Delight Yourself

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."(Psalm 37:4)

Several times this month this passage has come to my attention. When that happens I usually stop and think what is God trying to tell me.

It's the same feeling I get when I run into old friends over and over again in a short span of time when I haven't seen them in ages. I always think there has to be a reason either for them or for me to act upon.

Once a friend of mine was in a minor accident but ended up in the hospital. I hate visiting in hospitals for a number of reasons, but this time I wanted to go see my friend and found the heart nudge one I had to act on. I wanted another baby and she had experience with being a foster mother so I thought maybe she could tell me about that as a possible solution for my baby longings. I was not overly concerned that she was sick. I went to visit her for my own selfish reasons. She was so happy to see me and we really did have a great visit catching up on lots of things. The next day she died from a blood clot that went to her head. I was so thankful to God that He put that nudge in my heart to go see her. From that day forward I've always listened to my heart nudges.

Spiritual nudges are about the same thing, or maybe what I've called heart nudges are really spiritual...messages from God of a sort. I know God talks to us by using people, places, events, books and yes, even rocks. Thank goodness we don't have to wait around for the burning bush experience. Anyway, my mind is bouncing around this passage about delighting yourself again this morning.

Yesterday I tried to pass it on to a friend but it's still sticking with me this morning. In Bill Barber's message last night he quoted the same passage and challenged us by saying that many times we only hear the part about Him giving us the desires of our hearts, not the part about delighting ourselves in the Lord.

I'm thinking this morning that it's one of those if/then pacts with a twist. While we are doing the IF part, God is changing the THEN part. Oh, I know this is true from personal experience. When I was young I thought more about getting material things. Now that I'm older, I'm learning that while all those material things are nice, they aren't what is the most important. Maybe what God is trying to cement in my heart is that if I delight myself in Him, the desires of my heart will be His will. What a twist to find that what we think is the desire of our heart is not since the desires of our heart changes as God works in our lives.

Murphy's Law of the new dress

This morning I dressed for church and off I went through the rain that we are finally getting! Wouldn't you know it, Murphy's law of the new dress caught up with me as one of my SS classmates handed me a pair of sissors to help me cut the tag off that was dangling under my arm. Oh horrors!

Someone sent me this smile, so I'm passing it on.

A man in Chicago calls his son in New York the day before Christmas and says, “I
hate to ruin Christmas this year, but I have to tell you that your mother and I
are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough.”"Pop, what are you talking
about?” the son screams. “We can’t stand the sight of each other any longer,”
the father says. “We’re sick of each other, and I’m sick of talking about this,
so you call your sister in Atlanta and tell her.”Frantic, the son calls his
sister, who explodes on the phone. “They are NOT getting divorced,” she shouts,
“I’ll take care of this.”


She calls Chicago immediately, and screams at her father, “You are NOT getting
divorced. Don’t do a single thing until I get there. I’m calling my brother back
and we’ll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don’t do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?”
and hangs up.

The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. “Okay,” he says, “they’re
coming for Christmas and paying their own way.”

Happy New Year everyone.... I thought Bill Barber's message this morning was
particularly good. Thinking about 2008 and all the resolutions I usually make
and think about Bill's message made me think more about what my spiritual
resolutions might need to be. Bill's right, we are on a journey and each year
that passes adds to our experience. God does his part and the rest is up to us.
We can't just sit back and expect a free ride. I'm thinking this is what having
a relationship with Jesus is ... it's the give and take and certainly not meant
to be all one sided.

Have a Happy New Year!

After Christmas

The house is quiet. I woke extra early this morning for some reason. After drinking cups of coffee, I started cleaning. What on earth possessed me to do that I'll never know. Actually, it was fun. Each thing I picked up and put away gave me the opportunity to thank God for the moments of my life.

