Saturday, April 17, 2010
Hey All
Hey all I just wanted to let you know I have another blog that is just for encouragement and inspiration, a place you can go, to just rest and reflect. I hope that you will visit and tell me how you like it. I just started on it so there are only 2 posts as of yet, I will be adding to it all the time. God bless and enjoy your weekend. You can click here to go see it, the name I gave it is On My Way Home, because this world is just my temporary home and someday I will be living in Heaven with Jesus My Savior and Friend.
O is for...Others
OTHERS. This word is important because Christ calls us to love OTHERS (or neighbors) as we love ourselves in the Gospel of Matthew 22:38-39. This does not mean only other Christians, it means everyone. God loves us and commands us to love OTHERS.
OTHERS can be your sister, or brother, mother, or father, husband or wife, or even your neighbor next door or your friend down the street. OTHERS are anyone but yourself. I have a lot of OTHERS in my life, and I strive to love them just as I am commanded by Jesus to do. My husband is one of the OTHERS in my life, and I work hard to love him as I love myself. For instance when he comes home from work, I try to discuss how his day has gone so far, and make him comfortable and let him know that I appreciate all he does for this family. I also work hard to keep our relationship running smoothly by communicating with him how I feel and what I need, as well as listening to him tell me what he needs and what his feelings are.
My children are some more OTHERS my life. Their needs come before mine, because they are not yet self-sufficient and cannot take care of themselves. I make sure they get up for school on time, make them brush their teeth and get them out the door on time for the bus. I also cook their meals, help them with homework, and problems with friends, or just life in general. They are important to me and I work very hard to love them like Christ loves me.
My friends are some of those OTHERS as well. Christ showed me how to love OTHERS by his example. I don't always agree with my friends or their choices but I love them in spite of our differences. When we have disputes and I feel I have been wronged, I choose to forgive despite how I feel. I have learned over the years that to forgive is a decision to make not a feeling to feel.
Strangers I meet outside my home are OTHERS as well. The lady down our street who works at The Market is someone I strive to be friendly to and engage with in conversation. The homeless guy who I see on the corner by Wal-Mart is another stranger who I love, and I show that love by taking him a hot meal and a soda, or slipping him a $5 when I have it on me. The ladies at the school office or the cashier at my local grocery store, these are all strangers that I have decided to love the way Christ taught me to do in the New Testament. As well as my neighbor who smokes and drinks and sometimes has loud parties, and whose kid comes home at 3am with stereo blasting away for 30 minutes in the driveway, I love him too, although sometimes I find it difficult..lol..
I hope that when you run into OTHERS you decide to love them because once upon a time Christ loved you and then commanded that we act in kind. Have a wonderful day and go over to tossing it out and have a look see at some OTHER wonderful blogs.
OTHERS can be your sister, or brother, mother, or father, husband or wife, or even your neighbor next door or your friend down the street. OTHERS are anyone but yourself. I have a lot of OTHERS in my life, and I strive to love them just as I am commanded by Jesus to do. My husband is one of the OTHERS in my life, and I work hard to love him as I love myself. For instance when he comes home from work, I try to discuss how his day has gone so far, and make him comfortable and let him know that I appreciate all he does for this family. I also work hard to keep our relationship running smoothly by communicating with him how I feel and what I need, as well as listening to him tell me what he needs and what his feelings are.
My children are some more OTHERS my life. Their needs come before mine, because they are not yet self-sufficient and cannot take care of themselves. I make sure they get up for school on time, make them brush their teeth and get them out the door on time for the bus. I also cook their meals, help them with homework, and problems with friends, or just life in general. They are important to me and I work very hard to love them like Christ loves me.
My friends are some of those OTHERS as well. Christ showed me how to love OTHERS by his example. I don't always agree with my friends or their choices but I love them in spite of our differences. When we have disputes and I feel I have been wronged, I choose to forgive despite how I feel. I have learned over the years that to forgive is a decision to make not a feeling to feel.
Strangers I meet outside my home are OTHERS as well. The lady down our street who works at The Market is someone I strive to be friendly to and engage with in conversation. The homeless guy who I see on the corner by Wal-Mart is another stranger who I love, and I show that love by taking him a hot meal and a soda, or slipping him a $5 when I have it on me. The ladies at the school office or the cashier at my local grocery store, these are all strangers that I have decided to love the way Christ taught me to do in the New Testament. As well as my neighbor who smokes and drinks and sometimes has loud parties, and whose kid comes home at 3am with stereo blasting away for 30 minutes in the driveway, I love him too, although sometimes I find it difficult..lol..
