Just Thankful

I have so much to be thankful for, my mom is home from the hospital and doing very well at that.  My family was all together, we were so blessed to be together. 

Sometimes we have to be grateful for the little things, so I am.

For God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Lessons in life!

My mother was recently put in the hospital and while we were there visiting over the weekend I was reminded by one of the other patients that God's time is not our time.

When we were visiting on Saturday, my mom was not having a good day and she wasn't really wanting to visit with us.  While I know she can't help it, it makes me feel bad, guilty even, but I can't change it.  It can make you feel pretty useless.

There was a lady sitting next to her who told me she grew up with mom.  She went on to tell me that while this may seem hard now, God has a plan that we know nothing about.  His timing is not ours and while we can't see why this is happening now, one day we will look back on it and know why this happened.

While I know in my head that God is completely in control, when we are going through something that makes no sence to us it can be hard not to ask "Why me?"

So it really meant a lot to be reminded by someone else who was in the midst of the trial so to speak that even she knows God is in control.

Sometimes it takes being reminded by someone else that everything is OK.

Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.

2 Peter 5:7

Adjusting to Change

Over the summer my mom became ill, but we were very lucky because whatever it was went about as quickly as it came. 


Unfortunately whatever it was has returned and seems much worse this time.  I know the Internet is not always a good thing, but since she has become ill again I have come across some people with the same type of situations.  


No cure mind you, but at least I know that this kind of thing does happen and we are not alone.


The hard part is watching someone who was always such a nurturer and sweet person change before our eyes into something else.  There is hope that since she snapped out of it last time that could happen again.  That is what we are holding onto.  


Hope.


I wonder how people who go through traumatic situations survive without hope.  While I know I should just let the Lord take care of it, and I really have given it to him, it is so hard not to ask why, or what good can come from such a thing.  


Last night I went to visit my mom and she wouldn't hardly look at me, when I spoke to her she would look away and ask us to leave.  There was a lady sitting next to her who had grown up in the same area as my mom and knew her sister.  


As she talked she said, you know, sometimes things happen and we don't understand why God lets them happen, but maybe in a few years we will look back and we can see that he did have a plan, we just have to trust him.


While I knew that in my heart, and I truly believe it, I was glad to hear it come from someone else.


That is hope.


Trusting in the Lord.


It's hard to not be able to just call her and talk to her like we use to, but that's where I have to adjust myself.  Things will not be the same, they will be different.  But they can still be good, I just have to keep trusting the Lord, and hoping.

Encouraging Words

For everything, absolutely everything. . . finds its purpose in him.
Colossians 1:16

For the mountains may depart and the hills disappear, but my kindness shall not leave you.
Isaiah 54:10

If you love me, obey me, and I will ask the Father and he will give you another Comforter, and he will never leave you.
John 14:15,16

Let the peace of heart which comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of his body.  And always be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

Strangers in this place

In bible study we are doing 1 Peter.  One of the phrases that has really hit me this week has been about being strangers in this world.


We talked about how even though we live on the earth we do not want to become like it.


Hmmmmm.   


Our Pastor did a little experiment where he tried to walk on two different leveled steps at the same time.  While he was doing that he says to us, how easy do you think it would be to learn to walk like this?


Of course we all said that it would not be easy at all.  Then he told us to pretend that top step is us trying to walk like Jesus.  The bottom step was our earthly home.  


I don't know about you, but I have a very hard time trying to balance this world and being holy.  But that is what Peter tells us we should be doing.  It is written in the Scriptures:"You must be holy, because I am holy."  1 Peter 1:16


Why do we make it harder than it really needs to be?  Is it because we want to fit in so badly we aren't willing to be different?  Or is it because we have made it acceptable to just be like everyone else?


Hmmmm.


Do we believe the Bible or don't we?

People who do not believe are living all around you and might say that you are doing wrong.  Live such good lives that they will see the good things you do and will give glory to God on the day when Christ comes again.

1 Peter 2:12

How are we living?

OK, so I have been reading Radical, which is an awesome book by the way.  I am learning that I have a long way to go to be the kind of person God intends for me to be.


