My Dad

After 400+ posts you tend to forget what you have already said. I had to look back to see if I had posted about my dad before and I don't think I have. For Father's Day we took my dad to the Chinese Acrobats at the Eismann this afternoon. We all really enjoyed the show and found their dexterity to be amazing. We especially enjoyed the fellow who stacked six chairs on top of a small platform and then did handstands on the top. Who thinks of such things? Where do you go eat after Chinese Acrobats? The Great China Wall Buffet of course. We had a good time. We were just so thankful that my father was up to going out and did so well! Hopefully we will be able to continue our Father's Day celebration tomorrow and go to worship together. He loves catfish, so we are going to Old Whiskers for lunch.

I am just so very thankful that God is allowing us to have more time with my father. He is anxious to go home and be with God, but we selfishly want him to stay with us a while longer. He feels like he does not have a lot to contribute right now since his health does not allow him to do the things he would like to do. But we are just so blessed to be in his presence. He is auch a gentle giant. So humble. He loves God with all of His heart.

The reason I love my dad so much is because His love for God overflows on me. He and my mother married when I was 15. He had three children, she had three children,5of us were teenagers when they married. I only lived with him my sophmore, junior, and senior year but from the get go he loved me just like I was his own blood. He never used the stepdaughter terminology and I never called him my step father. The more he loved me the more I was able to understand God's love and the way that He has adopted us and made us his children. I know so many other blended families who did not have this uncondtional love for one another. How very thankful I am that God blessed me with a Father that knows how to love like He does.

How thankful I am that He and I share faith in our God and have the assurance that we will one day spend eternity in heaven together. I don't have that same assurance with my birth father. We do not share faith. But God has done a major healing in our relationship where at least we do communicate (for 15 years we did not).

So I hope you all have a wonderful time with your father tomorrow. Happy Father's Day to one and all!

First Light Final Post

I have enjoyed going deeper and thinking about the questions posted at the end of First Light. Makes me kind of wish there was a book club where we were reading these seven books and discussing them. Here are the last questions.

One day you will see Him face to face. Believe it, Peniel. That is what faith is. Gershon, Peniel's brother (pg. 179)

When you think of home, what places and images come to mind?

I wish I could say that I automatically think of heaven as home. If I
had not seen the quote above this question, I would have probably thought in earthly terms. My home is where I am blessed to live with Steve. I have to admit that the house we live in now probably isn't what I would think of. Our home was in Mesquite. We got to pick out the brick, the tile, the wall paper, etc. It had our touch and was our first to pick out together. Our current house was a compromise. I liked it for the pool, but Steve preferred it over another house I liked. But home??? Is it a structure or a state of mind??

I do know that heaven is really my home and when I think of heaven, I see all the images I have read about: pearly gates, streets of gold, no tears, angels, worship, etc. God,Jesus, Moses, Elijah and all the saints who have gone before us.

Your life is a testimony to the truth of what you believe. If someone looked at your lifestyle and what it says about your priorities, where would they guess your true home is?

Wow! What a thought provoking question. I know what I wish I could answer. I wish I could say everyone knows that heaven is my priority by my lifestyle. That I am about my Father's business. But I am afraid right now those that are closest to me would say the television is my priority. I have it on way too much for mindless hours of nothing. This week I have made a concerted effort to keep it off in the afternoon. I am trying to read more. But in order for my lifestyle to look like heaven is my priority I need to be about what James 1:27 tells me to be about: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

To obey the voice of the sent one! No matter how foolish the command might seem! To believe the Word and act on it. Obedience was an act of faith. (page 370)

What is God asking you to do?

First Light, Part Three

Here are some more questions you are asked to ponder after reading First Light. Since there haven't been any comments, I am assuming these questions aren't causing anyone else to ponder, but that is okay. Maybe you have to read the book to relate?

If you dream big what do you wish could happen in your life? What currently seems out of reach?
There is a character in the book that longs to be healed from his infirmity. For me my biggest dream right now is to lose weight and be healthier. For most of my adult life this goal has seemed out of reach. Last Friday I weighed in 40 pounds less. I am not dieting. I am making healthier choices in my eating and I am exercising a little more. When I first started I could only ride the stationary bike for 2 minutes. Now I am up to 30 minutes and 6 miles. It hasn't been a fast lose, but I think in the long run it will be a lasting lose (instead of how I usually go off a diet and gain weight back)

What do you think God's purpose for your life is? How do you live into that purpose.
From the age of 16 I knew that God's purpose was for me to work with children. I helped teach them as a teen and in college. I volunteered with troubled teens before I became a social worker. Then eventually God led me into Children's Ministry. Right now? I'm not sure what my purpose is. I am patiently waiting for Him to reveal it to me. And when He does I will live into that purpose by obeying and doing it wholeheartedly.

What's your life goal? Your ultimate ambition?

To spend eternity with my God and hear Him say to me "Well done good and faithful servant".

"Yahweh knows your name. Yahweh hears your cry. Yahweh loves you. Yahweh has come down to rescue you. Yahweh is your light. Yahweh is your hope." Mosheh (p. 277) What in your life would change if you took this promise to heart?

I wouldn't fret or worry, I would just bask in Romans 8:28 that "ALL things work together for good to those who love the Lord."

First Light Part Two

The Book Of Beginnings says that God, the Creator, took great care to "separate the light from the darkness" (Genesis 1:4,18) He made a clear distinction between things of light and the things of the darkness. How can you tell the difference between things of light and things of the darkness? What criteria do you use as your measuring stick?

For me things of the darkness feel like darkness. They are usually filled with guilt not peace, depression not thankfulness, envy not rejoicing, bitterness not forgiveness. Things of the light have a lighter feel to them and only bring feelings of joy. When I am in the light I don't need to justify my decisions. My measuring stick has to be "be holy as I am holy" I Peter 1:16. If I am constantly aiming to be as holy as God...it informs every decision I make.

Peniel, whose name means "face of God" makes this statement "I have learned that those that make religion their God will not have God for their religion". Do you agree or disagree? Why?

I agree. Seems like there are a lot of people that "talk the talk" and don't "walk the walk". I know that I am guilty of that myself. Whenever we get caught up just doing the right things (i.e. go to worship but just go through the motions, pray, read the Bible etc.), but we do so without relationship with the Lord without letting Him grow us deeper, without being transformed more and more into His image, then we are just worshipping religion and not God Himself.

Darkness is always all around us. If you expect it, rather than being surprised by it, how will your response change the next time evil is done to you?

In John 16:33 Jesus tells us that we will have trouble. So if we live life expecting that then we can be more thankful and rejoice more everyday that we don't have trouble. Jesus also told us when we are weak He is our strength. Don't know about you but that brings me great comfort and makes it easier to know that nothing will happen that I can not handle with His help.

First Light

Saturday morning I finished a book called First Light by Bodie and Brock Thoene it is the first in the A.D. Chronicles seven book series. If the following six are anything like the first it is going to be a great summer read! These books are Historical fiction and this one had characters who were living in the beginning of Jesus' ministry. The lead character was Peniel who was actually the blind man that the Pharisees asked "who sinned him or his parents". I don't want to give too much of the plot away for those of you who might want to read the book. But what I do want to do for the next few posts is post some questions where were given at the end of the book to lead you into deeper Bible study. I found some of them very thought provoking. I will put their question in bold italics and then my answer. I am hoping some of you will be able to share some of your thoughts as well.