I hope that when you run into OTHERS you decide to love them because once upon a time Christ loved you and then commanded that we act in kind. Have a wonderful day and go over to tossing it out and have a look see at some OTHER wonderful blogs.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Survey Bible Reading Plan Day 13
Today our reading assignment is 1 Kings 3, 6-12 and you can click here to read it now. Yesterday we read 2 Samuel 5-8, 11-13, 15, 18 and you can click here to read that.
In 2 Samuel 5 we read about David becoming king over Israel, David conquering Jerusalem, and David defeating the Philistines. We then read of the ark being brought to Jerusalem and David bringing the ark into the City of David and dancing before the LORD. Next we read about God's promise to David...Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth. 10 And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning 11 and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. " 'The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you:
12 When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men. 15 But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.' "
We then read of David's prayer to the LORD, and David's victories everywhere he went. In 2 Samuel we read the story of David and Bathsheba and how David devises a plan so that Uriah the Hittite is killed in battle. Because of what David did, this is what the LORD did in return to David...
11 "This is what the LORD says: 'Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. 12 You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.' "
The child David and Bathsheba had conceived became ill and died, because of what David did to Uriah the Hittite. This next incident is pretty cool though...24 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The LORD loved him; 25 and because the LORD loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah. Next we read how Amnon raped his sister Tamar because he wanted her, but did not necessarily want to marry her, but Absalom gets his revenge by killing Amnon for this disgraceful deed. Absalom now has killed his brother Amnon and is hiding out from David his father, and furthermore is plotting against David to become king. He is wooing the hearts of the men of Israel so that they will love him and make him king. David flees for safety taking most of his concubines and his men, and Absalom is killed. David then mourns for his loss of a son, here is what he says...33 The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: "O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!"
Today's inspirational quote is...
"The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground. "
~ Unknown
In 2 Samuel 5 we read about David becoming king over Israel, David conquering Jerusalem, and David defeating the Philistines. We then read of the ark being brought to Jerusalem and David bringing the ark into the City of David and dancing before the LORD. Next we read about God's promise to David...Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth. 10 And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning 11 and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. " 'The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you:
12 When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men. 15 But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.' "
We then read of David's prayer to the LORD, and David's victories everywhere he went. In 2 Samuel we read the story of David and Bathsheba and how David devises a plan so that Uriah the Hittite is killed in battle. Because of what David did, this is what the LORD did in return to David...
11 "This is what the LORD says: 'Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. 12 You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.' "
The child David and Bathsheba had conceived became ill and died, because of what David did to Uriah the Hittite. This next incident is pretty cool though...24 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The LORD loved him; 25 and because the LORD loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah. Next we read how Amnon raped his sister Tamar because he wanted her, but did not necessarily want to marry her, but Absalom gets his revenge by killing Amnon for this disgraceful deed. Absalom now has killed his brother Amnon and is hiding out from David his father, and furthermore is plotting against David to become king. He is wooing the hearts of the men of Israel so that they will love him and make him king. David flees for safety taking most of his concubines and his men, and Absalom is killed. David then mourns for his loss of a son, here is what he says...33 The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: "O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!"
Today's inspirational quote is...
"The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground. "
~ Unknown
Friday Follow
It's time for Friday Follow with Hosts One to try and Hearts make Families as well as Midday Escapades so go on over and link up for some followers and to follow some other wonderful blogs today!
N is for...Nothing
N is for…Nothing
As in…I got Nothing. I tried and tried to think of something to share that started with the letter N, but alas I am stumped…
I thought of Nacho’s my favorite quick meal to share with my family. I love all the toppings like, chicken or beef, and then the peppers, onions, tomatoes, and lettuce. Then top it off with some Queso melted cheese and Voila’ perfection.
I also thought of No. I have said this word a lot to my children. Mom, can I have some candy? No, you’ve already had enough and your teeth are going to rot out of your mouth. Mom, can I go to David’s house? No, I don’t know his parents and you know the rules, if I don’t know the parents you aren’t going over to their house.
Then I thought of Naked. I don’t know why, but I did. We come into this world completely naked. We are all pink and perfect and have that new baby smell…my favorite smell in the world. Our little feet are still cute, and our noses, not too big. Our hair is just fuzz and looks cute the way it is, no need for gel, and no need to be straightened or curled. Our belly is perfect for blowing raspberries on, who care if it is a little pudgy? Not us. It’s even okay to drool a little, no one will mind too much!
