Ok ok, here it is

Since I have been given comments and emails saying give us directions, here are some "loose " ones for the stockings lol.

Pick a fashion fabric (what will show on the outside), use muslin, etc for the lining, and whatever (I usually use a bleached or unbleached muslin) for the cuff.

Draw a pattern of a stocking onto freezer paper. If you have a stocking in a size you like, just trace around it. Iron that onto the fashion fabric and layer the fashion fabric (doubled) the muslin (doubled) and cut all of it out. Now take whatever you will use for the cuff and cut double the depth you want plus about 1/2 an inch. Cut it about 1/2 inch longer then it needs to be to go around the stocking. (double the cuff fabric, lay on top of the stocking fabric and cut lol).

Now, put right sides together on the fashion fabric, sew all the way around except for the top. Don't sew the top at all. Do the same for the muslin lining. Turn the fashion fabric, right side out. Leave the lining wrong side out. Slide the lining into the fashion fabric and sew around the top edge only. Now fold the cuff fabric in half and sew the short sides together. Turn right side out and press in half lengthwise. Slip that inside the stocking with the raw edges together. Stitch all the way around. Flip the cuff to the outside and write the name of your choice.

Clear as mud?

Some thoughts on Hurricane Ike a couple of months later

Yesterday I went fishing with my hubby. We like to go out to a place in southwestern Louisiana. Not unusual cause we live in southcentral Louisiana lol. But anyway back to my thoughts. Hubby had been out there since Ike hit but I hadn't. It was both sad and inspiring at the same time.

Sad cause the same homes that were destroyed 3 years ago by hurricane Rita, were again destroyed by hurricane Ike. Sad cause just like 3 years ago when all the focus was on New Orleans and helping the people there, these people who had as much storm surge as New Orleans, and as much flooding, because they are rural area, got no help financially to rebuild. No one showed up in buses to bring them supplies to rebuild their homes. And now with Ike everyone is focused on Galveston and Houston. Do I think that New Orleans, Galveston and Houston don't need or deserve the help? I absolutely think they do. But so do the rural areas.

The inspiring part comes from seeing the areas that they have already cleaned up and the homes that are being rebuilt. These people are doing what people in these areas where I live do. They are getting out there and doing the clean up and repairs and rebuilding themselves. Not waiting for someone to show up with a handout or a truck load of people to do it for them. Cause they know it will be a long wait if they do. So they are going lot to lot and doing it together. And it is surprising how much of the area around homes they have cleaned of marsh grass. But you only have to look on the other side of the road, or at the lots that are empty to see the reminder of just how far inland Ike flooded in this area. It is a desolate sight. It made me sad. Cause I know that next year, the same thing could happen again.

So you might ask, why do I stay here? Well see I stay here because of the people. They are resilent, they are not afraid of hard work, they are not waiting for handouts, they are hoping for hands to help. And as the area is cleaned up it again will be a beautiful scene and a tranquil sight. I love the area of south central and south western Louisiana. If you think you have visited Louisiana and have only visited New Orleans, trust me you haven't seen anything of how Louisiana really is, and how great the people really are. You have seen a party face that they have said is Louisiana. All our towns love to have festivals and a good time. But on this side of south Louisiana, we are family friendly. You won't find a street full of strip joints around here. You will find lots of good food and friendly people. You will find lots of fun things to do as a family. You will find alot of people who are proud of their heritage and happy to share that information with you.

Quick and Easy Christmas Stockings

You start with the fabrics, and end with these cute quick and easy stockings. From start to finish it took me about 1 1/2 hours. Not counting washing the fabrics. All that is left is to write the names on the cuffs.

My 200th post !

Well on this blog anyway lol. If you count in my other blogs I reached it a while back. But it was exciting to see when I signed in that it was my 200th. I didn't know if I would make it this far when I started.

Ok. Now to blog about my stockings. See post 201.

A post for Alexis

My sweet little girl said she thought I would blog about her accident. So here it is. Some of you already know the story cause I called or emailed you for prayers right when it happened. For the rest of you, here is the story of her accident.

Last Sunday evening we got a call from Keri, Alexis' mom. She was very upset, and said Alexis had fallen and hurt her leg very badly. What hospital was close? See they recently moved back here from North Carolina. They tried to carry her, but she was in sooo much pain, they called the ambulance to pick her up. They took her to the nearest hospital with orthopedic on call. The pediatrician saw her first. He had x-rays taken of her knee and then said they needed more x-rays. He said he knew the knee was dislocated, but he thought from the x-rays the tendon was torn. So we waited for the othropedic to arrive. He looked and said he needed more x-rays, but that he would put the cap back in position before taking them so that he could see the tendon better and access the damage. So he had her put under and when he straightened the leg, the cap slid back into place on its own. He had the x-rays taken to be sure but told us that 98% of the time that happens the tendon is fine. Well God came through and the tendon was intact and no surgery!! She is in a velcro cast and will be for 6 weeks and probably have to have physcial therapy after that to strengthen the muscles, etc, but no surgery is a great thing.

Ok Alexis, here is the post you were waiting to see lol. Hope you are happy with it.

A great man

Today would have been my father-in-love's birthday. I say would have because he passed away a few years ago. I miss him. He was more of a father to me then my dad ever was. I was so blessed to meet him when I did. And even more I was blessed that he treated me like a daughter.

Was he perfect? No, no one is perfect expect Jesus Christ. Did he make mistakes? Absolutely, but who among us hasn't. But he loved deeply. Even though he had a hard time showing it for most of his life. The last few years, he got better at it and for that I will always be thankful. During those years my husband was privileged to develop a close loving relationship with his dad. And during those years he learned how loving his father could be to him. And for that he will always be thankful.

This man was a sharecropper for years raising his family on almost nothing. He was a hard worker who taught my husband that you work hard for the person you work for. That a job worth doing is worth doing well even if the person you do it for doesn't appreciate it. He taught my husband that you stand up for what is right and you protect the people you love. He taught my husband that you respect your elders and under no circumstances do you allow anyone to disrespect your wife. He later became a deputy sheriff and retired from the sheriffs department. He had reached the rank of Captain. He was admired among his peers and even officers on the city police and state police knew his name. He was respected as a man who always told the truth even if it wasn't pleasant.

I am so thankful that my hubby has his dad's good qualities. Yes his dad had some not so good qualities. Don't we all? But he gave my hubby the best ones he had and because of those my hubby didn't take the bad ones too. And for that I am grateful.

November 11th

I am thankful for our veterans today. I am thankful I live in a country where I am free to worship God. I am thankful I clean a house with Kaci today and will make a little more Christmas money.

November 10th

Today I am thankful that for the first time in a really long time for about 6 hours I felt really good physically.

November 9th

I am thankful that the medicine I took for my backache is finally working.

November 8th

I am thankful that I have the stocking stuffers for all 4 grandchildren bought and 3 major presents bought.

November 7th

I didn't get a chance to post my thankful post yesterday, but I am posting it today.

I am thankful that it was payday and that the check was enough to buy the small heaters we will use to heat our home this winter.

November 6th

I am thankful for the electric heater I was given today.

November 5th

I am thankful that I borrowed Kaci's mini vac today and am getting some "extra" cleaning done today.

