"We read of a place that's called heaven, it's made for the pure and the free. These truths in God's word He hath given, how beautiful heaven must be...."
I so look forward to church on Sunday morning. For reasons that aren't clear to me yet, God has steared me back to the baptist church I grew up in. As I went this morning, my butt it was a draggin'. Satan tried so many different things on me to get me to stay home, BUT....I knew God needed me in services this morning. I knew He wanted me there and I went.
Had I been sitting on an "aisle" seat, I'd probably got up and left. The special music being sung this morning was the song with the above title. Immediately, without a thot, tears flowed from my eyes and there I sat, nearly 59 years old, bawling like a baby while this duet of women sang the song in the most magnificent of harmony and sound. I was so overcome I grabbed my brother's hand in every effort to compose myself and not make a spectacle of me. The song was shared for EVERYONE in the service.....not just for me. I listened to every word and clung to every word between the tears. I cannot recall a time in my life when I was more thankful for my brother than those moments. He never flinched. He never wavered. He never put his arm around me and hugged, he simply stood strong in my storm and held my hand....well....Jesus held my hand thru my brother. As I managed to settle, my thoughts went to my face. What a mess I probably was and of course, not a kleenex in sight. So often I make sure a couple are folded in my Bible, but of course, not this time. I could only imagine the sight I was! Inside I had to laugh because I knew God understood and it didn't matter one bit to Him.
You see, countless times Mom and I sang that old hymn the days before her homegoing. She'd start singing and I'd join in. My how Mom longed for heaven! My how I wanted her to have the best! I knew heaven was the best and I longed for her to stay, yet, I longed for her to go.
I miss her so much and you know what? It's okay! I figure folks would be disappointed with me, (with us), if we didn't miss her. After the benediction I told Brother to tell those dear ladies what a wonderful job they did but they were NOT allowed to sing that song in services again unless I am warned! LOL!!!!! He never flinched. He never wavered! It's as if my "storm in the service" had not happened. You see, that's God! That's God working thru my brother, flowing HIS PEACE, HIS LOVE, for ME!
How beautiful heaven must be!!!!!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
"God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26
Testing, Testing, Testing......Here I am again. To some it is a welcome sight....to others I am strange, and to some a complete stranger. I am praying I can share on this blog far more often than I ever have before. I suppose the first thing to do is to "catch up" so people will better understand me, if understanding me is possible at all.
Do we love this weather or what? Or what is what I say! I have no desire to shovel snow or have it shoveled for me BUT....this humidity can go away any time now. Our youngest son moved to Texas in the spring and I am always blaming him for this heat/humidity! I think he's sending it to us! lol!!
I am still performing on the stage of life where God has placed. Yep...still working retail only the stage is a whole lot bigger than I ever was on. I cannot give God enough praise for ALL the opportunities He gives me to share Him and His love day after day. Often I have hugged complete strangers because they needed a hug. Often I've been able to share just a word of encouragement to so many. It's tough 'OUT THERE" and life is wearing so many down. What a blessing to this heart to look at my workplace as a "stage" for God. I am where He needs me....at least for now.
Most of you know Mom went home to be with the Lord in December, 2008. I don't care how old a person is when they loose their mother......it's tough. It's tough for me. I miss her so much. We laughed so much all my life. We spent sooooooooo much time together. It has been a major, major adjustment for me to go on without her, and I keep trying every day. With God's help, I've made it this far. I give HIM all praise for Mom's home going! She always deserved the best and NOW, Mom has the BEST! I can't wait til it's my turn to go!
Bill keeps busy this time of year mowing the grass, fiddling in his canaries, and trying to get the garden to produce. We had a lot of rain here and it hurt our garden. I keep telling him it doesn't matter because no matter what comes from it, we will be thankful. God is good! I can't complain.
My goodness the challenges of life are many, aren't they. I can't encourage any of us enough to stay faithful to His Word. It is thru His Word we can hear Him the best. Recently a friend shared a new devotional book with me and I stand amazed at how the short devotionals from this little book speaks so clearly to me and to my life and circumstances right now....right here, right where I am in life. I love devotional that BEGIN with a Scripture verse! No better way to begin! Allow me to share a "bite" of this new little book God sent my way:
"Even in the midst of noise and clamor, there is a quiet place that I can retreat to-----a place where concerns are left behind and I am totally aware of being in the presence of God. This quiet place is nearer than the air I breathe, for it is within my soul. Turning within, I feel the peace of God surrounding me in a warm embrace. Enfolded in peace, I experience how it feels to have every nerve soothed and my mind swept clean of confusion. Once again I am focused on the presence of God---my source of life and living."
Sure wish I could write like that! Is that awesome or what! I pray it was a real blessing to you. I know it's what God wanted me to share right now, right here on this stage!
There is LOT WE NEED to share. I hope you can stop back often and enjoy! God has brought me a LONG way.......I pray together we will get thru life........trusting Him always.......and knowing that He tells us, "My peace I give...." It's free, folks! We only need to receive it!
Til next time.........keep reading a Psalm every day..........hugs to all..... Dea
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Giving thanks.........
I remember often encouraging others that the BEST time in my life to give thanks to God is when the challenges are many and heartaches are really hurting. I am finding it very difficult this Thanksgiving to "practice" what I preach.
Didn't know it was going to hurt so much to get thru Thanksgiving without my Mom. I miss her so much. I find a deep heartache within that hasn't even begun to heal.
"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His mercy ENDURES forever." Psalms 136:1
I have had the opportunity lately to "encourage" a very discouraged friend. Everytime I'd email her I'd say, "I encourage you to read a Psalm every day. Even if it's one verse, just read it."
"The Lord is my light and my salvation, Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid." Psalms 27:1
As I read thru an email from her the other day, tears came to my eyes as she told me how she has her Bible on the end table now reading some Psalms. She told me she had forgotten how peaceful and encouraging the Psalms are.