One of the things it is addressing is things, possessions, stuff.


I know that I have more stuff than I need that is for sure, but I guess I never realized what a difference stuff can make.


The more I become aware of the needs of others around me.  And there are needs, it makes things seem so much less important to me.  


Right now, there is nothing that I need.  Nothing.

I have a house, running water, food, clothes that I never wear.  Stuff that I don't need and I know it.  So what can we do about it?   One lady in the book sold most of her stuff to get out of debt so that she was able to give more. 


What a great idea, get out of our own debt, to be able to help others.  


We are so fortunate to live where we do, we should not forget that their are others who are less fortunate.




So, who's up for a challenge?


Why don't we just clean out our closets and get rid of the stuff we don't need.  


Our church has a free yard sale every year for the community, that's where my stuff will be going?


What will you do?

Still Going!

I have had a busy weekend, but I am still trying to stay on focus with my task of Thanksgiving prayers.  I have to admit there have been some sticky circumstances where I really wanted to talk to God about me, but I didn't do it.


I was thinking this was my opportunity to praise him in the storm.


So, I just kept on Thanking him, it was difficult sometimes, but I did it.  I left the problems with him for him to take care of, and I just praised him.


After all it he does say, In all things, give Thanks.

Staying Focused

When I decided to only pray Thanksgiving prayers, everything was going along pretty good. But of course, in comes the Devil, trying as hard as he can to make me focus on the problem and not the solution.


But I think I did really good, because even though things are not going perfect, I stuck with it.  


I had to change it up a little.  I thanked God for his promises of being a sovereign God, always in control even when it doesn't feel like it to us.


I thanked him for peace that can only come through trusting in him.


I was pretty much able to let God know that even in a difficult situation, he is Lord of all.


Amen.

The Experiment

Today marks day three of my little experiment.  Only praying prayers of Thanksgiving.


This morning I watched the news as they pulled Chilean miner #9 out of the mine.  He hugged his wife and his brother, then he fell to his knees in prayer.


I imagine that was one thankful prayer, what a mighty and awesome God that can deliver you from the depths of the earth.


Today I praised God for his miracles, for his strength, for his awesomeness, and mostly his love and mercy for us.


Amen!

Day Two

Today is the 2nd day of only Prayers of Thanksgiving!


Today I thanked God for kids who study, ears to hear, eyes to see, and legs to take me where I want to go.


Today I was reading another blog that said Thankful prayers shouldn't just be about our thanksgivings but about God's awesomeness.


I totally agree so I am definitely putting that into tomorrows prayers!!!


Peace!

Trying Something New!

This week I heard someone say that if for just one month, we would pray only prayers of Gratitude, we would be amazed at how it changes our attitudes.


So today was day one of my 30 day experiment.  


This morning I thanked God for all the people in my life and for all of my blessings.


Believe it or not, this was not as easy as you might think, while I was thanking him for one thing, it made me think of the help I need with something else going on in my life.


But I didn't give in.


I stuck to it, only Thanking!!!


Today being the first day wasn't too hard, I hope I don't fall to the pressure over the next 29 days!


I will let you know how it goes.

Visions

I think I've mentioned before that our Sunday school class is doing a set of tapes about a book called, Don't put a period where God puts a comma.  (Maybe the author was an English teacher.)  

Last week she talked about something that I found a little bit exciting.  

Envision change.

She talked about how we should try to vision ourselves having or doing the things that we want to do.  Let me see if I can explain it a little better.  The way they did it was to make a list, her personal list was of 10 things that she wanted to see happen.  We're not talking about winning the lottery or anything like that, it was more changes in their lives.

One of the things she had written down was that she wanted to be able to interview other Christians about their faith journey. (At the time she worked for guidepost writing articles for them.)  She said that 5 days after making her list, she was contacted by someone at Guidepost regarding a position doing exactly what she had written down.

Coincidence?  I think not.

I wonder, do you make any type of lists?  I was thinking about it, and I am going to do it.  She did give some guidelines when making your list.  She says we should ask ourselves, will this hurt me, or someone else?  

