Oh No, Did I turn it off?

Wednesday night is always special.  I get to start the evening with my two favorite teenagers.  Tonight the dinner selection was Burger King.  The decision sometimes takes us half of our drive to finalize.  I mentioned that  I vanted Vienerschnitzel.  Vhy? - you ask? - Vell, I thought it vould be vonderful!  Almost everytime - one of us (usually me) just has to say they vant Vienerschnitzel for dinner.  One little treat we have at Burger King is the Coffee News which contains a little game of trivia.  The challenge is always fun. 
Church was good - Chuck had a guest speaker this evening - - Brother Gary spoke about how God is always with us even when we feel alone.  Becca heard Brother D speak on idols.  Our Bible study was Christmas Crafts tonight - Christa read the Christmas Story - then Shera showed us how to make several cute Christmas crafts.  Glue guns, fabric, ornaments, coffee filters, moss and ribbon - so many clever ideas. 
After her presentation on how to create each item - she had the materials there for us to make our own.  Snip, snip went the fabric strips as the room filled with the scents of hot glue guns heating up.  Tracey suddenly had a concerned look come across her face. " What is it?, I asked.  "I think I left my hot glue gun plugged in at the house!" she said.  Of course, worry creeps in along with that sinking feeling that reaches clear down to your toes.  I'm sure you have had a similar feeling, I know that I have had that sick doubtful feeling. 
So many things come to mind which you might have experienced too-
     Did I lock the door?
     Did I turn the burner off?
     Did they make it ok - I haven't heard from them?
on and on - I'm sure you can think of many more thoughts that bring up doubt and worry.

Read Psalm 91 if you have doubts, worry,  or fear - it will uplift your Spirit!  I was going to post only verses 1-2 but had to post it all!  Below is the Easy to Read Version of the chapter.

Psalm 91
 ¹ You can go to God Most High to hide.
   You can go to God All-Powerful for protection.
² I say to the LORD, “You are my place of safety, my fortress.
   My God, I trust in you.”
³ God will save you from hidden dangers
   and from deadly diseases.
⁴ You can go to him for protection.
   He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies.
   You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield.
⁵ You will have nothing to fear at night
   and no need to be afraid of enemy arrows during the day.
⁶ You will have no fear of diseases that come in the dark
   or terrible suffering that comes at noon.
⁷ A thousand people may fall dead at your side
   or ten thousand right beside you,
   but nothing bad will happen to you!
⁸ All you will have to do is watch,
   and you will see that the wicked are punished.
⁹ You trust in the LORD for protection.
   You have made God Most High your place of safety.
¹⁰ So nothing bad will happen to you.
   No diseases will come near your home.
¹¹ He will command his angels to protect you wherever you go.
¹² Their hands will catch you
   so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.
¹³ You will have power to trample on lions
   and poisonous snakes.
¹⁴ The Lord says, “If someone trusts me, I will save them.
   I will protect my followers who call to me for help.
¹⁵ When my followers call to me, I will answer them.
   I will be with them when they are in trouble.
   I will rescue them and honor them.
¹⁶ I will give my followers a long life
   and show them my power to save.”

Praise the Lord - He protected Tracey's home.  The glue gun was left plugged in but He protected and saved them from hidden dangers. 

Another verse - that I'm sure you know is this - - - -

1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)

 ⁷Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

The Lord love us and will protect us.  He cares for us so much and will take all of our worries and cares and help us through them all.

Thank you Lord for protecting our sweet friends' home!

Thumbprint Cookies

Tonight Becca made another cookie to take to the cookie exchange - thumbprint cookies!
Another busy day!

Christmas Cookie #2

It was a busy day at work today.
Chuck played charades in speech class this morning.
Becca made a few concoctions today - a face mask, hair oil and new flip flops.  Some of the ingredients in her face mask were honey, cinnamon and nutmeg; her hair oil was from coconut oil; and her flip flops were converted with a pretty ribbon.
Charles had a good Monday and made one of our favorite meals - rice (like a risotto - with turkey).  I could eat this every night.
We baked a batch of cookies for the cookie swap, which is coming up later this week.  Almond cups are the type we selected and they are delicious.  I don't think I have ever made these, but remember Gramma making them a time or two.  I remember her loving these cookies and now I remember why!
Christmas Cookie # 2 - Almond Cups

Let's Decorate!