"I have trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me, try my mind and my heart. For your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth...So I will go about Your altar, O Lord, that I may proclaim WITH THE VOICE OF THANKSGIVING and TELL OF ALL YOUR WONDROUS WORKS." Psalms 26:1,2,3,6,7
In my workplace one day last week, a dear senior lady came thru my line. Immediately I felt God's presence with me. I knew that dear lady had a need. I just knew it. As I took care of her merchandise, she began conversation and from the chatting we ventured into the area of sorrow and hurt. She shared with me her story of burying her 42 year old daughter "shortly after Christmas" last year. I was not at all surprised that God allowed this dear lady and I some "quality" time. No customers interupted us. None came in behind her for me to take care of. I know we chatted more than 5 minutes. I shared my own story in brief, (I can be when I have to be, ya know), about the loss of my mom and how tough it is. We shared like two old friends sitting on a front porch some place. Before she left, I came from behind the counter and asked her if she minded if I hugged her before she left. I have NEVER in my lifetime been hugged in the sincere, caring, and loving way that dear lady hugged me. I felt HIS arms as we stood there in my workplace hugging each other. Does she know my name? Yes. I wear a name badge. Do I know her name? No, BUT.....God does and that's all that matters. What an amazing experience for me in my work place. God directed us to each other so the need we had were met during that day, that time, those minutes, those seconds of our lives. I believe our need was (is) so deep that God needed to come to us personally and allow this experience for both of us. I stand amazed in His presence.
"Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path...I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would SEE the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Psalms 27:11,13
As I reflect today I am finding it easier to thank God! As I share with you the seeminly small experiences of my life these past days, my heart is encouraged and reminded to keep on keeping on. I have so many heartaches and challenges in my life. BUT...I have so many blessings and so much to be thankful for. As David wrote:
"Weeping may endure for a night, BUT JOY comes in the morning." Psalms 30:5
Have you read some Psalms today?
Til next time....................hugs to all..............
Oh, know what else? God has brought TWO more people in my life that needs the Psalms. I'm encouraging them..............will keep you posted! God has sure been busy! I am humbled that He chooses me!
Didn't know it was going to hurt so much to get thru Thanksgiving without my Mom. I miss her so much. I find a deep heartache within that hasn't even begun to heal.
"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His mercy ENDURES forever." Psalms 136:1
I have had the opportunity lately to "encourage" a very discouraged friend. Everytime I'd email her I'd say, "I encourage you to read a Psalm every day. Even if it's one verse, just read it."
"The Lord is my light and my salvation, Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid." Psalms 27:1
As I read thru an email from her the other day, tears came to my eyes as she told me how she has her Bible on the end table now reading some Psalms. She told me she had forgotten how peaceful and encouraging the Psalms are.
"I have trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me, try my mind and my heart. For your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth...So I will go about Your altar, O Lord, that I may proclaim WITH THE VOICE OF THANKSGIVING and TELL OF ALL YOUR WONDROUS WORKS." Psalms 26:1,2,3,6,7
In my workplace one day last week, a dear senior lady came thru my line. Immediately I felt God's presence with me. I knew that dear lady had a need. I just knew it. As I took care of her merchandise, she began conversation and from the chatting we ventured into the area of sorrow and hurt. She shared with me her story of burying her 42 year old daughter "shortly after Christmas" last year. I was not at all surprised that God allowed this dear lady and I some "quality" time. No customers interupted us. None came in behind her for me to take care of. I know we chatted more than 5 minutes. I shared my own story in brief, (I can be when I have to be, ya know), about the loss of my mom and how tough it is. We shared like two old friends sitting on a front porch some place. Before she left, I came from behind the counter and asked her if she minded if I hugged her before she left. I have NEVER in my lifetime been hugged in the sincere, caring, and loving way that dear lady hugged me. I felt HIS arms as we stood there in my workplace hugging each other. Does she know my name? Yes. I wear a name badge. Do I know her name? No, BUT.....God does and that's all that matters. What an amazing experience for me in my work place. God directed us to each other so the need we had were met during that day, that time, those minutes, those seconds of our lives. I believe our need was (is) so deep that God needed to come to us personally and allow this experience for both of us. I stand amazed in His presence.
"Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path...I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would SEE the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Psalms 27:11,13
As I reflect today I am finding it easier to thank God! As I share with you the seeminly small experiences of my life these past days, my heart is encouraged and reminded to keep on keeping on. I have so many heartaches and challenges in my life. BUT...I have so many blessings and so much to be thankful for. As David wrote:
"Weeping may endure for a night, BUT JOY comes in the morning." Psalms 30:5
Have you read some Psalms today?
Til next time....................hugs to all..............
Oh, know what else? God has brought TWO more people in my life that needs the Psalms. I'm encouraging them..............will keep you posted! God has sure been busy! I am humbled that He chooses me!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Mondays!!! Not For Me!
For years I've been an advocate of eliminating Mondays. UGH! They seem to always be such a challenge for me. For months now, I have been determined not to let Monday defeat me. When I am scheduled for work EARLY on Mondays, I keep telling myself that "early in" means "early out." Been a major help to me to process that thought in this brain of mine!
This past Monday turned out to be one of the most challenging Mondays I've had in a long time. One challenge after another after another happened all day long. I had to be at work at 7am. When my feet hit the floor they hit the floor with my great attitude: early in, early out! Off to work I went. I do remember I prayed, "Lord, whatever it is I need today, thank You for giving it to me." Somehow, I knew an extra prayer was going to be needed!
I barely got in the door and the news of a "call off" was given to me. Challenge number one. Instead of being on a nice, simple, easy express register, I was getting sent to the tobacco register which is the register that never shuts down. Okay, I can do that! I will conquer!
Before 9 am I was nearly in tears. First one thing, then another. Customers in a line waiting too long. Customers walking out without paying for merchandise. Short on help, tall on challenges! A long line of customers with no extra help and sure enough, someone dumped their liquid laundry soap at the finish line of my register! Have you ever tried to clean up liquid laundry soap? The service desk employee came to my rescue and told me to tend to the line and she'd handle the mess. Thank you sweet Jesus for my help! Mentally I continued to grab any piece of a Bible verse that would come to my mind. "He will never leave me nor forsake me." Ahhhhhh......that helped a lot! I knew God was right there in that place going thru every challenge WITH ME.
Early in also means early "brunch" time. Off the floor I nearly ran in desparation to sit down and regroup! On a day when I simply wanted to be "left alone" so I could regroup, I ended up with a table full of coworkers who "never get to have lunch with me" and was thrilled to be doing so. So much for the peace and quiet, BUT.....the laughter and the sharing of challenges proved to be a real uplift.
Inside I kept claiming one promise after another. A younger believer, fellow coworker, who I am priviledged to call a new found friend, seemed to be having the same kind of day. Every chance I had, I'd encourage her to "grab a promise" and "hang on." My goodness what a help that was to her and to me!!!