As in…I got Nothing. I tried and tried to think of something to share that started with the letter N, but alas I am stumped…
I thought of Nacho’s my favorite quick meal to share with my family. I love all the toppings like, chicken or beef, and then the peppers, onions, tomatoes, and lettuce. Then top it off with some Queso melted cheese and Voila’ perfection.
I also thought of No. I have said this word a lot to my children. Mom, can I have some candy? No, you’ve already had enough and your teeth are going to rot out of your mouth. Mom, can I go to David’s house? No, I don’t know his parents and you know the rules, if I don’t know the parents you aren’t going over to their house.
Then I thought of Naked. I don’t know why, but I did. We come into this world completely naked. We are all pink and perfect and have that new baby smell…my favorite smell in the world. Our little feet are still cute, and our noses, not too big. Our hair is just fuzz and looks cute the way it is, no need for gel, and no need to be straightened or curled. Our belly is perfect for blowing raspberries on, who care if it is a little pudgy? Not us. It’s even okay to drool a little, no one will mind too much!
So there are your N words for the day, I hope you have enjoyed my post. I know it was short and not so glorious but sometimes I just got nothing. Now go on over to tossing it out and read up on some other wonderful blogs today!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
M is for...Miracles
Miracle is defined as…
An effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.
such an effect or event manifesting or considered as a work of God.
A wonder; marvel.
Miracles happen all the time, you just have to look for them. I thought I would share 3 miracles that have happened to me, well 3 that I am aware of anyway.
Miracle #1...
When I was about 17 I was dating a man who had just gotten out of the service. He was quiet and very respectful and his story was one that tugged at my heart strings. He told me of being abandoned as a young child, in and out of foster homes, and finally of being taken in by his grandparents. He said he had been medically discharged from the military because of a tragic and painful incident; he never really went into detail. One day while looking with him through his things we came across a gun. A Black Hand gun. I did not really think much about it at the time. (Much too late I did find out all he had told me was a complete and utter lie, but by then it was too late.)
About a month or so into the relationship things turned dark and scary, with a little violence thrown in to the mix. I got scared and asked my parents to let me join the Job Corp and go to Seattle, Washington. Thankfully they agreed and off I went, while there I got into drinking and drugs, life wasn’t so great there either, it turns out. I tried to get into my courses but to no avail. One day HE called me and told me if I didn’t come home to him he would hurt my family. I went home, saw him once to tell him goodbye forever, and tried to stay out of sight and hopefully out of mind. My friends told me he was looking for me and was saying he wanted to kill me. We all thought this was just talk because I had broken up with him a week or so after coming home. If only it were just talk.
Sitting on the floor watching the news one day, a horrible sight came on the screen, changing my life in ways I never thought possible. Two men had kidnapped, raped and shot two female hitchhikers, execution style. The pictures they showed were of my ex-boyfriend and another gentleman I had met only once. I had been dating a murderer, and he had wanted to kill me, but for the grace of God, it could have been me. Trials and testifying left me scared and scarred for life, and the nightmares took years to disappear completely. I am alive today, and for me it’s a miracle I am here writing this post. There is more to this story and perhaps one day I will share the rest but for now this is all I can put down on paper.
Miracle #2…
When I was in the delivery room with baby #2, Jacob got stuck. His shoulders were just too big, and for some reason I could not push him out. So after about 20 minutes with me pushing with all I had and a nurse pushing my stomach as hard as she dared, out popped Jacob, grey and not breathing. My OBGYN had not arrived yet, so they had to call down to the ER dept. and have a doctor from there come up to labor and delivery stat. They beat on my poor little baby boy with a rubber mallet and whatnot and finally got him to breathe his first tiny labored breath. He was blue and looked very angry in his first picture but oh, so beautiful, my miracle child was alive.
Miracle #3…
During a routine ultrasound for my 4th and final baby the ultrasound technician found 3 abnormalities that indicated that she might have Down syndrome. After calling in the doctor to confirm, we were rescheduled for a second more intense test and told they found the same 3 abnormalities that indeed looked as if she had Down syndrome. My husband and I were heartbroken and went home to try to make sense of what had just happened. One moment we were on cloud nine after finding out we were finally having a baby girl, and the next we are told to be prepared for life with a child with Down syndrome.
