It has been months since I blogged. I am not really sure what caused me to derail. I went and had a wonderful visit with my Aunt Twila back in March and didn't blog while I was there. It seemed from then on I stopped. I got out of my routine.
So, today I will begin again. Today was a very big day. Jeff and I celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary. It seems like yesterday that we walked down the isle and began our life together. We now have three incredible children together and we love each other more now than ever before. Today was also Father's Day. Jeff is the best Father in the world. I am so thankful for my Daddy. He was a Godly man and I am thankful for his love and Godly direction in my life. He made sure I was in good hands before he left to go to Heaven.
Today we began at Church with Pastor John Meyer at Fellowship Bible Church of Venice. We went to Church as a family, which was so nice. They honored the graduates today and I was one of them. It was such an honor. We celebrated Fathers today and our 11th anniversary as a Church. The Church first service was actually on June 16th. They had a cake after the service. After Church we went to lunch at Sonny's BBQ with some dear friends Matt, Laurie and Nathan Phillips. Jeff, David and Daniel went to the movies and Jannine and I ran home to finish things up for Father's Day. The boys came home after a fun time at the movies and Jeff openned his Father's Day gifts. We had a great time.
Our family has been going through a lot especially over the last few days. David has been dating this young lady Lauren for over four years. They started dating March 20th when they were only 16 and still in high school. She was part of our family. I really thought they would always be together. Tuesday night David was over there, (as he always is) and came home so he could go to bed. That night just a short time after he left the house, she sent a text and broke up with him. He has been crushed. As a Mom, it breaks my heart to see him struggle with this overwhelming grief. I have been crying with him, praying with him, loving him and just trying to get him through this most difficult time. His Dad has been talking to him and helping him. Daniel and Jannine have been giving him extra time and love as well. As tought as it has been, it has really brought our family even closer together. David said he really got a lot out of the message today at Church. I was really glad that he did.
Tonight David went to the Tampa airport with his buddy Derrek. It really did him good to get out and be with friends again. He is going to be working on his relationships with friends, his work and getting focussed back on school and his dreams. Tonight David told me that he informed Lauren that he is done. He gives up! He told her that she can go her own way and he will do the same. He wasn't crying ... he wasn't upset ... he was strong and certain. I started crying I think from such relief. I didn't know how we would ever get through this.
Friday night I got a letter from a distance cousin and found out that her son (the same age as Daniel) died in a car accident. All I could think of was loosing my boy. He was so upset I didn't know what he would do. It crushed me not to be able to make things all better for him. I can't imagine loosing a child to death. My heart aches for my cousin. There is nothing that can be done to bring him back.
On top of everything else we received a letter Thursday informing us that the house we are currently living in is going up for auction July 8th. We knew it was coming eventually but was praying we had more time. I haven't told the kids because I don't want them to worry. I am beginning to pack things and organize things. Our family has been uncertain about our living arrangements for almost three years now. God has provided and I know He will continue to do so. I really don't want to move again but I know that God will take us to the next place we are to go. It is scary ... it is uncertain ... but God has us cared for that I am sure of.
As we are going through things I have been reminded of a wonderful verse, Jeremiah 29:11. It says, "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Thank you Lord for your promises. Thank you that you never change! I love you Lord. Praise Your holy name.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
April 12, 2013
Today it is a beautiful Friday! The sun is out, however it is supposed to rain later today and my back feels it. Last night a dear friend came over and mowed our lawn. Our home looks so pretty on the outside. And I am working as much as I can to make the inside look just as nice. There is just something wonderful about having a clean and organized home inside and out. The same goes for us a people. Do you just look good on the outside? Are you all messed up on the inside? Have you ever gone to Church, heart broken into a million pieces and you are ready to just throw in the towel? But the first greeter at the door asks, "How are you today?" You then LIE, smile and say fantastic! Why do we hide what is really going on? Especially at Church? That should be the place you can share your heart and try and heal. Why is it when we are going through something in our lives we cry out to God. But as soon as the situation is over and we think we survived it, we take back over and tell God, "I got this!" But on the outside we try and ALWAYS appear like everything is just fine. We don't share our hearts. And others watching us wonder how it is that everything is always fine and beautiful. Little do they know inside our house looks like a tornado just went through.
In my reading I was learning about the Parable of the Lost Son. The son who had spent all the Father's money and lived wild and crazy. When the son came back the Father had a celebration. The son who had been loyal was angry because he had stayed and served and obeyed and his Father had never had a celebration like that for him. The father explained that the loyal son is always with him and everything the father has belongs to him because of his obedience and loyalty. He then explained he had to celebrate the son who had been lost, thought to be dead and is now alive and found. We get lost in seeing the people in this world being awarded. It appears that God loves them more, why aren't we being blessed like that? Maybe we should live like them ... their life seems better than ours. But in reality they are being blessed her and now. All that God has for US we will get in Heaven. I don't know about you, but those rewards sound a lot better than the one's we get here on earth.
Psalm 81 A call to obedience. In Psalm 81 God is just asking us to obey Him. If we rely on our own strength then God will just take His hands off and give us over to our stubborn hearts to follow our own plans. However, God is saddened because He wants us to listen to HIM, follow HIS direction and then HE would quickly subdue our enemires and turn HIS hand against all our foes.
