Rope? Anybody need a piece of rope?

My dear, dear friends!
I love you so much.
I do want the very best for you.
You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride.
Don't waver.
Stay on track, steady in God.

Friends come and friends go, but a true (bloggy) friend sticks by you like family.
(You proved that to me yesterday)
By yourself you're unprotected.
With a friend you can face the worst.
Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped.
Ecclesiastes 4:11-13,Proverbs 18:23-24,Philippians 4:1-3

I could never let yesterday pass by
without letting you all
know how your words and love yesterday filled my heart.
I thank my God for you. You are my third piece of the rope.
See God does provide our needs according to His riches.
I have been loved by Him through your arms.
You planted some mighty seeds yesterday.
Or as Denise wrote about this morning--you tossed some bread on the water.
It will be coming back.
That is a guarantee.
I'll be doing some praying for you as you pray for us.

And I promise it will be prayer without.............. sleeping . :)

BTW--we had an awesome women's group last night.
God showed up and did some awesome teaching.
More on that later.

Just processing

I am just here to talk.
Yesterday we started dialysis with Paw Paw.
It was pretty sudden-I could see the changes taking place over the last few days. Kind of scary for me because I am responsible for him. I did not want to be one of those people who is overly concerned when it might have just been the signs of age in a 92 year old. But I do want to make sure that I take care of him--he has been entrusted to me. There are so many emotions here that i could talk about. Things that make my heart tender and things that aggravate me and make me call on the Lord for help. I am learning that this is not so strange for a caregiver.
So I called the doctors to let them know that i did not think we would make it all the way to next week and I told the nurse what I was seeing.
She said she would call me back and within about thirty minutes
we were on our way to start dialysis.

He was not feeling good and a little confused. Keith was at work--a whole other subject--and so Paw Paw and I arrived by ourselves. We knew this was coming but there really has been so much going on that I guess I had not really processed things.
From the cancer diagnoses in December, to the start in the decline of his health, to knowing we would be starting dialysis soon.
We got to the office and sat to wait for them to come get him. As we sat there he started crying.
Ya'll my heart.......
I don't even know how to explain what went through me.
When you take a 92 year old man and take him away from his wife of 17 years because her family decides she needs to be put in a nursing home. Then you tell him his kidneys are shutting down because he has cancer that is not curable and a whole list of other things.........
And now he is feeling bad in his body and his emotions--goodness.
I love this little man who sometimes drives me crazy.
So I sat there and just rubbed his back and told him it was going to be o.k and I was right there.
So they came and got him and then I had a ton of paper work to fill out.
Then social worker really threw me for a loop.
You could tell she had been trained to deal with people who were going through a rough time.
But, and I am learning this about myself--I would whole lot rather be comfortor than have someone comfort me. She made me really uncomfortable--and not because she was weird.
As we filled our paper work out she was making small talk and I was like--ha, ha-not real laughter of course. Just kind of letting her know I heard what she said. And then she said--"You know it is o.k to fake laugh when something is not really funny---that is a normal reaction when you are nervous and under emotional strain."
I just smiled but on the inside I was like ??????????? What the heck!!!!!!
Nothing like hitting the nail on the head. Especially when the nail does not want to draw attention to itself personally.
This nail likes to process alone. :)
I care very deeply for people. I don't make attachments easily--but people become part of my heart easily. I don't know if that makes sense.
So of course after her statement I started really thinking about what was going on in my
heart and mind.
My heart is feeling a tad tender. I do feel like I am living life inside a snow globe that someone is busy shaking up.
Psssst!
Put the snow globe down and slowly walk away! :)
Now you might think I posted this to seek sympathy or empathy.
And that would be o.k because we all need that. Yes, Sharon--- even you.
But truthfully that is not the case. Remember I am learning that I have a real hard time graciously and truthfully taking that from people.
And in my mind I think--Paw Paw is the one going through all this anyway--get a grip!
I truthfully wrote this because I need to process and writing it down and talking is how I process. And I just needed there to be something on paper about all this.
There are so many people going through this that have no one to talk to.

God is teaching me that I need to be able to take comfort and empathy from people.
I know that i am not above that. I know that I have needs.
Aren't emotions a whole jumble of mess?
So.....pray for me as I walk this journey. That is not too hard to ask for.
After all God already know what I need.
Scripture does say that we will be able to comfort others with the comfort we have been given.
So if I want to have something to give--I had better learn to take what has been provided.
Now didn't that sound all prim and proper?
Me?

Thank you.
I feel a little better.
Now I must go and study.
Had to get that off my mind to make room for something else.
I love you guys!
Really!
There is a room in my heart for all my blogging sisters. I go in there and look around and wonder what is going on in your lives and then I say a prayer here and there for you as God brings you to memory. You will always have a spot with your name on it.
Thanks again for listening to me process.
Maybe instead of Sit With Me Awhile
I should have called this blog--Listen To Me Process. ;)

And yes, I would be glad to listen to you process any time you need to. :)

Thankful Thursday

Well...... I have not been with ya'll for a very long time-- and I missed you guys.
Life--what can I say?
But, I have gotten my priorities straight and I am back. ;)
I have been visiting with Iris off and on and I decided that instead of just
missing ya'll--I'd join ya!

So here goes!
\o/--I am so thankful that the God of the Angel Armies (Isaiah) watches over me.
And even if it is not a reality in my emotions all the time--it is still TRUTH.
And I am thankful that He will make that a Truth in my heart one day.

\0/--I am thrilled and thankful each time I meet a new sister here in blogdom
who is lifting His name up high.

\0/--I am thankful for the trip God has me on as I walk through the book of Isaiah.
It is a walk that will make you want to wear some steel toed boots--but, I am doing it barefoot.
The glory and majesty of our God is all over this book.
What an incredible picture it gives of the God we serve.
And can I just say how thankful I am for commentaries. :0
First I have to give a shout out to the Holy Spirit--our teacher-- and then thank you Jesus for J. Vernon McGee.

\0/--I am thankful that God is slowly but surely teaching me a little about dealing with people with a spirit of mercy. It allows them to feel the love of God.
And everyone wants to be touched by God's love.

\0/--And I praise God for the women who have chosen to walk this walk with me.
I need Your Picture of our Father!


Thanks for visiting with me today!
I pray you know that you are a precious creation ---created by our Father.
Created just so He could love you!
And He can never love you more or less than He does right now!
That is something to praise Him for.

For more thankful hearts go on over and visit Iris at Sting My Heart.

First String or the bench?

When I was in high school I played basketball all four years.
I was on first string and I really enjoyed being on the team. I enjoyed the rush of adrenaline as we got out on the floor and got ready to fight till the end.
A fight for victory.
And when the wins came--we had earned it.
The victory began every day after school when practice began.
My coaches name was Enid.
I went to a small Christian school and all of us girls were close-she was really one of the girls.
That is, until it came to getting us into shape to play the game.
I remember killing myself in practice. Or maybe it would be more accurate to say coach was killing us.
We had those horrible exercises called suicides. Just when we thought we were getting close to the end and our legs felt like rubber--she would say, AGAIN!
Sometimes I was tempted to say, NO! And sometimes I did.
But, I never didn't do what she asked. Why? Because she was coach and I wanted to be on the team. I wanted to be there to experience the game and the victory.