If someone you really trusted asked you privately what your biggest life question is, what would you say? What situation past or present makes this question particularly important to you?

I think right now my question would be why God allows children to suffer. I understand suffering being part of a fallen world, I just don't understand when it is children who have not had an opportunity to have what I would call a normal life. And even more so children who parents with amazing faith who believe that God can heal their child and keep trusting in Him and praying for Him to do so.

Jeremiah 6:16 " "Stand at the crossroads and look;ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,and you will find rest for your souls."


If you had exactly one hour to talk to Jesus face-to-face what questions would you ask Him? What comments would you make? What emotions would you share?

I don't think I would take time to ask Him questions. I think I have more questions for God than Jesus. I think I would just be spending my time thanking Him for His sacrifice and my salvation. I think I would be more interested in listening to Him and what He would want to say to me than taking up the time with me doing the talking. I am anxious for that day when I won't just get an hour with Him but eternity. As the song says "I can only imagine".

As an addendum to this post I will admit that I used to say that I would have two questions for God one day "why did He put salt in the ocean", swimming in the ocean would be so much more fun without the salt. Can't say it is for the fish because they were created after the water. Then my other question is "where does snot come from?" You blow and blow and it just comes back. I know....your opinion of me just dropped ten notches. The great thing about my God????? Is there is not any question too serious or too silly for Him and how I long for the day that we will know as we have been known (I Corinthians 13:12)

Sunday Snippets

Different blogs I read have taken a day and have days where they post the same kind of information each week (i.e. Music Monday, Thankful Tuesdays, etc.) I have decided since Steve and I will be visiting other churches this summer that I would post some observations from whereever we attend worship and call the post Sunday Snippets.

This morning we went to Highland Oaks, we had heard that this was going to be Tim Spivey's last sermon after being their minister for 5 years. Both Steve and I were very impressed at the way Tim chose to say goodbye to that church. He used the opportunity to cast a vision for their future. What I thought was interesting is that he used the same sermon text that he used in his first sermon in October 2002.
His sermon that day was about his vision of ministry with that church. And today it was his vision of how they would continue on in being the church that God has called them to be.

Highland Oaks worship minister is Chad Higgins and he does a great job of helping to bring you into God's presence. The opening Bible reading was from Psalms 29.
1 Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of his [a] holiness.

3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.

4 The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.

5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
Sirion [b] like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the LORD strikes
with flashes of lightning.

8 The voice of the LORD shakes the desert;
the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the LORD twists the oaks [c]
and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"

10 The LORD sits [d] enthroned over the flood;
the LORD is enthroned as King forever.

11 The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace

These verses really set the stage this morning for my heart to engage God in worship.

During communion we sang all to Jesus I surrender, but instead of singing the chorus we started singing "Lord Take Control". It was a great blend of two songs.

A couple of points in the sermon that caused me to really think were:


For God's Sake Be Excellent: Tim said that we are conditioned to do our best at sports, in school, so why would we not give God our best? Why would we not make sure our ministries are the very best they can be? Our lives the very best they can be. Made me think isn't that what it means to love God with ALL of our heart? I have to confess that many times in my life it is what I think is good enough that I give to God, not what I know that is best.

So if you were to take a guess at what is the most repeated command in the Bible, what would it be? I am not sure what I thought it was, but I would not have guessed "do not be afraid". I came home and did some research and found that it is repeated over 100 times. So does worry have a place in my life? If I worry am I not trusting? Not quite the context Tim was using the reference in, but it did get me thinking down a different track. He did say "if you want to grow a church point it to it's greatest fear". I wonder how leadership determines that?

We had heard that even though Tim had resigned from this position it was not what he really wanted to do. We don't know any details and we don't have to know, but we were impressed that Tim's humility in preaching a sermon that honored the elders and complimented them for their faith and shepherding hearts. He prayed that when they look back on his time with them that they would all be able to see that it was just the starting place for the mighty work God was going to do.

So on this Sunday Snippet day it would be great of some of you would also share a snippet or two from your time with God today.

Today's Random Thoughts

I was going to post about a book I finished reading this morning, but some other things happened today I would like to talk about first. The book will wait till tomorrow and probably take a few days because of some profound questions in the book.

Anyway, for today. I am not a Hillary Clinton fan, but I thought she was admirable with the way she did her concession speech today. I don't think I could have had that kind of composure after losing such an empassioned race.

Steve and I were honored to be invited to the wedding reception of Deb Aldrich and Ken Williams. For those that don't know, Deb and her husband Doug were in a tragic accident in December of 2004. It has been such a blessing for me to watch the healing that God has done in Deb's life. It hit me this morning that her relationship and marriage to Ken is a living example of Isaiah 61:3 where the Lord has brought beauty from ashes and joy from mourning. They had a private family ceremony and then a reception at Cantina Laredo. Steve and I had never eaten at this restuarant, but will definitely be going back. It was delicious.

We then stopped by the Plano Life Center to visit Jeff Curtis. He has MS and had a pulmonary embolism. He will have to be in the rehab center for a few weeks while his body adjusts to being on comudin. Please add Jeff to your prayer list. Specifically that the Lord remove all the blod clots and that Jeff will have the strength to be patient. It cannot be easy being in a facility for rehab that is 80% elderly people who actually live there all the time. As we were leaving this little lady was pushing herself in a wheelchair and just moaning and crying. I felt so helpless and didn't know what to do. Unfortunately, I have to confess I didn't do anything. Jeff mentioned that he just has not seen many visitors come to visit the residents there another visitor who was there in the room said "you can understand why. Who want's to visit a nursing home?". Just thought it was a sad comment. Who likes to visit a hospital? The point being is it isn't suppose to be about you, it is about the person who needs the visit. So if you have time in the next two weeks, go by and visit Jeff. It will be you that is blessed by his sweet spirit.

Finally, who else was routing for Big Brown to win the Kentucky Derby?? Who would have ever guessed he would come in last?? Bet the people who took the risk and bet on Da'Tara are happy campers at 38 to 1? Gives new meaning to "the first will be last and the last will be first".

Stinkin' Thinkin'

Seems like I sure do a lot of blog confessions. Here is my latest. I struggle with stinkin' thinkin'. My flesh tendency is bent toward being more negative than positive. So anytime I can find something that helps me think more positive I tend to gravitate towards it. That was the way it was with this article by Ed Young Jr. from Fellowship Church.com in Grapevine. So when Satan tries to rob me of my true identity I can counter with these truths.

On Location - Sam I Am (Scar Tissue)
by Ed Young
Who we are today is a direct result of our past. We all have scars and wounds from the words and actions of others and from our own failures and mistakes. But for the Christ-follower this is not the end of the story.
As the Spirit of God uses the Word of God to remake us into new creations, these scars from the past become stepping stones to spiritual maturity. Embrace these top ten principles from God's word and allow Him to rebuild your battered self-esteem:

10 I am created
For we are God's workmanship. Ephesians 2:10

9 I am chosen
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you...1 Timothy 1:4

8 I am protected
Protect me as you would the pupil of your eye. Psalm 17:8 (NLT)

7 I am complete
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

6 I am victorious
In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

5 I am called
[God] has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace...2 Timothy 1:9

4 I am forgiven
There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

3 I am free
Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. John 8:32

2 I am loved
I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jeremiah 31:3

1 I am accepted!

Here's hoping these truths will bless you as well. Have a great weekend!