Today was a fun day packed full of busy.  Becca, Misti and I headed out to Sunday School on this chilly day.   Misti and I played hookie though - finishing up the mole in the car while Becca went to class. I must make a correction - it is really Miss Mole not Mr. Mole.  Here is what she looked like when she left our house this morning. 

Leftovers are always a treat - especially after Thanksgiving.  While making lunch - Charles and Chuck got into a towel snapping fight.  Becca and I slowly retreated to opposite corners of the kitchen, steering clear of the competition moving through the room.  As far as the winner goes, I believe it was a draw.  We could maybe determine it by the one with the least number of welps on their legs.  I'm glad they had fun, but it is definitely a sport, I would rather be the spectator.  We enjoyed our lunch over the traditional Sunday football games.  Becca and I spent the later part of the afternoon, shopping all over town.  The greatest purchase being our new Christmas tree.  It was high time we replaced our little Charlie Brown tree.  As soon as we got home, we put it up and got it decorated. 

God Has His Angels Watching Over Us!

http://youtu.be/MUKcUxnvHEw

Amy Grant - Angels Watching Over Us

Our tree is not one of those that is perfectly coordinated by color or style.  On the other hand, it is a picture of us!  One of our traditions is that each of us picks a new ornament each year.  When Chuck and Becca were young - the ornaments were often handmade at times with their picture or something personalizing them.  Every ornament on the tree has a special meaning to each or all of us.  Pulling the boxes out and looking through the carefully wrapped ornaments each year is a sweet time of reminiscing.  It brings to mind the interests we had at the time we found that perfect ornament for that year, or the place where we bought it, or the person that gave it to us.  Below are a few of the ornaments that  Becca chose to hang on the tree this year.

Oh - I received a text from Misti this evening! 

She completed Miss Mole - adding a little bit of glamour for the little lady! 

I think she looks mahhhhvelllouuuss daahhlling!

Day of Projects

Today was a day filled with projects.
Delicious breakfast casserole made by Dad!  Yum - he used the sour cream potatoes from Thanksgiving and added lots of other goodies.
Sewed a skirt for my purse - almost finished - it is made with this fabric

The boys checked the oil in the vehicles and bought the parts to fix Dad's window.

Becca spent the night at Misti's last night (they had a fire and made smores last night).  

Misti is spending the night here tonight - she wanted a little guidance on her science project.  She needs to make a mole.  Here it is in the beginning stages - she will finish him up tomorrow.

Becca worked on her latest painting while Misti and I were working on Mr. Mole!  She will be done with it soon - then I will post a completed picture - it is turning out beautifully!

This is the time of year our baking hats come out!  We love cookies at Christmas time.  Our first batch for the season was made tonight.  Christmas Cookie # 1 prepared in 2011 was the Peanut Butter Cup Cookie!

Then of course there was the video game competition that ended the night with some silly, wonderful teenagers.

Living on a Rooftop

Better to live on a corner of the roof 

than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

Proverbs 21:9

Something we have taught Chuck and Becca for a long time was the truth in this verse.  We have discussed it with Chuck when talking about girls that he might be interested in dating and with Becca when talking about the type of lady she should grow up to be or not to be.  

Can you imagine living on your roof?  

There is no protection from the weather.  It may be hot with no breeze - the sun beating down on you with no form of shade. The rooftop would also grow hot almost untouchable.  The wind may pick up - possibly blowing you off the roof.  It could be stormy with the rain steadily pouring down on you.  There is no way to stay dry and warm.  What if a hailstorm blew in pelting your body with those chunks of sleet?  Oh my - just think of some of these softball sized hail stones- they would kill you!  Some of us live in snowy areas- brrr!  Snow, sleet and ice freezing you to your bones.  The weather conditions would be unbearable at times, giving a rare pleasant break.   But you know what - all of that is better than sharing a house with a brawling woman!

You could have nothing of value.  Think about it - where would you keep it - in the eaves?  If a storm blew in the rain would wash it right down the gutter.  Maybe you could keep something under the shingles, but the wind may come along and blow it away.  There is not really a place to have anything on the roof and keep it protected and safe.  It would just be you - up there alone - but remember - that is still better than down in that beautiful house with a quarrelsome woman.

There would be no privacy.  There are no walls, no windows, no curtains or blinds.  There you are - up on the roof - wide open for the whole world to see.  They would see you sitting, standing, laying, if you are awake,  or asleep - whatever you do - all will see.  But again - it is still better, better than being in a huge

house with a women inclined to petty fighting and is easily irritated.