Ps 91:1

Psalm 91 is not Jesus' excuse for avoiding the cross, but His reason for going to the cross. Over the next few days I will be studying this psalm. It is not the first time I have taken a few days and dwelt there. There is so much in all of the bible that we should study, but I do have favorite places to rest for a while. This psalm is one of them.

Ps 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Ps 17:8 says, Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of Thy wings.

This first verse in 91 and in verse 8 of chapter 17 have special meaning to me every time I read them.

Alot of years ago, I was riding in the back of our pickup truck. And things weren't going well on a lot of different levels for me personally. I wasn't depressed, but I was unhappy. As we were going down the road at about 45 miles an hour, I heard a voice in my ear (that old demon the devil) telling me my family would be so much better off if I just jumped out the truck. I immediately realized what was happening and began to pray that the Lord would block that voice and give me peace. He showed me a vision right then and there of a huge eagle in the sky. It was magnificent. And then the eagle opened up its wing on one side and in the feathers close to his heart was me. I knew right then that the eagle was Christ my Savior and He was telling me that I was gonna be ok. That I was under His wing and in His shadow and NOTHING could touch me. Every time I get in a place where I think there is no way out, I read these two verses to remind myself that I am under the shadow of Christ my Savior and that this too shall pass.

November 4th

I am thankful it is time to go to bed. I have had a sinus headache due to the burning sugar cane all day.

November 3rd

I am thankful for the time of fellowship I had with some old friends tonight.

Far above rubies

How do you feel about yourself today? Do you know what God says about you? He says your value is far above rubies.

Pr 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Now of course as in most things we are required to do certain things. Here we are required to be virtuous. But as christian women we should be striving for that anyway.

So next time you feel down about yourself, remember this verse and that your Father in heaven thinks you are worth more then precious stones.

November 2nd

Today I am thankful my hubby is coming home from his fishing trip. I miss him. Yes even after 34 years of marriage I still miss him even though he left yesterday afternoon.

November 1st already!

Wow do you realize we are almost at the end of another year? This year has gone by fast. And at times I am glad, and at times I am sad. The grandchildren are growing up so fast. There are times I wish I could slow down time. Then there are the situations that come up that you just want to be done with and I wish I could speed up time. Anyone else feel that way? Maybe it is just me.

Well it is official we will need a new central heat unit. Sigh. I will purchase some small electric heaters on Friday when Lester gets paid and we will use them until we see if/how much his end of year bonus is. Hopefully he will get one and it will be enough to buy the heater part at least. It would be great if we could change out the a/c part too. The system is 18 years old so we definitely got our moneys worth from it, but things are so expensive now and we have no savings after the price of gas has gone up so much and caused everything else to go up. And now this. We were hoping he would get a bonus and we were gonna change out our front window and blow insulation into the attic to help with utility bills. But now with the heater, we will have to wait another year for all of that.

The blessing in all of this is that we found out before lighting the pilot. Because it could have been dangerous if the pilot had lit. So God protected us and for that I am very thankful. I also know that He will provide a way for us to be warm this winter. I am also thankful for that. Seems there are lots of things during this month of thanksgiving that I can be thankful for. hmmm maybe I will try to remember this month to post a thing every day I am thankful for this month. Want to join me? If so let me know so I can check out your blog and rejoice in your thanksgivings with you.

Are you grown up?

Heb 5:11 - 14
* 11.Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

* 12.For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

* 13.For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.

* 14.But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

In these verses we are told that we should grow up. Not remain babies or immature in our faith or spiritual life.

Rom 12:2
* 2.And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Here is a good reminder of how we do that.

2 Tim 3:16-17
* 16.All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness ;

* 17.so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

These verses tell us where we need to look for help to mature in our spiritual life.

Pr 27:17
* 17.Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another .

This verse reminds us that we need to spend time with other christians.

Heb 10:22-25
* 22.let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
* 23.Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful ;
* 24.and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
* 25.not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

This again talks about how we should approach the situation and how important it is to be with other christians sometimes.

James 1:22
*22. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

Ah and here is what God requires us to do with what we learned above. We can't just learn it and do nothing with it. We have ALL been commissioned to spread the Word of salvation. Does that mean we should all be knocking on doors? I don't think so, though I believe some are. But God has put you in the place you are right now for a reason. He has someone He is trying to reach through you. And He has a way for you to reach that person. Have you sought God recently about who He has in your life right now that needs Him and His saving grace? Have you listened for His answer? What about when He tells you someone you really don't want to witness to for whatever reason? Is that a valid excuse to not do it? Remember Jonah?

Gal 5:22-23
* 22.But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
* 23.gentleness, self-control ; against such things there is no law.

If we are filled with His Spirit, we should show the fruit of His Spirit to others. And I don't think He means just to people we like or love either.

2 Tim 2:2
* 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also

Here Timothy (and us) are being told to share what we have learned, in that way the people we share with can share with people we may never have contact with ourselves.

Now for a sober reminder. Just cause you were growing or maturing as a christian 1 week ago, 1 month ago, 1 year ago, 5 years ago, 10 years ago, doesn't mean you are maturing as a christian today. And if you are maturing as a christian today, it doesn't guarantee that you will be in a week, month, etc. It takes conscious effort to remain in the word of God. It takes a desire to please God and to learn more about Him. The devil will give you (and me) many reasons to put aside our time of study. The devil will help you to forget you want to spend time with the Savior of your soul. Only you can battle through whatever the devil presents to you to stop you from seeking time with God. What choice will you make? The easy one, or the best one?

I also added a song after this post. It blesses me, I hope it does you too.

Here I am

One ups

Do you struggle with covetousness? It is not really an area I struggle with but I have seen it a lot lately in the world around me.

What does God say about covetousness, or coveting?

Ex 20:17 says, "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

Rom 7:7 says, [Struggling With Sin] What shall we say, then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, "Do not covet."

Rom 13:9 The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Well see even though I don't struggle with covetousness, I don't always love my neighbor as myself. And God lumps murder, stealing and coveting all together. Sigh.

So you may be wondering why I called this one ups. Do you have a desire when some one does something well, or gets something nice, to always one up them? Could it be you covet their ideas, their talents, their life? What is it about them that causes you to feel you must do better then them? Is it pride? Is it covetousness? Is it jealousy? God sees all of those as sin, just like murder and stealing and not loving your neighbor as yourself. Have you asked the Lord to deliver you from those feelings? And while I am at it, with the world we live in now who is our neighbor? Is it just the person next door? Or the person across the country or world from us that we have contact with through the Internet? I don't know about you but I will be hitting my knees on this one, cause I don't want to knowingly be in sin. And since I am not loving my neighbors (next door or some others across the world from me) as myself, I have some repenting to do.

This morning, I received an email with a devotional in it talking about counting on God.

Then a few minutes later an online friend messaged me and she was upset about a very stressful and fear causing thing that happened to her this morning. So this blog comes from the devotional and the resulting conversation I had online.


"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV).

When a life crisis comes, we generally have an feeling of stress, fear and anxiety. But the word of God says that it doesn't have to be that way. He hasn't given us those feelings.

In our day to day lives we battle all sorts of stress. Sometimes we even cause or take on the stress ourselves. But even in those times God is faithful. Here is what God has promised in His word.

