My Rant for Today:

Why do they have to take perfectly good movies and put cuss words in them? I thought surely it would be safe to watch "Julie & Julia", but I couldn't even finish that! I very, very seldom ever sit down to watch a movie anyway, and then just when I start getting really interested in it, I have to shut it off. It's just not worth letting things slide for my own enjoyment, at the risk of offending the Holy Spirit who lives inside of me. I value His presence way too much, way above my own pleasure.

Oh well, who has time to watch a movie anyway?

Off to War

Ryan, our youngest, left for Baghdad again yesterday.

Write and Remember!

I am so excited about getting into His Word this morning? Why? Well, it seems like I've going through a time where I've been finding it hard to really get into a personal time of prayer and study of the Word of God. I guess, it started with busyness, fatigue, which led to lack of discipline, and spiritual dryness. Last night I stayed up pretty late reading over my old blog posts and it was so encouraging! I was reminded of so many things that the Lord has spoke to me in the past, things He has taught me, things He has done for me. I was reminded of the importance of the personal disciplines in my life that help me to give God the quality part of my day. This is one of the great benefits of blogging or journaling. We forget so quickly the lessons that God teaches us unless we write them down. In Deuteronomy the Israelites are told over and over to remember the things that God had done for them, taught them, and brought them through. They are also told to talk about them, teach them to their children, and write them down so they don't forget them. I haven't been very good at doing this recently, but I've been so encouraged by reading over what I wrote in the past, that I'm determined to get back at it.
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endures to all generations." Psalm 100:5

Manna/Squash

I'm pretty sure I now know how the children of Israel felt! We have yellow squash and zucchini galore. How many ways can you fix this stuff? I'm not about to complain though. "Thank you Lord for your bountiful blessings!"

Watching A Movie in the Nude

A couple of nights ago, Nolan(my 20 mo. old grandbaby) was standing in front of the TV watching the "JESUS" movie. Suddenly, he strips all of his clothes off. He had realized that Adam was walking around naked in the bushes (you couldn't see his whole body). He then wanted his mom and me to do the same, but we just couldn't sit around watching a movie in the nude, not even for Nolan.
Whoever said kids are not affected by TV?!

Mealy Tomatoes

Has anyone else ever had a problem with mealy tomatoes? They look wonderful on the outside, but when you cut into them they are dry as a bone and have a really weird texture. Any tips on how to correct this problem?

Help! Squash!

I'm already starting to have squash running out of my ears (yellow & zucchini)! I don't have near the freezer space that I had last year, so, does anyone have any recommendations on what to do with all of this squash? I've read that canning it makes it too mushy. Has anyone had any success canning their squash? Please send suggestions on how to preserve it and recipes for squash dishes would be good to have also. Thanks!

They're Off to India!

Yesterday, my daughter, son-in-law, and yes, even my grandson, left for a missions trip to India. They'll be gone for six weeks. I would surely appreciate it if you would mention them in your prayers (Kara, Adrian, and Nolan).

I'm On Vacation

My husband and I were given an opportunity to go on a trip out west with some friends and we jumped at the chance. We've been to Albuquerque, NM, Phoenix, AZ, Painted Desert/Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon, Nevada, Las Angeles, CA, San Jose, San Francisco so far. The scenery has been beautiful (for the most part). I love all of the foliage in California. Makes me want to go home and work on my yard, although Texas weather is a little less plant friendly(at least my yard seems to be). Once I get home I'll be able to post some pictures and tell more about the trip. We've met some wonderful people who have been very hospitable and ate lots of great food. I'm glad I didn't cancel our fitness center membership like I started to. We'll definitely have some pounds to get off when we get home. Vacation is great, but there's no place like home. By the time we get home I'll definitely be ready for a simple diet, daily routine, and all the mundane things of life that I often take for granted. But, right now I am thankful for lots of new and interesting experiences and the beauty of this side of the country that God has created. His creativity is amazing!

National Day of Prayer

Today is National Day of Prayer. Please remember to spend some time on your knees today for our country!

2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Wow, Faith is Really Important!

As I was reading in Ephesians today, the scriptures about putting on the whole armor of God, verse 16 stood out to me. It says "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." Above all? Wow, faith is really important! It is a shield to us! It is what we use to stop the attacks of Satan!
Hebrews 11:6 says that "without faith it is impossible to please God: for He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." We must believe that He is! He is all powerful and He is the answer to all that we need. If we really believe this we will consistently seek Him, because we know that He will reward us for our faith in Him.
If faith is so important, if it is the most important part of our armour against the enemy, if it is impossible to please God without it, then we better know what faith is. Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." When we need something, but we don't know where it's going to come from, faith in God is what we can hold onto. There may not be any evidence, in the physical realm, of anything substantial to make us believe that an answer will come, but faith is the substance we can place our hope in. Knowing who our God is, and trusting Him, is the key!

What Should I Read?

