Mountains-N-Valleys

Musings of Longing

2012-02-18T18:07:00.003-05:00

Our blog is about the mountains and valleys our family goes through and how our journey can help, inspire, or encourage others who walk the same path. Right now we are going through a valley that often seems so reminiscent of the "slough of despair" in the Pilgrim's Progress story. Don't get me wrong, God has been so clear in His Word and His comfort to us. Just a few short months ago, I was sharing how God had taught me about His Grace in 2010, learning to trust Him by the end of 2011, and now it's 2012. Very early into this year, He has already shown me that my lesson to learn is to Wait on the Lord. To go forward through the Red Sea, but only at His command and in His protection. I don't see the victory, the light at the end of the tunnel, the mountain peak, but I know it's there.
Often, I feel weighed down with this burden and despondent of a glorious resolution. My soul cries out with longing to my Shepherd, to hear my cry and to answer my plea.

Today was the funeral of a very well known, beautifully gifted musician who grew up in church. It was mentioned today that in spite of all her trials and tragedies, the very last song she sang in public was "Jesus Loves Me" just a few short days before she died.
Now you might scoff at that or feel hope or just indifference, but I chose to let it remind me that through all that I am going through, I am alive and Jesus DOES love me. If a jaded worldly musician knew it then why should I doubt it?
Now, God didn't gift me with a voice comparable to this noted singer, in fact I think He gave me one comparable to a certain female oinker of the puppet persuasion. He did however give me the wonderful gift of salvation, an amazing husband, and two decent young men for children. He blessed me with a wonderful church family, and surrounded us with prayer warriors. I pray that my song through this valley will be one that draws others to Christ, that if I should pass through Heaven's portals suddenly that those left behind will hear Heaven's Jubilee through my life.
I don't know what you are going through, I long to shed this weight that so easily besets me, I long for my heavenly home, I long for so many people around me to know that Jesus truly can set them free.... I long for you to be encouraged in your valley and in your storm.
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Higher Ground

2012-02-15T09:51:00.002-05:00

Today is a trying day for my Sweetheart. I can't be with him physically, but I have gathered prayer warriors and have surrounded him with continual prayer as he faces this troublesome day. So many times this morning I felt like my prayers were somehow inadequate, as if it was the power from my prayer that would fix this. We need God's power the power is not our own. I was sitting here wishing there was more I could do, and I turned on some praise music. Listening to Higher Ground settled me down.

I'm pressing on the upward way
New heights I'm gaining every day
Still praying as I onward bound
"Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."

####Chorus:

Lord, lift me up and let me stand
By faith on heaven's table land
A higher plane than I have found
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay
Tho' some may dwell where these
abound
My prayer, my aim is higher ground.

####

I want to live above the world
Tho' satan's darts at me are hurled
For faith has caught the joyful sound
The song of saints on higher ground.

####

I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright
But still I'll pray till heaven I've found
"Lord, lead me on to higher ground."

Love Is....

2012-02-13T19:05:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is Valentines Day. Ted and I won't get to be together for much of the day, and that leaves me a bit forlorn. I was trying to think of poetry, or something unique to express my jumbled thoughts in a romantic fashion. Alas, I find that I will just

Keep
It
Simple
Sweetheart

I Love you!

Wait upon the Lord

2012-02-08T12:51:00.002-05:00

Psalms 59

A Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies
To the chief Musician, Altas'chith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him.

1 Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God:
defend me from them that rise up against me.
2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity,
and save me from bloody men.
3 For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul:
the mighty are gathered against me;
not for my transgression,nor for my sin, O LORD.
4 They run and prepare themselves without my fault.
Awake to help me, and behold.
5 Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel,
awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors.
Selah.
6 They return at evening:they make a noise like a dog,and go round about the city.
7 Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips:for who,say they, doth hear?
8 But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.
9 Because of his strength will I wait upon thee:for God is my defense.
10 The God of my mercy shall prevent me:God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.
11 Slay them not, lest my people forget:scatter them by thy power;
and bring them down, O Lord our shield.
12 For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips
let them even be taken in their pride:and for cursing and lying which they speak.
13 Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be:
and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth.
Selah.
14 And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog,
and go round about the city.
15 Let them wander up and down for meat,and grudge if they be not satisfied.
16 But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning:
for thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.
17 Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing:for God is my defense, and the God of my mercy.

Can't Touch This

2012-02-07T18:03:00.002-05:00

I know that is a popular secular saying, but so many times we as God's children think we are untouchable by the circumstances of the world. Yes, God does filter everything that happens to us. Bad things can and do happen to God's children. The dividing line is that we need to be thankful and give God the glory no matter what happens to us.

Today has been a day to put feet to my faith and to see if I did learn that lesson of trusting God even when I don't understand. As I pondered and prayed today, I remembered Daniel ended up in a lions' den, Joseph spent years in prison, Peter and the disciples were all imprisoned and martyred, Job is the picture of faith through all ages, Esther risked her life, David ran for his life for years.... the list goes on. The Hall of Faith in Hebrews is full of people who put their trust in God no matter what and endured many hardships and unfair circumstances and even danger or death. Why do I think that I am somehow exempt from this in the age of grace? Why do I think I can limit what God allows to happen to me?

This blog is about our mountains and our valleys, right now we are entering a valley that at this end seems dark and scary, but I know that God will walk or carry us through it and that the mountain is just ahead even if the climb is treacherous.

So for this situation we are facing right now... to God be the glory, I am still blessed!!!!

Birthday Greetings

2012-01-25T09:45:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday! Mother!

Simple Sayings

2012-01-23T17:02:00.003-05:00

Lately I have heard or noticed 1 liners that make me pause and think.
Here are a few:

Unforgiveness is a poison you drink and wait for the other person to die.

Let your resolution be God's solution

Here are some gems from Dr. Adrian Rogers:

Just because it doesn’t make sense to you doesn’t mean it doesn’t make sense.

Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity.

If Satan can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.

Sin is not just breaking God’s laws; it is breaking His heart.

We ought to be living as if Jesus died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back this afternoon.

Has it ever occurred to you that nothing occurs to God?

It’s what you sow that multiplies, not what you keep in the barn.

If you have a Bible that’s falling apart, you’ll have a life that’s not.

I wouldn’t trust the best fifteen minutes I ever lived to get me into Heaven.

God grades on the Cross not on the curve.

Here are some others:

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Spirit Quest

2012-01-16T19:26:00.010-05:00

The title of this post probably rouses images of Native Americans or other ancient people groups searching for answers in the supernatural. This post is like that, but on a defined level of searching for what the Holy Spirit of God wants in my life. In an earlier post, I spoke about the lessons God teaches me each year especially since Momma went to Heaven the end of 2009. As a recap, God taught me about grace in 2010, and trusting in Him in 2011, and now we are into 2012. The end of 2011 was fraught with stress and inner turmoil. Many aspects of my "service" for the Lord were becoming duties to people out of obligation, or because I had done it for so long, how could I just stop? I wrestled with some of the very things that I had decided so long ago would be a panacea for serving the Lord by doing "THIS".
I prayed alot this past year about some of those very areas of service as they became more of a burden and stress inducer then a joy in serving Jesus. They were all areas of services that I had chosen to do, not what God had called me to do. In fact, the one activity that He called me to do rarely stresses me out. Let's think about that for a minute.... the things I thought I should do to serve Him were becoming increasing sore spots, and the one thing He had asked me to do, I was able to do with joy and had the urge and zeal to do more.
The problem with those self chosen ministry opportunities was that I have done them for years and done them well.... I did not know how to say "NO" I can't do them anymore. Most people actively serving Christ either in self chosen or God called areas do not understand when someone wants to lighten their load.
I did not know how to get out of doing them either. So God in His infinite wisdom gave me some back and nerve problems that limited me in one of those service spots. I had an easy enough reason now to say "NO" to that and no regrets. I still live with the pain and have to be really careful, but if that is how God has to teach me to serve HIM and not the expectations of myself or others, then I don't mind the constant reminder. The other ministry outreach I was involved in was trickier. I talked with Ted and others and even tried to step out for a bit when I had my back problems, etc. I had more relief when I wasn't involved in that ministry, but did not know how to say no without hurting the others involved. I agonized over it and prayed alot about it, and God usually found a way to get me out of it on a case by case basis. I knew I couldn't keep up the constant turmoil. Although I had been convinced years ago that He must want me to do this because it was such a noble ministry, it was time to say "NO". I knew it was time to end it without asking God to get me out of it every time. I begged God to give me the words that wouldn't cause hurt or a misunderstanding, and He told me to keep it simple. I was able to relinquish that burden and all the barbs of guilt the devil tried to throw at me. How do I know it was the devil? Because for every dart of guilt, God would give me a verse or thought in reassurance that I was finally doing what HE wanted me to do.
You ask, so she has withdrawn from so many areas of ministry, is she apathetic or lazy? If she doesn't do them, who will???!! I was doing so many of these areas of service to please other people, and I knew when I was becoming a man-pleaser (hard to please people all the time though) and not a humble servant of God.
What is God asking me to do? He has been very clear to me in the past months that I am to be a prayer warrior for my loved ones and church. I am so often involved in "DOING", that I don't seem to have dedicated time for prayer. God is molding the clay into His image, not the one that I think others expect me to be. He has lightened the load in the other two areas of ministry that I am still involved in.
I have received great counsel from my husband and also my mother-in-love. I rebelled against alot of their counsel because it just seemed like I was supposed to be burning out for the Lord and wearing out instead of rusting out.
I started feeling like someone had dipped a brush into my paint can and splattered it all over the wall of my life. When instead, God wanted to make me into a beautiful masterpiece of His design. Working outside the home and also in our last year of homeschooling has stretched my limits. Ted's job has become increasingly stressful as well, and I was feeling like I just did not have what it took to be the wife and mother I know God expected me to be. Ted and I have discussed it at great length and I do need to work, and Justin will be finishing high school in May. God has brought situations and people into my life that NEED prayer, and I need to be able to devote more time in my own personal relationship with the Master Sculptor and Painter of my life. God has brought me to the point where He has shown me that although I was active in the ministry, NEVERTHELESS, I needed to be doing it for His glory, and not out of obligation to others expectations.
I know I have alot to learn as I journey through 2012, but I am excited about spending more time in prayer and devoting my time and energy to my husband and family and the ministry that GOD has called me to do. I am so glad that He now has the paintbrush in hand and did not throw this mottled clay away.

2012 Blessing for the New Year

2011-12-30T19:51:00.001-05:00

- May you get a clean bill of health from your dentist, gastro-internist, urologist, proctologist, psychiatrist, podiatrist, plumber, and the I.R.S.

- May your hair, teeth, face-lift, abs, and stocks not fall; and may your blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol, white blood count, and your mortgage not rise.

- May what you see in the mirror delight you and what others see in you delight them. May someone love you enough to forgive your faults, be blind to your blemishes, and tell the world about your virtues.

- May the telemarketers wait to make their calls until after you finish dinner, may the commercials on TV not be louder than the program you’re watching and may your checkbook and your budget balance, including generous amounts for charity.

- May you remember to say “I love you” at least once a day to your spouse, child, parent and siblings; but not to your secretary, nurse, masseuse, hairdresser, or your tennis instructor.

- May the new year often find you seated around the table with your beloved family or cherished friends. May you find the food better, environment quieter, cost much cheaper, and the pleasure much more fulfilling than anything else you might otherwise be doing.

-borrowed from a local editor

Snapshots of Christmas Memories

2011-12-26T14:23:00.003-05:00

This Christmas was chock full of memories. Sometimes, I felt like Mary of old who "kept all these things and pondered them in her heart". I know that was referring to the events around the birth of Jesus, but I like to think that when God gives me snapshots into His plans and workings in our life that we should keep these things and ponder them in our hearts.
Snapshot 1. Ted teaching Cheyenne and Jessica how to make Momma's chocolate covered peanut butter balls

Snapshot 2. Ted wanting Momma's cherry cream pie which I haven't made since Momma showed me how to do it. In turn, I taught Jessica how to do it. (Jess is James' girlfriend). Passing on the family recipes and traditions to the next generation was bittersweet.

Snapshot 3. Ted giving us his Christmas wish list, and God providing the money so that I could make all his wishes come true {yes, that is probably the first time in 20 years this has happened :))) }

Snapshot 4. Ted writing me a love letter in a Christmas card. I cried all over him after I read it. He hadn't written me like that in years, and I have missed it. Not counting the emails we write to each other or the texts. I just missed the pen to paper heart to heart missives.

Snapshot 5. Passing along the love and wisdom and Godly example to the next generation as it was shown me by the loving people God put in my life through the years.

Snapshot 6. Listening as Ted explained the meaning of Christmas, and why we do what we do on this day every year. How precious the birth of God's Son was and how we are not to take it lightly or forget that is the whole reason we give gifts. I remembered just a few short years ago when he wasn't walking with the Lord and giving spiritual lessons to the boys was the farthest thing from his mind. I inwardly rejoiced that my husband was truly the spiritual leader in our home that God had intended all along.

This was the best Christmas in years! Thank you Lord, for all these things to ponder in my heart. Most of all, thank You for the birth of Your Son that made salvation possible to all who will accept it.

10 Free Gifts for the Whole Year

2011-12-19T18:49:00.002-05:00

1. The gift of listening.

Try giving this to someone in need. And you must really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your responses. Just listen.

2. The gift of signs of affection…

Be generous with your hugs, kisses and gentle squeezes of the hand. Let these tiny actions demonstrate the love inside of you.

3. The gift of a note…

It can be as simple as “I Love You” or as creative as a sonnet. Put your notes where they will surprise your loved ones.

4. The gift of laughter…

Just cut out a cartoon, save a clever article. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”

5. The gift of a compliment…

A simple “You look good in blue” or “Good supper” can be of greatest value to those who may feel they are being taken for granted.

6. The gift of a favor…

Help with the dishes, run an errand, etc.

7. The gift of leaving alone…

There are times in our lives when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Become more sensitive to those times and give solitude.

8. The gift of a cheerful disposition…

Try to be cheerful around those you love.

9. The gift of a game…

Offer to play your loved one’s favorite game. Even if you lose, you’ll be a winner.

10. The gift of prayer…

Pray for your loved ones and let them know you pray for them.

Consider this: One of the most important trips a person can make is meeting the other person halfway.

(This was posted in our local paper, but they cited their source as the internet -author unknown.)