This Chistmas with Carley Ann being 3 and Anna Claire being 18 months really was fun. It's so good to watch the delight in their eyes over the new toys and watch them as they learn how to work each one. The big present they got was a pink Jeep they can ride around in the yard. It was a far cry from the pedal car I remember my brother getting when he was about their age... or was it me? I can't remember who got it, just that we had as much fun with it as Anna Claire and Carley Ann did driving around in the back yard of their house.

The special event, however, came Christmas night when they all came over to my house for Christmas dinner. My mother came to eat with us so that made four adults and two children, the perfect number to sit around the breakfast room table. I wish I had a picture to show you how beautiful the table looked and wish I had a video to show you what happened when we read the passage from Luke 2 about the birth of Jesus. After we said the blessing and everyone begin to pass food around and help the girls with their plates, I read Luke 2. Carley amazed me with how much she knew about the birth of Jesus as she interruped time and time again to add her understanding of what the verses were saying. I almost had to stop several times and just let her tell it. My heart exploded with pride and also thankgiving for I know she did not learn this on her own but have been guided by her parents.

Being a grandmother is such a joy and I'm so thankful for my family.

Lord, thank you so much for giving us the most wonderful gift of your Son. You are awesome in your wisdom and love for all of us. Thank you for knowing each of us personally and giving us all what we need each day and more. Thank you for each breath we take, each day we live, each talent you fill us with, each person you bring into our lives, the food on our table, the roof over our heads and the rain as of late.

Lord, you know each desire of our hearts. I pray today for your continued presence in the lives of my family and also for those who are in our hearts. I pray for Tom, Sandra, Norman, and all of Tom's relatives. Thank you for working in their lives in small and big ways.

By faith we all walk in the knowledge that you are Lord and have the wisdom to work out all our daily concerns. I pray for our nation and for this world that you will work in the lives of those that are responsible for making decisions in all areas that effect us. Thank you again for all your blessings for it is in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, I pray these things.

Find us Faithful

FIND US FAITHFUL

Steve Green

We’re pilgrims on the journey

Of the narrow road

And those who’ve gone before us line the way

Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary

Their lives a stirring testament to God’s sustaining grace



Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses

Let us run the race not only for the prize

But as those who’ve gone before us

Let us leave to those behind us

The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives



After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone

And our children sift through all we’ve left behind

May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover

Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find



CHORUS:

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

May the fire of our devotion light their way

May the footprints that we leave

Lead them to believe

And the lives we live inspire them to obey



Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

The "W" In Christmas

Christmas Love (The "W" In Christmas)

by Candy Chand

Each December I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations: extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.

Yet I still found myself exhausted, unable to fully appreciate the precious family moments, and, of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six-year-old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's Winter Pageant. I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production.

Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher who assured me there would be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early and found a seat in the cafeteria. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats.

As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas" I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment: songs about reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes, and good cheer. So when my son's class rose to sing "Christmas Love" I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, who were adorned in fuzzy mittens and red sweaters, with bright stocking caps on their heads. Those in the front row, center stage, held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas" a child would hold up the letter "C." Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly we noticed her: a small, quiet girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down. She was unaware that reversed, her letter "M" appeared as a "W."

The audience of first- through sixth-graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, and she stood tall, proudly holding her "W." Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.

A hush came over the audience, and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos there was a purpose for our festivities. When the last letter was held high, the message read clear: "CHRISTWAS LOVE"
CHRIST WAS LOVE

And I believe He still is.

Prayer request

Sisters,

Every time I think I'm headed in the right direction to be well and be able to exercise so I can take some of this weight off, I have another problem to crop up. I've told y'all about my anemia and I have a new doctor (hematologist)in Macon, referred to me by Dr. Warnock and Bramlett, that is doing wonders with that by having me take a new medication called Repliva. For the last several years I've take intravenous iron, but couldn't keep the iron in my system as they expected it to. If you have ever had a problem with anemia, I suggest you talk with your doctor about Repliva. It's working for me. My hemoglobin count is up to 9 from 6 and normal is 12. hemoglobin count is a good indication of how much iron you have for immediate use as I understand it. Correct me if this is wrong. My ferritin level is at 11.7 from 3.3 and he thinks I'll reach 80 in three months. He wants me to keep my ferritin level between 80 and 250 which is your iron reserves that your body stores, again as I understand it. Dr. Denton and Dr. Barlow say that I probably will need to take iron medication for the rest of my life because my genes indicate I have the alpha thalssemia trait which is one of the reasons I have this iron problem. The other is because diverticoulos and blood loss from an erosion in my hiatal hernia.