Proverbs 13:1 A wise son resonds to his father's discipline, but a mocker doesn't listen to rebuke. I love this verse. If we are WISE, we will listen to our Father when he disciplines us and change our ways. We will have a humble spirit and a tender heart listening to God's call for our lives and direction for our walk.
Galatians 2:20 says, I have been cruicified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live int he flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
In order to have our inside house to be clean and organized we must remember that we are cruicified with Christ. It is not all about US anymore but all about HIM. Does He live in your house? Are you following and obeying Him? Or are you looking at people around you wondering why God isn't blessing you? Remember you are only looking at the outside of people's houses. You do not know what is really going on in the inside. But, don't worry about everyone else. Just focus on how you can follow God and be used of Him.
Today let God work through you so that you can be a blessing in someone's life today. And be open to the blessings God has for you today as well! Happy Friday. God bless you!
In my reading I was learning about the Parable of the Lost Son. The son who had spent all the Father's money and lived wild and crazy. When the son came back the Father had a celebration. The son who had been loyal was angry because he had stayed and served and obeyed and his Father had never had a celebration like that for him. The father explained that the loyal son is always with him and everything the father has belongs to him because of his obedience and loyalty. He then explained he had to celebrate the son who had been lost, thought to be dead and is now alive and found. We get lost in seeing the people in this world being awarded. It appears that God loves them more, why aren't we being blessed like that? Maybe we should live like them ... their life seems better than ours. But in reality they are being blessed her and now. All that God has for US we will get in Heaven. I don't know about you, but those rewards sound a lot better than the one's we get here on earth.
Psalm 81 A call to obedience. In Psalm 81 God is just asking us to obey Him. If we rely on our own strength then God will just take His hands off and give us over to our stubborn hearts to follow our own plans. However, God is saddened because He wants us to listen to HIM, follow HIS direction and then HE would quickly subdue our enemires and turn HIS hand against all our foes.
Proverbs 13:1 A wise son resonds to his father's discipline, but a mocker doesn't listen to rebuke. I love this verse. If we are WISE, we will listen to our Father when he disciplines us and change our ways. We will have a humble spirit and a tender heart listening to God's call for our lives and direction for our walk.
Galatians 2:20 says, I have been cruicified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live int he flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
In order to have our inside house to be clean and organized we must remember that we are cruicified with Christ. It is not all about US anymore but all about HIM. Does He live in your house? Are you following and obeying Him? Or are you looking at people around you wondering why God isn't blessing you? Remember you are only looking at the outside of people's houses. You do not know what is really going on in the inside. But, don't worry about everyone else. Just focus on how you can follow God and be used of Him.
Today let God work through you so that you can be a blessing in someone's life today. And be open to the blessings God has for you today as well! Happy Friday. God bless you!
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
April 10, 2013
I have really gotten out of my routine over the last few weeks. I hate it when I do that.
I am now in Joshua with my Daily Audio Bible reading. God tells Joshua not to worry or be afraid. He is told to DO as he is told and GOD will protect and provide all that is needed. Why is it we question everything God tells us even when we have seen first hand so many things God has done in the past? I wish I could learn not to question and just to trust. What does it take for me to know. I have seen His miracles first hand over and over in my life. Yet I still question what He is doing.
Life gets so very busy. I have three children. David is 20, Daniel is 17 and Jannine is 10. You would think that because they are older it wouldn't be so difficult. However, I am finding now that they are older it is more difficult. David has a job in Venice and a precious girl friend. However, I worry about him when he is traveling around, especially coming home from work late at night. Daniel has school at the high school, a technical school, online school and a job. I worry about him driving around. I am concerned that he get all his school work done. I try and keep up with where he is and what he is doing. Then there is Jannine. She is still little and I have her at home, but she too is getting busier all the time. They are no longer safe and secure in their rooms during the day and night. Many days I am left here with three dogs and no children like today. I don't feel ready to be home alone. I feel like there should be little children running around again. However, with my back as bad as it is, I know I couldn't do it. I try and keep busy with school and various projects just to keep my mind busy.
When things are too quiet I begin thinking about bills that I cannot pay. I worry about meals that I need to prepare. I worry that logisticly everyone is where they need to be with a vehicle or arrangment to make it back home. I know I shouldn't worry as I mentioned earlier. But I am human and I do!
Currently we are waiting for our IRS refund. I am waiting for my disability. We are waiting for a solution about our home that we owned. We are waiting to hear what is going to happen in the home we are living in. So much waiting ... so many worries ... so much out of my complete control. Our refund has been delayed because of an incorrect entry of an IRS worker. I have called almost daily to no avail. They just don't care. We did our taxes back in February and I was supposed to receive the money within 21 days. It's been over eight weeks now ... I still have no idea when or if we will get the refund. I was counting on that money to pay some bills and get caught up. UGH!
So, since I have no control I just must wait and pray. God knows exactly what is going to happen... I don't! So I try not to worry. I try to just pray and give it to God. Through all the financial worries we continue to tithe because we are instructed to do so. I felt very convicted about this issue in January. I have fallen regarding my Bible study and time and blogging. But the tithing has not stopped or been missed.
Proberbs 12: 26 says A righteous man is careful in dealing with his neighbor. But the ways of the wicked lead him astray. In spite of all the worry and stress. I have to be careful how I deal with things. I can't get angry. I can't get depressed and roll into a ball and hide. I just have to give it ALL to GOD and trust. Proverbs 3: 5 & 6 says Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart. Lean not unto your own understand. In ALL your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your paths.
