Friday, February 29, 2008

Giving


Acts 2:42-47

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.

44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.

45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.

46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.


Thinking about how the apostles and followers of Jesus Christ must have lived and how strong their faith grew, I’m wondering what I would have done had I lived in that era? Would I have been one that gave away everything I owned?

I lead such a blessed life. I have more than I need and I have treasures, some only meaning something to me, and others that could be sold for a few dollars if the right buyer came along. We have a house on the Flint River and in 1994 it was completely flooded on the inside. The family heirlooms I had in the house were washed down the river to Albany. The water was so strong when it got to Albany many of the caskets from graveyards there came to the surface and were washed into small coves along the way. I was heartbroken to lose so many of the things I valued as part of my life. Many lost so much more than we did.

Slowly I began to understand that while those things were important to me, they were not the most important things. If everything were taken away from me today I would react differently because I am older and I understand where to find true value.

True value is found in the giving. It doesn’t matter if it is your material things, your love, your time, or just a kind word. True value is found in the giving. Jesus said it best in Luke 6:38 ; “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Have a fun filled Friday! I’m open for the new adventure of the day. Tonight I get to watch Carley Ann and Anna Claire have sweet dreams and get to play with them tomorrow moring. I know those of you that read this blog will agree these things make life wonderful. Who could wish for more? My lap runs over ; I know yours does too. :)

Hey! Thanks to the calendar people for giving us an extra day in February this year. Happy Leap day everyone!

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Speech or Speach






13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Matthew 7:13-14 (KJV)


Have you ever stopped somewhere and asked for directions and then wondered what the person meant or read a letter, book or article and just shook your head because you couldn't understand what they wanted to say? I sure did this the two times I've had the opportunity to travel to Europe as an adult, once to France and then once back to Germany where we lived as a family when I was in kindercare. The folks spoke a different language. Sometimes even here in Georgia I realize some of our words are not easily understood. We tend to draw out all our vowels, put more letters in, and have sayings that it seems only someone living in the south can understand. Sometimes I write as I speak. Yesterday I sent out an email without doing spell check and when someone responded back leaving my message intact, I realized, to my horror, I had spelled the word speech as speach. Oh well, at least the letter sounded like me. :)

As I read in Matthew this morning I marveled at how easy Jesus was able to give us directions. Off the top of my head I can think of several analogies when Jesus gave specific directions or helped us understand or think deeper on what it means to be a Christian; how to get to heaven. In John 8:12 we read, "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." In John 14:6 we read, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." As a matter of fact the entire chapter of John 14 gives us a wealth of things to think about, dig deeper on, direction. It's one of my favorite chapters.


John 14 (KJV)
1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

4And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

5Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

7If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

8Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

9Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

10Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

11Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

15If ye love me, keep my commandments.

16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

18I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

19Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

20At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

21He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

22Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

23Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

24He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

25These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

27Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

28Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

29And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

30Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

31But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.


Hope you have a good day. It's cold today in Georgia. I'm looking forward to the burst of blooms to come in spring. The image today shows a yellow azalea at Callaway Gardens. I hope I can enjoy the cold today. I know it has a purpose, so I'll be patient and thankful for the cold too.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Smile

Anna Claire and teacher Ms. Julie

Psalm 25: 4-5

4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.

5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.


Yesterday I met with the breakfast prayer group and we had really had a good time sharing prayer concerns, writing cards, and just general sharing. We all need times with friends to keep us in touch with each other and to be aware of the concerns that others have, what's going on in their lives, and of course to share happy fun things too. Those happy fun things put smiles on our faces and that's a good thing as Martha would say.

I hear and see articles all the time about how to be happy. It seems that many have become obsessed with getting to the state of happiness and staying there constantly. Is this truly what we are supposed to do? Do we really have to put a smile on our faces all the time and be jolly? I don't think so. There is nothing wrong with feeling down and showing it.

Sometimes crying is the best thing you can do. If you always try to smile when you don't feel like it you will be supressing that inner need to get rid of what is bothering you. When the crying is over and you have poured out your heart to God, you can rejoice knowing God is always with you no matter what. We are, after all, His sheep and listen to His voice to lead and direct all our paths. He will not lead us wrong. It's not learning to be happy that is most important, it's learning to listen and respond to His voice.

Carley Ann


Philipians 4-8

4
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

5
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.



Carley Ann

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Knowledge


Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8


My Treasure image today is a set of Mother's day and Father's day plates for the years 1973 and 1974, the years Brent was conceived and born.
.:.

In the art world there is a phenomenon going on where painters across the world are joining in to paint one painting a day. Some painters are doing this to hone their skills and others are doing it so they can mass a body of work they can sell on ebay at a price that collectors can buy reasonably since the paintings are often no larger than 5x7. The largest painting a day group make up the artists that are wanting to practice so they either understand a particular medium better or they understand the art principles that make a good painting better. They are a dedicated bunch and I admire their energy and mission.