Heb 13:5 let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Mt 6:34 So do not worry about tomorrow;for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Worry is trying to figure out what you will do in a situation that may never happen. Also remember that worry can't change the situation you are in, but prayer can.

Do you believe that whatever situation you are in right now, or find yourself in tomorrow, or next week or next year takes God by surprise?

IS 65:24 It will also come to pass that before they call. I will answer; and while they are still speaking. I will hear.
Psalm 46: 1 God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble.

A year already!

I just noticed when I signed in to blog that I started this on September 18. Wow a whole year. Amazing.

Well I have made a decision. I have decided that while I can't control how people treat me, I can control how I react. So I am gonna try really hard to stay joyful in spite of the way people treat me. I am gonna try to pray for them when they upset me or hurt my feelings or ignore me. And go on with my day and not let it cripple me.

I really think I have been so sick lately between colds, headaches, intestinal issues, because of the stress from all of this. So if I can not let it affect me maybe I will start to feel better physically and maybe I will start sleeping again.

Pray for me, cause I really need the help.

Good Morning!

How are you doing today? Are you blessed beyond measure? Even with the turmoil around here, I still know in my heart that I am blessed beyond measure. I hope you are too.

Today, I think I will take it easy. I will do a very few dishes throughout the day, no laundry as I did it all yesterday. Floors were mopped on Monday, so that is ok. I will swipe the bathroom, make my bed, and either nap, rest, quilt, or play games on the puter today. And supper will be very easy, either leftovers, or tuna casserole.

I pray you have a blessed day today, and remember no matter what you face today in your life, good or bad, if you have the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you are not alone. He is there with you through every moment. I think the devil had tried to convince me that He wasn't. But I know He is and that makes everything bearable.

I'm tired....

I am physically, emotionally, tired. Exhausted. Worn out.

The second hurricane, Ike, was alot less severe for us then Gustav was. For alot of people here in south Louisiana that wasn't the case though unfortunately. Most areas that were still waiting to have the area accessible for the utility crews to get in and restore their power and water, reflooded and alot of the areas flooded worse then with Gustav even though this time they didn't take a direct hit. We did have alot of tornadoes for Ike since we were on the "dirty" side of the storm. We personally were fortunate and other then the fence leaning a little more, we are safe. And for the most part came through this untouched. But the stress of not knowing where it will hit for a few days, and how badly it will hit your area, well until you have been through one it is hard to understand.

Add to that the fact that emotionally I am feeling wrung out right now. Well that is not a good combination let me tell you. And for anyone thinking, oh it is menopause, well for your information I am now officially through menopause and have been for awhile. So if you make me cry, sad, mad, angry, you fill in the blank with whatever you want other then happy, and joyful, well it is because you are treating me badly and being what I like to call a jerk. It can't be blamed on menopause. It can only be blamed on your bad manners, or attitude. And I am tired of it. What gives anyone the right to treat another person with disrespect and disregard. Do I do that to anyone? I honestly hope not. I am tired of only being good enough to talk to when you need or want something from me. I am tired of being ignored. I am tired of only being good enough to do something for me if you want something from me. I am tired of being the only one who cares.

So what is then the answer? Do I try to stop caring also? Sorry that isn't gonna happen. But I will stop "bothering " you. Cause that is how I feel sometimes. Like I am bothering people. So from now on, I will wait until you have time for me. Maybe I just have bad timing and when I approach people they don't have time. Well that won't be a problem anymore. Cause I won't make the approach. I will wait for you to decide you have time for me. But I am refusing to be used, or made to feel like I am being used any longer. So if I am again put in a position that I feel is being used, well I will learn to say no. Politely, kindly, but no. I am done. Obviously other then my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I am the only one looking out for me. And while He wants me to be kind, considerate and helpful, He doesn't want me to be a doormat. And as of now I am no longer one. And I refuse to feel guilty about telling people no. Cause that has been a big one for me. Saying no I mean. I will say yes just not to feel guilty about saying no. I have a right to say no. People say no to me all the time.

Sorry, I know this has not been my usual kinda post. But I needed a chance to vent.

And now back to our regular programming.

Prayers are requested

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile, but we have been dealing with a little storm called Gustav. Alot of people in the area have alot of damage, and there are still great numbers without electricity or drinkable water. Some have no water at all.

The prayers are that Ike will not hit this area. We are still in a mess here, and alot of people are trying to go into the worst hit areas and will not be able to get warning if Ike is headed there.

I will be posting regularly soon again I hope.

We had minor damage and are doing ok.

How do you handle trials?

So far the last few posts, I have considered trials.

Trials don't always automatically produce good results, even though that is why God allows them.

Many people instead of becoming closer to God, become bitter at others or even towards God.

We must remember that God's plan for us is good.

Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Joseph understood this when he revealed who he was to his brothers.

Gen 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Remember when you are going through a trial it is temporary.

2 Cor 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

We should try to find joy in the midst of the trial.

1thess 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Now remember I never said it would be easy and neither did God.

But He has promised to never leave you or forsake you, even in the midst of a trial.

Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Is God an enabler?

Recently I looked at Joseph and Jonah. Both of them went through trials. One at no fault of his own and one because of choices he made. Yet God helped both of them when they needed Him to do so didn't He?

However, God didn't stop either situation from happening. He let those trials happen and both drew closer to Him because of the trial. Problems usually force us to look to God and to depend on Him instead of depending on ourselves.

2 Cor 1:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Because God is in control, trials are circumstances that happen in God's plan for your life. It is how I handle the circumstance that decides if God will ENABLE me to come through it easily. I can use each trial to build my character in a godly way. Also I can use each trial to ENABLE my faith to get stronger.

Rom 5:3-4And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
5:4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

1 Pet 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Will I allow God to be an enabler in my life? Will I let Him be in control of every situation and circumstance today? Will you?

Strife

Gen 13:8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.

Pr 15:18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Pr 17:1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

Pr 20:3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

Pr 29:22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

Here is what websters 1828 dictionary says is some of the definitions of strife.
1. Exertion or contention for superiority; contest of emulation, either by intellectual or physical efforts. Strife may be carried on between students or between mechanics.
Thus Gods contended, noble strife, who most should ease the wants of life.
2. Contention in anger or enmity; contest; struggle for victory; quarrel or war.
I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon. Judges 12.

Why is it that some people thrive on strife and it makes others ill? I at one time in my life thrived on it. Now I am one of the ones it makes ill.

Why can't people just love each other the way we are commanded to and treat each other with respect? Why can't we keep ugly thought to ourselves? Why do they have to be shared with others? Why are we willing to quickly believe the worse of people we are called to love? I have alot of questions this morning and not many answers. But I do know that my Father in heaven has the answers. And I ask that you pray for me to find them today. I can't go on like this. I have to find my peace again. It has been gone since the beginning of July and I want it back. I will not stop seeking till I find it. Where my joy had returned, it has just as quickly vanished by unkind words. This should be a time of great joy for me. Yet it is not. I really need your prayers. Thanks.

Jonah

Jonah 1:1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me." 3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.
4 Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6 The captain went to him and said, "How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us, and we will not perish." 7 Then the sailors said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity." They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 So they asked him, "Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?" 9 He answered, "I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land." 10 This terrified them and they asked, "What have you done?" (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.)
11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, "What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?" 12 "Pick me up and throw me into the sea," he replied, "and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you." 13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. 14 Then they cried to the Lord, "O Lord, please do not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, O Lord, have done as you pleased." 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. 17 But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.

