Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Jewels Schmewels...What's the Big Deal?


Dear God,

Some people love diamonds. I like pearls. I don't know why, I just do. I think it is because there is a rainbow in every pearl (the iridescence of it) and a rainbow is a promise that you gave to the world.

I really don't GET why people get so excited over minerals found on this earth. What makes gold more valuable than the common rock that I see on the street? Why do people crave big old diamonds or rubies? Is it practical?

Your word says that Heaven will be covered with these kinds of treasures.

 
Is it wrong for me to NOT get excited about a shiny rock? I guess that I need help with this one God because I do not understand what all the fuss is about. 


Well, today is the LAST day of the calendar year. THANK YOU for a wonderful 2013 and I can't WAIT to see what 2014 will bring!! 

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Isaiah 54:11-15}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah%2054:11-15&version=NIV

I will make your battlements of rubies,
    your gates of sparkling jewels,
    and all your walls of precious stones.

Isaiah 54:12




Monday, December 30, 2013

♥Kissing♥


Dear God,

Kissing.

Why do people desire to put their two heads together and touch lips? What an odd desire to have. It does work though.

I am pretty selective in whom I kiss. Your word speaks a lot about kissing. There are different kinds of kisses just like there are different types of love. Sometimes, I even kiss my dog; not on the lips though.....gross.

Sometimes people bring little babies to my job and I have to kiss them (if the parents are OK with that). I can't help it....they are so precious and near perfect.

Everyday, I kiss my husband. I kiss my kids when they let me. I don't kiss my coworkers or customers. What would they think if I did? That would be weird.

Lord, thank you for the "kissing" desire. I like that one. It's better than the desire to eat chocolate and a lot less fattening but just as sweet.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Song of Songs 1:2, Luke 15:20}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Song%20of%20Solomon%201:2&version=NIV
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2015:20&version=NIV

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—
    for your love is more delightful than wine.

Song of Songs 1:2

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Super Moon


Dear God,

There was a "Super" moon outside on June 23, 2013. That is what people called it. I googled it and this is what I read:

A supermoon is the coincidence of a
full moon or a new moon with the closest approach the Moon makes to the Earth on its elliptical orbit, resulting in the largest apparent size of the lunar disk as seen from Earth.
{Wikipedia}

Well, I have always thought that the moon was pretty super anyway, but I just wanted to say how lovely and bright it looks THIS evening.

What is really neat is that everyone in the world gets to see it too.

Thank you for the "Super Moon" tonight.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Psalms 136:1-26}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%20136:1-26&version=NIV

The moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.

Psalms 136:9

Saturday, December 28, 2013

More Trials and Tribs...Please?


Dear God,

You know one of my favorite people to read about in the bible is David. That man could do just about EVERYTHING. He could play music (a huge PLUS in my book), he was a poet, he could fight in battles, he was a KING of a nation. He messed up a lot too. When he did something wrong, he did it in a pretty big way. (aka: all the probs with his children, his affair with Bathsheba, having an innocent man killed to cover up scandle...to name a few)

He sure did love and trust in you, didn't he? I read something he wrote this morning and my heart got so happy:

I love you, O Lord, my strength.
Psalms 18:1

I know how he felt when he wrote that verse. But you know, a thought came to my mind after reading it:

Did David love you MORE than I do? I mean, he certainly went through more ups and downs in his life than I have thus far. Does going through more intense trials, tribulations, and even joys create a more intensified love for You? How strong do I want my love to be for you God?

Something to think about for me.

Love,
Me:)

ps...sometimes I can't believe the tragedies that people go through in this life. Maybe these things happen so they can experience a more abundant type of love and a stronger sense of You and Your power. Can we experience a more powerful love for You WITHOUT going through trials and storms in this life?


{Daily Scripture Reading: Psalms 18:1-6}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2018:1-6&version=NIV

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalms 18:2

Friday, December 27, 2013

Free Will is Something Else!


Dear God,

I really like salt. The doctors say that salt is not good for us because it makes our blood pressures go up.

