leg for me.

The weekend was perfect and I loved being all by myself with my man. I am getting a day at the spa today and James is getting a workbench. Tomorrow we will reflect on how wonderful this 19 years has been. He has had many surprises for me through the years, but this one was really special.

James, I love you more today than I did on the day we married. You have been a blessing to me. You still make me laugh and you make me smile. I like you as much as I love you.

Praying For Our Children

2008-10-24T10:59:00.005-05:00

For quite some time now, James and I have been praying for our children. We pray individually for them and we pray specifically for each of them. We belong to a Connection Group through our church. This is something that we have been doing in our group -- praying for each other's children. The Word teaches us that the effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous man avails much. If you are concerned or maybe even angry with your children it can be very hard to effectively and fervently pray for them. That is why we need our friends and loved ones to stand in the gap for us. They have no anger, they have no concerns over your children and they can pray objectively, effectively and fervently.

I help to facilitate a Bible Study at my church on Wednesday mornings. One of my precious ladies brought a 31 day calendar entitled "PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN". It gives a scripture and a prayer for each day. It was timely.

I feel inspired to use this to do a full month of daily blogs teaching how to pray for our children. Many of you who read my blogs have very small children and some have grown children and, just as I do, have grandchildren who are becoming what we call the age of accountability with the Lord. Some of you have no biological children but you have young people that are in your sphere of influence daily.

Beginning November 1st, I will daily blog through November 30th. I commit to not miss one day. Pray for me as I do this. I feel very inspired and I believe it will bless you tremendously. If you do not have anyone you feel you need to pray for, then pray for our children.

This is mine and James' children. We have no biological children together but we have grandchildren together. Though our children recognize the "step", the grandchildren do not, as evidenced by their use of words such as "cousin", "aunt", "uncle" so freely. James and I have always prayed unity in our family. We may be put together a little differently but it is what it is.

Scott
Randy, Lori, Kyle and Brooke
Jeremy, Amanda (Mandi), Josiah, Ava Beth and Ezekiel
Joshua, Desiree, Mason, Adisyn and Izzabella

I encourage you to save my blog to your bookmarks or favorites and just read daily beginning November 1. The blogs will be short so it will be an easy read and an easy prayer to pray each day.

I look forward to hearing from you. I truly feel inspired to do this and I am looking forward to seeing what God does for my children and what He will do for your children.

May God bless you as you support me in my mission.

FRIENDS

2008-10-23T08:22:00.003-05:00

I am so thankful for all the wonderful women God has put in my life. I know that my husband is too. The women are my shock absorbers and James is my stabilizer. My girls "get" me. This is me with my friends, Kathy and Juli. These two women are such a treasure to me. It all began about 6 years ago when I joined a Bunko group in our neighborhood. I found Kathy and we hooked up quickly. Kathy is a teacher at an elementary school in our town. Kathy is also a client of mine and I am privileged to have all three of her children in my life now -- not just in my chair. Jacob and the twins, Kyle and Rebecca are my friends. I have so much fun with them and they are wonderful kids. Jacob is away becoming an "Aggie" and we all miss him.

Kathy had a wonderful friend, Juli. Kathy felt like Juli needed something done with her hair so she sent her to me. Juli and I are great friends now. Juli is not JUST a client. She is my friend. We have shared so much and have so much in common. Juli is in her second Bible Study with me now. We are having such a good time with that.

Kathy has sent me so many people from her school. I think the whole faculty knows me by name.

Thank You, Lord, for my girlfriends. At this particular time in my life YOU knew I would need to be surrounded by Godly women. You have blessed me with friends that love YOU and they love ME. Today I rejoice because I am loved. God, bless my friends today, Juli and Kathy. Encourage them in Your Word and protect them and their families. Bless their children, my Lord. Cause their children to "rise and call them blessed". Amen

I love you, Kathy and Juli. Thanks for always being there for me. You both are a blessing to me.

Camping

2008-10-20T16:43:00.006-05:00

Camping with grandchildren is so much fun. We have so many that we have to split it all up. In June, we camped with Josh & Desiree and their children, Mason, Adisyn and Izzabella. It was at a family reunion and we enjoyed camping with them so much. Izzabella was just a month old and Desi was so good to share her with all of us. You never really knew for sure whose campsite she was at but it was usually at my mothers (Grannyma). Adisyn loved it because she loves dirt and loves it all over her. Mason was so much fun too. I think he really enjoyed meeting new family members. There was a steady stream of traffic between trailers and you just absolutely have to forget saying "Shut the door".

Two weeks ago we took a trip with Randy & Lori and their kiddos, Kyle and Brooke. We decided at the last minute to see if Jeremy and Mandi would let us take Josiah and Ava Beth. They said we could and, believe it or not, did not give us any rules other than "take care of my babies".

We went to Daingerfield State Park. Kyle and Brooke got to skip school for a couple of days. Josiah is home schooled but he continued his education while taking his nature walk and collecting lots of "leafs". One day he will learn "leaves" but "leafs" is fine now.

All of our grandchildren (8 of them) are precious to us and we enjoy our time with them. I wish there was a way to get everyone together but it just never seems to work out. Camping is great family fun.

By the way, our way of camping is in RVs. We are all over the whole tent thing.

Early Voting

2008-10-20T16:29:00.005-05:00

Early voting began today at 8:00 AM. James and I voted early. We have never done that before. AND, I've never voted in the Primaries. I did this year. All Americans (at least those who are old enough to understand and vote) are concerned for the state of our Country. I pray that everyone prays before voting and asks God for His guidance. I only voted for offices that I knew about. If I knew nothing of the persons running for office, I did not vote. I have voted straight tickets in the past. This year I could not do that.

My Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for my Country, the United States of America. I pray that You have not forgotten us, although some of us have forgotten and even denied You. Forgive our sins, Father. We need You in leadership of our lives first and then we need You in leadership of our Country. I have always been proud to be an American and I still am. I just fear that all the reasons we have been proud in the past will no longer be. Please, do not turn Your back on us now. I pray for our President today and I pray for the Presidents to come. I pray that You guide them. Give wisdom -- YOUR wisdom. Amen

The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord,

like the rivers of water;

He turns it wherever He wishes.

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,

but the Lord weighs the hearts.

Proverbs 21:1 & 2

Covered By Your Blood

2008-10-07T08:43:00.004-05:00

I was recently blessed by a precious friend, Angela. She gave me a CD by Travis Cottrell called FOUND. As I was preparing for my day I was listening to it (as I have been since she gave it to me). The words of the following song were just what I needed today. I will share with you.