We were beside ourselves with fear and grief, but not once did we think to have an abortion as the doctor suggested. For us, any child is a gift from God, no matter what disability she came with. Skip ahead to the day when my doctor told us she was breach and had to be turned manually or taken by C-section. Turning her did not work, so we were rushed into the surgery suite and Molly was born by C-section. The first miraculous words out of my doctor’s mouth were “She’s perfect”. Boy she could scream and let me tell you she had some head of hair. She had dark brown hair that was about 2 inches long already. No wonder I had so much heartburn…lol. When the doctor said the words “She’s perfect” I was sure I had been witness to a real life miracle. She had more than enough evidence to indicate Down syndrome including a small hole in her heart. Two weeks after being born she had a heart test that showed the hole had all but closed up. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!
So yes, I for one believe in miracles, because I can think of 3 that I have been witness to in my very own life. How about you, what miracles have you seen in your own life?
Blessings to you all, and please go check out tossing it out and have a look around at all the other blogs in this wonderful challenge we are in.
An effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.
such an effect or event manifesting or considered as a work of God.
A wonder; marvel.
Miracles happen all the time, you just have to look for them. I thought I would share 3 miracles that have happened to me, well 3 that I am aware of anyway.
Miracle #1...
When I was about 17 I was dating a man who had just gotten out of the service. He was quiet and very respectful and his story was one that tugged at my heart strings. He told me of being abandoned as a young child, in and out of foster homes, and finally of being taken in by his grandparents. He said he had been medically discharged from the military because of a tragic and painful incident; he never really went into detail. One day while looking with him through his things we came across a gun. A Black Hand gun. I did not really think much about it at the time. (Much too late I did find out all he had told me was a complete and utter lie, but by then it was too late.)
About a month or so into the relationship things turned dark and scary, with a little violence thrown in to the mix. I got scared and asked my parents to let me join the Job Corp and go to Seattle, Washington. Thankfully they agreed and off I went, while there I got into drinking and drugs, life wasn’t so great there either, it turns out. I tried to get into my courses but to no avail. One day HE called me and told me if I didn’t come home to him he would hurt my family. I went home, saw him once to tell him goodbye forever, and tried to stay out of sight and hopefully out of mind. My friends told me he was looking for me and was saying he wanted to kill me. We all thought this was just talk because I had broken up with him a week or so after coming home. If only it were just talk.
Sitting on the floor watching the news one day, a horrible sight came on the screen, changing my life in ways I never thought possible. Two men had kidnapped, raped and shot two female hitchhikers, execution style. The pictures they showed were of my ex-boyfriend and another gentleman I had met only once. I had been dating a murderer, and he had wanted to kill me, but for the grace of God, it could have been me. Trials and testifying left me scared and scarred for life, and the nightmares took years to disappear completely. I am alive today, and for me it’s a miracle I am here writing this post. There is more to this story and perhaps one day I will share the rest but for now this is all I can put down on paper.
Miracle #2…
When I was in the delivery room with baby #2, Jacob got stuck. His shoulders were just too big, and for some reason I could not push him out. So after about 20 minutes with me pushing with all I had and a nurse pushing my stomach as hard as she dared, out popped Jacob, grey and not breathing. My OBGYN had not arrived yet, so they had to call down to the ER dept. and have a doctor from there come up to labor and delivery stat. They beat on my poor little baby boy with a rubber mallet and whatnot and finally got him to breathe his first tiny labored breath. He was blue and looked very angry in his first picture but oh, so beautiful, my miracle child was alive.
Miracle #3…
During a routine ultrasound for my 4th and final baby the ultrasound technician found 3 abnormalities that indicated that she might have Down syndrome. After calling in the doctor to confirm, we were rescheduled for a second more intense test and told they found the same 3 abnormalities that indeed looked as if she had Down syndrome. My husband and I were heartbroken and went home to try to make sense of what had just happened. One moment we were on cloud nine after finding out we were finally having a baby girl, and the next we are told to be prepared for life with a child with Down syndrome.
We were beside ourselves with fear and grief, but not once did we think to have an abortion as the doctor suggested. For us, any child is a gift from God, no matter what disability she came with. Skip ahead to the day when my doctor told us she was breach and had to be turned manually or taken by C-section. Turning her did not work, so we were rushed into the surgery suite and Molly was born by C-section. The first miraculous words out of my doctor’s mouth were “She’s perfect”. Boy she could scream and let me tell you she had some head of hair. She had dark brown hair that was about 2 inches long already. No wonder I had so much heartburn…lol. When the doctor said the words “She’s perfect” I was sure I had been witness to a real life miracle. She had more than enough evidence to indicate Down syndrome including a small hole in her heart. Two weeks after being born she had a heart test that showed the hole had all but closed up. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!