Remember to stop and enjoy the blessings. Don't miss anything that God has for you today and everyday. And remember to be tender to being USED of God today. Maybe someone just needs a smile or a hug from you. A kind word uttered from you might change someone's world. Be the light in a very dark world.
God bless and have a great day! <3
I am now in Joshua with my Daily Audio Bible reading. God tells Joshua not to worry or be afraid. He is told to DO as he is told and GOD will protect and provide all that is needed. Why is it we question everything God tells us even when we have seen first hand so many things God has done in the past? I wish I could learn not to question and just to trust. What does it take for me to know. I have seen His miracles first hand over and over in my life. Yet I still question what He is doing.
Life gets so very busy. I have three children. David is 20, Daniel is 17 and Jannine is 10. You would think that because they are older it wouldn't be so difficult. However, I am finding now that they are older it is more difficult. David has a job in Venice and a precious girl friend. However, I worry about him when he is traveling around, especially coming home from work late at night. Daniel has school at the high school, a technical school, online school and a job. I worry about him driving around. I am concerned that he get all his school work done. I try and keep up with where he is and what he is doing. Then there is Jannine. She is still little and I have her at home, but she too is getting busier all the time. They are no longer safe and secure in their rooms during the day and night. Many days I am left here with three dogs and no children like today. I don't feel ready to be home alone. I feel like there should be little children running around again. However, with my back as bad as it is, I know I couldn't do it. I try and keep busy with school and various projects just to keep my mind busy.
When things are too quiet I begin thinking about bills that I cannot pay. I worry about meals that I need to prepare. I worry that logisticly everyone is where they need to be with a vehicle or arrangment to make it back home. I know I shouldn't worry as I mentioned earlier. But I am human and I do!
Currently we are waiting for our IRS refund. I am waiting for my disability. We are waiting for a solution about our home that we owned. We are waiting to hear what is going to happen in the home we are living in. So much waiting ... so many worries ... so much out of my complete control. Our refund has been delayed because of an incorrect entry of an IRS worker. I have called almost daily to no avail. They just don't care. We did our taxes back in February and I was supposed to receive the money within 21 days. It's been over eight weeks now ... I still have no idea when or if we will get the refund. I was counting on that money to pay some bills and get caught up. UGH!
So, since I have no control I just must wait and pray. God knows exactly what is going to happen... I don't! So I try not to worry. I try to just pray and give it to God. Through all the financial worries we continue to tithe because we are instructed to do so. I felt very convicted about this issue in January. I have fallen regarding my Bible study and time and blogging. But the tithing has not stopped or been missed.
Proberbs 12: 26 says A righteous man is careful in dealing with his neighbor. But the ways of the wicked lead him astray. In spite of all the worry and stress. I have to be careful how I deal with things. I can't get angry. I can't get depressed and roll into a ball and hide. I just have to give it ALL to GOD and trust. Proverbs 3: 5 & 6 says Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart. Lean not unto your own understand. In ALL your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your paths.
Remember to stop and enjoy the blessings. Don't miss anything that God has for you today and everyday. And remember to be tender to being USED of God today. Maybe someone just needs a smile or a hug from you. A kind word uttered from you might change someone's world. Be the light in a very dark world.
God bless and have a great day! <3
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
April 2, 2013
Okay, so how did we get to April already? I have been so out of my schedule. I haven't been listening to my Daily Audio Bible, doing my devotions or writing my blog. UGH! That is so terrible. I hate it when life gets way to hectic.
The last college course I just finished really overwhelmed me. But, praise the Lord, I still ended with an A in the class. I thought I had this week off for Spring Break only to discover that there is no Spring Break. Oh well, I will survive.
Some really exciting things have happened since I wrote last. On March 23rd I had the honor of going to a gender reveal. It was an amazing experience. Let me go back and explain the history of this event. My best friend Donna Stewart and I have known each other for over 23 years. Her first husband David was a best friend of my husband Jeff. When Jeff and I got engaged he wanted me to meet them. The day he brought me to Marina West in Sarasota, David and Donna had just found out they were going to have a baby. Their first son was born on April 12, 1990. I wasn't in the room for his birth because Donna had a c-section. He was born just before our wedding on June 16, 1990. The baby was named David Justin and we called him DJ. His daddy Dave was our best man in the wedding. Donna dressed DJ in a onsie that looked like a tux with tails. It was adorable. Our friendship blossomed into more than just friends. We felt more like sisters and we did everything together. My father died suddenly on July 13, 1990 and Donna was there with me through it all. Our friendship just continued to grow and we celebrated together, morned together, laughed together and so on. So, being able to be there to find out what her first grandchild was going to be was just another thing we had done together. We found out that Davey and Erika are having a little girl. Her name is going to be Daisy Meadows. The other part of this excitement is that Erika has a younger brother named Jimmie. And Jimmy and Kate are due to have a baby four days later than Erika and David. Kate and Jimmy found out they are having a little boy. Jimmy and David have been friends since 9th grade so it is one big happy and loving family. I am so excited that I am going to be a great Auntie again.