Comforting Contemplations

2011-12-16T19:42:00.002-05:00

Two years ago today our lives changed abruptly. Our hearts were torn and our prayers were mere sobs. God has given living grace to us just as much as He gives dying grace. This week I have tried to be stoic, I don't know why just didn't want to always cry.
Ted was out of town and traveling back a long distance this morning. I know he knew what day it was, but I am not sure if he realized that to have him out of town just like he was 2 years ago and also driving back at the same time Momma went to Heaven was very unsettling for me. I was so worried he would fall asleep at the wheel or have an accident before he made it home safely. I did not want to say anything to him about his trip or that it was the anniversary of his mother's Homegoing. I went to work today on autopilot. I think being sick with a cold and feeling blah was a blessing in disguise for I was too numb to feel the heartache.
James has his first girlfriend and I do not feel equipped for this. It has made me think back on what it might have been like for Momma all those years ago. She mothered, mentored, and molded me being a model of a virtuous woman who loved her Lord. I miss her comfort and her wisdom, I keep thinking she would know how to handle each situation or at least we would work it out together. I can only hope that I will be the kind of mother in law that she was to me.
So many saints in our church have stepped into glory in the past 2 years and my heart yearns for my turn. Then I think of all the people who won't get to go because they haven't accepted or have outright rejected our Loving Lord. I know I need to stay here until our Lord returns or calls me Home so that I can tell others.
God doesn't make mistakes, and we don't need to know all the answers, but He does send comfort along if we only keep our eyes and hearts open to His gentle care for us.
He has taught me so much in my life, but when He took Momma to be with Him, it allowed me to learn even more intimately about Him and how to grow in ways that I was not before this.
So as I contemplate Momma and all that has happened hurts, and heartache and all I do find comfort.
May the God of all comfort be with you now and forever, Amen!

Ode to the Season(borrowed)

2011-11-30T13:11:00.001-05:00

Twas the month before Christmas

When all through our land,

Not a Christian was praying

Nor taking a stand.

Why the PC Police had taken away

The reason for Christmas - no one could say.

The children were told by their schools not to sing

About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.

It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say

December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit

Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!

CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-Pod

Something was changing, something quite odd!

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa

In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.

As Targets were hanging their trees upside down

At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.

At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears

You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty

Are words that were used to intimidate me.

Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen

On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter

To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith

Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded

The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'

Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.

Choose your words carefully, choose what you say

Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS,

not Happy Holiday !

Please, all Christians join together and

wish everyone you meet

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Christ is The Reason' for the Christ-mas Season!

Annual Lessons

2011-10-30T19:38:00.002-04:00

When Momma died near the end of 2009, God showered His grace on us in countless ways. When a precious friend's father died in 2010, I asked God to give her a double portion of that grace to live through the time following her loss. He did just that! Last year was a lesson in God's amazing grace.
This year has been a lesson in trust. Do I really trust Him? I find myself often looking at the collage Ted made of Momma's smiling face and constantly asking God what was His purpose in taking her. I confess that many times I feel like I am complaining to Him because He won't show me the big picture. He hasn't chosen to tell me why she had to die. He just asks me to trust Him that He DOES know what is best for me and my family. Then, Ted's job changed in such a way that he is now gone every week. This hasn't happened in the near 20 years of our marriage. Every-time he leaves I keep telling myself and God that I can handle this. I can be mature about it and not panic. I must tell you that has yet to happen. I can't sleep at night, I get miserable and resentful until he returns. I am not trusting God to keep him or me safe. I don't trust Him to know what is best for us. I am so glad that a few months back God led me to a devotional book written by a very insightful missionary in Spain. He personally gave me the book and I have thanked God ever since. God has used those lessons at the exact time I need them. The underlying theme so far has been trusting God. Now, maybe there are other themes, but that is what God is gently showing me over and over again. Trust Him, simply trust Him.
So, this week when Ted leaves again, I am going to finally try to apply this lesson and trust God and sleep in peace.
If by chance, I get willful and stubborn I know that I have only misery as my reward.
So why in the world am I telling you all of this? Because, this blog is to help others with the lessons God has shown us.
Grace, now trust.... I hope I learn trust before the year is over so that God can move me onto the next annual lesson....I want to keep growing in Him... Do you??!!

Oy! It's October

2011-10-17T16:58:00.006-04:00

Time sure does fly, not just since I have last written a family news update, but the whole year has flown on the speedy wings of time. In June, James graduated from high school,in September he started college in Gaffney, SC. He is totally enjoying it and we are thrilled to have found a college so suited for his continuing education. He is finishing his job at World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions and has applied for a job at Walmart Distribution. We are praying that God will direct his employment path.

Justin is progressing in his senior year in high school. He is still seeking God's will for a job and college plans. He still has his learner's permit and yearns to get his driver's licence. He is co- captain on his Sigma team this year with his new cousin, Jordan. They are becoming good friends and work well together.

Ted's job has changed around, and he is now the area supervisor for 5 North Carolina franchise stores. This involves more traveling, as the additional stores are further away. I confess I really struggle with this and am still learning to deal with his out of town trips. We spend as much time together when he is home and value our time and communication even more.
Ted and James went on the mens' fishing trip with the church and really enjoyed their time on the coast.

My job at World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions continues to keep me busy along with teaching the teen class at our church's bus ministry. I have suffered a series of back problems this fall and even with therapy I find that it likes to slip off kilter at the oddest moments. Having to be careful puts limits on my activities and actions, but has made me so thankful for the otherwise good health.

I know that was a fast summary of our news, but I told you time flies :)

Happy Birthday Blessings to my dad, Momma in Heaven, Annette, Rachel, my sister, Mia, Jon,and Jenn, We love you all!!!

Legacy of Love

2011-09-28T09:00:00.002-04:00

In honor and memory of our dear wonderful mother - Happy Birthday, Mom!!!
I know you can't see this, but there isn't a day that goes by that you aren't in our thoughts and memories. So, in remembrance of your love, legacy, and laughter, we honor you on your birthday.

Let's Walk

2011-08-28T21:59:00.002-04:00

For awhile now God has been showing me that I need to have a closer relationship with Him. It's not that I don't want to, but that I believe I can never be close "enough", there is always room to get closer to Christ. You ask, well how do you know? Well, you know when God keeps reminding you that you haven't prayed enough or read His Word enough or church doesn't thrill you. He shows you through His Word,sermons, praise music and most of all the nudging of the Holy Spirit.
Too many times I find myself comparing myself to other people and seeing how I measure up to their "Christianity". God reminded me again that I am to measure up to Him, I am to be a reflection of Him! It doesn't matter what another person does or does NOT do, it matters what God wants ME to do or maybe NOT to do. When people look at me, do they see Christ?
Yesterday, I went to a Ladies meeting at another church and the whole theme was Walking with Jesus. Now I don't know how it is in your relationship with Christ, but when He starts working on me, He does it in many areas and facets of my day and life. He is great at weaving His truth into my day in such a way that I know He is trying to make a point. I am still in awe and wonder when He does this, and I hope I never lose that joy or become blase` to it.
I got home last night, pondering the various speakers, the fellowship, then our family time and already forgetting some of the things that God had nudged me about.
As I readied for bed I had two choices for devotions, continue reading in Ezekiel or reading in a devotional book by missionary Andy Bonikowsky in Spain. I had skimmed his book when he gave it to me and treated it much like a Reader's Digest, look at it for the good nuggets and then leave it on the shelf. I had decided about a week ago when I was getting frustrated with an online devotional that I had been using to start his book from the very beginning. I thought well ok, I will read his book instead of a chapter in my Bible reading...
Well! God was in this whole thing as usual, because all day He has been showing me that He was serious about me having a closer walk with Him, and I was already letting my life settle into it's routine. I opened the book to the lesson that I was to read next and would ya know it? It was about walking with God!!! Well, God got my attention again with a proverbial smack to the head.
"Walking with Jesus, walking every day walking all the way, Walking in with Jesus, walking with Jesus alone." "Just a closer walk with Thee, Precious Jesus is my plea, daily walking close to Thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be."
Let's take a walk... with Jesus.

Sweet Sounds

2011-08-20T18:10:00.003-04:00

Out of the myriad of sounds and noises that fills the cacophony of my life, I have come across two all time favorites.

1. The sound of people praying aloud at the altar in church!

2. The sound of my boy asking me to pray for him!

This is in addition to hearing God Say "I love you", and my husband uttering those same words.

FaceBook

2011-08-17T13:24:00.002-04:00

Thank You, Lord for this quiet day
Where I can seek Your face and pray
Thank you for the Book
Where You can see my name at a look

Many thoughts run through my mind
Then I remember to think on You
And leave them all behind

It has been a long time
Since I have written poetry or rhyme
To be inspired and to bless
The years fly by with just more stress

Often I sit with shattered thoughts
Wants and desires come to naught
You pick me up and draw me close
Filling my cup when I need it most

Words are a mere attempt at expression
My heart longs to escape oppression
Your Will to be my desire
Your Way may I always aspire

Thank You, Lord for this release
May my thoughts and words of You please
Your whispered promises make me sing
A glimpse of Heaven's bells as they ring

Thank You, Lord for this quiet day
Where I can seek Your face, and pray

~RJC 8/17/11

Family News

2011-08-11T09:09:00.003-04:00

Good Morning Family and Friends,
For years now I have sporadically blogged our family news instead of sending out a huge email to everyone in hopes they get it. Many times I do not share the trials, only the blessings. Other times I let y'all in on every little thing. We have had alot on our hearts lately, and I thought I would share a wee bit with you who hold us dear.
Ted is still the area supervisor for the Pizza Hut franchise that he has been with for many years past and present. He has 5 stores that he supervises and oversees. His work is never ending. He has gone through a real trial lately with various things happening and would greatly appreciate any prayers you send up to our Father for help and strength.
My position at World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions encompasses a variety of tasks that keep me busy, and my mind has a hard time turning work off when I am out of the office. Keep praying for me that I will continue to be used by the Lord in this aspect of His ministry.
James graduated from high school in June, was able to earn and receive enough money to buy his own used vehicle. It needs a check up in the shop soon, but should last him for awhile. He stays busy with his job as groundskeeper for WWNTBM. We had a rough summer trying to find a way for him to go to college for this fall semester. Alot of prayer and discussion and scrambling and information seeking went on for weeks. Finally, James decided to work for a year to save enough money to go next fall. I can tell you the weight has been lifted and the peace of making a decision has been a relief. Should he have gone this fall? We didn't have peace about it either way. Now that the decision has finally been made, we ask that you pray he gets enough money and that his desire to go will be even stronger. We hope you will pray for James that he will let God use him in any way He desires.
Justin will start his senior year in high school next month. He has helped his brother and others throughout the summer with odd jobs that has helped to pay for his trips to camp and the Faith Youth Revival in TN. He strives to get closer to God and would appreciate your prayers that he will continue in a godly direction. He is seeking the Lord's will about college and a career.
I know this sounds like a huge prayer request more then a family update, but I make no apologies for it. Our family has gone through some valleys and stumbled under some heavy burdens, but our loving Heavenly Father has been right there along side of us to carry us through. Prayer is a vital aspect and necessity in our lives to get us through each day.
Thank you for loving us and most of all for praying for us.
Love,
R

40th Birthday Blessings

2011-08-03T15:26:00.002-04:00

Birthday Blessings
Instead of counting candles,
Or tallying the years,
Contemplate your blessings now,
As your birthday nears.
Consider special people
Who love you, and who care,
And others who’ve enriched your life
Just by being there.
Think about the memories
Passing years can never mar,
Experiences great and small
That have made you who you are.
Another year is a happy gift,
So cut your cake, and say,
"Instead of counting birthdays,
I count blessings every day!"
By Joanna Fuchs

I love you, Ted. Happy Blessed Birthday!

I go to the Rock Who is higher then I

2011-07-28T17:19:00.002-04:00

My heart is so full right now, I am not even sure how to write this post. This month has been super busy with work and camp, and the usual weekly frenzy of the spinning hamster wheel. Our church services have been amazing each and every one, and the Lord always gives me exactly what I need from His Word. Two dear men in our church are close to going Home to Heaven. In fact, one just crossed over this morning to the glorious shores of Home. I was very busy at work and tried to not think about it. This special man sat next to me nearly every service and there was a sweet bond of fellowship between us. As I sit here thinking about his impact on my life and the conversations we shared and the sadness or losing loved ones together, my heart breaks a bit more. I have been missing Momma so much this month and now with Br. Mike passing, and Br. Arnold about to step on Shore as well, I keep wondering how many more, how much longer, can I hold on? I cry out to God with no words, just a breaking heart. Yet, He brings Psalms to mind, and messages that we have just heard in recent services, and I know He is waiting for me to crawl into His lap and have a good cry and let Him comfort me.
I know His grace, I know His comfort, and I know His peace and I know He has an overwhelming abundant never ending supply. I love the Lord and His mercy to me is untold. So, I will cry my tears of goodbye for now to a special man, I will add more tears to His bottle over Momma, and I will treasure the moments we have left with Br. Arnold.... Most of all, I will go to the Rock Who is higher then I when all I feel like doing is hiding under my blanket and giving up.

Let Freedom Ring!

2011-07-04T11:51:00.001-04:00

Statue of Liberty

In New York Harbor stands a lady,
With a torch raised to the sky;
And all who see her know she stands for
Liberty for you and me.

I'm so proud to be called an American,
To be named with the brave and the free;
I will honor our flag and our trust in God,
And the Statue of Liberty.

On lonely Golgotha stood a cross,
With my Lord raised to the sky;
And all who kneel there live forever
As all the saved can testify.

I'm so glad to be called a Christian,
To be named with the ransomed and whole;
As the statue liberates the citizen,
So the cross liberates the soul.

Oh the cross is my Statue of Liberty,
It was there that my soul was set free;
Unashamed I'll proclaim that a rugged cross
Is my Statue of Liberty!

© Words & Music by Neil Enloe

My dog has fleas?

2011-07-02T10:33:00.003-04:00

I was sitting here this morning, feeling the weight of the immediate world on my shoulders. Trying to grasp the victory in the valley moment I had last night to tide me through. Then, I heard my dog whimper and whine. He might have a flea or it's his summertime skin condition he suffers every year. Unfortunately, I am the one that gives him the much hated baths in an effort to help him. He knows when he is hurting that I am going to try to bathe him. He hates that! So, he would rather whimper and whine and hide away then let me help him feel better. He won't let me near him enough to find out what is causing him such discomfort.
What a spiritual lesson this was to me this morning. So many times we sit and whine and whimper and cry and scratch and bite at our hurts and discomforts because the soothing water of the Word of God or His healing touch seems more painful at the moment. We reject the process of healing because we associate it with pain.
Wow, that feels like a SELAH moment to me....
Do you have fleas?