How Many Men Does It Take?

Today I had to drive to Mesquite and chose to go down Jupiter to 635. Traffic was being diverted to one lane and when I finally got to the intersection I saw it was for some new striping of the street. One man was walking with the striping machine and 3 men were standing and watching. What purpose were they serving? I am not sure.

But I did get to listen to a great song during the wait.

Bebo Norman Lyrics
I WILL LIFT MY EYES Lyrics

Worship Posture

So today I just want to admit to a pet peeve of mine. There is a song we sing in worship entitled "I Stand In Awe of You". The lyrics are:

You are beautiful beyond description
Too marvelous for words
Too wonderful of comprehension
Like nothing ever seen or heard
Who can grasp you infinite wisdom
Who can fathom the depth of your love
You are beautiful beyond description
Majesty enthroned above


And I stand, I stand in awe of you
I stand, I stand in awe of you
Holy God to whom all praise is due
I stand in awe of you.

Every time we sing this song in our worship our worship leader motions for everyone to stand and everyone does...except me that is. You see, I don't understand why saying "I stand in awe of you" warrants a physical posture? There are many different definitions of stand and stand in awe is considered to be "To be in a specified state or condition" not "To rise to an upright position on the feet". (check dictionary.com)

But for the sake of argument let's just say I am wrong and the lyrics actually do mean to rise to your feet and we are faithful to do it everytime we sing it. Then why is it when we sing "I lift my hands", a few lift hands, but when we sing we bow down or I bow down I never see one person bow??? I do try to bow my head as I physically cannot get down and back up, and perhaps I am being judgemental and other people are actually bowing their heads as well. But...my pet peeve is that it is never as many people bowing or lifting hands as "standing in awe", when it doesn't even mean to physically rise. Just makes no sense to me.

Final God On Mute Post

Well, I finally finished God On Mute. If you are struggling at all with unanswered prayer in your life this is definitely the book to read. There is just so many deep thoughts in this book. I will finish up my posts on this book by what captured my attention today.

Peter Greig tells us about a man named Antoni Gaudi who began building a basilica in Barcelona, Spain called La Templa Sagrada Familia in 1880 and worked on it until his untimely death in 1926 when he was run over by a tram. He was buried in the midst of his unfinished masterpiece.


You can find out a lot more about this amazing structure athttp://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/spain/barcelona/sagrada/sagrada.html

Peter Greig goes on to say they are still building the basilica to Gaudi's plans and it will not be finished until 2026. He states "Gaudi's vast project reminds me that we are all called to pour our lives into something bigger than ourselves. Life is not a short story. I am not the star. And so, like Guadi giving his life to the construction of an edifice that outshone and outlasted him, we too contribute what we can to the epic story of God, a tale with many characters, vast battle scenes, a million interweaving subplots and many perplexing twists and turns."

He goes on to talk about Revelation 5:8 "The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which was the prayers of the saints." Peter Greig thinks that this is referring to our unanswered prayers and the part they will ultimately play in the fullfillment of God's epic. He states that our unanswered prayers may be the real ministry of our lives. He then quotes Tim Chester from The Message Of Prayer.

"Prayers we think of as directed to the present are in fact being stored up to be answered on the final day. When we pray for those suffering ill health we are expressing our longing for the day when there will be no more sickness(Rev. 21:4) When we pray for God to end wars and opression we are expressing our longing for the day when the kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdom of our God and of his Christ (Rev. 11;15) When we pray for mercy on those suffering natural disaasters we are expressing our longing for the day when creation itself will be remade (Rev. 21:1)...The prayers we think have gone unanswered may in fact be stored up in the bowls of incense held by the twenty-four elders,waiting for a greater fulfullment than we ever anticipated...Many of your prayers are lodged there and one day they will determine the ultimate course of history."

Peter Greig sums up his book in these words "I don't always understand God's ways in my life, but I am absolutely certain that He can be trusted".

For me this teaching was something that I have never heard anywhere before. I knew my unanswered prayers would be answered in heaven but had never contemplated they may have an eternal purpose. So the next time I have an unanswered prayer, I hope I can remember all the lessons I have learned from this book and praise God that one day the eternal purpose will be revealed. I close this book by echoing "I don't always understand God's ways in my life, but I am absolutely certain that He can be trusted".

Sunflowers

Today I picked up a gift from my Secret Sister. It is always a fun surprise. Today she gave me a Sunflower jig-saw puzzle. I enjoy working jigsaw puzzles and this will be a fun summer puzzle. But what was special is she also gave me this "real-life parable" by Evelyn Bence.

"For my birthday I received a framed photo snapped at the edge of a field of blooming sunflowers. They all seem to be smiling at the camera, which focuses on one bright blossom, a soloist set apart from the backup choir.

I remember the first time I saw a sunflower farm. With my parents I was driving north along one of New York's scenic Finger Lakes. Grape country. On the other side of the next knoll, I expected to see another sloping vineyard. Wasn't I surprised—wowed by a radiant expanse of big flowers, thousands of little suns shining on me and my journey.

Later in the day I drove back by the field—in the opposite direction. From the north the view was less spectacular. My father quickly provided an explanation: "The blossoms always face the sun." Morning to night they shift their gaze from east to west, always fixed on the direct source of light.

Sunflowers. Surely there's double meaning in their name. The huge flower-faces that so evidently tilt toward the heavenly light also look like the sun, reflecting its golden glory.

That's also true of us if we heed the suggestion in Hebrews 12:2: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus." As we look at him, we begin to look like him.

This morning I hung my new sunflower photo right at the top of the stairs. I want those bright blossoms to shine on me.

Lord, as I fix my eyes on you, allow me to see how I'm reflecting your glory."

So I will have an extra special joy in putting this puzzle together as I will think of this parable as I put together the pieces and be reminded that God is also restoring me one piece at a time and I will continue to keep my eyes fixed on Him in hopes of relecting His glory.

Melissa and Jeff Stringer

Tonight Steve and I were blessed to watch Melissa Landry marry Jeff Stringer. I just love weddings. It always takes me back to my own wedding and remembering how that day is filled with so much emotion. You think that nothing will ever change. You really don't have a clue what marriage is really going to entail. It really is a day when you are living a dream.

Melissa was a beautiful bride. I always love watching the groom's face as his bride comes down the aisle. Just something special about that anticipation.

I am glad that R.E. is a place where there is freedom to have whatever kind of music you want for a wedding. Melissa had a string quartet and they played "How Beautiful" as she walked down the aisle. What a perfect song. The very song reminding us that we as the church are the bride of Christ. John Siburt did a nice job of reminding us all that our marriages testify to the world what God's love looks like.

They had a D.J. and one of the songs was my favorite that I love to sing to Steve.
It is Anne Murray's "Could I Have This Dance"


Yep, I love weddings. We get to go to three more this summer!!!

Movie Hype: To See Or Not To See?