Thinking about this yesterday I realized that God told us about the value of studying to increase our knowledge. The Bible is our schoolbook not just about spiritual matters but life itself. It’s full of answers to so many questions on so many subjects it completely astounds me, as I said yesterday, “Imagine that.” I know that by getting up each morning and starting my day with a scripture makes my day so much better. I’m stronger in ways that I’m just learning about.

There are times I get frustrated because someone will say or I will read that to be healthy or to live longer, or to feel better, to be successful or whatever, I need to devote an hour to this or to that. The problem is, how many hours do we have we can divide? Today I pray for time to do all I want and need to do.


Ecclesiastes 3 1:14 (NIV)
A Time for Everything
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

9 What does the worker gain from his toil?

10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men.

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.

13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God.

14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Seeds


In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. Ecclesiastes 11:6


Image today is my mother and Anna Claire with her puppy backpack on.

I remember my grandmother taking down the Farmer's Almanac so she could look for moon signs, which would tell her the best time to plant. The almanac was full of charts and calendars and seemed to be very complicated. I don’t know if she actually used any of that information but as an adult I realize that she was just trying to do the things she had been taught so she could keep her family together. She still had three children at home when my grandfather died. I can’t imagine what that must have been like given that she had always been a homemaker and looked to my grandfather as the breadwinner of the family.

In later years I remember my grandmother sitting in the recliner asleep with the Bible in her lap. She found comfort and rest in reading the Bible. Again, she was doing as she had been taught. I am constantly amazed at the wisdom found on the pages of the Bible. Not only is it our spiritual guide and our relationship guide, but it is also offers up practical information we can use to live our lives day by day. Imagine that.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Lists

19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven

20 and said:
"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.

21 He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.

22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.

23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king."


Well, I'm coughing my head off this morning. Funny how we use phrases like that to describe the condition we are in and everyone understands exactly what is meant. At least I don't feel ill so I'm thankful for that.

This morning I picked up a workshop book on Daniel that was taught by Beth Moore via video tape last year at our church. I didn't finish the course because I missed a couple of sessions when I re-injured my knee, or at least that was my excuse. By the time my knee felt better, I had missed so much and felt so far behind, I just didn't go back.

Anyway, in Daniel 20, Daniel shouts praise to God for answered prayer. He starts out talking about God and ends with talking to God. Daniel makes a list of who God is and then thanks Him for answered prayer. I think sometimes we need to remind ourselves who God is and then make an answered prayer list just like Daniel did. I'm guilty of getting an answer to a prayer and then moving on to my next request without taking time to thank God for what He has already done. Since I'm a list maker, perhaps I should sit down and list my answered prayers starting out with the ones from my childhood. Wow, just thinking about doing this makes me realize I'm going to have to get a journal with lots of pages.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Happy Days


2 Samuel 22 1-4
David's Song of Praise
1 David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.

2 He said: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent men you save me.

4 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.


As far as I know I don't have any enemies, at least not the kind that David had. I don't know of anyone that would want to kill me. I probably annoy some folks with my long stories but just a gentle hand across the mouth would stop that. It's the strangest thing about my stories. For some reason, I feel everyone has to know all the details from the very beginning to the very end. Wednesday I was trying to explain why I was so tired from Tuesday and one of the ladies I was talking to said, "Why don't you just say you had a busy day." LOL, for me that just wouldn't tell the story.

God is so good. We are still fighting flu. Anna Claire didn't get to spend the night last night, but Carley Ann did. The doctor started her on some new medicine and she couldn't seem to drift off to sleep last night because of it, I believe. She was jumpy and complained about all kinds of aches and pains on top of the coughing. Sometime after midnight she gave in to sleep but continued to wake most of the night. At 5 I gave her some Motrin and that seemed to help. She's still resting now and it's almost 10. There is something about looking at a sleeping child that makes me all weepy eyed. Of course, I think she is the most beautiful child in the world... along with Anna Claire.

The sun is shinning doing its job. The rain has gone and it's going to be a beautiful day. When Carley Ann wakes we will have fun making breakfast and then paint together if she feels well enough. Grandmothers across the world will envy me. :)

Potato soup

3 cups raw potatoes
2 1/2 cups chicken bouillon
1/3 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 1/2 cup cream (sometimes I use just milk)
1/2 teaspoon salt
dash of pepper
chopped chives

Cut potatoes into small squares and cook in bouillon along with the onions bouillon until potatoes are done. Cooking time will be just minutes. Rice part of the potatoes if you want a creamer soup and place back into bouillon water. I like my soup chunky so I don't rice. Pour a bit of the bouillon into a small cup and add the flour making a paste. Continue adding more bouillon into the cup until the mix is watery. Add this to your potato bouillon along with adding in the milk and rest of ingredients. Serve with chives on top.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Go




He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Mark 16:15 NIV




I've been daydreaming about going on vacation. It's getting time for spring to roll around and I can't wait. For years I have spent my spring days at Callaway Gardens painting the azaleas. This year I think I want to go someplace different, but still not too far away. I was thinking that Savannah might be good and then up and down the coast of Georgia and South Carolina. Of course I'd like to visit in Alabama and Mississippi too. A girl can dream. It would be easier if I had someone to travel with but I can't think of anyone at the moment that could leave on a whim like I tend to do.