We had a wonderful Easter celebration this last Sunday. I love going to our Church each week and especially on Holidays such as Easter. Unfortunately, our boys weren't able to join us this Easter because of their jobs. This was the first Easter without my entire family being together. We still had a wonderful day celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. We had lunch together with our Church family and then came home and rested.
Yesterday the kids didn't have school so Jannine and I hung out with our friends Becky and Jessica. We went to the fountains in Venice and watched the kids play. Then we were to the ice cream shop and had a nice cold ice cream after sitting in the sun. It was a wonderful and relaxing day. I love down days like that. Everyone needs to stop and take a break once in a while.
Everyone needs to stop and recharge. That has been what I have been missing the last few weeks not spending time in God's Word. God's Word reaches into our hearts and comforts us, disciplines us, guides us and it is our counsel with Him that we need each and every day.
So, today I am back on track spending time in God's Word and blogging. Dear Lord, please forgive me for letting time get away from me. Please forgive me for not giving You the time you deserve. Thank you Lord for all the blessings in my life. Thank you for the family and friends You have surrounded me with. Thank you Lord for loving me even when I don't deserve it. Thank you for protecting our family and providing for us.
Have a wonderful day and remember to stop and enjoy the blessings God has for you today. Oh, and don't forget to be a blessing to someone else today. It's better to give than receive. God bless you.
The last college course I just finished really overwhelmed me. But, praise the Lord, I still ended with an A in the class. I thought I had this week off for Spring Break only to discover that there is no Spring Break. Oh well, I will survive.
Some really exciting things have happened since I wrote last. On March 23rd I had the honor of going to a gender reveal. It was an amazing experience. Let me go back and explain the history of this event. My best friend Donna Stewart and I have known each other for over 23 years. Her first husband David was a best friend of my husband Jeff. When Jeff and I got engaged he wanted me to meet them. The day he brought me to Marina West in Sarasota, David and Donna had just found out they were going to have a baby. Their first son was born on April 12, 1990. I wasn't in the room for his birth because Donna had a c-section. He was born just before our wedding on June 16, 1990. The baby was named David Justin and we called him DJ. His daddy Dave was our best man in the wedding. Donna dressed DJ in a onsie that looked like a tux with tails. It was adorable. Our friendship blossomed into more than just friends. We felt more like sisters and we did everything together. My father died suddenly on July 13, 1990 and Donna was there with me through it all. Our friendship just continued to grow and we celebrated together, morned together, laughed together and so on. So, being able to be there to find out what her first grandchild was going to be was just another thing we had done together. We found out that Davey and Erika are having a little girl. Her name is going to be Daisy Meadows. The other part of this excitement is that Erika has a younger brother named Jimmie. And Jimmy and Kate are due to have a baby four days later than Erika and David. Kate and Jimmy found out they are having a little boy. Jimmy and David have been friends since 9th grade so it is one big happy and loving family. I am so excited that I am going to be a great Auntie again.
We had a wonderful Easter celebration this last Sunday. I love going to our Church each week and especially on Holidays such as Easter. Unfortunately, our boys weren't able to join us this Easter because of their jobs. This was the first Easter without my entire family being together. We still had a wonderful day celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. We had lunch together with our Church family and then came home and rested.
Yesterday the kids didn't have school so Jannine and I hung out with our friends Becky and Jessica. We went to the fountains in Venice and watched the kids play. Then we were to the ice cream shop and had a nice cold ice cream after sitting in the sun. It was a wonderful and relaxing day. I love down days like that. Everyone needs to stop and take a break once in a while.
Everyone needs to stop and recharge. That has been what I have been missing the last few weeks not spending time in God's Word. God's Word reaches into our hearts and comforts us, disciplines us, guides us and it is our counsel with Him that we need each and every day.
So, today I am back on track spending time in God's Word and blogging. Dear Lord, please forgive me for letting time get away from me. Please forgive me for not giving You the time you deserve. Thank you Lord for all the blessings in my life. Thank you for the family and friends You have surrounded me with. Thank you Lord for loving me even when I don't deserve it. Thank you for protecting our family and providing for us.
Have a wonderful day and remember to stop and enjoy the blessings God has for you today. Oh, and don't forget to be a blessing to someone else today. It's better to give than receive. God bless you.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
March 20, 2013
Happy Wednesday morning. It's also the first day of Spring. So, the first day of Spring is full of rain, thunder and a little lightening. I guess the flowers needed some water. I love watching the rain, however, it does nothing for my back pain. So, today I will rest and let the back heal. I have a lot of computer work to get done anyway so its okay.
I listened to my Daily Audio Bible program again today. It's nice getting back into the swing of things. I missed this while I was gone. it's amazing how quickly we can get distracted from the important things in life. Going to Steinhatchee was incredible. Not only did I enjoy the time with Aunt Twila, but also the time watching the beauty God created. I was so relaxed there. The only thing that could have made it better was if Jeff and David could have joined us.
This is a picture of the river right behind my cousins home. It was so nice and cool. When I sat outside I could hear the birds singing. The dogs were running around and jumping into the river. It was so peaceful and relaxing. I wondered if this was what the Garden of Eden might have been like. I certainly didn't want to leave. I took tons of pictures because I just couldn't get enough. The time went by much too fast. I can't wait to go back.
Today's verse is Phillippians 1:27. It says, Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.
Proverbs 11:20-21 says, "Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the Lord, but those of bleameless ways are His delight. Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.