For weeks there has been so much hype about the release of "Sex In The City". The trailers make it look like so much fun. I have to admit I only watched it once or twice on HBO and did not see what the hub-bub was all about. But thought I would just look at the reviews to see about the movie. There are several different sites I look at that give a movie review from a Christian perspective.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/
Language/Profanity: Multiple profanities, mostly involving the “f” word.
Sex/Nudity: Be forewarned: This is definitely the HBO, not the edited TBS version of “Sex and the City,” so there’s plenty of push-the-envelope sexual content. Not only do these ladies pontificate extensively about their sex lives, (and graphically so), but we see Miranda and her husband Steve (who are married, incidentally) go at it in one scene (with both male and female nudity with breasts shown). In what’s an ongoing joke through the movie, Samantha watches a neighborhood couple have sex several times, complete with male and female nudity and plenty of leave-nothing-to-the-imagination vocal hysterics. Samantha’s neighbor apparently showers in public, and there’s a lingering close-up of his rear. Later, Samantha lies naked on the kitchen table with only sushi covering her in the appropriate spots. Her boyfriend Smith’s backside is shown in a couple of different scenes, along with their sexual encounters. There’s a kiss between two men at a party. There’s another ongoing joke about Samantha’s recently fixed dog who is always humping anything it deems worthy. And basically, the list could go on and on, meaning there’s no shortage of graphic sex—featuring marrieds and singles— in this city.

http://www.crosswalk.com/movies/
Craft-wise, SEX AND THE CITY is well written, well performed and well directed. No matter how much heart and sincerity this movie may have, however (including some moral, redemptive themes of forgiveness), SEX AND THE CITY is a movie that any media-wise person should want to avoid. The movie’s content is abhorrent. It contains an over-abundance of sexual content, including several scenes of depicted sex and even one scene of group sex. Along with the strong sexual content, of course, comes a lot of unnecessary nudity, including partial full frontal nudity. There is also lying, adultery, drunkenness, and a further normalization of homosexual and transsexual perversion.

http://preview.gospelcom.net/
Never having seen the TV series, I am what is known as a SATC virgin. Indeed, I kept looking for Teri Hatcher, suddenly realizing she’s in that other TV series about women behaving badly. I knew it was going to be bawdy, but honestly had no clue as to just how raunchy the material would become, with its humor ranging from less than subtle sexual references to sight gags concerning pubic hair and diarrhea. Even more disturbing than the several sexual situations, which were played out like a porno film, was the attitude toward the priorities of life. The Sarah Jessica Parker character is rich and lives to shop. (She has shoes that cost over $500.) Watching this film you’d have no idea that there was poverty in the world or that anyone cared about spiritual matters. It’s downright decadent.

I won't be going to see it based on the reviews. And I won't ask if you are or not. But I do have a question, these people that write the Christian reviews. Does the end justify the means? Is it okay for them to go see such movies in order to warn me why I shouldn't go see them? I am glad they exist because I used to just go to movies blindly without educating myself first. It helps me to make better decisions (since the rating system doesn't always work, I've seen some PG-13 movies that were worse than R rated). Anyway...when you look at the decline of morality in movies from when the country was up in arms for Rhett Butler saying "damn" in Gone with the Wind to now where there is multiple use of the"f" word and nudity and sex and nobody flinches?? Why is it not considered pornography when there is sexual intercourse with nudity at a movie, but it is on the computer? I wonder where our morality will be in another 25 years? I can only pray the Lord comes before then.

Only One Got It

Another thought from God On Mute.

"One day, Jesus cure 10 men of leprosy and then sent them away to get checked over by the priests. Only one of these men-- and a Samaritan at that--returned to say thank-you. "Were not all ten cleansed?" exclaimed Jesus. "Where are he other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" (Luke 17:17-18) This storydoes not merely teach us a lesson about manners but also makes an important point about priorities: All 10 men were equally healed, yet only one truly worshiped. The other nine considered their answered prayer more thrilling than the presence of the Answerer. They took their healing gladly, but they missed the greater miracle of all: the presence of God!"

Wow! Am I so guilty in this!!! I have been much more concerned about my answer to prayer than just the joy of spending time with the Lord. I also confess that sometimes I spend time with the Lord because "it is the thing to do" rather than the joy of His presence. I hope that this particular lesson will seep deep into my soul. I think it could be transforming!

Another God On Mute Chapter

First of all I changed my blog again because Steve did not particularly like the new change. He said it reminded him of the avocado colors of the 70's (or was it the 60's?) anyway... I found another template (f0r a while anyway). I think I would like to learn HTML and do blog designs. I think it would be fun.

Anyway...today I was back in God On Mute (only 2 chapters left to finish it) and once again Pete Greig said several things that caused me to think deeper. Here are some quotes:

"Life's great trials invariably either leave us bitter or better, they never leave us unchanged."

In talking about God's silence between when Jesus died and was raised he says this:
"If I had been one of the disciples, I know exactly where I would have spent the sabbath. I would have hid out with Martha, Mary and Lazarus. With Jesus dead and buried, there would have been no one that I would've wanted to see more than Lazarus......I hope that you have a Bethany that you can go to when you are wrestling with unanswered prayer. It could be a place, a book, a piece of music that reminds you of all the good things God has done in the past. It could be a person like Lazarus whose very being makes the presence and power of God real to you even when life is at its worst. Bethany is the connection point that reminds you of something you once knew for sure that God can do immeasurably more for you than all you ask or imagine, that the Kingdom remains a matter of power (see I Cor 4:20) even when there's little evidence of it in your present situation, and that all things are possible for him who believes."

"Whatever else God may or may not be, He is present in our pain. He suffers with us. Why He doesn't step in and simply put an end to the suffering now, I don't know. Believing that some day He'll make everything right doesn't make lie easier now.....'He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.' (Matthew 8"17) He didn't just 'sympathize' with us. And he didn't just bear our 'spiritual' sickness. The ext says he actually carried our diseases"

"Sometimes it's not enough to tell a suffering friend you're praying for them. Sometimes you have to become the answer to your own prayer. I realize that God is present in the midst of suffering because we are present in it. We are God's presence. Holy Saturday is the day on which we wonder, where is God? Yet the answer might be that He is right there with us in the muck. When we are present in a situation--no matter how terrible it may be--He cannot be absent. Whenever life gets tough and we cry out to God for help, our desire is always to be airlifted out of the theater of war. But more often than not, instead of airlifting us to safety, god parachutes down to join us in the much and chaos of our situation."

"With hindsight, we know that Holy Saturday was not the end of the world. It was the space between two worlds--a day on the very cusp of beginning. Living as we do with the hindsight of Easter Sunday, we can endure our Holy Saturdays, with a certain optimism not afforded the disciples that day. God may be silent, but we know that He will speak soon. many of our prayers will go unanswered, but not for long! We may even be dying, but on our Holy Saturday, we have reason-good reason--to believe in the resurrection awaiting us on Sunday. Like Lazarus and Mary Magdalene, we can look back at all that Jesus has done for us in the past with grateful hearts, even if we don't know where He is right now."

Another Why Question

Aren't you glad we have a God that is not intimidated by our questions? I sure am, because I have quite a few. Today in my Bible reading, I read this in Psalm 127 "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are son's born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." So when I read this I immediately asked Him, why didn't Steve and I deserve this reward? Another question without an answer. Another question where we trust that for His reasons it was not for our best to have children. We are at the age where most of our peers are having grandchildren. That will not be a blessing that we receive either. "Children's children are a crown to the aged." Proverbs 17:6

Satan the deceiver would like to use verses like these as an attack. "You are not worthy", comes the voice. I recognize the lie. I know that it doesn't change the reality and I won't have children, but I do have faith that for whatever the reason God withheld this blessing from us, it is still in His divine plan of love for us. I will continue to wait in hope until the Lord reveals His reasons and gives me an eternal reward of a different kind.