Our church has started a new Global Focus program, which divides ministry areas into target areas that relate to the actual places the disciples might have traveled spreading the Word. The Jerusalem area is your hometown area. The Judea area might be like your state. The Samaria area might be like your country and the “Ends of the Earth” is everywhere else. Each person can choose the area they feel best suited to serve. My ministry area is Jerusalem but like the cartoon this morning, I’m wondering if maybe Hawaii might be a good choice for a Samaria ministry. LOL Bless Brent’s heart. He has signed up for a Samaria ministry to go to a town in Mississippi that is still suffering from the effects of Katrina and help construct new homes. This will be good for him for many reasons but one is that it will get him around men. He laughs when he says that he has too many women and not enough men in his life, but it’s true. Between me, Terri, Carley Ann, Anna Claire and Terri’s mother Libby and my mother, he doesn’t stand a chance. He spent most of the day on February 14 delivering valentines, hugging and kissing all his women.

I hope you have a fun Friday and you catch yourself smiling today. The other day I was stopped at a traffic light and noticed the young lady in the car next to me just rocking out to some song oblivious to everything and everyone around her. We need more free times like that to express our complete happiness even in the small things of life like the radio playing our favorite song. I think I’ll get up and dance. How about you?

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Time


But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

Surprise, I'm up an hour early today. Terri, Brent and the children are sick and have been since Monday with flu or virus or whatever that bug is. Fortunately, I'm well. Terri brought Carley Ann and Anna Claire to me yesterday around lunchtime. She was exhausted and needed some help. I kept the girls until dinnertime and Anna Claire spent the night and will stay with me today. This is exactly what life is about. Needing each other, helping each other and being more than you. How people get along in this world without needing each other is a mystery to me.

I'm reading Oprah's new book selection "A new earth" by Eckhart Tolle. So far I'm learning his thoughts about the human ego and how our egos tend to define us individually and to others. I have to admit he has given me some things to think about, but I am concerned when I read the passages where he lumps Jesus, Buddha and others in the same category, or so it appears to me. When I finish this book, Beth as said she would read it and tell me what she thinks. She'll probably think I'm a crazy lady when she sees everything I have underlined and crossed out.

I'm thankful today that my tailbone, hip, leg and knee are feeling so much better and stronger. Yesterday I walked to the mailbox without much trouble at all. At times my limp is not even noticeable. It's still hard to move from a sitting position to standing, but I think this too will get better. Maybe Dr. D. is wrong and I won't have to have knee replacement. I'm clinging to that thought!

I'm also thankful that I can have time each morning to spend in the Word, listen to God and write. It is the peaceful time of the morning I most treasure. I get to watch the sun rise and hear the birds wake up and get a fresh start on each new day.

I'm thankful for my family and my friends and my life. Matthew 6:33 is so true. If we seek God first in our daily prayers we strengthen ourselves to bear up under daily troubles and challenges.

There is no method to where I read in his Word each morning so it always amazes me what I find and what He tells me. I'm thankful that God does provide everything we need. He is, after all, the Good Shepherd and I find comfort in being in His care.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Thinking


Ephesians 4 NIV

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—

5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

It's Wednesday already. The days seem to zip by and even though chores get accomplished it seems that there is no end in sight. Several things have been on my mind this week that keep popping to the surface demanding attention. One is the Dr. Oz segment on Oprah this past Monday where a lady was interviewed and the audience was asked to guess her age. They said 60. She was 44. I'm 60. What does 60 look like? I know I'm not a healthy 60 and even though I make plans, I don't follow through.

Wellness seems to take a backseat to all the other activities in my life. I tend to take care of others and "things" first and have ignored doing what I know I need to do for myself. I sit this morning drinking my coffee and eating a huge blueberry muffin. My head tells me I should be eating blueberries, yogurt and granola along with some green tea. Sigh

The other thing that is bothering me this morning is a Fresh Air segment I heard on NPR yesterday interviewing Bart Ehrman, a religious studies professor. I caught the last half of this interview returning from the grocery store buying those huge blueberry muffins. The interview was disturbing to me and I'm unsure how to get my mind around what was said or how I would talk with this person. It's obvious from his resume that he is well educated. It's also obvious that he has struggled with questions that his mind can not answer. The only thing I can be sure of is that only God knows the answer to all questions. I cling to Ephesians 4: 6 "one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Even after listening to this interview, I realize that God can even work thru and use this man. After all, look at me, this morning I'm laying all my concerns at the feet of Jesus. I am sure that is what He would have me do.

(Image - Anna Claire learning to think.)

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Mindset


Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, preserving, and steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Yesterday I did more mess making than I did cleaning up. Today I'll be busy trying to get cleaned up. It does appear to me that the older I get the less focused I become. I find myself starting a project and then going off on some tangent and getting stuck there never getting back to what my original job was. So, how can I stay focused so I can get things accomplished?