Sigh.

I've mentioned that I was having some problems with the knee that I broke three years ago and having tailbone, hip, knee and calf muscle problems that have kept me limping around and not being able to sit at the computer or even stand for longer than 20 minutes. I've been going to PT under recommendations from Dr. Hopkins in Griffin who gave me shot of cortisone in my knee on the left side about 7 weeks ago. I haven't seen the relief expected. Yesterday, after Brent insisted, I went to Dr. Doniti here in Thomaston and he did further evaluation and says that my knee as developed severe arthritis which is a pretty normal thing for a kneecap injury to have. With reservations, he gave me another shot of cortisone in my knee except from the right side and told me that my next option would be knee replacement. Needless to say I'm upset. Betty Franklin says the problem with my teeth is probably from gritting them. I agree. (giggle)

Please pray with me that this second cortisone shot will help enough to keep me going without having to have knee replacement. I am scared to death over that possibility. I seem to be doing better this morning... better than the first shot, and can been my knee without much pain. Dr. Doniti says that he feels the pain in my tailbone, hip and of course my calf is all coming from the gait I have developed trying to keep my knee from hurting. Ever since I broke my patella I have had a limp that comes and goes, gets better, then gets worse.

Marilyn McGaha and I laughed a couple of years ago about me walking like an old lady, and I thought going to the wellness center would be good for me with the heated pool, but the pool aggravated my other problem with psoriasis, so coupled with that and the exercise machines really hurting my knee, I quit.

Anyway, I do covet your prayers. The days I had to use the walker to get around, Lesley Stevenson and Anna Mary Ellerbee have been kind enough to take me to doctors and other places I needed to go. Some days I’m do really well without the walker, then other days I just can’t trust my knee, so I prop on the walker, a shopping cart, or on Brent and Terri.

I’ve tried really hard not to say much about all this because I don’t want to whine. I’d rather just laugh it off when I can, but it’s gone passed laughing and I don’t like it, especially when it keeps me from keeping the Carley Ann and Anna Claire, and my garden just completely grew up with weeds this year. Keeping a good attitude is what I know God wants us to have, so I’ve tried really hard to do that.

This scripture is special to me, if you have time, read it and the sermon at this link:

http://www.horizonsnet.org/sermons/eph12.html

Much as been made lately on the news programs about the power of prayer. I’m glad the world is finding out what we as Christians have already been told.

"For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21)"

More:

Positive attitude -- http://www.horizonsnet.org/sermons/phil22.html

I can do all things -- http://www.horizonsnet.org/sermons/phil23.html

Well, all of them are good at this site. Enjoy and thanks so very much, Phyllis

--
Phyllis Franklin
http://www.phyllisfranklin.com

November Colors

The colors outside are finally showing in some spots around my neighborhood and I'm anxious to get out and paint but don't think thats going to happen anytime soon. I'm making good progress with my knee and all the other stuff going on.

Test results for anemia are encouraging as this new med pack is doing it's job and I finished up yesterday with a very painful physical therapy session for my knee that has bursitis. Once this bursitis goes away, I hope I NEVER have another attack. It's the same knee that had the broken patella a couple of years ago. I'm going to do everything possible to keep my knee healthy for sure. At least now I can walk a bit, sit a bit and get some things done like the ton of clothes piled up in my laundry room. Today I'm going to walk to the mailbox and see how that goes. If that works, I'm going to get myself out to the studio tomorrow. I also hope that I'll be able to sit at the computer and share some art things I've been reading.