Yesterday, I was thinking that I would like to start reading a new book, and contemplating what I should read. I have a lot of books on my shelves that I've never read and there are also, of course, tons of books at the library of every type and subject. While I was thinking about this, the scripture came to me, "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise." Prov. 27:7. Of course, I know from reading Proverbs that wisdom is something that we are to desire and be seeking for. There are so many wise, godly people who have books written about them, and have written books, who I will never get the privilege of walking and talking with personally, but, in reading about them, can still influence my life and the way that I think and live. I've heard it said before that we should surround ourselves with people who we want to be like; successful, wise, godly, creative people, people of great faith. This can include not just the people we rub shoulders with personally, but the people we spend time with in a book, on TV, etc.

Battle Field of the Mind

The enemy of our soul knows just where and how to attack us, to drag us down, or sometimes just to keep us from progressing or being profitable in our practical life or spiritual life. So often, he uses distracting thoughts that keep us from what is important to be focusing on at the time. Every battle begins in the mind. They don't even have to be evil thoughts (he's sly), but if they're keeping us from what we should be thinking about, or doing, they're not good. Last week I was going through just this kind of battle. The Holy Spirit reminded me of this scripture:
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight ,O Lord, my strength and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14

I looked up the meaning to these key words:
meditation - close or continued thought; the turning or revolving of a subject in the mind; serious contemplation.
heart - secret thoughts, recesses of the mind
acceptable - that may be received with pleasure; hence pleasing to a receiver; gratifying.

Hmmm! Are the thoughts that are going over and over in our minds actually bringing pleasure to God?

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5

No Toil , No Harvest

Ouch! Yesterday I spent a large part of my day shoveling sand, leaves, manure, and compost into a wheel barrel and spreading them in my garden. Believe me, I am feeling it now. It was a lot of work and with every barrel full I wanted to quit, but I knew if I wanted a productive garden, I had to keep working. This makes me think about my spiritual life. If I want to grow spiritually, I have to spend time sowing into the spiritual part of my life. Sometimes I get lazy and it seems too hard, but I know that if I don't keep up the work, I will not see the fruit of my labor. Also, if I want to see a harvest of souls, I must spend time sowing, not just for my own benefit, but for others. Someone asked me the other day if I enjoyed gardening. I replied "I do in the Spring when the weather is perfect." When the Texas heat is bearing down and the garden needs constant weeding and watering, I wonder what possesses me to do this and I'm tempted to let it all burn up. I probably would, if I hadn't invested so much in it by then, and if I thought there would be no harvest. It's easy to pray, worship, and live for God when things are going just right. But when things are tough or I'm going through a dry spell spiritually, it takes work . I don't always feel like praying and spending time in the Word of God. But, I know Gods word is true and if I press through, it will be worth it. I also have past experience to draw from, that God will be faithful and help me come through these times stronger than ever. Maybe, all of this work in the garden would not have been so painful if I had been in better shape to begin with. Lord, help me to be faithful to be consistent in spending time with You, and working for You so that when the enemy tries to come in and disrupt (like the weeds in my garden which can easily get out of control and take over) I will be prepared.

Psalm 126:5-6 "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."

As A Child

Last night, my grandson, Nolan, led my sister and I in a pretty lengthy time of prayer on our knees. Every time we would say "Amen" and raise our heads, he would insist we bow our heads and pray again. When I thought we were finished, he somehow bumped his little head on the arm of his chair. I quickly (before he thought of producing tears) laid my hands on him and prayed for his head. This led to a whole now round of prayers with him laying hands on us and praying and us praying for him (again & again). As I was kneeling there, I thought, here I had been so busy, I hadn't taken this much time to pray on my own today, but this child didn't even consider the time, he just, at the thought of praying, forgot about the exciting animal show on TV, forgot about the toys all around him, and prayed until he was through. I want to be more like this child and not let the cares of this world take precedence over spending time with Jesus.

Mark 10:15 "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter in."

A Heritage of Hospitality

Hospitality (according to Webster) is the act or practice of receiving and entertaining strangers or guests without reward, or with kind and generous liberality.

A stranger (according to Webster) is a foreigner of another country; one of another town, city, state, ... ; one unknown; one unacquainted; a guest; a visitor.

Guests - a person who spends some time at another persons home at a party, dinner, or just visiting.

In Romans 12 Paul is talking about how we are to live out the righteousness of God, the practical application of it in our lives. Verse 13 says that we are to be given to hospitality. I am very grateful to have grown up in a home where this was demonstrated. It was nothing unusual to have guests at our table and staying overnight, and not just people that we knew. Very often, my mom invited, whoever the visitors at church were, over to our house to eat after church. I remember one Sunday a family showed up (is that proper English) at the church with all of their belongings in and on their car. They had just arrived in town from California with no place to live yet. Of course they came home with us until they found a place to stay. I'm sure I could not count the number of people who have stayed with us and ate with us, people from many different countries, states, and backgrounds. Such a rich heritage.