Ok Jonah is different from Joseph. Jonah caused his trial here. How? By disobeying God. BUT God was still with him and once he admitted he was the reason for the problems, God would help him again.

So what does that mean to me? It reminds me that even when I finally admit that I am the reason for my trial, God still cares enough for me that if I repent and ask for His forgiveness then He is still there.

But I surely wish that my trials were never of my own making. Cause when they are, it is usually from disobedience to God. I don't want to be in disobedience but sometimes I am. And that saddens me alot.

Trials part 2

Over the next couple or so days I will be studying different people that God allowed to go through trials. And what I see I can learn from them.

First off let's look at Joseph.
Gen 39:20-23
And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.
39:21
But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
39:22
And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.
39:23
The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.

What can I learn from this story? Well first off I can know that what others mean to harm me, God can use for good. I can learn that if I have the Lord with me, all I put my hand to will prosper.

This trial that Joseph went through was not of his own doing. It was all for God's glory. God had a plan. Joseph didn't know at the time what the plan was. But he trusted God to have one.

How many times when I am going through a trial not of my own doing, do I doubt God? ugh. Now I know that none of you reading this ever doubt God. But I have to be honest and say unfortunately I have sometimes. In my heart I know God is faithful and that I should never doubt He has my best interest in place. But sometimes in the midst of a trial, I struggle. I want results NOW. But again, God's timing is not always my timing. And I wonder how many times, when the trial takes longer then * I * think it should, is my doubt making it take longer? Probably so. Just a thought for you to meditate on today.

Trials

2 Cor 4:17
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

1 Pet 4:12
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world

Here are 3 (out of many) verses that tell us there will be trials and tribulations in our life. As christians why are we always shocked when we go through things?

Now don't get me wrong, I don't believe we should be looking for problems. But when we find ourselves in the midst of a situation we would rather not go through, why are we surprised? But there are some things we should ask ourselves in that situation. Is it a situation of our own making? Is it because of bad choices we made? Or is it a means for God to stretch our faith?
And if it is a situation of our making, we have a way out. We can go to God, repent and go on in the way we should have gone. We will still have consequences from our bad choice, but at least we will know we are right with God and that He will guide us through if we let Him. And either way, whether we caused the situation or it is beyond our control, God can still use it to stretch our faith.

Remember Ps 34:18 today when you are faced with a trial.

Ps 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Look at what i got!

My birthday was Monday and a dear sweet online friend (hi Carol) sent me this for my birthday. The card is really special cause right now she knows I am working on a Noah's ark quilt!

Thanks again Carol! I think I have finally decided where to hang the penny rug lol.

A new blog!

Today I started a cooking blog. I will post (when I remember lol) pictures of what I am having along with a recipe or two.

Let me know if you try any of them!

Here is the link to the new site.

http://cajunquiltercooking.blogspot.com/

Family

I was challenged by Babblings of Mere to write about what family means to me.

hmmm, that is hard let me tell you. Cause family means so very much to me.

I come from a broken home. My parents divorced when I was 6 years old. So growing up it was mostly my mom and I. I do have an older half brother and half sister. And for a long time we were very close. I haven't spoken to my brother in over 15 years or my sister in about 14 years. sigh. But that is their choice. My parents are both gone now and have been for a long time.

I have always tried to have a close family with my husband and our 4 children. And now with their families. We have 4 grandchildren now and they are such a blessing.

My favorite family time? When we are all sitting around the table eating and chatting. I love that even though our children sometimes don't agree with each other, they will be there for one another if the need arises. That is what family does. They don't look the other way, or refuse cause of a misunderstanding. They love each other no matter what. They help each other no matter what. And they take up for each other no matter what. To me that is family. Unconditional love.

Remember His wonders

Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually. Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels, and the judgements uttered by His mouth. (Psalm 105:45 NAS)

Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels, and the judgements uttered by His mouth

Recall what the Lord has done in the past. Remember the miracles He performed that are recorded in the Bible and know that He'll do it again.

What miracle has God done for you? Need one now? Remember the same miracles that He did in the Bible, and the ones He has done for you or someone else in the past, He can still do. God hasn't changed. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

But we are required to do something too. We must ask, believe and not doubt. And we have to remember that sometimes the answer is no.

Seek His face

Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually. Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels, and the judgements uttered by His mouth. Psalm 105:45


Moses face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord

Exodus 34:2934:29
It came about when Moses was coming down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the testimony {were} in Moses' hand as he was coming down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because of his speaking with Him.


Moses had been in the presence of the Lord and was reflecting His glory.

Wow seek His face continually. When Moses did it showed in his face. What is showing in my face? Am I showing His glory, or my bad attitude?

Seeking the Lord

"Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually. Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels, and the judgements uttered by His mouth." (Psalm 105:45 NAS)

Seek means to try to find; to ask for. No one could be easier for us to find than the Lord, no strength more readily available. It is ours to use in every situation of the day.

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13 NIV) No greater power is available to us than that which the Lord provides.

So as I start my journey anew to learn about my Lord and Savior I can be assured that He will provide me the strength I need to do just that.

Weeds

I am sorry to say weeds have really taken over our garden. I spent about 30 minutes this evening when it started to cool off some weeding. I got a small area done, and will try to do a little more each day.

Normally hubby is in charge of things outside and I take care of things inside. But as much as I love the man, he is a procrastinator. Big time. He has great intentions, and does awesome for awhile, then not so much. I usually try to pick up the slack but with all the things going on in my life and the stress involved from all of that I regret to say I let the garden get totally out of control. I tied up tomato branches tonight (I never do that lol) and pulled weeds that I for awhile thought I would never get to come up by the roots.

Now let's compare that gardens condition with my spiritual condition right now. Or better yet, let's not. Sigh. Just as I have neglected the gardens weeds, I have neglected a few (well hopefully just a few) in my life lately. For instance, I have neglected my bible reading. I have been doing it on a hit or miss basis lately. And I don't know about you but when I neglect bible reading, well everything else goes down hill. Yes I have been attending church, and yes I have been listening to worship and praise music. But that isn't enough. Just like I have been going out and watering the garden faithfully every morning. That does nothing for the weeds in the garden, except help them to grow stronger and longer. Why do I do that? Neglect my bible reading I mean. I know I need to spend time in the word. I enjoy spending time in the word. I have found time to do other things so I can't say it is lack of time. It is me letting the devil plant weeds in my spiritual life. I don't want that to happen, yet just like the garden I allow it to happen. It is a decision I make. Daily.

Now I know none of you struggle with that right? You are faithful every day to read the Word of God, to spend time in His presence. I do pray throughout the day, praising Him, etc. But again He wants more then that from me.

So I am gonna start back at the beginning. The beginning of my relationship with my loving Father. I will read about all He did to show His love for me. And to find the first love again where nothing keeps me from reading in His word to me.

What about you? Do you have weeds growing in your spiritual life? If so what do you plan to do about them?

Matthew 11:30

Did you ever really consider this verse? Jesus could have said no yoke, no burden if we came to Him. Instead He said easy and light. He wanted us to know that something would be required of us when we come to Him. It won't just be a stroll in the park.