He came all the way

2011-07-01T20:51:00.002-04:00

John 14 is a favorite passage of Scripture lately. How I long to see my Savior's face, and yet I am in awe and trembling at the thought of that event. He came all the way to earth to die for me!! He will come and take me all the way back to Heaven to be with Him!!
Lately, many things have caused major stress in our lives here in the family. Just when I am feeling overwhelmed by it all I cry out, and God reaches over and pulls my head back above water. Thank You, Jesus for everything you do. I can't do it without You, and thankfully, I don't have to.
In the past year, God has poured immeasurable grace down on us, and now it seems He is teaching us a lesson in trust and faith. So, through this time when it seems like we are in the valley ourselves, we can see the mountains and we will keep climbing onward and upward. I do not know what the immediate future looks like, but I know Who is leading me along the way.
So let me pass along two tried and true methods of getting through the maelstrom of life and keep rowing for shore. They are God's Word and Praise music... my constant reminders that God is still victoriously in control.

Is He your Way?

Disease Alert

2011-05-25T10:19:00.002-04:00

In our churches,there is a terrible disease going around. It is worse than the Legionnaires'disease, worse than the swine flu, worse than the Japanese flu. It is not tonsillitis, tendonitis, appendicitis, bursitis, meningitis, or Saint Vidas. It
is none of these. It has been diagnosed as DEVILITIS. It is an cancerous epidemic in our Churches. Isaiah said, the whole body is sick.

Here are the symptoms:
See if this applies to you:

1. DEVILITIS AFFECTS THE APPETITE

Do you say: "I am not hungry for preaching"?

You used to holler out, "Feed me, Preacher", but now you have DEVILITIS

You used to like to sing Amazing Grace, but now you got DEVILITIS

2. DEVILITIS AFFECTS THE THROAT

You can not testify or witness any more.

3. DEVILITIS AFFECTS THE EYES

You can not see the lost, or the needs of the Church

4. DEVILITIS AFFECTS THE FEET

You can not walk with God, or your fellow believers anymore

5. DEVILITIS AFFECTS THE BRAIN

It makes you buy an NIV Bible

It makes you think that Joel Osteen or Harold Camping are of GOD

It makes you think hyper Calvinism is true

6. DEVILITIS AFFECTS YOUR SENSE OF DIRECTION

You cannot find an Independent,Fundamental,Bible believing, Christ exalting, saint edifying, sinner repenting Church for the same reason a burglar cannot find a cop.

Do you have Devilitis? Maybe the symptoms are mild, but you better take heed, once afflicted if not cured you will have a full blown case of Devilitis!

Some other names for this disease are Apathy, Laziness, lukewarm Christianity, Compromise, or Rebellion.

1 Corinthians 15:58- "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

Ephesians 4:14-24 and verse 27 "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness......Neither give place to the devil."

Beware of Devilitis!
(borrowed from a friend and modified)

Whispered Promises

2011-05-20T23:15:00.002-04:00

We have embarked on a journey through some rough seas this past week. I don't know when the voyage will be over or how high the ocean swells will reach. The maelstrom seems daunting at times. I was praying last night wrestling with God and yet trying to just let Him take care of the situation. He spoke peace to me through Ron Hamilton's song "Oh Rejoice in the Lord" (He makes no mistakes)and from His Word -"Fear thou not, for I am with thee. Be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10. He sent me to sleep on those promises.
I awoke this morning to my favorite Hymn "It is well with my Soul" resounding on my cd player for my alarm. More whispered promises....
Today was busy and crazy, a bit more so as this situation added to the crashing waves around me. Tonight I sat here not wanting to go to bed and feeling the weight of the sea bearing down on me. I decided to click on my Bible link and see what my favorite online devotional said for today. More whispered promises... God in His Personal care for me had that devotional based on my favorite passage of Scripture - 2 Corinthians 4:7-9. I do not know why I didn't think of it before as that is what I have leaned on since high school.
I sit here in awe and wonder and near tears as I am so thankful that not only is God promising to be with me through this, but that I can see His Hand holding mine each step of the way. So many people go through life and all it's traumatic trials and never realize that God wants to walk with them through it and hold them when they can't do it on their own.
Each time I have needed something to raise me up to the crest of the wave instead of in the trough wallowing in the current, He has used various means to speak peace to my soul in the exact way that I would know it was Him and Him alone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
God never moves without purpose or plan
When trying His servant and molding a man.
Give thanks to the LORD though your testing seems long;
In darkness He giveth a song.

I could not see through the shadows ahead;
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead.
I bowed to the will of the Master that day;
Then peace came and tears fled away.

Now I can see testing comes from above;
God strengthens His children and purges in love.
My Father knows best, and I trust in His care;
Through purging more fruit I will bear.

O Rejoice in the LORD
He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried
And purified,
I shall come forth as gold.
-Ron Hamilton

It IS....

2011-05-20T08:16:00.001-04:00

Although there is much happening right now, and I often feel like a hamster on a whirling dervish, I will only post this resounding refrain.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

The Mad Dash

2011-05-09T21:18:00.002-04:00

So many days I really feel as if life is rushing right past me, and I am hanging on for dear life. I keep wanting to say " Let me off this wild ride, I can barely hang on". My schedule is full of work, school, housework, bus ministry, church, grabbing precious memories with Ted, and getting ready for the big graduation event of the decade. Often I just want to slow down, find some time to daydream, stare out the window at God's beautiful creation, pore over Scripture, listen to music as it transports me to a closer fellowship with My Lord, and the list goes on. I don't think I would trade my life or my daily activities for anything because I believe I am doing exactly what God wants me to with the time He gives me. Learning to balance the idea of staying busy, and yet being still without feeling like I am foolishly idle is an ongoing dilemma.

We had a wonderful Mother's Day with many delightful moments. My deep love and appreciation to Ted and the boys for making me feel loved and special and also allowing us to open our home to extended family and have a real time of joy with Ronn and Gayle, Ken and Tammy and the girls, and Ken's parents who came in for the weekend from Colorado.

I do not have much memory of last Mother's Day, and I know I was probably just numb and full of sorrow and longing to see Momma. This year was harder for me although it was our second year of Momma being in Heaven for Mother's Day. God tenderly cares for us even as we yearn to see Him and Momma soon. We are so thankful to have Gayle in our lives, she has been an added help and blessing and her wisdom and care for us has been a soothing balm in time of need.

James took his SAT's, his senior pictures are Wednesday, next week is his senior class trip, he has 9 days of school left, his graduation gown and cap are hanging in his room, his graduation invitations are about to be printed, and boy, do I have alot of papers to grade and school administration stuff to get done. I remember praying for the rapture to take place before he was to enter kindergarten. God in His wisdom gave us more years to make memories and to live for Him. I do not know when the rapture will take place, I just know that I want us all to be there in that big graduation ceremony in the sky.

Mother's Day

2011-05-07T18:58:00.002-04:00

To All the Mothers in our lives past and present we say "Thank You, and we love you all". My mother, Momma in Heaven, Momma Jo, Annette, Gayle, you have blessed us and loved us and cared for us and we thank God for you.
Happy Mothers Day!

Perseverance of the Saints

2011-05-02T09:45:00.001-04:00

(Someone mentioned that I wrote this, I do not recall using these words, I can only think that it was from my devotions and I forgot to post the author.
This devotional is taken from Charles Haddon Spurgeon. I apologize for not posting the source earlier.)
"I pray not that Thou shouldst take them out of the world." — John 17:15

It is a sweet and blessed event which will occur to all believers in God's own time—the going home to be with Jesus. In a few more years the Lord's soldiers, who are now fighting "the good fight of faith" will have done with conflict, and have entered into the joy of their Lord. But although Christ prays that His people may eventually be with Him where He is, He does not ask that they may be taken at once away from this world to heaven. He wishes them to stay here. Yet how frequently does the wearied pilgrim put up the prayer, "O that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away and be at rest"; but Christ does not pray like that, He leaves us in His Father's hands, until, like shocks of corn fully ripe, we shall each be gathered into our Master's garner. Jesus does not plead for our instant removal by death, for to abide in the flesh is needful for others if not profitable for ourselves. He asks that we may be kept from evil, but He never asks for us to be admitted to the inheritance in glory till we are of full age. Christians often want to die when they have any trouble. Ask them why, and they tell you, "Because we would be with the Lord." We fear it is not so much because they are longing to be with the Lord, as because they desire to get rid of their troubles; else they would feel the same wish to die at other times when not under the pressure of trial. They want to go home, not so much for the Saviour's company, as to be at rest. Now it is quite right to desire to depart if we can do it in the same spirit that Paul did, because to be with Christ is far better, but the wish to escape from trouble is a selfish one. Rather let your care and wish be to glorify God by your life here as long as He pleases, even though it be in the midst of toil, and conflict, and suffering, and leave Him to say when "it is enough."

Family Flair

2011-04-25T20:10:00.003-04:00

I do not remember the last time I did a family update. I think I did a brief one for when Ronn married Gayle. Gayle is a special lady who has become a Mom to me. She is a gift from God and I thank Him for her. She has stepped into that maternal role in the family without taking anything away from our precious Momma who went to Heaven.
March was the wedding and the uniting of another family to our rambling vine of kudzu. We welcome Mark and Amy and their boys Jordan, Luke, and Hayden. We also welcome Wayne Loving into the family although we haven't met him yet. In addition to those we are happy to also have Laura and her husband Jim and their children. We met Tim and Jennifer, but welcome the rest as well into our family and hearts. The wedding was beautiful and sweet with lots of laughter and tears. Ted and Tammy and Amy sung together "Rejoice in the Lord" (He makes NO mistakes).

We also celebrated March birthdays adding more celebrants to the month of March then we had before.

In April, we have been working overtime it seems. Schoolwork is starting to get finished up. Easter was happily celebrated with a huge family grill-out on Saturday. April birthdays were celebrated and enjoyed.
Sunday we hosted a dinner with lots of fun and drama and fatigue in between 2 amazing services at church.
Ted and I commemorated our 19th wedding anniversary yesterday as well. We so rarely get time together that we have snatched a few hours here and there. We did spend a day at a huge shopping mall together earlier in the month although we weren't sure if that was our anniversary celebration or not. Wanting and needing more time together, we are going to take a mini vacation in May to celebrate our anniversary properly. Then of course I will send Ted off fishing the end of that week. James is looking forward to going fishing with his dad as a Senior Class trip/ PE field trip.
James will be graduating from high school on June 5th at 6pm at Faith Baptist Church of Shelby, NC. We would love to have friends and family come and cheer him on as he finally finishes this great half of the race.
James works hard as the grounds keeper for World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions. He does a great job and loves working there.
Justin is finishing his junior year and hopes to find a good summer job between weeks at camp.

We are racing through this year, and looking forward to many events and milestones in our lives, but we long for that great day when we will be caught up hither to meet the Lord in the air. Are you ready for that day?

By Name

2011-04-25T10:32:00.002-04:00

We had glorious Resurrection Day Services yesterday. The whole theme that permeated the day and in my heart was that Jesus knows me by name. He is a personal Savior. Are you close enough to Jesus that not only does He know your name, but He calls You by name? Would you know Jesus by name if He came to your house? Jesus knows each and every one of us by name, but do we hear Him call our name? Are you listening?

Exodus 33:12 (Moses) "Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight."

1 Chronicles 16:41 "And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen, who were expressed by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his mercy [endureth] for ever;"

John 10:3-5 "To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers."

Have you talked with Him today??? Have you let HIM talk with you?

Day by Day by Grace Devotional

2011-04-19T20:59:00.000-04:00

Bob Hoekstra
April 19th
Experiencing the Lord's Goodness

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! (Psalm 34:8)
The Scriptures clearly declare that the knowledge of the Lord is for developing a relationship, not merely cataloging correct information about Him. Grace and peace are to be "multiplied to" us (2 Peter 1:2), not just memorized by us. "All things that pertain to life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3) are to be drawn upon for godly living, not merely listed to validate our orthodoxy. As we get to know the Lord, His goodness is to be experienced in our lives.

Our present verse is quite forthright concerning this point. "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good." The Lord is good. He is merciful, kind, gracious, and patient. The Scriptures abound with declarations of God's goodness. "Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever" (Psalm 107:1). This goodness of God is to be experienced by God's people. "My people shall be satisfied with My goodness" (Jeremiah 31:14). We are to "taste and see" God's goodness, not only to hear of it and talk about it.

How does a person experience the goodness of the Lord? "Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" God's goodness is available for our personal experience whenever we trust in Him. "Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men!" (Psalm 31:19). When we rely upon the Lord, His goodness brings forth peace in our lives. "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You" (Isaiah 26:3). When we depend upon the Lord, His goodness brings forth rejoicing in our lives. "Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name" (Psalm 33:20-21).

It should not be surprising to us that faith in the Lord is the pathway to experiencing His goodness. We have noted in a number of these meditations that faith is one of the relational realities that allows a child of God to live by His grace. Faith accesses grace (Romans 5:2). "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him" (Lamentations 3:25).

We trust in the Lord the more we get acquainted with Him. We trust in the Lord the more we seek Him to demonstrate His faithfulness. "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You" (Psalm 9:10).

From the Heart

2011-04-12T23:28:00.002-04:00

Have I ever sent you through a valley
I had not already walked through?

Have I ever held your hand in Mine
Without walking next to you?

Have I ever set you on a mountain
Without lifting you up high?

Have I ever asked to give your all
Without being willing Myself to die?

O little child of wandering
I've been with you from the start.

When I said I'll never leave you child
I meant it with all My heart.

-Ted Corriveau 4/12/2011

Proverbs 10

2011-04-06T09:29:00.003-04:00

What a beautiful sun-shining day the Lord has created! I sit here during a lull, sipping creamy coffee and feeling butterflies in my stomach. This week I arranged for James to take his SAT's, started downloading and printing out his college application, pushing him to finish his last month of course work, and wondering what the Lord has in store for him. This feeling reminds me of when he was learning to walk and I knew I couldn't always hold his hand, but I always felt better if I was there to help him minimize his falls. As I meditate on this, I want to make sure I am not worrying or being anxious about his safety or his choices, although I am probably falling victim to just that.
My mind is full of thoughts and comparisons, and I think I have just an inkling of what God must feel like with His children. He teaches us over and over and shows us how to serve Him and live for Him. Yet, no matter how many school lessons we have, it does not always seem to sink into our brains and our hearts. In the end, although I would love it if my boys would and could spell correctly, use proper grammar, compute math like a calculator, and spout off historical and scientific facts, my greatest yearning is for them to be so close in their walk with the Lord that it spills out all over their lives and everyone they come in contact with.
Proverbs 10 has resonated with me lately, read it for yourself and glean from it.
My yearnings for my children should be my yearnings for myself with my Heavenly Father as well.
~~R

Going to the Chapel....

