I wanted to share this devotion that was sent to me today.
"God knows how to save those who serve Him..." 2 Peter 2:9
I stand a few feet from a mirror and see the face of one who has failed my Maker -- again. I promised I wouldn't, but I did.
I drove past that corner and ignored the one saying he would work for food....
I let pass that opportunity to speak to one about their soul...
I spent more time today on myself than on others....
I was quiet when I should have spoken up....
I took a seat when I should have taken a stand....
If this were the first time, it would be different. But it isn't. How many times can I fall and expect to be caught?
My eyes look in the mirror and see a sinner, a failure, a promise-breaker. But by faith I look into the mirror and see a robed prodigal bearing the ring of grace on my finger and the kiss of the Father on my face...
My eyes see my faults, my faith sees my Savior.
My eyes see my guilt, my faith sees His blood.
Something to ponder today.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Sunday, January 21, 2007
The Old Paths
A friend sent this to me and I thought I would share it with you.
THE OLD PATHS
I liked the old paths, when
Moms were at home.
Dads were at work.
Brothers went into the army.
And sisters got married BEFORE having children!
Crime did not pay;
Hard work did;
And people knew the difference.
Moms could cook;
Dads would work;
Children would behave..
Husbands were loving;
Wives were supportive;
And children were polite.
Women wore the jewelry;
And Men wore the pants.
Women looked like ladies;
Men looked like gentlemen;
And children looked decent.
People loved the truth,
And hated a lie;
They came to church to get IN,
Not to get OUT!
Hymns sounded Godly;
Sermons sounded helpful;
Rejoicing sounded normal;
And crying sounded sincere.
Cursing was wicked;
Drinking was evil;
and divorce was unthinkable.
The flag was honored;
America was beautiful;
And God was welcome!
We read the Bible in public;
Prayed in school;
And preached from house to house
To be called an American was worth dying for;
To be called a Christian was worth living for;
To be called a traitor was a shame!
Sex was a personal word.
Homosexual was an unheard of word,
And abortion was an illegal word.
Preachers preached because they had a message;
And Christians rejoiced because they had the VICTORY!
Preachers preached from the Bible;
Singers sang from the heart;
And sinners turned to the Lord to be SAVED!
A new birth meant a new life;
Salvation meant a changed life;
Following Christ led to eternal life.
Being a preacher meant you proclaimed the word of God;
Being a deacon meant you would serve the Lord;
Being a Christian meant you would live for Jesus;
And being a sinner meant someone was praying for you!
Laws were based on the Bible;
Homes read the Bible;
And churches taught the Bible.
Preachers were more interested in new converts,
Than new clothes and new cars.
God was worshiped;
Christ was exalted;
and the Holy Spirit was respected.
Church was where you found Christians
on the Lord's day, rather than in the garden,
on the creek bank, on the golf course,
or being entertained somewhere else.
I still like the old paths the best !
"The Old Paths" was written by a retired minister who lives
in Tennessee
THE OLD PATHS
I liked the old paths, when
Moms were at home.
Dads were at work.
Brothers went into the army.
And sisters got married BEFORE having children!
Crime did not pay;
Hard work did;
And people knew the difference.
Moms could cook;
Dads would work;
Children would behave..
Husbands were loving;
Wives were supportive;
And children were polite.
Women wore the jewelry;
And Men wore the pants.
Women looked like ladies;
Men looked like gentlemen;
And children looked decent.
People loved the truth,
And hated a lie;
They came to church to get IN,
Not to get OUT!
Hymns sounded Godly;
Sermons sounded helpful;
Rejoicing sounded normal;
And crying sounded sincere.
Cursing was wicked;
Drinking was evil;
and divorce was unthinkable.
The flag was honored;
America was beautiful;
And God was welcome!
We read the Bible in public;
Prayed in school;
And preached from house to house
To be called an American was worth dying for;
To be called a Christian was worth living for;
To be called a traitor was a shame!
Sex was a personal word.
Homosexual was an unheard of word,
And abortion was an illegal word.
Preachers preached because they had a message;
And Christians rejoiced because they had the VICTORY!
Preachers preached from the Bible;
Singers sang from the heart;
And sinners turned to the Lord to be SAVED!
A new birth meant a new life;
Salvation meant a changed life;
Following Christ led to eternal life.
Being a preacher meant you proclaimed the word of God;
Being a deacon meant you would serve the Lord;
Being a Christian meant you would live for Jesus;
And being a sinner meant someone was praying for you!
Laws were based on the Bible;
Homes read the Bible;
And churches taught the Bible.
Preachers were more interested in new converts,
Than new clothes and new cars.