GOD LEADS US ALONG

Written by: George A Young

Song Arrangement by: Travis Cottrell

In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet

God leads His dear children along

Where the water's cool flow bathes the weary one's feet

God leads His dear children along

Chorus

Some through the waters, some through the flood

Some through the fire, but all through the blood

Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song

In the night season and all the day long

Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright

God leads His dear children along

Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night

God leads His dear children along

Chorus

Some through the waters, some through the flood

Some through the fire, but all through the blood

Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song

In the night season and all the day long

Oh, my Precious Jesus, I thank You that You are with me always. I've been in green pastures, I've bathed in the cool waters, I've been on the mount and I have seen valleys and dark nights.

Thank You, my Lord, that through the water and through the flood,
I was always covered by YOUR blood. Amen

Pray and Vote

2008-10-07T02:54:00.002-05:00

If My people who are called by my name will humble themselves,

and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways,

THEN I WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN,
AND WILL FORGIVE THEIR SIN
AND HEAL THEIR LAND.
NOW MY EYES WILL BE OPEN
AND MY EARS ATTENTIVE TO PRAYER
MADE IN THIS
PLACE.
2 Chronicles 7:15&16

PRAY FOR THIS ELECTION

PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY

PRAY FOR OUR LEADERSHIP

PRAY AND VOTE

Chicago

2008-09-25T09:34:00.004-05:00

We had so much fun! I will do a few more pics later.

If you have never been to Chicago -- you must! I think we went at a perfect time of the year. This was my first time and I was, as James said, "like a kid in a candy store".

Cubs game -- they won! Jim Belushi sang the Cubs song. Wrigley Field is pretty cool and I have pics for that.

Aquarium is amazing -- no pics for that but I loved it.

Restaurants are fabulous. I walked a lot because of the wonderful food. Garrett's popcorn -- to die for.

Macy's -- 8 stories high. Pretty impressive and very different from going to Macy's at the Mall. I think I saw every store that Oprah talks about on her "favorite things" show.

Navy Pier -- been there, done that! The restaurant where we ate was wonderful but by the time we got out all the stores were closed.

I will post more later.

A Blessing

2008-09-25T09:20:00.003-05:00

James and I went to Chicago for a few days. I will post some pictures later.

I began a book while we were there that I believe has and will continue to impact me forever. I believe it changed me. The book includes a tragedy that is heart wrenching and very hard to read about but I managed to stay with it. The book is about a man that has an encounter with God that is amazing. Some would say it could be fictional but I certainly believe it is possible. I do believe that God will meet me exactly where I am though He will refuse to leave me there. I encourage you to read the book and glean from it what you will.

I believe it will change your life and the way you look upon human tragedies. It confirmed for me so many feelings and thoughts I have had.

The book: THE SHACK by William P. Young

My precious Jesus, you are so real to me. Thank You, Lord, for allowing me to have this special time to read this book. It was a blessing.

YOUR CANVAS -- my heart

2008-09-18T10:24:00.026-05:00

I am so blessed to have such talented friends in my life. My friend, Candi, is an amazing artist and I have been so blessed to have her paintings on several walls of my home. I am so thankful that she has chosen to bless me and allow my home to be her canvas. I trust her completely. As a matter of fact, she did this last painting while James and I were gone.

As I was thinking about my home being a canvas for a dear one that I love and trust so much, I began to think of another artist and another canvas.

My most precious Lord, I come to You in the name of Jesus. I ask You to be the Artist in my heart today. Give me a clean heart -- make it a fresh canvas for you to take your pallet of colors and begin a new work in me. Paint with Your tender strokes, bold colors of love, compassion, forgiveness, peace, patience and all the other virtues you choose to paint upon my canvas. Today, I want You to paint upon YOUR CANVAS -- my heart. Amen

Love Him The Most

2008-09-18T10:24:00.006-05:00

This is PawPaw with Adisyn and Izzabella (Adi Rae and Bella Boo). Adi got to spend the night but Mommy had to come get Bella Boo. She was happy ONLY until she realized Mommy was not in the house.

I love to see James holding our babies and loving on them. That's when I love him the most.

Bella Boo

2008-09-18T10:24:00.003-05:00

I have never introduced you to our newest addition to our family. Her name is Izzabella and she was born May 13. She is a doll baby and we love her so much. She is thinking about joining Weight Watchers with MiMi.

Izzabella May born in May but I call her Bella Boo.

YOU ARE FOR ME

2008-09-17T08:34:00.002-05:00

On August 14, I wrote a blog entitled "Your Beloved". I referenced a scripture -- Psalm 124:1&2. The last Wednesday in August I began a new Bible Study with Beth Moore called "Stepping Up". This past week my study was on Psalm 124. I have gained so much more insight this week and I would like to share it with you. I'm going to write it for you from THE MESSAGE translation:

A pilgrim song of David. If God hadn't been for us --- all together now, Israel, sing out! ----- If God hadn't been for us when everyone went against us, we would have been swallowed alive by their violent anger, swept away by the flood of rage, drowned in the torrent; we would have lost our lives in the wild, raging water. Oh blessed be God! He didn't go off and leave us. He didn't abandon us defenseless, helpless as a rabbit in a pack of snarling dogs. We've flown free from their fangs, free of their traps, free as a bird. Their grip is broken; we're free as a bird in flight. God's strong name is our help, the same God who made heaven and earth.

Have you ever been there? You know, that place where you are surrounded by defeat. You cannot breathe -- everyone and everything is against you. You can actually see yourself drowning in a raging river that is full of snakes and rocks and things you cannot see but you know they are there and they are going to just swallow you up? Dramatic? Maybe. But you know you have been there. I have.

I have to quote Beth Moore:

...future ramifications were worth the present misunderstanding.

...He knows when something glorious in the future necessitates something difficult in the present. Because He knows the glory will be worth it, God will risk being misunderstood. Yes, God wants us to have joyful, satisfying lives, but He also wants us to have crowns to cast. Rewards to receive. Character to develop. Compassion to give. Testimonies to tell. In the midst of those painful processes, God makes bold promises.

Beth then instructed us to read Romans 8:28-39. I want you to do this. Read it out loud and then, just as she instructed us, make some proclamations:

God WILL justify me.
God WILL glorify me.
God WILL always be FOR me.
God WILL never be AGAINST me.
God WILL freely give to me.
NOTHING can separate me from HIS love.