I wondered at first how biblical this process really is, but the author pointed us to some scripture which does support her thoughts.  Mostly I think she wants us to realize that God does want wonderful things for us, if we are open to him, he will bless us.

So I decided to give it a try.  I am going to make my list today.  I will pray about it everyday, and I can't wait to see what happens.

God does tell us to expect a miracle!

Hungry?

Since I have been reading Radical, by David Platt, I've found myself feeling inadequate.  I definitely feel like we have become "Americanized" as Marla has said, but unfortunately I feel like I am in the minority.


I go to Bible study and I can say that I truly, love, love, love learning about the bible.  I do.  I love learning about the history and traditions of that time.  That is what makes reading it just seem to come to life to me.


But, I also feel like I don't read it enough.  We have our bible study on Wednesday nights.  Not really a huge crowd, but we all keep coming back.  Sometimes I leave there feeling like I should go right home and start reading the next chapter, but when I get home.  I have to clean up the supper dishes, or one of the kids needs me to do something for them, the point is when I get home, reality kicks in.   


I don't really want reality to kick in, is this wrong?  I have said many times that I would make time every day to read my bible.  Some days I do, but others, I don't.  I want to.  But sometimes I let life take over.


I think that is one of the things that the book warns us about.  Stop listening to what the world is saying is acceptable or what makes us a Christian, but we need to get back to the bible, and really see what it is saying.

Choices

Sometimes we are faced with choices that we really don't have any control over.  For example if the Dr. tells you that you need surgery and if you don't have it you will die, then most of us will take the Dr.'s advice and have the surgery.


One of the choices we have afterward is how we will tell the story of our surgery.


Will we praise God or will we be angry with God?


I watched a video by a woman who wrote a book, the name of it is "Don't put a period, where God puts a comma."


In it, she tells the story of how she lost her son at a young age, and how she felt she had a black cloud over her head.  She had decided to start each day by thanking God for something, like a loving husband, or a friend she could depend on.


Once she started doing that she immediately began to feel her cloud lift, and she was able to start living her life again, without the grief weighing her down.


There is something to be said for starting off your day on a positive note, it begins to show itself in other things you do throughout the day.


When we fill ourselves with good thoughts, those thoughts can change the way we view our day, and our lives.


Of course we will have problems that arise when we aren't prepared, that's why they are problems but if we remember this could be an opportunity to praise God, then we might learn something in the midst of it.

You have not because you ask not

Last Sunday, our church service was one of the most touching, sweet, emotional services that I can remember.


Our Pastor had told us that he was thinking of doing things differently, and it would be an anointing/hands on kind of service.


It was amazing!!!


He started out by reading scriptures, like the story of the lady who touched his garment in the crowds and was instantly healed!  What a miracle!  She knew that if she could just touch him, she would be healed.


Is that faith or what?


There was another story of a father asking Jesus to heal his son, because the disciples tried and they could not heal him.  (He was possessed.)  Jesus says to his disciples, You have no faith, how long must I stay with you?  He then told the boys father that all things are possible for the one who believes.  Then he cast the evil spirit from the boy.


Key:  All things are possible for the one who believes.


Amazing!  




It was awesome, then we had an alter call and you were able to go and pray on behalf of yourself, or someone else.  Actually we were given a blank piece of paper to write down what we wanted to pray for.  


It was so moving, I knew that God was in that place.


Isn't it great to know that miracles still happen, all we have to do is believe!

Jesus said, "Go, you are healed because you believed."  At once the man could see and he followed Jesus on the road.

Mark 10:52

Changing Times

The other day I read something that said that antidepressants are the most prescribed drugs in the United States.  


What has happened to our society, our world really, that this is where we turn when things aren't going exactly the way we want.


With that being said, I want to say I don't think there is anything wrong with taking medication when it is needed.  I am not in any way bashing antidepressants.  


My point is that we are turning to man for answers to our problems when I think maybe we should be seeking the help of God.  


When we were growing up it was completely normal to be a part of church, to be in a youth group, to talk about God.


Now, if you attend church, most of the time, you are the minority.


Why is that?  