It's all about mindset. I can choose to set myself up for failure right this very minute or I can choose to make a plan and get on with it. That will be my prayer for today so I can greet each day with the right attitude, a thankful heart, and with the knowledge that God will be there to guide me as long as I listen.



P.S. As this is Tuesday I wanted to show you something that is dear to my heart. The image above is a house I pass frequently when I travel to Callaway Gardens to paint. For many years I watched this house and the garden outside flourish and always said I wanted to stop and talk with the lady that tended the garden. I did several times and she was a delight to talk with. I don't remember her name today but I am sure I have it in my journals of that time. I've taken pictures of her house and garden many times but last year I noticed the garden didn't look as kept as usual but still the flowers were showing their glory. There was a walker placed beside the steps going down from the porch and then at a later time I noticed that she only sat on the porch. Mother and I stopped one day and sat with her for a bit and that was the last time we saw her. She and her family have been in my heart for sometime now. I know that she probably has gone on to Glory but her garden still grows. I still look when I pass by. There are lessons in there for me for sure.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Envy

But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. Psalms 73:28



Sometimes I wish that I could just start over and get a second chance at a different kind of life. I'm envious of those that are living exciting lives, living in exotic places, mingling with fascinating people, doing important work, and otherwise just being over the top wonderful.

When envy creeps in, I have to check myself and realize that I do live an exciting life, I do live in an exotic place, I do mingle with fascinating people, I am doing important work and I am over the top wonderful.

There has been much written as of late about living your best life and I totally agree with doing that, but at the front I know I must put God. I am glad we have a Savior to turn to that knows us, loves us and keeps His hand on us. Without Him I truly would be nothing. I am fearfully and wonderfully made! The one thing I would not change in my life is knowing God… knowing Jesus as my personal Savior… having the Holy Spirit live within me. So, there you have it, enough about me. Time to get this wonderful day going.

Psalm 139 NIV
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Fruit


But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Over the course of years I've gotten my fruits mixed up. Thank goodness I can always turn to the Bible and to wise men and women who have lived before and get myself straighten out. I was thinking about bearing fruit and the many scriptures we have studied where Jesus and others have talked about bearing fruit like "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." John 15:5

Recently I read a quote from Oswald Chambers where he said, "Fruit is not the salvation of souls, that is God's work, fruit is "the fruit of the Spirit," love joy, peace, etc."

The next time someone tells me to go out and bear fruit, I'm going to remember what bearing fruit is as God would have us know it. If we produce "the fruit of the Spirit," then God can do His work through us and people will come to know Him. It's not we who do the work of salvation, but God. We are just branches.

Heavy stuff for my pea brain on a Sunday afternoon, but good to think about and know once again it's God who is our master and we only need to do as He gives direction.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Correction




All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16 KJV




Disney Red Velvet Cheesecake

Red Velvet Crust:
1 box Red Velvet Cake Mix (or white cake mix with red food coloring), prepared according to box directions.

Pour 1/2 of cake mix into a greased 9-inch springform pan and bake according to the directions on the box for a 9-inch layer cake. Use the other half of prepared cake mix to make a small layer to eat later. I like to make a small cake just for the children. You can freeze this to use later if you like.

Reduce baking time so cake will be set but not quite done. Remove from oven and allow cake layer to cool completely in the pan. Set cake aside keeping the cake in the springform pan.

Cheesecake:
16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract (I leave the almond extract out and just add more vanilla)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
food coloring

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and extracts until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, and then add in sour cream.

Divide mixture into 5 small bowls and add the following colors to each one: pink, yellow, blue, green and purple. Pour or spoon batters onto cake base which is still in the 9-inch springform pan in separate sections on top of the cake base. Take a knife and swirl the batters together. Do not swirl too much, so the colors will be clearly visible.

Bake 35 minutes, until the center is just about set when you jiggle the pan.
Allow cake to cool completely and refrigerate before serving.
Run a knife around the edge of the cake to release it before removing sides of pan.
Serves 12.


A Story


At two and one half granddaughter Carley Ann was in meltdown mode pitching what we call in the south a hissy fit. After all, she had been good all day and it just didn’t seem fair that she would have to be strapped into her car seat one more time after a long day of shopping. All our attempts at pacification were met with more outbusts of tantrum attitude so, as last resort, daughter-in-law Terri pulled over into the next parking lot so we could have a talk with Carley Ann.

Mustering up as much courage and hope I could find, I spoke softly to Carley Ann and told her that she was Memama’s little angel and that angels just didn’t act that way. Angels were special and that made her special I told her along with a few other words about angels and how sweet, helpful and beautiful they were. Much to my amazement, Carly Ann immediately calmed down and repeated to me that she was Memama’s angel.