I was sure after brunch the day would be better! Refreshed and regrouped, back to the battlefield I went. It never got any better. I'd drop change. I'd not be able to get the bills to come out of the drawer. I couldn't get things to go in the bags right. I'm telling you if it could happen, it did! Anyone who thinks the job of a cashier is easy, go work in our shoes for a day! Everyone thought they needed to throw the heavy stuff on the black belt. This body doesn't "deal with heavy" anymore. I was constantly scanning and asking customers to put it back in their carts! Most of the time the customers I have will ask if it needs up on the belt. Not on Monday! Unless I caught them before they did it and asked them not to, on the black belt went every bag of dogfood, every case of bottled water, everything that was heavy! This body doesn't do heavy anymore. Never ceases to amaze me how thoughtless people can be, but......no time for judging or complaining. God gave me strength and helped me thru each minute.
Now, I realize that most of this makes no sense to anyone reading it. I am trying to get us all to understand that no matter the challenges in our life, God is with us. He gives us strength to get thru the "small stuff" as well as the big stuff. We are His kids! Not only are we His kids, but HE decided to pick us to be His kids! My goodness how special that makes me feel! The God of the universe, the Creator of all, decided He wanted me to be one of His kids! I must be special!
I want to share this one last thing with you. God gave me a HUGE hug about half an hour before time for me to go home. I was exhausted! I wanted to sit down and needed to sit down. On the tobacco register you are confined. No sitting down. No stopping. I so simply wanted to go home! A customer came thru with a rather large order. I began to scan her merchandise and God's arms reached out around me thru this customer, and HE hugged me while she said, "All the chocolate in the world wouldn't fix the kind of Monday I've had."
Don't tell me God wasn't aware of the challenging Monday I had!
"In the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by. I will cry out to God Most High, to God who PERFORMS ALL THINGS for me." Psalms 57:1-2
Okay, so it was the small stuff.....it still mattered to HIM!
Til next time.................hugs to all.............Dea
This past Monday turned out to be one of the most challenging Mondays I've had in a long time. One challenge after another after another happened all day long. I had to be at work at 7am. When my feet hit the floor they hit the floor with my great attitude: early in, early out! Off to work I went. I do remember I prayed, "Lord, whatever it is I need today, thank You for giving it to me." Somehow, I knew an extra prayer was going to be needed!
I barely got in the door and the news of a "call off" was given to me. Challenge number one. Instead of being on a nice, simple, easy express register, I was getting sent to the tobacco register which is the register that never shuts down. Okay, I can do that! I will conquer!
Before 9 am I was nearly in tears. First one thing, then another. Customers in a line waiting too long. Customers walking out without paying for merchandise. Short on help, tall on challenges! A long line of customers with no extra help and sure enough, someone dumped their liquid laundry soap at the finish line of my register! Have you ever tried to clean up liquid laundry soap? The service desk employee came to my rescue and told me to tend to the line and she'd handle the mess. Thank you sweet Jesus for my help! Mentally I continued to grab any piece of a Bible verse that would come to my mind. "He will never leave me nor forsake me." Ahhhhhh......that helped a lot! I knew God was right there in that place going thru every challenge WITH ME.
Early in also means early "brunch" time. Off the floor I nearly ran in desparation to sit down and regroup! On a day when I simply wanted to be "left alone" so I could regroup, I ended up with a table full of coworkers who "never get to have lunch with me" and was thrilled to be doing so. So much for the peace and quiet, BUT.....the laughter and the sharing of challenges proved to be a real uplift.
Inside I kept claiming one promise after another. A younger believer, fellow coworker, who I am priviledged to call a new found friend, seemed to be having the same kind of day. Every chance I had, I'd encourage her to "grab a promise" and "hang on." My goodness what a help that was to her and to me!!!
I was sure after brunch the day would be better! Refreshed and regrouped, back to the battlefield I went. It never got any better. I'd drop change. I'd not be able to get the bills to come out of the drawer. I couldn't get things to go in the bags right. I'm telling you if it could happen, it did! Anyone who thinks the job of a cashier is easy, go work in our shoes for a day! Everyone thought they needed to throw the heavy stuff on the black belt. This body doesn't "deal with heavy" anymore. I was constantly scanning and asking customers to put it back in their carts! Most of the time the customers I have will ask if it needs up on the belt. Not on Monday! Unless I caught them before they did it and asked them not to, on the black belt went every bag of dogfood, every case of bottled water, everything that was heavy! This body doesn't do heavy anymore. Never ceases to amaze me how thoughtless people can be, but......no time for judging or complaining. God gave me strength and helped me thru each minute.
Now, I realize that most of this makes no sense to anyone reading it. I am trying to get us all to understand that no matter the challenges in our life, God is with us. He gives us strength to get thru the "small stuff" as well as the big stuff. We are His kids! Not only are we His kids, but HE decided to pick us to be His kids! My goodness how special that makes me feel! The God of the universe, the Creator of all, decided He wanted me to be one of His kids! I must be special!
I want to share this one last thing with you. God gave me a HUGE hug about half an hour before time for me to go home. I was exhausted! I wanted to sit down and needed to sit down. On the tobacco register you are confined. No sitting down. No stopping. I so simply wanted to go home! A customer came thru with a rather large order. I began to scan her merchandise and God's arms reached out around me thru this customer, and HE hugged me while she said, "All the chocolate in the world wouldn't fix the kind of Monday I've had."
Don't tell me God wasn't aware of the challenging Monday I had!
"In the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by. I will cry out to God Most High, to God who PERFORMS ALL THINGS for me." Psalms 57:1-2
Okay, so it was the small stuff.....it still mattered to HIM!
Til next time.................hugs to all.............Dea
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Enjoying and remembering.....
If you have not had time to get out and enjoy all this beautiful weather God has been blessing us with, then stop reading this and get out there! My goodness has God been good with the weather or what! I can't recall so many beautiful days in a row during the months of August and September. I give HIM praise!
I have to laugh as Bill struggles to kill those little white "things" that seem to continue to visit our roses. He had me check online to see what to do to get rid of them. A simple thing like hosing them with water should do the trick. Getting them off the roses and down on the ground where "nature" can take it's course is the best way......so says the internet. Evidently that didn't suit Bill! He's back to using sevin dust on them!