So the cycle was there. Practice, practice, practice---at time for getting in shape and a time to learn the rules and learn defense.
If we had gone into the game only knowing how to shoot and get to the goal- we would not have been ready when it came time to stop the other team from scoring.
We had to learn how to stop them. We had to work together as a team to stop them.
And to do that we had to all be in shape and ready to play.

All of us girls played together for 4 years.
By the time we hit our senior year we were a well oiled machine that took district.
And for our tiny school just about 6 years old--that was good.
Those are good memories.

So why share this today?
Because God is asking us to run suicides today. He tells us to put our toes on the line.
Then He yells-- GO!
Today instead of running to the first line and back--then to the next and back............
It looks a little more like this.
Run to the grocery and back, clean the bathrooms and back, help with the homework and back..........the suicides of everyday. The mundane exercises of every day.
We get frustrated as our weary muscles start to complain. We want to cry out ENOUGH!
And sometimes we look over at Him and give Him that look like--DON'T YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO ME?
And then He yells--AGAIN!

Then it is time for the game-which really begins as soon as practice ends.
We take all those things learned during our devotionals and prayer time
and we learn to use them.
We find out if we really are in the shape we think we are in.
Sometimes we loose our temper and whoosh-the other team scores.
We rally the team--remind ourselves of the fact that we need to run the plays just the way we learned them.
Sometimes, man on man is required.
God calls us out to specifically stand against the other team face to face.
And when we stop him from scoring--that great crowd of witnesses that is watching
stands to their feet and roars. I hear in my ears the stomping on the wooden bleachers they are so excited.
I remember getting so embarrassed when this happened.
But now when I know that I have made an "in your face" play with satan ......
I just look to the Coach and give Him that smile that says--
THANK YOU FOR NOT GIVING UP ON ME! Thank you for the training. For the tired muscles.

So........ today when your muscles start screaming--DON'T SIT DOWN!
AGAIN!
Keep fighting the tendency that is in our nature to say--just let me catch my breath.
Because if you do that while in the game......... you will hear-- WHOOSH!
And then- the game will have to intensify to gain back the ground lost.
Let us spur one another on to love and good works.
The count down has begun. There is time for a few more goals to be made.
What will our team do?

12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4,..........

Let's fight the good fight!

Thinking is good

I have been contemplating the thoughts or truths in this devotional for a few days.
Just a little warning--if you are looking for something a little on the light side -ya won't hurt my feelings if you decided to move on. :)
Go ahead, I won't even know --because Mr Site meter is gone. :)
I want you to be able to come and go as you please without having to wonder about me and if I am thinking-Why in the world did they not leave a comment?
Freedom!
Cool?

Just remember I did not write this--but I wish I had. This guys would have been someone incredible to know. His walk with the Lord and his thoughts amaze me.

So says Mr Chambers.........

Psalm 46:10--Be still and know that I am God........

Perseverance is more than endurance.
It is endurance combined with absolute assurance and certainty that what we are looking for is going to happen. Perseverance means more than just hanging on, which may be only exposing our fear of letting go and falling. Perseverance is our supreme effort of refusing to believe that our hero is going to be conquered. Our greatest fear is not that we will be damned, but that somehow Jesus Christ will be defeated. Also, our fear is that the very things our Lord stood for--love, justice, forgiveness, and kindness among men-will not win out in the end and will represent an unattainable goal for us. Then there is the call to spiritual perseverance. A call not to hang on and do nothing, but to work deliberately, knowing with certainty that God will never be defeated. If our hopes seem to be experiencing disappointment right now, it simply means that they are being purified. Every hope or dream of the human mind will be fulfilled if it is noble and of God. But one of the greatest stresses in life is the stress of waiting for God. He brings fulfillment, because you have kept My command to persevere..."(Revelation 3:10) Continue to persevere spiritually.
----------
If you are like me sometimes I have to go back and read his devotionals again.
My first reaction is to read this and think Mr Chamber is a little off. Or at least think--he is not talking about me there.
Take the perseverance part-Perseverance means more than just hanging on, which may be only exposing our fear of letting go and falling.
Do I sometimes dig my feet in and hang on to God just because without Him as a last hope I've got nothing? That is kind of a rude thought. How dare someone even suggest that I am holding on to God because I have got nothing better.
But, can I say that that might be true? When a huge problem arises do I first go to God and then drop it? OR do I hash all the possible solutions out in my mind and then figure- "well to be on the safe side I had better give it to Him because
I don't think my way is going to work anyway"???
If I am really honest--and that is the goal here--I will say, Well ,yes, I have been here before.
Shocked?

Now what about this next statement--Our greatest fear is not that we will be damned, but that somehow Jesus Christ will be defeated.
My first reaction here is to answer this from my head--from the truth that comes from the Bible that is stored there. And that response would sound something like this.
"How dare anyone suggest that I even remotely think that Jesus will be defeated. That is just a bold faced lie." But, I don't think Mr Chambers wants us to take this on a surface level.
I think he wants us to look at our life and see if our actions line up with what we say we know to be true.
And as one of my good friends said--the proof is in the pudding.
If there is any area in my life where I don't stand on the word--could it possible be because I think that satan might just be able to pull something off the Jesus can't stop?
Both my children belong to Jesus--it is His job to protect them. Do I think they are safe in His hands? Or do pray about their safety and then worry about them till they get home
in one piece?
If I believe that Jesus can not be defeated--that should equal no anxiety---- right?
I am not saying that we are going to get everything right the first time.
Most of our walk with Christ is growing and learning.
But...... what I think is really important is for us not just to look at what is in our heads--but what our actions say about what we really believe.
My actions have not always matched up to what I say I believe.
Gasp!
But is it the truth.

I know we are all learning and growing. I think the greatest downfall in my walk with the Lord has been my refusal at times to let the Holy Spirit reveal to me where I really am in my walk with the Lord.
I plow through life thinking that I am doing just fine. And in the end I figure I am going to get to heaven and there is going to be a huge banner reading----The one who got it right!
Don't I wish. :)
Now- I will tell you that I cling dearly to the verse that says that He will complete the good work He began in me.

Phew! Relief!
But I do have some responsibility there. I must submit to the will of God.
I do hope I am growing in this area. Only God can really give me the thumbs up here.
No one else knows my heart like He does.

So I guess you could say that this is part of working out my faith with fear and trembling.
Do you know what I want to be the greatest desire in my heart?
The desire to please God. In my mind there is one way to please God.
That one way? To live as His son lived.

Just some thoughts from a girl working it out one day at a time.
Thanks for walking with me.

Important!!!! Know The Symptoms!

AAADD - KNOW THE SYMPTOMS.....PLEASE READ!

Thank goodness there's a name for this disorder.
Somehow I feel better,even though I have it!!



Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. -
Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.
This is how it manifests:

I decide to water my garden.

As I turn on the hose in the driveway,
I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.

As I start toward the garage,
I notice mail on the porch table that
I brought up from the mail box earlier.

I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.