Me To We

Today I caught the tail end of Oprah where she had an episode on O Ambassador's which were children who are being assigned to different countries and they are to try and create ways to make a difference for children across the sea. There was mention of a gentleman named Craig Kielburger, who first appeared on Oprah when he was 16 and started an organization called Free The Children. In 2004 he and his brother wrote a book called "Me To We". In looking at their website this is the information I found.

"At heart, Me to We is a life philosophy: it offers us a way to live life, and its wisdom is the kind developed over the course of a lifetime. At the most basic level, it embraces the idea that we can all build a better life-and our ideal world-through reaching out to others. In practice, it involves focusing less on "Me", and more on "We"-our communities, our nation and our world as a whole. Today, Me to We is a worldwide movement of people finding purpose through living with compassion, strengthening community and making a commitment to our shared humanity. Me to We is about living our lives as socially conscious and responsible people, engaging in daily acts kindness, and building meaningful relationships with others. Some may see this as a step forward, a fresh way of looking at the world. Others might see it as a step backward, a return to the simplest, purest, and most basic impulse of humanity to reach out to each other for survival. From either perspective, this philosophy represents a change in focus, a shift from the inside out."

You can find more information at http://www.metowe.org

So, I would be interested. Have any of you read this book? Just looking at the information on the blog I could not help but think. Is this not what Christianity is suppose to be? Should we not be about changing the world through our compassion and good deeds? I have to admit that I stand the most guilty of not getting outside of my comfort zone "the church" to actually engage the world. 99% of my ministry has been "in the church" verses in the world. God has been showing me that fact a lot lately. I am still not sure what Steve and I are being called to do, but I feel like it is going to look very different than it has before.

On the Me To We website there are stories of children making a difference in the world. How do parents raise a child like Emma Hanson who says "I want to not have birthday presents for myself but spend my birthday money on other sick children?" Starting at age 6 and every year thereafter that is what she has done and now she plans months in advance and works with the children’s hospital, sponsors and organizations. She was recently invited to speak at other schools. You can read more about her and vote for who should win $5,000.00 towards their charity at http://www.metoweawards.com/2008voting.php

So in hopes of generating discussion, what do you think the world would think of Christianity if we were known more for what we are doing than what we don't believe in? I pray that I can turn from me and join we (that would be Christ in me).

Remembering Their Sacrifice

I have to confess when it comes to Memorial Day I don't usually spend a lot of time thinking about the significance of the day. I just usually celebrated being off work an extra day. Last night and today Steve and I have watched a couple of different things on HBO, the History Channel and TBN specifically on WWII Veterans. Most of these men are now in their 80's and listening to their memories of the war has really tugged at my heart. I tend to forget that war is real and watching your buddy get shot or slaughtered next to you has to be a horrific experience. 60 years later and these men still speak of their experience with tears in their eyes. They have not forgotten.

It made me realize I cannot forget them. So this Memorial Day more than any other I will be contemplating those that gave their life so that I might enjoy the freedoms that I have. There are a lot of people that do not agree with the war in Iraq right now. It doesn't matter if I agree or not. What matters is everyday men are giving up their lives because they believe in serving this country and that is what they are being asked to do. They don't do it because they agree necessarily either. They do it because that is what they have been asked to do, and they make the sacrifice for all of us. We often lift these soldiers up, but we should also spend some time thinking about their spouses who have to live life without them.

So during your cookout, movie outing, time with friends, just kick back time at home or whatever you are doing tomorrow, take some time to find a way to say thanks to those who have laid down their life so that you and I can live in this country and enjoy the freedoms that we have. Happy Memorial Day!

He Has Them All In His Hand

Today I was reading 3 stories in the Christian Chronicle about the deaths of a couple, a 17 year old and a five year old, all from different parts of the country. I somehow ended up at the site for a child named Ethan Powell who died from leukemia at 16 months. As most of you know once you find one site on YouTube then similar subject matters also show up. There were several of children who are suffering from one type of illness or another. But the one that just tugged at my heart was of a little girl that was born without a face. Her name is Julianna and she is now 6 years old. She has an incredible spirit although her face is so disfigured and she can only speak through sign language. Don't ask me why I kept clicking, so many children suffering in so many different ways. There was a set of 16 your old conjoined twins Abby and Brittany Hensel who have embraced living as two in one body. Then site after site of memorials to children who have passed away. Some at birth, some later, some by disease, some by abuse, some by car accidents, or falling out of windows. On and on it went.

Don't ask me what possessed me to just keep on clicking. I guess it was just another reminder of how we are surrounded by people in pain and most time we don't even know it. All it takes is a trip up to Children's Hospital and you are quickly reminded. Little Gillian Deans has been in Medical City PICU for almost a month now and still has a minimum of a week to go. She now has a permanent tracheotomy. I don't know how Steven and Kimberly do it. Imagine day in and day out caring for a child who requires 24/7 nursing care (which they never totally get). Yet the Deans continue to look to strength from our Almighty God and praise Him for the miracle of Gillian. So many blogs where people are doing that as well...their faith is a written testimony for all of us to read even if we don't know them.

And now I am asking why am I posting this? Just an opportunity for all of us to thank God for the blessings in our lives. We are not guaranteed anything. And perhaps you could just stop after reading this and say a prayer for all the children and families out there who struggle daily just to survive another day. If you need a name, pray for Gillian or for Avery Akeman or Mallory Kirby, all children who are connected to our R.E. family.

And we sing "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name. On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand."

Blog Readers

You just never know who is reading your blog. You may remember on April 25th I listed several tickets that I had to different events for the taking (with only 2 takers by the way) Anyway... a couple of days later I recieved this message on my gmail account. I had no idea about any of this information about the Cowboy Hall of Fame and thought it might give some of you an idea of something to do one day this summer.

"As I monitor our name on Google Alerts, your blogged info came up. When I viewed it, I read that you had purchased an "advertisement" book and was offering coupons that you would never use. That is what Google picked up and "alerted" me about. I would personally like to invite you to visit our museum, Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. We showcase the worlds' largest collection of lifestyle wagons. Our collection has over 60 restored wagons to their original condition. We have a hearse wagon that is from the 1600 era, a wagon owned by Jesse James, two wagons that were in John Wayne movies (McClintock and Quiet Man), not to mention a US Mail Wagon, lumber wagon, Opera Coach, Doctor's Buggy and many many more. In addition, we also showcase over 70 men and women who have made a significant impact on the sport of rodeo, cowboy and the horse industry. We have people such as Buck Taylor, George Strait, Red Steagall, Lane Frost, Don Gay, Light Crust Doughboys, and even Willie Nelson. Each inductee has a booth containing personal memorabilia that is on loan to us by them. We also have an exhibit of Chisholm Trail artifacts, The John Justin Jr. Trail of Fame (contains person information and memorabilia) of Mr.. Justin who was part of the founding family of Justin Boots and a leader of Fort Worth. There is also the History of the Charro and Zigrang Bit Collection (over 100 antique steel horse bits). On May 15, we will debut our newest exhibit -- hands on learning for children -- The Adventures of the Cowboy Trail. Here children will learn to pack a chuck wagon, create their unique brand, learn about how a cowboy packed and readied for the trail (saddling a horse), and an arrowhead dig. We are excited about this exhibit and know that many children (and adults) will be amazed at what the cowboy of yest-er-year went through on the old dusty trail! We also offer a wonderful Western Gift Shop and the Jersey Lilly Photo Parlor where you can dress in costume and be photographed in a vintage-style sepia photo. And if you do visit, the Cowboy Cattle Pen Maze is just one block away and you can use your coupon there too! I thank you for your time, and hope that you will take me up on the offer to visit."