Did you know that God commanded something of the husband and of the wife?

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Ephesians 5:33

He commanded the husband to love his wife.  He commanded the wife to respect her husband.  We have been going through an excellent study on marriage in Sunday School by Emerson Eggerichs called Love and Respect which is based on this verse.  There is a crazy cycle a marriage can go through if it is not followed.  The husband needs respect and the wife needs love, if these aren't given to each other there are strife and problems.  If either will do as they are commanded the other will follow suit.  I pray that I never make Charles feel like he will be happier to move up on the roof due to my nagging.    I want to be his crown.  I pray that Chuck finds a crown,  and that Becca will be a crown for her husband in God's time.

A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.  Proverbs 12:4

The Wishbone

One of our traditions at Thanksgiving has always been to break a wishbone. 

The one with the biggest half gets to make a wish. 

     I was thinking about this tradition that has been in both of our families for so many years.  It is done in light hearted fun, with very little stock in that wish coming true.  Why? - because we both come from families that put our "stock" or our faith in Christ.  I read a little bit about the history of breaking the wishbone.  It goes back to ancient times.  There were people that believed they would have good fortune by getting the bigger half, while others felt that the breastbone was sacred and that they would have good luck, if permitted to stroke the bone.  There are some strange beliefs and traditions that man has come up with over the years.  The Bible references many traditions. The main thing I saw regarding traditions was this warning - Don't lay aside Gods' commandments to follow the traditions of man. 

I'm so thankful we don't have to worry about getting the bigger half of a broken bone to receive the desires of our heart.  I'm glad we don't need to rub a turkey's breastbone to find good fortune.  Webster's dictionary defines a wish as a desire.  It is clear in Psalm 37:3-5 how our wishes can come true.

Psalm 37: 3-5

 ³Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
 ⁴Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
 ⁵Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Trust in the Lord...Do Good...Delight yourself in the Lord...Commit your ways unto Him...Trust in Him

Psalm 145 (KJV)

 ¹I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
 ²Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.
 ³Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.
 ⁴One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.
 ⁵I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.
 ⁶And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.
 ⁷They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.
 ⁸The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
 ⁹The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
 ¹⁰All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.
 ¹¹They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;
 ¹²To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.
 ¹³Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.
 ¹⁴The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
 ¹⁵The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.
 ¹⁶Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
 ¹⁷The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
 ¹⁸The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
 ¹⁹He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
 ²⁰The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.
 ²¹My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever

Wow - what an amazing scripture!  The Lord will hold us up when we are falling and raise us up when we bow down.  He will feed us.  He will open His hands and satisfy the desire of every living thing.  That would include you, me and everyone and everything around us.  He is righteous in all His ways - He is going to do right - always.  He is holy (pure in heart, temper or disposition; free from sin and sinful affections - *from Websters) in His works - always.  He is near to us when we call on Him in truth.  Fear him and He will fulfill the desires of our heart. He will hear our cries and save us - always.  He will keep us from injury or destruction and defend us from evil - always.  We all have so much to be thankful for everyday.  We were talking today at lunch, and Aunt Collette mentioned a friend of hers that had an ungrateful attitude recently.  They were taking a challenge to say something they were thankful for each day through November.  Her friend said, "I got nothing! - not one thing to be thankful for!" She said this or something like it several days.  Ma-Maw, Aunt Collette and I were talking about so very many things we can give thanks for every moment right down to the air we breathe.  Always remember to have a thankful heart and remember not to put your hope or trust in anything else, but only in the Lord.  He is the one that gives us reason to have thanks!  Happy Thanksgiving - I love you all! 

By the Way - Becca's First Pumpkin Pie was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!  Awesome Job Beckidy Boo!

Busy, Good Day!

It was a busy, good day!  Work was nice today - it was my other sweet friend's birthday today.  Happy 70th Birthday Peggy!  We celebrated Peg along with having a thanksgiving lunch- potluck style.  Everything was delicious and the fellowship was sweet.  After work, I headed home to my wonderful family.  We worked together to prepare for our Thanksgiving feast tomorrow.  Becca had already made the pumpkin pies - they look amazing!  It was her first time to make them completely on her own, I can't wait until tomorrow to taste a piece.  This evening she and I made a cherry pie (her's and her Granddad's favorite).  We also made a mincemeat pie which is Charles' favorite.  If you are wondering - Chuck's favorite is pumpkin pie.  My favorite is not really a Thanksgiving pie - coconut cream is the best in my opinion.  Charles made some scrumptious turkey gravy - yum.  The country potatoes are ready to be topped off tomorrow and heated to perfection - or so Chuck says.  He absolutely loves that dish.  We are all looking forward to meeting up with family and spending time together tomorrow.  We are thankful for the family that is close by  and wishing all of the family was near.  Praying that all family and friends, near and far are having a blessed Thanksgiving holiday!