I lay my car keys on the table,
put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table,
and notice that the can is full.

So, I decide to put the bills back
on the table and take out the garbage first.

But then I think,
since I'm going to be near the mailbox
when I take out the garbage anyway,
I may as well pay the bills first.

I take my check book off the table,
and see that there is only one check left.

My extra checks are in my desk in the study,
so I go inside the house to my desk where
I find the can of Coke I'd been drinking. I'm going to look for my
checks,
but first I need to push the Coke aside
so that I don't accidentally knock it over.

The Coke is getting warm,
and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold

As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke,
a vase of flowers on the counter
catches my eye--they need water.

I put the Coke on the counter and
discover my reading glasses that
I've been searching for all morning.

I decide I better put them back on my desk,
but first I'm going to water the flowers. I set the glasses back down
on the
counter,
fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote.
Someone left it on the kitchen table.

I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV,
I'll be looking for the remote,
but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table,
so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs,
but first I'll water the flowers.

I pour some water in the flowers,
but quite a bit of it spills on the floor.

So, I set the remote back on the table,
get some towels and wipe up the spill.

Then, I head down the hall trying to
remember what I was planning to do.

At the end of the day:

the car isn't washed

the bills aren't paid

there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter

the flowers don't have enough water,

there is still only 1 check in my check book,

I can't find the remote,

I can't find my glasses,

and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.

Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today,
I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all stinking day,
and I'm really tired.

I realize this is a serious problem,and I'll try to get some help for it,
but first I'll check my e-mail....

Do me a favor.
Forward this message to everyone you know, because I don't remember who
in the world I've sent it to.;)

Don't laugh -- if this isn't you yet, your day is coming!!!!

Thanks Tracy! I feel so much better now.

The way of the cross leads home.........

A friend of mine sent this to me today. Sorry it is kind of blurry--but I think the pictures speak for themselves.
I am once again reminded that we serve a loving God who listens to our prayers.
He also hears our "advice".
--
Dear God..........please don't ever let me have what I think is best.
Even if I cry out and whine-- always let it be.........."not my will but Yours be done".

And if I have shortened my cross-- would you please regrow it?

Todd Agnew

This has got to be one of my favorite Todd Agnew songs.
It is real.
He knows......And that knowing is inside and out.
I can't escape!
Dear God-- I don't want to.
He is HIGH AND LIFTED UP--nothing escapes His notice...angry or hurting heart..or
the one that stands coldly in between.

I have been all.

Get er done Monday

A day early......... cuse I don't know what tomorrow will hold. :)

Melanie over at Livin' With Me has set up a "get er done" Monday. Not really, actually it is called MeMe Monday--but I just thought the other was funny.
Get er done--just makes me smile.
So today I am going to take care of a tag and then spread a little bloggy love.
This won't be a long one--so hold on.

------------------------
The first piece of bloggy love was given to me by Mary.
She has a sweet heart that just over flows with love.
I am going to pass this on to all those who take the time to read this.
Just because I love ya! How about that?

Thank you Mary's Writing Nook

--------------------
The next was given to me by Andrea. She has a quirky sense of humor and I just like that.
And I like the snow pictures she shows every once in a while.
All the girls I visit have friendly sites--so you all deserve this one too.
I am just full of love today.
Thank you LifeSongs

-----------------
Some blog for fun, some to escape, some because they are lonely, some because they just got somethin ta say,.......well ya get the idea.
Blogging is a great out put for me. I really enjoy doing it. And I LOVE the sisters I have met.
These are the rules and guidelines that go with this award:
This award was created by Eric Novak at Blogging with a Purpose. Here’s how it works:

* Awarded parties must nominate five people who have not received the award.
*The blogs that receive the award must serve some purpose.
*In their post about the award they need to link back to this entry.
*Awarded parties must post the award banner on their site. The banner must remain linked to the above linked site.
I am passing on this Award to the following 5 bloggers:
1. Three Girly Girls
2. Riding Free With Deb
3. Edge Of Design
4. Sting My Heart
5. Dee

Thank you Karen Ramblings and Do You Weary Like I Do?

Here is one that I created--it is my first. It is not really an award--just something pretty.
Something nice for my fellow Princesses.

I have been tagged by two of my girls--- to the same book tag. Three Girly Girls and Shortybears want to know what I am reading. A whole lot of Isaiah is what I am reading---- so here is a little something from one of my commentaries. Aren't you thrilled? ;)

It's called the Book Me-Me Here are the rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book of at least 123 pages.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the 5th sentence.
4. Post the next 3 sentences.
5. Tag 5 people

"The future Babylon will become a great center on earth. The Man of Sin, the willful king, called the Antichrist, will reign in that place. It will be destroyed just as the ancient Babylon was destroyed. Babylon is a memorial to the face of the accuracy of fulfilled prophecy and a testimony to the fact that God will also judge the future Babylon."
From The Prophets Isaiah--chapter 13 by J. Vernon McGee.

And as ya'll know I don't usually tag. So if ya do it and wanna share--just give me a hollar! :)

Is His train still filling the temple?

How can I even say what is going on in my life with this study of Isaiah?
The first week we covered chapters one through 4 only---although we had read through five.
This book is jam packed with toe stomping goodness.
I say goodness because anytime God begins to stomp on our toes--it means something good is coming.
Really.

There is a section in chapter 5 that really hit me. God is talking about Judah as if she were a vineyard. This is from The Message:

3-4"Now listen to what I'm telling you, you who live in Jerusalem and Judah. What do you think is going on between me and my vineyard? Can you think of anything I could have done to my vineyard that I didn't do? When I expected good grapes, why did I get bitter grapes?

God is talking about all that He has done for His people. Kind of like I feel when my children are not behaving in a Godly manner and I look at them and say--
"WHAT MORE COULD I HAVE DONE?
I have fed you, changed your diapers, washed your dirty face and clothes. I have loved you with a mothers love and have taught you the right way to go.
WHAT THE HECK IS YOUR PROBLEM????? Huh? Tell me???".

God is fed up. Now this book is written for God's chosen people. It was a prophecy to them. A messsage from God through His prophet Isaiah.
And yes, there are prophecies that will include us-
The coming of Jesus the first time and when He comes again to rule and reign- are some examples.
But besides that-this book mirrors the condition of God's people today.
My heart has cried out to God so much in the past few weeks for the hearts of His children.
With a groaning that is deep and heart wrenching.
For the most part-myself included-we fall way short of the plan of God for His people.
Do we love as He loves?
Then -just there- we fall short.
Do we live life as HOLY priests of God?
Then we are not living up to His purpose for us.
Remember what I said about the stepping on of the toes?
But this must take place. We CAN NOT put on our steel toed shoes.
It is just like hardening our hearts.
After a while we will not hear the tender voice of the Spirit at all.
I don't want to give the impression of a Bible thumping, spit spewing, face red and about to explode preacher. But there is a huge message for all of us here.
When God gave this message to Isaiah it was given in love.
Given by a God who longed for the love of His people. A God who wanted His people to remember who He was because He did not want them to have to go through the discipline and punishment that was on its way.
Just like us with our children. Who of us would want our children to be sent to jail for life?
Or if we could see into the future and we knew that our children were going to become the captives to some great nation that would rise up and make them its slaves--and we could stop it---wouldn't we?
This is where we are as a world right now.
I could so get up on a soap box. But I don't think the time is right for that.
Let me jump over to the passage in chapter 6--
Dear God, how we could all use this to happen to us.
Now the Godly king Uzziah who had reigned for 52 years-had just died.
I think it really says something about the heart of Isaiah in that when this tragedy came--he headed for the temple. Where do we go when life gets rough?
Now he goes to the temple but he can not go in. Why?
Because when he gets to the door and looks in--he sees God seated on His throne and His train fills the temple. Would you walk on God's train?
Not long ago I heard someone say that the length of the train is representative of the power and authority of the individual.
Do you know how big the temple was? Huge! And the train filled the temple.
That is authority. Authority over the temple. Goodness I could preach a sermon on this.
This makes my blood pump!
So are you ready to go here with me?
Now Isaiah sees God and he knows he is done for. Remember in Exodus when God told Moses that no man could see His face and live. Poor Isaiah!