Aren't we the same way in our Christian walk? God tells us what to do to deal with whatever is in our lives and what do we do? What WE think is best. I was cleaning out some files recently and stumbled over something I read that Joni Eareckson Tada wrote back in 2003. I was reminded of how, as His children, we want the seaside experiences where we can sit and listen to Him preach. We enjoy the miracles of the fish and bread experiences, but what we don't like are the hard, difficult, pain staking challenges that are just plum not comfortable. Instead of enjoying the hard, difficult, pain staking challenges just like we would a fish and bread experience, we fuss and stew and lots of times just venture out on our own knowing our way is gona work!
I cannot encourage any of us enough to not do that! During the hard, difficult, pain staking challenges that we don't like and we certainly don't want to be a part of, are the BEST times to grow in Jesus! We want all the jelly on the bread stuff, we just don't want what it takes to keep the jelly on the bread, do we? On one hand we will sit and tell God we want to KNOW HIM better. On the other hand we sit and BEG Him to release us from whatever it is that has made us so uncomfortable. Come on now! WE ALL KNOW we have done this! I guess we best constantly keep in mind that we need to be careful what we ask for. God really does listen to us! Every word! All the time!
If God has TRUSTED YOU with a major crisis, if He has TRUSTED YOU with something that is not comfortable in your life...........I encourage you to rest in the situation. I'm sure if you were standing near me, you'd want to throw a book at me or at least give me a good swat! Don't blame ya one bit. Been there, felt like that. The last thing I've ever wanted to hear from someone during one of the many uncomfortable times God has trusted me with is to rest in the challenge and be honored that God has trusted me with it.
Just to be honest..............what I'm telling you is the truth! When I sit and think of all the challenges God, (you know Him, THE GOD OF THIS UNIVERSE, the ALMIGHT GOD, THE ALPHA AND OMEGA GOD, the ONE AND ONLY GOD) has trusted me with...........I STAND AMAZED! I wouldn't trust me with a basic decision that needs made let alone trust me with all that God has trusted me with!! Yet, God sees my entire picture! He wants me to be all I can be...........for HIS GOOD AND HIS GLORY!
There has not been one of these challenges in my life that God has trusted me with that I have not come away from with MORE GOD than I ever dreamed possible! I would go into a situation like any other kid would do. I'd kick, scream, and have a fit! Did that make God take the situation away? Did it help me while the challenge that was there? God allowed the situation to work according to HIS time, not mine. My fits of rebellion only caused my "lesson to be learned" come harder.
Do I do it all right now? No! I find myself still wanting to kick and scream BUT.....I remember that little word, rest! May I PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE encourage you to think of the word REST this way: R---- Really E----Enjoy S----Solitude T---- TIME.
Webster tells me that rest means a "state of ease." God has a purpose for the challenges in our lives. He trusts us with the challenges HE KNOWS we need to have the relationship with Him not only we want and need but HE WANTS AND NEEDS. It's those valley experiences with all the solitude that we will find so much MORE God than we ever dreamed we could find.
As humans, we want the easy way. As humans, we'll accept less. As humans we just want it all over with and life back to whatever normal is. Not God's way! Just not gona happen! So, we may as well REALLY ENJOY SOLITUDE TIME (rest) in God from each challenge.
I am reminded of Matthew 11:29, "Come unto me...and I will give you (REALLY ENJOYABLE SOLITUDE TIME) rest..."
It is so hard! I am so human! I make things so much harder on myself. I don't know about you but when there's a challenge before me, I have to DO something! Resting, being still, waiting............I do not like any of those words! Those are words I'd like to take out of the dictionary. I am NOT GOOD at any of the above. YET.............it's the resting, the being still, the waiting times in my life that I have found MORE GOD than I ever dreamed I'd ever be allowed or entrusted with! It is those times that have been the most amazing times of my Christian walk. Easy? No! Amazing? YES!
If God has entrusted you with a challenge you simply want to go away, I encourage you to bury yourself in His arms and rest. Keep your eyes open. Keep your heart open. You really don't want to miss out on the "valley of blessings" God has in store for you during the time of challenge.
Until next time.....................stay in His word.................hugs to all............................Dea
I have to laugh as Bill struggles to kill those little white "things" that seem to continue to visit our roses. He had me check online to see what to do to get rid of them. A simple thing like hosing them with water should do the trick. Getting them off the roses and down on the ground where "nature" can take it's course is the best way......so says the internet. Evidently that didn't suit Bill! He's back to using sevin dust on them!
Aren't we the same way in our Christian walk? God tells us what to do to deal with whatever is in our lives and what do we do? What WE think is best. I was cleaning out some files recently and stumbled over something I read that Joni Eareckson Tada wrote back in 2003. I was reminded of how, as His children, we want the seaside experiences where we can sit and listen to Him preach. We enjoy the miracles of the fish and bread experiences, but what we don't like are the hard, difficult, pain staking challenges that are just plum not comfortable. Instead of enjoying the hard, difficult, pain staking challenges just like we would a fish and bread experience, we fuss and stew and lots of times just venture out on our own knowing our way is gona work!
I cannot encourage any of us enough to not do that! During the hard, difficult, pain staking challenges that we don't like and we certainly don't want to be a part of, are the BEST times to grow in Jesus! We want all the jelly on the bread stuff, we just don't want what it takes to keep the jelly on the bread, do we? On one hand we will sit and tell God we want to KNOW HIM better. On the other hand we sit and BEG Him to release us from whatever it is that has made us so uncomfortable. Come on now! WE ALL KNOW we have done this! I guess we best constantly keep in mind that we need to be careful what we ask for. God really does listen to us! Every word! All the time!
If God has TRUSTED YOU with a major crisis, if He has TRUSTED YOU with something that is not comfortable in your life...........I encourage you to rest in the situation. I'm sure if you were standing near me, you'd want to throw a book at me or at least give me a good swat! Don't blame ya one bit. Been there, felt like that. The last thing I've ever wanted to hear from someone during one of the many uncomfortable times God has trusted me with is to rest in the challenge and be honored that God has trusted me with it.
Just to be honest..............what I'm telling you is the truth! When I sit and think of all the challenges God, (you know Him, THE GOD OF THIS UNIVERSE, the ALMIGHT GOD, THE ALPHA AND OMEGA GOD, the ONE AND ONLY GOD) has trusted me with...........I STAND AMAZED! I wouldn't trust me with a basic decision that needs made let alone trust me with all that God has trusted me with!! Yet, God sees my entire picture! He wants me to be all I can be...........for HIS GOOD AND HIS GLORY!