My Lord, I come to You in the name of Jesus. You truly are the maker of heaven and earth. I know You have been with me in my deepest despair. Had you not been there I would have died in my pain. You delivered me from those raging waters that wanted to swallow up and take my life and my very soul. Your mighty name IS my help. I thank You, Lord, for never leaving me and never being against me. YOU ARE FOR ME. Amen

Go Boys!

2008-09-16T07:45:00.002-05:00

The Dallas Cowboys WON! I would love to tell you about the great finish but I fell asleep. James made it and told me about it this morning -- before I even got a kiss!

Well, I have a Romo shirt. I'm seriously thinking about adding to my collection. What should be my next shirt? Ware? Jones (NOT Jerry)? After all, 98 yards is a little impressive. I was awake for that. Witten? T.O.? OR Barber? I am thinking my next one is going to be T.O. I know he is a smart mouth but he is so much fun to watch.

I hope there is not many late games -- I just cannot stay up that late.

Go Boys!

Make Me Think

2008-09-10T08:16:00.003-05:00

One of My Links is: Mama Sings (see side of blog for My Links). It is authored by my daughter, Amanda, affectionately referred by me as Mandi. She put this on her blog a couple of days ago and I cannot tell you how many times I have gone back to read it. We do have some of the same readers so if you have already read it on her blog (Mama Sings) then you understand how powerful the words and you will not mind reading it on mine.

PRAY THROUGH IT

Whatever crisis you face, pray through it. Whatever obstacle you must overcome, pray on it. Whatever miracle you are desperate for, pray for it. In times of troubles, when all seems lost, walk toward the Lord. If you can't walk, crawl. If you're too weak to crawl just reach out to Him. He will be there. He will save you. He will never forsake you.

-Bishop TD Jakes

Oh, my most precious Heavenly Father, I come in the name of Jesus. Thank You, that You ALWAYS are there for me. You NEVER leave me. All I have to do is just reach out to You and I feel You. Your presence surrounds me. You breathe on me and I am made perfect in Your sight. Bless all those who are reading this now. Make them to know that YOU are their PEACE. I love You, Lord. Amen

Thanks, Mandi, for following the Holy Spirit. I am always inspired by your blogs and they always make me think.

Avails Much

2008-09-09T13:12:00.002-05:00

The Prayer of Faith
(James 5:13-16 NIV)

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Wow! That is such a powerful Word the Lord gave us. I have been praying that WORD this morning. I have been reminding the Lord what HIS Word says. I have been reminding the Lord that I DO, in deed, have FAITH. During my time of prayer, I have received two phone calls that were in direct answer to my prayer. God will always be faithful to complete what He says.

I love how the scripture is translated in the NIV but I grew up with the KJV and that is the Bible I most often use. It says this:

The effectual fervant prayer of the righteous availeth much.
(James 5:16)

I, of myself, am NOT righteous. MY righteousness is only in HIM.

Lord, in Your precious name, Jesus, I thank You today for answering prayer. You always hear me. You always know my heart. I know that when I pray in faith, believing, YOU hear me and You supply my need. You even give me the desires of my heart. I thank You that TODAY my prayer avails much. Amen

Beautiful Christian Sister

2008-09-09T10:47:00.003-05:00

A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.

When I say "I am a Christian", I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin' ". I'm whispering, "I'm forgiven."

When I say "I am a Christian", I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say "I am a Christian", I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say "I am a Christian", I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say "I am a Christian", I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say "I am a Christian", I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of headaches. So, I call upon His name.

When I say "I am a Christian", I'm not holier than thou. I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!

Beautiful Christian Sister
by Maya Angelo

Thank You, Lord, for all the awesome "sisters" in my life. You knew and will always know the perfect people to put in my life. You are an amazing God and I love You. Amen

Sure Makes Ya Think!

2008-09-09T10:43:00.002-05:00

This was sent to me via email from a friend. It really hit home to me. I thought I would share it with my readers.

There comes a point in your life when you realize who matters, who never did, who won't anymore . . . and who always will.

So, don't worry about people from your past, there is a reason why they didn't make it to your future.

Pass this on to anyone you do not want to lose.

Hmmmm! Sure makes ya think!

Women of Faith

2008-09-03T19:34:00.005-05:00

Back Row: Tanya, Sara, Me

Front Row: Stacy, Hillary, Stevie

This is the group of us that went to the Women of Faith Conference in Dallas. Stevie and Hillary are 18 and I am 50. Stacy, Tanya and Sara are in between the "little" girls and me. What a mix. If you had told me a year ago that I would be spending the weekend with these other 5 people, I would never have believed it. Well, let me tell you. These six people needed to be together for that weekend and we will never be the same. God had it all planned for us. We try to tell people stories about our weekend but no one else gets it. You just had to be there. The six of us have something together now that is so special it can't be shared.

Never limit yourselves to groups of people that are in your age bracket. Get out of your box. Those two 18 year old young women taught me a lot. I need all my girlfriends -- age does not matter.

Here's a challenge for you: have lunch or dinner with someone 10 years younger or 10 years older and see what you learn. You will be amazed. Women need each other and age makes no difference when you are WOMEN OF FAITH.

Seem To Be

2008-09-03T08:38:00.005-05:00

Previously I wrote a blog called "YOU Did". I was bragging about some stuff that came up in my flower beds that I thought were so pretty. I didn't even plant them. Turns out, one of them was a WEED. I thought it was so pretty. My friends, Anita and Beverly, both confirmed it -- WEED. That pretty greenery is a WEED.

Well, is there a lesson in that or what?

Sometimes things are just not as they seem. Sometimes people are not as they seem. We need to research more. I am such an impulsive person. I jump and join really quick. I do this with buying; I do this with people; I do this aLOT! Hmmmmmm!

Oh well, the weed was pretty. I enjoyed it for a while and then it took over some of my prettier REAL plants. I yanked it up and found that it had hardly any roots. It would not have lasted much longer anyway. Hmmmmmm! Another lesson?

Life Lesson: Some things are just not what they seem to be.

Update on MRI

2008-09-02T21:02:00.002-05:00

I am fine. No tear in the rotator cuff (I believe that is what it is called --- anyway, my shoulder). Thank goodness. I am scheduled to see an Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in shoulders but MY doctor does not believe there will be any surgery.

Update on James: no blockage in the old ticker. He had his heart cath on Friday. He spent most of the day in the hospital but got to go home in the afternoon with a great report.