With a melted heart, I climbed back into the car and we drove home without another outburst. Carley Ann WAS an angel and we didn’t think anymore about it until a few days later when she promptly told a waitress that she was Memama’s little angel. The waitress smiled and said, “yes, I can tell.” Of course my eyes filled with tears of love but more than that was the truth that Carley Ann really did understand that she was special to me, wanted to do what I asked of her, and she was proud to proclaim she was Memama’s angel. I responded back to the waitress with a thank you and let her know that Carley Ann had a sister, Anna Claire, who was also an angel. She just smiled again and said, “oh, you are double blessed.”

Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep my commandments.” This makes following Christ as simple as being a little child who trusts his loving parents and grandparents gladly doing whatever they ask. No wonder Jesus told us to be like little children! I am sure that our obedience to Him makes His heart swell with approval much the same way my heart does as I watch my children and grandchildren grow and learn His ways and make their way in this world.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Pride and Joy






Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1:6 KJV


Many years ago I worked in the town office of Thomaston Mills with Willie Ellerbee as one of my salesmen. I handled his invoicing and it was quite an experience for me working with him, as he was quite the jokester. One joke he was happy to fling upon any unsuspecting new ear was to show them out of the depths of his wallet, his “pride and joy”. Without exception each beneficiary of what was to be his prize joke thought he was going to pull out pictures of his grandchildren. Instead he pulled out a commercial picture of Pride and Joy dish detergent. I can still hear him chuckle and everyone turning around to see the latest target of Willie’s practical joke.

I suppose all of us have our own “pride and joy” we carry with us… some carry jokes, some carry mementos, pictures, reminders, good luck charms and such. At one time I carried Bible verses because I was in a Master Life class and some of the verses were not ones that I had put to memory before. Some verses I had, but continued to get them confused with other verses or got the location wrong….or simply couldn’t remember well. Out of that group Philippians 1:6 is a favorite. It means that God is not going to quit on me. It means that once He starts working He is going to keep going until one of two things happens…either I go home to Glory or Jesus Christ returns. It’s a promise that He is going to be working even when I am not. It means it’s not up to me to do the work; it’s up to Him. I’m the vessel to be filled by Him and poured out to do His will. It means whatever happens in my life God is aware and is going to work it to be sure that His work continues.

There really isn’t anything left to be said except Praise God.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Love


1 Corinthians 13 (New International Version)

Love

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,

10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.


How will I express love today? I am truly thankful to those that have extended love to me and me to them for without love we all would not survive.

Happy Valentines Day

Today’s image is showing my valentine gift from my friend Joni. Thank you Joni; I’ll treasure it always.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Plans

Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed Proverbs 16:3
The Gleaners
François Millet (1857)
University of Southern California



Today my Sunday school class will begin a new project. We will send cards to those that we know are visiting our church. The idea is to send a personal note that perhaps will encourage them and let them know we want them to come no matter if it is as a visitor or if they are looking for a church home. I'm excited about being part of this because I know how much a personal welcome means.

The name of our SS class is "The Gleaners" and as such we have a lot to live up to. The story of Ruth, Oparh, and Naomi tells much about what it was like to be a gleaner in the time of Judges. Times have certainly changed, but the spirit of being a gleaner is still here. God still has plans for our lives and he is still there to help us accomplish what we need to be successful in this life for ourselves and for Him.

In order to be successful we need to wake up each day knowing where we are headed. We have to have a plan. In Proverbs 4:25 it says, "Keep your eyes fixed straight ahead. Don't look to the left and don't look to the right." We will need to keep our focus and not get distracted by spending our time on things or chatter that will not help us accomplish what our plan has stated we need to do.

This is the same thing we have to do in anything we want to accomplish in our lives. I'm in a painting slump right now and need to make a plan to pull myself out and get some things accomplished. Making plans and being able to stick to them cuts down on stress which we all know robs our health. How smart is God for telling us how to cut down on stress?

My prayer for today is to thank God that He has a plan and purpose for my life. I want to thank Him for the ability to search His word and listen for His voice to guide me in everything I do. I'll be praying today too that this new mission our SS class will be doing will start out with this small action and grow larger as the need reveals itself and as God leads.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Mercy



And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1-26


In 2000 my cat of 16 years had to be put down because he was in so much pain from tumors in his body. It broke my heart and I vowed I would never have another pet. It was almost a year before I woke one morning and just had to have a kitten. I can't really describe the feeling other than to tell you it was almost like being possessed. I HAD to have a kitten that day. As soon as it was time for the animal shelter to open I called to talk to the personnel there. Hours had passed since I first woke with this burning need for a kitten that day and my voice quivered as I tried to explain that I needed a kitten because I missed Chichi so much. I couldn't wait for another day or time, I needed a kitten that very moment.

The lady on the other end of the phone let me rattle on and when I caught my breath she spoke softly and said she did have some kittens but she could tell that I didn't need just any kind of cat. I needed a special cat and she had just the one for me. This was not a kitten but as cat about a year old that someone could no longer keep and had brought to the shelter. The cat was frightened and needed someone to hold her and give her love. The animal shelter person asked me to please consider this cat rather than a kitten as this was her last day at the shelter.

Well, you know the rest of the story. Cocoa puff lives and is a true treasure.