To which I say "Who knew"?

Principles To Live Life By

In Our Journey (a daily devotional book), Monday's thought had this reading entitled 8 Principles To Live By and I thought they were interesting, and thought I would share.

1. I will do all things unto the Lord.
Romans 14:1-9
2. I will live in the light of the judgment seat of Christ.
Romans 14:10
3. I will consider my weaker brother in all I do.
1 Corinthians 8:13
4. I will do nothing unless I am sure it is the right thing to do.
Romans 14:22
5. I will do all things to the glory of my God.
I Corinthians 1o:22
6. I will avoid what may appear wrong even if I know it is not.
1 Thessalonians 5:22
7. I will abstain from things which could enslave me.
I Corinthians 6:12
8. I will seek always to do what I believe Jesus would do.
Romans 12:1-2

I don't know about you but if I made it my goal to follow these 8 principles there are areas of my life that would be quite different. Especially number 3, 5, and 6. What about you? Do any of these challenge you? Or do you have others you would add to the list?

I Confess, I Am Impatient

I read this devotional thought today on my Encouragement For Today on Crosswalk.com. Such truth here for me and where I am right now. Hoping to find joy in waiting in expectation!

God, Could You Please Hurry?

Amy Carroll

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end."Ecclesiastes 3: 11 (NIV)

Those of us that have lived in rural areas know that tractors on the road are a fact of life. However, just because they are a fact of life doesn't make them any less irritating if you're in a hurry! I followed a tractor down one of our narrow two-lane roads recently. At one point I completely lost my patience for its pace and started yelling (unheard--thank goodness), "Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!" It didn't speed up the tractor at all. How many times have I approached God's timing the same way? And it never hurries Him up either. I admit God often does not operate at a pace that pleases me, and I want Him to hurry, hurry, hurry! I'm thinking Sarah, Abraham's wife, felt the same way. After waiting 10 years for a baby that God had promised Abraham (read Genesis 12-21 for the complete story), Sarah decided to "help" God. Surely 10 years was too long for anybody to wait. So Sarah gave her maidservant Hagar to her husband, and the two of them had a child. Soon the two women were at odds. Talk about a soap-opera! Finally, fifteen years later, the child promised by God to Abraham and Sarah was born. God was not late. His timing was perfect. It was Sarah who was in a hurry and rushing things, but she found out that there was a price to pay for manipulating her circumstances. I know Sarah and I are not alone in our desire for God to hurry up. I once heard it said that we are people with gods on our wrists. In Isaiah 55:9, God says, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (NIV) God's timing is part of His ways. I may be tapping my watch, but He is never late. He may seem slow, but He is always right on time. Has God made a promise to you that is slow in coming? Has He planted a dream in your heart that has yet to come to fruition? Don't give up hope! God is faithful, and you can rely on His perfect timing. Fix your eyes on Him and enjoy the journey to your destination. There are things to be learned along the way that will enhance the joy of a promise fulfilled.

Cool Picture

Thought this picture I found on someone elses blog was so cool.
Can you find the baby?

Steve and I spent most of the morning at a new chiropractor. I hate health insurance and having to change doctor's all the time because your insurance doesn't stay the same or they drop a doctor. We didn't get any relief today, but that is okay, a good chiropractor would not touch you without looking at your x-rays first, so we are hoping to get some relief on our followup visit tomorrow.

Saw Simon Cowell on Ellen this afternoon and he predicted David Cook would win AI, but then tonight he gave all 3 rounds to David Archuletta. So how about you? Who did you like the best tonight? I have to actually agree that David A. did an outstanding job tonight. I just appreciate how humble he is.

Mutual Submission

First of all is there anything better than a homemade grilled hamburger? Tonight we grilled hamburgers for my parents and then watched the finale of Dancing With The Stars. The burgers were great. I am rooting for Kristi to win Dancing With The Stars. Don't really care which David wins American Idol tomorrow night. Neither one of them would cause me to spend any money on their album.

Now on to today's post title. The other day I read this on a blog "I've often heard people question the whole idea of putting your needs before another because that is what Christians are commanded to do. To be honest, I've seen this concept abused most of the time. Sort of like the whole "wives should submit themselves to their husbands" topic. What does that mean exactly?"

I know I have bragged on him here before, but I am so very thankful to be in a marriage where it is easy to be submissive to my husband. I don't know if I have mentioned this in a previous blog, but Steve and I are complete opposites. You name it and we do not have it in common. He is a morning person, I am a night owl; he likes things planned, I like spontaneous; He likes to save money, I like to spend; I love playing games, he does not; I love to swim, he does not....and on and on it goes. But we have a GREAT marriage and the reason why is that we understand that the Lord brought us together for His purposes. We mutually serve one another. I wish I was as good at it as Steve is, but I continually try to work on getting better at putting his needs before my own. God placed me in Steve's life to make his life better and he in mine to make my life better. When you have a husband that is the living example of Ephesians 2:25-27, it is easy to be submissive. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." Steve actually proposed to me promising to do his best to live out this verse and I can say for almost 19 years he has done it amazingly well. That is why it is easier for me to fulfill Ephesians 2:22-23 "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." It brings me joy to put Steve's needs before my own, I just wish I was half as good as he is at doing it. Maybe one day I will be.

Call me optimistic but I hope there are more marriages out there where this mutual submission is lived out than not. After all it is the way that God meant for it to be.

More Pictures

Sorry that the pictures aren't formatted very good, I just can't figure out how to do it??? Anyway, here are a few more...


This was a presentation before the Passion of Christ called the Potter where this man gave us the spiritual applications of God molding each of us as he made this vase from clay. This man also plays Jesus in the play.













This is the Christ of the Ozarks. Built in 1966 and over 67 feet tall.













Christ of the Ozarks at Sunset from our seat at the Passion of Christ.

Eureka Springs Pictures

So here are some of the pictures from our trip to Eureka Springs.



When we drove up to the cabin these geese greeted us.

This is the cabin we stayed in. It was called Bayberry.

You can kind of see the deck on the right hand side.

I fed the squirrels on the deck some peanuts, then watched them eat them.

This was the entrance to the Tabernacle in the Holy Land Tour. The Priest's name was Ben he was a retiree from Kansas who now plays the part of Dan the Priest.

There was a life size replica of the tabernacle

The Ark of the Covenant

The replica of a house in Bethlehem on the Holy Land Tour.

Replica of the Inn at Bethlehem. 8-10 people would sleep on mats on the floor. The entrances were small to keep the Roman soldiers out. I am thinking perhaps it was better to be born in the stable with more room than this?

This was one of about eight outdoor sets of the Passion of Christ

This is Peter at the Sea of Galilee telling us about his life with Jesus and us being Fishers of Men

I don't remember what they called these fish but we counted 17 of them at the Sea of Galilee.