Those verses really touched me today. As we struggle to survive day by day I often wonder if God has forgotten us. In my heart I know He hasn't. But then I think about the people that I know are doing wrong and yet it seems they are doing well in life while we struggle. In Phillippains God clearly says we are to live right and do HIS will even when we think He isn't looking. And in Proverbs He says that those who are cheaters are living wrong will be PUNISHED! But those of us who continue to life RIGHT and do HIS will are His delight and will be delivered. Jeff used to have an employee that would almost daily say, "If ya ain't cheating; ya ain't trying." As a human I can understand why someone would feel that way. But as a child of the King I need to remember that God wants us to do right at all costs and we are to survive and make Him proud of us. I want to be used of God in any way He wants.
I am thankful for the blessings in my life. I am thankful for a husband who loves the Lord. He works hard and does what is right even when it seems how unfair he is often treated. I am thankful for three beautiful chidlren who love the Lord and are learning to do right. They aren't perfect but they are God's children given to Jeff and I to raise and love while here on earth. As Hawk used to say, "When God gives you a child, it is your DUTY to raise them to love the Lord and get them back to Heaven when their work here on earth is done." I am thankful for a home to live in that GOD provided. I am thankful for the ability to do what I can. I wish I could do more but if I could I don't know if I would have built the relationship I now have with God and my children. Life is hard but GOD is so good.
God provides a a shiny North Star for us to follow. We are to read His Word, pray daily and be sensitive to His direction. We have been given the Holy Spirit to guide us, we just need to listen - STOP TALKING and listen. Sitting by the river, I could hear God's creations. I could enjoy peace like none I had ever experienced. I need to find that peace no matter where I am.
I need to stop trying to figure things out and just STOP and LISTEN! God has our lives all planned out for us. We don't need to fix anything or show God what needs to happen next. We need to just follow, obey, pray and be thankful for all He is doing. One of my favorite Pastor's is Pastor Wally Metts. He was an amazing man of God. He used to tell us that if life was going smooth then we weren't doing something right. Because when we are doing what God wants and following His will it makes the devil mad and he will work overtime to derail us.
Dear Heavenly Father, I rebuke satan and all his terrible lies. I pray Lord for a hedge of protection around me and my family. Lord, please keep my heart sensitive to Your leading. I want to follow You in every step I take. Thank you for your protection and provisions. You bless us above and beyond what we deserve. We deserve NOTHING and yet you care for us and provide all we need plus more. I ask that You use me to do whatever You want me to do. Thank You for my life. I praise You!!!
In Jesus name Amen!
I listened to my Daily Audio Bible program again today. It's nice getting back into the swing of things. I missed this while I was gone. it's amazing how quickly we can get distracted from the important things in life. Going to Steinhatchee was incredible. Not only did I enjoy the time with Aunt Twila, but also the time watching the beauty God created. I was so relaxed there. The only thing that could have made it better was if Jeff and David could have joined us.
This is a picture of one of the beautiful sunsets at the end of the river where it joins the Gulf. God makes the most beautiful pictures, doesn't He?
Today's verse is Phillippians 1:27. It says, Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.
Proverbs 11:20-21 says, "Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the Lord, but those of bleameless ways are His delight. Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.
Those verses really touched me today. As we struggle to survive day by day I often wonder if God has forgotten us. In my heart I know He hasn't. But then I think about the people that I know are doing wrong and yet it seems they are doing well in life while we struggle. In Phillippains God clearly says we are to live right and do HIS will even when we think He isn't looking. And in Proverbs He says that those who are cheaters are living wrong will be PUNISHED! But those of us who continue to life RIGHT and do HIS will are His delight and will be delivered. Jeff used to have an employee that would almost daily say, "If ya ain't cheating; ya ain't trying." As a human I can understand why someone would feel that way. But as a child of the King I need to remember that God wants us to do right at all costs and we are to survive and make Him proud of us. I want to be used of God in any way He wants.
I am thankful for the blessings in my life. I am thankful for a husband who loves the Lord. He works hard and does what is right even when it seems how unfair he is often treated. I am thankful for three beautiful chidlren who love the Lord and are learning to do right. They aren't perfect but they are God's children given to Jeff and I to raise and love while here on earth. As Hawk used to say, "When God gives you a child, it is your DUTY to raise them to love the Lord and get them back to Heaven when their work here on earth is done." I am thankful for a home to live in that GOD provided. I am thankful for the ability to do what I can. I wish I could do more but if I could I don't know if I would have built the relationship I now have with God and my children. Life is hard but GOD is so good.
God provides a a shiny North Star for us to follow. We are to read His Word, pray daily and be sensitive to His direction. We have been given the Holy Spirit to guide us, we just need to listen - STOP TALKING and listen. Sitting by the river, I could hear God's creations. I could enjoy peace like none I had ever experienced. I need to find that peace no matter where I am.
I need to stop trying to figure things out and just STOP and LISTEN! God has our lives all planned out for us. We don't need to fix anything or show God what needs to happen next. We need to just follow, obey, pray and be thankful for all He is doing. One of my favorite Pastor's is Pastor Wally Metts. He was an amazing man of God. He used to tell us that if life was going smooth then we weren't doing something right. Because when we are doing what God wants and following His will it makes the devil mad and he will work overtime to derail us.