There has not been one of these challenges in my life that God has trusted me with that I have not come away from with MORE GOD than I ever dreamed possible! I would go into a situation like any other kid would do. I'd kick, scream, and have a fit! Did that make God take the situation away? Did it help me while the challenge that was there? God allowed the situation to work according to HIS time, not mine. My fits of rebellion only caused my "lesson to be learned" come harder.
Do I do it all right now? No! I find myself still wanting to kick and scream BUT.....I remember that little word, rest! May I PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE encourage you to think of the word REST this way: R---- Really E----Enjoy S----Solitude T---- TIME.
Webster tells me that rest means a "state of ease." God has a purpose for the challenges in our lives. He trusts us with the challenges HE KNOWS we need to have the relationship with Him not only we want and need but HE WANTS AND NEEDS. It's those valley experiences with all the solitude that we will find so much MORE God than we ever dreamed we could find.
As humans, we want the easy way. As humans, we'll accept less. As humans we just want it all over with and life back to whatever normal is. Not God's way! Just not gona happen! So, we may as well REALLY ENJOY SOLITUDE TIME (rest) in God from each challenge.
I am reminded of Matthew 11:29, "Come unto me...and I will give you (REALLY ENJOYABLE SOLITUDE TIME) rest..."
It is so hard! I am so human! I make things so much harder on myself. I don't know about you but when there's a challenge before me, I have to DO something! Resting, being still, waiting............I do not like any of those words! Those are words I'd like to take out of the dictionary. I am NOT GOOD at any of the above. YET.............it's the resting, the being still, the waiting times in my life that I have found MORE GOD than I ever dreamed I'd ever be allowed or entrusted with! It is those times that have been the most amazing times of my Christian walk. Easy? No! Amazing? YES!
If God has entrusted you with a challenge you simply want to go away, I encourage you to bury yourself in His arms and rest. Keep your eyes open. Keep your heart open. You really don't want to miss out on the "valley of blessings" God has in store for you during the time of challenge.
Until next time.....................stay in His word.................hugs to all............................Dea
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Been a Long Time, Huh!!!!!
yes, it has been a very long time since I've been on my blog. There have been many changes in my life and it's been a time that has been very difficult for me.
Most of you who take the time to check in on my blog already know that God took Mom home finally December 14, 2008. Of course, she even made her final rest a challenge.....but that was Mom. The funeral home where her already arranged funeral was to be was busy when she died. We had to wait til the end of the week before we could have calling hours or service. I worked until the day of the calling hours. I took that day off and the day of service and then went right back to work. I had no desire to be at home and have time to "think." Mom's home going caused an enormous amount of relief to us. We wanted Mom to always have "the best" and now, finally, she does. Even tho to this day we rejoice in Mom having the best, I think it's safe to say, we all miss her so much.
It has been especially tough on my youngest brother, and on this big baby who happens to be her baby girl. The two of us were closer to Mom than the other two. It doesn't mean she loved us more, it just means she spoiled us more. Mom was always such a part of my life my entire life. Not having her has proved to be a major, major challenge for me. I still find myself asking, "what am I suppose to do with me now?"
We have seen our youngest grandson reach the age of 1. What a cutie he is. He is such a loving little guy. If he thinks he's done something to upset you or make you mad, he'll come and want to hug and kiss to make sure you aren't mad at him. How could anyone get mad at such a jester from one so little?!!!! Our oldest granddaughter, Bryanna, continues to have a heart far older than her age. She will be 12 in October.........what a joy she is. Justin survived breaking the big bone in his left leg and laying in a body cast most of last year. He's in 3rd grade this year and playing football!!! Scares this grandmother to no end, but, he is so excited. As much as my work schedule will allow me, I will be on the sidelines rooting our little blonde on. Alexis turned 10 this year and I swear she's grown a foot this summer. Off to the country fair I went in support of her and her turkey. What fun I had enjoying her in the 4H fashion show! Back the next day for the turkey show! I survived and that's enough of that. Next year? I hope it's not a turkey. Those turkey things at the county fair takes sooooooooooooooooooooooo long! Our Gage is still the same ornery, busy little guy he has always been. He will be 4 the end of October. He takes his job as "big brother" very serious and it's such fun to watch the two of them. Reminds me so much of our own two boys at that age. God has blest us with 5 great grandkids. I'm still trying to get them all together and get ONE picture taken. Hopefully I'll figure out how to post it after I get it taken.
I continue to praise the Lord always regardless of the circumstances in my life. I continue to struggle with the dark hole of depression although I have had times when it's not been so bad. I have had to accept another physical challenge in my life in the name of diabetic neuropathy. Painful thing. I do not like it. Yet.......I have it. Life goes on and I keep telling it as well as my bad hip that I refuse to listen to them and we will go on.
I dearly love my job as a cashier at Walmart in Oberlin. I work with a great group and feel very blest to have the job I have. So many have no job at all. I SEE the results of that every day. My heart breaks when customers must put back groceries they need because they can't afford to buy them. I long to have pockets full of money so I can take care of every one of them. I cannot begin to share all the opportunities I have had to "let His light shine" at my workplace. So many times a day I find a crack, a window, and sometimes a door to speak up and be heard. I have a dear brother in Christ that will stop immediately and pray with me if I need him to. He's one of my coworkers God has placed there. I get lots of hugs from other cashiers often.........when THEY need one and when I do. My organizational skills have rubbed off on others. PRAISE THE LORD! So many are now cleaning and keeping their work areas neater and cleaner. I never SAID ONE WORD! I just try to be a good example and it has rubbed off. It was such a blessing to have a job closer to where Mom was. I rejoice to this day in that. It's closer to my house and closer to my sister and brothers. I am thankful for that, far more than I can express.
We have enjoyed a harvest from our garden this year! We continue to eat tomatoes. I think there is still one cabbage which I will use for cabbage, ham and potatoes. Speaking of potatoes...my goodness how God did multiply! Bill said he'd guess he dug about 500 pounds of red potatoes. Yes, we both are diabetic, but we are careful and there's so many things we can do with potatoes. AND.....I have plenty to share with others in need. Bill has worked hard on strawberries in hopes of having plenty of them to pick and sell next year. His berry patch sure looks nice at this point. What blessing we had with blackberries. They grow in our fence row and Bill worked hard to keep the weeds down and away from them and grass cut to make easy access. I have 4 (or was it 5) quart packages in the freezer and I think I made a total of five pies.....no, we didn't eat five pies. I sent pies to Gerry's house and sent pie to my sister and I took pie to my oldest friend, Margaret, who has been battling colon cancer. Plenty of pie to share and share we did. I'll use the frozen to munch on this winter and to bake a pie at the holidays. We have been blest and I am thankful!