Where are our values?


Morals?


Things that are on TV now, would have been rated R, or worse, when I was growing up.  Evening shows, when most kids are watching TV have no morals to them.  Don't get me wrong, I am just as guilty of watching those shows as anyone.  But I also know they are not helping me get any closer to God.


Where I use to get in trouble for talking on the phone too long with my friends.  My kids are texting, or on Facebook.  There is not as much interaction with people.  It's acceptable that we live in neighborhoods and don't know our neighbors.  We seem to be growing away from each other instead of closer.  At this rate we should ask ourselves where we will be 10 years from now?  Is this the road we want to take?


Is this the direction the Lord intended for us to take?


I doubt it.


Today, I am thankful for my church.  While it isn't the biggest church by any means, it's actually quite small in comparison, I know almost everyone who goes there.  


We talk to each other about what is going on in our lives.  We pray for each other, a lot!!!  


We truly love each other.


That is a great gift.  That gives me strength when I am having a bad day, or when I am feeling sorry for myself for any of the many reasons that I usually feel sorry for myself.  We need to remember to turn to the one who said he would never leave us.

Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest.  Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I an gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives.

Matthew 11:28,29

Sunday Scripture

Jesus said to the woman, "Because you believed, you are saved from

your sins.  Go in peace."

Luke 7:50

Key to Happiness

"This is the secret to living a life of happiness.  As long as we have the assurance that Jesus Christ is in control, no trial is so great, no tempest so overwhelming, no crisis so crushing that He will not supply what is needed to weather the storm."

Quoted from Storm Warning by Billy Graham

Sacrifices

Do we really know what it is to truly sacrifice ourselves in honor of the Lord?


There are some Christians in other parts of the world who make true sacrifices every day, I don't think that we in the USA have any idea of what those sacrifices really are.   An example is Asia/China.  Christians are not accepted, and can be persecuted for their beliefs.


Yet, people still go and try to share the Gospel with them, because that's what we are suppose to do.  I don't think I ever really realized what these people give up, have you?  Think about it, they leave their families, friends, go somewhere completely foreign to them to spread the good news.
That is a sacrifice.                                                                          


Missionaries are definitely special people, I don't think that is something that I am cut out for, but I thank God there are people who will do it.  It's not for everyone I'm sure, but what they are doing is exactly what Jesus told us to do.  


We are all called to take up our cross and follow him.  


Are you ready to sacrifice for Jesus?

New Beginnings

We are at a time of new beginnings.


Kids are starting school.  


Summer is ending. 


Fall sports are beginning.  


I love new beginnings.
It's a time when we can start over, begin fresh and new.


I recently joined a group reading Radical, by David Platt.


I can't wait to get started, it should be an inspirational read and should really get people thinking about their faith.


If you go here.  It will explain everything.


Maybe you'd like to join in.


Don't be afraid of what God can do for you if you let him.  

Being Positive

Yesterday, I was thinking that I was doing a little too much complaining and wondering about why some things happen.  And what I am supposed to be doing is giving praise and thanks.


Sometimes, I need a little reminding about what's right, ever happen to you?
It happens to me.


Anyway, today I want to Thank God for my job, my family, (even when I feel like I can't take anymore of them, they are truly a blessing).


I am thankful that I was given the wonderful gift of joy.  So many times that has gotten me through some very difficult situations.


I can honestly say that I do love my life.  It is so far from perfect, but I am truly blessed.


What are you thankful for?

What if?

I've been thinking a lot about our Bible school situation, and I'm just wondering if maybe we should try something a little different.


I was thinking what if we, the church, just decided to do something for the community, expecting nothing.  Not expecting anyone to come back, not expecting to gain anything from it, maybe just do it because that is what the church is suppose to be doing.


I know from personal experience (family members) who say they  don't go to church because church people are hypocrites. 
Some people say they don't have the time.
They don't feel welcome.
They can be a Christian without going to church.
Church isn't convenient for them.

The list goes on.

Is that why people don't come to church, or is it because the church isn't reaching out to them?

What do you think?

Taking a break

This month our Bible study class has decided to take a break.  