Blessings

Don't you just love blessings? 

It is so great to receive them, but even better to give them. 

 Have you ever looked up the definition of the word bless?  

 I like using the Webster's 1828 dictionary which defines it like this: 

Bless
1. To pronounce a wish of happiness to one; to express a wish or desire of happiness. 

         And Isaac called Jacob and blessed him. Gen.28.2.
To make happy; to make successful; to prosper in temporal concerns; as, we are blest with peace and plenty.         The Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thou doest. Deut. 15.3.
To make happy in a future life. 

          Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. Rev.14.
4. To set apart or consecrate to holy purposes; to make and pronounce holy. 

            And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it. Gen.25.
To consecrate by prayer; to invoke a blessing upon.        

              And Jesus took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven he blessed them. Luke 9.6.

To praise; to glorify, for benefits received. 

          Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me. Ps.103.7.
To praise; to magnify; to extol, for excellencies. Ps.104. 
8. To esteem or account happy; with the reciprocal pronoun. 
       The nations shall bless themselves in him. Jer.4.
9. To pronounce a solemn prophetical benediction upon. Gen.27. Deut. 33.

Blessing someone is easy - we only need to wish them happiness, make them happy, or help them to be successful  and prosper in temporal concerns. There are so many ways to bless others.  Parents bless their children daily by praying blessings for them, making them happy by spending time with them and teaching them new things.  Simple things bless a child - if making them successful is a blessing - most parents do this naturally.  We teach them how to walk, talk, love, share, learn and more - all of these are blessings.  We make them happy by joking around with them,  or by showing them joy for the things they accomplish.  Blessing our children is so very easy.  Just think, if we can bless our children so naturally and easily - How much more does the Lord bless us?

⁷Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
 ⁸For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
 ⁹Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
 ¹⁰Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
 ¹¹If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
 ¹²Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets 

The Lord is so good to us - He blesses us continuously.  He wants us to be happy and successful. 

How can we bless Him?  Praise Him, Glorify Him for the benefits we receive.  Thank Him and have a sweet relationship with Him.  One of my favorite ways to Praise Him is to sing.  Now believe me, I do not have one of those sweet angelic voices that sing you to sleep, it's quite the contrary.  You can confirm this with Chuck, Becca or Misti - I would always belt out the praise songs on our morning commutes.  Thankfully the Lord loves to hear me sing praises to Him.  He loves it more than the parent who adores that sweet child singing  so lovingly and so terribly off key.

      Let's find a way to bless someone this week.  This is going to be our challenge for the week.  Make someone happy, help them succeed or temporarily prosper.  The second challenge for the week - be sure you praise and glorify God. - I will try to share some of the blessings our family experiences and would love to hear about how you blessed someone this week too!

Clean Teeth

Is this what it feels like when you go to the dentist?

We have all recently visited the dentist and gotten our teeth cleaning up to date.  We have the sweetest hygienist that is so thorough in picking all that plaque off,  and thank the Lord she is gentle too.  Chuck and I were talking about how it felt, its like she has a pick axe or jack hammer peeling all that built up plaque off.   It's not the most comfortable thing in the world, but Charles is correct, even though it might hurt just a little bit - it always feels good to have our teeth sparkly clean.

I was curious to see whether there was anything in the Bible about teeth, and guess what.  Teeth are mentioned several times.  It seems like the majority of verses are to do with the gnashing of teeth, but there is also a reference regarding clean teeth in Amos. 

Amos 4:6   And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD. 

Every reference and study help that I read, explained that this cleanness of teeth did not come from a trip to the dentist.  Nor did it come from daily brushing, flossing and rinsing; instead it referred to the famine that was taking place.   There would be no trouble in cleaning their teeth, because they had nothing to eat. The Lord was using this judgement to bring His people back to Him, but the judgement had no influence on these people.  They would not pull away from their sin or idol worship. 

I would much rather go through a few minutes of pain with the dentist, than a famine with the Lord.   He loves us so much and wants us to have a close relationship with Him. Return to Him, if you have stepped away - He will always accept you with open arms!