I miss keeping the girls more than I thought I would. Strange how life makes it's twists and turns and all the things you though you knew about yourself change. Some pleasent and some not so.

Hope you all are going well.

REhab

Well, it's rehab for me. I'm falling apart. I haven't been able to post because I can't sit at the computer. My iron level has fallen back down to 6 which is not horrible, but since I know it will only get worse, I'm going to a new hemotologist in Macon, Dr. Denton. More tests, are to come in so I sit and wait on that. But, that's not why I can't sit at the computer. I fell on the same knee I had the broken patella two years ago and have been having fits with it. I thought I was going to be okay, but as the days wore on, I decided to get some help. I went to a bone surgeon in Griffin and the xrays show that my bones look good, so he thinks it's just bursitis. ???? He gave me a shot of corazone last Friday, but the knee is still not good and I can't walk normal. For a couple of days I used a walker and then decided that I might want to try to walk it out. I'm set up to go to rehab and see if they can work out the stiffness and give me some exercises. Needless to say, I'm not painting.

Hope everyone is enjoying the rain we have been having this week. Hopefully I'll be better in a few days and can get back to painting and posting. I hope this time for me is a time for healing. :) Ecclesiastes 3

Psalm 23

Have a laugh

Daniel's SOP vs. mine

.:. The SOP (standard operating plan )... don't forget it!

• Daily dress routine complete with vitamins
  
• Eat a healthy breakfast
  
• Walk around the block
  
• Prayer time
  
• Lunch -Health fruits,vegetables& water
  
• Paint weekdays and work on organization
  
• Healthy Snacks
  
• water
  
• Dinner - Healthy fruits,vegetables &water
  
• Sleep
  
• Log Morning weight on calendar

This is the second week of studies in Daniel with the Beth Moore video class. It's hard and I'm struggling to keep up. There is so much to learn and understand and we are going at lightning speed. I am well aware that I learn a great deal slower than the speed we are going so I may have to plan some special study time and maybe create a study book just for me.

Pray with me that my mind will stay focused and I will be able to accomplish my daily routine and think about Daniel, how he ate, how he lived, and the choices he had to make. Above all, pray with me that God will be at the center of everything I do. Thank you.

Walking

I'm thankful today that God is real in my life. Today has been a much better day dealing with my sinus infection I caught from who knows where. This all started over a week ago and I've been fighting it with benedryl. Terri came down with about the same but went to the doctor and got meds for a scratchy throat and so did Anna Claire. We were a mess. As usual, I think I can work thru it all without going to the doctor, so I just waited it out.

Today I did walk around the block and that's a good thing. I need to get back on my daily SOP (standard operating procedure) and get my walking built up because the October workshop is just around the corner and I need to be able to walk more than I can now for sure.

Praising God tonight for small victories and life.

Jack the Koi

The end of August and the sky is overcast with the promise of rain. The goldfish in the pond pretend they are koi as they splash their fins in and out of the cool morning waters. When we are children it’s fun to play dress up and prance around like the princesses that our mother’s tell us we are. It’s good to watch the fish playing and remember the play times when we are transported from the chores of everyday life into a fantasy world. What is it they say? All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

Jack the Koi
En plein air 08-31-07
8x10 framed without mat
Soft Pastel on Canson
$100.00
Contact phyllisfranklin@hotmail for availability

Today I am thankful for my life and that each day I have the opportunity to work and play. Finding balance in life is a good thing. I'm thanking God too for the gift of His son Jesus Christ and His presence in my life.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Praise Time

We Have Come Into His House

Words and Music by Bruce Ballinger

We Have Come Into His House
And Gathered In His Name To Worship Him;
We Have Come Into His House
And Gathered In His Name To Worship Him;
We Have Come Into His House
And Gathered In His Name To Worship Christ The Lord;
Worship Him, Christ The Lord.

Let’s For-get About Ourselves
And Concentrate On Him, And Worship Him.
Let’s Forget About Ourselves
And Concentrate On Him, And Worship Him.
Let’s Forget About Ourselves
And Concentrate On Him, And Worship Christ The Lord.
Worship Him, Christ The Lord.