So yes, I for one believe in miracles, because I can think of 3 that I have been witness to in my very own life. How about you, what miracles have you seen in your own life?
Blessings to you all, and please go check out tossing it out and have a look around at all the other blogs in this wonderful challenge we are in.
Survey Bible Reading Plan Day 12
Today our reading assignment is 2 Samuel 5-8, 11-13, 15, 18 and you can click here to read it. The other day we read in 1 Samuel 15-20, 28, 31 and you can click here to read it if you missed it.
We read about the LORD rejecting Saul as king, and here is what the Bible says Samuel said...24 Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned. I violated the LORD's command and your instructions. I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them. 25 Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD." but here is what Samuel says...26 But Samuel said to him, "I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel.
The next thing we read about is about Samuel annointing David, and David being in Saul's service, and this was very interesting to me. The part about an evil spirit from the LORD tormenting Saul...so strange. My study Bible says this about the evil spirit sent from the LORD...Perhaps Saul was simply depressed. Or perhaps the Holy Spirit left Saul and God allowed a demon or evil spirit, to torment him and this would be evidence of God's power over the spirit world. In any instance, Saul was driven to insanity and attempted to murder David.
Next we read about David and Goliath, and how David took a sling shot and 5 smooth stones and killed the giant with a shot right into his forehead. Down went the giant and David was the victor and remember David was very small in stature. That must have been something to witness. We then read how Saul was afraid of David and tried to have him murdered, but also how Jonathan loved David and protected him.
Then we read about Saul and the Witch of Endor and how he decieved her and had her call up the spirit of Samuel, even though it was against the law in that day. Samuel after being called forth says this to Saul...16 Samuel said, "Why do you consult me, now that the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy? 17 The LORD has done what he predicted through me. The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. 18 Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the LORD has done this to you today. 19 The LORD will hand over both Israel and you to the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also hand over the army of Israel to the Philistines." Wow, no wonder Saul layed himself down prostrate and was filled with fear at the words of Samuel.
Then we read lastly how Saul kills himself, he falls on his own sword because his armor-bearer would not do it for him. The armor-bearer sees that Saul is dead and falls on his sword as well, so Saul and his three sons died the very same day and were found by the Philistines.
Today's inspirational quote is...
"Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with glory."
~ Betty Smith
We read about the LORD rejecting Saul as king, and here is what the Bible says Samuel said...24 Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned. I violated the LORD's command and your instructions. I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them. 25 Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD." but here is what Samuel says...26 But Samuel said to him, "I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel.
The next thing we read about is about Samuel annointing David, and David being in Saul's service, and this was very interesting to me. The part about an evil spirit from the LORD tormenting Saul...so strange. My study Bible says this about the evil spirit sent from the LORD...Perhaps Saul was simply depressed. Or perhaps the Holy Spirit left Saul and God allowed a demon or evil spirit, to torment him and this would be evidence of God's power over the spirit world. In any instance, Saul was driven to insanity and attempted to murder David.
Next we read about David and Goliath, and how David took a sling shot and 5 smooth stones and killed the giant with a shot right into his forehead. Down went the giant and David was the victor and remember David was very small in stature. That must have been something to witness. We then read how Saul was afraid of David and tried to have him murdered, but also how Jonathan loved David and protected him.
Then we read about Saul and the Witch of Endor and how he decieved her and had her call up the spirit of Samuel, even though it was against the law in that day. Samuel after being called forth says this to Saul...16 Samuel said, "Why do you consult me, now that the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy? 17 The LORD has done what he predicted through me. The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. 18 Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the LORD has done this to you today. 19 The LORD will hand over both Israel and you to the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also hand over the army of Israel to the Philistines." Wow, no wonder Saul layed himself down prostrate and was filled with fear at the words of Samuel.
Then we read lastly how Saul kills himself, he falls on his own sword because his armor-bearer would not do it for him. The armor-bearer sees that Saul is dead and falls on his sword as well, so Saul and his three sons died the very same day and were found by the Philistines.
Today's inspirational quote is...
"Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with glory."
~ Betty Smith
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
L is for...Living and Loving My Life
Childhood…Growing up in the house I did was difficult to say the least. Children were expected to be seen and not heard, to look neat and tidy, and to behave at all times. My parents loved me; they were just unprepared and inexperienced at being in charge of wee ones. My brother and I are about a year and four months apart, me being the youngest. My brother was the typical big brother in that he liked to play tricks on me, like with the bees I wrote about here . All in all I had a good childhood, my parents loved me, they provided for me nicely, and I felt relatively safe.