 My favorite reference for this verse was from Moody Bible Institute...

Amos 4:4-13 

"You have not returned to Me," says the Lord. —Amos 4:6
The Old Testament book of Amos has given us some memorable phrases: "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" (3:3). "Prepare to meet your God" (4:12). "Let justice run down like water" (5:24).

But the most-repeated phrase in Amos occurs five times in chapter 4. Time after time the Lord speaks of all He has done to discipline His wayward, self-indulgent people and draw them back to Himself. In every case the response is the same: "'You have not returned to Me,' says the Lord" (Amos 4:6,8-11).

As we read and marvel at their hardness of heart, we must also ask if the same could be true of us. If we have sensed that the Lord has been trying to get our attention, how have we responded to Him?

The prophecy of Amos contains warnings of judgment, captivity, and destruction. Yet there are calls for repentance and promises of restoration: "Seek good and not evil, that you may live; so the Lord God of hosts will be with you" (5:14).

The book of Amos has many memorable phrases, but we should never forget God's invitation to all who have wandered away from Him: Return to Me.

If you haven't returned, do it now. —David C. McCasland

I've strayed, O Lord, and turned aside,
I've disobeyed Your voice;
But now with contrite heart I turn
And make Your will my choice. —D. De Haan

True repentance turns from the wrong and returns to the right.

Be Happy!

We had a really nice weekend spending time doing the things we love.

 

Charles smoked some meat to share with others over this holiday week.

Chuck being silly when I captured him playing his computer game.

Becca trying to figure out what she was going to add to that new level she was creating on her game.

Major chawing down on that great big stick!  Is chawing really a word?  haha - and not really sure why he likes to chew on wood, but he does.

God says in Proverbs 17:22,  ^"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."  Being happy and being merry is good for your soul, for your spirit and also for your body.  This verse shows a broken spirit and dry bones result from not having a merry heart.  Are you taking time to do the things you love, things that make you happy. 

Proverbs 15:13  A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. When our hearts are merry, we will be cheerful and fun to be around.  I can think of several friends over the years that are truly fun and joyful to be around.  They smile and are full of life.  The second half of the verse talks about sorrow of the heart breaking the spirit.  I can also bring to mind others who have been downtrodden over the years.  In the beginning it isn't as difficult to be around them, because they need our help, encouragement will sometimes bring them out of their rut.  But there are those people, that don't seem to want to let go of the mully grubbies.  They are down and want to stay that way.  Their spirit is broken and at times seem to want to suck the joy out of you too.  Who are you drawn to?  Who are you like?

I read a book recently that had an excellent illustration.  They shared about this woman - an U.G.L.Y woman!   Well, the story went a little bit like this.  One day a couple went to a store and the lady working at the counter had a group of guys around her, they were joking and laughing and having a grand old time.  The wife who was observing her was thinking how homely this lady was, well not really homely - she thought she was ugly - not just ugly, but hillbilly ugly.   They finished shopping and were heading out of the store, when the wife made a comment to her husband about all the crowd, especially the men drawn to this lady.  Her husband made a comment back, something like - who? oh, that cute, little lady behind the counter?  The wife's jaw dropped - she thought to herself, REALLY?, but didn't comment.  The wife thought about his comment, and about the lady.  She was not cute, not little and not young.  She was fun though, she was always smiling, laughing, giggling and ready to joke around.  She was a delight to be around.  The wife thought about it for a moment and realized she loved being around her just as much as that group of men.  A few weeks later, the husband and wife saw her at a different store.  She was angry at her daughter and was not being the joy she always was at her work place.  Instead, she had a bitter, ugly snarl.  The husband saw her and remarked, Where have I seen her - she looks familiar?  He was stunned when his wife told him who she was.  She looked exactly the same - same size, hairstyle, clothes - but she was lacking one important thing.  Her glorious smile was missing.  It is what made her cute, sweet and drew people to her.  Everyone is drawn to a smile and wants to be friends with those overflowing with goodwill.  Be happy and have fun - our lives are much too short to be a snarly, ugly hillbilly!

Write it down!

I wish I would have been more consistent with a journal or just writing down the things that we experienced and learned from day to day. It's been like a New Years resolution for me, the intention was good, but never continued all the way through.  I read an interesting verse in Jeremiah today that talks about this subject. 

Jeremiah 30:2  

 Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.

