The Fence

Just wanted to stop in and say HI and share with you Jim's past devotional.  I thought it was a cool new way to talk to you about perspective...I hope you like it:

While I was on my break the other day, I was walking outside along a fence.  I noticed quickly all of the debris and trash on the ground.  I kept walking and all I could see was broken, rusting metal and scattered trash.  It was dusk, and the sun was just about down.  In that moment when everything around me looked so bad, I happened to look up to see the sun and its rays cutting down through the clouds appearing as pillars of hope.  The sky was full of color and pureness…it was picturesque.  In that instant I had to choose what I was going to focus on, the garbage or the light.  In life you will have many fences and will need to choose.  You can focus your mind on the bad stuff or you can focus yourself on hope and keep your sights set on the beauty and goodness in your life.  I chose to look up and to look to the Son.     

John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.

You're amazing!

You are an amazing person with amazing abilities! “Wow”, you may be thinking, “I am not amazing in the least. What kind of abilities do I have that  makes me so great?” God’s view of you is the only one that matters, and from where he’s sitting, you are a masterpiece. He knows, much better than you do,  just what you are capable of. You’re amazing because you were made by an amazing God. He blessed you with abilities that are specifically designed for you and you alone! God never messes up when it comes to the things that he creates. Friends, he definitely made you with a purpose in mind; a purpose that is something that only you can do with your God given abilities. You may feel like you don’t matter, but to God you’re the most important person in the world. Ask God to show you what you are capable of, and how you can make a difference in this world for his kingdom.

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Sons of Thunder!

“Sons of Thunder” was the name given to James and John, the sons of Zebedee, by Jesus. He gave them this name because of their boldness and borderline rash nature. Their zeal was sometimes misplaced, but their commitment to Christ was obvious. I don’t know about you, but I would love to hear Christ say that about me. To be someone that is bold, quick to share, and have a zeal that is undeniably for Christ, is something that we all should strive to become. To be a believer that doesn’t settle for a lukewarm life is something that would make God proud. Sometimes we may mess up while living a life that is on fire for Christ. Perhaps we will be so proactive that we will forget to seek Gods will and direction. However, I believe that God would be pleased with us despite those mistakes, knowing we learn from our errors and knowing that our desires are to live out loud for and through him. I know he seeks for us boldness, not a life of blandness.

Mark 3:17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”).

Revelation 3:16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Acts 28:31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

Romans 12:11  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Get back behind the line!

WE have to protect our eyes and ears and be careful with our words. Actually that is something that I've taught my children...the Devil knows how to trick us. He draws a line that's just a little out of your comfort zone and if you're not aware and ready to be strong, you may fall or plain ol' cave. Then he draws another line and that deed or thought doesn't seem so bad because you've already lowered your standards from the first incident. Before you know it, the Devil has you so far away from the expectations and morals you once started with...and you find yourself so gone that you don't recognize yourself.

Ultimately, when we allow this to happen, he has tricked us from the life God has planned for us. In a short amount of time, but slow enough we can't recognize it's happening, we can find that we've stepped so far away from our starting point where we have God centered that we can see and feel the distance between us. Because it's so slow and sneaky, we didn't even realize it was taking place. We have to guard our hearts, even if the world says something is OK we must stand firm. Yes, stand firm even when it seems to be just the smallest of things...things that are just out of character for us or just south of our morals. Keep watch, for he lurks!!!

Labeled

A label is a badge that is placed on us usually at a young age. The labels  that hold us back are ones that are negative or something that was said that  limits our confidence in a certain area. Most of us let this label stick with  us our whole lives. Negative labels stop us from living out the life God had planned for us to live. Let’s say, for demonstration sake, that you’re a can of  unopened food with no label. Would you let someone else label you? Of course  not! People will make guesses, but only you and God knows what’s inside of you  and what you’re capable of. The time is now to tear off these man given labels  that are keeping us from living a life of victory. It’s time to put on the label that God himself wants for us. A label of confidence and joy, while living in his will.