"Doom! It's Doomsday! I'm as good as dead! Every word I've ever spoken is tainted— blasphemous even! And the people I live with talk the same way, using words that corrupt and desecrate. And here I've looked God in the face! The King! God-of-the-Angel-Armies!"

He is terrified. God knows the plans He has for Isaiah so He prepares him by sending the angles with a piece of coal from the altar of sacrifice to touch his lips and to remove his sins.
Notice the sins were removed after Isaiah admitted his sin.
(A foreshadowing of what would come with the sacrifice of Jesus)
Once his sin had been forgiven---Isaiah could then hear the voice of God.
God was not speaking to him when he first heard God's voice.
God was talking to Jesus or The Spirit-probably both.

And then I heard the voice of the Master: "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?"

How cool is that? He just witnessed a conversation by the trinity. He could hear what they were saying. Kind of like us after we become a Christian and we can hear the voice of The Spirit comforting and teaching us.
And then I just love the gutsyness of Isaiah when he speaks up and says, Me! Me! Send Me!

I spoke up, "I'll go. Send me!".

Who wouldn't want to be a messenger of the Most High God-The King! God-of-the-Angel-Armies!"
Picture that last title. Can you see Him on His white horse with all the angels of heaven riding behind Him? This will happen one day--but we will be with Him.
And then satan will be in for the final SMACK DOWN!

I want to leave you with one thing to ponder.
There is now no temple of Solomon for God to sit on the throne. Yes, in heaven He sits on His throne-surrounded by the angels who cry- Holy, Holy, Holy!
But here on earth--He has a new temple.
US.
If His robe (the sign of His authority) is meant to fill the temple-
How much of that robe fills your temple?
Do the signs of His authority fill your entire life?
Does it fill my entire life?
Or are there areas that I take my hands and push or hold His train out of?
This far but no further.

Are we hearing His voice?
Have we daily submitted to the cleansing that must take place?
I am thinking on these things.

The Year Of Romance

The Year Of Romance

Romance?

Romancing your hubby?
Is it about how you dress? Is it about what you say?
Can you have a good marriage without it?

Lots of questions--does anyone have the answers?

For years I thought romance was all about my husband giving me something. Those special days like Valentines or an Anniversary. There were some rude awakenings to the facet that an object in my hand did not make me necessarily feel like my heart had been touched.
I think that is what romance is---those moments when your heart is touched.

To me, that is what romance is all about.....touching the heart. It is wooing someone.
For us married ladies-------that had better be our husbands. ;)

So how do I/we woo our husbands?
Well, I think this knowledge can come to us in several ways.
Sometimes you can just ask.
Sometimes you don't have to--you see the reaction on their face.
Yes, you know what I mean!
They look like a school boy again!

And honestly there were times in our marriage, when things were not so great, I would sometimes withhold the things that I knew meant a lot to my man.
Romance and love.
Today, God gives me a good thump on the head (heart) when I am using manipulation
to make Keith pay.
Not a pretty picture.
No, perfection has not arrived.
Surprise! Surprise!
-------
I spent our last vacation romancing my husband.
No, not by dressing up in some slinky dress and 4 inch heals.
Although that might have done it. :)

But this time, I romanced my husband by dressing up in manly clothes and hopping on the back of a four wheeler. Strange method or route to romance --but it works for him.
Makes me kind of think of----"grunt, grunt...me man you woman.
Me want to take you to the woods. grunt! grunt!".
And no, my man does not look like that- but.......he might grunt occasionally. :)
"How was your day...grunt. Did you enjoy dinner......grunt."
---
So here I am......... looking oh so sexy for my husband.
Yes, I know don't laugh.Let there be truth in blogging----HOW!!!! is the above picture in any way s*xy???????

The above pictures is one of Keith's favorites-he took it of course. Not sure if he likes it because I was about to land on my patoot or if it is because it is a picture of my patoot. :0
Who will ever understand the mind of a man?
I guess only his Creator.
My husband has a crazy sense of humor.

So back to the trip that was oh so romantic for my man.
Now this trip was not my idea of romantic. But something happens inside when you do something for someone else's benefit.
The look on his face. Pure joy.
And I have to admit that I liked the look in his eyes. He was brimming over with love.
Giddy as a school boy.
I was--His Woman!
He was proud of me riding those hard manly trails.
He was proud to love me.

I have learned that although Keith does not have the same romance language I do----we both benefit when the others language is spoken.
Our hearts beat a little faster for each other and it reminds us why we love each other.

Both our hearts are touched!
That is romance.

For more posts on
The Year of Romance
go on over and visit the other women participating with Maria at Free To Fly.

Hope this makes sense my brain is still on overload.

Praying for a little intervention--well really a lot of intervention!

For some reason I just don't have a whole lot to say.
Could it be that trying to wrap my mind around Isaiah is sapping all my energy?
Maybe that is why even with my coffee in hand
I was still having a problem staying awake for my devotions.
My couch looks like it has been dumped on by a shelf at the library.
Bibles, notebooks, commentaries.......
Dear God---Help!
We are just on chapter 6!
Glad He is the one doing the teaching. \o/

Looking for a little...well truly---- a lot of the TRUE POWER!
Could YOU please come and explain this book that YOU wrote?
Thank YOU in advance for the purely spectacular ride YOU have us on.

Spring and some cleaning

Busy, Busy!
Time seems to be flying and I can't seem to get it to slow down.
Between the necessary, the have to's and the can't get out of's---where is my life?
I am trying to get some studying done for women's group. We are studying Isaiah and it is taking a little(lot) of time. So, why am I on the internet? Well, I needed a little inspiration.
I went out and walked around the yard to get some pictures for Andrea of LifeSongs--because she is so longing for spring. It is coming and coming fast!

Now for some Biblical inspiration!