The Lord told Jeremiah to write down the words that He spoke to him in a book.  There have been so many times that I wish that I would have jotted something down from a sermon or lesson. There are days when a verse jumps out and really touches my spirit and I think - I need to look at the cross references on this verse, or spend more time on this chapter tonight when I get home from work. Since my memory is as it is, I would definitely be better off to write down the words He gives me as soon as He speaks to me. I always love reading the cards and notes Charles and I have given to each other over the years.  How fun would it be to add to my collection the personal notes from God that he spoke directly to me each day. I have referenced notes that I have taken, or things I have jotted down, reflecting and remembering the things God showed me at the time I wrote them down.  I have used my notes to share with others who may be going through something similar.   A few particular verses that stand out as I flip through the pages were these verses: 

Psalm 43:5  King James Version (KJV)

 ⁵Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Psalm 43:5   New Living Translation (NLT)

 ⁵ Why am I discouraged?  Why is my heart so sad?   I will put my hope in God!  I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!

1 Peter 5:7  Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

⁷ Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.

Do you ever have one of those days, that you just feel sad?  It just feels like your spirit is weighed down.  I was having one of those days when I came across these verses and happened to write them down.  They lifted my spirits that day and I praised God.  It wasn't too long after that day, one of my dear friends was very down and discouraged.  I shared theses verses with her, and guess what?  They lifted her spirits too!   

If the Lord felt it was important for Jeremiah to write in a book the things He spoke to him and wanted him to know, I'm sure He would like us to write in a book the things He speaks to us too.  It not only helps us remember what He says - it is something we can use to help and encourage others around us.  Praying I will be more consistent in my writings and that you will too!

Friends are a Good Reward!

Today is one of my dearest friends birthday.  She turned 70 today.  Happy Birthday Janet!  It was fun talking with her today, catching up and planning a get together which will hopefully happen soon.  I had the priviledge of working with her for several years and spending many a day learning from her.  She is one of the hardest working people I have ever known, one of great integrity and character.  I am thankful for her friendship and the bond that has grown strong over the years.  We were a good team, always ready to lend a hand to one another to be as effective and efficient as possible with the tasks we had to complete each day.  She is always ready to listen, share, encourage and talk.  A good friend is such a treasure.  The book of Proverbs says, in order to have a friends, we must be friendly ourselves. It also talks about how two are better than one as in the verse below.  I can remember many times that our encouragement and help for one another was the one thing that made us keep working, going, and trying to do our best.  I'm so thankful for my sweet friend and pray you have a dear friend too that not only blesses you, but to who you are also a blessing!

 Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 ESV

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

God's Protection

    It was a chilly fall day today.  The perfect weather for a nice hot bowl of soup.  My co-worker and I headed over to Panera to warm up with some of their delicious soup.  We were sitting there talking and laughing when her face suddenly changed.  She was facing the parking lot,  and got the strangest expression on her face.  I wondered what it was she was looking at, and she said, "What are they doing?"  "Who?", I said.   "'Whoever is in that white car over there!  The car stopped, but it looked like they were going to hit your car," she stated.  I turned and saw the car, kind of  double parked right in front of Panera.  I asked her if they hit my car, and she said, "No, but they just pulled in so weird."  It WAS really weird, they weren't really double parked, but definitely in two spaces and also pretty close to my car.  I went to the window and didn't see any damage.  My car seemed ok - so we went back to our conversation. 

     A few minutes later, we saw a few of the managers go out to the parking lot and were looking at the car.  We could see them talking and looking around.  "It's one of those crazy Honda drivers," I said,  sharing with Anne Marie, Charles' opinion of how Honda owner's seem to be the worst drivers on the road. By then the managers came back in and one of them was talking to the ladies at the table behind me.  They were talking about the white car and what they witnessed.  The car was actually empty, they said - there was not a driver in it when it came rolling into the parking space.  Apparently, the owner, left it in neutral or forgot to apply the parking brake. 

     Praise the Lord for his protection over us and our possessions.  Anne Marie and I talked more about the Lord and about His angels as we headed back to work.  We often pray for God to place a hedge of protection around us, our families, their homes and possessions.  I'm so thankful He allowed that car to roll right up to the curb and stop without touching my car.  He promises to preserve us, protect us and to be our help.   I had no idea what was going on behind me. There are times when we find ourselves in danger or in situations beyond our control.  He sees everything and is BIGGER and STRONGER than anything that comes our way. Thank you Lord for loving us so much and protecting us on this chilly fall day. 