God is so good and is so faithful.

Thanks for your prayers and concerns. We got lots of phone calls and emails from lots of you.

All is well.

A Better Word

2008-09-02T20:42:00.005-05:00

I lift up my eyes to the hills --

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1&2 (NIV)

Sometimes I think I forget the awesomeness of God. I do not really forget it, I believe I just cannot fathom His vast supply. He does not just have supply, He has surplus. AND, it is not just monetarily. God MADE heaven AND earth. My help comes from THE God who created heaven and earth. He has supply for ALL my need: physically, spiritually, financially, mentally, emotionally. There is nothing that I have need of that He is not already there, ready to supply. He made it -- it is HIS to give.

Girlfriends are great and I love my girls. They are always there to give me wonderful words of encouragement. However, nothing is as helpful and fulfilling as the Word of God. I love what the Word says in Hebrews 12: 24 (NIV):

" . . . to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant . . .

that speaks a better word . . . "

He truly DOES "speak a better word". When life is life, and it always is, go to the Word -- He will always "speak a better word".

Have a blessed day.

YOU CAN DO IT -- JUST PRAY

2008-08-18T14:02:00.008-05:00

For quite some time now I have been dealing with a nagging pain in my right shoulder. I zap it with a little electronic device called Mini Masseuse and I take lots of Advil. I go see a Massage Therapist every 5-6 weeks. Oh, and I COMPLAIN a lot. This is a very common area for a Hairdresser to have problems. Imagine blow drying and round brushing all day long. I have been diagnosed with R B D which means REPETITIVE BEHAVIOR DISORDER, which means I am just "going in circles". The diagnosis came from ME. The R B D is a result of A D D which was NOT a self diagnosis. It is real and I live with it and those around me must endure it as well. Menopause has exploited it.

My real doctor believes I have a problem with my rotator cuff which I found funny because all my life I thought it was a cup and thought only Pitchers for Major League Baseball teams had them. Turns out, I have one, actually two, and one of them just might have a problem. My doctor tells me I need an MRI. Who knows what MRI stands for but I know "magnet" is involved and total encasement. OK, panic attack on the table right there. I tell him immediately, "I cannot have an MRI." He looks at me very funny. I had been in there for about 20 minutes by this time and he's already given me some funny looks. I went on to tell him how I had surgery in 1992 on my jaw and I have 16 screws in my upper jaw, only 8 teeth in my head are truly mine and 6 of those have fillings, I have wires holding my upper and lower jaw together. I kid you not, the man looked me in the eye and said, "Wow, you are a mess. Were you in a wreck?" I explained that I was not IN a wreck but I AM a wreck. I had a congenital (Oh, Lord, help that be the right word - con does go in front of it, right?) jaw deformity and had I not had the surgery I would now look like a cash register with its drawer out. He smiled. He then said, "You should be fine." SHOULD? SHOULD? Is SHOULD good enough? I did not even go into the fact that along with the A D D is the R L S (restless leg syndrome). I am fidgety on a good day. The MRI was scheduled.

Yesterday, my dear friend, Ron Cody, was here. I told him I had to have an MRI. He then told me this story of how a young boy was killed during an MRI. A door was left open and somehow an oxygen tank flew in and the whole place exploded. What do you say to that other than, "Shut up, Ron."

My MRI was actually scheduled for last Friday but the Tech called and rescheduled it because the machine was down. I just knew that was a sign. She rescheduled it for this morning but called Saturday to say that it was still down and rescheduled me for Wednesday. Well, that is 3 more days to anticipate the rapture taking place and I could miss the whole MRI thing altogether.

Guess who calls early this morning? Yep! The MRI place and asks me to come at 11:15. I drove over there -- too scared to pray but had sent an email to Ron and asked him to pray that the door at least gets shut and there is no oxygen tanks around. When I drove up, it said OPEN MRI. Well, the Lord was with me already.

I am starting to feel pretty good about this whole thing until I had to start filling out paper work. They asked me if I had stuff in me or on me that I could not even pronounce. I said no to all of them because I figure if I cannot pronounce it I must not have one. I am starting to feel even better until the dental questions begin and then, of all things, permanent eyeliner. Well, this caused me to get up and go to the desk carrying this cute little clip board with the pen attached with a string. At this point, I could care less about the whole privacy act, I begin confessing everything. I tell her all about my denistry and surgery, I tell her that not only do I have permanent eyeliner, I have permanent eyebrows and lips too? She said, "You should be fine."
SHOULD? SHOULD? I hate that word when I am about to go into a magnetized field with all the metal in or on me? Who knew a tattoo had metal? She said it could just cause "swelling". Well, I can live with swelling but I could not live with the mental picture of my entire face being sucked up into this machine, not to mention the whole oxygen tank and explosion thing. I do NOT need any more of my screws to come loose.

The Tech tells me to undress from the top up and if I am more comfortable I can put a smock on. Ya think? You betcha -- I want a smock! The Tech hands me a key to lock my purse and upper clothing in a locker. The key is on one of those little squiggly bracelets which I find funny because I KNOW I am NOT wearing that bracelet with a metal key on it. He tells me the whole thing will take 45 minutes. Come now, Lord, Jesus. He settles me in and covers me with a warm blanket. He said, "We will begin now and CLOSES the door. Tarry just a while longer, Lord Jesus, I can do this.

I began to pray. Seriously. I prayed for complete peace and I ask the Lord to just let me go to sleep. I am not artistic; cannot even do a stick figure much justice. I do, however, have pretty nice penmanship. I painted the above scripture and it hangs right by my bed. It is my proclamation when sleep fails me.

Psalm 3: 3-5 says this:

But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me,

my glory, and the lifter of mine head.

I cried unto the Lord with my voice,

and He heard me out of His holy hill. Selah.

I laid me down and slept;

and awaked; for the Lord sustained me.

Forty-five minutes later I was awakened by the Tech who said I did great and they would fax results to my doctor. I got dressed and as I was walking to the front, I noticed 3 oxygen tanks. They were safe and secured to the wall.

Thank You, my precious Lord, that you do hear me. You ARE the lifter of my head. You cause me to rest and to sleep because YOU sustain me. Amen.

If ever you have to have an MRI,

YOU CAN DO IT -- JUST PRAY.