Lord, high blood pressure and heart disease run in my family. Several of my cousins have already had some type of heart "roto rooter" type surgeries to unblock passage ways to and from their hearts. One of my cousins died of a heart attack and he was in his 30's. UGH....

I like salt, I don't like heart attacks. I have read a lot about the effects of salt and how it is good to cut back or even eliminate it altogether.

Here is the question:

If I know that salt is bad for me, WHY do I still eat it? Why are we made this way? We know in our heads the facts and logic behind so many things, but then we turn around and do the very thing that we KNOW is wrong or will hurt us. Why do we do this? Maybe I should say why do "I" do this....

Free will is something else, Lord.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Romans 7:14-25}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%207:14-25&version=NIV

I do not understand what I do. For what
I want to do I do not do,
but what I hate, I do.
Romans 7:15


Thursday, December 26, 2013

Are People that Believe in God Crazy or is it the Other Way Around?


Dear God,

Why do people like to tell me they are an atheist? (I am not sure if "like" is the right word here...they just do it.) Do they want me to challenge their unbelief or something? Where is the challenge if you don't believe in something? Why would someone want to argue about something that they "don't" believe in? That doesn't make any sense at all, not to me anyway. To the ones that don't tell me, thanks.

I do mention Your name in casual conversation to people that I meet. Not to be smug, just because you are a part of my life more than my husband, my kids, my dogs, my relatives, my friends (please note that this list is NOT in any particular order as I do not hold dogs above my relatives and friends). Why wouldn't I mention you? If atheist met a crazy person (as they MUST think that people that believe You are real HAVE to be crazy) would they act the same way to THAT person? Why not just dismiss it as "not real" and be mature about it and go on with a non believer's life?

I guess these people want me to know because they don't want to hear about You because they don't believe you exist because they don't see you. I really don't know. Maybe I meet people that are atheist that DON'T tell me that they are atheist too. If, to them you don't exist, what difference does it make if I talk about you or not? Let me ramble as a crazy fool. Humor me. Pity me for the belief.

I guess these folks don't go to movies or read "Lord of the Rings" books or see "Star Wars" movies either because THEY aren't real either.

Why does the word HYPOCRITE come to mind Lord? Well, I can't say that because THEN I would be judging other people and the atheist sure know THAT verse in your word..........AMAZING!!

??????

All this being said, I am SO glad you love us ALL!!
John 3:16


So sorry for the earthly rant today, but I just feel earthly today and the spiritual part of me feels really tired! I KNOW Your love would cover all of these words I have just written to a point I might even erase what I have written.....This is just how I feel today. 

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: John 3:16, II Corinthians 5:13-15}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%203:16&version=NIV
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ii%20corinthians%205:13-15&version=NIV

If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for
God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For
Christ’s love compels us, because we are
convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.
II Corinthians 5:13-14

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Pigs, Dogs, and Pearls


Dear God,

Is it possible for a person to do all the things Jesus spoke of in Matthew 5, 6, and 7? There is a lot of stuff written there. You speak so much about how we should behave here on this earth. What awesome guidelines to follow!!

There are so many things that jump out at me, it is hard to pick a favorite. I am not so sure that a "favorite" can be picked out at all. One verse that is speaking to me today is the one about the dogs and pigs and how we are not to throw pearls at pigs and sacred things to dogs. (Matthew 7:6)

Sometimes, it is hard for me to determine what a pig or a dog is when I am dealing with folks. I hate that there are people in this world that destroy and hurt other people. I know evil exists in this world, I just hate that it has to be through people (your creations). The devil seems to hate you so much, he uses us to get at YOU. I don't like that either. Some day, this will all end. Until that day, I will keep trusting You for each day's strength.

Love,
Me:)


PS: Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!!