Rules

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by all the rules that we think we have to follow. There are rules that protect us and rules for organizations, government, and house rules that keep us organized and living well, and then there are spiritual or religious rules.

One thing I'm sure of, you can't feel good unless you follow the one rule that means everthing and that is to listen to what God tells you to do. It's impossible to follow all the rules that are made for us or that some require of us. Thank goodness that God doesn't define our righteousness by our works, but by our faith in Jesus. You see, He already knows that we would be conflicted and overwhelmed by all the rules that man makes. Today I'm keeping my ear and heart open to what God has to tell me. It's that still, quiet voice that brings me inner peace and I can be content to rest knowing God is in charge and I am listening to Him.

The sheep that are my own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

Sharing today a painting of my cat Cocoapuff. She claims me as her guardian and I claim her as my guardian as well.



"The guardian sleeps"
16x20 soft pastel on sanded paper

Turning 60

Today is my birthday. I actually can't believe that I have lived 60 years! Saturday I painted with my pastels and finished the painting I'm showing today of two ducks. I'm calling the painting "Cool Waters" and it reminds me of Psalm 23. We all have studied David's prayer of guidance and protection and how the shepherds would lead their sheep to still waters to drink because rushing waters would frighten them and still waters would be calming offering a safe environment for them to drink. I think the waters would also be cool, refreshing, strenghtening and soothing and of course, life itself.



Psalm 23 (KJV)

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Clutter

Sometimes I get over booked with doing things that just aren't necessary. Then I go the other route of not doing anything I should be doing. Life is funny that way. Just when you think you have everything figured out, life changes.

Today I'm asking God to help me organize my clutter and finish jobs that I've started and haven't completed.

Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish an completely finish His work.

You see, Jesus knew how to keep is focus. I pray today that I will also keep my focus and remember that all good and perfect gifts come from God.

Concern

Be more concerned with what God thinks about you than what people think about you appeared in one of my devotion books as an unnamed quote this morning. After thinking about this for a bit I began to sing this song in my heart.

TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS
Words and Music by Helen H. Lemmel
1922

O soul are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Saviour,
And life more abundant and free.

Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion -
For more than conquerors we are!

Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.

His Word shall not fail you - He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well;
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell.

Refrain
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His Glory and Grace.

Waiting for God

I haven't been a huge fan of Paula Deen of the Lady and Son's restaurant in Savannah, Georgia, but last night she was on Larry King and I was delighted that she shared her prayers to God about her life and how He guided her. That immediately gave me total respect for her and the things that she has endured in her life. When I first learned about Paula I only knew that she owned and cooked in her own resturant, had two sons, and was divorced from what had been a bad marriage. I admit I was turned off by her over the top Southern manner which I didn't think was Southern at all, but rather something rather like a exergerated cartoon of what someone in another country might think was Southern. To me a Southern Lady is refine, intelligent, coy, dripping sweet, yet strong and completely in control of all stuations having been touched with passed-down education on manners from sly crafty Southern ladies who came before her. Paula Deen was non of this things, or so I thought, until last night. Thank you Paula for sharing your testimony. You have my complete respect and admiration.

Reading this morning in a book by Watchman Nee, I revisited the thought that God takes no pleasure in what we ourselves do, but He is delighted with our waiting on Him. Nee said that As God's child advances spirtually he discovers that the Lord's time is as important as the Lord's will. Those that are unable to submit themselves to God's time are unable to obey God's will. I totally agree and also totally realize that I have a problem waiting for God to work His plan. I want to see God work now and solve all problems.

My prayer for today is that I can keep a quiet spirit, continue to seek God's will in my life and quit trying to manage things for Him.