God was worshiped;
Christ was exalted;
and the Holy Spirit was respected.
Church was where you found Christians
on the Lord's day, rather than in the garden,
on the creek bank, on the golf course,
or being entertained somewhere else.
I still like the old paths the best !
"The Old Paths" was written by a retired minister who lives
in Tennessee
Breakfast Time
The other day Jim hit a squirrel (he really doesn't do it intentionally), so he stopped and picked it up, cleaned it and put it in the fridge.
This morning I cooked it for breakfast.
Along with ....
Chocolate Gravy
and....
Biscuits. Yummmmm.
Well if you have never had Chocolate Gravy let me tell you.... Well the first time Jim mentioned it to me all I could imagine was making white gravy and adding some cocoa to it, which, even though I looooovvvvve chocolate, didn't remotely sound appetizing. But that isn't the way you make it at all. It is delicious...if you like chocolate.
I use this recipe that I found a few years ago in Guideposts.
3/4 cup sugar
3 tblspns all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 tsp vanilla
3 tblspns cocoa
pinch of salt
2 tblspns butter
Sift dry ingredients together in a saucepan, mix in milk slowly. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth (I let it just begin to boil). Add butter and vanilla. Serve over hot biscuits. Hmmmmmm!
I make this because it tastes good and because it is easy. So to make it even easier I don't bother to sift my ingredients.
Let me know if you try this and what you thought of it.
This morning I cooked it for breakfast.
Along with ....
Chocolate Gravy
and....
Biscuits. Yummmmm.
Well if you have never had Chocolate Gravy let me tell you.... Well the first time Jim mentioned it to me all I could imagine was making white gravy and adding some cocoa to it, which, even though I looooovvvvve chocolate, didn't remotely sound appetizing. But that isn't the way you make it at all. It is delicious...if you like chocolate.
I use this recipe that I found a few years ago in Guideposts.
3/4 cup sugar
3 tblspns all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 tsp vanilla
3 tblspns cocoa
pinch of salt
2 tblspns butter
Sift dry ingredients together in a saucepan, mix in milk slowly. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth (I let it just begin to boil). Add butter and vanilla. Serve over hot biscuits. Hmmmmmm!
I make this because it tastes good and because it is easy. So to make it even easier I don't bother to sift my ingredients.
Let me know if you try this and what you thought of it.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
We're Having A Party!!!
This is soooo exciting!
It's not just any party!
This party is hosted by Janice and Susan over at 5 Minutes For Mom!
It's a WEEK-LONG party!!!
And there will be PRIZES!! PRIZES!! Did. you. hear. me....PRIZES!!
For all the details of hosting your party check it out here .
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
There's No Other Word Than Amazing
I can't begin to express the feelings that I have experienced since yesterday morning watching the results of donations received on behalf of Kelli.
Not only did BooMama host this wonderful event in "BooMama fashion" but anyone, anywhere, had the opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause.
But what has amazed me and blessed my heart so deeply is that everyone who donated did so in an unselfish manner.
Whether you were able to contribute a $1.50 or $100, maybe $1,000, you did so expecting nothing in return personally.
I say this because over the years we have done numerous benefits for children and cancer patients, to our annual Toys of Love benefit. These benefits may have been a success but in every case those donors received something in return....hearing gospel music, food, etc. Even blood donors get a t-shirt. But yesterday ya'll gave expecting nothing but a brighter tomorrow for Kelli and her family. You didn't even receive a sticky smiley face for your shirt, or a symbol pin, a t-shirt...nothing.
I don't know about you but I do know that I receive so much more. It wasn't tangible, but it was felt deep in my heart. Well there is just no better way to say it than "ya'll just blessed my inner soul".
I am so thankful to BooMama for allowing me to be a part of this and I'm very grateful to have received this blessing. You may never know how much I needed it.
If I'm feeling this overwhelmed myself I can only imagine how Kelli and her family feel right now being on the receiving end of such a blessing as you have provided.
I know God's people are loving, caring people but when you see it in action, "there's no other word than amazing".
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
My God shall supply all your needs.... Phillipians 4:19
Not only did BooMama host this wonderful event in "BooMama fashion" but anyone, anywhere, had the opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause.
But what has amazed me and blessed my heart so deeply is that everyone who donated did so in an unselfish manner.
Whether you were able to contribute a $1.50 or $100, maybe $1,000, you did so expecting nothing in return personally.
I say this because over the years we have done numerous benefits for children and cancer patients, to our annual Toys of Love benefit. These benefits may have been a success but in every case those donors received something in return....hearing gospel music, food, etc. Even blood donors get a t-shirt. But yesterday ya'll gave expecting nothing but a brighter tomorrow for Kelli and her family. You didn't even receive a sticky smiley face for your shirt, or a symbol pin, a t-shirt...nothing.