As you know Isaiah is all about God letting Judah know just what He thinks of them.
It is not a nice picture.
And, He is loving enough to warn them of what He is going to do if they do not shape up. We just finished up the first five chapters. We are doing 5 at a time. Although last Thursday we did not make it through 5 in discussion-it still was good. I so miss a good discussion. Women chewing the word together. I love chewing the word!
You tell me what God told you and I'll tell you what God showed me.
Show and tell!
Awesome!
Now of course we are starting on chapter 6. Wanna know what it would be like to have a face to face with the living God? Read this chapter.
There is no skipping into the throne room in this scene.
God is seated on His throne.
His children are in rebellion-but He is seated.
Half of His children have already been taken into captivity--but He is seated.
He sets secure in His authority as ruler of creation.
Nothing is going to ruffle His feathers-no disrespect intended.
So today...........He is still seated.
Nation against nation---He is sitting.
Brother against brother--He is still sitting.
He is awesome in His authority and He will not be pushed.
Not one thing is going to happen before He allows it. He is not even concerned about elections.
Nope.....there is not a bead of sweat on His brow.
I can get into a panic-and I do-and try and figure it all out------and He will still be sitting.
Is He sitting because He is emotionless? Goodness no!
He sits--and He mourns.
He sits---and He is angry.
He sits--and He laughs.
He sits-- and He whispers in a still calm voice.

Come home---Come home.
If you are weary.............Come HOME!
There is not one place where you can go to hide from my presence, or even be out of my sight.
Run from me in an airplane..and I am right there with you.
Dress in the highest fashion and wear the most beautiful mask to hide your true self------and I still see your heart.
Dark is light to me. Hiding out won't shade your true color from me.
So, turn your heart toward home. Come and let me clean you. Let my words burn away the stain of this world. Let me wrap you in my perfect love.
Then you will know freedom.
Then you will be at peace.

--------------
So now it is time to return to the pages of Isaiah. Lots of stuff there--good stuff.
Be good. Love God. Love those creatures He created.
Yes, love the sinner-not the sin.
And I'll be back later.
Got to go study. :)

Help Please!!!!!!

I need evidence of you!
Are you real?
Prove it!

I had to wipe my computer last night and then reload.
I am back but I lost all of my girls that I blog with.
Would you please help me by just leaving a smile in the comments
so that I can come and find you again?
Thank Ya--Thank ya very much!!!

Wanna Surpirse?

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you
Happy sweet sixtyfi-iv
Happy Birthday to you!
Love you Mom!
Yes, my sweet Mom turned a young
65, this Saturday. She was busy doing the business thing--so we celebrated today.
Now I am not bragging-- too much-- but, I made a killer seafood lasagna for today. Have you ever made something and it was so good that you surprised yourself? It was the first time I had made it so I had to warn everyone in advance.
But seriously--it was FANTASTIC!
We had that and a great salad and French bread of course. Why of course? Because if you live in Louisiana you eat French bread with everything.

It was a lot of fun!

The picture below is of me and my little sister. She is 7 years younger than me. Yes, I changed her diapers--and then in turn~ she changed the diapers of my kids. Talk about pay back. ;)

Hear is Keith showing them our pictures from the mountains. Can't you tell Jeannie is just thrilled? I sure hope that Keith did not show them the picture he took of me using the nature potty. :0 !!!!!!

Here is proof that lunch was fab!
Dad said that I had better remember how I made the lasagna--because it would need to be remade. Hint! Hint!
That made me feel good.
Have I told you that I love this guy?

This is what my husband says spending too much time with my family does to him.
What a man--who could resist that face. Notice that no question mark followed that question. ;)

Have I showed ya'll what spending time with Keith's family does to me?

Just kidding---neither spouse was harmed while spending time with the others family. :)
Unless I can blame all my gray hair on that.

Now for a little fun!

Mary over at Mary's Writing Nook -is going to lead us out in a little fun. Ready? I have participated in a Pay It Forward a month or so ago. This will be a little different.
This time I will get to touch three peoples lives. O.K, o.k.--stop jumping up and down so that you can finish reading. Are you back???? Good. :)
Who does not like to get a little surprise now and then delivered to your door?
No---I will not be showing up on your door step personally.
Phew!!!! Now that you can breath again............
Oh, I forgot this---I found out about this over at Samaratin Womens--yes, a good pass on from Denise.
Thank you Denise--love ya girl!

Here are the rules:

1.~Leave a comment on my blog that says you want to play. First three folks to comment will get a gift!

2.~Do the same thing on your blog!The first three folks who leave a comment and commit to doing this on their blog, too, will get a surprise from you at a surprise time in the next 365 days!
..This should prove to be fun.....and interesting.This is a great way to make new friends too.....let's see what happens.


I may be too excited to wait too long...we shall see.

O.K....who is in????????

Earth Day--for a Princess

She opened the door when a knock she did hear. Looking down from the stoop, there was nobody near. But on the step a box- so cheerfully wrapped- the bright paper and bow gave her a laugh. She picked up the box and was glad it was light; to stand back up had taken all her might. Back inside, she sat on the couch with a sigh. It had been a rough year, and that was a truth she could not deny.
With the box in her lap, she shook it once and then twice.
She sure hated to open it; it was wrapped up so nice. Carefully removing the most delicate bow she cut away at the tape until the paper fell to the floor. In her lap, all that was left was a brown paper box, but her heart missed a beat when she noticed the crown on top. The tape closure gone, the lid rose slightly up, as if the contents of the box could not wait to be touched.
Clenching her hands, she wondered at such. Was this the gift for which she had been told to trust. A strong gust of wind came through the open door, answering her question as it pushed the lid to the floor. And for the first time since that little girl dared to dream, she lovingly looked down on her secret it seemed. Holding her breath, she withdrew the most glorious dress, it floated on air- it was heaven's best.
At the bottom of the box, a sparkle caught her eye; it was a crown just too beautiful to be describe. For her feet were the most delicate slippers around, if you could even imagine them touching the ground.
On the very bottom- a folded note, and she confidently recognized in who's
hand it was wrote.

~It said~

On this day
This gift would not be delayed,
It has been waiting for you
To see yourself
Through my eyes portrayed.
I planned it that way
So you would know in your heart
My love for you was there from the start.
The world regards beauty
As something to behold
I desire a beauty that cannot be sold.
Now that you know
You are a child of the King
It is time for me to fulfill a few of your heavenly dreams.
To the little girl in you
That I desire never to grow up
May you know when you wear this dress
You'll never be playing, dress up.
To My princess, your faith has been made sight.
S.B.



To my fellow sister princesses out there--have a beautiful weekend.
Keep those dresses clean! ;)

A Love Note

For My Bride--today and always!