Our roses grew beyond words! What a major, major thing it is to me to come here after a long day at work and see the beauty of the Lord in the roses! I was able to use some of my roses as encouragement to one of my coworkers as she graduated from college at the ripe ole age of.......well........not much younger than me. A small act of kindness gained much ground for His good and His glory!!!
Reality has set in as during this past summer we lost so many of our dear old saints that served as youth leaders and teachers during my younger years. Their time is done and God has called them home. I rejoice knowing we will have eternity together. Yet, my heart aches that we no longer have their example, or their visible strength with us. We still have one dear sweet, so very special saint left and she told my brother-in-law last week she was going to start attending the Methodist church because too many old people were dying in that church! I wish you all could meet her.................what a loveable, amazing, ornery dear saint she is. Jean told me not too long ago she'd had a long talk with God and told Him in no way was He ready to have her up there yet! How tough it will be for all of us when God calls her home! Loosing so many makes ya realize just how short life really is.
My challenges have been many, yet I know I am blest in so many ways. I truly do try hard every day to see the blessings and dwell on them. Being the human that I am, I often fail. Yet, I know it is never God who moves all over the place, it is me. Standing still and knowing has never been my strongsuit. There are days when I so long for heaven, but I know I do for all the wrong reasons. I want to be where Mom is..................and I know I need to want to be where God is! I do, I really do, but I so long to go and be where Mom is. I guess that little girl inside of me will always want her mom.
I have not dug out any new Bible verse that is gona blow us away these days. Instead I dwell on the faithful, the good ones, the strong ones that we grew up and will never forget. "Remember not the former things....behold, I will do a new thing now. It will come forth." Isaiah 43. I sure wish the new thing will come soon...................I grow weary waiting for the old things to go. I truly want to be "more like Jesus" and I realize that so often I fail.
Til next time.......and I really will try to do this more often..............hugs to all.............
Dea
Most of you who take the time to check in on my blog already know that God took Mom home finally December 14, 2008. Of course, she even made her final rest a challenge.....but that was Mom. The funeral home where her already arranged funeral was to be was busy when she died. We had to wait til the end of the week before we could have calling hours or service. I worked until the day of the calling hours. I took that day off and the day of service and then went right back to work. I had no desire to be at home and have time to "think." Mom's home going caused an enormous amount of relief to us. We wanted Mom to always have "the best" and now, finally, she does. Even tho to this day we rejoice in Mom having the best, I think it's safe to say, we all miss her so much.
It has been especially tough on my youngest brother, and on this big baby who happens to be her baby girl. The two of us were closer to Mom than the other two. It doesn't mean she loved us more, it just means she spoiled us more. Mom was always such a part of my life my entire life. Not having her has proved to be a major, major challenge for me. I still find myself asking, "what am I suppose to do with me now?"
We have seen our youngest grandson reach the age of 1. What a cutie he is. He is such a loving little guy. If he thinks he's done something to upset you or make you mad, he'll come and want to hug and kiss to make sure you aren't mad at him. How could anyone get mad at such a jester from one so little?!!!! Our oldest granddaughter, Bryanna, continues to have a heart far older than her age. She will be 12 in October.........what a joy she is. Justin survived breaking the big bone in his left leg and laying in a body cast most of last year. He's in 3rd grade this year and playing football!!! Scares this grandmother to no end, but, he is so excited. As much as my work schedule will allow me, I will be on the sidelines rooting our little blonde on. Alexis turned 10 this year and I swear she's grown a foot this summer. Off to the country fair I went in support of her and her turkey. What fun I had enjoying her in the 4H fashion show! Back the next day for the turkey show! I survived and that's enough of that. Next year? I hope it's not a turkey. Those turkey things at the county fair takes sooooooooooooooooooooooo long! Our Gage is still the same ornery, busy little guy he has always been. He will be 4 the end of October. He takes his job as "big brother" very serious and it's such fun to watch the two of them. Reminds me so much of our own two boys at that age. God has blest us with 5 great grandkids. I'm still trying to get them all together and get ONE picture taken. Hopefully I'll figure out how to post it after I get it taken.
I continue to praise the Lord always regardless of the circumstances in my life. I continue to struggle with the dark hole of depression although I have had times when it's not been so bad. I have had to accept another physical challenge in my life in the name of diabetic neuropathy. Painful thing. I do not like it. Yet.......I have it. Life goes on and I keep telling it as well as my bad hip that I refuse to listen to them and we will go on.
I dearly love my job as a cashier at Walmart in Oberlin. I work with a great group and feel very blest to have the job I have. So many have no job at all. I SEE the results of that every day. My heart breaks when customers must put back groceries they need because they can't afford to buy them. I long to have pockets full of money so I can take care of every one of them. I cannot begin to share all the opportunities I have had to "let His light shine" at my workplace. So many times a day I find a crack, a window, and sometimes a door to speak up and be heard. I have a dear brother in Christ that will stop immediately and pray with me if I need him to. He's one of my coworkers God has placed there. I get lots of hugs from other cashiers often.........when THEY need one and when I do. My organizational skills have rubbed off on others. PRAISE THE LORD! So many are now cleaning and keeping their work areas neater and cleaner. I never SAID ONE WORD! I just try to be a good example and it has rubbed off. It was such a blessing to have a job closer to where Mom was. I rejoice to this day in that. It's closer to my house and closer to my sister and brothers. I am thankful for that, far more than I can express.
We have enjoyed a harvest from our garden this year! We continue to eat tomatoes. I think there is still one cabbage which I will use for cabbage, ham and potatoes. Speaking of potatoes...my goodness how God did multiply! Bill said he'd guess he dug about 500 pounds of red potatoes. Yes, we both are diabetic, but we are careful and there's so many things we can do with potatoes. AND.....I have plenty to share with others in need. Bill has worked hard on strawberries in hopes of having plenty of them to pick and sell next year. His berry patch sure looks nice at this point. What blessing we had with blackberries. They grow in our fence row and Bill worked hard to keep the weeds down and away from them and grass cut to make easy access. I have 4 (or was it 5) quart packages in the freezer and I think I made a total of five pies.....no, we didn't eat five pies. I sent pies to Gerry's house and sent pie to my sister and I took pie to my oldest friend, Margaret, who has been battling colon cancer. Plenty of pie to share and share we did. I'll use the frozen to munch on this winter and to bake a pie at the holidays. We have been blest and I am thankful!