Home Sweet Home

We got home about 7:00 p.m. I always have mixed feelings about being home. It is good to be home but I just enjoy being away. What I don't enjoy is riding in the car especially when it is the same thing I have seen many times before (as it is coming and going to Omaha). This time going was better since we went to Eureka Springs first. That was all new territory and 1/2 of it really pretty.

We came home via McKinney so that we could stop and eat at Ruby Tuesdays. We first ate at one in Tennessee and noticed on our way out of town there is now one in Mckinney. We like their hamburgers.

One thing I will enjoy is being back in our bed. Sleeping in a double bed doesn't quite work for us, especially with Steve having to constantly move with his hurting shoulder. We are looking forward to finding a chiropractor/physical therapist this week to help him out.

Well, better get to doing all that laundry :) Hope everyone has a great weekend!

For The Birds

I love birds. They amaze me. I find it amazing that when God was creating birds He did not just say this a bird. But this is a yellow bird, red bird, blue bird, brown bird, black bird, orange bird and even PINK or how about those Fruit Loop birds? If that was not enough He said this one will sound like this and that one will sound like that; this one will fly like this and that one will fly like that or better yet this one won't fly but spend most of their time on the ground with their head stuck in the sand, but still be a bird? This one will have to wave it's wings up and down continually to fly but this one will just be able to catch the wind and soar. This one won't land on branches but will land on the side of a tree and then start pecking at the tree with it's head (which I will have to especially encase their brain so they can do). This one will stand on one foot and be fun to have as decoration in people's yards :)
I find it fascinating too that different birds live in different regions. Gives us another reason to convince our husbands to travel.

This is a Red Warbler. It landed on the tree in front of me on the deck today and just had the most unusual sound. I wish he would have stayed longer, but he flew away fairly quickly.

The little yellow finches are so bright and pretty.
Then there is the ugly black crow. Do you ever think he wonders "why did I get the short end of the stick?"

Anyway...thanks and praise to God the creator for giving us variety. It makes life so much more interesting.

Steve and I will be heading back to Richardson tomorrow. Hate the thought of having to drive, but look forward to being back in my own bed!!!!

GPS

Yes, I love my GPS. Not that a few times it does some really strange things. On the way to Omaha Sunday it had us doing something really crazy outside of Joplin Missouri but after a few turns that made no sense to us we just got back on the Freeway and kept going and it caught up. But today I took my mother in law to get a perm. It was a 3 hour process and after an hour of sitting decided I would go shopping. I typed in the store I wanted to go to (Catherine's) and it took me right to it. I needed to go get a gown. I brought one I had not worn in awhile and every night it is not moving with me and I end up choking. Weird I know. Anyway...my favorite part of the GPS is when I don't make the turn it tells me to and it says "recalculating", sometimes I drive around in circles just to see what it will do. Now one day maybe it will be smart enough to say "stop it".

Yeah For Wireless Access

Steve's brother Russ surprised me with setting up wireless access at his mother's house. Thanks Russ! So I have spent today catching up on blogs and emails while Steve took his mother to three different appointments. Russ lives about 500 yards from Steve's mother and has had the burden of being her full time care taker since Steve's father passed about 5 years ago. Since her accident back in March he has had to leave work several times a day to either take her to therapy or to come home and take the dog out. Chewy (the dog) is 14 years old and has gone blind and has diabetes. She requires lots of extra attention. So this week our goal is to give him some relief from both of their care.

I spent the morning sitting out on the back deck reading a book called Mad Mary by Liz Curtis Higgs. I think I have already read this book because as I am reading it several things feel familiar but I cannot remember how it ends. Does this happen to anyone else besides me? I do the same thing with movies sometimes. I don't remember seeing them till almost the end and then I remember the ending. Don't know what that says about my attention span. Anyway...it was a beautiful morning and I enjoyed the deck even though I didn't see the wildlife that I usually do when I am here. Steve's dad always kept the bird feeders filled around the deck and there were always beautiful finches (all different colors), but you can tell the touch of his hand is not here. I know Russ does the best he can because he works full time and gets called in for all sorts of overtime. I sat and could not help but wish I could physically get out and help trim dead branches off trees and mow the back. There are 10 acres to be mowed and the back hasn't been cut and doesn't look as good as it used to. But...I would never say a word, and I definitely cannot help out.

Steve is still having problems with the pinched nerve in his neck and is having to sleep upright in the lounge chair. If anyone has any advice for a pinched nerve between the neck and shoulder, we would appreciate hearing it. Heat hasn't helped much, or ice. Medication is sure not working.
I think he needs to do some neck stretches, but he says it hurts too much to try. Anyway....let us know if you have a miracle cure.

We worshipped in Joplin, Missouri yesterday morning. On the way there we saw a stretch where one of the tornadoes had gone through Saturday night. Mostly a lot of trees that had been uprooted or bent. They did encourage their Life groups to not meet and to go out and find ways to minister to the people who had lost property. We tried to watch the news here in Omaha to see what we could find out, but guess it wasn't too important here in Nebraska? Don't know how 21 people can die and 100+ injured and it not be leading news, but it wasn't.

Well that is all the rambling I have for today. Hope everyone has a great week.

Blogging from Eureka Springs

Well, I really didn't plan on blogging this soon on our trip, but we are stuck inside with it raining today. Nothing like renting a cabin with a porch and view so you can sit out on the deck and enjoy nature, just to be stuck inside! So...things are going well and not so well at the same time. Steve has had to sleep upright in a chair for the past two nights because the pinched nerve in his shoulder makes it too hard to sleep. So a romantic cottage and separate sleeping arrangements. Nice huh? There is a wonderful jacuzzi tub that we both have been able to take advantage of. It has helped his shoulder in the mornings and really helped my foot last night. My feet were very swollen after spending the day at the Passion of Christ. We did the 2 1/2 hour Holy Land Tour and toured the Creation and Bible Museums and then watched the outdoor Passion last night.

I actually enjoy the Promise at Glen Rose better than this presentation of the Passion because you can tell they are just miming words or putting motions to prerecorded words here, but it is still very impressive. Although it is rather a tame production because even after scourging Jesus there was no blood on his back. But it was a nice day. We had decided to do that on Friday and then just use Saturday to kick back at the cabin assuming their would be more tourist here on Saturday than Friday. So...glad we did that as we would would not have wanted to be touring today when it is much cooler, 62 degrees and raining.

This morning we have fed ducks that came to our porch some cheddar crackers, and some squirrels on our porch railing some peanuts. I have watched 3 red headed woodpeckers chasing each other and then listening to them peck on the trees. If I had brought my cable I could have downloaded some pictures for you, but didn't think about it and didn't pack the cord, so will just have to tell you about it now and post pictures later.

Finding places on the internet can be interesting. Somehow our experience has been they look better on the internet than they actually are. While this cabin is adequate, it isn't exactly what I had hoped for. The furniture is antique so not just real comfortable to relax and sit in. The kitchen is well stocked though. While the cabins are on Lake Lucerne, it is not much of a lake. I would define it more of green pond. You can't really see the water from our deck. But you can definitely hear the geese!

I don't know how we got internet access today as we don't have cell phone access here (no connectivity) and yesterday and the night before when I tried to email my mom and tell her we made it here safely, we could get nothing. Today, still no cell phone bars, but internet seems to be strong. So there you have it.