{Daily Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:1-14}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%207:1-14&version=NIV
Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw
your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample
them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
Matthew 7:6

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Armadillos and Culverts


Dear God,

This morning I saw a cute little armadillo walking down the road towards me as I was out for my morning walk. I wasn't sure what I was going to do if we had met in the road as he did not seem to want to veer from his ambling ways. I clapped my hands and hollered and he didn't even blink an eye. (I guess he has eyelids). Then I thought, "He's just an armadillo. I wonder if I can tap him with my foot and make him roll up in a ball. That would be cool to see." My husband said that Texas armadillos don't do that....I trust his knowledge about armadillos as he is smart about this kind of stuff.

Then, I remembered reading somewhere that armadillos carry leprosy and I did not want or need that on my foot right now. YUK! Thankfully, he veered off to the right and crawled into a culvert...like that was his house or something. Maybe it was.

It reminded me of ME and how I sometimes meander through life. When I take my attention off of what your word says, I sometimes end up in drainage ditches and culverts, like that is where I am supposed to be and all.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Hebrews 2:1-4}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews%202:1-4&version=NIV

We must pay the most careful attention, therefore,
to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
Hebrews 2:1


Monday, December 23, 2013

Will Bellies Be Fat in Heaven?


Dear God,

I ordered and received a book yesterday about solutions to menopause....ugh....

I have not hit that stage of my life yet, but if I live another 20 or so years, I am thinking that I will hit it at one time or another. So, I was reading about belly fat. I don't like belly fat. Does getting older make bellies fatter, or is it what we are eating and lack of exercise that does it? I am not sure. I have noticed my stomach hanging over my britches lately and I don't like it. I have been eating a lot of sweets and fried chicken too. Could that be the culprit or is it that I am pre-menopausal? hmmmm.....?

Why can't the world accept big fat bellies as the norm? That would solve the problem once and for all. Stupid world and their flat as fritter ab expectations. Let's not mention anything about heart disease here.

I love you Lord. All of this won't matter in Heaven I am guessing.

Frettin' 'bout it ain't good!

Love,
Me:)

{Daily Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 12:12-26}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20corinthians%2012:12-26&version=NIV

If one part suffers, every part suffers
with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
I Corinthians 12:26

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Living in a Barn


Dear God,

My house, the building that I live in currently, is making me sad. It is dragging me down. It is so dirty and messy and unorganized. It is just a mess. I think one of my problems is that I love to look at pictures of beautiful houses. I see these crisp clean, immaculate structures with perfection dripping all over them, and I imagine living in the middle of such order and beauty after a long day at work. When I come home, dishes are placed in the sink with a million flies buzzing around, dog poop is on the floor somewhere, my husband has written swastika signs in the dust on our furniture because he knows how much I can't stand that sign, bird seed is always on the floor next to our bird's cage, trash cans are full, on and on and on. You know. And to top that all off, I am tired.

I don't know what to ask here Lord. I guess could you please send an answer to this mess and help me create a home to live in and not a barn to live in. Actually, I have been in barns that are cleaner than my house. Thank you for barns. At lest I have a place to live and I am thankful for that.  Help me to take care of my home out of complete appreciation.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Proverbs 14:1}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%2014:1&version=NIV
(I always feel this way at this time of year)

The wise woman builds her house,
    but with her own hands

the foolish one tears hers down.
Proverbs 14:1

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Right Hand Man


Dear God,

I need a right hand man down here. I'm NOT talking about another husband either. One is enough and thank you for him.

I am talking about a partner at my job. I NEED a helper in the worst way. You know how HARD things have gotten with all the new changes. I know that this is where I need to be right now, I just need a little physical help from a real live breathing individual. Also, please help me to LET THEM HELP ME. That is hard too as you know what a perfectionist I am in some things. Funny, in other things, I am a slob. Lovely balance there.

Anyway, I thank you for being there with me now as I go through the multitude of tasks that need doing. Somehow, and I know it is your presence, there truly is calm in this storm.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Psalms 16:8}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2016:8&version=NIV
**Special note: this was written many months ago and since then, God has brought very special people into my job to help with the "right hand" kinda tasks. He DID hear me.....:)

I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
    With him at my right hand,

I will not be shaken.
Psalms 16:8

Friday, December 20, 2013

Wrap Your Arms Around the Lonely


Dear God,

Be with the lonely people today/tonight. I write today/tonight because this world constantly has day and night going on at the same time.