2011-03-22T19:32:00.003-04:00

Took my Sweet Baby to the Chapel to watch God expand our family even more with love and grace.

Here is the happy couple.... ok welll....

Kudzu Knots

2011-03-17T20:46:00.003-04:00

Irish Wedding Blessing
May your hands be forever clasped in friendship,
And your hearts joined forever in love.
Your lives are very special,
God has touched you in many ways.
May His blessings rest upon you
And fill all your coming days.

Saturday, our Heavenly Father will turn our Kudzu vine into a family tree.
We welcome Gayle into our family and her family as ours as she marries my second father-in-law.
Our love, prayers, blessings, and thoughts are with them on this special weekend beginning the rest of their lives together.

Child of the King

2011-03-13T22:36:00.001-04:00

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
Jeremiah 31:3

My Prayer: O Lord, I am so undeserving of Your love! Thank You for drawing me to You and giving me Your gift of salvation! Thank You so much, Lord, for loving me with an everlasting love. Teach me, Lord, to love others the way You love me.

Time is Short

2011-03-11T19:26:00.002-05:00

This has been a week of reflection for me. Things have been pretty hectic and fast paced lately, and I found that it was getting in the way of my personal time with my Heavenly Father. He has gently reminded me every week that I am not spending enough real time with Him. I remember the days when all I did was talk to Him and pore of His Word. So, this week I started making a conscious effort to spend more time in His Word and just more alone time with Him. The Super Teen Class that I teach in our church's bus ministry has been doing a series on "Who is God?" I don't just want to know Who God is, but I want to KNOW Him!

Today, we heard about the major earthquake and tsunami in the Pacific region of the world. The news even stated how this was so major that it even shortened the day by a microsecond. Each major earthquake has done the same thing. We often use the phrase, "time is short" or "time is running out", but in reality it really truly is, both physically and spiritually.

Are you ready for when time will end? Driving home from work today a praise song came on the local southern gospel station, and I sat there nearly in tears as I once again remembered how Christ died for ME! The overwhelming thought of this very act was more then I could bear. He is sooo perfect and His love is so perfect that He loves me because of my imperfections. Two nights ago, Wednesday to be exact, I was riding with Ted through downtown Charlotte. On one street alone, there were churches of every brand and religion, most of them dark and empty on a night set aside traditionally for prayer and praising God. There were 2 huge churches lit and a 3rd called a Universalist Church seemed open to the public. My heart ached to see all these buildings that supposedly promote worship and they were empty or promoting their agenda. As I meditated on God's amazing gift of salvation and how we just need to have faith in Him, I was reminded how apathetic and detached the majority of the church people have become.
I am so thankful for my church where tears are welcome along with shouting and praising God, but I thought of so many others that I know personally that church is more of a routine, a tradition, a duty or a way of life minus the joy. When was the last time YOU cried at the thought of God's gift of salvation???
Where is your faith? Millions nay billions of people on this earth worship idols and false gods to the point of death, and yet we who were once lost now act like our Holy Heavenly Father is less important then our own desires and wants. It's as if once we realized we had free will we chose to accept salvation, but not exercise daily faith in Him.
These thoughts have been burning in my soul since Wednesday, God offers salvation, will you accept it? If you have accepted it, then are you running the race, fighting the fight, and exercising your faith? Millions of people will believe in idols and false gods, why is it so hard for us to have faith and serve the One and ONLY True God?
Time is short!!!

Knowing What I Know About Heaven

2011-02-24T17:56:00.003-05:00

I bet the trumpets played,
And the angels sang every sweet refrain of Amazing Grace.
And that Heaven’s hands opened up the gate,
And the children danced when they saw your face.
As happy as they were to see you coming,
I was just as sad to have to watch you go.

Knowing what I know about Heaven,
Believing that you’re all the way home.
Knowing that you’re somewhere better,
Is all I need to let you go.
I could hope that I could pray you back,
But why on earth would I do that?
When you’re somewhere life and love never ends,
Knowing what I know about Heaven.

Where every single voice makes a joyful noise,
How sweet the sound when the saints rejoice.
To every broken heart and every wounded soul,
New life begins on streets of gold.
Where every tear is raining here from my eyes,
I know the sun is shining where you are.

Knowing what I know about Heaven,
Believing that you’re all the way home.
Knowing that you’re somewhere better,
Is all I need to let you go.
I could hope that I could pray you back,
But why on earth would I do that?
When you’re somewhere life and love never ends,
Knowing what I know about Heaven.

He Hath Said

2011-02-21T23:43:00.000-05:00

"He hath said." — Hebrews 13:5

"If we can only grasp these words by faith, we have an all-conquering weapon in our hand. What doubt will not be slain by this two-edged sword? What fear is there which shall not fall smitten with a deadly wound before this arrow from the bow of God's covenant? Will not the distresses of life and the pangs of death; will not the corruptions within, and the snares without; will not the trials from above, and the temptations from beneath, all seem but light afflictions, when we can hide ourselves beneath the bulwark of "He hath said"? Yes; whether for delight in our quietude, or for strength in our conflict, "He hath said" must be our daily resort. And this may teach us the extreme value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore you miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you might be free; but if you will not look for it, you may remain a prisoner still, though liberty is so near at hand. There may be a potent medicine in the great pharmacopoeia of Scripture, and you may yet continue sick unless you will examine and search the Scriptures to discover what "He hath said." Should you not, besides reading the Bible, store your memories richly with the promises of God? You can recollect the sayings of great men; you treasure up the verses of renowned poets; ought you not to be profound in your knowledge of the words of God, so that you may be able to quote them readily when you would solve a difficulty, or overthrow a doubt? Since "He hath said" is the source of all wisdom, and the fountain of all comfort, let it dwell in you richly, as "A well of water, springing up unto everlasting life." So shall you grow healthy, strong, and happy in the divine life."
Charles Haddon Spurgeon

11 After 10

2011-02-20T21:24:00.002-05:00

Noah's Ark : Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark .

ONE: Don't miss the boat.
TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat!
THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
SIX: Build your future on high ground.
SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile.
TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

10 Suggestions

2011-02-20T21:17:00.002-05:00

Someone has written these beautiful words. Read and try to understand the deep meaning of it.
They are like the ten recommendations to follow in life all the time.

1] Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout.

2] Notice how A Car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the Rear view Mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, Look Ahead and Move on.

3] Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.

4] All things in life are temporary. If going well enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong don't worry, they can't last long either.

5] Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold!

6] Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!

7] When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.

8] A blind person asked a religious man : "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision!"

9] When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.

10] WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES; it takes away today's PEACE.
If you really enjoy this, PLEASE pass to others. It may brighten someone's day...

Irish Blessing

2011-02-18T14:20:00.002-05:00

Remembered Joy
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free!
I follow the plan God laid for me.
I saw His face, I heard His call,
I took His hand and left it all...
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss...
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life's been full, I've savoured much:
Good times, good friends, a loved-one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief—
Don't shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.

Found this Irish Blessing that spoke to me... I miss Momma, but I know that I need to see the sunshine through the clouds, and Trust God to give me the strength to continue serving Him til He comes.

Melancholy Moment

2011-02-09T21:05:00.002-05:00

As I sit here on this chilly Wednesday night, my thoughts are meandering through my mind as if they were window shopping. I grab a thought, look at it, and move on without dwelling on any one thing in particular for more then a second or two. Ted's job remains stressful, but I trust God to keep him close and see him through. Even though we rarely see each other anymore, the time we do spend together has been heightened in quality and has become even more precious to me. I thank God every day for the man He gave me to be the leader of my home and the holder of my heart.

I dreamed about Momma again last night. Even in the dream I was conscious of the fact that she wasn't supposed to be in that storyline, and so I spoke up and told her I needed a hug. I knew I would only be able to get it in my dream, but I treasure the memory of Momma's hugs. Tonight the teen ensemble sang my favorite hymn "It is well with my soul".... that has become my theme song for these past years, and I thrill each time I hear the song sung from the heart. Then a song was sung about believing in Heaven and Calvary, but it had a line about watching a loved one die, and I just wanted to bawl. So many people are hurting, going through surgeries, getting sick, saying good bye to loved ones....my heart aches to help them all, and I do not have the means to even do anything.
As this started to weigh on me tonight, I felt so burdened and weighted down by the immediate that I lost track of the permanent- my eternal goal.
I need to grasp my theme song and sing it loud and clear. I am about to paste the words to share with all of you and noticed that the site I got it from has stanzas I have never heard before. Thank you Lord for giving me Peace that passeth all understanding!

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!

Be Still and KNOW

2011-01-29T19:39:00.002-05:00

This month has been full of valleys and very few mountains. Ted's job has been overloaded with stressful events. His stress bleeds off onto me, even though he tries to protect us from it. Prayer warriors have gathered and have prayed us through the hard times. The comfort and strength that comes from a blanket of prayer is incomparable. My work position might be changing, and I found that to be weighing on me.
God gave me a verse Thursday night that helped me keep things in perspective.
Psalm 131:1-3 " LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child. Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever." I can rest and be quiet in the Lord and let Him take care of it, instead of being an impatient fussy baby that can't be satisfied or content. If my hope is in the Lord, then I really need to let Him handle it, since it's very obvious I can't.
So every time I start feeling that overwhelming sense of stress and burden and feel like screaming, I remember that I am no longer a infant in the Lord. I need to take Him at His Word, trust in Him, and quiet myself.

He came to my desk with a quivering lip.
The lesson was done.
"Dear teacher, I want a new page," he said,
I have spoiled this one."

I took the old page, torn and blotted,
And gave him a new one, all unspotted,
And into his sad eyes smiled:
"Do better now, my child."

I came to God's throne with a trembling heart.
The year's work was done.
"Dear Father, I want a new life," I said,
"I have spoiled this one."

He took my old life, torn and blotted,
And gave me a new one, all unspotted,
And into my sad heart smiled:
"Do better now, my child."
"A New Leaf" by Kathleen Wheeler

From Child to Adult

2011-01-24T22:17:00.002-05:00

What makes a child become an adult? Is it automatic when you go from 17 to 18? What happens when you are in a different culture and the age of maturity is 13 or in times past 21? Many people age, but never actually grow up. Many thoughts like these have gone through my mind since this weekend. Our eldest turned 18 this past Saturday. I will have to pull out the Selective Service registration form, introduce him to an election ballot, get his permanent unrestricted driver's license, order a class ring, diploma, cap and gown, and start filling out college applications, grant forms, and a myriad of many other things that signify adulthood.
In the midst of all these often stress filled activities, I am yearning for him to just grow closer to our Precious Lord, and to find God's perfect will for his life. This has been a journey that feels like it started longer then 18 years ago. In essence it did, it started when at the age of 4 I gave my heart and life to Jesus and yearned to be His obedient child. As I became an adult and then a wife and mother, my greatest desire was for my children to have that same close walk with the Lord.
James has been my right hand man, my boy giant, my student, my child, my buddy... Now as the next chapter is waiting to be written in this travelogue through life, I yearn for him to be God's child, His servant, His ambassador, His reflection.....
I feel old, and yet still young, scared that I didn't do enough, yet hopeful that everything instilled in him will come to fruition.
It is a very strange feeling to see your child become a man, and to pray all the more that he will be found faithful.
Happy Birthday, James!
We LOVE YOU!!!
2 John 1:4

Christmas Grace

2010-12-26T18:29:00.001-05:00

Christmas Grace

Thank you, Lord, for this place,
Where we gathered from life’s rat race

With tears on our face,
Our memories replay,
Our sadness is now a trace,
By the wonder of God’s Christmas Grace

Down came the snow,
Beautiful, sparkling, icy lace,
Family and friends,
Food, fun, fellowship,
And candy by the case!

Gifts, girls, guys,
Grandparents, Oh MY
How can this be?
Maybe you ask why?
It’s a testimony of God’s Christmas grace, we would reply

God gave His Son one Christmas morn
His greatest gift for us to be reborn
A shout and Gabriel’s horn
Then crowns upon His feet we’ll adorn

It is this hope
This truth upon which we base
Our ability to live and cope-
-- God’s Christmas Grace

--RJC 12/26/10

Surreal and So Real

2010-12-16T19:21:00.003-05:00

Today is December 16, 2010. One year ago today our lives were abruptly changed forever.
I sit here lost in thought as memory after memory plays out through the timeline in my mind. A myriad of emotions flit across my heart as I think of what this year has been like. I am so humbly thankful for HOPE, GRACE, MERCY, and PEACE. Hope, because without it we would not have Heaven. Grace, for every hour we think we can't make it through without going crazy with grief or pain. Mercy, for when we have more questions then answers, and Peace, for when we finally give it all to God to take care of instead.

God has been more real to me this year in deeper ways then ever before, and I have seen Him work in our family in what should have been a tragedy, but is really a Triumph of God's grace.

It was a surreal day for me, but the sadness is so real.
It is surreal to think she is gone and isn't around to take care of us.
It is so real to know that we will see her again.
It has been surreal to pick up the pieces and live life.
It's so real to have God's grace to make it through each day.
It's surreal that her earthly life is over,
It's So Real that her legacy still lives on.
Surreal? Yes, but only for a short time, then Heaven will be SO REAL!!!

Monday Musings

2010-11-10T09:52:00.002-05:00

It has turned cold here in NC this past week, especially at night and into the early morning hours. Our hard frosts are the equivalent of snow, as we get more frost then actual snow or ice per winter season. We have scurried around looking for gloves and coats and winter attire for the few hours it's actually cold, before you turn off the heat and turn the a/c back on in the afternoons. I could not find any gloves around here that fit me, and Ted and I both figured we would need to head to the store to get us both yet another pair that will eventually get lost come springtime.
It was Monday morning again, and I did not wish to be cold all the way to work, so I pulled my heavy leather overcoat on and trudged out the door. I put my hands into my coat pockets and felt something soft and warm. I pulled out a pair of gloves! Momma's gloves!!! I couldn't remember what I had worn last year, it was because it wasn't until Momma had gone to Heaven that I inherited her winter gloves. I stood there with the gloves in my hand torn with emotions. Do I wear them? Do I stand there and cry and never get to work? I chose to thank God, and Momma for the gloves that I needed, and to laugh because once again even a year later she is taking care of me through God's plan.
The rest of my Monday was filled with normal Monday mishaps, but also interspersed with little delightful blessings. The ladybugs are migrating or whatever it is they do when they invade someone's living space. I have secretly enjoyed ladybugs crawling around in my office and on my desk. They haven't been pesky and they haven't gotten in the way. They have been little reminders of how God can give us joy in simple things.
As I reflect in this Thanksgiving season, I can't believe it's been almost a year already. Only God's grace and love has gotten us through this time of mourning, of missing, of memories, of melt-downs, and of moving forward.
Thank You, Lord, for your blessings on me.