I can't lie.


I miss it.


It's only been two weeks and I miss it.


I still have 2 weeks to go, what will I do?


I guess I'll have to read all by myself.

Why do bad things happen to good people?

This is an age old question that I feel sure you have asked yourself 1000 times, at least I have.  And unfortunately, I still don't know the answer.


Why does it seem like some people are handed everything, and others who may struggle or may be trying as hard as we can to live for Christ, well they seem to get knocked down more than they get helped up. 


Could it be that we are looking at it in the wrong way?  Maybe we should be asking ourselves through all those hardships what we can learn from it?  


Maybe we should just reach out to God and hold on.  Maybe that's all he wants, and all he ever wanted.


Sometimes I think we definitely try to make things more complicated than they should be, and sometimes we just feel sorry for ourselves.  


This morning I was frustrated about something that I didn't need to be, something that was really trivial.  But because of the person who did it, I let it get to me and I shouldn't have.


Now what can I learn from that?  


Let's see.
1.  I can't control other people, only myself.  Sometimes, I'm not very good at that.
2.  God is in control, always has been, always will be.
3.  Be a servant to others and quit worrying about what other people do.


There are probably a lot more lessons I could get out of that, but those seemed the most obvious to me.  

We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him.  They are the people he called because that was his plan.

Romans 8:28  New Century Version

Where are the kids?

This past week was Bible school at our church.  Unfortunately, our turn out was not very good.  Mind you we are a small church, but we are in a community that seems to be thriving and yet our turn out was just plain terrible.


Our theme was Sea Quest, Diving for God's treasure.  It was actually pretty good, I enjoyed it.  This year we tried to do things a little different in hopes of getting more people to come.  


We served supper before Bible school began.


We had a class for adults, in hopes that people dropping off their kids might join in.


We had good crafts and lots of fun games outside, and let's face it, those two are normally the kids favorite things about Bible school anyway.  We even had a pool party for all the kids and their families and anyone else who wanted to come.


I was a leader which means I just guide the kids around from activity to activity.  I had three kids.


Three.


Of course, I know my kids were the best out of the whole group but I couldn't help wondering, what are we doing wrong?


What are we doing wrong?  Is this the direction that young families are heading?  Does anyone even go to church anymore?


I know that no one will answer this but I wonder how we can get people back to church?


I just don't understand it.

What gets you through it?

When bad things happen to you, what helps you get through?


Is it your church family?     Your faith?    Help from family and friends?  What makes things easier to deal with?  


For me it is definitely my church and my faith, and especially my friends.  We have had a trying week with my mother being sick, and it can definitely take a toll on your mental health if you don't have some kind of outlet it is very easy to feel sorry for yourself, and also feel like you are the only one who is going through anything like this.


But you are not alone.  Even if there are no other people around who you think can help you. 


You always have the Lord.  I don't know about you, but I pray A LOT!!!  Especially when I feel alone.  It is amazing to me that God loves me so much that he cares about the piddly stuff that I am going through, when there are people going through way worse things than I am.  


I don't know about you but that makes me feel pretty special.  That even little old, lowly me, has God's ear and he really listens to what I have to say.  


Knowing that helps me get through almost any difficult situation.  Even the dentist!!

"I say this because I know what I am planning for you," says the Lord.  "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you.  I will give you hope and a good future.  Then you will call my name.  You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will search for me.  And when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me!"

Jeremiah 29:11-13

Answers

We may not always get the answers we want when we pray, but we do get an answer.  Whether we are satisfied with the answer we get is irrelevant.  We do get an answer that is what we need to keep in mind. 

God always hears our prayers.  We just have to be patient.  (That is what is so hard for us.)

Keep praying!!!

Prayer for today

Today I want to pray for strength to get through difficult situations.  Peace to calm me, compassion to see the needs in others and respond.  


Please pray for Bobby's family, he passed away yesterday.  Pray that they feel God's love surrounding them during this difficult time.


Please pray for Ruby who isn't feeling well.  Pray for kids who are going on to bigger things with school being over for them.  Pray they will make good choices, and seek God's wisdom first.