Other Things You Should Not Say

2008-08-15T08:01:00.012-05:00

I am rather new at all this flower stuff. I bought three of these plants and only one of them produces a flower. When I first bought them and potted them, they looked like they were dying. My melancholic husband, James, said, "Why don't you just throw those out?". My friend, Beverly came and saw them. She said, "Move them, Princess, and be patient." Well, I tend to listen to her advice about flowering much more than James' "throw those out", although patience is not one of my virtues. Leaving something in one place is not one of my virtues either. As a matter of fact, I think "mixing and moving" is one of my spiritual gifts. That and changing the subject. It is either a spiritual gift or it is part of my whole A D D thing. Whatever! I moved them and then left them in the exact spot they seem to do best.

I came out one morning to water, as is my daily routine, and found my Gerber Daisy. I called Beverly and she said, "I told ya, Princess, ya gotta be patient." I called James and he said, "That's good.". I wanted more excitement but he was in the middle of a conference call and had no idea what a Gerber Daisy was anyway. When he got home that afternoon I did, however, drag him out on the deck and made him look at it and reminded him (of course) that HE had told me to "just throw them out".

Hmmmmmmmmm!

I then called Lisa, my sister, who is an amazing floral designer of fresh as well as silk flowers. You have seen some of her work in MamMaw's purse. I said, "Lisa, I gotta a Gerber." She said, and I am telling you, this is all she said, "Karen, it's Gerbera." Well, whatever, I got one. I grew it.

Well, guess what it withered and died but NOW one came back and another one is on its' way.

OK! I said all of this to tell you this:

I am a Texan to the core. I was born in Downtown Fort Worth and I have never lived anywhere but in the state of Texas (including Houston for 5 years). I am Texan and I can talk Texan with the best of them. Have you ever listened when two Texans get together. Girl, that's when all the slang comes out. If you are not from Texas you would not even understand what we are saying. And the Cajuns think they have it?!?!?!?

Lisa, forgive me in advance. I have to tell this story.

One evening Lisa and I were sitting in my living room just chatting side by side in my recliners. Here's the conversation:

Me: Hey, Sissy, I've 'cided I don't think I'll ever get Alzheimer's.

Sissy: Really, why?

Me: Well, I've noticed that it seems to me only really intelligent people get it.

Sissy: Well then, you lobble to get it 'for me.

Me: Well, I prob'ly will 'cause I don't even know what "lobble" means.

Sissy: I don't either but I've heard it all my life.

Me: I think it's "liable".

Laughter and a quick run to the bathroom ensued with Daniel sitting on the couch looking at us like we are both idiots.

I have told that story many times at the salon and the other day my friend, Tanya, said this to me. "Karen, you can make fun of Lisa all day long for saying "lobble" but do you know how many times you say "awulago"? I have since made a conscious effort to say "A while ago" or "Earlier". AWULAGO sounds like something you would find in the Australian Outback.

AWULAGO or LOBBLE and other things you should not say.

Let me hear some of your words!

Your Lovingkindness This Morning

2008-08-15T07:18:00.004-05:00

Hear my prayer, Oh Lord, give ear to my supplications:

in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.

Psalm 143:1

I just love this scripture. God hears my cries of desperation. God answers me. I am so thankful God does this out of HIS faithfulness and HIS righteousness (see above: THY faithfulness and THY righteousness). It is not about me. It is about HIM. He does it for me because HE is faithful and HE is righteous.

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning;

for in thee I do trust;

cause me to know the way wherein I should walk;

for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Psalm 143:8

I believe this is the scripture that inspired Mark Carouthers to pen the song, "Lord, Let the Morning Bring You To Me".

My Precious Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, come to me this morning. Hear my cry. Show me YOUR faithfulness. Show me YOUR righteousness. Answer me in Your lovingkindness THIS very morning. Show me the way in which You would have me go. I give my all to You. I trust You and You only. I surely need Your lovingkindness this morning. Amen

Your Beloved

2008-08-14T08:12:00.002-05:00

There is not one of us who has not been attacked verbally by another person. There is not one of us who has not attacked another person verbally. We do it. They do it. It hurts. It hurts to the very core of our being. When you are attacked it depletes you of any joy. A spirit of retaliation rises up and you immediately go into the mode of "I should have said this . . . I wish I would have said this . . . well, who does she think she is, has she forgotten, blah, blah, blah." Well, the point is, when we are attacked, we need to keep our mouths shut. I tend to go into pout mode and that is not a healthy place to be. Where I need to go is to Jesus. This week I have gone to the throne of God and thrown it all on Him. God is dealing with me so much on my mouth and even on my fingers -- emails are still verbal abuse. Emails are silent arrows that hit you right in the heart. They are silent and yet they SCREAM at you because, depending on your mood when you read it, you hear what you feel.

I have made so many mistakes in my life. Some I choose to forget because God delivered me from that life style. Some mistakes have been wonderful life lessons. I have made mistakes that some cannot forgive me for. I have asked forgiveness but I do not feel release. What else can I do? I continue to offend because I have never been forgiven. There is one person in my life that I had to fall on my face and BEG God to help me forgive. This person did not deserve to be forgiven, did not even ask to be forgiven. God SAID I had to forgive and I did. I treasure that forgiveness and I protect that forgiveness. Unforgiveness is ugly and it breeds bitterness. Bitterness will bring you into the loneliest life you can imagine. I do not want to die a bitter old woman.

Attacks will continue to happen. Life happens. Jobs will be lost. Loved ones will die. Financial situations will devastate. Gas prices will change all of us. War will still happen. Friends turn on us. Attack after attack. The enemy roams around not just trying to attack us but to DEVOUR us.

What do we do? We run to our Father. Our Father who told us He would never leave us nor forsake us. I found a treasure today in His Word:

If the Lord had not been on our side

when men attacked us,

then they would have swallowed us alive.

Psalm 124:2-3 (HCSB)

Lord, in the name of Jesus, I ask You today to be with me and be on my side. When I am attacked, protect me. Help me to never be the attacker. Give me wisdom. Change my heart. Give me a teachable spirit. I love You, my precious Lord. I need You. I need to feel Your arms around me. I need to see You in front of me and I need to know You are behind me. I know You are because You have promised me in Your Word You will never leave me and You will never forsake me. I know WHO YOU ARE but I know WHO I AM -- I am Yours -- Your Beloved. Amen.

YOU did!

2008-08-13T18:53:00.007-05:00

Mixed in with my Mexican Heather and my Mexican Hummingbird these two different plants came up. I did not plant them. I do not even know what they are. Somewhere along the way, someone at the nursery must have dropped a seed in with my plants I bought and planted. Maybe a little bird dropped it. All I know is I did not plant it but I am getting to enjoy it.