Ecclesiastes 7:21Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant
cursing you--

2 Corinthians 10:4-5
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary,
they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every
pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive
every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Peter 1:10Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling
and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble,

Bad Influence

Sometimes it only takes one person with a negative attitude, bad intentions or a complacent mind set, to influence a group or a team for the worse. A person that is always trying to get the team to take short cuts or to underachieve can steer a group down the path to failure. However, someone that is always uplifting the team or encouraging them to strive to do their best and continue their awesome work ethic can lead the group to positive outcomes and build the team’s confidence. We are Christ ambassadors! It’s important to strive to be a positive influence to those around us, both at home and at work.

Be determined to not allow peer pressure and bad influences distract us from continuing to have a great work ethic. We take pride in our efforts, our team and we need to continue to encourage one another to do the same. You see, we have a “Biblical World view”, we simply think and act differently and doing this comes natural but can be hampered by bad influences. Yes, you may be looked at funny sometimes or get an occasional remark. But that’s ok, because being a positive influence is good for our self esteem, it builds teams up instead of tearing them down, and because we did the right thing in God’s eyes. So don’t worry what others may say or think about our positive words, actions or work ethics. The only opinion of us that matters…is His.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers
harm.

2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Mind Shift!

Hi you! So...okay...a few Sundays back, I heard an awesomely interesting message at church. It kept resonating with Jim and me, and it led to some chatter at home in the days following. I love a sermon that speaks to me right in the middle my life - a message that really does a mind shift on me, in a good way. For so long, I thought of myself as a sinner - AND YES, I am a sinner by nature and if you look at my past thoughts and deeds. But biblically, the bible tells us that if we are a follower of Christ, our old ways, our old ways of thinking and our old sins are washed away by Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. So if God sees us as a new creature, as clean, why don’t we see ourselves in the same light? Why do we hang on to our past and stay tortured by it, when we’ve been given such an awesome gift of a new beginning....of a new life?

So, it’s time to make the shift in the way we think about ourselves. If you are a believer, like me, then you are a new creation. Stop living life focused on sin and begin to see yourself as a saint. As new creations, we need to see ourselves as God see us. He no longer sees us as sinners who on occasion do good things. No, in fact, he now sees us as saints who occasionally sin.

When you are talking to others, don’t describe yourself as a sinner like everyone else, but instead describe yourself as forgiven. You were made new when you were born again and because of Christ the old is washed away. Because of what he did for us, we are washed as white as snow. The way you see yourself changes the way you live.

For those of us that are believers (a follower of Christ), never forget that we are saints called to live a life of greatness, filled with peace and joy...all in Jesus’ name. We are the new saints the bible speaks of....how AWESOME is that! How awesome is HE! I’m hoping this weekend finds you happy, feeling loved and having a refreshed and changed mindset of who you are in this world, where you belong in this world....and to whom you belong.

HUGS & LOVE friends!!!

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special
possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I'm so sorry I haven't been blogging as much as usual.  Google made some changes to the way we blog and it's hindered me from sharing as often as I like.  Mostly, I guess, I've been too busy to figure out the changes, so although I've been THINKING and wanting to share with you, I've let progress drown me out. OOPS! That's so not like me...I may...possibly...be getting too old for my own good.

I hope this note finds you doing good and enjoying  your days.  Hey, what's with the song "Somebody that I used to know"?  I love it, but now it's everywhere...don't ya hate when you like a song "first" and then radio and TV get to it and play it like crazy? Okay, I don't hate it, but sometimes I feel like my secret is out on something good I found just for me. 

So what ya doin' today?  I'm watering my grass, watering my flowers, watering my kids...soon I'll be feeding all 3 listed above. Hey, do you do this...you're starving and the kids are starving and so you hurry up and throw something yummy together and then when the food is finished you find: you're no longer hungry. I DO!  And so maybe I pick at a small plate of something, and then it never fails, 2 hours later I'm starving.

Okay, talk with you later...HUGS!!!!

Let God Be God

Sometimes we try with all our might to do things the way we want them to be done, instead of doing them the way God wills them to be done. When something doesn’t work out the way we would have liked or planned, it is easy to get upset, or down. We all are guilty of a time when we wanted our way and not God’s way. Maybe for a brief moment we thought we knew better than God what was best for our lives. Friends, let God be God in life, because his will and plans for us are specific; he knows what is best for each of us. God knows exactly what we need and when we need it. It may not be in our timing, but trust Him and his intimate knowledge and love for us to do what’s best from his vantage point.

Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Humbly Humble

When you think of someone who is humble, do you think of someone that is strong or weak? To many they may see humility as a weakness, but to Jesus he made it the cornerstone of his character. Humbleness is freedom from pride, it is lowliness, meekness, modesty and mildness. That is what Jesus called us to be, humble - like himself. Being humble like Christ draws people to us as they were drawn to him. As a rule, people are not drawn to those who are prideful, boastful and arrogant. Your light of Christ shines brightest when your character is that of humbleness. Even though to the world it many come across as weak, don’t be afraid of being humble. To God it is a characteristic that he longs for us to have.    

Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

James 4:6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Luke 14:11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Proverbs 15:33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.

1 Corinthians 13:4-6 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

Blame game...

Just thinking today...it's that kinda day! As I was listening to someone going on and one, this is what came to mind (just thought I'd share):

"How can you blame God for the bad stuff, when you never stop to thank him for the good stuff. If you're going to blame him for the bad stuff then you should blame him for the good stuff as well. Have ya ever thanked him for the good stuff?"   hum.

Absent When Present.

This is how I look at relationships and how some people unrelate IN them: It’s one thing (a cruddy thing) to be absent when you’re absent, but it's still extremely hurtful and disrespectful to be absent when you’re present. This just spilled out of my mouth one day when Jim and I were talking about people in our lives and how they make us "feel". Because really, what impacts us so much in our relationships is how people make us feel.

If you're being honest....you've felt this, I'm sure! Maybe you’re talking with someone and they’re looking at you, but you can clearly tell that they are planning their next move or how to get to the person they really what to talk to. Shoot, maybe I’m boring, but then don’t waste my time with nonsense. With this being said, we should use these moments to learn what not to do in our conversations with others. When we communicate, conversations need to go back and fourth; we should never find ourselves bombarding the other person with every detail of our life or our troubles and not reciprocate and show interest or concern for what is going on in their life.

We have several people in our life that do this. They approach us or call us when they need something, to borrow something, to get something for free or just to hear themselves talk and vent I suppose. I love that people find me comforting or easy to talk AT or find some sort of something in what I say. But sometimes, I would like to be comforted. Sometimes I need to be comforted. I don't want any THING from anyone, but sometimes I'd like to know that I count, I'm loved, and someone has some kind of concern for me. When my emotional boat sinks, I'd like to know that someone other than my husband and parents are there to pull me ashore.

One time I had a friend tell me that they are sorry we haven't gotten together lately, but hey had been focusing on the people in their life that are basically misled. They were spending time just getting together on a small scale trying just to be an influence in their life to make a change in them. They feel comfortable drinking and bar hoping with them and just want to spend time in the trenches, hopefully making an impression. I say that's terrific that you're being a positive influence. But what about feeding your spirit with like minded people, as well. Feeding yourself with positive people so you can continue to work in the trenches. How about not making excuses of why you bar hop...if you want to bar hop than do it...I don't care...I won't judge you for it...but the logic is not logical. And what about the other people in your life, the other ones that maybe are doing well, but could use a positive word or conversation to keep them lifted, keep them feeling cherished, or just to have good clean fun with.

I sometimes feel like a dumping ground and when they're done dumping, they are done...PERIOD! I have had people stop me as my family and I are walking on to our next destination and eat up a 1/2 hour (or an hour) of my time with a conversation that has nothing to do with them, myself or anyone I know. Meanwhile my children and husband are in the car waiting to leave for lunch. When someone says they need to go now...let them - usually it's true! I can understand wanting to chit chat, but usually that means back and forth conversation - sometimes I feel like some people just want to hear THEMSELVES talk and if I happen to be the person in front of them, they don't mind unloading no matter what the circumstances are.

I think the worst is when they don't even pretend to make small talk before they ASK you for whatever they want.  They don't even pretend that they have been dying to talk to you, but just have been busy with life.  They just come up, straight forward, out of the blue and ask you (or call you to ask you) for SOMETHING; it may be a thing, information or for you to take on a ministry or to make a donation. At least pretend, while you're requesting of me, that I'm human and I'm here! Otherwise, text me...and I can just ignore you...because that's how you make me feel.