My Adonai

2010-10-01T16:07:00.000-04:00

One single drop of rain
Your salty tear became blue ocean
One tiny grain of sand turning in your hand
A world in motion
You're out beyond the furthest Morning Star
Close enough to hold me in Your arms
Adonai, I lift up my heart and I cry
My Adonai
You're Maker of each moment
Father of my hope and freedom
Oh, my Adonai
One timid faithful knock
Resounds upon the Rock of Ages
One trembling heart and soul
Becomes a servant bold and courageous
You call across the mountains and the seas
I answer from the deepest part of me
Adonai, I lift up my heart and I cry
My Adonai
You are Maker of each moment
Father of my hope and freedom
Oh, my Adonai
Oh, From age to age you reign in Majesty
And today You're making miracles in me
Adonai! I lift up my heart and I cry
My Adonai You are Maker of each moment
Father of my hope and freedom
Oh, my Adonai

Higher Ground

2010-10-01T15:42:00.002-04:00

I’m pressing on the upward way,
new heights I’m gaining every day,
still praying as I’m onward bound,
oh Lord, plant my feet on higher ground
(higher ground).

Verse 2:
My heart has no desire to stay,
where doubts arise and fears dismay.
Though some may dwell where these abound,
oh Lord, my prayer, my aim, is higher ground,
(higher ground).

Chorus:
Lord, lift me up and let me stand.
by faith on Heaven’s table land,
a higher plane I have found;
plant my feet on higher ground- higher ground.

Verse 3:
I want to live above the world,
though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
for faith has caught all joyful sound,
the song of saints on higher ground (higher ground).

Chorus
A higher plane that I have found, Lord plant my feet on higher ground(holy ground)
We are standing in His presence all around(on holy ground)
(I love You, I love You, Holy Father)

Lord lift me up, and let me stand
where the eagle flies
on the mountain high
from the world below
and all the evil noise
Lord lift me up and let me stand by faith on Heaven's table land
We are standing in His presence on Holy Ground
A higher plane that I have found, Lord plant my feet on Higher Ground

I started to play some music today that Ted gave me, as my heart was heavy. This song came on by a popular trumpeter, and I really did not want to listen to it for reasons I will tell you at a later time. Instead, God used it to speak to me, and I was able to worship Him in song, as He knew I just longed to be with Him, on Higher Ground.
I still have this strong overpowering feeling that those who are His children will not be on this earth much longer. This has also given me a sense of urgency for those of you who are still lost and do not call Jesus - Lord, and God - your Heavenly Father. I yearn for you to know Him and accept His free gift of salvation TODAY!!

The Double J's 2010

2010-09-23T21:10:00.004-04:00

A Year in Review

2010-09-11T20:26:00.002-04:00

I was thinking tonight about this past year, realizing how much we have gone through as a family. Without the help of God, it would be all have been completely overwhelming. After a particularly rough week, I am needing to stop and thank God for His blessings and care through this time.
Last September, we moved to this house and started another year of homeschooling. In December, we lost Momma in a tragic accident. Picking up the pieces and taking care of the family through this time was only accomplished through the daily and sometimes hourly outpouring of God's grace.
In April, I had surgery and had to spend more time then expected in recovery. It has taken a few months to let my body adjust to the changes.
The beginning of June we had some serious issues to work through as a family. By the end of June into the beginning of July, I was weighing the decision to resign my job that I have had for 4 years. In the middle of July, God gave me a brand new job. The training portion and new schedule has been quite a challenge these past couple of months. We have now started a new home-school term, and Justin is taking driver's ed. So, in the course of 12 months, we have gone through moving, burying a precious loved one, surgery, job change, and a lot of stressful moments in our busy lives.
Thinking back on this, I want to feel utterly overwhelmed, but I can see how God has worked through each and every situation, and I know that He will get us through whatever this new year holds.
My favorite passage of Scripture still remains 2 Cor. 4:7-9- "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;..."
Thank You, God, for taking care of me, and for sending Ted to be my help-meet through all the stresses of life.

Glory Moment

2010-08-24T16:36:00.002-04:00

Happy Day to Y'all!! I had a glory moment this morning that I have been anxious to share with everyone! I got in my car to head to work, and I happened to glance up at the sun. It was a common scene of the sun behind the clouds shooting rays in a neat display that I particularly enjoy. I started thanking God for the beautiful morning, and I was overcome with such a sense of eager anticipation. I felt this urgent freeing in my soul. I really wasn't sure if I would even make it to work, before the trumpet would sound, and I would be called into glory. All the way to work, I kept my eye on the sun and just worshiped and praised the Son of God. After stopping at the post office, I looked back up at the cloud covering the sun, and amazingly, the rays pouring out were through a gap in the cloud shaped exactly like a huge smile!
I am so ready should He come today! ARE YOU???!!!!

August Rush

2010-08-12T17:31:00.007-04:00

Dear Family and Friends,
Just an update for this month on the changes that have happened since my last post.
We are all doing well, and life is rushing by with very little time to stop and smell the roses.
Ted stays busy every day with his job as area supervisor for a Pizza Hut franchise. He tries to balance in family time and church activities, but ends up multi-tasking more often then not. I started my new job as office assistant for World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions. In addition to that, I am also the hospitality facilitator for their prophets' chambers. That is just a fancy way of saying that I keep the guest rooms clean. God has shown me how to be used for His ministry, and how to have joy in serving Him while I do it. It is not just a "job", it's a true ministry to people and missionaries around the world. I am both honored and humbled at the same time to be able to work in this capacity.

Our church had it's annual VBS earlier this month. For the second year in a row, I was delegated to coordinate the refreshment time. I had an amazing group of volunteers to help me. This year was by far the smoothest year we have had lately. 13 children were saved this year at our VBS, and we thank God for those new babes in Christ!

This weekend we look forward to hearing Tradition (Ted's quartet) sing at Crystal Seas Fish Camp in SC.

Ted and I have struggled with health issues and weight problems for the past few years. We have half tried various things, and usually end up back into our old unhealthy habits. With much deliberation and trepidation, we looked again at the Hallelujah Acres diet. This is a Christian organization designed to minister and aid in the health and well being of its clients. We are slowly working into this lifestyle change, and have both already lost 10 lbs each in the last month.
We are excited to see how this will change and help us physically, as well as, spiritually in the months to come.

James did not get either job that he applied for this summer, and has spent most of his days doing yard work for us and his grandfather. Justin just completed 2 weeks of driver's ed classes, and is waiting for the call when he will get the actual driving portion of his education. They will both start school the first week of September, and hopefully will stay committed to an intense year of education, preparing them for college ahead.
We extend birthday greetings to my brother David and his wife Carmelita, cousin Becky and her son Dustyn, my father, and Emily(our niece).
Special loving birthday greetings to my wonderful husband, Ted.
We love you so much and are so thankful to be with you every day!

Happy Anniversary to my parents!

I also want to mention that today is Ronn and Momma's wedding anniversary. Please continue to pray for Ronn and our family, as we continue to adjust to life without Momma. Also pray for Momma's family, her parents are not in good health. Ronn is supposed to visit them in NY the end of this month. Pray for his trip, and for healing for everyone.

Congratulations to my little cousin Gray on his recent wedding!

When Jesus returns will you go with Him?

His Ways

2010-07-05T12:01:00.002-04:00

Psalm 25:12 "What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose."

Our Pastor preached a message a few weeks ago, that really brought some issues to light, that I had not been willing to deal with or act upon. I discussed the situation with Ted that night, and God made it very clear that I need to follow His ways. With much prayer and even fear, I chose to resign my job that I have had for the past few years. God intervened and took control of the whole result! I thank God that He tenderly gives grace to do things that are good for us even when they are hard or fearful. Psalm 25:20-21 "keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee."
Ted and I went to the Greer Baptist Camp-meeting in Greer, SC, last week. What a blessing and help those services were! God made it very clear that I need to keep trusting Him for the ways that He will choose for me. In fact, because I chose to obey and trust Him, He has chosen me for another employment opportunity, and a way to be a blessing to others.
There is a bit of personal trepidation that I will not learn or perform my new job requirements in a satisfactory manner, but I am learning that God will give me what I need each day if I choose to trust and obey Him.
More on my new job at a later date.
The boys will be going to Living Waters Christian Camp the next 2 weeks and they are excited about that!
We are still doing a bit of summer school to finish up what turned out to be a very difficult year for our family in every way imaginable.
Keep us in your prayers, but know that God's grace is more then sufficient, and we are claiming His promises daily!
Until next time,
Rebecca and family

Flag Day

2010-06-14T14:51:00.002-04:00

Flag Day used to be so thrilling for me growing up, along with other patriotic holidays. I kept thinking today was a special date that I was supposed to remember. It wasn't until I saw a friend mention Flag Day in a message,that I recalled the reason. How many of you, like me, through time and present day politics, and busy lives have forgotten, or just become numb to the national holidays lately?
I honor our flag, our troops, and our rich heritage paid for in blood.. but I also am reminded that our spiritual banner is the Bible, our troops are the martyrs and missionaries and those on the front lines yearning for souls to be free from sin. Our Christian heritage has been paid for by Christ's blood, and we need to celebrate this EVERY day.
A little chorus from my childhood came to mind, and I want to post it here.. in honor of our flag and in honor of our spiritual freedom from sin, paid for by Christ's precious blood...Are you truly free today?

Let the flag fly high
on the castle of my heart,
on the castle of my heart,
on the castle of my heart.
Let the flag fly high
on the castle of my heart,
For the King is in residence there.

So I got an iPad...

2010-06-07T22:11:00.002-04:00

So about two weeks ago, I had an opportunity to obtain an iPad for a fair price, and simply could not pass it up. Now, I have to say: I'm quite tech savvy, and I was positive I could wrangle this tiny piece of masterful machinery into pure submission. However, after two weeks of juggling my wonderful iPhone, my iPad, and my slowly dying Windows 7 laptop, I realized just how little time I actually have to "play". I sometimes find myself sitting in my armchair picking up one device, only to put it down again and pick up another. I've gone almost all day without touching my iPad, and that makes me iSad :( Although my son James did get to read 5 chapters of Last of the Mohicans while I was laboring in Wadesboro.

But tonight! While waiting for my ritualistic week-ending monotony of phone calls as I struggle to get final numbers from all of my stores, I had an epiphany! So I picked up my iPad, grabbed my tea and headed to the front porch. I lit the citronella candle to ward off the critters (not the wife), dialed up the VPN, and started my bluetooth connection to my iPhone.

So here I sit; typing this blog, wondering why there is a backspace key but no DEL key, waiting for phone calls and wondering what impact version 4.0 of this wonderful device will have on my semi-near future. !ouch! That was a skeeter!!!

Catch Up

2010-06-04T11:15:00.002-04:00

Dear Family and Friends,
It has been awhile since I have posted a family newsletter. Not because we haven't had anything to say, mostly because there is just too much happening!

Let's do a quick catch up. School year has officially ended for the boys. They are still finishing some course work, and will have summer school in science and math. James took his road test and passed, and now has an intermediate driver's license. Justin has been registered for driver's ed classes in August.

They both will have a summer job, spend a week at Living Waters Christian Camp, and then part of week there for Leadership Camp.

Ted stays consumed with his job, and tries to sneak in a few moments here and there for rest and family time. Many times I will ride around with him, just to spend some time with him, although he is working. I am still working part-time for my boss/landlord. My job category is secretary/property manager. It is not very time- consuming, so I have a few extra projects I want to work on this summer.

My parents have arrived from New York, and will be spending next week with us.
We had a family dinner with my brother Jon and his new wife Mia and our Uncle Bill. It was good to see them all again, and to meet Mia's children.

We all stay involved in our church ministries, and have really enjoyed God's lessons and blessings.

I had my surgery in April, and am recovering from that pretty well. The doctor will recheck me in September and will know by then if everything was a success. I might have side affects until that time. Already my migraines have lessened and a few other things that have bothered me, have been minimized due to the surgery. Thank God!!
On a silly note, someone, through Ted's work, rescued a litter of kittens from the side of a road. Needless to say, we adopted 2 of the babies. WOW, talk about craziness around here. Those two little spitfires are hilarious, but full of trouble! So we have 4 cats, and a dog who thinks he is a cat!

God is Great, life is good, yes, we miss Momma terribly, but with the signs of the times and grace from God we know it won't be long until we see Jesus and our precious Momma!
We are ready... are you ready?
There I have caught you up.. so until we meet again or are "Caught up in the air"... may God bless you and keep you all
Love,
Rebecca and family

We Remember....

2010-05-31T12:38:00.001-04:00

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;
His truth is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.

I have seen Him in the watch fires of a hundred circling camps
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps;
His day is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His day is marching on.

I have read a fiery Gospel writ in burnished rows of steel;
“As ye deal with My contemners, so with you My grace shall deal”;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel,
Since God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Since God is marching on.

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat;
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet;
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free;
[originally …let us die to make men free]
While God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! While God is marching on.

He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,
He is wisdom to the mighty, He is honor to the brave;
So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of wrong His slave,
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.

Shhhhhhh, somebody is watching

2010-05-26T23:35:00.003-04:00

Hello family and friends,
Most of us go through our day with very little thought as to who is watching us, whether it be our children, church youth, peers, or the person sharing an aisle at the local store. It has come to my recent attention that I have many people watching me. They have, in fact, told me that although they rarely say anything they are watching me whether it's what I post online, or how I interact with someone.
Now that can be scary, IF you don't want to think of that responsibility. Maybe you live a double life, and you are afraid someone will catch you doing something less then Christian-like. I am not perfect, I am however under spiritual construction, what progress He makes is often up to how much I let Him work in my life. I think most of all though we need to be very conscious that God our Father is watching us. Now, of course, if you are not saved, you do not feel that burden of responsibility, nor the loving eyes of the Father yearning to guide us every day. I urge you to realize that today is the day of salvation, your tomorrow may never come.
Who do you watch? Who is watching you?
Just a tidbit to think about... I will update y'all on family news later.