Hmmmmmmm. It reminds me of a parable Jesus told as He sat by the sea side (Galilee).

" . . . . . Behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprang up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up, and choked them:

But other fell into good ground,

and brought forth fruit,

some a hundredfold,

some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

Who hath ears to hear, let him hear."

Matthew 13:3-9 (KJV)

No matter where we go, no matter what we say, we are dropping little seeds along the way. Sometimes our seeds are just eaten up, sometimes they last for a while, but the thing is, our little seeds do something every time. Keep sowing and the more you sow the more you will learn how to sow. Look for good ground, fertile soil, ground prepared for the seed. It will render a beautiful plant for someone else to enjoy. They did not plant it -- YOU did!

Oh, my precious Lord, please help me today. Give me wisdom to plant the seed You have blessed me with into fertile soil. Let my words be seasoned with grace and with wisdom. Let the seed that I sow render fruit that it may further Your Kingdom. Let my words be few. Let me speak when spoken through. Teach me Your ways, Oh, Lord. Order my steps in Your Word. Give me wisdom to know where to plant and when to plant. Give me wisdom. Oh, my precious Lord, I need wisdom. You know my heart. My name is written in the palm of Your hand. You were there in the secret place when my body was formed. You fashioned me. I was fearfully and wonderfully made. You KNOW me by name and You have called me by name. I love You, my Lord, and I trust You. Bless all those who read this and give them understanding. In Your precious name, Jesus, Amen.

Everyone Gets Thirsty

2008-08-13T08:22:00.012-05:00

Update on the POINTS Pedometer. It actually works. I read the directions.

My friend, Carol, and I walked this morning -- 2.31 miles. During our walk, we solved many issues. Tomorrow we will work on World Peace but today we solved World Hunger. We have decided to eat less and leave more for y'all!

Have a blessed day. I'm off to water my plants and drink coffee with Lexi. Lexi loves for me to water plants because she likes to bite the water.

Give Me Some Attention

2008-08-12T08:27:00.009-05:00

In my distress

I cried unto the Lord

and he heard me.

Psalm 120:1

(KJV)

Most mornings (before 7:00) you will find me in my backyard and on the deck. I have my first sip of coffee, set my cup on grill (safely out of Lexi's reach), turn on the water hose and begin watering my flower beds and pot plants.

This morning as I was watering, I thought to myself: "I know we have a sprinkler system but sometimes my flowers just look like they just want a sip right on top." Our sprinkler system does a fine job of keeping the root system wet but sometimes they just need a little sip on the top.

And so it is with me. I have so much of God's Word in me. It's like a sprinkler system. It keeps my roots wet and healthy. But in these hot days of my life, I just need a little sip on the top. I need to be misted. I need to be given some attention.

Lord, I love you. You are so good and faithful to me. Your love and Your faithfulness will endure forever. I thank You that I have committed Your Word to my heart and You have ordered my steps in Your Word. But, today, Lord, I just need a sip. Mist me. Touch me. Give me some attention. Amen

My Did It

2008-08-11T21:49:00.006-05:00

When my oldest grandson, Kyle, was about two, he had this cute little thing he would do when he did something he was very proud of. He would get this big grin and say, "My did it". Kyle is now 13 and he says funny stuff still. That's what I love about him. He makes me laugh. He is 13, goofy and he is ok with his goofiness. I wish I had a picture of Kyle. He has gotten so tall and his looks have changed so much.

In a previous blog I posted a picture of my curio cabinet that James bought for me to replace the piano I gave to Josiah. Josiah says he is going to take lessons. Josiah is 5 and he still says things that make me laugh too. For one, the way he says PEE AY NO. When Mandi read the blog she commented that the wall needed to be painted.

James is out of town. I do not do well with idle hands so . . . .

MY DID IT

Electronics -- Hate 'em

2008-08-11T07:01:00.006-05:00

Have I mentioned I love to laugh? Most of my laughing is at myself. I bought this cool little device from WeightWatchers called a POINTS Pedometer. I am to wear it when I walk. I can either record my steps or I can just set it on Distance. Distance is what I'm going for. My goal was to walk two miles this morning. When I got back to the house (after walking with James for 30+ minutes) I looked down at my new little device just knowing I would see 17 miles on it. It said "0000". Yet another thing I cannot set. I hate electronic stuff. When the electricity goes off, it takes me hours to reset all the clocks, i.e., microwave, alarm, etc. I hate electronics. Why can't they make this stuff easy? How can something so small be so difficult?

OK, gotta go. I'm going to read the directions on this stupid thing and see if that will help.

Good thing is: I did, in fact, walk 30+ minutes at a moderate clip so I gain 2 extra points for the week.

Have a blessed day.

Something to Replace Pee A No

2008-08-10T17:33:00.003-05:00

Josiah got the piano. He says "Pee-A-NO". I needed something to go in its place. James must have thought so too because this is what he bought me.

Prized Possessions

2008-08-05T21:16:00.005-05:00

One of the most influential women in my life was my MamMaw Ritter. I've written about her many times. There is not a room in my home that does not include something from MamMaw. When MamMaw died it was just too hard for me to get rid of her stuff. I thought about selling it in a garage sale but I knew how offended I would be should someone offer a nickel for something I felt was a treasure. I kept everything I could possibly keep.

I believe that every bit of my creativity comes from the Ritter gene. My MamMaw was so creative. She was a seamstress to envy and a cook comparable to none. Another gene I inherited from her is my flare for style. She had an amazing flare for style and she is the one who created the shoe monster in all the women in my family. Maybe not just women. My son, Joshua, has as many shoes as most women. My grandson, Josiah, is not far behind and is only 5. Yes, we love shoes -- thank you very much, MamMaw.

MamMaw also taught me: never wear white shoes before Easter and never after Labor Day; your shoes should always match your hem; purse and shoes must match; black patent is ok yearround; never wear a necklace with a broach; fishnet hose can only be worn with certain outfits and you must never color in the squares with a ball point pen during church no matter how boring the sermon; hats must never be worn straight -- they must be "cocked" to the side"; belts must match shoes; and the list went on.

Funny thing: NONE of these fashion rules apply. It seems to be a new statement to wear shoes that do not match your outfit and we NEVER match our purse to our shoes. If you live in Texas and it is 90 + degrees, you should be able to wear white shoes no matter what month it is. Fishnet hose are worn by people who stand on corners these days. However, in 4th and 5th grade I recall having a pair in every color. When I wear a hat it is usually a ball cap and I wear it backwards.