I don't know about you but I do know that I receive so much more. It wasn't tangible, but it was felt deep in my heart. Well there is just no better way to say it than "ya'll just blessed my inner soul".
I am so thankful to BooMama for allowing me to be a part of this and I'm very grateful to have received this blessing. You may never know how much I needed it.
If I'm feeling this overwhelmed myself I can only imagine how Kelli and her family feel right now being on the receiving end of such a blessing as you have provided.
I know God's people are loving, caring people but when you see it in action, "there's no other word than amazing".
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
My God shall supply all your needs.... Phillipians 4:19
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Mississippi Mud Cookies
Last night I made these Mississippi Mud cookies. These are Jim's favorite cookie.
If you are from the North you may have never had these. In the 25+ years I lived in Illinois I had never had one so I'm thinking it may be a "south'rn" thing....hence "Mississippi".
I don't know what it is exactly that a person does wrong when making these, but sometimes they don't set up like they should so they remain rather gooey. Well Jim prefers these gooey. All the relatives know if they make a batch of these and they turn out gooey, call Jim.
They are real simple to make and very good. I doubt this batch will survive till tomorrow evening. If your interested, here is the recipe.
1 stick of butter
1/4 cup cocoa
2 cups of sugar
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup peanut butter
2-1/2 - 3 cups instant oakts
1 tsp vanilla
Melt margarine in a large saucepan; add cocoa, sugar, salt and milk. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat; add peanut butter and stir until smooth. Stir in oats and vanilla. Drop by tablespoons onto waxed paper. Refrigerate until firm - about 1 hour.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Prayer Request
First I would like to ask prayer for a friend of mine. Her 19 year-old son and his girlfriend had a beautiful baby boy, Tyler, about a week ago. However, he had walked out on this girl about a week before Christmas and wasn't there for the delivery. She was rather upset, but mostly hurt. He did go see him the 2nd day and has some since then. My friend feels that he may be using drugs, and is partying and putting those things in front of the family situation. Please remember them all in your prayers as they each have a burden in this situation. This precious baby deserves so much more.
I know a great Healer of all things and that He can turn this completely around at any given moment.
Ethan, our grandson, is 4 years-old today!!
He is in Alabama and they are having a party for him on Saturday. He loves balloons so PawPaw and Gannie had bunches of birthday balloons delivered to him today. He was so excited when he called. It is always a rather one-sided conversation. He talks, rambling from one subject to another, not waiting to hear your answer or ask him a question. He is so funny. I love seeing him so excited.
I know a great Healer of all things and that He can turn this completely around at any given moment.
Ethan, our grandson, is 4 years-old today!!
He is in Alabama and they are having a party for him on Saturday. He loves balloons so PawPaw and Gannie had bunches of birthday balloons delivered to him today. He was so excited when he called. It is always a rather one-sided conversation. He talks, rambling from one subject to another, not waiting to hear your answer or ask him a question. He is so funny. I love seeing him so excited.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
I Can't Believe It Is Happening Again
I just can't believe it is happening again! I wrote in this earlier post that to me the worst movie I ever saw was Texas Chainshaw Massacre. I was totally disgusted by it. And now there are making a prequel to it!!
I know there have been many gruesome movies produced since then. But for some reason this one has stuck in my mind all these years. I really think it was the final one that I vowed never to watch another horror movie again.
I just choose not to watch such horrific movies where people are deliberately tormenting or killing others. I am not one of those people who are squimish about blood or anything, but horror movies makes me physically sick to my stomach. Actually it is making me somewhat sick just talking about all this.
I think a horror movie can be produced without all the blood and guts. Just some suspense, but not the detailed graphics.
I really don't like the fact that I have given any space here to even mention this movie, except that I have such a strong distaste for it that I needed to vent it.
Thank you for allowing me to do so.
I know there have been many gruesome movies produced since then. But for some reason this one has stuck in my mind all these years. I really think it was the final one that I vowed never to watch another horror movie again.
I just choose not to watch such horrific movies where people are deliberately tormenting or killing others. I am not one of those people who are squimish about blood or anything, but horror movies makes me physically sick to my stomach. Actually it is making me somewhat sick just talking about all this.
I think a horror movie can be produced without all the blood and guts. Just some suspense, but not the detailed graphics.
I really don't like the fact that I have given any space here to even mention this movie, except that I have such a strong distaste for it that I needed to vent it.
Thank you for allowing me to do so.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Answer
Now look closer. Did you answer correctly?