Dreams

2010-04-07T22:44:00.006-04:00

I dreamed about Momma last night, it was soo good to see her, hug her, and talk with her, even if it was only a dream. Today turned into a very stressful day. I kept trying to hand it over to the Lord, but I wasn't getting any peace. I finally decided to get in the car and drive(something Ronn has to do when his sorrow gets too heavy). I got in,prayed again; then turned on the tape in the tape deck.
Now,let me tell you about this tape. A month ago, the man who helps in the church's tape ministry came up to me at church, and handed me two cassettes and was determined that I needed these tapes to listen to. I accepted them, but told him that I really could just use Cd's. I was thinking there was really no way I would get to hear them, since I don't have a tape player around in use. Well, my trusty bucket of bolts only has a tape player! I had been praying for some good music to listen to, but just never connected the dots in my head that God was answering this prayer, and so many future prayers as well. These two tapes have been such a blessing to me in the car these past couple of months.
Today though, I needed exactly what the youth choir was singing... after many tears and a lot of prayer, God used the first 5 songs in succession to help me over my burdens today. Thank YOU, Lord, for giving me so many answers to prayer, and for the daily healing you pour out on me and on my family. I never dreamed when those tapes were given to me, that they would become such a balm to my emotions and thoughts.
Well, just wanted to share some of that with y'all today in hopes that you will know that God can help YOU through your trials and troubles, if you will only listen to His gentle call.
I am off to dreamland, getting up early tomorrow to get the boys off on their trip to TN for the huge youth rally. Pray for them! I also get to babysit my 3 little nieces tomorrow.... fun-fun!
Love
Rebecca

Easter Monday

2010-04-05T11:52:00.004-04:00

Good Blessed Morning to all of you,

I haven't posted in awhile, it's been an exceedingly busy spring season!
The weather is already in summer temperatures, everything is in bloom, the pollen is in overdrive, and the bees are out in full military force.

It has only been a few months since Momma passed away unexpectedly. We are hanging onto God's peace and promises. It has not always been easy, and there are still many tears and walks down memory lane. I am glad God has our past, present, and future in the palm of His hand. Every time I think I can't take it anymore, or I just don't understand why Momma can't be here with us still, God gives me a healing dose of peace and grace that makes it worth it.

Justin turned 16 in March, no, he does not have his permit yet. We are hoping to get James ready for his road test soon for his driver's license. Then Justin will have to take driver's ed class, as well.
Justin has a part-time summer job lined up, that starts in June, James is still looking.
We had special revival services this past week, that were a real help and blessing.
This week, we are getting the boys ready to go on their annual trip to Murfreesboro, TN, for the HUGE Youth Rally they have at Br.Tony Hudson's church. This is a special time for our youth. Please pray that the boys will use this time to draw closer to our wonderful Lord, and determine to serve Him in an even greater capacity.

Ted stays very busy, but makes every effort to balance his work with family and church needs. I praise and thank God for my loving husband. I tell the Lord every day how thankful I am, and how much I love the man He gave me for these past 18 years! It seems impossible that I graduated from high school 20 years ago!!!

I stay busy with school for the boys, working my part-time property manager job for the same boss I have had for the past 4 years, and teaching the teen class in our church's bus ministry. In the past, I have mentioned a few health issues that I needed to have taken care of. Next Tuesday, I finally go to have that hopefully accomplished. Pray for me, Momma won't be around to take care of me, and if they can't remove the growth successfully this time, they will need to put me in the hospital later to surgically remove it with a different method. I ask that you pray that this will be the only time that I need to go in, and that God will take care of the procedure and the healing process.
I hope you all have had a blessed Easter, and if you do NOT know our wonderful Lord and Savior- please, please I beg of you- do NOT wait any longer to accept HIS free gift of salvation!

Happy Birthday Greetings to Justin, my Aunt Joyce, and my niece Naomi.
Special Congratulations on the engagement and marriage of my brother Jonathan to Mia!
Pray for Ted's cousin Becky, who has spreading incurable cancer.
Continue to pray for us as we move forward in the healing process from the home-going of Momma.
There is probably so much more I could write, but I think you get the gist of it!
Love, Rebecca

A Thought

2010-03-19T10:01:00.003-04:00

Sitting here with the glorious sunshine pouring through my window, I have been thinking about various people who I know are hurting for one reason or many reasons. AS I contemplated on their situations,I caught myself wondering yet again why I am not so burdened down with my own problems. I have many stresses and issues and problems, yet I don't feel upset or worried about them. Then I wondered if maybe I wasn't caring enough or sensitive enough. The more I thought on it the more my favorite hymn kept ringing forth in my heart and thoughts. God brought it to my attention again this morning, and I keep singing the refrain over and over. " It is well with my soul"...
A sweet young lady gave an example to me the other night as we talked about problems and prayed together. She said if you have your hands curled up into a fist, God can't hold them or give you blessings. Are you holding onto your hurt? Are you refusing to let go of your burdens, and trust God to take care of them? So much has happened in a brief amount of time in our own lives. Every day is uncertain here on earth, but my future is sealed and certain in Heaven. I can rest on the fact that my troubles and trials can make me stronger, bring me closer to God,give Him glory, and make me a better Christian... but only if I reach my open hands out to God and say " Here- take my burdens and YOU deal with them, because I sure can't!"
So yes, I do care about the pain you are going through, yes, I am praying for you, but I will not wallow in my own pain and hurt, for then God can't use me to bless others...
1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you."
Open your hands and hearts to God today, and allow Him to give you peace in your valley.
Love y'all
R

Across the Miles

2010-03-15T09:02:00.003-04:00

Is your testimony and faith so evident that others come to you for help or a prayer need? I am humbled and amazed when someone trusts ME to pray for a serious situation. I do not take it lightly, and I try as hard as my human failings will allow me to honor that request.
I came across this song this morning that Ted put on my new phone.
I do not know the author, neither do I know who is singing it, but I hope it will bless you and help you.
ACROSS THE MILES
All around this world I've traveled through
In all I've come to find, the ties that bind can come unraveled
I try to face some lonely times, but when I'm tired and feeling low
What a comfort it is to know
Across the miles there's someone praying for me
Across the miles there's someone on their knees lifting my name to the Lord above
In joy and pain I can feel the love and see you smile - across the miles
Life can be so complicated as I travel down each road
When kindred hearts are separated it gives us each a chance to grow
And even though I am so far away
I am reminded every day
Across the miles - there someone praying for me
Across the miles there's someone on their knees lifting my name to the Lord above In joy and pain I can feel the love and see you smile across miles...
If Ted and I can pray for you in any way, please leave us a comment or a private message...

Suthenisms

2010-03-07T21:03:00.001-05:00

I love the very last part of this, for those of you dear folks who accept us for who we are.. bless your heart.. for those of you that just don't get it.. well... bless your po little heart too!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Suthen-isms:
____
Only a Southerner knows the difference between a hissie fit and a
conniption fit, and that you don't HAVE them, you PITCH them.
_____
Only a Southerner knows how many fish, collard greens, turnip greens,
peas, beans, etc., make up a mess.
_____
Only a Southerner can show or point out to you the general direction of
yonder.
_____
Only a Southerner knows exactly how long directly is, As in: 'Going to
town, be back directly.'
_____
Even Southern babies know that Gimme some sugar is not a request for the white, granular sweet substance that sits in a pretty little bowl in the
middle of the table.
_____
All Southerners know exactly when by and by is. They might not use the
term, but they know the concept well.
_____
Only a Southerner knows instinctively that the best gesture of solace
for a neighbor who's got trouble is a whole messa fried chicken and a
big bowl of cold potato salad. If the neighbor's trouble is a real
crisis, they also know to add a large banana puddin!
_____
Only Southerners grow up knowing the difference between right near and a right far piece. They also know that just down the road a piece can be anywhere from 1 to 20 miles.
_____
Only a Southerner, both knows and understands, the difference between a redneck, a good ol' boy, and po white trash.
_____
A Southerner knows that the word fixin can be used as a noun, a verb, or an adverb.
_____
Only Southerners make friends while standing in lines, ... And when
we're 'in line,' we talk to everybody!
_____
Put 100 Southerners in a room and half of them will discover they're
related, even if only by marriage.
_____
In the South, y'all is singular, all y'all is plural.
_____
Southerners know grits come from corn and how to eat them.
_____
Every Southerner knows tomatoes with eggs, bacon, grits, and coffee are
perfectly wonderful; that red eye gravy is also a breakfast food; and
that fried green tomatoes are not a breakfast food.
_____
When you hear someone say, 'I caught myself lookin'', you know you are in the presence of a genuine Southerner!
_____
Only true Southerners say sweet tea and sweet milk. Sweet tea indicates
the need for sugar and lots of it -- we do not like our tea unsweetened.
'Sweet milk' means you don't want buttermilk.
_____
And a true Southerner knows you don't scream obscenities at little old
ladies who drive 30 MPH on the freeway. You just say, 'well, bless her
heart' and go on your way.
_____
And to those of you who are still having a hard time understanding all
this Southern stuff, ... bless your hearts, I hear they're fixin' to
have classes on Southernness as a second language!
------
And for those that are not from the South but have lived here for a long
time, all y'all need a sign to hang on y'alls front porch that reads 'I
ain't from the South, but I got here as fast as I could..'
____________

Now...... Shugah, send this to someone who was raised in the South or
wish they had been and If you're a Northern transplant, Bless y'alls
heart. We know you got here as fast as you could.

Ponder this...

2010-03-05T15:56:00.002-05:00

I am re-reading a favorite series of mine from Dee Henderson. This book is entitled "The Protector". Here is a short excerpt that I hope will make you think, whether you are skeptical,apathetic,or desensitized, I pray this will reach out and change your perspective.
"I don't see a contradiction in God's actions. People die physically from sin and the evil that pervades the world. Jesus knew that. He chose to lay down His life to save us. And God the Father let Jesus make that choice, not because He didn't love His Son, but because He had decided in turn to express His own love for His Son and raise Jesus from the dead. God honored the sacrifice His Son made."...Jesus made a huge sacrifice. But I think God the Father actually made a larger one. He let the one He called His beloved Son be humiliated and murdered. Can you imagine how hard it was to sit on His hands and allow that to happen? He wasn't being contradictory. God was in agony, but He loved us enough to allow it to happen."
" Look at the anger God feels against anyone who rejects what His Son did. Hell is a mild word for the reality. Based on what Revelations says, when God the Father acts at the end of time it is going to be unlike anything mankind has ever seen. Men will beg to be spared that wrath. God loves His Son, and He's going to call the world to account. Every knee in heaven and earth will bow to the fact Jesus is Lord, and if they don't do it by choice, they will do it in judgment."

John 3:16 For God so LOVED the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.

The choice is yours...

Congratulations

2010-01-25T10:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday, Mother!!!

Tune my heart Lord

2010-01-15T21:01:00.002-05:00

Our church youth choir sings a song called "I love Jesus" to the tune of a very old hymn, which when you hear it is just awesome! (I'm sure Kristi has a video of it somewhere..) well today the Lord put the words of that hymn in my heart and the only thing I could do was sing them out until HE got his message across...

Come thou fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing your praise
Streams of mercy never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise
Teach me some melodious sonnet
Sung by flaming tongues above
Praise the mount I’m fixed upon it
Mount of thy redeeming blood

A M E N !

Lesson of the Peace Lily

2010-01-10T21:11:00.003-05:00

I love peace lilies. They are a durable hearty plant that will try to live even in adverse conditions. This plant is a very visible picture of our Christian lives.
How? Well, as a member of the lily family this plant adores water. It will take it in and will store it. A Christian saved by Jesus who is the Lily of the Valley should adore and store the water of the Word of God. Eventually though, if it uses up all the water it has stored the leaves start to droop and change to yellow, brown, and black. The flower droops and eventually dies, and it starts looking pitiful. It still tries to keep on going even though it is struggling to survive. If we neglect to refresh ourselves with the water of God's Word we too are visibly dejected, drooping, and of no use to God or anyone else. We can try to keep on going, but we will struggle to survive.
I noticed my peace lily today was starting to look thirsty by those tell-tale signs... I took a glass of water and poured it in, and then for good measure poured in another one! I came home tonight from an amazing church service to find my peace lily standing tall, looking healthy, and the flowers were standing at attention, not a single droop to be seen anywhere.
If we apply God's Word to our lives and even double the dose, there should be a physical near immediate result.
What does your appearance and demeanor say to the world? Have you drank from God's Word so much so that it shows all over??? Or are you Thirsty???

Tried and True

2010-01-05T11:43:00.003-05:00

On the right hand side of our blog here you will see our dear Friend Kristi's blog and her frequent postings.
Today I was reading her latest post and the Scripture she used, blessed me.
I want to share it here with ya'll.
Thanks Kristi for your love, prayers,friendship, and most of all your desire to share God's Word.
Lamentations 3:19-23 "Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."

Ready for Heaven in 2010

2010-01-04T15:26:00.003-05:00

Dear Family and Friends,
Most of you know that our dear Momma went home to Heaven this past December 16. Although, she was only 57, she had run her race, finished her course, and had a testimony that pleased God. Her legacy is still very much alive, and we are seeing souls saved through her life, and most especially through her death.
Our loving church,family,friends, and untold millions of prayers has helped us during this time. God keeps giving us the grace to make it through each day. I am soo thankful for the 19 years that I was loved by this wonderful woman, and the loving heritage she passed onto Ted and our children as well.

Are you ready for Heaven in 2010? If you were to die this very day, would your testimony please God?

Fellow believers, continue to pray for Shirley's family that were saved at her funeral, and for those who did not make a decision that day.
Keep us in your prayers as we sort through all the endless details that surround such a time as this.

We are doing as well as we can, and in fact, better then expected through this - only because God's grace IS sufficient and we lean on HIM to see us through.

Lovingly,
Rebecca and Family

There Will Be Grace

2009-12-17T22:38:00.003-05:00

Today I face a mountain oh so high

And I do not know what’s waiting on the other side

But I know enough to know - he’ll see me through again

I’m glad to know, it’s in the Savior’s hand

There will be grace, grace to make it through this trial

There will be strength, strength to walk another mile

There will be hope when I’ve done all I can

I’m glad to know it’s in the Savior’s hand

Those hands have seen me through my darkest days

They have dried my tears and help to guide me on my way

So I know he’ll safely see me through the fire again

I’m glad to know it’s in the Savior’s hands

CHORUS

Those hands that hold the universe will hold me now

And the hands that hold the stormy sea will hold my storm somehow

CHORUS

There will be grace, grace to make it through this trial

There will be strength, strength to walk another mile

There will be hope when I’ve done all I can

I’m glad to know it’s in the Savior’s hand

In loving memory of Shirley Mae Buckley Corriveau Walker, who went home to Jesus on Wednesday, December 16, 2009.

We love you Momma, and will see you again soon in Heaven.