Our roses grew beyond words! What a major, major thing it is to me to come here after a long day at work and see the beauty of the Lord in the roses! I was able to use some of my roses as encouragement to one of my coworkers as she graduated from college at the ripe ole age of.......well........not much younger than me. A small act of kindness gained much ground for His good and His glory!!!
Reality has set in as during this past summer we lost so many of our dear old saints that served as youth leaders and teachers during my younger years. Their time is done and God has called them home. I rejoice knowing we will have eternity together. Yet, my heart aches that we no longer have their example, or their visible strength with us. We still have one dear sweet, so very special saint left and she told my brother-in-law last week she was going to start attending the Methodist church because too many old people were dying in that church! I wish you all could meet her.................what a loveable, amazing, ornery dear saint she is. Jean told me not too long ago she'd had a long talk with God and told Him in no way was He ready to have her up there yet! How tough it will be for all of us when God calls her home! Loosing so many makes ya realize just how short life really is.
My challenges have been many, yet I know I am blest in so many ways. I truly do try hard every day to see the blessings and dwell on them. Being the human that I am, I often fail. Yet, I know it is never God who moves all over the place, it is me. Standing still and knowing has never been my strongsuit. There are days when I so long for heaven, but I know I do for all the wrong reasons. I want to be where Mom is..................and I know I need to want to be where God is! I do, I really do, but I so long to go and be where Mom is. I guess that little girl inside of me will always want her mom.
I have not dug out any new Bible verse that is gona blow us away these days. Instead I dwell on the faithful, the good ones, the strong ones that we grew up and will never forget. "Remember not the former things....behold, I will do a new thing now. It will come forth." Isaiah 43. I sure wish the new thing will come soon...................I grow weary waiting for the old things to go. I truly want to be "more like Jesus" and I realize that so often I fail.
Til next time.......and I really will try to do this more often..............hugs to all.............
Dea
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Praise Him.....Praise Him....Praising Him!!!!
"even tho.....yet will I praise Him." Habakkuk 3:7
"Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary: Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him, Let everything that has breath..................PRAISE THE LORD!" Psalm 150
The past days have been some of the most trying and difficult days of my life. I have been adjusting to a new job. We had a health scare with our new little grandson. There has been a death in the family. I've had to deal with the moving out of state of a niece and great niece that I am very close to. Our family has lost several senior saints that have been friends of our family for years. I have had to accept the demolishion of my dear aunt's house.........a house I will never forget. A house full of memories and laughter. In it's place is nothing now.
During a visit with Mom last week I realized Mom has forgotten my name. She knows I belong to her. She knows I am family. But Mom no longer remembers my name. I cried from the parking lot all the way home and cried some more when I arrived home. It was the most heartbreaking thing to me.
God and I have struggled over these months about Mom. I have been blunt and honest with Him. Mom deserves her mansion. Mom deserves to go home and get out of her world of suffering and pain. I don't understand why God has not extended His mercy to Mom and taken her home. I don't understand..............yet................His will be done.
I know God remains in control. I know God sees the entire picture. Mom is suffering. We are suffering while we wait with Mom for her home going. Why? Why doesn't He take Mom home?
I was reading a devotional just this morning about suffering. It stated that often God allows us to suffer that HE may prove Himself and glorify Himself thru our suffering. God allows us to suffer for our own good. Jesus did, ya know. Jesus suffered for MY own good! Only seems right that I suffer for Him. It is God's desire for others to SEE His power and strength. MANY people are watching us............my family and I. They are watching us as we wait and love and hug and cry and wait and love and hug and cry Mom on into eternal glory. There are 15 other residents that live with Mom. There are at least 12 or more staff members. There is the boss. That makes at least 28 people that observe us every time we go to visit with Mom or make contact in any way. My closest friends are watching me. Our church family is watching us. Our unsaved brother is watching those of us who do believe. God is busy. God is at work.
It's hard. It's so hard to go and see Mom in the shape she is in mentally. I suppose it sounds rather strange, but I'm use to watching Mom battle physical challenges. We've been thru a lot of them together. But mentally..........Mom has always been the strong one. Not for just me......but for all of us. It breaks my heart to go and visit her. Sometimes we are way back in her youth. Sometimes we are in places I haven't a clue. Sometimes we sing. Sometimes we cry. Gone are the days of laughter and fun Mom and I always had no matter how hard I try to keep it there. It's gone. Those of you reading this that has walked in this valley know and understand. For the rest of you........I hope you are never asked to walk thru this valley. It's a valley far deeper and far harder on me than any other valley God has asked me to endure. To me, Mom doesn't deserve this. To God..........thru Mom He continues to glorify Himself and He continues to do His work and His will.
On my way out of work the other day I bumped into a dear, dear Sister in Christ. There are people in this world who hug and then there are people in this world who REALLY KNOW how to hug. This sister in Christ is one that really knows how to hug. What a blessing to get the hugs I received. I give HIM all praise!
We traveled to a county fair on Monday to see our granddaughter's reserve champion turkey. As we came home, I asked Bill to stop in at the grocery store in New London. I needed freezer bags and forgot to get them. As I came out of the store, there was another of my sister's in Christ. One of my prayer warriors that I can count on to pray at any hour.......at any time I contact her to pray. To say I needed a hug from her..............I give HIM all praise!
I seldom go to Ashland anymore but found it necessary this past week. While I was there, I stopped in a local grocery store that I always enjoyed shopping in when I made weekly trips to Ashland. At the grocery store I found chicken for 99 cents a pound. (meat lovers choice...unheard of these days) I found beautiful nectarines for 68 cents a pound. (absolutely unreal in this day and time) I needed those hugs. I give HIM all praise!
It is rare that my sister and I can have time together alone. Between the responsibility we have with Mom, my job, my family..........it's tough. This week we were able to escape for a few hours to go to a local flea market. We laughed. We talked. We had lunch! I needed that hug.........I give HIM all praise!
I was told at work I always have the cleanest and neatest register and register area. I thanked the one who complimented me and at the same time my heart said........thank You Jesus! That is your victory! I give Him praise.
We are asking customers to round up their purchase to the next dollar amount so that their change can be given to children's hospital in Cleveland. All I do is ask. I was told the other day that I had gathered more money than anyone and was the ONLY one putting forth any real effort. That's God! I give Him praise!