It always blesses us when the cranes (or geese) land in our pond.
It always blesses us when the cranes (or geese) land in our pond.
Look What We're Gettin'
I posted this picture of our front yard and pond a few months ago. Actually you are looking more to the right of our house. It is rather green and pretty. Take a note of where the water is in connection with the large shrub in the left side of the picture.
Here is another view looking left of our porch, towards the driveway.
Now your probably wondering why I am pointing all this out to you. Well unless you live in Arkansas or the borders thereof, you probably don't notice much about the weather here. We have already had so much rain the last few weeks and now it has been raining for the past 2 days and will continue through tomorrow. The average rainfall in January is 3.29 inches. They were calling for 7 inches this weekend.
So this is what our front yard looks like this afternoon. Notice the large shrub and the water surrounding it.
The pond again, as well as all the water standing in the yard by our porch.
There's a driveway on the other side of our pond. It runs right next to that big tree on the left, and then you can see what looks like another pond. Well that collection of water is not normally there. It is flooded right now though.
Did you notice amidst all this rain and flooding, the gift that the Lord gave us?
Sometimes we dwell on the trials and hardships we are facing and can not see what the Lord has done for us. Oh I am so guilty of this. Once I can give it to the Lord I can step back, become relaxed knowing He is in charge, and then I can see He was there all the time, working things out, caring for me, blessing me and I find comfort in Him.
If you didn't see it, look again!
Leave your answer in the comments.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Thursday Thirteen - #8
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Sunday, January 07, 2007
Gettin' Ready
My son, Lonny, is so proud of me. Why you say? Because it is only the 6th of January and I have already started working on things for my taxes. Yes, Saturday I began getting my office organized for the new year and starting pulling things together to be ready for our taxes.
Jim is a contractor and I do all the bookkeeping, plus we have a couple of apartment buildings, and my Mary Kay business that I have to get everything ready to file for.
Just so you don't think I sit around twiddling my thumbs when I don't have any work to do on those projects....since my step-father-in-law passed away last year I also oversee my MIL's finances; and don't forget I have an outside office job.
Anyway today my office looks ransacked, with folders everywhere, papers, etc. And if you read an earlier post I mentioned that I really like to be organized especially when it comes to my office. So I am about to lose my mind here.....just having the mess.
The good thing is I get to start fresh with the new year. Clean, neat folders in there place.
Let's remember Rob and Barb these next few days as Rob undergoes surgery Monday for his shoulder. This ordeal has been a trying time for Barb (and Rob) but as she is leaning on the Lord, she is experiencing faith, comfort, and peace. Our prayers go out to them.
I had asked for a pressure cooker for Christmas and my daughter and her husband got one for me. Yesterday I cooked beans in it and made some cornbread. It made me a little nervous for fear that I would cook them dry and the pan would explode. But my boss uses one all the time at work making different things and it amazed me that he could come in and start cooking beans at 11:00 in a pressure cooker and we could eat them for lunch at 12:00. Or cook meat in a much shorter time than normal. If anyone has any good recipes that they use their pressure cooker for I would appreciate you sharing them with me.
Jim is a contractor and I do all the bookkeeping, plus we have a couple of apartment buildings, and my Mary Kay business that I have to get everything ready to file for.
Just so you don't think I sit around twiddling my thumbs when I don't have any work to do on those projects....since my step-father-in-law passed away last year I also oversee my MIL's finances; and don't forget I have an outside office job.
Anyway today my office looks ransacked, with folders everywhere, papers, etc. And if you read an earlier post I mentioned that I really like to be organized especially when it comes to my office. So I am about to lose my mind here.....just having the mess.
The good thing is I get to start fresh with the new year. Clean, neat folders in there place.
Let's remember Rob and Barb these next few days as Rob undergoes surgery Monday for his shoulder. This ordeal has been a trying time for Barb (and Rob) but as she is leaning on the Lord, she is experiencing faith, comfort, and peace. Our prayers go out to them.
I had asked for a pressure cooker for Christmas and my daughter and her husband got one for me. Yesterday I cooked beans in it and made some cornbread. It made me a little nervous for fear that I would cook them dry and the pan would explode. But my boss uses one all the time at work making different things and it amazed me that he could come in and start cooking beans at 11:00 in a pressure cooker and we could eat them for lunch at 12:00. Or cook meat in a much shorter time than normal. If anyone has any good recipes that they use their pressure cooker for I would appreciate you sharing them with me.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Just What I Needed.....
Well if I did make resolutions....and I'm not saying I do, but if I was going to....exercising would be one I would list. However, I want you to know that I do not like to exercise, I never have and it doesn't take much of an excuse for me to quit.