Teen years…As a teenager I felt alone, and misunderstood. My father and I did not get along at all, and I did not make it easy on him. If a day went by and I was not getting lectured, my dad was probably on the road. He was a truck driver some of the time and a pastor at other times. We were members of mostly conservative Baptist Churches and when I say conservative, I do mean conservative. For example girls did not wear pants, or makeup, and men wore buttoned shirts with ties. I absolutely hated living with all the rules I felt were forced upon me. Most of the rules were unspoken but completely understood by me to be real. Like, don’t voice your opinion, and do as you’re told but not what you see being done. Living wasn’t enjoyable for me as a teenager would be putting it mildly.
Adult years…After I got married and started to settle down, life got a little easier. I learned to make my own decisions and started getting more into my relationship with God. Four children and 17 years later I am starting to get comfortable in my own skin and with my experiences. Having cancer changed me a lot. I now look at life as something to be enjoyed, and cherished, not just observed. It is enjoyable for me to just sit back and breathe in this life I am living and loving right now.
Head on over to tossing it out and check out some other blogs in this fantastic challenge. May God bless and keep you and may His face shine upon you today and beyond.
Teen years…As a teenager I felt alone, and misunderstood. My father and I did not get along at all, and I did not make it easy on him. If a day went by and I was not getting lectured, my dad was probably on the road. He was a truck driver some of the time and a pastor at other times. We were members of mostly conservative Baptist Churches and when I say conservative, I do mean conservative. For example girls did not wear pants, or makeup, and men wore buttoned shirts with ties. I absolutely hated living with all the rules I felt were forced upon me. Most of the rules were unspoken but completely understood by me to be real. Like, don’t voice your opinion, and do as you’re told but not what you see being done. Living wasn’t enjoyable for me as a teenager would be putting it mildly.
Adult years…After I got married and started to settle down, life got a little easier. I learned to make my own decisions and started getting more into my relationship with God. Four children and 17 years later I am starting to get comfortable in my own skin and with my experiences. Having cancer changed me a lot. I now look at life as something to be enjoyed, and cherished, not just observed. It is enjoyable for me to just sit back and breathe in this life I am living and loving right now.
Head on over to tossing it out and check out some other blogs in this fantastic challenge. May God bless and keep you and may His face shine upon you today and beyond.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
K is for...Kids
I have four children. G is the Oldest at 16. He plays guitar, has long hair and thinks he knows a thing or two. I love him for who he is now, not what he hopes he will become. We haven’t been seeing eye to eye lately, and this reminds me that he is growing up and away from me toward independence and self sufficiency. I hate it, but at the same time I love it.
Ja is age 14 and loves to wrestle, watch UFC, and ride bikes. He is my miracle child; we both almost lost our lives when he was trying to come into this world. He has very broad shoulders and got stuck, when they finally got him out, he was grey and not breathing, I was losing a lot of blood and fading fast. The doctors eventually got him breathing but his first pictures are of a blue and angry baby with very broad shoulders. I was okay as well, just weak from so much blood loss.
Je is 13 and growing up fast. He is the short one in our family and he likes to think of himself as a Ninja. I would describe Je as what a hug feels like; he is a sweetie pie, and the best one to take with me when I do the grocery shopping. I can always count on a hug and or a kiss from this one.
M is my 9 yr old daughter and lucky sister to all these boys above. She is a beautiful and loving girl, and my baby. She is growing up too fast for my taste, but there is nothing I can do but sit back and watch…oh I guide her and all that, but as far as growing goes, it’s out of my hands and into God’s. M loves her mama a lot and rarely likes to leave my side, except for the occasional sleep over at her friend’s house.
All my kids are being raised in a godly manner by my hubby and me. We know that God has a perfect plan for all their lives, and we are blessed to have been loaned these 4 beautiful children of ours. Proverbs 22:6 says…Train [a] a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it. This is exactly what my hubby and I are doing.
Have a great day and head on over to tossing it out to see some other wonderful blogs. May God’s face shine upon you today and beyond.
Ja is age 14 and loves to wrestle, watch UFC, and ride bikes. He is my miracle child; we both almost lost our lives when he was trying to come into this world. He has very broad shoulders and got stuck, when they finally got him out, he was grey and not breathing, I was losing a lot of blood and fading fast. The doctors eventually got him breathing but his first pictures are of a blue and angry baby with very broad shoulders. I was okay as well, just weak from so much blood loss.