Matthew 11:30
[Jesus says,] "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (NIV)

Jam and Pickles

Here are pictures of a couple of jars of each. They are flying off the shelf lol.

The No-Name Meme
In your entire life, have you ever...

Gone on a blind date? No

Skipped school? No

Watched someone die? Yes, both my parents

Been to Canada? No

Been to Mexico? No.

Been to Florida? No

Been on a plane? Yes I love flying

Been lost? Yes

Been on the opposite side of the country? No

Gone to Washington? No

Swam in the ocean? No, but I have in the Gulf of Mexico

Had your booze taken away by the cops? No

Lettered in a high school sport? No

Cried yourself to sleep? Yes, a few times

Played cops and robbers? No

Played dolls? Yes !

Recently colored with crayons? Yes, with the grandchildren.

Sang Karaoke? No

Paid for a meal with coins only? No but I have paid for gas that way, when it was cheap of course lol.

Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? I'm sure I have, but can't remember what.

Cheated on an exam? No.

Made prank phone calls? No

Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose? Yes on more then one occasion

Caught a snowflake on your tongue? No

Danced in the rain? No

Written a letter to Santa Claus? No.

Been kissed under the mistletoe? Yes

Watched the sunrise with someone you care about? Yes

Been arrested? No

Blown bubbles? Yes still do it with grandchildren

Gone ice-skating? No

Been skinny dipping outdoors? No

Had a nickname? Yes most people don't know my "real" name

Been to Africa? No.

Eaten cookies for dinner? No

Been on TV? No

Stolen any traffic signs? No.

Been in a car accident? Yes.

What is your....

Mother's name? Her name was Carol.

Favorite drink? Only one? coffee, tea, dr pepper, root beer

Favorite alcohol? Don't touch the stuff

Birthplace? New Orleans, Louisiana

Favorite vacation spot? Arkansas

Favorite salad dressing? 1000 island

Favorite pie? blueberry

Favorite number? I've never really thought about it.

Favorite movie? Don't really have a favorite

Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving

Favorite food? Homecooked by someone else lol

Favorite day of the week? Any day

Favorite brand of body wash? I like a few

Favorite toothpaste? Crest

Favorite smell? Roses

Do you have any...

Tattoos? No.

Body piercings? No

Do you drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4-door

Watch a movie or play on the computer? movie

How do you see yourself in 10 years? hmmm, I will be 63, so probably doing the same things I am doing now

A pickle of a weekend

What does that mean you ask? Well it means I canned 9 jam jars of plum preserves on Saturday, and hubby put up 11 pint and 3 jam jars of bread and butter pickles this weekend. The preserves turned out much better then last year and Kaci and I had some on toast this morning. Yum! And hubby and I sampled the pickles last night and they are wonderful as always!

Today I am making a cucumber and cream cheese spread/dip with leftover cucumber from supper last night. I love this time of the year when I can walk out the back door every day or two and get another cucumber for supper. YUMMY!

Plums, plums PLUMS

Yes there are still some on the tree. Lots of them. So all you helpful bloggers out there, what would you do with all these plums?? I have given plums to anyone I could get to take them and they are still more then I can get rid of. If you have a favorite plum recipe, please share it with me.

Faith

Hebrews chapter 11 is called the faith chapter. It lists all sorts of people whom God found faithful. If the writer of Hebrews were writing it today, would you (or I) be included?

It is up to us whether we hold onto our faith or let it go.

During times of trouble is not the time to lose our faith. That is when we need it the most. Faith is the thing that will take you through the problem. It is what will bring you through the temptation to sin.

Mt 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world.

This verse should encourage us to hold to our faith. Christ is saying here that He is with us all the time.

We judge sometimes how we are doing with our faith by how people around us are doing with theirs. If they are doing well, we feel we maybe aren't measuring up and get down on ourselves. If they are not doing well, then we may feel that we are doing great cause at least we are doing better then they are. Sigh. This ought not to be. We should judge how we are doing, by how we are doing. Not how some one else is doing. That has nothing to do with our faith walk.

Read all of Hebrews 11. Then think about this.

God could have sent Jesus in any form, angel, ruler, warrior, etc. But He sent Him as a man. So that He could experience all the temptations and trials that we would face. So that we could more easily relate to Him.

Sometimes we lose sight that it takes faith to follow God.

Here is a quote my pastor used to use when he was a youth evangelist.

Sin will take you further then you planned to go, keep you longer then you planned to stay, and cost you more then you were willing to pay.

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

We have all studied that verse. Most of us can quote it. But here is my question. When you are in the midst of a trial or temptation, do you pull out this verse and wave it in the devils face? Do I? We should.

What draws you away from your faith?

Faith is between you and God. It is a personal thing between you and God. No one can give you faith except God. People can use their faith to pray for you, but if your faith doesn't join with theirs you may have a problem.

The Jesus of history and the bible is the Jesus of your faith. Remember all the miracles He did, remember all the promises He gave us. He is still the same Jesus. He can still do all those things through you and for you.

Heb 10:38 says Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back; my soul shall have no pleasure in Him.
:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Lord let verse 39 be said of us.

Cucumbers!

Do you see them? One of them will be on the table for supper tonight! Our first one from the garden this year! yummmmy!

My new tote/purse

Here is the bag that I made today. It is reversible. All of the things from my purse fit into the pockets that are all around it. I am using it with the pockets on the inside. It was very easy to make and I will probably make a couple more. I am thinking one out of jean material would be nice.

Luke 6:37

Luke 6:37
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

Is it easy for you to forgive? What about when someone really hurts you in some way, emotional or physical? What about when someone hurts one of your children? If you are like me, it is easy for me to forgive a hurt to me, but hurt one of my children and I am a mama bear. It is much harder for me to forgive you if you hurt my children.

That being said, we are commanded to forgive, and there are no exceptions that I can find. I am praying that the Lord would help me in this situation, cause in my flesh I just can't do it right now.

Are you weary?

I was chatting on imms with a friend I met a couple of years ago on another list. It is a flylady sorta list, and I was made a moderator when one of the owners of the list died. The other owner and the one who died were best friends and she (owner now) just can't bring herself to give it up or close it, but she also can't oversee it anymore. Anyway, all that to say, this lady I chatted with this morning was a member for awhile on there. She is a Christian, and we would encourage each other some days on imms when we were marathon cleaning for holidays, etc.

So this morning she caught me to ask for prayers and she is feeling some of the same things I am but for different reasons.

I shared with her two of my favorite verses.

Is 40:30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

Is 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Now a lot of you know everything I have been facing recently. The world would tell me I have good reason to be weary. But here the word of God tells me that if I wait on the Lord, my strength shall be renewed.

Hmmm does this mean I am possibly not waiting on the Lord? Am I trying to move ahead in my own strength? Now I know none of you ever do that, but could I possibly be trying to deal with these things on my own??? Why would I do that??? I know that the Lord is bigger then any situation or circumstance. Well, maybe, just maybe even though I know that in my heart, I need to find a way to get it to my head. And no I didn't type that wrong. It is exactly what I meant to say. Cause I know that I know in my heart that God is faithful, and that He is totally in control of every situation and circumstance in my life. Now I just need to get out of the way and let God be God in these circumstances and situations. What circumstance are you dealing with that you need to give to God?