However, I had bought a treadmill about 4-5 months ago...once again thinking I would give it a try...and I have been on it one time. But in the back of my mind (what with all the talk of resolutions and all) I was thinking I might give it another try and get into some kind of routine. Then I came across Nancy's "I'm Goin For A Walk, Wanna Come" adventure on BooMama's post this morning. Sounds interesting and fun......and some accountability is attached.
However, I had bought a treadmill about 4-5 months ago...once again thinking I would give it a try...and I have been on it one time. But in the back of my mind (what with all the talk of resolutions and all) I was thinking I might give it another try and get into some kind of routine. Then I came across Nancy's "I'm Goin For A Walk, Wanna Come" adventure on BooMama's post this morning. Sounds interesting and fun......and some accountability is attached.
So if you think this may be something your interested in doing go on over, sign up and put on your walking shoes, we're on our way to Oregon!!
Monday, January 01, 2007
IT'S 2007!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I can remember as a child thinking that by the time we reached the year 2000 we would be flying around in vehicles like "The Jetsons", pushing buttons to prepare meals, robots to clean the house, etc. Well we do have robotic vacumns, lots of gadgets to help in cooking, but we just aren't flying like that yet. Which I think may be a blessing now!
I quit making resolutions years ago.
I guess if I have some OCD it would be that I like to have an organized office space. Which for the past couple of months I have felt rather displaced when it comes to my office. I can't quite get things worked out in just the right functional manner. While I normally am excited about starting a new year and getting all my files new again, etc. I can't seem to get into it this year. I don't know if its because I have so many different things I need to do, and want to do, that I can't seem to decide which one I'm going to do. And one thing I have learned about myself is that sometimes if I don't think I am going to accomplish something "perfectly", I just won't do it at all. Hopefully I will get over this soon...real soon...and will get started on something.
Ethan left to go home this morning. That makes me sad.
I have a prayer request for my husband, Jim. He has had glaucoma since he was a young boy. In the last 15 years he has had 3 trabeculectomy surgeries (2 on his good eye and 1 on his blind eye). His last surgery was in 1999 and with that surgery he also received a miracle. Not only was his vision so good he could read the finest print without his glasses, but he no longer had to use medication to control the pressures. Mind you he still had no depth perception, but I would have to get him to read things for me, cause I can't read without my glasses. He knows he has been very blessed these past 7 years. However, recently his pressure had increased and now he is back on the drops. As with so many medications there are side effects and with using the Cosopt eye drops he is experiencing extreme headaches. I can't imagine pushing forward everyday to work, etc., dad after day and not receiving a break from the pain. It makes for a very trying day. So please say a prayer on his behalf that these headaches will subside.
Well I'm off now to do "something", whichever task I can decide on.
May God bless you throughout this new year!
I can remember as a child thinking that by the time we reached the year 2000 we would be flying around in vehicles like "The Jetsons", pushing buttons to prepare meals, robots to clean the house, etc. Well we do have robotic vacumns, lots of gadgets to help in cooking, but we just aren't flying like that yet. Which I think may be a blessing now!
I quit making resolutions years ago.
I guess if I have some OCD it would be that I like to have an organized office space. Which for the past couple of months I have felt rather displaced when it comes to my office. I can't quite get things worked out in just the right functional manner. While I normally am excited about starting a new year and getting all my files new again, etc. I can't seem to get into it this year. I don't know if its because I have so many different things I need to do, and want to do, that I can't seem to decide which one I'm going to do. And one thing I have learned about myself is that sometimes if I don't think I am going to accomplish something "perfectly", I just won't do it at all. Hopefully I will get over this soon...real soon...and will get started on something.
Ethan left to go home this morning. That makes me sad.
I have a prayer request for my husband, Jim. He has had glaucoma since he was a young boy. In the last 15 years he has had 3 trabeculectomy surgeries (2 on his good eye and 1 on his blind eye). His last surgery was in 1999 and with that surgery he also received a miracle. Not only was his vision so good he could read the finest print without his glasses, but he no longer had to use medication to control the pressures. Mind you he still had no depth perception, but I would have to get him to read things for me, cause I can't read without my glasses. He knows he has been very blessed these past 7 years. However, recently his pressure had increased and now he is back on the drops. As with so many medications there are side effects and with using the Cosopt eye drops he is experiencing extreme headaches. I can't imagine pushing forward everyday to work, etc., dad after day and not receiving a break from the pain. It makes for a very trying day. So please say a prayer on his behalf that these headaches will subside.
Well I'm off now to do "something", whichever task I can decide on.
May God bless you throughout this new year!
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