I hope your day is a good one. My mother is resting comfortably after her ordeal with the procedure at the hospital. Her colon showed no major problem on the inside but she does have some kind of inflammation on the outside, which the doctors are going to treat with antibiotics.

God is good and His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 136
Thanksgiving to God for His Enduring Mercy
1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
2 Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!
For His mercy endures forever.
3 Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!
For His mercy endures forever:

4 To Him who alone does great wonders,
For His mercy endures forever;
5 To Him who by wisdom made the heavens,
For His mercy endures forever;
6 To Him who laid out the earth above the waters,
For His mercy endures forever;
7 To Him who made great lights,
For His mercy endures forever—
8 The sun to rule by day,
For His mercy endures forever;
9 The moon and stars to rule by night,
For His mercy endures forever.

10 To Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn,
For His mercy endures forever;
11 And brought out Israel from among them,
For His mercy endures forever;
12 With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm,
For His mercy endures forever;
13 To Him who divided the Red Sea in two,
For His mercy endures forever;
14 And made Israel pass through the midst of it,
For His mercy endures forever;
15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,
For His mercy endures forever;
16 To Him who led His people through the wilderness,
For His mercy endures forever;
17 To Him who struck down great kings,
For His mercy endures forever;
18 And slew famous kings,
For His mercy endures forever—
19 Sihon king of the Amorites,
For His mercy endures forever;
20 And Og king of Bashan,
For His mercy endures forever—
21 And gave their land as a heritage,
For His mercy endures forever;
22 A heritage to Israel His servant,
For His mercy endures forever.

23 Who remembered us in our lowly state,
For His mercy endures forever;
24 And rescued us from our enemies,
For His mercy endures forever;
25 Who gives food to all flesh,
For His mercy endures forever.

26 Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven!
For His mercy endures forever.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Balance


And I will walk at liberty and at ease, for I have sought and inquired for Your precepts. Psalm 119:45


Finding balance in our lives takes many forms of discipline. It's like walking a tightrope and learning what it takes not to fall off. I wish we had a smart gene that would collectively allow us to learn from those that have come before us. I suppose there are things we do learn from our ancestors but other things we have to learn on our own. Even some lessons we learn we end up having to repeat the lesson over and over until we finally get it, or at least this is true with me. Having the right direction helps too just like the confusing sign pictured above. I’m thankful we have the Bible that can point us in the right direction and help us walk the tightrope of our lives and help us find balance.

Today I am praying for my mother who is having a colonoscopy this morning. I'll pick her up at 8 and hopefully we will be home by lunchtime. She is 80, just 20 years older than me. When I look at my mother I am awed at what she has accomplished and how God has used her to help so many people. My prayer today is for comfort and protection for her and that the problems she is having will be an easy fix or adjustment with medication.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Instruction



Hear counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, that you may be wise in the time to come. Proverbs 19:20





A letter to Dr. Cliburn on his 50th service recognition

Dear Dr. Cliburn:

I praise God for the honor to have known you and your family. Memories of how your family and ours have crossed paths and been a blessing to us over the years are way too many to write down, but I want you to know that each one has a special place in our hearts and I thank God for them.

Your ministry in Thomaston and beyond has blessed my heart and been a great help to me especially. You probably don’t remember all the ways as I am just one of thousands over the last 50 years, but I do. I remember how much you helped me with a class I was leading on prayer life at Fellowship Baptist, and of course, I will be forever indebted to you for speaking with me personally about family matters and offering words directly from God’s word to help me deal with difficult situations.

I thank you for your ministry to my mother, Ruth Russell, at New Hope Baptist. Your words to her from the pulpit as well as to her personally have meant so much. She continues to thank God for you and for the work you did at New Hope as well as all the other churches you have served as interim pastor.

I thank you for also extending your love to my son Brent Franklin, daughter in law Terri Franklin and my precious granddaughters Carley Ann and Anna Claire Franklin. Your ability to connect with all the generations is amazing. Brent still remembers your visits to our home when he was little and you were our pastor at First Baptist and then our pastor at Fellowship Baptist when he was a teen. It’s all of these memories that are precious to all of us.

With all our love, Phyllis and family

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Wisdom


But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 1 Cornithians 2:9



I'm so glad that I can keep learning new things and new ways to do them so I don't have to get stuck in a rut. Today's chicken and dumplings recipe is a new way to make an old favorite. I've always made chicken and dumplings the traditional way and loved them, but this recipe is just as good and a lot quicker plus it adds in veggies.

God doesn't want us to get stuck in a rut either. No matter where we are in our spiritual life or our earthly life, God has so much more in store for us. He wants to give us more wisdom, a deeper walk with Him, a better earthly life, and even things we don't know about. I'm so thankful that he wants to give us more wisdom because sometimes I think my thinker just isn't working. Today I'm praying for that wisdom for family, friends and me that have difficult decisions to make or just general life struggles. We all need more and more wisdom.