Not only have I been impacted by the hospitality shown growing up, but also by the hospitality shown to me and my family. When we moved away from home, we learned how meaningful it is to be invited into someone elses home and family. When you are new to a church or living away from family, and someone invites you into their home, it right away makes you feel welcome and more a part of that church. I often remember the story that I read in Guidepost about a young lady who had just moved to a new town. She visited a church that Sunday and after the service a lady invited her to her home for lunch. The lady brought out a pan of cornbread and a drink. They sat and talked and ate. The young lady kept thinking that the second course would be brought out, but it never was. But actually, she so enjoyed her visit and the kindness that was shown to her, a lonely stranger, that she really didn't care that this was all they had for lunch. She was so touched by this older woman's kindness and hospitality. I often think of this story when I feel like I don't have anything special enough to offer guests. One of the families from our church in Kansas who often opened up their home to the whole church, did not have the fanciest house, and it was not always spotless (6 kids), but no one cared, we just appreciated and enjoyed their hospitality. People really don't care what your house looks like (thank goodness) or how fancy the meal is, they just want to be shown that you love and care about them. I believe this element of godliness is so important in our lives and in the church.

1 Peter 4:9 "Use hospitality one to another without grudging."

Hebrews13:2 "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

Sing!

Psalm 147:1-2 "praise ye the Lord, for it is good to sing praises unto our God. Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving..."



Ephesians 5:20 "Giving thanks always for all things unto God..."



I was reminded this morning by the devotional sent to me, the importance of singing praise to God. When we are singing praises to God, our words are not vain words, but there is power in the praises that we sing. Praise breaks chains that have us bound. Praise can lift our spirits. Praise helps us to focus on our God. Praise brings a joyful , thankful, spirit into our home or wherever we are at. I must remember to not let the noises and busyness around me crowd out my song.



Psalm 34:1 "I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth."

Thrift Store Find

Look at the cute pajamas Nolan's momma found him at the thrift store! I enjoy looking at other peoples thrift store finds, so I thought I would let Nolan model his new pajamas. He doesn't look like he seems to mind, now does he?

Do good to those who hate me?!!

Luke 6:27, "But I say unto you which hear, love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, "

Let's take a look at this passage truthfully. One morning as I opened my Bible at random, I read across this scripture. When I read it I thought, "I am not doing this!" Honestly, who does this, at least on a regular basis? Now, I love my family. And, I go to a lot of trouble to make sure that they know it that I love and care for them. I cook special meals for them, take them out to eat, buy them gifts, spend time with them listening and talking, etc. The same thing is true of my friends. But, when is the last time I showed love like this for someone I didn't like at all? An enemy at that (I mean, actually initiated it, not just being nice so you won't feel guilty). Do you know of someone who really hates you? Have you gone out of your way lately to do something really good for them? I must admit, that's probably been the last thing on my mind. Avoiding them is something I'm much better at.
Actually, when I think about it, I can't really think of anyone off hand who I could really consider a personal enemy or who really hates me. But, when I think about it from a spiritual standpoint, what about people who hate God? People who are enemies of the cross? As Christians, aren't these people our enemies also? How are we literally loving them? Are we doing good to them? Are we demonstrating Christ's love? I'm convinced that it has to be more than just a kind word in passing. We need to demonstrate the kind of love that leaves no doubt in their mind that we have the love of God abiding in us. The doing good to them kind of love like we show our friends and family, who love us back. "Lord, help me! I can't do this on my own. My flesh doesn't even want to."

Marriage Encounter

This past weekend my husband and I attended a Marriage Encounter weekend. I've been wanting to go to one of these for at least 20 years. Finally, my husband, unenthusiastically, agreed to go. We both felt like we benefited from it immensely and wished we had gone sooner. It feels like a fresh start. I felt like so many prayers were answered just from us taking this time out to spend together and picking up some tools to better communicate. So, no matter how long you've been married, don't quit trying to make your relationship grow, especially if you're in a place where you've given up hope. God has shown us over and over never to lose hope.
P.S. If you've never heard of Marriage Encounter, check it out at www.agme.org

It Is Finished!

It is finished the battle is over
It is finished there'll be no more war
It is finished the end of the conflict
It is finished and Jesus is Lord!

Some of you may recognize the words to this old song. I woke up in the wee hours of the morning with it playing in my head.
I don't know about you, but I don't always cherish getting woke up during the night when the Holy Spirit is telling me to get up and pray. I also don't always love it when the alarm goes off really early in the morning telling me that it's time to roll out of my warm bed and spend some time praying and reading my Bible before I start my day. I love my time of devotions, but it's not always easy to get awake. But I know if I don't do it early, daily life will crowd in and too many times crowd out quality, quiet time with God. And I must take this time to pray. There are a lot of needs that I must make time to keep before God in prayer. I have friends and family who need God. There are needs in our country and needs in our church. It's not always easy to fast and pray and intercede for others, especially when I'm not seeing immediate results. But, as this song rolled over and over in my head this morning, I thought about the fact that one day it's all going to be over. I won't have to spend time in my already pressing schedule to pray for that one who is dear to me, because it'll be over. I won't have to be trying to keep my eyes open praying for that need that God has placed on my heart, because it will all be finished. It's a sobering thought. It's a privilege to pray and intercede for others, and we may not have tomorrow to do it.