Dear Heavenly Father, I rebuke satan and all his terrible lies. I pray Lord for a hedge of protection around me and my family. Lord, please keep my heart sensitive to Your leading. I want to follow You in every step I take. Thank you for your protection and provisions. You bless us above and beyond what we deserve. We deserve NOTHING and yet you care for us and provide all we need plus more. I ask that You use me to do whatever You want me to do. Thank You for my life. I praise You!!!
In Jesus name Amen!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
March 19, 2013
Wow, how time does fly. I haven't written in over a week. Once again life got way too busy. I hate that when time flies by. I work so hard to make time for God each day and once again I got caught up in life...UGH!
So last Monday, March 11, 2013 I turned 44! It was a wonderful day of celebration. David, Daniel and Jannine took me out to lunch at Mango Bistro. I so enjoy spending quality time with my children. Jeff was taking a walk at lunch and even stopped in for a quick visit. Then we had to get home so Daniel could get to work. This was the first day of spring break for the kids. After we got home I continued to pack for our trip to see Aunt Twila. When Jeff got home from work he took Jannine and I out to dinner at Outback. I feel so unworthy of all this attention. My family is so good to me. When we returned home I again focussed on packing. David and Lauren were at the house upon our return. I walked into a cake with a large 27 on top lit! I asked what the 27 was for. David laughed and said it was the 17th anniversary of my 27th birthday! He cracks me up. We had cake and enjoyed visiting. Tuesday morning we all got up early. Jeff went to work, David got ready for work and Jannine, Daniel and I loaded the car to head to Aunt Twila's. We had to stop at the Sarasota Airport so I could renew my ID badge. We grabbed some lunch via the drive thru and were finally headed north about 11am. The drive was gorgeous. As we reached Ocala the roads began to be a little hilly and just pretty. We finally arrived at Scott and Jody's house at 4:30pm. Jody was at the dentist office so it was just Scott, Twila and I plus the kids for a while. I found her sitting on the couch looking at me as though I was a stranger. It broke my heart that she didn't know me. But it didn't really matter because I knew her and was glad to see her. Later Jody came home and we made supper. They live in a beautiful area called Steinhatchee, FL. Their home is located on a river. It is so peaceful there. I wish I would have taken time to go and sit by the river, blog and read my Bible, but I didn't. We stayed up late visiting each night and then slept in. The first night I was there we looked through old pictures. Aunt Twila knew everyone in the pictures and told us about them. It's sad that she can't remember the current time. She seemed happy knowing people in the pictures. It's like we had her back for a short time. Much of her day is filled with anxiety. She just wants to help, she wants to please and she wants to not be alone. Putting her to bed at night was always sad. She would question where everyone was going to sleep like a child. She would repeat, "oh dear" as she would worry about what she was supposed to do or where she was supposed to be. She would even cry when putting her to bed at night.
As our time carried on she seemed to remember me once in a while. Three or four times while we were there she called me by my name. I loved it when she said my name. She seem to think that Jannine was me. She has long hair like I did when I was little and she looks a lot like I did. We sang a song together called, "Supper Time" later that evening. She and my Mom used to sing that song all the time when they were kids. When I was about Jannine's age, they taught it to me. Aunt Twila and I sang it together at Mom's funeral. She remembered all the words and sang along just beautifully. She has perfect harmony. Jannine took the video camera and recorded us singing for a while. Then I took my cell phone and recorded us talking and singing for a while after that. She just kept singing that same song all night long after that.
She doesn't remember that Mom is gone. She doesn't remember that she was married to Uncle Kenny. She doesn't remember my husband or my kids. She doesn't remember living in Georgia. She doesn't know what year it is or where she is. She doesn't know Jody who takes care of her every day. It's so sad what Alzheimers takes away from a person. As Mrs. Nancy Regan said, "Alzheimers is a slow goodbye." It makes me wish I had gotten up there sooner. I so badly wanted her to remember me. I longed for her to just remember me a little bit. I would go to bed at night and cry. She is physically very healthy but mentally gone. She has to be instructed to do everything.
We stayed from Tuesday, March 12 until Friday morning March 15th. I was so thankful for that time. We left at 10am and pulled into our driveway at 3:30pm. Poor Daniel needed to be at work at 4pm. That is calling it just a little too close. But we made it. I can't wait to go back and see her more. Thankfully she is nice. She just wants to serve and be helpful. I pray for Jody and Scott every day. She is a lot to take care of and they do it with such joy. They are good to her. She is happy and that is all that matters.
I have been waiting for our IRS refund to hit the bank. Yesterday I called to see what was the delay. I found out that my SSN had been flagged as identify theft. They informed me it could be another 6 - 10 weeks before they got it figured out. It put me into a tail spin. We are so tight financially. I was counting on the money to cover my trip to see Aunt Twila. I spent time crying to God asking Him why. I have been trying to be good. I have been paying our tithe. But, I hadn't been spending time with God. So, I don't know if that is why but it has been delayed. I called again today and feel like we have got a solution to the situation but she said not to expect it much before April 8th at least. I do not know the reason for the delay but I have to realize that God is in control and He didn't say oops! He is in control.
So, today I feel God is teaching me to ALWAYS wait on God. He is in control and HE will take care of everything. I have to stop and look for the blessings in each day and I have to be a blessing to others God puts in my life.