Flour Tortilla Chicken & Dumplings

Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup pre-chopped onion
2 cups chopped roasted skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 (10-ounce) box frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 1/2 cups water
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
8 (6-inch) flour tortillas, cut into 1/2-inch strips
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Preparation
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in chicken and vegetables; cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring constantly.
While chicken mixture cooks, combine water, flour, and broth. Gradually stir broth mixture into chicken mixture. Stir in salt, pepper, and bay leaf; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 3 minutes. Stir in tortilla strips, and cook 2 minutes or until tortilla strips soften. Remove from heat; stir in parsley. Discard bay leaf. Serve immediately.
Yield
4 servings (serving size: about 1 1/2 cups)
Nutritional Information
CALORIES 366(23% from fat); FAT 9.3g (sat 3.1g,mono 3.9g,poly 1.4g); PROTEIN 29.8g; CHOLESTEROL 67mg; CALCIUM 104mg; SODIUM 652mg; FIBER 5.3g; IRON 3.4mg; CARBOHYDRATE 40.3g
Melanie Barnard , Cooking Light, NOVEMBER 2005

Friday, February 8, 2008

Courage



Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9


Whatever I face today I can handle because I know that God is with me. It's a good thing too because sometimes if He were not with me I probably would do or say the wrong thing. Well, even then sometimes I mess up, but knowing he is with me gives me strength and courage to do the right thing.

Today I lift up prayers for Johnny, Sandy, Sandra, Norman, Tom, my mother, brother and Carolyn, Terri and Brent and the girls. My unmentioned prayer list is long as I'm well aware that each of us have burdens or needs that only God can help us with. I'm thankful that we have a God that loves and cares for all of us always.

Anna Claire and Carley Ann come to spend the night tonight. I think we will paint some valentines and decorate the sitting room.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Preference

I love those who love me, and those who seek me early and diligently shall find me. Proverbs 8:17


When I don't feel well everything I do seems to take such effort and I begin to question if any of it is necessary. Well, some things are necessary for life and something we just do because it's our preference, our choice.

One of the things that I have done off and on most of my life is write down my thoughts and sometimes prayers to God. There have been times in my life that I didn't journal at all, and I have to admit there have been times I didn't even talk to God. Looking back, those were really awful days. Did God go somewhere? Did I not need Him? Was I too busy or too tired? Was I just ashamed of myself and thought I could hide?

Why do I feel the need to write down my morning thoughts as part of my devotion time? Why not just skip it. I know that my motives are misplaced if I think reading my Bible, praying, writing in my journal or just striving to be the person God would have me be makes God happy because He is going to be happy no matter what I do. He loves me unconditionally and for that I am very grateful.

I choose to write down my thoughts and prayers because it makes me happy. Every single thing that God tells us to do, He tells us to do it because it is good for us. He doesn't ask us to devote ourselves to study and prayer because it is good for Him; it's because it is good for us. Journaling is good. I'm happy.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Strength

For the joy of the Lord is your strength ( Nehemiah 8:10 )


All is well but we have a bug running rampant through our family including me. We all have headaches, sore throats, fever, drippy noses and that annoying cough. What is it we always fall back on..... this too will pass. :)

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Humility

Let this same attitude and purpose and mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: let Him be your example in humility. Philippians 2:5

Anna doesn't feel well today. I want to show you a favorite book from my childhood but will do that later today when she is sleeping.

Monday, February 4, 2008

You're Approved!


Before you were ever formed in your mother's womb, I saw you and approved you (Jeremiah 1:5)

Yesterday after church Carley Ann and I went to McDonalds. Earlier Pastor Barber had made an announcement that extra workers were needed in the nursery, so I slipped out the side door and went to volunteer being as I had two in the nursery and Terri and Brent were already there. That's how Carley Ann and I ended up having lunch together. What a special time we had eating happy meals and playing in the play yard. Carley Ann made a new friend Katelyn and I made new friends too. It must have been grandmother day at McDonalds because I got to talk with lots of grandmothers while Carley Ann played with her new friend.

After lunch Terri called to say that Anna Claire wasn't feeling good, so Carley Ann got to stay the rest of the day. We played at home all afternoon and then we went to bed because we were sooooo tired. When I keep the children I'm always amazed at how much I love them. Even when they aren't so nice, I love them. I've never been the one that was all gooshie over babies, or the one that JUST HAD to hold the baby when one was around. But here I am... all gooshie over my grandchildren. Who would have thought it?

As I watched Carley Ann sleep I thought about how God had known all about us even before we were all born. What a BIG job to take care of all of us. I'm also glad that even when we make mistakes or no matter how many faults we might have, He still approves of us. Knowing He loves us makes it easier to stand strong when life gives heartaches or disappointments. He loves us unconditionally.

Thank you God for loving us all, every day, all day long, no matter what.


Carley Ann and Kaytlyn

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Super Bowl Sunday



And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude. Ephesians 4:23


Each day I pick up my Bible and read I find something new, something I didn’t see before or understand before. This is a given because we all know that we don’t know everything there is to know and never will know everything. This is true unless you are a teenager, then you know everything.