A NOTE OF LOVE

One this day when it is proper to say
-I love you-
I want to remind you that I to love you
I watch you daily
In the morning as you rise I glance lovingly on your face
I look forward to the day when we will walk hand in hand
Enjoying the world I created just for you

As you go about your day
I love the conversations we have
I love the sound of your voice
And your words of praise bring such joy to my heart

I wait with anticipation for your reaction to the blessing I send your way
And when you raise your heart to me in thanksgiving
I want to roll the clouds away

Soon I'll send my Son to bring you home
And as my love washes over you
It will melt this old world away
S.B.
~~~~~~~~~~

My words are not empty
They will always stand true
Before the very foundations of the earth
I loved you.

In a world that offers love with all of its
conditional terms-
The love that I give will remain unchanged -those are My terms.
S.B

A little for today and a little for tomorrow

It is with great pleasure that I share this with all of you girls!
Denise over at Samaritan Woman made this for us!!!
How cool is that?
And, how I wish I knew how to do this type of stuff.
But then if we could all do this--we wouldn't have anyone to be impressed with. ;)
I think it is great.......and I am impressed!
So......grab it......and pass it!

--------------------
Now we all know tomorrow is that day that can drive all of us females crazy.
Yes, it begins with a "V"---which means it can drive us VERY crazy.
And it ends in a "S"--which also means it can lead us to SIN.This year I told Keith that he really did not need to do anything for VALENTINES.
Yes, I meant it.
No fair trapping your man by faining disinterest and then being majorly surprised when you get........ nada!
That leads to a VERY CRAZY-SIN FILLED woman.
And you know we are not pleasant to be around when we have our pout on.
Come on...... admit it---I would imagine all of us have done it.

Although we should be moving on from this form of......manipulation. There I said it.
Man--ipulation!
Pour Man--he has been hit with it from the beginning.
I imagine Eve turning so that Adam could see her best profile--she batted those baby blues and flipped her long blond hair over her shoulder...she knew just what to do before offering him some luscious fruit. And with her bottom lip moistened she said,
"Sweetums, have I got something for you!" And BAM! he was down for the count.
And........it has been that way ever since. :)

So what exactly is the purpose of this post?
Oh yeah!
Remember tomorrow is about LOVE!
Yes, it can be about the big "R"---but it must be about LOVE.
So many times the weight of this holiday falls on the husbands shoulders.
Yes, I know we often take care of Christmas--but that doesn't count.
Lets see if we can do a little load bearing ourselves.
That gives a whole to new meaning to bearing one another's burdens doesn't it? :)
Let's show our husbands how much we love and appreciate them. The way you choose to do this will of course be up to you and what you think your husband would like. But lets let it be a sacrifice that will be a sweet smell before the Lord. In other words--let's not let our actions be put on. Or to make them feel guilty for not being creative or romantic.
I know sometimes the romance is just not there.
That is something that our single friends probably have rose colored glasses about.
Romance takes WORK!
But when it works--boy is it worth it!
So............love on your man tomorrow. You don't need a lot of money to do that.
And, you can make it a family evening if you can not go out. When the kids were small and we did not have a lot of money- I would set the table with the nice dishes and some candles.
And we would have a romantic dinner--all four of us. It is a good time to teach some social skills.

And then sometimes I would make chocolate covered strawberries
for us to take to our room for dessert. They are very easy to do.
Remember............God promises that what you sow...you will reap.
Sometimes the planting is tough work------but when the harvest comes in....It will be worth it!

LET'S DO A LITTLE PLANTING TOMORROW!


And for you ladies who God is telling to remain single for the moment....
HAPPY VALENTINES!

Tomorrow is about LOVE.
You are loved. Look around you and remember to thank God for the place He has you and the people He has put in your life to love you while you are there.
Maybe you too can spend tomorrow showing love to those who love you.
Remember you can show them by sending them an email card.

Let's keep dayspring.com very busy tomorrow!

A meandering post

O.K--don't laugh. Sorry the quality is not better--I had to take a picture of a picture. Guess I should get Keith to get me on for my birthday.
Yes, it is a Keith and I. And why ???? you ask am I posting a picture of my engagement picture when it is not anywhere near my anniversary?
Weeeeell-because Jan over at Shore Stories is hosting her pay it forward that she won a while back. First she said you just had to comment to enter---but then she did the most horrible thing.........She asked for a picture from high school. Eeewwwww!
But fortunately for me all of my old pictures are in storage. Honest!
So since this picture was taken in 1988--probably when most of you were in high school or grade school..or horror, maybe before you were born.......yes, I feel old------I asked if I could use my engagement picture. As you can see I was given approval.
Don't you feel blessed?
Now..............if you want to get in on the fun and enter the pay it forward-------ya gotta have a picture. First post a picture and then go over to Shore Stories and let her know.
She will only draw names from those who live in the US or Canada and she will do it on the 17th of this month. So run and get those pictures-----and then POST them!
I will be coming to see them.

Part TWO of this meandering post!


Since today is STILL the humorous weather day I thought I would show ya'll what my crew has been up to. As it was sooooo hot outside the other day (70).... Julia decided that it was plenty warm to get into the pool. Notice- no Mom in these pictures. Wise Mom.
Dad knowing what was waiting went and got his diving wet suit on. Julia stood quite a while on the diving board--unsure of her decision.

During the summer Keith usually keeps only the mustache--my favorite. But during the winter because of hunting and working outside he grows the grisly adams look. As you can see it seems to be rebelling the idea of being confined. Notice he is flexing his muscles for me.

Julia on the right in mid air---below---Julia 10 seconds later scurrying out of the pool.
Mister man in black never got in. :)

Part three of the meandering post.

Many of you know that I used to be a Chef in a former life.
No, just kidding-- well about the former life anyway. ;)
So... my friend Tracy has taken upon herself to make sure I stay on tract with all kinds of gadgets for the kitchen. I do miss the creativity but not the stress. The other day she sent me a gadget that looked like a long pickle for. But it had these strange wires on the sides. Today I found out it was not for pickles at all--it is for cheese. The wire cuts the cheese and then you use the fork on the end to pick up the cheese. Pretty cool.
And then next she gave me a kiwi scoop.
I don't really eat kiwi that often so I found that you could use it for cucumbers.
While talking this morning we found we were fixing the same thing for dinner.
She in Georgia and me in Louisiana. Great minds still think alike.
So I thought I would show her a picture of dinner--Red Beans and brown rice with venison sausage and whole wheat bread. Also we had salad and I used the kiwi scoop on the cucumber.
Aren't you proud of me Tracy?

This is the end of posting for today! Yes, I have to go study. I am being very bad.
I hope I can think of something serious for tomorrow.
Ha!--like that will be hard.

Weather report--humorous today--serious tomorrow

Life is getting so busy. Errands here and doctors appointments there. AHHHHHH!

But I am learning to stay focused on the important things--notice that I did get here today to post a little something for you entertainment.
Don't you feel important??
You are.
A friend of mine sent me a little something funny-so I am passing it on.
It is nice to see that in this one Boudreaux is not any more stupid than the rest.
In Louisiana we are not all unintelligent.

------------------------------

After having dug to a depth of 10 feet last year, New York scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 100 years and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone network more than 100 years ago.

Not to be outdone by the New Yorkers, in the weeks that followed, California scientists dug to a depth of 20 feet, and shortly after, headlines in the LA Times newspaper read: 'California archaeologists have found traces of 200 year old copper wire and have concluded that their ancestors already had an advanced high-tech communications network a hundred years earlier than the New Yorkers.'