Ps 139

This was my reading this morning. Comments from me are put in here and there.

Ps 139:1 O LORD, You have searched me and known {me.} 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. 3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all. 5 You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. 6 {Such} knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is {too} high, I cannot attain to it.

Does it amaze you as it does me that even with all the people in the world, God still takes the time to know ME and YOU this intimately?


7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. 9 If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.

This passage reminds me that there is no place I can go that God can't see me. If I keep this in mind, I will try to resist temptation harder, won't I?


11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night," 12 Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike {to You.}

Sometimes we think if we sin in the darkness God won't see. Well this reminds us that the truth is God can see no matter what.


13 For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. 14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, {And} skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; 16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained {for me,} When as yet there was not one of them.

God made us! Rejoice! You are fearfully and wonderfully made. It says so right here. Don't like the way you look? Well God does. He purposely made you that way. And He purposely made me the way I am. And each of us is different. Do any of you have a WII? Did you make yourself a MII? Or do you have the computer game Zoombinis? Did you ever design your own zoombinis? Takes time and thought doesn't it? Think about it next time you think your nose is to big/small, etc. God put thought into what you look like.

He also knew what each day would hold for you before He made you. He gave you free will to chose certain times, but He knew the problems, questions, etc you would face daily. And I really believe He is cheering us on with each choice we face that we would choose the right one.


17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You. 19 O that You would slay the wicked, O God; Depart from me, therefore, men of bloodshed. 20 For they speak against You wickedly, And Your enemies take {Your name} in vain. 21 Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You? 22 I hate them with the utmost hatred; They have become my enemies.

How precious are the thoughts of God! How do you find them out? Read His word. He left them there for us to discover. And no matter how many times I read a verse if I look hard enough I can find a new gem in it. What about you?


23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; 24 And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.

This is my prayer today Lord, search me, try me, and if You find something there You don't like, show me so that I can repent of it and change.

I can only imagine

I have been thinking about this lots lately. Can you imagine what it will be like when all we have to do all the time is worship Jesus??? That is gonna be incredible. I have this song on my computer, on a cd for my van, and on my mp3 player. All day yesterday and today I have had the praise and worship songs going through my head. It is an amazing way to spend the day. I listened while I did dishes, weeded the garden, quilted, prepped blocks for quilting, well you get the idea. How often do you spend the day just listening (and of course I am singing at the top of my lungs even though I don't sing well lol) to praise and worship music? Has it been to long? What are you waiting for?

Choose

Deut 30:19
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

Joshua 24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

This tells me that what I do with my life is a choice. It is my choice. Sin is a choice. Not sinning is a choice. What will I choose? What will you choose?

Our plum tree and flowers

We call these graduation flowers cause they always blum in May.



Here is one of the many lilies I have.



We call this a shrimp plant cause it looks sorta like a shrimp lol.








Here are pictures of the tree. See how heavy the limbs are with plums!

Our Garden

Here is a roma tomato!



Here is jalepenas.



This is eggplant with flowers.




This is cucumber flowers.




This is cherry tomatoes.


And yes we weeded after the pictures were taken lol.

Saturday Ramblings

Today has been an I don't want to do anything kind of day here. I am in the process of cleaning the kitchen, but doing it slowly lol. Lester and I ran to the grocery for a few things. I have been preparing some blocks for sewing. I watered the garden. Leslie and her family popped in for a couple of minutes. Now I about to do a little hand applique. I haven't done any in a couple of weeks. It is time. It is one of my favorite things to do and usually I fit in a few minutes a day. But with all the stressful things happening lately, blogging and sewing have sorta taken back seat to everything else.

Hop over to my quilting blog and see the two small quilts I did machine quilt and bind this week.

Out of the mouths of babes

My daughter and her two sons were on the way to school yesterday when a vehicle pulled out in front of them. The vehicle was going very slowly and since they were on the way to school and then Leslie would go on to work, she understandably got annoyed. When the vehicle finally turned off, Leslie said "thank God". Colin (6 year old ) says, "MOM! You are not supposed to take the Lord's Name in pain." lol guess he miss understood the word when they told him about it lol.

Leslie's Quilt

It was brought to my attention that I never posted the picture of Leslie's Quilt.

Life must go on

As some who read my blog know, the pastor of the home church I attended was like a dad to me. He went to be with the Lord today at around 1 pm. Over the next few posts I will tell you about him and the incredible part he and his wife played in our lives over the last 15 years.

Please keep all of us in your prayers, the service is tomorrow.

Bible Driven Life

This is the title of the 4 part series my pastor started today. He said it could also be called the God driven life. I really like that title and after the introduction today can't wait to hear what else the series holds for me.

Here are some thoughts I had while listening. Some of them are things he said that really spoke to me. Some are my thoughts as he spoke.

Now a days scriptures are posted on screens in most churches. Alot of people don't even bring bibles to church anymore. I always do cause I am one of those people that have to see it in my own bible and I like to take notes. Since alot of people aren't bringing them to church anymore they have taken them out of their vehicles. Most of those same people only opened their bibles during church so now their bibles are sitting on a shelf somewhere gathering dust. How often do you open your bible? Do you know where it is?

God's wisdom and truth are revealed in His word. We leave our bibles closed and wonder why our faith is at a low point. Why we don't feel as close to God as we did at one time in our lives. Were we in our bibles seeking truth and wisdom more then? Probably so.

Do you count on your pastor to look up things for you when you are going through stuff? Do you try to find the answer in the Word of God first? Do you feel as some do that it is his job? Have we not all been called to search the scriptures?

If we lean on God's wisdom and understanding by reading and studying His Word daily, then when we have a need the words of wisdom will come to us when we need them. You first have to bury them in your heart for them to be there.

He made the following quote, "The vigor of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts."

Don't wait for a crisis to happen to open your bible and seek the Lord. When I was a child, that is exactly what my mom did. She never opened the bible unless she was in a desperate situation. And there were many, but I grew up thinking that the bible wasn't for every day, just when things were really bad. How sad for me. I think it is probably one of the reasons even now that I struggle with consistently studying in my bible.

If you don't bring the bible back into your every day life, no one else will do it for you.

Pr 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him
:6 Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

The word of God is as stable as God sitting on the throne.

Don't add to, take away from, twist, turn, or try to make the word of God say what you want it to say. Let it say what GOD said.

Be sure and listen to the song in the post below this one. It was one of the songs we sang during praise and worship and it really touched my heart. I so want to rest in Christ, do you?

Word of God Speak

Cucumbers

Here are the cucumbers waiting to be planted.



Here are the rest of the veggies other then the cucumbers.



Here is a picture of the jalepena peppers!



Here are the banana peppers!



Here is a picture of a couple of the plums on the tree!

Wow!

Wow where has the week gone? sigh.

We went to Lowes and Walmart and bought plants tonight. Everything is planted except for the cucumbers and banana peppers. We bought the cucumber plants but it got dark before we could plant those. Lester will stop at a nursery near his shop to pick up the banana peppers tomorrow. He has to work for a little while tomorrow and while we were at Lowes and discussing what we wanted, the delivery guy was there and told us the only place that ordered banana peppers is the nursery by the shop. He (the delivery guy LOL) delivers all the plants in the area so we were blessed that he was there. Kept us from driving all over town looking for those.