You know the exact number of people living on this earth. You also know the exact number of people that are lonely too. No one should be lonely in a world that has billions of people in it and one awesome God that loves them so much that He sent His son to die for them.

Please wrap your arms around the lonely folks and somehow let them know that You love them.

Did Jesus ever feel lonely when He was in the world?

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:10-14}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2018:10-14&version=NIV

What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and
one of them wanders away, will he not leave the
ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for
the one that wandered off?
Matthew 18:12




Thursday, December 19, 2013

A Mule Girl



Dear God,

If I had to be compared to a horse or a mule, I would have to pick a mule. Yep, pretty sure it would be a mule.

Mules are kinda dopey looking, but cute. They make different kinds of vocal sounds than that of horses. They work really hard and get little credit for it unless they have a really good master.

The good thing about it is that I have a REALLY GOOD MASTER. When people around me don't even notice what I do or how hard I work, it really doesn't seem to bother me because I really am working for You anyway. YOU see this mule girl and I hope that I am pleasing you with the job that I am doing.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:5-9}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%206:5-9&version=NIV


Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the
Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will
reward each one for whatever good they do, whether
they are slave or free.
Ephesians 6:7-8
{NOTE: I know this is a donkey and not a mule.....I haven't had the privilege to snap some pics of mules yet...}


Wednesday, December 18, 2013

The Joy Givers

Dear God,

A dear sweet lady came into my work today and she had made little magnets with a little American flag taped to them for all of us at work. She had hand written on little pieces of paper the names and dates of all the holidays that the American flag is to be flown. The really neat thing about this lady is that she is 88 years old. Her mind is amazingly sharp. How sweet to have her think of others. I think that I will have to keep this item for a very long time. God, her little old body is so worn. She could barely walk into the building. She had a cane and walked very slowly. I bet it was hard for her to see and write such small print for all of us.

God, thank you for such wonderful people that give of themselves to bring joy into other people's lives.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading(NKJV): Psalms 16:1-11}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2016:1-11&version=NKJV

As for the saints who are on the earth,
They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.

Psalms 16:3

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Will There be Banjos in Heaven?


Dear God,

I really like being around people that play music. You know Lord that my dad can play a heck of a banjo. I will never be able to listen to banjo music while I am alive without thinking of dad. Here is the question, I mean the request that I have Lord. I sure hope that when dad's time to leave this earth comes, there are really good banjos up there. Well, let me rephrase that: Are there banjos up there? Whatever is there, musically speaking, I am sure that dad will pick it up and play it. He has just about played or attempted to play everything on earth. We had in our house while I was growing up: banjos, guitars, fiddles, bagpipes, mandolins, a cello, snare drum, trumpets, flugel horn, piano, harmonicas....just to name a few.

Just lovin' music folks today Lord!

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Psalms 33:1-32}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2033:1-22&version=NIV

Sing to him a new song;
    play skillfully, and shout for joy.

Psalms 33:3

Monday, December 16, 2013

Calm in the Storm


Dear God,

I had a dear lady sit at my desk one day and tell  me about her daughter and son in law losing their home to a tornado in Oklahoma. The tornado hit an elementary school and her son in law was in the school trying to get his daughter out when the tornado hit and the building fell on them. No one was hurt and he helped the school children and teachers out of the school. When they got outside, his truck was completely destroyed and their housing addition that was across the street from the school was gone.

God, thank you for being there for those people in the midst of that awful storm and saving their lives that day.

Love,
Me:)

ps: I hate when the winds and storms of this world destroy people. Such an awful tragedy when it happens.


{Daily Scripture Reading: Luke 8:22-25}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%208:22-25&version=NIV

He (Jesus) got up and rebuked the wind and the raging
waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.
Luke 8:24b

Sunday, December 15, 2013

♥My Man♥


Dear God,

I would like you to know that I am thankful for the man that I married. I am so glad that he knows you too. We have been together over 25 years. We still laugh together and we enjoy being around each other.