You know, if you're truly interested in friending someone and building a trusting relationship where you can have great, fun, meaningful moments, you should always be listening and learning more about that person and then be able to share openly about yourself. But when a conversation is one sided, the communication is cut off and you will only ever make it 1/2 way down one way of a two way street.

Take the cotton balls OUT of your ears and place them into your mouth once in awhile. (Get it, shut up once in awhile and try listening for a change). I'm sure I have been guilty of this many times - just know I strive NOT to be like this...and I'm a jabber jaw, so it's hard. Communication is a learned skill, and we all can improve our skills no matter what our age, profession, strengths or weaknesses.

Divided Attention

Nothing is more disheartening than when you're in a conversation with someone and that person is only giving us part of their attention. We can clearly see the person looking over our shoulders, looking around us and thru us, and not making any type of clear eye contact. This reveals the lack of interest the person has in either the topic we’re discussing or us as a person.

Maybe the person is looking at you, but you can clearly tell that they are planning their next move or how to get to the person they really what to talk to. With this being said, we should use these moments to learn what not to do in our conversations with others. Most importantly, we need to avoid doing this in our relationship with God. We must strive to give him all our attention, to show him how much he really means to us. May we never take our eyes off of him, may we not be distracted by the thing around us, and may we always give him our undivided attention.

Romans 8:5
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Proverbs 2:2-5
Turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

The Struggle!

Where there is Christ...there too will be mockers, doubters and sinners. Where there is Christ and those who love him, evil shall be there too...for it hates the truth, truth seekers and truth tellers. It watches and waits, it slinks in when no one is looking and dares you to come closer. It fights to close the eyes, shut the ears, bind the hands and seal the mouth...for it knows that the heart knows the truth even when the flesh fights against it - the heart strives to get and give the truth.

Evil fights with everything in its power to deny it, to banish it, to unravel it, to disprove it, to punish it...to mock it. Why does it try so hard? Because it too knows the truth but has been exiled due to its own choices and wishes the same for you. But the end of the story is, was and will be forever the same...Christ. Love. Truth. Unboastful, unwavering, unscathed, unshaken. He is humbly strong, constant and steadfast - faithful. Beginning and the end!

What are you?

In these times, many will say that we are just a product of time plus luck. They’d argue that the body is all there is and that we are no different than animals. In some eyes, this physical matter is all there is and in the end, there is nothing. God tells us differently. He declares that we are set apart as people and we are created to live forever.

What makes us unique is that God created us with a soul that moves on to its next destination. As believers in Christ, we also have one more defining trait in our make up that completes us: the Holy Spirit. God himself dwells inside all of us; he helps us as we live out our lives here in this world. You are body, soul and spirit; a triune person made in the image of a triune God. You are more than lucky, you are blessed!

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

1 Thessalonians 5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Hugs & Kisses

Cameron and Daddy were talking about Valentine's Day and how the restaurants are all going to be busy because of it. And Cameron said...no they won't! And Daddy said, yes it's true...they'll be jam packed full of people. Cameron asked, "Well, why is everybody so hungry!"  Daddy, "because they're hungry for love".  Cameron looked at him, smiled...and walked away!

Happy Valentine's Day Friends....hope you have a fun day...and aren't so hungry anymore...we'll be eating out on Saturday!!!! :-) xoxo's

Woo hoo!

Last month, we took the family out to dinner - shoot, when don‘t we take the family out to eat? LOL But this particular time, it was nearing the end of the meal, Cameron randomly started clapping. I said “hey ya know what, when our server Ken comes back, we should clap for him and tell him he did a good job”. So we did just that; we clapped, Cam woo hoo’d and said “great job Ken”. Ken went from a straight, polite face to a huge smile and he, quite appropriately, took a bow. He continued to smile, laughed and then thanked us.

He was a great waiter and you could tell that he must have either been new to the field OR he has worked in some very nice restaurants - he was very polite and courteous and although the restaurant was busy he was very attentive. He came back with his bill still all smiles and said, “Again, thank you for that, that was a first for me, I’ve never received a round of applause”.