Je is 13 and growing up fast. He is the short one in our family and he likes to think of himself as a Ninja. I would describe Je as what a hug feels like; he is a sweetie pie, and the best one to take with me when I do the grocery shopping. I can always count on a hug and or a kiss from this one.
M is my 9 yr old daughter and lucky sister to all these boys above. She is a beautiful and loving girl, and my baby. She is growing up too fast for my taste, but there is nothing I can do but sit back and watch…oh I guide her and all that, but as far as growing goes, it’s out of my hands and into God’s. M loves her mama a lot and rarely likes to leave my side, except for the occasional sleep over at her friend’s house.
All my kids are being raised in a godly manner by my hubby and me. We know that God has a perfect plan for all their lives, and we are blessed to have been loaned these 4 beautiful children of ours. Proverbs 22:6 says…Train [a] a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it. This is exactly what my hubby and I are doing.
Have a great day and head on over to tossing it out to see some other wonderful blogs. May God’s face shine upon you today and beyond.
Monday, April 12, 2010
I haz a bug
Hey all, just wanted to give you a heads up. I will not be posting anything tomorrow or the next few days except for my A-Z Challenge pieces.
This viral ICK I have is really kicking my butt, so I will be taking a few days off from posting anything heavy that requires too much thought! I wrote my next few posts for the Challenge ahead of time (last week) so it is all good.
Thank you to all who have been by and have checked out my made-over blog, especially since ya'll left me some wonderful comments, and for those of you who have been so gracious as to follow me, thanks from the bottom of my little pea pickin' heart. I just love all my followers and fellow bloggers so much, and I wanted ya'll to know I'm taking a little break for just a few days til I get some relief from this ICK.
J is for...Jelly Belly's
Jelly Belly’s are the best jelly beans you can get. They come in a myriad of colors and flavors, and are oh so yummy for your tummy.
There’s…A&W Cream Soda, A&W Root Beer, Berry Blue, Blueberry, Bubble Gum, Buttered Pop Corn, Cantaloupe and Cappuccino, Chili Mango, Caramel Corn, Chocolate Pudding and Cinnamon, Coconut, Cotton Candy, and Crushed Pineapple, and these are just from A-C in the 50 most popular category. Wow!
J is for…Jujubes
Jujubes are small, chewy candies in assorted fruit flavors of cherry, lemon, lime, orange and grape. These are my hubbies’ favorite chewy candies. I am not such a fan of chewy candy though, I much prefer dark chocolate.
J is for…Jason Mraz
I love Jason’s song Lucky with Colbie Caillat, the sound is amazing and eclectic…but that pretty much sums up his music. The song geek in the pink is funny and fun to sing to, as well as The dynamo of volition. I love his music flavor.
J is for…Jeep Wrangler
I would love a Jeep Wrangler…They are gorgeous, and look like a lot of fun to drive. Jeeps are a fantastic, car or um…truck…not sure exactly what they are! They don’t really fall into the car category or the truck category…they are kind of a cross between the two. I have always thought it would be so exciting to have one.
J is for…Jump-off Joe Creek
I have always loved the name of this creek. It is close to where I live, and I have always wondered how it got its name. Here is what I found…In 1828 Joe Mcloughlin, son of Dr. John McLoughlin, was in a trapping party that camped one night on this stream. Joe came in after dark, fell over the edge of the bluff and received very severe injuries. I just learned something new…and I figured it had to do with someone jumping off something into the creek, so I was close.
I hope you have all enjoyed my fun post today; I like to switch it up a little every now and then, all the better to keep you on your toes. Have a look see over at tossing it out and check out some other blogs today, but first leave little ole me a comment or two. Blessings to you all!
There’s…A&W Cream Soda, A&W Root Beer, Berry Blue, Blueberry, Bubble Gum, Buttered Pop Corn, Cantaloupe and Cappuccino, Chili Mango, Caramel Corn, Chocolate Pudding and Cinnamon, Coconut, Cotton Candy, and Crushed Pineapple, and these are just from A-C in the 50 most popular category. Wow!
J is for…Jujubes
Jujubes are small, chewy candies in assorted fruit flavors of cherry, lemon, lime, orange and grape. These are my hubbies’ favorite chewy candies. I am not such a fan of chewy candy though, I much prefer dark chocolate.
J is for…Jason Mraz
I love Jason’s song Lucky with Colbie Caillat, the sound is amazing and eclectic…but that pretty much sums up his music. The song geek in the pink is funny and fun to sing to, as well as The dynamo of volition. I love his music flavor.