One week later, 'The Daily Advertiser', a local newspaper in Lafayette, reported the following:

'After digging as deep as 30 feet in rice fields near Forked Island, Boudreaux, a self-taught archaeologist, reported that he found absolutely nothing. Boudreaux has therefore concluded that 300 years ago, Louisiana had already gone wireless.'

MeMe Monday++++ some awards

Something For Everyone!

Melanie over at Livin With Me
is helping us all not get behind in those sweet little Memes and awards. Remember that some are new to blogging and we want them to know what it feels like to have the love passed on to them.
That is what Meme and awards are all about---passing on a little bloggy love.
I still remember my first. I got so excited! My hubby thought I was loosing it.
No, I did not go and purchase a dress to receive my award--I didn't loose it that bad.
But I still enjoy see those words--Come on over to my place I have something for you-- and I do enjoy passing them on in turn.
So here goes.

The first several came from Melanie of............. Livin' With Me.
She was feeling "bloggy generous". She has a sweet heart. You should check her out.

This first one is going to go to someone that I think has a quirky sense of humor--
I find that interesting.
That would be Kentucky Woman. She makes me smile.
That is a good thing.

This one goes to Denise at ShortyBears. She sends me little things by email that have been the voice of God at times. And you know--- her heart makes my day.

This will go to Dee. She is an oldy and a goody--and I just love this girl. This will also go to Nice of Thus Far The Lord Has Helped Me--cuse she has been here through the thick and thin and she has such a sweet heart. She also has a bloggy giveaway going on.

I think this one has to go of Karen of Karen's Ramblings. She is a cool cat for sure!
And I think her kids would agree.
Also I think I shall pass this on to Mary of Mary's Writing Nook--she is a super cool grandma! I love the time she spend loving on her grandson's.
And she has a little giveaway going on.

Just saying this up front--none of those who get this award remind me
of the picture in this award. :)
This goes to MelanieJoy. I think the walk she is walking is totally awesome. There is also Denise of The Samartian Woman---you inspire me and make me think.
AND I LOVE THAT.
Not that I need anything else to think about because I keep my brain pretty busy. Just ask my man -around bed time it moves into high gear unless I can manage to shut it down. I think he would like to have a light switch to switch it off.

This goes to all my girls!
You always show me kindness that makes my heart a little fuller. Maria of Free To FLY, I have enjoyed so much getting to know your beautiful heart--thanks cuz! Also I have just begun to get to know Do You Weary Like Me----ya'll need to go over and meet her. She has a heart for God a lot like Maria. Wonder if they are sisters? Hmmm--I think so!Which reminds me if you don't have the above button please take one if you are a SISTER.
If I stop to list all of ya'll my hubby is not going to like any of you. And we wouldn't want that.
So be sweet --
Take this with LOVE!

AND THIS GOES TO ALL THE WONDERFUL LIGHTS IN MY LIFE!
That is right....you and you and you and you and you and you..........well, you get the idea.
Thanking God for you all.
But there is one that I would like to mention.
Do ya'll know our girl Connie over at Little Red Hearts From God?
She has inspired me with her work with our brothers and sisters who are on their way home to meet the Lord. She walks them there. What a testimony she has.
She is a light that guides them home.
She recently lost her Dad. That is right--she walked her Dad home.
She needs some prayers and some bloggy love. She is our sister.
If you get a chance--- go and tell your sister that you are praying for her.
And then don't forget to send up a little prayer to our Father for her and her family.
Thanks!
Thanks for being a light.

Watch your six--part 2

I pray that if you did not get to read the post before this one
that you go back and read it before you read this one.
------------
I will say before I begin this---- this incident did not involve anyone in blogdom and I am not looking for a sympathetic reaction. I am sharing this so that you will see that we are in a battle. A battle to knock down every advance of the devil
with the word and truth and the love of our Father.
I have become aware that there are many people who because of things that have happened in church, refuse to go back and expose themselves to such pain. Let me say--I understand! Truly! That is right.... satan does not stop at the doors of the church and not go in like the ground is somehow hallowed--wouldn't it be nice if it was that way?
I posted the post last night and I repeated a warning I had been given to "watch my six".
Many times God brings people into our lives that severely test our resolve to respond in love--just the way Jesus would. They use every opportunity--probably because of past hurts--to try and drive away the very ones who could love them with an unconditional love.
There is a woman at our church that is like this.
I understand what God is trying to do.
I understand that He is asking me to love and forgive 70 x 7.
I thought we had passed a huge hurdle the other night. Thought we had moved on.
And then today at church---BAM!!!!
I was hurt. When you love someone--it can't help but hurt.

I am thankful for a pastor who knows me, loves me and will speak the truth in love to me.
I won't repeat all that was said--but bottom line.......I am to keep doing what I am doing.
Love her and then let God deal with her about the ball in her court.
I share this not because I want a pat on the back. Or because I want sympathy.
I share this because I want you to be aware that satan is all about trying to destroy the ones that God loves-me and this woman. He will use those who do not stand and appose his schemes. And if we are not aware of his schemes then we are likely to fall in line with what he wants.

For those of you have been hurt by God's people--this is me looking deep into your eyes--
I am so sorry. (xoxo)
Sorry that satan was allowed to reach into your heart and rip it from your chest.
And even more sorry that he used one of God's people to do it.
One day he will pay dearly for touching the LORD's anointed.
We are to love each other.
It is not supposed to be this way.
One day it will all be fixed--and we will live at peace and free from pain.

But can I say one last thing?
If you have been hurt--you can reach out to others. You can tell them that you love them and you are sorry. And although they were hurt by a sister or brother--you will stand and love them.
You will walk by their side. You will draw them close even in their pain. You will hurt with them.

When we can do that....then we will truly be His arms on this earth. And people will feel and know a little of the love that is waiting for them in the arms of Jesus.

I know that the woman today was being used by satan. I know that sounds pretty harsh.
But it is true. He goal is to steal, kill and destroy.
Don't get your eyes stuck on the wrong enemy. I think we give him a deep belly laugh when we do that. And the last thing I want to give him is the right to gloat.

I hope this has put a little balm on any hearts that are hurting.
Let's love the way we have been loved--unconditionally.


--This was in my email when I got home from church--it was from
a blogging buddy. She did not know about my day.
Think God was talking loud and clear or what?

Facing Opposition

Read Numbers 16:1 through 19:22

Dennis had sensed something brewing in the office for several weeks. He had only been the manager for three months. That was not enough time to implement the changes he thought necessary. He thought things were going well, but Michael, who had wanted his position, was determined to criticize his every move and sniff out any dissatisfaction in the office.

There was a knock on the door. Michael and a few other coworkers asked to speak to him. The meeting was not congenial. They vented their criticisms and their plans for getting his promotion reversed. He was floored. He needed wisdom.

Moses experienced opposition. Korah and his crew rose up in rebellion against him and rebuked him. They influenced 250 leaders, who joined them in turning against Moses.

When Moses heard this, he fell face down (Numbers 16:4).

Moses humbled himself before God in the presence of his accusers and demonstrated his absolute dependence on the Lord. God gave Moses the appropriate answer for his opponents.

Thought for Today: God helps you to face any opposition.

Quicklook:Numbers 16:1–7

.

As someone recently said-"Watch your six"

I have been hearing lately something of the spiritual warfare going on.
This is actually a good thing.