Thank you God for allowing me to visit with Aunt Twila. Thank you God for Scott and Jody who are able to care for her. Please God allow Aunt Twila to be comforted and peaceful as she lives out the rest of her life.
So, I will write again tomorrow. Have a blessed day!
So last Monday, March 11, 2013 I turned 44! It was a wonderful day of celebration. David, Daniel and Jannine took me out to lunch at Mango Bistro. I so enjoy spending quality time with my children. Jeff was taking a walk at lunch and even stopped in for a quick visit. Then we had to get home so Daniel could get to work. This was the first day of spring break for the kids. After we got home I continued to pack for our trip to see Aunt Twila. When Jeff got home from work he took Jannine and I out to dinner at Outback. I feel so unworthy of all this attention. My family is so good to me. When we returned home I again focussed on packing. David and Lauren were at the house upon our return. I walked into a cake with a large 27 on top lit! I asked what the 27 was for. David laughed and said it was the 17th anniversary of my 27th birthday! He cracks me up. We had cake and enjoyed visiting. Tuesday morning we all got up early. Jeff went to work, David got ready for work and Jannine, Daniel and I loaded the car to head to Aunt Twila's. We had to stop at the Sarasota Airport so I could renew my ID badge. We grabbed some lunch via the drive thru and were finally headed north about 11am. The drive was gorgeous. As we reached Ocala the roads began to be a little hilly and just pretty. We finally arrived at Scott and Jody's house at 4:30pm. Jody was at the dentist office so it was just Scott, Twila and I plus the kids for a while. I found her sitting on the couch looking at me as though I was a stranger. It broke my heart that she didn't know me. But it didn't really matter because I knew her and was glad to see her. Later Jody came home and we made supper. They live in a beautiful area called Steinhatchee, FL. Their home is located on a river. It is so peaceful there. I wish I would have taken time to go and sit by the river, blog and read my Bible, but I didn't. We stayed up late visiting each night and then slept in. The first night I was there we looked through old pictures. Aunt Twila knew everyone in the pictures and told us about them. It's sad that she can't remember the current time. She seemed happy knowing people in the pictures. It's like we had her back for a short time. Much of her day is filled with anxiety. She just wants to help, she wants to please and she wants to not be alone. Putting her to bed at night was always sad. She would question where everyone was going to sleep like a child. She would repeat, "oh dear" as she would worry about what she was supposed to do or where she was supposed to be. She would even cry when putting her to bed at night.
As our time carried on she seemed to remember me once in a while. Three or four times while we were there she called me by my name. I loved it when she said my name. She seem to think that Jannine was me. She has long hair like I did when I was little and she looks a lot like I did. We sang a song together called, "Supper Time" later that evening. She and my Mom used to sing that song all the time when they were kids. When I was about Jannine's age, they taught it to me. Aunt Twila and I sang it together at Mom's funeral. She remembered all the words and sang along just beautifully. She has perfect harmony. Jannine took the video camera and recorded us singing for a while. Then I took my cell phone and recorded us talking and singing for a while after that. She just kept singing that same song all night long after that.
She doesn't remember that Mom is gone. She doesn't remember that she was married to Uncle Kenny. She doesn't remember my husband or my kids. She doesn't remember living in Georgia. She doesn't know what year it is or where she is. She doesn't know Jody who takes care of her every day. It's so sad what Alzheimers takes away from a person. As Mrs. Nancy Regan said, "Alzheimers is a slow goodbye." It makes me wish I had gotten up there sooner. I so badly wanted her to remember me. I longed for her to just remember me a little bit. I would go to bed at night and cry. She is physically very healthy but mentally gone. She has to be instructed to do everything.
We stayed from Tuesday, March 12 until Friday morning March 15th. I was so thankful for that time. We left at 10am and pulled into our driveway at 3:30pm. Poor Daniel needed to be at work at 4pm. That is calling it just a little too close. But we made it. I can't wait to go back and see her more. Thankfully she is nice. She just wants to serve and be helpful. I pray for Jody and Scott every day. She is a lot to take care of and they do it with such joy. They are good to her. She is happy and that is all that matters.
I have been waiting for our IRS refund to hit the bank. Yesterday I called to see what was the delay. I found out that my SSN had been flagged as identify theft. They informed me it could be another 6 - 10 weeks before they got it figured out. It put me into a tail spin. We are so tight financially. I was counting on the money to cover my trip to see Aunt Twila. I spent time crying to God asking Him why. I have been trying to be good. I have been paying our tithe. But, I hadn't been spending time with God. So, I don't know if that is why but it has been delayed. I called again today and feel like we have got a solution to the situation but she said not to expect it much before April 8th at least. I do not know the reason for the delay but I have to realize that God is in control and He didn't say oops! He is in control.
So, today I feel God is teaching me to ALWAYS wait on God. He is in control and HE will take care of everything. I have to stop and look for the blessings in each day and I have to be a blessing to others God puts in my life.
Thank you God for allowing me to visit with Aunt Twila. Thank you God for Scott and Jody who are able to care for her. Please God allow Aunt Twila to be comforted and peaceful as she lives out the rest of her life.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
March 7, 2013
It is a very chilly Floriday morning here. It is actually 68 degrees in the house and I have all the windows closed tight. I love this type of weather. My body doesn't really enjoy it but I personally love the cold. However, even though the weather has been cold and nice it makes things very dry and a terrible forrest fire developed late yesterday. Several homes were in danger of burning down. It was scary to see how fast the fires were moving. Three seperate fires developed in a short amount of time because of the strong winds. A good friend of ours was in the path of all three fires. At one point it got only 400 yards from their home.