Pray for all the lonely people who just want someone to talk to, and if you know of someone who might need reaching out to, that you would take the initiative and reach out.

His Grace is sufficient

Sunday was homecoming at our church and we had a wonderful guest speaker who at one time was a Pastor at our church.

His focus for the sermon was on God's Grace.

While his wife suffers from breast cancer and is currently hospitalized, he still came to us telling us all about God's grace and the hope and peace God has to offer us.

Sometimes, when you are sitting at church, you just know that you were meant to hear what the Pastor had to say and this was one of those times.

There are days when we tend to feel sorry for ourselves because of all the "stuff" that goes on in our everyday lives.  Stuff like kids fighting, parents getting older, family dysfunction.  What?  You don't have any of that?  Well, I'm not saying I do either, but sometimes it can be overwhelming.

But today, I was thinking about all the stuff in my life that isn't perfect, and after I named every situation off as I prayed about it, I thanked God that I had all that stuff.  I have a family that I love, my mom is still here, and I am still able to help her.  While I am busy with kids and graduation, and grocery shopping, and ball practice, and everything else that goes on.  He was right, his grace is sufficient.

What is the cost?

Last night at Bible study we were discussing "Taking up our cross and following Jesus."   

Meanwhile, our class is doing a bible study on Crazy Love and we came to the chapter that talks about truly giving up things of this world and doing the work of God.  And as books sometimes do, they make us feel inadequate.  

Many of us felt that based on what some people do, we could never measure up to that so we must not be doing enough.  

Now, I know that I will never compare to some of the Saints of the world, but I would like to think that what little bit that I do try to do will be just as important, but maybe on a different level.

Something the preacher said that really made it all make since to me was this.
Grace is free, but the cost is everything.

We must be willing to give up anything that we put higher than God, and let him come first in our lives.

And what I have a passion for, may not be what you have a passion for, but that's OK, as long as we all have a passion.

So we shouldn't feel like we will never be good enough, or we can never do enough because without God's grace, we can't.  But Thanks to him, we only need do what we can.

Sometimes, I forget

Sometimes, I forget.  I forget to Thank someone for something they did, or I get busy and think I can do it later.  But later doesn't come.

A lot of times I forget to Thank God for all that I have.  When I have a problem it seems like that is all I can focus on.  My problem and how I can fix it, when I know in my heart, I can't fix anything.  Only God can, and with that I remember to give Thanks.

I am thankful for my family, my faith, my friends, my church.  I am truly blessed, but sometimes I forget.

Today I made it a point to Thank God for all my blessings.

Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

II Timothy 1:2

Listening/rambling

What does it mean to be lukewarm?

Are we trying to just do enough to get by?  Or, do we really want to make a difference?

How much is enough?  

How much is too much, I mean when do you say no?  

I don't think anyone who truly loves the Lord wants to say no to something we feel he wants us to do, but how do we know?

I know that I don't do enough, I mean, I do what I can, but there are still times when I just know I could be doing more.  


I wish that God still spoke to us in an audible voice like he did to Moses and Noah.  Sometimes, when something is bothering me and I have been praying about it, I can't stop talking long enough to listen to what God might be trying to say.


I know you probably don't have that problem, but I do.  When I start to pray, I have a hard time just listening.


I want to be better, so I know to get better I have to practice.  Maybe practice isn't the word I am looking for, ummm, maybe I have to just be still and listen.


Sounds too simple doesn't it.


How do you listen to God?

Pray for flooding victims

If it weren't for the internet, I don't think I would realize how bad the flooding really is in Tennessee.  I hope you will pray for the people who have lost their homes and their jobs.  

If you are able, give to the Red Cross, if not Pray.

God Lives Under the Bed

 I received this in an email today, and I thought it was worth sharing.
Thanks Rhonda.


GOD LIVES UNDER THE BED

 I envy Kevin. My brother, Kevin, thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night.


 He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, 'Are you there, God?' he said. 'Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed...'


 I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor.  I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.


 He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult.


 He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.

 I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life?

 Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed.


 The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child.


 He does not seem dissatisfied.