God provided for us to have the four new tires we badly needed as well as the exhaust system on the car fixed. God has provided for us so that all of our utility bills are now current. God has provided for me to do as the ant does........store for winter. I have tried really hard to be wise with what God sends our way. I have watched newspaper ads and when possible I have been stocking up the canned and boxed items we'd need for winter. Also, when I have seen a good meat sale, I try to get a little extra. I give HIM all praise.
Some of you know how much I have prayed and prayed for a newer computer. A laptop computer was GIVEN to me TODAY! Nothing wrong with it. All it's needed pieces and parts come with it. I stand in awe and amazement at our great God!
Job and all his messes...........yet He praised the Lord. Habakkuk and all his challenges and trials......yet He praised the Lord. The Apostle Paul and all his physical pain........yet he praised the Lord. Paul and Silas was thrown in jail for no reason............as they SANG, they praised the Lord.
I pray it can be said of me...................even tho.................yet I will praise HIM!
Til next time..............keep that Bible open..............hugs to all..............Dea
"Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary: Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him, Let everything that has breath..................PRAISE THE LORD!" Psalm 150
The past days have been some of the most trying and difficult days of my life. I have been adjusting to a new job. We had a health scare with our new little grandson. There has been a death in the family. I've had to deal with the moving out of state of a niece and great niece that I am very close to. Our family has lost several senior saints that have been friends of our family for years. I have had to accept the demolishion of my dear aunt's house.........a house I will never forget. A house full of memories and laughter. In it's place is nothing now.
During a visit with Mom last week I realized Mom has forgotten my name. She knows I belong to her. She knows I am family. But Mom no longer remembers my name. I cried from the parking lot all the way home and cried some more when I arrived home. It was the most heartbreaking thing to me.
God and I have struggled over these months about Mom. I have been blunt and honest with Him. Mom deserves her mansion. Mom deserves to go home and get out of her world of suffering and pain. I don't understand why God has not extended His mercy to Mom and taken her home. I don't understand..............yet................His will be done.
I know God remains in control. I know God sees the entire picture. Mom is suffering. We are suffering while we wait with Mom for her home going. Why? Why doesn't He take Mom home?
I was reading a devotional just this morning about suffering. It stated that often God allows us to suffer that HE may prove Himself and glorify Himself thru our suffering. God allows us to suffer for our own good. Jesus did, ya know. Jesus suffered for MY own good! Only seems right that I suffer for Him. It is God's desire for others to SEE His power and strength. MANY people are watching us............my family and I. They are watching us as we wait and love and hug and cry and wait and love and hug and cry Mom on into eternal glory. There are 15 other residents that live with Mom. There are at least 12 or more staff members. There is the boss. That makes at least 28 people that observe us every time we go to visit with Mom or make contact in any way. My closest friends are watching me. Our church family is watching us. Our unsaved brother is watching those of us who do believe. God is busy. God is at work.
It's hard. It's so hard to go and see Mom in the shape she is in mentally. I suppose it sounds rather strange, but I'm use to watching Mom battle physical challenges. We've been thru a lot of them together. But mentally..........Mom has always been the strong one. Not for just me......but for all of us. It breaks my heart to go and visit her. Sometimes we are way back in her youth. Sometimes we are in places I haven't a clue. Sometimes we sing. Sometimes we cry. Gone are the days of laughter and fun Mom and I always had no matter how hard I try to keep it there. It's gone. Those of you reading this that has walked in this valley know and understand. For the rest of you........I hope you are never asked to walk thru this valley. It's a valley far deeper and far harder on me than any other valley God has asked me to endure. To me, Mom doesn't deserve this. To God..........thru Mom He continues to glorify Himself and He continues to do His work and His will.
On my way out of work the other day I bumped into a dear, dear Sister in Christ. There are people in this world who hug and then there are people in this world who REALLY KNOW how to hug. This sister in Christ is one that really knows how to hug. What a blessing to get the hugs I received. I give HIM all praise!
We traveled to a county fair on Monday to see our granddaughter's reserve champion turkey. As we came home, I asked Bill to stop in at the grocery store in New London. I needed freezer bags and forgot to get them. As I came out of the store, there was another of my sister's in Christ. One of my prayer warriors that I can count on to pray at any hour.......at any time I contact her to pray. To say I needed a hug from her..............I give HIM all praise!
I seldom go to Ashland anymore but found it necessary this past week. While I was there, I stopped in a local grocery store that I always enjoyed shopping in when I made weekly trips to Ashland. At the grocery store I found chicken for 99 cents a pound. (meat lovers choice...unheard of these days) I found beautiful nectarines for 68 cents a pound. (absolutely unreal in this day and time) I needed those hugs. I give HIM all praise!
It is rare that my sister and I can have time together alone. Between the responsibility we have with Mom, my job, my family..........it's tough. This week we were able to escape for a few hours to go to a local flea market. We laughed. We talked. We had lunch! I needed that hug.........I give HIM all praise!
I was told at work I always have the cleanest and neatest register and register area. I thanked the one who complimented me and at the same time my heart said........thank You Jesus! That is your victory! I give Him praise.
We are asking customers to round up their purchase to the next dollar amount so that their change can be given to children's hospital in Cleveland. All I do is ask. I was told the other day that I had gathered more money than anyone and was the ONLY one putting forth any real effort. That's God! I give Him praise!
God provided for us to have the four new tires we badly needed as well as the exhaust system on the car fixed. God has provided for us so that all of our utility bills are now current. God has provided for me to do as the ant does........store for winter. I have tried really hard to be wise with what God sends our way. I have watched newspaper ads and when possible I have been stocking up the canned and boxed items we'd need for winter. Also, when I have seen a good meat sale, I try to get a little extra. I give HIM all praise.
Some of you know how much I have prayed and prayed for a newer computer. A laptop computer was GIVEN to me TODAY! Nothing wrong with it. All it's needed pieces and parts come with it. I stand in awe and amazement at our great God!
Job and all his messes...........yet He praised the Lord. Habakkuk and all his challenges and trials......yet He praised the Lord. The Apostle Paul and all his physical pain........yet he praised the Lord. Paul and Silas was thrown in jail for no reason............as they SANG, they praised the Lord.
I pray it can be said of me...................even tho.................yet I will praise HIM!
Til next time..............keep that Bible open..............hugs to all..............Dea
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