We’re just kind of silly that way as a family; you never know if we’ll pretend to be statues, switch spots on you, or give you a round of applause.  If you’re gonna live life, you might as well live it happily and have FUN! Don’t grow too old to be a little silly when appropriate - it keeps you young!

Hugs & Love friends.........kim

Bob and weave....

One time, my mom was walking wandering through a casino, making her way to the exit to leave. She was approaching this lady, and thought, “she better move, she's in my way“. My mom said this gal was starting to tick her off, because she wasn't moving and kind of did that awkward zigzag/bob and weave dance. As my mom got right up on her, she realized…it was a mirror! LOL

Oh my gosh...love it.  Love her!

To be five and super sweet....

Early one Sunday morning, just before church, Cam and Jim were spending quiet time together.  The two older boys were still asleep, lights were low and all electronics were surprisingly off.  There was a stillness and a sweetness about the moment; you've had those moments I'm sure.  It's something you experience but can't really explain to others...but it's special and it's something you vow never to forget.  So what do I do, when I don't ever want to forget? I blog! 

Jim and Cameron were sitting on the living room floor petting the cat.  I was upstairs in the bathroom, scurrying to get ready to leave for church.  It was early and still quiet in the house, so I could hear every sweet word, every gentle gesture - it was as they say, "a Hallmark moment". 

Out of the quiet, I hear the voice of my little five year old say sweetly, "Dad, how do I say I LOVE YOU in his language?"  Melt my heart...daddy laughs, I pause...and then I hear a barrage of, "mi, meow, muu".  That cat is loved...but not as much as that little boy is!

Believe it, say it and then do it!

It's one thing to believe in something and say it...

it's another thing altogether different

when we put those beliefs and words into action!

Actions speak louder than words!

Let’s not just speak our convictions….

let’s live them...OUT LOUD!

Out loud, unafraid and with love...

always with love.

Be a person of action

not just a person of words.

For words without action have so much less

power and impact and depth.

Words with action can change the world,

can save lives and shine a light

where darkness once reined.

...k.m.

Hope you're doing wonderful today....hugs!!!  Kim

I love you Dad - I love you Father!

Hi there, hope your day is going great. We got to spend today, celebrating my dad’s 68^th birthday. My mom is recovering from MAJOR surgery, but she’s hanging in there like a trooper - up and moving and bossy as ever! LOL that’s what we love about here. My dad, who normally would get mad if you made fun of him, took today in stride and even laughed at himself several times today, without a hint of anger or insult. He didn’t even flinch when my 10 year old exclaimed, “Grandpa, look…your candles say 68. We can save those and use them again when you turn 86”. We all started laughing so loud…yes, even him. I love that.

I think that in this past month that he has been taking care of my mom, God has been softening his heart towards things. He appears to be molding, and changing my father and his spirit. See, prior to my mom’s surgery, my dad had started to become bitter, closed off, too proud to laugh at himself or to be super silly with his grandsons. He had a wall up. I thought I would never see that wall come down (or even a little crack to begin). But just as I’ve always known, God is a God of the impossible, the improbable, the miraculous and the unbelievable.

Over the course of two months my father has grown closer to Christ, his family and has found, I believe, an inner peace that he’s not found before. Really all he wants to be is loved…but it’s hard to be loved when you don’t quite love yourself. This isn’t my mom’s first surgery; in fact she had a nearly identical surgery almost exactly 1 year prior. Yes, he was helpful and took good care of my mom then too, but he wasn’t as thoughtful, caring and understanding as he was this time around. He was bitter, almost resentful and sometimes disrespectful. This time, he’s become more patient and loving, and although sometimes he has moments of frustration, I think that is due to something caregivers ALL suffer from - exhaustion. He has now begun to center Christ into his life and the results are quite obvious and beautiful. I have to say, he’s not the only one. My mom has also begun to focus more on God and really delve into his Word. She’s always loved God, prayed, and Christ has always been a driving force in her life - but it always seems that she kept him boxed in and within arms reach. He was there, but only as a last ditch effort when she really needed him. She’s made some major spiritual changes, and I see her relying on him daily - and praising his name (I’m assuming daily). These new resolutions and a strengthened relationship with God, have not only changed her, but also has begun to change my father as well and has strengthened and renewed their marriage. Praise God! God is the God of new beginnings, of forgiveness and of restoration; I’m never surprised by the wonderful way God moves in people’s lives - but I’m always grateful and joyful in them.