This morning it occurred to me that reading something new and having God show me something new are entirely different. Of course reading the Bible is one way God talks with us but God has infinite ways to show us what He wants us to know. I think what happens is we get stuck in the same old routine. Unless we mix it up a bit we will see and hear things the same old way. Some folks resist change. A good example of this is how we get stuck in our public worship service singing the same songs and following the same order. Now, I tend to like order and tend to find comfort in knowing what will happen next, but having an open heart to try new things might give us a new message from God that we would miss if our hearts weren’t open to change.

Tonight our church is going to try something new to many of us. We are going to open the church fellowship hall to a special service that will also show the super ball on the big screen TV. From 5 to 10 members will take part in watching evangelistic messages like the one featuring Chargers running back LaDainian Tomilinson, have a chili cook-off contest, and hold our own half time show by having “Mark the Magic Man” present the gospel using his magic act. I have to admit I’m not a football fan and probably will not stay the entire time from 5 to 10 but I think bringing the gospel message into our lives in a different way is a good thing and will be in prayer that this evening special activities will touch the lives of many who need to hear, see and be shown a message from God in a new way.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Basic Quiche - Keeping it simple




As a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7)



Basic Quiche

1 (9") baked pie shell
1/2-1 c. (2-4 oz.) shredded cheese (assorted cheeses are good)
1/2-1 c. (2-4 oz.) chopped, drained, cooked vegetables, meats, seafood or poultry or whatever extra filler types you might like cottage cheese or maybe a mixture of any of these.
6 eggs
1 c. milk (2% works fine)
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. herb or other types of seasonings can be added

Sprinkle cheese and your choice of filler into pre-made baked pie shell that has been pricked with a fork. Beat together remaining ingredients until well blended. Pour over cheese and your choice of filling mixture. Bake at 375 degrees in preheated oven until knife inserted near the center comes out clean, about 30 to 40 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Using this basic recipe you can make any variety of cheese and meat quiches. Try using sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli, squash, or shrimp to make your very own specialty quiche, or just keep it basic. My very favorite is just ham and cheese quiche. Poultry seasoning also adds in a little sage twist that is nice at times. I like to chop up my left over ham from Christmas dinner and put into small freezer bags that I can pull out a moments notice to use to make a quiche if I have unexpected company and need just a little something quick and warm from the oven to share over a cup of coffee while we talk.

You can find all kinds of quiche recipes in many cook books that add in different herbs to change the flavor of the cheese and eggs, but sometimes I think it's great just to keep things simple and tasting the way they are supposed to taste. Nothing wrong with the taste of cheese and eggs!

Last night Carley Ann and Anna Claire spent the night with me and we had a blast spending special time together. I've gotten so I really look forward to our Friday night and Saturday morning activities even though I have to admit I'm exhausted when Terri comes to get them at lunchtime. This week we continued to learn how to cut up paper. Carley Ann is fascinated with how scissors work and of course Anna Claire is trying so hard to do everything Carley Ann does. Anna Claire's hands can't handle the scissors just yet, but she's a master at tearing paper and throwing it on the floor. We cut up and tore paper into small shapes and then glued those shapes on to a color book image of a fairy making her have the most wonderful dress.

Watching Anna Claire and Carley Ann play and learn new things makes me think about how God must look at us. I know he sees us struggle and wants to help, but at the same time God knows he needs to pull back and let us learn our lessons so we will be fully equipped with the knowledge we need to learn even bigger and harder things. I see the frustration in Anna Claire's eyes when she can't manage the scissors like she wants, but I also see that she looks to me to help her do things she can do and is happy with that. Carley Ann can only make straight line cuts, but soon she will be using the scissors following curving lines and making them cut where she wants them to.

It's the same with us as Christians. We look to God for help when we get frustrated and He steps in to help us with solutions when the time is right, or sometimes He just waits for us to find the answer knowing it's all in the growing. It's important that we know where to find the help we need and we keep our eyes and hearts focused on Him so we can continue to grow as God teaches us starting out simple and adding in new or more difficult things later.

Enjoy the quiche. Start simple and add in new or more difficult things later. :)

Friday, February 1, 2008

Steel Magnolias




Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16




I love watching the movie Steel Magnolias over and over. It seems each time I watch it I see things I didn't see or hear before. It makes me smile and cry and it's so true to life, or at least life as I see it in the south. I keep trying to pick out which steel magnolia I might be like but I find bits and pieces of myself in all of them.

Steel Magnolia Truvy: In a good shoe, I wear a size six, but a seven feels so good, I buy a size eight.


Just like me watching my favorite movies over and over, I enjoy reading and thinking about familar verses in the Bible. I love the greetings and endings that so many of the epistiles have and I often wonder if this is how they really greeted each other or just how they wrote. Oh course, when I think about how the people in the Bible spoke I think in KJV and see Charlton Heston. Anyway, it's something funny to think about and makes me smile and sometimes giggle.

Grace be unto you. :)



Steel Magnolias, Carley Ann Franklin and Grace Matson.

Word of the day.

.:.