Thank you for bringing someone into my life to help me in this world. I only want to be married ONE time while walking down here, so I think this one was a good choice.

I love you Lord.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:22-33}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%205:22-33&version=NIV

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother
and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.
Ephesians 5:31

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Thank You for Chickens


Dear God,

I had an egg sandwich for breakfast and two fried chicken legs for lunch. I just want to say thank you for creating chickens. I sure would be hungry right now if they weren't around.

Oh, how simple life would be for us if you had designed us to live without eating. As I get older, I have discovered that I really "am what I eat". Not saying that I am a chicken or anything, but I am talking about the nutritional value of what we stuff in our faces.

If we know fruits, veggies, grains, lean meats are good for us, then why is there such a battle to stay away from the Fried Hershey Bars in life? Oh the agony!!

I guess that I am trying to say "Help me eat the right kinda foods, Lord". Please.

Thank you.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Daniel 1:3-15}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=daniel%201:3-15&version=NIV

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal
food and wine, and he asked the chief official
for permission not to defile himself this way.
Daniel 1:8

Friday, December 13, 2013

WAIT......!


Dear God,

I got to see the neatest thing this morning. Twice a week, the trash truck comes down our road and I swear you send them to build up my patience because I get behind them almost EVERY time I am heading for work as they are loading the trash in their truck. I have to wait.......

Well, this morning was no exception. Our neighbors across the street have had an old recliner sitting on the side of the road for almost two weeks. I almost sat in it one day when it was real nice out but it had little black bugs all over it so I opted "out" on that idea.

Anyway, for some reason the trash guys decided to load that chair into the trash truck today. Great....even longer to wait. BUT, I got to watch as that truck mashed the CRUD out of that chair. It was so awesome. That thing was reduced to nothing in about 10 seconds. Sometime when I have to wait for things to happen that I have no control over I get to experience life's chair crushing events.

COOL!!

Thanks for trash trucks, recliners, and waiting.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Romans 8:18-27}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:18-27&version=NIV

But if we hope for what we do not
yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Romans 8:25

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Mornings, Proverbs, Coffee, and Fruit


Dear God,

Thank you for making me a morning person. I LOVE mornings. It's pretty much the only time of day that I can be by myself and read, write, plan, or think about stuff. Thank you for coffee and fruit in the morning too. These two things have certainly become a morning ritual with me now. If I don't start the day off with these two things, I feel off kilter a bit. (Kilter-that's a weird word. I think I will look that up later.)

Thank you for making Proverbs have 31 chapters. I read the correlating chapter to the day of the month that I am facing in the mornings. On months that have less than 31 days, I just double up at the end of the month. Gotta have my daily dose of proverbial wisdom in the mornings as well.

Thank you for quiet in the mornings. I relish the peacefulness.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Proverbs 12:1-28}
what I read this morning....
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2012:1-28&version=NIV

In the way of righteousness there is life;
    along that path is immortality.

Proverbs 12:28


Wednesday, December 11, 2013

What's in a Name?


Dear God,

Thank you so much for all my little oddities. I love them so. Being "odd" feels good.

One of my oddities is that I love to collect cool names of people. If I hear or read what I think is a really cool name, it immediately gets added to my list.....my "List of Cool Names" list.

When children are born, the parents have a huge responsibility to choose a name that could possibly determine the very fate of that child. I read in the police blotter portion of our local paper a few months ago that a young boy was arrested for killing his girlfriend. His name was Whiskey. Whisky Dalton. I wrote that name down. It is a cool name with a sad fate.

God, names were so important back in the old testament/new testament times. Sometimes, you even change people's names to match their new calling in life; ie. Saul to Paul, Abram to Abraham.

Names.

Just something on my mind today.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 17:3-8}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%2012:1-3&version=NIV
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%2017:3-8&version=NIV

 No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be
Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.
Genesis 17:5

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Sticks and Stones and Tongue


Dear God,

"Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me."