I will take pictures if I remember tomorrow of the garden. Oh and the jalepeno plant we bought has peppers on it already!

Final Identity Theft Post

I will post my notes and then some scriptures that they handed out yesterday about identity truths. Most of my notes are about how success affects your identity.

Success can compromise who you are in your relationships with God, your spouse, even your boss.

Success can rob you of true identity. The closer you get to the top, the more you realize there is no "top". Someone will always be up ahead of you. What I mean by success robbing you, is the desire to be successful can sometimes make you into someone you are not really.

People (men and women both) are driven sometimes to appear more successful then they are to impress family, friends, even church family.

You don't have to be the best, just the best you can be at whatever you are doing. That is true success.

Are you striving for success out of love? Find people who love you for who you really are. Then they will appreciate your true success and you will have time to spend with them.

Success cannot be performance driven, it must be passion driven.

Husbands want you to respect them for who they really are, not for how much money they make.

3 steps to reclaiming your true identity.

1. Align your priorities with God's.
Ps 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

2. Use the right gauge to measure success. Your income is not a good gauge of success. Living within your means is the true gauge of success.

3. Know and understand what true success is.

Mt 11:28-30
11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

11:29
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

11:30
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Here is the list they gave us yesterday.

Chosen John 5:16
Set apart John 17:17
Children of God John 1:12
God's wokmanship Eph 2:10
Seated with Christ Eph 2:6
Justified by Christ's blood Rm 5:1
Dearly loved Eph 3:16-19
Reunited with God 1 Cor 6:17
Secure in Him and His love Rm 8:35
Sealed by His Holy Spirit Eph 1:13
Given direct access to God Heb 10:22
Belonging to the Lord 1 Cor 6:20
We have been forgiven Eph 1:7
Full payment has been made Col 1:13-15
There is No condemnation Rom 8:1
Cleansing has been accomplished Heb 10:22
We have been given eternal life Rm 6:23
We have been made complete Col 2:10
By His wounds we are healed Is 53:5
He will complete the work He begins Phil 1:6
We have been made perfect Heb 10:14
We are newly born of an imperishable seed 1 Pt 1:23
Though once dead in sin, we are now alive in Christ Jesus Eph 2:4-5

I pray this helps you and I to realize exactly who we are in Christ Jesus and to not let anyone steal our identity in Christ.

What a blessing!

My oldest grandson Stephen knows I love snowmen. This week at school he won a pencil that said he won a prize. For his prize he picked a stuffed snowman like I have and presented it to me after school. What a blessing he is to think of me when I am sure there were things that a 9 year old boy would have really liked for himself.

Sadly today I packed all of the snowmen up till next winter.

Counting the cost

Lk 14:28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doth not first sit down and count the cost, whether he have [wherewith] to complete it?

Ever start a project and realize at some point along the way, you don't have the help you need, the materials you need, the time you need to complete it? Did you count the cost before you started? Probably not.

What about in your service to God? Do you think about how much time your devotion will take and set aside that much time to do it? Or do you just go with the flow and hope that you have enough time? Why does God usually get the leftovers of our time instead of the best part of our time? Time that we have purposefully put aside just to spend with Him? I know I always have good intentions about spending time with Him, but life/other things sometimes get in the way. Will you join me in trying harder to set aside good time to spend with the Lord, and not our leftover time?

Walls

How many times in your life have you come up against a wall, and in your worldly wisdom knew the way to get over or around that wall? But you really felt that God was telling you to go another way, a way that in the natural made no sense whatsoever. What did you do? Did you go the way God was telling you to, or did you do it "your way"? Be honest now.

I personally have done it both ways I am sad to say.

Here is what Joshua did.

Jos 6:3 "You shall march around the city, all the men of war circling the city once. You shall do so for six days. 4 "Also seven priests shall carry seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark; then on the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5 "It shall be that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people will go up every man straight ahead."

15 Then on the seventh day they rose early at the dawning of the day and marched around the city in the same manner seven times; only on that day they marched around the city seven times. 16 At the seventh time, when the priests blew the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, " Shout! For the LORD has given you the city.

How do you think the people responded when he told them the plan? Do you think that none of them questioned whether or not he was crazy? I am sure there were at least a couple who thought he had lost his mind. Come on be honest. If God didn't tell them personally as He did Joshua through the angel, they had to doubt what he said. They were only human. And there were warriors among them. Probably big fighting men who just knew that by their strength they could take the city. They had done it before.

Yet they on some level trusted Joshua enough to do what he said God had told them to do and they obeyed.

How much do you trust God? Next time God tells me to go over or around or under or through that wall in my life (or mountain) I pray that I don't question how God wants me to do it, but that I just obey. Quietly as the people here did. And I pray that the next time you face a wall or mountain, and God tells you to go over or around or under or through, that you also do it His way.

Serving My Husband

Gen 2:18 And the Lord said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

Mt 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life as a ransom for many.

God designed me to be my husband's helper. Am I doing that?
I should not be in competition with my husband, but encouraging and supporting him.

Phil 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better then themselves.

It is my decision whether or not I will serve my husband.

Phil 2:7 But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Mt 20:26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.
:27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.

Am I willingly serving my husband? Am I doing it with the right attitude/heart? Do I ever resent serving him? I will be honest and admit that sometimes I just don't want to serve him. Maybe he did or said something that hurt my feelings. Maybe I am upset about something he didn't do or say that I wanted him to do or say. Whatever the reason, the word says I was created to be a helpmeet to him. It is ordained by God. I can't go by my feelings and pick and choose when I will serve him. I must be doing it in order to serve my Lord and Savior if I want to do it with the right heart. Anything is easier to do even on a bad day if we are doing it for the Lord.

I owe, I owe so off to work I go

How many of you remember that little ditty from a few years ago? Here is what the bible says about owing.

Romans 13:8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

I read an email this morning that made me look up this scripture cause yes, I am up on my soapbox this morning lol.

As you know if you read my bio, I am in my 50's. So I have grown children and grandchildren. Manners, saying thank you, please etc have always been important to me and thankfully my grandchildren are all being raised with manners also. Our one grandson is a handful some days, but the one thing you can count on is he will tell you please and thank you. Even as a 3 year old he consistently would and the day care providers were always amazed at that fact. The moms get comments all the time on how polite the children are. Did this come about by chance? No way. They were taught from an early age that this was how things were done. Even something as small as giving them a glass of juice will get you a thank you.

So let's talk about how most children react now a days. How many times have you given a child in your life, not only your child, but neices, nephews, children of friends, and have gotten nothing, no thank you, no card or note. What are we teaching our children by allowing them to think they deserve whatever they are given? I believe that we are teaching them that the world owes them something. This is wrong! They will be truly shocked when they find out the world doesn't owe them anything. They will also have a harder time learning to be polite to people that they really need to be polite to if they want to make a living.

While I am up on this soapbox, let me address something else that I disagree with.
Children are a part of a family. They need to be taught that as a part of a family they have certain responsibilties to others in the family. If you believe, as some do, that your children need to be happy all the time, you are doing a huge disservice to them. Are you as an adult happy all the time? If so please share your secret with us. They need to have things that they do to help out the family. Chores, etc. Everyone as an adult has things they don't want to do that they have to do, and children need to learn that that is part of life. Never requiring anything of them other then play is not teaching them the things they will need as an adult, and basically other then teaching them about Christ as their Savior that is one of our main jobs as moms.