J is for…Jeep Wrangler
I would love a Jeep Wrangler…They are gorgeous, and look like a lot of fun to drive. Jeeps are a fantastic, car or um…truck…not sure exactly what they are! They don’t really fall into the car category or the truck category…they are kind of a cross between the two. I have always thought it would be so exciting to have one.
J is for…Jump-off Joe Creek
I have always loved the name of this creek. It is close to where I live, and I have always wondered how it got its name. Here is what I found…In 1828 Joe Mcloughlin, son of Dr. John McLoughlin, was in a trapping party that camped one night on this stream. Joe came in after dark, fell over the edge of the bluff and received very severe injuries. I just learned something new…and I figured it had to do with someone jumping off something into the creek, so I was close.
I hope you have all enjoyed my fun post today; I like to switch it up a little every now and then, all the better to keep you on your toes. Have a look see over at tossing it out and check out some other blogs today, but first leave little ole me a comment or two. Blessings to you all!
How you Live
I just wanted to share this video and it's message with you. So just sit back and think about the words and what they mean to you.
Survey Bible Reading Plan Day 11
Today's reading assignment is 1 Sam. 15-20, 28, 31. Friday of last week we read 1 Sam. 7-10, 12 just click to read if you missed it.
We read about Samuel subduing the Philistines at Mizpah, and how Israel asked for a king. Now this angered Samuel but the LORD told him that it wasn't the people rejecting him, they were rejecting the LORD, and here is what He tells Samuel...8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. 9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do." So Samuel does just what the LORD tells him to do, but the people don't care they want to be like all the other nations (vs. 19).
Next we read about Samuel annointing Saul a Benjamite and here is what the LORD tells Samuel...Now the day before Saul came, the LORD had revealed this to Samuel: 16 "About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him leader over my people Israel; he will deliver my people from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked upon my people, for their cry has reached me." Saul is annointed by Samuel and made King, then he gives his farwell speech where he goes into detail about how they have angered the LORD by asking for a King. Then Samuel calls upon the LORD and here is what happens...18 Then Samuel called upon the LORD, and that same day the LORD sent thunder and rain. So all the people stood in awe of the LORD and of Samuel. The people then, of course, ask Samuel to pray to the LORD so that they won't die and here is what Samuel says to them...20 "Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. 21 Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 22 For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25 Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away."
Today's inspirational quote is...
"Real leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary determination. "
~ Unknown
We read about Samuel subduing the Philistines at Mizpah, and how Israel asked for a king. Now this angered Samuel but the LORD told him that it wasn't the people rejecting him, they were rejecting the LORD, and here is what He tells Samuel...8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. 9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do." So Samuel does just what the LORD tells him to do, but the people don't care they want to be like all the other nations (vs. 19).
Next we read about Samuel annointing Saul a Benjamite and here is what the LORD tells Samuel...Now the day before Saul came, the LORD had revealed this to Samuel: 16 "About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin. Anoint him leader over my people Israel; he will deliver my people from the hand of the Philistines. I have looked upon my people, for their cry has reached me." Saul is annointed by Samuel and made King, then he gives his farwell speech where he goes into detail about how they have angered the LORD by asking for a King. Then Samuel calls upon the LORD and here is what happens...18 Then Samuel called upon the LORD, and that same day the LORD sent thunder and rain. So all the people stood in awe of the LORD and of Samuel. The people then, of course, ask Samuel to pray to the LORD so that they won't die and here is what Samuel says to them...20 "Do not be afraid," Samuel replied. "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. 21 Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 22 For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25 Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away."
Today's inspirational quote is...
"Real leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary determination. "
~ Unknown
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Sunday Sayings
Hey all, like they say on Harry Potter, There's no post on Sunday, so I thought I would give you some interesting sayings/quotes to think about today! Have a great Sunday and see you again on Monday.
"Forget about all the reasons why something may not work. You only need to find one good reason why it will."
~ Dr. Robert Anthony
"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it."
~ Groucho Marx
"Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present."
~Bil Keane
"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker. "
~ Helen Keller
"I take nothing for granted. I now have only good days, or great days."
~ Lance Armstrong
"Forget about all the reasons why something may not work. You only need to find one good reason why it will."
~ Dr. Robert Anthony
"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it."
~ Groucho Marx
"Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present."
~Bil Keane
"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker. "
~ Helen Keller
"I take nothing for granted. I now have only good days, or great days."
~ Lance Armstrong
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