How is God inspiring you to grow closer to him? Do you feel that tug? That urgency? Have you been feeling like there’s something missing inside of you? Like a piece is missing and you’re always trying to fill that spot with SOMETHING? Does nothing quiet ever seem to fit? I suggest maybe nothing quiet has fit yet, because you haven’t tried the matching puzzle piece. Maybe that spot that feels empty is a “God shaped” hole and only God can fill it and make complete. Just a thought.

My husband use to always say, “I just feel like something is missing. I need a nitch. I need a hook. I need….something”. When he became a believer and a follower of Christ, that need was filled. And he then said to me one day, “Remember when I used to say I needed a hook, or a nitch, and that something was missing….it was God. I had forgotten I felt that way, but I no longer do. It was God that I was missing all along. I’m complete!” What a wonderful, beautiful way to fill up your heart; with the most love and joy that is overwhelming and oh so powerful: the love of God.

Have a wonderful weekend friends….hugs & love!

Moment by Moment - they all count!

Don’t just live in the moment - be present in every moment, learn from every moment…take as much joy from every moment; but know that every moment shapes your future moments.

My husband and I both know people that have or do practice “living in the moment and for the moment”. They didn’t know, realize, or care that those mishandled bits of time would lead them to making continued future bad choices; thus resulting in pain, addiction, divorce, poverty and even death.

Remember to live IN the moment but not “for the moment“; and remember that every minute is a prelude to the next - don’t waste them but spend them wisely creating a life and future you can rejoice in!

These folks that we know (that have had some very self made difficult times), didn’t realize that those moments were shaping their future moments. Sometimes by doing want you want when you want, especially when its bad for you or not productive in some positive way, can result in future moments where you NEVER get to do want you want.  

Doing what you want now, sometimes keeps you from doing what you really want to do later!  Hope this note finds you happy and healthy and living each moment with your mind and heart present in everything you do - striving for the best happy you that you can be!  Hugs & Love friends!!!!

HI THERE, hope your day is a good one!

Hi there, thought I'd take a moment to write you.  My mom has been ill lately so my time has been split up and I haven't made in here to say hello to YOU in a few weeks. I'm sorry!!!!  I miss writing you all.  She finally got her surgery this week, and although she's in a lot of pain, she is on the road to recovery.  A lot has gone on over the past month, I'll have to catch you up. There has been some great things!!!!

 

Right now I'm watching Peter Pan (the play version with Kathy Rigby) with my littlest guy! I love watching him get involved in the play from his seat. He was just closing his eyes pretending to try to see Never Never Land in his head.

 

MY middle child just managed to pull out his loose tooth with his R/C Mustang (the fast one, is there any other KIND of mustang, really?). I tied dental floss (don't read this Mi...chelle) to the bumper and he tied the other end to the tooth. He drove it and got the string taught and then wanted to take a second to think about it and sat up and when he did the floss got TOO tight - that sucker flung right out! LOL poor guy. But he was in so much pain, it needed to come out. 

 

MOM is doing well, she is home...even though the doctor recommended a few more days in the hospital. I think she is better off. She has all the machines at home (per his order) and a nurse coming in to help during the day. I think she'll see a lot more progress. She's not ready for visitors yet, but she's finally getting some sleep tonight...she needs it. Hope you had an excellent day!!!! HUGS!

Amazed

Christmas is an annual reminder to be amazed. A time to reflect on all that was offered to us in the stable so many years ago. Now is the time to understand that the Christ child was born for all of us, regardless of where we are in our lives.  He didn’t wait until we had everything in our life in order; he came while we were still in our sinful ways. This Christ child came to save us all. At the time of Jesus’ birth, when kings were born the debts of the people in his kingdom were wiped clean; when King Jesus was born, he wiped away the debt of all mankind forever. All we have to do is to believe in him. Be amazed in Jesus this year - because he is amazed by you.

Psalm 24:7-10 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the
King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and
mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them
up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King
of glory? The LORD Almighty— he is the King of glory.

Revelation 1:5-6
and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the
dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed
us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to
serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

Daniel 7:14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and
men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be
destroyed.