I don't remember when I heard this as a child, but I remember getting it's meaning. I'm tough. I can handle mere words from someone.....let these words roll off my back. They won't penetrate into my mind or soul at all.

God, I found this in your word:

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat it's fruit." Proverbs 18:21

If "sticks and stones" is true, why so many suicides? Why so much depression? Why so many disputes among men? Maybe things we learned as children are not true. Maybe these pretty little rhyming words have no meaning at all. Maybe they are leading us away from the truth of what matters.

Lord, this is much to think about.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Proverbs 18:21}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%2018:21&version=NIV

The tongue has the power of life and death,
    and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18:21

Monday, December 9, 2013

The Bread of Idleness Taste Too Good Sometimes


Dear God,

Can you please give me the mind and energy to be ORGANIZED in my home? I feel like this ONE THING is dragging me down and keeping me from excelling in other areas of my life. I am getting to really dislike going to my house. Not because of my family because I love them. It's just all the clutter! Your word says that I can do ALL things through Christ and I am certain this pertains to house cleaning as well. Do I waste my time doing frivolous things? Honestly? I do at times. I think a lot of things in life are laying "beyond my grasp". I can see them, I am having a hard time reaching them though.

I need your help to do the things that I need to do. Please show me the way.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Proverbs 31:10-31}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%2031:10-31&version=NIV

She watches over the affairs of
her household and does not eat the
bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31:27





Sunday, December 8, 2013

Hidden Heart Words


Dear God,

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."
Psalms 119:11

God, it is difficult for me to memorize words. I think my mind is so junked up with useless info that it disconnects the lines that I need to use for memorization. The memory chords seem damaged in my head, at least, that is how I feel.

Memorization is Good. Memorizing Your words is REALLY good. I took and made the time to memorize James 1:2-5. (funny....can we TAKE and MAKE time???/I digress) Anyway, those few words have made a HUGE impact in some of the decisions that I have had to make in my life. Just those few words have helped me over some pretty good sized hills the last few weeks. Just THINK of the strength and wisdom that can be obtained by "words hidden in our hearts". It blows my simple little mind to ponder it.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: James 1:2-5}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%201:2-5&version=NIV

Let perseverance finish its work
so that you may be mature and
complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:4


Saturday, December 7, 2013

"7" The Number of REST


Dear God,

I am tired. Our bodies are not made to go-go-go all the time, are they? It is hard to observe the seventh day of rest and yet You told us to rest on the seventh day. As I am getting older, I FINALLY am seeing the importance and value in resting every seventh day.

We need it to recharge. We need it to get our focus and visions in order for the upcoming week. We need to spend our time on the seventh day drawing closer to You for our strength and guidance. It is a lot.

For me, it is hard to take time to "sharpen the ax" but if I want to be of better use at all to You and the people around me, I HAVE to do it.

Lord, thank you for day "7".

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Genesis 2:1-3
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%202:1-3&version=NIV

Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy,
because on it he rested from all the work of
creating that he had done.
Genesis 2:3





Friday, December 6, 2013

What is Man that You are Mindful of Him?


Dear God,

What is man that you are mindful of him?
Psalms 8:4

I read this verse two days ago and I can't get it out of my head. King David wrote this. A king, a leader, a man after your own heart was wondering the same thing thousands of years ago that I am wondering about myself.

When I think of who You are and all You have done, and I think of myself (a tiny little ant of a person) I HAVE to ask the same question as David......What is man that you are mindful of him? What is man that you would send your Son to DIE for him? The magnitude of the love that you must have for us is too much to comprehend.

What is the next level of "Thank You"? That is what I owe to You.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Psalms 8:1-9}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%208:1-9&version=NIV

What is man that you are
mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?

Psalms 8:4

Thursday, December 5, 2013

The "Little" Things


Dear God,

I just drove by a house that made me smile. Do you know why?