 He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work.

 He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.


 And Saturdays - oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. 'That one's goin' to Chi-car-go! ' Kevin shouts as he claps his hands.


 His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.


 And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.


 He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.


 His life is simple.


 He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.


 His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.

 He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.

 He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.


 He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.

 Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.

 Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child.. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated' person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.

 In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith.

 It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions.

 It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.


 Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.

 And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.

 Kevin won't be surprised at all!

 When you receive this, say a prayer. That's all you have to do. There is nothing attached. This is powerful.

 

Sunday Scripture

Lord, you do what is right,

and your laws are fair.

The rules you commanded are right,

and completely trustworthy.

Psalm 119: 137, 138

Finding Joy

I would like to ask for prayer for a friend who will be undergoing some tests this week for an issue that won't seem to resolve itself.  

I was wondering, what brings you joy?  I have the amazing ability to find joy in anything.  Sometimes my timing isn't always very timely.  I have a bit of a reputation as a giggler.  I actually had someone tell me once not to laugh so loud, HE was embarrassed, this was a long time ago, and the relationship ended shortly thereafter.  


But the point I was actually getting at was that deep down, I guess I am pretty simple.  I like to see kids playing.  I love to be outside, I am amazed at God's creation.  I love being with my family.  I love hanging out with friends.  In other words, I am easily entertained.  


I am so blessed!  I thank God everyday for all he has given me.  Especially the people in my life, those are the real blessings.


So, where do you find joy?

Daily Bread

When I was reading my favorite book that I told you about, one of the things it discusses is how we live.  


Do you live beyond your means?  I suppose that would depend on how we define our means, I mean we have to have shelter.  If you work you need transportation to get you to and from work.  Of course we have to eat and have clothes.  But how much is too much?


When I first got married we lived in a small house, and I am not exaggerating AT ALL, it was a 1 bedroom, 1 bath home.  We could talk to each other from any where in the house.  While it was small,  for the 2 of us it was fine.  We definitely couldn't do much entertaining, but we did cook out on occasion.  We had to do it when it was warm so we could sit outside but we did it.


After our first child came along we had to add on a bedroom, and things just started to get a little too crowded.  So we decided to start looking for something bigger.  


We looked at some houses but then we decided to build.  Found a good contractor and got started and got pregnant so, it really timed itself out perfectly.  


I remember when we moved into our new house thinking how nice it would be when I get mad at my husband I would have a room to go to, I know that sounds weird, but I hadn't had a get away before so I really was looking forward to my own space.


Now, our house is not big by any means, just a 3 bedroom 2 bath home.  So I don't think we went overboard or anything, but sometimes I feel like we don't need it.   I am at a time in my life where new isn't necessary I guess.  I like taking something old and reusing it.  I think sometimes we put too much stock in things, and money.  


God will provide for us, he always does.  We have good jobs which I am very thankful for because I know a lot of people who are out of work.  I have decent transportation, and clothes on my back.  I'm doing OK.  

Maybe we just need to simplify things, like the Beatles, and the disciples and live on Love!

Reasons we Pray

Every day when my daughter leaves to go to school she says, Pray for me!

Sometimes she even texts me during the day with the same message, Pray for me!


It all started when she started a new school and she was playing ball (which she loves) but she didn't really know any of the people at school so she was nervous.  That led to me saying just Pray about it, which led to Pray for me!


Even though ball is over, for now, we still go through the same ritual.


Pray for me.


So I do, I pray that she has a good day, and continues to make new friends.  I want her to like school, I loved school, it was all about social time for me,  but school isn't what it used to be I guess.


When my son was young he cried every day when I took him to school.  Up until probably 5th grade.  He wasn't bullied or anything, he had friends but he just didn't want me to leave him at school.  He told me once he was afraid I wouldn't come back to pick him up.


So, I prayed for him a lot too.  Having kids is hard!  They really keep you busy, praying and running to school when you forget them.  Just kidding!
Now he's almost out of school and I think I pray more now.  



Mostly I pray that they will know Jesus and trust him always.  If they do that then everything else will take care of itself.