 

Psalm 121

 ¹I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
 ²My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
 ³He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
 ⁴Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
 ⁵The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
 ⁶The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
 ⁷The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
 ⁸The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

pre·serve

1. to keep alive or in existence; make lasting: to preserve our liberties as free citizens.

2. to keep safe from harm or injury; protect or spare.

Psalm 91

 ¹He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
 ²I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
 ³Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
 ⁴He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
 ⁵Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
 ⁶Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
 ⁷A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
 ⁸Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
 ⁹Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
 ¹⁰There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
 ¹¹For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
 ¹²They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
 ¹³Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
 ¹⁴Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
 ¹⁵He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
 ¹⁶With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation

I often like to read Spurgeon's morning and evening devotional.  It was powerful this morning, just had to come back and include it- so glad that I'm sealed.  

Morning, November 18

“A spring shut up, a fountain sealed.”

Song of Solomon 4:12

In this metaphor, which has reference to the inner life of a believer, we have very plainly the idea of secrecy. It is a spring shut up: just as there were springs in the East, over which an edifice was built, so that none could reach them save those who knew the secret entrance; so is the heart of a believer when it is renewed by grace: there is a mysterious life within which no human skill can touch. It is a secret which no other man knoweth; nay, which the very man who is the possessor of it cannot tell to his neighbour. The text includes not only secrecy, but separation. It is not the common spring, of which every passer-by may drink, it is one kept and preserved from all others; it is a fountain bearing a particular mark—a king’s royal seal, so that all can perceive that it is not a common fountain, but a fountain owned by a proprietor, and placed specially by itself alone. So is it with the spiritual life. The chosen of God were separated in the eternal decree; they were separated by God in the day of redemption; and they are separated by the possession of a life which others have not; and it is impossible for them to feel at home with the world, or to delight in its pleasures. There is also the idea of sacredness. The spring shut up is preserved for the use of some special person: and such is the Christian’s heart. It is a spring kept for Jesus. Every Christian should feel that he has God’s seal upon him—and he should be able to say with Paul, “From henceforth let no man trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” Another idea is prominent—it is that of security. Oh! how sure and safe is the inner life of the believer! If all the powers of earth and hell could combine against it, that immortal principle must still exist, for he who gave it pledged his life for its preservation. And who “is he that shall harm you,” when God is your protector?

Beautiful Blessings Capture Them Today!

I love this time of the year.  The trees are so beautiful, their leaves changing to such brilliant colors.  I was on my way to work this morning and pulled up to the stop sign and saw a beautiful yellow and orange tree across the street.  No one was coming so I pulled out my phone and snapped a few pictures.

I got a little bit excited thinking about the other pretty trees I saw each day on my way to work over the past few weeks.  Every time I saw them, I thought, I need to remember tomorrow to have my camera out and capture the beautiful red color of these leaves.  They are so breathtaking.  Day after day I would round the bend, and see such beauty, and day after day, I forgot to be prepared to capture it.  Today is the day - I can't wait to get to that bend, I've got my camera out and I am ready!  Yippee!  Well, I headed down the road thinking, I've got to be careful and go slow.  I don't want to cause an accident just from trying to get a picture of trees.  Sitting at the red light, I looked around and thought, good, I only have one car behind me, if I go really slow, he will probably just go around me.  The light turned green, and off I went as slow as a granny out for a Sunday drive.  He  zipped around, probably wondering what in the world I was doing.  Ok, today I am going to be ready!  I checked the phone to make sure it didn't lock up - no, my camera was still there on the screen.  I leaned it against my steering wheel, positioning it just right to capture all that beautiful color.  Here comes the little bend in the road - Ok, I'm rounding the corner - click, click! 

Well the photo above is similar to what I should have captured.   But, Oh man!  All that color was gone!  I waited too long.  All the leaves had fallen off and most of them were blown away.  I procrastinated and put off until tomorrow what I should have done the first day I saw them.  We can miss out on some pretty special opportunities if we put things off until later.  Yes, this was not really that big of a deal, but sometimes we miss out on the blessings God puts before us.  We are not guaranteed a tomorrow, so whatever God puts in front of you, remember to do it now and do it well. 

This is what I captured - the beauty was gone!