Ecclesiastes 3

Ecclesiastes 3
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 Morning Mustard Seed Code

<a href="http://walkingswithjesus.blogspot.com/2007/07/monday.html"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4G6B9-NfxELwI55itSC1LjDZcG1_NpWW8m_9TUhYeprN7sPUfEovX03RCCpCvSX0LmvuOjlrYT3Wl3LkJd51Fy2YhsyzfkgnYq9O1pvIcLw3u_KwubBvxpw-vZJzN6dDhLiuvjihYD0Q/s320/mustard+seed.gif"/></a>

Copy and paste this code into your blog template as a java script element.

Let me know if you have any trouble with the image or code. I'll add your name to the list of those who are participating in Monday Morning Mustard Seed if you like.

Monday Morning Mustard Seed

Ecclesiastes 3-1
There is a time for everything,and a season for every activity under heaven:

Monday mornings have a way of setting the tone for the rest of the work week. Somehow Monday gets a bad rap because it comes just after we have had a day of rest and we have to get ourselves going again. Monday doesn't have to be a day we dread. All we have to do is set the tone the way we know it needs to be. Setting the tone has everything to do with mindset. If we set our minds on doing what God would have us do and continue in that spirit, then our week will get off on the right foot.

I've decided that on this blog on Mondays I'll share a scripture that means something special to me. That doesn't mean that I won't share scripture on other days, it just will be a bit more personal. I'll be using a little "Monday Morning Mustard Seed" If you would like to join with me and use the little logo I'm using, just copy and paste the code below and add it into your blog or web page as Java Script. Let me know you are doing this and I'll add a link to your web page so others can find and read your mustard seeds too.

<a href="http://walkingswithjesus.blogspot.com/2007/07/monday.html"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4G6B9-NfxELwI55itSC1LjDZcG1_NpWW8m_9TUhYeprN7sPUfEovX03RCCpCvSX0LmvuOjlrYT3Wl3LkJd51Fy2YhsyzfkgnYq9O1pvIcLw3u_KwubBvxpw-vZJzN6dDhLiuvjihYD0Q/s320/mustard+seed.gif"/></a>

If you have any problems with the code or image, let me know and I can send you the logo.

James 1:12-15

.:.

Today was a great day and I've been thinking all day about the message Bill Barber brought this morning using his reference of James 1:12-15. Some messages hit home more than others for sure, but todays message gave me much to think about on Satan and how he operates, what his main goal is and why he never quits. I know I've read this passage many times and my Bible is marked over with notes out to the side, but today it finally hit me that when someone says .... God is really tempting me today... they are just mistalking for God isn't the one that is tempting us, but we tempt ourselves because of our nature. All of us do not have the same temptations because we are all different liking different things, having different preferences and Satan knows what those are and will use them against us. As Bill Barber said, there is nothing wrong with having preferences for things like nice clothes, houses, any material thing but it's when we put those above Jesus that it comes sin which leads to death.

12
¶ Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
13
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14
but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Sandy and Johnnie

Today I've been in prayer for my friends Sandy and Johnnie Broadnax. Johnnie is Tom's cousin so I've known him a long time. I've known Sandy almost as long and can truly say I think they were meant to be together. To me this is proof positive that God wants the best for all of us and if we listen to Him He will lead us in the path we should take.

Johnnie is having test in Texas concerning a mass in his lungs. My prayer is for his strength and the doctor's wisdom and skill.

My life is so truly blessed with so much joy. I am very thankful for each day and praise God for this time in my life.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. 2000.
The Psalms 121

The LORD Is Thy Keeper
A Song of degrees.

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

Published by The American Bible Society

Note from Sandy:

Hello to everyone. We hope all is well with each of you. It's been a rainy day in Houston but thankfully we don't have to walk outside to get to our appointments. Buildings are connected by skybridges. Carts are used to shuttle patients thru the skybridges because it is so far to walk between some of the clinics. We began early this morning trying to get Johnny's MRI and CT scan changed from Friday to Thursday in hopes of seeing the pulmonary doctor today. We did it!!! Based on their CT scan the pulmonary doctors recommend a bronchoscopy with ultrasound to biopsy the mass. Not many facilities in the country do this. Johnny had the normal bronchoscopy procedure at Crawford Long but Dr. Miller was unable to reach the mass because of the location. The pulmonary doctors here feel very certain that they will be successful with the biopsy. The downside is that the bronchoscopy/biopsy can't be done until next Thursday. There is a chance that Johnny could be bumped up due to a cancellation but that doesn't happen often. Johnny has an anesthesiology appointment at 10 the Wednesday before so we will need to be here by Tuesday afternoon. Our dilema is whether to drive home this weekend and fly out next Tuesday or stay here and hope for a cancellation. We will decide in the morning. Some things just aren't easy. As I'm doing this email, I am having a conversation with a super nice (young) Christian guy from Americus, GA who has leukemia. The world is small. He has a 4 yr old and a 6 month baby. He's here for a transplant that will be done tomorrow. He will go home sometime between late November and December. He will be in the hospital 6 weeks and has rented an apartment until he goes home. Family members are scheduled every 2 weeks to come out and stay with him. When you pray for Johnny please pray for Ander and his family. Thanks again for your love, support, and prayers. Much love. Johnny and Sandy

Lucky Day

This morning I read from an old workbook I had on counciling. Some of the steps in the workbook reminded me of things that I need to pay attention to just in regular life. One of the things that jumped out at me right off was how important it is to really listen to what people say to you and make eye contact with them to show that you are really paying attention and care what they are saying. I don't think it matters how old or how young you are. All people want to know is that you care.

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

.:. The SOP (standard operating plan )... don't forget it!

• Daily dress routine complete with vitamins
  
• Eat a healthy breakfast
  
• Walk around the block
  
• Prayer time
  
• Lunch -Health fruits,vegetables& water
  
• Paint weekdays and work on organization
  
• Healthy Snacks
  
• water
  
• Dinner - Healthy fruits,vegetables &water
  
• Sleep
  
• Log Morning weight on calendar

In Memory

Today I attended the funeral of my aunt Aline Fowler who died Monday July 2 around 7A.M. She was a twin and her brother Aldene has also passed on. They were born on February 15, 1927. The funeral was sad but at the same time very uplifting because the pastors Chuck Byrom and Joey Smith both gave such comforting words to the family. Knowing the life that my aunt had lived and her faith in Jesus Christ, I know she lives today with Him. Rest in peace aunt Aline. We all loved you.

In Memory

In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Nall Elliott by the Jere Greer family.

Looking Back

There are four main areas of my life that are in constant battle with each other for my time and attention. Each morning I wake up and have choices to make about what the day will be about and how I will feel about each task no matter if it is a good task or one I dread. I've enjoyed my new plan to journal on line instead of just writing my thoughts on paper but I wonder how I will feel about this on line journal thing as the years go by.

My first blog journal in July of 2006 was set up to help me with a fast way to show my art work on line but before I knew it, It was more about faith, family and friends. Slowly I deceided to split the journal into four sections. The strangest thing happened then, I found that at any one given time one of the four really demanded more of my time and attention than the other three. It also helped me see my success' and failures easier.

I don't log my conversations with God each day, but it's the most important part of my day. I don't say that because it's spiritually correct, but because it's true. This past week I've been very weepy with so many sad things cropping up in my mind. As I watch the senior members of my family grow older and have many health concerns, it makes me reflect more and more about their lives and of course mine. I have been truly blessed by God to be able to have Jesus in my life. I've stumbled so many times and so many times He has been there to come to my rescue. There I go again with the weepy tears. What a friend we have in Jesus.


.:. The SOP (standard operating plan )... don't forget it!