Hearing about all of that made me think about life. We get so very busy that sometimes life gets quickly out of hand. It seems when things go wrong everything suddenly falls apart at all once. I can remember so many times I felt like all my energy was being used to put out fires in my life. The devil loves it when we get complacent and he goes into high gear starting little fires and hoping we don't noticed until it is too late. God tells us to always be focussed on stay close to Him. We need to constantly remember to SLOW DOWN and pay attention to what God is doing in our lives. Reading God's Word and praying is so important. Our hearts need to be tender to God's direction. In the big and LITTLE decisions of each day we need to stay focussed.
Since I have had to be home because of my back situation I have had more time to get closer to God. I don't every want to loose this precious time. I feel so much stronger scripturally. I don't want to get too busy to spend that precious time with God each and every day. God has been working so much in my life especially since January 2013. Phillippians 1:27 says Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.
How are we living our life each day? I think often about my marriage to my wonderful husband and best friend Jeff. So many of our friends are unhappy in their marriages. I feel so blessed to love my husband and have a relationship with him that only seems to grow. In our marriage and in life we must keep ourselves tied to the ship's mast to prevent ourselves from being lured away. Marriage into today's culture seems to be so flipant. If it doesn't work out, just get a divorce. One little bump in the road and people quit! God created marriage to be a covenant - a deeply binding commitment designed to help us weather our most difficult circumstances. However, we have to stand strong and stay tied to the mast in order to survive. I often give a poem to new couples that are getting married. It is a poem that was given to Jeff and I on our wedding day. Marriage takes Three is that title. Marriage takes three to be complete, It's not enough for two to meet. They must be united in love, by love's creator God above. Then their love will be firm and strong; able to last when things go wrong. Because they've felt God's love and know; He's always there, He'll never go. And they have both loved him in kind; With all their heart and soul and mind. And in that love they've found the way to love each other every day. A marriage that follows God's plan takes more than a woman and a man. It needs a oneness that can be, only from Christ. Marriage takes three.
My verse of the day is Romans 8:35 that says, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
Nothing can separate us from Christ. We need to make an effort to keep our marriage and our relationship with God sold and work on it every day. God loves us and wants the best for us. We can't know what God's direction is for us if we do not seek Him through the Word of God and through prayer. We need to cherrish our relationship with our spouse as well. We need to continue to work on it and pray together. We made a committment to God and a committment to our spouse.
Have a great day today. Stop and enjoy the blessings God has for you today. And make sure you are available to be a blessing to someone else as well. God bless you.
Hearing about all of that made me think about life. We get so very busy that sometimes life gets quickly out of hand. It seems when things go wrong everything suddenly falls apart at all once. I can remember so many times I felt like all my energy was being used to put out fires in my life. The devil loves it when we get complacent and he goes into high gear starting little fires and hoping we don't noticed until it is too late. God tells us to always be focussed on stay close to Him. We need to constantly remember to SLOW DOWN and pay attention to what God is doing in our lives. Reading God's Word and praying is so important. Our hearts need to be tender to God's direction. In the big and LITTLE decisions of each day we need to stay focussed.
Since I have had to be home because of my back situation I have had more time to get closer to God. I don't every want to loose this precious time. I feel so much stronger scripturally. I don't want to get too busy to spend that precious time with God each and every day. God has been working so much in my life especially since January 2013. Phillippians 1:27 says Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.
How are we living our life each day? I think often about my marriage to my wonderful husband and best friend Jeff. So many of our friends are unhappy in their marriages. I feel so blessed to love my husband and have a relationship with him that only seems to grow. In our marriage and in life we must keep ourselves tied to the ship's mast to prevent ourselves from being lured away. Marriage into today's culture seems to be so flipant. If it doesn't work out, just get a divorce. One little bump in the road and people quit! God created marriage to be a covenant - a deeply binding commitment designed to help us weather our most difficult circumstances. However, we have to stand strong and stay tied to the mast in order to survive. I often give a poem to new couples that are getting married. It is a poem that was given to Jeff and I on our wedding day. Marriage takes Three is that title. Marriage takes three to be complete, It's not enough for two to meet. They must be united in love, by love's creator God above. Then their love will be firm and strong; able to last when things go wrong. Because they've felt God's love and know; He's always there, He'll never go. And they have both loved him in kind; With all their heart and soul and mind. And in that love they've found the way to love each other every day. A marriage that follows God's plan takes more than a woman and a man. It needs a oneness that can be, only from Christ. Marriage takes three.
My verse of the day is Romans 8:35 that says, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
Nothing can separate us from Christ. We need to make an effort to keep our marriage and our relationship with God sold and work on it every day. God loves us and wants the best for us. We can't know what God's direction is for us if we do not seek Him through the Word of God and through prayer. We need to cherrish our relationship with our spouse as well. We need to continue to work on it and pray together. We made a committment to God and a committment to our spouse.
Have a great day today. Stop and enjoy the blessings God has for you today. And make sure you are available to be a blessing to someone else as well. God bless you.
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