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going." Ecclesiastes 9:10

Prickly People

So who doesn't know someone prickly?  Someone that can just get under your skin and irritate you to no end.  I have run across my share of people like this and I'm sure you have too.  I'm so glad God has a great sense of humor and a way of putting me in my place from time to time.  My original thought for this blog was to mention "those" people, to discuss you know "that type" of personality.  Ha!  You'll never guess who was one of "those people" last night!  Yep - ME!  I'm sure my family will atest to the fact that I was not only prickly - but a great big brat!  I came home and all was well, until dinner time decisions had to be made.  I misinterpreted something Charles said and got irritated for nothing.  I really don't know now why I felt so angry and for a few minutes - I didn't want to let that anger go.  I wanted to be angry.  I was growing bitter and angrier from something that was a total misunderstanding.  Bitterness can grow and grow not only harming ourselves but also those around us.  If I would have continued with my attitude it would have gotten more and more difficult for me to ask for forgiveness but also for those around to actually forgive me for acting the way I did.  I don't want to lose God's loving favor or be the cause of others losing favor because of bitterness.  God's grace has such great power and effect in our lives.  Some people choose to remain a prickly porcupines letting bitterness overtake their lives.  Unfortunately, they don't recognize the change in themselves and eventually do not care, becoming more ineffective, insensitive and spirtually dying.  They often become slaves to the bitterness and sometimes even physically ill.  God doesnt' live in bitterness, He lives in grace.  He wants us to choose grace not bitterness.  Praying I never stay a porcupine and that you don't either.  If you are bitter or unforgiving about something - let it go, forgive and move on - there is great freedom and reward in forgiveness!

 My personal Bible preference is KJV, but I often like to read different versions to help me understand the verse a little clearer

Hebrews 12:15



 (KJV) - 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled

(ESV) ¹⁵See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;

(MSG) ^14-17Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you'll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God's generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God's lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God's blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.

 (NLV)¹⁵ See that no one misses God’s loving-favor. Do not let wrong thoughts about others get started among you. If you do, many people will be turned to a life of sin.

 (NLT)¹⁵ Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

(ERV)¹⁵ Be careful that no one fails to get God’s grace. Be careful that no one loses their faith and becomes like a bitter weed growing among you. Someone like that can ruin your whole group.

If you are wondering how Little Mrs. Prickly was made...

 I love nature and the little things we find on our walks.  It wasn't too long ago we found these great acorns and prickly little balls that drop from a Sweet Gum tree. 

As promised from yesterday's post-

Here is the answer to how many arils were in our pomegranate...

764

Pomegranate

We bought a pomegranate the other day at Central Market and was surprised when Becca said she doesn't remember ever eating one.  I didn't realize it has been so long since we purchased one.  I thought it would be fun to slowly reveal to her the treasure that was inside.

The Fruit with a Big Surprise Inside

A little Peek Inside

Voila!

 

Little Pockets of Protected Red Seeds called Arils

Thin little membranes called pulp separate and protect the arils

Wanna take a guess on how many Arils were in our Pomegranate?

We played a little guessing game...this is what we each of us guessed!

Charles - 800

Rhonda - 1000

Chuck - 600

Becca - 507

Check tomorrow's blog to see the results!

Do you have a guess too? 

We love pomegranate!  It is delicious and addicting.

A Few Fun Facts about Pomegranates

One of the oldest fruits in existence

Frequently used in Christian Art - one example was on the columns and pillars of Solomon's temple

another example was on the High Priests garments

provided refreshment for hot dry areas - like in the Holy Land

Some Jewish Bible scholars believe the pomegranate was the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden

Once picked it stops ripening but becomes more flavorful if stored for awhile

Thought to have heart healthy antioxidants, helps to keep platelets from clumping together to form dangerous blood clots and has cancer preventing effects

Contains a high concentration of antioxidants...provides potassium, fiber, vitamin C and niacin

Entire Pomegranate is only about 100 calories

A great  reference showing something I found interesting...  Of all the fruits there are in this world, the pomegranate is listed as one of the fruits that are special products of the Promised Land in Deuteronomy 8:1-9.  God prepared such a beautiful and bountiful land - they just had to follow His lead and obey His commands to get to the place He had so specially prepared for them.  

Deuteronomy 8  - KJV

 ¹All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers.
 ²And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.
 ³And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
 ⁴Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.
 ⁵Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.
 ⁶Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.
 ⁷For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;
 ⁸A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey;
 ⁹A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.

Now for yesterdays answer  - did you figure it out? 

How much money would be raised if every envelope was filled with the dollar amount listed on each envelope?  From numbers 1-144 

$10,440 is correct!