Alright I am stepping off now. May the angry posts begin lol.

Tax Day

Our taxes have been filed and the check spent for a while now. We get our W-2 by the middle of January usually, and as I was am a degreed accountant (stay home wife and mother now) I file the return immediately.

There was a time (even as an accountant) that I really didn't want to pay my taxes. Especially our state tax that for years, no matter how much we paid in during the year, we always owed them money at tax time.

Let's look and see what God has to say about taxes this morning.

Ro 13:1. Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.

* 6. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.

* 7. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom ; fear to whom fear ; honor to whom honor.

Keep in mind when you are paying your taxes today that the government you are paying is established by God. All governments are. Even the evil dictator ones. They are accountable to God for the way they have exercised the authority which He placed in their trust. They will be judged harshly by God for whatever evil they do while in that office. God will not be mocked.

So today, if you haven't done/paid your taxes yet, do it with joy in your heart that you are obeying the Lord your God.

Identity Theft 2

This is loosely based on some things our pastor has been sharing. I am using the scriptures and thoughts I had based on things he said.

Gen 1:26-27, 31
* 26. Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness ; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

* 27. God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

* 31. God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

God looked at His creation, that includes you and I, and said not only that it was good, but that it was very good.

Have you ever been in a place where who you know you are in your heart doesn't match who you think you are in your head?

You are not who other people say or think you are. You are who GOD created you to be.

Your thumbprint and iris are unique to only you. Only God could do that!

Until we learn to love ourselves the way God loves us, we can't accept love from others or to love others.

When you give yourself over to a bad relationship, it clouds your ability to have
good ones. You begin to believe all the negative things that person says about you whether you want to or not. Otherwise you would leave that relationship. You can't see the effect it has on you while you are involved with that person.

Bitterness, anger, resentment can affect your health.

Eph 5:28-29
* 28. So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself ;

* 29. for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church,

When you love someone as God wants you to, He gives you eyes to see that person with.
You see them in a way no one else can see them.

Your identity also should not be caught up in how you look. God sees you as special and unique. He has created someone to love you just as He created you.

Even at your worst God says He created you to be very good.

Here are 3 things you can do to get back your identity in Christ.

1. Know what God says about you. His promises, provisions, how He sees you

2. See how God sees.
God loves His creation including you. See His work in you. You are the handiwork of God. It is one thing to look beautiful, it is another to be beautiful. You are beautiful to God.

3. Love who God loves.
You are not who you or others see on the outside but who God spoke you to be on the inside.

Today is THE day

First of all, This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Ok, you may be wondering what the title of this post means.

It means today is the day that I try to get back on a "schedule" of sorts.

I confess, I am a SHE. (sidetracked home executive). I sometimes start out well getting things done that I want to get done, and somewhere along the way, well I get sidetracked by something else. I am also a list maker. I love lists. They help me stay on track. Well they do if I make and then use them lol. Sometimes I make them and well get sidetracked from them and don't use them as I should.

So today I will probably blog a few times. This one, then a daily study one, and later today maybe I will post a list of what (if anything lol) I have accomplished today.

Well off to start my day! I hope you have a very blessed, productive day. And remember do something fun, that you enjoy for at least a few minutes today. For me that will be quilting during breaks.

Identity Theft

In the US 9 million people have their identity compromised annually.

$4500 average amount they are taken for each
50 billion cost to businesses because of it

1 in 4 homes will be hit

30 hours spent individually resolving the issue

Identity theft is a bigger problem in US then illegal drugs

As big a problem as it is in financial area, it is as big a problem in your spiritual life.

The devil tells you through others that you are worthless. God says you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are God's beloved.

Who have you given access to your identity? People who will buildyou up or tear you down?

Are you believing lies?

Do you build up your spouse and children or tear them down?

Ps 139:13-16
* 13. For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

* 14. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made : marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

* 15. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

* 16. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written , which in continuance were fashioned , when as yet there was none of them.

These verses say how you were made.

The answer of who you really are can only be answered by who you are in Christ.

Relationships, mirrors, spouse, parents, success, boss, teachers, none of these are the true judge of who you are, only who they think you are.

Jn 1:12 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

You are a son or daughter of God !!

Why would you stay in a place where people are putting you down???

Don't let anyone steal your identity. Be all that God created you to be.

How Big Is God?

Seriously, how big do you imagine God to be? Is 40 tells us this:

IS 40:12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, And marked off the heavens by the span, And calculated the dust of the earth by the measure, And weighed the mountains in a balance And the hills in a pair of scales ?
:13 Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or as His counselor has informed Him?
:14 With whom did He consult and who gave Him understanding ? And who taught Him in the path of justice and taught Him knowledge And informed Him of the way of understanding ?
:15 Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, And are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales ; Behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust.
:16 Even Lebanon is not enough to burn, Nor its beasts enough for a burnt offering.
:17 All the nations are as nothing before Him, They are regarded by Him as less than nothing and meaningless.
:18 To whom then will you liken God ? Or what likeness will you compare with Him?
:19 As for the idol, a craftsman casts it, A goldsmith plates it with gold, And a silversmith fashions chains of silver.
:20 He who is too impoverished for such an offering Selects a tree that does not rot ; He seeks out for himself a skillful craftsman To prepare an idol that will not totter.
:21 Do you not know ? Have you not heard ? Has it not been declared to you from the beginning ? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth ?
:22 It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.
:23 He it is who reduces rulers to nothing, Who makes the judges of the earth meaningless.
:24 Scarcely have they been planted, Scarcely have they been sown, Scarcely has their stock taken root in the earth, But He merely blows on them, and they wither, And the storm carries them away like stubble.
:25 "To whom then will you liken Me That I would be his equal ?" says the Holy One.
:26 Lift up your eyes on high And see who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name ; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, Not one of them is missing.
:27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, And the justice due me escapes the notice of my God "?
:28 Do you not know ? Have you not heard ? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable .
:29 He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power.
:30 Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly,
:31 Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength ; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.


Verse 31 is probably my very favorite verse in the bible. I am always encouraged when I take time to meditate and ponder on it. Do you need strength? Are you tired and weary? I am often. But this verse reminds me to wait on God!!!

Ok I got sidetracked by my favorite verse, sorry lol.

Anyway back to my question of how big is God. God is as big as you think He is in any given situation or need in your life at that particular moment. What do I mean by that? God desires for you to have big faith. But if you think He will only do small things for you then you have a small amount of faith and you basically think He is a small God. The verses above say He can hold the waters of the earth in ONE hand! He must be huge! He can mark off the heavens with the span of a hand! That is from your thumb to your pinky finger. The distance between them! How big He has to be!

Are you limiting God when you pray? Are you trying to make Him a small God by your amount of faith for what you are praying for? Do you have a need right now that only a great big huge God can handle? Well guess what? You serve a great big huge God so pray believing with as much faith as you have (He said you only need a mustard seed of faith to move a mountain). I join my faith with yours providing you are praying for God's will to be done in the situation you are asking about. May the mighty great big God I serve help you with your situation.