We will be leaving tomorrow for Omaha and I won't have wireless access there, so probably won't be posting. Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

My Name Is Joy

First of all thanks to those that took the time to answer yesterday's blog, I found your answers to be very interesting.

Today was the end of this year's Ladies Bible Class and we had a sharing session. I was sharing that while I was able to attend Ladies class more faithfully this year, I did not spend the time I could have studying the lessons at home. But I would go to class even if I had not completed the lesson and would still be blessed by listening to what the other women had to say. I went on to confess to the class what I had said in my blog a few days ago about being numb but just trying to continue to do the next right thing.

Yesterday I read this quote from the Screwtape Letters in God On Mute. This is where a senior demon is talking to his nephew about the times when people can no longer sense God's presence and His purposes have stopped making sense.

"Sooner or later God withdraws, if not in fact, at least from their conscience experience...He leaves the human to stand up on it's own legs-to carry out from the will alone duties which have lost all relish...Our cause is never in more danger than when a human-no longer desiring but still intending to do God's will--looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys".

A few years ago Karla Gerdes told me that God had told her that my name is Joy. I have not ever forgotten that, but continue to struggle to live into that name. So I was saying this morning that I will continue to walk in obedience and know eventually the joy will catch up with me and I will actually feel it. Several ladies were very sweet to affirm me and tell me that while I may not feel joy, that I am giving others joy. Then the most amazing thing happened. We had been singing several songs that Karla had picked up and she began the next song on her list. It just happened to be...

The Joy of the Lord
The joy of the Lord will be my strength
I will not falter, I will not faint
He is my Shepherd, I am not afraid
The joy of the Lord is my strength
The joy of the Lord,The joy of the Lord,
The joy of the Lord is my strength
The joy of the Lord will be my strength
He will uphold me all of my days
I am surrounded by mercy and grace
And the joy of the Lord is my strength
The joy of the Lord,The joy of the Lord,
The joy of the Lord is my strength
The joy of the Lord will be my strength
I will not waiver, walking by faith
He will be strong to deliver me safe
The joy of the Lord is my strength
The joy of the Lord,The joy of the Lord,
The joy of the Lord is my strength

It was not a coincidence. It was once again my God singing over me. Way too cool!!

Just want to let everyone know that Steve and I will be on vacation the next two weeks, so not sure that I will be blogging. I might borrow his blackberry and try if there is just something burning, otherwise check back about the 22nd.

Hymn Memories

Mike Cope recently asked a question on his blog that got 126 responses. So I thought I would post it here and see how many of the 40+ readers of this blog might respond. So here it is...

"“A song we used to sing in worship that I miss (because we no longer sing it) is _________ .”

I have a few. Here is what is at the top of my list:
There Is A Fountain
What Can Wash Away My Sin
Jesus, Thy Name I Love
His Grace Reaches Me

5th of May Punny

Thanks to Susan Thomas here is a punny post.

Hellmann's Mayonnaise

Most people don't know that in 1912 Hellman's Mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York . This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico. But as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost.

The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss. Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day. This National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as Sinko de Mayo.

My Kitchen

So I will try and take a break from the serious posts for a few days. Becky Campbell threw down the gauntlet on her blog for us to post about our kitchen, so here it goes.

Kitchen Questions
Three electric appliances I couldn't give up:
My George Forman Grill-I use it about 4 times a week, as that is the way I cook most of my meats.
Waffle Iron-yummmm, love homeade waffles (with p-nut butter on them of course)
Crockpot-love anything that does the cooking where I don't have to stand

Three of my favorite gadgets:
Pampered Chef Self Sharpening Knives-When I need them they are ready
Pampered Chef Ice Cream Scoop-Makes even the hardest icecream easy.
Pampered Chef Pecan Crusher(don't know what the real name is)-love those walnuts in my oatmeal

Three Favorite Cookbooks:
This is a hard one because I don't cook from cookbooks. But if I do need a recipe I just go online to Allrecipes.com or Bettycrocker.com

So everyone else make Becky happy and post your favorite kitchen stuff.

Ressurection

I heard this song on the radio yesterday. I think I had heard it before, but this time it spoke to my heart. For months now I have talked the talk believing what I am saying, but not really feeling it in my heart. There have been moments where I have connected to God in worship, but most of the time I just feel numb. This has not always been the case. I am not sure why it is that way it is now, I just know that it is. So this song will be my prayer. Only God can resurrect my passion for Him. Right now all I know to do is stay faithful to His call.

Resurrection
by Nicol Sponberg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXGRIjmZeZM

I'm at a loss for words, there's nothing to say
I sit in silence wondering what led me to this place
How did my heart become so lifeless and cold
Where did the passion go?
When all my efforts seem like chasing wind
I've used up all my strength and there's nothing left to give
I've lost the feeling and I'm down to the core
I can't fake it anymore.

Here I am at the end
I'm in need of resurrection
Only You can take this empty shell and raise it from the dead

What I've lost to the world what seems far beyond redemption
You can take the pieces in Your hand and make me whole again,
You speak and all creation falls to its knees
You raise Your hand and calm the waves of the raging sea
You have a way of turning winter to spring
Make something beautiful out of all this suffering

Facing Giants

The article I referred to yesterday in Charisma magazine is entitled "Don't Run From Your Giants" by Judy Jacobs. I want to just write several of the different quotes that caused me to think. See what you think.

"Know this: There will always be an opposition to your mission. Whenever you step out and begin to walk in obedience to God, there is going to be some kind of opposition from the devil. As soon as Jesus was baptized by John, He had to face temptation in the wilderness. Our opposition and adversity takes different forms at different times. Today it may be health problems. Last year it may have been a financial bind. Next year perhaps you will lose your job. You can have trouble with your children or conflict in your marriage or a difficult relationship with someone on the job. Sometimes opposition is discouragement, sleepless nights or the stress of having too much to do. God never promised that you were going to float along on this journey of life, smelling roses and never having another problem from the day you were saved. He did promise, 'When you pass through the water, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.' (Is.43:2)

Get it through your head that trials, tests and all kinds of difficulties are inevitable. God will allow as many of them as you can handle, and He always knows how much you can handle. Your part is to decide now that you are going all the way with Him, regardless of how much it hurts. You can be sure that He will train you and strengthen you every step of the way because He wants you to be able to take every step in 100 percent faith. Always remember that it is the devil that brings temptation, but it is God who brings the tests. It's all for your benefit. It's all for your growth.

Some of us started out fighting. But then we started looking at the problems. We started looking at the giants. Stop looking at the giants and start looking at God. He's bigger. God wants to show you, both by helping you through hardships and by delivering you from them, how powerful and faithful and loving He is. He is the lily of the valleys (Song 2:1) But how will you know that HE is the lily if you don't have any valleys? He is the 'Bright and Morning Star' (Rev. 22:16) But how will you know He is shining so brightly if you have never encountered any darkness. Hes is the deliverer. But in order to deliver you, God has to have some kind of tribulations to deliver you from! He is the healer. But how will you know that He is the healer if you don't ever experience His healing touch?

God always takes what Satan intends for evil and turns it into something good. (Romans 8:28)"

I am such a slow learner. God continues to tell me that what I have been going through for the past three years (and other times) has a purpose. I still can't see it, but I rest in His promises that He is my Ephesians 3:20 God and He will do immeasurably more than all I can ask or think. I heard a song on the radio today that continued this theme. I will post it tomorrow.