Lately, I seem to be on a purse kick. I love purses. The bigger the better and the crazier the color is my favorite. I change purses almost daily which drives my friends nuts. It caused my son inlaw, Jeremy, a little grief once. He came into church while I was on the platform practicing for choir. He got a piece of gum out of my purse only to find out half way through church, it was not my purse. It belonged to another lady in choir who saw the whole thing and later gave Jeremy permission to go through her purse any Sunday for gum.

My sister, Lisa, is an amazing floral designer. She has that creativity gene as well. I had a purse of MamMaw's that I just could not part with. When she died I kept it, along with one exactly like it, given to MamMaw by her sister, my Aunt Margie. One of the purses was broken and none of us knows which one was MamMaw's and which one was Aunt Margie. All we know is that one was for spare parts. I took one to Lisa and told her I wanted her to make me a floral arrangement in it. When I got to her house and saw one of her tea sets I felt she needed the other too. This is a picture of one of my most prized possessions. It's MamMaw's purse with Lisa's floral arrangement.

Ain't life good?!?!?

Laughter

2008-08-05T19:26:00.002-05:00

I took some time off from blogging but I am back. I have had some changes since my last writing. I have had some time of reflection. I decided I put way too may guidelines on my writing. I feel like I have to be profound although I'm usually not. The thing that makes me happiest in my life is laughter. Go figure! I love to laugh. Laughing comes from so far in the depth of my soul that it just feels good. True laughter comes from being seasoned.

I began Weight Watchers today. By their guidelines and the guidelines I have set for myself, I need to lose 40 lbs. My action plan is to achieve 10 lbs at a time. I will celebrate at each 10 lb interval. My celebration will not be food related. It will be JEANS! I hate the way I look in jeans and yet I love to wear jeans. So, that is my goal -- to love the way I look and feel in jeans. Along with this, I hope I become healthier, and with health there is always more laughter.

GOD IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS

2008-02-21T09:03:00.003-06:00

I am currently involved in a Women's Bible Study called "Believing God" by Beth Moore. It is so awesome. I am blessed to be surrounded by women who are hungry for the Word of God. Beth instructs us to daily proclaim our "five-statement pledge of faith":

God is Who He says He is.

God can do what He says He can do.

I am who God says I am.

I can do all things through Christ

God's Word is alive and active in me.

All of the above statements are easy enough to say but we have to really believe them. I am going to do a series on my thoughts of the above "Five". I will be careful to share my thoughts while sharing some of Beth's insights. There are many women who read my blogs that are not able to attend Bible Study groups. I hope to share with you the Word of God and my prayer is it will bless you and encourage you.

Hang with me. These will not be long. I just want to take you on my journey with me as I explore the "Five" in my own thoughts and study.

The first one:

God is Who He Says He Is

In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1

I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.
Isaiah 46:9

I want to personalize "God is Who He Says He is" and say God is Who He says He is TO ME. The Word teaches me that I can test Him now and see . . . . . . . and I have many times. He is my Healer. He is the Lifter of my Head. His name is a strong tower that I can run into and be safe. He is the Lover of My Soul. He is my strength. He is my joy. He is my salvation.

One of my most favorite passages of scripture is Psalm 139. Read it for yourself. Here are some of my thoughts on the passage.

He KNOWS me. He knew me in my mother's womb. He knew me before the foundations of the earth. He was there in the secret place when I was conceived. He KNOWS me. He gazed on me with familiar affection while I was in my mother's womb. He fashioned me.

Millions and Billions of dollars have been spent on our space program. NASA is one of the most amazing places to visit and explore -- your tax dollars at work!! Our nation spends Billions of dollars to explore and understand something that God just flung into space. I don't think God put a whole lot of thought and planning into the stars and yet he knows exactly how many there are and we ". . .shine like stars. . . " (Philippians 2:15). Psalm 139 teaches us that HE "fashioned" us. I love this. He took time with ME. He fashioned me. He did not just fling me into existence. He KNEW me already and had plans for me (Jeremiah 29:11).

In our Bible Study, Beth points out this scripture comparitively with Psalm 139:

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.

Philippians 3:21

Oh, how cool is that. He fashioned me in my mother's womb and He will fashion me in Glory.

My prayer today is from Psalm 139:

Lord, I thank You for searching me and knowing me. You know when I rise and when I lay down and You know my thoughts. You encompass me when I am upright and when I am laying down. You know all of my ways. There is not one thing I say that You are not aware of. You have been behind me and You go before me. You have laid Your hand on me. My knowledge of You is wonderful and too high for me to comprehend -- my mind cannot fathom. No matter where I am I have Your divine presence with me. Your hand leads me and Your hand holds me. If darkness covers me, You bring light. Light and dark are but the same to You. You covered me in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are marvellous. My soul knows this well. Nothing was hid from You when I was made. You fashioned me. Your thoughts toward me are precious and there are many of them. Your thoughts of me are more than the grains of sand. When I awake You are with me. You protect me from my enemy. I am saddened by those who speak against You -- they are my enemies. Oh, my precious Lord, search me and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. If there is any sin in me, forgive it and lead me in Your everlasting way.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

PREPARE THE ROOM

2008-02-11T12:14:00.001-06:00

Over the holidays, my sister, Lisa, called me and told me they were going to be coming through town. I got so excited. My sister lives in Tennessee and I don't get to see her very often. I am so blessed that my sister married a man that I absolutely adore. Daniel is like a big brother to me. I have known him since I was about 10 or 11. I always looked up to him and not just because he towers over me by almost a foot. He is a big guy but his heart is bigger than his body. He loves me as much as I love him. I can say this with confidence.

Our guest room had to be prepared for their visit. It is one of those rooms that we just dust when we know there is going to be a guest. As I prepared the room I thought only of Lisa and Daniel. I dreamed and anticipated their visit and all of our talks and all of the laughter. I carefully changed the linens, dusted (even UNDER the bed and behind the dresser and night stands). I made sure the curtains were flowing correctly and the blinds were in place. I fluffed pillows and freshened with Febreeze. I made sure it was a room worthy of their presence. I even lovingly placed candy under each of their pillows.

As a I prepared their room, I believe the Holy Spirit spoke to me so clearly.

Prepare the room for me.

Tears immediately welled in my eyes and I prayed this prayer.