The Reason

2009-12-15T15:12:00.003-05:00

Last night we resumed our Monday night ritual of having dinner with family.
I had a turkey in the oven, and I was getting things ready to take over to finish the meal.
My mother- in- law dropped a Christmas tree off for us this year(Ted does not want to spend money on a tree, and I tend to agree with him). She helped the boys get it into the tree stand, and then she and Justin went to her house.
Jamie stayed here with me to start decorating it. It has become a little family ritual for us to have the Trans Siberian Orchestra play in the background while we decorate the tree. As they started playing Joy to the World I got so choked up, and wanted to cry. Jesus is the Joy and Reason for this worldly season.

Today, I was playing a little online game that the Lord has used to greatly bless me and others that He leads to my little patch of virtual reality.
I hired someone in the game to come to my little place and work...she came and saw the cross I had in the center of my spot and started crying. We shared a time of worship and fellowship together. It truly was a blessing, and the reason for this CHRISTmas season.

If you do NOT know that Jesus is the whole reason we celebrate this time of year, please please ask me or Ted about it right now!! We will be glad to share Jesus with you.

Love
Rebecca

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2009-12-12T22:35:00.000-05:00

‘Twas the month before Christmas*

*When all through our land,*

*Not a Christian was praying*

*Nor taking a stand.*

*See the PC Police had taken away,*

*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*

*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*

*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*

*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*

December 25th is just a ' Holiday’

*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks, and credit*

*Pushing folks down to the floor, just to get it!*

*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*

*Something was changing, something quite odd!

*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*

*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*

*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*

At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*

*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*

*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*

*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*

*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*

*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*

*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!*

*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*

*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter*

*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*

Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*

*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*

*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*

*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*

*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*

*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*

*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!*

Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet during the holidays a
MERRY CHRISTMAS !!

Christ is The Reason" for the Christ-mas Season!

Food for Thought

2009-11-18T11:12:00.001-05:00

APHORISM: A SHORT, POINTED SENTENCE EXPRESSING A WISE OR CLEVER OBSERVATION OR A GENERAL TRUTH.
1. The nicest thing about the future is that it always starts tomorrow.
2. Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail.
3. If you don't have a sense of humor, you probably don't have any sense at all.
4. Seat belts are not as confining as wheelchairs.
5. A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you're in deep water.
6. How come it takes so little time for a child who is afraid of the dark to become a teenager who wants to stay out all night?
7. Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.
8. Why is it that at class reunions you feel younger than everyone else looks?
9. Scratch a cat and you will have a permanent job.
10. No one has more driving ambition than the boy who wants to buy a car.
11. There are no new sins; the old ones just get more publicity.
12. There are worse things than getting a call for a wrong number at 4 AM.
- Like this: It could be the right number.
13. No one ever says 'It's only a game.' when their team is winning.
14. I've reached the age where 'happy hour' is a nap.
15. Be careful about reading the fine print. There's no way you're going to like it.
16. The trouble with bucket seats is that not everybody has the same size bucket.
17. Do you realize that in about 40 years, we'll have thousands of old ladies running around with tattoos? (And rap music will be the Golden Oldies !
18. Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Cadillac than in a Yugo.
19. After 60, if you don't wake up aching in every joint, you are probably dead!
Always be yourself, because the people that matter don't mind. And the ones that mind don't matter.
Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Stimulus Sermon from a church in Virginia( sent to my email)

2009-11-11T16:02:00.001-05:00

Genesis 47:13-27
“Good morning, brothers and sisters; it's always a delight to see the pews crowded on Sunday morning, and so eager to get into God’s Word. Turn with me in your Bibles, if you will to the 47th chapter of Genesis, we'll begin our reading at verse 13, and go through verse 27.
Brother Ray, would you stand and read that great passage for us?”
...(reading)...
“Thank you for that fine reading, Brother Ray... So we see that economic hard times fell upon Egypt, and the people turned to the government of Pharaoh to deal with this for them. And Pharaoh nationalized the grain harvest, and placed the grain in great store houses that he had built. So the people brought their money to Pharaoh, like a great tax increase, and gave it all to him willingly in return for grain. And this went on until their money ran out, and they were hungry again.
So when they went to Pharaoh after that, they brought their livestock -their cattle, their horses, their sheep, and their donkey -to barter for grain; and verse 17 says that only took them through the end of that year.
But the famine wasn't over, was it? So the next year, the people came before Pharaoh and admitted they had nothing left, except their land and their own lives. "There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our land. Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for food, and we with our land will be servants to Pharaoh." So they surrendered their homes, their land, and their real estate to Pharaoh's government, and then sold themselves into slavery to him, in return for grain. What can we learn from this, brothers and sisters?
That turning to the government instead of to God to be our provider in hard times only leads to slavery? Yes. That the only reason government wants to be our provider is to also become our master?
Yes.
But look how that passage ends, brothers and sisters! Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen ... And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly." God provided for His people, just as He always has! They didn't end up giving all their possessions to government, no, it says they gained possessions! But I also tell you a great truth today, and an ominous one. We see the same thing happening today - the government today wants to "share the wealth" once again, to take it from us and redistribute it back to us. It wants to take control of healthcare, just as it has taken control of education, and ration it back to us, and when government rations it, then government decides who gets it, and how much, and what kind. And if we go along with it, and do it willingly, then we will wind up no differently than the people of Egypt did four thousand years ago - as slaves to the government, and as slaves to our leaders.
What Mr. Obama's government is doing now is no different from what Pharaoh's government did then, and it will end the same. And a lot of people like to call Mr. Obama a ’Messiah’, don't they? Is he a Messiah? A savior? Didn't the Egyptians say, after Pharaoh made them his slaves, “You have saved our lives; may it please my lord, we will be servants to Pharaoh"?
Well, I tell you this -I know the Messiah; the Messiah is a friend of mine; and Mr. Obama is no Messiah! No, brothers and sisters, if Mr. Obama is a character from the Bible, then he is Pharaoh.”
Bow with me in prayer, if you will.
“Lord, You alone are worthy to be served, and we rely on You, and You alone. We confess that the government is not our deliverer, and never rightly will be. We read in the eighth chapter of 1 Samuel, when Samuel warned the people of what a ruler would do, where it says "And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the LORD will not answer you in that day." And Lord, we acknowledge that day has come. We cry out to you because of the ruler that we have chosen for ourselves as a nation. Lord, we pray for this nation. We pray for revival, and we pray for deliverance from those who would be our masters. Give us hearts to seek you and hands to serve You, and protect Your people from the atrocities of Pharaoh's government.
In God We Trust...

Fantastic Fall Fun

2009-10-27T18:30:00.004-04:00

'HAPPY FALL TO YOU'
From one pumpkin to another!!!!!!!A woman was asked by a coworker, 'What is it like to be a Christian?'

The coworker replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin.' God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'

Just thought I would share what a good birthday I had.
Saturday the 24th we went to spend the day riding the Virginia Creeper Trail from Green Cove to Damascus, Va. It was cold and misty, really too late in the season, but it was still worth the trip. Then Sunday, Ted's family got together to celebrate both mine and Jen's(my sister in law)birthdays together. Momma made a home-made ice cream cake that would rival Carvel's any day! She fixed my favorite dish of hers- roast beef! It was a good day:)

Then Monday, my actual birthday was not going at all how I had expected, for sure. I am glad it didn't though. My brother Jon came with his new girlfriend Mia. We cooked dinner together, and enjoyed a wonderful evening! Mia's birthday was the same day as mine, and of course, Jonathan's is coming up this Saturday. It was a birthday celebration extravaganza.
I adored Mia, and we all agreed she is definitely an asset to Jon's life.
We are so happy for the both of them, and pray this is just exactly what God wants for the both of them.

Today, the boys and I worked hard at the church Fellowship Bldg doing some major moving projects that needed to be done. We will finish that up tomorrow.

I want to thank all those who sent money, cards, greetings, and presents to me for my birthday. You made it all so special and thoughtful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Love
R

Changes addendum

2009-10-22T13:55:00.002-04:00

Just need to add a postscript to my previous post.
Due to weight related issues, and the fact that my surgery has been postponed, Ted and I both agreed that I need to start a weight loss regimen, in spite of the other health issues I have. We know that those other issues will be resolved once I have my procedure. In the meantime, I do not want to jepordize the quality of life or length of life I am able to enjoy by hurting my body and heart with too much weight.
I am seriously dreading the physical side affects this weight loss will bring, but I think for long term it's the right decision for my overall health. I hope to have half of my weight off around January, and will know if that has helped matters or just exacerbated the other issues.
I have recruited Jamie and Justin to be my coaches, and Ted will get his own personal workout, giving me zillions of hugs every day to keep me from being overly cranky :)
I ask that you pray for me as weight loss increases my other problems more, but it will help me in the long run.
Thanks
~R
Here is the before picture, let's see what the After will look like in a few months :)

Changes

2009-10-20T16:35:00.002-04:00

Happy Greetings to everyone! So many things are changing around here! The leaves are changing, the weather is always changing it's mind, the time is about to change, and soon the season will be changing yet again.

Another change to a previous post is that my surgery has been postponed for financial reasons. My insurance deductable has to be met first, before they can do the procedure on me. Thank you for praying for me, and just keep praying that God will supply this need in His time and will.
School is barrelling along for us, my work has been reactivated so that I am usually working every week on something, and Ted is always loaded up with work.

Ted was put on some medicine for his diabetes, and he started taking it while he was sick with a cold/flu virus. It was the most miserable 2 weeks of his life. This week he took himself off of it, and things are getting back to normal. He continues to check his blood sugar levels at various times, and is finding what is causing problems. He still hopes to get back on the medicine to see if it will settle down and do what it's supposed to do.

Just wanted to send birthday greetings to my sister-in-law Jen, and my brother Jonathan.

We hope you will enjoy this season of change.

Before I sign off, let me urge you to pray for our friends in British Columbia, Canada. Tami was in a serious car accident, and is still in critical condition. Please remember her in your prayers, for physical AND spiritual healing.

Love y'all
Rebecca

Face to Faith

2009-10-11T20:54:00.002-04:00

Br. Roger Henson and his family was at our Homecoming services today. He preached tonight on Does Faith show on your Face?
Faith will show in our conduct
Faith will show on our countenance
Faith will show in our crossing(to Heaven)

Is your Faith in Jesus Christ alone? Does your Faith in Him show in your life?

~Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy He saved us....Titus 3:5a

~For by grace are ye saved through faith,and that not of yourselves it is the GIFT of God NOT of works, lest any man should boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9 (blogger's emphasis on words)

I hope you come Face to Faith this week

~R

Random Ramblings

2009-09-28T11:07:00.003-04:00

Good Monday Morning,

Just wanted to say that TLC Accessories debut showing went very well, and also my mother-in-law's 57th Birthday Dinner here at the house was celebrated without a hitch.

Our Pastor made a comment last night that stuck with me, and I just had to blog it-
"Your obstacles are God's opportunities."

I also wanted to Praise God this beautiful morning, we had amazing praise and prayer services yesterday, and God has been so very real to me in special ways these past couple of weeks. I want to thank Him and praise Him for that.

My commode overflowed last night for no apparent reason, and all I could do was Thank God it happened AFTER all the parties! Yes, I did thank God!

Well, the boys are working on their end of the month projects, and I have a mountain of laundry to wash up and a house to clean up after a busy week last week. I am having a good Monday, and I hope you are too.

My biopsy is scheduled for tomorrow, and then my surgical procedure is scheduled for October 23rd.

Ted had a great doctors visit last week, we are so thankful for that, I know medicine and stuff help, but I also believe that his walk with God and his daily devotions has more to do with keeping his blood pressure down and his sanity intact then anything else.

Well, my last sip of coffee has been savored and enjoyed, time for me to jump back into enjoying the other simple pleasures of my Monday.
Yes, I am looking forward to cleaning the house, doing laundry, tidying up, and mowing the huge yard... why? because they are all gifts from God not just duties but blessings...

Ya'll come back now ya hear?

MOOO-hooo-vinnn

2009-09-17T14:39:00.003-04:00

As the Title states(albeit tongue in cheek for those who have heard Ted sing a certain song with his quartet TRADITION) we have moved. We are back in the same neighborhood that we lived in 3 years ago. It was a fairly easy move, but the unpacking has been tedious.
We are so thankful for the beautiful home we are now living in on 2 acres of tree dotted land. The boys have been hard workers in getting our home liveable and working on the landscaping needs. We have apple, peach, and fig trees, along with rose bushes and even a grape arbor producing scuppernongs.
Before the great move to internet access, I suffered a huge computer crash. I lost all emails and years worth of pictures and documents.
Ted was able to re install a basic operating system and anything that I had saved on my jump drive which fortunately was school and work related stuff.

I want to thank Ken and Tammy and Ronn for all their wonderful assistance in moving.
I want to thank my parents for sending money for school books this year, that was such a help and blessing.

Happy birthday wishes to my sister Rae, and my mother in law,and to Annette. Happy Anniversary greetings to Al and Annette.

If you havent emailed me in a while I suggest you do since I lost all email addresses and you will probably not hear from me unless I had it memorized(not likely, I can't even find half the things in this house, much less my brain!)

Just a note for those who know what I have been dealing with the past few years, I am going ahead with the procedure this month, in hopes it will fix all or nearly all my problems. It should at least alleviate alot of the side effects and then maybe the rest can be treated without any major surgery. If you aren't sure what I am referring to you can always email me and ask for any specifics.
Until next time..
Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you...
~Bless

So, What?

2009-08-15T15:50:00.005-04:00

Hello Family and Friends!
Camp was great for the boys and their youth group!! So what did we do? Well, the week after camp, we sent the boys back for a 3 day Teen Leadership Conference. They count that as one of their best memories in a long time. They are STILL talking about it all.

So, now What?? Well, we lost our internet completely at home, tried every gadget and promise out there and to no avail. Ted NEEDS internet for his job... he has been coming over here to his Momma's to use her connection. As you can imagine that makes his work even more stressful and harder to manage his 6 stores. So WHAT are we gonna do? Well, we have to move! God opened a door to a lovely place not too far away, in fact, back in our old stomping grounds. Pray that this will soon become available(there has been some obstacles that have arisen to us actually moving there)OR that we can find another place with internet access that is readily available.

Yes, this means I have already started packing, and have had a huge yard sale. Just waiting on God to show us WHAT we are do to and where to go.
Now you know what's what... soo, how are ya'll doing?

I have been remiss and have not sent out Birthday greetings to my dad, and to Ted and anniversary greetings to my parents, and to Ronn and Shirley. I really thought I had posted this month. I apologize for not showing ya'll that I have NOT forgotten.