I noticed some of the "little" things that the owner had done to make this house a home. There was a pretty flower wreath hanging next to the front door. Potted flowers and plants were sitting on the front porch, perky and alive. To the side of the house, there were those wonderful metal lawn chairs with cushions on them arranged in a semi circle with a beautiful water garden behind it. What a perfect place to relax. The grass was manicured, the trees where trimmed and the entire front and back yard was shaded.

I only looked for two seconds and this is what I grasped.

Lord, thank you for the people that take care of the "little" things because the "little" things make all the difference sometimes.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Proverbs 30:24-28}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2030:24-28&version=NIV

Four things on earth are small,
    yet they are extremely wise:
Proverbs 30:24

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Skip to My Lou My Darlin'


Dear God,

When I was little, I remember sitting around a tape recorder while my dad played the guitar and we would sing "Skip to My Lou". Last week, we were playing music around the town square and my dad was playing his banjo. Guess which song I was singing? Well, you already know, but it was "Skip to My Lou".

I am so glad that some things never change, especially You and Truth.

Thank you for things that never change. Thank you for creating the person that wrote "Skip to My Lou". Did they know that when they wrote it, a daughter and her daddy would be singing it together for over 40 years? How cool is THAT?

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Proverbs 17:6}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%2017:6&version=NIV

Children’s children are a crown to the aged,
    and parents are the pride of their children.

Proverbs 17:6
(special note: this picture was NOT taken by me, but by a newspaper
photographer a few years back)

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Lord, Protect Our Church Leaders


Dear God,

I know that churches get bad raps from people that don't want to go and have no interest at all in attending.

I think that I need to be more involved in my church. I think it is time to help and to give more: money, time, and talent. People that help others and give these things to help others whether in church or not, seem to be more joyful and empowered in their lives.

Some weeks, I can't WAIT for Sunday. Sometimes, church feels like my haven from Hell. "Hell" being this world and all its problems. Lord, protect and guide the leaders in our churches. Don't let them be tainted by this old world but help them to stay true to your word and help their hearts to be open to the leading of your Holy Spirit.

We NEED good leaders. To be a good leader takes a great deal of sacrifice and people just don't seem to want to do that anymore.....or so it seems to me sometimes. A seed has to die so a tree can grow.

Lord, thank you for leaders; what pressure they must face each day. Help me to be a leader for you and give me the wisdom and your strength to do so.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:15-29}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=colossians%201:15-29&version=NIV

And He is the head of the body,
the church..
Colossians 1:18a


Monday, December 2, 2013

A Different Kind of REAL to Me


Dear God,

You are a different kind of "REAL" to me.

You are the kind of real that I can't see.

You are the kind of real that I can't hear or touch or smell or experience in a physical sense. You gave us each other to have the "physical" experiences.

In my soul, I can hear you, see you, feel your presence, taste and touch you.

YOU are a totally different kind of "REAL" to me.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 4:16-18}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Corinthians%204:16-18&version=NIV

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen,
but on what is unseen, since what is
seen is temporary, but what is
unseen is eternal.
II Corinthians 4:18


Sunday, December 1, 2013

A Gentle Answer is the Answer


Dear God,

I don't like it when I hear people hollering at each other. I was not raised in a house of screamers and it makes me really uncomfortable to be around people that yell at each other when they get mad.

Now, if the hollering is a joyful type of banter back and forth, THAT doesn't seem to bother me. I like loud HAPPY people. The loud ANGRY people are the ones that make my stomach hurt.

I had a man describe to me what it was like for him to be raised as a child with his parents screaming and fighting. He said he would go to school and walk around with the jitters as a little boy. He said it was like he was always waiting for people to yell at him. His is still suffering the consequences of being raised in that environment even though he is a grown man.

Yelling and Screaming will always be around, I guess. What do I do about it when I hear and see it? Lord, help me to know what to do.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Proverbs 15:1-4}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%2015:1-4&version=NIV


A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Can't Say THANK YOU Enough xo


Dear God,

You give us so many wonderful things in this world. Should I try to list everything or is there even enough paper in the world to write all the good "stuff" that you have blessed us with?