• Daily dress routine complete with vitamins
  
• Eat a healthy breakfast
  
• Walk around the block
  
• Prayer time
  
• Lunch -Health fruits,vegetables& water
  
• Paint weekdays and work on organization
  
• Healthy Snacks
  
• water
  
• Dinner - Healthy fruits,vegetables &water
  
• Sleep
  
• Log Morning weight on calendar

Romans 12

Romans 12 is a powerful chapter helping us all find God's will for our lives. That's what tonights sermon was all about. As I sat there I thought about my family. I am very thankful for my life and especially for my family heritage knowing that the people who have gone before me gave me their witness. None of them were perfect but the things I remember the most about them are the good things and how very sure I was/am that they knew God and he had His hand on them. I'm also thankful for my son, his wife and two precious grand daughters.

I'm reminded that God wants the best for all of us and as long as we keep our focus on Him, we'll be okay. It's easy to get weary and think we just don't know God's will for our lives because we are, after all, human. Someone told me once what when I feel down, just to look up. That's stuck with me for some reason. If you are reading this and you are having a rotten day, I pray that the rest of your days are spent looking up and you'll have this little thought running around in your head too.

Another Week has gone by

Sometimes I can't believe how fast the weeks fly. As it's father's day today in church and ss I kept thinking about my father. Mark Mattson spoke today and when he talked about how we all have thought about our fathers from our earliest recall until today I laughed along with how we first thought our fathers knew everthing, and then thought they knew nothing and how, for me, today I just wish I had one more chance to talk to my father.

The good thing is that I know I can talk to my heavenly Father anytime. I am very thankful for that.

Back to the beginning

I'm not sure why I can't seem to get on a schedule. Next week is going to be another busy week, so I don't seem to be able to plan ahead either. Any suggestions?

Exercise

Today I am thinking about exercise and how important is is to our health. I know I don't get enough and need to set a schedule. I'll work on it.

Praying today for my fellow SS class mate Marilyn. I know you and your family are hurting today and my prayers are with you as you take the steps necessary to plan the funeral of your son in law.

VBS week

222.5

God wants the best

For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beutify the humble with salvation and adorn the wretched with victory. Psalm 149:4

I'm thankful this morning that He wants us to be successful in all we do.

Watering day

Well, today was a bummer exercise day. I had Anna last night and I never sleep as well when I have her. By the time I got her to day care, it was time for me to paint, so I skipped my daily routine. This afternoon Carley Ann and I went to water the flowers at the Callaway house.

Weight tonight: 222

Dreading things

Sometimes it's just hard to hang on to the idea of making the best of each day be productive, be proud of what we do, feel a sense of accomplishment and not feel that another day has been wasted...right?
I thought we might enjoy some ways to get the day started right in our heads... after all that's where it all begins. :)

One way to get your day started right is not to dread it. Yes, sometimes I just go to bed at night thinking ... oh no, I can't believe that tomorrow I have to do so and so. :(

Dread is a close relative of the spirit of fear. When dread enters our minds, joy goes out. Dread set you up for misery because by chooing to dread you decide that you cannot enjoy what you must do today. So what that the task ahead of you is unpleasent, if you dread it, you have given that task additional unpleasent power.

Think of an unpleasent task as a challenge instead. You are powerful and can tackle this challenge with a smile on your face knowing that you will win. See yourself winning. Each minute you spend is a minute gone forever. Those things that you dread can't last forever unless YOU drag them out into tomorrow.

Enjoy your day!

• Daily dress routine complete with vitamins
  Ate a healthy breakfast
  Walked around the block 1 time
  Prayer time
  Lunch with fruits and vegetables, water
  Paint daily and work on organization
  Healthy Snacks, water
  Dinner - Healthy fruits and vegetables, water
  Sleep
• li>

I can change

Today I am thanking God for my life and such a wonderful day. Anna spent the night with me and I got up did my daily dress routine and by then Anna was awake and ready for her morning bottle. After that, I took her to play school and came home resolved to continue walking with Jesus and relying on his strength thru his words to help me make changes I need to make in my life.

• Daily dress routine complete with vitamins
• Ate a healthy breakfast
• Walked around the block 1 time
• Prayer time
• Lunch with fruits and vegetables, water
• Paint daily and work on organization
• Healthy Snacks, water
• Dinner - Healthy fruits and vegetables, water
• Sleep