It means we are doing some pushing and our enemy is pushing right back.
Yes, I have been noticing a "little" war going on myself. And we know that if we are not watching our thoughts...... instead of using our weapons against the real enemy-- we begin to fight instead with those around us. The tools our enemy most often use. This does not make for a very pleasant everyday life.
Over the years I have heard many uses of the six chapter of Ephesians
as preparation for warfare.
But many times when someone would say -Put on your armor--I would want to scratch my head and say............secuse me, but could you break that down for me?
I mean really---how many of us get up in morning and reach for a helmet?
Here is the passage in The Message--I like the way it breaks it down.

Ephesians 6:10-18

10-12And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.(Is that cool or what?)

13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. (AMEN!)Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting (Yahoojah!) you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

I just love that last part about prayer. A friend of mine posted on that today. If you get a chance go on over to MelanieJoy's and check out her post on warfare. It is really pretty awesome.

Praying God's word in our fight against satan- is the most important, powerful tool we can pull out. While reading a book last week I was fascinated by the way the woman prayed her armor on. I thought it was the best break down of the above verses in the Ephesians six passage that I have ever seen. See what you think.

"She dropped the curtains, bowed her head, and started the day over again by putting on her armor, piece by piece. Beginning with her shoes. 'Thank you , Jesus, that I stand forgiven and cherished, firm and secure in the peace I have with you," she breathed softly. "Thank you that the belt of your truth holds me together. That the body armor of your perfect righteousness covers and protects me. Thank you that the filter that protects my mind is the truth of my salvation, of who I am in you. I pray your Word would come against every scheme of the enemy in my life and in those of my loved ones today, Jesus. And I thank you for the powerful shield of faith. I pray you would help me to stay under it. Strengthen my arms to life it up. Put your angels around me, Lord. Help me to pray in the Spirit today, and lead other to pray for me."


Isn't that great?
Let's do all to stand!
And while we are standing, let's encourage others to do the same.
Let's fight the good fight.
Pray. And when you are finished--begin again.
Pray the Word of God without ceasing.

Betcha Never Knew

Karen from Karen's Ramblings recommended for us to use our vacation pictures
and have a little fun with them.
Bet ya'll did not know that I was one of the riches women on the planet.
I can dream~ ;)

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Deliver me from the great outdoors!

Hunting Season is over!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And...... that should mean that until the dreaded time next year we could safely say goodbye to all things hunting.
Yeah right!
Where do you go on a Friday night when you hubby is a hunter and outdoors person? That is right we are going to join the masses at the Bass Pro Shop opening.
The home of all things outdoors!



Yes,
I know that I have just gotten back from throughly enjoying some time in the great outdoors-----But, can I now cry UNCLE??

(And yes in the picture below, I actually have legs--but, my husbands camo pants are making them disappear.
Maybe this is not such a bad thing ;)
It is time to return to the world of the feminine.
How much can one take of ......camo.......guns.......stuffed dead animals.......etc??????

Just a few days ago we were in a Bass Pro on the way to the mountains.
And just for your info~ if you have never been in one of these delightful outdoor places.... I will fill you in---they all have the same things!!!!!!

But, because I know that this makes my hubby happy.....I will go. (sigh)
So......if you see a woman--who is walking around with a pained expression on her face(a look not so foreign from the ones found on the faces of most teenagers)-----rescue me PLEASE!!!!!!
But, if our paths do not meet , if all else fails..................maybe I'll just pass the time by---- looking for a new pair of shoes.
And NO.....they won't have any camo on them.
And they will not have been made to be worn in the mud. :)

I'm home!!!!!

Hello to you! We are back-sore muscles and all. :)
As you can see we had some cool weather-thus I look like I have gained a few pounds with all the clothes I had on. The first day was cool and beautiful on the mountain. We arrived around 10:00 after having a flat tire right in front of a automobile supply store. Which was a blessing from God because my lug nut wrench(I think that is what it is called) would not take the lug nuts off the trailer tire. Sad about the tire but good because I now know where everything is to change a tire on my truck if I ever have to (please God no).
So- we got to the mountain and I put on my hubby's bibs and my sons boots and... we were off!Above, Julia and I retaking a picture from this summer. See why they call these mountains the Smokey mountains? They are beautiful and I love them.

I sincerely hope that you can not do a close up on the above picture because I am sure the white-pale face will speak volumes about the type of trail we just came off of. I remember thinking as we got to certain points in the trail--DEAR GOD.....HELP!!!!!
And then I remember thinking--O.K, now Beth Moore says if there is something she fears... she does it so that the fear does not win out. I don't know if I won--but my man was sure proud of me. Have I told you that me riding four wheelers with my hubby is part of his love language? Yes, he really thinks I am "all that" while I am on a four wheeler. :) It is really sweet. It is nice to know that when I am not feeling my best--he thinks I am "the bomb"!

The rough ride was worth all the sore muscles and the death defying stunts-- it got us to this beautiful water fall. All the rain lately had prepared a gorgeous scene for us. I could have stayed there all day---hey, it would have stayed anywhere if it kept me off the trails I had to go back on to get me out of there. ;)

Now I know some of ya'll were deligently praying for some of that cold wet frozen stuff for us--thank you very much. We did get to see some cold, wet, frozen stuff--just not the type called snow.

As you can see Julia and I were very excited. It was really beautiful. And we enjoyed having a little fun with it. We are playing like we are ice supper heros throwing ice bolts. Silly... I know.

Julia says the above picture makes her look like a "crazy cat woman"???

Keith was good and got it in mid flight.
The next day it was pouring and it melted all of our beautiful ice. I am glad we went that way the first day. We made a trip over to Cades Cove the next day. It is a beautiful place nestled in the mountains with wild animals every where.
Here is a sweet little church and it is set on rocks set on top of each other.

I don't know if you can tell but I am just crazy about running water. I love the sound. They way the water makes the rocks move-yes, even if it take years--so that it has a path to go where it is meant to go. Yes, there is a great spiritual lesson behind that one. Nature speaks volumes of spiritual lessons to me. God speaks loud and clear to me here.
Can you see the fog on the water below? How cool is that?
Kind of like the Spirit that hovered over the face of the water in the beginning. I Know.....but that is just where my mind goes.

Well.....that is all I have time for at the moment. I have a few last minute details to get ready for Bible study tonight. And the laundry is calling. And yes, Walmart is too. We will see about the last one. But, I want ya'll to know that as I was flying along the trails on the mountains-your names were being lifted to our Father. There is just something about a two hour ride at night in the cool mountain air-while being towed out of the back woods by your husband, after your four wheeler has thrown a belt--that just brings on the desire to pray. I thanked God that my dear husband brought a towing strap and extra gas. It was a peaceful uneventful tow home-other than the four deer that decided to run across the road right in front of the four wheelers.
While riding along behind Keith and Julia I let my mind wander over the women back home--some from blogdom, some from church, and one living in the Georgia hills--God and I had a good conversation. It was really an intimate time talking to God and time to do a little singing at the top of my lungs...... when no one but God could hear me. :)
Love you guys!
Glad to be home----- even though I do miss my mountains.

Thank all of you who left sweet messages while I was gone!
I'll catch up tomorrow.
Duty calls.