Paws to Ponder

2009-07-14T11:50:00.003-04:00

Well, it has been a wild 1.5 weeks here.
Last Monday, we started getting the boys and Jessica(my Super Teen we have been discipling), ready for camp. Our youngest cat disappeared in the beginning of last week, it's been quite the search, and really heartbreaking not to find him.The trip yesterday to the pound and humane society dealt my tender heart a sharp blow. This morning, I let out one of our BIG cats. He has yet to return as well. This is completely unusual for all our furry friends.
Now in the midst of all this, I had a thought. I have prayed many times that when the rapture happens, our pet family will not suffer. I did not want them to be left to suffer the tribulation. SO, as my thoughts were worrying around the missing cats, I began to ponder that maybe the rapture is even more imminent, and God is already answering my prayer, by removing the cats before He comes to "remove" us!
Just pause for a minute please, and make sure YOU are ready for the rapture, I would hate for any of ya'll to suffer the tribulation either!!

The Sneeze

2009-07-09T10:38:00.001-04:00

THE SNEEZE

They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the
already crowded auditorium. With their rich maroon gowns flowing … and the
traditional caps, they looked almost … as grown up as they felt.
Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears.
This class would* NOT* pray during the commencements----not by choice, but
because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it.
The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed by the ruling.
They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families.
The speeches were nice, but they were routine.....until the final speech received a standing ovation.
A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened.
*All 92 students, every single one of them, suddenly SNEEZED!!!!*
The student on stage...simply looked at the audience and said,
'GOD BLESS YOU, each and every one of you!'
And he walked off stage...
The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval.
*GOD BLESS YOU!!!!*
(This is reportedly to be a true story; from the University of Maryland.)

2009-06-21T20:52:00.002-04:00

Today is Father's Day! So many thoughts come to mind of the fathers I have and love.
First, there is my Heavenly Father, without Him I can do nothing.
Second, there is my own father, who loves me no matter the time or distance or circumstances that separate us.
Then, I have the father of my children, WOW! He is amazing and wonderful, and God knew he was the best father for our children!
Next, I have 2 father in laws! Both give so much to my family with their love and time and experience...

So I simply and lovingly say to all my fathers, and most of all to God, my Father-
Happy Father's Day, Dad!!!! I love you!
-Rebecca

I Believe...

2009-06-04T23:23:00.003-04:00

"It must be said, that like the breaking of a great dam, the American decent into Marxism is happening with breath taking speed, against the back drop of a passive, hapless sheeple, excuse me dear reader, I meant people." - Pravda ru (a Russian newspaper) on April 27th, 2009

I believe that God can change the progress of our current administrations social, economical and political policies. I believe that God's heart can be turned away from destroying America if Americans will get on their knees and pray, and seek God's face, and turn from their wicked ways. I've read in the Bible where those things have happened.

Sunday, our Preacher opened to the book of Matthew, and preached about following afar off, but my eyes wandered back to verse 56 of chapter 26 (the 2nd part), which reads "...Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled." How sad that His own disciples who had seen so many miracles done by His hands; as He healed the lame, gave blind their sight, make the sick whole, even raised up the dead! These very disciples did not believe that He had the power to protect himself or them from a rowdy bunch of politicians!

But the very first part of that verse tells the whole story! In Matthew 26:56a Jesus says "But all this was done, that Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled..."

I cannot stand here and tell you that I believe that God WILL change his mind, because it's obvious that the Scriptures are about to be fulfilled. As terrifying as that can be, it is also an exciting time for the Christian who is ready. I DO believe that it is time for all those who are not a Christian to evaluate their spiritual position, and seek advice from the only person who has the Truth. Jesus Christ.

"I believe that Jesus is the Holy Son of God, who came to earth and lived a perfect life.

I believe He bled and died upon a cruel cross, and He became the perfect sacrifice.

I believe He rose again, and that He lives today. And soon He's coming back to earth again.

More than just a creed, this is what I believe: Jesus is the only way.

This is my Statement of Faith."

May Moments

2009-05-12T10:47:00.002-04:00

I would be remiss if I did not at least post a family news bulletin for this month.
We have joined facebook, and spend most of our time there, connecting and chatting with friends and family that use that application as well.

May has continued to be busy as we try to finish up the school year, and the various youth activities that do not continue through the summer months.

This week we are supposed to be taking the end of year state testing. Alas, Jamie has come down with a sinus infection and nasal drip. He is hoping to start at least one of the easier testing units today, so that we can still stay on schedule.
Justin had the sinus infection last week, and is still feeling run down from it.

Ted is busy in a massive menu changeover that will continue through the summer months. It keeps him busy, but he makes time for church and family.

The end of April we took a quick "honeymoon" to Gatlinburg, TN for our 17th wedding anniversary. I then let Ted go to the coast to fish with the men from our church for 2 days. It was the first time we have had a "vacation" since last May.

Ted and his sister sang with their quartet "Voices of Faith" at a Fish Camp (seafood restaurant) in South Carolina, the end of April.
Tradition is the name of the other quartet that Ted is in, and our Pastor asked Tradition and Voices of Faith to join him in Jubilee Meetings in Berea, SC, a couple weeks ago. It was good to worship and praise God with another church, and to share in the preaching from our Pastor with them.

Tradition is also supposed to sing at the Crystal Sea Fish Camp the end of this month. The owners of the restaurant are members of our church, and they have a Gospel singing at their dinner time every Saturday night.

We do not have a busy summer schedule yet. The boys have signed up for summer teen camp in July, and VBS is the first part of August.

I want to wish all the mothers out there Happy Mother's Day.
Happy Birthday to my nephew Joshua, and Happy Anniversary to Ken and Tammy.

BUSY?!?

2009-05-04T19:44:00.001-04:00

Satan called a worldwide convention of demons.
In his opening address he said,
"We can't keep Christians from going to church."
"We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth."
"We can't even keep them from forming an intimate Relationship with their Savior."
"Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken."
"So let them go to their churches; let them have their Covered dish dinners, BUT steal their time, so they Don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.."
"This is what I want you to do," said the devil.
"Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and Maintaining that vital connection throughout their Day!"
"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.
"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and Invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered.
"Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, Borrow, borrow."
"Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and
The husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a Day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles."
"Keep them from spending time with their children."
"As their families fragment, soon, their homes will
Offer no escape from the pressures of work!"
"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice."
"Entice them to play the radio or c-d player whenever they drive." To keep the TV, VCR, CDs and
Their PCs going constantly in their home, and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays Non-biblical music constantly."
"This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."
"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and Newspapers."
"Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day."
"Invade their driving moments with billboards."
"Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order Catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter And promotional offering free products, services and False hopes…"
"Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what’s important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives.”
"Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at Night."
"Give them headaches too!”
"If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere…"
"That will fragment their families quickly!"
"Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching Their children the real meaning of Christmas."
"Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about His resurrection and power over sin and death."

"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive."
"Have them return from their recreation exhausted."

"Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting Events, plays, concerts, and movies instead."

"Keep them busy, busy, busy!"

"And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences."

"Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have No time to seek power from Jesus."

"Soon they will be working in their own strength, Sacrificing their health and family for the
good of The cause."

"It will work!"

"It will work!"

It was quite a plan!

The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing
Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, Going here and there...
Having little time for their God or their families.

Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.

I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes?

You be the judge!!!!!

Does "BUSY" mean:

B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?

Love and Marriage

2009-04-24T11:11:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to publicly wish my husband, Ted, Happy 17th Anniversary.
We do not blog alot, as we are usually on facebook daily.
Ted took me to Pigeon Forge, TN for a couple of days earlier this week, and then I let him go on the mens' fishing trip to North Myrtle Beach for the rest of the weekend.

I could wax eloquent, but I just don't feel the need, when three little words will say it all and so much more. I love you, Ted!
Thanks for Everything!!

Now I will go back to gazing at my HUGE lovely bouquet of red roses that arrived this morning from my Fisherman sweetheart.

In God We Trust??!!

2009-04-04T22:26:00.001-04:00

America the beautiful,
or so you used to be.
Land of the Pilgrims' pride;
I'm glad they'll never see.

Babies piled in dumpsters,
Abortion on demand,
Oh, sweet land of liberty;
your house is on the sand.

Our children wander aimlessly
poisoned by cocaine
choosing to indulge their lusts,
when God has said abstain

From sea to shining sea,
our Nation turns away
From the teaching of God's love
and a need to always pray

We've kept God in our
temples,how callous we have grown.
When earth is but His footstool,
and Heaven is His throne.

We've voted in a government
that's rotting at the core,
Appointing Godless Judges;
who throw reason out the door,

Too soft to place a killer
in a well deserved tomb,
But brave enough to kill a baby
before he leaves the womb.

You think that God's not
angry,that our land's a moral slum?
How much longer will He wait
before His judgment comes?

How are we to face our God,
from Whom we cannot hide?
What then is left for us to do,
but stem this evil tide?

If we who are His children,
will humbly turn and pray;
Seek His holy face
and mend our evil way:

Then God will hear from Heaven;
and forgive us of our sins,
He'll heal our sickly land
and those who live within.

But, America the Beautiful,
If you don't - then you will see,
A sad but Holy God
withdraw His hand from Thee..

~~Judge Roy Moore~~

April Fool's

2009-04-04T22:13:00.000-04:00

FLORIDA COURT SETS ATHEIST HOLY DAY

In Florida , an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days.

The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring,"Case dismissed!"

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah , yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays." The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant."

The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists." The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day . Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned.

You gotta love a Judge that knows his scripture!

Movie: The Obama Deception

2009-03-19T22:45:00.001-04:00

ABOUT THE FILM:

The Obama Deception is a hard-hitting film that completely destroys the myth that Barack Obama is working for the best interests of the American people. The Obama phenomenon is a hoax carefully crafted by the captains of the New World Order. He is being pushed as savior in an attempt to con the American people into accepting global slavery. We have reached a critical juncture in the New World Order’s plans. It’s not about Left or Right: it’s about a One World Government. The international banks plan to loot the people of the United States and turn them into slaves on a Global Plantation.
Covered in this film: who Obama works for, what lies he has told, and his real agenda. If you want to know the facts and cut through all the hype, this is the film for you.

Watch the Obama Deception and learn how:

* Obama is continuing the process of transforming America into something that resembles Nazi Germany, with forced National Service, domestic civilian spies, warrantless wiretaps, the destruction of the Second Amendment, FEMA camps and Martial Law.

* Obama’s handlers are openly announcing the creation of a new Bank of the World that will dominate every nation on earth through carbon taxes and military force.

* International bankers purposefully engineered the worldwide financial meltdown to bankrupt the nations of the planet and bring in World Government.

* Obama plans to loot the middle class, destroy pensions and federalize the states so that the population is completely dependent on the Central Government.

* The Elite are using Obama to pacify the public so they can usher in the North American Union by stealth, launch a new Cold War and continue the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan.

More Information: http://www.obamadeception.net/

What's in Your Cup?

2009-03-13T01:21:00.004-04:00

As I read a story about a little girl today; the daughter of a friend. I had to make a choice in my heart. To listen and understand, and respond; Or to continue on with my life thinking that it doesn't affect me anyway.

I remember the song "The Potter knows the clay" that Missy sings in church, and as I prayed for this friend, I began to thank God for the way he has shaped my clay. It's not pretty, but it has been a blessing to be used by Him. The only reason it is the way it is, is because His hands have been on it. He's applied the water of His word to soften it and mold it into the vessel he wants it to be. Yes, I've had to be willing to let Him do it, but I've done nothing on my own.

Then as I prayed, God seemed to show me that a vessel isn't meant to look pretty. It's meant to hold stuff. Sure we put much of ourselves into this vessel, but the more we put into it, the less He can put into it. Only by emptying our vessel (dying to self), can we truly be filled with His spirit. But then what?

THEN, and only then, can He use us to pour out His blessings on others as only He can do with us and through us. See, our vessels aren't meant to just sit there and look pretty. We're meant to be filled, and poured out, so we can be filled again.

A Refresher Course in Perspective

2009-03-07T11:32:00.001-05:00

I want to share a contrast that God has given me that I hadn’t seen before.

My favorite verses in the Bible are Romans 3:3-5, especially “…knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed…”

Brother Jonny preached on these verses Wednesday night, and I loved every minute of it! But I have always challenged myself that when I ASK for patience, I have to be willing to endure the tribulation that comes with it. Jesus said in John 14:13: “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” And again in Matthew 7:7 he said “Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” And again in Matthew 21:22 he said “And all thing, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”

To keep these verses in context, read Matthew 7:9-11: “Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will you give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will you give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

I said all that to say this: In my devotions today, I read Mark 10 where James and John asked Jesus “we should that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.” And Jesus said “What would ye that I should do for you?” Remember, Jesus is God, and he already KNEW what they wanted; But he wanted them to ask it anyway! And when they asked to sit on His right and left hand in Glory, even though the other disciples thought this was a selfish thing to ask, Jesus asked them “can ye drink of the cup that I drink of?”

See Jesus knew he was going up to Jerusalem to die. He’s explained it to them many times how he will be delivered up, beaten, mocked, scourged, and killed. And they answered Jesus “We can.”

WoooHooo!

Jesus said after that “Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of;” This is where their tribulation must take them, in order for them to receive the blessings they have asked God for. We know that every disciple of Jesus was tortured, and martyred for His name, except John who was boiled in Oil and banished to the Island of Patmos to die. But can you see that in order for us to be close to God; to have that peace that passeth all understanding; to run with patience the race that is set before us; to have that blessed hope we so long for. There must and will be tribulations that strengthen us along the way.

I know I’ve said this many time before; but I DARE you. Ask God for patience. Ask Him to draw you closer. Ask Him, as I have done many times, to make Himself REAL in your life today. Ask Him to take you to that next level. Be prepared for the COST it will take to get you there; but be looking for the Hope that maketh us not ashamed to ask more from Him than we can handle.

Mom's Anthem

2009-02-27T10:45:00.003-05:00

Ted was sent this via email this morning, and played it for me. It is making the rounds through email, but for those who have not received it, you can watch it here.

I want to play this every morning, then I won't have to repeat myself ever again, right?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESe-AysF9mw&feature=related

ClueLess

2009-02-21T15:05:00.002-05:00

"John Lennon once claimed the Beatles were bigger than Jesus, but is Obama really bigger than both?" - This was the headline that blared out at me, when I opened up the news this morning.

Where is John Lennon now??

Pray for our country, pray for our government, and Pray for our President!!! It just might save his life in more ways then 1.

Hope ya'll have a blessed week.
Jamie passed driver's ed. btw, and is waiting to go with Ted to get his permit.

Happy Birthday to Leann and Tammy, my sisters in law, in the month of February.