Every cloud, and tree, and flower, and animal, the mountains, the air, the oceans and seas......they surround us ALL.

God, you are most glorious. You are wonderful. You have given me a good man, good children, good parents, good in laws and sister in laws, a good brother, a job......! Just plain old GOOD STUFF!

THANK YOU!!:)

I can't say it enough.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Psalms 8:1-9}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms%208:1-9&version=NIV

Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name

in all the earth!
Psalms 8:1


Friday, November 29, 2013

70's Barefeet


Dear God,

I grew up as a kid in the 70's. I know you already know that. I wanted to thank you for the exact time that you put me on this earth. I could have been born in the early 1800's or 1618 or 200 BC. Boy, would I have been a different person if I had been born at any of those times.

Do you know what I liked about growing up in the 70's?

We went shopping barefooted. I remember getting in the car to go to town as kids and me and my brother wouldn't have shoes on nor would we take them with us. Mom didn't even care and she was picky about EVERYTHING. People didn't expect children to wear shoes back then. We would even run into other kids in the stores that didn't have on shoes. We were so happy back then. Maybe people would be happier today if they didn't have to wear shoes.......maybe?

Did Jesus wear shoes? Sandals?

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Psalms 26:1-12}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2026:1-12&version=NIV

My feet stand on level ground;
    in the great congregation I will praise the Lord.

Psalms 26:12

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Broken People Can Do Stuff


Dear God,

My daughter told me one time "Broken people can do stuff".

Isn't that the truth Lord? It seems like people who have been through great trials and tribulations in this life have so much more grit and are more apt to accomplish things than people who have never been broken. I've read that when bones are broken, reset, put into casts, and then go through the healing process that the mended area is stronger than it was before it was broken. That's what I have always heard.

If it is true, then this would be a good analogy; broken bones and broken people.

People are stronger where they heal just like bones are stronger in the broken area that has healed.

Thank you for healing and strength. They seem to go hand and hand, don't they?

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: I Peter 2:19-25}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Peter%202:19-25&version=NIV

...by His wounds you have been healed.
I Peter 2:24b


Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Divorce :(


Dear God,

Divorce is a horrible thing, isn't it? I have never been through one and hope to never have to go through one.

I work with several people who have been divorced or are in the process of getting a divorce. One of my friends has been in a bad marriage the entire time she has been married and now her and her husband are seeking council to try and reconcile some pretty traumatic things that have gone on while they have been married to each other. If I were her, I would have left a long time ago and not tolerated the abuse. I do admire their commitment in trying to save their marriage as they are in counseling. I tell people that I would NEVER put up with abuse but they say that the abuse is so gradual that they didn't even realize it was happening until it got to a dangerous point in their lives.

God, please be with these people that are going through divorce and marital problems. They need your strength and wisdom to sustain and help them through this pain.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: I Thessalonians 5:12-24}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20thessalonians%205:12-24&version=NIV

.....hold on to what is good, reject every
kind of evil.
I Thessalonians 5:21-22

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Liar Liar Pants on Fire...OUCH!


Dear God,

Is it possible for a human to never tell a lie while alive on this earth? Is it? I know that Jesus did not lie.....EVER.

Proverbs 12:17-22 talks about lying and how you detest lying lips.

Do I ever lie? To say that I don't is to tell a lie. This is pretty heavy on my heart because I don't like lying and I don't think that I intentionally do it, or do I? This is really hard to write about because I don't like saying that I lie. If I tell someone that I am a liar, would they believe me? I think being noted as a liar would not be a good thing. I have heard that there are Liars Clubs that people belong to and I wonder how they know where to meet if the person setting up the time and place to congregate is a liar. How would they know he/she was telling the truth?

Lord, help me not to lie and please bring it to my attention when I am faced with a situation that would be tempting to do so.

Love,
Me:)


{Daily Scripture Reading: Proverbs 12:17-22}
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%2012:17-22&version=NIV

Truthful lips endure forever,
    but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

Proverbs 12:19