Oh, my precious Lord, I am so sorry that I have not prepared room for You. My life gets so busy and I get so side tracked. I WILL prepare the room for You. You WILL be my first priority.

You see, just as I carefully prepared the room for Lisa and Daniel, God reminded me that room has more than one meaning. It's not just a "place" it is "time". God wants me to spend quality time with Him. God wants me to carefully and thoughtfully prepare.

God, forgive me for ill prepared sacrifices of praise. You want my best. You want my first. My praise must be a sweet aroma to your nostrils.

I encourage you today to "Prepare the room" for the Lord. He has prepared a mansion for you.

". . . in my house are many mansions . . . "

Friends

2008-02-11T10:07:00.000-06:00

Yesterday James and I spent some time reflecting over our lives. We do this a lot. It keeps it real. We say this often but we both said it yesterday with lumps in our throats: We are so blessed with friends.

This is such a pivotal place in both our lives. We both have big birthdays coming up and James is retiring from a career of 35 plus years. We are so happy and fulfilled. We are surrounded by friends that are loyal. We have friends that would drop everything to come to our rescue. It has been said that friends are something you have a lot of until you need one. That is not true for us. So many times we carelessly throw out the word "friend" when we should say "acquaintance". We do have acquaintances, however, James and I are blessed with "FRIENDS". I have found that it does not take years for someone to become your friend. I believe you know the moment you get acquainted whether you are going to remain acquaintances or if you are going to be friends.

God has blessed me with girlfriends. I know James is happy about this. It lets him off the hook for so many things. James truly is my BEST friend but James does not like to shop for shoes and jewelry. So, I have my girlfriends for that.

I know I am rambling a bit. This morning my heart is full of joy because I feel loved. We have had a wonderful weekend full of activities with our friends. We have laughed, reflected and laughed more.

Thank You, Lord, for the friends you have blessed me with. Your Word teaches us to be friends. Your Word teaches me that YOU are my friend. You talk to me and You listen to me. You care for me and all that concerns me. I love You, Lord; not for what You have done for me but for WHO YOU ARE to me. You are my friend. Amen

Imperfections At Your Feet

2007-12-18T05:00:00.000-06:00

The two ladies I had lunch with Sunday have been reading my blog. I did not know this. Some people read them and some do not. I am never sure who reads them unless they comment or send an email to me. There is a site meter but I have not figured out how to use it. I was held to accountability as we were eating our cheese cake at Johnny Carino's (so you can only imagine what we ate before the cheese cake). Ouch! (Thank you, Darlene.)

I just want you to know, I did my exercise program last week except for Friday (as referenced in "Up and Running". Friday I was very sore and thought I needed to give myself a rest.

This week I begin again and I will get better each week.

I need to be accountable. I need someone holding me to my word. And, because of my previous blog about "New Friends For Lunch" I decided to hold myself accountable by writing words with my right hand and the same words with my left hand. Do you know what I realized? Both are legible. I think my right hand reflects my personality and strengths while my left hand is reflective of my fear of the unknown. If I face my fear, will I perfect that which I see as imperfect in my life? Can my imperfections be perfected?

Psalm 138:8 (KJV) says this:

The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth forever; forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Father, today, take my imperfections and my fears that I may trust only in You. I will not trust my understanding but only Yours. Your Word teaches me to have no fear. Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. You, Oh Lord, are the lifter of my head. I can come boldly to Your throne where I lay my fears and my imperfections at Your feet. Amen

Let My Words Be Few

2007-12-17T08:59:00.000-06:00

Fires can be started by natural causes such as lightning. However, many fires are started by carelessness. While I would never purposely throw a lit match into a forest or leave a candle burning by curtains, I wonder how many fires I have started with my tongue. I have carelessly tossed out words that have more damage in them than any fire. I have done it as easily as I have seen others toss out a lit cigarette while driving down the road. The driver keeps driving, never looking back and soon the forest is consumed in hot flames. No thought -- just did it. I keep going, never looking and soon those words have consumed someone in pain. No thought -- just said it.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
(Proverbs 18:21 NASB)

Sticks and stones will break our bones, but words will break our hearts.
Robert Fulghum

My prayer today:
Lord, make my words gracious and tender. Let me speak when spoken through. May I show compassion and Your love with my speech. Let my words be few. Amen.

New Friends To Enjoy Lunch With

2007-12-17T08:09:00.000-06:00

Do you have a certain place you just have to sit in church? Of course you do. We all do. Our church has two Sunday morning services. James and I prefer the first service and we have a row we prefer. There are rare occasions when we attend the second service and we have yet another seat preference for that service. We had invited some friends and family to go to church with us yesterday and felt the timing of the second service would be best, though none of those invited actually attended.

We make our way into the sanctuary only to find that none of "our seats' are available. We are in the wrong service and our seats are taken. We make our way into the stadium seating on the WRONG side of the church. James looked at me and said, "I think these people worship over here like we do over there." A friend spotted us and said he didn't recognize sitting where we were. We sit for a few minutes and then spot a couple in our Connection Group. They sit down on the left side close to the front. I noticed no one was sitting by them. James and I joined them.

Because we were in a different place we talked to different people. What a thought! Mix it up -- move around -- meet more people! We also went to a different place to eat after church. We decided to try something new again. As we were walking into the restaurant we saw the same couple we had sat with in church. We had lunch with them and another couple in our Connection Group. Hmmmmm! What a coincidence. Maybe/Maybe not. We had a wonderful lunch together. We had such a great time laughing and sharing with each other. I just felt good all day.

We get into such ruts in our lives and miss out on people that are right under our noses. People who can pour into our lives and we miss them because we have to sit in the same spot. I believe God is calling me out of my spot and out of my comfort zone.

Each day we face an opportunity for change and we look it straight on and refuse to accept the challenge because it is different. No one likes change at first. We say our steps are ordered by God and yet we stand firm in tradition and "the way we've always done it". Some changes are simple and some require a lot of prayer. Sometimes changing seats is hard but the change turns out to be a blessing.

Let's just try something over the next couple of weeks. Here's a few suggestions: Drive a different path, sit in a different seat, choose a new store to frequent, talk to people you have never talked to, sing Alto instead of Soprano, try a new radio station, watch a TV show you have never watched, listen to a new Artist, visit an Art Gallery, write with the wrong hand, move your mouse pad to the other side . . . do something different. Get out of your comfort zone. You may find you have some hidden talents and giftings. You may find new friends to enjoy lunch with.